Sunday, September 13, 2015

SEXY VEGETARIANS AND FREEWAY ART: WELCOME TO SCOTTSDALE

We hear “Only in Scottsdale” comments a lot from those suffering from “Scottsdale Envy.” If you read between the lines you know that what they are really saying is “Gosh,  I sure wish I lived in Scottsdale!”

Who can blame them? Where else can you find a city that preserves its classy individuality along with the ability to laugh at itself?

For example, a woman from Scottsdale once made it to the finals of a contest to determine PETA’S “sexiest vegetarian next door.” Even better, she had gone vegetarian 16 years earlier as a tribute to her dog! Unfortunately for her, she didn’t win the contest but it wasn’t because her dog didn’t vote for her.

Even funnier was the “Tuesday Night Book Club,” a CBS reality show that ran for two episodes in June, 2006. To say this show was “reality” would be stretching the truth a bit.

The premise was for a group of typical Scottsdale housewives to get together once a week to discuss recent books they had read. Unfortunately, there was very little book talk but plenty said about sex and gossip. Besides that, only a couple of the women were even from Scottsdale and while the meeting place was supposed to be the home of one of the ladies, it was actually a rental used only for the show. I think they did well getting through two episodes before the inevitable cancellation.

In February of 2010, Scottsdale decided that with the population explosion in the northern part of town it would make sense to widen Pima Road north of Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard. It was a great idea as two lane Pima was becoming a bit of a bottleneck south of Pinnacle Peak Road.

Today, north Pima runs smoothly with its extra lanes all the way to and from Pinnacle Peak Road. However, that doesn’t mean that the final result was obtained without the usual construction difficulties that are typical with extensive roadwork.

The construction with its many barricades became reminiscent of riding the roller coaster at an amusement park. To make it even more fun, the barricades were changed regularly to accommodate the construction.  Every day was a new adventure especially for cell phone users as they had to actually pay attention to their driving. Fortunately, it ultimately was worth the hassle.

North Pima Road construction, 2010 (Mark Henle, AZ Republic)
Speaking of classy individuality, can anyone name another city with public art displayed on its freeway walls? Scottsdale has it plus when they built original sections of the 101 freeway through the north part of town, there were some complaints from homeowners living near the road that the surface that was used created a bothersome noise from the friction of the car tires. A special rubberized coating was applied to the road in that area and the complaints ceased. I doubt if many other places would have been so accommodating.

Can you name which city was the first to use the mechanized, one armed, garbage collection trucks we see today? If you said “Scottsdale” you may go to the head of the class. When compared with art covered freeway walls, garbage collection doesn't seem very romantic but having the “Godzilla” truck come by weekly to empty one large container on wheels sure beats dragging several cans to the curb on garbage day.

Unfortunately into every life some rain must fall. With the economy foundering a few years ago, Scottsdale had to announce some cutbacks in city services. The City Council at that time was looking for some viable method to increase revenue and one suggestion was to sell advertising space on city owned property. They may have actually done that somewhere in town that I don’t know about but the first thing I thought of was the possibility of a large billboard on the edge of town reading “Welcome to Scottsdale, brought to you by Walmart!” If that would have actually happened, one can only wonder what McDonald’s restaurants would have dreamed up for McDonald Drive.

As far as rain actually falling rather than metaphorically, one of the fun pastimes in Scottsdale before a bridge was built, was to visit the Indian Bend Wash between Hayden and Scottsdale Roads during a heavy rainfall to watch some foolish people try to navigate their cars through the rushing water only to be disappointed when the car stalled and they had to be rescued. It was an expensive proposition for them to pay the towing charge plus a fine from the city for acting a few levels below what most would consider normal intelligence.

I remember one guy in particular who had a new Lexus practically destroyed by attempting the crossing. He was an older, distinguished looking guy who looked like he was successful at making money but not intelligent in the area of water since he said that the next time it rained he would try again. For him, “Only in Scottsdale” seemed appropriate

84 comments:

CJ Phoenix said...

We have art on the walls in my part of town but we call it graffiti. Just kidding. You almost made me want to move to Scottsdale.

Unknown said...

I dated a woman from Scottsdale when I was in the Army. They had short, but classy business signs on the manicured plush green lawns. I may have wished to live there at one time when I was much younger, and now I'd need a roommate. Female preferred.

