Charlotte, NC

Hey … what’s a New Year without ‘em, huh?? Well, if you’re havin’ a hard time makin’ ‘em, let Double-E help(’member? Now the Electric Eagle? I left the Relic behind in the old year …).

But, first, this breaking story:
The U.S. Postal Service just announced that a series of stamps are gonna be released August 11 to honor the old black and white television shows of the past. Among them: The Dinah Shore Show, The Ed Sullivan Show, Red Skelton Show, Steve Allen’s Tonight Show, The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet (son Ricky Nelson does not appear on that one), I Love Lucy, Dragnet, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Burns & Allen, Hopalong Cassidy, The Honeymooners, Howdy Doody, Kukla Fran and Ollie, Lassie, The Lone Ranger, Perry Mason, The Phil Silvers Show, Texaco Star Theater and The Twilight Zone.
Hmph … it’s about time! If there’s one thing we’ve learned from the old shows we watched on BTV and SOC, it’s that ya can’t beat quality!

NOW … THE RESOLUTIONS (actually, they’re called AFFIRMATIONS here):

As I read these the first time, it seemed obvious that these could help anyone! So jot ‘em down:

1. As I let go of my feelings of guilt, I am in touch with my inner sociopath.

2. I have the power to channel my imagination into ever-soaring levels of suspicion and paranoia.

3. I assume full responsibility for my actions, except the ones that are someone else’s fault.

4. In some cultures what I do would be considered normal.

5. My intuition nearly makes up for my lack of wisdom and judgment.

6. I need not suffer in silence while I can still moan, whimper, and complain.

7. When someone hurts me, I know that forgiveness is cheaper than a lawsuit, but not nearly as rewarding.

8. I am at one with my duality.

9. Blessed are the flexible, for they can tie themselves in knots.

10. I will strive to live each day as if it were my 50th birthday.

11. I honor and express all facets of my being, regardless of state and local laws.

12. Today I will gladly share my experience and advice, for there are no sweeter words than “I told you so!”

13. A scapegoat is almost as good as a solution.

14. Just for today, I will not sit in my living room all day in my underwear. Instead, I will move my computer into the bedroom.

15. I will no longer waste my time reliving the past; I will spend it worrying about the future?

16. The complete lack of evidence is the surest proof that the conspiracy is working.

17. Before I criticize a man, I walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets angry, he’s a mile away and barefoot.

Okay … with those bein’ said, and th’ clock tickin’, lemme wish for you and yours and theirs and mine and ours and others a GREAT year comin’ up (hey … it’s just as good as we wanna make it, right??).

So …

C’mon, 2009 — hit us with yer best shot!

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!!

First, lemme give you a quick “heads-up”:

NBC’s “Today” show is heading for prime-time, if only for one night.

On December 22, Matt Lauer, Meredith Veira, Al Roker and Ann Curry are going to be hosting an hour-long review of the year’s biggest news events (I assume they mean “to that point”. Fortunately, it won’t be all news, though; the show will include big moments in pop culture and some hysterical “Today” show bloopers. So be sure to tune in to your NBC affiliate on Monday!

WHERE’S THE BEEF?? ON … ME?!?!

It sounds almost like something outta Saturday Night Live.

Burger King™ has unveiled a new cologne/body spray for men (at least, I hope it’s for men only) that smells … like beef!

Now, I dunno about you, but it seems to me that, when ya wear cologne, it’s meant to attract the opposite sex, not salivating dogs, cats, or the chronically-starved!

And what happens if you wear the BK cologne in McDonald’s? Would they have you arrested for harassment?

Or what if you grabbed it by mistake and sprayed it on before going to church? Probably have the shortest sermon ever, as, within fifteen feet of you, folks’ stomachs start growling for their Sunday dinner!

Well, it could be worse … Kentucky Fried Chicken could have a cologne out, too (remember the female employees who took a bath in their dish sink?).

ONE MORE WORD (or two)

No sooner had I written the post hoping that investigators would be more careful with the Caylee Anthony case than they were with Adam Walsh’s than we get the report that the meter reader had to call them four times before they took action!

