Happy Thanksgiving

Just wanted to wish anyone who may take a second to check out this blog a Happy Thanksgiving. And if you can, help out someone who is less fortunate this year.

That's all. See you next time.

Halloween

Halloween is just days away and I have yet to figure out if I'm dressing up or not.

Many people would say that I'm scary looking enough as it is without a costume. So is it worthy it?

I have an idea, but it may be a last-minute throw-together thing. I'll post a photo later if it pans out.

I would like some suggestions. Does anyone have a low-budget costume idea? It doesn't necessarily have to be for me. It could be something that anyone could use at the last minute.

Let us know. Thanks.

Shake or Not?

I've had the sinus blues that seem to be going around at the moment.

One question: When someone comes up to you and goes to shake your hand and you're sick, do you shake?

I had two instances today where I didn't and explained the situation. I remember watching this on "Seinfeld."

I think I made the right decision. I guess you could salute or tip a hat if you're wearing one.

What do you think?

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

I know I'm a little late at posting the "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" story, but here is a little highlights of my recent trip to Wilmington.

I've always talked about visiting our neighbors down east, but we've never gotten around to it.

My dad was part of the hundreds of thousands of school children throughout the state that

donated their change to bring the USS Battleship home to Wilmington.

The Battleship is big. It was amazing to see how the sailors lived at sea, with the various departments and amenities on board.

Here's a nice photo of me aboard the Battleship (below).

And one last photo of the Battleship itself (below).

I may add more from the trip and the many experiences in the coming days, so stay tuned.

But as they say, there's no place like home.

MDA Telethon

This weekend is the annual MDA Telethon. Read my thoughts on this year's event, the fact that Jerry Lewis is not involved in it, and an update on a story I reported on in 1999. See how a 7-year-old affected by muscular dystrophy is doing now at 19. Coming in Sunday's Stanly News & Press.

Elvis

Today is the day Elvis supposedly died.

Although some news outlets are reporting that a certain presidential candidate wished him a Happy Birthday earlier today.

Candidates have to watch themselves and what they say, but it has to be stressful on such a grand stage. I guess anyone could have made that mistake. What do you think?

Facebook and Twitter

We are in a new era when it comes to reporting news. We don't just focus on the newspaper itself. While it remains the core product, a vital one I still enjoy, we also focus on the amenities of the website -- thesnaponline.com -- as well as post information to The Stanly News & Press Facebook page and our Twitter account -- stanlynewspress.

But as addressed in today's issue of The SNAP, are there bad sides to social media? We looked at the subject of Facebook and the Stanly County Schools, and also questioned whether teachers should be friends with students. We even have a poll question on our website that asks people to weigh in on that subject.

I was close with some teachers at West Stanly, but I don't think I would have friended any on Facebook, if it had been around then. I am friends on there now and have even written stories and columns about past teachers. But it is different. We aren't in the same scenario.

Maybe I'm wrong. If I am, I am sure someone will let me know. There's plenty of times to be friends when school ends.

Taylor Interview

Check out the interview with Dr. Taylor, president of Stanly Community College, at http://scctv.pegcentral.com/

Let me know what you think.


Here are the air dates for those wanting to see it on the big screen. The interview featuring SCC President Dr. Michael Taylor will air at the following times on Time Warner Cable Channel 21:
Monday, July 11
9 p.m.
Tuesday, July 12
3 p.m.
Wednesday, July 13
2 p.m.
7 p.m.
Thursday, July 14
5 p.m.
Friday, July 15
1 p.m.
9:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 16
6 p.m.
Sunday, July 17
9 p.m.
Monday, July 18
11 a.m.
Tuesday, July 19
8 p.m.
Wednesday, July 20
11 a.m.
5 p.m.
Thursday, July 21
2 p.m.
Friday, July 22
9:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 23
6 p.m.
Sunday, July 24
3 p.m.

Fourth of July

Happy 4th of July, or Independence Day. Remember everyone has a July 4th, but not everyone has an Independence Day as we know it.

It's been quite an interesting day.

I've been working here at the SNAP, putting together Tuesday's paper. Tuesday we report on the cutbacks at the Stanly County Partnership For Children, a horseshoe champion, Rotary awards, the annual meeting of the American Red Cross and activities from Oakboro's Fourth of July Celebration.

In between all that, I found time to sit down for a couple hot dogs and watched the Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest.

It's now time for supper. And I know I don't want another hot dog.

We really do need to have some type of event like that to draw people here. We could have a corn shucking competition, or cotton picking. What else?

If you need something to watch tonight, there's Yankee Doodle Dandy on TCM, PBS airs the celebration in D.C. and plenty of other celebrations will air. If you're out near Oakboro though, you may want to check out the fireworks.

