I'm Out On Vacation

Well, for the next 2 weeks or so, I won't be blogging as I'm officially preparing for my vacation and heading out to hopefully sunny places south of here. I don't even plan on bringing anything related to a computer (aside from my digital camera, that is). Don't worry; I will be back and active once I return. Maybe I'll even post a few pictures once I get back.

Meanwhile, head out to the Rocky Top Brigade and take a look at the many fine blogs about Tennessee.
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Anonymous comments are allowed, just keep them clean, o.k. However, due to the amount of "ad postings" that I have deleted lately, I've had to add a verification word before you can post, sorry.

Here we go again...

Well, gas prices are going up again. This time due to Hurricane Rita. Now can someone please tell me the logic of having a very significant portion of our refining capabilitity in ONE AREA? I know it is close to where the majority of oil comes into our country, but it makes us vulnerable when something significant like this happens. Come on, we've essentially put most of our eggs in one basket and it looks like the basket may be crushed by the end of the weekend if the worst case scenarios play out. Where's our backup capabilities when we need them most? Lining shareholder's and executive pockets apparently. The oil companies have refused to make new refineries because they cite costs as being too high. Well, obviously the benefits now are obvious (at least to me).

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Anonymous comments are allowed, just keep them clean, o.k. However, due to the amount of "ad postings" that I have deleted lately, I've had to add a verification word before you can post, sorry.

What's Your Hurry???

Traffic, traffic, traffic! Lately, that's all I see in West Knox/Farragut. Thing is, its not the amount of traffic that's making me steamed, it's the wreckless abandon that the few "bad apples" called agressive drivers have been doing. What got to me this time was one family in a large SUV who were speeding down Campbell Station Road at a very unsafe speed (you know who you are), pulled up behind me (I was doing 42mph), honked horns, considered using the center turn lane to pass, and even flipped me the bird when they were finally able to pass me just before Kingston Pike. Well, I'm telling you now, I'm not going to be intimidated by your childish and selfish actions. There's a reason for speed limits and rules of the road people! They're as much for your safety as well as those around you.

Here's my list of questions to all you agressive drivers out there--
Do you know what risks you are doing to yourselves, the people in your vehicles and to the rest of us? Do you know that you're causing higher insurance rates for yourself and everyone around you? Do you care that eventually you will be in an accident and that you will more likely be the cause of said accident (not to mention you make the injuries sustained worse due to said agression)? Will it matter to you unless your or someone else gets hurt? Or until you get pulled over, ticketed, or sued and it hits your pocket directly? Can you plan your life so it's not so busy? Maybe it's time to cut some of those activites out or at least pare them down so you're not so rushed. If not, at least manage your time so you're not having to risk it, please.

For those of you who follow the rules--
I'm glad I have a big enough vehicle not to get totally pushed around as I drive the speed limit. But for those of you who aren't in a large car or SUV, don't be bullied by those agressive drivers. Sure, be curteous and considerate, but don't let them get to you. After all, if they would just plan better, they might not need to be in such a rush....


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Anonymous comments are allowed, just keep them clean, o.k. However, due to the amount of "ad postings" that I have deleted lately, I've had to add a verification word before you can post, sorry.

Nice to know that there's still some compassion around here

Well, since we've had an influx of people into Knoxville from parts south of us, it's nice to know that there are folks helping them out. Whether they're being assisted by individuals, churches or other organizations, I just want to say that they really appreciate all the help. Just remember, this is not going to be a short-term deal. These folks will need long-term hands-up (notice, I didn't say hand-outs), and we should assist wherever possible to help them get back on their feet. Even if its nothing more than your prayers, continue to do whatever you can.
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Anonymous comments are allowed, just keep them clean, o.k. However, due to the amount of "ad postings" that I have deleted lately, I've had to add a verification word before you can post, sorry.

CCRGD Blog

"Concerned Citizens for Responsible Growth and Development" was formed to provide input and support for local schools, school traffic safety, and responsible zoning and growth. The group supports modern urban planning concepts to ensure traffic safety and preserve the quality of life in Farragut and West Knox County. I discovered today that they also have a nice blog to go along with their forum. If you want an alternative look at what is going on in terms of growth and development, head on over and take a peek. You may be surprised at what you read. Then again, you may not.

Good luck in your quest men!

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Anonymous comments are allowed, just keep them clean, o.k. However, due to the amount of "ad postings" that I have deleted lately, I've had to add a verification word before you can post, sorry.

Make sure to...

If you haven't already, make sure to fill out that special census form. According to the town, we've grown by almost 3000 and they want to make sure we get all the shared tax dollars we can get. Make sure it's postmarked by September 9.

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Anonymous comments are allowed, just keep them clean, o.k. However, due to the amount of "ad postings" that I have deleted lately, I've had to add a verification word before you can post, sorry.

Hope y'all had fun...I didn't...

Well, I got some flu bug over the holiday weekend and am currently at home in bed "sick as a dog", so I won't be blogging for a few days. Hopefully this won't last too long!

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Anonymous comments are allowed, just keep them clean, o.k. However, due to the amount of "ad postings" that I have deleted lately, I've had to add a verification word before you can post, sorry.

Keep it safe & sound

I know that a lot of you are planning on partying over Labor Day. What with the UT Football game and the Boomsday stuff going on, there's a lot of opportunities to go overboard. Well, if you decide that's what you're going to do, please have a designated driver or call a cab. The last thing I want to read in the paper on Tuesday is how many folks died because they were stupid, o.k.

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Anonymous comments are allowed, just keep them clean, o.k. However, due to the amount of "ad postings" that I have deleted lately, I've had to add a verification word before you can post, sorry.

Will Gas Prices Finally Slow People Down?

Like I said in my previous post, I cancelled all my plans for Labor Day Weekend. But I noticed that when gas is over $3/gallon, it has made a lot of people slow down their speeds on Kingston Pike and Parkside Drive. Now how long this will last, I don't know, but I am happy to see it, even if it is for a few days.

Update--Well with gas on Campbell Station starting at 3.29/gallon, it's apparently not enough for some folks to slow down, but I'll take whatever temporary progress is available.

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Anonymous comments are allowed, just keep them clean, o.k. However, due to the amount of "ad postings" that I have deleted lately, I've had to add a verification word before you can post, sorry.