To see a YouTube video of this event and a personal tour of the Kentucky Vietnam Memorial, click HERE.

Frankfort was invaded by hundreds of motorcycles on their annual cross-country pilgrimage to Washington D.C. during their “Run For The Wall”.  The Mission of Run For The Wall (RFTW) is “To promote healing among ALL veterans and  their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners  of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of  those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military  personnel all over the world.”

The history of Run For The Wall: ”Started in 1989 as an effort by James  Gregory and Bill Evans. They were a couple of Vietnam Veterans who  traveled across the heartland of America on motorcycles, talking to  local radio, TV, and newspapers about the fact that we had thousands of  men and women still unaccounted for from all of our wars. The need for  this awareness continues today and we continue this tradition every May.

We don’t give political speeches or stage demonstrations. Run For The  Wall gets its message to the public across by riding through the United  States. We obey traffic laws and treat all citizens with dignity and  respect.

But the issue of public awareness is only part of the benefit of Run For The Wall. We also give Vietnam Veterans and all Veterans the  opportunity to get their own welcome home and start their healing  process.

Everyone who has fought or has friends or loved ones who have fought in a war has their own issues from their experience. Everyone has issues — the welcome home, the good-bye to buddies lost, the ability to finally  help the young men and women we watch every night on TV, or just trying  to accept coming home alive. Many who participate in Run For The Wall  find that whatever they’ve been missing, can be found in the Run For The Wall family. They can finally start settling issues that have been put  away for over twenty years.

There is a nominal charge for participating in Run For The Wall, and you have to pay your own expenses. We have been very fortunate in the past  in that we generally get a great deal of support from organizations and  people along the way. Most evening dinners are provided free or for a  small donation by concerned citizens, many breakfasts and lunches are  provided, also. We have generous groups who have paid for gas and  lodging on occasion.

The trip takes ten days to reach the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, where  our Run officially ends on Sunday evening before Memorial Day.  Additionally, we have things scheduled for the weekend, ending with  participation in the Rolling Thunder Parade in Washington, D.C., on  Sunday. It is quite a sight to behold, 350,000 plus motorcycles all  starting from the Pentagon parking lots, parading through downtown  Washington, and ending at the Wall.

Along the way across the U.S. we make stops at Memorials, Veteran’s  Hospitals, and schools. We enjoy parades, escorts, and welcome-home  receptions from many of the patriotic towns.

The ages of the participants range from eight to eighty. These include:  mothers, fathers, grandfathers, and grandmothers (some of whom ride  their own bikes!): veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert  Storm, Iraq Freedom and Afghanistan: active military, supporters,  friends and family. Everyone is welcome. The main rule is NO ATTITUDES.

Some people join Run For The Wall and think of it as just another  vacation or motorcycle event. After one or two days, though, you realize this is something very special. It is unlike anything else you have  experienced, and it becomes a MISSION! You become part of the Run For  The Wall family whose members come from all over the United States,  Canada, Australia and other countries. What could be more perfect than,  riding on a mission, making new friends, and helping a very good cause,  POW/MIA?

You don’t have to ride a motorcycle to participate. By joining or  supporting Run For The Wall, you participate in our mission of:  promoting healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends:  calling for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in  Action (POW/MIA): and honoring the memory of those Killed in Action  (KIA) from ALL wars. The important thing is to join the cause!“

When the motorcycles arrived at The Kentucky Vietnam Memorial, they were greeted by local residents, Red Cross Volunteers and political officials.  The Red Cross gave out incidentals, which many of the riders were very appreciative of.  All items given out were donated by individuals and the business community.  Travel sized items of toothpaste were donated by a local dentist office, as well as sunscreen (which was a very popular item) and other personal items.  The Post Office set up a mobile office so the riders could mail letters, parcels or even dirty clothes back home.

A very special truck was also on hand to welcome the riders.  The “Fallen Hero’s Dream Ride” was a very popular draw.  The 1951 Chevy 3100 Pickup Truck was created as “a rolling memorial to build awareness of the sacrifices our fallen military men and women have made.”  It’s restoration was completed on May 28, 2012 in memory of 19 year old LCpl. Phillip Vinnedge, killed in Afghanistan on October 13, 2010.  Before his deployment, he had talked about restoring and a classic Chevy truck.  He had died 16 days after arriving along with three other Marines.  Phillip’s mom was on hand talk about the truck and her son.  In a way, her son lives on in this traveling memorial.

I captured an image of a man who was visibly distressed when he knelt over one of the names.  It was obviously a buddy of his and he was moved to be that close to his friend again.  I ran into another gentleman over another name that he pays tribute to every year; the last Kentuckian killed in combat in Vietnam.  Then, he told me his story.  “Last year, on my ride through here, I happened to be standing over this name as his story was being told about how he died in Vietnam (although the war was officially “over” for the United States).  Then, at our next stop, I met the family of that soldier and got a chance to talk to them.  Now, I feel a connection with him and pay my respects when I come through on the ride every year.”  I was so touched.

