In and Out

email this story
read comments (35)
post a comment

I arrived in Memphis yesterday at 1:30 pm. It took me two, two and half hours to find and inspect four tourist spots -- Graceland, the Lorraine Motel (i.e., the site of Martin Luther King's murder on April 4, 1968), Beale Street and Sun Records. I left Memphis at 4 pm, driving south on 55. I arrived in Oxford around 5:30 pm and checked into the Oxford Downtown Inn, courtesy of the Oxford Film Festival. And then the wireless issues began.

Forced to file from the lobby of the Oxford Downtown Inn. Taken at 5:40 am this morning.

It's now just before 6 am and the issues haven't stopped, and I've decided to cut bait as a result. That's right -- I'm outta here, flying back to NYC. Or maybe I'll drive south a bit and cruise around, find an adventure, something. Any place with decent wifi I call home.

The hotel doesn't offer wireless in the rooms, providing instead a late-20th-Century ethernet cable connection for internet access. Except the cable is only eight inches long -- the only time in my life that I've ever seen or heard of a connection cable this short -- and the connection it delivers is erratic and/or not strong enough, the result being that transferring jpegs to my server via FTP software stopped working almost immediately. I resorted to my AT&T Air Card, which worked for a while last night but stopped working this morning for some reason. It's now 5:40 am and my only working connection right now (albeit a "very low" one) is the wireless that the hotel offers in the lobby only.

I can't do this. I won't do this. This is not 1997, and if a regional film festival is unable to provide easy, high-speed wifi to its journalist guests then no offense but it just shouldn't invite them down in the first place. I mean, c'mon.

Bless Oxford, Mississippi in all other respects. It's a soothing, pleasingly upscale, lively, obviously highly cultured college town with a real-deal 19th Century atmosphere. And the Oxford Film Festival has been, for me, a charmer in every respect except for the ridiculous internet situation. If I can't post easily and swiftly, there's really no point in being here.

So I'm packing my bags and heading back to Memphis this morning. I really don't have time for this foolishness. I'm not there to sip moonshine and read Faulkner -- I'm here to work, and it's just too much work, too frustrating and too inconvenient to accomplish this goal.

Memphis and Ole Miss<< previous | next >>History Day

Posted by Jeffrey Wells on February 5, 2009 at 8:00 PM

comment #1

SpinDozer says ...

The fuck you doin in Graceland? Go to Sun Studios.

Posted by SpinDozer at February 5, 2009 8:44 PM

comment #2

corey3rd says ...

The White Haven area around Graceland used to be one of the better neighborhoods in the area. It had the first modern grocery store. After Elvis died, the neighborhood was desegregated and became a major victim of white plights people dumping their houses and moving to Mississippi. The stores that catered to the middle class dried up. It became a major zone for body shops and other rough and tumble trades.

The folks who control Graceland have been buying up the area in hopes of making it pretty.

Posted by corey3rd at February 5, 2009 9:23 PM

comment #3

Rich S. says ...

And so it begins...

I forget. Was Josh Brolin crackin' skulls at the Dew Drop Inn because he was pissed about the lack of WiFi?

Posted by Rich S. at February 6, 2009 4:26 AM

comment #4

YRG says ...

I suggest a mobile broadband PC card. Most providers offer them for free with a plan, usually running around $60 a month. Wifi is so 2004.

Posted by YRG at February 6, 2009 6:35 AM

comment #5

Jeffrey Wells says ...

I have a mobile AT&T Air Card. I pay $60 a month in order to ostensibly hook up anywhere. Except when it doesn't work. It' s a little air device that pops into the USB port.

Posted by Jeffrey Wells at February 6, 2009 6:42 AM

comment #6

TheCahuengaKid says ...

Hey Rich S - I heard Brolin called the Dew Drop Inn rednecks a "bunch of dial-up monkeys!"

Posted by TheCahuengaKid at February 6, 2009 6:51 AM

comment #7

maxfm says ...

