Charlotte, NC

Sorry for bein’ a bit late tonight. Hadta rebuild my PC …

Now — where were we?? OHHH yeah; the debate!!

On the one hand, you had a “rookie” — on the other, a guy who’s seen the inside of Capitol Hill since 1972. Not a lotta folks were expecting much from Sarah Palin as she went toe-to-toe with Joe. For some reason, America still has a bit of sexist quality about it, and thought Biden would have a field-day against his Republican opponent.

But …

a few minor gaffes aside, I thought Mrs. Palin did an excellent job in holding her own!! But she did more than that; she added some homespun wit and comfortability! Forget about the looks for a minute; she made the debate (dare I say this?) downright enjoyable!!

Granted, it’s gonna take a lot more than that to win the election; after all, she does have an investigation hangin’ over her head back home in Alaska (the courts just denied a request by Republicans to stop their look into her alleged “abuse-of-power”). She also needs to bone up on her facts a little, and stop just okayin’ McCain’s policy. After all, she’s already at odds with John over his input about Michigan. She’s gotta tell how she feels about every issue … and make sure she knows the issues inside-and-out to give a qualified, educated answer.

Still, it was good to see Biden’s face when he realized “Hey … she’s smarter than I THOUGHT!” And he’s gotta stick with the issues today … we don’t wanna hear as much about him (heck … we can always Google® his name if we wanna learn more) as we do about gettin’ outta Iraq, how to handle the problems facing the elderly, those with no insurance, and taxes.

But they both did moderately well, concerning it was their first televised debate.

So, what did you think??  Lemme know …

Man, wouldn’t ya know it??  As I was startin’ to get this (and my other writes) together, the PC went down again! 
Soooo, these are gonna be a little short ’til tomorrow — at least until I get that modem workin’ (geez … how, oh how did we ever live without this marvel called “computer”?).

Anyway … we’ve got that debate comin’ up in a few hours, and I’ve gotta get in my two-cents’ worth (hey … don’t knock it; it’s all I have left after goin’ to Office Depot for new software!):

First, lemme say that — as it looks right now – yes, I’m votin’ for Obama this November (ya can’t tell what’ll come out or up between now and then, natch …).  But, as far as tonight goes …

I hope Sarah Palin kicks Joe Biden’s AXX!!  Y’see, it seems the media world (and, thus, the people who believe them) have placed her into three sexist categories:  (1) the “little, ignorant housewife who doesn’t know anything real politicians do”, (2) the “hockey mom who didn’t raise her daughter right” or (3) “sexy, alluring, former cheerleader.”   

And it’s all … well, ya know that stuff that bulls do when they have to go to the bathroom?  Yeah … now ya got it!

So, by utilizing her existing knowledge (and she does have that!) and the training she’s gettin’ for tonight’s gabfest, I’m hopin’ she’ll do such a good job that it’ll leave egg on every face that’s put the lady down.
Granted (and especially if she touts the Republican standard), she’ll be pushin’ the wrong agenda, but … just this once … I’d like to see Joe stutter and hem-and-haw in awe of this woman …

More later. Now I’m goin’ back to workin’ on my PC …

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?

As you probably noticed in today’s Observer, Charlie Adams (head of North Carolina High School Athletics Association — or NCHSAA if ya don’t like a mouthful of words) has recommended that their board of directors make lacrosse a sanctioned school-wide sport for the ‘09-10 academic year.

Hey … why not??  It’s popular around the world, and has a tremendous history dating back to the Native Americans in the 18th Century (at least)! And, quite frankly, it’s not any more dangerous than football or soccer … in fact, it gives the players a workout that other sports don’t give them!

Now, some schools do have lacrosse clubs, but they’re not sanctioned by the NCHSAA … if they were, they’d have more assistance and provision by the Association.  It can be handled in much the same manner as the sanctioning of soccer or any other ball game, for that matter.  All it takes for the Association to sanction is to have an open mind, realize that this is a tremendous exercise for the kids, and has great educational value if you look into its history ( for example, didja know that Native American tribes like the Choctaws would use the sport to determine its best warriors?).You can learn more about the game and its history by going to its Wikipedia page.