For those of you who have never visited the Kentucky Vietnam Memorial, it is one of those MUST SEE locations in Frankfort!  It is a sacred place.  I felt it.  Many of these men are Patriot Guard Riders, escorting our military heroes to their final resting place.  My cousin, Michael, was a Patriot Guard rider in Louisiana.  He was killed on his way home from a soldier’s funeral a few years ago when an 18-wheeler swerved into his lane and clipped his motorcycle with the trailer.  I felt Michael riding with these men and women as they came through Frankfort.  If you have served our country or know someone who has, then you will feel the connection as well.

For more information about the Run For the Wall, visit their website HERE. To find out more about the “Fallen Hero’s Dream Ride” or about the young man who inspired it, visit their website HERE. For more information about the Kentucky Vietnam Memorial, it is one of the stops on the Frankfort Public Art Cell Phone Tour.  It is a piece of art created by a veteran.  Visit the Cell Phone Tour website HERE.  You may also watch the YouTube video on this blog for a personal tour and scenes from the days events.

I’m an insulin dependent diabetic.

A few months after being diagnosed in 1983, I moved to South Carolina.  I drove down with all my worldly possessions in an eight foot long U-Haul trailer—it wasn’t even full!  I left very early in the morning and hadn’t eaten breakfast yet.  So I decided to stop in a truck stop, take my insulin shot and then eat.

Welcome to Kentucky

This was when the fun began.

Needles make me nervous, but they often make some people almost apoplectic!  So I head for the restroom looking for somewhere private to take my injection of insulin.  My intention was to go into a stall, take my shot, wrap my needle in toilet paper, dispose of it discreetly in a trash-can and then go get breakfast.

Oh so sorry Jimmy.  Bubble just burst.  Too bad.  Your parade has been rained on!

In this particular establishment, some genius in all of their great wisdom decided it would be better (Safer?  Cleaner?  More organized?) too remove all of the doors from the stalls!  There was nothing between me and the world.  Nothing!

Okay, since I was really hungry and I figured I could do this without much fuss, I figured I’m a diabetic, not a druggy.  So I get as comfortable as possible, I pull down my pants so I can take my shot in my thigh, swab my leg with a alcohol swab, pull the cap off the syringe with my teeth and begin to inject myself.

It was then a large, ominously breathing shadow began to block what little light was available in the bathroom stall I had chosen with such great care.

I looked up at a very large man dressed in a flannel shirt which did not quite cover his belly and he was also wearing jeans, boots, had a yellow “Cat Diesel” hat on and chewing something like Skoal or some other brand of tobacco.  He was just standing there, slouched slightly at the shoulders and staring at me . . . me, with a syringe cap in my teeth and a syringe in my hand, poised to stick it in my thigh.

Now remember, I’m trying to remain calm, but here I am, in a toilet stall without a door to provide me any privacy in a truck-stop and just across the state-line in the great state of Kentucky.  I saw the movie Deliverance and the image of Ned Beatty broke over like a proverbial shotgun began to form ever-so-clearly in my mind.

At that moment I could hear the theme song of the movie playing in the background (I could even imagine the bald-headed kid in the next stall with his banjo)—the way my day was going, Burt Reynolds was not going to rescue me with a compound bow!

As Elrod (or whatever his name was) stood there, I smiled nervously (with the syringe cap in my teeth) and announced to him “I’m a diabetic!”

He just turned his head, spit some chew on the floor and said, “Sure kid.”  He then shuffled off, mumbling to himself and eventually left the bathroom.  I quickly took my shot (I was too shaken to remember if it even hurt), got dressed and left the truck stop!  I could only imagine him telling the deputies at the counter some skinny white kid was using drugs in the bathroom!

After I got off at the next exit and procured some candy bars (the aforementioned incident rattled my menu choices), I began to seriously consider the wisdom of moving to the south.  No stall doors, there were coveralls, people chewed tobacco and nowhere for a skinny white kid to take his shot!

Fortunately, I did meet the woman who would become my wife two months later and the rest, as they say, is history.

She doesn’t chew either.

Or spit.

Artists Invited to Submit Qualifications for Public Art at Southeast Raleigh Tennis Center

JM

*The Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Draft Lottery held Tuesday night. In doing so, they’ve secured the #1 pick in this years draft. It is the 2nd time in the 3 years since LeBron James departure from Cleveland. One can’t help but feel a little suspicious that the NBA may be rigging the draft lottery. Cleveland had just a 16% chance of winning, but that’s all they needed. Well, that and a father/son duo wearing bow ties.

