….. I knew “they” were out there but it was very refreshing to encounter them. I met with 20 of Charlotte’s “young guns” Friday night. They represent a snapshot of the 40-ish next generation of business, finance, legal leadership of the Queen City. Assuming there are more of them in the Triad and Triangle, maybe there is hope for the Tar Heel state. …… That said, the stench of Mike Easley flatulated anew this weekend embarrassing NCSU to a degree not seen since Washburn & Shackleford. ….. and CBS’ David Feherty “Imused” himself big time.

….. I love it when the daily headlines dramatically illustrate a point and I get to point out that point. David Feherty and Wanda Sykes? Not exactly household names except both fringe provocateurs are in their Andy Warhol 15 minutes this week. Half of America thinks one of them “crossed the line” but America can’t agree WHOSE LINE.

….. Most Life Lessons come as one is walking down Life’s #15 Fairway and its too late to do anything but imagine “If I’d only known….”. BobLee shares his latest Cassandrian Absolute. How many former Miss USAs can you name? (No, “she” was a Miss America ….. nope, so was “she” ….) How many BOLLYwood Hotties can you name? ….. and “Larry The Provost Guy” falls on his sword at NC State. ( LATE BREAKING NEWS – Erskine calls for McQueen’s head on platter!) …. MORE BREAKING NEWS – McQueen Quits at 3:15 PM ….. FBI launches investigation of Easleys!!!

….. CRASH …. KABOOM. Lordy mercy, it was like standing on a hilltop overlooking a train crossing, watching the whole glorious mess coming together …. The speeding locomotive, the stalled school bus, the car fulla teenagers, and the little ol’ lady pushing the grocery cart all converging at the crossing. Alls one could do was say “WHOA NELLIE!”. …… The N&O will sell a few dozen extra papers today I reckon. …. MONDAY UPDATE – NCSU Chanc tells Mary to BE GONE WENCH!

…… I know some of you are “over-Easleyed” with this mess in Raleigh. ENOUGH already BobLee !!! Not so fast Buddies and Babes, there’s much to be learned by examining this petri dish of human foul-up. It could (and does) happen everywhere. Like those anatomical close-ups on CSI ….. BobLee goes “beyond the headlines” to show the 9mm slug piercing the aorta. ….. Hollywood sex kitten linked to Easley. …. John Wall to Kentucky …. And NCIS wins “BEST SEASON FINALE” award.

…. This is “a 96% No Easley column”. Apparently the rest of Earth has not stood still while Mike&Mary roasted on the spit of scandal. Who knew? …… The NBA and NHL are playoffing (again, Who Knew?). Mike Vick has new ankle bling courtesy of “the Feds”. Eliz Edwards is still “feeling” ….. BobLee visits Golden Corral and sees his first “muslim big’un” !!!

….. I’ve never done this before. Today’s column is a VERY long recent article from The New York Times about men and occupational pursuits. IT IS NOT POLITICAL. It is fascinating (at least to me) and challenges long held beliefs about “going to college …. and beyond”. You may see yourself in this and/or certainly your children and grandchildren. ….. Again, it is 10X longer than a normal BLSays column so set aside time to digest it. …… Oh, and this will NOT be on your final exam.

…. That last column Men & Work “went platinum” as predicted. Those who shied away from it because it was not about Dick Baddour, Butch Davis or Lee Fowler really missed “a good’un”. Lucky for you you can still read it. ……. Moving right along ….. Our family had one of those moments recently that ended with “I’m 21 and can do whatever I want …..” Uh oh ….. every parent who’s been thru “one of those” give an understanding smile. ……. Moochie Update –