Charlotte, NC

Well, I guess everybody’s read about the big lightning strike that scared the bejabbers outta those eight firefighters near Lenoir. Fortunately, the worst that happened is that some had burns on their feet and pain in their legs — but it could’ve been a lot worse. With that in mind, we’ve gotta sit down a minute and discuss something:

Y’know, there’ve been a lot of storms hittin’ the Eastern Seaboard lately … and it’s amazing how many folks don’t really know what to do when they’re caught outside in a strong T-storm (and no place to go). Soooo, here are just a few pointers:

• If you see a storm coming up, go on and look for inside shelter then! Don’t wait! And DON’T go under ANY trees to “get out of the rain”!
• Sometimes, you’ll know when a lightning bolt’s about to strike your way: The static will make your hair (including on your arms!) feel like it’s raising (and it will be, to an extent!). When that happens, IMMEDIATELY ball up tightly on the ground! That means, crouch down, grab your ankles with your arms, and tuck your head down as far as you can! If you’re hit, at least you stand a better chance at surviving it; your body won’t be a “living lightning rod”!
• Do not, under ANY circumstance but one, use a cell phone when there’s lightning nearby! If you have a friend who’s been hit, then make a call to 911 only. And, for God’s sake, make it a short one!
• A word to those inside homes: Stay away from windows!! If it gets too rough, go to your bed — it provides excellent insulation!
• And get a battery-operated radio in the event the power goes out! This is essential if the storm is severe!!
• Naturally, if you’re indoors, stay off the phone and internet!

Now, this summer looks to have “storms” written all over it, so be sure to remember the five “P’s” here: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance …
as well as tragedies …

THE FINEST WINE …

Y’know, a good glass of wine can always help you “wind down” from a hectic day. Not only that, but it’s also a wonderful complement to meals, special occasions and more!
Now … wouldn’t it be nice to have not one, but two bottles of delectable, top-quality California wines shipped right to your door every month? They’re from small-production wineries (which means they take extra care to bring you the best! No fancy, corporate “assembly-line” there!)
And, of course, they’re great for special occasions … weddings, anniversaries, or promotions! You’ll love the prices, too!
Listen … I know your mouth is already watering, so why not go on to the site that’ll introduce you to the best California wine club for you?
It’s easy … convenient … and downright tasteful!

The story, in itself, was amazing:
A young mom had, over the three years of her little girl’s life, made up little songs to sing to her. This not only made the child happy, but taught her things that she needed to know.
Like … 9-1-1- Green.
The song title, of course, refers to the number for emergencies and the “talk” button on most cell phones. The mom wanted her little angel to learn this at an early age.
Little did she know the youngster would have to use what she learned from the song.
The mother apparently had an attack of some sort and had fainted. Her three-year-old, seeing her mom in terrible shape, remembered what she’d learned, got to her mom’s cell, and dialed:
9-1-1- Green.
Paramedics arrived and the mom’s now all right. The daughter saved her life!

But it brings to mind this: Why don’t we make use of that here?? I mean, teach our kids who to call in the event of an emergency! All it takes is a song, tailored to our little kids and sung out of sincerity and love!
Can you imagine the impact?

DO IT FOR YOUR FAMILY’S SAKE

Okay … maybe it’s a tough subject to handle, but we’ve gotta face it: we’ve all gotta make plans for when our time comes! We don’t want our spouses, children or other members of the family to absorb the harsh financial blow that comes from funeral or burial expenses, right?
The only problem is that many insurance companies can charge you an arm-and-a-leg and still not provide the benefits they boast!
But now you can find the right insurance that’ll fit your budget!! All you have to do is click on the link I’m about to give you to find (a) quotes from different companies, (b) informative articles on how to save money when investing in insurance, (c) no-exam, term and permanent life insurance — and much more!!
So, for the benefit and security of you and yours, click on this link to find the best life insurance quotes!!
Do it now … for them, okay?? Thanks.

Yup … it’s been rainin’ …
and you’d be surprised at how many folks aren’t complaining about it. Y’see, after the flooding that’s taken place along the Mississippi, we’re a bit humbled … and thankful … that we’re not takin’ on the heaviest of the water woes.

Still, it’s important to know what to do in the event we do have flooding over here — and it can happen in some places (ask those around Pineville, and especially in the Lakes Wylie and Norman areas!). Though most of us know what to expect and do, here’s an idea that a reader down in Alabama sent me. Betcha hadn’t thought of it, have ya?:

“… an idea that anyone can use is to rent an above-water level storage unit to put all their really important valuables into (sic). That way, they can remain safe and dry in case theres (sic) flooding.”

Sounds good. Just be sure to find one that’s secure (where they won’t be tampered with), and you’re set!

FUN AT THE PARKS

Whether you’re goin’ to Freedom Park, Pineville Park or Carowinds Park, you’re bound to have a good and relaxing time (okay … once it dries out a little!). With a zillion things to do or take in, you can relax and have some good, clean fun this summer.
But, a word to the wise (wait. Why do they say that?? I mean, don’t the “wise” already know things?? Guess it sounds better than “A word to those who don’t know better?” But, there again, would they be reading this if they … awww, nevermind …):
Wherever ya go this summer, PLEASE keep a close eye on your young’uns, okay? You’ve heard the old saying, “It’s a JUNGLE out there!” Well, it’s true … and it’s so easy for your kids to get lost, hurt … or worse … if they get away from you! So, sure … make it a fun summer; but, more importantly, make it a safe one!

