Annapolis bound

Hey blog peeps... sitting at BNA right now waiting to board a flight to Annapolis. I'm traveling for work and hope to be able to be online when I'm gone. I hope to post a little while I'm out, however, I'm not sure I'll have anything exciting to tell you about since I'll be on our department retreat until Friday. Well... actually... it is usually a fun time because it is the one time a year when we have face time with our peers in DC and the media people from our five regions.

Don't miss me too, much!

Karleen debut at the Bluebird

Last night I went to the Bluebird to see my friend Karleen Watt in her first weeknight round at the Bluebird Cafe. She was awesome! And, she was in good company... ITR w/ her was our friend Shane, Anthony Smith and Jeffrey Steele.

Wow.

Good times.

I love Nashville.

Steve C on BCC tonight?

A few weeks ago, my friend Steve C backed up the Van Zants when they played for a taping of Comedy Central's Blue Collar Comedy.

I have it on good authority that the episode is supposed to air tonight at either 9 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. (there are two episodes programmed back-to-back).

While I can't find the details anywhere to confirm, thought you might want to check it out!

Saturday matinee

JTC and I went to a 1 p.m. matinee of Daltry Calhoun on Saturday in Cool Springs. Contrary to some of the critic reviews out there, we liked it. It isn't Oscar winning or anything, but it is entertaining and has a cool message. (Sometimes I think the critics are out of touch.) There were several story lines going on at once, but like a good Seinfeld episode, they all came together at the end. It's a quirky feel good movie. I cried (didn't expect that) and laughed. Johnny Knoxville was surprisingly believable. The person who really made the movie was Sophie Traub, the girl who played his daughter June. She's going to be one to watch.

When I heard BMT's song play, I felt myself getting a little choked up. Not sure why, just happy for them I guess. "Put Your Head on My Shoulder" begins to play as the movie ends and the credits begin to roll, you hear Ricky's dobro fade up and then Micol's sweet, soulful voice. Sooooo cool.

After seeing the movie, we went and bought the soundtrack. The song selection for the movie was excellent and the hidden track of BMT's fast version of "Put You Head on My Shoulder" was soulfully rockin'.

Please go see the movie.

Rumors TONIGHT

7 - 10 TONIGHT
Rumors Wine Bar (2304 12th Ave South)
LaLa Deaton, BB Logan, Tom Shinness and Jon Nite

The weather forecast looks clear, so come and enjoy a beautiful fall evening with some writer friends and me out on the patio.

Rumors is a cool place on 12th Street just down from Mafioza's. They have an incredible selection of wines and a yummy menu, too.

Come on!
Bring all your friends.
It will be FUN.

I'm shocked.

A new live shot technique (video link).

(Thanks to RE for sending the clip my way and DP for posting the video on her server so I could share it with y'all.)

wow.

Go see Daltry Calhoun this weekend!

Daltry Calhoun opens in Nashville THIS WEEKEND (Sept. 23-29). Click here to watch the trailer.

OPRY MILLS 20
(Opry Mills, 433 Opry Mills Dr.)
12:35, 3:05, 7:20, 9:35

THROROUGHBRED 20
(633 Frazier Dr., Franklin)
1, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40


THE PLOT:
In Katrina Bronson’s dark comedy, Johnny Knoxville plays a struggling golf-club entrepreneur who discovers that he has a teenage daughter, and he's responsible for taking care of. Native Knoxvillian Quentin Tarantino executive-produced the film, set in (where else?) Knoxville, but filmed in Columbia, Tenn.

Micol and Ricky returned from Hollywood, CA on Wednesday after getting to attend the premiere of Daltry Calhoun at Grauman's Chinese Theatre. They got to meet executive producer of the film, Quentin Tarantino, director Katrina Bronson (yes... Charles' daughter, who also directed the video of "Put Your Head On My Shoulder"), Johnny Knoxville, Juliette Lewis and tons more cool people. While they didn't get to meet him, Jack Black was there, too.

How cool is that?!

Their version of "Put Your Head On My Shoulder" was used in the film and two versions of the song are featured on the soundtrack... one is a hidden track.

Plus, BMT got to shoot a video of the song that will be added to the DVD as a bonus track... and who knows?! You might even see it on some of the music networks in the next few weeks.

**fingers crossed**

So... be sure you check out the movie and let me know what you think.

He went to MEXICO.

According to the news this morning, Perry March has a hearing to try to get out of jail on bond today. Apparently he and his lawyer think the judge just fell off the turnip truck.

Quote from the News 2 story:
"On Thursday, he is due in criminal court to ask a judge to set bail or release him on his own recognizance."

Seriously.
Can you believe that?!

OK... I just need to say this, if Perry March gets out of jail on his "own recognizance" I will be stunned.

