Charlotte, NC

DISCLAIMER: The photo you see on your left is not of Saturday’s accident. It’s just one I found on the web to make a point.

The Observer reported the news today: “A 49-year-old Shelby man died this weekend in a motorcycle accident in Gaston County … the accident occurred around 7:30 p.m. Saturday … alcohol was not a factor in the crash …”

For the seventh time over the past three years, someone I know has died at the hands of a motorcycle. I witnessed the combined funerals of a husband-and-wife in Ashland, just prior to the last OCW event. Both were officers of the law … off-duty, enjoying a “second honeymoon”, as such. And they lost their lives at the wheel of a single motorcycle crash.
The culprit? A blown tire!

Look … it doesn’t matter who you are, or whether you ride a hawg (Harley) or motorized bicycle (Yamaha), you’ve gotta remember how dangerous the drivin’ can be! Now, before anyone jumps into my comment box to rip my head off, lemme tell ya that I dig bein’ behind the wheel of a heavy-horsepower hog; the feel of freedom is totally unmatched. And I’m definitely not puttin’ cyclist down for a moment. In fact, for the most part, they’re more skilled and aware than other drivers.

Now, we’re all gonna miss Ricky — in fact, our hearts go out to the entire Ivey family. But this tragedy brings a major “heads-up” for every biker:

No matter where you’re goin’ on yer wheels, make absolutely sure that everything on your bike is in TOP CONDITION! If you’ve got even the slightest worry about your tires’ wear, or your carb’s cleanliness, brakes or whatever, just park it and take the car. Or walk.

When you’re on the road, PAY ATTENTION!! It only takes yer mind to wander once to hit, spinout or roll. And remember — there aren’t any seat belts or roll bars to help ya!

Lastly (and I can hear bikers all the way to L. A. sayin’ this. In fact, a dude fresh off the Sturgis run told me this one), “KNOW YER BIKE LIKE YOU WANNA KNOW YER WOMAN/MAN!” I wanna include, KNOW YOUR ROUTE LIKE THE BACK OF YOUR HAND!

We can’t afford any more deaths like we experienced Saturday, folks! So, sure … enjoy the ride; but keep it safe, okay?

KEEPIN’ IT FIT AND TRIM

Now, while we’re keepin’ our bikes sleek and fine-acting, so we should do the same for ourselves! Of course, there are loads of diet supplements and helps to get you into the shape and style you want; but, of all these, only one site can give you the lowdown on the top brands. They review the best diet pills, the pros and cons (if any) of each, their ingredients, and even give you links on where to buy them for less! And get this: They even go so far as to list some effective weight loss tips for you~

But you’ll find even more when you click on the link I’m about to give you. So, if you’re in the market for the best in diet aids, but don’t know where to go, just click on this link which will start off by telling you more about the popular supplement, Trimspa.
All in all, you’ll really appreciate this site for giving you the “heads-up” and info you need to make the best choice! So take a moment (after you’re finished here) to click there, okay??

Waitin’ in line for a few drops of gas … GEEZ!

Actually, it does have a familiar ring to it. While I’m jottin’ down these notes (having already read a nice book while waitin’. Somethin’ called War and Peace …), I hark back (awww, c’mon … somebody out there’s still gotta “hark” a bit!) to the dayz followin’ Hurricane Hugo.

Lemme see a show of hands of how many remember that mess!  Okay … now, how many of you were stuck in line down in Pineville, waitin’ to pull up to the Handy Pantry pumps and fill up?  Y’see, we’d already planned to put up some new transformers (in fact, more than meets the eye …) on Saturday the 23rd (of September.  1989.  Ya still  with me??).
Well, when Hugo finally hit (and, believe me, it was sudden!  Just ask the folks at WSOC, where, at around 5 AM, the vicious wind actually threw reporter BJ Harrison into the wall as she was comin’ in for work!  A moment before, stillness.  A second later, eatin’ brick!), we knew those rascals hadta go up immediately!  Thus, we became the only spot on the local map with power — thus, workable gas pumps.

If it weren’t for our newspaper, The Charlotte Observer, and the reporters at WSOC-TV and FM/AM, I can guarantee ya that things would’ve been a lot harder to deal with! These folks came through with more than news: they were there to field calls, direct citizens to the right resources, and drew public attention to the areas that had the most damage, along with ways we could help.  SOC, in fact, was giving continuous radio coverage from the minute the storm hit … and walked many of us (though by battery-operated sets) through the preps and patience needed to “ride it out.” 

