Charlotte, NC

Since we’re comin’ down toward the end of the year, why not leave it with some good news for a change? Ya with me?
Great. Well, here’s the first installment:

It happened just before Christmas: Searchers had combed the brutal backcountry of rural Ontario, Canada for the housewife from the city of Hamilton, who had left her home three days earlier in the middle of a blizzard to grocery shop.

With his search-and-rescue dog Ace, Ray Lau tramped through the thick, ice-covered brush of a farmer’s field that Monday, not far from where Donna Molnar’s van had been found a day earlier.

He kept thinking: Negative-20 winds? This is a search for a body!

“Then, oh, all of a sudden, Ace bolted off,” Lau said. “He stooped and looked down at the snow and just barked, barked, barked.” Lau rushed to his Dutch shepherd’s side.

“There she was, there was Donna, her face was almost totally covered except for one eye staring back at me!” he said. “There was a thousand thoughts going through my head. It was over the top.”

With one ungloved hand near her neck, Molnar, 55, mumbled and tried to scream as Lau yelled to other rescuers. Dressed in a leather coat, sweater, slacks and winter boots, Molnar was carefully pulled from a 3-foot-deep mound of snow that had apparently helped to insulate her.

Then, rescuers got their second shock.

“She was lucid, and said, ‘Wow. I’ve been here a long time!’ and then she apologized and said, ‘I just wanted to take a walk, I’m sorry to have caused you any trouble,’ “ said Staff Sgt. Mark Cox of the Hamilton Police Department, one of the leaders in the hunt. “And we’re all thinking this is incredible, this is really something. I’ve been doing search and rescue for seven years, and this is the wildest case I’ve had in finding someone alive,” he said.

She was rushed to a hospital and immediately sedated to begin the agonizing steps of hypothermia treatment.

“I think the snow must have worked to trap her body heat, and that’s what really saved her,” Cox said. “This really speaks to what’s possible.”

David Molnar is understandably calling his wife’s survival his “Christmas miracle.” Especially …

especially when her body temp at extraction was only thirty degrees!!!

He wasn’t able to speak with her immediately after she was taken to the hospital. But while she was under sedation, he leaned over her and whispered in her ear, “Welcome back, I love you.”

“My wife, you know, doesn’t pump iron. She is strong physically and spiritually,” he said. “When people say to me how do I explain how she survived, I said I believe God reached down and cradled her until the rescuers could find her, because there’s no rational explanation.”

In addition to hypothermia, Donna Molnar is being treated for severe frostbite, and her recovery will take months.

Now … who says that visits from angels, Christ, and miracles don’t exist? (I’m referring to the infant in Presbyterian Hospital whom I wrote about a few posts ago).

GOTTA STAND FOR TV

Have you ever gotten a cool-looking LCD TV, with clear screen and great sound and set it on some kind of stand — just to have it collapse on ya? (This happened to a friend of mine this past Christmas!)
Well, you won’t have to worry about that anymore — especially if you click on the link I’m about to give you!
You see, not only do they have a fantastic assortment of stands, but also TV lifts for the foot of your bed, so you can watch in maximum comfort; they also have other lift mechanisms, cabinets and more!
They even have measurement guides, in-home delivery, great prices and a superb guarantee!
Now, with the weather gettin’ a colder and (as of now) snow or rain pelting everybody, it seems, it only makes sense to visit the folks who can provide you with the best tv stand you could ever hope for! You’ll be amazed at what you see!!

Well, it looks like I’m gonna be losin’ a coupla friends in a few weeks, as Norma and Gene (real names) are gonna be headin’ out west to their “winter” home in Las Vegas.
Huh?? Wellllll, maybe a little jealous, ’cause there’s so much to do and see there! But, then again, I’m perfectly happy bein’ a full-fledged Crown Towner …

I’ve been to Atlantic City East (awww, it’s a runnin’ gag with Easterners) and can tell ya that, on any given occasion, you’ll run across more than a few locals there. For example, take in a Tom Jones concert, and I can almost guarantee at least one or two Charlotteans in the audience!

One more thing, though: When each one of ‘em leaves the casinos, the hotels, the theatres and performances to catch the next flight here, they always seem happier to be back. Awwww, you know why, don’tcha? ‘Cause we’ve got the best of everything, right here in our own backyard!

