Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Meth Offender Registry Added To Resources Section

I've added the Meth Offender Registry to the list of Resources on the left hand side. I've looked at Rutherford County and it would appear that there are only two Meth Offenders in our area. Thank goodness that is pretty low.

Middle Tennessee Blogger Meet-Up

As January winds to a close and the calendar page turns, the next meeting of the Middle Tennessee Bloggers and Podcasters Meet-Up is fast apporaching. This month's meet-up will be Feb. 11th at 2 p.m. at Espresso Joe's in Smyrna.

This month, we're going to try and do a podcast from the meet-up. But we promise not to make you talk on the record if you don't feel compelled to do so.

The meeting is open to all the middle Tennessee bloggers and podcasters and their friends and family.

So, who's coming?

Espresso Joe's Coffee Co is located at:
901 Rock Springs Rd.
Smyrna, TN
615-220-2870

Monday, January 30, 2006

She Stoops To Conquer

Smyrna Assembly's LampLighter Theater will present "She Stoops to Conquer" on Feb 10-12 and 17-19. Shows on Feb 10, 11, 17, and 18 are at 7 p.m. and shows on Feb 12 and 19 are at 4 p.m.

Smyrna Assembly is located at 14119 Old Nashville Hwy in Smyrna. Ticket information can be found at 615-459-3421.

I've been to a couple of LampLigher's productions since I moved to Smyrna and they're always quite good. Their production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown" last year was great.

I feel like I've heard about "She Stoops to Conquer" at some point in my high school or college background, but I can't for the life of me recall what it's about.

Ham Breakfast!

The Smyrna Rescue Unit, located at 200 Front Street, will be having a ham breakfast on Feb. 25th from 7 - 11 a.m.

One was held last weekend and I missed it. I believe the cost is $5.00 but don't hold me to that.

Come on out for some good food and to support the Rescue Unit. Another breakfast is scheduled for March, but I'm not sure of the exact date. More information as it becomes available (aka I drive by the Rescue Unit's sign again)

Great Clips Sale on Hair Cuts!

The new Great Clips on Sam Ridley near Publix is having a sale on haircuts through Friday. For only $5.99 you can get your locks trimmed.

Just felt I should pass that along...

Sunday, January 29, 2006

Looking For Something to Do Tuesday Evening?

Like music? Make the short trip to Nashville to see my friend, Newton Dominey, Rebecca Loebe and Faith Gilmore at the basement in Nashville on Tuesday night at 7PM. Yes, that is the basement.

Newton is a very talented musician in the Nashville area. He is a fine person to boot.

The basement is located at:
8th Ave. just south of Wedgewood
Nashville, TN

Cost? FREE

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Saturday, January 28, 2006

Smyrna Family On Television

The wonderful realtor, Kathy T. (who I plan to use when I buy my house - so all you other real estate agents...BACK OFF:)), says that Doug, who you may know from Trading Spaces, is coming to Nashville to select three families to feature on a program called "Moving Up".

I would suppose that this would be about selling your house and moving into another. But check with Kathy for more detail. If you are planning on selling your home and buying another, consult with the number one real estate agent serving Rutherford County, Kathy. Okay, that last part was purely my opinion, but it is my blog and I can write whatever I like.

I encourage all you Smyrna residents to look into it. Perhaps you could represent our lovely town on national television.


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Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Live Blogging From First Baptist Church In Smyrna, TN

I'm blogging from First Baptist Church in Smyrna, TN. I'm sitting in the coffee shop, the World Cup Cafe.

First Baptist Church in Smyrna, TN has free wireless internet - oh, yeah.

The 9th Graders are having an off-site gathering tonight at the Smyrna Bowling Alley. The 10th Graders are having their off-site at Pizza Hut in Smyrna, TN.

Busier tonight than usual. I'll give a much more in-depth post next week. Gotta run.

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Monday, January 23, 2006

Smyrna Public Library

My friend, the Big O, is pretty excited about the Smyrna Public Libary. He has this to say:
Yes, it was the new Stephen King book, Cell. Yes, it was in before it hit the streets (I stopped by a book store Saturday just to check and be sure I wasn't dreaming). And yes, I was reading it before it came out. I felt almost like some kind of book royalty as I got it. I wanted to run through the library and declare that I had the book before anyone else did and ha, ha, I was going to start reading it that very day. Thankfully, common sense (and the desire to not have cute reference desk lady remember me as that guy) returned and I didn't.
The Smyrna, TN Public Library is located:
400 Enon Springs Road, West
Smyrna, TN 37167
615-459-4884

Smyrna High School Winter Guard Shines Over Weekend

Chip over at Chip Manor has this to say about the Smyrna High Winter Guard:
Smyrna High’s winter guard is huge this year! They have about 20 members I guess. Anyhow, the more I thought about the trip and how many miles I’d be putting on my bus if I just dropped them off and came home and then went back to pick them up, I decided to have some stuff brought to me. I ended up staying the night, I’m so glad I did. I had so much fun! Hearing the kids talk about stuff I talked about when i was their age.
Find out exactly how they did.

