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The Grand Ole Opry and the 2010 Tennessee Floods

The Grand Ole Opry is a country music stage show that began broadcasting weekly concerts on the radio in 1925. Over time, the Opry evolved – its running time increased, its audience grew, and its concerts featured more and more professional musicians.

Between 1940 and 1974, the Opry had a home in the Ryman Auditorium, but in 74, it moved most of its concerts to the larger, 4,400-seat Grand Ole Opry House. A circular piece of the Ryman Auditorium’s wooden stage was moved to the Opry House and became an iconic piece of the new stage.

In 2010, at the end of April and through the first few days of May, parts of Tennessee, Kentucky, and Mississippi experienced record breaking heavy rains and severe thunderstorms. During just two days, over a foot of rain fell, doubling most local rainfall records.

The Cumberland River in Nashville crested at over 50 feet – a level not seen for over seventy years – and caused significant flooding that damaged the Grand Ole Opry House and various other halls, malls, arenas, auditoriums, hotels, churches and schools in the area. The Federal Government declared over 30 Tennessee counties major disaster areas.

The Opry House stage and its iconic wooden circle were under several feet of water. Memorabilia was removed from the House and the effort to repair damage to the building began. The Grand Ole Opry was moved temporarily back to the Ryman while the Opry House was unusable.

In September 2010, the Opry moved back home to the repaired Opry House, showing that the landmark building is as timeless and enduring as the music performed within its walls.

Filed Under: Climate, News Tagged With: Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, Tennessee

Classical Music and Crime: New Methods of Prevention

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Crime is everywhere and everyone knows it. You can’t turn on the television without catching a newscaster reporting on the most recent local crime spree, seeing an advertisement for one of the many popular television series revolving around crime, or seeing a commercial for the latest home protection system. In an effort to slow the current rate of high crime, police are trying out new deterrents, desperate to find a solution to the alarming rise in law-breaking.
In Oregon police are centering on preventing the type of crime that occurs when offenders are loitering for extended amounts of time in public areas. Their newest weapon in this endeavor is rather unexpected: classical music. This deterrent has been used in other cities and experienced some success, and Oregon law enforcement decided to try it out at transit stops, where crime frequently occurs. Police believe that the associations the younger generation has with classical music–perceiving it as boring, old-fashioned, and high-minded–will keep them away from areas where it is constantly playing.
Law enforcement is unsure whether this new program will be successful enough to last, leading them to experiment with other strategies. New techniques that are coming out include lights that come on simultaneously with alarm systems with such intensity that they can blind the perpetrator or even cause them to have a seizure. These lights have already hit the market in Japan. The Gunshot Detection System is the latest in technological crime prevention in the United States: it has the ability to analyze the qualities of a sound, determine if it is gunfire, locate the origin, and notify local authorities.

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: Classical music, Crime, United States

Increasing Crime Rates- Decreasing Morals

Headlines of all newspapers carry news about scams, scandals, murders, rape, assaults etc. This is not specific to only poor or developing countries, Developed countries are also facing the brunt of increasing crime rates. What has caused this rise in crimes? Is increasing crime rate an indicator of shattered moral standards or is it a way of group of individuals to rebel against the atrocities committed by the society? Psychologists’ believe that nobody is a born criminal; situations turn an average human into a criminal. What makes a school kid shoot other children at school? What makes teenagers kill their parents and neighbors for money? What provokes men to assault and abuse a helpless woman? These questions depict the current crime scenario.

Current crime rates are an indication of disintegrated society. A society filled with helpless individuals who turn a blind eye to any inappropriate happenings. Pleas of help fall on the deaf ears, people do not want to save others because they are scared of being hurt in turn. There is increasing insecurity among the citizens. Citizens have lost faith in institution of law and order. A glance at news channels will show you how the common man is being exploited by the politicians and the industrialists. Some of these exploited individuals resort to crime to acquire false sense of power and freedom.

If citizens were to lead a happy and secure life, no one would have resorted to criminal activities unless they suffer from serious mental disorder. Inflating crime rates are an example of depleting moral standards. People have found an easy way out and they believe that money can buy them freedom and power. They resort to all sort of wrong acts and then get away by using their influence in higher wrung of the society. Such people inspire others to resort to criminal activities.

Filed Under: Events, News Tagged With: Crime, Crime statistics

Uneven Weather – Result Of Global Warming

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Global warming has been the most spoken of issues related to climate and Environment. Scientists claim the hole in the ozone layer over the North Pole is responsible to a great extent for global warming. Scientists fear that increasing temperatures might cause the snow in the Himalayan region to melt causing a flood like situation. Recent changes in weather conditions have forced the human beings to rethink about the effects of global warming. Climatic conditions are undergoing major changes; weather has never been so unstable in different parts of the world.