My theory is simple: NBA commissioner David Stern had a hand in relocating LeBron James to Miami. David Stern knew that Dan Gilbert was just the kind of outspoken owner who would’ve loved to expose the league 3 years ago when James took his talents to South Beach. They struck a deal with the draft lottery. Minus LeBron James, Gilbert and the Cavs would no doubt be in the lottery for several years to come. Why not assure Gilbert that the top choice in a draft or two would go to his franchise? It makes too much sense.

David Stern and the NBA office has more control over personnel than many choose to admit. Just look at the weird deals that have occurred in recent seasons. Chris Paul was denied a deal to the Lakers in a very fair trade that Stern vetoed. He then stamped a deal that sent Paul to the LA Clippers for what seemed to be slightly less than what the Lakers were giving up. The Lakers were on the other side of it as well. The notorious Pau Gasol deal was, at the time, considered to be hugely lopsided. Stern had no issues with it.

If the NBA wanted to squash the conspiracy theories, they’d get rid of the draft lottery. However, running a draft from worst team to best team is just too logical. Secondly, they’d stop the powers that be in the commissioner’s office from having so much control over player “relocation.”

*The Orlando Magic had the odds in their favor heading into the lottery, but they will instead draft 2nd. The Washington Wizards made the largest leap. They catapulted 8 positions in the lottery, landing the 3rd pick in the draft. The Charlotte Bobcats/Hornets had the best odds last season and the 2nd best odds this season, yet each time the needy franchise has lost out. They will draft 4th.

*What does the lottery talent look like this year? Well, it may have looked a lot better if top prospect Nerlens Noel out of Kentucky was completely healthy. The one and done Wildcats center is still recovering from a midseason knee injury. Noel is projected as a top tier NBA defensive center with all the raw skills to be molded into something more at the next level. His knee and offensive limitations will raise questions, but there is no more vital position to have an advantage in the league than the 5-spot. After Noel there is a plenty of good talent. Ben McLemore, Otto Porter, Trey Burke and Victor Oladipo are highly coveted talents. Out of that group, no player stands out more than Porter. His size and skill set have NBA All Star written all over him.

• A cancelled check, evidence of wire transfer or other draw request showing that prior to or at the time of closing the Government Entity had authorized a draw of the funds on its account provided towards the borrower’s required Minimum Cash Investment from the Government Entity’s account; or
• A letter from the Government Entity, signed by an authorized official, establishing that the funds provided towards the borrower’s required Minimum Cash Investment were funds legally belonging to the Government Entity at or before closing

• A statement that the Government Entity has, at or before closing, incurred alegally enforceable liability as a result of its agreement to provide the funds towards the borrower’s required Minimum Cash Investment;
• A statement that the Government Entity has, at or before closing, incurred alegally enforceable obligation to provide the funds towards the borrower’s required Minimum Cash Investment; or
• A statement that the Government Entity has, at or before closing, authorized a draw on its account to provide the funds towards the borrower’s required Minimum Cash Investment.

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Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for being the sole voice for gays and lesbians around the United States and for those outside of the US who want to immigrate here to be with their respective partners. Although my girlfriend was born and raised in Kentucky and is 100% American, if I were in the position of meeting someone in another country I would most definitely choose love over liberty. Thank you, Senator Leahy, for at least trying to help us. We appreciate your support and wish there were more Senators and Representatives like you, willing to put forth everyone’s rights, not just some people.

As far as I’m concerned, the Immigration Reform can be flushed down the toilet. Why should only some have rights and not all?

I hope I can find some way to support Senator Leahy in the future.

Congratulations to Angela and Adam!

To schedule a complimentary wedding consultation and tasting, call The Twisted Sifter Cake Shoppe at (859) 238-9393.

For more information visit our website at http://www.TheTwistedSifter.com

Congratulations Vanessa and Seth!   

To schedule a complimentary wedding consultation and tasting, call The Twisted Sifter Cake Shoppe at (859) 238-9393.

For more information visit our website at TheTwistedSifter.com

I would venture to Irvine simply for the promise of being able to buy bulk Morels.  But Irvine went a step further and added a festival to frame around the fun guy.  (Fun guy…as in fungi, get it?)  And I love festivals.  I have been to the Chicken Festival, the Poke Salad Festival, May Days, Court Days and long since earned my ten-year pen for traveling to the Wool Festival, my personal favorite.  But somehow this year was to be my inaugural Morel Festival venture.  I was very excited.  Promises of greasy food aromas, the sounds of music and the bustle of a small Kentucky town made me smile to my core.

