We offer a lot of different repair services at Guitars Etc. We offer guitar and band instrument repairs as well as almost ever string instrument on the market. Whether it is as simple as a restring or a major crack repair, we have the facility to do it.
We have 1 master repair technician for band instruments, 2 master repair technicians for guitar and other stringed instruments, a full time guitar technician and an apprentice.
Our master guitar technicians have years of repair experience as well as Guitar Repair Essentials certificate from MIRC.
We currently repair 10 instruments on average every week. We’ve repaired as many as 35 in a week. We have a three table repair room along with the ability to store up to 36 instruments. We have fast return on most stringed instruments. Band instruments take about 1 week.
We offer the following guitar repairs in Athens , TX and Kilgore, TX:
*Restring (6, 7, 12, classic, Floyd rose, bass)
*finish digs
*strap button install
*guitar setup
*fret lift
*guitar heel cracks
*top board cracks
* head stock and neck breaks
*electric rewiring
*electric pickup replacement ( we stock Seymour Duncan)
*acoustic pickup installation
*string lowering
*nut and saddle replacement
*machine head replacements and repair
*binding repair
*hollow body repair
*bridge lift
*bridge crack
*stuck bridge pin
*guitar relic-ing

For your repair questions cal 903-292-1733. We cannot give out price estimates without seeing the instrument.

I was going to college at the University of Texas at Arlington and I was cast in this great little main stage production. I was a freshman and was new to the campus and the department. The crazy thing was I believe I was the ONLY freshman cast in that particular show, the first of the season. I was actually in school at the time on a Pre-Med scholarship.  I had never lived anywhere outside of my hometown of Athens, Texas so the whole Big City experience was new to me. I had become a Cheerleader and I was also joining a frat. In other words, I was in WAY over my head.  I was continually late to rehearsal. Time and time again. Five minutes. Ten minutes. Fifteen minutes. And then one day, the Stage Manager met me outside the main stage doors. She broke the news to me. The director felt I wasn’t taking the show seriously and decided to boot me from the production. I walked away dejected and knew that I blew it. I had been a flake. I swore from they day on, for as long as I pursued acting, I would take it seriously.

I was so embarrassed that I transferred out the next year. Since being fired from that particular production, I had decided to pursue acting as a career.  I felt I needed a change in order to succeed. No one at UTA took me seriously because I hadn’t taken them seriously. I needed a fresh start and to prioritize my acting career.

Fast forward a couple of decades: I have committed my life to acting. As an actor and a teacher. But my calling will forever be actor. It’s where I find my bliss. I sometime scratch my head and wonder what would have been had I stayed a UTA, but ultimately, that swift kick in the behind was something I needed. It made me appreciate my opportunities more and I have done everything I can to be as professional as I can since that time. I am motivated to be the kind of actor that producers and directors LOVE to work with. The kind that does what he says he’s going to do! Who does his homework. Who comes prepared. The one who goes above and beyond expectation. I want to be known as the kind of Actor that puts his money where his mouth is. The reliable kind. If I say I am going to do something, I will move heaven and earth to try to make it happen. It doesn’t always happen, but I promise you it’s not from lack of trying on my part. 

You see, it takes a village to raise a production, whether it be a stage play, tv series or feature film. At the end of the day people must rely on people! And in this business, there are many actors who are considered to be very unreliable. Lots of  wannabes talking the talk and not walking the walk.

I just read an article today about Lindsay Lohan and the ordeal that directors and producers go through by having her in their film. Because of her recent antics, she is uninsurable and thus a hard sell for casting in big budget films.  She has a flaky reputation.  Sure, this is the extreme end, but take it from me, you don’t want to be known as that kind of actor.

An actor must prioritize. This career is difficult enough without tripping over your own land mines and suffering your own self-inflicted wounds. Figure out what it is that you want to accomplish and set goals. Get professional headshots. Format your resumes proper. Take classes. Be a better actor tomorrow then you were today! Prioritize! This industry will only take you as serious as you choose to take it. So be the kind of actor that you want to be remembered as: Be the Reliable Kind.