Scottsdale is where you live when life has been made perfect with hard work and dedication to one's work. It says, you've made it! It's the leather pistol holster crowd.

I was running the weedeater today and thinking how nice it would be to live in Scottsdale. And then later when I was winterizing the underside of the barn, I thought of Scottsdale. There was a wisp of cold north wind on this September day and I thought of Scottsdale. But when I pay that hundred dollar real estate tax bill, I'll be glad I live in the Ozarks.

Jim McAllister said...

Hi CJ,

Good to hear from you.

"Almost made"you want to move to Scottsdale? That's progress; we'll get you here yet.

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

No weedeaters in Scottsdale; weeds are illegal. Oh, by the way, in addition to having leather holsters they have to also be lined with mink. Temps still about 100 daytime but will be cooling off a bit shortly.

Unknown said...

I was a fur trapper when I was young, so I know what real mink feels like and a pistol would slide in and out of the holster with that fine short hair. Looks best with a pearl handled pistol with gold engraving.

I wouldn't have to get the lawnmower to start in Scottsdale either. Would it be tough to find someone to dust the yard rocks Scottsdale? Is there such a thing as a sand blower, modified from a leaf blower? Who polishes the sidewalk cracks? Can I buy a home with a gold plated toilet lid? I've always wanted pearl handled doorknobs. Oh and a pink granite driveway, but with plastic lawn jockeys. I'm not buying fancy lawn jockeys.

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

You can have all that stuff and MORE in Scottsdale including mid 70's temps in January and beautiful mountain views enhanced by gorgeous sunsets. On second thought, maybe not the lawn jockeys. With the sensitivities of people today they could come across as negative.

Mike Slater said...

Jim, I'll take Sun City any day over Scottsdale. Taxes are much lower plus no schools thus no school taxes and no having to go a vote on school budget overrides. Another nice thing is no city government to meddle in our lives.

We have a private garbage company we pay once a year and a private water company with low rates.

Jim McAllister said...

Mike,

You have to watch out for those golf carts running wild in the streets though! LOL

You're right, Sun City is nice. I used to transport a lot of people to and from there when I worked for Sanderson Lincoln-Mercury at 21 Ave. and Bell. A lot of beautiful homes there and most of the people were very nice. They were more like us: Been around a bit and knew about manners.

Unknown said...

I reckon the Lord is probably gonna get someone to retrain me for city living and put me up in Scottsdale until I find a niche for my eccentricities. It's Scottsdale. The land of creative people. The three forks again.

And now, Iran has threatened invasion on the United States and that we would be conquered in 10 minutes. Intelligence suggests that Iran has a fleet of ships ready to invade the port of Scottsdale. They've got some supreme leader who used to raise peanuts.

Unknown said...

I'd love to live in Scottsdale, Jimmy, but I can't afford to live there. I'd need roommates or a good job. To equal my comfort now, my income would have to triple from what it is now and I don't see that happening. Sadly, we can't all live in Scottsdale, but perhaps we unlucky few can make a Valley of the Sun comfort in our little worlds.

Mike Slater said...

Jim, yea lots of golf carts out here and lots of accidents involving them and autos.

The best thing about living here is probably 90% of the people are Republicans. Haven't met any Democrats yet. All of our reps in the state legislature are Republicans as our U.S. congressman. Democrats rarely run out here because they have no shot at winning.

Another plus is a low crime area.The Sheriff's Posse patrols out here. Most people have home security systems but mine is a little different. It consists of three semi-auto pistols and a 12 gauge shotgun. Pays to be prepared.

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

We're ready for them. We've lined up an army of golf carts at our port that would stop any invasion.

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

Nothing wrong with the Ozarks as a place to live. I lived in Missouri for 3 1/2 years during the early 60's as a member of the USAF and had great times going to the lakes in the summer. In the 80's I spent some time at Tan-Tar-A as part of my sales job; beautiful place for sure.

The only advantage we have here is that our winters are really nice. Summers? Not so great, I'd rather be at Tan-Tar-A.

Jim McAllister said...

Mike,

I like your security system. It's much more effective than a bunch of bells and whistles.

The crooks may as well stay away from Sun City. I've heard of more than one incidence where crooks were shot dead after sneaking in a resident's house. Those dumb asses don'realize that all us old guys are all locked and loaded and ready for them.

A guy that lives there told me he knew of a neighbor of his who was blind but still drove his golf cart. He had his wife ride with him to let him know when to stop, or turn, or whatever. Gotta love that stuff! They never give up.

