Charlotte, NC

Man, how stupid can ya get?

I’m talkin’ about those Earnhardt-wannabes who were caught drag-racing on I-85 North.  Yes, they were arrested — and not a moment too soon:  As I understand it, the 19-year-old who was caught was already doin’ 87 mph, had no license, and (if that wasn’t bad enough) resisted arrest!  All that and reckless driving, too!

Look … in my travels throughout the US and Canada, I’ve seen quite a few draggers, and, usually, the end result is a helluva lot more tragic than just bein’ caught by police!  Most of these clowns aren’t usin’ seat-belts anyway (hmph … they think it takes away from the thrill), so, apparently, they don’t mind if, when they hit someone head-on, their face goes through the windshield and ends up lookin’ like thawed pizza (WHOA!! A little rough?? Gotta calls ‘em like I sees ‘em.  Besides, I have seen a couple like that …).

In some jurisdictions, they have an unusual sentence for anyone caught and convicted of drag racing — and, quite frankly, I think the courts oughtta adopt this idea (why?  ‘Cause it works!!):
Whenever a person’s been caught and convicted of drag racing, he or she should have to visit, under police escort, a morgue.  There, they would view the body of victim of a severe auto-accident, prior to its preparation.

Then, again under escort, they’d have to attend the funeral of a child who was killed in a severe auto-accident.  After the funeral, they would return to the courthouse to be lectured by officers who’ve witnessed crash scenes, victims and their families.

Harsh?  Maybe so.  But, remember:  I’ve seen two crashes that resulted from “drag racing” (fortunately, neither was on an Interstate), and, in one case, viewed the victim myself (thankfully, there wasn’t a child involved).  And, in jurisdictions where the “sentence” I just described has been handed down, they see a reduction in these shenanigans … in fact, i reckless driving as a whole.

Look … if it saves one life, it’s worth it, right??

HAPPY NEW YEAR, CHARMECK!! If there’s one sentence that describes the beginning of ‘09 it’s the catchphrase from Monty Python:

“And now for something completely different …”

Now, most folks have made at least one resolution, right?? But, y’know, sometimes, these can come as a result of lessons learned in the year that’s just passed. One of my very first resolutions was made on December 31, years ago (and, fortunately, became an indelible part of this old bird’s psyche).
It was borne from an incident that happened on my birthday that year. That being said, here’s the Double-E’s New Years story:

LIFE and the REAR-VIEW MIRROR …

Remember your very first car? It was usually a sign that your folks finally trusted you enough to have some personal freedom and responsibility. Mine was an old 1966 Ford Fairlane — an olive green machine that ran as rough as it looked.
Oh, it was fine sitting in the driveway, but on the road, if something didn’t “clink,” “clank” or “clunk,” it fell off! And, whenever I went out for a spin, the vibration from the car shook my rear-view mirror, throwing it off-center. It seemed that, every other mile, I had to try and fix it while driving.

One Sunday afternoon shortly after getting the car, I came close to colliding with someone while I was busy trying to do just that. When I got home, I parked the car and stomped into the house, where my parents were watching TV. “Oh, THANKS, Dad,” I snapped in sarcastic frustration. “THAT car runs BEAUTIFULLY!” Then I told him about the mirror and the near-accident.
He listened intently, then, as mama reached over to turn the TV down, he asked, “You mean you were more concerned with that blamed MIRROR than you were with what was in FRONT of you?” Now feeling both embarrassed and a bit ashamed, I nodded my head “yes”.
He and mama looked at each other as he continued, “Son, you should’ve gotten that thing fixed before you went out!” Then mama added, “Besides, nobody can get where they’re going if they’re always looking at where they’ve been.” As daddy smiled at the wisdom of her statement, I stood there, thinking about it.

Concentrating on the past is like driving while focusing only on your rear-view mirror. It doesn’t take long before you end up with an accident! Just as you’d watch the road in front of you to drive safely, the only way to move ahead in any endeavor is to focus on what’s ahead … and don’t look back!

Of the Top Forty things that causes depression, retrospection — the “shoulda, woulda, coulda, didn’t” factor — tops the charts. Of course, qualified counselors and psychotherapists will occasionally use that as part of a successful therapy, but, otherwise, we need to get away from it as fast as possible! You see, it’s nothing but thought-poison! Living in the past while wanting a happy, progressive life is like wanting a smooth, fizzy soft drink — but drinking water out of the toilet!

