Charlotte, NC

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 …

WE, as former flower-children, actually changed the world with our quest for equality, peace and love.  Today — forty years later, and with a world seeming to backslide into those turbulent days – the question is:  Just ’cause we’re older, have we lost our VISION?  Our TOUCH?  Or, since we have the most political and economic power now, can we do it AGAIN?
Now, this is an article I wrote last year … very seriously. It’s a bit long, very different from my normal(?) jabbering, but something that applies to everyone who was into “peace and love” of the Sixties.
Just do me a favor and think about it, okay?  We’ll get back to the writeups, reports and ramblings next issue …

The summer of 1967 was one of the most vocal and radical in the history of America. Nationally, we were embroiled in political scandals, racial injustice - and a horrible war in Vietnam.

The country was firmly divided into two separate groups - Doves, who believed the war was wrong and that our military should pull out and come home, and the Hawks, who thought we should not only be fighting in Vietnam, but maybe even take it a step farther and decimate China, who was allegedly bolstering the North’s manpower.

Here in America, though, thousands of young people, who were turned onto peace, love and inner guidance, were rising up in protests of the fighting. Some history books will say they were “doves”, while others say they were “high on drugs and Indian music.” Many of us were there, and we were simply looking at it all with logic. Is peace better than war? Love than hate? Inner guidance better than outer control?

So they began putting the pressure on Washington - from sit-ins to open-air festivals to outright marches - and, by 1969, President Nixon began feeling the pressure and reduced troop numbers. Slightly over three years later, the war was over.

In 1968, the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King resulted in widespread violence and looting - a grim climax to the years of struggle for African-American equality. Once again, young, hip whites and blacks were on the scene, united in the cause of peace. And they knew they’d have their hands full: On the one, they tried to calm nerves of both blacks and whites; on the other, they protested the inequality loudly. From the streets of LA to Pennsylvania Ave. in Washington, they took the message that Dr. King had conveyed time and again: that all people, of all races, should work together and given equal rights in this country.

The pressure eventually worked, and society slowly began to realize the importance of true, interracial brotherhood. 

More important changes were made by the protesters and marchers. The voting age was finally lowered to 18, and women were beginning to be treated as more than sex objects - they were finally being viewed as equals in the marketplace, employment field and in places of authority.

Now it’s summer of 2007. Forty years after-the-fact, we have a senseless war in Iraq. People are starving, tortured and/or murdered in the Sudanese province of Darfur. Gas prices are at an all-time high. Power and personal freedoms are being wrested from the hands of the people by an Administration they’ve learned not to trust.

Yet, the baby-boomers - this same group that so valiantly championed the cause of peace and equality forty years before, and of which I am a member - have become largely silent, seeming to stick their heads in the sand and hide from our present national and world situations in hope that they’ll go way.

What happened to the once-resonating voices of peace? Have large families, larger paychecks and the responsibility that comes with maintaining material security taken the edge off our active and vocal protest of the wolves at peace’s door? At one time, we could - and did - change the political fabric of America. Yet, today, most of the protesters of yore are content to “let it slide” or have someone else do it for them.

We were willing to put it all on the line for peace - including facing arrests and jail-time. Now, at a time when our country - our world, for that matter - needs us to speak up, we’ve become strangely silent.

We have the greatest buying power, the most political pull, and the highest demographic of any other age group in the nation. Years ago, we had longed for the day when we would have the authority - the power - to change the world. Now that we have it, though, we’re not using it. Has our spunk given in to complacency? Do we believe that, despite our values as young people, what’s happening in this world is of no consequence to us?

Again, I ask the question: What happened to the voices of peace? Have we surrendered to the establishment at long last? Are we afraid - or, worst of all, so involved with ourselves and the money-machine feeding us that we just don’t care?

It’s time for every person who was ever a “child of peace” to answer that question.

Y’know, we’re so busy shopping for last-minute presents, wrapping, partygoing and watching the upteenth broadcast of It’s A Wonderful Life (so, sue me … I can never get tired of watching it! Interesting fact: It actually debuted during the summer of 1946. It was also the only movie parodied by the late, great Beavis and Butthead!).

Nonetheless, we seem to forget about another, extremely meaningful celebration — that of Kwanzaa! Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, it stresses the importance of unity and tradition among the African-American community (and, actually, that’s a great idea across-the-board these days!). Along with emphasizing the dignity of those of African descent, it sends a strong message of peace and hope. There are seven principles (called, in Swahili, Nguzo Saba) that are so profound that, actually, I believe they should transcend the races and be practiced by everyone.

