Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, are you ready to SHOUT? The month-long event, now in its fifth year, is gonna heat up the Queen City landscape with dance, art (visual and performance), music and loads of mouth-watering food!

In case newcomers (to both this blog and the city) haven’t experienced it yet, Shout! is where we “let down our hair” (figuratively speaking. See, I’m bald, and …) and groove with this showcase of local and regional artists. It’s a way that Charlotte Artfest, Inc. brings the whole community out to enjoy the sights, sounds, beauty and food of our area.

Now, the wingding starts on September 5 (and goes on throughout the month) and has some fabulous events highlighting it. For example, there’s the:

• Charlotte Dance Festival, which goes for ten solid days (ie, until the 15th)
• Gospel Shout (fittingly, on September 11)
• Culture Free-For-All (this takes place at various points throughout the city on the 8th)
• Blues, Brews and BBQ (you gotta come hungry! It’s on Sept. 14 and 15) and the
• Culinary Arts Experience (Sept. 28 & 29. A lot of goodies to sample and experience!)
• Ice Sculptures, Entertainers and a lot more!

Remember … this is the link ya want in order to learn more about this fantastic funfest!

So make September fun … a celebration of the end of the tremendous heat, and a welcome to Fall and all its glory! COME ON AND SHOUT!, Charlotte!

If there’s anybody out there who doesn’t know who “the Preacher” is, then please tell me where your spaceship is.

Reverend Billy Graham — who was born just south of where Park Road Shopping Center was built — has spent decades bringing the message of salvation to the world! The man was the ultimate speaker, with a spectacular delivery and booming voice. A favorite (but true) story about the evangelist tells it all: Once, he was sermonizing on a stormy evening when he made a strong statement, pointed his finger toward heaven … and, at that exact moment, a loud thunderclap resounded through the auditorium! Immediately listeners begn wondering how close he really was to God.

Though the fiery preacher/writer was, at times, a little hard to meet, those who did have that opportunity was treated to kindness, warmth … and a prayer! He is genuinely concerned for the common man as much as he is Presidents, heads of state, etc.! Years have taken their natural toll on Graham, as well as Parkinson’s Disease and the loss of his beautiful partner, friend and wife, Ruth — but the light of the One in whom he believes is still strongly in his eyes and heart.

Now, his doctors say he might be able to go home sometime this week. He was admitted to an Asheville hospital on August 18. Yesterday, the evangelist continued his prescribed exercise, physical therapy, and ate full meals to regain his strength. Though there had been bleeding in his colon, doctors stopped it by cauterization on Aug. 22. Since then, there hasn’t been any more bleeding. At present, he’s listed in fair condition. He took two walks by mid-afternoon yesterday as well.
As you know, his Evangelistic Association is now being headed by his son, the Rev. Franklin Graham, who has been by his father’s side as moral support, “cheerleader,” liaison when necessary … friend … and son.

Obviously, the Queen City — of which he is so proud, being his birthplace — as well as the nation wish “Preacher Graham” a full and speedy recovery.

Face it … just about every successful business in the Queen City is using the new VoIP systems (for the uninitiated, VoIP means “Voice Over Internet Protocol”) … and are really digging some serious and positive results from it!

It has some tremendous advantages, like the ability to transmit more than one telephone call on a single broadband-connected telephone line. This can make VoIP a cool and simple way to add an extra telephone line to a home or office.

And, get this: All ya need is an internet connection to get to a VoIP provider. Businesses (including call centers) using VoIP phones can work from anywhere with a reasonably fast and solid Internet connection.

It’s the best way to keep in touch with your clients, customers, friends and family … and, whether you’re in a big superconglomerate business or a simple mom-and-pop op, it’s simply the best way to handle any sort of important contact (only in-person does better!). And VoIP phone systems give you plug and play phones that’ll work wherever you have broadband. Their Nimbus systems give you total control over your phone and its features.

Now, some of the best features of Xpander’s system is that you don’t have to buy and maintain costly, traditional PBXs with their lengthy service contracts and labor charges. With Nimbus, you’ll also have unlimited calling throughout America and free dialing to any other of their VoIP phones in the world!