GETTIN’ THE WORD OUT 

Face it … we all like to brag a little. right?  Whether it’s about our company, who we’re voting for, our favorite bands or whatever, we wanna get the word out there for others to know about.
It’s called “publicity” — and there’ve been many  ways of providing it.
But the best is still the promotional items, where your/your company/concerns’ name or logo is printed on various items for sale or handout.  Everything from successful business to elections have been built by this method over the years.
And there’s one spot that delights in providing you the greatest selection of promotional merchandise, and can imprint your logo or name on anything!  They not only have the lowest prices for this selection (a salesperson dreams of finding a place like this!) but also will even beat any competitor’s price!
In fact, they’ll even help you create the promotional look you need! 
And I can’t think of even one place in the Yellow Pages that’ll do that!!

Listen … with the new school year upon us (and who wouldn’t wanna brag about their kid, their class or their team?), an election coming up and holidays right after that, it’s a great idea to show your support with great promotional products. Just click on that link I just gave you — and get ready to show your pride to the world!

What’d I tell ya??
Remember a few posts back, when I talked about bein’ ready for hurricanes (what a lady in South Boulevard’s Radio Shack said should be re-named Worri-canes, ’cause though we’re in-land the news can still worry the socks off ya!)??

Well, it looks like the Gulf and East Coasts are gettin’ plastered by ‘em this season — and more’s on the way! Fortunately, none have done nearly the damage of a Katrina or Rita — but that doesn’t mean they won’t!
And, though Crown Town is blessed by being where it is, we all know we can still get a feel of the fury (remember Hugo almost two decades ago?).

So it makes sense to go ahead and get non-perishable supplies, blankets, batteries, etc., now, just in case one of these blowhards does happen to gain enough oomph! to graze us! And don’t forget that, should “the call” come in over the TV or radio news, you’ll wanna get your tank filled up; sometimes, when the power goes out, the convenience stores are stuck with inoperational gas pumps!

The big question, natch, is will another big one hit us?? It’s not likely right now … but, since ya never can be totally sure, it’s best to be ready, just in case!

Besides, what’s the store gonna do with all that Spam sittin’ on their shelves, anyway? I mean, we don’t buy it normally …

SOMETHING TO DIE(T) FOR

Y’know, there are a lot of diet programs and regimens on the market these days (and for good cause, since so many Americans are overweight now. Don’t believe me? Google™ the topic, then!). Some work, some don’t — and folks don’t have a lot of time to go by trial-and-error with these.
Besides, finding the right diet supplement can be time-consuming, anyhow; you have to drive from store-to-store, check out a zillion choices with (maybe) the help of an overworked clerk, stand in long lines to pay for the sometimes-overpriced item.
But there is an easier way!
First, just click on the link I’m about to give you. Then, check out their reviews of the top dietary supplements. Find the one that’ll suit you (you’ll also be able to find out more about individual fat-burners and other supplements on the left side of the page, as well as customer feedback at the bottom of it!).

Once you’re satisfied, just follow the link they provide for the best internet price –and, believe me, you will save money!
So, to help you make the best choice of diet pills, just click the link you just passed! Before ya know it, the diet supplement you want will be in your hands … and you’ll be on your way to a slimmer and fitter YOU!

For awhile now, I’ve been gettin’ e-mails from around the nation and California about our little neck-of-the-woods — as well as about this site and its writer.
And now’s the time to answer ‘em — and I’ll do it in three special posts two that’ll be included next month along with the regular ones, and one that we’re gonna do right now!
Now, I’m gonna do this in the same way I did with THE FORE INTERVIEW: The questions are gonna be written here just as I received ‘em. They’ll be in the italic print, with my answers in bold:

“Why would anyone want to move to Charlotte anyway? It’s like every other big city.”