THIS IS BARELY DIFFERENT, in that it’s still a hardship caused by a lotta stiff and strong wind (mostly outta Washington!).  We’re lined up here at the pumps, waitin’ for gas, wondering if it’ll be the same soon with supermarkets!  Frustration turns to rage as we’re trapped between (hold on.  Lemme check.  Okay, here it’s an) SUV and burgundy Saturn (and, in just a few minutes, I’ll be wonderin’ how much that driver wants his car … lol), the gas needle almost on “E” and needing to go to the bathroom …

But, at the helm of sanity you’ll still find the Observer, helping us through this nonsense (they’ve even asked readers to send or call in spots where the gas is easier to obtain!  Convenience stores, gas stations, Taco Bells … anywhere!)  I’m tellin’ ya (and this Relic’s been all around this USofA and more …), we’ve got the very best newspaper in America right here in Crown Town!!

WHY NOT GO CRUISIN’?

No, I’m not talkin’ about lookin’ for gas … I’m talkin’ about the real deal; taking a bonafide,  enjoyable, affordable cruise! 
What??  Y’say it costs too much?? Hmph … not if ya click on the link I’m about to give ya!  Y’see, these folks provide the best cruises to some fab destinations … and for MUCH less than you’d expect to pay at your local git-and-go (ie, “travel tour”) stores!
For example, could ya handle four days and three nights at Walt Disney World … for as low as $199?  Or how about three days, two nights in Las Vegas for as low as $179? 
AHA!!! Caught your eye on those!  Now, what about the Caribbean, and pesky passport waits, and travel insurance and stuff?  Think you’re gonna have to look on your own?  WRONG!!  They’ll even help ya figure all that out, too!
Believe me, it’s an amazing site … one that’ll put you on a cruise liner and on your way to a memorable vacation cruise and still have money in your pocket!
So why not check it out now?? You’ll be really pleased to find the best cruises to fit your budget! So click on that link now, and get ready to enjoy a bit of paradise!

It was the summer of 1980; my (then) wife and (then) year-old son (he’s in the Navy now) had just moved to a house on Pineville’s Morrow Avenue (when it was residential.  Times have changed …) – in fact, right beside my folks’.

One of the first things I hadta do in order to make the house work for us was run down to the hardware store and pick up everything from paint to screwdrivers, hammers and nails — and plenty of door and cabinet knobs!  Though Pineville had a fine hardware store of its own, I decided to go to the one that Daddy had always relied on in his pump business:  Myers Park Hardware.
Naturally, they “fixed me right up” with what I needed, and at a good price!  It was a store that not only was efficient, business-wise, but had a distinctly home-town feel to it!

And it continued to have that ambience throughout the decades.  Now that it’s closing, Charlott … no, Carolinians (from both states) … are gonna be missing not only a piece of history … they’re gonna be missing a piece of their hearts.

Y’see, the “hometown” feel that Myers Park Hardware radiated — that, “I know you, you’re a friend, c’mon in and let’s chat while you’re shoppin’” attitude is almost gone in megalopolitan America.  Concrete-and-steel are quickly replacing the friendly hardwood floors; Joe, Cecil and Bob are being replaced by customer 1001, 546 and 320; the friendly salesperson is being phased out by buttons to push for robotic messages. 

The loss of the hometown touch — it ain’t gonna be pretty when it’s all gone.  Let’s just be sure we don’t lose it in our hearts.

The folks at Myers Park Hardware never did … and they’re really gonna be missed.  God bless ‘em in their new endeavors.  They truly were — and are — our friends …

Normally, I don’t watch a lot of TV these days — mainly due to my schedule as blogger and The Rock Relic.  But, last night, I just had to make time!

The Emmy Awards were more than glamor, fashion and fancy speeches this time; by God, it actually showed a bit of personality and heart!
By now, we all know who won and who didn’t, but there were some dynamite highlights:

For example, when Tommy Smothers won an Emmy on behalf of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.  Natch, he rambled like the “confused kid” he portrayed for so many years (in reality, Tom has a keen business mind and is quite intellectual).  But he did something that, common for the Smothers, is uncommon in awards shows:  He spoke “PEACE”:

“It’s hard for me to stay silent when I keep hearing that peace is only attainable through war. And there’s nothing more scary than watching ignorance in action,” he said, dedicating his award to “all people who feel compelled to speak out, and are not afraid to speak to power, and won’t shut up and refuse to be silenced.”