(sigh!) But Norma and Gene are thinkin’ about stayin’ there (actually, on the outskirts of town. A little place called Henderson) … and we all wish ‘em the best, should they decide to do so.

THEY’LL NEED INSURANCE, THOUGH

One thing that Norma and Gene’ll wanna know if they’re gonna move is that the state of Nevada is gonna require some good insurance on their vehicles.
Now, as you know, shoppin’ around for good auto insurance can take time and money, especially if you’re in a new location like Henderson or Vegas. So it’s best to go to this link I’m about to share with you and do some good comparison shopping for the best quotes. Just fill out the online form, and you’ll get up to four rates from fifteen different insurance companies.
It’ll also provide ya with the info you’ll need to apply (remember, there’s no obligation to any of them, though), and even a useful .PDF-formatted document consumer’s guide to Nevada auto insurance (it’ll tell ya all you need to know about it!).
So, for Norma and Gene (and anyone out there in the viewer area who’s living in or planning to move to Nevada, it’ll do you well to click on Nevada auto insurance to find the rates and coverage that’ll suit you!
And to the Stephens’, we wish a safe and happy trip and (though we’d hate to see you go), a safe move!

With our veterans being honored here at home, around the country and world, yesterday, I just felt the need to reflect a bit. (NOTE: AN IMPORTANT REQUEST FOLLOWS THIS POST. READ IT CAREFULLY, AND, IF YOU AGREE, LET’S ACT ON IT!)

Y’see, I came from a family of vets (including my sons, Tim and Mike; even I’m a veteran!). Three different wars (WW II, Vietnam, Iraq). And there’s something that deeply impresses me and, though I’m definitely against this damned war, makes me so proud of each and every one of these men and women, no matter which forces they serve:

They were, once, just bagboys, busboys or just kids gettin’ their kicks from revved-up engines, pretty girls or the latest video game on the Internet. Others were already married, but having a hard time gettin’ their finances, feelings and other things in order to transition from “single” to “married”. Still others were irresponsible, opting for Dad or Mom to carry them when they could’ve been out working and helping. Many times, they were just plain disrespectful of anybody who wasn’t their “bud”.

Then … they enlisted. They made it through boot camp. AIT. Then … to the quartermaster to gear up for an overseas tour in a war-embattled area …

And they came back …

They’re now well-mannered and disciplined heroes. Oh, they still love revved-up engines, pretty girls or the latest video game on the Internet — but they know they have their place. There are other things that have priority. And as far as the girls? They’ve learned respect. Others were already married when they left, but, upon returning, they have a tremendous love for their wives/husbands and/or children. They’re intent on working out any challenge they have in order to have a happy family life.
They’ve become responsible, not wanting Dad or Mom to carry them. You see, they learned the worth of hard work and discipline. And, today, they’ve learned to respect every person, regardless of race, creed, sex, color, age or religion.

And get this: They’ll be our city, town, county, state and Federal leaders one day!! And, from what I’ve been able to see and experience, we’re gonna be in great hands in the future!

So, veterans, this Relic bows his head and thanks God for each of you … no matter where or which war you served … YOU ARE OUR HEROES!

SPECIAL REQUEST: It’s really a shame that our young people can go over to foreign soil and fight, showing the ultimate devotion to this country …
YET CAN’T EVEN GO INTO A STORE AND BUY A SINGLE BEER WHEN THEY GET BACK … BECAUSE THEY’RE NOT 21!

Whatcha think, people? Charlotte Observer staff who reads this? TV anchors who read this? Can we effect a change?? For our heroes??
Write every Mayor, Congressman, Governor, etc that you can think of!
Forty years ago, we started a protest to give 18-year-olds the right to vote! We’ve still got it in us to help out now!
(and, yes, I’ve already mailed my letters … and sent emails … where are yours?)

MORE ON DIET SUPPLEMENTS

In my travels around the states and Canada, I’ve run across so many people who want to lose weight … and that’s good! But … there are loads of products that make promises and tell you absolutely nothing about their high-priced “pills”.
That’s not good, obviously; you’ll want a business that’ll not only provide you the best choices at the lowest prices, but will actually explain the “whats”, “whys”, “side effects” of their products, and much more! That way, you can make an intelligent decision!
And, listen … as you’ll see when you click on the link I’m about to give you, you’ll get just that! If fact, there are quite a few celebrities who endorse these specific pills (like Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey and Angelina Jolie)!
Now, like I said, it only takes a click of this link to take you to the best in weight loss pills. You’ll appreciate their products, their information — and their prices! So why not click there now, okay?

