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Deb and I returned from North Myrtle Beach yesterday afternoon. To say we had a good time was a gross understatement.

We arrived Saturday afternoon (5/17) to a string of motorcycle traffic. It was the heighth of Bike Week in the Grand Strand, and a lot of folks and their Harleys were on the roads in force. Thankfully, the Harley riders are considerate and safe - heck, some of their bikes cost more and/or are worth more than I’ll ever see in this lifetime. But there were a lot of them. That first night, that was all you could hear - motorcycles. After the next day, the motorcycle traffic slowed down…until Black Bike Week got underway. They, for the most part, don’t ride Harley’s…they ride those sport bikes. So called “rice burners” or “crotch rockets.” And they aren’t as safe, it seems, as the Harley riders. And as the week progressed, so did the bikes. The thing is, they were in groups - large groups, in some cases. You’d see a dozen or more all together, then maybe a car or two, then another group…then another…you get the point. If you don’t believe me that they call it how I referred to it…

But on to more fun things…

We went to a couple of lifestyle shopping centers. One, in North Myrtle Beach, is called Barefoot Landing. The other, in Myrtle Beach, is called Broadway at the Beach. We also went outlet shopping, where Deb found a Coach purse for dirt cheap, on a relative level. And of course, I went to RonJon Surf Shop…frequently.

We also took in a Myrtle Beach Pelicans baseball game. They are the high-level class A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. They took on the Kinston Indians (their affiliation should be obvious) in Carolina League action. The night we went (Wednesday the 21st) was Nerd Night, featuring an appearance by Myron Noodleman, a nerd/entertainer. And in between giveaway cheers of, “Washer fluid” (followed by five hand claps) and “Defense (clap clap) donuts (clap clap)” for 1-2-3 innings, we had a good time…and a free donut ! The K-Tribe won 13-2 on the strength of an 8-run eighth inning.

The first picture is of Splash, the mascot of the Pelicans. The second is the field at BB&T Coastal Field.

We also went to Brookgreen Gardens near Murrell’s Inlet. That is a statue and sculpture garden.

The last sculpture I have above is titled “Eat More Beef.” Wonder why…

And of course, I did some surf fishing and some bodyboarding (I’ll spare you the gory details). We had a great time and will not soon forget.

I will be leaving for work shortly. Once I get done, I’m off for 10 days !!! Now to get through this day…then, early tomorrow, off to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina !

I think I alluded to this trip in an earlier posting. To review, my folks rented a condo for a week. They usually go with this other couple from their church, but they couldn’t go for whatever reason. So they had the condo and extra room(s), so they invited Deb and me to go.

Some things we plan to do…

1. Fish.

2. Go see the Kinston Indians play the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Class A minor league baseball).

3. Go to Brookgreen Gardens.

4. Surf.

5. Eat.

6. Have a good time.

I’m sure I’ll have pictures to publish when we get back, and perhaps a story or two.

I turn 39
Will be that old from now on
Until I can brag.

During the Cleveland Cavaliers’ last playoff series with the Washington Bullets (I refuse to be politically correct and call them the Wizards), a Washington-area Papa John’s distributor handed out T-shirts that said “Crybaby 23″ in response to LeBron James’ comments about the hard fouls he had taken during that series (the shirts had Papa John’s on it as well). Since that (”Crybaby 23″) was not the official stance of the company, the distributor was dealt with. And the company’s stores in northern Ohio offered a special apology to its customers and residents…

One large, one-topping pizza for $0.23 (limit one per household) yesterday only.

People responded…in droves.

The average wait to order a pizza, by mid-afternoon, was 2 hours, and the wait in line to pick it up was in the 2-3 hour ballpark. The offer was limited to supplies on-hand, and locations began to close for the day when they ran out. At some locations, police had to step-in to maintain order, but no serious incidents were reported at any of the participating locations in Cleveland, Akron, Canton, Youngstown, Toledo, Columbus, Mansfield, and surrounding areas.

We considered it as a dinner option, but had no idea the line for these pizzas would be blocks long. Put all of that together, plus the fact that I got out of work about 8:30 last night and had to get up early this morning, and we decided to pass. Even if, I think we still would have passed. Papa John’s isn’t the worst pizza out there, but you can do better.