Our big Suburban boat left the docks close to noon.  We headed toward Winchester for the first stop:  we were to pick-up Jill’s grandfather, affectionately known as Papaw Gene.  Those of you familiar with Jill’s shop already know that Papaw Gene is an Opidell’s celebrity.  His wife was Opidell herself, for whom the shop was named.  Papaw is quite a character and I was excited to have him along for the journey to eastern Kentucky.

Our next station was Trapp, Kentucky, USA.  We pulled down the driveway to Jill’s folks house and, after finishing off the last of his breakfast, collected Jill’s father and set off.  We chatted about Kentucky and how much even in the hills of eastern Kentucky that things have changed from all our childhoods.  Bluegrass music hummed through the speakers, a perfect soundtrack for the adventure we were on.  After about 45 minutes and several straightened curves later, we arrived in the big city of Irvine.

The streets were lined with cars.  The sidewalks were chocked full of people, walking, shopping at road-side yard sales and socializing in a way only a small town can.  Parking was as scarce a commodity as the mushrooms we ventured out to purchase.  A handful of budding young capitalists set up “$5 parking” signs.  Churches, Boy Scout groups and regular folks with large yards were amongst the lot to cash in on the popularity of the little mushroom.  In the end, we settled on a parking lot / yard sale as the location to hitch our mount.  I openly speculated that they made more on the parking than the yard sale.  The lot owner just smiled and added our five-dollar bill to her growing stack.

We entered the main festival area.  What a sight!  Everything was Morel Mushrooms.  There was art done by local school children proudly displayed outside on shop windows, t-shirts, hats, artwork and even a huge wood carved Morel sculpture on Main Street.  How could anyone make a caricature out of this spongy fungus?  Welp, Irvine did, and with great success.  The sounds of bluegrass and gospel music filled my ears as we walked by the main stage.  My emotions went back and forth between wanting to slow way down and die, and to wanting to jump up and stomp my feet and holler.  Such is the nature of Bluegrass music.  One minute you’re wanting to kill someone, a minute later you’re wanting to die.  Guess you have to have Kentucky blood to really understand.

Jill talked her father and grandfather into putting their heads in one of those photo cut-out posing things.  Only thing is, the cut-out was a Morel mushroom.  Too funny!  I took the picture.  It isn’t the best picture I have ever taken, but given that I was giggling at the sight of three generations of Hensley’s posing as fungus, I think it came out pretty good.

Three Generations of Shroom Heads

We continued down the midway.  There was regular and goat soap, hot dogs with peppers and onions, recycled bottle candle holders, pop guns, funnel cakes, fresh pork rinds and cracklins, church brownies, kids running everywhere, folks catching up, chatting, sitting, meandering, leaning, and fun all around.  We met Fritz the police dog, who had a tick on his eye.  “Hell, I tried to get it off her, but when I did she nearly bit me.  I figured she can just keep that tick then,” her partner told me.  Fritz and her handler were newly assigned partners, still trying to get used to each other.  Time will tell who becomes the true master.

Fritz the German Police Dog with a Tick on her Eye…

We even got a glimpse of a celebrity…Tim Farmer, host of Kentucky Afield on KET, put on a Morel cooking demonstration.  “Y’all like butter?  I like butter.  Can’t go wrong with butter can ya?”  he asked the crowd while whipping up some good smelling vittles.

When we had seen all the sights we could see we headed toward the parking lot-garage sale.  Jill had about a pound and-a-half of Morels she snuck in and purchased when the other negotiator low-balled lower than the seller would take.  Jill’s fierce negotiation tactics had paid off when she offered just a bit higher.  The seller cried, “sold to the purdy lady,” and off she went like a thief.  We boarded the truck and headed back thru the town, quickly returning to the wildness of east Kentucky.

Papaw Gene reminisced about a grand hotel serviced by a sulphur-springs in Estill County.  I thought at first he surely had been mistaken.  Afterall, sulphur springs are great tourist destinations.  How could that have closed?  But sure enough, when I returned home I looked into the validity of his memory, and found that there is a spring in Estill County.  A spring that most likely pre-dated human’s existence in North America.  And there had been a grand hotel near the site of the spring, boasting 120 rooms and several cottages.  Unfortunately it burnt to the ground in December, 1932, never to be rebuilt.  What a shame.  It would seem that a draw like a big hotel and springs could really bring Estill county back financially.  But on the other hand, seems like they are doing pretty well with the mushroom festival.  Still, makes me wish I could see the grand old hotel back in its glory days.

On the highway back, we chatted and gossiped and told lies.  It was nice to take a lazy drive thru the gateway to eastern, Kentucky.  It is nice to get out-of-town once in a while and rediscover your roots.  It makes it even nicer to be with people who remember how it was back in the good ol days.  Chatting with Jill’s grandfather gives him a chance to remember, and us a chance to imagine.  It’s like modern folk-telling, passing down memories from generation to generation so they aren’t lost forever to time.  It’s sad and beautiful simultaneously.