The celebration, which runs from December 26 to January 1, is the visual key to society-in-general, and Charlotte has a number of events planned to honor it. Here (courtesy the Charlotte Observer) is what’s planned:

CHARLOTTE EVENTS

• Dec. 26: Discuss the meaning and importance of Kwanzaa, and hear African drumming. 7-9 p.m. Beatties Ford Road branch library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road. 704-336-2882.
• Dec. 27: Learn about self-determination and be entertained by dancers and drummers from the McCrorey YMCA and the Second Calvary Baptist Church. 7-9 p.m. Freedom Regional Library, 1230 Alleghany Ave. 704-336-2721.
• Dec. 28: An educational evening devoted to a discussion of collective work and responsibility. 7-9 p.m. West Boulevard branch library, 2157 West Blvd. 704-336-6802.
• Dec. 30: The jazz band A Sign of the Times performs. 8 p.m. Excelsior Club, 921 Beatties Ford Road. $10. 704-334-5709.
• Jan. 1: Faith is the topic of discussion at this final event on the Kwanzaa calendar. 6-8 p.m. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 N. Myers St. Free. 704-374-1565.

Learn all you can about this amazing celebration of peace, unity and tradition … and appreciate its meaning to all of us.

Back-in-the-day, when I was just a kid hangin’ out at McCoy’s Gulf Station in Pineville, I heard out-of-towners call it Mayberry South, the Sleepiest Town In North Carolina — why, they even relocated us; due to our proximity to the state line, they’d even refer to us as Pineville, S. C. (hmph … they should be so blessed!)
Recently, though, there’s been a lot of talk about what to do with the historic downtown district of Pineville. Some, it seems, want the old buildings razed, while others want major renovations. But most (God love ‘em!) want to keep the stretch, from Polk St. to the railroad tracks, as it is — and with the same quaintness and ambience it’s had for over eighty years.
Now, I just heard from Mayor George Fowler, who’s not only a good friend of the Relic’s but also one of the best town fathers to come down the pike in years. Though the vote (according to Councilman Ken Mills) was re-slated for review in November, the Mayor says (and I quote from his email) “The action on the historic designation on the Yandell property downtown was delayed pending further plans to be presented by the Yandell group.”
My own opinion?? Well, it’s hard not to be biased when you’re brought up in the warm, small-town, easy-living atmosphere that these buildings convey. But, upon closer observation, you’ll find that Pineville’s downtown area has actually attracted more business by virtue of that atmosphere. Also, you’ve gotta realize that tearing down these landmarks to build the “modern” stuff can only mean blocking Main Street indefinitely — which will cause the town’s revenue to take a nose-dive (not to mention that of existing businesses!).
The introduction of cold “concrete and steel” structures will signal the end of personalization — a standard that Pineville’s carried for well over a century! In short, we become “just another place”. Besides, the cost of renovating existing structures will be less than razing, clearing, licensing, new construction, publicizing, etc.
Of course, the people who’ve loved Pineville’s present layout … the taxpayers who’ve supported the town for years … will be tremendously disappointed.
One more thing (and, remember: The Relic’s been all over this country and Canada since my first appearance in town 57 years ago!): If they let new suits have their way, “buy it out” and rebuild to their specs, it won’t be long before they try to oust hometowners from boards, councils, or mayorships. Trust me (I’ve seen it more times than I care to mention!) Power over one situation leads to a thirst for MORE power!
And we can’t let that happen …

If you were living in Charlotte back in the 1960s, chances are you looked forward to Saturday afternoons so you could flip your dial to Channel 3 and watch the great Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling. First hosted by “Big” Bill Ward, it presented television matches (from the WBTV studios) and had greats like George and Sandy Scott, Brute Bernard and Skull Murphy, George Becker and Johnny Weaver and, of course, the famous Great Bolos in its stable.

Every Saturday, the faithful would grab their soft drink or coffee, find a good seat on the couch and watch their favorites in televised action. Most viewers got really vocal about it, acting as though they were there in the bleachers instead of in front of their old Motorolas. Soon, they began broadcasting the show on Saturday nights, with Ward occasionally reminding us to “go to church this Sunday” before he signed off.
If a match ran “over the time limit,” the station would still fade the show and go to the “News” intro — but, before anchorman Bob Bean would finish the newscast, he gave us the result of the last match (the one that was faded).

