Now, I don’t haveta worry about them readin’ this post, considerin’ that, collectively, they have the intelligence to only understand four-letter words, but, if ya wouldn’t mind readin’ this to them, it’d be appreciated.

FACTS ABOUT THIS RACIST NONSENSE:

They call themselves true Americans, and are sooooooooo dead-set against terrorism. But, with each threat, with each mock “lynching”, with each intimidating tactic, these clowns are breaking a FEDERAL LAW!! It’s called TERRORISTIC THREATENING!! And the punishment, especially as it applies to hate crimes, can and should be severe!!

They say “White is Right” … but can’t prove it. Why? ‘Cause one color is never “right” over another! But they try to “prove” it with violence — thus, shooting their own “theory” in the foot (if not three feet higher).

They glorify the pomp and pageantry of everything from the Confederacy to Nazism without realizing what they’d actually put up with if they were part of the original causes: filth, searing pain, days without sleep, incessant thirst, sweat, mind-numbing fear — and the haunting eyes staring from the dead — those of friends, neighbors and perhaps family — lying around them. Day after day, week after week. Insects crawling over open sores, and nowhere to immediately “relieve” themselves.
Hmph … if anyone who fought in those wars could see these idiots now, they’d probably laugh themselves to death. Right or wrong, what these men went through would turn these would-be “heroes” into little boys callin’ for their mommies …

Now, if someone can prove that other races are “inferior” … and I mean intellectually prove it with facts and figures … then let’s see ‘em. Here. I’ll print ‘em, okay??
If not, KEEP YOUR BIGOTRY, YOUR HATE, YOUR TERRORISTIC CRAP TO YOURSELF! I …

oh. wait … just thought of somethin’ …

Hey, ummm, racist people?? Have … have you ever been in an accident resulting in serious injury? (hmph … sound like one of those TV lawyers!) Ever had an operation? Anything that … well, required a blood transfusion??
Well, guess what, my misguided, neophytic cretins?? There’s about a good chance that the blood you received … ummm, came from an African-American!
Understandably, the American Red Cross won’t give precise stats as to which race gives what percentage for two reasons: because each city differs in ethnic density (some lower, some higher), and to ward off … er, “purists” (don’t make me gag!) like you!
At any rate, you know what that means, don’tcha?? It means you’ve got the blood of the race you hate, running through your very own system, right now! So, lemme ask ya … do you hate yourself??

Think about it. For once, crack a book without some skinhead peerin’ over your shoulder (remember … I usedta be a cult member decades ago, and, brother, this racist junk is nothing more than a brainsucking cult!), study other races with an open mind, and make decisions on your own! You just might find yourself coming up with a different conclusion … one that’s sensible!

Start with The Bible (always a good place to start). Hint: The first part follows the Israelites, the last with the life and lessons of Jesus …
a man …
who wasn’t white!

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!

Yesterday, after a long, hard search, I found a song that I first heard on WSOC-FM back in August, 1990. The song’s first chorus went like this (I can’t write all the verses, of course, without permission from the owner. More about that in a minute):

He was sowin’ love … for the fam’ly.
He was sowin’ loooove. He took a little extra time
lookin’ forward to … a boun-ti-ful har-vest.
Like a good father does, he was sowin’ love

The night I heard that song for the first time also, sadly, was the night that humble, mighty man passed from his mortal shell into a free and serene world. Each time I hear it, I’ve gotta admit, I weep big time.

Now, the second verse dealt with mama, and, in the chorus, just substitute She for He. It’s that simple.
But that’s what Eola and Irene Hinson were truly like. No “working the rooms” or “socializing”, “putting on airs” or whatever; what you saw in public was what we saw … and then some … in private!

Paul Overstreet included that song on his album, Forever and Ever, Amen (a song he also wrote and which included another one of my faves, Seein’ My Father In Me). In performing that song, he painted a precise musical vignette of what occurred, first, in daddy’s magnificent garden in Pineville in spring of 1961, then in his “shop” (a little tin-roof building where, in the “office” part, he had a sewing-machine set up for mama to do her work freely) three years later.