Unknown said...

I don't go to Tan-Tar-A. People swear by it. I don't ever go and don't plan to. Jen goes to the Lake of the Ozarks all the time, but I would rather not bother. Jen doesn't even want to be seen with me. Could you imagine someone who tries to keep a good image?

I joined a gun club. Other than shopping, that's me getting out to do things. I can use the same money that I'd use for dating to do things that will be lasting. If someone of quality comes along, maybe I'll consider Tan-Tar-A as a place for a nice date. Probably not though. Not dating would buy the manure to put in the garden.

Unknown said...

Damn right on the locked and loaded, Jimmy. Kids need to leave old people alone.

Jim McAllister said...

Jim , I always like to read comments on Scottsdale. I especially enjoy living near the McDowells. I like the under-ground wiring and none of those horrid, big advertising signs. Living here is like living at a resort year-round.

Joy

Jim McAllister said...

Hi Joy,

I agree, it's great living in north Scottsdale. There are those who are constantly trying to make it more commercial like the guy who is trying again to get his lot at Dynamite and Pima re-zoned commercial so he can build a restaurant, gas station, etc. He has tried for years without success; hopefully he will fail again. Guys like Howard Myers and Les Conklin still carry a lot of weight with Scottsdale so that should help.

I see where they are relocating the gas lines along Pima north of Dynamite. I don't know why but I would guess they are thinking of widening Pima to four lanes to handle all the extra traffic now on that road. We shall see.

Regards,

Jim

Jim McAllister said...

Jim, I forgot to mention that I, too, think the freeway art is very, very special. It was a shame they had to take down part of it in one section.
Joy

Jim McAllister said...

Joy,

Yes, the freeway art is very unique and is a credit to Scottsdale. As I wrote in the blog they also resurfaced the 101 in some areas because of complaints of the tire noise. I don't know of many cities that would do that; it was quite a courtesy to those affected. I'm sure many towns would say "Tough luck!"

I have never regretted moving here. It is by far the best city in the Valley.

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

If someone would have told me twenty years ago that I would have a loaded .38 at my bedside and everywhere else I go, I would have thought they were nuts. Now, it is reality. Sad, but as Barb says "Ya gotta do what ya gotta do."

Unknown said...

Barb has a rather simplistic way at viewing ruining a person's life. Just remember that the person you may have to shoot one day could have been saved from the abortion clinic, born to Welfare, on Food Stamps, addicted to the drugs that Fast and Furious guns were traded for, peer pressured into meth which caused his schizophrenia, dealing crack got him busted and the felony convictions helped him get into college, until the government cut his medication off and the talking dogs told him to rob you. Then you gotta do what you gotta do.



Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

It hasn't much to do with ruining a person's life. It simply means what it says: "Ya gotta do what ya gotta do." Everyone has their own lifestyle and beliefs and as long as you perform them unilaterally without harming others, so be it. Not everyone has the same mindset about what's right and wrong.

Unknown said...

Right, Jimmy. Barb is licensing me to do what I must do. Barb's nice that way.

I remember when this chick that I thought was a panacea because she lived in Scottsdale, so I clung to every word she said to me. Study in a public library, help with my first journalism job and the electric guitar advice. That was technically cheating, but I did all of the work. The phrase that sticks with me most is; so you're just going to give up? I figure I'm one out of a thousand that never quit when given good advice.

Today, I was in Rent-A-Center because Jen wants a clothes washer again and the manager introduced me as the brilliant writer who lives in a music studio and video production studio. I didn't have the heart to tell him that I haven't created anything since the house caught fire in March. There was the brain bacteria and micro strokes. Then the hard drive that died and has all those stock videos. I think, "Don't sweat the small stuff," would be appropriate. Do what you gotta do to keep moving forward. There's a lot of changes to be done to the studio and maybe by spring 2016, I might be rolling again. I didn't really give up. Nature just kicked my ass. I'm still breathing and I ask Jen to confirm my decisions now so people don't use me so I do what I gotta do. In Scottsdale, I'd also find ways to survive. Maybe buy a hairpiece.

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

Don't buy a hairpiece. They haven't made one yet that I can't spot from a mile away. Even the ones used on the big time actors in Hollywood always look phony to me. Remember Sean Connery as James Bond? he looked like he had a dead rat glued to his head, He would have been better off being bald. He still had a great voice that all the babes loved.