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Saturday, January 21, 2006

Become A Storm Spotter

It's been all you've thought about since you were a child... becoming a storm spotter.

Well, my friend, here is your golden opportunity to turn that dream into a reality. There will be several free training sessions on storm spotting between now and April. I believe the cost is free but you've got to register.

More On Teacher Suspension At Smyrna High

Bob Krumm has some information to share with you regarding the investigation of a Biology Teacher at Smyrna High...

Career Fair in Rutherford County - January 30th

The Rutherford AM printed on Wednesday that The Middle Tennessee Career Center and the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce will host a career fair on January 30th.

According to the article, businesses such as State Farm, Asurion, Verizon Wireless and Interstate Warehousing will all be present and hiring. The pay ranges from $6.00/hr. to $60,000/yr. The career fair will be held:

Monday - January 30th
10 AM until 2 PM
521 Mercury Blvd.
Murfreesboro, TN


So, all you Smyrna, TN residents who are unhappy with your current positions, here's your chance to make a change.

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Thursday, January 19, 2006

The Big O Is Having A Birthday!

Stop on over to our friend Michael's blog (Big Orange Michael - Big O for short) to wish him a happy birthday. Michael is a sometimes author on the Smyrna Blog and I consider him to the local authority in Smyrna, TN on Sports and Television Programming.

Darn, now I'm really late.

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Kudos To FBC for Being Extraordinary

Paul over at Chasing the Dragon's Tale points out that what I did yesterday is pretty extraordinary or at least exceptional considering the statistics.

Kudos to First Baptist Church in Smyrna, TN for being leaders in this area.

Now, away with me, for I am late for my Tang Soo Do class - I'm thinking podcast for this...

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Wednesday, January 18, 2006

Blogging From First Baptist Church

It is Wednesday night and tonight is the night that my kids like to go to First Baptist Church to particpate in the youth programs. I'm sitting in the coffee area, I don't know what the official name of the area is but this church has a coffee bar, a book store and wireless internet service.

Super cool for a connected mom, like me...

The closed circuit (I guess) televisions are broadcasting the service that is taking place in the multi-purpose center so I can still get my weekly dose of Christianity while multi-tasking...

I've sat down to tend to other matters online when I discovered a leaflet on the table which contains some programs that I think would be nice to share with you. Seems they have two seminars going on in February aimed at parents.

February 5th
"How to Talk to Your Teen about Sex & Sexuality"
9:00 AM in the Multi-Purpose Center

and

February 12th
"How to Help your Student Build a Healthy Self-Image"
9:00 AM in the Multi-Purpose Center

You can learn more about First Baptist Church in Smyrna, TN at their website: www.fbcsmyrna.org or call (615) 459-3311.

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Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Biology Teacher Suspended at Smyrna High

Yikes, The Tennessean is reporting that Biology Teacher, Kenneth Anderson, was arrested for sending racy messages to a female student.

I think I may recall this fellow from orientation, but I'm not quite sure. I have a student at Smyrna High. She did not have Mr. Anderson but said that was all the talk today.

Mr. Anderson, according to the Tennessean, is 37 years old.

I wondered what society would have thought about a relationship between an 17 or 18 year old and a 37 year old, say 50 years ago? My mind never fully comprehended relationships between someone much older and someone so much younger, even those that were back in the 1800's, etc... It just never seemed right to me. I'm not 37 yet but would never dream of a relationship with someone that young.

It will be interesting to learn all the details.

Monday, January 16, 2006

Job Openings in Smyrna, TN

I post on this subject from time to time to remind businesses that if you they have job openings, they can get that information posted right here. Simply email me at dailydiablogger@gmail.com with your vacancy information and I will communicate your message on this blog.

Oh, did I mention that I'm offering this service for free?

My goal is to make Smyrna a great community for all of us and this blog is where I'll begin.

Sunday, January 15, 2006

Good Eye Doctors In Smyrna, TN

I need to go to an eye doctor for my glasses. I have been going to Pearle Vision in Hickory Hollow but have recently thought about going to someone local. Does anyone have any recommendations on a good eye doctor in Smyrna, TN?

Comments greatly appreciated.

