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    <title>Tom Crabtree for WSPA</title>
    <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/</link>
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        <title>Tom Crabtree for WSPA</title>
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    <description></description>
    <dc:language>en</dc:language>
    <dc:creator>WSPA</dc:creator>
    <dc:rights>Copyright 2009</dc:rights>
    <dc:date>2009-11-07T21:57:58-05:00</dc:date>

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         <item>
          <title>Toy Drive This Sunday 11/8 in Memory of Syl Syl</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/toy_drive_this_sunday_11_8_in_memory_of_syl_syl/29331/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
There will be many toy drives this holiday season.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; But one going on this Sunday 11/8 carries a special memory with it.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; It&#8217;s the day of the sixth annual &#8220;Syl Syl Christmas Toy Drive.&#8220;

&nbsp;  &nbsp; The toy drive is 2 - 4 pm at &#8220;The Clock Restaurant&#8221; on West Poinsett Street in Greer.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; It&#8217;s in memory of Sylvia Holtzclaw.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:25:53 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/toy_drive_this_sunday_11_8_in_memory_of_syl_syl/29331/#When:04:25:53Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>My First Look Inside Superbike Motorsports</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/my_first_look_inside_superbike_motorsports/29240/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Walking around the former Superbike Motorsports building last month was one of the most erie experiences I&#8217;ve had in the news business.

It was my first trip to Superbike.&nbsp; I had gotten permission from the current owner to do an interview inside with Senior Investigator William Gary of the Spartanburg County Sheriff&#8217;s office.

It was a long ride up Parris Bridge Road.&nbsp; Superbike was in the middle of nowhere.&nbsp; That was probably good for a business that generated a lot of noise with the revving of engines.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Nov 2009 22:39:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/my_first_look_inside_superbike_motorsports/29240/#When:03:39:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Keeping Count of the Halloween Visitors</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/keeping_count_of_the_halloween_visitors/29079/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Even in a down year, we did pretty good.

Gayle and I kept a running count of &#8220;trick or treaters&#8221; who came to our door this past Saturday night.

I can&#8217;t remember what time the first one knocked on our door.&nbsp; But the last one who came by at 9:15 was number 66.

Some years we have 100 or more.&nbsp; A few times we&#8217;ve only had maybe 30.

But considering the on-and-off pouring rain and competition from fall festivals at churches and schools, 66 was a solid number.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:38:59 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/keeping_count_of_the_halloween_visitors/29079/#When:03:38:59Z</guid>
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          <title>My Columbia Adventure (Not the USC City)</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/my_columbia_adventure_not_the_usc_city/28974/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
You&#8217;re probably very familiar with Columbia, SC, especially if you&#8217;re a Gamecocks fan.

South Carolina state capitol&#8230; state government hub&#8230; home of the University of South Carolina.

Ever been to Columbia, -North- Carolina?

If you&#8217;ve traveled to the NC Outer Banks via US Highway 64, you&#8217;ve gone right through it.

If you blinked, you missed it.

And that&#8217;s too bad.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:16:47 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/my_columbia_adventure_not_the_usc_city/28974/#When:03:16:47Z</guid>
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          <title>Upstate Will Also Benefit from Boeing, Twelve Thousand Jobs</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/upstate_will_also_benefit_from_boeing_twelve_thousand_jobs/28856/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   With unemployment standing at 11.6% in September, South Carolina hurts for good news about jobs.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Tonight monumental good news has arrived on the wings of aircraft manufacturer Boeing.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; It&#8217;s big for the Lowcountry, but it&#8217;s also big for the entire state.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Think of it as BMW with wings.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:04:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/upstate_will_also_benefit_from_boeing_twelve_thousand_jobs/28856/#When:02:04:45Z</guid>
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          <title>Widening Corruption Scandal Adds to Union County&#8217;s Woes</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/widening_corruption_scandal_adds_to_union_countys_woes/27737/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; In one of his live reports tonight from in front of the federal courthouse in Greenville, News Channel 7&#8217;s Chris Cato called this &#8220;a dark day for Union County.&#8220;

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Union County has seen more than its share of dark days over the past two years.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Corruption and unemployment have made for hard times.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Federal indictments revealed today accuse top current and former county officials of a wide range of corruption charges.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 05 Oct 2009 22:27:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/widening_corruption_scandal_adds_to_union_countys_woes/27737/#When:03:27:00Z</guid>
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          <title>Discovering One of Spartanburg&#8217;s Unique Downtown Restaurants</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/discovering_one_of_spartanburgs_unique_downtown_restaurants/27308/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Though my family has lived in Spartanburg for 28 years, we are constantly discovering new things.

I&#8217;ve discovered we have some very fine restaurants, and the days of having to drive to Greenville for quality dining are over.

One of the best discoveries I&#8217;ve made recently happened September 5th when Gayle and I went downtown for the second annual &#8220;Spartanburg Creative Tastes&#8221; festival showcasing local restaurants.&nbsp; It was our first time attending, and we had a terrific time.&nbsp; We mingled with local leaders, friends from work, and buddies we hadn&#8217;t seen in ages.&nbsp; The weather was perfect, and at each booth, restaurants were selling plates of food that looked and smelled amazing.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:19:19 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/discovering_one_of_spartanburgs_unique_downtown_restaurants/27308/#When:03:19:19Z</guid>
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          <title>Patrick Swayze&#8217;s Long&#45;Lasting Impact on Lake Lure</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/patrick_swayzes_long-lasting_impact_on_lake_lure/26805/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&#8220;Do you love me? (I can really move)&nbsp; Do you love me? (I&#8217;m in the groove)&nbsp; Ah do you love? (Do you love me)&nbsp; Now that I can dance?&#8220;

These are the words to the chorus of &#8220;Do You Love Me,&#8220; a 1962 hit for the Contours.

It&#8217;s one of the great songs from the soundtrack of the 1987 movie &#8220;Dirty Dancing.&#8220;

The greatest of the actors in that film has died.