He went to MEXICO nine years ago when he wasn't even charged with anything. Now that he's actually been charged with her murder, he's got even more reason to get out of dodge. I wouldn't put anything past this man. He'll run... you know he will.. and he'll leave those kids, his family and wife in the dust to save his own butt. No doubt about it.

HELLO.

Stars for Second Harvest @ the Ryman

Last night, after my round at the French Quarter, LaLa and I headed over to the Ryman to catch most of "Stars for Second Harvest" with Craig Weisman, Tim McGraw, LeAnn Rimes, Phil Vassar, Ronnie Dunn of Brooks & Dunn, Randy Owen of Alabama, Joyful Noise, Dann Huff, and songwriters Jeffrey Steele and Tony Mullins for a night of music to benefit Second Harvest.

We got there about half way through JS singing "Gone". From there, the night continued to be amazing.

Randy Owens sang "She's a Lady..." and gave me chills. He got a deserved standing ovation. I wish I'd have gotten there in time to hear the other songs he performed. Tony (my older brother) and I used to wear our Alabama cassettes and 8-tracks (yes... 8-tracks) out. It was very cool to be in the same room with someone my older brother and I grew up listening to. Good stuff.

Then, Randy left the stage and out came Phil Vassar. He sounded great and I love his energy. He plays piano well, but his songs all sounded alike to me. Not sure if it is because I saw him in the acoustic setting or what. It would be cool to see his live show to see if that helps.

After Phil Vassar left the stage, Craig said to Dann Huff, "Hey Dann, bring your friend out here to sing a couple..." . Out walked LeAnn Rimes. Let me tell you, she's the real deal. What a voice. So much sincerety when she sings and she really seemed appreciative / humbled by the crowd. Another standing ovation. Very cool.

The best artist to perform all night was Ronnie Dunn. Seriously. He was amazing and so good with the crowd. He had such a presence on stage and his voice was flawless. He sang a song that he and Craig Weisman wrote ("Believe" - track 8 on this page). It almost brought me to tears... and must have had the same effect on everyone else as well. Ronnie received a rousing standing ovation from the Ryman audience.

Tim McGraw was the headliner of the night. He's cut a few songs written by Craig (Live Like You were Dyin'), Jeffrey (The Cowboy in Me) and Tony (Aint that just like a Dream). Unfortunately, he didn't do any of those. He chose to do a couple of songs off of his new album. They were okay, but pretty blah. Overall his performance was just average compared to the rest of the night. Of course, he had to follow Ronnie, but still. I guess I just expected more out of a huge country star.

Anyway, at the end of the night, Tony Mullins came out dressed up like "Faith Hill" and totally gave McGraw a hard time. It was HOOT.

I love Nashville.

ITR tonight @ 7 p.m.

Johnny Microwave, Jon Coleman and BB Logan perform at 7 p.m. in the round (ITR) tonight at the French Quarter Cafe on Woodland Ave.

Come on down!

Bikers Who Care

Saturday night, LaLa, Gwen and I went to a biker rally in Clarksville to see Lucy Angel and Jeffrey Steele perform at a Biker's Who Care event.

It was a great event and we all had a blast. No, we didn't exactly fit in, but it was sure fun trying.

Anytime minutes... tapped out.

Oooops.
Thought I could never come close to using all of our anytime minutes... what with the roll over feature and all.

Well, I was wrong.

I just went online to figure out how many minutes we have left on our plan this month. Here's how we stand as of right now:

Anytime minutes = 0
Nights & Weekends = 4,518

Ooops... again.

So, for those of you out there who have JTC or my cell numbers, please call after 7 p.m. or anytime on the weekend for the next 15 days! HA.

Thanks.

(yeah... I'm an idiot.)

Bernard Allison at BB's

No... not my house!
BB King's silly.

Our friend Mike Vlahakis (the guy on the far right in this pic) plays keys / B3 with Bernard so JTC and I went out to catch their first set Tuesday night.

It was sooooo good to see Mike play and hear the band. They were really solid. Bernard looks so much like his dad (Luther). Got to know Luther a little because Mike and our friend Kenny used to play keys with him before he passed in 1997. What an amazing man. We lost him way too soon.

Anyway... then Wednesday night, Mike came over to BB's (This time it was my house.) John made salad and spaghetti for supper. We sat out on the deck for a couple hours just visiting and catching up.

Good times.
Good times.

Nashville Underground

It was Saturday night at 3rd Monday night. Seriously. The place was packed.

Several artists (Jeffrey Steele, Al Anderson, Darrell Scott, Danny Flowers, Marshall Chapman and Rivers Rutherford) were performing on a Nasvhille Underground show.

