While driving home today I noticed several people stuck in the flood waters on Union and the cross streets.  I couldn't believe that people were still actually trying to cross the road in their low to the ground cars. 

Want a valuable life lesson?  Here it is:

Manage your expectations.

Don't expect too much.  It makes everything seem better.

Then underpromise and overdeliver.

Manage those expectations.

I have a question Joey,

When you say there is a 50% chance of rain, do you mean there is a 50% chance there will be rain in memphis or 50% of us will see rain in memphis? Does that make sense? lol

My husband & I have debated this issue forever, so please explain just what you mean.

Thank you.......oh, you rock Joey 8~)

Hello Joey, yes it's me Marvin. Those big storms that came through the other night were so frightening that I suddenly found myself wedged between my mattress and box spring shaking like a little girl. If you have not tried this you may want to. Is it degrading to be wedged in between a pillow top mattress like an over sized hot dog while your family looks on in shame? Yes it is but that thunder and lightening was so loud and powerful that there was no other option. On top of that the lights went out in my area for 8 whole hours compounding my plight even more!  Would you please offer words of encouragement for frilly, scared,  power puff girls like me during your storm watch segments? It would really mean a lot to me. Bye for now, I have to go get some of these mattress coils from some uncomfortable places! OUCH!!!!

After being branded on my left shoulder by the iron part of my seat belt. I realize how dangerously hot it really is. Not counting the sweat beads I have on my face by the time I make it to my car!  That's why everytime it rains I welcome it!  It is dangerous to be on Memphis streets when it rains but that is a whole other story. 

 Anybody know how to get rid of something like this I hope this is not permanent. LOL!  (it's shape exactly like the part you insert to insure your safety)  I hope nobody thinks this is a tattoo. LOL! So let it rain!!!!

China Will Not Make It Rain

This had been rumored for a while, but it appears the Chinese government is really going through with this: They're really going to try to control the weather during next year's Olympics using rockets.

China will fire rockets into the sky to scatter any rain clouds ahead of next year's Beijing Olympics to ensure perfect weather, state media said on Tuesday. China has already guaranteed perfect weather for the August 2008 Games, but until now had not said how it would make sure its forecast comes true.

"As summer is a rainy season, this practice will become the focus of the meteorological services for the Games which will be held in the same season next year," Zheng Guoguang, head of the China Meteorological Association, was quoted as saying.
Now really, will doing this make it rain???  I have never in my life heard of this. Things to make you go HUMM~~

Man, there's a ton of cool stuff going on this year for Elvis week!   Check it out:

SATURDAY, AUGUST 9

26th Annual Elvis Presley International 5K Run to Benefit United Cerebral Palsy
8:00 a.m. Starts at the Graceland gates. Join thousands of Elvis fans and runners in front of Graceland for the 26th Annual Elvis Presley International 5K Run to benefit United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) of the Mid-South. Runners and walkers will enjoy more than the typical 5K. More than 2,000 entrants from around the world will join in the family fun while enjoying the festive atmosphere of Elvis Week 2008 and raising money for UCP. After the race, join everyone across from the mansion as UCP hosts one of the best post-race parties in town. Entertainment will be provided by The AIMS Gang, one of the best bands in Memphis. Pre-registration is $20; race day registration is $25. Click here to register for the race online or call Joanie Nuchols at (901) 761-4277. 

D&N’s Mardis Gras Beads for Elvis and United Cerebral Palsy
D&N’s Elvis Presley Fan Club invites you to support UCP of the Mid-South and honor Elvis's memory by purchasing a Guitar Mardis Gras beads for $2. You don’t have to come to Memphis to be a “spirit runner” in the 26th Annual Elvis Presley International 5K Run. You may register as a “spirit runner” to receive the cool “King Creole” Elvis Race Shirt for 2008 and Guitar Mardis Gras beads. Click here to register online or visit D&N's site for more information.

Elvis Presley – His Home, His Story - DVD Theatrical Premiere
Three screenings: 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 10:00 a.m. Malco's Studio on the Square, 2105 Court Avenue, Memphis. Enjoy the theatrical premiere of the new Graceland tour DVD on the big screen. See stunning footage of Graceland while watching the story of Elvis’s life at Graceland and his amazing career. The new DVD features photos from the Graceland archives, home movies and more. Tickets for the event are free, however you must have a ticket to attend. Tickets are now on sale through Graceland Reservations. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 800-238-2000.

Elvis Meetup at Marlowe's Benefiting the Memphis Humane Society
12:00 noon. Marlowe's, 4381 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis. No cover charge, but attendees must pay for their own food, drinks and tips. Special guests have been invited. Elvis door prizes will be given. RSVP to Sharon Parker by calling 615-830-5126 or emailing elvismeetupatmarlowes@hotmail.com.
Memphis Welcomes the Fans Redbirds Baseball Game
6:10 p.m. AutoZone Park, 200 Union Avenue (corner of Third & Union) in downtown Memphis. On behalf of the citizens of Memphis, grateful to Elvis fans and all they mean to our city, the Memphis Redbirds baseball team and AutoZone Park celebrate Elvis and welcome the Elvis fans to town with this Elvis Week 2008 kick-off event. Enjoy Elvis-themed entertainment, fireworks and more. For more information call 901-721-6000 or visit their web site to buy your tickets today.

Elvis Week Kick-Off Party at EP's Delta Kitchen
10:00 p.m. – 3:00 a.m. EP's Delta Kitchen, 126 Beale Street, Memphis. After the Redbirds game, the official kick-off party is at the EP's Delta Kitchen on Beale Street. The event will feature live music by Elmo and the Shades. General admission is $20. VIP admission is $40 and includes a food buffet. Cash bar. Tickets are now on sale through Graceland Reservations. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 800-238-2000. Please note, this event venue has changed from the original location to EP's Delta Kitchen, located at 126 Beale Street.


SUNDAY, AUGUST 10

Elvis Gospel Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Elvis Presley Car Museum, Graceland Plaza. Enjoy brunch in the Elvis Presley Car Museum while listening to Elvis Gospel music and watching Elvis videos on the drive-in theater movie screen. Tickets are $33.00 per person. Tickets are now on sale through Graceland Reservations. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 800-238-2000.