We dropped off Jill’s dad without visiting since Jill was heading in to her shop.  I pointed the nose down the last section of curvy roads toward Winchester.  It’s not possible, nor would I want it to be possible, to get together with Papaw Gene without remembering his wife Opal, born Opidell, and remembering.  I knew it would make Jill sad, but sometimes remembering isn’t for us…it’s for the person remembering.  He said he missed her.  I silently thought to myself.  I never knew Jill’s grandma before Alzheimer’s had already started affecting her.  However, I do remember that she was a firecracker.  She was feisty and didn’t mix words, had a good sense of humor and a warm way about her…accepting me even though she may not have even known who I was.  A grandmother in all senses of the word.

“You know..don’t wait until it’s too late to tell someone how you feel about them,” Papaw Gene cautioned.  Knowing how he felt and feels about his wife, I bet Papaw relayed his feelings loud and clear.  You can’t tell them too much though.  I bet that is what he really meant.

We entered the traffic of the interstate as Jill and I sat quiet.  We smiled at each other, our hands meeting as we headed back to our lives together, raising chickens, watching ducks, playing with dogs, polishing antiques and contemplating the next adventure.  Although, tonight the adventure would be no adventure.  We would relax, spending the last moments of the day gazing out across our lawn and giggling at our neighbor cursing his weed eater while we sipped wine, happy to have each other, if not forever, at least for tonight.

Cincinnati, May 22, 1863.

General ROSECRANS:

Troops for the main column start to-morrow. Part of Hartsuff’s start to-morrow, and the remainder next day. Hartsuff will not be as tardy as supposed. By what route do you propose to send pack-mules? Have you packers with them? Where shall we receive them? Will be concentrated on the Cumberland in three or four days, and will then move rapidly. The main column will be fully as large as Loring represents. Force will be sent to Carthage to relieve Tennessee regiments at once. Telegraph line will follow us.

A.E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

**********

MURFREESBOROUGH, May 22, 1863.

Major-General BURNSIDE:

I will send pack-mules to Carthage or Scottsville, or wherever else you wish to receive them. We have packers. Shove your spare cavalry well to the left, to cover Crook’s movement on Liberty.

W.S. ROSECRANS,

Major-General.

**********

CINCINNATI, OHIO, May 22, 1863.

Maj. Gen. H.W. HALLECK, General-in-Chief:

A column is now organizing for a movement which was planned with the understanding that Getty’s division was to join me. The movement should not be delayed, and I hope our lines of communication are strong enough to warrant it. You will remember that it was the understanding that Getty was to join us very soon. The movement will be commenced.

A.E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

**********

CINCINNATI, May 22, 1863.

General BOYLE, Louisville, Ky.:

I have ordered two more brigades of the Ninth Corps to Columbia, which, with Morrison’s brigade, makes a complete division. They start at daylight in the morning from Middleburg.

Order Jamestown to be occupied as an outpost by some of Jacob’s cavalry, and I think it would be well to occupy Creelsborough and Burkesville both in the same way, if it is possible, as it will prevent much stealing of horses and supplies, and it would prepare us for the contemplated movement. You can order Stover’s Tennessee regiment to Lebanon at once. Give it all the arms and supplies it needs. The Sixteenth Kentucky can be sent to Glasgow at once.

What arms do you need for the Eleventh Kentucky Cavalry? I will have them sent at once, if possible.

Have the regiment of Morrison’s brigade that is at Green River sent to Columbia. Have Henshaw’s battery sent to Glasgow. Send these troops by train or over the road, as you think best. Leave the Sixty-third Indiana where they are for the present. If you have already given orders starting the Sixty-third Indiana for Glasgow, you can replace it on the railroad by the Sixteenth Kentucky.

A.E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

**********

CINCINNATI, May 22, 1863.

General WILLCOX, Lexington, Ky.:

Gilbert’s reconnaissance to Cumberland Gap is very creditable. I am anxious to receive his written plan for an attack. Let Sturgis’ division halt at Crab Orchard for further orders. I am very much afraid we shall be troubled in getting up supplies. Do Carter’s quartermasters act energetically? How is he off for ammunition? If he cannot supply himself with subsistence while he is at Somerset, he certainly cannot when he moves to the front. Does he transport salt meats? He should carry nothing but hard bread and small rations, and live on fresh meat.

A.E. BURNSIDE,

Major-General.

**********

MAY 22, 1863.

(Confidential)

Colonel HARTRANFT, Lancaster:

You will please start the Second Division for Somerset to-morrow morning. As the road from Stanford to Somerset is already crowded with trains for the troops now at Somerset, you had better move at least part of the division by the Crab Orchard road, if you think it will facilitate the movement. Acknowledge receipt of this dispatch, and let me know what regiments will be ready to start to-morrow morning.

