A Life Less Ordinary

Christmas Tree Time (11/23)

2008-11-23T19:10:00.007-05:00

It's a little early but I went ahead and picked up a Christmas tree yesterday. No fear of it dying before Dec. 25 - it's fake. But it gets the job done.

I don't have an angel and / or star for the top yet. Until I do, the spot is being occupied by a 15-year-old WWF Undertaker action figure. Adds a little personality to the tree (if the panda didn't already do that). : )

2008-11-14T20:49:00.001-05:00

At the george jones concert in sc thats not george though a conway twitty tribute show came first complete with a loretta lynn good stuff but way too many people thought it was really him

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2008-11-13T18:42:00.001-05:00

Christmas deco already up at victoria stephen

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2008-11-04T20:13:00.000-05:00

Shelby fire station

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Polling Site videos

2008-11-04T19:04:00.002-05:00

Videos from earlier in the day:

Interview with Debra Blanton, board of elections director

Interview with Debbie Clary's brother, David

Interview with a Davy Lowman volunteer

Palin Fun

2008-11-04T18:28:00.001-05:00

It's stressful in the newsroom, as it is every Election Night. So let's take some time out for a little AK Fun.

AK as in Alaska, not Arkansas.

Heading back to the office

2008-11-04T11:27:00.001-05:00

Heading back to the office check back later for three videos

2008-11-04T11:23:00.000-05:00

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One man just drove up

2008-11-04T11:20:00.001-05:00

One man just drove up hoping to vote but could not because hes not a resident of this community

Very little movement here

2008-11-04T11:18:00.001-05:00

Very little movement here

One voter who declined to

2008-11-04T11:14:00.002-05:00

One voter who declined to give his name said the mudslinging this year turned him off from voting for certain people

Final Stop: Kingstown

2008-11-04T10:45:00.002-05:00

My last stop of the day takes me to Palmer Grove Baptist Church in Kingstown. I've got about a 20 minute drive ahead of me.

Casar turnout

2008-11-04T10:43:00.001-05:00

I'm running a little short on time so I won't be able to stay in Casar long. However, I've seen a steady flow of voters just since I pulled up.

Why vote Lowman / Melton?

2008-11-04T10:38:00.004-05:00

Spencer, whose brother works closely with the Lowman campaign, said he was drawn to Lowman because of his "good working class plan." Padgett said he was drawn to Melton's campaign because he said he would be the best pick to work with what he predicts to be a Democratic majority in the Senate.

2008-11-04T10:36:00.000-05:00

James Spencer campaigning for Davy Lowman and Steve Padgett for Keith Melton

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On my way to Casar

2008-11-04T10:18:00.001-05:00

On my way to Casar

Clary said he was in

2008-11-04T10:08:00.001-05:00

Clary said he was in line to vote in Rippy at 6:10. "They were lined up to the road." He said he was the 40 or 50th person

2008-11-04T10:04:00.000-05:00

David Clary is the sole campaign volunteer on hand, helping his sister Debbie. Look for a video interview with him later

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2008-11-04T09:44:00.000-05:00

Owen helps John Swofford with cubside voting

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Owen also said there was

2008-11-04T09:41:00.001-05:00

Owen also said there was a half hour wait to get through the line when polls opened

Election volunteer Paul Owen said

2008-11-04T09:39:00.001-05:00

Election volunteer Paul Owen said the curbside voters have been especially excited this morning

2008-11-04T09:36:00.000-05:00

Volunteers say they've had one voter a minute since 6:30

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2008-11-04T09:30:00.000-05:00

Parking lot is packed

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You Say You Want a Revolution...

2008-11-04T09:16:00.002-05:00

Polkville is a little bit of a drive so I thought I'd provide some in-flight entertainment to keep you occupied until I arrive.

Some music with political undertones:

Next stop: Polkville

2008-11-04T08:58:00.001-05:00

Next stop: Polkville

Voters are showing up in

2008-11-04T08:56:00.001-05:00

Voters are showing up in spirts at the last two stops.

2008-11-04T08:43:00.000-05:00

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2008-11-04T08:40:00.002-05:00

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Jo Costner said there was

2008-11-04T08:40:00.001-05:00

Jo Costner said there was a small line when he showed up. "I hope my man wins."

No volunteers here. A wife

2008-11-04T08:36:00.001-05:00

No volunteers here. A wife just walked out and told her husband she voted straight ticket

2008-11-04T08:28:00.000-05:00

Belwood community building

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Check back later for video

2008-11-04T08:25:00.001-05:00

Check back later for video comments from Blanton

Debra Blanton, county board of

2008-11-04T08:23:00.001-05:00

Debra Blanton, county board of elections director, stopped by briefly. She said she is sticking by her turnout prediction.

Steven James Dehaan said he

2008-11-04T08:19:00.001-05:00

Steven James Dehaan said he was bothered by the high number of uncontested races. How did he vote? "I hope the right way."

2008-11-04T07:48:00.000-05:00

Very little to no line

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2008-11-04T07:45:00.001-05:00

For the second stop in a row Davy Lowman is the only one represented by a volunteer. Margie Christopher said shd arrived at 6:10.

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2008-11-04T07:41:00.000-05:00

Ashleigh Allenbaugh celebrated her 18th birthday by voting in her first election today. "This one seemed really important to me."

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2008-11-04T07:37:00.001-05:00

James Hill said he hopes Obama wins. "Needing a change in the world."

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2008-11-04T07:18:00.000-05:00

Next stop: Lawndale

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2008-11-04T07:14:00.000-05:00

Those leaving the polls are saying there is a 10-15 min wait to get through the line.

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2008-11-04T07:12:00.000-05:00

Gil Pickard is the sole campaign volunteer on hand. When asked why he supports Davy Lowman, he said "jobs, jobs, jobs." Lowman said he was "very optimistic" on Lowman's bid and how the day would go for the Democratic Party.

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2008-11-04T06:52:00.000-05:00

The line is now out the door

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2008-11-04T06:50:00.000-05:00

Phyllis Haynes of Lawndale is one of many on hand to vote early. She said the presidential race drew her to the polls. "Just the different religious, political views."

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2008-11-04T06:39:00.001-05:00

Parking at the Fallston fire department voting site

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2008-11-04T06:20:00.001-05:00

First stop: Fallston

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Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

2008-11-04T05:43:00.001-05:00

Heard this Bowie classic on the iPod on the way into work. Found this FANTASTIC clip on YouTube which sums up the day.

2008-11-04T05:29:00.001-05:00

And so the day begins

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Halloween Costume

2008-11-03T14:18:00.003-05:00

Since I brought it up earlier in the month here on the blog, I thought I would share how the Halloween costume came out:

If it's not super obvious, it's Malcolm McDowell in "A Clockwork Orange."

Here's the original, for comparison's sake:

If you would like to share your own Halloween costume shots, and perhaps get them printed in the paper, shoot them to shelbystar@shelbystar.com. Be sure to include your name and contact info.

Tuesday, 6 a.m.: Live Election Coverage

2008-11-03T11:40:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow's the big day and just about everyone here at The Star is going to be busting their butt to provide as much live election coverage as possible.

Our plan, as it stands right now, is to hit every single voting precinct in the county (there are close to 30) and then provide election results as they come in after 7 p.m.

I'm up first. Beginning at 6 a.m., I'll be stopping by Casar, Fallston, Kingstown, Lawndale, Mulls, and Polkville in The Star Car. I hope to speak with voters who got up early as well as people working the polls and campaign volunteers.

Come back to the blog around 6 for live coverage. I'll be taking plenty of photos that will be instantly uploaded here to the blog.

The Wrong Kind of Candy

2008-10-29T06:53:00.002-04:00

Thought this was timely considering the trick or treating we'll see Friday.

Barenaked Ladies frontman could avoid jail

Mr. (Steven) Page was arrested in the early morning hours of July 11 at the East Syracuse-area apartment of a woman identified as his girlfriend after local police discovered a vehicle parked across the sidewalk in front of the building, with the driver's side door left ajar. When police knocked on the door, court documents alleged, Mr. Page invited them in, whereupon they found him to be in possession of cocaine and marijuana.

The kicker to this - BNL will release their first kids album. It's title: "Snack Time."

Hopefully it's not snack time for nose candy.

CrimeStoppers Minutes

2008-10-09T10:13:00.001-04:00

Sent by CrimeStoppers Secretary Karen Rhyne:

MINUTES FOR MONDAY SEPTEMBER 15 2008 CRIME STOPPERS MEETING

The monthly meeting of Crime Stoppers was held on Monday, September 15, 2008 at noon in the Alexander Room.

Shelby Cafe provided a nice lunch.

Those present were: Bryan Gordon, Mike Putnam, Karen Rhyne, Andy Andrews, Lisa Green, Gary Staymate, Marti Glaser, Cecil Burton, Graham Cawthon, Ellis Noell, Michael Chen and Verna McCluney.

