Charlotte, NC

MARSHALL LEMMOND 1926-2008

He was more than a friend … he was a hero to me …

Years ago, when I was just a youngster, mama and daddy had their laundry dry-cleaned by a place called Domestic Laundry. We all looked forward to the truck with its white, cursive writing on the side (in my mind, I can still hear my brother calling out excitedly, Here comes the laundryman!) … but not because we were lookin’ forward to light starch and creases!
Y’see, it was the laundryman who made it such a wonderful experience!

Marshall Lemmond, who passed away this past weekend, was, to us, an actual giant! He had to stoop to get into the front door (and my brothers and I thought that was cool!), and had one of the friendliest, warmest smiles you’d ever see on any human being! He’d always have time to chat with us for a few minutes, and became a genuine friend to the entire Hinson family.

The day he became my hero was when he notices I had a new guitar and was still trying to learn my first chords. He asked to see it, then propped that long leg of his up on a stool … and really played! I was in awe of this gentle giant and the way he played (even covering the lower “E” at the third fret with his thumb to make a deep “G” chord).

He picked out a few chords, then a song … and I’ll remember to my dying day the words he told me when I said, “Man, I wish I could play that good!” He replied, as he handed the guitar back to me, “You can! Keep learning … but have fun with it! In time, you’ll learn!”
From that point on, whenever I’d hear my brother yell, “Here comes the laundryman!”, I’d grab my guitar and wait … knowing that, once again, I’d hear those wonderful tunes he could pick …

A few months ago, it was my privilege … no, blessing … to talk with my old friend again after years of separation. He told me about his cancer, and the treatments he had to receive. But, most of all, we’d reminisce about old times, my parents, God, our families … and, of course, the music. He was just as humble, low-keyed, sweet (and, Lord, only my daddy could love his wife as much as Marshall did Doris!) and gentle as he was all those years ago.
He was so proud of his children Bob and Brenda, and his grandchildren … and appreciative of all the wonderful folks whom he’d met over the years.

Today, this wonderful friend is with the One he loved more than anything … and, if they allow guitars in Heaven, he’s bound to be layin’ back on a cloud up there, serenading the Lord with some beautiful music!

When Marshall Lemmond entered the Heavenly Gates a couple of days ago, I’m sure the angels were saying, with their eyes lighting up the same way ours did when we saw that old black truck stopping at our house,

“Here Comes The Laundryman”!!
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WHY NOT FRANCHISE??

As I mentioned in an earlier post, jobs are gettin’ hard to find everywhere you go. So many people are paraphrasing an old quote from George Bernard Shaw and, not finding the job they’re looking for, proceed to make their own!
And one of the most successful ways is to consider buying a franchise. The benefits are amazing, because, though you’re goin’ into business for yourself, you’re not doing it by yourself! You’ll have a proven business strategy (used successfully by the company that’s sponsoring you), instant name recognition, fantastic supply lines, great support and so much more!
One of the fastest-growing franchises is the dollar store. You’ve probably seen a dozen or so this week already, so you know they’re successful!
If you really want to get into business for yourself — and, in doing so, beat that old wolf away from your financial door — then let me introduce you to a site that’s full of wonderful opportunities in franchising! You’re bound to find one you like as you check by industry or, if you’re female or a veteran, listings that are tailor-made for you! And you’ll also find a helpful financing link among the many helpful ones on-site!
So, for the best in franchising opportunities including the popular dollar store franchise just click on that link and find out more! You’ll be glad you did!

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!

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 …

Okay … by request of some of the Queen City’s best readers — and in tribute to my friend, mentor and inspiration, Lloyd Thaxton (1927-2008. We’ll always remember …) startin’ with this post, we’re gonna thread some musical memories in with our regular Charlotte news and views! So stay tuned … this is gonna get interestin’:

First, a two-fer: If you’ve got friends/family in England, ask ‘em this: didja know they wouldn’t play The Pretty Things’ Don’t Bring Me Down stateside back in ‘64 (thus knockin’ ‘em outta Invasion contention) because the song had “objectionable lyrics”?

Yeah, I know … the song hit the Top Ten over there, and there wasn’t anything “suggestive” in Dick Taylor’s tune, right?

Now … for you statesiders who aren’t familiar: Pretty Things’ founder, Dick Taylor came up with the band after leavin’ an earlier band … he was one of the original Rolling Stones …

And Louie Louie (remember: no comma between the two words, okay?), which was released by The Kingsmen — and also banned — in 1964, cost ‘em just 36 bucks to record, but ended up selling over 12 million copies (over and despite a lot of parental protests)!