Tonight the Carolinas mourn the passing of Patrick Swayze.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2009 21:32:28 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/patrick_swayzes_long-lasting_impact_on_lake_lure/26805/#When:02:32:28Z</guid>
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          <title>Big Event for Dog Lovers Saturday 9/12</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/big_event_for_dog_lovers_saturday_9_12/26700/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; If you have a dog, or just plain love dogs, there&#8217;s an event for you this Saturday 9/12 in Spartanburg County.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; It&#8217;s the &#8220;Spartanburg Tailgate&#8221; at Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park on McMillan Boulevard in Boiling Springs, 10 am - 2 pm.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Here are the event highlights from the Spartanburg Parks Commission (formerly Spartanburg County Parks and Recreation):

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:22:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/big_event_for_dog_lovers_saturday_9_12/26700/#When:22:22:40Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Peeks at the Past and the Future at My Wife&#8217;s High School Reunion</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/peeks_at_the_past_and_the_future_at_my_wifes_high_school_reunion/25853/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
My wife&#8217;s fortieth high school reunion last weekend turned out to be fun and a most interesting life lesson.

A lesson in what retirement may be like, and in some cases, should be like.

First let me be honest and tell you I really didn&#8217;t want to go.&nbsp; I figured since it wasn&#8217;t my high school class, I would be bored.&nbsp; But knowing it was important to Gayle that I go, I decided to make the best of it.&nbsp; After all, I really only had to do two things:&nbsp; (1) dress nicely and (2) not say anything stupid or that would embarrass Gayle.

The reunion was in Salisbury, North Carolina.&nbsp; My wife was in the 1969 graduating class of Boyden High School, the last class before the school was renamed Salisbury High School.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 23:39:05 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/peeks_at_the_past_and_the_future_at_my_wifes_high_school_reunion/25853/#When:04:39:05Z</guid>
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          <title>News Channel 7&#8217;s New Hogback Tower Expected to be Ready in a Few Weeks</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/news_channel_7s_new_hogback_tower_expected_to_be_ready_in_a_few_weeks/25393/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
We are just weeks away from having News Channel 7&#8217;s new tower on Hogback Mountain beaming our signal.

Edgar Woodfin, the station&#8217;s Engineering/Transmitter Supervisor, tells me the new tower hopefully should be transmitting by September 15th.&nbsp; General Manager Phil Lane told station employees at a staff meeting today that the target date remains September 1st.

The construction consists of a primary tower that will hold News Channel 7&#8217;s new main and new back-up antennas.

The tower will be 459 feet high, same as the old one, but designed stronger.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2009 22:40:37 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/news_channel_7s_new_hogback_tower_expected_to_be_ready_in_a_few_weeks/25393/#When:03:40:37Z</guid>
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          <title>The Three&#8217;s Hit Home</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_threes_hit_home/25324/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
You&#8217;ve heard the saying that bad news comes in three&#8217;s.

It couldn&#8217;t be more true at my house.

Maybe &#8220;bad&#8221; is too strong a word for what&#8217;s going on.&nbsp; Actually, it&#8217;s more like &#8220;aggravating.&#8220;

As I write this, the air conditioning to the upstairs portion of my house is out for the third time this summer.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:33:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_threes_hit_home/25324/#When:03:33:51Z</guid>
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          <title>Big Success at WestGate; Another Blood Drive This Weekend</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/big_success_at_westgate_another_blood_drive_this_weekend/25323/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Thanks a million to all of you who gave your support to the &#8220;Jail Cells for Blood Cells&#8221; blood drive at WestGate Mall this past Saturday 8/15.&nbsp; You&#8217;ll find pictures in my Facebook photo album.

Piedmont Blood Center spokesperson Andrea Wall tells me 65 usable units of blood were collected, including one from me.

I consider myself blessed greatly to be able to share this gift of life.

Wall called Saturday &#8220;a great day.&#8220;&nbsp; She attributes it to community support from donors, the mall, the media and other sponsors.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2009 22:12:40 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/big_success_at_westgate_another_blood_drive_this_weekend/25323/#When:03:12:40Z</guid>
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          <title>Your Opportunity to Save Three Lives Saturday at WestGate Mall Blood Drive</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/your_opportunity_to_save_three_lives_saturday_at_westgate_mall_blood_drive/24983/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Each of us has an opportunity this Saturday to save three lives.
 
That&#8217;s the impact each time a person donates blood.
 
This Saturday 8/15 at the WestGate Mall food court in Spartanburg, the Piedmont Blood Center is hosting &#8220;Jail Cells for Blood Cells&#8221; from 9 am - 5 pm.

Imagine a &#8220;jail and bail&#8221; where the emphasis is on collecting blood donations rather than money.&nbsp; You catch the drift!
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:32:05 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/your_opportunity_to_save_three_lives_saturday_at_westgate_mall_blood_drive/24983/#When:03:32:05Z</guid>
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          <title>Frank Ezell, Senior&#8217;s Legacy to the Faith Community and News Channel 7</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/frank_ezell_seniors_legacy_to_the_faith_community_and_news_channel_7/24924/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Sundays at 11 am, News Channel 7 presents a live broadcast of the worship service at First Baptist Spartanburg.

The First Baptist broadcast has been presented, without interruption, every Sunday since November 21, 1956.

It is by far the longest-running program in WSPA-TV&#8217;s history.

And from now on, when I watch the service, I will remember Frank Owen Ezell of Spartanburg.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:43:52 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/frank_ezell_seniors_legacy_to_the_faith_community_and_news_channel_7/24924/#When:04:43:52Z</guid>
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          <title>The School Bell Has a New Ring in My Home This Year</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_school_bell_has_a_new_ring_in_my_home_this_year/24690/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
For the first time since 2000, Gayle and I are not buying back-to-college items for our daughters.