WTF? What a stand-up guy, Wells. The nice folks in Oxford think enough of your work to kindly invite you to participate in their fest, and your computer set-up isn't as fast as it should be, Graceland is in a poor part of town (horrors!), and a "middle-aged goon" doesn't have a table set up for your camera. So, harrumph, "I'm going back to NYC." Waaaah.

I love reading your work and thoughts on film, Wells. I have for years. But lately, it's as if you're going through male menopause, and you think you're God's gift to the world. Anyone with a differing opinion can stuff it, huh?

The cowboy hat incident; the Jack in the Box incident (not to mention the fact that you noted you were wearing "tight jeans" -- again, wtf?); "Philly;" your penchant for calling out Hispanics who bug you and skating figure eights around anyone who disagrees with you; low thread count; maybe hoping for Josh Brolin showdown; and now this.

(And you're in Memphis -- one of the world's best places for BBQ -- and you ate at a Checkers?!?)

It's comical and somewhat sad how odd, out of touch and condescending you've become.

Posted by maxfm at February 6, 2009 8:12 AM

comment #8

Big Black says ...

maxfm, Jeff's site is basically a one-man show. He needs a reliable internet connection; one that allows him to upload images etc, and basically make any updates he wants, when he wants. I could go on to discuss the reasons why I don't visit sites which have no new content, but that's not really necessary.. is it?

Posted by Big Black at February 6, 2009 9:57 AM

comment #9

robbiefantastic says ...

where's the hat in that photo? i thought you were bringing it along.....

Posted by robbiefantastic at February 6, 2009 10:18 AM

comment #10

maxfm says ...

Big Black: I'm well aware his site is a one-man show. More power to him. His site is his bread and butter -- not a silly hobby (like mine).

The purpose of my post goes beyond the fact he doesn't have a fast internet connection.

Cheers.

Posted by maxfm at February 6, 2009 10:25 AM

comment #11

rr3333 says ...

Jeff:

Maybe you should look into switching service providers for your Air Card.

Verizon is much more reliable in NY than At&T is.

Posted by rr3333 at February 6, 2009 12:15 PM

comment #12

Jeffrey Wells says ...

Wells to maxfm: I've got a travelling road show going here and there can't be any messing around as far as the wifi is concerned. If it doesn't work, there's going to be trouble -- no ifs, ands or buts. And there's NO REASON AT ALL why good wifi can't exist in most urban and suburban areas of the country these days.

I hate barbeque because of the heavy sauces and syrup, and because I hate dealing with those tangy beef shreds stuck between my teeth. No thanks. I've eaten barbeque maybe five or six times in my life. Hated it then, hate it now.

Posted by Jeffrey Wells at February 7, 2009 7:33 AM

comment #13

maxfm says ...

I appreciate the fact you need decent internet service, and I'm sorry you don't dig some BBQ. That's cool.

But as I noted in my post to Big Black: that wasn't my point.

As many of the comments to your "Uncool" post will attest, regular HE readers (inc. me) usually enjoy your thoughts on film, but man, lately you're just coming across as a big prima donna.

Faye Dunaway in tight jeans and a cowboy hat.

Posted by maxfm at February 7, 2009 12:56 PM

comment #14

jones190 says ...

Oh My God, you had to file from a comfy-looking sofa in a hotel lobby with a coffee at your side. I'd hate to see the implosion that would happen if you ever ventured abroad (ie. out of the USA).

Frustrating, sure. But did it warrant a diva-esque blog post and photo? Stick to films please!

Posted by jones190 at February 8, 2009 11:05 AM

comment #15

RustysaGoodDog says ...

"Bless Oxford, Mississippi in all other respects. It's a soothing, pleasingly upscale, lively, obviously highly cultured college town with a real-deal 19th Century atmosphere."

Imagine the disappointment in Oxford now that JW has left their building.

Posted by RustysaGoodDog at February 8, 2009 11:26 AM

comment #16

jinnlost5 says ...