One thing I do disagree with, however, is the fact that, in some areas, police had to be called in to maintain order. I thought the police were to protect and serve, not to waste time at “Pizzapaloo.” I’m not criticizing the police…I’m criticizing the marketing of Papa John’s. All this could have easily been avoided.

It’s simple…put a coupon for a free (or $0.23) cheese pizza in the Sunday papers in the communities that have participating pizza shops (of course, any toppings available at menu price). Make the coupon good for the month. There…you have made your apology, allowed the police to do their jobs (protecting and serving the community), and allowed people to get their pizza in relatively short order, and in an orderly fashion. But then again, I guess that would be too costly and too much work…

But so was yesterday’s debacle…

The next extended hike is this Saturday, May 10. We’ll meet at the Martin Rd. parking lot of O’Neil Woods Metro Park at 10 am, and we’ll hike about 5 miles on part of the Deer Run, Towpath, and Buckeye Trails.

Bring plenty of water, as there are no water stops along the way.

All are welcome, so we hope to see you there !

Gasoline reached an all-time high yesterday, increasing at most stations to $3.799 per gallon. I observed said increase driving to work yesterday morning at the Speedway station at I-77 and Arlington Rd. “Lucky” for me, I was able to catch some “cheap” $3.559 and beat the increase at the BP station at the I-77 Massillon Rd. exit.

The thing that kills me is this…the prices increase by twenty-some-odd cents, and then roll back penny by penny. Also what kills me is how people blame the president for this. His hands are tied unless Congress acts, since the president (no matter who it is) cannot legislate or make law.

So as the average working guy (or gal) tolls away at work for their seemingly dwindling paychecks, prices for just about anything you can think of is on the rise. A simple trip to the grocery store will prove my point. A stinking loaf of bread is now well over a dollar ! Your formerly $1.50 jar of Ragu spaghetti sauce is now $1.86. My wife wanted a 97 cent bottle of mustard…problem is, the 97 cent bottle is now $1.50. The 66-cent pasta is now $1.06. I think I made my point. Everything is going up, except our paychecks. And it’s all due to the price of fuel.

What can you do to save fuel ? Here are a few tips…

1. Change your air filter every 10,000 miles. A constricted air filter can reduce the amount of air to go through it and (excuse the pun) suck those miles-per-gallon away.

2. Check your tires’ air pressure. Set them at manufacturer’s recommendations. You can normally find those recommendations inside the driver’s door. Also keep them rotated.

3. Get your injectors cleaned. A lot of auto service places now provide this service. Clogged injectors can rob you of fuel mileage. The bottles they sell at the parts stores are OK, but a professional cleaning also involves cleaning out the intake and vacuum lines.

4. Get your car aligned. Improperly aligned vehicles can also rob your fuel mileage.

5. Change your oil. Oil is not just about lubricating the moving metal parts of your engine, but it also contains additives that break down over time that, once broken down, can rob you of fuel mileage.

6. If you’re going to the store for just a few things and the store is a short distance, why not walk ? You’ll get a good workout and you won’t burn a penny’s worth of gas.

Doing all of the above at most places (except, obviously, #6) will run $150-$200, but if you drive as much as I do, you will easily recoup that within eight months to a year in fuel savings. For every time you fill the average gas tank, you’ll actually stretch out most of - if not a full - gallon of gas per fill-up. And with that price getting closer and closer to $4 per gallon, we could use all the help we can get.

Since the IRS started allowing direct deposit for our tax refund, we have taken full advantage of it because we get our refund in 2-3 weeks and at no extra cost. We get the benefit of the full refund without having to pay anyone for the service and/or paying back an anticipation loan. That’s a good thing, because the president, working with Congress, announced an economic stimulus package that allows for anywhere from a $300 additional tax rebate to $1200 per married couple that filed jointly, plus an additional $300 per qualifying child.

We file married filing jointly, so we get $1200. And since the last two digits of my Social Security number is 59, we should get that deposited next week.

So, what are our plans ?

Three words: North Myrtle Beach.