Then, a bit later, they had a reunion of all the surviving cast of Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In … and, although the camp might be wearin’ a bit then, it was worth it all just to see Gladys Hornby and Earnestine back in true form!
Their set looked as if it’d been saved from the original show … and the audience loved every minute of it!

Now, while they also had the inimitable Mary Tyler Moore and Betty White to announce Best Comedy Series — and what an honor it was to see these two legends back together again — the show outdid itself when the Matador’s March started playing.  The audience, both TV and live, knew that it could only signal “Mr. Warmth”, Don Rickles was coming to the stage! 
Surely enough, he came out along with comedienne Kathy Griffin, who yelled to the audience, “GET UP!  Get on your FEET!”  After a lengthy standing-ovation, Rickles went into his routine (part teleprompted, part ad lib) and had Griffin in tears with laughter!  Not a small feat … but only he could do that!  He won two Emmys last night, btw.

I hope everyone had a great time watchin’ the show.  If ya wanna talk more about it or have any remarks, just leave ‘em in the Comments section here.

But, for now, I’ve gotta run (loads of work to catch up on).  So I’ll see ya tomorrow, okay?

Okay … I was wrong on many points, but right on others.

A coupla days back, I wrote a piece intended to address the issue of colleges allowin’ their students to drink at 18; their goal is to curb “binge” drinking.

But (yes, I’m gonna print a partial retraction here, so hang on) …

After sendin’ a shout-out to mates in the UK, France, Germany and Australia, I do see a different picture. Stephen Weiss was right when he wrote:
“Nearly every other country in the world has the drinking age set at 18 or lower. We appear foolish to most because of our high drinking age - how can you have a country where you can be sent to war but can’t drink to your victory? Seriously, people laugh at us. A lot of people.

Most of these places also have much fewer problems with drunk driving, alcoholism, and binge drinking. My years studying in Germany did involve alcohol - significant amounts, yes. However, I also learned there how to moderate my drinking and keep myself from making a fool of myself, a skill they pride themselves on. Students are shamed by their peers for being bad drunks. I’m not sure they’d even know what binge drinking would mean if they had the term.”

That’s true! Apparently, the 18-21 bracket, when given the right to drink, does become a bit more responsible in doing so — especially if they do it in a peer-monitored atmosphere.
One thing that I noticed: Stephen said “Students are ashamed … for being bad drunks.” Unfortunately, not all young people are as responsible as that. That being said, I’ve got a question:
While it’s true that college students are responsible and self-regulating, there are thousands of others who aren’t. So how would you propose enacting this (should it pass) to provide a like positive effect to those? Lemme know, okay?

Now, Joe had a different, but highly logical, slant on this:

“At 18, people become an adult and are therefore afforded the rights associated with adulthood… voting, smoking, the right to enter into legal contracts, the right to join the military and die in Iraq, but wait… oh no they can’t drink because they will BINGE DRINK AT COLLEGE OM*G.”

I spoke with two servicemen — one who just returned from Iraq, and one who served during Desert Storm — and they said, “He’s RIGHT! It doesn’t make any SENSE!” One went so far as to call it a form of (his words) “prejudiced censorship”!
and to think that I was callin’ for the same thing … geez …

If a man or woman is old enough to fight and die “for his/her country”, then that person is old enough to drink. PERIOD!! I remember the days of “power-to-the-people” (the great “rights” movements of 1968), when we demonstrated, protested for the cause of and sang about freedom, equal rights and peace. We said exactly the same thing then (although, as Joe pointed out, you now have rights we didn’t have: “vote … legal contracts …” etc.). I shoulda thought it out a bit …

Now, I’m not gonna say I’m totally wrong, ’cause I’m not. But I’ll discuss more about this issue (and also add more of the comments!) tomorrow.

But, for all of you who’ve written, thanks. You’ve opened up my eyes a bit. And, if it’s any consolation, my international friends are unanimous: You guys give more thought to a subject than most. Keep up the good work …

I’ve gotta get on to my other work (my alter ego is The Rock Relic), so we’ll continue this tomorrow, same station — and about the same time!

The response has been overwhelming …

and, quite frankly, it’s brought me cause to study each comment carefully before writing any further dissertations on the subject. However, sometime tomorrow afternoon, I’ll address this situation again and use in-context samples of these comments within the post itself.