Man, you’ve gotta be kidding! Why would people wanna move here? Well, let’s see: better living conditions, more available opportunity (notice I didn’t say “jobs”. There’s a BIG difference!), friendlier hometown people, and the best education a kid could possibly get!
And “like every other big city”?? Lemme tell ya a little secret: We were the FIRST to proclaim independence from Britain back on May 20, 1775 — almost a full year before the Declaration of Independence was signed!
“… like every other big city”?? Read the next question …

“What’s in Charlotte that other cities don’t have?”

Hmmm … have ya ever had Lance crackers (you know … those little six-cracker cellophane packs)? Or shopped at Family Dollar? Or do ya bank with Bank of America? Sure, other cities have those, but we’ve got the headquarters of ‘em all!
Or how about some of the best pet care in the nation? One of the largest number of churches per capita? And Pineville’s known as one of the antique capitals of the nation!

“I have a friend who’s been to Charlotte. He says it’s to (sic) rushied (sic — I assume he means “rushed”). How can u live in a place like that?”

First, I’ve chatted with you before, on one of my other blogs, so I know you’re from a small town in Missouri. You’re not used to a fast-paced, progressive citizenry. That’s not knocking your neck-of-the-woods (I personally enjoy the “laid-back” style), but, y’see, Charlotteans are busy going somewhere with their progress! And they’re determined to get to where they’re going!
We have our peaceful, laid-back times, too (just check out Freedom Park, the neighborhoods around The Plaza, Matthews and Pineville for proof).

Now, I’ve got more of these questions comin’ up in September, so stay tuned …

COFFEE TALK IS BACK!!!

Yep … the column that I wrote for The Pineville Pioneer, Pineville Pilot, SouthEast Charlotte News and read weekly in three other area newspapers from 1986-’93 is back … and on the web with new editions every day of the week!
The only differences are that (1) it’s no longer “hard-copy” and (2) it now takes on a national scope!
BTW, the first major ish gives a nod to Pineville, where it all began. Now, you can find (and bookmark) it at Coffeetalk.today.com, and you’re all invited!
Matter of fact, why not leave yer comments and ideas on it? What I wanna do is use your thoughts and concerns as topics as we go along. (And, yes, for this, I’m pullin’ out my old Eagle get-up!!)
So, as I usedta say in the intro of the old column, “C’mon in … the doors always open!”

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 …

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?

Every once-in-awhile, I’m still asked what the most magical moment was in this musical Reliclife …
So, for that, let me share this article I wrote for Home Highlight. You’ll know, by the end of it, why it was so magical for me:

Years ago, when I was just barely into my teens, my dad came home from work carrying a battered, old guitar. He knew I wanted to learn to play one - I’d seen folk groups, country acts -even some new group called “The Beatles” playing them, and it
looked like so much fun. In fact, while these performers were on TV, I’d watch carefully for the close-up shots, and (using a baseball bat as a “guitar”) I’d mimic their fingering, position of the
chords and timing.

When he gave me the acoustic guitar, I sat down and, propping it up on my knee, began to position my fingers on the neck, just as I had seen the performers do. Certainly, I was going to be the next Elvis.

But he did something that I’ll remember to my dying day: He took a big, calloused hand, put it over the fingerboard and stopped me from playing! Then he said,

“Son, wait a minute. Let me tell you a little story.
You see, Life’s a lot like that old guitar you’ve got, especially when it’s time to pay your dues. And, just like the sounds you can make on that guitar, the onesyou make in life is entirely up to you. We can’t stop you from framming away at it like an off-tune madman any more than we can stop you from playing beautiful music.

When you get to be an adult, it’s going to be the same thing when you’re ‘out there’ in the real world. Nobody can stop you; it’s your choice as to what type of ‘music’ you give them.
Now, you see those strings, and how you’re holding them down with your fingertips? Each note is meant to create harmony with each other. That’s your goal in life, son … learn to place each thing you do …each step you take … so it’ll be in harmony with mankind. Otherwise, just like with the guitar, you’re gonna make such a noise that nobody’ll want to hear you.”

