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I arrived in Concord, NC yesterday at about 2pm. Met Dick Bourne, George South, Jimmy & Angel Valiant and Jesse Morris at Louis’ Grill off of Exit 42.

From there we traveled Casa de South, and entered the George South museum. Overwhelmed would be a good word to describe it. I went in three separate times and saw something new each time. Posters adorn the walls; shirts/jackets/hats are hanging from the ceiling; autographed photos, a bench from the Dallas Sportitorium; boots, belts, any and everything to do with wrestling is there. A real treat, I do appreciate it George!

He did this really for his kids and they were excited about the whole affair. Neighborhood kids and adults all flocked around the ring in the front yard to see what was going on. Boogie shot some footage with George reminiscent of his “Boogie in the gutter” promo.

There were three matches – Jake Manning, Dory/Jimmy Jack Funk Jr, Chris Guerrero and George South Jr – the guys did great. The increasing night did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd there – it was really just like a little party.

Thanks again to George, Dick, and everybody else.

It’s true…there is a casualty in the fast food wars of Columbus, NC. I pulled into the Hardee’s parking lot this morning to pick up a snausage biscuit and saw that there was not a single car there. I noticed all their signage was down, and then as I pulled around saw that the menus were gone.

A piece of paper posted on all the doors said, “This location is closed. Thank you for your support. Visit our other locations yadda yadda”. It stunned me. There was no word that the restaurant was in any trouble. It had the strongest breakfast crowd in town as far as I could tell. They have had troubles with the state inspectors, sometimes carrying a C rating. New managers swung through the doors all the time.

I suppose to most folks the closing of a third tier fast food joint is no major loss. To me however, this is history. Years ago, Hardee’s was the only fast food place in town. Before Food Lion (which has been in town a little over 17 years), before Bi-Lo, before Waffle House etc etc there was Hardee’s. It was clean, and had great food. Plus, they had a giant playground. Towering and metallic, and sitting in the middle of a giant sandbox.

My Nanny & Papa Pittman used to take me there all the time, and I would spend long periods of time on the playground.

No fanfare, no notice – it’s just shut down.

I want to learn how to play a pipe organ…like one you would see in a big church…

Raw is tonight – who cares?

I’ve started Gary Michael Cappetta’s book: “Bodyslams, Memoirs of a Wrestling Pitchman.”

Got to see Ostgard last night. Glad you’re back brother. I understand he and Scottie Velvet had THE match at APW on Saturday.

Supper tonight – bowl of ‘mater soup…badly made grilled cheese?

Getting ready for the George South front yard show on Wednesday…

Anything interesting at work today? Nothing I can talk about – government secrets and all..

This Thursday, the NC Education Lottery begins with the scratch off tickets! The Powerball will start May 30th.

My future is set!

Just got back from seeing “V for Vendetta”. Great film. I read the graphic novel years ago (it was the second work by Alan Moore that I read after “Watchmen”) and this brought back the entire thing for me. Plus any movie with the “Benny Hill” theme song in it has to be good.

Friday night was the inaugural taping of AWA Power Pro Wrestling. What a blast. There was a total of 18 matches including the dark matches! Sounds long doesn’t it? The show did run a little over, it finally ended about 11.30. What was great though was the crowd stayed with it the entire time. There were a couple of down spots, but they were quickly picked back up. Everybody involved in the show did fantastic and really stepped their work up. Our favorite former Jim Lewis SCW referee Jamie Tucker was there. I was glad to see some new guys for the first time in the ring. Ultra (Concentrated?) Dragon was awesome. The crowd loved him. The Queen City Kings got what was expected from their name – including “Queenie Weenies” from the crowd.

Yes, minor bumps in the road, but the show ran so smoothly. I was very impressed. You serve quality to the hungry masses and they will stay for more. ER and Law did wonderful at the announce table. Jim Fox of course expertly manning the handheld camera. Also, a public kudos to Thomas. Even through all the stories I have heard, you kept calm and collected through the entire show. Congrats!

Wednesday I may be heading to Concord, NC for the “Boogie Woogie Front Yard Tour” at George South’s house. Yes, the front yard. I think it will be interesting to get a peek at George’s museum. The next day is Exodus Wrestling in Mooresville with the “Why George, Why?” show. Frdiay will be HVW back in Hendersonville.

Posted on the Mid-Atlantic Gateway. (March 29th)

In George’s front yard! I gotta go…

Captured!

I should become a crime scene photographer….I think that would be a cool job…of course some of the things I have shot should have been a crime…

I am growing addicted to this show “Deal or No Deal”….It is now on the TiVo schedule….

Here’s a tip if you ever plan on running for political office in the south – make sure you are not a vegetarian. You will have to hit breakfast meetings, BBQ’s, weeney/hamburger cookouts etc. So it will do you no good.

Last night was HVW in Hendo. Not a bad show. I must give credit to the match between Thomas and ST Ryker. When Ryker put the trash can over T’s head and grabbed the kendo stick, I have never heard the crowd react that way for the boy. They knew what was coming and he didn’t disappoint them. This match will not be remembered as a 5 star classic, and some may not remember it at all. But I’m sure ST will, for the amount of reaction he got from the crowd.

Very quick show. Only six matches, which worked out fairly well. The main event was a six man gauntlet match between the EOD and the Underground. I am not a fan of this type of match, but the interaction between the wrestlers with each other and with the fans was good. Who do these front row kids think they are? The final part of the match between Law and Buffett was just right.

Last night was Buffett’s last night with HVW for awhile. He has gotten a new job that is going to keep him from wrestling on Friday nights. There was a little tribute type moment at the end of the show, and it was genuinely emotional. I really hate to see Johnny leave, he is a true friend.

When I first saw “Johnny Buffett” I honestly thought – what in the hell is this? The few segments of “Cheeseburger in Paradise” or whatever that interview segment was called, was where I first got to see the biting humor he had, not only about himself but about the current scene.

When he switched to “Sir Jonathan Buffett”, “It’s Boo-Fay, idiot!”…I saw how well he could do the bad guy. I have often referred to the night at APW when he had the crowd in the palm of his hand – they were rabid.

Johnny is one of the more real people I have met in wrestling. While so many folks try to dazzle you, Johnny is real about himself and his life. I appreciate the friendship that you and the whole family have shown, I love you guys!

This sounds like he’s dead or something! We’ll see yawl again, in no time. Of course “Cheeseburger” in Asheville is still waiting for us to show up!

SWA tonight in Forest City. My first Rhymer Cup.

Our favorite wrestler – Ostgard will be returning to APW next Saturday. I’m glad to see he made it back. Eight months in the sandbox is enough for him I’m sure.

“Roe vs. Wade for Men”