With Kayla&#8217;s graduation this past May and Lauren&#8217;s graduation earlier, both our girls have their degrees from Clemson University, and we are super proud of them.&nbsp; Watching each of them cross the stage inside Littlejohn Coliseum and receive their diplomas ranks among the great moments in my life.

But it also means no more mountains of school supplies to buy!

Right?

Wrong!
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:34:37 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_school_bell_has_a_new_ring_in_my_home_this_year/24690/#When:03:34:37Z</guid>
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          <title>The Chesnee Summer Festival Returns This Saturday</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_chesnee_summer_festival_returns_this_saturday/23779/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
A little town in Spartanburg County is going big time this Saturday (7/25).

And you&#8217;re invited.

After a three-year absence, the Chesnee Summer Festival is returning.

Festival committee member Al Corey believes the timing is just right.

Like those in so many other communities, residents of Chesnee have endured difficult economic times and the fear brought on by the Cherokee County serial killer.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:32:44 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_chesnee_summer_festival_returns_this_saturday/23779/#When:03:32:44Z</guid>
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          <title>Moon Landing Anniversary Reminds Us How NASA Has Enriched Our Lives</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/moon_landing_anniversary_reminds_us_how_nasa_has_enriched_our_lives/23713/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I was 15 years old when Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon.

I remember watching the live broadcast late at night on my family&#8217;s black and white Motorola television set.

I also remember my grandfather, on my mother&#8217;s side, who was in his eighties at the time, never believed a man actually went to the moon.&nbsp; He thought it was fake.

I heard today six percent of Americans (roughly 10 million) side with my late grandfather and believe we never put a man on the moon.

I don&#8217;t know that I&#8217;ll live to see a Mars mission, but I hope it happens.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:05:50 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/moon_landing_anniversary_reminds_us_how_nasa_has_enriched_our_lives/23713/#When:05:05:50Z</guid>
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          <title>Remembering Walter Cronkite and His Visit to Spartanburg</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/remembering_walter_cronkite_and_his_visit_to_spartanburg/23618/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   Walter Cronkite played a huge role in one of the proudest moments in the history of WSPA-TV.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; He came to Spartanburg on March 19, 1977 to participate in the gold shovel ground-breaking ceremony of the station&#8217;s new facility at Interstates 85 and 26 which opened in April 1979 and where we broadcast to this day.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; During that trip, Cronkite also visited the station&#8217;s old facility in downtown Spartanburg and gave a speech to the Spartanburg County Foundation at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Former News Channel 7 photojournalist Mike Allen documented Cronkite&#8217;s visit to Spartanburg.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2009 00:03:38 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/remembering_walter_cronkite_and_his_visit_to_spartanburg/23618/#When:05:03:38Z</guid>
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          <title>Upstate Teacher in Right Place, Right Time to See McCartney&#8217;s Letterman Performance in NYC</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/upstate_teacher_in_right_place_right_time_to_see_mccartneys_letterman_perfo/23552/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
My musical tastes fall into two categories.

The Beatles.

And everyone else.

That gives you an idea of what a huge Fab Four fan I&#8217;ve been since I first heard one of my classmates talking in our elementary school lunch line about the &#8220;Meet the Beatles&#8221; album.

I wish I could&#8217;ve traded places Wednesday night (7/15) with Ashley Palermo, a recent Clemson University graduate who starts her teaching career this fall at West Oak Middle School in Oconee County, SC.&nbsp; She and my daughter Kayla were college friends.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:30:17 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/upstate_teacher_in_right_place_right_time_to_see_mccartneys_letterman_perfo/23552/#When:03:30:17Z</guid>
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          <title>My First Experience With Chiropractic</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/my_first_experience_with_chiropractic/23224/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Many of you followed with interest my experience over the last couple of years with sleep apnea.

I&#8217;m happy to tell you I continue to do much better thanks to the dental appliance I wear when I sleep.

This week I&#8217;ve had an entirely new medical experience:&nbsp; my first true exposure to chiropractic.

I won&#8217;t go into detail about my conditions that are being treated or the doctor.

But I will tell you it&#8217;s been an eye-opening, back-popping week.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 10 Jul 2009 22:29:23 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/my_first_experience_with_chiropractic/23224/#When:03:29:23Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Let the Healing Begin</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/let_the_healing_begin/22915/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; &#8220;At some point, the criminal justice system is going to need to explain why this person was out on the street.&nbsp; We owe this to the victims and citizens of the community who lived in terror for days.&#8220;

&nbsp;  &nbsp; This quote is from SLED Chief Reggie Lloyd.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; And to me, it was the quote of the night outside the Cherokee County, South Carolina Sheriff&#8217;s Office.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:04:11 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/let_the_healing_begin/22915/#When:05:04:11Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>July 4th, 2009:&amp;nbsp; The Fight for Freedom in Cherokee County, SC</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/july_4th_2009_the_fight_for_freedom_in_cherokee_county_sc/22633/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
America&#8217;s patriotic celebrations, like July 4th, include many references to battles fought and sacrifices made in the name of freedom.

Even in our national anthem, we sing about &#8220;the rockets&#8217; red glare, the bombs bursting in air.&#8220; 

This holiday, thousands of our troops continue fighting a battle for freedom in Afghanistan and Iraq.&nbsp; Others are keeping an eye on rogue nations that would threaten the freedoms Americans cherish.

In Cherokee County, South Carolina, the threat to freedom is different but very real and serious.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:37:12 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/july_4th_2009_the_fight_for_freedom_in_cherokee_county_sc/22633/#When:21:37:12Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>A Great Night at Red, White and Boom</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_great_night_at_red_white_and_boom/22263/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
 got to see Spartanburg&#8217;s &#8220;Red, White and Boom&#8221; in person this past Friday (June 26).

What a great night!

My wife and I returned from a beach vacation in time to take in the City of Spartanburg&#8217;s official Fourth of July celebration for the first time.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:35:49 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_great_night_at_red_white_and_boom/22263/#When:03:35:49Z</guid>
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          <title>Remembering Ed, Billy, Michael and Farrah</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/remembering_ed_billy_michael_and_farrah/22261/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It was quite the week for me to be on vacation.

