Charlotte, NC

Well, it’s about that time …
In just a few, I’ve — er, The Rock Relic’s — gotta head back up to the tall timbers of Kentucky for an appearance at the Ohio Championship Wrestling show.
Actually, it’s not a bad gig at all, since wrestling and rock-n-roll shows are pretty much the same: fever-pitch excitement, music, performances by some of the greats in their field, etc.
And a lot of these indie (for “independent” … ie, non-WWF or TNA) wrestlers have made their mark on the Charlotte circuit as well. In fact, former WCW star, Bobby Blaze (now OCW Commissioner) was proud to tout the Queen City as his home.

But wait … first, they had to meet the one requirement for my alter ego to appear (well, other than a little reimbursement for expenses): If you want The Rock Relic to appear at your show, you’ve GOTTA BE FAMILY-FRIENDLY!! Bottom line, and ’nuff said!
Fortunately, they are non-offensive (I know … a rarity in the “sport”, right??). But, believe me, these cats do pull the crowds each time they put up that “squared circle”!
So, given that last sentence, maybe there’s hope for pro wrestling after all!
(Oh … for you fans: The wrestler ya see in the pic up there is my friend, Damian Adams. He, as with the great Mason Raige, are the future of the sport (and two of the finest and most talented gentlemen you’d ever wanna meet!)

VESSEL SINKS

Now, for you who aren’t really sure what those are, get ready for an amazing and eclectic mix of beauty and durability! If you’re ever tired of looking at a bland sink that’s hard to clean and maintain, they you’ll want one of these beautiful stone sinks!
Built from the product of actual quarries (how much more “eco-friendly” can you get?), they’re put through rigorous inspections to be assure their durability. Each one is hand-made as well … and, as you know, if it’s meticulously hand-made, the creator is going to guarantee its quality!
Now, since you’re going straight to the source here, you’re going to spend a lot less than you would at a retailer you’d find in a phone book, etc.
Their main concern is your satisfaction … and, with the selection, the beauty, the quality and the price, these usable pieces of art will definitely satisfy!!
To find out more, just click on this link that’ll take you to the finest selection of handcrafted and affordable vessel sinks on the market!
Believe me, you’ll really be glad you did — especially when you see how it’ll adorn your home!

Well, whaddya think??
After watchin’ the RNC the past coupla nights (when the main-eventers had their say), I’m not really all that impressed with McCain’s running mate, Mrs. (Gov., whatever) Sarah Palin.

Now, don’t get me wrong; I’m all for a lady to hold a high position in the new regime, whoever gets the nod. But Gov. Palin just doesn’t fit the bill! Here’s why:

First, she’s gotten a number of her facts wrong. Now, it’d take too long to list ‘em all here, so (if you can get through all the personal BS of the writer) you can go here for them (the writer copied these from a Yahoo! News Report after Wednesday night’s convention).

Secondly, the Governor has to remember that she has a tremendous obligation comin’ up that’s gonna take more and more of her time. Y’see, her youngest (the one she kept “hidden” from her brood while she was pregnant) has Downs’ Syndrome. Now, while many kids with this condition still grow and thrive (think Chris Burke, the actor; and, of course, the superstars of the Special Olympics), they do so only with the encouragement and personal care of their parents and families! And that’s gonna take time and patience!! Kinda hard to do when you’re sittin’ behind the Prez in the White House!
Also, I’m not “sold” on this thing about her daughter. No, I’m not puttin’ her down due to her pregnancy; in fact, I admire her for taking care of herself, her unborn child and marryin’ the father! Actually, it’s that boy, Levi, who worries me. He only took down his “MySpace” page (the one that said he could whup someone’s axx [he used the real word, though] and sounded so “tough”) after this pregnancy was revealed nationally! And he didn’t look too “peaceful” or “loving” while his future mom-in-law was talkin’ (or McCain on Thursday, for that matter!).
So the Governor is gonna have a lot on her hands in the future — and, to my way of thinkin’, family comes first before anything; EVEN A VICE-PRESIDENTIAL NOD!! Amen??

Well, it’s nearin’ the 5 AM hour here, and I’ve gotta get a little bit of shut-eye before headin’ back to the boards tomorrow. So, I’ll see ya Friday evening, okay? Until then, how about givin’ me a shout-out and tellin’ me what you think about this?