Now … for you who think I’m being somewhat whimsical in my prose style, I hope you’re satisfied with the way I penned the above.

‘Cause, y’see, it just ain’t my style! (I’ll explain in a minute, okay?) Look … I’ll admit that I didn’t think the whole shebang through before gettin’ these paws on the keypads. That’s why I wanna take some time to read … no, make that study (BIG difference, right?) whatcha said.

So, just hang on until sometime tomorrow afternoon, okay? And, listen: Thanx for the comments! Keep ‘em comin’, and I’ll put ‘em on here! In fact, I’ve got some hard-copy newspapers who’d like what you wrote, if I can get your permission to send ‘em!

ABOUT THIS “WRITING STYLE”

Now, let me get heavy for a moment: I took journalism, writing, drama, etc. in colleges and schools over the years. But I’ve also been a DJ, an audio producer and a syndicated columnist. This “dialoguish” writing style — patterned largely after the way a person verbalizes in informal situations — has garnered readers around the world and Pineville for my product.

Now, if you want the “Queen’s English” (I think the “King’s English” means usin’ words like Elvis, huh?), I can do that. But (as many of you know already) the best way to relate to others is to be yourself! And I’m as informal as a plate of grits on a cool Sunday mornin’ at mama’s breakfast table.

One more thing before I get off here and start readin’: NONE of our collegiates are, in any way, shape or form, “children” (other than the obligatory title used by the parents of these students) or “kids”. In fact, they should be respected for taking the steps to further their education and learn more of the intricacies of life’s processes! After all:
To THEM we entrust our FUTURE!

‘Nuff said. More tomorrow … be sure to tune in …

Man, are they SERIOUS?!?!

By now, you’ve heard that certain colleges want to lower the drinking age to EIGHTEEN! And why?? ‘Cause they wanna end “binge” drinking on their campuses! Now, how do they do that?? By makin’ it lawful for ‘em to get plastered at a younger age! (Ummm … is this makin’ any sense yet??)

Hey … it doesn’t matter if they’re 18 or 118 (well, that would matter! In fact, it’d be a miracle worthy of a guest shot on Letterman …): If people wanna binge drink, it doesn’t matter what the rulebook says: They’re gonna do it!

But college presidents from around a hundred U.S. universities (yep, including Duke!) are wantin’ lawmakers to cut the guzzle-age down. They say the laws that are on the books now actually encourage binge drinking on campus.

Ummm … HOW?? Is it the thrill of breaking the law?? Or is it because security and regulations are so lax at these schools that they can get away with it??

Oh … wait a minnit: “binge drinking” … “on campus” … are we hearin’ special-interest here? In other words (and correct me if I’m wrong), change the law so this or that specific school can benefit? What about high school seniors who are 18? Or drop-outs?

Look: Research has found more than 40% of college students reported at least one symptom of alcohol abuse or dependence. In fact, one study says that more than 500,000 full-time students at larger colleges suffer drinking-related injuries each year and about 1,700 die in alcohol-related accidents!

So whatcha wanna do — up the odds a bit?? Try this one:

Federal records show that 157 college-age people, including those under 21, drank themselves to death from 1999 through 2005!

Still wanna change the law??

Y’know, it’s crazy! I’ll be the first to admit that I usedta chug, drug and bug-out (been totally sober for 28 years now! Y’can thank my then-year-old son for that. Write me if you wanna know how …). I wasn’t a pretty sight when drunk (okay, okay … I’m not even when I’m sober. But at least now I can take it … lol). The effects of alcohol on a young person (I’m talkin’ about the psychological effects. You know the rest …) can … no, are (whether in short or long-run) devastating!

So, IMHO, there should be NO WAY that we pander to these colleges, risking the life-and-limb of innocent drivers, children, and others … just so their school won’t have their students doin’ some “binge drinking” on their campuses (psssst … it’s gonna happen anyway, so the “new law” wouldn’t amount to a hill of beans!).

I wanna thank a special person here: Years ago, I had the pleasure of communicating with HHS Director (now University of Miami President) Donna Shalala who served under President Clinton. She’s one of the most outstanding, genuine and child-safety-oriented people that’s ever held a government post! And, God bless her, she’s refused to sign this petition! She says (and we’ve gotta admit, she’s right!)
“I remember college campuses when we had 18-year-old drinking ages, and I honestly believe we’ve made some progress. To just shift it back down to the high schools makes no sense at all.”