The minutes were read and approved as written.

A financial statement was passed around by Treasurer Verna McCluney.

7/31/08 Balance Forward $14,385.68
8/29/08 Interest Earned $10.36
9/12/08 Balance $14,396.04

A tip report was given by Lt. Lisa Green of the Shelby Police Department. There were a total of 7 tips since our last meeting. Three were for the Shelby Police and four were for the County. The tips were in regard to breaking and entering, assault, outstanding warrants, larceny and a missing person. Lt. Green recommended one pay out. Members voted to pay a tipster $50 for a tip which lead to the arrest of a man wanted on probation violations involving a weapons offense.

Andy Andrews said he would have a quote for cards, and the cards by our next meeting. The cards will include CrimeStoppers telephone number and logo "Need Cash, We Pay." Members voted to approve the cost for up to 50,000 cards. Lt. Green commented that she wished she would have had some to hand out at the last crime scene.

Andrews said that he still wanted the group to have some magnets to hand out so that people can place them on their refrigerators and always have the number handy.

Also discussed was crime scene tape, with our CrimeStoppers info on it.

Andy Andrews said he had received permission to place two banners or signs out at the Cleveland County Fair. One is to be placed close to the water wheel and grandstand and the other one at the announcement booth.

Andrews also reported that one of the billboards will be rotated to the south side of 74 W.

President Cecil Burton spoke with Don Allen concerning the progress of CrimeStoppers in Shelby Middle School. He said that thus far the reaction has been very positive and there are plans to expand the program into other schools. One of the biggest hurdles is teaching the students that it is OK to "tattle" when there is a crime involved. President Burton said that a big motivator would be the fact that it would be totally anonymous.

Gary Staymate said he would like to see the CrimeStoppers program in schools pair up with the D.A.R.E. program and school resource officers.

President Burton stressed how badly we need a website, and Andrews said he would check with his daughter who creates web sites.

Andy Andrews suggested that we present Tammy Endicott with a plaque for all of the work she has done for our group.

The group discussed fund-raising, and Andy Andrews agreed to chair a committee for that purpose.

Sgt. Bryan Gordon said that gunlocks were free of charge at both the Shelby Police Department and the Cleveland County Sheriff's Department, but few residents take advantage because they people are afraid they will become victims if their guns are locked.

President Cecil Burton adjourned the meeting at 1:05pm

Church fire photos

2008-10-08T13:10:00.007-04:00

For more on the story, check out yesterday's fire here and follow today's coverage here.

Attacked on the Job

2008-10-03T17:50:00.002-04:00

As someone in journalism, I'm used to being interrupted while trying to do my job. There could be breaking news, there could be hateful phone calls.

But this ... thankfully, this has not yet happened while on the job.

I believe you have my stapler...

2008-09-30T16:27:00.002-04:00

Stumbled upon this while visiting LOLcats earlier today.

For those not familiar with the reference:

"Office Space"

"I'm Singing in the Rain"

2008-09-27T20:45:00.003-04:00

So I made the trip up to Concord Mills earlier today. Had some friends from college come by for the weekend and wanted to show off Cold Stone, Macado's (a Radford University favorite), and the Bass Pro Shop.

Of course part of that trip was to check out the mall's seasonal Halloween store. Always a great selection of stuff. It was like a trip to Toys R Us when I was 10. So much to choose from and so little time.

I ended up walking out with a bowler hat and cane. It's not a complete costume yet but the finished product should look something like this:

Yep, it's the Big Bad from "Heroes," Mr. Linderman. And the man that killed Capt. James T. Kirk on screen 20 years later.

It's Malcolm McDowell and the movie is "A Clockwork Orange."

*And if you've seen it, you got the headline quote*

I first stumbled upon the film in 1998, oddly enough while picking out movies for a Halloween party.

Disturbing as hell. Maybe not scary but very disturbing.

The movie came out in 1971 and was directed, produced, and co-written by the late Stanley Kubrick ("2001," "The Shining," etc.).

From Wikipedia:

A Clockwork Orange features disturbing, violent imagery to facilitate social commentary on psychiatry, youth gangs, and other topics in a futuristic dystopian Britain.

Responses and controversy
The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Picture (it lost to The French Connection) and reinvigorated sales for recordings of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. It also caused considerable controversy (see below) and was withdrawn from release in the UK. By the time of its re-release in the year 2000, it had already gained a reputation as a cult classic. It was recently placed at number 21 on AFI's 100 Years... 100 Thrills and number 46 on AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movies, though in the second listing it ranked in 70th place. Alex De Large was placed at number 12 in the villain section of the AFI's 100 Years... 100 Heroes and Villains list. In 2008, the film was placed as the 4th greatest Science-Fiction movie to date, in AFI's 10 Top 10

United States censorship
The film was rated X on its original release in the United States. Later, Kubrick voluntarily replaced roughly 30 seconds of footage from two scenes with less bawdy action for a 1973 re-release, rated R. All current DVDs present the original X-rated form, and only some of the early 80s VHS editions are in the R-rated form. [3]
The film was rated C (for "condemned") by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops' Office for Film and Broadcasting because of its explicit sexual and violent content; such a rating conceptually forbade Catholics from seeing the film. The "condemned" rating was abolished in 1982, and since then films deemed by the conference to have unacceptable levels of sex and/or violence have been rated O, meaning "morally offensive".

References in Popular Culture
Sound clips of Malcolm McDowell's dialogue is featured in the song "Cassie Eats Cockroaches" by Acid Bath.
The music video of 'Pacifier' by New Zealand band Shihad is inspired by the film.
In The Simpsons episode Dog of Death, Santa's Little Helper is forced to endure a movie that will turn him into a vicious attack dog. His eyes are held open with several probes, just like Alex during his rehabilitation. In the episode Treehouse of Horror III, Bart is dressed as Alex DeLarge for Halloween. A third reference appeared in the episode Duffless, in which a scene depicts Bart having a nervous breakdown after reaching for cupcakes. Other references can be found in the episode A Streetcar Named Marge where Bart tries to avoid going to school by complaining of "a pain in me Gulliver" and episode Homer the Smithers where Burns falls out of a window and later, bedridden and in casts, is fed peanuts by Smithers in the same fashion as the Minister of the Interior fed Alex his steak.
The opening sequence of Robot Chicken features a cyborg chicken who also has its eyes held open in the way Alex's are, while being forced to watch a bank of televisions playing the shows opening credits.
One of the distinctive looking gangs in the underground motorcycle racing sequence of Batman & Robin dress like Alex and his Droogs.
British metal band Grim Reaper has a song entitled Suck It And See, which is one of the "speech bubbles" that Alex had written on the wall of his apartment foyer.
In the TV show Rocko's Modern Life there is a stray dog that has a bowler hat and eye liner like the character Alex.
In Tenacious D: The Pick of Destiny, JB is attacked in the park by a gang who is dressed like (and talks like) Alex's gang.
British band Blur's single "The Universal" featured a video which was a tribute to A Clockwork Orange.
The music group DeVotchka dubbed their name from Nadsat's devotchka; translating to Girl in Russian.
In the music video "All That I've Got" by The Used there is a scene in which the lead singer is dressed in a similar style to that of Alex in the film.
In the music video of "Never Gonna Stop (The Red Red Kroovy)" by Rob Zombie, the band are dressed as Alex and his Droogs, and appear in the Korova Milk Bar and a scene referencing the ride in the stolen Durango 95. The song also contains lyrics based on the film.
Usher's 1998 video for his smash hit "My Way" is inspired by the film.
Brazilian Thrash metal band Sepultura's 11th studio album will be a concept album inspired by the movie entitled "A-LEX". The band had debated doing this for their 10th album, but opted to base it on Dante's Divine Comedy instead.
British punkrock band The Adicts has been inspired by the movie since the beginning of the band. They still perform live dressed up like Alex and his friends. Their logo is practically the same as the logo of the movie.
The song "Hier Kommt Alex" (Here Comes Alex) by the German Band Die Toten Hosen was heavily inspired by the film, It's lyrics commenting about Alex's lust for violence.It even has "Droog" in it.
One of the songs on the first album (Inflikted) of a new project of Sepultura founding members Max Cavalera and Igor Cavalera, Cavalera Conspiracy titled "Ultra-violent" and inspired by the film A Clockwork Orange.
In ep. 17 of Home Movies entitled Business and Pleasure you can see a poster in the background during one of the scenes that says "My Clock is Orange" with an illustration similar to the actual movie poster.
The 2001 video game Conker's Bad Fur Day's introduction sequence was a parody of the film. The remake of the game Conker Live and Reloaded also had the same sequence.
The 1998 SNK Beat'em up Fatal Fury Special: Dominated Mind for the Sony PlayStation included a final boss, White, clearly based upon Alexander De Large. [10]
Mid-West Prog-Metal Band Wait Until August references the film and the technique used on Alex with their song entitled "Ludovico". Lead Guitarist/Vocalist Tony Barrientez ended the song with the lyrics " I was cured all right" a direct quote from the final line of the film. The song is heavily influenced by the film.
In an episode of George the Jungle (the 2007 remake), George and his elephant Shep Are seen strapped to a chair, forced to watch "violent images" on a screen.
In an episode of Pinky and the Brain, Brain straps Pinky to a chair, tapes his eyes open, and forces him to watch several "tear-jerker" film clips to desensitize him, including a parody of The Lion King (this time depicting a tiger cub saying "papa?" as his father lies on the ground after the stampede scene). Pinky, of course, cries; and the test fails after Brain cries, too.