By now, I guess you’ve read about the little bold lady who lived in Denver (our Denver, I mean …) who had so many childre … er, pets … she didn’t know what to do.
Look — on the surface, there’s nothing wrong with rescuin’ little barks and fleaflickers; it’s what they call a “noble gesture”.
But remember: If you’re gonna take in any pet, you’ve gotta be responsible for its/their care and upkeep! Never … never have more pets than you can safely love and care for!

But 400??? Awww, man … gimme a break here! There’s a lady I know in Parkersburg, W. Va. who had 1,000 taken from her last month — ONE …THOUSAND!! (Don’t believe me? Here … read for yourself!)
And, on top of that, she’s a breeder … and, I must say, one of the sweetest ladies I’ve ever had the chance to speak with.
Now, whether it’s Denver, N.C. or Parkersburg, W. Va., the cases in both cities teach us some valuable lessons:

• Though it’s a wonderful gesture to save an animal, we have to remember that their rescue carries with it a lot of responsibility for the pet’s well-being.
• If you have too many animals to care for (and be honest about that!), then turn ‘em over to an animal rescue organization that’ll put ‘em up for adoption.
• This, in no way, is a reflection of the owner’s character or persona. That person can be as sweet and well-meaning as possible … but just has a heart too big to say “no”. He or she should be supported by family and friends, who also should help the owner to keep things under control!

HURRICANE CARLOS TO HIT TOWN! Actually, it’s Carlos Mencia, the fab stand-up and improv comic who’s coming to Ovens Auditorium this Friday (8 PM) with his At Close Range gig.
Now, if the man can keep the bleeped stuff under wraps, he’s gonna put on a show that’ll knock your socks off (so wear extra, or have ‘em in yer pocket!). I’ve seen him a coupla times already while I’ve been on the road, and he’s hilarious! This is definitely a show worth takin’ in — just be sure to get there early so you can get good seats!

LIGHTING IT UP

No, this isn’t about smoking … unless you wanna include “smoking hot” deals on lighting fixtures (see??). We’re all lookin’ for brighter, attractive new lamps, chandeliers, and bathroom lighting (in fact, didja know that psychologists say good lighting actually improves your mood?). And, of course, when we go shopping for those, we know there’s gonna be a price to pay, whether in time spent in traffic, in checkout lines or whatever, or in the high mark-up that so many places have.
But, at the link I’m about to give you, you’ll find a spot that’ll not only provide a wide selection of the most gorgeous lamps, sconces, bathroom lighting and more — but at prices that’ll make your wallet breathe a lot easier!!
And, get this: They give you free shipping on orders over $75 annnd (if you’re wondering how good this place is to shop with) you can even view their security certificate online! How many places will do that for ya?
So go ahead and click on the link that’ll get you the best lighting you’ll ever want! Believe me, you’ll see things a lot clearer … and feel a whole lot better … when you visit and get your lighting needs from these folks!

Just for fun (for a change), and because we’re still reelin’ from the fact we’ve all gotta return to work or school, I thought I’d “lighten the load” a little: I’m gonna tell ya the story of the day my whiskerlickers (ie, cats) took over the PC:

Y’see, the cats like to hang out in my upstairs office. One afternoon — having finished my paperwork — I took my Westie, Brandi, out for a walk.
Leaving the computer on and shutting the door behind me, I went downstairs and, with scruffy canine on her leash, started out of the house.

Well, I thought I’d shut the door behind me! Apparently, one of my “Meow Mafia” found that it didn’t “catch”, and pushed it open. This, of course, led to a wave of feline foragers infiltrating the room — and, with a blank Word document on the monitor, the temptation to check out my keyboard was too strong for them.

Finding all kinds of strange characters on that page when I returned, I could just imagine the four largest cats (Sugar, Gadget, Doo-Wop and K-Cat) seizing the chance to take over and express their opinions (either that, or trying to order cat food over E-Bay®!).

Doo-Wop: Hey, guys, LOOK! Th’ old man’s left his writing thing on! Let’s see if we c’n type somethin’ like he does!

Sugar: Um …. I dunno, man! Is that Brillo-backed excuse for a mutt around here?

Doo-Wop: Naaaah … she’s gone for a walk. (He looks puzzled at the keyboard) Hey … any of y’all know how to work this thing?

Sugar: Awwww, move over, Friskie-face! I’ve seen th’ old man use this, so it can’t be that hard! Now … what to talk about? (he stops to think, then perks up his ears) I know! Hey, Gadget … how do ya spell “neutering”?

Gadget: O-U-C-H!! But why are ya writin’ about that?? We oughtta tell them to send cat food or somethin’!

