There's a phrase you'll hear in the New American South Dear Listeners. You'll hear it whispered in hushed tones in seedy back-street bars by hipsters of all shapes and sizes:
"I'm hooped."
What's this you say? Some new drug craze? A more powerful, virulent form of Meth? No, don't worry, it's nothing like that. It's extreme hula-hooping, and it's taking East Nashville by storm.
You see, I was in East Nashville this very afternoon searching for 'I Dream of Weenie', the hot-dog stand I read about while preparing to leave Belfast, (and recommended by Emotional Mullet in this post).
After driving around endlessly in my rental vehicle I found 'IDoW', but, before ordering a dog I became distracted by what I observed in the car park next door.
A gaggle of hipsters, (or 'hoopsters' as the Tennessee media has taken to calling them), were limbering up for a 'hoop-off'. Though notoriously secretive I was able to gain their confidence and they allowed me to take a few snaps.
The gentleman and lady featured above had already 'battled' and were in the final stages of winding down. What I was interested in was an upcoming bout featuring a seasoned amateur and an up-and-coming pro. The kid pictured below is the pro; he's just started in the game but has already picked up endorsements from a wide field of sport-related advertisers.
Look at that face. The face of a competitor. But is it the face of a champion?
Here's his opponent. Tough. Seasoned. She's seen off a lot of young punks in her day. But will this afternoon see her reign as 5-Points HH Champion end?
And they're off!
They battled like this for many seconds, Dear Reader. The tension was palpable. The only sound heard was the hypnotic 'whissing' of the hoops...and in the distance...faint, oh so faint, the bass-line from a passing vehicle playing 'Hip-Hoop' music...
Oh my god! An upset! The young challenger drops his hoop, experience beats youth!
The crowd is elated. The kid seemed a bit uppity.
And with that I finished taking snaps and went next door to the Yellow Volkswagen Van that houses 'I Dream of Weenie'.
Oh, but it's a Sunday.
It's closed.
Well there's only one thing I can do to take my mind off the dogs.
(Special thanks to all the 'hoopsters', especially Cameron, Diane, Alisa and Meg, ((Meg's the Champion pictured above, owner of the Art & Invention Gallery and wife of the 'I Dream of Weenie' Proprietor)). Also, upon reflection I may have exaggerated the afternoon's events for narrative clarity. I am known to do this from time to time).
Update, Monday 17th 2007: One of the pics above made the front of hooping.org, (see below), I couldn't be happier!:
Classic LTA post. Glad life is well in dizzy Nashville.
Any truth to the rumour that you're considering starting a new UGC/web2.0 site called ConstantCountry.com?
Posted by: Alan in Belfast | September 17, 2007 at 08:11 AM
glad to see you took the advice about the blue Jett - you look peachy.
Posted by: cageyk | September 17, 2007 at 09:43 AM
Alan...shhhh...
+ Yes, thanks for the advice Cageyk - the use of dark colours plus time in the sun helps a wee bit.
Posted by: Jett Loe | September 17, 2007 at 11:12 AM
I am bummed you didn't get a dog on Sunday...but you got to hoop! Nice form.
If you ever visit The Alley Cat (also in 5 Points) on a Friday or Saturday night, you may find happily drunk hoopsters...mostly girls...hooping the night away...
Posted by: Emotional Mullet | September 17, 2007 at 11:38 AM
Thanks for the tip Emotional Mullet. Am excited to explore Nashville to the fullest, (and other areas of the South as well...recorded a podcast with a listener in Chattanooga last Friday - hope to upload it soon).
Posted by: Jett Loe | September 17, 2007 at 11:50 AM
Jett,
(Can I call you "Jett"? Are we there yet?)
Trying desperately to subscribe and listen. WhinoRhino tells me that I will love it. Am about to conference call Bill Gates and Dell to discuss Windows Vista...hope to listen soon...
I am also a transplant to The South. Been here 5 years. It doesn't look like you need help, but let me know if you need additional hotspot tips...you know where I am.
Posted by: Emotional Mullet | September 18, 2007 at 02:13 AM
iTunes not work in Vista yet? You can always put the RSS Feed in your Reader of choice.
Plus, yes I look forward to as many 'hotspot' tips as ya got Emotional Mullet! :)
Posted by: Jett Loe | September 18, 2007 at 10:27 AM
Jett- thank you so much for featuring my sweet little neighborhood, my hoops and two of my all time favorite people & places... Mag of Art & Invention and Alisa of I Dream of Weenie!
Posted by: sunny of hooprama.com | September 18, 2007 at 12:03 PM
No probs Sunny...I hear there's more 'hooping' this Saturday...will try to make it there!
Posted by: Jett Loe | September 18, 2007 at 02:15 PM
My dear, You came to the best neighborhood in all of Nashvegas! I'm so glad you captured the feel... and had fun! You simply must come back to get a weenie dream dog!
Posted by: Five Points Muse | September 18, 2007 at 11:06 PM
Oh, I'm gettin' a dog. There's no question about that...I mean, the place is called "I Dream of Weenie!"
Posted by: Jett Loe | September 19, 2007 at 09:54 AM
Allow me to recommend some kick ass homemade ice cream right around the corner in Five Points...the Pied Piper Creamery will blow your socks off. yum.
Posted by: Becky dos Equis | September 24, 2007 at 09:38 AM
Lord...I've already put on a stone since I've been here...but ok, if you insist I will go to the Pied Piper Creamery :)
Posted by: Jett Loe | September 24, 2007 at 11:32 AM