This is gonna take some serious following, because it appears now that the Orange County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Department is under fire for their apathetic attitude toward the discovery.

More on this as it develops, of course.

That’s it for now, but stay tuned … there’ll be more in 24!

Users of the Internet Explorer web browser are advised to switch to a different one (like Firefox or Opera) until a serious security flaw is fixed.

This flaw could conceivably allow criminals to take control of people’s computers and steal their passwords, according to internet experts.

At this moment, Microsoft says it’s investigating the problem and preparing an emergency software patch to resolve it. Read more about it.

CAYLEE UPDATE

The case surrounding the disappearance of little Caylee Anthony took a turn for the worse today as more skeletal remains were found within yards of the Anthony home.

What this means for so-called “Tot M … (sorry … I can’t say it again …) Caylee’s mother can only mean added charges and a nearly indestructible prosecution, should forensics return with a positive ID.

I’ll break in with a special report just as soon as any more news breaks …

ACTOR PETER FALK (”Columbo”) HAS ALZHEIMER’S

The daughter of Hollywood legend Peter Falk (”Columbo”) says her father suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and is no longer competent to run his own life.

Catherine Falk filed legal papers in L.A. County Superior Court claiming her father “requires full-time custodial care for his health and safety.”

A hearing on the matter is set for next month. Calls to Falk’s reps were not returned.

If you remember, in April he was found on the streets of Beverly Hills, California, acting erratically and muttering to himself. In that case, he finally convinced the police that he was alright.

Okay … that’s it for this edition … but stay tuned; more’s on the way tomorrow! Thanks for dropping by …

Well, it looks like we’re in for it again, folks:
In a joint statement, the 120,000-memberScreen Actors Guild (SAG) said that forms authorizing another strike would be mailed to their members on Friday, January 2, and the results would be added up three weeks later on January 23.

Now, if only 75% of them approve a walkout, it would give SAG’s national board of directors the authority to call a strike when they think it’s necessary. The actors’ union (whose contract actually expired in June) is holding out for a greater share of royalties from sales and showings of their work on the Internet. This has been a thorn in their side since the last walkout by screenwriters, which cost the media about two billion dollars in revenue!

However, well-known actors, like Rhea Perlman (Taxi), Danny DeVito (Taxi, Batman Returns!, Twins and Perlman’s husband) and Eric Bogosian (Law and Order: Criminal Intent, “Alan Freed” in the new movie, “Cadillac Records”) believe it’s not only the wrong move to put actors out of work during this economic crunch but that it’s equally stupid for the royalties not to be paid on internet showings and sales (which, for some shows, has taken a chunk out of their Neilsen ratings).

The bottom line is that we could be lookin’ at more reruns than normal come February, ‘09 — unless the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP — aka the bad guys) come to their senses!

FOR YOUR HOME THEATER

Now, if you’re like most folks, you turn to DVDs or the movie channels like AMC or TCM when you’re wantin’ to settle back and get some good TV in, right?
But why not turn that movie or channel-surfing into a full-fledged event? The best way to do that is with your very own home theater (hey … it’s still not too late to ask Santa, right??).
And there’s one spot that’ll provide you with all you need to maximize your viewing pleasure! By clicking the link I’ll give you in a moment, you’ll find lighting, carpeting, storage, stands — even popcorn machines and posts with ropes like you’ll find in theaters! You’ll even find a spot for gift ideas!
But, wait … there’s more:
You’ll also get very affordable prices, free shipping, and service before and after the sale!
And their seating is amazing. I’ve tried a couple of their models myself, and they’re soooo comfortable, while adding a fabulous look to your theater area!
So why not click on the spot that has the best in home theater seating and make your viewing a completely enjoyable event?
Do it today … Santa still has room on his sleigh!!

Geez … I just started tonight’s post and I’ve already ticked off a few Republicans!
But I’m not talkin’ against Gov. Palin at all … ’cause she wasn’t the problem (’sides, I do value my life!)!
Okay, then, hotshot … what was the problem with the campaign??