And I&#8217;m not even talking about Mark Sanford&#8217;s confession.

This is about celebrity death&#8230; after death&#8230; after death&#8230; after death.

Here are my thoughts about the famous people who left us in late June.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 22:16:08 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/remembering_ed_billy_michael_and_farrah/22261/#When:03:16:08Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Protecting Yourself During a Tornado:&amp;nbsp; Safety Tips When Seconds Count</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/protecting_yourself_during_a_tornado_safety_tips_when_seconds_could_make_a_/21294/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
As much as we all wanted it to rain in the recent drought-ravaged years, many now hope for a break from it.

Our plentiful rain this season has often come during fast, destructive storms.

The storms Tuesday 6/16 left hundreds of families in Laurens County, SC and Cleveland County, NC, especially around Kings Mountain, with heavily damaged homes and other property and a long road to recovery.

I&#8217;ve covered my share of hurricanes and tornadoes.

Tornadoes scare me the most.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:19:24 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/protecting_yourself_during_a_tornado_safety_tips_when_seconds_could_make_a_/21294/#When:21:19:24Z</guid>
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          <title>The Stoplight I&#8217;ll Never Forget</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_stoplight_ill_never_forget/18514/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
How many times have you heard someone use the phrase, &#8220;My life flashed before my eyes.&#8220;

Add me to that group.

My life flashed before my eyes at a stoplight on Spartanburg&#8217;s west side recently.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2009 23:47:27 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_stoplight_ill_never_forget/18514/#When:04:47:27Z</guid>
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          <title>The Sixth Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Savings Bank Triple Murder in Greer</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_sixth_anniversary_of_the_blue_ridge_savings_bank_triple_murder_in_greer/17813/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Sometimes I see him in-person.

Other times we communicate via e-mail.

Around this time of year I make it a point, one way or the other, to be in touch with David Holtzclaw.

I talk with him as a journalist but also his friend.

This is the sixth anniversary of the triple-murder and robbery at Blue Ridge Savings Bank in Greer.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2009 22:16:30 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_sixth_anniversary_of_the_blue_ridge_savings_bank_triple_murder_in_greer/17813/#When:03:16:30Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Upstate Woman Wants to Find and Thank Couple Who Gave a Helping Hand</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/upstate_woman_wants_to_find_and_thank_couple_who_gave_a_helping_hand/17778/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It&#8217;s always heartwarming to hear of people doing acts of kindness.

They happen far more often than we may notice or appreciate.

Recently a woman left me the following voicemail about a kindness she had received:
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 14 May 2009 21:22:54 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/upstate_woman_wants_to_find_and_thank_couple_who_gave_a_helping_hand/17778/#When:02:22:54Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Proposed NC Smoking Ban Means the End of an Era But Healthier Surroundings</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/proposed_nc_smoking_ban_means_the_end_of_an_era_but_healthier_surroundings/17667/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It&#8217;s another big example of how much my native North Carolina has changed.

The General Assembly has approved a smoking ban, and Governor Beverly Perdue says she will sign it into law.

That&#8217;s right.&nbsp; A smoking ban in the state where tobacco has been king for generations.

The ban applies to most restaurants and bars.&nbsp; Private clubs and cigar bars are excluded.

If you&#8217;re smoking and refuse to stop, you can be fined up to fifty dollars.

The ban would take effect January 2, 2010.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 13 May 2009 22:41:16 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/proposed_nc_smoking_ban_means_the_end_of_an_era_but_healthier_surroundings/17667/#When:03:41:16Z</guid>
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          <title>Graduation Day At Clemson</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/graduation_day_at_clemson/17444/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; Another chapter of life.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; My youngest daughter, Kayla, graduated from Clemson University on Friday 5/8/09.&nbsp; She has her degree in secondary education English.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Graduation Day holds many eventful and emotional moments.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2009 22:16:57 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/graduation_day_at_clemson/17444/#When:03:16:57Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Life by the Numbers</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/life_by_the_numbers/17177/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Numbers can help us understand better the significance of events in our lives.

And this is shaping up as a very big &#8220;numbers&#8221; year for my family and me.

Yesterday (4/30) was my birthday.

Birthday number 55!

To me, that -sounds- old.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 01 May 2009 23:40:04 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/life_by_the_numbers/17177/#When:04:40:04Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Do Hand Sanitizers Protect You from the Flu?</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/do_hand_sanitizers_protect_you_from_the_flu/17135/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
As you shop for hand sanitizers to protect against H1N1 flu (better known as &#8220;swine flu&#8221;) or future outbreaks of the flu, remember this key figure:&nbsp; 60 percent.

Over the past week, News Channel 7 has given you mega-information about the H1N1 outbreak, including how to protect your family and yourself from the virus.

The protective action that&#8217;s at the top of everyone&#8217;s list is washing your hands thoroughly and often with soap and water.

But what about the scenario where you need to wash your hands, but there&#8217;s no restroom nearby?

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 30 Apr 2009 21:55:29 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/do_hand_sanitizers_protect_you_from_the_flu/17135/#When:02:55:29Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Simple Ways to Win the Battle Against Swine Flu</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/simple_ways_to_win_the_battle_against_swine_flu/17058/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   For months I&#8217;ve kept a yellow container of Clorox Disinfecting Wipes on my desk in the newsroom.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; The label says the product &#8220;kills flu virus,&#8220; specifically Influenza A2.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; I&#8217;m not sure if it kills swine influenza A (H1N1), but it&#8217;s the best defense I have tonight.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; I seldom use the wipes, but in light of the swine flu outbreak, I decided it was time to sanitize my telephone, computer keyboard and desk surface.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; I opened the container of wipes.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; From a container of 35, only one wipe was left.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:29:34 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/simple_ways_to_win_the_battle_against_swine_flu/17058/#When:03:29:34Z</guid>
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          <title>Duncan Park Walk was like Visiting an Old Friend</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/duncan_park_walk_was_like_visiting_an_old_friend/17010/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The 2009 &#8220;Walk for Babies&#8221; Spartanburg fundraiser for the March of Dimes was held this past Saturday (4/25).

