Charlotte, NC

\NOTE: Our regular post will return in the next entry. For now, I bring you this special report:

It’s hard to really know how to put this into words, Charlotte, so I’ll give it to ya straight:

Mike Smith, the legendary organist/lead vocalist of the Dave Clark Five, is dead.

As many of you know, the man with the most magnificent ”growl” in the business was suffering from tetraplegia after a terrible fall at his Spanish hacienda in 2003 (see: http://www.therockrelic.com/glad-all-over-2/). Friends ranging from Peter Noone to Bruce Springsteen and “Little Stevie” Van Zandt helped raise attention to and funds to relive Mike’s plight. Paul Shaffer of “The Late Show with David Letterman” organized a benefit on his behalf, with stars like The Zombies, Peter and Gordon, Billy J Kramer and others.

He and the DC5, as I mentioned before, played The Charlotte Coliseum in November of ‘65, and has a tremendous fanbase here, even to this day.

No doubt, we’ve lost a giant in the industry. From his amazing vocals to his warmth for fans, young and old – to his amazing determination to live and show his love for both fans and family – Mike will definitely be missed by every rock-and-roll fan throughout the universe.

Let me just share what has been posted on Mike’s site concerning his passing:

“Mike Smith, the lead singer and keyboard player of The Dave Clark Five, one of the premier bands to emerge during the 1960’s “British Invasion”, died today from pneumonia at Stoke Mandeville Hospital outside of London. His devoted wife, Arlene, who is known as Charlie, was by his side. Smith was 64 years old. Smith, who was due to be inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame with his band mates on Monday, March 10th, was admitted to the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit yesterday morning with a chest infection, a complication from a spinal cord injury he sustained in September, 2003 that left him a tetraplegic (paralyzed below the ribcage with limited use of his upper body). Smith had been in the hospital since the accident, and was just released in December 2007 when he moved into a specially-prepared home near the hospital with his wife. Prior to his hospitalization yesterday, arrangements were being made to transport Smith to New York so he could personally attend the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.”

“According to Smith’s agent, Margo Lewis of TCI in New York, “These last five years were extremely difficult for Mike. I am incredibly saddened to lose him, his energy and his humor, but I am comforted by the fact that he had the chance to spend his final months and days at home with his loving wife, Charlie, whom he adored, instead of in the hospital, and that he was able to attend a recent concert in London by his good friend, Bruce Springsteen. He was extremely excited and honored to have been inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and I am glad that he will be remembered as a “Hall of Famer,” because he was in so many ways.”“Dear friends,I spoke with Charlie Smith just moments before receiving the above press release. She told me that Mike passed away peacefully last night, confident of heaven, after exchanging “I love you” with her. Mike’s health had declined rather suddenly this past week. While the above press release mentions some celebrities, Mike was also very thankful to his many fans/friends who sacrificially gave to provide him his wheelchair, his van, and most of all, the encouragement and prayers needed to continue these past years. Mike will have a better view than any of us at the R&R Hall of Fame Induction, not to mention an even more glorious induction into eternity.

This website will not pass out further specifics, exept as directed by TCI or by Charlie Smith. I cannot respond to your e-mails to answer further questions at this time. If you would like to send a sympathy e-mail (no downloads, pics, music or e-cards), feel free, I will collect them, and send them on to Charlie. The e-mail address here is theboltons@rpa.net In our time of sadness, let us remember that his music and memory live on in many of us. He has left this world a better place, and has gone on to a place that is better still. - RKB”

Awwww, geez … and just when I thought I was makin’ a name for myself …

Remember when I did a little “research” and found around six other dudes with my name doin’ stuff around the state? I mean, ya had detectives, preachers, runners, insurance men and the like. WOW!! Six other guys who …

ummm … (are ya ready for this??) add five more to the list. (Y’know, if this keeps up, I’m gonna haveta check Mercy Hospital’s records and see if old Doc McD had a duplicating machine in the delivery room …)

Actually, it made me realize that I hadn’t fully explained which Chuck Hinson I am. Sounds weird, but … hey, I’ve got that right, right? Just to set the record straight …

The Pineville setting, with main stars Eola and Irene Hinson bein’ my folks oughtta give it up. But, justincase, lemme go a coupla steps farther: I was the dude who gradded in ‘69 from Sabre Central (ie, South Meck), did a whole lotta pickin’ and shakin’ as a guitarist back then, and went on to become syndie columnist (Coffee Talk) in The Southeast Charlotte News for a few years.

