14 June 2018

[TPC] - Perrin Lovett - Killing Ourselves: Commentary on Suicides General, Celebrity, and Cultural


Author’s Note: Thank you for the pleasant response to and praise for last week’s fictional account. This week, a darker corporeal matter.

Frequently, now, it seems that less and less of the happenings and the discourse make sense. That’s especially true if you are slowly, reluctantly making your way into middle age. It’s doubly true for the budding curmudgeons among us. Just the other evening I had the pleasure of dining with several lovely, smart young ladies. For some reason, I casually mentioned John Wayne. They staggered me when two responded: “Who’s John Wayne?”

Things change. Things become incomprehensible. And not just things concerning fading popular cowboy culture. It’s a different world than it was fifty years ago. Or ten years ago.

All these changes may have something to do with the current epidemic of people giving up the resistance, either to maintain what was or to fit in with what becomes.

The CDC reports strong growth in suicide rates nationwide over the past generation. These rates are up 30% in half the states. Self-inflicted demise is now the tenth leading cause of death in our country. This, at a time of supposed peace, prosperity, and economic growth. 54% of the recent suicides were by persons with no previously known mental disorder. No age, race, situation, or condition seems immune. Look through that report; odds are you’ll be staggered.

The venerable CDC suggests what can be done about the trend. I see good, bad, and incomplete in their advice. At a superficial level, they get it right about life stress being a major factor. Their solutions, some of them I think, are perhaps a little misplaced.

“Making sure government, public health, healthcare, employers, education, the media and community organizations are working together is important for preventing suicide.”
- CDC, Overview.

That certainly sounds fine and well. But, what if the government, the “public” health, and all those institutions are contributing to the problem? Contributing to all that stress, consternation, and perplexity. Then what?

(Le Suicide, Edouard Manet, 1881. Picture from Wikipedia.)

I’m most interested in the “why?” Why are so many people, during such allegedly good times, choosing of off themselves?

Part of, much of the cause may be the cultural changes, which I’ll lump-sum define as “decline.” It’s hard for even healthy, ordinary, or normal people to make sense of a world that keeps redirecting on an hourly basis, always seemingly towards some baffling point of uncertainty. It fosters a sense of hopelessness many apparently cannot cope with.

Consider that:

  • The economy, as good as it looks, is held aloft by reams of untenable debt and fake money. Many sense a crash coming, maybe of nightmare proportions.

  • In a time of relative peace, few have ever been more preoccupied with war. If they can’t get real violence, then they’ll fantasize about it.

  • The town square is filled with political and social rancor and sometimes not much else. It’s Democrats versus Republicans, blacks versus whites, city versus country, and everyone else versus whoever can be found to vie against.

  • The globalists keep pushing an agenda which is rapidly turning traditional America and the West into a 21st century Tower of Babel, the iPhone edition.

  • The trivial is lauded in the extreme. True speech and thought are suppressed. Education and intelligence ridiculed. Freedom hated. Christianity is shunned. Evil is praised. Every manner of degeneracy imaginable is hailed as tolerable, normal, even “better.”

As a dark aside on the culture front, the current satanic push is for the normalization of pedophilia. I’ll bet you didn’t know that. Yet, I bet you suspected as much, whether or not you’ll kindly admit it. There’s a reason why some promote sexual assault in children’s movies. There’s a reason why they extol child drag queens. There’s a reason why the corrupt and useless British government is desperate to cover up the grooming rings. There’s a reason why thousands of low-to-mid level operators worldwide have been arrested the past decade for child sex trafficking.  

There may be (may be) a connection between that latter trend, the overall suicide rates, and the recent spate of celebrity suicides. Rumors swirl here and there about a coming storm, about coming indictments against higher level actors. It is alleged that some of them are deciding to preempt the system so as to avoid Millstone justice.

Many may not have noticed these signs. It’s been a quiet if persistent operation. And one prays that, given what evil is now at bat, a hard line is drawn. But, as previous measures of “inclusion” have demonstrated, these things have a way of sneaking up and sneaking in - almost utterly unnoticed until the Supreme Court suddenly says they’re a-okay.

(This is a millstone. It is suggested that this is better than what awaits. Picture by Perrin.)

Another aside: if the pedo monsters are batting right now, who or what is on deck? My guess, and I’m not being facetious, is cannibalism.

All of this is disturbing, to say the least. So, partially understanding the “why,” what is to be done about it? I recommend, as always, freedom, tempered responsibility, and a hardened defense of the cherished and the sacred. A rebellion of sort may be in order.

When confronting this darkness, ask yourself, “What would John Wayne do?”