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!

Man, I said I wasn’t gonna do it again, but …

Yep … headin’ back to hill country to do some damage … er, work … with Ohio Championship Wrestling.
But, this time, it’s gonna be just a leeeeeetle different.
I’m goin’ into the event in-character. Right: The Rock Relic is gonna be workin’ the crowd this time.

Y’know, I’ve heard a lotta readers who (when I wrote earlier posts about my travels to Kentucky) really read me the riot act about the “silliness” of this so-called “sport”.
But, to those and any other nay-sayer of the shows, let me point out a coupla-three things, okay?

• First, professional wrestling is a physical contest; it’s just wrapped in an “entertainment” format. Whether the matches are “scripted” or not is actually a moot point; the fact is that they do work, sweat and strain to make it all look as real — and give the fans their money’s worth. It’s very physical.



• And there’s not much difference between a good “family-friendly” wrestling card (where there’s no obscene or offensive junk) and the rock concerts of the Sixties! If you want proof of that, just visit The Rock Relic’s post on rock and wrestling.
• But you’ve also gotta look at the fact that, honestly, pro wrestling mirrors reality! Uh-huh … because, y’see, we’re all wantin’ to put on the best show possible to please our particular “crowd” (remember “gets along well with others” on yer report card??). For some, it means taking on a different (though staged) personality (wait. You mean you’ve been watchin’ the political race and haven’t caught on to that??? lol).
  The only difference is that, in reality, life is the ring, and our opponents are whatever we’re up against on a daily basis. The hard part is that we don’t have the option of going to a room and working out who’s gonna win or lose! And our “matches” are genuine!

Still, it’s gonna be a fun gig. I know many of the wrestlers on the card (including a fantastic young superstar [and former high school English teacher!], Mason Raige [see pic at top]) … and a few of the fans.
Besides, I need a break …

Memorial Day. To many, it’s a “day off from work.” But to the countless thousands who’ve lost loved ones in service to our country, it’s a sacred holiday, an honorable tradition.
There are so many men and women here in the MeckCo area who’ve served — and made it back home alive. But within them lie memories of their buddies who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. To them, we pay a special respect, knowing that, in fact, part of them died on the day their buddies did.

One special Memorial Day celebration stands out in The Relic mind, though.

It was May, 1989. Daddy had just picked me and my son, Mike, up from K-Mart in Starmount Shopping Center, and was heading home to ready for the Memorial Day ceremony at the Pineville Cemetery (he was Commander of VFW Post 9091 in town). About thirty minutes before he was to go — though he was dressed in his uniform — he reached over to tie his low-quarters. He stayed there, bent over, for a moment, and mama went to check on him.
He looked up, tears streaming down his face. He couldn’t tie his shoes. He’d had a stroke. Of course, he was taken to the hospital as Jack Crump took his place at the podium.

May, 1991. The most amazing man in the world — Eola Hinson (pump repairman, deacon, caring father, loving husband to mama) — had passed from this world nine months before of lung cancer (they found it as he was in the hospital two years before). At the ceremony that Memorial Day, Jack read the names of all veterans who were buried there, and handed out flags to members of his or her family.
When he got to the name “Cecil Eola Hinson,” something strange happened: Jack’s voice cracked and trembled, and the people in attendance sighed and, in some cases, had tears as mama slowly walked forward, tears in her own eyes, to accept the flag for his grave.

It’s a day I’ll never forget … and it made me so proud that Daddy (as others there in that cemetery) was a patriot — a true American in every sense of the word. He’d served in the Second World War as a commo sergeant (Top Sergeant), and was thankful that he’d been given the blessing of returning home.

May we, as Americans, pray for that blessing for ALL our men and women overseas!