Take the example of recent havoc is Australia due to its unpredictable weather conditions. Queensland was hit by cyclone Yasi, destroying crops and properties. Cyclone Yasi passed Queensland leaving trails of destruction. On the other hand suburbs of Victoria woke up to major floods a week ago, the thunder storm cells drenched Australia in rain. This rainfall was the highest ever rainfall recorded in Australia. People were running helter skelter to protect themselves. However Sydney had a different story all together. Mercury had reached its all time high and hit 41 degree Celsius. This was the highest ever temperature recorded in Sydney. More than 150 people were treated by paramedics. It is surprising that one country shows so many different climatic conditions.

Increasing pollution and emission of carbon mono oxide is responsible for Global warming. Australia is just an example. We can see such conditions on rise in different countries. If we do not stop global warming now, we may be unable to stop it later. Our future generations may have to pay a heavy price for all our mistakes that led to this situation. We need to curtail the use of CFC’s and other harmful chemicals that are thinning the protective Ozone layer. We are spoiling the protective covering around the earth by our own hands.

Filed Under: Climate, News Tagged With: Australia, Queensland, Sydney

Tennessee – The Grand State Of Open Spaces, Mountains And Lots Of Country Music.

Any person who has spent many years in United States of America will have a general idea about the state of Tennessee, its location and its characteristics. However, simply knowing that Tennessee is situated towards the eastern side and is placed near the center of the country is not going to help you enjoy your vacation there, right?

Tennessee is a great place for travel and tourism. However, too much of a good thing can also be bad. People get so excited with the various sites and attractions that the Tennessee has to offer that they end up planning their attention as if they are running a long marathon.

By the time they finish the first two days, they discover that they are so tired that they cancel the entire plan and relax in a hotel and go back home. Well, you can plan your travel and tourism vacation in Tennessee provided you are not too greedy.

The first and the most important step is to identify which attraction would you want to visit without fail in the state of Tennessee. If you are a lover of country music, then it is obvious that skipping Nashville will be a very big mistake.

The state of Tennessee is well known for being the home of country music. It has a very rich cultural heritage as far as music and arts are concerned. If you want to explore the artistic side of your personality, then perhaps you can give the hiking trails and the beautiful mountains a skip and focus on the capital of country music.

On the other hand, if you are a fitness buff and if you want to enjoy the Appalachian mountains and if you want to hike in all the trails in the state, then you better be prepared for a tiresome vacation. There are trails that are open during winter as well and you can hike to your heart’s content.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Events, News Tagged With: Nashville Tennessee, Ohio Valley Conference, Tennessee, Trail

Catch Sight Of The Baldheaded Eagle In Tennessee – The Bird That Symbolizes America.

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If you are planning on some bird watching, make sure you arrange trips close to the low elevation lakes in the state of Tennessee. Surprised? What does low elevation has to do with your desire to watch birds?

Well, you would improve your chances of being the lucky individual to watch the bird that symbolizes the United States of America if you plan your trip around low elevation lakes. During winter, the baldheaded eagle is commonly found nesting in and around such lakes. The baldheaded eagle is a major tourist attraction for all travelers to the state of Tennessee.

The government has recognized this and has come up with numerous laws to protect the baldheaded eagle. Although this eagle is no longer in the list of endangered species, there still are laws that protect the eagle and its habitat. These eagles are found nesting in very tall trees that are situated close to water bodies.

Hence, you can combine your trip to observe the baldheaded eagle in its natural habitat with some wonderful water sports as well. All it takes is a lake, kids and lots of enthusiasm to have fun. You can also snatch a couple of romantic moments with your spouse during sunrise or sunset.

Make sure you collect sufficient information about the baldheaded eagle and have the information in your hand so that your child can learn even as if he or she sees the eagle in its natural setup. The nest of a meted pair can weigh as much as a ton. All these trivial information should be recorded carefully and should become part of your child’s fun filled vacation.

Accessing such habitats is not difficult as you can book a spot at any popular state park or mountain retreat. Not only will you enjoy site of the eagle, you can also check out other animals like elves and even fireflies on your trip.

Filed Under: News, Travel Tagged With: Bird, Eagle, Tennessee, United States

High Hazard Dams in Tennessee Exempt From Inspection-A Peculiar Problem

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The administration in Tennessee is facing a peculiar problem as far as unregulated farm ponds are concerned. Under an Act set up in 1973, a dam fulfilling certain conditions and requirements was specified as farm pond and was exempt from inspection by the state authorities.

As on date, there are close to 86 dams in the state that are exempt from inspection. Water bodies that are not available to the public and dams which have been constructed on such waters more than 50 years ago are treated as exempt from inspection. State government decided to inspect such dams and found that most of them were in good condition.

However, there were instances where dams were in need of immediate repair. The government is dependent on the permission from the dam owner to allow inspectors into the property. This is the reason why they are facing problems in convincing the owners that their dam is in need of repair. One owner has denied that the dam is leaking and has stated that the supposedly leakage was water from a stream. This can be dangerous because just one broken dam can wreak havoc with the ecology.

There is a proposal to strengthen the power of the state government to inspect such dams and require immediate repairs in case of high hazard status for such dams in the State of Tennessee. However, it is yet to become a law. High hazard dams are those dams which will cause huge losses to property and life in the event of destruction.