So, no matter what size your business — whether you’re just “getting your feet wet” in the corporate world or an “old pro,” you’ll find a faster, less expensive and more efficient way of doing business by just clicking the link above!

Hey … remember this stuff?? Just wanted to show ya what it looks like (yep … I’m told it’s still wet, and can be a little slippery.) I’m told we’re finally gonna get something that looks like it this week … or next … maybe next …

(Incidentally, the title of this post comes from the King himself. It was a short blues ditty Elvis did during one of his movies. Anyone wanna take a guess as to which one??)

Anyway, as you know, during this heat wave, the Queen City has put a water advisory out for its citizens. Hey — it’s a sharp move, since we’re gonna need some left for emergencies, building up our water tables, etc. Now, Mount Holly and Gastonia are gonna be following suit, so, if (I said, “if”) this heat wave breaks soon, we oughtta be in good shape.

Now, you’re probably wonderin’ “Well, then, what the ?&*! do I drink?” Well, nobody said ya couldn’t drink the water — just be careful about how ya use it (for example: waterin’ the lawn, washin’ your ‘07 Boltbucket Deluxe, etc.). But here are some thirst-quenchin’ ideas:

• If you’re into soda-pop, go grape! (Hey … we’re in the South, so that can only mean … NEHI!) Actually, grape soda does wet ya down and fill you up better than any other soft drink, including Pepsi! (WHA…?!?! Hey — go ahead. Don’t give up your Sutthunness for some statistics! Just go … er, sparingly, okay?)
• While you’re sippin’ (don’t swig or chug it; ya won’t get the full coolin’ effect!), be sure to take a break … get off your feet, let the “fanny hit the fabric,” and relax in the shade!!
• Of course, ya got bottled water everywhere these days! And, when ya drink it, don’t make it ice cold … that can shock an overheated system! Make it cool enough to enjoy, but not throat-numbin’ cold!
• Above all else, stay away from the liquor! I’m tellin’ ya, that kickapoo joy juice can do ya more harm than good, ’cause it’ll not only dry you out a lot quicker, but it can also cause a lot of gastric pain. ‘Sides, (heh-heh!)who likes an overheated drunk?

Now, we’re headin’ into some fun things to do over the next month or so, Crown Towners, and you’ll be readin’ about them here in the next few blogs. Just be sure ya stay hydrated (meaning, non-mummified) and ready for ‘em! A little common sense and patience will do the trick every time …

GOIN’ BACK TO WHERE IT STARTED

Years ago, when this dude called “The Eagle” penned his Coffee Talk column for five different area papers (I did it for [hang on ... lemme think ...]almost eight years), the writing was like everyday talkin’: informal, dialoguish and got a lot of good response.
Well, I’ve been asked to continue that style here at A-C, so look for things to liven up a little from here on out. ‘Course, there’ll be times to be serious and proper, but, starting now, we’re “goin’ back to where it started.” So read a few, then contact me here, and lemme know whatcha think, okay??

One of the — no, make that the best place for pulled pork barbecue in Charlo … make that the South — has always been Spoon’s Barbecue on South Boulevard.
Sadly, the man who made that piggy paradise has left us. Bill Spoon will be remembered as a kind, considerate man who not only knew how to tempt the taste buds of anyone who came within a mile of Spoon’s Barbecue, but how to touch their hearts with kindness and understanding.
For years, my daddy would stop in there for lunch whenever he was on the road with his Hinson Pump Co. When I was doing an insurance route years later, I’d make a point of lunching there myself … and telling others about this “Palisade Pork.”

HE TREATED EVERYONE THE SAME

Whether you were a homeless man, wandering the streets of near-downtown Charlotte hungrily (you were in for a good sandwich or meal if Bill saw you!) or a millionaire with a gold watch and fancy Mercedes, Bill would treat you the same … with respect and dignity (now, how long has it been since we heard those words?).