I was one of the emcees and one of the walkers.

For me, it was like visiting an old friend.

That friend was Duncan Park.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:25:38 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/duncan_park_walk_was_like_visiting_an_old_friend/17010/#When:03:25:38Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Two Years into My Sleep Apnea Treatment:&amp;nbsp; An Update</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/two_years_into_my_sleep_apnea_treatment_an_update/16824/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   April 2009 makes two years since I began using an oral appliance to treat my sleep apnea, and I thought I would bring you up-to-date.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Let me begin by thanking the many News Channel 7 viewers, friends and other caring people who inquire frequently about my sleep apnea.&nbsp; I often receive news releases, comments and other e-mails from the community that begin by asking how I&#8217;m doing.&nbsp; I appreciate this so very much.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:31:13 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/two_years_into_my_sleep_apnea_treatment_an_update/16824/#When:03:31:13Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Food Banks Need Our Constant Support</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/food_banks_need_our_constant_support/16293/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; Even during hard times, people have to eat.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; And it is heartwarming to see the public support local food banks are receiving.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Over the weekend and again on Monday 3/30, News Channel 7 told you about the &#8220;Food From the Heart&#8221; food drive that was going on in the Upstate and Midlands of South Carolina.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; My wife and I encountered it first hand as we made a grocery stop at the Cedar Spring Bi-Lo in Spartanburg during Saturday&#8217;s rain.&nbsp; 
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 02 Apr 2009 22:33:06 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/food_banks_need_our_constant_support/16293/#When:03:33:06Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Tom&#8217;s Tips for Making Your Yard the Jewel of the Neighborhood</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/toms_tips_for_making_your_yard_the_jewel_of_the_neighborhood/16043/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   Yardwork is one of the household jobs I truly don&#8217;t mind.&nbsp; A well-manicured yard takes a lot of work, but it&#8217;s beautiful to behold.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; The internet contains many websites with advice for taking care of your lawn.&nbsp; I visited http://landscaping.about.com and found some great ideas.&nbsp; I&#8217;ve summarized them and added a few of my own:

1.&nbsp; Deep rake to remove thatch (I have a special rake for this.&nbsp; It&#8217;s a workout, but it gets rid of dead undergrowth to help your lawn breathe.&nbsp; You&#8217;ll need to remove the piles of thatch with a regular rake).
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:27:41 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/toms_tips_for_making_your_yard_the_jewel_of_the_neighborhood/16043/#When:21:27:41Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>I Long For Another &#8220;Game of Games&#8221; in the NCAA</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/i_long_for_another_game_of_games_in_the_ncaa/15906/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I&#8217;ve been a basketball junkie nearly all my years.&nbsp; Player, fan, collector of memorabilia.&nbsp; Basketball is one of the loves of my life.

For this warm weather guy, the only thing that makes winter tolerable is a comfortable spot in front of a warm television set, watching Atlantic Coast Conference teams go at it on the court.

And as I watch the NCAA brackets, I&#8217;m hoping for a golden moment every ACC fan wants.

A third game this season between Duke University and the University of North Carolina.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 23 Mar 2009 21:51:05 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/i_long_for_another_game_of_games_in_the_ncaa/15906/#When:02:51:05Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Turning Back the Clock at Docs Who Rock</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/turning_back_the_clock_at_docs_who_rock/15686/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; Prior to this past Saturday night (3/14/09), I hadn&#8217;t performed in a Battle of the Bands since I was in the 7th grade.&nbsp; We&#8217;re talking 1967-68.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; It was wonderful to turn back the clock at the first annual Docs Who Rock in Spartanburg.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; My band &#8220;Rock and Roll Reunion&#8221; was among the eleven acts.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Man, what a great night!
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2009 22:35:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/turning_back_the_clock_at_docs_who_rock/15686/#When:03:35:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>&#8220;One Dad and a Truck&#8221; Hits a New Milestone in &#8216;09</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/one_dad_and_a_truck_hits_a_new_milestone_in_09/15473/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I finally feel recovered from the most strenuous workout I&#8217;ve had in a long time.

I&#8217;ve had 10 workouts similar to this one since 2000.

That&#8217;s how many times my oldest daughter, Lauren, has moved.

Ten times since 2000, the year she graduated from high school.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2009 22:32:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/one_dad_and_a_truck_hits_a_new_milestone_in_09/15473/#When:03:32:51Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Some of South Carolina&#8217;s Unclaimed Cash Could be Yours</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/some_of_south_carolinas_unclaimed_cash_could_be_yours/15472/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I can&#8217;t imagine anything better during these difficult economic times than getting an unexpected check.

Maybe enough to pay bills, splurge a bit, or just put it away for a rainy day.

In a &#8220;7 On Your Side&#8221; special report last week, I told you about a state program that&#8217;s trying to return over $250 million to its rightful owners.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 10 Mar 2009 21:54:54 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/some_of_south_carolinas_unclaimed_cash_could_be_yours/15472/#When:02:54:54Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>News Channel 7 Signal Restored To Some Viewers</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/winds_ice_cause_news_channel_7s_hogback_mountain_towers_to_collapse/15145/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
News Channel 7 has restored its analog and digital signal.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2009 23:32:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/winds_ice_cause_news_channel_7s_hogback_mountain_towers_to_collapse/15145/#When:04:32:45Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Looking For Ways to Deal with Economic Stress?</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/looking_for_ways_to_deal_with_economic_stress/15114/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
You see it on faces everywhere.

You may see it in the mirror.