As I said in an earlier article, my folks rented a condo there and have an extra room. The couple that usually goes with them couldn’t this time, so they offered us the room. How could we refuse ? Plus, it will give us some serious bonding time with the folks, something we have sorely missed the last several years. And besides, with what we both have been through the last year-and-a-half, we NEED a vacation.

Feel free to comment on your plans, if you wish to, with your stimulus money. I know some are going to use it to help the pain at the pump and/or at the grocery store. Others are going to make a major purchase (HDTV, down payment on a fuel-efficient car, etc.). I’m interested to hear what others’ plans are.

Today saw Deb back at the Cleveland Clinic medical offices in Strongsville for her one-year post-operative follow-up with Dr. Robert Molloy. The report was all good.

First of all, the revised hip joint looks good. Everything is progressing as it should at this point.

Second, the bone graft done on her pelvis looks good and has grown in well.

Thirdly, the ischial nerve has regenerated to the point where it is no longer necessary for her to wear the braces she has worn for the last year…which means she can give up wearing the wide generic tennis shoes. Now she can wear “all those cute shoes” she couldn’t wear last summer. That, plus no lugging braces to Myrtle, er, North Myrtle next month.

So I guess we can finally call it a full recovery from last year’s surgery.

This afternoon saw me catching another four fish at Kendall Lake at the Cuyahoga Valley National Park…three bluegill and a rock bass. So that makes the score…

PowerBait Crappie Nibbles 17
Nightcrawlers 0

And by the way, the volume of chartreuse Crappie Nibbles I have used is far below the number of worms I unsuccessfully used.

How did I come across the PowerBait product ?

I’m glad you asked…

I was fishing at Silver Creek Metro Park in Norton about two weeks ago. It happened to be the day they were stocking the lake with rainbow trout. I went to the eastern shore of the lake to try my luck, such as it was. The people both to my left and, to a greater degree, the man to my right were catching all kinds of fish. I asked the man to my right what he was using, and he said PowerBait Magenta for trout. Seeing as how I had caught nothing to that point on worms, I got some Crappie Nibbles (I figured it was too late to go after trout), reading that they were also effective for bluegill.

That, combined with finally finding WHERE the fish were at Kendall Lake, and that they weren’t going to bite on worms, is how I caught my first fish last Wednesday, followed by the next four the next morning, the next eight the evening after, and today’s four.

Berkley, the maker of the PowerBait products, makes a full line of PowerBaits for just about any kind of freshwater and als saltwater fish. On our trip next month, I plan to try some of the saltwater product to see if I can land something from the Atlantic.

And the price ?

Can of 24 worms (good for 4 or 5 fishing trips to no avail): $2.97 at WalMart.

Can of PowerBait Crappie Nibbles (good for at least 4 or 5 productive fishing trips): $3.18 at WalMart.

$0.21 difference between productivity and non-productivity. And by the way, I’m on my second can. Out of the 17 fish I caught to date on the PowerBait, 7 - SEVEN FISH - were caught on eight or nine pieces from can number two ! And I barely put a dent in the second can !!!

I’ll try again tomorrow. Hopefully, I’ll have another good report.

Seven more reasons to use Power Bait crappie formula…

I caught one more, but he wasn’t too photogenic - so much so, that the little guy literally jumped back into the lake before we could get a picture ! It was funny…but nothing different than the above.

Now that I am finally catching something, I’ll only post nicer fish on here…not to bore all of you with little bluegill.

Here are four good reasons to use Power Bait crappie formula for catching small panfish…

First…

Then there’s…

Thirdly…

And lastly…

Those being the second, third, fourth, and fifth fish I have caught at Kendall Lake since last evening. I caught all four of the bluegill above this morning, then after taking the pictures released them back into the lake.

It sure feels good to finally catch some fish.

Last week, I went fishing at Silver Creek Metro Park. While there, I got a tip that they were stocking the lake with rainbow trout. One of the rangers, who happened to be my sidekick in my CPR instructor course a few years ago, told me where to go to try and catch one. Although the people next to me were bringing in trout like they were going out of style, I had nary a nibble.