Fellow Terry College of Business (UGA) grad Brother Perrin Lovett is a true renaissance gentleman & scholar. A recovering attorney, he's into guns & cigars, and the US Constitution. A published author, Prepper columnist & YouTube personality, and an acclaimed blogger, TPC is very proud to have our old friend on board as the C.F. Floyd Feature Writer of National Affairs. 

|||||||

Your Source for the REAL Story

13 June 2018

Kayla's Corner: Trivia in Porterdale; Food, Fun & Film at Legion Field

Kayla's Corner




Welcome back to the Corner, a place for details on food & fun, cool destinations & local happenings.


1917, A River Tavern | Porterdale, GA


Last week we talked about different places to play trivia & I wanted to mention one more this week. 

Located in downtown Porterdale & formerly known as Lahrceny Tavern, The 1917 - A River Tavern, is now under new management & has made some major changes. First off, it is now a non-smoking venue, which a lot of folks are pretty thrilled about. Also, Chef Todd Scott is back in action & is putting out some really good food!

And starting tonight, June 13th, Wednesday Night Trivia, hosted by my fellow TPC Contributing Writer Ellis "Da" Millsaps, will be a weekly thing. This trivia is a little bit different as I'm told, and as many out there know, Ellis is too! So come on down to Porterdale & check it out! 




One of Chef Scott's specialties - Shrimp & Grits 


This week's edition of "Kayla's Corner" Proudly Sponsored by...


- LOCAL ADVERTISER -



And this Friday night here in town will be the 3rd Friday Food, Fun & Film at Legion Field. This looks like a blast! Food trucks, inflatables & other fun & activities for the kiddos and a screening of "The Sandlot." This looks like a lot of fun!  





Well alright, y'all. That'll do it for this time. See you right back here next week!
- K 




Author of TPC recurring piece, "Kayla's Corner," Ms. Leasure is originally a Walton Co. gal who studied marketing & advertising & loves the beach, the woods & her dogs while keeping herself busy with multiple projects & endeavors. She has her finger on the pulse of the home county like no other & is always "keeping an eye on Covington." A beautiful lady, inside & out, it is The Chronicles' true privilege to have her talents as part of our team. 


Kayla Leasure: Keeping an Eye on Covington
The Piedmont Chronicles

12 June 2018

Tuesday Check-in: What's the Word Around Town - COV, JDA & GA Politics

Your Source for the REAL Story

Howdy, Buckaroos, it's your ole pal MB w/ a quick Tuesday check-in, and...my goodness, I must say how lovely you look today! You're wearing your hair a little differently. I like it!

So, what's the 411? Let's check it out.

C-town Representin' 

Well, at the last council meeting it was revealed that the city will not be increasing its municipal millage rate. That's good. That's real good. I don't think folks would've been very impressed if that was going to be on the table after learning about that $21-some-odd million in the reserve fund. It's almost like the city is turning into Butts-Mehre in Athens (UGA) with their Gollum-like coveting of their reserve fund (Precious!!!). I like how the auditor was basically all like - just keep it for a rainy day. You're doing great! 
Hey, I've got an idea - how 'bout a tax decrease? Or, at a minimum, a roll-back rate that would take into account the increase in property valuations so the good folks of Covington wouldn't have to pay out anymore for taxes than they did last year. I mean, if pretty much all the city employees are getting 3% pay raises this year, couldn't the good taxpayers of Covington get a bit of break since, you know, they're the ones paying for everything & all?



And that leads to point that several have been talking about. With the looming Plant Vogle utility increases & this epic Central Park thing that's apparently on the way, there's a major concern that the city is not being very perspicacious in its fiscal responsibility.

For years Covington has always been the one to do things the right way at least as it compared to Newton Co. Now, Newton Co. is still a hot mess, and now there are doubts about the home city. I think more than ever we need a reestablishment of the #NewtonCounty12 & the NCLA.

Joint Development Authority

In my last post about  JDA affairs I mentioned the fact that Andrea Gray, attorney for the JDA, was being paid her attorney hourly rate for ministerial & clerical services. I had that on very good information but I do have a call in to Andrea to get her side of things.

As a few of you may know, Andrea, and one of the associates at her firm, Jenny Carter, were both former staff attorneys at the law offices of Wm Thomas Craig, Esq. Some have theorized that WTC, who has widely been considered to be the fountainhead of the JDA some 20 years ago, may still be somewhat involved with things, or possibly "of counsel" to the Gray Law Firm. That's another thing I'll check on if I get a call back.