The face of stress.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:25:55 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/looking_for_ways_to_deal_with_economic_stress/15114/#When:03:25:55Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>You&#8217;re Invited to Hear the &#8220;Docs Who Rock&#8221; on March 14th</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/youre_invited_to_hear_the_docs_who_rock_on_march_14th/15108/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Doctors&#8230; who are rock stars!
 
See for yourself in Spartanburg at a fundraiser for a very worthy local cause.

Saturday, March 14th will be the first &#8220;Docs Who Rock&#8221; concert in Spartanburg. The event begins at 7 pm at the USC-Upstate Performing Arts Center.&nbsp; Bands and other musical performers (about a dozen in all) will participate in this &#8220;battle of the bands&#8221; style event.

Each musical act must include at least one doctor.&nbsp; In addition to various styles of music, there will be original songs poking fun at the medical profession.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2009 21:18:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/youre_invited_to_hear_the_docs_who_rock_on_march_14th/15108/#When:02:18:51Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>The Reality of Perception Catches Up With Olympian Michael Phelps</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_reality_of_perception_catches_up_with_olympian_michael_phelps/14331/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; Perception&#8230; is reality.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; That phrase was voiced emphatically and frequently by my greatest mentor during my radio days, Tom Harrrell of WSTP-WRDX in Salisbury, North Carolina.&nbsp; He would use it to remind employees that whatever our stations were perceived to be by their listeners, that&#8217;s what they were, and we&#8217;d better make the perception a good one.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; It can also be translated:&nbsp; you are whatever people perceive you to be.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Perception&#8230; is reality.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; And the reality of perception is catching up with Olympic champion swimmer Michael Phelps.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:13:51 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_reality_of_perception_catches_up_with_olympian_michael_phelps/14331/#When:03:13:51Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>New Help Available for Your Home DTV Set&#45;Up</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/new_help_available_for_your_home_dtv_set-up/14049/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   We began this week with every indication the DTV switch, the change from analog to digital television, would be delayed from February 17 to June 12.&nbsp; The U.S. Senate approved the nearly four-month delay, and industry experts predicted the House would follow suit.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Uh-uh, not so fast.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; As we end the week, the original transition date, February 17, remains in place.&nbsp; The delay didn&#8217;t get the required two-thirds majority in the House.&nbsp; The bill could be revised, and both chambers could vote again, but it hasn&#8217;t happened yet.

&nbsp;   We have to assume February 17, now less than three weeks away, will still be the big day.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; And we need to get ready!
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:00:13 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/new_help_available_for_your_home_dtv_set-up/14049/#When:03:00:13Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>The Passing of Coach Kay Yow</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_passing_of_coach_kay_yow/13964/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   The Atlantic Coast Conference runs deep in my family.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Both of my daughters will be graduates of Clemson University.&nbsp; My brother-in-law was a Morehead Scholar at UNC-Chapel Hill.&nbsp; I grew up in Orange County, North Carolina, home of UNC.&nbsp; My family&#8217;s farm is a short drive from Duke University, and I have been a Duke fan most of my life.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; But my wife and I are graduates of North Carolina State University, and the Wolfpack family has suffered a terrible loss with the passing of Kay Yow, the Hall of Fame coach of the NCSU women&#8217;s basketball team.&nbsp; 

&nbsp;  &nbsp; This past Saturday she died of cancer at age 66.&nbsp; She had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987.&nbsp; The disease recurred three times.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 22:27:02 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_passing_of_coach_kay_yow/13964/#When:03:27:02Z</guid>
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          <title>U.S. Senate Approves Four&#45;Month Delay for DTV; Tentative New Deadline is June 12</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/u.s._senate_approves_four-month_delay_for_dtv_new_deadline_is_june_12/13914/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Those of you wanting or needing more time to get ready for the switch to digital television are getting your wish. Today&#8217;s Senate vote delays the official switch to June 12.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:50:24 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/u.s._senate_approves_four-month_delay_for_dtv_new_deadline_is_june_12/13914/#When:20:50:24Z</guid>
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          <title>My First Blood Donation of 2009</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/my_first_blood_donation_of_2009/13839/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
The folks at the Piedmont Blood Center in Spartanburg have asked me to remind you how badly your blood donations are needed.

I was there this week to make my first donation of 2009, and workers there tell me the economy is taking a toll on blood donations.

As more businesses close or reduce their workforce, there are fewer places to hold blood drives.&nbsp; Many of the textile mills and other major businesses that provided lots of blood donors in the past no longer exist.

Now, the blood bank relies more on community blood drives and appeals to the general public.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2009 22:36:35 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/my_first_blood_donation_of_2009/13839/#When:03:36:35Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>DTV:&amp;nbsp; Congress Could Vote Next Week to Delay the Switch to Digital TV</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/dtv_congress_could_vote_next_week_to_delay_the_switch_to_digital_tv/13838/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Congress appears on the verge of doing again what it does best:&nbsp; delay.

And this time, the delay involves DTV and the long-scheduled, much-publicized switch from analog to digital TV broadcasting.

The U.S. Senate is set to vote next week (the week of January 26th) on the DTV Delay Act.&nbsp; It would postpone the switch to digital from February 17th until June 12th.&nbsp; Many in Congress believe millions of households need the extra time to get ready for the switch, plus the DTV coupon program could be put back on track (it ran out of money early this month).

But the delay isn&#8217;t a done deal.&nbsp; And until it is, we need to assume the original February 17th target date still has the green light.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 23 Jan 2009 22:11:26 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/dtv_congress_could_vote_next_week_to_delay_the_switch_to_digital_tv/13838/#When:03:11:26Z</guid>
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          <title>Proud of Our &#8220;25 Days of Wishes&#8221;</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/proud_of_our_25_days_of_wishes/13707/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Christmas was nearly a month ago, and I&#8217;m still feeling the holiday spirit, thanks to a special project community project by News Channel 7 and our &#8220;Caring for the Carolinas&#8221; partners.

I&#8217;m writing about it because I&#8217;m so glad we were able to help so many people.

