Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Star and Micey
Went out last Friday night with friends to the Center for Southern Folklore down on Main. They have local acts play on weekends in a casual little club that puts you up close and personal with the acts.
Star and Micey, a local band that Memphis has claimed as one of it's favorites, was playing and after watching a show I now understand. These young fellows were not just an outstanding act who put on a great show... they're really nice guys.
As the crowd was filing out after the gig, all the members waited at the door to thank everyone for the support, a lot of large hugs were given out.
So, another video that I hope you watch and if they come to your town, go see em', they're really, really good.
Click the link above and download some of their music... they could use a hand.
On a personal note... A lot of those folks getting slapped are old buddies.
Richard, though grey, you still got great hair man.
Cheers,
Istaboa
Star and Micey, a local band that Memphis has claimed as one of it's favorites, was playing and after watching a show I now understand. These young fellows were not just an outstanding act who put on a great show... they're really nice guys.
As the crowd was filing out after the gig, all the members waited at the door to thank everyone for the support, a lot of large hugs were given out.
So, another video that I hope you watch and if they come to your town, go see em', they're really, really good.
Click the link above and download some of their music... they could use a hand.
On a personal note... A lot of those folks getting slapped are old buddies.
Richard, though grey, you still got great hair man.
Cheers,
Istaboa
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Friday, November 23, 2012
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Good Story... Happy Ending
Deer Avoid Drowning by Boarding Charter Boat
Story from a year ago, but just stumbled up on it and wanted to share. They look like our friends from our old home
Article here
Happy Thanksgiving
CRUZAN® PILGRIM PUNCH
Ingredients:
Mixing Instructions: Combine rums, cranberry sauce and sugar in a bowl and stir until well combined. Refrigerate for 1 hour. When ready to serve, add sparkling apple cider, and drop in apple slices to garnish. Serve over ice in punch glass, making sure to scoop out an apple slice with each drink. Raise glass and toast.
- 1/2 Bottle Cruzan® 9 Spiced Rum
- 1/2 Bottle Cruzan® Aged Dark Rum
- 1/2 can Cranberry Sauce
- 1/2 cup Sugar
- 2 Bottles Sparkling Apple Cider
- Apple Slices
Cheers!
==========================
As a whim, last night Mel and I walked uptown to the Orpheum Theater to watch Eddie Vedder do his solo act. He was very good. I've never been a particularly large Pearl Jam fan, but Eddie was excellent.
The opening act was Glen Hansard who some of you may remember from the movie, Once. (If you've never seen Once you should, it's now an award winning play on Broadway.)
Glen only played for about 45 minutes, but he gave it his all, despite the self professed hangover he deserved from a long night at a Downtown Memphis Pup, Bardog.
Needless to say the whole show was extraordinary. Vedder played alone for over 2 hours.
If you have time... turn up the sound and watch the videos, they're worth it.
Eddie Vedder | Ukulele songs from Dave Homcy on Vimeo.
Sorry about all the commercials... Nothing's free anymore.
Stay safe and have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Istaboa
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Funny
The Bacon Shortage was an excuse... In reality, the Sesame Street gang discovered Miss Piggy was a Romney supporter.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Pic O' the Day
The old Kress Five and Dime.
This is where I convinced my mom to buy me my first Beatle record.
"I wanna hold your hand"
Remember?
I still have it.
Monday, November 19, 2012
Bastards! ... Sorry Bastards!
Hunt is on for dolphin killers in northern Gulf
Mutilated, shot mammals have washed ashore along Gulf Coast
Somebody is maiming and killing dolphins.
On Friday, a team from the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport found a dolphin on Ship Island with its lower jaw missing.
Last weekend, IMMS responded to a dead dolphin found along the Ocean Springs/Gautier coastline with a 9mm bullet wound. "It went through the abdomen, into the kidneys and killed it," said Moby Solangi, IMMS executive director.
In Louisiana, a dolphin was found with its tail cut off.
