Charlotte, NC

It’s doubtful that you’ll ever find a young child who hasn’t wanted a bicycle for Christmas — and we three Hinson boys weren’t any different. We’d spent the entire year of 1963, in fact, begging and pleading for Daddy to buy each of us one. After all, our sister’d had one for years, but it was a ‘girlie’ bike. We couldn’t be seen riding that over Morrow Avenue; all our friends would laugh at us. But he’d use the same reply every time: “Maybe for Christmas …”

Finally, at 6:00 that Christmas morning, we hopped out of our beds and into the living room — hoping that we wouldn’t be disappointed. Underneath the tree in the corner of the room were our presents — the standard fare of new shirts, pants, shoes and stuff. There were also a few of those new GI Joe action figures and some board games.

Then, in the other corner of the room, propped up against the couch, were two brand new Schwinn bikes! While we were overjoyed that Daddy hadn’t forgotten, we were puzzled. There were three of us, but only two bicycles! I especially took it hard, since each bike was labeled with one of my brothers’ names!

My face flushed and I began to panic. Where … where was MY bike? Daddy looked at me and said, “Chuck, we didn’t forget you. Look in the corner!” There was a long, flat box lying on the floor. Certain that he didn’t have time to unpack it, I tried to pick the box up. Not only was it heavy, but it sounded like a bunch of metal pieces were sliding around in it! I opened it just to find my bike in what seemed to be a hundred pieces!

Disappointed and embarrassed — I felt sure that they had played a practical joke on me — I felt tears welling up in my eyes. Then, after a moment of silence, Daddy spoke,

“Son, there’s your bike! You’ve just got to put it together!” I turned on my heels and half-cried, “But they got theirs already put together! Why not mine?” He laughed and said, “Don’t you see, son? If you put this together, you’ll learn how it works!” He knew I’d never had an interest in mechanics. “And, if you can do it, then you’ll be ‘one up’ on your brothers. They’ll come to you to fix their bikes, ’cause you’ll know how everything fits!”

So I pulled the box out to the den to start working on it. As I was laying out the different pieces, Daddy came in to talk with me for a moment (my brothers, as you could imagine, were already on the street, trying out their new wheels).

“Son, I know you’re mad because this thing wasn’t already put together. But the reason your mama and I did that was to show you something. You see, your brothers had theirs all put together and ready to ride. Wherever they go, they’ll know we gave them those ‘gifts’. Now, yours was in a lot of pieces, and you have to learn to put it together. It means that, wherever you pedal that thing, you’ll know you’ve been given a ‘talent’. One day, you’re gonna find out that, sometimes, when we ask God to give us something, he’ll give it to us in a hundred little pieces and want us to make what we need out of it. That way, we’ll not only learn how to make it, we’ll also learn how we can help others with the same need, if they ask us. We’ll know how to put the parts together the way they should be.” I stopped trying to fit the back wheel into the assembly, and just thought about what he’d said.
“So, the talent is greater than the gift?” I asked.
He stood there for a second, then quietly replied, “Son, a gift can always be returned or taken back. But a talent stays with you forever. Even though your life is a gift from God, one day it’ll return to Him. But the talent you learn here on earth will benefit others for years to come …”

Suddenly, that bicycle took on new meaning … and I learned a lesson that will forever stay with me.

THE BEAUTY OF FURNITURE

If there’s any “universal” Christmas gift on the market, it has to be furniture! We all know someone (even ourselves) who can use it.
But, of all the types and styles, the most popular over the years has been Moroccan furniture! You not only have the finest of artisanship and, of course, durability, but there’s a richness of the grain, a luster that’ll make you admire it for years to come!
With pieces handmade in Morocco, these skilled artisans do more than “make furniture”; they create true pieces of art!
So, with Christmas just a few weeks away, why not surprise your loved one with the beauty and warmth that this furniture brings? Just click on this link to take you to the most aesthetic and beautiful Moroccan furniture, and you’ll immediately see why this makes the perfect gift this season!
And, while you’re there, why not check their other items, like quality Moroccan chairs, rugs, jewelry and, of course, those famous Moroccan fountains? Remember, these wonderful works of art are available and ready-for-shipment! All you’ve gotta do is click on the Moroccan furniture link to find a veritable oasis of beauty and satisfaction!
Believe me, this is an experience you’ll not wanna miss. Imagine the beauty and warmth within your home this Christmas … courtesy these beautiful furnishings!