Today, I’m known worldwide as The Rock Relic — dedicated to preservin’ the true energy of “our” generation’s music through blogs, articles, audio productions, personal appearances (in the RR role) and, soon, on webcast radio!
I also do voiceovers and fill in the rest of non-zzzz time as ringside commentator and publisher for Ohio Championship Wrestling. Still at a slick 160, I’ve got a bald top now but a lot inside.

My main digs are in Pineville, but I make runs to Ashland (Kentucky, for wrestling shows), Abingdon (Virginia, for research), Calgary (Canada, also for research) and back. Other stops are for the PA’s and reviews …

Hmph … what’ve these other CH’s got? Actually, I’d like to get ‘em all together one day and have one heckuva cookout! No need to ask who’s who … and, if anybody’s wife calls, anyone in the crowd can take it … it’ll be his guilt trip in our collective name (not me, though. I’m unattached at present …).

I just hope they all like grits!

If there’s any more of ‘em, be sure to send ‘em to this site, okay? Any show of hands??

With the introduction of the lotteries in North Carolina, a lot of folks are now looking to the internet to place their bets.
And why not? It’s easier than standing in a long line at the store, safer than pulling out your wallet in public for money to wager, and, actually, the chances of winning are greater than buying the standard “scratch-off”.
Besides, it’s a lot more fun!
Now, when you go online to find a casino, chances are you’ll be searching for hours … and possibly be taken in by one that just doesn’t live up to its ads … unless you go to the site that cuts through all the hassle and gives you the best and most profitable ones to choose from!
The Online Casino List gives you choices that no other site can! From blackjack and poker to card and table games, it’s got them all! My own favorite is the Slots Plus, which has the most popular games (mine’s “Blackjack”), a great payout speed, the best security … even a $500 “welcome” bonus! Its lighting and colors make it very attractive as well.

Now, unlike many sites, the Online Casino List lets you find out more about the casinos before you play! You just click their “Full Review” links and discover each one’s game selections, payout speeds, certificates, security and more! Then you can play the one you want to your heart’s content.

And if you’re new to online gambling, the site also offers a beginner’s guide and even gambling tips to help you get a piece of the action confidently! It has “editor’s” and “user’s” ratings … naturally, the higher the user rating, the more popular the particular casino becomes. In other words, it’s like having a good friend who already knows the ropes teaching you and getting you lined up with the best casino for you!

So go ahead and click the following link and find your best online casino. You’ll have a lot of fun, excitement …
and won’t have to worry about long lines again!

I guess every man loves to look at a woman who’s got just the right cosmetic touch to her features … and she feels better about herself, too!
Of course, these ladies aren’t served by just anybody (unlike us guys, who just head to a barber shop and that’s it). They put themselves in the hands of professionals who’ve received the training they need to provide the perfect essence of beauty!
And the fastest-growing beauty school in the nation is the famous Regency Beauty Institute. Since its beginning (more than fifty years ago) in Minneapolis, Minnesota, it’s expanded from two schools in 2002 to almost thirty campuses across nine states (including North Carolina!). They’ll be growing even more over this year.

Now, when one enrolls in their institute, she (or he) will find a refreshing approach to the education they receive. Their campuses are like upscale salons and provide a unique training program that helps both students and public. An example of this is that, as the students are training, they provide inexpensive salon services to the public (sort of an “on-the-job training”. But the services they give are of highest quality …the faculty supervision they have while doing so assure each customer of that.

One more reason to grow with Regency is that they have great placement relationships! Whether it’s a local beauty salon, model runways or even cruise ships, employers are eager to hire Regency graduates, because their training in and dedication to their craft guarantees satisfaction for each and every client!

