Okay, I don't know a lot about music synth/edit apps, but this is cool. Paul Lamere is having fun on his blog Music Machinery this week with a new hack code for Python called The Swinger (by Tristan at MIT) which takes any song and stretches out the first half of each beat shortens the last half, turning any song into a swing count. The effect is pretty cool.
Money for Nothin'
Money for Nothing (swing version) by TeeJay
Don't Stop Believin'
Don't Stop Believin' (Swing Version) by plamere
Go find your Lindy shoes and let's dance!
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
magic words
Only in Scotland, or perhaps SF, can you find the words "breast implants" and "robot monkey" in the same news headline.
For all Ensworth students from the late 70s and early 80s
And you thought you gave Mrs. Pickle a hard time with your "marble roller".
Get on your feet
Research directed by Dr. Elissa Epel of UCSF has found that even a moderate amount of exercise results in enormous benefits and tremendous protections for the human body.
The scientists learned that vigorous physical activity as brief as 42 minutes over a 3-day period, similar to federally recommended levels, can protect individuals from the effects of stress by reducing its impact on telomere length. Telomeres (pronounced TEEL-oh-meres) are tiny pieces of DNA that promote genetic stability and act as protective sheaths by keeping chromosomes from unraveling, much like plastic tips at the ends of shoelaces.Am I glad to be back in SF and on a Thursday. I can't wait to get back to Sundance Saloon. If you've never spent a night two-stepping and line dancing, it's a complete workout. With fun. And a bar.
A growing body of research suggests that short telomeres are linked to a range of health problems, including coronary heart disease and diabetes, as well as early death.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
take two of these and call me in the morning
Overheard in the Castro:
"I've had this headache all day."
"Maybe you're just sober."
"I've had this headache all day."
"Maybe you're just sober."
hey, nice pad.
I've not been anxious to get my own iPad as I agree with Wil Whedon's snarky assessment that the version 1.0 users are just "unpaid beta testers."
But after seeing this, me wanna. And me wanna more than one.
But after seeing this, me wanna. And me wanna more than one.
iPad + Velcro from Jesse Rosten on Vimeo.
maa maa mashup maa
I keep waiting for someone to mashup Lady Gaga's "Alejandro" with ABBA's "Fernando." Someone get on that.
and her heart on her sleeve
On my walk to work I pass by a psychiatric hospital. This morning I passed a woman in front wearing a trashy t-shirt reading "Don't piss off the voices in my head." If it weren't for the county-fair quality typeface, I might have taken it as an actual warning. And secretly hoped some nice men in white coats would appear to take her inside.
Monday, May 24, 2010
and the men are real animals
Charlie McPherson just informed us that his "12-year-old just asked me if I had ever been to a strip club. That will make milk come out of your nose."I recommended the response, "I've only been to stripe clubs. Very different. Lots of zebras."
Last tango in Nashville
Today is my last day here in Nashville. Well, until the next time. It's been just shy of a three-week visit. Sundays are always fun in Nashville, church notwithstanding, but yesterday was just ridiculous.
Swan Ball was, as usual, a ball and I'll have all sorts of Nfocus inappropriate commentary here once I bang out my articles for them. It was a slow morning of recovery. Simon and the rest of the family appeared over here around 2:00 and despite the uncooperative nature of a tired three-year-old, Simon took some pretty amazing photos: all ten of together, then Mom and Dad, then Jay's family, skipping Mac's family as there was no more effort for Leland-wrangling, then just me. You know. Alone.
But damn if Simon does not take a great photo:
I would totally date me in this photo.
Simon's got a pretty sweet gig going. He's mobile office fits in a roller bag and camera case and he travels the world having a great time working. After taking a hundred or so shots, he was able to quickly download to the MacBook Pro and project our untouched proofs on the dining room wall. Using a sophisticated yet simple pro photo system, we were able to compare and select the best shots (very much like being at the optometrist: is is better like this or like this?). Within maybe half an hour (maybe 45 minutes), we had picked our favorite eight, made our personal selections, placed or orders, write the checks and were done. He will retouch the photos and print them in Australia and send them back to us next month. While he was strongly suggesting black and white prints (timeless, classic, beautiful), I ordered color prints of the family and the parents as they are just so lush. I can't wait for my prints.
Simon took his office back to the DeFrance's and backed up our files. I was cleaning up around here and preparing to meet Keith and his cousins at 6:00 for Showtunes at Tribe (always a good time). I asked Simon if he'd like to join us and he was game so I collected him on the way to town.