Memorial Luncheon for Bill Burk
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Marlowe's, 4381 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis. Celebrate the life of Bill Burk at a special Elvis Week memorial luncheon. All of Bill's friends - the fans and the famous - have been invited to come to remember Bill and share memories. An open mic will be available for comments, stories, songs, poems, photos...whatever you would like to do. There will also be a special presentation to Bill's family. Everyone in attendance will receive a special memento. Reservations are a must. Tickets are $15 and include your lunch and beverage. Please send your check, made out to Nancie Craft, to her at 6607 Cindy Lane, Houston, TX 77088. Part of the ticket includes a donation in Bill's name to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

Graceland Scavenger Hunt - Bears on Tour
5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Starting at the Graceland Ticket Office. Guests are invited to tour Graceland Mansion (no audio tour) and the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum while simultaneously participating in a trivia scavenger hunt. Adult and junior versions of the scavenger hunt will be available. Prizes for both adult and junior versions to be announced. All ticket holders receive a complimentary limited-edition Elvis bear from Limited Treasures. Admission: $29.00 Adults; $14.00 children 7-12. Tickets are now on sale through Graceland Reservations. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 800-238-2000.


Club Elvis
8:00 p.m. – 12:00 Midnight. Elvis Presley Car Museum, Graceland Plaza. Come hang out and enjoy a private party with your fellow Elvis fans. A disc jockey spins Elvis records for your listening and dancing pleasure. Cash bar featuring adult beverages (ID's checked) and soft drinks. Outdoor smoking area designated – no smoking inside. A wristband ticket allows you to come and go from Club Elvis as much as you like during the evening in order for you to enjoy all the other activities on the property. Admission $25.00. Tickets are now on sale through Graceland Reservations. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 800-238-2000.


MONDAY, AUGUST 11

A Celebration of Fans - Fan Club Presidents’ Event
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 North Main Street, downtown Memphis. Join Elvis Presley fan club presidents from independent Elvis fan clubs from around the world at this special event. At this year's August Fan Club Presidents' Event, Elvis Presley Enterprises will open the doors to let more people know about the amazing work that fan clubs do. For the August 2008 fan club presidents' event, the public will be invited to purchase tickets to the attend the event and hear from some of the fan clubs who work hard to continue on Elvis's name and memory. All fans are invited to attend this event where they can learn more about what official Elvis Presley fan clubs do, while also enjoying a program of EPE company updates, special announcements and a special guests. This year's special guests for the Elvis Presley Fan Club Presidents' Event will be members of The Imperials - Joe Moscheo, Terry Blackwood and Sherman Andrus. The Imperials sang backup vocals for Elvis in Vegas. The event this year will spotlight the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County and EPE will be collecting donations for the organization at the door of the event. Click here for a wish list of donation items. Elvis Presley fan club presidents’ will receive an invitation to the event directly from EPE in early June to reserve their complimentary ticket for the event and do not need to call Graceland Reservations. Tickets for additional fan club members and the general public are $8.00 and can be reserved through Graceland Reservations. Tickets are now on sale through Graceland Reservations. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 800-238-2000.

Elvis Week Memphis Meetup & Meet 'n' Greet
12:30 p.m. Downtown Marriott's Magnolia Grille Restaurant on the main level. It is a buffet-style lunch at $12.99 per person. Seating is limited to 50, so please email Gigi at ballester_gigi@yahoo.com if you are planning on attending.  This event will benefit the Todd Morgan Sound Fuzion Performance Enrichment Fund. They will be collecting donations for the fund. Anyone not attending can mail a check for donation to Gigi. Email Gigi Ballester at ballester_gigi@yahoo.com for details.

Music and Movies at Graceland – Day One
7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.) Front lawn, Graceland Mansion. Bring your lawn chair or a blanket and make yourself at home on the front lawn of Graceland to enjoy a live concert by Andy Childs and his band while the sun begins to set. Then, stay for a screening of Jailhouse Rock under the stars. Refreshments available in a vendor area outside the mansion gates. Food, beverages and coolers may not be brought onto the mansion grounds. Also during Music and Movies will be a celebration of the launch of Elvis: Viva Las Vegas. In addition to clips from the special and appearances by Jerry Schilling and George Klein, CMT will be there with CMT's Top Twenty Countdown host, Lance Smith. Enter the Elvis: Viva Las Vegas Sweepstakes to win a trip to join Lance and the other backstage. For more information about Elvis: Viva Las Vegas and to enter the sweepstakes, click here. For more about Jailhouse Rock on DVD and other Elvis Warner Home Video releases, visit www.elvisondvd.com. One day Music and Movie admission is $44.00. If you plan on attending both days of Music and Movies, you can purchase a two day ticket for $75.00  Tickets are now on sale through Graceland Reservations. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 800-238-2000. In addition, you can purchase special VIP seating for this event by purchasing the Elvis Week Fun Package. A special rate is also available for groups of 15 or more who purchase tickets for this event in one transaction. Groups of 15 or more will receive a discount of $5.00 off each one night ticket or $10.00 off each two night ticket. Tickets must be purchased in one transaction, via phone only and all tickets will need to be picked up by same person who placed order. To order at the group rate, contact Graceland Reservations at 800- 238-2000 or 901-332-3322.


TUESDAY, AUGUST 12

Malco Theatre's Elvis Film Fest 5
Presented by The DeHart Group
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Studio on the Square, 2105 Court Avenue, Memphis. Celebrate the 5th anniversary of the now-legendary Elvis Film Fest with special showings of King Creole, GI Blues, Blue Hawaii, Girls!Girls!Girls! and Paradise Hawaiian Style. Admission is $5.00 per film and all proceeds benefit the Todd Morgan Sound Fuzion Performance Enrichment Fund at the University of Memphis. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 6, at www.malco.com and the Malco theatre box office. So, make a date to take a memorable trip down memory lane with your friends from the The DeHart Group and Malco Theatres.

Elvis Presley Fan Club Reception at The MED
10:00 a.m. The MED's cafeteria. For more information, contact Marsha Evans at 901-545-6405 or email mevans@the-med.org.
The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Meet ‘n’ Greet
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. EP's Delta Kitchen, 126 Beale Street. Private event reserved for those who have purchased the platinum seating package for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Please note, this event has moved from its original location to EP's Delta Kitchen, located at 126 Beale Street.