K-cat (entering the room with a scrunched-up nose): WHOOOOO-EEEEE!! Don’t y’all go back to th’ litter box for a few minutes, ya hear? It’s a mite pungent … HEY!! You’re on the ol’ man’s writin’ thing!

Gadget: Yeah … Sugar’s tellin’ folks some stuff about fixin’ cats …

K-cat: Why? Did one of us break or somethin’??

Doo-Wop: Awww, get serious, Stinky! There’s so many little kittens out there with no home, scroungin’ outta trash cans and sick. Heck, I see ‘em everytime I’m up there in the man’s kitchen window, catchin’ some rays …

K-cat: Brother, you can’t even catch a decent mouse! But I saw ‘em, too … and grown humans can’t take care of all of ‘em! There’s just too many …

Sugar: D-UH! … that’s why I’m writin’ this, dude! See, folks’ve gotta remember to get their pets fixed so it won’t be like that.

Gadget: Yeah. the man. took us to that vetur … that vetra … that doctor up the street, remember? It don’t cost a lot, and it didn’t hurt us!

Doo-Wop: Hmph … speak for yourself, specs! I couldn’t scratch myself for weeks! But you’re right. I mean, about the … whatcha call it? Nootering? An’, ’sides that, the humans oughtta watch out for their pets … sometimes, when they get out, they could get dead by one o’ them big things the man calls “cars.” Or by big, mean dogs or somethin’!

K-Cat: Yeahhhh! Well, ‘cept BRANNN-deeeee! That mutt can’t even catch her own tail! (all the cats begin to laugh as K-Cat continues) Anyway, why don’tcha write about that new thing on the magic picture box that the man likes to watch? I think it’s called the Dog Whisperer, or something.

Gadget: Oh, yeah! It’s where that man … what’s his name? Ummmm, Cesar sumpthin’, an’ he shows how to train (hee!hee!) dogs! It’s on that Aminal Planet TV channel.

Doo-Wop: Hmph … hasn’t done much for that overgrown flea-flicker that lives here, has it?? Ya notice they never haveta do that with us?? Shoot … just give us a little room, some good food and water, and we’re good to go!

K-cat: And please – after what I been through …don’t forget … a clean litter box!

Gadget: But the human Cesar takes the dogs, an’ … an’ makes ‘em learn to do something called heel, and be good, not bite … you know, stuff like that.

Sugar: Yeah … and didja know that when doggies are fixed, sometimes they’re easier to train? An’ it doesn’t cost a bunch of those green papers humans call money, either!

K-Cat: Cool! Hey … while you’re on that thingy, see if the ol’ man got any o’that HE-mail he talks about. Mebbe somebody’s got a purty girl cat …

Gadget (anxiously guarding the door): NO TIME!! Hurry … the ol’ man’s just come in the back door!

So they all take off like a flash, knocking off the keyboard, turning over the chair – and leaving a mess on the desktop!

Anyway, HAPPY (POST)LABOR DAY, EVERYBODY! (Now, where did I put that pooper-scoop??)

HOME THEATER TIME!

We all know that, for movies, the “best seat in the house” is really at home. Of course, for maximum enjoyment, you want the best furniture for your home theater … seats, decor and more!
Imagine relaxing with a cold soda and watching your favorite movies in your own home theater … and doing it in style! Your friends and neighbors will all want a chance to come by and enjoy it with you!!
Of course, you want the best selection possible … not to mention price, right? That’s why you should click on the following link for the very best in home theater furniture. Not only will these selections amaze you, but you can even qualify for a free vacation with a purchase (the info’s on the site)!
Oh … did I mention you can get your own popcorn machine and supplies? Or that you can get home theater lighting and more?? Well, all you’ve got to do is just click on that link up there to find out more!!
Tell ya what: Do it now, okay?? You’ll be glad ya did!

When I heard about the 7,000 or so still without gas around the area (it’s due to an “accidental turnoff”, they said. Hmph. I’ve done that before … just not with gas …), I was reminded of two incidents that turned me against it:

MAMA AND THE PILOT LIGHT

Y’know how, sometimes, the pilot light would go out on the old-timey stoves … and you wouldn’t know it? ‘Course, tryin’ to light it then could send ya to glory if you weren’t careful!
And that’s almost what happened to Mama years ago. I was lyin’ in bed, readin’ (yup … before the internet was born!) late one night. Daddy was outside, workin’ on his truck. She wanted to fix something in the oven, but the pilot light was out. After she lit a match and got it close to the valve, a tremendous explosion occurred that literally rocked the house!
When Daddy ran in to check on her, he found Mama was thrown all the way across the kitchen! Fortunately, no damage had been done — to the kitchen or her (except she was a bit dazed and bruised) … but, shortly afterward, we had our first electric oven!