Now Keith has had a rough week following a breakup, and it did nothing to reduce his stress level to have dozens of members of his distant father's family descend for an impromptu family reunion. The silver lining to the family storm is his cousin Christin and her husband Dave. While not exactly urban sophisticates, they are great people, fun to be around, and cool enough to chill in a Nashville gay bar with us. Oh, and they're the drinkers in the family, so there's that.
So it was pleasant surprise that Keith could take time out of all of his family obligations to go for Sunday Showtunes and bring Christin and Dave with him. Cousin Barry and Carolyn Thombs (who brought Simon into my life at the one-degree Racers and Chasers party the first Friday of the trip) were invited to join us but have kids and volunteerism and responsibilities and shit and couldn't make it. Pfft.
So we sent them photos of us enjoying ourselves and the evening specials, a southern peach take on the Long Island Iced Tea.
Because we are loving in that way. Nanny nanny boo boo.
Then Keith got a message. Oh my Santa. Keith's father, step-mother, uncle, and his uncle's wife (Christin's parents) were going to come join us at the bar. Keith is pushing an exceptionally handsome 40. His father has never acknowledged that he's gay. Either doesn't know, or hasn't accepted it. And now he and his brother and their wives are coming over for showtunes at Nashville's hottest gay spot. It was unclear that they knew what they were getting into.
Oh my freaking Santa.
Keith's nerves cranked it up a notch or two for a moment, but he rapidly accepted the situation and stood up like a man. I think many others would have freaked, but Keith realized that he is the Man About Town, independent and successful and its about time his dad knew that.
And of course all of the A Gays immediately circled the wagons, bringing our good manners and pedigrees to the introductions. I was nervous for Keith for a little bit, but then got a little excited about the situation. I asked, "Is it wrong that I secretly hope that something really, really gay is playing when they get here. Tell me there's a new Broadway show with a musical clip about loving cock." Turns out Judy Garland singing "Clang Clang Clang Went the Trolley" from Meet Me in Saint Louis was playing upon their arrival. I thought that counted as really gay.
Now Keith's uncle and aunt are much more free spirited that his dad and step mom. Uncle Larry and Rene turned out to be a bit of a hoot and a holler (Larry is the hoot; Rene the holler). It took Larry a bit longer to clue in that they were in a gay bar, and poked Rene who looked around, back and forth, shrugged her shoulders said, "Well I guess it is" and continued her sentence where she left off.
I had already broken the ice with Aunt Rene. I could tell that she was a sassy one, and reveled in her role as the slightly-risque sassy southern woman. I imagine the women around her town clutch their chests when they talk about Rene, and talking about Rene is something they only do in whispers. When introducing Simon and telling the photography tales, I pulled up the headshot he took of me and had posted to Facebook. Rene took the phone and looked at the picture. "Wow. That is really, really handsome. It doesn't look at all like you!"
I replied slowly, "Youuuuu bitch."
She cackled and we were thick as thieves.
We took turns engaging Keith's dad. I took the lion's share as he used to be a property surveyor and my family used to own property and so we must have lots to talk about. No kidding. Follow that logic for a riveting conversation. Using old landmarks and Google Maps for about ten minutes we were able to find a lot he surveyed about a decade ago that was down the street from where he heard Al Gore was going to live, then. I kept trying to turn the conversation to how completely awesome Keith is, how much he means to me, to the community, how much my parents like him etc. Non-starters all. He now works for the airport in Pensacola. And if I ever land there I will be prepared as I now know everything about it.
The main event at Showtunes Sunday is the "Don't Cry for Me Argentia" bit followed by "Love Is in the Air." As Madonna takes to the balcony and the crowd retorts to her in the style of Rocky Horror Picture Show, barbacks distribute handfulls of cocktail napkins to the crowd. At the end of "Don't Cry for Me" when the Argentines go wild, the crowd throws their napkins into the air in time with the musical crescendos.
The process repeats during the chorus of "Love Is in the Air." (As seen last Christmas with Margaret McAllister:)
So here is our table getting in on the action—
Note Keith's dad in the back, checking his watch:
I don't know why but I think that's pretty funny.
Ultimately the music mix turned to an indecipherable theme of early 90s and just last week videos, and we said goodbye to the parents. It was only 9:00, but Keith suggested we stay for a not-to-be-missed drag performance. Thing was, the show didn't start until 11:00 and baby really needed a nap. I am surprised how fast those two hours passed before we were strolling into Play next door. And I am so glad we stayed.
. 