"Animals don't eat each other's tails off," Solangi said.
"We think there's someone or some group on a rampage," he said. "They not only kill them but also mutilate them."
On Friday, a team from the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies in Gulfport found a dolphin on Ship Island with its lower jaw missing.
Last weekend, IMMS responded to a dead dolphin found along the Ocean Springs/Gautier coastline with a 9mm bullet wound. "It went through the abdomen, into the kidneys and killed it," said Moby Solangi, IMMS executive director.
In Louisiana, a dolphin was found with its tail cut off.
"Animals don't eat each other's tails off," Solangi said.
"We think there's someone or some group on a rampage," he said. "They not only kill them but also mutilate them."
Read more here: http://www.sunherald.com/2012/11/16/4308735/dolphins-found-shot-slashed-stabbed.html#storylink=cpy
Sunday, November 18, 2012
We're # 2
Memphis is right behind Austin, Texas in interesting places to visit, according to the travel web site Trip Adviser.
Article here...http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g55197-Memphis_Tennessee-Vacations.html
Pic O' the Day
Singin' for Jesus
Last Sunday, after having brunch with friends, they hop on the trolley and I say goodbye... and as I often do, I wander around. Mel's visiting family and I'm alone, free to poke around, undeterred, wherever I want.
As I'm walking down Main St. taking pictures of whatever catches my eye, off in the distance I hear a gloriously spiritual voice resonating from down Court Square way so I wander toward the singing to investigate.
I sit on a park bench and enjoy this ladie's beautiful voice as she does A Capella renditions, using a disposable cup with the bottom removed to amplify her voice, wailing hymns unknown to me. No one in the park pays a bit attention to her, but that doesn't stop her from smiling and rejoicing in those songs from the depths of her heart.
After a bit I decide to move on and because most of the folks in Court Square on a Sunday morning are homeless and in need of some cash, I reach in my pocket for a few bucks to give her. I'll have to admit, I was taken aback when I offered her money and she shakes her head, smiles, and says in a very kind voice, "God bless you, but I don't do this for money, I'm singin' for Jesus. I'll say a prayer for you kind sir.", she gives me another sweet smile and she goes right back to singin' for Jesus. I say thanks, take her picture, give her a hug and walk away.
Humbled, I continue my saunter south towards home, but after just a few steps... It hits me... I have this really good feeling, this lady has given me something, it's a nice feeling, and I smile all the way home.
You never know where the next smile may come from.
Cheers,
Istaboa
You never know where the next smile may come from.
Cheers,
Istaboa
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
Pic O' the Day
Since 1932
Nothing's Easy anymore.
They closed their doors last month after 80 yrs in business.
They closed their doors last month after 80 yrs in business.
Still walking around Memphis.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Pic O' the Day... Soul Burgers and hangin with the Tivolians
For lunch, Mel and I decided it was about time we tried one of Memphis's iconic Soul Burgers at the quintessential dive bar — Earnestine and Hazel's.
It really was very good. Not like the gourmet burgers that most of the upscale restaurants offer up these days, it's more like an old fashioned, regular sized, (you can actually put it in your mouth), juicy cheese burger that was topped with grilled onions and oozing the correct combination of grease and meat juices, served on a warm toasted bun. The Soul Burger reminded me of the burger's my big brother and I once enjoyed at Spott's Drug Store and Soda Fountain in West Memphis.
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A little different than what we encountered in Felicia Suzanne's kitchen.
Hicks, the fellow who was grilling our burgers, was quite an outgoing and approachable guy. He asked if we had ever been to Earnestines and Hazel's and told us to walk around and check it out.
We did... this is a pic from one of the rooms upstairs. You can see why many movies have been shot here. This is funk you can't fake. This funk is real. This is Memphis Milieu with a capital M.