I admire the valuable information you offer in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and have my children check up here often. I am quite sure they will learn lots of new stuff here than anybody else! artsbook buysellmore bizreviews genesurvey wellforlife marseillemarathon healthasli utron arlansmithdesign

Posted by jinnlost5 at January 27, 2010 7:15 AM

comment #17

Valentinus says ...

Was Josh Brolin crackin' skulls order Levitra at the Dew Drop Inn because he was pissed levitra site about the lack of WiFi?

Posted by Valentinus at February 6, 2010 1:42 AM

comment #18

shahriar khan says ...

Thanks for sharing the information dude. That's a awesome article you posted.

Rapiddigger Search

Posted by shahriar khan at March 4, 2010 11:46 AM

comment #19

maiyuan says ...

one day i went shopping outside,and in an ed hardy store,I found some kinds of ed hardy i love most they are Your website is really good Thank you for the information discount links of london bracelets discount links of london bracelets discount links london bracelets discount links london bracelets discount link of london bracelets discount link of london bracelets discount links bracelets discount links bracelets uk discount links london bracelets on sale uk discount links london bracelets on sale uk links of london bracelets for sale uk links of london bracelets for sale cheap silver links london bracelets jewelry cheap silver links london bracelets jewelry links of london Necklaces links of london Necklaces link of london Necklaces link of london Necklaces links london Necklaces links london Necklaces links Necklaces links Necklaces Thank you for the information

Posted by maiyuan at March 16, 2010 5:01 PM

comment #20

Valentinus says ...

general electric medical systems

Posted by Valentinus at April 3, 2010 1:38 PM

comment #21

sony says ...

"Squid" made some $7 million (cost $1.5). "Margot," with actual stars, made custom coursework | custom term paper | custom research paper | custom book report half that and cost almost ten times as much. Both were plenty praised. Will "Greenberg" possibly do better? Worse? Who knows, but what White or anybody else says about it is irrelevant to its commercial success, though thankfu

Posted by sony at April 11, 2010 4:24 AM

comment #22

sf says ...

MBT sale all over the world,about 100 million pairs every year.MBT Shoes Sale lots of various tyles,like MBT Chapa Shoes,MBT Lami Shoes,MBT M.Walk Shoes,MBT trainers,MBT 2010,all MBT Sports Shoes styles are good to your doing sports.MBT Shoes clearance !Save more money here! Your best choice,you may also be interested in MBT Shoes.You don't want to miss such a good chance,do you?

Posted by sf at April 17, 2010 8:11 PM

comment #23

yangyang says ...

http://www.oneandhalf.com Converter Software offers both windows and mac format converter for
PS3 Video Converter,
PS3 Video Converter for Mac
MPG Converter For Mac,
3GP Video Converter For Mac,
HD Converter for Mac,
PS3 Video Converter,
Google Phone Video Converter,
3GP Video Converter,
HD Video Converter,
MPEG Converter

Posted by yangyang at April 18, 2010 3:17 AM

comment #24

doublexjohn says ...

We're all struggling to get over and break through into something or some realm that will make us feel happier or less miserable. Teenagers, of course, struggle and suffer the most, at least in their own heads. I went through emotional hell from age 13 to 18, and the only thing good about it, looking back, is that I grew past it. It could've killed me but it didn't. business identity theft

Posted by doublexjohn at April 27, 2010 9:22 PM

comment #25

emogurl12 says ...

I have a mobile AT&T Air Card. I pay $60 a month in order to ostensibly hook up anywhere. Except when it doesn't work. It' s a little air device that pops into the USB port.JumpLaunch Hosting Review

Posted by emogurl12 at May 16, 2010 10:57 PM

comment #26

sexy12 says ...

I read that blog post last night and was blown away. So that was why he suddenly quit filmmaking in 1991. I was also touched that he actually became pen pals with that blogger and even called her up one day many years later. Lucky gal. identity protection programs

Posted by sexy12 at May 22, 2010 11:02 PM

comment #27

zhangmm says ...