During a break in the performances, the hostess invited all first-timers and birthdays up to the stage. Now while it was clearly not my first time, I urged Simon to take the stage, and he dragged me behind him for support. Oh my Santa that was funny. There was such a long line of folks to be interviewed we got thirsty again had to signal Keith to bring our drinks up to the stage. I first started taking photos with the iPhone to mobile upload and send to his wife in Australia, then switched to Simon's high-tech tiny camera. I LOVE these photos.
I am particularly happy that I could catch Simon striking such a pose:
During his interview, Simon answered that he was from Australia and I was from San Francisco.
We were asked how we met, but that is such a convoluted story we were at a loss for words and stared at each other blankly (which seems to be the same expression as "guilty"). Ultimately Simon said, "We met at his parents' house last week." I had no idea how dirty that sounded in that context. But the audience did.
When Simon gets around to posting his videos and photos, I'll have to figure out a way to get them here (he doesn't Flickr or SmugMug or anything, but I imagine they will end up on Facebook). He got some great shots of the revelry and the performers. Including the queen we came to see: the ancient toothless drag queen.
Let me say this, bitch can DANCE.
But yeah, it's hard to get past the toothless.
Swan Ball was, as usual, a ball and I'll have all sorts of Nfocus inappropriate commentary here once I bang out my articles for them. It was a slow morning of recovery. Simon and the rest of the family appeared over here around 2:00 and despite the uncooperative nature of a tired three-year-old, Simon took some pretty amazing photos: all ten of together, then Mom and Dad, then Jay's family, skipping Mac's family as there was no more effort for Leland-wrangling, then just me. You know. Alone.
But damn if Simon does not take a great photo:
I would totally date me in this photo.
Simon's got a pretty sweet gig going. He's mobile office fits in a roller bag and camera case and he travels the world having a great time working. After taking a hundred or so shots, he was able to quickly download to the MacBook Pro and project our untouched proofs on the dining room wall. Using a sophisticated yet simple pro photo system, we were able to compare and select the best shots (very much like being at the optometrist: is is better like this or like this?). Within maybe half an hour (maybe 45 minutes), we had picked our favorite eight, made our personal selections, placed or orders, write the checks and were done. He will retouch the photos and print them in Australia and send them back to us next month. While he was strongly suggesting black and white prints (timeless, classic, beautiful), I ordered color prints of the family and the parents as they are just so lush. I can't wait for my prints.
Simon took his office back to the DeFrance's and backed up our files. I was cleaning up around here and preparing to meet Keith and his cousins at 6:00 for Showtunes at Tribe (always a good time). I asked Simon if he'd like to join us and he was game so I collected him on the way to town.
Now Keith has had a rough week following a breakup, and it did nothing to reduce his stress level to have dozens of members of his distant father's family descend for an impromptu family reunion. The silver lining to the family storm is his cousin Christin and her husband Dave. While not exactly urban sophisticates, they are great people, fun to be around, and cool enough to chill in a Nashville gay bar with us. Oh, and they're the drinkers in the family, so there's that.
So it was pleasant surprise that Keith could take time out of all of his family obligations to go for Sunday Showtunes and bring Christin and Dave with him. Cousin Barry and Carolyn Thombs (who brought Simon into my life at the one-degree Racers and Chasers party the first Friday of the trip) were invited to join us but have kids and volunteerism and responsibilities and shit and couldn't make it. Pfft.
So we sent them photos of us enjoying ourselves and the evening specials, a southern peach take on the Long Island Iced Tea.
Because we are loving in that way. Nanny nanny boo boo.
Then Keith got a message. Oh my Santa. Keith's father, step-mother, uncle, and his uncle's wife (Christin's parents) were going to come join us at the bar. Keith is pushing an exceptionally handsome 40. His father has never acknowledged that he's gay. Either doesn't know, or hasn't accepted it. And now he and his brother and their wives are coming over for showtunes at Nashville's hottest gay spot. It was unclear that they knew what they were getting into.
Oh my freaking Santa.
Keith's nerves cranked it up a notch or two for a moment, but he rapidly accepted the situation and stood up like a man. I think many others would have freaked, but Keith realized that he is the Man About Town, independent and successful and its about time his dad knew that.
And of course all of the A Gays immediately circled the wagons, bringing our good manners and pedigrees to the introductions. I was nervous for Keith for a little bit, but then got a little excited about the situation. I asked, "Is it wrong that I secretly hope that something really, really gay is playing when they get here. Tell me there's a new Broadway show with a musical clip about loving cock." Turns out Judy Garland singing "Clang Clang Clang Went the Trolley" from Meet Me in Saint Louis was playing upon their arrival. I thought that counted as really gay.