AFFORDABLE INSURANCE

Y’know, there are still thousands of people around the country who don’t have good insurance — either they’re not covered or their policies don’t cover what they need. And, of course, the main culprit has been the media, which tends to make you think it’s too expensive now!
But they’re wrong, and the link I’m about to share with you will prove it!
Y’see, I’ve found a great spot that’ll not only help you find exactly what you’re needing in insurance, but also prices that’ll be easy on your budget! You’ll find auto, life, home, health, business and more here …
Why, they even have interesting articles, a list of frequently-asked questions … even insurance tools to ensure that you make the best decision and selection!
So, don’t let anyone tell ya that you can’t find affordable insurance anymore! Whether life, health or a solid auto insurance quote, it’s all there for you behind that link.
Visit there now, and get ready to save big!

THIS IS A SPECIAL REPORT:

The kid on yer left? No, it isn’t Bobby Rydell (though he looked a little like it in this pic).

Actually, it’s my younger brother, Dick, back in 1969. Some of you may remember him as a grad of South Meck, Class of ‘71.
He was also the drummer in my band for awhile, until he gave up the stix to get into photography. As he grew, he became a helluva nice guy, very down-home, and a true “family-man” (yep, he was a bit rowdy way-back-when!).

But, last night, that warm heart was stilled, when my sis called to inform me that he’d just died of a sudden, massive heart attack at the age of 54. Didn’t even make it to the hospital …

Now, there’s a lotta reflectin’ that I could do at this point. But, in the interest of time and space, lemme just share a few smiles about my younger bro, Charles Richard Hinson:

When mama and daddy brought him home from the hospital, two-year-old Chucky (and don’t call me that unless ya love me, k?) took a hankerin’ to his hair, and started lickin’ it regularly. When he died, Dick was the only one of us Hinson boys who wasn’t bald on top! (as an aside, didja know that cow spit can keep ya from goin’ bald? Is there a connection? Nobody around here knows … or wants to know …)

Once, when Steve (my youngest bro) and Jimmy (my cousin and bassist) were in K-Mart® with Daddy, and in a very narrow aisle, Dick … er, “cut some cheese” (no offense, Mousers!) and, since there were people comin’ into the aisle, took off running with Jimmy and Steve in tow! That left Daddy with a terrible scent wafting through the aisle … and some accusing looks from the shoppers!

In 1964, I was on my bed, strummin’ my brand-new nylon-stringed Sears® Silvertone™ guitar (it sounded great, even without the ™ !), when I heard a bloodcurdling yell from my 11-year-old brother: “HEY! COME WATCH THIS!!” After I uncurdled my blood, I ran in to the living room where he had flipped the channel to the first episode of The Lloyd Thaxton Show.
Man, I was riveted. After sobering up(small joke. I was only 14!), I was still enthralled by this crazy man with the groovy music (records and in-the-flesh acts!) and dancing all around him. So What?? I’ve become a lifelong LT fan … and am blessed to know him now as a cherished friend as well!

During our last song at a show in Pineville, NC in late ‘66 (the Astronauts/Monkees’ Steppin’ Stone), Dick started to show his “Keith Moon” side during the last bridge. His excuse: “I got so caught up in it, I didn’t know what I was doin’!” The kid had a great musical future if he’d taken it …

in fact, he built his own stage with about a dozen-plus speakers built-in! Now, remember: this was small-town, quiet-as-a-mouse town Pineville, NC (well, it was back then!)

Yup … only used the stage one time …

He wrote me on occasion while I was in the Army, and, though in later years we rarely saw each other (even drifted apart in our philosophy), he always told me I was the best writer and rocker in “these parts”. Even as late as 1999, when we got together at mama’s funeral, he told me “you know enough to make a LIVIN’ with what you know about rock …”
Bottom line: Whether we were “on the same page” or not over the years, I loved the dude! He was my brother! And my heart goes out to his wife (they’d just celebrated 36 years of wedded bliss), Mel, their daughter Amber, son-in-law Mark, son Scott, daughter-in-law April, and five grandkids who were blessed to call him “PawPaw”!

Now, there’s one more thing I’ve GOTTA stress:

Over the years,Dick became a heavy smoker and didn’t care much for exercising. That, along with our family’s history of heart trouble and high blood pressure, undoubtedly contributed to the untimely passing of this wunderkund of the family.

So … (pass this along to EVERY person ya know):

FROM THE HEART OF THIS OL’ ROCK RELIC:

If your family (going back at least two generations) has had even the SLIGHTEST hint of heart trouble in its history, GET A REGULAR PHYSICAL, stressing the cardio!! It’s VERY important! The Relic has one every six months like clockwork!

and KEEP CLOSE CHECK ON THE BP!! (and I ain’t talking “baked potato” here, yardbirds!) Average is 120/80. Yours may differ, but be SURE to keep it in the “safe zone”!

Keep your CHOLESTEROL level down (at least the “bad” cholesterols!). The Relic is free of those (well, almost), and my regularly-lower-than-average BP is stable!

EXERCISE!! It doesn’t only help your cardiovascular system, but the endorphins can work miracles for the moods! I personally pound the pavement for at LEAST ten miles a day, rain or shine, incidentally.

If you smoke, QUIT … or at LEAST cut it down by two-thirds!! Besides, you’ll be controlling “it”, as opposed to “it” controlling you! (Huh?? Only when I’m on fire!)

EVERY reader here — whether you’re from the Queen City or not — is dear to me … you’re fantastic in your own right!! And your lives are valuable … to you and the ones you love.

So keep it ALIVE, okay??

THIS HAS BEEN A SPECIAL REPORT. WE RESUME OUR REGULAR PROGRAMMING ON MONDAY.

O-KAY! I give in!!
I’ve had more than a few emails askin’ what, exactly, does the Relic do, other than pennin’ one of Charlotte’s favorite blogs?
Well … ummm, see the guy in that pic? Now, imagine him without any hair on top, and you’ve got it!!

