As you might have noticed, half the internet has been down today in protest of SOPA, an “Anti-Piracy” bill that will soon be voted on.
In short, it would give the government the ability to take offline any site they feel might be guilty of hosting copyrighted material. It could effectively spell the end of any site with user driven content. Check the wikipedia page for more in depth information.
I urge you to contact your legislators and let them know in no uncertain terms that support of SOPA will be political suicide.
Posted by Sig on 01.18.2012 at 11:48 pm// Tagged: Internet //
1 Comment »
Well, actually over a week ago, but I’m just now getting around to posting about it. Rizzo’s is on GE Patterson near main, basically across the street from the arcade in the old Harry’s Detour location. It’s chef Michael Patrick’s new restaurant, the first place he’s been both the owner and the head chef. For more info, check out the facebook page for Rizzo’s.
We started with the much acclaimed lobster pronto pups. Definitely a must try.
Next came something we didn’t order, the seared scallops with slaw. Chef Patrick sent them out for us all to try. Everyone loved them, lots of spice and perfectly cooked. The fresh slaw complimented the scallops perfectly and toned down the heat just enough. Fantastic.
Next came entrees. Almost everyone got the catfish special. It was a generously sized catfish filet crusted with seasoned cornmeal and bacon (yeah, bacon) served over cheddar grits. Two of my dining companions said they hated grits, both changed their mind after trying the cheddar grits. They’re that good. The sauce was especially fantastic, a remoulade with a decent amount of heat and lots of flavor that did an amazing job of contrasting the earthiness of the catfish.
My girlfriend got the pasta, but unfortunately I forgot to take a pic. I tried it and loved it though.
I was full at this point, so I threw in the towel, but two people at the table, Anthony and Mark, ordered a dessert. It amounted to a sundae on top of an ice cream sandwich. I tried a bite, and it was every bit as good as it sounds. I suggest splitting it though, it’s huge, especially after the generous portions at rizzos.
Overall, it was exactly what I expected. A cozy atmosphere that’s upscale without being pretentious. Service that’s meticulous but comfortably casual. Food that manages to be both innovative and approachable. Do yourself a favor and go try it for yourself.
Posted by Sig on 01.11.2012 at 1:57 am// Tagged: Food, Memphis //
1 Comment »
More as I learn more.
Posted by Sig on 01.05.2012 at 12:38 am// Tagged: Memphis //
Have your say »
Are they still BYOB or do they have their beer/liquor permits yet?
Posted by Sig on 12.27.2011 at 11:21 pm// Tagged: Food, Memphis //
Have your say »
Working on a total revamp of the site. For now, I’m going to bed.
Posted by Sig on 12.21.2011 at 3:13 am// Tagged: Uncategorized //
Have your say »
His comment on my post reminded me to email Shelby County mayor Luttrell.
Thanks for the reminder brobot!
Posted by Sig on 10.26.2011 at 5:44 am// Tagged: Memphis //
Have your say »
At $25, it seems like a great deal. Do you use it? If they sold them online I would already have one, but I haven’t gotten down there during office hours. Details here:
http://www.matatransit.com/trolleyService.aspx
Posted by Sig on 10.23.2011 at 12:02 am// Tagged: Memphis //
3 Comments »
My previous article on the subject got a ton of responses, so I decided to email the Memphis branch of Planned Parenthood for their input.
Me: First and foremost, does this decision represent the end of the fight for PP, or does PP intend to contest the decision?
We have lodged a formal protest with the Shelby County Contracting office protesting the contract with CCHS on a number of grounds, including the fact that CCHS does not have the personnel in place to provide the services and an official with CCHS has publicly stated that they will not abide by Title X regulations regarding referrals for abortion. We expect to hear about this official protest sometime this week. Depending on the County’s response, we may consider other options, possibly including legal action.
Me: Also, I assume it’s reasonable to say that PP will continue to offer Family Planning services. How will your services compare to the services of CCHS?
Planned Parenthood will continue to provide comprehensive reproductive health care and family planning services, including birth control. Under the Title X program, many of our patients were able to pay nothing out of pocket for their health care, but without the Title X funding, we will have to ask our patients to pay for part of the cost of their services. We have worked out a modified sliding fee scale that keeps costs minimal for patients with the least ability to pay.
Me: How would you like to see people show their support for PP? Donate money? Volunteer?
Donations from generous supporters are more important than ever now, in order to help us continue to keep costs as low as possible for the patients. PPGMR is a nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible. Here’s a link to donate online.
We also have a volunteer program and use volunteers in outreach and education work, but what we need more than anything right now is people who will speak out in support of Planned Parenthood. Please ask your blog followers to write letters to the Commercial Appeal and the Memphis Flyer! Share information about this outrage on the blogosphere and within your social networks. And most importantly, contact Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell or call him at (901) 545-4500 and let him know how unhappy you are with this decision.
Thank you!
So there it is. Stop being angry on the internet and do something. At least let people know that you oppose this idiocy. Donate to PP, vote with your wallet. Contact those who supported this measure, and let them know that they lost your vote, and why.
Posted by Sig on 10.21.2011 at 5:16 am// Tagged: Memphis, rant //
4 Comments »
See the CA article here for the story.
In short, the Shelby County Commission has decided to choose a religious group to provide family planning. A religious group that not only won’t provide abortions, or refer patients to someone who will perform an abortion, they also won’t administer “emergency contraceptive”, meaning the morning after pill.
I’m honestly dumbfounded that the so called leaders of this city have decided that people in need of family planning should be preached at, as opposed to educated and cared for. I’m the kind of illogical asshole that likes my medical care without dogma, how silly was I to assume that public policy would reflect that? Impregnated by a rapist? Well, we won’t give you an abortion, but we will suggest that you ask our sky fairy for magic help.
Public policy needs to be based on reason and fact, not feelings and faith. Abortion is a legal medical procedure. Any organization that aspires to hold a government contract in the area of family planning needs to present all options and perform all medical procedures, not just the ones it agrees with or likes. Not just the ones that make them feel warm and fuzzy inside. Not just the ones that fit into the narrow world view defined by their archaic religious beliefs.
I wonder how worked up people would be if the contract had gone to Jewish Community Health Services or Islamic Community Health Services.
Organizations funded by public money, especially in the area of health care, should fucking never be religious organizations with an agenda. This is the kind of backward shit that makes the population of the south look like a bunch of waterhead fuckarounds.
Posted by Sig on 10.18.2011 at 1:54 am// Tagged: Memphis, rant //
12 Comments »
And they are awesome, I’m absolutely addicted. The flavor is kinda hard to explain, so I can only suggest you give them a try yourself, you won’t regret it.
City Market
66 S. Main (at Union)
Posted by Sig on 10.02.2011 at 11:18 pm// Tagged: Food, Memphis //
2 Comments »