With close to 58,000 acres of reservoir space in Tennessee, it is obvious that regulation of such dams should improve. This is currently a topic of discussion between various political parties as pros and cons of improving the power of the state government to inspect hazardous dams is under contemplation.

Filed Under: Events, Government, News Tagged With: Dam, Structural Engineering, Technology, Tennessee

Tennessee – An Important Monument To The Civil War That Shook The Nation

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Since Tennessee was the last state to secede and the first state to rejoin the union, it is but natural that the state is littered with sites that help people learn more about not just the civil war as a whole but also about the Republicans and the Confederates.

A visit to the Abraham Lincoln library will give you access to one of the most diverse collections related to Lincoln during the civil war. As the name suggests, the library is devoted to Abraham Lincoln and you will find many mementoes and objects that Abraham Lincoln had used.

From the cane that he held in his hand during that fateful night in the theater to tea set that he used at his home-the museum is a veritable treasurer as far as artifacts used by Abraham Lincoln are concerned. If you are an admirer of this great president, then you will definitely enjoy a visit to the library. Beech Grove Confederate Cemetery & Park is an important location on the list of any individual who wants to know more about the American civil war.

It was the earliest cemeteries for confederate soldiers and is a park today. Apart from the open air and the beauty of nature, you can learn more about the efforts of the confederates to fight for an ideology they held dear.

You can also visit the Belle Meade Plantation which is a huge plantation covering many acres. The owner of the plantation was well known for the horses that used to run on the property. However, the buildings still bears marks of the bullet shots that were fired during the battles that took place in Tennessee. This building served as the headquarters of Confederate General Chalmers. This property is very famous for the living demonstration of the life and routine during the civil war in America.

Filed Under: Government, News Tagged With: Abraham Lincoln, American Civil War, Belle Meade Plantation, Tennessee

Agritourism – A Unique Effort To Showcase The Fantastic Wines Available In Tennessee

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The recent blizzard like conditions that have has enveloped America has taught us the importance of maintaining body heat when it is very cold outside. Apart from good food, it is essential to have fine culinary concoctions to keep yourself warm.

The state of Tennessee has a long and rich tradition of treating its travelers with the best wines and drinks in the world. The emphasis on wine and drinks is a part of the agri-tourism initiative by the state. You can walk in to a microbrewery or brew pub and learn all about the history of winemaking and the various tips and techniques.

Since there are many farms in the state of Tennessee which has been handled by the same family for more than hundred years, you can enjoy the benefits of rich experience and tradition, something which can never be replicated no matter how many degrees one holds in agriculture and wine making.

You can also opt for seasonal spirits and know more about prize winning wines in the state of Tennessee. This is a great way of celebrating fraternity and friendship with your fellow travelers and welcoming the New Year. You can also opt for accommodation in and around the brewery or pub so that you are never far away from your favorite drink.

You can buy and shop for wines to your heart’s content and take it back home as a gift for your friends and relatives. If you go around spreading good cheer from your trip to Tennessee, you will never fall short of friends. You can find numerous microbreweries in and around the region of Memphis and various other parts of the state.

Just make sure that you do not go overboard and end up being inebriated during your holidays. The last thing you want disastrous hang over to spoil your trip to Nashville or any other two effect action.

Filed Under: Events, News, Travel Tagged With: Agritourism, New Year, Tennessee, United States, Wine

For All Those Who Love Hunting With Dogs – A Museum For Sporting Dogs In Tennessee

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Do you love dogs? Would you want to learn more about dogs if you got a chance? If yes, then your visit to Tennessee should definitely include the Birds And Dogs Museum. The museum, as the name suggests, is dedicated to dogs and their various activities. From learning more about the various breeds of dogs to understanding how to take better care of your pet-there are humorous lessons that can be learnt from the museum.

As far as your tourism plans are concerned, a visit to this museum is no different than a visit to a museum or a cultural heritage monument. The museum is particularly dedicated to the various sporting breeds of dogs. Any hunter will tell you that having a pet dog on a hunt can be a very beneficial affair.

If you are hunting birds, the pet dog will enter the bushes and will make such racket that the birds will fly in the air out of sheer fear. This will be give you a clear shot and will help you hunt better. The pet dog will also help you recover the fallen bird so that you can display it as a trophy of your wonderful achievement.

Of course, a sport dog is a wonderful companion on a hunt and will help you avoid loneliness and boredom when you just are not in a position to get that illusive shot. There are specific breeds which are best suited for carrying out sporting activities. Identifying such dogs and knowing how to take care of them will be very beneficial.

The museum is open to all and does not charge any entrance fee. However, the museum does offer the opportunity to donate for its upkeep. This is a beneficial option because you can enjoy knowledge if you are short of cash and can do a good deed and help protect the past and future of sporting breeds of dogs by contributing to the museum.

Filed Under: Entertainment, Events, News Tagged With: Dog, Museum, Pet, Recreation, Tennessee