Shawn Klush in Concert
3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 North Main Street, downtown Memphis. Enjoy an amazing concert by 2007 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winner Shawn Klush. Opening act will by comedian Sammy Shore, who opened for Elvis in Las Vegas in 1969-1972. Tickets are $30.00 and $22.00.  Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 901-525-1515.

Music and Movies at Graceland – Day 2
7:00 p.m. (Gates open at 5:30 p.m.) Front lawn, Graceland Mansion. Bring your lawn chair or a blanket and make yourself at home on the front lawn of Graceland to enjoy a live concert by Terry Mike Jeffrey & Band, members of the TCB Band and The Imperials. Then, stay for a screening of Elvis - That's The Way It Is under the stars. Refreshments available in a vendor area outside the mansion gates. Food, beverages and coolers may not be brought onto the mansion grounds. For more about Elvis - That's The Way It Is on DVD and other Elvis Warner Home Video releases, visit www.elvisondvd.com. One day Music and Movie admission is $44.00. If you plan on attending both days of Music and Movies, you can purchase a two day ticket for $75.00. Tickets are now on sale through Graceland Reservations. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 800-238-2000. In addition, you can purchase special VIP seating for this event by purchasing the Elvis Week Fun Package. A special rate is also available for groups of 15 or more who purchase tickets for this event in one transaction. Groups of 15 or more will receive a discount of $5.00 off each one night ticket or $10.00 off each two night ticket. Tickets must be purchased in one transaction, via phone only and all tickets will need to be picked up by same person who placed order. To order at the group rate, contact Graceland Reservations at 800- 238-2000 or 901-332-3322.

Club Elvis
9:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. Elvis Presley Car Museum, Graceland Plaza. Come hang out and enjoy a private party with your fellow Elvis fans. A disc jockey spins Elvis records for your listening and dancing pleasure. Cash bar featuring adult beverages (ID's checked) and soft drinks. Outdoor smoking area designated – no smoking inside. A wristband ticket allows you to come and go from Club Elvis as much as you like during the evening in order for you to enjoy all the other activities on the property. Admission $25.00. Tickets are now on sale through Graceland Reservations. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 800-238-2000.


WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13

Elvis Expo 2008 – Day 1
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. South Hall, Memphis Cook Convention Center, 255 North Main Street, downtown Memphis. . The ultimate Elvis tradeshow with more than 75 booths and 35,000 square feet of Elvis that includes all the latest Elvis music, movies, merchandise, celebrity autograph sessions, authors, artists and photographers, and lots of Elvis freebies and samples. Admission is $15.00 per day. Elvis Insiders Conference attendees are admitted free by showing their conference badge. Tickets are now on sale through Graceland Reservations. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 800-238-2000.

Guests confirmed to appear in the showroom are: actress Darlene Tompkins, who appeared with Elvis in the movies Blue Hawaii and Fun in Acapulco; dancer Tanya Lemani George, who appeared in Elvis's 1968 television special; Joanne Cash, singer; The Imperials, gospel group and backup vocals for Elvis in Vegas; Celeste Yarnall, Elvis co-star in Live A Little, Love a Little; DJ Fontana, Elvis’s original drummer, who worked with him from 1955-1968; Chris Noel, who appeared with Elvis in Girl Happy; Charles Stone, who helped arrange tour schedules and security for Elvis in the '70s; Marian Cocke, Elvis's friend and private nurse from 1975-1977; Sandi Pichon, an Elvis fan who became a REAL Elvis Insider by getting to know and socialize with Elvis and his inner circle of friends; Edward Faulkner, Elvis's co-star in GI Blues and Tickle Me; Francine York, Elvis's co-star in Tickle Me; Nancy Rooks, Elvis's maid and Author of Inside Graceland: Elvis' Maid Remembers. Cydney Miller, Elvis fan and current Mrs. Tennessee, representing the state in the Mrs. America pageant. More guests to be announced.

The Official Elvis Insiders Conference – Day 1
10:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 North Main Street, downtown Memphis. Hosted by Tom Brown, Vice President of Original Production at Turner Classic Movies. Enjoy two full days of special guests and programming put together by Elvis Presley Enterprises, including on-stage interviews with people who were part of Elvis's life and career. Conference attendees will receive a welcome kit loaded with Elvis-themed gifts and everyone will win a door prize. The Elvis Expo 2008 will be open nearby and admission to the showroom is included with your Elvis Insiders Conference ticket. Tickets are $85.00 for a two-day ticket.  Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 901-525-1515. In addition, you can purchase special VIP seating for this event by purchasing the Elvis Week Fun Package. Click here for details on the Elvis Week Fun Package.

Special guests for August 13: Dixie Locke Emmons, who dated Elvis early in his career; Mike Stoller, part of the Leiber/Stoller song writing team who wrote "Jailhouse Rock", "King Creole", "Hound Dog", "Treat Me Nice", "Love Me" and many more; Sammy Shore, comedian who opened for Elvis from 1969-1972 in Las Vegas; Celeste Yarnall, Elvis's co-star in Live A Little, Love A Little; Francine York, Elvis's co-star in Tickle Me; Edward Faulkner, Elvis's co-star in GI Blues and Tickle Me .

Special guests for August 14: Robert F.X. Sillerman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CKX Inc., parent company of Elvis Presley Enterprises; Susan Henning, appeared in Live A Little, Love A Little and the '68 Special; Joe Guercio, Elvis's musical director and conductor for concerts from the summer of 1970 to the summer of 1977; Jerry Schilling, one of Elvis's closest friends; Steve Binder, producer of Elvis’s '68 Special.

D&N's Humes Benefit Dinner and Silent Auction
4:30 - 5:30 PM Silent Auction; 5:30 Dinner. Humes Room at Club Superior, 159 Beale Street, Memphis. D&N’s Elvis Presley Fan Club invites you to join them for a fabulous 3 course dinner in the private Humes Room at Club Superior. Enjoy the large collection of Humes memorabilia, including unique items of Humes famous graduate, Elvis Presley, formerly displayed at Anna’s Steakhouse. Silent auction benefiting Elvis's Alma Mater, Humes. Advance ticket purchase only. Reserved seating. Tickets are $35 per person. Mail checks to: Nancie Craft, 6607 Cindy Lane, Houston, TX 77008. Please enclose a self addressed, stamped envelope for tickets to be mailed. Click here for more information.