If you didn’t have the cash but had a Visa or Mastercard, he wouldn’t take it; he’d tell you just to “pay him next time”. And, if you were trying to pay for a church gathering (churches loved having get-togethers there!), he wouldn’t letcha! It was his “donation”.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Along with his wife, Bill got the rest of the family involved in the restaurant, including sons and, later, grandchildren. They learned the value of hard work and the satisfaction of not only cooking the “perfect ‘cue” but pleasing the thousands of customers that would come through Spoon’s every year.
And they all loved and appreciated him for it.

Funeral services were yesterday at McEwen’s Pineville Chapel, and hundreds turned out to mourn this amazing friend, entrepreneur, cook, husband, father and civic leader. The City of Charlotte is a better place, thanks to the lessons learned from this man who taught us honor and integrity in the workplace …

as well has how a GOOOOD barbecue sandwich oughtta be made!

(Quick Note: I’m a little late this morning due to a PC malfunction. It’s just been fixed, so we’ll be runnin’ on time tomorrow. Sorry for the delay)
Now … on to business:

As anybody in the QC can tell you, one of the most anticipated and enjoyable late-summer events is the Yiasou! Festival at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at 600 East Boulevard here in town. Heading into its 29th year as a Charlotte favorite, it offers more than just a taste of Greek culture. You’ll also have a:

• CHORAL PERFORMANCE The Church’s Cathedral Choir will perform “Hymns of the Greek Orthodox Church”, featuring the heritage of the Church’s musical styles. Now, they’re only doing one performance, but the beautiful arrangements can be heard Saturday, September 8, at 5:30 in the Church’s Cathedral.
• GREEK CULTURAL EXHIBIT This is where you can not only learn about the rich Greek culture and history, but see it in the form of rare artifacts from the ancient days. They’ll also have a living history presentation called “Warriors of Greece,” which introduces you to the most valiant and storied heroes of the ancient period.
• BYZANTINE EXHIBIT Here, you’ll find some of the symbols and icons used throughout the history of the Greek Orthodoxy.
• LIVE ENTERTAINMENT The music and dances of Greece will highlight your visit as Kostas Kastanis will be performing throughout the event. Be sure to try some of the dances yourself!
• FOOD!! Ready for your mouth to water? Go to their site here and click on their “FOOD” link. After reading about their delicacies (bless you, Lambrini and Penny Karagounis, for allowing me to taste some of these), you’ll definitely wanna go!

There’s much, much more … so gear up for the event, coming up SEPTEMBER 6-8! Visit their site for times and prices.

(incidentally, for those uninitiated: Yiasou is the Greek word for “CHEERS!” and you’ll feel it at the Festival! See ya there!)

It was just a simple act of kindness by a sweet and caring lady …
but it was turned into a hateful crime by two cruel thieves.

On Saturday afternoon, an 82-year-old lady who lived off Remount Rd. saw a car with two apparently parched women pull in front of her house. The driver exited the vehicle and came to the woman’s front door, asking her for a glass of water. The lady graciously went into the house and came back with the water …

only to be knocked senseless by the driver, who took the lady’s cane and beat her with it! According to city police, she also took some item from the lady, though CMCPD hasn’t identified it as of this writing. The victim was taken to Presbyterian Hospital where her injuries were not considered life-threatening. The perps have gotten away …

This story broke only minutes as this blog post was started (originally on the upcoming Yiasou! festival. It’ll appear in Monday’s edition). But it serves as a strong reminder: This is a way that criminals around every heat-stricken area of the country are using to gain access to homes, belongings … and residents!

So, what’s the best way to handle situations like this?

Well, first of all, it’s obvious that you wouldn’t turn away those whom you know well. Whether they be family or friends, perhaps you’ll feel comfortable enough with them to invite them inside. But, for anyone you don’t know, yet still want to help, why not keep a garden hose connected to a spigot, and direct them to it? If they still demand a “glass of cold water” plea from you, just level with them as to why you can’t do it.
Another way is to answer the door with a cell phone in-hand. You can act as if you’re talking with someone if you want. That could be strong enough action to scare potential assailants away.

But, whatever the case, just be careful in all your doings this summer! Remember: the hot weather makes some people agitated, other desperate — and all of us hot as the proverbial firecracker!

THE BEST PHONE-Y BUSINESS!