As I wrote that piece on veterans, and finally came across the copy I downloaded. There’s much more to this story, but, suffice to say, over the past few days of illness, my mind has been flooded with memories … of good times … and the wonder of angels disguised as parents …
And, while you’ve heard me speak of them before, the reason I wrote this piece is to ask you to download or buy this song at your earliest opportunity — especially if you’re a parent of youngsters, or have warm memories of your own!
Just be ready to shed a few tears when ya hear it …

PERSONALIZATIONS

We’re all Carolina fans here, right (hey … what other color of blue is there??)? Well, either that or our hearts beat Bobcats or pump Panther blood!
Well, here’s your chance to show your support for the team of your choice (and let’s not forget all the fab high schools and kids’ teams we have out there!) by gettin’ them up-close and-personalized on woven blankets, afghans, pillows, wall hangings, towels and more!
Imagine the impact on the sports person in your family this Christmas when they open yer present with “their” team’s logo on it!
Here’s one that’ll really thrill ‘em: It’s a blanket with the team’s photo on it in full color! (what a keepsake!) It’s a “must-see” when ya click on the link I’m about to give you!
And get this — you can get these at great savings by just visiting the best online spot for sports gifts.
C’mon … it’s still a great sports season in Charlotte … and Christmas isn’t that far away!! So order now!

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, 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 …

IT WAS THE NIGHT HISTORY WAS MADE …

And, if ya haven’t already, you’ll wanna save that front page from the Charlotte Observer (if you go to their website, you can download a .PDF copy of it!) and remember what was happenin’ in your adobe when ya heard the news that Barack won.

But, while we have our first African-American President comin’ into office (and didja see the shots of Dr. King’s sister and also Jesse Jackson in tears when Obama made his acceptance speech?? Priceless!!  Yes, the dream still lives!!), we also have two other landmark events:

Bev Perdue is now going in as North Carolina’s first female Governor!  Man, was this long overdue.  Years ago, people were trying to get Sue Myrick in there, and she (Sue) ran across the same dog-and-pony act that tried to block Bev’s:  that (can you believe they’re still sayin’ this stuff?) she’s a woman … she doesn’t belong in there!
I’ve got a feeling that Perdue’s not just gonna be a one-termer, either!  But congrats to Pat McCrory for a good contest … I’ve a lot of respect for the man …

AND … WHAT’D YA EXPECT??

While everybody thought, at first, that Sen. Libby Dole was gonna trounce all over Kay Hagans — I mean, after all, she was the vet, a former cabinet member, the wife of that Dole, the moral warrior!
Then, she slipped up.  BIG time!! 
She implied that one of the nicest and most respected Christian ladies in Guilford County was Godless!  In fact, she went so far as to have some woman superimpose a sound bite over Kay’s picture, saying There is no Jesus or some junk like that. 
That, folks, is the lowest of blows!
So, goodbye, Mrs. Dole … and learn to keep your mouth shut and mind open from here on out.  You already know how we rockers feel about ya, right??

All in all, it was a fantastic night of miracles.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Bobby Kennedy and John Lennon are all smiling right now — you just know it …

Incidentally, I’ve been “off” the past few days with a hard-hitting flu bug.  Since I’m gettin’ over it, we’ll return to normal (???) here this week.
Thanks for yer patience …

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 …

Beautiful, isn’t it??

Y’know, one of the grandest thing about the Queen City is our knack for appreciating and preserving our natural beauty — that which has lasted since the beginning of time.

Whether it’s the surroundings of Freedom Park or the woods and natural flora and fauna around the city, there’s a serenity where, within, we find a oneness with nature, God … and ourselves.

Now, there are those who want to tear down that and put up concrete-and-steel corporate structures that’ll please CEOs of bigwig organizations.  Whether it’s in Pineville, Matthews, or Charlotte itself, it’s all a terrible reminder that, in fact, we’ve gotten away from what Mother Earth has provided … the natural that has lasted for eons … and are replacing it with what the Almighty Dollar can provide … the synthetic that will last only a few years (and require mondo repairs and security)!

We worry about losing the beauty of the land … yet build over it as though our edifices-to-greed will be more profound; we protest that global warming is destroying natural habitats … yet continue to shun EPA standards and warnings for our factories; we say that the financial problems on Wall Street (and beyond) are tearing up our wallets … yet continue to spend lavishly and build like there’s no tomorrow.