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Semifinals
7:00 p.m. Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 North Main Street, downtown Memphis. Semifinal round of competition for the 2008 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Attendees to the show will see the best Elvis tribute artists from around the world performing and competing on stage for their chance to move onto the finals round on August 14. Elvis Tribute Artists will receive their chance to showcase their talents and why they should be named Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2008. Finalists chosen from these rounds will return on August 14th to compete for the title of Elvis Tribute Artist of the Year. The Exspence Account Band will perform with the contestants. Visit the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest page to find out about the finalists.

Tickets are only available in a set that includes one ticket to the semifinals on August 13 and one ticket to the finals on August 14. Platinum package seating for the event is $140.00 and includes a special Meet ‘n’ Greet with the semifinalists. (Tickets for the Meet 'n' Greet will not be mailed out with the semifinals/finals tickets. Ticket holders who are entitled to attend the Meet 'n' Greet will just need to show ID at EP's Delta Kitchen on August 12.) Gold package seating is $80.00. Silver package seating is $50.00. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 901-525-1515.


THURSDAY, AUGUST 14

Elvis Expo 2008 – Day 2
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. South Hall, Memphis Cook Convention Center, 255 North Main Street, downtown Memphis.  The ultimate Elvis tradeshow with more than 75 booths and 35,000 square feet of Elvis that includes all the latest Elvis music, movies, merchandise, celebrity autograph sessions, authors, artists and photographers, and lots of Elvis freebies and samples. Elvis Expo special guest information coming soon. Admission is $15.00 per day. Elvis Insiders Conference attendees are admitted free by showing their conference badge. Tickets are now on sale through Graceland Reservations. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 800-238-2000.

Guests confirmed to appear in the showroom are: actress Darlene Tompkins, who appeared with Elvis in the movies Blue Hawaii and Fun in Acapulco; dancer Tanya Lemani George, who appeared in Elvis's 1968 television special; Joanne Cash, singer; The Imperials, gospel group and backup vocals for Elvis in Vegas; Celeste Yarnall, Elvis co-star in Live A Little, Love a Little; DJ Fontana, Elvis’s original drummer, who worked with him from 1955-1968; Chris Noel, who appeared with Elvis in Girl Happy; Charles Stone, who helped arrange tour schedules and security for Elvis in the '70s; Marian Cocke, Elvis's friend and private nurse from 1975-1977; Sandi Pichon, an Elvis fan who became a REAL Elvis Insider by getting to know and socialize with Elvis and his inner circle of friends; Edward Faulkner, Elvis's co-star in GI Blues and Tickle Me; Francine York, Elvis's co-star in Tickle Me; Nancy Rooks, Elvis's maid and Author of Inside Graceland: Elvis' Maid Remembers. Cydney Miller, Elvis fan and current Mrs. Tennessee, representing the state in the Mrs. America pageant. More guests to be announced.

The Official Elvis Insiders Conference – Day 2
10:00 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 North Main Street, downtown Memphis. Hosted by Tom Brown, Vice President of Original Production at Turner Classic Movies. Enjoy two full days of special guests and programming put together by Elvis Presley Enterprises, including on-stage interviews with people who were part of Elvis's life and career. Conference attendees will receive a welcome kit loaded with Elvis-themed gifts and everyone will win a door prize. The Elvis Expo 2008 will be open nearby and admission to the showroom is included with your Elvis Insiders Conference ticket. Tickets are $85.00 for a two-day ticket. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 901-525-1515. In addition, you can purchase special VIP seating for this event by purchasing the Elvis Week Fun Package. Click here for details on the Elvis Week Fun Package.

Special guests for August 13: Dixie Locke Emmons, who dated Elvis early in his career; Mike Stoller, part of the Leiber/Stoller song writing team who wrote "Jailhouse Rock", "King Creole", "Hound Dog", "Treat Me Nice", "Love Me" and many more; Sammy Shore, comedian who opened for Elvis from 1969-1972 in Las Vegas; Celeste Yarnall, Elvis's co-star in Live A Little, Love A Little; Francine York, Elvis's co-star in Tickle Me; Edward Faulkner, Elvis's co-star in GI Blues and Tickle Me .

Special guests for August 14: Robert F.X. Sillerman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CKX Inc., parent company of Elvis Presley Enterprises; Susan Henning, appeared in Live A Little, Love A Little and the '68 Special; Joe Guercio, Elvis's musical director and conductor for concerts from the summer of 1970 to the summer of 1977; Jerry Schilling, one of Elvis's closest friends; Steve Binder, producer of Elvis’s '68 Special.

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest Finals
7:00 p.m. Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 North Main Street, downtown Memphis. The finals of the 2008 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Top finalists from semifinals on August 13 compete for the title of Elvis Tribute Artist of 2008. Elvis Tribute Artists will receive their chance to showcase their talents and why they should be named Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist of 2008. The Exspence Account Band will perform with the contestants. Visit the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest page to find out about the finalists.

Tickets are only available in a set that includes one ticket to the semifinals on August 13 and one ticket to the finals on August 14. Platinum package seating for the event is $140.00 and includes a special Meet ‘n’ Greet with the semifinalists. (Tickets for the Meet 'n' Greet will not be mailed out with the semifinals/finals tickets. Ticket holders who are entitled to attend the Meet 'n' Greet will just need to show ID at EP's Delta Kitchen on August 12.) Gold package seating is $80.00. Silver package seating is $50.00. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 901-525-1515.


FRIDAY, AUGUST 15

Blue Hawaii Breakfast at Graceland with Darlene Tompkins - SOLD OUT
8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Elvis Presley Car Museum, Graceland Plaza. Have breakfast in the Elvis Presley Car Museum while enjoying Elvis music and watching Elvis videos on the drive-in theater movie screen. Darlene Tompkins, who co-starred with Elvis in Blue Hawaii and Fun in Acapulco, will be the special guest at breakfast and  will meet 'n' greet with fans and sign autographs. This event is now sold out.