And, please! Keep the flakes in the cereal bowl!

The 81st edition of Athens Old Fiddlers Reunion was held on May 25th, 2012. It took place all day at Henderson County Courthouse yard in downtown Athens. A fairground was also set up across the courthouse.

Ms. Pearl Cantrell, playing her ukulele, accompanied by daughter, Malia Cantrell, from Seven Points, Tx. Ms. Pearl Cantrell has brought Hawaiian music programs as a visiting instructor to Kemp Primary students two years in a row.

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 01

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 02

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 03

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 24

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 25

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 04

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 05

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 06

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 07

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 08

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 09

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 10

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 11

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 12

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 13

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 14

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 15

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 16

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 17

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 18

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 19

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 20

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 22

Athens Fiddlers Reunion 2012 – 23

They won my cutest couple contest last fall, and because of crazy schedules for all three of us, we just got around to doing them. But I am oh so glad that we did.

I have known Sam for what seems like forever, I graduated with his older brother and sister. So, the whole fact that he is grown up with a girl friend and a job and all that jazz, just makes me feel super old. Go figure. Not much doesn’t make me feel old these days!

But, they are all googly eyes, vomit inducing, head over heels, gag-me-with-a-spoon cute. And so in love. I didn’t really have to tell them to do anything, I just would shout…”WAIT, do that again, that was cute!!”. And they happily obliged. So, thanks guys for being supporters. And, just so you know, Ami is one serious marketer…I’m pretty sure she nagged every friend she had to win this contest. Snaps to you, Ami!

TARA VINEYARD & WINERY – 6

TARA VINEYARD & WINERY – 1

TARA VINEYARD & WINERY – 2

TARA VINEYARD & WINERY – 3

TARA VINEYARD & WINERY – 4

TARA VINEYARD & WINERY – 5

TARA VINEYARD & WINERY – 6

Tara Vineyard & Winery website, click here.

Who can take lessons?

We will take any student over the age of 7 and we do allow younger, but we usually like to put the child through only one lesson to see if they can maintain focus and so that the parent does not have a major investment that cannot be fulfilled.  We have had students as young as 4 take lessons from us.  

Where are the lessons taught?

Our store is located at 604 S. Palestine (Hwy. 19) in Athens, TX.  Lessons are taught in one of the 4 studio areas at our store.  The store is under video surveillance so your student is safe while at the facilities.  All lessons are one on one with the teacher so that full attention is given to the student.  

What other lessons do you teach?

We also currently teach bass guitar, drums, mandolin, pedal steel, and banjo.

What if my student misses?

We do require 24 hour notice on any cancellation or missed lesson to be available for a makeup.  All lessons need to be made up before the next lesson.

I would like more information. 

Please call us at 903-292-1733, drop by the store at 604 S. Palestine, Athens, TX 75751, and you can also stay up to date by visiting our facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/guitarsetcathens

Return to Monet’s Water Lilies

Returning to work on Monday was difficult, following a three-day weekend packed with activity.  I indulged in plein air watercolor, fly fishing for bass, and picking guitars and singing with good friends.  Now, it is back to work, and grades are due. (Ugh).

I am posting my work-in-progress of a lily pad-infested pond in Athens, Texas, two hours east of where I reside.  A dear retired teacher friend of mine from long ago invited me out last weekend to take a stab at painting this scene.  I was invited back this weekend for an extended stay that included great conversation, music, fly fishing, fabulous food and the best wine.  My heart is still filled with gladness at every memory.

On this trip, I arrived early enough in the morning to see the water lilies in full bloom.  The white blossoms totally transformed the environment as I surveyed the wondrous scene.  I also enjoyed adding the new colors to my palette–Antique Green, Permanent Rose, Quinacridone Red, Winsor Blue and Transparent Yellow.  A new dynamic is beginning to emerge in my color schemes, and I cannot wait to “road test” this new palette when I begin the Paint Historic Waxahachie event, only weeks away now.  Before long, I could have a considerable body of plein air watercolor sketches to peruse, review and critique.  I want to go in a new direction this summer, and have a couple of ideas cooking already, but I am still undecided.