I overheard the one fellow there say he was catching the trout he had caught using Berkeley’s Power Bait trout formula. I knew the trout formula would be a waste for me since the trout were going to be pretty well fished out in short order. I had Deb pick me up a can of the Power Bait crappie/bluegill pellets. I tried them out a few times Sunday and also this afternoon, to no avail.

Then after dinner, Deb and I decided to return to Kendall Lake to try our hand at it again. While I was there, I did something I hadn’t done since 1982…

I caught a fish !

Let me say that again…

I caught a fish !

For the record, it was a 5-6″ bluegill (from nose to fin tip) and yellow-bellied. I caught it among many other bites at about 7:40 pm tonight, using the Power Bait (something I was unable to do with three boxes of nightcrawlers). I actually caught two others, but they did not stay on the hook.

It wasn’t the world’s biggest fish, nor a top prize. But it was the first fish I caught since I was 13 years old, and I am proud of that fact.

Now to catch fish number two…

Rockin’ on the River returns to Cuyahoga Falls for the 22nd year Memorial Day weekend. Rockin’ is a Friday night concert series that, by the way is free, hosted by the city and numerous sponsors.

Here is the 2008 schedule…

May 23rd Zoso (Led Zeppelin Experience )
The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience “If you missed Led Zeppelin live in the 70’s or are looking for a great chance to relive the Music, Magic and Mystery of Zeppelin, you must experience ZOSO. The sound and visual effects will astound you and bring you back to the “Hammer of Gods” career (from 1968-1980).” Opening the evening’s festivities will be Bargain a WHO tribute band from New Jersey.

May 30th Satisfaction (Rolling Stones Tribute)
“Satisfaction/A Rolling Stones Experience” is the international touring tribute show to the World’s Greatest Rock & Roll Band. Now in it’s sixth year of production and over 1000 performances, this highly acclaimed production showcases the most authentic cast & costuming of it’s kind.
Opening the show will be Hooked on Tonics.

June 6th Broken Road (A salute to Rascal Flatts)
There is no hotter act in music today! Mixing elements of pop, rock, and country they have sold millions of albums in just a few short years. Broken Road brings the fun and excitement of a Rascal Flatts show to your doorstep. Opening the show will be 52nd Street and Captain Fantastic. Come hear the music of Billy Joel and Elton John.

June 20 Draw The Line (Aerosmith Tribute)
The world’s only “Officially Sanctioned Aerosmith Tribute Band” based out of Boston. Even Steven Tyler raves at the authenticity of this incredible group which means the guys in Aerosmith think Draw The Line are such accomplished imposters they have given them their blessing to spread their music. Opening will be the U2 incident.

June 27th Vicious Cycle (the music of Lynyrd Skynyrd)
A great evening as Vicious Cycle brings us the timeless music of Lynyrd Skynyrd. Vicious Cycle members have opened for many national acts such as Lizzy Bordon, Robin Trower,ZZ Top, The Godz, Fair Weather,Tyrant,YNT,Pat Travers, and more. Juke Hounds will be opening the eveing with their powerful blues rock.

July 3rd PAT DAILEY
NOTE THIS IS THURSDAY
Put In Bay Legend brings his one of a kind show to “the mainland.” Lots of fun, and crowd interaction. Pat’s been called, “The Best one man Show in The Country.” Opening the show will be the RayBans.

July 4th Fins to the Left - BEACH PARTY (Music of Jimmy Buffett)
Making their ONLY appearance this Summer. Fins to the Left will be Right Here at Rockin on the River. All you Parrot heads come out to hear a great night filled with the music of Jimmy Buffet from this one of a kind band. Bring your sunglasses and beach balls. 7T7, will kick off this very special evening. CELEBRATE THE 4TH WITH US!

July 18th ALMOST QUEEN
Appearing to sold out crowds at top venues in cities from coast to coast, this New York city based band has the look and the expert quality of Queen. You won’t believe your eyes and ears. Opening TBA.