Elvis Presley – His Home, His Story - DVD Theatrical Premiere
Three screenings: 9:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 10:00 a.m. Malco's Studio on the Square, 2105 Court Avenue, Memphis. Enjoy the theatrical premiere of the new Graceland tour DVD on the big screen. See stunning footage of Graceland while watching the story of Elvis’s life at Graceland and his amazing career. The new DVD features photos from the Graceland archives, home movies and more. Tickets for the event are free, however you must have a ticket to attend. Tickets are now on sale through Graceland Reservations. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 800-238-2000.

David Garibaldi's Rhythm and Hue Performance Art Show
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Graceland Plaza. World famous artist David Garibaldi will be showcasing his "Rhythm and Hue" performance art show, where he creates 6-foot portraits of pop icons in under 7 minutes to music. David will also be available to meet fans during an autograph session following his performance from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Special pieces and artwork in addition to Garibaldi’s new coffee table book will be available for purchase at Graceland during the performance and signing session. Free.

Presley Place Open House and Tours
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Les Passees Center for Children and Families and Presley Place, 715 St. Paul Ave, Memphis. Free of charge. During this open house and tour, see Presley Place, a 12-unit apartment property affiliated with MIFA Housing Opportunities. This program provides transitional housing for families who have been homeless, as well as valuable life skills education to help them live independently and productively. Supported by the Elvis Presley Charitable Foundation and Elvis fans across the globe, Presley Place has been a safe haven for more than 100 families since its inception in July 2001. You can also see the Elvis Music room, which has inspired young people for years, as well as meet families who have lived at Presley Place. Other activities and refreshments will also be available. This event is sponsored by the Jennings Osborne family of Arkansas. For more information, contact MIFA at 901-529-4544.

Mass In Memory of Elvis Presley
3:00 p.m. St. Paul Catholic Church, 1425 E. Shelby Drive, Memphis, TN 38116. On the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mother, St. Paul Catholic Church will celebrate a special Mass for the repose of the soul of Elvis Presley. St. Paul Church is located at 1425 E. Shelby Drive (south of Graceland--approx. 2 1/2 miles). Recorded music: 2:15 p.m. Choir: 2:45 p.m. Mass: 3:00 p.m. Come together to pray and remember Elvis. Spaghetti Dinner follows.

Candlelight Vigil
8:30 p.m. Gates of Graceland Mansion. After an opening ceremony at the gates of the Graceland Mansion property, fans are invited to walk up the driveway to Elvis’s gravesite and back down carrying a candle in quiet remembrance. Free admission. No tickets or reservations. Gates remain open until all who wish to participate in the procession have done so, which typically takes until the early morning hours of August 16, the anniversary date of Elvis’s passing. Free secured parking at the Graceland visitor center complex after 6:00 p.m. Prior to Elvis Week, posted here will be a link to the text of the special information and guidelines flyer for the Vigil that is handed out at Graceland during Elvis Week.

Can't be here for the Vigil? Enjoy live coverage from Graceland by Elvis Radio/Sirius Satellite 13. They also will have special Elvis programming throughout Elvis Week.


SATURDAY, AUGUST 16

George Klein's Elvis Memorial Service
12:00 noon. Main Theatre Building, University of Memphis. Free admission. Annual event hosted by George Klein, longtime friend of Elvis. Speakers will include friends and family of Elvis and celebrity guests. For more information, contact the U of M Department of Communication at (901) 678-2565.

Elvis: From Broadway to Memphis with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra
Two Shows: Matinee Show - 2:00 p.m. Evening Show - 8:00 p.m. Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 255 North Main Street, downtown Memphis. An all new, never-before-seen show! Enjoy a sophisticated and fun celebration of Elvis music with Leah Hocking, from the Broadway cast of "All Shook Up" and Austin Miller, television and Broadway star. The show will also star Elvis Presley, via video, accompanied by live music on stage during some special segments of the show. All will be accompanied by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Included in the exciting show will be Elvis fan favorites, The Dempseys and lots of surprises. Tickets to the matinee event are $70.00, $50.00 and $30.00. Tickets to the evening show are $125.00, $85.00, $65.00 and $45.00. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketmaster. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 901-525-1515. (The special $125.00 ticket package includes access to the rehearsal of Elvis: Broadway to Memphis on August 15, a seat in the orchestra pit section, a reception during intermission of the show with light hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar, a complimentary Elvis Insiders membership or renewal, a special collectible lanyard from the event and two Elvis champagne flutes. All package items (excluding ticket) will be available for pickup at Graceland on August 8-16 from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.)


SUNDAY, AUGUST 17

Elvis Gospel Breakfast
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Elvis Presley Car Museum, Graceland Plaza. Enjoy brunch in the Elvis Presley Car Museum while listening to Elvis Gospel music and watching Elvis videos on the drive-in theater movie screen. Tickets are $33.00 per person. Tickets are now on sale through Graceland Reservations. Click here to purchase your tickets online or call 800-238-2000.


MULTIPLE DATE EVENTS

Morning and Evening Walk-ups for Meditation Garden
Daily throughout the year, there is a special period of time for free admission walk-up visits to the Meditation Garden at Graceland. The summer hours for free walk-ups are 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. daily, then the garden becomes part of the regular ticketed Graceland tour. There will be no morning walk-ups on the morning of August 16 due to the Candlelight Vigil. As a special courtesy to fans, there is always an additional schedule of evening walk-up times during Elvis Week. Evening walk-up times will be from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on August 9, 10, 13, 14 & 16.

Elvis Week Entertainment Tent at Graceland Crossing Sponsored by Elvis Collector's Edition Tins
August 8-16. Continuous presentation of Elvis music performed live by various singers and bands, plus other activities. Children and youth karaoke also featured. Free admission. A detailed schedule will be available at the Elvis Week information table in the Graceland Plaza as Elvis Week begins.

Elvis Week Art Contest & Exhibit
August 9-15. Ticket office pavilion in Graceland Plaza. Free admission to view this exhibition of Elvis-themed artwork from amateur and professional artists from around the world. Click here for a Art Contest Rules, Guidelines and Entry Form for artists who would like to submit their work. Deadline to submit artwork is July 31.