Everybody’s stunned — and some shoppers a bit wary — after hearing the reports coming out of New York and California on “Black Friday”.

It was a remarkable example of greed. I mean, for two thousand customers (give or take a few) to actually break down the entrance of a New York Wally World as a guy was opening it for the 5 AM “Black Friday” rush showed the worst of American shoppers. But, to make it worse, the shoppers actually killed the worker in their rush for those substandard, foreign-made doodads, and injured a number of employees (including one who was pregnant. Reports that she lost her unborn child are false; the mom and child are doing okay, though she’s a bit battered and bruised).
Did they stop there? NOOOOOO!! They just walked over the dying guy, not caring if he was alive or not, and past the injured, to get what they wanted from the store aisles! (For more on the story, just go to CNN Wire).
Personally (and since much of it was caught on security and cell-phone cameras), I believe they oughtta find the people directly responsible for this idiotic “riot” and ensuing death, charge ‘em with inciting to riot, disturbing the peace, vandalism and reckless homicide (as if there’s a careful way to do it!) … or, better yet, a definitive manslaughter charge against ‘em!
And, when these “shoppers” (or, as we call ‘em here in the South, idiots) use those things they “bought” during their crazed rush, I hope they’re haunted by the faces of the children who lost their dad that day; of the mom-to-be who could’ve lost her child; and I hope the damned things break immediately as they use ‘em!
Just hours later, reports came out of California that two people inside a Toys “R” Us store in Palm Springs, California, were involved in a shooting! With no concern for the safety of children in the store, they decided to take their hostilities out with bullets right then and there!

Could this have happened here? Yes — in fact, it could’ve happened anywhere in this country. Y’see, when you take human emotion — that dealing with desire — and add an unhealthy mix of greed, you end up with a very volatile concoction that doesn’t go down well with anybody!
And it’s a brew that, while we don’t wanna ‘drink’ it, could be forced on us at any time. That’s why it’s important that, from now on, we remember this deadly combination … and resolve to do everything in our power to refuse it … as we head into this Christmas season!

IF MEMORY DOESN’T SERVE YOU CORRECTLY …

then you know it’s time to add more to your digital camera! I mean, can you imagine not bein’ able to take those precious photos this Christmas??
Now, getting more memory for it isn’t that hard to do! In fact, by clicking the link I’m going to give you in a moment, you’ll find a place that’ll not only give you the best buys on memory sticks, but, as over 600,000 satisfied customers can tell you, you’ll get the best service, free shipping, a wide assortment of other needs, like flash cards, batteries, chargers and hard drives, and even a 24/7 live chat should you have any questions!
But, of course, you’ll wanna make sure you’ve got the memory in your digital camera for those all-important shots — so just click on this link to find the right memory stick for your camera … and, when the Big Day gets here, you’ll have loads of great shots to remember the season by!

Y’know, it really isn’t that hard to do …

As we’re headin’ outta the Thanksgiving festivities (but with turkey sandwiches to come for days yet, right??), we’ve gotta keep in mind whatever we mentioned yesterday as our blessings … and make ‘em fit today!

Here are just a few to keep in mind:

You’re ALIVE and FREE!! It doesn’t matter who-says-what, who’s left you, how bad your job might be, or how financially tight things appear, as long as you’re (and, here, I quote my friend Ty Boyd) “98.6 degrees and breathing”, you’ve got a solid chance to rise to your challenges! Nobody’s keepin you down but you! You’ve got the opportunity to get through the tough times, just by reaching out and finding out HOW! And what you’re on right now is a great place to start! For more help, check out any of Ty’s writings, or read Stuff Happens! and then you fix it by my mentor, the late Lloyd Thaxton and John Alston. But one of the best — and I dare you not to learn from this book — is The Magic of Thinking Big by Dr. David Schwartz. HEY …. YOU’RE ALIVE!! You’re FREE!! Now, USE those two things to make a happy life for yourself now, and throughout 2009!