Now Keith's uncle and aunt are much more free spirited that his dad and step mom. Uncle Larry and Rene turned out to be a bit of a hoot and a holler (Larry is the hoot; Rene the holler). It took Larry a bit longer to clue in that they were in a gay bar, and poked Rene who looked around, back and forth, shrugged her shoulders said, "Well I guess it is" and continued her sentence where she left off.
I had already broken the ice with Aunt Rene. I could tell that she was a sassy one, and reveled in her role as the slightly-risque sassy southern woman. I imagine the women around her town clutch their chests when they talk about Rene, and talking about Rene is something they only do in whispers. When introducing Simon and telling the photography tales, I pulled up the headshot he took of me and had posted to Facebook. Rene took the phone and looked at the picture. "Wow. That is really, really handsome. It doesn't look at all like you!"
I replied slowly, "Youuuuu bitch."
She cackled and we were thick as thieves.
We took turns engaging Keith's dad. I took the lion's share as he used to be a property surveyor and my family used to own property and so we must have lots to talk about. No kidding. Follow that logic for a riveting conversation. Using old landmarks and Google Maps for about ten minutes we were able to find a lot he surveyed about a decade ago that was down the street from where he heard Al Gore was going to live, then. I kept trying to turn the conversation to how completely awesome Keith is, how much he means to me, to the community, how much my parents like him etc. Non-starters all. He now works for the airport in Pensacola. And if I ever land there I will be prepared as I now know everything about it.
The main event at Showtunes Sunday is the "Don't Cry for Me Argentia" bit followed by "Love Is in the Air." As Madonna takes to the balcony and the crowd retorts to her in the style of Rocky Horror Picture Show, barbacks distribute handfulls of cocktail napkins to the crowd. At the end of "Don't Cry for Me" when the Argentines go wild, the crowd throws their napkins into the air in time with the musical crescendos.
The process repeats during the chorus of "Love Is in the Air." (As seen last Christmas with Margaret McAllister:)
So here is our table getting in on the action—
Note Keith's dad in the back, checking his watch:
I don't know why but I think that's pretty funny.
Ultimately the music mix turned to an indecipherable theme of early 90s and just last week videos, and we said goodbye to the parents. It was only 9:00, but Keith suggested we stay for a not-to-be-missed drag performance. Thing was, the show didn't start until 11:00 and baby really needed a nap. I am surprised how fast those two hours passed before we were strolling into Play next door. And I am so glad we stayed.
. 
During a break in the performances, the hostess invited all first-timers and birthdays up to the stage. Now while it was clearly not my first time, I urged Simon to take the stage, and he dragged me behind him for support. Oh my Santa that was funny. There was such a long line of folks to be interviewed we got thirsty again had to signal Keith to bring our drinks up to the stage. I first started taking photos with the iPhone to mobile upload and send to his wife in Australia, then switched to Simon's high-tech tiny camera. I LOVE these photos.
I am particularly happy that I could catch Simon striking such a pose:
During his interview, Simon answered that he was from Australia and I was from San Francisco.
We were asked how we met, but that is such a convoluted story we were at a loss for words and stared at each other blankly (which seems to be the same expression as "guilty"). Ultimately Simon said, "We met at his parents' house last week." I had no idea how dirty that sounded in that context. But the audience did.
When Simon gets around to posting his videos and photos, I'll have to figure out a way to get them here (he doesn't Flickr or SmugMug or anything, but I imagine they will end up on Facebook). He got some great shots of the revelry and the performers. Including the queen we came to see: the ancient toothless drag queen.
Let me say this, bitch can DANCE.
But yeah, it's hard to get past the toothless.
Friday, May 21, 2010
itching mad
I was installing the solar LED spotlights on the front walk, having left them out in the sun all day to charge...
Only afterward noticing that I had been placing my freshly manicured hands into a large nest of chiggers (those are the red dots).
If I am hot and itchy tomorrow in my white tie I am going to be pissed.
Only afterward noticing that I had been placing my freshly manicured hands into a large nest of chiggers (those are the red dots).
If I am hot and itchy tomorrow in my white tie I am going to be pissed.
too bright lights, camera, inaction
Alert Reader Coco posted earlier: "that the day she shows up at work TOTALLY hungover, is the day she's on camera....oy."
Which is bad, because we all know that the camera adds five drinks.