Actually, it’s not that bad (I stay away from espresso ever since that last shot at the old CoffeeWorks at the Arbouretum in Matthews. Long story …). But da man, he do stay bizzy!:

Y’see, there are three blogs I work on daily, thirty reviews typed out per month, a quarterly newspaper that’s done from scratch (even the ads are composed, with artwork), two UK acts to promote (dealing with A&R reps isn’t always easy!), seven articles to write on recurring bases, research to do, a house to maintain, bills to pay, pets to feed, and … ummmm … eat and sleep when available!!

In the office, aside from cats, are mounds of reports, papers, files, CDs, floppy disks (ummm … I … do have a computer in here somewhere!) and music. Always music. Classic rock/oldies. And, natch, The Fore and Ron Ryan (the two I’m promoting stateside).
And a litter box (see “papers”, which shall remain unsmudged by “cats”)
And, somewhere, a peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich I started to eat an hour ago.

The music always keeps me pumped (why’d'ja think, over the past few years, I’ve been nicknamed Rock Relic, huh?).
But you, the readers, are the ones who get me juiced the most! 99.9% of ya e-mail rather than leave “comments” ’cause you’ve known me for a lonnnnnnnnng time. And it’s for you, as well as for those future friends who are just learnin’ about Crown Town and its wonder, that I’m writin’ this.
And it’s a blast!

SUMMERTIME and PATIOS

Together, they mean furniture that’ll make ya feel comfortable and are sturdy enough to handle that pitcher of ice-cold lemonade, maybe a few frosty Pepsi two-liters, the portable CD or the iPod and just relax with!
My fave’s always been the old “wrought-iron” look, but there are so many types you can get … either for pool-side or just out in the side yard, under your favorite shade tree!
Now, there are a lotta places in town that offer outside furniture … but, once you’ve spent your gas and fought the traffic to get to these places, you sometimes find the supply limited, and the style you wanted gone! If what you want is there, you have to spend big bux to buy it, go through long checkouts, cart it back to the house/apartment and hope it works for you!
Or … on the other hand,
you can go to the link I’m about to give you and find some of the most beautiful outdoor furniture on the market, at fantastic savings, and not have to worry about long lines, costly drives, or whether they have it in stock or not!
You can browse quickly or use their SuperSearch box to find the furnishings you want! And get this: You get free shipping and no sales tax if ya place your order by tomorrow (June 20)!
It’s fun, practical, saves time and money (as well as nerves), and is very secure (no hackers can get through to your order)!
Now, there’s not enough space here to describe it all, but you can discover this patio furniture wonderland for yourself just by clicking the link above!
Go ahead … do it now, while you’re on this site … and get ready to have a great summer with the most fabulous and comfortable outside furniture you’d ever want!

It was one of those nights I’ll never forget:

You see, I had a beautiful, soft, furry friend with big, round, copper eyes and a heart that was bigger than all outdoors. Booger, as I called him, was constantly by my side, meowing to be picked up on occasion, sitting by my computer keyboard and watching this thing we call a “pointer” move, or just jumping on my stomach when I was asleep and “kneading dough”.

But, two days ago, I had to bury my little friend. Sadly, he passed of what the doc called severe chronic kidney failure, which he’d apparently inherited from his mother. It was the same thing that downed Lightning years before.
It was heartbreaking to see him go down so fast (and it does happen quickly!). I decided to take him home rather than the doc putting him to sleep, because I knew he wanted to be around those who loved him.
My heart pounded as I held him, stroked his fur, offered a little water, talked to him softly … knowing that it could be just scant minutes …

Then, my heart totally broke:

I’d just put him in a little cage (to keep the other pets from sniffing and bothering him) and went to get a cup of coffee. I heard a “crash” and knew the dogs’d turned over the trashcan.
But …
before I could get to the trashcan …
I saw my Westie, Brandy …
take an empty can of Friskies cat food …
and …
gently, ever so gently …
sit it softly and upright …
in front of Booger’s cage.
Then, she looked in the cage, then walked back to the can. Then to the cage, then to the can.

I cried as I hugged the white canine wonder and tried, in words she couldn’t understand, that Booger was leaving us.

Today, I’m a changed man somehow. In a world where dogs and cats are treated as just “pieces of meat” to be thrown around or neglected, I’ve become more understanding and appreciative of the souls of these animals … these “forever friends”.

Some people still call them “dumb animals”.

To me, those are now fightin’ words.

Rest in peace, little Booger. You don’t haveta be sick anymore …

Now … on to something different:

DIET PILLS THAT WORK!

There are a lot of diet pills on the market that people use to try and lose weight. Unfortunately, trying to figure out which are the best for them takes time, comparison-shopping (both in price and quality), long lines, and more.
But there is a spot that’ll not only show you the best diet pill for you (it does that by comparing and reviewing over 200 of the top brands), but will even hook you up with the best places to buy them, at the best prices!
You save time, frustration, money and so much more if you just click on this link — one that’ll help you find the best diet pill that works for you!
So click that link now, and start enjoying a thinner “you” soon!

Hey … remember during the last segment of The Fore interview, where a young fan named Eric asked their drummer, Simon Thompson:
“… I heard your song “Someone New” and LOVE it. How do you get the drum sound like the triple tom in there? Ive tried and tried because Im adrummer too.”?
Natch, Si was more than willing to explain it … but offered to take it a step further and show the lad how he did it!
Okay … (Eric, ya watchin’?) here it is! Watch how he does it, then practice on your own drumkit:

There, now! Got it?? Listen — ya gotta appreciate Simon; I mean, how many other drummers would take time to show ya their techniques?
(Now watch me get kicked when I say:) When ya learn the triplet, you can then say you’re playin’ a Simonized kit!! (oKAY! oKAY!! SAW-reee!! Geez …) Many thanks to Si for sharing this with his fans … and Eric (who’s also gettin’ this link by email!).