Another banned song (ummm, are we startin’ to see a pattern here? Golly … I - I didn’t mean to!!), Leader of The Pack by the Shangri-Las (banned in a lotta markets because it “glorifies both motorcycle gangs and, to a degree, death”. Yeah. Right. Like death is somethin’ really glitzy, huh??), allegedly had a young piano player named Billy Joel. Now, co-writer Ellie Greenwich says it ain’t so, but my sources say they’ve heard differently.

Now, here’s somethin’ for all you pickers out there: Didja know the first six-string guitar was created in Spain around 400 years ago? Uh-huh … and it was called a vihuela back then. And, no, it hasn’t changed that much since then …

Hey … remember that old song Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin? (Another of the … right: banned songs! Seems that, shortly after Darin released it, a coupla guys died in knife fights, so some markets nixed it! Hmmm … wonder what the excuse is for that kinda behavior today? [Get my point?]) He recorded it … at the age of 21 … but, though still a cool tune, people’ve wondered who the hxxx that MacHeath guy is that he’s singin’ about.

Well, the song actually dates back to 1928 and a German play called The Threepenny Opera. And “Mack”, “Mackie” and “Macheath” are names for the same person (the last bein’ his ‘real’ name) — a tough criminal with no morals!

And remember the Youngbloods? Yeah … the guys who did the peace anthem (and, now, jingle for a phone company) Get Together. Well, they didn’t get together for a 1970 appearance on Johnny Carson’s show. Y’see, they complained about everything – from rehearsal time to lighting, mics, etc — even telling the director (who’d been doin’ it for two decades) what to do.

So, in Carson’s words, ‘ I told them to pack up and get the hell out of the building.’

Later that night, Johnny told the TV audience, ‘They complained about the set, the lighting, the sound, the show - everything. So we wiped their noses, told them they’d been in show business a day and a half, and sent them home.’ The studio audience applauded!

It really was for the best, btw. These one-hit wonders were usin’ the peace concept to get their records played. They thought they were big — and their uppity attitudes showed it whenever they weren’t onstage.

LOOKIN’ TO JOIN A BAND??

Well, you’ve got two chances here — one in the UK and one in Canada! For starters, if you’re good at rhythm, have a dynamite attitude and are a team player, then the popular UK band THE FOREwants to hear from you!

Now, in Canada (particularly the Windsor area), you can hook up with my cool friend (and fantastic songwriter) Brady Bayliss! This dude’s got the attitude, the desire — and the talent — to become Canada’s next superstar! And now he’s lookin’ for musicians as hungry for the Sixties sounds as much as he is. Just gimme a shout-out if you’re interested, and I’ll forward yer message on to him, okay?

COOKOUT ON THE PATIO!

With Fall bringin’ friends and family alike together in many ways (whether it’s just the crispness of the season, televised football showdowns or, of course, Thanksgiving), folks are headin’ out to their patios for fun and cookouts!
Of course, you’ll wanna make sure everything’s just right for your guests (as well as yourself) … including the best in patio furniture and accessories!
And you can find no better or more affordable place to shop for those than the folks you’ll meet in just a minute. You see, by clicking on the link I’m about to give you, you’ll find furniture sets, tables, chairs … and (this is obviously very important!) patio furniture covers to protect those chairs and tables from the weather!
Remember, guys … you don’t have too long until the next kick-off, so be sure to have the best furniture when your and your friends’ families hit the patio for that big cookout!
By clicking that link I gave ya and shopping with them, you’ll be a great success!

Normally, I would be talkin’ about the Queen City in this space.
But, tonight, this Relic feels like his guts have been torn out.

My friend … my mentor … the living legend of the “finger people” … Lloyd Thaxton … is dead.

When I got the news off the wire, it hit like a ton of bricks.  In fact, that’s why I’m late in doing this post.  It’s just too hard to believe.

He was a fave among many then-teens here in the Crown Town area back in the mid-’60s.  There were kids who crowded ’round the TV at 5 PM weekdays to watch his madcap antics as well as hear some of the best rock bands in the business:  Beau Brummels, Sonny and Cher, The Turtles, The Byrds and so many more. 

A few years ago, I had the distinct privilege of meeting my TV hero — and that meeting formed a close friendship that I’ll forever cherish.  Would that you could’ve known the man behind the madness; he was, in one word, awesome!

So, to both my Rockaholic and Crown Town readers (or both), we lost a giant on Sunday (he succumbed to multiple myeloma at the age of 81).  Our thoughts and prayers go to his wife Barbara, daughter Jennifer (who’s recovering from broken-neck surgery) and his sons.

This is short, because … well, it’s a bit sad in RelicTown tonight.  I’ll get back up to speed tomorrow.

See ya then.