"Don't Fear the Reaper"

2008-09-26T21:42:00.011-04:00

It's that time of year again...

I'm flipping the channels and on Fuse (I'm not even sure what Fuse airs, but anyway) is the classic Michael Myers thriller and my favorite all-time horror movie.

Guess it's time to look for a costume? I went with the Burger King last year. I would go with the Joker but you know half the world's population is going to put on that makeup this year.

A few early ideas I've brainstormed for this year:

A panda. Anyone that knows me knows that's an obvious choice.

Michael Cera from "Juno." I was one of the few that thought the movie was annoying but Cera is always awkwardly funny.

Malcolm McDowell in "A Clockwork Orange." Some might remember Bart Simpson donned this getup for one of the Simpson Halloween specials.

So that's what I came up with. Got any other ideas?

"Well you done done me and you bet I felt it..."

2008-09-25T13:22:00.005-04:00

Is it already stuck in your head?

I blame our assistant lifestyles editor for this one...

Allison Flynn was sitting at her desk yesterday and complained she couldn't get that new Jason Mraz song out of her head. Of course, at that very moment it got stuck in my head as well.

A few people said they hadn't heard it and one thing lead to another and Allison played it for the whole newsroom to hear.

Day 2 and it's still stuck in my head.

And now it's my turn to get it stuck in everyone else's.

It's called anger displacement : )

"We Can Be Heroes / Just for One Day"

2008-09-24T13:03:00.006-04:00

Finally got around to watching the Heroes premiere last night. A whole bunch of people died right off the bat; looks like a lot of fun is to be had this season.

But it appears last year's short season hurt the audience:

From EW.com

The biggest disappointment of the night would have to be NBC's flailing Heroes. The network's 8-9 p.m. recap special drew an un-heroic 6 million viewers. Then, the two-hour premiere reached only 10 million viewers, down about 29 percent from the 14.1 million who tuned in for season 2's premiere. (Last year, NBC was able to get Nielsen to add together Heroes’ ratings for the initial Monday night premiere along with a Saturday repeat to come up with a final number of 17 million.) While DVR playback should boost the Heroes premiere numbers, that lukewarm start could still be a sign that the series' superpowers are weakening

I was among the ones who caught it after the fact on DVR. Hopefully things will pick up.

Here's some Heroes goodness provided by MAD TV.

And some more Heroes goodness, from David Bowie and Queen

Monday's "Must See TV"

2008-09-21T15:25:00.008-04:00

Remember "Must See TV"? With Friends and Seinfeld and the crap that was rotated out each season?

Ex: Suddenly Susan, Caroline in the City. Need I go on?

Looks like Monday, at least in my world, has replaced Thursday as "Must See TV" night.

NBC, 8 p.m. tomorrow: "Heroes" Season 3 premieres

Season 2 was an admitted big step down after the initial season. I blame that mostly on the writers' strike which caused the season to end prematurely in January. Hopefully Season 3 turns the momentum around. They're playing it up big with a hour-long pre-game show before the actual episode begins at 9.

Fox, 9 p.m.: "Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles"

I'm loving this just as I did Heroes Season 1. Shirley Manson of Garbage as a T-1000? Awesome. Is Summer Glau (above) showing signs of a personality? Even better. As a long-time fan of the movie series, I was worried that it couldn't handle a weekly prime time spot. I'm glad to be proven wrong.

USA, 9 p.m.: "WWE Monday Night Raw"

I like glorified comic book shows, I like homicidal robots, and I like choreographed violence. And any child of the 80s should be able to appreciate a wrestler (CM Punk, right) who has a Cobra, of GI Joe fame, tattoo. Children of the 80s should also get into the fact that a growing group of wrestlers are kids of the musclebound entertainers we grew up with 20 years ago. Million $ Man's kid? Check. Jimmy Snuka's kid? Check. Dusty Rhodes' kid? Check. How long till Brooke Hogan trades in the high heels for lace up boots?

So while I'll be spending today curled up in a ball, doped up on Sudafed, and with a thick layer of Vicks under my nose, at least I can look forward to tomorrow.

Song of the Day

2008-08-26T10:27:00.003-04:00

Cloudy weather makes me listen to Pearl Jam. Don't really know why. Maybe the weather makes me think of the Pacific Northwest.

Anyway, "Black" by Pearl Jam

Two killed in Polkville fire

2008-08-21T09:46:00.005-04:00

Photos taken around 7:30 a.m. on Ken McEntire Road as investigators were on hand following a double fatal fire early this morning. Check back at shelbystar.com for further updates.

Sweet Nibblets!

2008-08-02T09:49:00.004-04:00

Don't forget today that you have art class!

Or soccer ... or play practice ... or wrestling.

Okay, you probably don't have any of those - but your kids might. And, from what I've been told, kids love Hannah (Miley "Daughter of Billy Ray" Cyrus) Montana.

So what's better than your kid getting a phone call from Miley encouraging them to get out of bed and get ready for their big day?

If that phone call was free.

Thanks to Wal-Mart, it is.

http://www.hannahmontanacalls.com/

I believe the back to school time is prompting the free calls. Miley can encourage your kids to get ready for their event that day or just to get their school shopping done.

(I wonder if she encourages them where to shop? cough cough *Wal-Mart* cough cough)

The calls even work if you're not in middle school. I myself have received a call from Ms. Cyrus this week.

Give it a try. It's especially fun to type in your co-worker's phone numbers during an especially stressful day at work and have Miley call them. Great for morale!

Maroon 5 and Counting Crows in Charlotte (w/ video)

2008-07-29T11:12:00.002-04:00

I attended what very well could be my last concert of the summer last night in Charlotte. On the marquee, Maroon 5, Counting Crows, and Sara Bareilles. Showed up just in time for Bareilles to get off the stage.

Photos are upcoming but I wanted to go ahead and share some of the footage I was able to capture.

A new kind of "Crash..."

2008-07-26T15:55:00.003-04:00

In recent months, Stevie Nicks has begun performing "Crash into Me," the Dave Matthews Band classic, in concert. You can check it out by clicking the above video.

Having heard it, it's not bad. I have no strong opinion one way or the other. I think the instrumental makes the song. As long as you can somewhat hit the vocal notes, it's passable no matter who covers it.

Here's the original:

I pity the foo'

2008-07-24T15:02:00.001-04:00

After his short-lived reality show, Mr. T fell on hard times and moved to Shelby.

At least that's what I'm telling people ...

The Playlist: Superheroes

2008-07-23T14:26:00.013-04:00

The ability to leap tall buildings in a single bound. Spidey-sense. Adamantium claws.
If you get any of those references, you were once 10. Or maybe, somewhere deep down inside, you still are. But don't worry, you're in good company. After all, 21 million people this past weekend saw a leather-suited Christian Bale beat up a painted-face Heath Ledger.

For this week's Playlist, I thought I would spotlight some of the songs we've come to associate with the world of comic book super heroes. Some tunes you might remember, some you might not. Some you wish you could forget.

So now, fueled by the inspiration of Stan Lee, Bob Kane, Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster comes this...

“Spider-Man” (1967)
Composed by Paul Francis Webster and Bob Harris
Theme from the Spider-Man cartoon series

Spider-Man’s first appearance: Amazing Fantasy #15, Aug. 1962

Spider-Man, Spider-Man,
Does whatever a spider can
Spins a web, any size,
Catches thieves just like flies
Look out!
Here comes the Spider-Man

You know how it goes. Just about every kid does. In fact, my parents have an audio recording of me, at 2 years old, doing my best to sing the song. It's become synonymous with the web-slinger so much so that it's been included in all three of the Tobey Maguire films, with vocalist Michael Buble performing the song for “Spider-Man 2.”

Remy Zero
"Save Me" (2001)
Theme from “Smallville”

Superman’s first appearance: Action Comics #1, June 1938

Somebody save me
And two warm hands break right through me
Somebody save me
I don't care how you do it
Just stay
Stay
Come on
I've been waiting for you

The theme song to The CW’s Superman franchise has been the band’s biggest, and only, hit to date. Kinda like the Rembrandts’ “I’ll Be There For You” from “Friends.” I got into “Smallville” a few years back – a glimpse into the teenage years of Clark Kent – but lost interest when they danced around the Lex Luther bad guy turn one time too many. But the song’s still good.