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Lonely Planet review for Earnestine & Hazel's
One of the great dive bars has a 2nd floor full of rusty bedsprings and claw-foot tubs, remnants of its brothel past. Climb the creaky stairs to shoot the breeze with Nate, a courtly gentleman who regales you with tales of Memphis past as he pours you a Miller Lite – he works the upstairs bar on weekends. The Soul Burger, the bar's only food, is the stuff of legend. Watch out for ghosts. Things heat up after midnight.
So to finish off our day of culinary adventure we caught a trolley uptown to the restaurant "Flight" where we dined with our long time friends Deanna and Clayton, aka—Crew Tivoli. They've just returned from a Fall Color Cruise on the Tennessee River. We enjoyed hearing the tales of their trip and their company as well.
Well, that's about it for now, still enjoying being urbanites... thanks again for checking on us.
Oh yeah, some of you have probably noticed we've changed the look of this blog. The thinking is simple's good, so simple it is. More changes coming...
Cheers,
Istaboa
R.I.P. Bernard Lansky
You gotta admit... Elvis looks extremely cool in this shot. Bernard did an incredible job.
Bernard Lansky, the co-founder of Lansky Bros. Clothing who was known as the "Clothier to the King," died early Thursday morning at age 85, according to his family.
Lansky, who outfitted Elvis Presley during his time in Memphis, was recognized for influencing the fashion of "The King" and, therefore, the fashion of rock and roll.
Lansky Bros. is believed to be the first store in Memphis to carry peg-leg pants, Levi's and white-tailed tuxedos.
Founded in 1946 at 126 Beale St., the store was a destination for other iconic musicians including Johnny Cash, David Porter and Rufus Thomas.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Pic O' the Day
Monday, November 12, 2012
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Funny Video and a report from Memphis
Creatures of all kinds are often amazing...
Man! We've not been doing anything boat at all; although C 2 Shore has done an excellent job on our cushions.
We had Capt. Will move Istaboa from Jupiter to Stuart. We're not sure what to think about that yet, but we'll see. It'll be fun to see Bob and Mary and others at Sunset Bay even though the place seems to be changing a bit and not entirely for the better. As it's often said, the only constant is change.
(Poor Capt. Will became incredibly ill right after he moved the boat and ended up in the hospital for almost a week. We're happy to say he's now home and recovering.)
Memphis has proven to be a lot of fun so we've just been enjoying being here. The apartment is coming along nicely and a few of the projects we started are nearing completion.
We find it interesting though... with business as bad as we're told, we keep extending opportunities for things such as lighting, window treatments, and cabinetry, but we're getting few, slow, or no responses. Seems no one wants to do anything anymore, even if we allow them whatever time frame they need. We're in no hurry, we'd actually like to have it all done while we're back on the boat.
A friend and Real Estate agent said everybody's waiting to see what happens with the election... Wha??? Does that mean that if their candidate loses they just won't do our projects? Don't get it.
Oh well, what that means is we'll just not spend the money.
The River Arts Festival was a couple of weeks ago and it was a resounding success, thousands of folks showed up. There was some doubt about attendance this year because they were charging admission for the first time and it was cold.
Didn't matter, there were more folks than ever.
We ran into an old buddy who was showing his art. He's a brilliant guy in many ways and always has been.
Eric Painter... The Painter.
We bought a piece from him that fit nicely in the little alcove of our entryway.
It's a nice feeling to buy art and help a friend at the same time. Keeping it local is the mantra in downtown Memphis.
And... this was interesting. A young rock band (who's really good) was playing in the park in front of the Loraine Motel. In the background you'll see the wreath where Martin Luther King was shot.
We wonder what MLK's thoughts would've been seeing a young white rock band entertain this racially and culturally diverse crowd of all ages; right in front of his last stand.
Part of the dream is what we think. Wish he could see what things are like today.
And of course this being the arts district, they were going all out for Halloween. This spider is just some of the decorations. The parties? — Well, they start a little late for Mel and Me, but we heard from our younger friends that they're always a trip.