Well, I didn’t say “THIS Was …”, did I?? Nope — I asked ya, “Was THIS …?” Need yer input.
And I’m talkin’ about the media here! I mean, they were all over Sarah Palin like butter on a freshly baked biscuit! And it was, for the most part, about everything but her political accomplishments, ability to perform the job … or her stand on the issues.

In other words, they didn’t give the lady a fair shake in the recent campaign! And we, bein’ a nation that just loves the sensationalistic, ate it up like the earlier-mentioned biscuit!!

Y’know, somehow, I’ve got a feelin’ that, though she’s raising a fine family, was a former small town-mayor, Governor of America’s (geographically) largest state and having to balance all these duties (and all their required concerns) and still maintain dignity and composure-under-fire;
though she’d traveled thousands of miles stumping for Sen. McCain, dealt with accusations and blows back home in Alaska, and still maintained a loving relationship and time with her husband and family …
it all just didn’t matter to the media.

They were more concerned about everything from her looks to accent to slip-ups that she made while on the campaign trail. And it was the slip-ups that became the focus more … and more.

THEN THEY BROUGHT IN A FEYKE PALIN …

Now, don’t get me wrong: I like Tina Fey as a comedienne, actress, mom … and, quite honestly, to meet the woman “offstage” is like talking with Everywoman. She’s very sincere, somewhat shy, a bit aloof herself … but definitely genuine!
But when the SNL script called for her to lampoon Gov. Palin, it set in everyone’s mind that the former VP candidate was actually like that! And that image, coupled with a media blitz straight out of Entertainment Tonight®, stuck with American voters to the end of voting day … and is still prevalent!

Of course, when they heard Sarah make a mistake (like calling Africa a country and about some flak between the McCain and Palin camps over the fact that the Governor didn’t get a chance to give her concession speech when Sen. McCain did), these “informed” media seem to forget that the lady was thrust almost immediately into the national spotlight for the very first time! Everybody — here and abroad — was watching her.

That brings me to a second question: If you were in front of the cameras and mics and millions of viewers for the very first time ever, would you get a little nervous and maybe slip up on your words or facts?

Then ya know how she felt … and how the mistakes could have easily happened. And, during the bittersweet concession speech (handled remarkably well by Sen. McCain), she undoubtedly thought (again, remember that she wasn’t familiar with the protocol here) that she would have a turn at the mic as well! So, you see, SARAH PALIN IS HUMAN!

But — since what’s said or done by the VP candidate (intentional or not) can change the direction of any Presidential election — couldn’t all this media mishandling have been one of the contributing causes of the Republicans’ defeat?

Like I said, it wasn’t her fault; she gave, I believe, one of the best showings of any first-time VP candidate … especially someone who’d never been in this much of a national spotlight … before!

I voted for Obama, because he was the better choice; but I truly admire Gov. Palin .. and honestly hope she shoots for a high goal like this again in 2012!

But I’d appreciate your opinion …

All right … now this idiotic mud-slinging has gone too far!!

Senator Kay Hagan has every right to throw a “cease-and-desist” order against Elizabeth Dole (a woman who, prior to this, had my admiration and support!). I mean, how low can you go with this nonsense?
Sen. Hagan is a fine, Christian woman with some terrific values … and to slander/libel her (hey … check the NCGS … it’s exactly that. I included both because it’s hit both the media and the streets!) is a disgrace!

Ahhhh … but wait!!

Aren’t we seein’ more desperation out of Republicans lately?? They’re about to lose their clout around the nation, so, whether McCain’s camp, McConnell’s or Dole’s, they’re scraping for anything they can find!
Interesting to note the last line of the Observer article: “Some polls show Dole trailing Hagan in her bid for re-election. “

So, Sen. Hagan, I wish you ALL the luck with your “desist” order. Just be sure to MAKE IT STICK!!

We’ve gotta stop this bovine defecation somehow! It’s pathetic …

WEDDING BELLS COMING??

Now, there are a lotta young (and some young-at-heart) couples who are plannin’ to “tie the knot” this holiday season, and, outside of their love for each other, they’re tryin’ to get everything just right for the Big Day.