LET KIDS BE KIDS!

The headlines in the Observer were, alone, enough to make you cringe: “Officer Kills Man Beating Toddler To Death” “Pair accused of tying son to tree charged.”
People around this area, as well as the nation, are outraged over the way so-called “parents” are treating their own flesh-and-blood — especially and tragically, the children! Yet, we’re not seeing any major legislation to help them; courts let the criminals (yes, they are!!) off with a “slap on the wrist”, ultimately to go on performing their daily beatings and abuse.
And the children are the ones who suffer! Innocent, loving children!
So it shouldn’t be any shock to hear people applauding the officer who shot and killed the killer of that little boy. It’s just that we’re sick and tired of seeing little children become the target of insanity!
They’re kids, for God’s sake!! Love ‘em — as the Knickerbockers sang in The Coming Generation (side “B” of Lies) they hold the future in their hands!

GETTIN’ THE BEST BUY

Y’know, with today’s economic crunch, everyone’s looking for a bargain wherever they shop. They’ll hop in their cars, drive all over town (and gas, in case ya haven’t noticed, is a bit expensive right now), put up with big crowds, long lines, limited selections, unavailable or apathetic salespeople, and high prices just to find what they want!
But here’s your chance to play it a lot smarter and more comfortably, and still get the items you want … at a much more affordable price!
In fact, when ya click the link I’m about to give you, you’ll find everything — from baby items to video games — and all at a substantial savings to you!. One of the best things about it, though, is that you won’t have to go through any of those hassles I mentioned to get new, name-brand products for less!
Now, there’s a lot more in store for you when you shop via their site! For example, along with the discounts can come free shipping; you can order via a secure site, meaning it’s hackproof! Next to the prices, probably the best part is that you can do it all just from the comfort of your own home!
So what’s to stop ya? While you’re on the web right now, just go on over to the site that offers you the best buy in just about everything!
You’ll be glad you did, I guarantee …

Well, this is the last segment of the innerview with Spencer Hannabuss (bass, vocals, songwriter, founding member), Luke Bentley (rhythm, vocals), Simon Thompson (drums, vocals) and Matt Hardy (lead, vocals) — collectively, THE FORE! (no, it’s not a misspelling! You’re reading the “interview” that gives you an “inner view” of the popular lads!)
Now, I’ve had a few e-mails that have asked “What does this have to do with Charlotte?” The answer’s in three parts: (1) Some of the questions were asked by CrownTowners; (2) the lads love NC and its people, and (3) with growing national interest in our SpongeTones comes an interest in the British Invasion and bands that are carryin’ that sound into the 21st Century! Besides, the band definitely wants to play Charlotte when they get over here!
That being said, here we go with Pt. 3 of The Fab FORE Interview!

(Now, one more time, troops: remember … I printed the questions out exactly as you wrote ‘em! No changes; didn’t wanna leave anything out! And, like I said before, Matt couldn’t make it to the “meeting of the minds” for this, but he had the others answer on his behalf).

The lads’ answers are in bold type:

“My son Chris wants to start a rock band he hopes will be sucessful (sic). Since the fore is so good and sucessful (sic) can you give him some advice on what he will have to do and what he needs to look out for?”

SIMON: A good drummer!! I’m sure Spencer will fill in the rest — he’s been there! lol

DAVID (co-manager): Well crafted songs are your biggest asset, along with practice, practice and then more practice! Play everywhere, one minute the Fore are playing with the Bootleg Beatles or at the Cavern and the next they are pushing trolleys full of equipment to play in the High Street! Keep moving forward and never give in. Be positive! Oh … and did I mention practice?

SPENCER: I’ll add to that - The first thing is to enjoy what you’re doing. Full stop. It sounds simple but if you’re playing music in a band that isn’t what you’re looking to do it’ll never work. We all love playing the style of music that we do and that’s so important - in the past we have had musicians in the band who weren’t 100% into the sound. It’s that love for what you do that gets you through the ‘dark’ times - it’s that that gets you by when you’re playing at gig miles from home, waiting 4 hours to play and then it’s only to a handful of people. The good times will come - but it’s often a long, long road (as the Hollies would say!)

“I know you played a big tv show for bbc. Is playing on tv any different than paying (sic) for a live show in front of fans? If so how?””

SPENCER: Very different. This is mainly because at a live show you can interact with the audience. The audience applause tends to ‘book-end’ a song whereas on TV there was … nothing!! We had to make sure we were speaking straight after the last chord was ringing to avoid those uncomfortable silences.
The BBC experience was unlike anything we had been through before. We were filmed constantly for 6 hours and the pressure to always be ‘performing’ was immense. We were pretty much presenting our own show which was something that we’ve never done before. Actually, by the end of the second, I think we had gotten a lot better at it and whilst I don’t know whether I’d like to do that particular show again, I think we’d all like to get more exposure on TV. We had a great time!

SIMON: When you play in front of an audience you feed off their energy, but, when it’s just us 4 and a camera man, we have to learn to feed off each other’s which is totally different. The BBC show we did was playing constant for 6 hours so, by the second day, there wasn’t much energy left.

“Have any of u ever met the beatles i mean paul or ringo? u sound so much like them and some even better.”

SIMON: I personally haven’t, though I’ve done the Liverpool tour and visited their original houses.

