Charlotte, NC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KEEPIN’ IT FIT AND TRIM

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

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

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 …

Gettin’ back to the Observer for a minute …

They recently printed a piece called 5 Ways To Start A Revolution that I wish everybody would take the time to download and read.
There are a coupla points they make that can really shake things up, both in your personal life as well as in the Queen City’s, if we take the time to use ‘em!

Now, maybe it won’t seem as stirring as the photo on your right, but it can be just as important personally:
For example, get out there and CHANGE SOMETHING!! 
How often do we look at what’s goin’ on around us, whether it be in Myers Park, uptown, Pineville, West Blvd. or Derita and figure “well, that’s for somebody else to handle!”
Well, guess what?  “Somebody else” is thinkin’ exactly the same thing!  And, before ya know it, you’ve got that great “Tammany Ring” cartoon in action (awww, c’mon … look it up!).  Of course, in that case, nothin’s gonna be done!
So get involved!  Whether it’s something that needs to be addressed in the city or in your private life, CHANGE SOMETHING!

The other is LIVE DANGEROUSLY.  Now, I woulda used a little better wording, like LIVE DARINGLY!!  Though they give some unusual examples, one says Get in the game!  Brother, this whole friggin’ life is a game we’ve gotta play in order to get ahead or get some movement in society.  And we can’t do it by sittin’ on the sidelines!  We’ve gotta get to town meetings, support groups, local festivals, contribute to our favorite charities, and get involved with what’s happening here! 

And when all’s said and done, and thousands of Charlotteans can breathe a sigh of accomplishment, you’re gonna see a change in this city … and in ourselves individually … that’ll make us proud …

MOVIN’ ON UP

Okay, let’s say it is “to the east side”, as the song says. Maybe you’re planning on movin’ to SC, or some town in the midwest. You’ve got all your plans made, your boxes packed; now you’ve gotta deal with rentin’ a truck, insurance, have gas money, get return points and …
WHOA! That’s not gonna be necessary!
Y’see, there’s a company that’ll not only move ya, but will save you money in the process! In fact, their gasoline charges are built into their quotes, which you can request online (I’ll give ya the link in a second).
They’ll also give you not two days (as most movers will, if ya bend their arms!) but three to pack and load (or unload, when you reach your destination).
Behind the link, you’ll also find some great tips to help you in your move … even a moving blog to help keep you updated and informed.
So, before ya start worryin’ about who’s gonna move ya, it’ll be worth your while to check out the best moving services in the nation (hey … since 1923! Need I say more??).
Do it now … and be ready for a great and completely satisfying move!

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHY NOT GO CRUISIN’?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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?

To kick off tonight’s Festival In The Park, you’re gonna see what’s undoubtedly gonna a fantastic show of youth talent!  And, honestly, you oughtta be there if you’re not hung up at work.  Here’s why:

Y’see, the Crown Town’s future lies in the hands and hearts of our children.  Now, we’ve read reports of abuse, misuse and neglect concerning the kids — but, remember:  They’re gonna lead this town — possibly this nation — someday!!  And every ounce of support we can give them now — every bit of encouragement and respect we can muster — is gonna pay off with big dividends in the future for us!

So they’re gonna show their talent in many fields: according to the Observer promo, it’ll include music, dance, juggling, comedy, drama, martial artists, puppetry, gymnastics, storytelling and more.
Hey … can you imagine us knocking of Winston-Salem as the arts capital of the state??  If these kids are half as good as I’ve been told (by parents, their kinfolk and friends), our future’s gonna be in some beautiful hands over the next decades!

But I mentioned what they’re gonna eventually become.  That being said, here’s a vid (from the old American Bandstand) of The Knickerbockers doin’ a very special tune from the Sixties.  Listen to the lyrics … and think of the children at the same time. The words were true then, and it’s true today — just with a different … Coming Generation:

Now … make a point to get to the Park and enjoy the Festival.  The children are gonna put on a great talent show … and you’ll be amazed at the artistic future we’re looking at here in the Queen City!

Now, before I begin, lemme emphasize that this is not a putdown or plug. Yep, I’m an Obama supporter … but I’ve also got a little respect here:

The reason I brought up the shot of Gov. Palin, though, is that I honestly believe the woman is being scrutinized unfairly! I mean, while there are so many issues for the candidates to face, what does the media do? Play up her family and her looks. Pictures are floating all over the Internet (and they’re “Photoshopped” — for you rookies, “made up”) of her in some provocative outfit or whatever.

But wait! Isn’t … isn’t she the governor of a state?? Hasn’t she had to face some serious issues in her tenure as either small-town mayor or head-of-state? Doesn’t she have opinions? Doesn’t she have some smarts??

Of course she does … and, as a people, we’ve gotta start looking at those qualities and forget about the rest. She’s running for Vice-President of the United States, for cryin’ out loud — not the next contestant on Project: Runway!
And we can kick this off by saying that any woman who can love and care for a family (including a small child with a disability), be a faithful, loving wife and hold a serious, mind-wracking job has the qualities to run for the office of VP!

So, whether she and McCain make it to the top or not (and, though I still believe Obama’s the wiser choice, it still comes down to numbers), we’ve gotta start showing some respect for the woman, her experience, her heart for the people, and her knowledge! Whether we’re in for a run of Vice-Presidential Sarah-ndipity or whatever, the Palin Adventure should be about those qualities alone.
Let me put it a little more bluntly: Forget the looks from head-to-toe; concentrate on what’s inside from the neck UP! You might be surprised at how keen she really is!

Leave everything else to her husband or family as it applies …

Okay … so I kinda “fudged” a little on the italics this time. But, man, when ya feel strongly about somethin’, ya just can’t sit and talk in a blamed monotone about it, right? But kudos to the guy who wrote and reminded me about ‘em.

