I sometimes find myself getting into discussions about the US Civil War. Typically, someone will insist the war was about states rights, and not about slavery, as the historians would have you believe. I generally consider this bullshit, or at best, “spin”.

So I found this Comparison of the USA and CSA constitutions interesting. Basically, aside from one or two trade related changes, the major changes are about slavery.

Now of course, there is a heck of a lot more to the matter than just the constitution, but interesting none the less.

Back from Bonnaroo.

A couple friends rented an RV and headed up. Seemed like it might make for an interesting trip, and it was.

It was, however, a long drive. I realized I had never ridden in, nor driven an RV before. And this one was 32 feet.

On the way there, I drove from east of Knoxville (site of the 82′ Worlds Fair) to just outside of Manchester, TN. About 3 1/2 hours and about 35 gallons of gas. Ouch.

Our RV got searched on the way in. Well, sort of. They made us remove any glass bottles, and made a vague check for drugs. But to quote the cop/security/whatever “Thats a lot of bags.” So more of a lookover than a search, but it did delay us for a hour or so.

Setup the RV in it’s spot (in the “Marcellus Wallace” lot). At this point it became clear that this was a large festival, since we drove for about half a mile on the grounds to our spot.

Managed to see lots of bands. Nickelcreek, Radiohead, Sonic Youth, Oysterhead, Les Claypool and His Fancy Band, Bela Fleck And The Flecktones, Buddy Guy, Bill Frisell, Jerry Douglas, and many more.

Maybe I’ll write up more detailed thoughts later. I think Nickelcreek or Oysterhead were probably my favorites. Radiohead was overrated.

The trip back was long. I took the driving shift through the mountains. Basically east of Knoxville (still the site of the 82′ Worlds Fair) to Hickory. Got back about 7am Monday morning. Took a much needed shower.

[view at adrianlikins.com ]