The past is something we’ve experienced, but there’s no way to go back and change it. It’s gone. Let’s put it this way: When we’ve put our trash on the curb for pickup by the city, we let it go! We don’t run after the trash truck yelling “WAIIIIIIT!” We move on …

“Moving on” also means changing our way of thinking a bit. There’s a popular and appropriate saying these days: “If you keep thinking what you always thought, you’ll keep getting what you always got.”
If we’re constantly dwelling in the past, and they’re negative memories, then we’ll keep battering our emotional selves and NEVER move into any sort of wellness! Rev. Leroy Boyd (from Tirzah, S.C.) told me that “dwelling on the past is like walking through the devil’s back yard at midnight. You’re either gonna wake him up or step in something that’ll make you stink!”
Look — we can’t change the past, and it’d be foolhardy to try and relive it. But it’s easy to become retrospective in our thought process. The words “If only I had done …” or “I should’ve/would’ve/could’ve/didn’t”, or just a simple reflection on past situations can depress us and cause us to lose focus on those things we really need.

Now, when we’re lookin’ ahead at the ‘09 in Crown Town and vicinity, we’ve gotta make sure that we’re focused on what we’ve got before us. I’ve run across people from Fort Mill to Kannapolis who’ve said “If she’d just … we’d've had …” or “I wish this hadn’t happened …” or “(fill in the space) did this-or-that … and I miss …”. Hey … remember the resolution part: Do your best to make the best out of every situation NOW, and you can avoid most negative responses!

Okay … now, go on and enjoy the rest of this first day of 2009. Hope it’s a fantastic and optimistic year for you all!

I’ll bet the cardiac unit at Presbyterian Hospital could tell ya this, but:

DIDJA KNOW that one out of every five people recovering from a heart attack is still having chest pain a year afterward?  That’s what a new US study is saying.
The Archives of Internal Medicine reported some suffered angina every day, despite bypass surgery.
A team from Colorado University quizzed nearly 2,000 patients and say that it’s linked to smoking  — even depression in some cases.

Chest pain, or angina, is a common symptom of heart disease, but doctors expect some heart attack patients to continue to have it, regardless of efforts to treat their underlying disease.

The team looked at the progress of 1,957 patients, who filled in questionnaires a year after their heart attack. All told, 19.9% of the patients said they still had angina pain one year after their attack, and although this was once a week or less for most, 1.2% of them had daily pain.

Those most likely to have chest pain were younger men who had undergone heart bypass operations, or men who smoked or had depressive symptoms. The researchers said these links might help doctors monitor “at risk” patients.
A spokesman for the British Heart Foundation, who keenly studies the findings,  said:  “Targeted services for these people - such as helping them quit smoking - may help to improve the quality of life and health of heart patients by alleviating or preventing angina”.

Needless to say, this can be of tremendous help to everyone — not just here in the Queen City, but around the world! The bottom line here:  If you need help in treating smoking habits, depression or both, just reach out to your doctor.  He (or she) will be glad to refer you to someone who can help if they can’t!

LIGHTING UP … THE BATHROOM!

Everybody spends quite a bit of time in the bathroom every day — whether for showers/baths, makeup, washing hair, getting stuff from the linen closet or … well, “other” duties.
But wouldn’t it be great if our bathroom lighting was as warm and welcome as that in other rooms of the house?  And if that lighting gave superb illumination to prevent falls or slips?

Well, there’s one place that not only offers the best and most beautiful in lighting fixtures for your loo (British for “bathroom”), but at great prices, too!  And you can select your favorite finishes, brands, styles and applications (2 bulbs? 3? 4 or more?) … and even your own price range!

On top of all that, you get secure shopping, no sales tax since you live here in Charlotte and free shipping (if your order’s over $75.00)!

By now, I know you must be interested, so why not click the link that’ll take you to the best bathroom lighting you’d ever want?
Believe me, you’ll “see” what I’m talking about when you get there!! So make your bathroom a place of beauty and click there now!