Now, all you have to do to learn more about the best and most successful of beauty schools is to click on that link you just passed! A career awaits … and what better way to train for it than with the best in the business? Visit them today!

Coming up later today, as a guest on TV’s Ellen (Channel 18), will be someone totally inspiring … and amazing.

And, best of all, she’s a youngster … from Charlotte!

Little Wendy Vo has some awesome talents: piano virtuoso, song writing, being able to speak in eleven different languages (Ellen’s gonna ask her to translate a few sentences into Russian, Arabic and Portugese) … and she’s only eight years old! She’ll also play a self-composition on the piano while on the show.
But the one thing that sets her apart from most adults with a fraction of her talent is her obvious humility: When Ellen asks her how she learned to do these things, she replies, “I think any kid can do it.”

Again, a quick “heads-up”: Wendy will be on Ellen at 5 PM, Channel 18 (WCCB-TV) today (Monday). Be sure to tune in!!

TRAVELIN’ WITH SENSE

Whenever we travel, it’s common sense to have travel insurance to help us in the event the unexpected happens. Whether it’s global insurance, a policy to help protect our trip costs or even war and terrorism insurance, we need to make sure we’re covered!
The problem is that most of us don’t really know where to turn to find the best insurance. That’s why the Travel Insurance Center is online. They offer a unique Policy Picker® that makes it easy to compare, buy, and save on the coverage you need for your trip. When you go to their site (I’ll provide the link in a moment), you’ll see how easy they’ve made it for you. Because they represent major travel insurance providers, they can find the best and most affordable protection plans.
But the do more by offering a complete Travel Insurance Guide and a number of well-answered FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) so you can be well-informed and ready to make the best choice!
To get started, just click on this link, which will take you to the right place to shop for travel insurance, and get ready for a worry-free trip!

It might … er, take awhile before I get back onto Belk Freeway again. First, I’ve gotta get my nerves calmed down …

Y’see, I was tryin’ to get onto it after leaving Pineville for a return home, but, while I was gettin’ on it, I was nearly clipped by a driver on her … uh-huh. You can fill in the rest of the sentence, right? In a way, it was kinda ironic, because I’d just heard somebody talkin’ on the radio about how the “cell phone made (him) feel a lot safer when (he was) on the road”.

Hmph. Maybe him … I mean, after he hits someone, and his air bags deploy, and he can find it after rummagin’ through the wreckage, he can tape the pieces together to make a call to his insurance man … or, maybe (hint, hint!) the police.

I dunno why they even allow those things in cars. Oh, sure they’re good in emergencies … but can’t they make ‘em in a way so a running engine will interfere too much with reception? It already does that with my radio, so there can’t be too much more technology involved!

Anyway, I hope she got through to whoever she was callin’, and that it was a very important call! So, while I’m gettin’ my wits about me again (HA! Like I ever had them before …), let me close out this part of the post.

Besides, I’ve got a call on my cell …

YES, SOME STEROIDS ARE LEGAL!

They’re called prohormones, and are used in training and as a supplement! Not only do they allow for wholesome muscle growth and are highly recommended by users worldwide — but they work!
Now, you folks know I’m also announcer for independent pro wrestling promotions (which, today, are totally against illegal steroids). Well, I can tell you that many of our ranks highly recommend BodyBuildingFactory.com for the best choice of the most effective prohormones! This superstore stocks 175 brands and 3,500 products that are clean, safe, effective and reliable!
The Halotest-25 is one that many grapplers (and gymnasts) swear by! And, as with the company’s other products, its cost won’t hurt your wallet one bit. Of course, as you scoll through the various products (hang on … I’ll give ya the link in a moment), you’ll find just the right prohormone to help you build the muscles you want! Now, as with any product in this category, you need to be a male over the age of 18 to purchase — but the results you’ll get from these will be splendid!
So go ahead and click on the best store for legal steroids today! You can order online via secure server or, if you feel a bit uncomfortable with that, by phone. Either way, by clicking that link up there you’ll be on your way to a better “you” before ya know it!