FROM DEATH TO LIFE

If you remember, last post told you about my fave cat, Contessa, as she is dying. Even as I write this, she’s beside me as I’m still comforting her and dabbing her little mouth with water, nutritional paste (vet-recommended), etc.
Yet, in the other room, another lovely feline of mine (Indian Summer) has just given birth to five beautiful little kittens! After helping with their births (I think she’s finally gotten the knack of feeding them!), I then come back to the office and check on Contessa. Believe me, it’s a strange feeling.
But it’s sort of like the song by Blood, Sweat and Tears (and when I die, and when I’m gone, there’ll be one child born in this world to carry on*). And it’s an eerie feeling.
At the moment, Tessa is apparently resting, while the kittens are doing well. Just keep the brood in your prayers, okay? Thanks.
* And When I Die performed by Blood, Sweat and Tears

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY

As this economy seems to tighten its financial grip on us, many people are looking for a solid, home-based business for a second income. Often, if it’s presented right, it becomes their main source of income in time.
Now, the link I’m about to share will send you to a site that offers you just that: the opportunity for good, home-based work that has the potential for great income for you! And the best part is that it’s based on ecology!
I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t want cleaner air and an environment that’ll be safer and better for our families! With their products, you have an enormous opportunity to provide something that everyone wants — especially with the environment being a major issue and on everyone’s minds lately.
So you can actually help provide a cleaner, healthier life for others and make some decent income to boot!
Sound good? Then just click on EcoQuest Intl to learn more about this amazing business opp now!

People, if there was ever a true slogan, it’s the one below that pic, right??
But didja notice anything different about the wording? (Okay … I’ll give ya a minute …)

Here ’tis: It used the word “MOMS” instead of mothers. Yes, there is a difference, too! Y’see, biologically speaking, any female of child-bearing age and fertile can be a mother. It requires the physical development from embryonic fetus to infant, then the actual, physical birth of that child. Not an easy task, to be sure … but, then again, the female has just mothered the child!

Then … there are MOMS!

We all have our idea of what a “perfect mom” would be like. She not only works her tail off trying to take care of her house, cries her heart out if one of her children is sick or missing, loves her soul out for the benefit of her family, her husband/mate … and, most of all, her children.
She goes the “extra mile”, often taking from herself so her children can have … stays up all night, if necessary, when a child’s sick or just “needs someone to talk to” … talks more to God than she does her own husband about her children, especially as they get older (and, perhaps, married) and out on their own. She’s the most productive prayer warrior and worrier on earth, bar none.
She’s read every children’s book on the market — most of them to her own children, but also to her grandkids. She knows how to patch broken spirits as well as she does torn britches.

She’s the epitome of Proverbs 31.

To me, there was one perfect mom. And, with this (before I close this special post), let me share a story with you: Years ago, when I was just in my early single-digit years, occasionally I’d fall and get hurt. Mama would stop whatever she was doing, grab the mercurochrome, some gauze and a band-aid, wash off the hurt, dress the wound … then kiss it (which did more than any medicine or ointment!).
Then she’d pick me up, and sit down in that old high-back rockin’ chair, putting me on her lap. Slowly, rhythmically, she rock that chair back and forth, rubbing my little back and softly singing the hymn, “Bring Them In.”
In just a few minutes, I was calm, and sleeping.

Years later, in Studio East (a recording studio in Charlotte at the time), I recorded a self-composed country tune called Sing Me A Song — specifically about that time. When I got to the a capella four-part harmony (doing all the voices) of the first bridge, I was to do Bring Them In.
It took me forever to get the take right.
I was too busy crying when I got to that part. That song was mama’s …

Wonderful memories of the perfect mom.
I know you folks have those memories of yours. And …

FOR ALL THE MOMS OUT THERE WHO ARE READING THIS …

WHY PLAY UP CRAIG FERGUSON HERE? Well, there are two answers to that one: First, his show’s extremely popular around here; secondly, the man has mentioned Charlotte in a recent one! Seems he remembered his first ice-skating experience as being right here in the Queen City (I’m assuming Eastland, but I could be off a bit).
Incidentally — and if ya missed it — he just passed his citizenship test, and will be sworn in as an American citizen shortly. Stay tuned …

RINGO WAS ON HIS SHOW A FEW NIGHTS AGO. WILL HE (or Paul) EVER PLAY CHARLOTTE AGAIN? Right now, he’s considering comin’ back with his All-Starr Band when they tour later this year. Nothing definite yet, though. As far as Sir Paul goes: He’s limiting his touring right now due to his divorce as well as his other projects, but ya never can tell …