Thanks for reading.

Athens police say this plane was stolen from a hangar at the Athens Municipal Airport. (Photo credit Athens Police Department)

ATHENS (CBSDFW.COM) - Police in the East Texas town of Athens are looking for a stolen airplane.

The small plane, a Cessna, disappeared from a hangar at the Athens Municipal Airport  sometime between January 26 and 28.

Police say there were no signs that anyone had broken into the hangar – the plane just vanished.

The propeller-driven plane, seen above, is worth $110,000.

Police say they don’t know if somebody flew the plane away or took it some other way.

Also Check Out:

• Dash Cam Captures Deputy Saving Drowning Women
• Toddler Attacked By Dogs
• Khloe Kardashian Kicks Off Dallas Radio Show
• Poll: After Failed Run, Perry’s Ratings Down In Texas
• North Texas Woman Found Dead On Tanning Bed

The article below is from The Washington Examiner.
I am thinking of starting a group called Freedom from idiots.
If you do not believe in God that is your business.
But do not try to impose your views on me or anyone else.

Congress

Congressmen can’t say ‘Merry Christmas’ in mail by Mark Tapscott

Our mailboxes will be less full this Christmas season as the Congressional Franking Commission has ordered Congressman to not say “Merry Christmas or Happy New Year” if they are using tax dollars to send their greetings. Senators, on the other hand, are allowed to use officially related funds to send their greetings thereby getting around the Franking order.

From the Washington Examiner: “Currently, incidental use of the phrase Happy Holidays is permissible but Merry Christmas is not,” said Salley Wood–a Franking Commission spokeswoman.

The rules on Holiday messaging are ridiculous and House members should reach into their own pockets and send out personal Christmas greetings. Americans would be proud to receive a greeting from any House member who used their own personal funds to stop the war on Christmas and send out a Christmas card.

Alabama

Attorney: ‘Silent Night’ is Unconstitutional by Todd Starnes

The annual Christmas program will go on with the singing of ‘Silent Night’ after the principal of G.W. Trenholm Primary School consulted with attorneys. The Alliance Defense Fund will represent the school for free if a lawsuit were to develop.

Arkansas

School Vows to Fight For Nativity by Todd Starnes

Superintendent of the Green County Tech school district in Arkansas says ‘enough is enough’ and puts up Nativity that recently had been taken down. Jerry Noble had received some complaints about the Nativity that said “Happy Birthday Jesus,” but believes it should stay proudly placed on school bulletin board.

California

Atheist Messages Displace California Park Nativity Scenes by Associated Press

18 spaces traditionally held by Christians to display scenes of the birth of the baby Jesus go to atheists who use the mangers to mock the existence of God.

California School Reportedly Bans Teachers From Displaying Santas, Christmas Trees & Poinsettias in Classrooms by Billy Hallowell

Even the traditional Christmas poinsettia is forbidden. Apparently the bright red color flashing from the plants yelled stop to this Stockton Principal who thought the plant would offend.

Michigan

Parents’ fury after Cherry Knoll teacher strips word ‘gay’ from Christmas carol Deck The Halls… to try to silence children’s giggles by Beth Stebner

Children must not be allowed to sing the original meaning of the word gay (happy, merry). Webster would be disappointed that the original meaning of word has been lost and won’t be taught during the Christmas season.

New Jersey

School Yanks Carols Featuring Santa, God & Christmas by Todd Starnes

By banning the words God, Jesus, Santa, Christmas & Chanukah from their seasonal repertoire, West Windsor – Plainsboro High School South, will be left to sing Baby It’s Cold Outside and Jingle Bells. As one parent put it, apparently singing about Santa is going to change someone’s belief system.

