Norfolk

Historic Triangle

Totally unexpected! I was staying about 30 minutes outside of Plains and there was a picture of Mr. Carter at the reception desk. I asked if they knew him and they said yes. He would be teaching Sunday school the next day and he does a meet and greet after. I had no plans and thought it would be interesting to meet the man who was President when I was born. He didn't know what Bubble Tea was. I did not have dress clothes, so I had to wear what I packed. It was the first time I was surrounded by secret service agents. The only other thing I was able to tell him was that he inspired me to donate to Habitat for Humanity.

The Little White House

This city deserves more than 1 visit

I enjoyed the MLK & Carter sites, but regret not using the MARTA. I'd like to do at least a couple days in Atlanta with no car the next time. 

I never saw him holding a guitar in real life

I have a "big 4" when it comes to bands: Metallica, Slayer, The Clash, Sleater-Kinney (in order of discovery). They are not necessarily the ones I listen to the most often, but their music had the most impact on me. Metallica & Slayer spoke to my teen angst, still helps me wake up in the morning and stay awake while driving. The Clash & Sleater-Kinney got me more into political music. As a guy, most of the artists I like are male, but S-K rocks as hard as many (not Metallica or Slayer of course) of the male bands I like. Besides giving me something to relate to, music gives me a jolt.....so I prefer hard rock/metal. However, I enjoy Otis Redding. He had an intensity on stage without being backed up by loud guitars. Very few songs give me a rush like the last half of TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS. Although not one of his more well known songs, OLD MAN TROUBLE is probably my favorite. I never really liked MY GIRL until I heard his live version. His voice just does something amazing to that song. There are songs that give me a jolt and songs that give me goosebumps. Pearl Jam's version of DOCK OF THE BAY (only performed once in early 1994 as an encore) just gives me the chills. I wish they would release a professional recording of it (or play it live again). It has that Vedderesque angst which works surprisingly well for a song that's not an angry song.