I listened intently; this was good stuff! Then he continued,

“And, by and by, you’ll learn how to sing with that guitar - maybe even write a few tunes yourself.
When you do, remember that a simple tune does better when the words are from the heart. Make them easy for people to learn … to keep in their mind. And you’re painting a picture with each one. Son, remember to do the same thing in your everyday doings, and you’ll make friends and be happier than you ever thought.

Now … let’s hear you play …”

Does that answer your questions? God Bless the memory of Eola Hinson … my dad … my mentor …

NOTEBOOKS AREN’T JUST CARDBOARD AND PAPER

Nope … they’re computers that you can take with ya when you’re on the road, need more room or whatever. Not only are they easy-to-manage, but their power and capabilities can surprise you … if you get the right one!

Of course, these can be found just about everywhere these days … but it requires lookin’ all over creation, spending loads of time you don’t have and gas ya don’t wanna use up — just to be frustrated often with the results!
Now, there’s only one place I’ve found that’ll get you exactly what you want, at the price you want … and save you from all that other nonsense … and you can find your new, quality notebook computer just by clicking the link you just saw.
Believe me, with so much goin’ on over the next few months (from summer vacations to Christmas holidays), you’re gonna want the best … and save cash to boot! So go ahead, click the link, and get it today!

“MOM! THE LAUNDRYMAN’S HERE!”

And, with that excited shout-out from my little brother, Steve, the front door opened and in walked this tall, lanky young man with a shock of black hair and warm smile on his face. Sure, Marshall Lemmond had come to pick up our dry-cleaning for Domestic Laundry — but, more importantly, he’d come as our friend.
Back during those days of sunnier skies, simpler times and youthful exuberance, I don’t believe a person was more welcome in the Hinson household than the “laundry man.” His sense of humor, his humility and warmth made every visit a time we all enjoyed.

But he wasn’t just a tall man who picked up laundry and chatted awhile (he was also the tallest person I’d ever seen to that point, having to “stoop” a little to get through our doorway); he was also the man I’ll forever thank for teaching me a bit about the guitar … and opening the door to a lifelong interest in music! From watching him pick up that old Sears Silvertone of mine and showing me different chords, I wanted to learn more about the six-string wonder of the acoustic.

He, his loving wife Doris, and my parents cemented a friendship that lasted for years. Later on — as I progressed into my later teen years and began some wonderful times with some of my peers from Garinger High (man, I wish what happened to them all! Hope they’re all well …) — I also visited his house on Florida Avenue. The man was someone whose warmth and easy-going nature was cherished.

Well, I said all that to say this: A few days ago, I received an email from his son, Bob, who’d happened across this site and read an earlier reference to him. He told me a bit about what his dad was up to these days (we’d lost contact back in the late Sixties) … and, thanks to his sharing Mr. L’s number, I was honored and blessed to renew our friendship after over 41 years!. We talked over old times, regaled each other with family memories, and (of course) even talked a bit about music. Honestly, it was the highlight of the year for me!!

He and wife Doris have moved to Indian Trail now. Though, obviously, many years have passed, he sounds just the same as I remember him! And (thanks to Bob again, who shared a fairly recent photo of his parents), though the hair has become whiter, the same welcome smiles, warm eyes — and certainly the love of each other — beam as brilliantly today as it did back in 1967!

Now, for all you who remember Mr. Lemmond and Doris, let me ask ya to hold your spot right here (I don’t think the page is gonna run away!), bow your heads a bit and say a quick prayer for both of them! You see, they’ve fought some tremendous health battles over the years, and Doris is up for heart surgery. These two saintly people deserve the community praying for their wellness and recoveries … they’ve touched our lives with theirs, so let’s touch the ears of the Almighty with prayers for them okay? Mr. Lemmond, you touched our family (and my life) in so many wonderful ways …

Oh … and you always brought the laundry back just right! God bless you, my friend …

GOT A HOME THEATER?