YOU’RE IN THE QUEEN CITY!! HOME OF OPPORTUNITY!! If you’re in need of assistance, we’ve got the Salvation Armies, Crisis Assistance Ministries, Uptown Shelters and so much more to help you! If in need of work, and no one is hiring, lemme ask ya: What are YOUR talents?? Then why not start your OWN small business? It can be anything from housecleaning (I knew a young lady with lupus who successfully did just that!!) to yardwork and landscaping, making phone calls for businesses to writing blogs or business reviews on the web! Meanwhile, you can keep your eyes and ears open for “help wanteds” around town!

WE’VE GOT SOME TREMENDOUSLY POSITIVE CHANGE STARTING ON JAN. 20!! And, if he’s true to his word, President Obama’s gonna be hittin’ the ground running once he sets foot in the Oval Office!
Word is that he might reverse Bush’s decision and allow extensive stem-cell research! This research would be phenomenal as it could result in cures for so many afflictions.
There are many positives about our new President-to-be! Forget race, forget the junk that twisted media has tried to spread. We’re AMERICANS here … and that means giving him our support as we’re giving him a solid chance!

MOST OF ALL, WE’VE GOT FAMILIES AND FRIENDS. Whether ya know it or not, I personally guarantee that someone in this town is on your side, and is really hoping the best for you in 2009! Oh .. our families? Listen … they’ve been with you since the “get-go”! And even if you’ve lost some of them over the year, there are always one or two (even goin’ into the “cousin” category) who love you!

Now … let all that soak in a bit, and realize: WE’RE REALLY BLESSED, CROWN-TOWNERS!! Next step: Carry those blessings in our minds and heart throughout this coming season … and on into 2009!

HARD DRIVIN’

As anyone who uses a notebook or standard PC knows, it’s essential to have a good hard drive for your machine. Unfortunately, these can become so loaded with files, pics, music and more that you can find your computer’s existing drive running out of capacity.
If that’s your situation, then you can get a brand-new USB (or “external”) hard drive to alleviate the problem! Now, the link I’m about to give will lead you to a spot where you can get all kinds of hard drives, whether it be USB, portable, solid state or any other ones … and at a lower price than you’ll find at standard stores!
You can also search for hard drives by manufacturer, price range, rotation speed and even storage range (1 - 50 GB). And you can also get free shipping!
So, if you need a great boost to your computer’s storage capacity, just click on the link to find the best, most affordable variety of hard drives on the market! You’ll be amazed at the results!

Okay … somebody tell me that this isn’t happening …

I mean, it was my understanding that the big financial giants were begging for bailouts — that they were in dire straits! Still, they reward their head honchos with hefty severance packages, bonuses and other perks, as if money still could be picked off a mythical tree!

Some even brag about the “help”: AIG, who looked for the biggest bailout of all, now boasts in some of their print ads: “With over 700 billion dollars in assets!” (ummm … does that bring back ghosts of recent news reports?)

But WACHOVIA?? Even if our hometown bank wasn’t included in the “bailout”, then how in the world can ten of their top execs take 98.1 million bucks in severance packages with a clear conscience? For average people like us, it’s gonna look greedy! Sure, Wells Fargo’s gonna pay it to ‘em, but … well, let’s face it: ANY megabux payoff’s gonna look bad to the average consumer, considering the current financial crisis and no matter who takes it.

But there’s a very pleasant twist to this tale:
This is Charlotte, where our “suit” community is known for their courtesy,common sense and concern for their customers. According to The Charlotte Observer, some of these execs may opt out of that “package”, opting to stick with the merged companies instead. And local sources tell The Relic that it’s for two reasons: They wanna stay, and they don’t wanna put a sour taste in the public’s mouth!