“Theme from Superman” (1979)
Composed by John Williams
From The Superman movie soundtrack

So iconic that it was used in the famous Seinfeld clip show, which aired immediately before the series finale in 1998. Of course, Jerry Seinfeld being a hardcore Superman fan probably played a role in that.

“The Batman Theme” (1989)
Composed by Danny Elfman
From The Batman movie soundtrack

Batman’s first appearance: Detective Comics #27, May 1939

As a refresher, this is the theme used in the first two Tim Burton films and somewhat sampled for the 1992 cartoon series. For the record, I always thought Michael Keaton was an underrated Batman, and actor. “Multiplicity” aside, he did good work. As a journalist, I especially enjoyed “Live from Baghdad.”

“Batman Theme” (1966)
Composed by Neal Hefti
From The Batman TV series

Best lyrics ever. Actually, no. If the goal of a composer is to have their work remembered for generations, Hefti succeeded. The downside, of course, is this is an awful song for an awful TV show. The only positive from the 1960s Batman is Adam West is now famous enough to be the mayor on “Family Guy.”

Evanescence
"Bring Me to Life" (2003)
From the Daredevil soundtrack

Daredevil’s first appearance: Daredevil #1, April 1964

Wake me up inside
Wake me up inside
Call my name and save me from the dark
Bid my blood to run
Before I come undone
Save me from the nothing I’ve become

On the heels of the Spider-Man and X-Men franchises, “Daredevil” was universally panned as a comic book film. Of course, 2003 was a bad year for Ben Affleck. “Gigli.” Jennifer Lopez. Need I go on? But the soundtrack did well, anchored by what would go on to be one of the top songs of the year and a breakout hit for the alt rock band from Little Rock, AR.

“The Lonely Man Theme” (1978)
Composed by Joe Harnell
From The Incredible Hulk TV series

The Hulk’s first appearance: Incredible Hulk #1, May 1962

As a kid, I watched the Hulk every Sunday growing up. But in retrospect, I’m not sure why. It wasn’t the most uplifting show in the world. In fact, it was downright depressing. And it never got more depressing than the end of each show when Bill Bixby hitchhiked his way to a new town, hoping to someday find a cure and become normal. And in the background of those scenes played the now famous “sad walking away music.” Sniff.

Stone Temple Pilots
"Big Empty" (1994)
From The Crow movie soundtrack

The Crow’s first appearance: 1989

Time to take her home
Her dizzy head is conscience laden
Time to wait too long
To wait too long
These conversations kill

Man dies violently. Man is brought back to life, or pseudo life, to right the wrongs and make the bad people pay. How great a concept is that? And had Brandon Lee survived the making of the movie, the lead actor and son of Bruce Lee was accidentally killed late in the filming schedule, it would have made him a much bigger star than he was. This kinda flashed in my head after seeing the new Batman film this past weekend. Heath Ledger, anyone?

Mark Collie
"In Time" (2004)
From The Punisher movie soundtrack

The Punisher’s first appearance: Amazing Spider-Man #129, Feb. 1974

You know your days are numbered,
Count them one by one,
Like notches in the handle of an outlaw's gun.
You can outrun the devil, if you try,
But you'll never outrun the hands of time

From a lyric standpoint, this is my favorite song on the list. Mark Collie, a country singer / songwriter, walks into a diner, pulls out his guitar, stares at Frank Castle (portrayed by Thomas Jane) and sings about how he’s going to kill him. How cool is that? Of course, Collie ends up getting his throat slit. Such is life.

That’s what I got for this week, true believers. Check back next week for more.

21 million people can't be wrong

2008-07-20T23:34:00.004-04:00

'Dark Knight' sets weekend record with $155.34M

Yep, I was one of the 21 million to see "The Dark Knight" this weekend. And it lives up to the hype. A strong blend of popcorn summer blockbuster and credible award contender. You almost forget halfway through that this is a story based on a comic book. Gone are the comedic stylings of Adam West and Joel Schumacher. In their place is a story and characters with depth.

And what they say about Heath Ledger is true. The Joker steals the show. The mannerisms. The style. The character. There were honestly points where I wish they would cut from the Batman scenes so I could see more of the Joker. It's not easily compared to Jack Nicholson's take in 1989, but if you were to compare them you honestly believe Ledger's Joker is crazy. The way he explains his character in the film is perfect - he doesn't live to steal money from banks or kill people, he lives to upset the order of things. He's an anarchist with no rhyme or reason to his actions other than to upset the plans of others.

This is a comic book movie done right. Should be interesting to see how the film does as the summer continues. We might be seeing more records broken by the time September rolls around.

Two trailers shown before the movie which caught my attention:

Watchmen (also based on a DC comic)

Terminator Salvation
With the "Dark Knight" himself, Christian Bale, in the lead role as John Conner

A Smackdown in Charlotte

2008-07-16T19:57:00.012-04:00

It's been a long day, and one of those days where I kinda forgot to eat, but I wanted to share a few photos taken during last night's WWE event at Charlotte's Time Warner Cable Arena. The majority of the taping will air Friday on Smackdown, 8 p.m. on The CW Network.

I've been to so many shows since I was a kid that the aura of being there live has kinda worn off; now I go just trying to get good shots with my camera and pretend I'm some artistic photographer : )

"Well she was an American Girl / Raised on Promises..."

2008-07-12T18:04:00.005-04:00

I've never flown first class. Been on lots of planes over 26 years but never first class.

But after last night at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, I kinda get the appeal.

I've been to lots of concerts, especially over the past two years. Never sat as close as sixth row. And after last night, I don't think I can ever go back to lawn seating.

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tore the place down last night. It's a shame too, because after "airport security" was out patting people down before Dave Matthews a few weeks back, I thought it better to keep my good camera at home and not deal with having to leave it at the info counter. Of course, security ended up being lax last night and bringing the camera wouldn't have been an issue at all.

I was able to get a few shots with my work cell phone but I don't think it does the situation justice.

When you're that close to the stage, you're sitting in (or standing beside) folding chairs, rather than the typical stadium seating. Everyone around you is standing. You're packed in like sardines on what was already a hot Carolina night. And even though you're not drinking, after a while - with the heat and crowding, especially after a long week at work - you do start feeling a little inebriated.

And I was dead center to the stage, so getting out of the crowd for some hydration and a T-shirt was a lot of effort. Finding my seat again was a headache and a half.

The set list to last night's show isn't yet on the band's website but through a little Google-ing, I tracked it down. Very "singles" heavy, which is how I like it.

You Wreck Me

Listen To Her Heart

I Won't Back Down

Even The Losers

Free Fallin'

Last Dance With Mary Jane

Cabin Down Below

End Of The Line

Breakdown

Saving Grace

A Face In The Crowd

Honey Bee

You Don't Know How It Feels

Learning To Fly
- The acoustic performance is perhaps my favorite song by the band. Of course, I spent most of the song trying to find my seat after getting my drink and shirt.

Don't Come Around Here No More

Refugee

Encores:

Runnin' Down A Dream

Mystic Eyes

American Girl

The Playlist: The iPod Shuffle

2008-07-10T10:14:00.006-04:00

The iPod. A nifty little toy. It can be expensive as hell but good to have around on long car rides or just to tune out the rest of the world.

It’s inspired the iPod Nano, the iPhone, and – given a few years – probably the iToilet. It’s inspired the name of this column. And, on this occasion, it’s inspired the content of the column.

The shuffle option is one of the best things about the iPod, or any portable music player for that matter. The unpredictability of what song comes next is almost like listening to the radio, except there’s no chance of you changing the dial. After all, you’re the DJ.

For this week’s Playlist, I set the iPod on shuffle and left the rest to chance. A proverbial spin the bottle. It might land on something good, it could land on something not so good. What you see below are the results of that endeavor. Some of the choices you might love, some I might get heckled over. But it’s about as accurate a look at my musical tastes as it gets.

Want to share your own shuffle results? Shoot me an e-mail at grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com or leave a response here on my blog.

And away we go…

1) “Tonight, Tonight,” The Smashing Pumpkins (1996)

Album: Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness

Not a huge Smashing Pumpkins fan but this one always works.

2) “Kings and Queens,” Aerosmith (1978)

Album: Draw the Line

An often forgotten song from the band’s successful run in the late 70s, “Kings and Queens” is used in their new video game, “Guitar Hero: Aerosmith.”

3) “Down South,” Tom Petty (2006)

Album: Highway Companion

Perhaps Petty will sing this tomorrow at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre? I’ll be there, sixth row.

4) “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” Poison (1988)

Album: Open Up and Say…Ahh!