Needless to say, the show ROCKED. Each artist played the two songs that appear on the newly released nu4 album. Jeffrey, Danny and Darrell all played a couple extra at the end, which was cool. I just wish everyone would have played more songs and/or there would have been some kind of group jam at the end. Two songs apiece was NOT enough, but I enjoyed every minute nonetheless.

Watch the Daltry Calhoun trailer.

(Click this post's title to see it. Be patient... it's a Quicktime file and it may take a little while to download the entire thing.)

As of right now, it looks like Daltry Calhoun will premeire in LA & NY on 9/18. From there I think it will be in select cities on 9/23... and as far as I know, Nashville is included in that. **fingers crossed**

Blue Mother Tupelo has a song in the movie and on the soundtrack CD (two versions!)

We MUST go see the movie when it comes out!

Unplug them people.

Sunday night John and I went to see Lyle Lovett and his Large Band at the Ryman.

It was AMAZING.

The one time I leave early...

Saturday night I went out to see a bunch of friends perform at a Hurricane Katrina benefit at the Country Music Hall of Fame Lounge (in the Best Western just down from the roundabout on Division Street).

It was great. Tons of great songwriters and performers... all for a great cause (of course).

Well, at around 9:30 or 10, my allergies were getting the best of me. I kept sneezing and sniffling... and was just annoyed with myself over it. So, I decided to leave early.

AND, wouldn't you know it?! The one time I decide to leave early... I missed out on something BIG.

Guess who showed up at the HOF Lounge right after my allergies sent me on my way?!

Neil Young.

Yeah... that's right... you read correctly.

Neil Young.

And, as ND would say in reference to me, "Idiot."

While Mr. Young didn't sit-in, he did hang with friends in the audience. Isn't that cool?! Apparently he's been in town recording a new album and shooting a video.

Ahhhhhhh... foiled again! I missed my brush with greatness... oh well. Maybe I'll get to meet him another time? I can only hope.

**fingers crossed**

It's time to vote.

Nashvillians... Don't forget to vote on September 13.

AND... don't forget to vote for the Best of Nashville.

The forgotten Kookaburra!

I realized last night that I completely left out the Kookaburra pic from our St. Louis Zoo trip.

Until I saw the bird on display, I never made the connection that it actually existed. I just thought it was a name made up to serve the song. HA. (It's an Australian bird that sounds like this.).

The zoo should place a mic near its display and catch the nat sound of everyone (including me) trying to remember the Kookaburra song.

It was hilarious.

Here it is for those of you who are now scratching your head trying to remember.

Kookaburra sits on the old gum tree
Merry merry king of the bush is he
Laugh Kookaburra, laugh Kookaburra
Gay your life must be

Kookaburra sits on the old gum tree
Eating all the gumdrops he can see
Stop Kookaburra, stop Kookaburra
Leave some gums for me

Kookaburra sits on the old gum tree
Counting all the monkeys he can see
Stop Kookaburra, stop Kookaburra
That's no monkey, that's ME!!!

Great... now it is going to be a continuous loop stuck in my head all day.

I made fried green tomatoes

Yesterday's living section featured a story about making fried green tomatoes, "In Search of Fried Green Perfection."

I tried to figure out how to make them years ago when the movie "Fried Green Tomatoes" came out... but they pretty much sucked. So, until I moved to Nashville, they were really only a movie title to me.

Then, I ordered them at the Cooker a few years ago. Wow. Were they good. Since then I've also enjoyed them at South Street and hmmm... somewhere else... just can't remember right now the Tin Angel (B - L - FGT sandwich. EXCELLENT.)

Well, last night I made the recipie from the Tennessean. (This is an actual photo of BB's first legitimate attempt at making fried green tomatoes!) I had to make a few adjustments to accomodate ingredients I didn't have in the cupboard, but they turned out mighty fine. I'll definitely be making them again.

In fact, I'm eating the left-overs for lunch RIGHT NOW.

MmmmMMMMmmmGOOD.

Sleeping boys.

Looks like Leon (our new kitten) has gotten pretty comfortable in his new home.

Couldn't resist posting a pic of my boys napping yesterday afternoon.

Aren't they cute?!

St. Louis Escape

JTC and I had an incredible weekend in St. Louis. It felt soooooo good to get out of town and spend some time together.

We left town on Friday afternoon at around 4 p.m. Arrived in St. Louis at around 9 p.m. Checked in to our $51/night downtown Marriott hotel room without a hitch (normally a $300 / night room... Thank you Hotwire!)

The view from our room was spectacular.

By 9 a.m. on Saturday, we were at the St. Louis Zoo. It is incredible. If you've never been there before, I highly recommend it. It was named the number one zoo in the country by Zagat... and it is FREE. We spent the entire day there... literally. Didn't leave the place until 3:30 or so. Click here for BB's personal tour of the zoo.