The public. People who have banked, worked and dealt with Wachovia for years (yep, me too!). Folks who’ve seen the philanthropic side of the financial giant.
And, best of all, it all comes around to the same basic point: This is CHARLOTTE — THE QUEEN CITY! We’re known to have a heart …
That’s why we’re still growing while others are just struggling …

A QUICK CORRECTION

Didja hear the kind plug that TV’s Craig Ferguson gave us this past week? He talked about how he liked Charlotte … including its basketball team, The Charlotte Hornets!
Ummm … Craig?? They’re a … New Orleans team! We’re the BOBCATS now!!
So, while we ‘preciate the plug, we wanted to bring ya up-to-speed a bit … and, of course, invite you back! Just steer clear of our ice skating rinks, and you’ll be fine! (Go ahead … ask, folks!)

GREAT RELIEF FOR DISNEY SPELLS

C’mon … everybody wants to go to Disney World at least once, right? I mean, to take in the beauty and splendor, the magic that Walt dreamed up all those years ago makes the ultimate vacation!
Now, with Christmas comin’ up, what more exciting present to give your family (and especially your kids) than a vacation package that includes the nation’s fantasy capital? You’d be surprised at how affordable these can be … and even more amazed at the fun and memories you’ll have there!
There’s something for everybody: From the legendary Magic Kingdom Park, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Hollywood Studios, the world-renowned and educational Epcot Center, and so much more, there’s happiness and thrills around every corner!
And making your plans is easy to do: Just click on this link for the best in Disney vacations to make reservations! Then, when you’re ready, pack your bags, your kids … and plenty of film … and take off for the vacation of dreams!

With all the talk goin’ on about the shape of the economy, folks around the nation (and ourarea) are turnin’ more and more to some very unique and innovative ways of handling the cash/job shortage.

Or … so they think!

Already, I’m hearin’ from people in Harrisburg, Pineville, Davidson and right here in town talkin’ about goin’ into business for themselves, doing service work (such as: repairing or detailing cars, doin’ handyman work, housekeeping or even becoming plumbers!).
Some … no, make that many … are starting vegetable gardens; whether they’re yard-size, like my daddy had, or just small planters in apartments, these are planted in hopes of deflecting the rising costs of food. Besides, “home-grown” is always better than the “canned” stuff, right?

Fortunately, Charlotte’s recycling plan is showing benefits during this crunch — but folks are going beyond that and learning how to re-use quite a few plastics, metals and other items we once took for granted.

We’re also learning the value of car-pooling, taking the CATS buses and light rail, and even just “hot-footin’ it” to wherever we need to go (I personally put in about seven to ten miles every day that way)!

But, y’know what? If we look back … say, fifty, sixty years ago … what were we doin’ then? Yep … the very same THING! And not only did we survive and bode well during those times, but we also were healthier, happier … and became stronger as a community!

These tough times aren’t gonna last forever … but the benefits that we derive from “tightening our belts” can stick with us for a lifetime!

WORD FROM LAS VEGAS …

Oh … forgot to tell ya: Got an email from the Stephens’ (remember? They were movin’ out to Nevada?). Well, they finally made it into Las Vegas, and they decided to check out the town by reserving a hotel that was close to the action. Besides, they had to wait a coupla days for their furniture and other stuff to arrive.

Anyway, they were totally confused about which one to take — until they found the site I’m gonna introduce you to in a moment. Not only does it have all the fab hotels in and around the sleepless city, but it’ll also give ya maps, where the pools are, tips to enjoy your vacation, and more!
Now, I’m not gonna tell ya which one they settled on, but I will say that, for anybody who’s going to Vegas for vacation, or as a stopover on a business trip or whatever reason, you’ll find this site invaluable! From choices (and, man, do you ever have quality choices!) to amenities, helpful tips to amazingly affordable prices, you’ll find it all when you book a las vegas hotel through these folks.
And it’s as simple as clicking that link I just gave you! So why not check it out, and plan your next vacation with their help? Your visit or vacation will be one you’ll remember for a lifetime … and, who knows? You just might run into a few folks you know!