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO FIND GOOD CLUBS OR ENTERTAINMENT VENUES HERE? Okay, time to take notes: First of all (and most importantly), make sure it’s a venue that has a good, solid reputation. Check its safety record — for both building and customers, inside and out.
Secondly, take a drive-by some weekend night and see what kind of crowd they’re pulling. If the parking lot’s nearly empty, chances are it doesn’t have much going for it.
Thirdly, of course, is to find out who’s playing that night. Not all acts are good enough to draw a crowd; some are more or less spacers who just add a backdrop to drinking and carousing.
Fourthly — and if you’re still in doubt — check the promos in the Observer. Don’t get me wrong; I like Creative Loafing, but, if an act and/or venue are really worth seeing, it/they will be played up in Charlotte’s biggest newspaper.

WHAT’S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE THAT CROWN TOWN HAS TO FACE? CRIME? COST OF LIVING? DRUGS? Actually (and from the response I’ve gotten by email and in person), the biggest challenge is teaching our children by example, through love and patience, how to handle everyday life. Note: It’s not up to teachers, preachers or fans-in-the-bleachers to do it; it’s up to parents to do it. When we have that down to a science (albeit a loving and devoted one), you’ll start to see challenges … all of them … being met, whether now or in the future.

My thanks to everyone who’s asked these questions. I wish there were time to answer more, but, for now, there’s more work to be done …

If you’ve got something on your mind, how about droppin’ me a line, or leave a note on the door … er, comment section?

Not enough could ever be said for our area’s veterans, whether it be of the Iraqi wars, Vietnam, Korea … or of The Second World War (what some say was our last justified war). They sweat, cried, ached, bled and died for what they believed in — freedom from tyranny!
Now, some say that Iraq, ‘Nam and Korea were just conflicts, and not actually war. To them, let me invoke the spirit of Hawkeye Pierce on one of the most poignant M*A*S*H episodes: After hearing so many reporters calling it a “conflict”, Hawkeye griped about it in the operating room when Col. Sherman Potter (Harry Morgan) looked at the carnage on the OR gurneys and said ” … this is war!”

The biggest war — the one that tied millions of Americans together as one because we were after a maniac who was bent on violently taking over the world – brought forth a generation of true heroes. These will be spotlighted in a special “World War II remembrance program” at the Gaston County Museum on the afternoon of January 6 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.. On that Sunday, I wanna urge everyone to be there. It’s going to be an afternoon of appreciation, understanding, compassion … and awe … as World War II veterans from Gaston County will be there to tell about their wartime experiences.

Here’s just part of the festivities, according to the Charlotte Observer online: “The Marine Corps League will present a flag retiring ceremony behind the museum and the ‘Last Man’s Club’ made up of Gaston County World War II veterans will conduct a 21-gun salute.”
There will also be a Marine Corps M35A2 Deuce-and-a-Half (a 2 1/2-ton truck used for transporting ammo, supplies, gear and extra troops to and from the front) parked in front of the museum. First used during World War II in both European Theater of Operation (ie, where we fought the Nazis) and Pacific Theater (where we fought the Japanese Army_ , they were also used heavily during the Vietnam War.

(One very important note from the Relic: Remember: We were fighting NAZIs, not the German people! In the West, we were against the Imperial Japanese Army, not the Japanese citizenry! That’s why prejudice against these peoples [yes, it still goes on, some 62 years later!] is totally absurd!)

Now, in the previous post (about Resolutions), I quoted a woman who told me, “Every month, take some time to talk with your grandparents … you know, someone that’s ‘old’ … and ask them to talk about the ‘good old days’! You’ll be richer for it, and your young’uns will learn a lot. And it’ll make them (ie, the ‘old folks) feel good, too!” What better way to understand what these men and women went through — and our freedom — than to visit the Museum on Sunday, the Sixth??
Oh … almost forgot the directions: the museum’s at 131 W. Main St., Dallas (just above Gastonia) and is open from: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and 2-5 p.m. the first Sunday.