One more thing: Is it just me, or does anybody else see some irony here?:

We’re tryin’ oh, so hard, through TV ads and local/state regs, to get our kids to stop smoking. We say it’s “bad for their health” or “they can die from it.” But …

WHY IS DRINKING UNTOUCHABLE??

I mean, I’ve yet to see a fatal car crash, a woman beaten or killed, a child hurt … just because someone had “too much to SMOKE!” No, it’s they’ve had “too much to _____” (fill in the word)! So why not protect the kids from that??

Yes, smoking can kill you — over time. But drinking?? It can be instantaneous!

Giving the 18-year-olds the right to drink is like puttin’ a gun in their hands and askin’ ‘em not to pull the trigger! If anything, there’s a crying need to discourage that.

Let’s hope the lawmakers decide against these “special-interest” colleges …

for the kids’ sake!

Uh-huh … that’s me — first cup clears the fuzz, second one brings the buzz …
Naaaah … you know it’s a squirrel (and who says I’m not a little “squirrelly”??). But, when the furry creatures come to mind, ya automatically think of what??

NUTS!! Ya either have ‘em, eat ‘em, or are goin’ ‘em! Now, bein’ a Carolina boy, I guess the first two are pretty obvious. But what’s wrong with “goin’ nuts” on occasion? I mean, in the good sense.
Y’see, we’ve gotten so pre-occupied with the bills, ills, pills and chills of life that we forget about havin’ a few thrills every once-in-awhile!

I mean, when ya think about The Beatles, only part of your memories are about the music. Yeah, part of ‘em involves their individual personalities, but …

part of ‘em also remembers their madcap zest for life (I had both at one time, but my subscription ran out on one, and the other made my skin break out in italics oh, ye of wisdom shall know of what I speak. You’ve been down the soap aisle …).

These cats wanted to hit it big (in fact, early-on, John would yell “WHERE WE GOIN’?”, to which the others would respond, “TO THE TOP!” And, lemme tell ya, they didn’t mumble it, either!) and they did it by takin’ a lot of chances. They had an attitude that was unbeatable!
Ahhhh, but the rest of society — especially those over-30 — told ‘em againandagainandagain:

Are you NUTS??

And guess what the companion line was? Uh-huh … inevitably followed by “YOU can’t do that”! So they made it into a song.

Anyway, I said all that to say this: I recently got some email wonderin’ why I don’t write in … er, “proper” English (I reckon she means “without contractions”. Ya can’t go through anything without ‘em, ma’am! If ya have young’uns, you should know that by now …) and stop “foolin’ around” (huh?? At my age?? Who’d have me?? Oh … I get it …).
But, y’see, we don’t talk fancy when we’re with friends, right?? We want it all to exude life and happiness. Well, the purpose of any writing I do is to liven it all up a bit … make ‘em places where every person’s welcome and has fun as well as hopefully learn something! If it comes across as “nuts” or “zany”, so be it.

In fact, I’m gonna add a libbit to the zaniness:
First, here’s that vid y’all liked, called THE LEGENDS OF DOO-WOP
(by the way, you’ll never listen to Buddy Holly’s music the same way again!)

Now, for the second thing:

I’m officially openin’ my new MySpace space as well as the new Rock Relic site. See whatcha think and get back to me … if you’ve got any cool local sites you’d like me to add to the ‘Space, just lemme know.

NEEDIN’ A JOB?

Though many of us hold some kind of employment already, there are thousands of folks in our region who are lookin’ for decent, good-paying jobs. Of course, with the economy being in the shape it is, a weekly/biweekly paycheck is essential!
Now, the standard way to look, natch, is to either scour the Observer on Sunday, go through the ESC or even consider temp agencies. Otherwise, you’re just poundin’ the streets, hopin’ to run across the right one!
But there is a better way:
In a moment, I’m gonna give you a link to a site that’s so unique and precise that you’ll not only have a greater chance of landing that all-important job, but one that’s in your field … and at better pay!
Y’see, they have various “channels” in their network that can direct you to the job tailored for you! You can post a resume, find industry reports and success stories, and more! Whether it’s by skill or by city, you can find what you’re looking for — and more quickly — by clicking on the link that’ll bring you a more successful job search.
So save the shoe leather and go there today to enjoy a more productive tomorrow!

Until later, that’s gonna be it for this episode … (oh … are yer friends & neighbours a little confused by yer zaniness? Worry not: NUTS spelled backward is STUN!)

