Memphis, Tennessee

Posted on: August 27th, 2007 by Neil Aquino No Comments

A recent heat wave in Memphis, Tennessee led to the death of at least 13 people in that city.

Many---maybe all---of these people lacked air conditioners. Not having air conditioners, they died from the heat.

I’ve been to Memphis once. In 1998. I spent an evening walking around Beale Street. Beale Street is the so-called Birthplace of the Blues.

What I saw on Beale Street were young black kids doing dance moves for mostly white tourists. The kids were hoping for a handout. I did not find Beale Street appealing.

Martin Luther King died in Memphis while fighting for striking sanitation workers.  

What progress has been made in Memphis since King’s death? It seems that whatever progress may have been made, much more remains to be done.  

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its a joke dude... goes from arkansas to memphrica... which... is in fact the longest bridge in the world

thanks for your comments.

it goes from arkansas to memphrica

It's not the longest in the world, by a long shot, but at over 4 miles long, the Hernado de Soto bridge is well among the top 50 or so.

Try New Orleans. That may be more to your liking. 

Thanks for your thoughts. 

I always root for the underdog.  It was sad when I first arrived only to see one of the high ranking local politicians and his wife being escorted to and from court daily.  I didn't know the whole story at the time other than corruption at it finest.  What I have learned is if you don't know the right people, you definitely will not receive the right treatment.  I'm glad you enjoyed yourself EC. That's all we wanted to do when we visited the city as well.  But our encounters have not been pleasant. We're professional middle-aged decent folk just wanting to unwind after a hard days work.  It seems to be a difficult task for us.  Especially with the cuisine.  A huge disappointment and culture shock.  I guess the trade off makes it OK, coming home to a nice quiet subdivision with constant patrol of local law enforcement is priceless.

I've lived in DeSoto County for two years.  Moved from the big city looking for a better life.  My cousin took us to Beale Street to show us a good time.  By the time we got there it was 12pm and I had no idea things closed that soon, it was a Wednesday night, which doesn't happen in larger cities.  Nevertheless we went into the only restaurant that was opened and I didn't see Cheeseburgers on the menu.  There were six of us middle-agers and as everyone placed their order I asked the waiter if they served Cheeseburgers.  His response was "No! And we don't have no chicken wings either".  We were so shocked at this response we were all dazed for a moment.  My husband finally said, let's go guys. Forget this place.  That was my first and last memory of Beale street.  I know why Allen Iverson got away from there.  What I have seen so far from that city is a major disappointment.  With service like that from the locals, Memphis doesn't stand a chance of establishing a decent reputation.  Thank God I live across the state line.

Its one of the most violent cities in america! but still, its ok. :)

Love Memphis.  I have been there a couple of times and I have always enjoyed myself. Thanks for your comments.

what idiots you must be....what are u looking for in a city. Memphis has a very diverse population....great food, good sports and boost the nations most advanced medical research center. I just wonder where you're from.

See the bridge? I've been told thats the longest bridge in the world. Why would they say that?

Been to Memphis-----IT SUCKED!!!!!!!!!! The place looks like crap. Just like any other economy that's been sucked dry "somehow". I guess it's another example of a city being the result of it's inhabitants. Neither of the Kings, Martin or Elvis, nor all that tourism could help them overcome themselves.