O.B. WILLCOX,

Brigadier-General, Commanding.

**********

HDQRS. DEPARTMENT OF THE OHIO,

Cincinnati, Ohio, May 22, 1863.

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 71.

WAR DEPARTMENT, ADJUTANT-GENERAL’S OFFICE,

Washington, April 27, 1863.

GENERAL ORDERS, No. 103.

The President directs that the troops in Kentucky not belonging to the Ninth Army Corps be organized into the Twenty-third Army Corps, to be commanded by Maj. Gen. G.L. Hartsuff.

By order of the Secretary of War:

E.D. TOWNSEND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

I. In accordance with the above order, the troops serving in Kentucky, with the exception of the Ninth Army Corps and those troops which, from military necessity, are temporarily serving with it, will be organized into the Twenty-third Army Corps, under the direction of Maj. Gen. G.L. Hartsuff, who will command it. He will leave along the line of the railroad and at the depots of the various stores such force as may be necessary for their protection. This force will be under the command of Brigadier-General Boyle till it can be relieved by the troops now raising in Kentucky.

II. For the objects set forth in Paragraph III of this order, the State of Kentucky is announced as a district in this department.

III. Brigadier-General Boyle is placed in command of the District of Kentucky for the following purposes: He will have command of all the forces raised in Kentucky for special service in that State, under General Orders, No. 59, current series, from these headquarters; will have the charge of the safety of the public property, and the preservation of quiet in the State; will have the command of the guards over railroads, bridges, and depots of stores. These guards he will replace as soon as possible from the troops he is raising in Kentucky, the guards relieved reporting to General Hartsuff.

IV. Capt. S.S. Sumner, additional aide-de-camp, is announced as a member of the staff of the major-general commanding, and will be obeyed and respected accordingly.

By command of Major-General Burnside:

LEWIS RICHMOND,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

I feel like the horses just raced last weekend. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fortunately, the month isn’t quite over, so we still have time to enjoy some of the perks of the Louisville Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Hometown Tourist Celebration. The purpose of the festivities is to get folks like me away from the computer and into the wilds of Kentuckiana to enjoy the local food and fun in our area. Plus, a lot of participating businesses will give you substantial discounts when you show your Kentucky, Indiana, local student or military ID.

Here are some of my favorite deals. Click here for a complete list of discounts.

• Quattro: Free dessert with any meal
• Joe Huber Family Farm and Restaurant: Free quart of U-pick strawberries
• Sway at the Hyatt Regency: 20 percent off all food and non-alcoholic beverages
• The Comfy Cow (Frankfort Avenue): Free topping with purchase of a regular cone
• Manny and Merle: 20 percent off your bill

What’s your favorite Hometown Tourist destination?

This time around Twista will be the headliner. This event will also feature newly signed Polo Grounds/RCA artist Lantana from Cincinnati.

This is an 18+ event taking place on Saturday May 25, 2013 at Madison Theatre in Covington, KY

To purchase tickets, visit http://www.cincyticket.com

For more info about the concert, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/151563611668887/?ref=3

You still have time to earn FREE shells with the May Cover Your Bases Event!  Many of the free shells are retired too!  Visit my website to order now!

A Soldier from the 1103rd Military Police Detachment based in Brandenburg, Ky., waits to test his M41 gas mask at the Protective Assessment Test Station (PATS) exercise May 13, 2013 at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J. The exercise was part of the 1103rd’s pre-mobilization training in service of Operation Enduring Freedom to Afghanistan. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. David Bolton)

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. — Gas! Gas! Gas! Nine seconds. Locate the M41 gas mask. Eight seconds. Remove the mask from the hip pouch. Seven seconds. Press the mask firmly against the face. Six seconds. Pull the face straps over the head. Five seconds. Tighten the straps. Four seconds. Place hand over the air filter. Three seconds. Breathe in to pull the mask tight across the face. Two seconds. Exhale to clear the air in the mask. One second.

Successfully avoid contamination and potential injury.

For approximately 40 members of the Kentucky National Guard’s 1103rd Law and Order Detachment, nine seconds could mean the difference between life and death.

“God forbid a chemical attack happens,” said Sgt. Craig Probus, team leader with the 1103rd from Louisville, Ky. “We have nine seconds to don the masks and make sure it fits.”

As part of their mobilization training, the 1103rd completed the protective assessment test station exercise to prepare for possible chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or explosive incidents.

During the training, soldiers disassembled their masks into component parts, reassembled the masks and ensured a proper seal around their face so that no outside air could leak into the mask.