SPENCER: Well it’s an honour to be even compared to The Beatles, let alone someone saying we sound BETTER than them! Thank you!!!!
I’ve been fortunate enough to meet Paul McCartney in person. A good friend of mine worked as a radio reporter, working specifically on entertainment. He managed to get me an access to all areas pass at one of Paul’s ‘Back In The World’ tour in 2003. I was lucky enough to watch his sound check and then sit in on his interview with my friend. I even gave him a copy of 3 of my songs on CD!! He seemed a genuine kind of guy and I was really pleased to meet him!

“Do you ever get butterflys (sic) before going on stage?”

SPENCER: Not all that often these days, although there’s always a keenness to just get on stage and play. I’m often pacing around before a gig, just ‘cos I get impatient from not getting up there and doing what we do best!

SIMON: I think I did on my first gig but since then being on stage in front of people just feel right it’s where I belong.

“Do any of you have brothers or sisters who play too. I mean not with the fore but play.”

SPENCER: My sister is more arty than musical. Some of her drawings are amazing. My dad used to play semi-professionally years back, in the late 60s, so I guess that’s where I get my musical talent from. His guitar and bass were the first instruments I picked up.

SIMON: I have 2 older sisters but neither of them play — though my nephew has started to play drums now …don’t think his mum ever forgive me for that! lol

“A question for Simon if he doesntmind. I heard your song “Someone New” and LOVE it. How do you get the drum sound like the triple tom in there? Ive tried and tried because Im adrummer too.”

SIMON: During my little solo I’m playing the kick and both toms pretty much at the same time on different beats. But then I do the triple beat on just the floor tom and quickly move back to the original beat. Its difficult to explain but I’ll try and get a close up video of it to show you. (Rockiteers, if he can do it, I promise to put it on the very next post [and send a copy to you, Eric!])

SPENCER: I remember the first time that Si put the triplet in the drum fill. We were rehearsing in Croydon, Surrey (just me and him actually) and we were running over material for Black & White. It’s a great song, particularly live, and Si’s not really given credit for the part he plays in it, or many of our other songs. Good ol’ Si!!

I wanna thank all 4 (and Neil and David) of The Fore for taking a few minutes of their time to answer your questions! I gotta tell ya that, in thirty+ years in the biz of writin’ and rockin’, this is the best band I’ve ever had the pleasure to promote! And this is proof that you won’t find a more “fan-oriented”, harder-workin’ band in the known world than these FORE!!
But, for now, let’s get on to a coupla other thingz, okay?

SWINGIN’ OF A DIFFERENT TYPE

With summer comin’ up, a few extra days off (especially for you high schoolers), it’s time to think about relaxin’ in the shade while sippin’ a tall, cold glass of tea or lemonade.
Now, “taking it easy” is one thing; but if ya want the most out of it, you oughtta get a get a good hammock swing to lolligag in! And the best selection of these can be found when you click the link I’m about to give ya! You can relax in comfort and style with their great selection of hammock chair swings. Their lively colors and beautiful patterns will brighten up wherever you put ‘em … and provide you with the R & R you’re looking for!
And, when you go to their site, you’ll find some fantastic bargains on these as well. Of course, they offer many other great items that you can use during these lazy days of late-Spring, early-summer — and at lower prices than you’ll find in top stores around town!
There are other perks as well, including the ability to pay through PayPal®, which, as you know, not only gives you the easiest way to pay, but also provides the highest protection for you when you order!
So, to find out more about these beautiful hammocks, then all you’ve gotta do is click on the following link which will take you to the site with all this and more! You’ll find your favorite style of hammock chair just by clicking on that link. Get ready to go their now!!

Okay, QC’ers … here’s Part 2 of the interview that’s got fans around the globe buzzin’ — and anxious to hear the rest of the story from Spencer Hannabuss (bass, vocals, songwriter, founding member), Luke Bentley (rhythm, vocals), Simon Thompson (drums, vocals) and Matt Hardy (lead, vocals) — collectively, THE FORE!
(I was told that waitin’ for Pt. 2 is like waiting for the conclusion of a popular old TV series’ two-parter. Well, I might be a batty man, but I ain’t gonna be robbin’ ya of this part –unless some joker at IP Central disconnects me!) So, without further ado, I (oh? I didn’t use gotham? Mebbe ’cause it’s made up of two separate words that can make me very hungry …) give you Pt. 2 of The Fab FORE Interview!

(Now, remember … I printed the questions out exactly as you wrote ‘em! No changes; didn’t wanna leave anything out! And, like I said before, Matt couldn’t make it to the “meeting of the minds” for this, but he had the others answer on his behalf. Oh … and two of these questions came from here in Charlotte!).

The lads’ answers are in bold type:

“Is that song Man of Few Words really about Simon the drummer? He sounds o much like Buddy Holley its (sic) gives me goose bumps. U should let him sing more sometimes.”
SPENCER: MOFW’s was originally written with Matt in mind (which funnily enough matches up with the last question about him!) but I think Matt saw it as a slight on his personality and wasn’t comfortable with singing it. Simon then joined the band and took to the song like a fish to water (again, can you really imagine anyone singing MOFWs other than Si?).
We do have another song that I’m keen to give to Simon to sing, called It Doesn’t Matter which is very Buddy Holly! I think Simon will do the song proud. Hopefully one day we’ll record it.
SIMON: I wouldn’t class myself as a “man of few words.” If I had a mic all the time you’d probably hear me joking with the guys in-between songs.