The Mid-Atlantic era actually began to take off in the early 1970s, though, with names like Jimmy Valiant, Wahoo McDaniel, “#1″ Paul Jones, Jack Brisco … and a young upstart by the name of Ric Flair. Eventually, Ted Turner bought out the organization, transformed it into World Championship Wrestling (and moved the headquarters from Briabend Dr. here to Atlanta, Ga.) … and, as they say, the rest is history.

One of the things that made Mid-Atlantic great for so long (especially during its earliest days) was that it was family-friendly. No one had to worry about someone gigging (what we called “bleeding”) or cursing (the worst was when Big Boy Brown called his opponent a “refugee from a funeral home”). There were no bras or panties exposed on female wrestlers like Moolah or Penny Banner. And the storylines were solid. Not only that, but you had a chance to meet and greet the wrestlers personally, getting their autographs and/or pics made with them.

For years, after my short stint with Mid-Atlantic, I searched for wrestling organizations that would honor that same commitment (I mean, being family-friendly). When the WWF (now WWE) began bombarding the airways with their soap operas, more and more independent (”indie”) organizations began popping up around the country. I took an announcing stint with Championship Pro Wrestling, then one in Florida (until the promotion folded) — still looking for the same buzz that we had in Mid-Atlantic here.

Today, I commute back and forth as an announcer and publicist for Ohio Championship Wrestling based in Ashland, Kentucky. This show is the closest you can get to the old Mid-Atlantic days … in fact, some have said that all it lacks is the old MAW logo. Still, the old “glory days” are missed … and we here in Crown Town have to realize that, if we want that “family-friendly” type of show again, we’re gonna have to “make some noize” at some of the newer shows.

Of course, there are some great young “stallions” in the new Mid-Atlantic territory, and others, like my friends The Stro (formerly The Maestro with WCW) and WCW/SMW legend Bobby Blaze are proud of their Carolina Connection and the Charlotte area.
You see, they don’t all have to mimic WWE. If a promotion’s going to pattern themselves after another, why not the granddaddy of them all — because, after all, Mid-Atlantic Wrestling grew from a tiny studio gig into a tremendously popular organization … just by being family-friendly!

One of my most pleasant times when I was a teen was going to the old K-Mart™ on Archdale Drive in Charlotte (Starmount Shopping Center) every Saturday afternoon. My brothers and I had a ball at that old store … and Daddy and Mama loved the prices!
You know, the old “aroma” of that store (sort of like the old-timey dime store in Pineville) never left me; you can find something like it in the air at some of the Big Lots stores of today. Still, as they say, it’s often imitated, but never duplicated. The first “big” thing my folks bought me there (outside the required clothing) was a transistor radio like the one you see in the photo at the top (the only difference was that mine was black).
But the records were what I was interested in. A budding guitarist with sights on making my new rock act work, I dug Beatles, Del Shannon, Troggs, Kinks … anything rockin’ that had a vowel or consonant starting its name!
It was also there that I found my first girlfriend … well, for fifteen minutes, anyway (her parents had to leave, and I … well, I forgot to get her name!). My brothers found a way to completely embarrass my Dad once with a practical joke that was all good clean fun (until we got back home and realized it wasn’t funny to our backside!) And it was where I had my first “promo” picture done with co-singer Don Prasse (to the left of the old building).
The people were always friendly, the prices very courteous to Daddy’s wallet, and the choices would make Wal-Mart blush! In a day of computerized check-out lines (some “do-it-yourself”) and employees too busy to help you with even the slightest choices, a place like that — I mean, the way it was back then — is sorely missed!
Today’s stores can learn a lot from K-Mart™ of old …