Santa Claus may be able to fly around the world in a sleigh, but even he can’t cross North American airspace without NORAD (North American Air Defense Command) knowing about it.
For more than a half-century, this joint American-Canadian venture that keeps this continent safe against aerial attack has used its technology to follow Santa’s journey and provide real-time updates on his location to children worldwide.

The North Warning System, a network of 47 radars strung across the continent’s northernmost frontier, tells NORAD when St. Nick takes off from the North Pole. Infrared satellites track the jolly old elf’s flight path once he’s airborne.
“The satellites actually pick up an infrared signature from Rudolph’s nose,” Navy Lt. Desmond James says.

Once he touches down, a little-known network of surveillance cameras called “Santa Cams” transmit images of Santa making deliveries. This network went online 10 years ago,
and NORAD officials swear it’s used only on Christmas Eve.

HOW IT STARTED

Sears-Roebuck had put an ad in the local paper listing Santa’s phone number, but the number was misprinted. Instead of ringing the department store, it rang a national defense operations center.
A technician got the first call, and rather than being a Scrooge, he told the tyke, “Let me check the radar.”

A tradition was born.

In the half century since, NORAD has expanded and updated the program, which provides updates in seven languages. “We added the online component ten years ago,” James says. “And today, Google software outputs images from the Santa Cams, and Google Maps and Google Earth, we can track Santa Claus’ trajectory.”

Now your child can keep an eye on where Santa is, and if he’s close to your house. Just click on the noradsanta.org website.

Okay … we’ve got more comin’ up in less than 24 hours. So keep it right here, and remember …

When ya see the shadow crossing … the Eagle’s in the air!”

Over the past two weeks, we’ve read or heard about the number of pedestrians that’ve been hit in our area. Whether it was on Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Milton Road or on a road in South Carolina (where a man was “relieving himself”!), it’s still a terrifying experience for both victim (if he/she lives through it) and the driver who hit the victim!

Listen — there are certain “rules of the road” that can help drivers miss these pedestrians (like being sure you’re driving at a slower speed through heavily-populated neighborhoods, scanning the road ahead of you where possible for any sign of “walkers” and, especially, watching out for cars parked on the side of the road! You can’t tell if a man or woman [or, worse, a child] will step out between bumpers of two parked cars!) just as there are for pedestrians to help drivers (such as wearing light clothing or jacket [preferably white or bright yellow], staying at least two feet away from the road itself where possible and being aware of any and all traffic coming!).

By following these simple steps (and there are so many others, I’m sure), we can make this a safe and happy holiday for everyone. No one wants to be in the hospital — or worse — at Christmas, right?

IPOD, YOUPOD?

Being a music lover, I can tell ya that one of the most invaluable little gadgets on the market is the Ipod. Now, what this is (as if you didn’t already know!) is a palm-sized, electronic device primarily created to play music.
They’re extremely portable, and can carry more tunes than a CD or cassette. Now, there’s one out called the “Ipod nano” that also can let you enjoy movies and TV shows — and all on a two-inch display!
And there’s one spot where you can buy these at a lower price than most (if not all) retail outlets. It has a fantastic selection and also has a great low-price guarantee as well as nifty gift certificates for those on your list!
Considering the weather (it’s gettin’ colder!), one of the best things about shopping with these folks (I’ll give ya the link to click in just a moment) is that you can do it online and securely!
Quality, price, selection, guarantee — what more could you ask for? Then just click the following link to find the best in ipods. Believe me, it’s worth it!

A few days ago, Bruce Henderson, excellent reporter for The Charlotte Observer, wrote about BoA’s refusal to continue financing the “mountaintop removal” method of coal mining that’s now prevalent in the Appalachians. I applaud their decision (in fact, I’d give ‘em a standing ovation) and hope they stick to their guns on this.

Here’s why:

As many of you know, I’ve commuted back-and-forth to Kentucky many times (not only do I have a beautiful granddaughter there, but I’ve worked with a local “pro wrestling” group as announcer. In fact, a show’s coming up this weekend, which’ll take me back again). During my brief stay, I’ve had a chance to see the “mountaintop” removal in person, read local news items and talk with locals about it.

Lemme tell ya — it ain’t a pretty sight! In fact, it’s one of the worst things the coal companies (like Massey Energy and others) could do for that area. Y’see, the area’s already covered with factories and plants that pollute the atmosphere (such as AK Steel, Ashland Oil and others), and the cliffs and hillsides trap that pollution — thus giving the area the nickname Chemical Valley (or, worse: Death Valley).