Sgt. Kelli Rust and Sgt. Craig Probus with the Kentucky National Guard’s 1103rd Military Police Detachment, ensure the proper seal of their M41 gas masks at the Protective Assessment Test Station (PATS) at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., May 13, 2013. The machines are used to indicate if any ambient air is leaking into the masks which could result in a failure to keep the Soldiers safe should a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear or Explosive (CBRNE) incident occur. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. David Bolton)

Staff Sgt. William McKinney, squad leader and section chief with the 1103rd, said that the PATS test broke-down into five exercises: normal breathing, deep breathing, moving one’s head side-to-side, moving one’s head up and down, and chewing.

The movements of the head and face the soldiers were required to perform were meant to mimic the normal environment and wear that would be expected to occur if an attack were to happen. In addition to assuring the functionality of the gas masks, the training staff made sure that wearing the masks was comfortable.

“We want to make sure there is comfort in wearing the mask and to make sure that soldiers have some protection in a CBRNE environment,” said Isabella McCloud, lead instructor for the CBRNE/PATS course. “This mask is going to protect you.”

Although “gas, gas, gas” may be three of the most feared words a soldier may ever hear while on duty, knowing that they can put their faith in their protective equipment can keep their battle-minds ready and focused on the mission at hand.

Today’s slight risk of severe storms is mainly along and east of I-65.

SLIGHT RISK of severe storms is possible today. The main threats are damaging winds and large hail.

MORNING NOWCAST:
An area of mainly light rain showers will pass through this morning. This will be followed by more rounds of showers and thunderstorms as the day progresses. Temperatures will start in the mid 60s and rise to near 75° by 10am and 78° around noon.

MORE STORMS:
The storm system that helped create a major tornado outbreak in the central and southern Plains Sunday and Monday has now moved into the Ohio Valley. While we do NOT expect the kind of severe outbreak that Oklahoma has experienced, we will have numerous rounds of thunderstorms, some of which could be severe. A SLIGHT RISK for storms containing large hail and locally damaging winds is in place through this afternoon. Highs will be a bit cooler, topping out around 80°.

BIG COOL DOWN:
A secondary cold front swings through Thursday, possibly touching off a few scattered thundershowers. Everyone dries out after that, with much cooler air taking over for week’s end. Highs drop into the mid 70s by Friday, with overnight lows as chilly as the upper 40s to start the holiday weekend.

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND:
Expect a slow moderation in temperatures Saturday into Memorial Day (Monday), with just a slight chance for a thundershower Monday. Highs climb back into the 80s with overnight lows climbing back into the upper 50s late in the weekend.

TODAY:
Showers and Thunderstorms Likely…High 80, winds SW-17
Precip Ch. 60% – Rain Amount 0.25″

TONIGHT:
Chance of Showers and Thunderstorms…Low 63, winds W-5
Precip Ch. 30% – Rain Amount 0.10″

THURSDAY:
Partly Sunny, Chance of Showers…High 77, winds NW-13
Precip Ch. 40% – Rain Amount 0.10″

Such is the nature of the SEC Baseball Tournament. The new format has single elimination four the first four games, and double elimination thereafter, so it was win or go home for many of these clubs today.

In the early morning opener, Ole Miss took the lead early against UK and ever gave it up, as the Rebels defeated the Wildcats 4-1. Kentucky, who looked so good early in the season, has lost six of their last seven SEC series, and an early exit from Hoover does nothing to help their postseason chances. They are most likely done for the year.

The second game of the day pitted Alabama against hated rival Auburn. The Tigers were the hottest team coming into the Tournament, and they looked it Tuesday. But a 3-run 8th broke a 3-3 tie, and the Tide beat the Tigers 6-3. Auburn is a bubble team, and they will have to wait until Selection Sunday to hear of their fate.

The Aggies of Texas A&M made their SEC Tournament debut against the Florida Gators in the first game of the afternoon session. A&M pitcher Daniel Megden pitched a five-hit complete game en route to a 6-3 Aggie victory. Although Florida has a respectable RPI and is #1 in Strength of Schedule, back-to-back series losses against Auburn and Georgia do not help their argument for postseason play. Ironically enough, this new single-elimination format may have helped the Gators. If the old double-elimination format were in place and the Gators went 0-2 in Hoover, they would have ended the season 29-29 and been ineligible for postseason play. However, since they were one-and-done they ended the year 29-28, and could still make the NCAA tourney. If they do make the postseason, it will be just barely.

And, saving the best for last, the Tigers of Mizzou and the Bulldogs of Mississippi State clashed in a 17-inning thriller that was played well into the Alabama morning, ending on a Mitch Slauter RBI single and a 2-1 Mississippi State victory. But Missouri has nothing to be ashamed of, as they battled a tough Bulldog team for almost two full games. They could have gone down quietly and no one would have thought anything of it, but they came to Hoover with something to prove, and, although they didn’t emerge victorious, they still put on one hell of a performance.