Y’know, we’ve come a long way from the days of Naugahyde chairs pulled close to the old black-and-white Motorola. I mean, we’ve got color, high-def, stereo, quad, and other nifty doodads on the wide-screen, flat-screen or other-screen sets. In music, we no longer have the free-standing record player (although those are starting to make a comeback!), but small stereo systems with big sounds!
Most people have what’s called a home theater these days which organizes the whole shebang into a nice, neat entertainment area. The only challenge, then, is to find something that’ll replace the old chairs scattered around the room with some comfortable, uniform seating that allow everyone to enjoy those home theaters to the max!
The best place to find that seating (and also some fantastic sconces that’ll give your home theater a really classy look!) is also the one where you’ll get the best prices, great selection and hacker-safe shopping from where you are right now! These loungers or authentic theater seats are also shipped to your home fast!
To find out more about their selection, prices and more, just click on this link that’ll take you to the best home theater sconces and more!
Believe me, it’ll change the way you look at television … listen to music … or just relaxing with your friends! Check it out now, okay? You’ll be glad ya did!!

/>Y’know, it’s really a shame to see the old museum at Tweetsie Railroad go up in smoke …

I mean, for years, we heard Fred Kirby talk about it on his Little Rascals show … saw it in so many TV and radio commercials … and visited and revisited this fantastic journey into time (hey … remember the shoot-outs? Tremendous …). It was just as much a part of Charlotte as it was Blowing Rock, right??

Fortunately, the park’s still gonna open (old Tweet itself is gonna be runnin’ full steam, I hear …) on May 2, and they’ll start building a new structure there soon!
Still, it’s a shame; the building was the oldest in the park. They say it was either an electrical problem outright, or one caused by lightning.

LUGG(AGE)ING IT AROUND IN STYLE!

One of the most popular styles of luggage today are those made of aluminum; you’ll see travelers with ‘em in airports, on Amtraks … even in tiny towns like Hollywood!
They’re a lot more durable, easier to manage and clean! And, by far, the best of these is the Rimowa brand, because you not only get the finest and studiest craftsmanship, but also the highest-quality materials! (And you’ll love their styles … especially if you dig music as much as The Relic: Salsa, Tango, Samba and Limbo, for example.)
Now, the best place to get these classy-but-durable beauties is right there, at the tip of your mouse! Just point it to this link that’ll take you to the finest in Rimowa luggage, then click on it to find the best styles, prices and more!
Remember … vacation’s not that far away, and you’ll want the best luggage to take with you! So click that link today!

Hey … remember the days of the old “insurance man”, and how he/she would knock on your door to collect your monthly premium or sell ya extra coverage?
Yep … I was one of those back-in-the-day, and that pic to your left was what I saw the most of after my manager, Jim Atkinson, cut us loose on Monday morning — miles of blacktop, gettin’ to my next client.

But, y’know, it was a great way to find out about people — not only how they lived but, more so, their character! There are so many stories I could tell ya about debit 61 on the south and west sides of town … but the best one I can share is that I got to know the people! And it was an exhilarating experience! To this day, I’m stopped by some of my clients who remember “the dog that wanted to drive” or “the decoy Great Dane” (someone had him on her porch, just to scare off salesmen like me. Only, “him” was an “it” … fake as a three-dollar bill [but very lifelike]).

Sometimes we haveta look at the “good old days” and the way we did things then to get a handle on how to work with people now, though. The basic rule is the same today as it was in 1977: communication! We learned (thanx to Pilot Life) how to “see things through the client’s eyes … feel the need of the client”. It’s the key to any business, and can “make or break” both client and sales/businessperson.
And, as individuals, we oughtta do that through every person we speak with. Just substitute “client” for “person,” and we’ll see ourselves communicating like never before. Remember: through communication comes a bond that can only make us stronger …

LIFE INSURANCE TODAY

Some folks still ask me where the best deal is for life insurance. Of course, there are a lot of companies you can visit, and even then it can be “touch-and-go:” The coverage they offer might not be exactly what you’re lookin’ for; the premiums might be a bit high; the salesman might try to add other policies with it. Besides, you’ll be using a lot of gas going from one company to the other.
Well, now you can breathe a little easier, because eFinancial.com lets you choose the best company for your needs and budget! You’ll find the top companies in the nation at your fingertips, including MetLife, Fidelity Life, AIG and many others!
You can compare life insurance costs right from the comfort of your own computer chair!, and get free, online quotes. You can select term life insurance (always popular, especially if you’re on a “budget”) without having to take a medical exam or see your doctor. And, with approval, you can get same-day coverage!
So for the best quotes on affordable life insurance, just click the link you just passed. Save yourself time, gas, hassle … and money, and get the coverage you need today!