A TRAGEDY THAT COULDA BEEN PREVENTED

Once, my sons and I had rented a single-wide from a landlord who … well, he just didn’t have both oars in the water (no, I won’t tell you where or who it was)! Y’see, he never kept the trailers up, and was thisclose to goin’ to the slammer for breakin’ a number of rules.
Well, one of those “rules” was proper maintenance of the appliances in the trailer park — especially the gas stoves. One morning, at about 7 AM, I awoke to the odor of gas! I woke up the kids and told them to get their clothes on — we had to get out!
By 8 AM, I was on the phone to the landlord, and he said he’d do something about it. By noon, we’d packed our belongings and headed out — we weren’t gonna stay there anymore!

About two weeks later, another tenant noticed the strong odor of gas around 5 or 6 AM. He woke up his teenage son to get his clothes on — they, too, had to get out!
But, while the boy was dressing, the man went just barely outside the open door — and lit a cigarette!
Sadly, the son lost his life in the ensuing explosion and fire; an explosion that could’ve been prevented, not so much by a lit cigarette but by a landlord who wouldn’t maintain the gas-fed appliances!

So, if you’re one of those whose gas is cut off momentarily, remember: When it comes back on, check every valve — every appliance — to make sure they’re okay. If you need assistance, call a repairman … don’t try to fix it yourself! And, if you smell any gas leaking, get out of the house immediately and call someone qualified to fix the leak!

FENCING MADE EASY

Okay … let’s say you wanna fence in your deck or patio. Of course, you’re gonna want the best people for the job, but … well, you just don’t know where to find ‘em!
Well, if you’ll click on the link I’ll give you in a moment, you’re going to find the best deals on fence installation anywhere!
After filling out a short from, you’ll get bids from up to four different suppliers! Whether it’s residential or commerical, you can find the best deals for fence installation right behind that link you just passed.

But they also offer quotes for decks and railings! So why not save big by checking ‘em out? It saves money, gas and time! Do it NOW!!

WOW!! Y’mean it’s Labor Day already?? Geez … and here I wuz, just gettin’ over July 4th …

Natch, it’s a day when loads of Americans can sorta kick back and relax a bit … but, as you know, one part of the nation is bein’ robbed of the holiday as-we-speak! So, while we’re doin’ our cook-outs or relaxin’ at the park, let’s all remember that, down on the Gulf Coast, it’s gonna be a day of worry, apprehension and tension.
Since you’ve read this far, how about takin’ a moment to bow yer head and say a quick one for those folks, huh?? I’ll be here when ya get back to the post …

Now, as far as today’s festivities go:

Remember to play it safe on the roads, okay?? There’s the Labor Day Parade that’s gonna hit the downtown area, and there’ll be a number of streets closed. Now, the parade’s start at Ninth and Tryon and go to Third and Tryon. and will run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. If you’re plannin’ on driving uptown, stay away from The Square in the morning; and remember that there’s gonna be a lot of parade-goers headin’ home (or to cookouts) afterward, so be careful!

So, whether you’re goin’ to Freedom Park or to a local wing-ding, have a peaceful, enjoyable and relaxing time! And take a minute to remember how blessed you are to live in Charlotte — with or without gas (thought I’d forgotten, huh?).

By the way: If you wanna keep up with gas cut-off situation, I’ve been told you can get the latest from Piedmont Natural Gas online.

MESOTHELIOMA

It sounds like a terrible disease … and, actually, it is. In fact, it’s a serious cancer that comes from exposure to asbestos. As you know, many public buildings — especially schools — are being tested and, at times, necessarily renovated (or even torn down) due to the amount of asbestos that’s used in ceilings, etc.
Throughout the nation, there are thousands who have been afflicted with this disease — and many don’t exactly know where to turn to learn more about it and its effects.
But, now, there’s a site that’ll give you all the information you need; articles, news updates, treatments, diagnoses, and even clinical trials of and on the subject! It also has info for patients and families, doctors, and so much more!
So, if you or someone you love is suffering from this disease, please take the time to find out more about mesothelioma by clicking that link you just passed.
Your life may depend on it …