SHOPPING CARTS

Of course, one of the fun part of the trip was the “clink-clank” of the old metal shopping carts. Once you filled up, you headed for the checkout and … the goodies were yours!
In today’s internet shopping, there’s still a need for shopping carts if you’re going to get a sale. Unfortunately, a lot of new web-based businesses don’t know how to include them on their sites … and leave prospective shoppers hanging, as such, with merchandise they don’t know how to finally buy!
Well, there’s a very thorough and successful way to add shopping cart software to your site! Whether you’re selling arrangements of flowers, things for your rooms, clocks that tick hours, or really nice perfumes, you can be sure of getting the sales closed with the e-commerce software from Ashop Commerce. They’ll be with you every step of the way in getting your business off-the-ground, saleswise, and your merchandise in the hands of some very happy customers!
And you’ll be pleased with the support you get from them! With the cost being budget-friendly, the service totally thorough, their software 100% reliable — and the fact that they’re integrated with major banks and, of course, PayPal for the most worry-free transactions — you’ll soon see why more and more new businesses are turning to Ashop! And here’s a BIG plus: they have that all-important SSL (secure-socket layer) protection to assure your customers that their purchase info isn’t going to be found anywhere else on the web (this, of course, is to protect your information)! So click on that link up there now … and you’ll start enjoying the benefits (and your sales!) before you know it!

In my last post, we talked about how hip-hop music has gotten a bad rap with some preconceived notions about its sound, purpose and performers.
Before we move on to this one, let’s review:

• Though many baby-boomers think of it as noise that’s turning our nation’s kids into juvies, our folks (note this is an understood collective pronoun; I’m referring to the general boomer population of the Queen City, and not to just one or two people!) thought the same thing about The Beatles.
• If you especially listen to the song Gitarzan, you’ll hear the same basic lyric pattern as used in a rap/hip-hop song — only with the wonderful silliness that became Ray Stevens’ trademark. (I’ll admit was off with Wooley’s That’s My Pa. The vocal bridge after every third line, coupled with a hilarious refrain, makes it unique and fun to listen to, but not an early “rap”)
• The musical instrumentation — from turntables to synthetic loop — is still valid in most hip-hop arrangements, and found in artists as diverse as 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Beyonce and Ludacris.
• The lyrics, at times, may seem harsh to some critics, but even those are being toned down and given a more universal slant in actions taken by many of the genre’s producers.

One thing that has to be remembered: Before passing judgement on the hip-hop phenomenon, consider that only a fraction of the hip-hop artists today advocate any kind of violence. The lion’s share of them, while letting their emotions play through their rap, are only venting what all of us feel at one time or another. Granted, the profanity should be cut back, if not removed completely. Any great performer is proficient at conveying his/her emotions (including anger) without ‘em … and still go gold with their products.

And, listen: Don’t judge the brand by the loudness you hear from car stereos! Sure, it’s noise pollution, but it’s up to the listener to turn the volume down, not the artists! In fact, if you were to take the same CD that’s blaring out of some heavy-bass-speakered car and listen to it at a sensible volume, then actually study the lyrics, storylines and emotions (beyond any profanity you hear), you’ll see that this is, in fact, music!

Now, the next thing to do is take in a live show. From concept of song to writing, rehearsing, laying tracks, more rehearsing, practicing dance/prance moves, mic arrangements, booking, promotion, travel, roadie set-ups and soundchecks, it takes a lot of time and skill to make a really good one.
On the show itself, you’ll see a lot of excitable movement across the stage, occasional audience interaction, and pure energy in each set. These make for great shows (acts like The Who, The Rolling Stones and others did the same in our day — and still do!). Nothing more; no “hidden agenda” or “riot incitement” or anything.

To close this look into the hip-hop world, remember: If you want to know something a little better, you’ve gotta study, understand and compare it before you pass judgement! The rap/hip-hop genre is here to stay — and (after almost forty years in music, including studying, teaching, performing, DJing, performing, writing and recording) I can tell you it is an indelible part of our musical heritage!

Hip–hop. Rap. To many suburbian Charlotteans, the sound of “hip-hop” music conjures up images of downtown crime and illicit drugs.
Those images, unfortunately, tarnish what (and we have to face this) is a permanent and (yes) musical part of our society.
But what, exactly, is this phenomenon all about? It’s the new “bonga-bonga” music that sends local parents into a frenzy, thinking that their kids are going to be “infected” by it and turn into juvenile delinquents.

Ummm … pardon me, but … didn’t we hear something like that from our parents, so many years ago? They tuned into WBTV that night in February of 1964 to see a group of rowdy, musical kids calling themselves beetles or something — and, they swore, following those boys would be the ruination of us all! They had surely lost us to the grasp of the devil himself!