Ed hardy brand has been listed since there are many people's attention, and I began in Australia where frantic search ed hardy australia. See ed hardy clothing since I was fascinated, and his various types to meet all tastes.ed hardy online sales brand there are many, such as ed hardy bags, ed hardy shirts, ed hardy shoes, ed hardy jeans, ed hardy case, ed hardy hoodies, ed hardy iphone and so on. ed hardy shop look forward to your arrival.
GHD Hair Straighteners GHD produced is very good, GHD Straighteners There are many, such as: ghd purple, ghd pink, ghd kiss, ghd rare, ghd dark, ghd black and so on. GHD Sale very major market for the UK, there are cheap ghds,
ghd hair straighteners uk welcome to buy.
Louboutin very popular in recent years.A pair of louboutin shoes do you want? Christian louboutin shoes are very popular, christian louboutin like Christian Louboutin Boots and Christian Louboutin Pumps are very popular. jimmy choo jimmy choo shoes style won many of the women's endorsement. christian louboutin uk there are many christian louboutin sale of products, ysl shoes are very nice. louboutin sale waiting for you to.dressingworld is very good.
zistyle is very good.
hotuggs is very good.
Enthusiast is very good.

Posted by zhangmm at September 26, 2010 12:55 AM

comment #28

charlie123 says ...

the Oxford Film Festival has been, for me, a charmer in every respect except for the ridiculous internet situation. If I can't post easily and swiftly, there's really no point in being here. buy itunes gift certificates

Posted by charlie123 at October 1, 2010 5:18 AM

comment #29

wwwtravel says ...

i hate when those internet issues hit! Try being stuck without internet for 3 and a half months...then complain!!

Home Buyers

Refinance Mortgage

Posted by wwwtravel at February 15, 2011 9:59 AM

comment #30

Gucci Outlet o says ...

Very happy to share this website, which product genuine goods at reasonable prices, the style be also the most popular this year

Posted by Gucci Outlet o at April 18, 2011 6:03 PM

comment #31

Vames11 says ...

Thanks this post really opened my eyes. it is not only eye opening rather very beneficial for the people those who want to do something good in his life .

Regards,
Nation High School

Posted by Vames11 at May 16, 2011 3:27 AM

comment #32

Vames11 says ...

Excellent read, I just passed this onto a colleague who was doing a little research on that. And he actually bought me lunch because I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that:

Regards,
International Accreditation Organization

Posted by Vames11 at May 16, 2011 3:27 AM

comment #33

Vames11 says ...

I was looking for some interesting post on Beta nature of business and this is what I found here, that's simply great. I am inspired by the writing style of author. I will be visiting in future to extend my knowledge.

Regards,
IAO Accreditation

Posted by Vames11 at May 16, 2011 3:28 AM

comment #34

kerry says ...

Si vous etes interesses par le dossier, ou desirez en savoir plus, contactez-moi par mail, et je vous mettrai en contact.
Best regards,Jane, CEO of storage area network training

Posted by kerry at June 1, 2011 1:10 AM

comment #35

shasha880715 says ...

Behind everyhermes alfred handbag great man is a great woman. That means thatso kelly hermes for sale if a man looks sharp, he probably has his girlfriendkelly hermes dark grey or wife to thank. Purchasing a tie, wallet orhermes constance wallet shirt for your man might evenhermes zippy wallet\ be the ultimate act of women's lib. Or it may just be an easierhermes wallet black way to be seen in public with your man; you decide.Accordingbirkin hermes camel to Anna Miller, owner and CEO of eFashionHouse.com, which was named "Best of the Web" by People Magazine StyleWatch Fall 2006 for discount high-end designer accessories, therechanel flap bags has been a jump in men's accessory sales. "Ihermes bag have women contacting me all the time to purchase a designer wallet or tielouis vuitton knockoff handbags for their guy," says Miller. "They tell melouis vuitton wallets they know their husband or boyfriend won't wear the pantsmulberry wallets or shirt they buy them, but they will use the wallet, tie,chanel handbags replica belt, cufflinks, etc."