Man, you’ve gotta be kiddin’ me!!
I mean, I thought this racism crap was pretty much over and done with! But, now, with our first African-American President-elect, it seems the slimy maggots who advocate that junk have wriggled their way out of the dung of the past and are tryin’ to infect us again! It’s even happened here locally … but I’m not gonna give ‘em even a word of publicity by tellin’ what happened or where. They don’t deserve it!

Now, I don’t haveta worry about them readin’ this post, considerin’ that, collectively, they have the intelligence to only understand four-letter words, but, if ya wouldn’t mind readin’ this to them, it’d be appreciated.

FACTS ABOUT THIS RACIST NONSENSE:

They call themselves true Americans, and are sooooooooo dead-set against terrorism. But, with each threat, with each mock “lynching”, with each intimidating tactic, these clowns are breaking a FEDERAL LAW!! It’s called TERRORISTIC THREATENING!! And the punishment, especially as it applies to hate crimes, can and should be severe!!

They say “White is Right” … but can’t prove it. Why? ‘Cause one color is never “right” over another! But they try to “prove” it with violence — thus, shooting their own “theory” in the foot (if not three feet higher).

They glorify the pomp and pageantry of everything from the Confederacy to Nazism without realizing what they’d actually put up with if they were part of the original causes: filth, searing pain, days without sleep, incessant thirst, sweat, mind-numbing fear — and the haunting eyes staring from the dead — those of friends, neighbors and perhaps family — lying around them. Day after day, week after week. Insects crawling over open sores, and nowhere to immediately “relieve” themselves.
Hmph … if anyone who fought in those wars could see these idiots now, they’d probably laugh themselves to death. Right or wrong, what these men went through would turn these would-be “heroes” into little boys callin’ for their mommies …

Now, if someone can prove that other races are “inferior” … and I mean intellectually prove it with facts and figures … then let’s see ‘em. Here. I’ll print ‘em, okay??
If not, KEEP YOUR BIGOTRY, YOUR HATE, YOUR TERRORISTIC CRAP TO YOURSELF! I …

oh. wait … just thought of somethin’ …

Hey, ummm, racist people?? Have … have you ever been in an accident resulting in serious injury? (hmph … sound like one of those TV lawyers!) Ever had an operation? Anything that … well, required a blood transfusion??
Well, guess what, my misguided, neophytic cretins?? There’s about a good chance that the blood you received … ummm, came from an African-American!
Understandably, the American Red Cross won’t give precise stats as to which race gives what percentage for two reasons: because each city differs in ethnic density (some lower, some higher), and to ward off … er, “purists” (don’t make me gag!) like you!
At any rate, you know what that means, don’tcha?? It means you’ve got the blood of the race you hate, running through your very own system, right now! So, lemme ask ya … do you hate yourself??

Think about it. For once, crack a book without some skinhead peerin’ over your shoulder (remember … I usedta be a cult member decades ago, and, brother, this racist junk is nothing more than a brainsucking cult!), study other races with an open mind, and make decisions on your own! You just might find yourself coming up with a different conclusion … one that’s sensible!

Start with The Bible (always a good place to start). Hint: The first part follows the Israelites, the last with the life and lessons of Jesus …
a man …
who wasn’t white!

Well, it looks like I’m gonna be losin’ a coupla friends in a few weeks, as Norma and Gene (real names) are gonna be headin’ out west to their “winter” home in Las Vegas.
Huh?? Wellllll, maybe a little jealous, ’cause there’s so much to do and see there! But, then again, I’m perfectly happy bein’ a full-fledged Crown Towner …

I’ve been to Atlantic City East (awww, it’s a runnin’ gag with Easterners) and can tell ya that, on any given occasion, you’ll run across more than a few locals there. For example, take in a Tom Jones concert, and I can almost guarantee at least one or two Charlotteans in the audience!

One more thing, though: When each one of ‘em leaves the casinos, the hotels, the theatres and performances to catch the next flight here, they always seem happier to be back. Awwww, you know why, don’tcha? ‘Cause we’ve got the best of everything, right here in our own backyard!

(sigh!) But Norma and Gene are thinkin’ about stayin’ there (actually, on the outskirts of town. A little place called Henderson) … and we all wish ‘em the best, should they decide to do so.