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!

Well, the verdict’s in …
A few clicks back, I ran a sorta-controversial rant about the dangers and evils of college drinking (remember? It’s supposed to curb binge-drinkin’ in dorms??).
Natch, a lotta collegiates came to the issue’s defense (and, Charlotte, from what I read, we’ve got some extremely sharp young folks in our midst. Ya just gotta be proud). So, since my alter-ego, The Rock Relic, has an international following, I contacted a few of ‘em (to be precise: two in UK, one in Israel, two in Japan, three in Canada and one in Denmark) to find out what they thought about this. How was under-21-over-18 drinking handled in their neck-of-the-world?
EVERY ONE of these said that we’re makin’ somethin’ outta NOTHIN’ here! LOWER THE DRINKING AGE TO 18!! Give them the responsibility and they’ll live up to it!!

One of them (the reader in Denmark) said that “the biggest insult you can hand a young person is to look down your nose and tell him, ‘you’re not big enough to handle this’. For Gods sake let them show you how responsible they really are”.

So, to all you bookpeople — whether you’re a frosh or senior — the Relic/Chuck/Eagle/Whatever owes you an industrial-strength, heavy-duty apology!

Since I’m a little short on time (but BIIIIG on workload) right now, I’ll get back with you all tomorrow.

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!

Well, it’s about that time …
In just a few, I’ve — er, The Rock Relic’s — gotta head back up to the tall timbers of Kentucky for an appearance at the Ohio Championship Wrestling show.
Actually, it’s not a bad gig at all, since wrestling and rock-n-roll shows are pretty much the same: fever-pitch excitement, music, performances by some of the greats in their field, etc.
And a lot of these indie (for “independent” … ie, non-WWF or TNA) wrestlers have made their mark on the Charlotte circuit as well. In fact, former WCW star, Bobby Blaze (now OCW Commissioner) was proud to tout the Queen City as his home.

But wait … first, they had to meet the one requirement for my alter ego to appear (well, other than a little reimbursement for expenses): If you want The Rock Relic to appear at your show, you’ve GOTTA BE FAMILY-FRIENDLY!! Bottom line, and ’nuff said!
Fortunately, they are non-offensive (I know … a rarity in the “sport”, right??). But, believe me, these cats do pull the crowds each time they put up that “squared circle”!
So, given that last sentence, maybe there’s hope for pro wrestling after all!
(Oh … for you fans: The wrestler ya see in the pic up there is my friend, Damian Adams. He, as with the great Mason Raige, are the future of the sport (and two of the finest and most talented gentlemen you’d ever wanna meet!)

VESSEL SINKS

Now, for you who aren’t really sure what those are, get ready for an amazing and eclectic mix of beauty and durability! If you’re ever tired of looking at a bland sink that’s hard to clean and maintain, they you’ll want one of these beautiful stone sinks!
Built from the product of actual quarries (how much more “eco-friendly” can you get?), they’re put through rigorous inspections to be assure their durability. Each one is hand-made as well … and, as you know, if it’s meticulously hand-made, the creator is going to guarantee its quality!
Now, since you’re going straight to the source here, you’re going to spend a lot less than you would at a retailer you’d find in a phone book, etc.
Their main concern is your satisfaction … and, with the selection, the beauty, the quality and the price, these usable pieces of art will definitely satisfy!!
To find out more, just click on this link that’ll take you to the finest selection of handcrafted and affordable vessel sinks on the market!
Believe me, you’ll really be glad you did — especially when you see how it’ll adorn your home!

Well, whaddya think??
After watchin’ the RNC the past coupla nights (when the main-eventers had their say), I’m not really all that impressed with McCain’s running mate, Mrs. (Gov., whatever) Sarah Palin.

Now, don’t get me wrong; I’m all for a lady to hold a high position in the new regime, whoever gets the nod. But Gov. Palin just doesn’t fit the bill! Here’s why:

First, she’s gotten a number of her facts wrong. Now, it’d take too long to list ‘em all here, so (if you can get through all the personal BS of the writer) you can go here for them (the writer copied these from a Yahoo! News Report after Wednesday night’s convention).

Secondly, the Governor has to remember that she has a tremendous obligation comin’ up that’s gonna take more and more of her time. Y’see, her youngest (the one she kept “hidden” from her brood while she was pregnant) has Downs’ Syndrome. Now, while many kids with this condition still grow and thrive (think Chris Burke, the actor; and, of course, the superstars of the Special Olympics), they do so only with the encouragement and personal care of their parents and families! And that’s gonna take time and patience!! Kinda hard to do when you’re sittin’ behind the Prez in the White House!
Also, I’m not “sold” on this thing about her daughter. No, I’m not puttin’ her down due to her pregnancy; in fact, I admire her for taking care of herself, her unborn child and marryin’ the father! Actually, it’s that boy, Levi, who worries me. He only took down his “MySpace” page (the one that said he could whup someone’s axx [he used the real word, though] and sounded so “tough”) after this pregnancy was revealed nationally! And he didn’t look too “peaceful” or “loving” while his future mom-in-law was talkin’ (or McCain on Thursday, for that matter!).
So the Governor is gonna have a lot on her hands in the future — and, to my way of thinkin’, family comes first before anything; EVEN A VICE-PRESIDENTIAL NOD!! Amen??

Well, it’s nearin’ the 5 AM hour here, and I’ve gotta get a little bit of shut-eye before headin’ back to the boards tomorrow. So, I’ll see ya Friday evening, okay? Until then, how about givin’ me a shout-out and tellin’ me what you think about this?