Probably the most romantic song written about a stripper.

5) “Gold Dust Woman,” Fleetwood Mac (1977)

Album: Rumours

Just a year after the Mac Attack released the song, which is reportedly about cocaine, Waylon Jennings did a cover of it. I have to track that down.

6) “Livin’ on a Prayer,” Bon Jovi (1986)

Album: Slippery When Wet

Twenty-two years later and it remains the band’s signature song.

7) “Wonderful Tonight,” Eric Clapton (1977)

Album: Slowhand

This song, as well as “Layla,” was written about Pattie Boyd, George Harrison’s then wife. After Boyd and Harrison ended their 11-year marriage in 1977, Clapton married her but the couple divorced nine years later.

8) “King of Kings,” Motorhead (2006)

Album: Wreckless Intent

If Lemmy’s face isn’t custom made for his own line of Halloween masks, I don’t know what is.

9) “Somewhere Out There,” Our Lady Peace (2002)

Album: Gravity

It remains the Canadian rock band’s biggest international hit.

10) “Cocky,” Kid Rock (2001)

Album: Cocky

You have to admit, at least this is better than his new song that samples “Werewolves of London” and “Sweet Home Alabama.”

11) “Jersey Girl,” Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band

Album: Live / 1975-85

The song was originally written and released by Tom Waits. Which reminds me to eventually listen to some Tom Waits.

12) The “Miami Vice” Theme, Jan Hammer (1984)

I still plan on dressing as Sonny Crockett for Halloween one of these years.

13) “You Look So Fine,” Garbage (1999)

Album: Version 2.0

My favorite song from one of my all-time favorite albums.

14) “Float On,” Modest Mouse (2004)

Album: Good News for People Who Love Bad News

Fitting, the song appeared on the soundtrack for “Ice Age 2: The Meltdown.”

15) “Omaha,” Counting Crows (1993)

Album: August and Everything After

One of the few non-singles from Adam Duritz I actually know the words to.

16) “Pocket Full of Sunshine,” Natasha Bedingfield (2008)

Album: Pocket Full of Sunshine

If you can’t at least smile to this happy little pop song then your internal programming is set to jaded.

17) “I Ran (So Far Away),” A Flock of Seagulls (1982)

Album: A Flock of Seagulls

I get “Flock of Seagulls” hair naturally. All I have to do is wake up in the morning and it’s there. I’m not kidding.

18) “Baba O’Reilly,” The Who (1971)

Album: Who’s Next

The song is often covered at USO concerts by the Lt. Dan Band, comprised of “Lt. Dan” himself, Gary Sinise.

19) “Simple Man,” Shinedown (2004)

Album: Leave A Whisper

Forget “Sweet Home Alabama.” This is my favorite Lynard Skynard song.

20) “Hey Joe,” The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1966)

Jimi sure has an interesting take on how to solve infidelity with firearms.

That’s what I got for this week, kids. Check back next Thursday for more and feel free to send your comments, questions, and suggestions to grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com.

Playlist Preview: The iPod Shuffle

2008-07-08T12:20:00.004-04:00

(Not to be confused with the Superbowl Shuffle, below)

The iPod. A nifty little toy. It can be expensive as hell but good to have around on long car rides or just to tune out the rest of the world.

It’s inspired the iPod Nano, the iPhone, and – given a few years – probably the iToilet. It’s inspired the name of this column. And, on this occasion, it’s inspired the content of the column.

The shuffle option is one of the best things about the iPod, or any portable music player for that matter. The unpredictability of what song comes next is almost like listening to the radio, except there’s no chance of you changing the dial. After all, you’re the DJ.

For this week’s Playlist, I set the iPod on shuffle and left the rest to chance. A proverbial spin the bottle. It might land on something good, it could land on something not so good. What you will see in Thursday's Star are the results of that endeavor. Some of the choices you might love, some I might get heckled over. But it’s about as accurate a look at my musical tastes as it gets.

Want to share your own shuffle results? Shoot me an e-mail at grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com or post a response here.

Check back later this week for videos of each song.

The Playlist: Guns N' Roses

2008-07-02T18:41:00.006-04:00

They tore into the music scene with a take-no-prisoners mentality. In a world of pop music and glam metal, they stood out for having an appetite for destruction.

Some called them the next Rolling Stones. And while they didn’t have the longevity of Mick and the gang, they still rank high, on lists compiled by Rolling Stone magazine and VH1, for their contributions to the rock genre.

Axl Rose’s trademark red bandanna and microphone sway. Slash’s customary top hat, sun glasses, and cigarette. For about five years, before fame and egos caused Guns N’ Roses to implode, they were the face of rock ‘n’ roll.

While the band still exists today and tours, it’s a shell of its most famous line up. A new album is in the works, “Chinese Democracy,” but after being teased for a decade it’s unclear when it will be released.

TIME magazine’s Joel Stein wrote last week, regarding the album, “Every few years Rose assures his fans that it's about to be released, and then it isn't. It's gotten so ridiculous that the album title is used to mean something that is long promised but will never happen, like "That marriage proposal is total Chinese Democracy. Move on, girl."”

While we might never get another GN’R album, or at least not another good one, we can enjoy the music they’ve already given us, like these songs:

“Welcome to the Jungle” (1987)
Album: Appetite for Destruction
Billboard Top 100 peak position: 7

You know where you are?
You’re in the jungle, baby
You’re gonna die

The fourth-best-selling album in US history was anchored by this, the band’s first breakout hit. Despite being aired in the early morning hours on MTV, the video went on to be the channel’s most requested.

"I wrote the words in Seattle,” Axl once said in an interview. “It's a big city, but at the same time it's still a small city compared to L.A. and the things that you're gonna learn. It seemed a lot more rural up there. I just wrote how it looked to me. If someone comes to town and they want to find something, they can find whatever they want."

“Sweet Child o’ Mine” (1988)
Album: Appetite for Destruction
Billboard Top 100 peak position: 1

She's got eyes of the bluest skies
As if they thought of rain
I hate to look into those eyes
And see an ounce of pain

While “Welcome to the Jungle” put the band on the map, “Sweet Child” made them a mainstream success. The song was inspired by Axl’s then wife, Erin Everly. And if the last name sounds familiar, it should. Her dad is Don Everly of the Everly Brothers (Bye Bye Love). Sheryl Crow won a Grammy for her cover of the song in 1999, used in the Adam Sandler film “Big Daddy.”

“The thing about 'Sweet Child,' it was written in five minutes,” bassist Duff McKagen once said. “It was one of those songs, only three chords. You know that guitar lick Slash does at the beginning? It was kinda like a joke because we thought, 'What is this song? It's gonna be nothin', it'll be filler on the record.’”

“Patience” (1989)
Album: G N’R Lies
Billboard Top 100 peak position: 4

Said sugar make it slow
And we'll come together fine
All we need is just a little patience

The bare-bones acoustic love song is a concert favorite for the likes of Finger Eleven, Carrie Underwood, and Slash’s current band, Velvet Revolver. For Guns N’ Roses’ Use Your Illusion tour in 1991 and 92, “Patience” followed a cover of the Rolling Stones classic “Wild Horses.”

I was stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic for over an hour during Kings Mountain’s recent furniture giveaway and heard this song coming from another car. It fit the occasion.

“You Could Be Mine” (1991)
Album: Use Your Illusion II
Billboard Top 100 peak position: 29

When I come home late at night
Don't ask me where I've been
Just count your stars I'm home again

The antithesis of “Patience,” “You Could Be Mine” saw a full-throttle aggressive GN’R. The song was featured in the 1991 summer blockbuster “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” after director James Cameron decided to take advantage of already having the band’s t-shirts and posters in the film. Reportedly, Arnold Schwarzenegger even had the band over to his house to negotiate use of the song. Schwarzenegger also appeared in the song’s music video, which was put in heavy rotation that summer.

“November Rain” (1992)
Album: Use Your Illusion 1
Billboard Top 100 peak position: 3

When I look into your eyes
I can see a love restrained
But darlin' when I hold you
Don't you know I feel the same

With an orchestral backing and a running time of 8:57, “November Rain” stands as arguably the band’s crowning achievement. And while the power ballad earned Guns N’ Roses even more accolades, it also marked the point in which they “jumped the shark.” It was their last Top 10 hit and subsequent singles failed to even reach the Top 50. The video, which remains one of the most costly of all time, starred Rose’s then-girlfriend, Victoria’s Secret model Stephanie Seymour.

Those are my picks, what about you? Shoot me an e-mail at grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com.

Dave Matthews Band in Charlotte

2008-07-02T09:13:00.004-04:00

Usually when I come back from the concert, I have a lot of photos and videos to share. Case in point, Bruce Springsteen in Atlanta.

I didn't realize security at Verizon Wireless were nazis. All cameras had to be left at the information counter before you even got inside.