NUTRITIONAL BOOSTING

As many of you already know, the Relic’s also involved in matters-of-the-squared-circle (i.e., an independent, family-oriented pro wrestling promotion). One favorite snack that I see a lot of wrestlers (some who worked with WWE) enjoy prior to their matches is a “pure-protein” bar, courtesy a company called SportsNutrition.com. After quizzing a couple of the guys, I found that this group gives ya the best, safest and most reliable products for health, muscular definition, stamina … and for overall health! Founded almost twenty years ago, it’s become a mecca for active people (not just sports pros!) due to its selection, quality, reliability and prices.
Now you can take advantage of their super-selection of nutritional products … and save money in the process! They have supplements for weight loss/gain, endurance, proteins, amino acids, brain fuel — even vitamins for your cat or dog!
If you’re involved in any sport, be sure to click on the link describing yours at the top of their page! You’ll be taken to a list of supplements that are “tailor-made” for your specific interest. If you’re not into sports, you can still click on one of the links on the left side (they have sub-links that’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for!)
How to get to the nutritional supplements I’m talkin’ about? Just click the link you just passed. Listen … these safe and effective supplements work wonders for some of the best-known wrestlers in the pro ranks, so you know they’ve gotta be the best on the market! So order now! Just think of all the good it could do ya!

There’s very little mileage left in this clunker of an ‘07 model — but, before we push it into the dealership for trade-in on a brand-new 2008 model, we’ve got one more thing to do:
Make resolutions.
Guess some of you have already made yours … and, as always, a handful have already broken one or two of ‘em, even before the New Year begins! But, y’know, maybe it’s better that we stay away from the traditional “lose-weight-stop-smoking-go-to-church” lists (which, by the way, are great ones to have!) and go with something a little … well, different! Like:

• I’m gonna find at least one person per month who’s in need of a friend, assistance with a bill, food, or whatever … and help him or her!
• Throughout the year — in fact, starting today — I’m gonna cool my temper and think before I do anything that would harm someone, emotionally or physically.
• I will take one weekend off per month (or, if I have to work on weekends, two nights during the week) to spend solely with my family, whether it’s watching TV together, exploring the sights and sounds of Charlotte and its area, or polishing up an old, antique thing called just talking with them.

It’s not hard to find new and improved resolutions to make! But, if you’re gonna do it, make it a “resolution revolution!” Let those rezzies be ones that’ll benefit more than just you! Of course, keep the other ones I mentioned — they’re mighty good — but don’t let the others pass you by!

Oh … here’s an idea passed on by a little old lady I met in Wytheville, while stopping for a bite to eat before heading home from the last Ohio Championship Wrestling™ card (now, this one’s worth makin’ into a firm resolution):

“Every month, take some time to talk with your grandparents … you know, someone that’s ‘old’ … and ask them to talk about the ‘good old days’! You’ll be richer for it, and your young’uns will learn a lot. And it’ll make them (ie, the ‘old folks) feel good, too!” Folks, that’s word-for-word what she told me (I scribbled it down in longhand). Great idea, huh??

Anyway, the best wish I can give you for a great New Year is a modification of what I use as sign-off on the Relic’s site: “Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your head above water — and your heart with the music …”

See ya next go-’round …

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.

Don’t get me wrong; I like the blogs on the Charlotte Observer’s website. But there’s one that kinda set me off a bit recently.

Y’see, The Americana, a restaurant/general-store concept that, I suppose, was influenced by the famous Cracker Barrel chain, is really a welcome and blooming addition to Pineville’s geography (and, listen … I’m a native of the town, so it’s the truth!).
A mix of fine, down-home cookin’ and locally produced goods and merchandise, it presents the ambience that is Pineville’s trademark: hometown, friendly andeasy-going! Tuesdays through Sundays it features a live bluegrass, gospel or jazz band (again, following the “taste of the old town”). It also offers a “brunch” (combo breakfast/lunch) on Sundays.

Now, the lady in the blog seemed to complain a little about the cover charge on weekends after 9 PM … but, being a former performer who’s done more than his share of late-night gigs and knowing there’s more competition these days than in the old times, I can tell ya that every little bit of compensation these performers get helps. If they’re gonna pack up their equipment, travel, unload and set up equipment, rehearse, run through soundchecks, do their performance, pack up everything and travel back to wherever they’re from, they oughtta be paid — after all, it’s work!
Besides, what’s a few dollars in cover charges to hear the best of Metrolina perform?? No one complains about other venues doing the same thing!

Getting back to the ambience: You’re definitely gonna enjoy the setup, the sellables, the crew, and you’re bound to meet some good friends kicking back and enjoying a wonderful evening there! So get hungry, make the date, and get over to the Americana! You’ve got 168 hours in the week, right?? And you’re gonna be out that way to Christmas shop, I’ll bet. So why not invest just a couple or three hours to have a great time??