THEY’LL NEED INSURANCE, THOUGH

One thing that Norma and Gene’ll wanna know if they’re gonna move is that the state of Nevada is gonna require some good insurance on their vehicles.
Now, as you know, shoppin’ around for good auto insurance can take time and money, especially if you’re in a new location like Henderson or Vegas. So it’s best to go to this link I’m about to share with you and do some good comparison shopping for the best quotes. Just fill out the online form, and you’ll get up to four rates from fifteen different insurance companies.
It’ll also provide ya with the info you’ll need to apply (remember, there’s no obligation to any of them, though), and even a useful .PDF-formatted document consumer’s guide to Nevada auto insurance (it’ll tell ya all you need to know about it!).
So, for Norma and Gene (and anyone out there in the viewer area who’s living in or planning to move to Nevada, it’ll do you well to click on Nevada auto insurance to find the rates and coverage that’ll suit you!
And to the Stephens’, we wish a safe and happy trip and (though we’d hate to see you go), a safe move!

There are stories … and there are lessons … and, fortunately, my siblings and I were blessed with two angels who provided one, but always included the other within them.

Yesterday, after a long, hard search, I found a song that I first heard on WSOC-FM back in August, 1990. The song’s first chorus went like this (I can’t write all the verses, of course, without permission from the owner. More about that in a minute):

He was sowin’ love … for the fam’ly.
He was sowin’ loooove. He took a little extra time
lookin’ forward to … a boun-ti-ful har-vest.
Like a good father does, he was sowin’ love

The night I heard that song for the first time also, sadly, was the night that humble, mighty man passed from his mortal shell into a free and serene world. Each time I hear it, I’ve gotta admit, I weep big time.

Now, the second verse dealt with mama, and, in the chorus, just substitute She for He. It’s that simple.
But that’s what Eola and Irene Hinson were truly like. No “working the rooms” or “socializing”, “putting on airs” or whatever; what you saw in public was what we saw … and then some … in private!

Paul Overstreet included that song on his album, Forever and Ever, Amen (a song he also wrote and which included another one of my faves, Seein’ My Father In Me). In performing that song, he painted a precise musical vignette of what occurred, first, in daddy’s magnificent garden in Pineville in spring of 1961, then in his “shop” (a little tin-roof building where, in the “office” part, he had a sewing-machine set up for mama to do her work freely) three years later.

As I wrote that piece on veterans, and finally came across the copy I downloaded. There’s much more to this story, but, suffice to say, over the past few days of illness, my mind has been flooded with memories … of good times … and the wonder of angels disguised as parents …
And, while you’ve heard me speak of them before, the reason I wrote this piece is to ask you to download or buy this song at your earliest opportunity — especially if you’re a parent of youngsters, or have warm memories of your own!
Just be ready to shed a few tears when ya hear it …

PERSONALIZATIONS

We’re all Carolina fans here, right (hey … what other color of blue is there??)? Well, either that or our hearts beat Bobcats or pump Panther blood!
Well, here’s your chance to show your support for the team of your choice (and let’s not forget all the fab high schools and kids’ teams we have out there!) by gettin’ them up-close and-personalized on woven blankets, afghans, pillows, wall hangings, towels and more!
Imagine the impact on the sports person in your family this Christmas when they open yer present with “their” team’s logo on it!
Here’s one that’ll really thrill ‘em: It’s a blanket with the team’s photo on it in full color! (what a keepsake!) It’s a “must-see” when ya click on the link I’m about to give you!
And get this — you can get these at great savings by just visiting the best online spot for sports gifts.
C’mon … it’s still a great sports season in Charlotte … and Christmas isn’t that far away!! So order now!

With our veterans being honored here at home, around the country and world, yesterday, I just felt the need to reflect a bit. (NOTE: AN IMPORTANT REQUEST FOLLOWS THIS POST. READ IT CAREFULLY, AND, IF YOU AGREE, LET’S ACT ON IT!)