You won the battle, Verizon Wireless, but I'll win the war.

Anyway ...

Show was good. Not 06 good but probably better than last year.

The set list:

The Stone
Old Dirt Hill
You Might Die Trying
Everyday
Eh Hee
Don’t Drink the Water
Grey Street
Corn Bread
Two Step
Proudest Monkey
Satellite
Jimi Thing
Sledgehammer (yes, the Peter Gabriel song)
Bitch
Ants Marching

Encores

Money (yes, the Pink Floyd song)
So Much To Say
Anyone Seen The Bridge
Too Much

The seats were the best I've ever had for DMB, so it's a shame I wasn't able to get any good shots with the camera. The latter part of the concert is a blur; I ended up making calls about the fatal Ramblewood shooting, trying to get more info as "Ants Marching" was performed. Ended up leaving just before "Money," which was a great cover that could still be heard out in the parking lot.

My next concert: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, 6th row, next Friday

I haven't seen any concert videos from last night end up on YouTube but here's a clip of their finale ("Trippin Billies") from the 06 stop.

Canadian Fat Jokes

2008-06-30T07:44:00.004-04:00

Alanis Morissette was seen performing earlier this month with a little excess baggage. Reportedly, she's been battling depression for about two years and has gained a little weight as a result.

While I wish her well, and congratulate her for a good show back in January at Cricket Arena, the jokes here are too good to pass up.

Maybe her next song could be ...

You Oughta Know (I'm Gonna Eat Your Doughnut)

Thank U (Cold Stone)

All I Really Want (is Apple Pie)

You Learn (to Wash Down Cheeseburgers with Milkshakes)

Crazy (How I just Left Golden Corral but am Hungry Again)

Playlist Preview: Guns N' Roses

2008-06-29T18:18:00.002-04:00

The Playlist: Summer Concerts

2008-06-26T14:06:00.005-04:00

As I write this, the only thing I can hear in my apartment is the sound of the AC blasting. It’s going to be a long, hot summer and it’s only just begun.

So while many of you are scheduling time off work to head to the beach or a colder climate – I hear Australia’s nice this time of year – here are a few of my picks for summer fun. You’ll still want to bring some SPF and a towel but you won’t need to spend your kids’ college savings to cover the transportation.

It’s just 40 miles down the road and it’s called the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. Over the past two years, it’s become a tradition of mine to check out as many shows as time and money permit and this year will be no different. I might even come home with a T-shirt or two.

So with that said, here are a few shows coming this summer worth checking out.

Tuesday, July 1: Dave Matthews Band

$32.50 - $62.50

Dave has been making an annual stop each year since I’ve lived in North Carolina, which isn’t all that long yet still impressive. His visit in 2006 remains one of my favorite concert experiences; just imagine a “Best of” album performed live. Last year’s wasn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination but if you weren’t a die-hard you probably didn’t know half the songs. Hopefully the upcoming show resembles 06 more than 07.

Friday, July 11: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Opening act: Steve Winwood

$29.50 - $95

My first concert at Verizon Wireless was Petty’s appearance in 2006, backed by Stevie Nicks and Trey Anastasio. Petty is coming off a career-retrospective documentary (“Runnin’ Down a Dream”) and new album with some old friends. The self-titled “Mudcrutch,” released this spring, reunites Petty and some of the original Heartbreakers with the band they comprised in the mid 1970s. There’s still the distinctive Petty sound to the music, just with a grittier, southern slang.

Monday, July 28: Counting Crows and Maroon 5

Opening act: Sara Bareilles

$23.50 - $126

The Crows return to Charlotte after a 2006 stop with the Goo Goo Dolls. And, much like then, I might be more interested in the second, and in this case third, act rather than Adam Duritz’ “Sideshow Bob” hair. I’ve wanted to see Maroon 5 in concert for a few years now. They and the Crows will be joined by Bareilles, who broke out this year with “Love Song.”

Saturday, Aug. 2: Journey with Heart and Cheap Trick

$23.50 - $125

Oh, if only Steve Perry was still part of the band... I’m all for classic rock tours, especially bands that had songs that still hold up compared to today’s hits. But Journey without Steve Perry is like apple pie without ice cream. Sure, it tastes okay. But something’s lacking and you know you’re getting ripped off. Never been much of a Heart fan but you can’t go wrong with Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me.”

Wednesday, Sept. 17: 3 Doors Down with Finger Eleven and Hinder

$19 – $69

3 Doors came in 2006 with Lynard Skynard. I skipped out on that one for the same reason I’ll be skipping out on Journey and, if they ever come to town, the Beach Boys. It’s just not the same if half your band has been dead 30 years. But throw in Finger Eleven (“One Thing”) and Hinder (“Lips of an Angel”) and this might be a rock show worth checking out.

And if that wasn’t enough to wet your apetite, here’s the full summer lineup.

Tuesday, July 1: Dave Matthews Band

Saturday, July 5: Crue Fest featuring Motley Crue, Buckcherry, Papa Roach, SIXX:A.M. and Trapt

Friday, July 11: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Monday, July 14: Vans Warped Tour

Friday, July 18: Brad Paisley

Saturday, July 19: Foreigner and Bryan Adams

Sunday, July 20: Rush

Thursday, July 24: 311 and Snoop Dogg with Fiction Plane

Friday, July 25: Widespread Panic

Monday, July 28: Counting Crows and Maroon 5 with Sara Bareilles

Tuesday, July 29: Jonas Brothers and Avril Lavigne

Wednesday, July 30: Projekt Revolution 2008

Saturday, Aug. 2: Journey with Heart and Cheap Trick

Sunday, Aug. 3: Rascal Flatts

Sunday, Aug. 17: Stone Temple Pilots

Tuesday, Aug. 19: John Mayer

Thursday, Aug. 21: Kenny Chesney

Friday, September 5: Brooks & Dunn and ZZ Top

Wednesday, Sept. 17: 3 Doors Down with Staind and Hinder

And for those making the trip this year, here are a few survival tips:

If you’re getting lawn seats, get there early and sit as close as you can. The people on stage are still going to appear small no matter where you are but if you're close you're going to have far less people standing in your view.

Bring blankets to sit on, if only to mark your territory and give you more space than the person next to you.

Be prepared to deal with drunk and / or high people. Think of it as part of the concert experience; an added bonus thrown in for free with your purchase of a ticket.

For more information, visit ticketmaster.com or call the box office at 704-549-1292.

Summer Concerts

2008-06-25T07:49:00.006-04:00

It's going to be a long hot summer. Why not spend it amongst thousands of drunk music fans at an amphitheatre?

Check out Thursday's Star for a full list of what to expect this summer at Charlotte's Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. And be sure to come back to the blog for a selection of music videos from those on the list.

My new distraction

2008-06-23T09:33:00.007-04:00

I've never been much of a gamer. In fact, I'm not entirely sure in what connotation the word "gamer" should be used.

Of course I played Nintendo. Relentlessly. For years. But after Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo, my passion for stomping buttons with my thumbs and then throwing the controller at the wall in frustration died.

But there was one game that I became addicted to a few years back. And thanks to Wal-Mart's super low prices, that addiction is back.

Back in 1998, I got my first desktop computer. And with it came a game called "Age of Empires." In summary, you create your own ancient civilization while at the same time blowing up the rival nations' homes and markets.

A good time is had by all.

Over the years, that CD became so scratched and worn out that it refused to play at all.

The grieving process took years.

Last week I made a much-needed trip for groceries and, with a little time to kill, explored the electronics department. And there it was. For only $10 - and with two sequels included!

A typical game can take up to 4 hours to play (and win).

As though I didn't already have enough to do with my time...

CrimeStoppers meeting info

2008-06-13T09:44:00.002-04:00

Minutes from last month's CrimeStoppers meeting, sent yesterday from Secretary Karen Rhyne.

MINUTES FOR MAY 19 2008 CRIME STOPPERS MEETING

The monthly meeting of Crime Stoppers was held on Monday, May 19, 2008 at noon in the Kings Mountain Police Department.

Vice President Charles McCloud called the meeting to order at 12:06pm.

A wonderful meal was donated by Roger's BBQ, located on Cherokee St. in Kings Mountain.

Those present were: Charles McCloud, Mike Putnam, Karen Rhyne, Andy Andrews, Tammy Endicott, Mike Poage, Rick Murphrey, Melvin Proctor, Kirsten Thomas, Kathryn Larson, Ellis Noell and Sam Richards.

Members were delighted to have the Kings Mountain Mayor Rick Murphrey attending the meeting.

The minutes were read and approved as written.

A financial statement was also read.

The Balance forward from the last meeting includes the $400.00 added back to the account from the checks that where never cashed:

$15,894.57
-400.00 pay out
-200.00 pay out
10.02 interest earned
-800.00 Creative Sign Service$14,504.59 ending balance

Lt. Tammy Endicott reported that 17 tips had been received since our last meeting in April. Six tips were for the Shelby Police, and eleven were for the county. These latest tips bring the total for the year up to 58.