Look … I don’t know how it happened but, if ya look at the Relic’s kitchen ceiling right now, you’ll probably get an eyeful of drippin’ wet!
Y’see, I’d turned on the faucet handles to get a sinkful of water so I could handle those dishes that’ve been sitting since 1975 (actually, from the morning) and (yes, I do have a dishwasher. Manual. Called hands …), suddenly, the faucet popped off!
So, even though I was already in my shirt-and-tie (that are now due to get outta the dryer in about … oh, ten minutes or so), I reached under the sink and, while being soaked, turned off the water … and tried to reattach it (after all, my daddy was a plumber at one time!). No luck … just more mess (look, I said my daddy was one … not me!).
After mopping up the kitchen (and reprimanding the dog for pulling the cat around on a tuna-can waterboard) and calling a client to let him know I’d be a bit late (didn’t tell him why; I don’t like being laughed at), I went to …
get another faucet … at … Wal-Mart®! Then I went back and got the right size I needed. Then back to exchange it for one that had the washers included. Then I went back, three hours later …
to get some paper plates and cutlery. And wait for the repairman … unless that dog was hungry for morning-old plate scrapings and had a wet tongue, I wasn’t gonna try again!

BUT IF YA NEED GOOD FAUCETS …

In looking for new faucets, of course I looked beyond the “Wally World” galaxy — and found a place that gives me the quality, affordability and dependability that I’ve been looking for! In fact, the people at Faucets.com have more to offer than just faucets!
But their Hansgrohe faucet line is top-of-the-line! I mean, they provide the high-quality performance I need, while makin’ my little ol’ kitchen look really sharp with their smooth, modern designing! Whether it’s a kitchen or shower faucet ya need, you get the finest faucets, heads and accessories from them!
Not only that, but you also get free shipping on orders over 99 bucks, a “$25 off” coupon that you can use through this Friday, a great guarantee — and you can order via secure server online or by phone!
So, if you need any faucet for your home, go to one of the finest faucet brands in the world — the Hansgrohe faucet — and, soon, you’ll be appreciating your water like never before!

Things are getting a little tight these days when it comes to money. More often than not, we’re being told to take our belts up one or two notches so we won’t have to worry as much about the fiscal “bite”.
So we’re constantly looking for ways to “get around” this economic crunch. Sometimes, folks turn to “quickie” loans, which will only cost more in the long run due to high interest. At other times, people turn to selling (or pawning) whatever they can part with and banking what they receive for their goods.
Still, it seems that, with each avenue we try, prices go up in proportion to our efforts.
But there’s one sure way to keep your financial door secure against that “wolf” that insists on knocking, and that’s by investing in gold. For centuries, people have known that gold not only is a safeguard against financial calamity, but its worth doesn’t depreciate like so many other investments.

Now, the gold coin is the only time-tested answer for people wanting that financial stability. The fiat (or government) currency has destroyed a lot of societies that have depended on that alone. And, despite what we hear on the news (about all the governmental allocations and appropriations), it’s impossible for America to stay solvent simply by use of paper money. That’s why so many of our citizens are now investing in gold coins.
Of course, a lot of everyday people don’t really know how to invest, or where to go to do it. That’s where Monex Deposit comes in. They not only know the ropes better than anyone in the market; they also have the best and most reliable experts to walk you through every phase of the process.
Having been America’s precious-metals leader for over 30 years, their dedicated staff of professionals is committed to serving your needs and being the best dealer, with competitive prices and a convenient market. They’ll walk you through the process and be sure you’re satisfied with your investment!

The American eagle gold coins are available in units of ten 1 oz. coins and are available for personal delivery only. They’re .9167 fine gold, are “legal tender” (meaning, legally honored in America for its monetary value) with a $50 face value. Personal delivery’s also available for fractional ounce sizes, ounce and 1/10 ounce, in units of 20 coins
each. You can deposit these in your own bank, of course, upon receipt.