Oklahoma

With no ‘Christmas,’ Tulsa group plans own parade by Justin Juozapavicius

A new Christmas parade is started after original Christmas parade title was changed to Holiday Parade. Tulsa will now have a Christmas parade that celebrates the reason for the season.

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee’s ‘holiday’ tree remark angers thousands — and the Roman Catholic Church by The Associated Press

While Governor Lincoln Chafee confesses that he says ‘Christmas Tree’ in his own house, he does not have the courage or conviction to state those words in the Rhode Island state house. Instead he says ‘Holiday Tree’ and angers residents and the Catholic Church. Christmas Carolers show him the way by singing “O Christmas Tree.”

Texas

Fort Worth School District bans Santa and gift exchanges by Jonathan Saenz

In order to avoid having any religious messages this Christmas Season, Fort Worth ISD hastily removes Santa Claus, presents and Christmas cheer from December.

Big rally set for Saturday in Athens by Michael V. Hannigan

After an out of state group demanded that a nativity on government property be taken down over 1000 Christians will descend on Athens to support the citizens’ pursuit to keep their Christmas Nativity. The “Henderson County Nativity Rally” will defend faith and point people to the light of Christ.

Virginia

Skeleton, Dressed as Santa Claus, Nailed to a Cross Removed from Christmas Display (Video)  by Jim Hoft

Loudoun County Board of Supervisors approved this man’s request to display a skeleton Santa Claus. Only problem with his message was that he nailed Santa to a Cross. An offended citizen removed it.

Wisconsin
Town Vows to Defend Nativity “Until Hell Freezes Over” by Todd Starnes

All it took was one complaint to an atheist organization and a letter was sent requesting that the Nativity be removed. But Pastors are fighting back against secularists who want to remove the Nativity that has been adorned on the Courthouse lawn for decades.

Media Icons

Jon Stewart Declares War on Christmas; Battles With Fox News  by Jeff Schapiro

Stewart is Jewish and his wife is a Christian, so I would imagine around their house, the term Happy Holidays works wonders. But I would guess that Stewart’s rant is more at Fox News than it is at Christians wanting to keep their beloved Merry Christmas. As expected,  his audience eats up his comments and that is what he is paid to do.

Johnny Depp’s Blasphemous Christmas Song Mocks Jesus Christ (Video)  by Jim Hoft

Is Johnny Depp as crazy as his Pirates of the Carribean character Jack Sparrow? Apparently so.

Legal Resources

Liberty Institute offers a free Public Schools and Christmas PDF for Teachers and Parents to know their rights.

Liberty Council offers a legal memorandum to help guide public officials and schools regarding Christmas celebrations in public schools.

The American Center for Law and Justice offers a Christmas Resource Center that “clearly spells out what is permissible when it comes to expressing the religious origins of the holiday season by erecting nativity scenes in your community.”

Dan -  Holy cow.  Two USers in a row, and a big three for four, as I landed in . . . TX; 142/172; 4/10; 1; 157.4.  I hope you noticed that after a run of 13 landings where I was 3/10 or worse, I’ve broken into the much more positive 4/10+ category.  Let’s see how long I can stay . .

Anyway, here’s my landing map, showing that I landed just south of Athens:

Here’s a broader view:

Believe it or not, this was my third landing in the Coon Ck watershed, on to the Catfish Ck; to the Trinity R (11th hit). 

Here’s my GE shot, showing that I landed on the Athens campus of the East Texas Medical Center!

Here’s a StreetView shot – I landed just to the right of the water tower. 

Here’s a nice shot of the main building on the campus:

I learned that the East Texas Medical Center is a huge regional organization with facilities all over East Texas.

But enough of health care.  This landing is actually more about . . . hamburgers.  That’s right, hamburgers.

I was checking out the Athens website, and right on the home page was this inviting link:

So, of course, I clicked, and I found an interesting article by Frank Tolbert (as written in “Tolbert’s Texas.”) 

Frank starts his article in dramatic style, thusly:

“It took me years of sweatneck research before I finally determined, at least in mine and in some other Texas historians’ estimation, that Fletcher Davis (1864-1941), also known as “Old Dave” of Athens, Texas, invented the hamburger sandwich.”