And ya know how it alllllll got into motion, right?  The dude goes down on one knee, clears his throat a million times, sweats an ocean, and then … pulls out the felt-covered box with …

Yep.  But what’s in that box?  You want the very best to adorn that third-finger-left-hand until that day comes when you add to it, right?  Well, in order to have that, I’m gonna give you a link in a minute that’ll make you, your intended, and your wallet, very, very happy!

Not only will you get the best in diamonds (you’ll recognize the name as “quality” the minute you get there!), but the most beautiful selection of rings you’d ever want!  Of course, these folks are known world-wide for their integrity, their service … and their affordability!

So, if you’re still wantin’ to “pop the question”, you’ll wanna get the most beautiful and affordable selection of quality engagement rings … and, by clicking on that link, you’ll find ‘em!
So go ahead … and have a wonderful and blessed marriage …

Well, nobody can say she doesn’t have a sense of humor …

As around 14 million Americans have seen, Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin went on NBC’s Saturday Night Live this past weekend, in vignettes at the beginning of the show (she even got to say those immortal words, “Live From New York … it’s SATURDAY NIGHT!!”) and in their “Weekend Update” segment (btw, that was not her husband dancing with the moose! Just an actor that looked like him.).

In other words, you could’ve easily missed her!

Now, one of the original SNL’ers, actor/comedian Chevy Chase, doesn’t think Gov. Palin should’ve been on the show.

“Quite frankly, it’s a big mistake to let her go on. What was brilliant about (‘SNL’ chief) Lorne (Michaels) was that he had nothing written for Sarah and that apparently she cannot improvise herself out of a paper bag! On ‘Weekend Update,’ that was her big chance. Nothing.”

Still, the concensus of most Crown Towners who watched her brief appearance is that she did okay.
Y’see, it’s sorta like Dr. “Bones” McCoy tellin’ Capt. Kirk, “Dammit, Jim, I’m a DOCTOR, not a (whatever)”.
Although she gave it a good shot, she’s telling America, “Goshdarn it, I’m a VP Candidate, not a comedian!”
You betcha!

THE BEST SWITCH

No, I’m not talkin’ about the one mama used on you as a kid; I’m talking about one that routes high-def video and digital sounds (audio) to you from any one of three different sources. Imagine, for example, you want to get video from a satellite system, or a Blu-Ray© disc or whatever. Well, this splitter/router will do it for you!
Using only 15 watts of power, it’s certainly gonna be energy-efficient! You’ll also get a remote and a one-year warranty … all from the folks who are famous for their low prices, high quality and excellent customer care!
So, if you’re looking for the best HDMI switch, just click on the link you just passed! And make the switch today!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LOOKIN’ TO JOIN A BAND??

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

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

COOKOUT ON THE PATIO!

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

Let’s face it … everybody loves Elmo, right?  If you’ve ever watched “Sesame Street”, or had one of those little “Tickle Me” dolls that would laugh like crazy and shake at the same time (sorta like a guy goin’ on his first date), you know what I’m talkin’ about.

And now  Elmo’s in Charlotte with the rest of his “Street” pals, kickin’ up the fun in When Elmo Grows Up.  It’s a 90-minute production that’ll spark the kids’ imagination and wonder as they ask themselves the same question:  What’ll I be when I grow up??

The show uses Broadway-style music and staging to teach kids that, if they believe in themselves and work well, anything is possible (no, this is not an Obama campaign in disguise! :))  And, among the 24 songs on tap, the kids’ll be hearing some very familiar tunes like Itsy, Bitsy Spider and, of course, the Sesame Street theme song!

They’ll also get to meet the newest resident of the Street, a youngster named Abby Cadabby!  This will be her onstage debut … so be nice, okay??

this Thursday and running until Sunday!  They’re at 10:30 AM and 7:00 PM on Thursday-Friday; at 10:30 AM and 2 PM on Saturday, and at 5:30 PM on Sunday!

You can get your tickets through Ticketmaster or at the box-office. Just remember to get there early, because these shows are always tremendous hits!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See ya then.

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 …

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.

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!