One tip was recommended for a pay out of $100. Raymond Eugene Rucker, from the Cleveland County Sheriff's List of "Deadbeat Parents" was arrested due to the information provided by the tipster.

Chief Melvin Proctor said that crimes involving prescription drugs were a big problem in Kings Mountain. There have been some senior citizens who have paid their co pays and then sold their drugs for thousands of dollars. The chief said there had been arrests, some involving physicians.

Chief Proctor said he would like to improve the visibility of CrimeStoppers in Kings Mountain. He presented an idea to members that would involve doing a clip from the scene of a crime. This could evoke memories and possibly help solve some of the city's older and more prominent crimes.

Members discussed getting some sort of member identification. Refrigerator magnets were also discussed.

By the end of June, a new billboard will be present on 74, near the Shelby Road exit. This billboard has a new design, which shows pictures of cash on the side.

Vice President Charles McCloud adjourned the meeting at 11:55am.

The next meeting of Crime Stoppers will be on Monday June 16 at noon.

Submitted by Karen Rhyne, Secretary Cleveland County CrimeStoppers

The Playlist - The Song Remembers When

2008-06-05T10:18:00.009-04:00

Anyone that knows me knows I get around. And not in the improper sense.

Growing up a military kid, I got a taste early on for far off places. And with as stressful as newspaper-ing can be, I jump at any opportunity to escape and check out a new zip code.

New places. New people. New food. And though it doesn’t come cheap, that’s why God created credit cards.

So with that said, I thought I would focus this week on some of the tunes I’ve come to associate with my weekend or weeklong trips. The songs that take me back to a different time and place, far away from banjos and livermush.

Have a list of your own you’d like to share? Shoot me an e-mail at grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com. I’d love to hear from you and you might see your response printed here in The Star.

Filter – Take A Picture

Woodbridge, VA

March 2000

It’s not often I get to visit a former hometown; there have been so many. But that’s exactly what I was able to do during my first spring break of college. My parents had just moved from Alaska back to the Washington DC area – where I spent my middle school years – and this was my first trip back since 9th grade. A week of home cooking was just what I needed after months of Ramen and Gatorade. And listening to the car radio while visiting my former neighborhoods nearby had this song stuck in my head for weeks.

Evanescence – My Immortal

Eagle River, Alaska

July 2003

It was during a two week trip to my former high school stomping grounds that I got a chance to listen to Evanescence’s acclaimed “Fallen” album, released earlier in the year. Obviously the “Daredevil” song – “Bring Me to Life” – was the radio favorite at the time but I became drawn to this song while speeding back from Anchorage, enormous mountains on all sides and a pristine blue sky overhead on a warm summer day.

Norah Jones – Sunrise

New York City, NY

March 2004

Talk about overwhelming. From Times Square and NBC Studios to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Madison Square Garden, my spring break trip to NYC gave me enough memories for a lifetime. And seemingly everywhere I turned, I heard “Sunrise,” which at that time had just been released. From the hotel lobby to the coffee shop, I couldn’t shake it. I also couldn’t shake that 9 percent sales tax.

No Doubt – New

Seattle, WA

May 1999

The great thing about living in Alaska – by the time spring comes around, the sun is out nearly 24/7. And what could be better than getting a tan at 10 pm? Being on the verge of college. With high school graduation just weeks away, I found myself for a couple of days in the birthplace of grunge registering for my classes that fall at Arizona State University (the other ASU). It was during the trip that I picked up the “Go” movie soundtrack – where this song is featured – and checked out the brand new Star Wars toys at FAO Schwarz’; “Episode 1” was about to premiere.

Dido – Here With Me

London, England

September 2001

I bought the “No Angel” CD on Sept. 10, 2001 in preparation for my overseas flight later that day. And it was the first song I listened to the following night after watching hours of horrifying news coverage from back home. And while listening, I couldn’t help but think about all the people who wouldn’t be spending that evening with their loved ones because of the events of the day. I did have fun on the trip but it was obviously overshadowed by the tragedy states-side.

Fuel – Leave the Memories Alone

Orlando, FL

March 2008

It shouldn’t come as a surprise to many that know me that I’m a longtime wrestling fan. So it would be only fitting, being a resident of the Charlotte area, to be in attendance for the last match of Ric Flair’s 35-year career. As a Carolinian, if you don’t know who Ric Flair is, something’s wrong.. Attend a Carolina Hurricanes game and you’re sure to hear his trademark “Whoo!” following a goal.

In the weeks leading up to the recent match in Orlando, a tribute video was made to the tune of this song. The trip was fantastic for many reasons but this, perhaps more than anything else, left the strongest impression.

The Eagles – Take it Easy

Colorado

October 2000

I hope Winslow, Az. is adequately compensating the Eagles for all the t-shirts, key chains and mugs sold in the town. I turned off the interstate, in the midst of a 10 hour drive from Tempe, Az. to Colorado for a weekend trip, to find a nice assortment of “Take it Easy” items for sale at the local gas station in Winslow. And if you don't know why - listen to the song. In-between listening to “The Ricky Lake Show” on the radio – at one point I actually started picking up TV stations on my route – I played my “Hell Freezes Over” tape over and over until the lyrics were burned into my brain. Yes, children, that’s what car trips were like before the invention of the iPod.

So there’s a glimpse into my world. Have any stories you’d like to share? Drop me an e-mail and you might see your words here in The Star.

Playlist Preview: Vacation Memories

2008-06-03T11:31:00.006-04:00

Anyone that knows me knows I get around.

Growing up a military kid, I got a taste early on for far off places. And with as stressful as newspaper-ing can be, I jump at any opportunity to escape and check out a new zip code.

New places. New people. New food. And though it doesn’t come cheap, that’s why God created credit cards.

So with that said, I thought I would focus this week on some of the tunes I’ve come to associate with my weekend or week long trips. The songs that take me back to a different time and place, far away from banjos and livermush.

Check out the list in Thursday's Star - then come back to the blog for music videos of each.

Have a list of your own you’d like to share? Shoot me an e-mail at grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com. I’d love to hear from you and you might see your response printed here in The Star.

The difference a letter can make

2008-05-20T11:07:00.002-04:00

I've recently become a fan of the BMT sandwich at Subway. It's one of those "five dollar ... five dollar ... five dollar foot-loooong" options.

I forget what all is in it. A lot of meat, which I get with onions, banana peppers, and chipotle sauce piled on top. Makes me very popular when I get back to the office.

So I'm waiting in line and the woman asks for my order. And, having just starred at the menu, I said the last thing that I saw on the list. "BLT."

Didn't realize what I had done until I saw her take out the bacon.

It wasn't bad, though I ate it as just a "BL." Not a big tomato fan, at least not when they come whole or sliced.

Ramblewood triple shooting (5/16)

2008-05-16T15:20:00.006-04:00

Photos from earlier this afternoon of a triple shooting in Ramblewood.
Read more here.

Leftovers from Hotlanta

2008-05-09T20:52:00.013-04:00

Sorry about the delay in blogs. It's amazing how a movie shoot, a state primary, and a smaller-than-usual staff can cut into my blog time : )

Some leftover shots from my recent trip to Atlanta:

Cleveland County Polling Sites (w/ map)

2008-05-06T10:10:00.002-04:00

Put this together for today's primary coverage. Click on each marker for a photo of the building.

Check shelbystar.com throughout the day for primary updates.

Movie filming in uptown Shelby

2008-05-05T11:38:00.007-04:00

We were blocked off from getting close to the set but here are a few photos taken earlier this morning during the filming of "Blood Done Sign My Name."

Be sure to check out The Star's coverage of the film here.

Gridlock in Kings Mountain

2008-05-01T19:47:00.006-04:00

A few photos from this morning's furniture giveaway in Kings Mountain. To say there was traffic would be an understatement.

Read the story here

A Trip to The World of Coca-Cola

2008-05-01T07:32:00.007-04:00

I wouldn't have thought The World of Coca-Cola would be that much fun to visit.

I mean, it's something I drink. Would I want to visit a water museum? An orange juice museum? A Yuengling museum?

Okay, maybe that last one.

I guess what sold it for me was the international flavor (literally). Not only was there all this historical memorabilia - advertisements, posters, etc. - from around the world, there were also dozens and dozens of varieties of Coke products you could drink until you got diabetes.

Oh yeah, and seeing the Coke Polar Bear was cool too.

Anti-CNN Protest at Olympic Park (with video)

2008-04-30T09:01:00.008-04:00

You can take the reporter out of the newsroom but you can't take the newsroom out of the reporter.

I was on my way to The World of Coca-Cola Saturday, just beyond Olympic Park in Atlanta, when I noticed a big crowd of people holding signs directed against CNN.