Y’see, I came from a family of vets (including my sons, Tim and Mike; even I’m a veteran!). Three different wars (WW II, Vietnam, Iraq). And there’s something that deeply impresses me and, though I’m definitely against this damned war, makes me so proud of each and every one of these men and women, no matter which forces they serve:

They were, once, just bagboys, busboys or just kids gettin’ their kicks from revved-up engines, pretty girls or the latest video game on the Internet. Others were already married, but having a hard time gettin’ their finances, feelings and other things in order to transition from “single” to “married”. Still others were irresponsible, opting for Dad or Mom to carry them when they could’ve been out working and helping. Many times, they were just plain disrespectful of anybody who wasn’t their “bud”.

Then … they enlisted. They made it through boot camp. AIT. Then … to the quartermaster to gear up for an overseas tour in a war-embattled area …

And they came back …

They’re now well-mannered and disciplined heroes. Oh, they still love revved-up engines, pretty girls or the latest video game on the Internet — but they know they have their place. There are other things that have priority. And as far as the girls? They’ve learned respect. Others were already married when they left, but, upon returning, they have a tremendous love for their wives/husbands and/or children. They’re intent on working out any challenge they have in order to have a happy family life.
They’ve become responsible, not wanting Dad or Mom to carry them. You see, they learned the worth of hard work and discipline. And, today, they’ve learned to respect every person, regardless of race, creed, sex, color, age or religion.

And get this: They’ll be our city, town, county, state and Federal leaders one day!! And, from what I’ve been able to see and experience, we’re gonna be in great hands in the future!

So, veterans, this Relic bows his head and thanks God for each of you … no matter where or which war you served … YOU ARE OUR HEROES!

SPECIAL REQUEST: It’s really a shame that our young people can go over to foreign soil and fight, showing the ultimate devotion to this country …
YET CAN’T EVEN GO INTO A STORE AND BUY A SINGLE BEER WHEN THEY GET BACK … BECAUSE THEY’RE NOT 21!

Whatcha think, people? Charlotte Observer staff who reads this? TV anchors who read this? Can we effect a change?? For our heroes??
Write every Mayor, Congressman, Governor, etc that you can think of!
Forty years ago, we started a protest to give 18-year-olds the right to vote! We’ve still got it in us to help out now!
(and, yes, I’ve already mailed my letters … and sent emails … where are yours?)

MORE ON DIET SUPPLEMENTS

In my travels around the states and Canada, I’ve run across so many people who want to lose weight … and that’s good! But … there are loads of products that make promises and tell you absolutely nothing about their high-priced “pills”.
That’s not good, obviously; you’ll want a business that’ll not only provide you the best choices at the lowest prices, but will actually explain the “whats”, “whys”, “side effects” of their products, and much more! That way, you can make an intelligent decision!
And, listen … as you’ll see when you click on the link I’m about to give you, you’ll get just that! If fact, there are quite a few celebrities who endorse these specific pills (like Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey and Angelina Jolie)!
Now, like I said, it only takes a click of this link to take you to the best in weight loss pills. You’ll appreciate their products, their information — and their prices! So why not click there now, okay?

Geez … I just started tonight’s post and I’ve already ticked off a few Republicans!
But I’m not talkin’ against Gov. Palin at all … ’cause she wasn’t the problem (’sides, I do value my life!)!
Okay, then, hotshot … what was the problem with the campaign??

Well, I didn’t say “THIS Was …”, did I?? Nope — I asked ya, “Was THIS …?” Need yer input.
And I’m talkin’ about the media here! I mean, they were all over Sarah Palin like butter on a freshly baked biscuit! And it was, for the most part, about everything but her political accomplishments, ability to perform the job … or her stand on the issues.

In other words, they didn’t give the lady a fair shake in the recent campaign! And we, bein’ a nation that just loves the sensationalistic, ate it up like the earlier-mentioned biscuit!!

Y’know, somehow, I’ve got a feelin’ that, though she’s raising a fine family, was a former small town-mayor, Governor of America’s (geographically) largest state and having to balance all these duties (and all their required concerns) and still maintain dignity and composure-under-fire;
though she’d traveled thousands of miles stumping for Sen. McCain, dealt with accusations and blows back home in Alaska, and still maintained a loving relationship and time with her husband and family …
it all just didn’t matter to the media.