Unknown said...

You don't think I'd look good in a Donald Trump toupee? I hear Macy's is having a clearance on them.

Sean Connery was bald? No way! I don't remember him being bald. Okay, he's occasionally bald in his movies. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCmR1Ojrvck

Unknown said...

Jimmy, I often use Scottsdale in conversation with my friends and sometimes as a comparison with various people. You must remember that I've always thought of SN as superior to myself simply because she's from Scottsdale, or somehow I got that notion as a kid. If you live in Scottsdale, it's because you have some superiority in some facet of society.

A rather friendly shrink once told me during a session that because I choose to live in a rural area, I garden, hunt and fish, that I am actually abnormal and eccentric, because "normal" is defined as what the majority of a population does or thinks. The majority of the population live in cities and they voted for BO.

I watched the debate this morning on Youtube with my friends. Jeb Bush is looking like the favorite. Carly's stance on medical marijuana is negative, but she's on spot re: everything else. I caught Trump lying a few times and Jeb is holding back. There is a lot he's not saying. The others are irrelevant. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WwzXkJd8aY

Jim McAllister said...

Sorry Jim, Scottsdale is one of the phoniest places I know. I would not live there on a bet. By the way, your source on rubberized coating of roads is not knowledgeable. Most all freeways have it as it cuts the decibel level by an average of 7.

Actual demographics for income and education are even or better in Gilbert and Chandler plus it is easier to drive somewhere from those two cities. Scottsdale traffic is always a mess. Plus we don’t have as many four flusher types as you do. Ha ha.

Jim Johnson
Recently returned from Montana

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

Good summation. I think Trump will be losing ground the rest of the way. I agree with a lot that he says but he comes across as obnoxious. I like Carson too but I think he made no progress the other night. Bush did a good job but will a third Bush be elected? Hard to say. Carly is a dark horse but still in it. I thought Rubio was good but ratings say different.

Jim McAllister said...

Connery is bald as a cue ball.

Jim McAllister said...

I have to post this. It's from 2004 at the Rock and Roll Hall of fame ceremony. It's 4+ minutes of some great Rock stars like Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, Stevie Winwood and Prince with Prince doing a great solo where he plays guitar like I never knew he could.

Check it out

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SFNW5F8K9Y

Unknown said...

Of all the crazy things going on in the world, I am most upset finding that Sean Connery is bald.

Nice song, Jimmy. I love the song, While My Guitar Gently Weeps. Prince did a pretty good job and I sound like him when I'm trying to play along with the song. However, the tempo is slower with Eric Clapton. Some days I play better than other days. It helps to pass the days. Not inspired to film or anything anymore. Stress might cause another micro stroke. That would be a drag. I'm learning to play in bands now with backing tracks and songs like While my Guitar Gently Weeps.

I play the backing track of FM's "I'm so afraid" because the guitar just rocks! No guitar in the version at all. It's not learning the chords, but just about rockin'!

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

Yeah, it's a great song and it's cool to see those guys doing it together. I never took Prince very seriously but he shines on that tune. I remember Stevie Winwood as singer for the Spencer Davis Group in 1967. I think he was 16 then and later went on to Traffic.

I miss the old rockers. Lots of crappy stuff out there today but I do like a lot of the Alternative rock groups. Sirius Radio is excellent; they have all the genres. I listen to Classic Vinyl most of the time. All satellite, no interference, no car antenna, no fade outs on stations when you get far away.

Unknown said...

One day, we all shall be gone and only the music will remain to tell the stories of how we lived. "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" is perfect for our time.

Jim McAllister said...

Amen to that, Rico.

Mike Slater said...

Jim, I watched the debate the other night and thought Trump did ok. Carson is to mild for me. I don't care for Bush because he's not a real conservative. He's for common core and amnesty for illegals.

Time to start thinning the candiadates to 3 or 4.

Unknown said...

I like how the Republicans turned the debates into a talent contest. Aren't there supposed to be mentors? Teams? George W. on a buzzer and a spinning chair?

Jim McAllister said...

That comes next! LOL

Mike Slater said...

Jim, I agree. Obama is a POS. The Republicans aren't much better. Obama was elected twice because the Republicans like McCain and Romney were wishy washy moderates. Conservative voters stayed home and didn't vote.

I could vote for Trump or Cruz. If Hillary or Sanders win we will get more of the same BS liberalism.