And why do they have to destroy the beauty and environment by doing this? It’s like someone shearing off the top of Mt. Mitchell, Spencer’s Mountain or Grandfather’s Mountain. There are many coal veins around the region, but an insider told me that, to the coal companies, this is “so much EASIER”!

Great. In an area already suffering the effects of sedentary lifestyles and lackadaisical attitudes (not to mention a burgeoning obesity rate), they wanna make it easier! To do what?? Smother the environment? Dirty their already-too-precious atmosphere?
Okay, maybe it will provide some kinda “benefits” on down the road (although I fail to see what). Problem is, we’re not gonna be around to see it should they continue; they’ll all be choked to death by the pollution and temp increases (remember: Appalachia has a high concentration of asthma, diabetes and cancer sufferers already).

So, again, I’ll say that BoA is to be applauded for their stance!

Okay, so what’s great about these little rascals??

Well, here at The Eagle’s Nest, you’re bound to find three fruit varieties in and around the fridge: bananas, grapes and tangelos. Now, quick — which one do ya think this avarian handles most often? (Ever see one fly with a ‘nanner in his beak? Naaaah …)

Yep. Whether red, white, black, seedless, seeded or other (no muscadines, though dammit!), they’re even beside me on my office desk, for a quick, healthy pick-me-up between meals (yeah, I usedta like Pepsi-and-Tom’s-Peanuts — aka the redneck pick-me-up — but, since the requirement is for glass bottles, and they don’t make ‘em anymore, the grapes’ll haveta do!)

But there’s something more …

Y’see, there was a study where people who ate ‘em regularly experienced better blood flow in their brachial arteries in just three hours after eatin’ about one and a quarter cups of grapes (and, believe me, these things are nature’s Crackerjacks. Ya can’t stop with just one or two!) And, since they’re only about 60 calories per cup, it’s a pretty juicy deal!

Now, the researchers think it could be due to the antioxidants in grapes — it’s helps keep your blood vessels relaxed and blood free of all that plaque-gook. In fact, grapes may even help protect your blood vessels from fatty meals (probably why ya don’t see ‘em often in fast-food joints, huh?

DECEMBER 8, 1980

If you were anywhere near a radio or TV late that night, twenty-eight years ago, chances are your heart stopped beating for a moment as the words came from station newsdesks:

“… has just been confirmed that former Beatle John Lennon has been gunned down in front of the Dakota apartment building he shared with his wife, Yoko Ono.”

It was the night the world stood still … in grief because, after all, John Lennon was not only an icon of peace; he was the leader of The Beatles; in disbelief, because he was only 40 years old; and in complete shock and anger, because it wasn’t disease or an accident or an overdose that took his life (he’d already stopped the drug use, btw); it was an assassin’s bullet!

For a moment, let’s re-visit that night … as reported by the BBC:

Here’s how the story was broken in UK newspapers the night of his murder.

FACT: When Big WAYS 61 decided to drop their “oldies” format in favor of talk-radio, the very last song the legendary station played was “(Just Like) Starting Over” — from the “Double Fantasy” album, which was released only a month before John’s death. VERY fitting tribute!

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!

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!

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?

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 …

All right … now this idiotic mud-slinging has gone too far!!

Senator Kay Hagan has every right to throw a “cease-and-desist” order against Elizabeth Dole (a woman who, prior to this, had my admiration and support!). I mean, how low can you go with this nonsense?
Sen. Hagan is a fine, Christian woman with some terrific values … and to slander/libel her (hey … check the NCGS … it’s exactly that. I included both because it’s hit both the media and the streets!) is a disgrace!

Ahhhh … but wait!!

Aren’t we seein’ more desperation out of Republicans lately?? They’re about to lose their clout around the nation, so, whether McCain’s camp, McConnell’s or Dole’s, they’re scraping for anything they can find!
Interesting to note the last line of the Observer article: “Some polls show Dole trailing Hagan in her bid for re-election. “

So, Sen. Hagan, I wish you ALL the luck with your “desist” order. Just be sure to MAKE IT STICK!!