“How often does the band rehearse their songs and how do they pick the ones they do in concert?”
SPENCER: Rehearsal time is at a bit of a premium really since we’re so busy on the road all the time. Songs will often be learnt individually and then rehearsed in sound checks before being given a chance in a set.
Funnily enough, we’re talking at the moment about doing more rehearsals so that we can learn the new material for the next (second) album!
The set list for a concert is usually picked by me. I will take into account the audience that we are playing to and the time that we’re playing for. I try to ensure that the set is balanced in terms of who sings and also a varied amount of slow/medium and fast-paced numbers in it.

“I’d like to ask Neil and David got to be managers. Do they have anybody to help them like secretarys (sic) or promoters? As good as the band is, they could have managed the Beatles!”
NEIL WHITE (co-manager): No, no one to help us in the UK (could do with a secretary, though!) but Chuck is doing an awesome job across the pond. Dave and I just work it out between us. We don’t mind what we do, from being roadies, publishing the website and Fore-um to booking gigs and talking to promoters. To be honest, we just do as much as time allows with help from the band. It’s all enjoyable and, of course, the aim being to get these guys signed! (not sure we deserve the Beatles compliment though, but thanks! lol)
SPENCER: Both Neil and David have made a huge impact on our lives. Music aside, we all feel that N&D are good, trustworthy friends and I wouldn’t swap them for anyone. I’m sure they’d be the first to admit that a lot of the good work that goes on behind the scenes wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for our satellite helpers across the world whom, without their help, we wouldn’t have the presence outside of our own country.
We will always encourage outside help from anyone and are always happy to talk to people wanting to lend a hand in our push for that record contract!

“When will we see the new CD come out? If its half as good as your other one its going to go platnum (sic).”
SPENCER: Well, who knows? We have just booked up our first session in the studio for 6th September through to 12th September. We may need a second session, which is likely to be in October. I’d like to record around 20 songs and then choose an album of 14-15 songs from that. Maybe the other songs could be release at a later date!
SIMON: It’ll be the ”must-have’ Christmas present!

“What do the band members like to do on their days off from performing?”
SPENCER: You mean … there are days that we aren’t performing?? At the moment, time off is very scarce. I’ve just adopted a couple of fluffy cats so they’re taking up quite a bit of time at the moment. Their names are “Womble” and “Muffin.”
SIMON: If I’m not banging my drums onstage, you’ll probably hear me banging my Roland kit at home, or crashing out in front of my big TV in my new apartment watching American TV shows.
LUKE: Well, we all work full-time so we don’t get much time off at all! But if we do, we like to have a beer and chill out.

“What is each band member’s favorite color?”
SPENCER: Always liked Red (I’ve only owned red cars), but black and brown are two of my favorite colours to wear.
LUKE: Blue!! I love the blue!!
SIMON: You’ve probably guessed already (that) it’s black. I like the old style Beatles look so I wear it when I can onstage.

“When will we see them in the US? I hope soon. They are the best thing to hapen (sic) to rock and roll music since the Beatles and we sure need their music over here.”
SPENCER: Well, we want to come over, too. We need to get more exposure over in the states, and, when the time is right and that breakthrough happens, we’ll be over like a shot!
SIMON: Well, I’ll be in North Carolina (though Raleigh) & Virginia in August attending a wedding but that doesn’t count. But I hope soon as well! As soon as we get the call I’ll pack my bags and jet off to all you lovely Carolina Foreheads!

“I like the acting they did on Love For Sale on youtube. The dog was precious. Was he any one of theirs? They could go into movies they are all so good looking.”
SPENCER: “Flea” belongs to Matt’s brother-in-law (who’s also called Matt!). Some might say that the dog out-performed the band …
SIMON: Gee shocks, thank you! “Flea” is owned by Matt’s brother-in-law who was the brains behind the video and scripting.”

Hey …GUESS WHAT?? I’m gonna give the lads a break for a few hours, but, since you’ve sent in six more questions, I’m gonna conclude “The fab FORE Interview” in TOMORROW’S ish! If you think you know ‘em now, just wait until ya read what’s comin’ up …

But, for now, I’ve gotta feed the cats (or, those who haven’t already eaten most of my peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich that I had on the desk!), flip off the RockStation for about a circle of minutes (360) and get some sleep! So, until tomorrow’s edition, remember the words of the Relic:

Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

Okay, CrownTowners, here it is: the interview with the greatest band to hit the UK stage in forty-plus years! Excited fans are crowding into every venue to see their faves — Spencer Hannabuss (bass, vocals, songwriter, founding member), Luke Bentley (rhythm, vocals), Simon Thompson (drums, vocals) and Matt Hardy (lead, vocals) — as they turn up the amps and crank out the best rock and roll to tempt dancin’ feet and anxious ears since The Beatles!

Now, Charlotte’s known for its love of the UK beat ala Beatles, Hollies, DC5 and such (a lot of fine bands played this area during the Invasion) and soon, The Fore’s gonna be hittin’ the stage (and winnin’ the hearts of millions of fans) worldwide! That includes Charlotte, troops! Natch, to quench your thirst for their awesome Mersey/Hamburg sound, just go here and click on their widget. And check out their performance vids on YouTube® (just type The Fore in the search box)!

Now, I had a chance to get up with the band recently — with your questions in hand (hey … I printed ‘em out exactly as you wrote ‘em! No changes; didn’t wanna leave anything out!) — and they were happy to answer!! (Note: Matt couldn’t make it to the “meeting of the minds” for this, but he had the others answer on his behalf). Now, remember: I had your questions just like you wrote ‘em – and that’s how I’m writin’ ‘em here!