So, fight the wolf — in fact, keep him away from your financial door permanently — by investing in us gold coins now! Sure, we don’t know what the future holds — but we do know we need to safeguard our, and our family’s, plans for it, right? And, believe me, this is the most logical way to do it!

they run and hide their heads, or so the Beatles’ song goes.
But, lately, we’ve been doing that … more due to the cold than the wet of the rain we’ve been experiencing. But we’re fortunate. Much of the Eastern Seaboard’s been hammered with a fierce “Alaskan Clipper” cold front that’s swept snow, ice and freezing temps around the nation.
While it appears that Pineville and Matthews have gotten the worst of it thus far, we’ve all got to keep an eye on both rising waters and frostbite temperatures:

In this type of weather (and if you’ve gotta be out in it), the first thing to remember is to reduce your vehicle’s speed! The standard “one car-length for every ten mph” is actually doubled due to the danger of skidding, hydroplaning — and, most importantly, watching the actions of the drivers in front and beside you! And, listen: stay off the cells unless it’s absolutely necessary (and even then, if possible, pull over to take/make the call!).

Next up: Be sure to lay in blankets, flashlights, candles, a battery-powered radio and non-perishable food items. These are “worst-case-scenarios” in the event of a power outage. Thousands of folks have lost power due to the ice storms that have moved through the Eastern states, and, while they’ve apparently missed us, it’s a good idea to “play it safe” — just in case!

One more tidbit or two: If you have a kerosene heater or a fireplace, be sure that both are in working order (that includes making sure your chimney doesn’t have cracks, etc. where sparks can fly through and ignite your house. That has happened before!) and have adequate ventilation. And, natch, be sure your car’s got the antifreeze it needs … otherwise, you’ll be looking at a cracked engine block, should it get a bit worse outside.

These are some tips that make sense, right? Now, if you combine these with the “patience” we talked about in the last post, you can be ready for any rough weather!!

A BIT HARD TO READ?

We have many Crown Towners who have a bit of a challenge in reading — not because they’re illiterate, but simply because they can’t see the print! It can be a frustrating experience, to say the least!

But help is just a click away! For them, the fine folks at First STREET Online provides the best magnifiers in the nation! Whether they need to “read the fine print”, watch TV without squinting, or whatever, their site offers magnifiers that will ease their embarrassment and frustration.

They have everything from pocket magnifiers to lamp and desk models, glasses, tweezers and a lot more … and at substantial savings to the buyer!
But there’s much more on this site that can help those who have a hard time seeing “close-up”. For most of the items, one can get a 90-day in-home “trial” of the product. There are many more perks available, just by visiting their magnifier page via the link you just saw.
Check it all out today, and you can be sure to have a “clearer picture” of everything before ya know it!

I read where, in Wade Shoals, SC, a bus driver taped the mouths of eight children shut when they misbehaved on a school bus. Then I read (tragically, again) of some “man” beating his wife senseless because … well, who cares what the reason is? It’s STUPID! Of course, there was the “drive-by” a few days ago that cost a youngster his life.
These things happen, not just in the Charlotte area but in Anytown, U.S.A as well. And, while those who commit these crimes are (rightfully) scorned by society, they uncover something that we all must understand:

We’re all capable of losing our composure to the extent that (while probably not as nefarious at those mentioned) we can cause emotional or physical harm to others as well as ourselves! Whether it’s something as simple as a long check-out line at Food Lion, a car that won’t start on a cold morning off Tyvola Rd. (yes, I had that happen!) or as complex as a tremendous argument between husband and wife (nope. I’m divorced), we all “lose our cool” occasionally.

Now, before any damage (to ourselves or others, including pets) is done, we’ve got to learn how to handle our anger. That means, re-learning something many folks had lost years before: PATIENCE!