13 Years Ago

Thirteen years ago today, my first story appeared in The Stanly News & Press. It was really a commentary, but they didn't have my photo, since I wasn't officially an employee.

That first column asked "What is a sport?" I discussed different activities such as kick the can, hopscotch, stick ball and other such "sports." During that summer I wrote about dragsters, tractor pulls, disc golf, dan ball -- something I can't even remember anything about -- and lots of pro wrestling.

It was a fun summer working with the SNAP and I still sometimes still question "What is a sport?" I guess anyone can make a sport out of anything. We have covered brawl fighting events, checker tournaments, arm wrestling, chess and many other competitions.

I didn't know, however, that 13 years later we would be tweeting and blogging about events.

But it still can't beat the real thing -- The SNAP.

James Arnass Dies

Just saw that James Arnass, who starred as Matt Dillon on "Gunsmoke," has died.

Even though I like "Bonanza" more, I've grown to love Matt, Miss Kitty, Festus and all the other characters from "Gunsmoke."

What's your favorite western?

TCM

I think I'm addicted to Turner Classic Movies. I've been watching a lot of it lately. I'll share some of my favorites in the coming weeks. About to watch "Godzilla." Monster movies on Thursday nights in June. What's your favorite monster movie?

Heat vs. Mavericks

The NBA Finals begin tonight. Miami Heat vs. Dallas Mavericks. I don't really have a favorite in this. I was pulling for the Bulls and Grizzlies. I guess I'll have to go with the Heat. It wraps up the story they've been working on since signing LeBron last summer. It's his time.

Cell phones

News released today suggests that cellphones may cause cancer. What do you think? Will this cause you to stop using your phone? I'll have more on this topic later.

Home Show

The home improvement show on Friday and Saturday was certainly interesting. I met some wonderful people at the show, some old friends, and hopefully some new acquaintances. Read more about my home show experiences in Tuesday's SNAP.

Joplin Tornadoes

The tornadoes that hit Joplin, Mo. hit close to home for us at the SNAP. We have a sister paper, The Joplin Globe. Some of the members of its staff lost their homes. It is unknown if any of the employees or their families were hurt.

This does make us think about our situation here. How are we prepared? What would we do in a situation like this? Any thoughts?

Macho Man

I just saw the news that Macho Man Randy Savage has died in a car crash.

Most people know that I have been an avid follower of wrestling forever. Macho Man was one of characters from my youth. His match with Ricky Steamboat at Wrestlemania III is one of the best ever. It is crisp, fast-paced. It happened to fall on the same card as the much-hyped Hogan vs Andre.

Macho Man had that voice and gimmick that could not be completely duplicated, and who can forget those Slim Jim commercials?

Anyone have any thoughts on the Macho Man?

Home show

The first day of the Home Improvement Show is in the books. Still have more excitement tomorrow from 9 a.m. To 6 p.m. Lots of freebies, drawings and good info about local businesses. Stop by the SNAP booth and see what deals we have to offer.

Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon

I know all good things must end, but it still saddened me to see that this year's MDA telethon will be Jerry Lewis' last. It will also only be 6 hours instead of the usual 21 1/2 hours. He says It's time for a new era.

I have always done my part to help raise funds and awareness about muscular dystrophy. I will continue to do that, yet it won't be the same without Jerry.

Summer Plans

The school year is almost to an end, which means vacations, mission trips and summer jobs are just around the corner.

What do you planned this summer? Do you have an interesting trip that might make a nice story? It never hurts to submit a story idea. We may be able to use it in some way. Photos can be uploaded at thesnaponline.com. Head on over there to find out how.

My summer plans are not fully developed, so we'll see what happens. Any suggestions?

Awful sportsmanship

What a game.
Dallas shot the lights out from the three-point line.
The Lakers fell apart mentally. For two players to let themselves get thrown out for stupid plays is inexcusable.
Who will replace Phil Jackson?
No one. No one can do what he has done. Sure, he has had high-caliber players, but it takes a good leader to keep all the egos and talent in line.

Derby Day

I always enjoy watching the Kentucky Derby. My prediction for this year is Mucho Macho Man. I usually pick some winners, mainly because of the names or stories. Macho Man is in stall 13, my lucky number. Only a few minutes to see if I'm right.

No photo, no problem

President Obama has decided not to release bin Laden's death photo.
I think this is a wise decision.
Sure, there are the theories that he isn't really dead, but a photo could always be photoshopped.
I don't think the president and his people are that stupid to make this up. If it turned out to be fake, it would really end his presidency.
Besides, who really wants to see that gruesome of a photo?
I don't.
Do you?

And So It Begins

In addition to the news brought to you through the pages of The Stanly News & Press, thesnaponline.com, Facebook and Twitter, here is yet another means of getting news and opinionated views to you, our loyal readers, viewers, advertisers and followers.