Jim McAllister said...

Mike,

I would vote for Cruz or Trump. I would probably prefer Cruz because he is a tough guy with Senate experience. How about A-hole obama wanting that gay guy to run the Army? It never ends with that idiot; he just want to rub his stupid philosophy in everyone's face.

Jim McAllister said...

From Rick,

I've been adjudicating today. Judge Rick. It's been strange and people actually look to me to mediate disputes. Court dismissed. Well, one side sort of turned on each other and they have to appear before a real judge now. Overall, it all worked out.

Seems appropriate ... White Rabbit
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WANNqr-vcx0

Jim McAllister said...

Ah, the Jefferson Airplane and Grace Slick. Fond memories of those long gone days that seemed so complicated then but seem so mild today..

Unknown said...

A friend dropped by and she picked up a bunch of peaches off the ground that were no good. I toss the bad peaches in the woods where I want them to grow. In the acidic soil they just come right up! So that's what folks do. They get my bad peaches to start trees on their own land. It's the one thing I love about the Ozarks - fruit trees growing wild in the boonies.

It's like that song ... moving to the country, gonna eat a lot of peaches
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19McuaPKjI8

Another friend has been showing me edible fall mushrooms and the medicinal plants too. The groundhogs and squirrels are fat. The deer are looking tasty and the hazelnuts are ready.

Unknown said...

I think you may have mentioned this once before, Jimmy. The Battle of Athens, 1946.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5ut6yPrObw

That's probably why BO fears the Southern states

SteveBuzzardo said...


Jim,
Regarding Prince, the video reminded me that he did a halftime show at the Super Bowl a few years ago. Do you remember that? He is a pretty good guitarist

Steve

Jim McAllister said...

Steve,

Prince can flat out play the guitar. I was surprised on that video at how good he was. I always looked at him as a cartoon character with his glitzy clothes and big production singing.

Someone asked him what he smokes and he replied "Other guitarists."

Thanks for all the retweets and faves. We need to get a group for lunch again.

Jim

Unknown said...

I've never really studied Prince and I did not know that he got his songs from dreams. I used to get story ideas from dreams too. I dreamed that I changed the world one day long ago. But I'm not playing Purple Rain (I wish), but I'm getting there. The guy in the video says that Prince doesn't really play the Pentatonic scale, but rather the Mixolydian scale is what I understand. It's unique is what this fella says. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_kuozzK8BaY

Something the guy mentions is that lead guitarists can't sing simultaneously while playing, which would explain Jimmy Page. I did not know that! So I watched a Prince performance of Purple Rain and sure enough, he's not playing lead while singing. I can see why SN likes Prince because he's a fascinating person and a gifted guitarist. Prince - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F8BMm6Jn6oU

Unknown said...

I can't do the music recording thing again, Jimmy. It's not relaxing at all. I love playing guitar and that's relaxing. Drums too. Some kid apparently found false information about me on the Internet that I got out of the Army in the 90's and not in the 80's like I really did. The fake backstory is like flypaper for pests.

I'll bet Prince is pretty cool in real life. I read a little about him yesterday. He's got a really good backstory. He's lucky. One can't believe what one reads.

Jen's gone. She got invited to some famous singer's house in Branson. I told her that it's okay that I don't go. Lived with it for over 30 years. The in-contract and up and coming can't talk to me. Stuff like that made me a better soldier. Made me tough.

Mike Slater said...

Jim, sad to hear Yogi Berra passed away at 90. He was one of the all time greats. I was never a Yankee fan but I admire great players.

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

Interesting that lead guitarists don't sing while playing. I never thought about it but now that I do I have never seen it. Also, I always thought Robin Trower was singing but when I checked it, it was James Dewar.

Jim McAllister said...

Riuck,

Nice job by Nick. He has some ability there, good background too with the lake. Is he the same Nick you used to mention a couple of years ago? Otis Redding would be proud of him for his rendition.

Jim McAllister said...

Sorry to hear Jen is gone. I'll bet she returns. In the meantime, keep playing those tunes with your buddies. Good stuff.

Jim McAllister said...

Mike,

Yeah, a sad day in baseball. All the old timers are fading away. Yogi was a cool guy. Garagiola probably isn't far behind as he is pushing 90 and is not in good health.