You know, whether you’re in one of Charlotte’s big superconglomerate businesses or simple mom-and-pop ops, the best way to handle your phonework is by VoIP phone systems. Unlike the traditional PBX systems, VoIP (for Voice Over Internet Protocol) by Xpander gives you plug and play phones that’ll work wherever you have broadband. Their Nimbus systems give you total control over your phone and its features.

Some of the best features of this system is that you don’t have to buy and maintain costly, traditional PBXs with their lengthy service contracts and labor charges. With Nimbus, you’ll also have unlimited calling throughout America and free dialing to any other of their VoIP phones in the world!

So, no matter what size your business is here in the Queen City — whether you’re just “getting your feet wet” in our corporate world or already an “old pro,” you’ll find a faster, less expensive and more efficient way of doing business by just clicking the link above!

Well, the last cup of coffee … the last bite of soul food … will be served at the old Coffee Cup Restaurant on S. Clarkson Street on Saturday. After lunch, they’ll be closing the store and moving to their new location, uptown in the Cameron Brown Building (S. McDowell and E. 3rd Streets), and reopen the week after Labor Day.

As stated in an earlier blog, their present restaurant only seats 38. At their new location, they’ll have about 1,700 square feet and will be able to about 50 hungry customers. Since they have the extra space, they could opt to expand (the first floor used to be a bank). Now, I also said they’d planned to go into the Third Ward (”Brooklyn”) neighborhood to continue their fine cooking, but, from what I understand, there were already plans in the works to do a “land swap” of that area so they can build a new baseball stadium.

Nonetheless, it’s good to know that Gardine Wilson and his amazingly-talented crew will continue to bring their good “down-home” cookin’ and grinnin’ to the Queen City. No doubt, they’ll have to grow, considering their new location!

A QUICK, SERIOUS WORD

Maybe you could call this a plea.

Recently, a judge deemed it safe for a man, accused of violently threatening and abusing his wife, to return home to her. This was against the advice of her family, friends and those familiar with domestic violence across-the-board.
A week later, the woman was dead.
Listen … I’ve been all over this country, lived quite a few years myself (I’m 57), been the victim of abuse as well (yes, it can happen to men!), and can tell you by observation and experience: NEVER TRUST AN ABUSER TO CHANGE … no matter WHAT he/she tells you! It’s a power-play comfort zone for them … and SOMEONE WILL GET HURT … or worse!

If you, or anyone you know, is being abused by a partner/spouse, be sure to GET OUT OF THAT HOUSE, and AWAY FROM THE ABUSER! If you need to return for something, use the law to help you get it! Don’t try it by yourself!

Now … we can’t turn the clock back and return Sonia Long to us … but we can definitely do what’s necessary — including pushing for stronger laws and punishments — to keep it from happening again!

With school just around the proverbial corner, I wanted to take a moment to reflect a little on a very special teacher from years ago.
You see, Kenneth Mills was, for a time, the only male teacher at the “old” Pineville School (aka Farm Life School, home of the shakiest fire-escapes in the biz! I think they were placed there before President Jefferson left office …).
He was a teacher with a lot of heart — but that “niceness” could be pushed just so far. As the math teacher (one of three eighth-grade teachers I had; the other two being Mrs. Baker [now, don't get me started!] and Mrs. Buchanan), he knew how to be strict when it was necessary.
(awww, c’mon … IT WAS ONLY A JOKE!! Mrs. Baker was a fine teacher.)
There was one occurrence that’ll stand out in my mind until I lose it (I mean the mind. My hair, a couple of teeth and a little of my eyesight’s already gone). It was September, 1963. The “A” building (we had the gym, the school and the “A” building back then. And a coal scuttle … R.I.P. Henry and Leonard) was divided into two rooms: on the right was Mrs. Baker’s and the left was Mr. Mills’.
At about 2:30 on a Wednesday afternoon, third row from the door, fifth desk, I became a bit bored and, while Mr. Mills was speaking, this skinny, 13-year-old he called Hughsy (I think he copyrighted that name for me, because no one, before or since, has called me that!) started to roll an (No, don’t you even think of calling me that! Unless ya pay up front …)electric-red number 2 pencil on the hardwood floor with his foot.
Soon, Mr. Mills stopped talking and all you could hear was the rrrrrrr … rrrrrr … rrrrr … of the pencil as I rolled it.
With a firm, exasperated voice, he announced, “Hughsy, do you want us all to go into the gym where you can give us a performance?” I stopped immediately — partly because I’d been caught (quo erat demonstratum. i.e., “DUH!”) and partly because he knew mama and daddy, and I valued what hind-end I had!