There are three questions you can ask yourself before you react to a specifically-tense situation:

• First, is this situation really something to lose myself, my loved one, my dignity and possibly my freedom over? Or is it something that, with a little time, will “cool down” anyway?
  We have to realize that our anger is usually the result of impulse; the first hour after a traumatic situation occurs is usually when most of us have the “knee-jerk” reaction that causes us (or others) pain or heartache. I get my feathers ruffled sometimes for whatever reason, but I’ve learned not to react to whatever it is for at least that 60-minute period.
• If over 40, I’ve been through/will go through nearly 5,000 (on average) tense situations since I turned 18 — and have survived (and moved ahead in spite of) them all. Why should this situation turn me into an ogre?
• And, finally, with about 300 million people in this country (most of whom I’ve never met yet) why let this person “box me in” and get me upset?

If you’re feeling tense and about to jump down someone’s throat, remember: There’s always someone you can “talk it out” with, whether it be through our Mental Health hotline, a sensible friend or manager, or even online!

Charlotte, we’re known as a friendly, laid-back (though progressive) community. We have friends, co-workers, and more opportunity than you can shake a stick at. It’s time we learned a bit of patience to calm feathers, ease our (and others’) burdens, and move ahead …

Okay … how many of you remember The Dave Clark Five? These five performers — Mike Smith (now tetraplegic after a tragic fall in 2003), organ; Lenny Davidson (now performing freelance), guitar; Rick Huxley (electrical manager, freelance performing), bass; Denis Peyton (deceased; cancer, 2006), sax; Dave Clark (producer), drums (except on DC5 hits) — are due for induction into the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame in March.

They played the Charlotte Coliseum in November, ‘65, with Dave doing a sharp version of Sandy Nelson’s Let There Be Drums. In fact, all the guys did a good job on the show, and the audience loved it! Naturally, most parents here (and around the nation, for that matter) approved of the DC5 because they were the “clean-cut, melodic” answer to The Beatles and Rolling Stones. They composed catchy songs like “Bits and Pieces,” beautifully romantic tunes like Because, and …

NO, THEY DIDN’T!!

In fact, Dave Clark ripped off the real composer of those tunes, an amazing young guitarist/singer/songwriter named Ron Ryan, who’s profiled in a four-parter on my site here (you’ll have to go back to Part I for his info). Actually, when Ron wrote and delivered the songs to Dave, he asked Ron for permission to include his name on credits, with the promise of shared royalties. Instead, Clark took full credit, refused to pay Ron anything in royalties, and a battle ensued.

As for his drumming: As I said, Dave was a competent drummer, but, on the LPs and 45s, he used session man Bobby Graham on the drums! He also controlled the other four in the group by paying them weekly salaries while he took the lion’s share of profits … and forbade them from talking with Ron (who’s a good friend of mine)! He also took footage of Gerry and The Pacemakers’ fans and spliced them into one of their “live” performances to make it appear more exciting! Apparently, this was unauthorized, according to my contacts in Liverpool.

So, as good as they were in Charlotte and other live gigs, there was much more goin’ on behind the scenes … and it was all kept on the Q.T. around the fans. So, IMHO, I believe the DC5’s induction is a shame. Better to include the real stars, including Ron Ryan and Bobby Graham. Of course, you’ve gotta include Mike Smith; after all, he was the DC5 … it was his vocal prowess that made the group!

FURNISHING WITH COASTER

Y’know, everybody needs new furniture at some time … and, of course, there are loads of places you can pick it up. Of course, most of the time it comes with a hefty pricetag, and a lot of it is so redundant in its look, build or feel.
That is, unless you shop at Home and Living.com! Distributors of what’s undoubtedly the most beautiful furniture you can find, they not only offer a fantastic selection of stylish Coaster Company Furniture, they do it at prices anyone can afford! From formal and casual dining sets to bedroom suites, desks, recliners and more, Home and Living has the Coaster Furniture in styles you’ve always wanted to furnish your home with!
When you go to their site (via the link I’ll give ya in a moment), you’ll also want to take advantage of their room planner, which will help you lay out your favorite rooms! And they even have an affiliate program; if you have a website, you can make some extra money by linking to their site! More info is available on their site (see the link in the bottom-left corner).
So why wait? Click on this Coaster furniture link now, and start selecting the beauty that your home deserves!