I was never a Yankee fan either. In those days before free agency teams had to scout for the good players; not an easy job. Today, if the owner has enough money he just checks the free agent list and outbids everyone for the players he wants. Actually, that's the way it should be but it kind of takes a bit of the mystique and spirit out of the game. That's how Steinbrenner had such good teams.

Unknown said...

Jen doesn't like the city, Jimmy. It was just a visit.

Baseball doesn't interest me. Team sports is designed to make Americans work together and it's obviously not working anymore.

Unknown said...

Yes, people are correct that I was happy when I was running the studio, but that was when I incorrectly believed that a rock star loved me. I can record my own music for fun. No buddies play with me, Jimmy. I'm delusional. I think I know SN. Even helping Jen backfired. Nobody helps me on the farm. The freezer that won't fit in the barn now sits in her yard with rotting meat in it, because her example was entertainers and Food Stamps is like Room Service. There is no room in my barn unless I get rid of the studio and control room for just a house. And then all hope is gone. And what is left? Depending on rich people to run my life?

I damn sure want to keep guns for hunting so I won't starve.

There's Mitt Romney who outsourced all the jobs and he then ran for President out of guilt. He even gave the election away to the Communists! What a nice guy.

Donald Trump says he used to bribe Congress and that's what qualifies him to be President, but really it's guilt and promises made to Mexico and China.

Mike Slater said...

Jim. free agency ruined baseball. I grew up a Dodger fan and they had good scouts and good minor league teams. The best part was guys stayed together for years. Today if a guy is really good he goes free agent for the money.That's why I quit watching baseball and other pro sports years ago.

Unknown said...

I get these thoughts sometimes and it's bacteria or a micro stroke or something. Best to be respectful to those who have earned it. Life is like living on borrowed time.

Jimmy, don't you think it's peculiar that the U.S. government really doesn't believe in God? The Confederate flag removed. It's like the religious images are being attacked and soon there will be the celebrities themselves, if the pattern continues.

There's BO, W, BC, GHB, RR, JC, RN, LBJ, JFK and that's when school prayer came out. Weed was made illegal about 1973, gas prices started going up, and the Vietnam War ended about that time. Iran took hostages, finance was given more power, terrorism, the wall fell and the FICO score was made the big predictor of human behavior and in 2002, we'd had 9/11 and the rules were changing. Ten years later, the bailouts. In 2022, there will be an established global government with a ruling body of nations and it all started a long time ago.

Unknown said...

Hey Jimmy. I have to remember that the anger thing is part of the micro strokes. Maybe more. Don't worry, cause Jen keeps an eye on me. J and SN inherit. Got the entire DNRMDA and it's like a DNR, but with cussing. BTW, a nice guy from a good family is dating Jen and I approve. She looks happy. I'm liable to kick the bucket any time, so I'm a poor investment.

Blood Moon, Jimmy. The Pope visits and Christianity and Islam have traditionally went at it during a blood moon. The Pope talks to John Boehner near a blood moon and he resigns! Probably just a coincidence. Maybe Boehner was asked to be the next Pope.

BTW, J hates Facebook and social networking.

Unknown said...

Jen and I were talking about some freeway art that could be put in Phoenix. And that of course led to talk of nuts, and squirrels and memories of fried squirrel and gravy! And since they don't have squirrels in Phoenix, on four legs anyway, we arrived at the idea that we could get a company to start making something like, Mama Jen's Fried Squirrel and gravy and maybe a side of okra for $18.99 plus shipping and handling. We could get that company that squirts out the chicken patties to make a fake squirrel looking thing with pork parts. Make a Muslim version with sheep and goat byproducts. Then put a disclaimer that no actual squirrels were killed in the making of that product. Tofu squirrel. And brand new freeway art!

Jim McAllister said...

Mike,

No question, free agency has killed baseball. It caused salaries to go way too high as rich owners had the money to buy established players and figured it was easier than gambling on lower paid unknown guys. The Cincinnati Reds are a good example. I grew up in Cincy and well remember their great teams that stuck together over the years and won a lot of games. Those days are gone as illustrated this year when they had their annual sell off of their good guys because they knew they couldn't keep them with free agency. Steinbrenner built his teams from the free agent market and teams like Oakland died off because of free agency.

On the other hand, it only seems right that if someone is offered a job with another team for twice what they are currently making, they should be allowed to take it. It happens in the business world all the time but we never hear of it because no one cares. Sports teams have fans and when a guy is making $10 million a year they hate to see him leave for $20 million but if you are the player it has to make sense to grab that kind of dough. "Loyalty" is a word that none of the players understand.