After the Zoo, we came back to the room, freshened up, changed clothes and then headed over to an area called "The Loop." It is basically a hip, collegy place with cool shops, clubs and restaurants.

Then we went down to the riverfront to a blues fest at Laclede's Landing. It was packed with people and four stages of music. Very fun.

Sleep definitely came easy to both of us Saturday night.

Sunday, before we checked out of our awsome hotel, we walked down to the arch. Click here for a photo pictorial. It was incredible.

Then, we checked out and drove a few blocks to Union Station. It's basically the old train station turned into a little eclectic mall with little shops and restaurants.

Before we left town, we decided to make one more trip to "The Loop" because it was just so cool. We ate at Ciceros and then tempted ourselves at two really cool furniture stores: Intaglia and Good Works. (We wanted to buy everything at both of these places... Lynn & Emily... you'd have loved the stuff here.)

After window shopping for awhile, we decided to head back home to Nashville. We made it back by 6:30 or so.

It was a GREAT weekend.

A Zoo-riffic Day!

Below I've created a tour of the St. Louis Zoo using a small sample of the 257 photos I took during our zoo adventure on Saturday.


The new penquin exhibit is amazing. If we'd have been willing to break the rules, we could've actually touched them. The four in the photo to the right are actually standing like this... it is not a mirror. I couldn't believe it. They were standing like little penquin soldiers.


And, see the brown fuzzy one in this photo, that is a baby penguin. The small penquin behind him is his Mom. The keeper said it would be another two months before the baby lost it's fur an looked normal. It was huge compared to its mom but its mom was constantly there to protect it.


Right past the penguins was the puffin exhibit. There were tons of them and some of them looked like Jack Nicolsen. They were hilarious.


Next came the polar bear. (Love them!) The first time we walked by he was asleep.


When we came back, he was wide awake and adorable. I know they aren't really cuddly (I've seen the "polar bear attacks" video on TV), but they seem so cuddly. Love the black pads of their feet and their inquisitive (mmmm... you look like you'd be tasty) look.


The grizzlies were napping and chilling out, too. It's hard to see in this photo (right), but there is another grizzly napping behind the one standing up. They are HUGE and their claws scare me.

Flamingos, gazelles and various other grazing animals were next on the path. I can't remember all the names without the help of my personal docent (JTC)... But you get the idea!










I'm sure you recognize most of them: camels, zebras, leapords, tigers, tortoises and lions... Lions, tigers and bears, OH MY! **wink**


The St. Louis Zoo also has two pregnant Asian elephants. When we walked through the elephant area, one of their keepers was giving a talk. Chet knew everything there was to know about the day-to-day life of a St. Louis Zoo elephant. It was fascinating.


And, even before we walked up to the elephant area we could hear spashing and bellaring... as we rounded the corner we could see one of the elephants taking a bath and cooling off. It was right there in front of us.

Amazing.


At the end of our adventure, we wandered into / through the insectarium. There were tons of cool creepy crawly things... and then at the end was a butterfly exhibit.

Walking through it was like walking into a fairytale. Butterflies were chasing each other around and flying all over the place.

It was amazing... if only the battery of my camera hadn't finally given out you'd see many more photos than this!


At around 3:30, we'd finally made it through the entire zoo. So, we made our obligatory stop at the gift shop to purchase arm bands that said "Animals Always" for only $1. (I think the Nashville Zoo should do something like this as a fundraiser... I'm sure they're cheap to get and everyone could afford to buy one, too. Awareness for the zoo AND money to feed the animals! Cool idea.)


These two animals had a GREAT time at the St. Louis Zoo... I only wish I could show you more!

Visiting the Gateway to the West

While we didn't pay to go to the top of the Gateway Arch, we did spend a good amount of time walking around it.

It was quite an experience.


From a distance, it looks a little frail and tenuous.


Until you are right up next to it, it is impossible to realize its mass.


We didn't go up to look out the windows of the arch, but I can imagine that you can see quite a ways from the microscopic looking viewing ports. From the ground they look like they were made for ants... but I'm sure they are much larger than they appear.


While we were there, Duke University's soccer team was warming up on the stairs. How cool is that? I got the coach's e-mail and am sending him copies of these pics. Who knows?! Maybe my photos will make the newsletter! HA.


Across the river from the memorial, there are a couple riverboat casinos and... da dah da daaaah... a Cargil plant. Took this pic just for Tom, John's brother, who works at Cargil in Eddyville, IA.


This was really the only way to get a photo of us with the arch in the background. I literally had to lay on the ground to get the shot of JTC and the arch.

Wild.