Who woulda thunk it? Our favorite (come to think of it, only) daily newspaper has decided to outsource its ad center!

Observer publisher Ann Caulkins said a coupla days ago that the outsourcing deal is with an Illinois company called Affinity Express –which has offices in India and the Philippines — and will save the paper 35 - 40% on labor costs.

Now, the publisher of The Charlotte Post, has a point when he says it’s something that has to be done in today’s economy. “In times when revenue is tight, outsourcing is a good way to go.” But, while it’s a valid statement, most people are wondering “Yeah — but why does it have to go to a foreign company when so many of our people are beggin’ for work?” Gerald Johnson says the Post does outsource some of its design labor — and it is to a local company.

When we, as a people, need the jobs and the revenue both, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to outsource our labor to other areas of the world because they’re willing to work for less. It’s time we brought dignity back to the American people; outsourcing to other countries is an insult to our own citizens because it gives them the feeling that they’re not capable enough.

So, Observer, if you (or anyone else) wants to outsource, let it be to people here who need it; the “economy” you speak of can only be strengthened when you put more of our people to work …

CEREBRAL PALSY

A coupla clicks ago, I told you of my own private “battle” with mild cerebral palsy. Now, I’m fortunate to have a mild case of it; however, there are thousands who have more moderate — even severe — cases … and these people must be recognized and treated! It does no good just to look, shake our heads and “hope for the best.”
You can do many things to help a CP patient once you know the symptoms … and the website of the team of Janet, Jenner & Suggs can help you find out more about it. Believe me, it’s worth your while to learn more about cerebral palsy symptoms — and what can be done to help someone you know with this affliction.
Do it now, while you’re online, okay? Just click the link to find out more …

Throughout the Great 48 (contiguous states) and Canada, there are loads of different musical styles, groups, singers and acts — and, as The Rock Relic, I’ve had the chance to hear quite a few of ‘em.
Natch, Nashville’s got its C&W, Memphis its R&B, New Orleans its Jazz, LA its Salsa and NYC its rock. But Charlotte? It’s got its own, inimitable style.
First, I’ve gotta give props to the fantastic sounds that have made this area. From Wilbert Harrison to George Hamilton V, Superchiefs to SpongeTones, it’s been teeming with rock and soul sounds for decades. But, if you notice, there is one big difference:
Ego. The Charlotte rockvoices don’t seem to have the “too-busy-to-deal-with-home” attitude of mainline acts. They understand the need for closeness to those who, as it were, “brought ‘em to the dance.”

Today (and speaking from RockRelicResearch) we’re apparently heading into the “second coming” of Merseybeat (incidentally: props to Charlotte from my RockReaders, who acknowledge that at least we didn’t go postal over John Lennon’s “more popular than Christ” remark. It did hit TYC in Rock Hill, but that’s as close as it got!). As this revitalized Brit sound has influenced groups from Modest Mouse, OK GO!, Fratellis and Northern Mississippi Allstars, it’s just a matter of time before our non-egoic, paid-our-dues musicians pick up on it again …

And Charlotte’s gonna rock bigtime again …

THE TRADE SHOW

A lot of businesses in the area are in touch with the trade shows that occur throughout our area … and realize how effective they can be if they have one. The first question on their minds, though, is where to start?
The people at Nomadic Display can give you a hand by providing the services, products and accessories you need to make your show a complete success! From premium displays to pop-ups, design to support (before and after the sale!) and more, they’re eager to help you make the most of your show!
Not only that, but they have a downloadable exhibiting guide to help you maximize your exposure, help with your company’s presentation, and … well, I could go on with the benefits … but you’ve got to see for yourself! Just click on this link that helps you create the most successful of trade show displays and find out how they can help your next exhibit be a resounding success!