July 25th Dave Matthews Tribute Band
Hailing from Nasvhille TN, the only nationally touring tribute to the Dave Matthews Band. Close your eyes and you will be at a Dave Matthews concert (only this one if free!). Opening the show will be BIG HOUSE an Alman Brothers Tribute band

August 1 Midnight Special
Playing authentic 70’s classic rock including Queen * Styx * Elton John * Journey * Pink Floyd * * The Who * Grand Funk Railroad * Chicago * Paul McCartney and Wings * Led Zeppelin * And an assortment of Great one Hit Wonders. Victory Boulevard will kick off the evening.

August 8th Diamond Dogs
Few artists have earned the accolade of being known as a legend in their own lifetime as David Bowie has. With a career spanning four decades, there is no doubt that Bowie has been an undeniable influence on popular music and culture. It is in this sprit that “Diamond Dogs” models itself. Performing a 30-year retrospective and musical tribute to “The Sound & Vision of David Bowie”, this eight ( 8 ) piece line-up recreates such hits as ‘Space Oddity’, ‘Jean Genie’, ‘Rebel Rebel’, ‘Changes’, ‘Fame’, ‘Young Americans’, ‘Golden Years’, ‘Heroes’, ‘Let’s Dance’, and ‘China Girl’ as well as the on stage personas to accompany them like the legendary Ziggy Stardust! Opening the show will be the Uptown Cats.

August 15th The Last Waltz Ensemble
The group is an amalgam of the best players in the nation presenting the legendary and timeless music OF 70’s supergroup, playing the music of Bob Dylan and THE BAND, whose influence is still felt in music nearly 30 years after its last performance. Opening the show will be Buffalo Rose (Woodstock Medley).

August 22nd Big Brother and the Holding Company
That’s right the “Big Brother and the Holding company and their tribute to Janis Joplin. Come see this phenomenal performance as they celebrate their 40th anniversary tour.Can you believe you’re going to see this band for FREE? Opening the show will be OHIO a CSN&Y tribute band.

August 29nd Majestic (Journey Tribute)
This is extremely tight group blew away the crowds last year, so we brought them back for an encore. Their full production and fantastic tribute to Journey will have you dancing in the aisles. Opening the show will be Ladies of the 80s a tribute to female artists.

So come to Riverfront Centre in Cuyahoga Falls for one - or all - of the shows. Like I said, there is no charge for parking or admission.

Like I said in my last posting, Deb and I went to the studios of WMMS in Cleveland to witness the Rover’s Morning Glory Rap-Off between Dumb/MC Streeter and new sound guy Chocolate Charlie.

Here’s the crowd that showed up for the 7 am Rap-Off…

And here’s a (bad) picture of the incumbent RMG rapper, Dumb…

And a (bad) picture of the challenger, Chocolate Charlie…

The judges deliberated (sorry for the bad pics…my batteries were dead)…

And the winner is…

CHOCOLATE CHARLIE !!!

He won a bottle of Cristal champagne (which Dumb took away and dumped onto the floor). He also waived the right to have to rap his way out of a bad neighborhood.

Thanks to McDonald’s for the great breakfast. When/if they roll out the chicken biscuits at your local McDonald’s, try one. They are tasty. Also, their sweet tea (which, contrary to popular belief, especially in greater Columbus, IS available in greater Cleveland) is good too. Also thanks to WMMS for the free T-shirts and the free admission. We had a ball. And thanks to Rover, Duji, Dieter, Dumb, and Charlie for entertaining us all (and every) morning.

Tomorrow morning will find Deb and me at the studios of WMMS in Cleveland to enjoy the “Rap-Off” between Dumb and Chocolate Charlie, the phone screener and sound guy, respectively, on Rover’s Morning Glory.

What it is, is that both Dumb and Chocolate Charlie (the latter so named because of his resemblance to Charlie from “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory”) claim to be rappers. Dumb aka “M.C. Streeter” has not proven himself as a worthwhile rapper to date. But a visit to the RMG website will allow you to view some of Charlie’s “work.”

I am not a fan of rap, but I think this will be quite funny, no matter who wins or loses. Hopefully (if they allow) we will have some pictures from the “Rap-Off.” You can listen to the “Rap-Off” live on Rover’s show tomorrow (Friday 4/18)…it will be during the 7:00 am hour.