And some of them were pretty direct.

Immediately I thought, "Oh ... this is going to be fun."

Then I got out my camera.

Seems as though CNN's Jack Cafferty made some remarks against the Chinese a few weeks back as Beijing prepares to host the Summer Olympics. So in return, most of Beijing showed up at Cafferty's doorstep with signs demanding his being fired.

For those who missed it, here are the exact words:

To be fair to Cafferty, he didn't even get to the issue of human rights violations : )

Some footage from Saturday's protest

Check out this footage from a protest held April 19 in Southern California.

A Trip to the Zoo

2008-04-29T08:27:00.017-04:00

Back with more photos of this weekend's trip to Atlanta.

Today: Zoo Atlanta

The main draw for the zoo, as it has been for years, are the pandas.

For more on Zoo Atlanta, check out the website here.

'The Boss' live in concert (with video)

2008-04-28T07:24:00.009-04:00

Just got back in town late last night from a fantastic weekend trip to Atlanta. Of course the main draw was seeing Springsteen and the E-Street Band at Philips Arena but the highlights went far beyond Friday night's concert.

But that's where I'll begin.

The set list:

Reason To Believe

Out In The Street

Radio Nowhere

No Surrender

Blinded By The Light

Tour Premiere - Your Own Worst Enemy

Trapped

Murder Incorporated

Prove It All Night

She's The One

Livin' In The Future

The Promised Land

Bobby Jean

Point Blank

Devil's Arcade

The Rising

Last To Die

Long Walk Home

Badlands

Thunder Road

Born To Run

Rosalita

Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out

American Land

Definitely a great time and worth every penny I paid for the tickets. And if the photos didn't help put you in the scene, here's a little video to go with it.

Check back throughout the week for photos from Zoo Atlanta, the CNN Center, the Atlanta Aquarium, a protest, a bicycle race and more.

The Playlist: Springsteen Round 2

2008-04-24T11:11:00.008-04:00

This weekend I’ll be heading down to Atlanta. But it won’t be for the food of The Varsity, the tour of the CNN Center or a pass to see the pandas at Zoo Atlanta; though I’ll be sure to partake of each. The main reason I’ll be in town is to see Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band perform at Philips Arena.

I profiled Springsteen in The Playlist back in August by mentioning my five favorite songs. To quickly recap – and in no particular order – “Born to Run,” “Downbound Train,” “Streets of Philadelphia,” “I’m On Fire,” and “The River.”

On the verge of my first Springsteen concert, here are a handful of notable mentions. Agree? Disagree? Shoot me an e-mail at grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com and your comments might end up featured in a future column.

Glory Days

Album: Born in the USA (1984)
Peak position on the charts: No. 5
Bet you didn’t know: Springsteen performed the song on the final NBC airing of “Late Night with David Letterman” on June 25, 1993.

Radio Nowhere

Album: Magic (2007)
Peak position on the charts: No. 102
Bet you didn’t know: The song earned Springsteen two of his 18 Grammy awards.

The Ghost of Tom Joad

Album: The Ghost of Tom Joad (1995)
Peak position on the charts: N/A
Bet you didn’t know: The album, named after the character from “The Grapes of Wrath,” was an acoustic throwback to the Nebraska album and earned Springsteen a Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album.

Atlantic City

Album: Nebraska (1982)
Peak position on the charts: N/A
Bet you didn’t know: Among those who have covered the bleak song in concert are Eddie Vedder, Counting Crows, Chris Cornell and country singer John Anderson.

Jersey Girl

Live/1975-1985 (1986)
Peak position on the charts: N/A
Bet you didn’t know: Springsteen’s live performance of the song, written by Tom Waits, was featured in the closing credits of the 2004 Kevin Smith film of the same name.

That’s what I got for this week. Suggestions, comments or concerns? Shoot me an e-mail at grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com.

Playlist Preview: Springsteen Round 2

2008-04-23T08:47:00.002-04:00

Monday Night in Greenville

2008-04-22T18:42:00.018-04:00

I spent the majority of Monday night at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville for a 3-hour edition of WWE Monday Night Raw.

And while most were content just watching the show, I spent much of my time pretending to be a professional photographer and taking as many shots as I could with my new camera.

Here are a few of the better photos. It didn't hurt to have floor seats.

Expect to see something similar next week. I'm seeing Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band Friday in Atlanta - though I won't be THIS close.

Horse Dude in Casar

2008-04-17T09:23:00.009-04:00

We have a big dry erase board in the newsroom where we plan out the days and weeks ahead. What story is going when, which will have photos, which will have video, etc.

A few people came in yesterday afternoon to find "Horse dude - Drew" on the board.

"Horse dude?"

The story was about Bill Inman, who has spent nearly a year crossing the country on horseback. His travel has been documented by media around the country - even in Singapore.

Here's the story we have in today's paper about his stop yesterday in Casar.

And video of the stop here.

Our photographer, Jeff, was out sick so I ended up filling in behind the camera. Took about 100 photos - here are some of the better ones that didn't make the cut.

Check out Inman's travel so far on his website here.

CrimeStoppers Minutes

2008-04-17T09:19:00.003-04:00

Last month's CrimeStoppers' meeting minutes, sent earlier this week by secretary Karen Rhyne.

The next meeting is scheduled for Monday at noon at the administration building on Marion Street.

MINUTES FOR MARCH 17 CRIME STOPPERS MEETING

The monthly meeting of Crime Stoppers was held on Monday, March 17 2008 at noon in the Alexander Conference Room.

President Gary Staymate called the meeting to order at 12:09pm. Don Allen opened with a prayer.

A great meal was donated by Don's Italian.

Those present were: Gary Staymate, Charles McCloud, Karen Rhyne, Verna McCluney, Kathryn Larson, Mike Putnam, Mike Poage, Marlene Peeler, Jo Boggs, Tammy Endicott, Sam Richardson, Andy Andrews, Shell Byars, Durwin Briscoe, Cecil Burton, Tandy Carter, Don Allen and Bryan Gordon.

Lt. Tammy Endicott reported 7 tips came in since the February meeting. Six were to the Shelby Police Department and one was for the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office. The tips were for various activities including a larceny, breaking and entering, stolen vehicle, damage to property, drug activity and a robbery. None of the tips were recommended for a pay out at this time.

Treasurer Verna McCluney handed out copies of our financial statement showing the latest pay outs and donations. Our current balance is $15,484.32.

Don Allen gave an update on his involvement with starting a Crime stoppers group in some of the schools. He said he was meeting with Phil Weathers later on during the week.

Andy Andrews announced that Creative Signs would be willing to donate the use of 2 signs for a period of 6 months, but we would need to pay for the paper used. Andrews explained that we could either pay $400 for the paper for each sign, or find a business who would be willing to sponsor the signs. The group agreed enter into an agreement with Creative Signs and will pay for the paper if a sponsor cannot be found.

The members voted to add Sam Richardson to the Board.

Tandy Carter spoke about the Call-In system and how it works. He said they had experienced great success with this and would be having their 4th meeting on March 18. Chief Cater also announced the grand opening of a computer lab at Christ Temple, which is in the Weed & Seed area. The lab is in conjunction with Weed & Seed and Cleveland Community College.

Sgt. Bryan Gordon of the Sheriff's Department shared some stats with us concerning crime and safety.

A committee to upgrade the bylaws was discussed and it was reported that the nomination committee is also looking into this. Cecil Burton said he felt that we needed to add some rules for attendance.

President Gary Staymate adjourned the meeting at 1:05 p.m.

The next scheduled meeting will be on Monday April 21, 2008.

Submitted by Karen Rhyne, Secretary Cleveland County Crime Stoppers

Senior Games

2008-04-15T09:47:00.007-04:00

I apologize for not blogging as of late. I used to update this thing multiple times a week - if not day - but I've quickly found that as city editor, your time is easily eaten up.

So this is me trying to redeem myself. Here are some extra photos from yesterday's Senior Games at GWU. You can check out the story and video from the event here.

Again, sorry for the delay. I'll try to do better from now on : )

Hit-and-Run Photos

2008-03-26T13:11:00.008-04:00

Here are some photos I took last night following the double fatal hit-and-run.

You can read more about the story here.

MySpace & Facebook

2008-03-24T13:49:00.003-04:00

Just wanted to let everyone know about The Star's new presence on the MySpace and Facebook networking sites.

I spent a couple weeks putting them together. I'm not the most skilled when it comes to page design or html codes but I think it serves the purpose.

Here are the links for those interested:

MySpace

Facebook

If you have a profile, feel free to add us. I'll be making updates / blog postings when possible.

Car Break-Ins

2008-03-24T09:14:00.005-04:00

Remember that giant map I had on my blog a few weeks back? The one with all the car break-ins during 2007?

I finally have a story to go with it.

Here's the map and story as a new interactive feature.