Children's Elvis Week Art Activities
August 9: 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and August 10: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Ticket office pavilion in Graceland Plaza. Children will get the opportunity to create Elvis art to hang in the 2008 Elvis Week Art Contest & Exhibit as part of the exhibit only category. Each participant will receive a certificate of participation. Free.

Kids Karaoke
August 9: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 pm; August 12: 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 pm. Elvis Week Entertainment Tent sponsored by Elvis Collector's Edition Tins, Graceland Crossing. Children and youth aged 2 to 17 are invited to perform karaoke Elvis songs. Free admission to perform and to be in the audience.

Children’s Activities
August 11-15. 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Graceland Ticket Pavilion. Craft activities for children aged 2 to 12. Free. 
  Elvis Fan Club Festival
August 12-16. 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Airport Inn, 1441 E. Brooks Rd., Memphis. Free admision. This year is the 30th anniversary of the original Elvis Fan Club Festival. Vegas atmosphere with EPE, Inc. items from 1956 to present. Continuous Elvis music.

Artwork of Betty Harper Exhibit
August 13 & 14: 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Everything Elvis, Graceland Crossing. Betty will be exhibiting her artwork and meeting fans.

Tours of The MED and Elvis Presley Trauma Center
August 12-17. Contact Marsha Evans at 901-545-6405 or mevans@the-med.org for details.

Brian was an immensely talented man who passed over way too early.

His memorial service will be this Saturday at Bellevue;  special music begins at 9 am, and the service begins at 10 am.

I've been asked to write the following story.  Yes, it's true.  Yes, it just happened to me.  And yes, I still don't believe it happened.

So I'm driving into work yesterday.  I'm on Highland, having turned off of Poplar, and the FOX13 Studio is roughly 100 feet ahead of me on the right.  That's when I see a car stopped in front of me.  It's in the right lane, traffic is starting to pick up, people are trying to get around him (it's a 4 lane road), and he's clearly having some trouble.  It's got the trunk up (if I remember correctly), and the hazards are on.  Gray cadillac.  Late 90's.  Nice shape. 

I glance at my watch, see that I'm not late for anything,, and decide that I've got time to stop and help this guy push his car out of this busy street.   So I drive just past him and pull into a vacant lot (that sits next to a church that's about to be torn down for a nice new development.)

I get out of my truck and start over towards him.  Traffic has eased, so he gets out  and looks over the car at me.  I say, "Hey man!"  (I'm yelling because of the traffic).  "Lets push you out of the street!".

Now, this guy is a big guy.  I'm not a great judge of what anyone weighs but me, but he's probably between 250 and 300 lbs.  He looks over the car at me and says, "Hey, thanks!  I....Joey?"

Now, from time to time, people will say "Joey?" that have been kind enough to watch FOX13 News and recognize me.  I'm always grateful for that, because they took the time to watch, and to speak.  So I say, as intelligently as I can, "Yeah?"  And he says, "It's me!  Dana!"  (Now, Dana is a guy that I used to bartend with years and years ago, at, I think, Sleep Out Louie's downtown.  The bar isn't there anymore, but used to be one of the hottest spots in town.  I haven't seen him in many years, it seems, so I was surprised.  So, I say:) "Dana!  You gotta be kidding me!"  He says, "Man, I ran outta gas!"  So I say, "Let's get you out of the street!"  

He's grinning.  I'm grinning.  I mean, what are the odds that two old friends would run into each other this way?

So I run over behind his car, look up towards Central to make sure no maniac driver is going to turn me into a Caddy sandwich , and get my core low - just like I learned in football - so's that I can push this beast of a car while he steers.  I'm dressed in my suit for work, but it's all good.  Dana (who I think I mentioned is a big boy) is dressed in black. (he's working nearby with a hotel/restaurant and was on his way home;  what he's wearing will also be important in a moment, as I can still clearly see what happened in my mind's eye).  He's pushing on the open door while steering the car - and I'm looking like one of those overzealous dudes on the Strongest Man in the World competition on ESPN. 

We're two reasonably sized guys.  We're building momentum.  And we're getting this car out of the street. 

Now I mentioned before that Dana had run out of gas next to a vacant lot, right?  So he's cutting the wheel into the lot, I'm pushing like I'm in a rugby scrum, and this car is moving.  We get it up and over the little drive-in incline, and it started to roll into the lot. 

Whew!  I think to myself, as I lean over, hands on knees, to catch my breath.  Not so bad.  And I look up to see Dana walking beside the car and steering it into this big lot.

I said, "All right, Dana - jump in and hit the brakes." 

Dana is still walking beside the car.  And he's picking up speed.

I said, a bit louder, "Dana, hop in!  Hit the brakes!"

Dana is now almost to a shuffle/jog.  I'm realizing Dana is having some trouble getting himself into this moving car (did I mention that Dana is one big cat?).  He's still got a hold of the open door, but he's now let go of the steering wheel and is really trying to stay with the vehicle, and get a leg in - into a car which is starting to roll faster and faster.

That's when I looked PAST the accelerating Cadillac.  Now, 20 feet away, and DIRECTLY WHERE THE CAR IS GOING, is a bulldozer.  It's not a giant bulldozer, but come on:  It's a bulldozer.  It's parked.  No operator.  And sticking out of the front, STRAIGHT OUT, is an attachment with a hard point.  The type of attachment that looks like it probably busts up concrete.  And again, it's sitting where this car is now trying to do.

So I began to panic.  "DANA", I screamed, "GET IN THE CAR AND STOP IT!!!!".

That's when Dana fell.  And I mean hard.  I didn't even see him get his hands out to break his fall.  I can clearly see that big guy, dressed in black, hit the pavement/dirt with a mighty thud. Face down.  Laid flat.  And the car is now picking up speed.

Dana raised his head and yelled "Joey!  Stop my car!"

And then everything happened really fast.

I remember leaning over, hands on suited knees, yelling at Dana.  The next thing I know, I'm jumping him like O.J. and sprinting like an Olympian for a gray Cadillac that is now going, oh, I don't know, somewhere between 5 and 10 miles an hour.  It's at leat 20 feet away from me, it's now going even faster, and It's heading DEAD ON for that bulldozer and the spike of death.