But, thanks in part to Mr. Mills, I actually started thinking about performing, especially since mama and daddy had gotten a guitar for me a month earlier, for my birthday.

Today, Mr. Mills is an esteemed member of the Pineville Town Council (I understand it’ll be his last term), and still one of the friendliest, most down-to-earth and kindest gentlemen our area has been graced with! Sometimes, when I’ve seen him, I still learn from what he has to say … and often will jot some of his ideas down.

Ummm … only, now, I’m careful to use a pen. A round pen. And keep it securely in my pocket. ‘Cause ya never know what he’ll remember …

Consider this a heads up to each and every rocker in the Charlotte area: On August 28 at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, the best of modern heavy metal rock is gonna converge as the world-famous Ozzfest takes the stage … and the city … by storm!

Headlined by the legendary leader of Black Sabbath and star of one of the most popular reality shows this side of Gene Simmons, Ozzy Osbourne, and managed by his son, Jack, the show features fifteen (right … one-five!) of the best of the genre.

On the main stage (right … two stages are gonna be used!) you’ll have Ozzy, Lamb of God, Static X and Lordi (incidentally, if you boomers don’t know who the heck I’m talkin’ about, ask your kids); on stage two, you’ve got Hatebreed, Devil Driver (now, hold on: Don’t think it’s Satanish stuff; these are just names they use as a hook!) and Behemoth.

You’ll also see eight other fantastic metal-munchers … and I gotta feelin’ (speakin’ here in my Rock Relic personna) that a coupla these acts are gonna be our next Metallica if they work at the business end as hard as they do on their axes (oh, come on! Ya can’t be that old! “Axe” is rock slang for electric guitar! Geez …)

So, get ready for one DYNAMITE show … an actual tradition in rock, where the legends come together! I’ve been there before, and I can guarantee it’ll be a night you’ll remember …

A COUPLE OF QUICK MEMORIES

One of my regular Relicontacts has been the incredible, unsinkable, indelible, often-imitated-but-never-duplicatible Peter Noone of “Herman’s Hermits”, who remembers the warm-and-fuzzy welcome he got when visiting the QC, both with Lek, Karl, Keith and Barry and as a solo act. And Paul McCartney played here back in ‘93 and, while his show was totally fab (as always), he got a little flak for his misnomer — calling us “Charlatans” (fake people who show off a lot; “quacks”) instead of “Charlotteans.” Macca later apologized, saying it was “all meant to be in fun.”

Most of Charlotte’s rock acts are definitely stage-ready, and deserve the press, airplay and managment necessary to take them to the next phase of their career. If you know of anyone needin’ a push, drop me some info about the act here, or leave a comment, okay?

Well, if the shoppers are any indication, the new Trader Joe’s at Piper Glen is a resounding success!

Of course, ask anyone who’s ever bought from them and they’ll tell you that’s not surprising.

Though the store opened at a little before 8:45 on Friday morning, the customers began arriving as early as 7:15 — some waiting in folding chairs brought out by employees! Among those in line were a couple who had driven more than ninety minutes to get to the store, and a lady who carried a placard saying “Welcome, Trader Joe’s! I’ve been waiting over 10 years for this!”

More than one hundred shoppers entered the store when the doors were unlocked for the first time. Employees were handing out leis (Joe’s customary store-opener) and cheering almost as loud as the customers! Within a little more than an hour, all 146 carts and every handbasket was in use!

Trader Joe’s is a specialty foodstore with a “down-home”, produce-market feel to it. They have a faithful, almost fanatical following by customers who frequent their nearly-300 stores nationwide.