Remember, a Pineville native recommends it highly … so how can ya lose??

He’s just a little kid … and, like so many, would really like Santa Claus to bring him a toy.
But ya know what he’s reallllly like this season? A good bellyful of food. It’s been so long since he’s actually had that.

Now, before you think I’m talking about a little Biafran child, or maybe even an impoverished kid in rural Mississippi … I’m describing a youngster in north Charlotte.
Or west. Or east, central, or outlying areas here.

You see, over 120,000 children in the Charlotte area live below the poverty level … and so many of them would love to have at least one good, nourishing meal.
And we have a chance to fill those little aching bellies — bringing a contented smile on their faces …

On Wednesday, December 12, from 10 AM to 7 PM, you can stop by the studios of WSOC-TV(channel 9) and WAXN-TV (Action 64) at 1901 N. Tryon St. to donate food. You’ll get a chance to meet the Channel 9 and Action 64 news anchors and reporters as well!

Right now, there’s a need for:
canned fruits and vegetables
soups
tuna
cereal
peanut butter
pasta
beef stew
fresh turkeys
hams.

And, just in case you think this is all just relegated to children, let me remind you that over 42 thousand senior citizens are in the same boat as the kids! They all need our support, people! And, knowing Charlotte as I do, I know you’ll come through for every Crown Towner who needs help!

Now, for more information on this program, including links to other donation areas and more, click on this WSOC-TV page, okay?

Listen … most of us have more canned and prepackaged goods than we can shake a stick at! And many of us make enough to get us through the month and then some, right?? So, if, say, we’ve got a pantry-full of groceries, would donating three or four cans of goods hurt us?? And, if we make around … oh, let’s make it small and say around $300.00 a week, would taking five bucks to spend on a few grocery items for our needy neighbor hurt us??

Of course it wouldn’t! Come on … let’s show these people what heartfelt neighborliness is all about … and go up to the studios on the 12th, okay? A few minutes of giving could mean a lifetime of thanksgiving for a youngster or senior citizen.

Thanks.

It’s been said there’s nothing sadder than a little child who wakes up excitedly on Christmas morning, rushes into the living room where the tree is … and finds nothing underneath. But that’s what’ll happen to many children and their parents this year … unless you and I get involved in the 2007 Empty Stocking Fund.

You see, thanks to the Christmas Bureau here in Charlotte (a clearinghouse partnership among the Empty Stocking Fund, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services, The United Way of Central Carolina and The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte), we have a chance to donate to a cause that’s the most noble of all: helping one another in time of need.

Last year, thanks to your generous support, the ESF helped 8,363 families, 15,842 children and 927 senior adults to have a brighter and more cheerful Christmas. It provides money for toys and gifts, and Visa™ gift cards that can be used as the families see fit. The cards are easier to use than the check the Salvation Army used to give, because some of the poorest families don’t have bank accounts.

How dedicated is the staff at the Bureau?? They work at the Christmas Bureau for four and a half days in late December to help 200 families an hour! And that only after months of preparation!

Want to give?

Check should be made out to: The Empty Stocking Fund, P.O. Box 37269, Charlotte, N.C., 28237-7269. Be generous. Remember: Your money can bring a smile, a tear, a thankfulness to a family, a single mom, a disabled dad, or a child to whom life hasn’t been fair. Now, each one of these is a human being with a heart, soul, warmth … and potential … like the rest of us! Show them you care for them, as you hope they’d care for you, were the situation reversed (and, remember: it can be: Look at the fires in California …)

Want to help?

To arrange a toy drive or volunteer at The Christmas Bureau, call 704-716-2643. Just the joyous smile of anticipation, and the happy blush on a child’s face (where, once perhaps, were tears of despair) will make it all worthwhile, I promise.

Do it today, okay? To you, it may be just another Christmas. But to them, it could be the only good one they’ve ever had. Charlotte, let’s dig in and help our own!

This one’s gonna have to be a quickie, concerning the Relic’s workload for Thursday … but it’s a vital one.
I was readin’ the Observer and came across a very special dinner and auction coming up.

So come on and dig in! For more information about the event, check Posted in Announcements, General, Heroes, News, Personalities, Special Events, promo | No Comments »