Today In Tennessee

Swords And Booze - Drunk Mom Runs Through Elementary School With Sword

2 March, 2010

This is definitely something that should have any parent concerned about the safety of this children.

According to Memphis, Tennessee police, a mother of an elementary school student drank a 40 ounce bottle of malt liquor before brandishing a sword in her child's school. The woman, age 32, apparently intended to confront the parents of another child. Apparently the two children were having a spitting match the day before and something went horribly wrong.

An employee at Riverview Elementary School reported that the woman was armed with a sword, running through the halls of the school while making threats. Police officers retrieved a black cane that concealed the sword blade.

So lock your windows, bolt your doors and arm your ADT monitored home security systems just in case a drunken lady with a sword comes a knockin'! Can you imagine what a terrifying site that would be? Don't take chances and definitely don't underestimate the dementia that may result from drinking malt liquor!

Tennessee Grandpa Gets Drunk Driving Charges with Toddler on His Lap

18 February, 2010

So much for keeping the kids safe with the grandparents! An East Tennessee grandpa was pulled over by police and charged with drinking, driving, and child endangerment. He'd been holding his 2-year-old grandson in his lap while in the process of simultaneously driving and drinking beer.

Chattanooga radio news reports say the man was stopped because his van had a broken tail light. A surveillance video reportedly shows the intoxicated driver exiting the van while still holding onto the toddler who'd been sharing the driver's seat.

Collegedale, TN police officers said the man tested 0.13 on a breath test, which is about 1 1/2 times over the legal limit. The man readily admitted to the officers that the boy had been riding in his lap and that he had recently consumed six or seven beers, including one that was half-full and still cold inside the vehicle. The man was quickly charged with DUI, reckless endangerment and, to top it all off, probation violation.

Tennessee's Tricky Cats | Local TN Radio Station Reports on Cat-Training Tips

1 February, 2010

Tennessee's radio station WKRN has reported on some fun and almost believable tips for effective cat training. The station's website shares ideas that suggest working with your cat on these tricky behaviors (at home, without the need for costly pet training classes) can be a great outlet for the animal's natural curiosity and athleticism.

And let's face it; it's really a great party trick!

Keeping sessions short and repeating directives clearly and consistently only 2 - 5 times in each lesson will be your key to reasonable long-term results. Train before meal times, when your cat should be hungry and a little more motivated. Be patient. Really, really patient. Never ever yell at the cat who isn't into your silly endeavor to create a trick cat.

Sit - Hold a little treat above the cat's head so he sits back. Say the word "sit" as you lift the treat over your pet's head until he assumes a sitting position. If the cat jumps up and bites your hand or claws at your fingers, try not to release the treat (unless of course he performs the attack while sitting).

Reach - Cats are philosophically opposed to begging, so we'll call this one "Reach." As in the sit trick, hold a treat over your cat's head so it has to sit, hold it a little higher to inspire him to reach up and try to take the reward with his paws. Say "reach" and as soon as your feline does something that resembles the results you're hoping for, give him the treat.

High five - Many cats can actually do this one without excessive difficulty or resentment. Just hold a small treat out of your cat's reach (in front and slightly above her head). Say "High five" as you lower your hand slightly. If the cat tries to take the treat with its teeth, raise your hand above the cat's head. Now she should try to get the treat with a paw. If the paw hits your palm, give her the treat and praise her, repeating the words "high five." If Miss Kitty doesn't reach for the treat, there's probably something wrong with her. It could be feline ADD. You should probably give up.

Fetch - Good luck with this one. Get a glass of wine (that's for you, not the cat), sit on the floor (this may take a while) and get a kitty toy. Toss the toy a few feet in front of you, say "fetch" and hope your cat chases after it. Let your cat play with it for a minute or two, then reach out and take the toy. Repeat your steps. Try to entice the cat to bring the toy to you and trade for its treat. When the glass of wine is empty, your session is over.

Play dead - Another trick for the unduly optimistic pet owner. Find a cozy area that kitty likes to lie in. Press gently on your cat's back and say, "Play dead." If the cat lies down, and is not actually dead, reward her with a treat. If the cat does not appreciate being pressed on the back (no matter how gently) resist increasing the pressure. Never keep at this one until you're so frustrated you're tempted to press on kitty with a car tire. You'll just feel bad later.

Burning Desire to Text | There are Times When Texting on Your Cell Phone Should be Prohibited

25 January, 2010

Tennessee laws do prohibit texting in a number of logical situations. For example, it's unlawful to text while operating any motor vehicle in the state of Tennessee.

Drivers with either a learner's permit or an intermediate license cannot legally use a cell phone at all when driving. School bus drivers can't use a cell phone while driving if passengers are on board.

We're not sure what the laws are limiting cell phone and text usage in the state of Oregon. A Portland area man, angry at a girlfriend who tried to stop him from torturing her puppy, set fire to her belongings and then taunted her by text while in the act.

Apparently in possession of a generous text plan (not sure who his carrier was) he began,

"He he fire" and "Smoky in here"

Followed by "Hope nothing important is in your bag 'cause your table is on fire."

He went on, "Really shouldn't leave someone who hates YOU alone with stuff…"

Pretty good advice actually. Another bit of advice; "Really shouldn't text someone who hates YOU while you're setting their stuff on fire."

The guy was arrested soon after when he drove by the apartment. I wonder if anyone texted "idiot" to his cell phone?

Haunting isn't Just for Halloween | Tennessee Boasts Ghosts Year-Round

18 January, 2010

Ghost stories and real life accounts of spector encounters abound in Tennessee. Do you have some ghostly tales of your own? Feel free to share them with us at kate.kelly.utah@gmail.com and you may see your donated text in print!

One Tennessee woman experienced extensive paranormal activity in a small 1800's era house she rented for roughly one year near Nashville. One of the most evident tell-tale signs was coming home to find all lights blazing inside the home. She made a point of making sure the lights were all turned off before leaving for her office each morning, but often at night they would all be on.

Slamming doors was another regular occurance. It wasn't a matter of slamming shut, as if a breeze had caught them. More often they'd fly open. Kitchen noises were often heard from other rooms. Waking up in the morning, the renter many times found every cabinet and drawer in the kitchen open.

Most folks would be rather alarmed by such findings, though it seems when ghostly activity often works its way into conversation, one might become almost accustomed to its existance. While strange, it more often than not seems paranormal presences are not dangerous or threatening, but rather simply unnerving or annoying.