The lads’ answers are in bold type:

“Did any of you know each other well (as friends or schoolmates) before coming together as a band?”
LUKE: We all met through a dating site! haha
SIMON: We could have been a great boy band. lol
SPENCER: Whilst Simon, Matt and I all live in and around London, we all went to different schools and only met through adverts posted on the internet/music magazines/shops (Luke’s from Manchester)

“How did you come up with your unique sound? You sound so much like the Beatles and the famous groups its awesome. Plus your vocals sound like Beatles The Everleys (sic) and The Hollies.”
SPENCER: It must be in our blood! I think you’ve hit the nail on the head; the sound has a mixture of all those great bands and more. The Beatles were the band that first got us hooked on music, but, without doubt, the music and the harmonies of The Everlys, The Hollies and The Searchers (to name just four) has had a profound effect on our music.
LUKE: Spencer and myself are huge fans of The Everlys.

“Who decides who sings the lead part of a song?”
LUKE: Spencer asks us if we want the particular song, then we say “yes” or “no”.
SPENCER: When I’ve written a song I tend to know straight away whose voice it suits the best. Maybe it’s just pure luck? But could you really imagine Luke not singing I Got A Girl or Simon not singing Man of Few Words? It just wouldn’t feel right!

Spencer, this one’s for you: “how long does it normaly (sic) take u to write a song and do u do the music as well?”
SPENCER: Not an easy question to answer. Some songs come very easy. For example, I Want To Be With You took one evening to write, but Love For Sale was hanging around for a month until I worked out the riff, which is pretty key to the whole song. Nearly without exception I’ll come up with the melody before the lyrics. I’ll start off with the melody “hook” or riff and take it from there.
Often a song will come quite quickly, but I’ll be stuck on the last verse.

“Matt sounds like George (Harrison) with his guitar but does not seem to talk to (sic) much. Why is he so quite?” (I think she means “quiet”, guys.)
SPENCER: When Matt has something important to say, he’ll say it. I guess he does all his talking through his guitar!

“What’s the biggest show you have ever played?”
SPENCER: Good question! Biggest, in terms of audience, was undoubtedly in Kent, when we provided the live show at Danson Fireworks Display in Bexley. The organisers told us that 35,000 were expected that evening, although we would never have known it — we couldn’t see anything past the first 5 rows due to the darkness!
And, of course, everytime we play a live show on a High Street, we must play to literally thousands of passers-by. I guess we don’t really ever take a stock of that (ie: count of exactly how many).

“Luke is so cuddly looking. (NOTE: here, imagine the others chuckling and kidding Luker, who’s blushing a bit — Relic) i saw him sing on i’ve got a girl. does he have one? and is he the one singing on the record of it?”
LUKE: Thanks. I sing it live and on the album. Its my fav song at the mo! And, yes, I do have one.”

“What is it like to play the Cavern where the Beatles started? (followup question, same reader:) How did you get the job there to start?”
LUKE: Playing The Cavern is the best experience I have ever had! Words cannot describe how wonderful it is … Come next time we play! Find out!
SIMON: As soon as you’re onstage you feel the energy creeping out of the walls and you feel that all the great 60’s bands that have played there are watching over you! It’s a huge thrill!!
SPENCER: It’s amazing! Technically it’s not the real Cavern (the old one was blocked up as it was waterlogged and unsafe); it actually is a replica of the old venue (which is next door. Legend has it that you can still access the old Cavern via the womens’ toilets), but it has the same magic as the place that the Beatles played. I recommend everyone to get a chance to visit it and take in the atmosphere. To hear a live band playing the old 60s stuff as you’re coming down the spiral staircase is pretty mind-blowing!
SIMON: I believe we emailed the promoter direct who puts on an event called Sounds of the 60s on a Sunday night and, as we do, turned up, played, and they wanted more!

Okay, QC’ers … I’m gonna give the lads a break for a few hours, but remember: more of “The fab FORE Interview” will continue in TOMORROW’S ish! If you’ve got questions for the band, send ‘em on in to me here, and just maybe we can include them in the next post!

But, for now, it’s time for this ol’ Pineville boy to take a litter … er, bathroom break (I knew these cats were gettin’ to me!) and then get Pt. I also onto a coupla other sites, where fans there are waitin’ for it!

Then, I’m gonna find that pack of unopened zzzzzz’s and use ‘em to get a few hours’ shuteye, k? So, until tomorrow’s edition, remember The Relic’s words:

Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

As some of you already know, I’m helpin’ promote a fantastic new UK band that’s tearin’ up the circuits in England: THE FORE! They’re all fantastic lads with a great Mersey/Hamburg sound, and are beginning to make some inroads here in the US!

Okay … so how does that tie in with Charlotte?

Well, a number of years ago — when I was doing some teacher’s aide-ing at Pineville Elementary (Mrs. Beverly Moore’s 3rd grade class) — I couldn’t help noticing that kids in our area are extremely adept at remembering things verbatim: book passages, directions, even song lyrics. (My favorite was a youngster named Della Fraley, who was almost like a walking journal! There wasn’t much she couldn’t recall!)

The kids’ names still brighten my mind as I recall their little faces: Kevin Towery, Kenny Taylor, Nikki Little, and little Kelly who could do gymnastics like a pro. But today’s children are just as adept, just as smart … and that says a lot for both schools and parents of today’s Queen City area!

The youngster that Fore bass player, Spencer Hannabuss, told me about, though, shows that, no matter where they live, children are soaking in what they hear and see like a sponge!
They were playing a gig this past weekend in Kent when a little seven-year-old girl (or about that age) in the audience began singing, word-for-word, every song in their set! Fifty minutes’ worth!! And all correctly and without missing a beat!

So, when I think back to Mrs. Moore’s class … when I think of Della, Kenny, Kelly and the rest … and when I see the kids of CharMeck today, I’ve just gotta repeat what the Oak Ridge Boys sang a few years ago: THANK GOD FOR KIDS! (by the way … if you EVER have a chance to get that song, DO IT! It’ll make your heart melt!)