Ours is located at 6418 Rea Road (Piper Glen), where Rea Rd. and Bevington Place meet … but there’s more to come in the near future!

They’re definitely a long-awaited and welcome addition to the Queen City!

He just seemed like a giant, I guess …

John Belk — former mayor, philanthropist, humanitarian,co-owner of the Charlotte-based Belk Department Store chain and one of the nicest, most down-to-earth men we’ve ever produced — passed away last week at the age of 87. His funeral is to be held at 2 PM today at Myers Park Presbyterian Church.

John served as mayor of the Queen City from 1968-1977, the longest term of anyone in the city’s highest office prior to present Mayor Pat McCrory. Though many of us remember him as the political head of the Queen City, many more of us knew him as the moral and ethical leader. He was a “man for all seasons,” and for every Charlottean, no matter what ethnic, racial or economic background. He was accessible to us all.

A FAVORITE MEMORY

At South Meck during my Senior year, we had a guest speaker in one of our “assemblies”. Though his name escapes me, he was billed as a “psychic”. During his speech, he told us that he was putting the name of the man who would win the ‘68 Mayoral election. Later, in the first-period World History class of the Miracle Mrs. Mays (a different, but amazing, story. Watch for it in the near future) shortly after the election, I heard the intercom come on with the results. Mike Dailey unsealed the envelope on-air, and read the message: “John Belk”.
Without missing a beat, Tommy Broughton spoke up: “Who else?” We were all hoping the big Belk Brother would make it … and were glad he did!

That being said, let me close out this post by saying that Charlotte is infinitely richer, happier and more optimistic thanks to the work, the concern, the leadership and the wise, patient heart of “Mayor” John Montgomery Belk. Rest in peace, my friend …

With school comin’ up in just about a week-and-change, I thought I’d take a minute to remember the old days of South Meck, circa Class of ‘69.

Y’know, one of the fondest memories of the Class of WayBack are those of the South Mecklenburg Sabres sports teams. Man, we had some kinda spirit back then
and … a senior flagpole upon which the gradclass sent many, many underclassmen who verbally (or otherwise) creamed the team(s).

Now, during the Year of the Age of Aquarius (the ‘68-’69 season), life was cool: I was studyin’ to get the sheepskin, churnin’ out vocals and axe licks with a busy rock group, and avoidin’ that pole like the plague!

Yup … I … er, “took a trip” there a coupla years earlier. Here’s what happened …

I was a sophomore (remember? We didn’t have freshmen then … it started with the tenth grade) … and, like most teenaged boys, had my first feelin’ of looooove … for a girl from a rival school!

Well, I finally got up enough nerve (I was from Pineville … a town so small ya had to borrow nerve from nearby Matthews!) to ask Sally McCune out to a Sabre basketball game. Man, she was cute …
My brothers, cousin Jimmy Bridges and my dad went to Thurman Place to pick her up on the big night. We drove to the gym at … Garinger High School. They were gonna play her school!

I figured “Awww, it’s just a game! What’s it gonna hurt?” I even sat with Sally on Garinger’s side — in the second row. By now, my brothers and Jimmy (who were, of course, on the right side of the bleachers!) were laughing and pointing. Some of my classmates were lookin’ at me like I was a traitor … and began talking among themselves. I’d find out, later, why …

Sally had on a lovely pantsuit … navy blue with silvery-gray marking on her top. Then I looked at my sweater. Red-and-white, as in Sabre’s “The Mighty …”?? Naaaah.

Navy blue and gray. Garinger’s colors. Me in the second row. Garinger side. My classmates watching from the other side.

But that wasn’t all. Y’see, I was so “in love” with Sally that, whenever a Wildcat would score, I’d jump up and yell and applaud with her.
Navy blue and gray. Garinger’s colors. Me in the second row. Garinger side. Rooting for their team. And my classmates … starting … to … growl at me!!

Well, about 36 hours after the game, it was time to go back to … s-SCHOOL!(gulp!) Some of the uberclass were watching me like ravenous dogs hungrily circling a lone rabbit. At lunchtime, I belonged to the pole!
The moment of truth arrived … I just “gave in” (how was I gonna fight off a half-dozen varsity dudes, anyhow?). Up I went … the lanyard-stay went under my belt … and, for a moment, I felt like a giant hamhock in the meat cooler of A & P!! Then …

thank God for second-hand belts!! It snapped, I fell, then got up and slinked away like a little pup that got its first whuppin’!