Plus I&#8217;m very proud of News Channel 7 for doing it.

We called it &#8220;25 Days of Wishes.&#8220;&nbsp; We asked viewers to write to us with their Christmas Wishes.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:30:58 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/proud_of_our_25_days_of_wishes/13707/#When:03:30:58Z</guid>
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          <title>The Historic Combination of MLK and Obama</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_historic_combination_of_mlk_and_obama/13706/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Two historic days in a row that I will never forget&#8230;

Yes, two of them.

Let me tell you about them in reverse order.

Today (1/20) was inauguration day for Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States of America.

He is the nation&#8217;s first African-American president.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 20 Jan 2009 21:18:49 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_historic_combination_of_mlk_and_obama/13706/#When:02:18:49Z</guid>
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          <title>An Upstate Survivor of the U.S. Air Crash Tells Her Miraculous Story to Tom</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/an_upstate_survivor_of_the_u.s._air_crash_tells_her_miraculous_story_to_tom/13518/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
9:30 on Thursday night (1/15/09), and I&#8217;ve just gotten off the telephone with Shae Childers of Gaffney.

She was at a New York City hospital, recovering from bruises and hypothermia.

She was one of the 155 people who survived this afternoon&#8217;s crash of U.S. Air Flight 1549 in New York&#8217;s Hudson River.

It was humbling for me to interview a person who&#8217;d been on the receiving end of a miracle.

A Hand-of-God miracle.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:08:19 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/an_upstate_survivor_of_the_u.s._air_crash_tells_her_miraculous_story_to_tom/13518/#When:03:08:19Z</guid>
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          <title>&#8220;Gran Torino&#8221; is Classic Clint Eastwood</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/gran_torino_is_classic_clint_eastwood/13399/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I hope to go see it -again-...

That&#8217;s the biggest compliment I can pay about a movie.

I&#8217;m saying it about &#8220;Gran Torino,&#8220; starring Clint Eastwood.&nbsp; My wife and I saw it this past Sunday at Spartan 16 in Spartanburg.

I&#8217;d like to share a few things about the movie&#8230; and the crowd.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2009 22:35:45 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/gran_torino_is_classic_clint_eastwood/13399/#When:03:35:45Z</guid>
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          <title>Safety Group Wants to Ban Cell Phone Use While Driving</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/safety_group_wants_to_ban_cell_phone_use_while_driving/13352/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &#8220;It would be like banning chocolate&#8230; It ain&#8217;t gonna happen!&#8220;

&nbsp;  &nbsp; I heard that comment tonight from WBT Radio weeknight host John Hancock about a national safety group&#8217;s proposal on cell phone.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; The National Safety Council is advocating a total ban on cell phone use while driving.&nbsp; The council says the practice is clearly dangerous and leads to fatalities.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:36:39 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/safety_group_wants_to_ban_cell_phone_use_while_driving/13352/#When:02:36:39Z</guid>
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          <title>Despite Calls for a Delay, Make Sure You&#8217;re Ready for the DTV Deadline</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/despite_calls_for_a_delay_make_sure_youre_ready_for_the_dtv_deadline/13222/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Let&#8217;s bring you up to date on the transition to digital television, better known as DTV, set for February 17 (now less than six weeks away).

If you receive your TV signal via an antenna, you should have already taken the well-publicized steps to be ready for the switch.&nbsp; In South Carolina, an estimated 250,000 households (including almost 100,000 in the Upstate) are affected.

Unfortunately, so many Americans are unprepared, President-Elect Barack Obama and the Consumers Union want Congress to push back the mandated DTV date.&nbsp; Many in Congress and the broadcasting industry say changing the date would be a mistake.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:45:23 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/despite_calls_for_a_delay_make_sure_youre_ready_for_the_dtv_deadline/13222/#When:02:45:23Z</guid>
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          <title>Two Years Into My Sleep Apnea Treatment</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/two_years_into_my_sleep_apnea_treatment/13176/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
It was two years ago this month that the doctor who diagnosed my sleep apnea gave me a very blunt warning.

&#8220;If you don&#8217;t do something about this, it will kill you.&#8220;

Words like that get your attention.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2009 23:38:58 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/two_years_into_my_sleep_apnea_treatment/13176/#When:04:38:58Z</guid>
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          <title>My Foggy, Mountainous, Hollywild Christmas</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/my_foggy_mountainous_hollywild_christmas/12855/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Many of us have Christmas adventures, and I had a few during Christmas 2008 that I&#8217;d like to share with you.

My wife and I decided to take in as many Christmas events (lights, etc.) as we could this holiday.

Our first trip was to the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, and it was a great choice.&nbsp; The lights scattered in the trees were beautiful, as was the giant wreath on the silo next to the barn-shaped building that is the actual library.&nbsp; We also took the library tour.&nbsp; The BGL is a peaceful, inspiring place to visit; you come away with new appreciation of the lifetime of work Billy Graham has performed in the name of God.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 30 Dec 2008 22:37:25 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/my_foggy_mountainous_hollywild_christmas/12855/#When:03:37:25Z</guid>
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          <title>Wipers + Headlights = The Law</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/wipers_headlights_the_law/12483/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; I don&#8217;t want any of us to be in a traffic accident, and I hope that&#8217;s not what it takes to get more of us to obey a basic but important law of our roads.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; I&#8217;ve written about this before, but it needs to be said again.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; It&#8217;s the law in South Carolina that if your windshield wipers are running, your headlights must be on as well.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; As I drove to the News Channel 7 studios on a rainy day this week, I noticed many drivers were not obeying the law, so I kept count briefly.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 17 Dec 2008 22:17:20 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/wipers_headlights_the_law/12483/#When:03:17:20Z</guid>
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          <title>A Proper Mix of the Bad and the Good in the News</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_proper_mix_of_the_bad_and_the_good_in_the_news/12312/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
With more than 33 years in radio and television, you would think I&#8217;ve seen it all.