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Saturday, January 14, 2006

Follow Up to the Middle Tennessee Blogger and Podcaster's Meet Up

I'll be brief because I have another destination this evening...

Today's meeting we discuss Gizoogle, Dual Boot for Linux/Windows, Knitting, Canning, the Rocky Top Brigade and podcasting.

Next month, The Big O will bring his mircrophone and we will do a short podcast.

Today's session was attended by Bad Bad Ivy, Chip Talks, Big OrangeMichael, TN Girl, Gunner and Harelip Frog.

Our next meeting is set for February 11th, 2:00 PM at Espresso Joe's in Smyrna, TN.

Espresso Joe's Coffee Co is located at:
901 Rock Springs Rd.
Smyrna, TN
615-220-2870

A big thanks to everyone who came out. To all the new attendees, it was a pleasure to meet you. To all the returning folk, thanks for your continued interest in being a part of the monthly Middle Tennessee Blogger and Podcaster's Group Meeting.

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Live Blogging From Espresso Joe's in Smyrna, TN

3:36
It has been decided that the next meeting of the Middle Tennessee Blogger and Podcaster's Group has been scheduled for February 11th at 2:00 PM.

2 :08
Bad Bad Ivy, Chip Talks, Big OrangeMichael and TN Girl are all here... we're having a great time.
Thanks to Schnurby
for the great service at Espresso Joe's.
1:28 PM
Hey ya'll, I'm live blogging from Espresso Joe's in Smyrna, TN. I'm
sitting at the only round table in the place. I will post edits to this
entry as more guests arrive.
It is VERY COLD outside today. Yikes. I had to stop and get gas and
realized that I should have worn my long johns... I did wear my hunting
socks, though. Bad
Bad Ivy
is on her way right now.

Middle Tennessee Blogger Meet Up Today

As soon as my hair dries, I'll be on the road to Espresso Joe's. If you haven't met me before, here is what to look for today: curly hair, brown rimmed glasses, Mickey Mouse shirt and Gateway laptop.

See you at 2.

Friday, January 13, 2006

Middle Tennessee Blogger Meet Up Tomorrow

Don't forget about the Middle Tennessee Blogger and Podcaster's Meet-up. It looks like Bad Bad Ivy, Chip Talks, Chez Bez, TN Girl, Big Orange Michael, maybe Gunner, and some other folks that commented on Ivy's blog will be there. Join us for coffee and discussion.

What are the meetings like? Our monthly meetings are geared to be social interactions and learning opportunities. I hope to have at least one new topic of discussion for the purpose of learning, if not only for five minutes, each meeting.

I'll try to get there early and get the large, round table. If Schnurbusch is reading, and you're working tomorrow, won't you reserve the large, round table for us?

See you tomorrow, January 14th - 2:00 PM at Espresso Joe's in Smyrna, TN.

Espresso Joe's Coffee Co is located at:
901 Rock Springs Rd.
Smyrna, TN
615-220-2870

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Tire World in Smyrna, TN Gets Two Votes of Confidence

Thanks to everyone who commented on good mechanics in Smyrna. I, for one, can tell you that your comments come in very handy to those who are somewhat new to the area and have very little knowledge of the local businesses. So without further ado, here are the comments on Tire World:

The fellows at Tire World on South Lowry by the depot have always been fair, patient, agreeable and professional to us. Their biggest selling point (aside from their willlingness to say, "You know, those would be good tires for your car, but these that are a little bit lower-priced would be much more suitable for the kind of driving you do now" -- can you believe it?!) is their ability to listen to a female driver's complaint/concern about her car and work toward a solution. Other places we've visited (and never returned to) either had the "ohmygodaGIRL'sTALKING" reaction to our revelation that the car was pulling hard to the left with a bad shimmy at 45 mph and up, or we got yeah-yeahed by folks who didn't seem to think the one who drove the car every day could possibly explain what it was doing if she lacked a certain secondary sex characteristic.

The guys at Tire World, however, listen attentively, offer suggestions, call when they say they will with updates and changes (wow!), have competitive prices and are genuinely pleasant to do business with. We refer people to them all the time and they've had the same experience.

Thanks for the opportunity!

:0)


Gravatar We've had similar good experiences at Tire World. (too bad they don't do body work!) We always take our cars there for tire rotations, etc and have always had a nice experience. Even when they're slammed (which is every Sat!) they have the car ready when they say it will be.

For oil changes I like the Texaco drive-in place on Sam Ridley. They're really nice and don't try to scam us on junk we don't need. The Valvoline place always tries to upsell and makes me feel like my car is about to klunk out if I don't replace everything under the hood!