Which is bad, because we all know that the camera adds five drinks.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Phamily Photo
[day-by-day Iroquois Weekend wrap up pending]
Friday night before the races I hosted a "Racers and Chasers" meet and greet, also known as the one-degree cocktail party to bring together my good Nashville friends, introduce Shilpa and Paul around, make connections between SF and Nashville and generally get everyone we'd see during the weekend together for drinks so we would all be old friends with Shilpa and Paul the next time met. The lovely and talented Carolyn Palmer Thombs brought along the lovely and talented Simon James, photographer extraordinaire in town from Australia for some shoots.
Simon turned out to be a delightful treat and fast friend and we have had both hoots and hollers all week. Mac was semi-responsible for a fundraiser at Travellers Rest last Friday and asked me if I could take photos. After a week of partying with Simon, I suggested they work out some sort of arrangement to see if Travellers Rest could engage Simon James for professional photos. Despite the rain, that all worked out lovely.
Simon James, the Master at Work
Simon has generously offered to schedule a portrait session of the Hardcastle clan, but scheduling ALL of us has turned out to be more troublesome than herding cats. Not only can we not find a time slot when we are all free (the kids are in exams so daytimes are tough), but finding a locate is also difficult as Nashville continues to experience sudden, unexpected and sever thunderstorms.
Then there is the problem of wardrobe. The khaki pants with blue/white shirt thing has been done to death, but it is classic and unifying for a formal portrait. Sister Emily suggested we all wear Christmas sweaters made by me. If I am making the costumes, I am going to need more time and a LOT of sequins. Or feathers. Likely both.
In my e-mail back to the fam, this was my suggestion for wardrobe:
This was Emily's response:
Friday night before the races I hosted a "Racers and Chasers" meet and greet, also known as the one-degree cocktail party to bring together my good Nashville friends, introduce Shilpa and Paul around, make connections between SF and Nashville and generally get everyone we'd see during the weekend together for drinks so we would all be old friends with Shilpa and Paul the next time met. The lovely and talented Carolyn Palmer Thombs brought along the lovely and talented Simon James, photographer extraordinaire in town from Australia for some shoots.
Simon turned out to be a delightful treat and fast friend and we have had both hoots and hollers all week. Mac was semi-responsible for a fundraiser at Travellers Rest last Friday and asked me if I could take photos. After a week of partying with Simon, I suggested they work out some sort of arrangement to see if Travellers Rest could engage Simon James for professional photos. Despite the rain, that all worked out lovely.
Simon James, the Master at Work
Simon has generously offered to schedule a portrait session of the Hardcastle clan, but scheduling ALL of us has turned out to be more troublesome than herding cats. Not only can we not find a time slot when we are all free (the kids are in exams so daytimes are tough), but finding a locate is also difficult as Nashville continues to experience sudden, unexpected and sever thunderstorms.
Then there is the problem of wardrobe. The khaki pants with blue/white shirt thing has been done to death, but it is classic and unifying for a formal portrait. Sister Emily suggested we all wear Christmas sweaters made by me. If I am making the costumes, I am going to need more time and a LOT of sequins. Or feathers. Likely both.
In my e-mail back to the fam, this was my suggestion for wardrobe:
This was Emily's response:
I call the purple one!!! Not to be difficult...but being difficult...I have my doubts about being in place ready to have a pix taken at 1:30. The baptism we are attending is in, yes, IN a river, on a farm in the middle of somewhere I've ever heard of. There are multiple children being baptized and pregnant mother's being blessed. And there is a picnic for the families, which we as godparents must attend, immediately following. It doesn't sound like an event where people are paying attention to the clock. So, God willing and the creek don't rise, literally, pray for no rain, we will be there closer to 2:00.See? This is the "family planning" I am trying to manage just to get us in front of a world-famous photographer.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
good love, mister MD
I'm just going to remove my clothes and be seated. Hopefully a doctor will be with me in a moment.
Or a lawyer. Maybe a musician. I'm not terribly picky these days.
Or a lawyer. Maybe a musician. I'm not terribly picky these days.
out of practice
Lordy. Nashville has been busy this week and I finally edited over 850 photos from the Steeplechase weekend, cranked out three articles, and still haven't gotten to the videos yet.
And it didn't even occur to me to snap a photo for the blog at "brunch" today. Cousin Barry invited me along to her yoga class this morning (my arms are still shaking while I write this, see my idea of a yogi at right) and we were joined by Cousin Franny and her daughter Kathleen. Now Kathleen is a senior at Ole Miss, and I did not even register that's who she was. The last time I saw her she was an adolescent and I forgot that little kids tend to grow up.
We all went next door for a sushi lunch afterward and I got to know the grown up Kathleen II (not to be confused with Cousin Kathleen) a little better. She's awesome, and will be joining the cadre of Alert Readers here at I'm Just Sayin'.