My brother Bill and his wife Priscilla came down last weekend. We made reservations at Felicia Suzanne's, which is not only one of the finest restaurants in town; Felicia is an acquaintance who lives in our building. She and boyfriend Richard are very nice folks who we run into all the time. She allowed us to dine at a table in her kitchen while she and her crew cooked for big Saturday night crowd.
That was interesting!
What we thought would be a somewhat chaotic kitchen turned out to be very organized.
Felicia's a very talented chef who just returned from New York where she had the honor of cooking at the James Beard House.
Interesting article here. Restaurateur's path to success paved with romantic notes
So that's about it... We've been enjoying our new life, the weather's been great, always something interesting to do, and the food's incredible. We've decided that as long as the weather's good we'll stick around, but winter's inevitable and that means we'll soon be heading back to Istaboa.
Thanks for checking in, we'll soon be floating around somewhere. We're feeling that perennial cruising itch.
Adios,
Istaboa
Man! We've not been doing anything boat at all; although C 2 Shore has done an excellent job on our cushions.
Finally done right... Thanks, Jeremy.
(Poor Capt. Will became incredibly ill right after he moved the boat and ended up in the hospital for almost a week. We're happy to say he's now home and recovering.)
Memphis has proven to be a lot of fun so we've just been enjoying being here. The apartment is coming along nicely and a few of the projects we started are nearing completion.
We find it interesting though... with business as bad as we're told, we keep extending opportunities for things such as lighting, window treatments, and cabinetry, but we're getting few, slow, or no responses. Seems no one wants to do anything anymore, even if we allow them whatever time frame they need. We're in no hurry, we'd actually like to have it all done while we're back on the boat.
A friend and Real Estate agent said everybody's waiting to see what happens with the election... Wha??? Does that mean that if their candidate loses they just won't do our projects? Don't get it.
Oh well, what that means is we'll just not spend the money.
The River Arts Festival was a couple of weeks ago and it was a resounding success, thousands of folks showed up. There was some doubt about attendance this year because they were charging admission for the first time and it was cold.
Didn't matter, there were more folks than ever.
We ran into an old buddy who was showing his art. He's a brilliant guy in many ways and always has been.
Eric Painter... The Painter.
We bought a piece from him that fit nicely in the little alcove of our entryway.
You open our door and you see this. Looks almost 3D.
Literally... Street Art.
This fellow had the cat bird seat while enjoying people watching on S. Main St.
We wonder what MLK's thoughts would've been seeing a young white rock band entertain this racially and culturally diverse crowd of all ages; right in front of his last stand.
Part of the dream is what we think. Wish he could see what things are like today.
And of course this being the arts district, they were going all out for Halloween. This spider is just some of the decorations. The parties? — Well, they start a little late for Mel and Me, but we heard from our younger friends that they're always a trip.
My brother Bill and his wife Priscilla came down last weekend. We made reservations at Felicia Suzanne's, which is not only one of the finest restaurants in town; Felicia is an acquaintance who lives in our building. She and boyfriend Richard are very nice folks who we run into all the time. She allowed us to dine at a table in her kitchen while she and her crew cooked for big Saturday night crowd.
That was interesting!
What we thought would be a somewhat chaotic kitchen turned out to be very organized.
Felicia's a very talented chef who just returned from New York where she had the honor of cooking at the James Beard House.
Interesting article here. Restaurateur's path to success paved with romantic notes
So that's about it... We've been enjoying our new life, the weather's been great, always something interesting to do, and the food's incredible. We've decided that as long as the weather's good we'll stick around, but winter's inevitable and that means we'll soon be heading back to Istaboa.
Thanks for checking in, we'll soon be floating around somewhere. We're feeling that perennial cruising itch.
Adios,
Istaboa
Pic O' the Day
Crack of Dawn... Leaving the Bahama Bank, heading for New Providence Channel.
Following Total Return, also a Nordhavn 57
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
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