I get to the car door - 10 feet away now from the dozer - I dive through the door and into the seat - 5 feet away now from the dozer - and start frantcially stomping on the floor, hoping I'll hit the brake - 2 feet away now from the dozer - and I find the pedal!  It's a little spongy - I stomp it - and the car finally stops. 

Inches away from the front of the bulldozer and it's spike of pain.

Seriously.

I'll be honest.  I sat there for a minute.  Needed to breathe.  And I was shaking a little.  I got OUT of the car, and I'm now covered in sweat (not so much from the running as the fear).  My heart is jack-hammering through my shirt.  I'm telling you:  I was dazed.  Surprised.  A little shaken.  And then the energy rush hit.

So I walk/jitterbug/hop over to Dana, who's still laying there flat.  His head is raised, his eyes are wide, and his mouth finally moves to say:  "I can't believe you stopped my car".  I said, "I can't believe I stopped your car!".  (that's when I noticed that right behind Dana, in the middle of 4-lane'd Highland, was another stopped vehicle.  Traffic going all around it.  Someone had apparently been so dumbfounded at what just unfolded that they literally just stopped their car.  A man and woman were looking at me through their open window, visibly stunned.   They had just seen the whole thing.  That's when I heard him say  "I can't believe you stopped his car!"

Now, as you can imagine, I'm totally jacked up.  My adrenaline is surging.  I'm hopping around, looking like a doofus, and I yell back to him:  "I mean, did you guys see that?!"

And that guy looked right at me through that window, and said slowly with eyes wide:  "You're the fastest weatherman I've ever seen."

And that is the dang truth.

(today, I noticed that the road workers have moved the bulldozer;  I don't know if they actually used it, or decided that there might be more idiots like me and my friend Dana out there.  but it's still on the lot.)

 

The 4th is a good time to reflect on all that is good with our great nation.

WALL-E.  Saw it!  Loved it!  Good flick.  Go see it.

Cole slaw.  Again - goes with anything.

Coke zero.  At this point, if I cut myself shaving, that's what's gonna seep out.

Air conditioning.  You sweet, seductive temptress - you had me at "on".

The DVR:  you magnificent machine.  If Philly built a statue for Rocky, then EVERY COMMUNITY ON THE PLANET should have a marble bust of a DVR somewhere near city hall.

The awesome variety of beers available at any grocery store.  (That one was NOT for the kids.  Not until you're 21, junior.)

The Office.  The Office re-runs on NBC.  The Office re-runs on TBS.  Me watching every season of The Office on DVD.  The Office webisodes on line.  The Office.  (That was like a whacked-out crackhead haiku).

I'm about to have to do final weather - so - I'll end with that.

I always work on the 4th of July.  But, there are a lot of reasons why I like the 4th of July. 

I love grilled meats.  And coleslaw.  In fact, coleslaw should be in the refrigerator year round.  Not just on the 4th.  Yet, I digress.

I love our flag.  And the way people will put the flag colors on ANYTHING (and of course, try to sell it at Target and Wal-Mart).

I love fireworks, and barbecues with friends, and coolers full of drinks dripping with ice.

But most of all, I love this country.

I feel like I should write that because it seems to me like we've been taking a beating of late - from over seas as well as from ourselves.  Gets a little old.

Sure, we're not perfect.  Sure, we've got corruption, problems, issues, bad politicians on both sides.  But it's still the best thing going.  We're still FREE to write a blog that the world can read, voicing our opinions about religion, our government, and so on - without fear of being imprisoned, or caned, or blown up.

We not only have fire trucks and ambulances and police cars moments away at any given time for protection - we have libraries and parks and zoos.

Do you know any vets?  I know a lot.  From my grandfather and father, to life-long friends.  I owe them a lot.

You do too.

So who saw my story on the 1936 Tupelo Tornado?  If you missed it, you're in luck!  Go to the search bar on the home page, and type in "Tupelo Tornado" and check it out.  Kip Gordon, a FOX13 Promotions Producer, worked with me on it.  He shot and edited it (we did all the work on our own time), and we're very proud of how it turned out.  Check it out and tell me what you think.

I also had a GREAT weekend.  Sure, my FOX13 Gold Team lost to Matt Stark's Blue Team in a station softball game, but it wasn't from lack of trying.  We had a good time.

Then later that night I got a serious treat.  One of my favorite bands reunited and played at Newby's!  That's right baby:  Tora Tora!  They've been asked to perform at the rapidly growing "Rocklahoma" festival (google it....very impressive), and decided to use the Newby's date as a warm-up.  I got to see my friends in the band, who I haven't seen in 10+ years...AND, they asked me to get on stage and say a few words about them right before they played!  I gotta tell you, I felt like a rock star myself.  The place was sold out, the crowd was amazing, and the show did not disappoint.  Even after all these years, those boys haven't lost a single note.  I hope that the world rediscovers what amazing music the made, and that they get paid to make even more of it.   (and you should check them out too!  go to their myspace page:  myspace.com/tora tora band and listen!)

 

I was watching the weather this morning and I swear when the TruView (or whatever it's called) radar first showed up it looked like five or six lightsabers floating around in the Mid-South. 

That, my friends, is my mind without a stout cup of coffee, or perhaps I shouldn't watch The Phantom Menace with my son before bed the night before.

Come see the band at the P&H this Saturday!  Whee!!!

(Joey note:  in an attempt to write more, i'm going to get all 'stream of consciousness' on you.  that means i won't capitalize everything i should, or even spell-check.  takes too long.  slows me down.  get on board and everybody wins)

Always a fair question.  I'm determined to write more. Of course, that means finding 10 more minutes out of every day (which is already jam-packed enough to give a palm pilot a coronary).  But I know you like to read, and I like to write, so in theory this should work like 'peas and carrots' (I always hear Forrest Gump say that line in my head as I write it.  Then I hear him say the name "Jenny", which is really pronounced more like "Jenn-Knee".)

My yard is languishing in between beautiful and not.  Water is a pain, but once freshly shorn, the grass is worth it.

I"m excited about some new opportunities that will (hopefully) be opening up soon on myfoxmemphis.com!  Stay tuned for more (too early to give you the specs yet, but I will).