Meanwhile, the beauty that is still around us … the woods, the trees, the streams and creeks … are still — impervious to the desires of men who want to destroy them in favor of monetary gain.

In the Sixties, the main thrust of young people — other than peace, love and rock-n-roll — was the preservation of our natural resources.  We loved the way God put everything.  Today, many of those same “flower-children” have taken steps to preserve and use nature in a positive way. 
Ecosystems are becoming more popular than ever; we, who were raised in that era, are more environmentally-conscious; the building of new and unique Earthstations — great-looking, energy-effieicnt houses made of earth and discarded items (hey — Google™ it if you’ve got a  computer) — are becoming popular in the Southwest.  Bottom line: We appreciate Mother Earth and all its natural resources.

But there are some who feel it’s better to bulldoze and build at maximum  expense, with manmade materials, in order to feed our desire for wealth and clout. 
Fortunately, Crown Town still has a handle on natural preservation.  In doing so, we not only honor nature and our forefathers — we honor God.  Yep.  See, if we tear up His work for ours, we’re saying, in essence,
We can do it better … your stuff is just gettin’ in the way!  

And that, readers, is not a healthy thing to do.  It’s not nice to fool Mother Nature … and you can’t “one-up” God.

And, through all the arguments, the debates, the worries and frustrations …
the woods, the trees, the brooks and creeks stand still … impervious … and waiting …

I dunno … is it just me, or is anybody else kinda bumfuzzled about this new Internet Explorer 8?

All right … I know it’s a new version, with some of the kinks still havin’ to be worked out.  But, with the workload this Relic has each day on the desktop, I’ve gotta have the fastest and most dependable server. 
And, quite frankly, I’m just not seein’ it yet … at least not with this one!

Yeah, there are some new features (like, bein’ able to open duplicate tabs, have “compatibility views” [that is, able to check webpages out that aren't up-to-speed with this newer edition!] and other things).  But I’ve always thought that, the simpler a browser, the quicker you work with it!
So far (even as I write this!), I’ve hit one key that’s brought another IE8 “homepage” up, had stuff wanna “install” that I didn’t ask for, and other little doohickies that are just a little annoying!

Soooooooo … if the new SeaMonkey I’ve downloaded (HEY!! It’s a BROWSER, all right??  No jokes!!) doesn’t work out (… come to think of it, it does sound a little funny …), then the next post just may be on plain, white, college-lined paper and mailed to ya …

SOMETHING TO DIET FOR …
Most of us, at one time or the other, have been on diets, right??  Whether we just decided to or have done so on doctor’s orders, we’ve run through the gamut of books, magazines, TV ads and drug store aisles, trying to find the right supplement that would help us.  And it can be frustrating …
BUT …
Today there’s a great site available that reviews the best-selling diet supplements, giving you its description, weight loss rating, and benefits – and that’ll help you find exactly the one you’re looking for!  It’ll even show you where the product can be found at the lowest price!!

So, if you’re lookin’ for a newer, slimmer you, then click on the link that’ll take you to the diet pill reviews you’ll need to choose the right supplement!

Y’see, Ron Howard, Andy Griffith and Henry WInkler reprised their roles as Opie, Sheriff Andy Taylor and The Fonz (hmph … as if ya didn’t know, right??) for an ad touting Sen. Barack Obama as the best Presidential candidate.

If only for three minutes-and-change, we were taken back to Mayberry (okay, who down here doesn’t know where that is??) … and then to the leather-jacketed hero of Arnold’s, leanin’ against a ‘57 Chevy where Opie turned into Richie.  

Both vignettes caried the famous style of the TV shows on which they were based: Andy and “Ope” by the fishin’ hole, with the famous “whistling” tune was in the background (btw, the man who did the actual whistling, Earle Hagen – who also composed the tune called “The Fishin’ Hole” — died recently), was warm and family-oriented — and filmed in black-and-white!
The other one, with Richie and Fonzie, had the Fifties music in the background, the humor and coolness that’s identified with Winkler’s character — and even was the same-grade color film as the original show!

It’s one you’ve just gotta see!  Though just posted over the past coupla days, it’s already gotten nearly one million hits!

See for yourself at Funny-Or-Die.com.

Whether you’re votin’ for Obama or McCain, you’re still gonna enjoy the trip down memory lane (and, btw, Henry hasn’t lost “the look”) …