Cocks, Bourbon & Blues (Highway 61 visited)

I had 2 options today - haul ass to New Orleans or make some fun detours and get there later.

When I saw an option to visit Clarksdale, Ms. It became a no-brainer. Here's a recap.

First off was a side-trip to Samuels, Ky. Why? Because there's a giant cock. My friend Endellion is a big fan, pictures were needed.

Not as giant as I hoped. But a good size, nonetheless

This particular cock is called Ozzie Frank. He seems kinda angry.

As an unexpected surprise, the road to Samuels is also known as the Bourbon trail. Hells Yeah!

So I stopped by the Jim Bean distillery. The place is like a compound

There's at least 20 buildings going up the hill . . .

They offer tours, but I didn't want to take that much time. So I had a tasting - Black Label and Baker's. And a Bourbon chocolate. Awesome. Drinking in the morning is cool. But Bourbon on a cold, cold day is special.

The next stop was Stonehenge. Seriously. KY Stonehenge, in Munfordville. Why?
I need an explanation.

In a guy's yard. Again: Why?

Too bizarre. Listening to Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Betty Lavette and other blues artists gave this trip an extra nice feel. I was so excited for my next destination.
I did eat on the way to Clarksdale, Ms. I stopped in Nashville for some delicious pulled pork with mac and cheese on the side. Good stuff.
Highway 61 is so filled with history, and driving down I couldn't help but think of that. Unfortunately, by the time I got to Clarksdale, home of the Blues, it was dark. It looks awesome, just the right mixture of run down places and cultural significance. It knows what it is and doesn't try too hard. I like it.
The Crossroads, of course, is the main attraction.

This is where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for the ability to play guitar.
And play guitar he did. In only 2 years (he died at 27) he was able to achieve so much. Clapton even called him the most influential guitar player of all time.
He's top 5 according to Rolling Stone. Hard to disagree. Django, Hendrix, Vaughn, Clapton & Johnson seems right.
This area is also where Muddy Waters came from. So much history.
Unfortunately, Morgan Freeman's restaurant - Ground Zero Blues Cafe - is only open for lunch on Mondays. So I couldn't eat there. I thought, there will be something in Greenwood, near the plaque for Johnson's death. Wow ... that was not happening.

Greenwood was like Chester, PA. Scary. Except I was there at night. I clearly did not belong. The looks I got were mostly of surprise. The guy at the store where I bought gatorade looked at me like I was crazy. I'm pretty sure I was off-roading at some point. The streets are not lit, the signs are hard to find, when they exist. Bad times all around. I took a picture, the flash didn't go off ... I got stuck in 3 dead ends ... oh man ...

No one really knows where he died. Or when, I think.

I ran away, past Yazoo to Jackson, Mississippi. Then around Ponchartrain to New Orleans.
This is a really nice hotel (under $60 CND) a half block from Bourbon Street, in the heart of the French Quarter. Good times.
This is gonna be awesome. Where the hell is Barbie and Endellion?

(see all the pics here: full album)

LeBronukkah - instant reactions

I DVR'd this bad boy. Watching it now (around 11:30 PM) I know I can't exactly live tweet it.
So let's do a fake diary. There's just too much happening.

The pre-game was just so full of hype and nonsense (i did enjoy the monuments leaving intro, though). Like a game 7, let's calm the fuck down.
I enjoy the chants of A-HOLE, A-HOLE. And Akron hates you!

Lots of signs and shirts, despite the censorship.
Quitness, Witless, lots of variations on that item.

Great put back dunk by Hickson early on.
5.00 left in the first, James basically elbows Joey Graham hard twice trying to separate, and then bitches to ref he got held. Man, GTFOH.
Like a Bosh!

2.31 left in the first Cavs had a good run early, but now they're 4 down. 21-17
Beer is only being served in paper cups. Ha!
I think I accidently saw a tweet that said the Cavs got blown out. Too bad, my pick, given 8pts, was definitely the Cavs.
I'd love to hear what's being said, the game is on a 7 second delay and sound cuts out.
1.30 James with 10 already
48.1 Boobie with a 4 point play, ending the 16-0 run by Miami 28-21
end of first 31-23 (19-7 run to end quarter. All 7 by Boobie)

Can we not call them the big 3. That's retarded. At best they're the big 2 featuring Bosh. He played well for a shitty team. Not an All-NBA, barely an All-Star. Think a female version of Tracy McGrady or Gilbert Arenas.
8.20 Sessions with a 3pt play to cut it to 36-31. No James on the floor
Gibson misses easy layup and Wade stuffs. Bush league. Feeling like it will be a blowout.
C'mon - get to the basket, they are weak inside, ffs.
Look, if you can't beat a team featuring Juwan Howard, Joel Anthony and Carlos Arroyo bow your head in shame.
Lyin' King is my fave T-Shirt. Well Done.

2.10 Still booing James' every possession.
2.00 Bosh gets 2 on a Varejao Own Goal. He has 9. 52-37
"Bosh is playing well in the absence of Haslem" Ummmm ... he's making $15 Mill a year. What the fuck are you talking about. So Haslem would get his minutes?
end of half 59-40 Miami. Crowd is out of it. This is gonna get ugly.
LeBron is being an asshole. Get the fuck away from the Cavs bench, you jackass. I don't care you're friends with them. Save that for out of the fans' view. No class, spitting on Cleveland again.

Thanks Chuck. He agrees, LeBron James is going to the Cavs bench laughing with them every timeout. Byron Scott needs to stop that shit.
Wade and James with 14. Bosh 11.

Wait. Was T.O. trying to score a free phone from James?
Did Byron Scott just go little league: If we try hard and lose, I'm good. Really, mofo? I can't figure out who I hate more.

Woah - FG% is 56-30 for Miami ... ouch
I wonder how Nike feels about seeing it's logo on all those T-Shirts. Any pub is good pub?
7.26 This is getting bad. 75-48. 22 by James, he's taking over
But that was a travel.
Candace Parker's brother is shitty tonight.
I can read those lips. That was a "Fuck you, bitch" with a single finger salute...
4.26 He has 17 this quarter. Le sigh... 88-50
Nice sign - We're not terribly fond of LeBron.
Time to move on? This is his first game back, douche nozzle.
This game needs Blake Griffin.
I'ma throat punch Marv Albert. Reggie Miller knows hate, let him speak.
Cleveland is in 8th place. They Start Varejao, Moon, Candace's Bro, Mo Williams and Hickson. Raptors suck at basketball.
1.10 Cavs on a big 12-3 run. Lead now only 29. 91-62
end of 3rd 95-65

Says it all

Chants of Bullshit. Something went down in the stands. Standard PA announcement to not throw shit. Artest has a shrink now, we're all safe.
"If you're Byron Scott it's going to be hard to win against teams that score lots of points." No shit, Sherlock. I'd say that goes for every team in the league. I want to stab my ears. This game is so boring.
Oh oh ... Cops have lined up and are kicking people out now.
 9 minutes left.
Oh well, my nightmare is over. Game went on too long, PVR done.
Lemme check internets.
Final is 118-90. Blah.
James with 38, didn't play in 4th. Cavs starters - 28 pts.

Oh my ... Apparently: A battery was, in fact, thrown, falling near the Heat bench late in the game (according to NBA Fanhouse LiveBlog)
And a dude who was taken out by security, was "taken out" ... all bloody when he was carried out.