Alright, I’m gonna stick my neck out here and say that the flap over SC’s capitol building, the Rebel flag and the NAACP is totally crazy!

Yeah, I know it’s a “symbol of the South”, right??

WRONNNNNNNG!!!

It’s a symbol of separatism! It’s when eleven southern states became PO’d because the Feds were pushin’ high industrialization and (can you believe this??) freedom from oppression for all African-Americans!!

So what’d we do?? We got mad and made our own little nation (uh … inside another nation!). And the “stars and bars” was our “flag”.
We decided to fight and kill our own brothers, cousins, uncles, etc. rather than give up slavery (that’s one of the issues! Gotta face it!)!!

So we treat that flag with honor?? Man, it’s a total disgrace … a period in our history that we oughtta be ashamed of! And for every African-American, it’s rightly a symbol of the worst of oppression!
As long as that friggin’ thing flies anywhere, it’s going to be a reminder that we, at one time, were cruel!

Before I get off the subject, lemme leave ya with this cartoon:

INSURING FOR LESS

Look … we all need life insurance, no what financial shape we’re in. And, being a former insurance man myself, I can tell ya that, with rising costs of preparations, funerals and burials, it’s absolutely essential!
Now, of the different insurance packages available, the best and most affordable is the term life. Not only are the premiums easy on the wallet, but, more importantly, it’s pure insurance protection!
Of course, when looking for the right company, you can spend hours checking with different agencies, hearing about various plans, etc. and still end up a bit frustrated with your search.
Why not go with one that’ll actually put you first, stand behind what they offer, and prove they deserve the superior (A+) rating they’ve received? How about if I told you they won’t require a medical exam from anyone (just a few short questions)? Okay … let’s throw in premiums as low as $3.27 a month for adults?. And prompt, personal service!
Not bad for your peace-of-mind, huh?? Then all you have to do is click on this link for the best in term insurance.
Do it today, okay?

FINALLY … we’re back “on the air” (man, that’s the last time I write about a thunderstorm! Geez …)!!

Anyway … got a LOTTA catchin’ up to do, so let’s get to it, okay??

Didja read where, instead of renovatin’ Pineville Elementary (where this writer, his kids, his siblings … heck, everybody but his dog … went [when we old folks went, it was the old, three-story Farm Life school building]), they’re now talking about just building a new one?? They’re usin’ McClintock Elementary as a prototype, more or less.

Now, here’s what I don’t get: According to Mike Raible (planning director with CMS), it’d cost about $16 million to build a new school.
But to renovate? It only would take $13.3 million for Pineville School! Of course, that’s just last year’s figures. Gee, gang … what’s gone up over the past 12 months (hint: PRICES!!)

Seems to me that if they wanna save a cool $3.3 mil, just spruce up the school! It not only saves time (very precious in a child’s education), and money — but just plainly makes sense.

Of course, that’s just my opinion. What’s yours?

THE BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE

Y’know, with the popularity of today’s home theaters and large TV areas, it just doesn’t seem right to just sit in a stiff, average chair to watch your favorite movie anymore!
I mean, if you’re gonna put in one of those personal entertainment meccas, you oughtta really make it comfortable … and as much like your own theater as possible!
Now, if you click on the link I’m about to give you, you’ll find that it’s affordable, and you’ll have a selection of seating and other add-ons that’ll make kickin’ back and enjoying your favorite movie or TV show more than just something to relax with … it’ll become an event!
To find out more about the best in theater seating and more, just click on that link you just passed … you’ll find just what you need there, and at the best prices anywhere!

Okay … like I said, we gotta do a load of catch-up here (hmmm … come to think of it, I like that on my hot dogs as well); but we’re also gonna include some welcome changes as well. So stay tuned …

THIS IS A SPECIAL REPORT:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yup … only used the stage one time …

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

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

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

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

FROM THE HEART OF THIS OL’ ROCK RELIC:

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

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

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

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

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

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

So keep it ALIVE, okay??

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

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

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

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

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

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

SUMMERTIME and PATIOS

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

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

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

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

Then, my heart totally broke:

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

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

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

Some people still call them “dumb animals”.

To me, those are now fightin’ words.

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

Now … on to something different:

DIET PILLS THAT WORK!

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

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

The lads’ answers are in bold type:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SWINGIN’ OF A DIFFERENT TYPE

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

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

Okay … so how does that tie in with Charlotte?

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

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

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

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

SAYIN’ GOODBYE TO ACNE

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