Now the grounds crew at Hoover has less than 9 hours to fix up the field, as we begin again at 9:30 CDT tomorrow. Those games are:

Ole Miss vs. Arkansas (9:30 AM) – the Rebels took the season series 2-1, but that was back in March, and much has changed since then, as Ole Miss has dropped series to Kentucky, Auburn, and LSU in recent weeks.

Alabama vs. LSU (30 minutes after game 1) - LSU took the season series 2-1, but Alabama fought hard and two of those games went into extra innings. LSU is assured of a national seed and is looking to add another College World Series trip to their outstanding history.

Texas A&M vs. Vanderbilt (4:30 CT)  – the Aggies and the Dores did not play in the regular season. Vanderbilt is the #1 team in the country, is also assured of a national seed, and set a new record of 27 SEC victories. They will be a tough team to beat.

Mississippi State vs. South Carolina (30 minutes after Game 3) - these two teams finished the 2013 regular season by playing their final series against one another, with Mississippi State emerging victorious in 2 of them, and South Carolina needing extras to win their one game of the series. However, the Bulldog pen will be exhausted after their 17 inning marathon against Mizzou, and that leaves the Gamecocks and opening.

Here’s the update bracket after Day 1 action:

The tournament is double-elimination from here on out, so if a team loses tomorrow, they aren’t out of it yet.

Onto Day 2.

Robert ‘Bobby’ Bosley

Find-A-Grave: Robert Jeffrey Bosley
Intruder Shoots, Kills Man In Home
Wife Accused In Murder Of Well-Known Roofer
Amy Bosley Pleads Guilty To Murder
Family Confronts Amy Bosley in Court
A Double Life, Missing Millions and Murder

Movies/Documentaries
Snapped: Amy Bosley
Primetime Crime: What Secrets Led to a ‘Violent Death’?

INMATE INFORMATION

Name: BOSLEY, AMY
Active Inmate

PID # / DOC #: 125032 / 190894
Institution Start Date: 11/14/2006
Expected Time To Serve (TTS): 12/4/2023
Classification: Medium (Level 3)
Minimum Expiration of Sentence Date (Good Time Release Date): 12/04/2023
Parole Eligibility Date: 5/06/2022
Maximum Expiration of Sentence Date: 5/17/2025
Location: Western KY Corr. Complex
Age: 44
Race: White
Gender: F
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Brown
Height: 5′ 08″
Weight: 155
Risk Assessment Rating: Assessment Pending
Aliases
Alias Name
AMY BOSLEY
AMY PAPE

Conviction Information
Offense 1
Time service requirement: MURDER
Must serve 85% of Sentence (Violent Offense)
Indictment #: 05CR00222
<>Crime Date: 5/17/2005
Conviction Date: 11/06/2006
Conviction County: Campbell
Indictment Count: 001
KRS Code: 507.020
Felony Class: A
Sentence Length: 20 years 0 months 0 days

Offense 2
Time service requirement: TAMPERING WITH PHYSICAL EVIDENCE
Must serve 20% of sentence
Indictment #: 05CR00320
<>Crime Date: 5/17/2005
Conviction Date: 11/06/2006
Conviction County: Campbell
Indictment Count: 001
KRS Code: 524.100
Felony Class: D
Sentence Length: 5 years 0 months 0 days

Parole Information
(Parole Hearings are conducted 60 days prior to Parole Date)
No parole information found for this offender

For the record I’m not saying what Apple is doing is great, but it is legal. You will also notice that execs from the likes of GE, Facebook, and Google were not dragged up there. Have you paid attention to the news of late regarding how much taxes they avoid? Interesting eh?

and there is more…

It’s about  time someone called the Congress out on their hypocrisy and brain numbed populism. It’s no wonder these jackwagons have the popularity numbers that barely cover their close friends and family.

Admittedly being from Kentucky I’m biased, but Senator Paul….you rock! Judging by some other comments on this speech, I’m not alone.

Needless to say the “elites” (in both parties) will not be happy with Mr. Paul on this one. Needless to say Senator Levin wasn’t too happy that a Junior Senator from Kentucky rained on his parade.

WA4ZKO

Grade: C+/B-

Type: American, Kentucky, Bourbon

Age: 12 Yrs

ABV: 45.00%

Price: $27

Availability: Better Whiskey Stores

I really like the nose on this, sweet vanilla, maybe even some toffee and chocolate. The palate is hot with fumes and a bit of fruit and sweetness. This is a quality whiskey for the price. I do have some trouble with the fumes and lack of complexity. Taste like a higher ABV than it is. Overall it’s solid and worth tasting.