Dave Foulk Internet Flyer

When I was a kid, I used to read comic books that talked about ray guns. Their existence has jumped from the world of fiction into real, live weapons.

Nearly forty years after it was recorded, drummer Larry Morgan brings a musical memory, and a surprise to the station. You can hear it by clicking on:

http://wnoxnewstalk.com/goout.asp?u=http://www.michaelgrider.net

Thanks so much, Larry. I forgot the tape ever existed. And you will probably agree my singing is quite forgetable.

This is a photo I took of Scout, my grand-cat. Scout thinks she owns Julie, my youngest daughter. Or at least she believes she allows Julie to live in her apartment.  Scout had a rough start in life. She was one of a litter of kittens rescued from a burning home. Scout suffered smoke inhalation from the fire, and took a while to recover. A firefighter heard a woman crying about her cat and its kittens and braved the burning home one more time to get them out.

Thanks to all of our firefighters who think their extraordinary efforts are no big deal. If one of them would walk through fire for an animal, think of what they would endure to save a human.

One more thing: You can save an animal yourself with a visit to your animal shelter. The Young-Williams Animal Shelter or The Humane Society Of The Tennessee Valley would be a good start. And a mature adoptable animal can make a great and already trained companion. Just call and ask about one today.

Scout says thanks.

I have been thinking about what I can do after I retire from broadcasting.  I found this advertisement and I believe it might be a good business opportunity:

Just think of how many of these lamps I could sell.  People would be clambering for their very own 60 watt deceased squirrel.  Now that's something you won't find in any store.

It doesn't have to be flowers.

It can be as simple as...

a hug....

a note...maybe a love letter

a phone call...

the words " I love you."

some time spent with someone who is alone most of the time.

It only takes an investment of time...while you still have it to spend.

I walked in the door- back home after election returns and storm coverage last night- with about four hours to rest, get back up, and start the morning drive news.  All of the frazzling election numbers and interviews coming from all directions, plus the harrowing stories of storms didn't rattle my nerves as much as a quick conversation I had with someone on the other side of the drive-thru window.

When you work early mornings you often see the same people. There are several cars and trucks I recognize as "regulars" on my way to Bearden.  Same goes for some of the people at gas stations and the few fast food places that are open around town.  I only stop for gasoline at that hour when I am about to go dry.  But my breakfast stops are pretty regular.

Last night I stopped for a sandwich and drink. I won't say where, but it's along my regular route, and the person on the other side of the window was a regular.  I will stop right there because I am not sure they want to be identified beyond that.

The drive-thru window popped open and they greeted me:

-Hey, you here early, or late?

-Late, I've been working tonight.

-Well, I guess you won't be seeing me around here much longer.

-Oh?  You leaving?

-No. I got cancer.  Doctor says I'm eat up with it in my throat and my lungs.

-Man, sorry to hear about it.  I suppose you'll be doing chemo or radiation.

-Nope.  Nothing.

As the cashier fooled with my bag and handed my soft drink through the window, I figured it might be now or never to see if she had confronted her own mortality and beliefs...

-Mmm. I see.  Let me ask you- are you ready?

-Oh yeah, I'm ready.

-So you know where you're headed when you die?

-Yeah, I'm a good person.  I know I'm a good person.

-Well, let me ask you this- Do you know Jesus Christ?  Know about him?

-No.  But I'm ready to be with my dad.

-Well, I will certainly pray for you, and ask other people to do the same.

 But will you do me a favor? 

-Sure...

-Will you dig out a Bible somewhere, and read the Book Of Matthew.  It's helped me in some tough times, and it might at least be a comfort to you.

By this time, there was a car behind me creeping forward as if the driver wanted to nudge me out of the way.  I wrapped it up:

- Hey, I'm no preacher, and I am sure a sinner, but I really think you might at least read some nice comforting words  if you look at Matthew.  Meanwhile, I'll be thinking of you..praying for you.

-Okay...see ya.

And as quick as that, it ended.  She was the first person I spoke to on this Ash Wednesday.