Man, they don’t make ‘em like they usedta: Years ago, after playin’ along with rock-n-roll records with an “imaginary” guitar (I actually used a baseball bat, and tried to learn to finger-position chords on its neck), Daddy came home (well, it was either that or the cat! Mama was usin’ the broom!) with an old Kent guitar that a customer had given him. Finally, I thought, I can learn to really play! I was only 25 (actually, 13 … but I wanted ya to read this).
Anyway … that Christmas, with the guitar laying on the couch, my brothers and I started some good-natured ‘rasslin’ — and I was tossed on top of it. And, friends, nothing beats the thrill of havin’ three old, steel strings snappin’ and stickin’ into your hind-end …
So, a few days later, Dad took us to Sears, uptown. Now, for us Pinevillites who were used to the dime store and maybe K-Mart® if we were good, Sears was like shopping paradise. I immediately broke away from Daddy and my brothers and took off for the guitar section.
Now, back then, they had serious electric guitars. For the most part, ya had to have some muscle to hoist one of those rascals up to playin’ level (well, at 13 ya did, anyway!). They were what we call “solid-body” … which I wasn’t back then! Dad had his eye on an acoustic model … a store-brand Silvertone with classic (nylon and steel) strings. Of course, I wanted one of those sparkly-looking electrics — so he bought the acoustic for me.
For months, the guitar and I were inseparable (okay … except for bathroom breaks!). I learned chords, picking terando style (for the uninitiated, that means like Chet Atkins) and every rock record I had. Within a year, I’d started my first “band”.
And Sears had a lifelong customer. Whether it was for clothing, school supplies or to pick up girls, I went there! (c’mon — I was just kiddin’ about pickin’ up girls. Shoot … I rarely picked up my socks, so how good would I have been with girls?)
Now, the rest of the story’s strange-but-true:
In 1969 (after gradding from South Meck), I took my very first trip to Ashland, Kentucky (where I now do TV commentary for monthly wrestling events). Of course, with me went Lucy (named in honor of BB King’s guitar. Well, that and the fact no one would steal a guitar from someone who named theirs!). But, as luck would have it, I ran outta money and had to sell my now-kinda-worn stringy friend (no, Bultmann, not you! You came around later!). Only got eighty-five bucks for it!
In 1996 — after years of Stratocasters, Yamahas and one nightmare called Ovation — I re-visited, guitar-less, to promote a rockumentary I’d done. Out of curiosity, I visited a local pawn shop there. Thumbing through the guitars on their wall, I noticed one that was … well, kinda … familiar!
Yep. My old Silvertone! A little shop-worn and ragged, but it was mine! Or, at least was … so I bought it back. Three months later, it broke its neck in a tragic fall from a Greyhound’s freight area.
But the one thing that stuck out in my mind for all those years was the fact that I bought it from the old Sears uptown. Seemed like everything that store sold was complete quality. Today, I go to some of the “newer” ones (whether at one of our malls or on the road) to shop … but it just isn’t the same. I mean, their customer service is excellent, and so is their merchandise. but that old Sears on N. Tryon Street was nothing less than purchasing perfection for me.

So, today, as The Rock Relic, I have to thank the fine folks, service and prices at that old Sears for jumpstartin’ this rock-n-roll heart of mine. If it hadn’t been for that guitar they sold me (and my Dad’s insistence on my getting it), I probably would’ve ended up as a pro dishwasher or a Republican …