He goes on to tell a convincing tale of Old Dave’s little café in Athens that was serving what eventually was called a hamburger back in the late 1880s.  But the hamburger’s break out moment occurred at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis, when Old Dave set up a booth on the midway.  His booth was noticed by a reporter for the New York Tribune, who mentioned the delicious sandwich. 

Anyway, as I was reading this, I was thinking . . .

 “Wait a minute!  Last summer, I was driving south on I-95 in Connecticut with Jody (my wife) and Robbi (a friend).  Robbi said she had a hankering for a hamburger, but she really wanted an extra-special burger that was not from a fast food joint or from any franchise for that matter.  So Robbi called our friend Bob, who was back in New Jersey near his computer.  She asked Bob to find us a good burger joint in New Haven (which was about 30 miles down the road). . . .

 “Bob (being a good-natured, helpful kind of guy), hopped on his computer and then called back in a minute, telling us that we should eat at Louis’ Lunch.”

 Here’s what you see after you Google “New Haven Hamburger” (which is what I assume Bob did):

No wonder Bob told us to eat there!  And, of course, he told us that we’d be eating at the birthplace of the hamburger.

Anyway, it’s a very cool place, but I didn’t land near New Haven, so I don’t want to spend too much time describing Louis’ Lunch.  You can Google it if you want to see pictures and learn more.  But anyway, as I read more of Frank Tolbert’s hamburger history article, I became intrigued, because Frank actually went out of his way to debunk the Louis’ Lunch claim!

 Here’s what Frank has to say:

In 1974, the New York Times ran a story in which one Kenneth Lassen claimed that his grandfather Louis Lassen “invented” the hamburger sandwich in 1900 in a small café in New Haven, Connecticut.  And Kenneth Lassen complained that “the birthplace of the American hamburger, a tiny restaurant called Louis Lunch, was in danger of being replaced by a twelve-story medical complex. . .”

The New York Times story admitted that “a serious challenge to the title is a theory supported by the McDonald’s Corporation, the nationwide hamburger chain.  McDonald’s historians have researched the problem and claim the inventor was an unknown food vendor at the St. Louis Fair in 1904.”

After this New York Times story was published I got a letter from a New Haven native, Neil E. Shay, now of Dallas.  He wrote:

“A pox on the New York Times for bulldozing honest facts out of the way.  Let me state that Looie (Louis Lassen) sold one fine steak sandwich but it was never a hamburger.  Up until I left the City of the Elms and New Ideas, New Haven, circa 1933, Louis Lassen was still serving this steak sandwich – never a hamburger.  It was probably beef off the rump, cut in thin slices.  And it was really something to take to bed with you around midnight after a social event.”

When he heard about the New Haven Preservation Trust having plans to declare “the dimly lit, twelve-by-eighteen, Louis Lunch building a historic landmark,” Clint Murchison, Jr. [the grandson of an Athens banker who knew Old Dave and has been in contact with Frank Tolbert], told me:

“Let’s face it: if we let the Yankees [not the baseball team, but all of us damn northerners] get away with claiming the invention of the hamburger sandwich they’ll be going after chili con carne next.  The New Haven claim as the birthplace of the American hamburger is a phony one, and the quicker they tear down that old building and raise the medical complex the better.”

Phew.  Don’t mess with Texas . . .

 So, Frank goes on with significant evidence that in fact it was Old Dave who had the booth at the World’s Fair.  Anyway, one other interesting tidbit from Frank’s article is about how French Fries got their name.  You’ll never believe it, but this is all tied in with Old Dave’s trip to the St. Louis World’s Fair.  Once again, quoting Frank:

. . .Fletcher Davis was “interviewed by a fancy dan reporter for the New York Tribune who also asked about the fried potatoes served with thick tomato sauce.”  Mr. Davis told the reporter that the sandwich was his idea but he learned to cook the potatoes that way from a friend who lived in Paris, Texas.