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

Now that you mention it, I don't think I have ever seen a squirrel in Phoenix. Maybe all the rattlers killed them off.

Fried squirrel and gravy sounds good. Something different and with okra as a side, what could possibly go wrong? Plus, at $18.99 it would be a real bargain!

Mike Slater said...

Jim, My brother is a fan of the Detroit Tigers. Last year their best pitcher went free agent and these year the team has traded several players because they were afraid they would go free agent. The result is the Tigers are in last place in their division after years of making the playoffs.

Jim McAllister said...

Mike,

Same with the Reds. Last place this year. Had to dump Cueto, and a couple of other free agents because they knew they could never have the money to re-sign them. I miss the days of Johnny Bench, Frank Robinson, and many others where free agency wasn't a factor. I guess we can't blame the players; the money is huge.

Unknown said...

Don has a good idea for making money. He suggested that I make some songs for specific audiences. What's really cool is that when I decide to record, people start showing up to be part of the song. Think Beatles weird song kind of stuff. I recorded the first song myself, but it's pretty rough. Guitar, bass, drums and a bubble sound machine.

Baseball vs Football by George Carlin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIkqNiBASfI

Unknown said...

Baseball ... check out this windup by a gymnast from South Korea.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmYFuH4eaxc

Jim McAllister said...

Whew! My kind of woman!

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

Carlin was a classic. I miss guys like him. He didn't worry about nonsense like political correctness.

Unknown said...

Jimmy, you know why I like Jen? She also thinks out of the box. We figured out this morning how to salvage that stinky freezer that's outside. If it's the least bit stinky, Jen won't use it! And we're discussing opening the studio back up in spring 2016, under her management. I just live here, SN records for free, Dell Mack records for free and so do I. Everyone else can pay a little something. Learning from a video interview that I found of SN.

Jimmy ... Jen has this idea to host parties. A giant TV in the studio and with baseball games and concerts. There's a lot of licensing to figure, or if we would need it for a venue of about a dozen people. Exclusive for families, etc. Karaoke maybe. And a video projector with a favorite concert for the patrons to sing in front of. More licensing. SN would chew me out big time for pirating. Baseball ... Jen's smart. And I don't have to buy another freezer.

Unknown said...

Jimmy, I got video of the blood moon. I was thinking of using a themed song to it. SN' "Planets of the Universe" but YouTube would take it down. Star Wars ... probably so too. Dannie O'Reilly might would let me use his instrumental, Red Planet. Or maybe a combination of part of SN' song and part of Dannie's and in the credits, mention the albums!

What do you think, Jimmy? Just Dannie's or a combination of both?

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

Sounds like a hell of a deal. Good luck!

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

Just be sure you have copyrights in order before going on YouTube and give everyone involved with the process a lot of accreditation. You might want to check with a lawyer too to make sure all the proper "t's" are crossed and the "i,s" dotted.

Legalese is a pain!

Unknown said...

But I don't have proof of copyrights with SN, but then again, other artists from Nashville have given me verbal permission to use their unpublished music. Another singer is a pretty good source for what goes on inside WMG. And YouTube is cutting videos and suspending folks for violating copyrights. The evidence is that pirating is inside of WMG itself. But they cut their own throats and blame the fans. Why should I compete when all I have to do is wait for the company to crumble. The owner is heavily invested in crude oil.

I've got permission to use Dannie's songs. I'm his publicist. Doing the videos is part of my job to do public relations. I don't get paid unless he makes money. If SN were smart, she'd start a company of her own. She's a "product" is what they call the artists, right? If your product doesn't sell, do you make money, Jimmy? No. Then why do the publicists, managers and agents still expect a paycheck? The songs will eventually make money. The tide will turn.

Unknown said...

I tried to gain permission from SN office in Los Angeles. They asked me why I needed "Planets of the Universe" and it's just easier to deal with the CIA than WMG. They refused because I didn't have a budget. Generally speaking, anyone choosing not to help me tends to suffer disaster. Those who help me, tend to do well.

Songwriter Dannie O'Reilly called this morning and we discussed the lunar moon music video and we're going to put some animation in, otherwise why would anyone wish to listen to an instrumental? Upgrading software. Going another direction in the videos.

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

I'd love to see you do well at this. Be sure to post anything that you do.