They were more concerned about everything from her looks to accent to slip-ups that she made while on the campaign trail. And it was the slip-ups that became the focus more … and more.

THEN THEY BROUGHT IN A FEYKE PALIN …

Now, don’t get me wrong: I like Tina Fey as a comedienne, actress, mom … and, quite honestly, to meet the woman “offstage” is like talking with Everywoman. She’s very sincere, somewhat shy, a bit aloof herself … but definitely genuine!
But when the SNL script called for her to lampoon Gov. Palin, it set in everyone’s mind that the former VP candidate was actually like that! And that image, coupled with a media blitz straight out of Entertainment Tonight®, stuck with American voters to the end of voting day … and is still prevalent!

Of course, when they heard Sarah make a mistake (like calling Africa a country and about some flak between the McCain and Palin camps over the fact that the Governor didn’t get a chance to give her concession speech when Sen. McCain did), these “informed” media seem to forget that the lady was thrust almost immediately into the national spotlight for the very first time! Everybody — here and abroad — was watching her.

That brings me to a second question: If you were in front of the cameras and mics and millions of viewers for the very first time ever, would you get a little nervous and maybe slip up on your words or facts?

Then ya know how she felt … and how the mistakes could have easily happened. And, during the bittersweet concession speech (handled remarkably well by Sen. McCain), she undoubtedly thought (again, remember that she wasn’t familiar with the protocol here) that she would have a turn at the mic as well! So, you see, SARAH PALIN IS HUMAN!

But — since what’s said or done by the VP candidate (intentional or not) can change the direction of any Presidential election — couldn’t all this media mishandling have been one of the contributing causes of the Republicans’ defeat?

Like I said, it wasn’t her fault; she gave, I believe, one of the best showings of any first-time VP candidate … especially someone who’d never been in this much of a national spotlight … before!

I voted for Obama, because he was the better choice; but I truly admire Gov. Palin .. and honestly hope she shoots for a high goal like this again in 2012!

But I’d appreciate your opinion …

IT WAS THE NIGHT HISTORY WAS MADE …

And, if ya haven’t already, you’ll wanna save that front page from the Charlotte Observer (if you go to their website, you can download a .PDF copy of it!) and remember what was happenin’ in your adobe when ya heard the news that Barack won.

But, while we have our first African-American President comin’ into office (and didja see the shots of Dr. King’s sister and also Jesse Jackson in tears when Obama made his acceptance speech?? Priceless!!  Yes, the dream still lives!!), we also have two other landmark events:

Bev Perdue is now going in as North Carolina’s first female Governor!  Man, was this long overdue.  Years ago, people were trying to get Sue Myrick in there, and she (Sue) ran across the same dog-and-pony act that tried to block Bev’s:  that (can you believe they’re still sayin’ this stuff?) she’s a woman … she doesn’t belong in there!
I’ve got a feeling that Perdue’s not just gonna be a one-termer, either!  But congrats to Pat McCrory for a good contest … I’ve a lot of respect for the man …

AND … WHAT’D YA EXPECT??

While everybody thought, at first, that Sen. Libby Dole was gonna trounce all over Kay Hagans — I mean, after all, she was the vet, a former cabinet member, the wife of that Dole, the moral warrior!
Then, she slipped up.  BIG time!! 
She implied that one of the nicest and most respected Christian ladies in Guilford County was Godless!  In fact, she went so far as to have some woman superimpose a sound bite over Kay’s picture, saying There is no Jesus or some junk like that. 
That, folks, is the lowest of blows!
So, goodbye, Mrs. Dole … and learn to keep your mouth shut and mind open from here on out.  You already know how we rockers feel about ya, right??

All in all, it was a fantastic night of miracles.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Bobby Kennedy and John Lennon are all smiling right now — you just know it …

Incidentally, I’ve been “off” the past few days with a hard-hitting flu bug.  Since I’m gettin’ over it, we’ll return to normal (???) here this week.
Thanks for yer patience …