There was more than one “iron lady” in the world …

Though former PM Margaret Thatcher of Great Britain was a woman who wouldn’t back down from any normally-intimidating task or political machine, and we deeply admired her, we didn’t need her.
We had Louise Brennan.
This dynamic advocate of children’s and women’s rights passed away at home this past Saturday. During her tenure in the N. C. House of Representatives, she stood valiantly against the traditional male hierarchy and campaigned (in the early ”70s) to get the legislature to support the Equal Rights Amendment. Though, ultimately, it wasn’t ratified, she had already made her mark in the minds and hearts of women throughout North Carolina (in fact, the nation). Thanks, in part, to her efforts, the political and media machines began looking at women more for what they had on their minds and agendas — not what they had on their bodies!

During my last year at South Meck, I had the opportunity of meeting Ms. Brennan and, quite honestly, was impressed. She had a genuinely sincere and humane concern for people — not just students (and, listen … it didn’t matter what your economic status was, either. You and your family could’ve been as poor as church mice, and you’d be treated with the same smile and your input would be just as important as the rich kids!)

The Charlotte Observer said she liked to cook hamburger and cornbread for her dogs (bless her heart! I knew someone out there did it besides me!) — and said it “made them live longer”. (It does, if the hamburger’s fried thoroughly) She had a remarkable sense of humor, often parodying the very macho-machines that were attempting (and failing) to stand in her way!

Ms. Brennan will certainly be missed around here … but, believe me, her legacy will carry on around the nation for generations to come.

Man, talk about a mind-blowin’ buzz …

I recently got some news that totally did a number on this normally-cool head of mine. The bummer was that it was somethin’ hidden from me for fifty-(UNH-unh! Ain’t gonna GO there again!) years!

Makin’ it short-but-sweet: As still-a-few-Pinevillites (and cousins, wherever they are now) know, I was born, for all intents and purposes, dead. But, while that cord that ran from my amps to the motherboard (ie, the “umbilical” cord) had cut off my O2 supply for a time, The Man (no, I mean THE Man … like “upstairs”?) decided to finally get Eola & Irene’s newest arrival into the technicolor, real-time life. It took awhile, but, thanx to Doc McDonald (who, I understand, later had a farm and opened up some kinda restaurant that served great coffee. Let some clown run it) at Mercy Hospital, I made it into a screamin’, bald … kick… in’ … (ummm … heh-heh! … sounds like me now! Uhhh, waitaminnit …) young’un (WHEW!).

Anyway, due to stuff that occurred over the years (some frustratin’ times ’til I found what I could do: write and ROCK!!), I started wonderin’ if I had a glitch or somethin’ in the wiring (a lot of us have thought about that, right?? C’mon … ‘fess up!). From shrinks to thinks to drinks and dealin’ with a few rat finks, I kept comin’ up dry … until …

I hooked into a cousin’s webby, which was a tell-all about the family (and, people, that web addy is gonna stay silencio! Don’t ask …). That cuz was there in the meat castle when I was born, and learned (from what Doc told my folks) somethin’. Intrigued by what she (whoops!) had to say, I took what I’d gone through, my own minor glitches, my birth history, and traveled to one of the best psych docs I know. He checked it all against certain criteria, and the diagnosis is …

More about this later. Until next time …

awww, y’know I’m gonna tell ya …

I’ve got and all-my-life-had a mild case of cerebral palsy. He said it coulda been worse had mama and daddy coddled me and treated me as “special”, plied me with dope and stuff. But, most likely, they were either in a state of denial (”but, Relic, this is North Carolina!” I know …!) or just didn’t understand how it’d affect me!

My feelin’s now?? Hey … I pulled some great fans as a rocker, am pretty successful as a writer, and can pull some decent pop as an announcer, etc. It’s all good … if ya believe in yourself, are optimistic about the future and can be confident about whatcha do and who ya are, who (or what) can stop ya?? I’ve got 99% of me that’s runnin’ just fine, thanky … and, man, that’s okay withme!

Remember the song from Aerosmith, Amazing ? It says, “Its Amazing …in the blink of an eye, ya finally see the light. It’s Amazing when the moment arrives that you KNOW you’ll be all right …” Yo … it’s my song now, man …

… because a very puzzling mystery’s been solved in my life.