Can't wait to hear Tora Tora perform this Saturday at Newby's.  Will be great to hear those guys (interesting side note:  I was a bartender in Midtown during the recording of one of their albums.  they used to come in to, shall we say, hydrate.  i was their bartender, and got to know them.  they even took me over to Ardent studios and showed me around.  great memory.  anyway, when that album came out, i'm mentioned in the liner notes as 'one of the poeple we'd like to thank'!  i'll always be proud of that.)

Trying to stay cool seems like a 24 hour job.  And i never fail to be amazed, when i walk from the the soggy humidity outside into the crisp, cool air-conditioning of a home or office, that for A VERY LONG TIME people in the south didn't have a/c!  I mean, come on!  seriously.  Must have been a lot of snarky, moody people back in the day (which, by the way, always cracks me up when i hear anyone under the age of 30 use that phrase.  i think you need to be at LEAST 31 to say "back in the day". )

I hope this next fact gets some airplay soon, but it just came to my attention that this site you're on - MyFoxMemphis.com - is a hairs-breadth away from being tied with the Commercial Appeal for 1ST PLACE in WHERE MID-SOUTHERNERS GET THEIR ONLINE NEWS (or something like that).  Pretty dang cool!

It's also way cool that we've got this great blog system.  I'm all for empowering the people and giving you a medium for your thoughts.  And this site has a great system for that.  I hope you're getting the most out of it.

I'm tired of reality shows, for the most part.  Hell's Kitchen is still interesting, but some of the others I just don't get.  I'm ready for the culture to shift back to well-writen comedies.  Peopled with unknowns (ala The Office) who will work their tails off to make it work.  (I mean, don't you hate it when a good show goes on for years, and the cast gets jaded and 'too-big-for-tv', and you can see it in their acting?  they're all, disinterested and aloof?  check out the last two seasons of Friends to see what I mean - particularly Jennifer Aniston.)  Please bring back The Office soon!  (Andy Bernard is one of my all time favorite tv characters, and amazingly acted by Ed Helms.)

Wish I lived closer to work.  If I did, I'd ride my back every day.  And I'd always know whether to wear a slicker or not, as I'm a weatherman.

Great comics to read in the CA (or online) until tv gets better:  Get Fuzzy (brilliant).  Dilbert (has yet to suffer a bad season - Scott Adams is a genius).  And for some reason I can't yet explain, I want to see the relationship flourish between Brad DeGroot and fellow ((female)) firefighter Toni Daytona in Luann.  I know - Luann, right?  I'm even embarassed to type it, for crying out loud.  But, when the eyes aren't held in check, there's no telling where they will wander to.

And why' can't gas stations all pick the same low, basic price and all agree on it?  Can't we just ignore this whole "free trade" and "capitalism" thing for once?  Earn your profits on hamburgers you've shaped into hotdogs and oversized cans of cheap beer iced down by the front door.

Speaking of which:  that "oversized cans of cheap beer iced down by the front door" is unbelievable!  There should be a sign right next to it that says, "Hey, man!  PLEASE drink and drive!  Do NOT let this thing get any warmer!"  I mean, who's going to hold an iced-down can of beer, on a HOT SOUTHERN DAY, ice and condensation dripping all down the side, and say to themselves:  "This is going to taste really good when I get home and it's about 20 degrees warmer!"  COME on!  ((Reminds me of the ridiculous sight that greeted me on a past trip to New Orleans:  Drive thru frozen daiquiri shacks.  No kidding.  You could walk up, or drive through.  That's it.)

Got more to add to this?  Love to hear it.  That's what the "Comment" tab is for.

Peace out.

 

 

sorry but I did like the comment made on the early morning show by the whether man about the Akey breaky heart being stupid by a stupid man

leon griffin is the best weatherman in memphis

Now that I have your attention.

A good movie is about to end or a great game is going on  when all of a sudden it is interrupted a break in the weather.  Many Memphians become mad and the stations tries to justify  why.   YOU SHOULDN'T !

    We have taken our weather for granted and thinking that just because we  are not being hit by a tornado or other events it will not happen to us. Have you forgotten about the Mall that was damaged and the home in Hickory hill?  Joey and others do not explain yourself because many people like me take the report serious. 

    It is a shame that a person would put a game or show more important than the safety of their family or themselves.   Many people lose their lives to tornados, falling trees from heavy storms and flooding. Joey you keep breaking in and letting the community know if threatening weather is in the air. Beside if you are dead you are not going to know who won the game or American Idol anyway so you might as well take cover so that you can live to see the recaption.

Why do we always have to watch sunsets from Dyersburg and hear about their weather? We live in Memphis. Sunsets across the river are much better and I don't need to know the details of the weather in Dyersburg. Pickwick is closer and the sunsets are probably better also.

I think you should do a picture in picture screen when there are sport events on and we are having bad weather. You guys do a good job on the no hype weather and i understand people need to be inform.  keep up the good work

How Mid-Southerners get their 'weather warnings' is an often debated topic.

When local weather-anchors break-into your shows to tell you what's happening, two things happen:  ratings skyrocket, and people complain. 

Your very own FOX13 here in Memphis is the creator and pioneer of what's now being studied across the country:  the "No Hype" weather approach.

What does that mean?

Let me start with what it DOES NOT mean.

"No Hype" DOES NOT mean we will never jump into programming.  When it's important, we ABSOLUTELY will.

"No Hype" means WE WON'T STAY IN YOUR SHOW, and IN YOUR FACE. 

FOX13 has a team of dedicated meteorologists with years and years of experience that scrutinize every single storm.  Our job is to look for potential dangers, and pass those warnings along to you, our friends and family in the mid-south.  "HOW" we do that is what differentiates tv station from tv station.

Is one way right, or one way wrong?  Is one way better, or one way worse? 

WHAT DO YOU THINK? 

First, read this article from the Charlotte Observer (weather coverage is an issue EVERYWHERE).  Then, sound off.

I'll try to answer when I can.  And I'll be sharing some of your responses on-air, also.

The FOX13 Weather Authority is committed to keeping the mid-south safe during severe weather.  We also respect your opinions and comments, and believe that good dialogue makes a difference.

Good, responsible communication is where it starts.  And we want to hear from you.

(don't forget to read this!)

http://www.charlotte.com/112/story/617846.html<
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