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Congrats To Big Orange Michael For Winning The Cheap Contest

Check out the Big O's post on winning the Ms. Cheap Valentine's Day contest.

Really sweet idea, Michael. Way to go, you.

Smyrna, TN Blog Adds New Contributor

Welcome to Gunner of No Quarters to the Smyrna, TN blog. I'm so glad that you accepted my invitation. I'm looking forward to reading your posts on all things Smyrna.

Gunner joins the Smyrna, TN authority on all things sports, Big Orange Michael and myself as contributors the the This is Smyrna, TN Blog. Bringing you news, opinion and information relative to the Town of Smyrna, TN.

While on the subject of the Smyrna, TN Blog, I'd like to invite business owners in the area to email me if you would ike to have your job openings posted here. What better way to connected with local talent than through a local resource.

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Thursday, January 12, 2006

"Blogging for Business"

This afternoon I attended a session called "Blogging for Business". I had the pleasure of meeting the famous (at least in Middle Tennessee) Brittney Gilbert of Nashville Is Talking, Rex Hammock of Rexblog.com and Nick Bradbury who created one of the most widely used news aggregators, Feed Demon. The session discussed uses of blogs as a business communication device, different uses of RSS and different tools available for blogging.

Seems Brittney has a sweet gig going on over at Nashville is Talking. She gets to blog full time. I think Brittney hit it right on that a large portion of time is spent reading. The company I work for now has a blog, something I like to think I was largely instrumental in. I do post to the blog but as of late have not had much chance to due to other priorities... If you are interested, I'll let you know what the url is but I'm not going to promote that blog here. This is not the forum for that. But my point was that it takes work, it takes dedication and it does take time and I think this is where the downfall of many companies that begin blogging will be. Tip of the Hat to News 2 for being a visionary and a thought leader.

Rex Hammock is a man with a wealth of experience on the subject. Seems he has been blogging since 1999, if I read my notes correctly. And, he is a very nice guy. By the way, I did extend an invitation to him to join us at the Middle Tennessee Blogger and Podcaster's Meet Up on Saturday. In case you don't know, it is BYOB (buy your own beverage).

Nick Bradbury was awesome as well... I confess to not having read his blog before but had no idea who he was. When I learned of the connection to Feed Demon I became giddy at having the opportunity to actually shake his hand! I'm sure when I spoke to him I must have had this really goofy grin on my face and the words that were coming out of my mouth must have made me look like a real country bumpkin but let me assure you, I am not.

I was reminded of a lot that I knew from having read Buzz Marketing with Blogs for Dummies and think that I learned a little more. One thing I would like to have learned more about was pushing rss out of regular web pages. I've got some ideas for the company I work for in that area as well as some podcasting ideas.

At the end of the session, all I wanted to do was ask for autographs... I'm such a geek.

Anywho, the Nashville Technology Council has some sessions coming up in February and March on Web 2.0 and Content Management Systems, which I might attend.

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Smyrna Flea Market This Weekend

If you're coming down to Smyrna for the Middle Tennessee Blogger and Podcasters Meeting on Saturday, you might want to stop by the Smyrna Flea Market.

The flea market is held on the second weekend of the month at the Old Wal-Mart on Nashville Highway. It's not as large as the monthly flea market at the fairgrounds, but there are still some interesting vendors there each time. I tend to stop by every month to check out the used book seller there and to browse the various booths.

The exact address for the flea market is: 1412 Hazelwood Drive. If you take exit 66 or exit 70 in Smyrna, there should be signs that will direct you to the flea market.

Tuesday, January 10, 2006

Saturday's Middle Tennessee Blogger and Podcaster's Group

Don't forget the Middle Tennessee Blogger and Podcaster's Meet Up on Saturday at 2:00 PM - Espresso Joe's in Smyrna. Details here.

Leave a comment!

According to a plethora of web sites, it's National De-Lurk Week. So, if you're a visitor to the This is Smyrna blog and haven't dropped us a line, this is your big chance! We'd love to hear from you!

And hey, you could always kill two birds with one stone and sign up to take part in the January meeting of the Middle Tennessee blogger and podcasters group discussion taking place this Saturday.

Smyrna Elementary and Primary Recognized

You know I think Smyrna, TN is great so it should come as no surprise to you that I think the schools are awesome. Don't take my word for it, however... Congrats goes to Smyrna Elementary and Smyrna Primary on their recent awards and recognition.
Smyrna Elementary has been named one of only 50 National Distinguished Title I Schools out of 27 states, and Smyrna Primary has been honored as a Tennessee Distinguished Title I school for achievement gains.