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 …

“WOAH … I said the Night Time … is the Right Time … to beee wit’ th’ ONE ya LOOvvve”
Now, whoever loves the blues or rock knows that song. It was sung by artists as diverse as Ray Charles, Creedence Clearwater Revival — and even was lip-synched in a comedic sketch on The Cosby Show.

But few people outside our own Queen City know that the author of that classic — Napoleon Culp (aka Nappy Brown) was Charlotte-born-and-bred.
Nappy passed away here on Saturday at the age of 78. I’d had the honor of meeting this legend a few times over the years — he was a walkin’ encyclopedia of the blues — and have to say that his mere presence made you feel relaxed and down-home.

Nappy started his career as a gospel singer and first recorded on Savoy Records in ‘54. They liked what they heard and asked him to be one of their solo Rhythm-and-Blues artists. So, in 1955, his “Don’t Be Angry” not only made it to #2 on the R&B charts, but #25 on pop charts!, It was followed by “Pitter Patter” (hitting #10 on the R&B charts but covered by Patti Page on the pop charts), “Little By Little” (#57 R&B in 1957), “It Don’t Hurt No More” (#8 R&B, #89 pop, 1958) and “I Cried Like A Baby” (recorded in 1956, it hit #22 R&B in 1959). He left the label in 1962, and tried several comebacks, recording for other labels in 1969, 1984, 1987 — and cutting his last album in 2007.

No doubt that this man, like Wilbert Harrison, Arthur Smith and others, has provided a musical legacy that has put Charlotte on the musical map for life. He’s gonna be missed, both in the QC and the world. RIP, my friend — for all you’ve accomplished (and, at one time, giving a bit of inspiration and confidence to a nine-year-old boy from Pineville), you deserve it!

DRUG ADDICTION’S BIGGEST ENEMY

Y’know, there’s been a lotta talk in the QC about the drug menace — and the people who fall victim to it!  They need the help of trained, caring professionals to break free of its grip and continue to live happy, clean lives.
But, in getting that help, sometimes they’re faced with a one-treatment-fits-all program from therapists — and that just doesn’t work! Not only do addicts need a treatment program that fits them psychologically as well as physically; they also need caring, one-on-one help from dedicated and sincere professionals.

Now, there’s one place where they not only get the best in drug treatment but will also have the caring, one-on-one therapy they really need. But this drug treatment center isn’t only highly successful; it’s also one that’s dependable for follow-up counseling and assistance and helps in one area that’s often overlooked: counsel and instruction for families of the addict! It also helps that it’s nestled in the most beautiful, placid surroundings in the nation! (Believe me, environment — both outer and in-house — is essential to any healing process!)
So if you, or someone you know, needs help in overcoming the demons of drug addiction, just click on those links I just gave you … I highly recommend them!! Believe me, it’s the best move you could make to regaining control and happiness in life! Do it now, okay?

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?

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 …

Sounds like a country song, doesn’t it??

But what happened on South Boulevard this morning was hardly melodic: A fire engine from Company 12 was responding to a traffic accident, and an SUV collided with it just past Woodlawn Road a little after 10 AM.
Now, obviously all the details aren’t in yet, but it brings up one seriously valid and important reminder:

If you see any emergency vehicle coming toward you — and it’s runnin’ “hot” (meaning, has its lights and sirens on and heading to an emergency), pull over into the OUTSIDE lane ASAP and give em all the room they’ll need!

By law, they’ve automatically got the “right-of-way,” anyway. Now, you know to pull over to the curb when they’re comin’ up behind you, but didja know that, no matter which direction they’re coming from, at higher speeds these trucks are harder to control than smaller vehicles? And, normally, the truck’s size makes them an inch or so wider than the lane they’re in.

So, when ya see one approachin’ and its lights and sounds are goin’, play it on the safe side, okay? For you, the drivers, and the people they’re trying to help! We don’t need any more accidents …

KEEPING A-FLOAT

With the heat of summertime bearin’ down on us, and the last few weeks are ticking away before kids have to hunker down to some serious schoolwork, there’s a big rush to push in as much time as possible at the pool or beach!
Of course, the main focuses whenever we’re in the drink (be it ocean or pool) is safety and comfort. And, for decades, parent have known the value of good foam floats, lounges and the like to provide that!
Well, now, by clicking on the link I’m gonna give you, you’ll be able to get the best floats and rafts on the market … at great savings and with free shipping!
They even stock those adorable, inflatable baby floats and the popular poolside bean bags!
So, if poolside is where you wanna be, or if the seashore still beckons you, then why not click this link for the best pool floats on the market?
You’ll enjoy the savings and quality almost as much as the comfort you’ll get!

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

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

DO IT FOR YOUR FAMILY’S SAKE

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

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.

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:

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