Which means I need to get on the ball and get back to blogging.
This past week has been incredible. But now I have to clean out the water-logged basement, dry out my comics, and see if there is a market for any of them. Any comic-dealing advice is welcome.
And welcome Kathleen!
And it didn't even occur to me to snap a photo for the blog at "brunch" today. Cousin Barry invited me along to her yoga class this morning (my arms are still shaking while I write this, see my idea of a yogi at right) and we were joined by Cousin Franny and her daughter Kathleen. Now Kathleen is a senior at Ole Miss, and I did not even register that's who she was. The last time I saw her she was an adolescent and I forgot that little kids tend to grow up. We all went next door for a sushi lunch afterward and I got to know the grown up Kathleen II (not to be confused with Cousin Kathleen) a little better. She's awesome, and will be joining the cadre of Alert Readers here at I'm Just Sayin'.
Which means I need to get on the ball and get back to blogging.
This past week has been incredible. But now I have to clean out the water-logged basement, dry out my comics, and see if there is a market for any of them. Any comic-dealing advice is welcome.
And welcome Kathleen!
Monday, May 10, 2010
Iroquois Weekend has been amazing
Blog posting will resume when I get some free time to edit all the photos and get some of these stories down. Short version: it's been an absolutely amazing weekend. Flood recovery notwithstanding.
But the weather has been perfect, as has the company.
I'll probably start blogging again after Shilpa and Paul leave, although that's sure to be depressing so I'll need a recovery period to bring the funny. And I have Nfocus snark to get out quick.
But the weather has been perfect, as has the company.
I'll probably start blogging again after Shilpa and Paul leave, although that's sure to be depressing so I'll need a recovery period to bring the funny. And I have Nfocus snark to get out quick.
Friday, May 07, 2010
Welcome to Nashville
First stop: The Pancake Pantry!
. 
. 
A Nashville tradition. The first one was built by my mother's father, and the new one by my dad! I came ][ this close to getting the old neon sign from the original owner before it got hauled away, but that is another story...
. . A Nashville tradition. The first one was built by my mother's father, and the new one by my dad! I came ][ this close to getting the old neon sign from the original owner before it got hauled away, but that is another story...
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
For Nashvillians of a certain age:
I'm now referring to the May Day Flood as the Grizzly River Rampage.
Thank you for the music
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (which is really an amazing archive of the history of all American music) has posted flood update information to their website. The collections, housed on the higher floors, were never in danger. The first floor, however, did fill with flood waters. They are cleaning best they can, but power is still out to the center block of downtown and to SoBro (South of Broadway). The substation/transformers/big electrical doo-dads for this section of downtown is still underwater and so not fixable yet.They announce that they will open when power is restored, hopefully later in the week.
I do hope it opens in time for a visit with Shilpa and PeeDee.
More flood photos
From my friend Giles Ward: Nashville Flood Album. Depressing, but beautifully shot.
I think this is Fourth Avenue downtown.
I think this is Fourth Avenue downtown.
Tuesday, May 04, 2010
We are Nashville.
Amen.
From the NHL/Predators news blog Section 303,, by Patten Fuqua:
Read the entire post.
From the NHL/Predators news blog Section 303,, by Patten Fuqua:
The Cumberland River crested at its highest level in over 80 years. Nashville had its highest rainfall totals since records began. People drowned. Billions of dollars in damage occurred. It is the single largest disaster to hit Middle Tennessee since the Civil War. And yet…no one knows about it.
Does it really matter? Eventually, it will…as I mentioned, there are billions of dollars in damage. It seems bizarre that no one seems to be aware that we just experienced what is quite possibly the costliest non-hurricane disaster in American history. The funds to rebuild will have to come from somewhere, which is why people need to know. It’s hard to believe that we will receive much relief if there isn’t a perception that we need it.
But let’s look at the other side of the coin for a moment. A large part of the reason that we are being ignored is because of who we are. Think about that for just a second. Did you hear about looting? Did you hear about crime sprees? No…you didn’t. You heard about people pulling their neighbors off of rooftops. You saw a group of people trying to move two horses to higher ground. No…we didn’t loot. Our biggest warning was, “Don’t play in the floodwater.” When you think about it…that speaks a lot for our city. A large portion of why we were being ignored was that we weren’t doing anything to draw attention to ourselves. We were handling it on our own.
Read the entire post.
More bad flood news
Text message from Cousin Barry:
We lost two members of Saint George's. Water overtook them and they found them yesterday behind Kroger and Publix. They were trying to get to the 8:45 service. It's awful.