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

That sounds typical of those guys. Paranoia is a big part of their business. You're probably better off with Dannie anyway. Sounds like you are plenty busy doing something you enjoy. That's a good thing.

Unknown said...

Many artists in music and writing have encouraged me to get back in the studio again. They say that I'm happier doing something creative. Survived a house fire. Bacteria in the brain. Mini strokes. Music and film making is something fun to do. Good exercise for the mind.

Thanks for the encouragement, Jimmy. Learning to play music, to create music, record it, record others and make films is fun. And it's good therapy at my own pace.

Unknown said...

There is crippling paranoia in the music industry. WMG has a 10 percent profit loss this last quarter, but it's up from the previous quarter and that was concert season. I wrote to the CEO, wrote to the CFO, wrote to SN, her agent, everyone and they all ignored me. I tried to warn folks. I'm really not interested in saving the world anymore.

If you wanted to destroy WMG, I think the best way is to get someone to buy it with connections to organized crime that can strip away the wealth and send all the bands out on the road to work them to death. If I wanted rid of corrupt music, that's what I'd do. Not do a thing to stop music piracy. Yep.

Government's pattern is to use the bad to get rid of the bad for the good outcome.

Mike Slater said...

Jim, did you listen to Obama's press conference on the shootings in Oregon. What an A-Hole. he's calling for more gun control laws of course like that would stop anything. Then he says we should be more like our allies Canada, England and Australia because when they had mass shootings they passed laws that stopped them. the laws they passed was to ban guns which Obama would love to do. Of course he took a cheap shot at the NRA.I've been a member of the NRA for over 25 years and the reason I joined was people like Obama and all the other liberal gun haters. I can't wait until this POS is out of office.

Jim McAllister said...

Mike,

When I heard he was coming on, I turned off the TV because I knew he would say exactly what you said. The guy is too ignorant for words. How can he be so stupid to not know that if a killer really wants a gun, it will always be available? We happen to live in a society where this stuff happens. It's sad and I wish these shootings would stop but confiscating guns is not the solution. I will continue to have my gun with me at home and when on the road. I have no intention of shooting anyone unless they present a danger to me or my wife. It's comforting to know I have some protection if necessary and a dumb shit like him is not going to change my mind.

Funny how he never mentions the black shootings in his old neighborhood in Chicago.

Unknown said...

You should read this, Jimmy. The sheriff in Oregon is against gun control. http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/oregon-college-shooting/oregon-shooting-sheriff-john-hanlin-opponent-gun-control-n437336

I found a new read! Capitalism Magazine
http://capitalismmagazine.com/2014/05/obama-socialist/

Jimmy, if Capitalism Magazine is right, then Donald Trump isn't saving Americans from anything. He's the next stage in the operation, if there is one. Trump admitted that he made his money from bribing Congress. Government controlled capitalism. Politicians taking the credit and none of the blame. That's one hell of a theory!

Mike Slater said...

Jim, I noticed he didn't mention Chicago at all. He also said states and cities with strict gun control laws, all run by Democrats BTW, have less gun violence which is a flat out lie. Just look at cities like Chicago, Detroit, Washington D.C. and L.A. They all have gun violence.

Liberals made schools gun free zones and the bad guys know this that's why they go there. When's the last time you heard of someone trying to rob a gun store. You don't hear that because gun store employees are armed.

Not long ago the black chief of police in Detroit told citizens to buy guns to protect themselves because the police couldn't. The average response time on a 911 call was an hour if they even showed up.

Obama's call for more gun control laws is just going to make gun and ammo sales soar. He's the best friend gun and ammo makers ever had.

Unknown said...

I just installed a fancy new gate in Jen's little doggy fence. She hates it of course. I am a man. That is my job to disappoint women. Eve ate the apple, but it was Adam's fault. It's been that way ever since.

Politically, we are in the undiscovered country now.

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

That was a nice gesture to build that fence. Why does Jen hate it?

You're right about Adam and Eve. We have been wrong about everything since then.

Jim McAllister said...

Rick,

As always Obama has his head up his ass. He actually thinks that gun control laws are going to stop shootings. How naive can he get? Or stupid? Anyone can get a gun if they want one. Gun free zones are comical to shooters.

Has anyone seen this latest shooter? They sure seem to be hiding his picture unless I just missed it. Makes me think he may be Obama's favorite color.