Clint Murchison, Jr., quoted his grandfather as saying: “Apparently the 1904 reporter thought Old Dave said Paris, France, in referring to the way the potatoes were cooked.  For the New York Tribune story on the hamburger said the sandwich was served with french fried potatoes.”

Hey Dan, notice the “fancy dan” reference?  Aren’t you a fancy dan reporter for the Denver Post?

Anyway, click here to read all of Frank’s hamburger history article:

 I’ll close with this lovely picture of a Great Blue Heron, taken at nearby Lake Athens  (Panaramio shot by Larry David Hodge):

That’ll do it. . .

KS

Greg

© 2011 A Landing A Day

 If you do use any of the information below on your site or forum please link me and I’ll link you on my blog.

Thanks! Enjoy!

December 7, 1989 Athens Daily Review

Sorry the image is a little blurry. If your having trouble reading the article click here

The article above has some very interesting information in it. It states that  “Rev. Fuller’s will, which may have the only written documentation of the intended purpose of the park, was supposedly lost in a fire, also considered mysterious at the time”. The article also goes onto say “{Fuller Park} joins other perhaps less known mysteries, such as legends of a network of underground tunnels beneath the city”

click here for a clear image

click here for a clear image

I’ll add more at a later time.

 Above: ML FULLER

Monkey Cages: The Monkey cages are one of the most prominent landmarks within Fuller Park. They are a hot spot for rituals and a place where people go to get a good scare. During production of the documentary we along with others discovered the remnants of a ritual that had taken place at the monkey cages not long before we arrived. As part of the ritual pentacles were spray painted on 4 trees and the roof of the monkey cages. The trees that had been spray-painted with pentacles and the roof of the monkey cage formed a star, with an alter in the center of the area. The alter consisted of charred wood and salt. Many people claim to have seen mutilated animal carcasses (dogs, cats and sometimes cows) inside and around the Monkey cages within Fuller Park. However, I haven’t personally witnessed animal carcasses, only the ritual stated above.

Fuller Grave Plot: The first thing you’ll notice upon entering Fuller Park is the plot where the Fuller’s remains are buried. The graves are enclosed by two large chains that stretch from four posts made of virgin stone (Iron ore). Unfortunately, the graves have been badly vandalized by the locals. The tombstones have been kicked over and spray-painted with various obscenities. It’s really sad to see the graves in such condition. It is VERY common to see melted candle wax around the grave and tombstone of the Fuller plat. Every time we’ve been to Fuller Park there is always broken candles of various colors (red, white and green mainly). Some of the candles are burned at both ends, but all are smashed and broken after the ritual.

Barn and Tow truck: Not many people go deep enough into Fuller Park to see the barn and Tow truck. The barn has a lot of boxes full of Christmas ornaments, a mattress, busted shell of an old TV among other weathered trash. The barn is VERY unstable so be EXTREMELY cautions if you happen to go out there. I would not recommend that anyone go inside the barn. You’ll know what I’m talking about when you see it. The Tow truck is very interesting! It’s an old model truck that’s been gutted by time and trespassers. The doors are heavily rusted but it’s still possible to open the doors. Most of the glass is busted out and there is a large crane mounted on the back with metal cable spiraling out past the vehicle, covered with leaves and dirt.

I’ve personally been in Fuller Park several times at various time of day. Being in Fuller Park during the day is comfortable because it’s easy to see where you are going. The tree bustle with life and sway peacefully in the breeze. A lot of people I’ve talked to go to Fuller Park during the daytime to relax. However, night is polar opposite.. There is a very large bat population in Fuller Park. Mainly because there isn’t a lot of people in the area to bother them. It is very common to hear screeching and rustling in the leaves while in Fuller Park at nighttime. I believe this is the type of noises thrill seekers feed on to get their adrenaline buzz. The park is much more active during the night. While filming this documentary we encountered some pretty bizarre activity in Fuller Park at night. I won’t talk about it too much… I just want people to be careful if they decide to go out to the park at night