We lost two members of Saint George's. Water overtook them and they found them yesterday behind Kroger and Publix. They were trying to get to the 8:45 service. It's awful.
Good Lord willing...
...and the creek don't rise.
This is what Shilpa, PeeDee and I are getting into. Leaving Thursday for Nashlantis. This is First Avenue, downtown.
And this is Second Avenue:
(Photos from Mary McGee)
This is what Shilpa, PeeDee and I are getting into. Leaving Thursday for Nashlantis. This is First Avenue, downtown.
And this is Second Avenue:
(Photos from Mary McGee)
Antediluvian
The flood rains may have stopped, but the damage rages.
From The Tennessean, this is downtown:
And this is the state of the Grand Ole Opry:
And for all of this water, word is that the clean water supply will run out tonight. The main treatment plant is still offline. The second treatment plant dodged the flood by a mere 12 inches.
More footage of the unbelievable flooding from YouTube:
and Holy CRAP this is the corner of Belle Meade Boulevard and Harding Road (aka West end). For those of you that don't know, this is my Nashville neighborhood.
and the view of Harding Road and Lynwood, looking towards the above intersection from White Bridge Road:
And this is a video of someone taping the coverage on the news with a video camera, but it gives you an idea of what happened to Keith's neighborhood. Last I heard his roommate was still trapped inside with no power.
This alert is making its way across the internet:
The National Media is not relaying enough information about the circumstances in Nashville! People are missing, thousands are without homes, Nashville has a shortage of water, shelters are full and downtown is still flooded. This could be the largest non hurricane related disaster is US history. Please spread the word and text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 for disaster relief.
Keith Olbermann points out that with so many big stories making headlines today, many have overlooked the significant deadly flooding in Tennessee:
Then of course, there is the Red State Update:
From The Tennessean, this is downtown:
And this is the state of the Grand Ole Opry:
And for all of this water, word is that the clean water supply will run out tonight. The main treatment plant is still offline. The second treatment plant dodged the flood by a mere 12 inches.
More footage of the unbelievable flooding from YouTube:
and Holy CRAP this is the corner of Belle Meade Boulevard and Harding Road (aka West end). For those of you that don't know, this is my Nashville neighborhood.
and the view of Harding Road and Lynwood, looking towards the above intersection from White Bridge Road:
And this is a video of someone taping the coverage on the news with a video camera, but it gives you an idea of what happened to Keith's neighborhood. Last I heard his roommate was still trapped inside with no power.
This alert is making its way across the internet:
The National Media is not relaying enough information about the circumstances in Nashville! People are missing, thousands are without homes, Nashville has a shortage of water, shelters are full and downtown is still flooded. This could be the largest non hurricane related disaster is US history. Please spread the word and text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 for disaster relief.
Keith Olbermann points out that with so many big stories making headlines today, many have overlooked the significant deadly flooding in Tennessee:
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Then of course, there is the Red State Update:
Monday, May 03, 2010
Flooding, Flooding; May Day, May day
The flood damage is ridiculous. My nephew is sending photos of his school underwater. By the way, the Ensworth High School campus looks more like an ivy league college, and is less than four years old. So much damage so soon.
Via Facebook/YouTube, and childhood friend Bonnie Davis, this awesome video from Michael Deppisch:
Via Facebook/YouTube, and childhood friend Bonnie Davis, this awesome video from Michael Deppisch:
Sunday, May 02, 2010
Nashlantis!
What is being called the May Day Flood in Middle Tennessee has killed at least five and washed out most of Nashville and the surrounding counties. CNN has footage of school buildings floating, and streaming fast, down Interstate 24. The destruction all over the area is devastating. No word yet from Mom and Dad about our house.
I'm getting my truly local news from Facebook—whose houses are okay, whose are damaged, and whose are gone. It's insane.
You know that when the churches and the gay bars are closed, there is some serious floodmageddon.
Friend of the Blog and photographer Carolyn Hall posted some photos around our neighborhood. Major roads are still underwater, and she reported emergency BOATS racing past her at one point.
Richland Creek, not far from my parents.
More Richland Creek.
Harding Road at Lynnwood Boulevard (again my parents' neighborhood).
Carolyn reported a car was submerged just up Lynnwood (to the right)
This is White Bridge Road at Charlotte,
where Richland Creek goes "under" Charlotte.
Also via Carolyn is this video from her friend of a branch of creek about 100 yards from my parents house. "Creek" no so much anymore.
More "user-submitted" video clips of flooding at CNN's iReport here.