- LOCAL ADVERTISER -
$1.25 for 10 lbs; $2.00 for 20 
10700 Covington Bypass Rd; Hwy 213 by Loyal Gas; Mansfield beside Rooster's, Newborn at the Chevron on 
Hwy 142, HWY 11 at the HUB; Hwy 212 at Frank's. Good Quality; Clean Water; Fresh Ice at a Great Price! Owned & Operated by Travis Moore 
- LOCAL ADVERTISER - 
*local advertisers do not necessarily endorse or support the views of TPC/MBM*


GA Politics 


In my last post about Georgia Real Politik, I mentioned that the gubernatorial runoff was looking to be a political junkie's dream. That's a big 10-4. The bombshell tape recording that Clay Tippins made of his conversation with Casey Cagle was nothing short of lurid, scandalous & damning, and confirmed what many have always thought about ole Weird Eyes (Cagle) - that perhaps it's all about politics & power for him. In that last piece, I mentioned that Cagle's perceived advantage in electability would be washed out by the fact that more folks despised him than they did Kemp, so therefore this thing would be an even-odds dogfight. My best guess is that this unflattering recording of Cagle will cost him at least a couple of percentage points in the long haul meaning that this will probably be one of the ugliest & most expensive runoffs in state history. Pass the popcorn & get ready to be bombarded with TV, radio & direct mail over the next month & half. Good times!

Alright, gang, that'll do it for this rodeo. Happy Trails!

-MBM 




11 June 2018

[TPC] - Ellis Millsaps: Local Girl Makes Good

~ Special to The Chronicles ~

    Greetings from you erstwhile Porterdale correspondent, this week reporting to you from the city of New Orleans. I’m here not only because I love this city, but particularly because The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra is presenting a musical interpretation of my daughter Grace Millsaps’ acclaimed children’s book, What the Sleepy Animals Do at the Audubon Zoo, originally published in 2012.

Grace Millsaps


A little backstory is in order here.

Grace lives with her husband Ryan Murphy and their daughter, the lovely and talented Tallulah Grace Murphy, soon to turn two years old, on the West Bank of the Mississippi River in New Orleans. When I say they live on the west bank, that is close to literally true. Sitting on their front porch, what you see is the levee.

Ryan had the idea for Sleepy Animals, Grace wrote the text, and two friends did the magical illustrations. A member of the Louisiana Philharmonic had the idea of a musical score to accompany a performance reading of the book.

Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra


The plot of the book centers around a little girl, Renee, and her father visiting the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans. When most of the animals are asleep, Renee asks her father, why. He then proceeds to conjure up a tale about what they do all night to make them so tired.

What they do all night is mostly play music and dance, which makes the story perfectly suited to musical accompaniment.

The show is presented at Loyola University to I’m guessing a group of 250 children and parents. Pages from the book are projected on a screen over the stage, while a local media personality reads the text, surrounded by the orchestra who intersperse it with musical interludes.    



This reviewer thought the show was delightful.

I’m now going to interview the young author, but first a curriculum vitae.

Grace Millsaps was born February 1, 1987 at Newton County Hospital. She was schooled at Mansfield Elementary School, Indian Creek Middle School, and Eastside High School, completing her senior year there while attending Oxford College of Emory University. While at Mansfield Elementary she was one of ten National Finalists in the “River of Words” competition for her watercolor painting of trees reflected in a river.

Grace attended the University of Georgia for one year and graduated from Emory University with a degree in Anthropology. While a student she lived in Italy, Turkey, and China where she taught English to children.

After college she lived and worked in Boston while her husband-to-be Ryan completed law school. Ryan is now an high school science teacher and author.

Since living in New Orleans,  Grace has taught preschool at ritzy private institutions. She is now the director at Abeona House.

Q & A: 

Ellis: “So, Grace, what were your impressions on seeing your book presented with orchestral backing?”
Grace: “It was a huge honor to see my work produced musically. It was already very exciting to see my words brought to life on the page when John first illustrated them. To have yet another art form applied to the story is so incredible.
I’m lucky to work with all these people who are more talented than I. They add their own layers to the story.
My favorite part was when the actor read, ‘Then someone will call for the’ and knowing the line ends in ‘hokey pokey’ and realizing before I heard it that the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra was about to play the hokey pokey.”
E: “Do you have any new books in the offing?”
G: “Ryan has almost finished a board book about boats on the Mississippi. The next thing I want to write is a board book that takes on numbers and instruments with a New Orleans flair.”
E: “Got any advice for young aspiring writers?”
G: “Write, write, write. I’ve been writing poetry since I was a child. And read, read, read. I’ve read hundreds of children’s books.
Let’s see. Don’t major in creative writing. Most writers at least start needing a day job. Let your education set you up to get that job. Or better yet, hold off on college until you know what you really want to do. Go out and get some life experiences that doesn't cost 40K a year. That will make for better writing material anyways.”

More info on:
What the Sleepy Animals Do at the Audubon Zoo
  


So long from the Big Easy. Next week I’m back in Porterdale with chapter five of “The Porch.” 

Also, I'm back in the trivia game. I'll be hosting trivia this Wednesday at 7PM at Tavern 1917 (formerly known as Lahrceny Tavern). 