Principal Zago [Smyrna Elementary] will travel to Dallas, Texas this month to receive the award to be presented by First Lady Laura Busch.
Tip of the hat to you!

Sunday, January 8, 2006

Dentist and Day Spa Moves Into Smyrna Location

At the corner of Sam Davis Rd. and Brookhaven Trl., you can now find a new business center. Occupying space at this location now are the following:

A Place to Escape: Day Spa - Salon - Store.

Dr. Nash and Dr. Knoell, Dentists
459-6974

A Place to Escape did not have their phone number printed in large numbers like the dentist office and it was Sunday when I was by but they are currently running a special $10 cut and style for men (new clients only).

If anyone else knows of businesses that are moving into this area, please post your comments here.

Also, don't forget to let us know about good mechanics in the area. We've recently ranted about bad mechanics in Smyrna, TN and would like to now highlight good mechanics in Smyrna.

Friday, January 6, 2006

Middle Tennessee Blogger And Podcaster's Meet-Up

Join us for the monthly Middle Tennessee Blogger and Podcaster's Meet-up. Last month's meeting was attended by Bad Bad Ivy, Chip Talks, Tiny Cat Pants and Salem's Lots... I'm excited to learn who might be joining us at this month's.

What are the meetings like? Our monthly meetings are geared to be social interactions and learning opportunities. I hope to have at least one new topic of discussion for the purpose of learning, if not only for five minutes, each meeting.

I'll try to get there early and get the large, round table. If Schnurbusch is reading, and you're working on the 14th, won't you reserve the large, round table for us?

Mark your calendar for Saturday, January 14th - 2:00 PM at Espresso Joe's in Smyrna, TN.

Espresso Joe's Coffee Co is located at:
901 Rock Springs Rd.
Smyrna, TN
615-220-2870

A Good Mechanic In Smyrna, TN

Now that we've ranted about bad mechanics in Smyrna, TN, let's talk about good mechanics. Rachel engages us in diablog on good mechanics in the Smyrna, TN area.

Let's hear your good mechanic stories so we all know where to take our business.

Wednesday, January 4, 2006

Smyrna Martial Arts Students Prepare for Testing

Friday and Saturday, January 6th and 7th, the students of the Smyrna Martial Arts Academy will demonstrate their skill and proficiency at their current levels as they are put to the test.

Beginning at 6:30 on Friday, January 6th, you can come and watch some board breaking martial arts at the Smyrna Town Center. Then again on Saturday, Janurary 7th at 12:00 PM. Every student breaks wood during testing and it is quite an impressive sight.

I've mentioned in previous posts and in comments that the Town Center is an incredible value and this is an opportunity for you to see that you can still get more than what you paid for.

Learn more about Tang Soo Do and the Mu Sa Tang Soo Do Federation.

Tuesday, January 3, 2006

Taco Bell in Smyrna, TN

Bad Bad Ivy has this to say about Taco Bell in Smyrna, TN:
Attack of the bad service! Hey, anybody ever go to the Taco Bell in Smyrna and actually get *good* service there? Yeah, I didn't think so. Me, either.
But wait, there's more to the story...

Keep up the good work, all you local bloggers. Got a business review, rant or rave, let me know.

Good job Smyrna!

A few weeks ago, I posted that the Smyrna public library was looking for used book donations to donate to the library system in Biloxi that was destroyed by hurricane Katrina. I was doing some year-end cleaning out and took over a bag of books to donate to the cause--only to find out that the woman collecting the books to ship to Biloxi had been overwhelmed by donations from the community. The librarian told me they had an entire shed full of books that were donated and would be on their way and that they were pleased with how many books they received.

So, good job to Smyrna and the rest of Middle Tennessee for helping keep the volunteer spirit alive and well!

Sunday, January 1, 2006

Team Chevrolet in Smyrna, TN

Seems Rae over at Running Into A Brick Wall has a bit something to say about Team Chevrolet in Smyrna, TN:
Friday was a long, dull day at work that seemed like it would NEVER end!! Brent was off but most of his time was spent hassling with the incompetent people over at TEAM CHEVROLET in SMYRNA, TN because they are completely incapable of doing anything right. I swear, they are the biggest morons in the world. It's not that they have poor quality control, they have NO quality control. I will never, ever use them again and so far I've been able to keep a few people from taking business to them. One of my 2006 goals is to keep even more business from them! They totally suck, seriously. THIS time they made a scratch look worse and managed to put a new part on a seat with no bolt, like we wouldn't notice????
Now I have had some experience with these folks recently and am, sadly, in agreement with Rae. What has been your experience?