We’ve gotta stop this bovine defecation somehow! It’s pathetic …

WEDDING BELLS COMING??

Now, there are a lotta young (and some young-at-heart) couples who are plannin’ to “tie the knot” this holiday season, and, outside of their love for each other, they’re tryin’ to get everything just right for the Big Day.

And ya know how it alllllll got into motion, right?  The dude goes down on one knee, clears his throat a million times, sweats an ocean, and then … pulls out the felt-covered box with …

Yep.  But what’s in that box?  You want the very best to adorn that third-finger-left-hand until that day comes when you add to it, right?  Well, in order to have that, I’m gonna give you a link in a minute that’ll make you, your intended, and your wallet, very, very happy!

Not only will you get the best in diamonds (you’ll recognize the name as “quality” the minute you get there!), but the most beautiful selection of rings you’d ever want!  Of course, these folks are known world-wide for their integrity, their service … and their affordability!

So, if you’re still wantin’ to “pop the question”, you’ll wanna get the most beautiful and affordable selection of quality engagement rings … and, by clicking on that link, you’ll find ‘em!
So go ahead … and have a wonderful and blessed marriage …

I dunno … is it just me, or is anybody else kinda bumfuzzled about this new Internet Explorer 8?

All right … I know it’s a new version, with some of the kinks still havin’ to be worked out.  But, with the workload this Relic has each day on the desktop, I’ve gotta have the fastest and most dependable server. 
And, quite frankly, I’m just not seein’ it yet … at least not with this one!

Yeah, there are some new features (like, bein’ able to open duplicate tabs, have “compatibility views” [that is, able to check webpages out that aren't up-to-speed with this newer edition!] and other things).  But I’ve always thought that, the simpler a browser, the quicker you work with it!
So far (even as I write this!), I’ve hit one key that’s brought another IE8 “homepage” up, had stuff wanna “install” that I didn’t ask for, and other little doohickies that are just a little annoying!

Soooooooo … if the new SeaMonkey I’ve downloaded (HEY!! It’s a BROWSER, all right??  No jokes!!) doesn’t work out (… come to think of it, it does sound a little funny …), then the next post just may be on plain, white, college-lined paper and mailed to ya …

SOMETHING TO DIET FOR …
Most of us, at one time or the other, have been on diets, right??  Whether we just decided to or have done so on doctor’s orders, we’ve run through the gamut of books, magazines, TV ads and drug store aisles, trying to find the right supplement that would help us.  And it can be frustrating …
BUT …
Today there’s a great site available that reviews the best-selling diet supplements, giving you its description, weight loss rating, and benefits – and that’ll help you find exactly the one you’re looking for!  It’ll even show you where the product can be found at the lowest price!!

So, if you’re lookin’ for a newer, slimmer you, then click on the link that’ll take you to the diet pill reviews you’ll need to choose the right supplement!

Awww, c’mon … you’re bound to have seen the best Obama campaign video EVER!!  If not, I’ll give you the link in just a minute.

Y’see, Ron Howard, Andy Griffith and Henry WInkler reprised their roles as Opie, Sheriff Andy Taylor and The Fonz (hmph … as if ya didn’t know, right??) for an ad touting Sen. Barack Obama as the best Presidential candidate.

If only for three minutes-and-change, we were taken back to Mayberry (okay, who down here doesn’t know where that is??) … and then to the leather-jacketed hero of Arnold’s, leanin’ against a ‘57 Chevy where Opie turned into Richie.  

Both vignettes caried the famous style of the TV shows on which they were based: Andy and “Ope” by the fishin’ hole, with the famous “whistling” tune was in the background (btw, the man who did the actual whistling, Earle Hagen – who also composed the tune called “The Fishin’ Hole” — died recently), was warm and family-oriented — and filmed in black-and-white!
The other one, with Richie and Fonzie, had the Fifties music in the background, the humor and coolness that’s identified with Winkler’s character — and even was the same-grade color film as the original show!

It’s one you’ve just gotta see!  Though just posted over the past coupla days, it’s already gotten nearly one million hits!

See for yourself at Funny-Or-Die.com.

Whether you’re votin’ for Obama or McCain, you’re still gonna enjoy the trip down memory lane (and, btw, Henry hasn’t lost “the look”) …