As time, classes, years and students went by, the old pole was deactivated, thanks to Mr. Edmisten (the principal at the time). I made new friends, lost Sally as a girlfriend (dammit!), rocked on with my music, and …

just in case Mr. E. changed his mind … began wearing break-away belts …

I remember the evening news of August 16, ‘77 almost verbatim:

Bill Walker, former news director and anchor of WSOC-TV’s Eyewitness News on that day, started the broadcast off with a shot of Elvis, saying, “Good Evening. Elvis Presley, the man who almost single-handedly made rock-and-roll the most pop-u-lar music in its field … is Dead tonight. The 42-year-old King of Rock died of an apparent heart attack at his Memphis home …”

Who over the age of 40 doesn’t remember where they were when they heard “the news”? Although we kinda saw it coming (the dude was a heavy ’scrip-drugger, and had gained maxiweight over the year before. Even his performances were beginning to lose their luster…), it was still a shock.
Now, there are a couple of things that, perhaps, we’ve forgotten in the rush to remember Elvis’ “death-day”. Lemme refresh your memory … and if you’ve got anything to add, send it to me in yer comments, okay?:

• Among the mourners lined up to view Elvis’ body were two young ladies in line beside the EP Blvd. fence. Suddenly, a pickup veers outta control, smashes into the fence and kills at least one of the girls. For the parents, this is also the thirtieth anniversary of their death (incidentally, law enforcement officials say that, had Elvis actually staged his passing, he’d be charged with at least one count of manslaughter along with other, white-collar crimes).
• Outside Nashville for some time (perhaps it’s still there?) there was a church whose parishioners actually worshipped Elvis. They shoulda seen this one coming when (again, waiting to view his remains) a woman lifted her hands to the skies and yelled, “Elvis, I’ll pray to you from now on!”

Elvis was readying for another tour — and we were on the itinerary! Some of y’all may still have the tickets you ordered ahead-of-time.

• He finally was found in a South Florida swamp and … oh, waitaminnit … that’s … that’s Elvis, the alligator from Miami Vice. Sorry … he’s still dead.

Any new news on the front?? Yep …

Lisa Marie is gonna be releasing a CD where she’s splicing her voice into one of her daddy’s songs, and overdubbing a little to harmonize with him. Considering how much she looks and (in a female way) sounds like him, it oughtta be interesting.

Because he was willing to make us one of his favorite stops on tours, and because he has such a tremendous fan base; most of all, due to the positive influence he had on rockers for over for decades, we remember …..

Okay, kids … do you know what time it is?!?
Right — it’s ALMOST time for school to start again! Yep … it starts August 27! So ya might wanna go ahead and start training yourself to (yikes!) get up early, just so ya won’t be so sleepy-eyed when the big day comes!

Now, parents, with 125 schools and almost 98,000 students in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg System, you know that’s gonna mean long lines wherever you get school-supplies. For example, in Wal-Mart — which is notorious for its long checkout wait — you might wanna do something to occupy your time while waiting. Like crocheting or watching your child grow into a teenager. Just be sure you’ve got everything Junior or Juniette needs for a return to the learning lab.

But to be serious for a moment: Please do two important things for your kids’ sake, okay?

• Above all, be sure they’re safe on the way to/from as well as at school. If you have a young’un who’s, say, in the elementary grades, wait with them at their bus stop before and for them after school. Naturally, that’s to keep them safe from possible predators.
• The next thing is to communicate with the kids when they get home. If they wanna talk about the day, listen to ‘em! What they have to say is just as important to them as what you had in mind when you were that age.

Look … we’re buildin’ a future for Charlotte in each and every student that goes through the halls of one of our schools. The way we treat them … the safety factor that we can surround them with … the patience and love that we show them … is gonna either make or break the QC in the future.

So, good luck this year in school, kids … be winners, okay? You know you can do it!