 Ellis Millsaps

Ellis is a recovering Attorney but has worn many hats over the years: father, bus boy, stand-up comedian, novelist, wiffle ball player, rock'n'roll band manager, and at one time wrote a popular and funny column for The Covington News. A Fannin Co. mountain boy originally, Mr. Millsaps now stays at the mill village of Porterdale by way of 20 years in Mansfield. Usually funny and at times irreverent and subversive, he leans left in his political philosophy but can always be counted on for a pretty darn good write-up. The Chronicles are proud to have him involved... 
Your Source for the REAL Story



09 June 2018

[TPC] - Bess Tuggle: Memoirs of Surviving Children

~ Special to The Chronicles ~
Hi.  I’m Bess, and I have a problem for which there are no support groups.  Not that I’ve found, anyway.

I tend to collect children.  It’s really not a choice. It just seems to happen to me.  I have four biological sons, two step children, six grandchildren, and so many kids that call me “Mom,” “Mama,” or “Nana” that I’ve lost count.  

Speaking of losing, I lost my youngest child once.  He’s 22 now, with a wife and child of his own (my youngest grandchild), but I lost him when he was about 18 months old.  We lived on a 50 acre “family compound.”  I worked full time as an office manager for a ranch and water well company, the kids were always with me, but I was lucky enough to be able to work half the day from home.  At 11:30 we’d come home, I’d fix the boys’ lunch then put them down for their naps.  

Nap time was usually an hour to an hour and a half.  That equated to an hour of peace and quiet for me.  

My youngest didn’t wake up and yell for Mama.  That was protocol, because they expected a snack when they woke up.  After about two hours I snuck into his room to check on him.  No child in the bed.  I looked under the bed, in his closet.. baby gone.  Not upstairs.  Not in the basement.  He just vanished.

Ran down to the creek, no child.  Ran to his grandparents next door, no child.  Not only was I in complete panic mode, but I’d screamed his name until I lost my voice.  

I finally sat down on his bed, crying, with the phone in my hand to call 911 – and saw something move in his toy box.  Just a little, mind you.  Then a little bit more.  Then a little head popped out.  

It was one of those moments where you want to hug ‘em and beat their ass at the same time.  Most parents understand this.

He’d buried himself under the toys and stuffed animals in his toy box.  I don’t know why to this day, but he’d had a good nap and was ready for his snack.  And I didn’t have a heart attack.  

Next excerpt will be about hanging brothers from a tree.  Ya’ll ain’t gonna believe this shit, but I promise it’s true!

- Bess  


A jack of all trades, Bess Tuggle has been a Covington resident since the late 70’s. She's been a K-Mart cashier, cabinet builder, vet tech, office manager for a beef cattle ranch and water well company (where she was able to hold benefits for D.A.R.E. and Scouts), a court reporter, business manager, assistant at a private investigation firm, legal assistant, convenience store clerk, landscaper and elementary school substitute teacher.  Her greatest pleasure is being a wife, mother and grandmother.  Her stories are all real, and all names will be withheld to protect the innocent, and also maybe the guilty, depending on the crime & the Statute of Limitations. 


Your Source for the REAL Story



07 June 2018

[TPC] - Marshall's Music Minute: The Ron Kimble Trifecta; Cool Shows at The Pub

Marshall's Music Minute 

Greetings, music lovers, and welcome back to The Minute - your source for the who, what & where of the #COV music scene. 

It's a big weekend of music & I've got the chafing dishes loaded up & the sterno burning - so let's dig right in! 

Local music legend Ron Kimble playing three local shows...
The one & only Ron Kimble, Georgia music legend, is playing three local shows. 


Ron Kimble's schedule: 

Thursday 6/7 Goodfella's Sports Bar & Grill 7-10
Friday 6/8 Tubby Tom's 7:30pm
Saturday 6/9 Lucy's Wings & Things- Newborn 7-10pm

H/T: Ms. Jami


The Pub has a big weekend lined up... 

Friday evening sees Daniel Toole & his talents: 

Daniel Toole, originally from Millen, Georgia, is an artist with aspirations of fulfilling his promise to his fans and followers. With inspirations from Guns N' Roses to Counting Crows to Marvin Gaye, Daniel finds sincerity in the poetry of many genres of music. Daniel focused on music at an early age, often using its power to escape the reality of certain times.

 And many are buzzing about Saturday's show, Fields. These guys are supposed to be legit. Real-deal Indie Rock: 





Indie roots rock in The Listening Room at Irish Bred Pub in Covington GA. Local band Fields playing original music from their album Everything Stays the Same, available on iTunes, Spotify, and other streaming services




Alright, guys. See you soon! 









A list of their influences: 

Skid Row, Journey, John Mayer, Martina McBride, STP, Beatles, Candlebox, ZZ Top, 3 Doors Down, Kiss, Stevie Wonder, Jason Aldean




Alright, alright, alright. Til next time, guys.