But wait a minute. Is this really something all that new?? I mean, back-in-the-day on radio stations like WKTC and WSOC, we heard guys like Ray Stevens “rapping” in something called Gitarzan, and, before that, there was Sheb Wooley’s That’s My Pa. Okay, maybe it was pretty much a country thing — this “spoken-word song” — for awhile, but, as far as the style goes, it’s not so new after all.

So let’s move on to the old “turntable” mix. Simple, yes … but, then again, some kids in Liverpool took simple items like washboards, tea chests (they made basses from them), guitars and kazoos to play something called skiffle. CCR has the best description of that “Down On The Corner” music of any song.

And as far as the synthetic loops used to make the background (both of these styles, by the way, are found at Club Mixx and Liquid Lounge): it comes from the day when they didn’t have the money to pay for big backup, so they had to turn to what was available … and economic. Our generation would’ve done the same, had it been handy back then — ask the guys who usedta be with the Chaparrals, Paragons or even my old group, Hy-Que. However, I believe it has been overdone a bit — especially with stars who now can afford more …

Now … the lyrics. Of course, this is the sore point for most parents. When you look at what many of these singers had to go through as they were growing up (poverty, prejudice, domestic violence — even here in parts of the Queen City back in the ’60s and ’70s), you can see they needed an outlet for their emotions. Since actual thugging (criminal behavior) had serious legal consequences, they put it all in their music.

People, we can’t say it ain’t true: What’d we do in the late Sixties, with the ‘Nam, race riots, and inequality? We took it to the streets, and the Establishment would haul us into cells. So guys like Country Joe and the Fish, Electric Flag and others put this angst in their music.

Of course, like in our time, there were some that let that anger out in a hostile way beyond the stage and studios. That, however, is the exception, when you look at the performers in the genre as a whole.

The bottom line is that hip-hop’s been given a bad rap. It’s danceable thanks to the beat, meaningful due to the lyrics (of course, you’ve got to be selective here), and an important part of our musical history.

More on this in the next blog …

On Monday, Sept. 10, the Queen City lost one of its legends to the hereafter. Dr. Reginald Hawkins — whose name is synonymous with the fight for equal rights in Charlotte and beyond — died at Carolinas Medical Center-Mercy campus.

“Doc Hawkins,” as his friends knew him, was a dentist and ordained minister who lived the cause of civil rights. He was vocal about it, with the spirit of the cause animating him like an evangelist: shouting, waving his arms, prancing about the stage, and telling his message ad-lib — he knew the message he had to get out, so there was no need for notes.

He actively fought for desegregation in local schools, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, Douglas (now Charlotte International) Airport, and the YWCA with the same passion that he brought to every podium, lecturn and audience. Outspoken and bluntly “laying it on the line” at times, he made a lot of whites (and some blacks) uneasy. But he had leagues of faithful followers.

Former mayor Harvey Gantt — the first African-American mayor of Charlotte — said, “Dr. Hawkins was a real pioneer, a fearless civil rights worker. He called it as he saw it.”

His “militant” (as the Charlotte Observer called him back in the early Sixties) stance came at a cost: in November, 1965, his house was bombed (along with fellow civil rights activists Kelly Alexander, Fred Alexander and Julius Chambers), and he was the target of harassing phone calls and shots fired at his house.

But Neitsche once said, “What doesn’t kill me makes me stronger.” “Doc” Hawkins was the embodiment of that statement; he believed so strongly in what he was doing that he kept on going — in fact, the violence aimed at him only appeared to give him more strength and initiative.

In 1968, he announced his candidacy for Governor of NC. He was only 44 years old. On the day Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was brutally gunned down, he (King) was scheduled to be in NC for Hawkins’ gubernatorial campaign. And, although he was defeated both in 1968 and another attempt in 1971, he stirred the state — in fact, America, with amazing oratory:

“The establishment has discounted the poor, the black, the low-income and liberal whites. It had been divide and conquer. This is the dream I have for North Carolina: to bring us together, black and white.”
“Too long have black people sought a place at the bargaining table, only to receive the crumbs after dinner is over.”

Today, we are seeing a togetherness in Charlotte as never before … people who no longer have to “beg” for crumbs, but have a large piece of the social, economic and political pie. And it’s due, in large part, to this human dynamo who truly believed in his cause …
Asked how he would like to be remembered, Doc Hawkins gave a very simple but poignant answer:

“Having made a difference … and having the guts to have tried.“