SAYIN’ GOODBYE TO ACNE

Of course, as kids grow into their teens, they’re confronted with one of the scourges of the age group: acne. Now, there are a lot of products and places that promise this or that treatment will work for them … but how can teens be sure that what they’re hearin’ about is good for them?
Well, there’s one place (parents: take note! This is great!) that’ll discuss the various treatments, creams, potions and pills and not only help you find the right one for you, but also where you can get savings off those items! You’ll find articles about acne, product reviews … and you’ll find the five best acne treatments
Believe me, it’s the most helpful, honest place you can go to learn more about acne and what’s best for you to combat it!
So if you’re looking for the best acne wash for your face and body, just click on the link you just passed … and get ready to say good-bye to pimples and blackheads!

C’mon …
Do we really need this??

With the buzz about a new Hooters® goin’ uptown, folks are startin’ to wonder:WHY?!? It’s not as if we don’t have enough gawkers, stalkers and weird walkers around Tryon & Trade; now we’ve gotta tempt more of ‘em to come up, right?

Actually, the food isn’t that bad there (I dare anyone to try their hottest wings and not go for water immediately after!), but that’s not what guys wanna keep abreast of! (ummm … it’s a pun, people!) And, natch, it’s gonna cause a lotta friction between the Mr. and Mrs. (don’t places like that always cause trouble somewhere along the line?).

So, if ya wanna put a Hooters® in the downtown area, make sure they’re owls, which are infinitely safer. Don’t make boobs outta (OUCH!! Did I just say what I think I said?? Oh. Okay …) the male of the species who walks the downtown tundra with briefcase, bag or ‘brella. There are other places …

CAN YA STAND TV?

We’re definitely a TV generation — especially with hot new shows, better and more intriguing episodes of the existing ones, and more tempting us to flick the remote to “on” position.
But there’s something else that needs a good, solid position and that’s your TV itself! You want a sturdy, attractive stand or mount that’ll give you the best view along with the confidence of knowing that it’s going to last!
Now, you can go through your phone book to look for these, get out there in your stifling-hot car, waste a lot of gas while dodging edgy drivers to get to these places, just to find out you’re spending more than you bargained for …
or …
you can go to the best one-stop, online store for TV mounts and stands, shop for the one that fits you the best (and they’re all brand-new and highest-quality!), save money (in fact, they’ll even beat competitors’ prices on selected models by ten bucks!), and even have your selection shipped to you for free!
Save money … time … gas … frustration … and get exactly what you’re lookin’ for … with total satisfaction …
and all ya gotta do is click on this link for the finest plasma tv mount you could ever find … and more!

Well, it’s (apparently) official:
In the main event for the great November Reign show coming up in five months, it’ll be “Bruisin’” Barack Obama pitted against “Big” John McCain (y’know, that almost sounds like a movie character! lol).

Now, in case you’re wonderin’ who this writer’s votin’ for … well, let’s just say anybody who’ll drive the Bush school of thought outta the White House!
Especially in light of the insulting joke about “inbreeding” that Dick Cheney told against West Virginia at the NPC … and when he responded to a reporter’s statement that most Americans think the war’s wrong. (His response: “So??”) When she asked if he cared what Americans think, he said, “No” — then tried some flimsy excuse to “explain” himself out of it!
We don’t need four more years of that nonsense (in fact, we don’t need four more minutes of it)!

Anyway, it’ll be interesting to see what the outcome of the November general election’s gonna be. One thing’s almost certain now: West Virginia, at least, will be votin’ Democrat!

LONGIN’ FOR LOVELY LINGERIE?

Well, we do have ladies readin’ this site, and they all want to look lovely and — when the time’s right — a bit sexy and provocative.
You know they want (and deserve) lingerie that makes them feel great about themselves. But, when they get out to the local stores, they often become disappointed because they often run across limited selection, high prices and, of course, it ends up with a lot of time wasted!

Well, not anymore! In a moment, I’ll give you a link that’ll introduce you to mecca of beauty that offers a tremendous selection of lingerie in all styles for all purposes … and at prices you can afford!
Believe me, you’ll love the look, feel and effect that these beautiful products have! So check them out today, and begin looking (and feeling) more beautiful tomorrow!
So, if you want the most beautiful, comfortable, tantalizing and affordable women’s lingerie, it’s all right at the click of that link you just passed.

By now, every rocker around the Queen City (and beyond) has heard the sad news:

Bo Diddley is dead.

The amazing guitarist/singer, whose “cigar-box” guitar and African-based 5/4 rhythm pattern influenced generations of musicians (just an example: Johnny Otis’ Willie and the Hand Jive), died of heart failure at home in Archer, Florida. He was 79.

It’s ironic that the first time I ever heard of him was in an old record that my sister had back as a kid in Pineville. It was by country satirist Ray Stevens and called Santa Claus Is Watching You. Then, I heard the man and was immediately captivated by his simple, bluesy voice surrounded by a thumping beat.

At first, some thought he was just a “one-hit-wonder”, using a gimmick to cross racial barriers. But when acts like Buddy Holly, The Rolling Stones, The Seeds (Get Me To The World On Time), The Strangeloves (I Want Candy) and, later, George Thorogood and The Destroyers and even KISS began emulating the wild beat (someone said it was “shave-and-a-haircut-two-bits” played on mount and floor tom a bit faster), we all realized the worth of this giant!

Recently, someone said if ya didn’t like rock-n-roll, ya didn’t know Diddley! How true that play-on-words is today!
The legend will be missed … but, believe me: His music WILL live on!!