Downtown should be okay. According to Nashville Historian David Ewing on the Facebook page "the Nashville I Wish I Knew", after the Great Christmas Day Flood of 1926 (rare photos are posted), Tennessee build levees and Percy Priest Dam to control the Cumberland River.
Also in the national news: Nashville friend Dabney was one of the visitors evacuated in Times Square, just feet from her hotel actually, for several hours last night while police defused a major bomb in an SUV.
Update: Just talked to Mom. Basement flooded (my comic books!) and pipes burst. Neighbors underwater. Over 42,000 people, including my brother and his family, without power (they are a bit stir crazy with a toddler and no coffee, or elevator). All Interstates and schools are closed. My nephew reports that at his high school, the water is up past the cross bar of the goal posts on the football field. That's eight feet. Cars are still strewn all over town, underwater. Mostly in my parents' part of town.
Mother said "the rain is suppose to stop once it stops." (Which I understand.) However, everything is saturated so there is no where for the water to go other than eventually down the rivers. It is supposed to be sunny all week. The field will be wet on Saturday, and with all the water and the hot sun, Nashville is going to be humid if not downright steamy.
Shilpa better pack the shellac for her hair.
Another Update: Wow. more than 25% the annual rainfall in two days. More than 12" in 24 hours. Everything is wiped out. Wet wet wet.
Via Nephew Bradley:
Another Update: From John Moss in Nashville: "If the rainfall in Nashville had been snow, it would be 12.5 feet! Two days in, the wettest May ever in Nashville, They are evacuating MetroCenter as one of the levees appears to be breaking. Over 600 water rescues today, following 100's yesterday in Nashville alone."
He also posted this pic from down the street from my parents':
And from Mary McGee:
I'm getting my truly local news from Facebook—whose houses are okay, whose are damaged, and whose are gone. It's insane.
You know that when the churches and the gay bars are closed, there is some serious floodmageddon.
Friend of the Blog and photographer Carolyn Hall posted some photos around our neighborhood. Major roads are still underwater, and she reported emergency BOATS racing past her at one point.
Richland Creek, not far from my parents.
More Richland Creek.
Harding Road at Lynnwood Boulevard (again my parents' neighborhood).Carolyn reported a car was submerged just up Lynnwood (to the right)
This is White Bridge Road at Charlotte,where Richland Creek goes "under" Charlotte.
Also via Carolyn is this video from her friend of a branch of creek about 100 yards from my parents house. "Creek" no so much anymore.
More "user-submitted" video clips of flooding at CNN's iReport here.
Downtown should be okay. According to Nashville Historian David Ewing on the Facebook page "the Nashville I Wish I Knew", after the Great Christmas Day Flood of 1926 (rare photos are posted), Tennessee build levees and Percy Priest Dam to control the Cumberland River.
Also in the national news: Nashville friend Dabney was one of the visitors evacuated in Times Square, just feet from her hotel actually, for several hours last night while police defused a major bomb in an SUV.
Update: Just talked to Mom. Basement flooded (my comic books!) and pipes burst. Neighbors underwater. Over 42,000 people, including my brother and his family, without power (they are a bit stir crazy with a toddler and no coffee, or elevator). All Interstates and schools are closed. My nephew reports that at his high school, the water is up past the cross bar of the goal posts on the football field. That's eight feet. Cars are still strewn all over town, underwater. Mostly in my parents' part of town.
Mother said "the rain is suppose to stop once it stops." (Which I understand.) However, everything is saturated so there is no where for the water to go other than eventually down the rivers. It is supposed to be sunny all week. The field will be wet on Saturday, and with all the water and the hot sun, Nashville is going to be humid if not downright steamy.
Shilpa better pack the shellac for her hair.
Another Update: Wow. more than 25% the annual rainfall in two days. More than 12" in 24 hours. Everything is wiped out. Wet wet wet.
Via Nephew Bradley:
Another Update: From John Moss in Nashville: "If the rainfall in Nashville had been snow, it would be 12.5 feet! Two days in, the wettest May ever in Nashville, They are evacuating MetroCenter as one of the levees appears to be breaking. Over 600 water rescues today, following 100's yesterday in Nashville alone."
He also posted this pic from down the street from my parents':
"This will give you an idea of the destruction: this was a car I saw that had been washed
off the road on Harding Place in front of the Belle Meade indoor tennis center.
I saw several cars that had been washed off of Harding Road
along the railroad tracks between Hillwood & Belle Meade."
off the road on Harding Place in front of the Belle Meade indoor tennis center.
I saw several cars that had been washed off of Harding Road
along the railroad tracks between Hillwood & Belle Meade."
And from Mary McGee:
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