But something happened this week that I believe is a &#8220;first&#8221; in my career.

We had a discussion in the news department about the need to find and report more &#8220;good&#8221; news, not just the crime, economic woe and politics that dominate news reports these days.

During an editorial meeting this week for our late-night news, it seemed all the story ideas involved a crime or controversy of some kind or more people having the misfortune of losing their jobs.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2008 23:37:49 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_proper_mix_of_the_bad_and_the_good_in_the_news/12312/#When:04:37:49Z</guid>
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          <title>Weather Bulletins Interrupt Favorite Shows But Can Save Lives</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/weather_bulletins_interrupt_favorite_shows_but_can_save_lives/12309/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; &#8220;We interrupt this program to bring you a special news bulletin!&#8220;

&nbsp;  &nbsp; You hear announcements like this from time to time as you watch television.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; After the announcement is made, the announcer voice returns to say, &#8220;We now return to your regular program, already in progress.&#8220;

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Viewers don&#8217;t like for their favorite programs to be interrupted.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2008 22:03:29 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/weather_bulletins_interrupt_favorite_shows_but_can_save_lives/12309/#When:03:03:29Z</guid>
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          <title>Dabo Knows Who to Thank</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/dabo_knows_who_to_thank/11816/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Dabo Swinney has been promoted today to head coach of the football team at Clemson University, one of the toughest jobs in college sports

A tough job because of Clemson&#8217;s winning tradition and demanding fans.

I would&#8217;ve been terribly surprised if the 39-year-old interim head coach had not been named head coach.

Saturday, as I watched the South Carolina-Clemson football game, I saw the video of the stands that we&#8217;ve since run numerous times on News Channel 7.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 01 Dec 2008 23:46:42 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/dabo_knows_who_to_thank/11816/#When:04:46:42Z</guid>
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          <title>See You at Prime Outlets 11/30 and 12/21</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/see_you_at_prime_outlets_11_30_and_12_21/11735/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I hope to see you at Prime Outlets in Gaffney for some music this Sunday 11/30 and again Sunday 12/21.

My band, &#8220;Rock and Roll Reunion,&#8220; will be performing 1 - 3 p.m. on both dates.

We&#8217;ll be inside the food court 11/30 due to the threat of rain.

Weather permitting, we&#8217;ll be outside 12/21.&nbsp; If you don&#8217;t see us playing outside the food court 12/21, look for us inside.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:29:22 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/see_you_at_prime_outlets_11_30_and_12_21/11735/#When:22:29:22Z</guid>
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          <title>My Thanksgiving 2008 Road Trip</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/my_thanksgiving_2008_road_trip/11734/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Over the river&#8230; through the woods&#8230;

And up Interstate 85.

My family hit the road this Thanksgiving for the first time in many years.&nbsp; We were invited to my nephew&#8217;s home in Haw River, North Carolina (near Burlington) to have Thanksgiving lunch with his wife and two sons, his dad (my older brother), my parents and my niece&#8217;s parents and grandmother.&nbsp; It would be a house full of folks.&nbsp; Fortunately my nephew had built a new home big enough for this Crabtree crowd.

I had the feeling it would be an adventure.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:00:07 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/my_thanksgiving_2008_road_trip/11734/#When:22:00:07Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Remembering Bataan Death March Survivor Ralph Knox</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/remembering_bataan_death_march_survivor_ralph_knox/11629/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; Ralph M. Knox of Williamston lived to tell a story of American bravery in the face of amazing horror.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Knox was a survivor of the Bataan Death March in World War Two.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Last night, Knox fell victim to another horror.&nbsp; He died in the wet and near-freezing cold.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Knox had gone to the store, and before he could get into his home, he apparently fell and was unable to get up.&nbsp;  He was wearing only a light windbreaker.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Neighbors thought they heard someone calling for help, but they couldn&#8217;t see anything.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:34:54 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/remembering_bataan_death_march_survivor_ralph_knox/11629/#When:03:34:54Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>DTV &#45; Apply, Buy, Try</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/dtv_apply_buy_try/11421/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   I gave a DTV speech today to a seniors group at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Spartanburg.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; During the speech, I passed around a DTV converter box.&nbsp; It converts a digital TV signal to analog so your older TV can still receive a picture when the DTV conversion happens February 17th, 2009.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; I asked how many of the seniors had purchased and hooked up a DTV converter box and are using it currently.&nbsp; Several people raised their hands.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; One gentleman told me he&#8217;d bought a converter box but hadn&#8217;t installed it yet.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 20 Nov 2008 21:30:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/dtv_apply_buy_try/11421/#When:02:30:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>DTV &#45; The Basics You Need to Know</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/dtv_the_basics_you_need_to_know/11357/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
1.	On Tuesday, February 17th, 2009, precisely at midnight, News Channel 7 (and all other full-power TV stations) will stop broadcasting its analog signal and will broadcast in digital only.

2.	For several years, we&#8217;ve broadcast in analog on Channel 7&#8230; and digital on Channel 53, a UHF channel.&nbsp; When the transition happens 2/17, we will transfer our digital signal to Channel 7 and discontinue use of Channel 53.

3.	Why is the DTV transition important?&nbsp; If you&#8216;re a cable or satellite customer, you&#8217;re set, and you don&#8217;t need to worry about it at all.&nbsp; But if you get &#8220;free&#8221; TV&#8230; in other words, you receive your TV signal via an antenna and don&#8217;t pay anyone for TV service&#8230; you are at risk of not receiving a TV signal anymore after 2/17.&nbsp; 250,000 households in South Carolina (including 98,000 in the Upstate) are &#8220;free&#8221; TV households and will be affected by the DTV transition.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2008 23:36:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/dtv_the_basics_you_need_to_know/11357/#When:04:36:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>DTV:&amp;nbsp; You&#8217;ll Need an Antenna That Handles UHF and VHF</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/dtv_youll_need_an_antenna_that_handles_uhf_and_vhf/11151/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   When you think DTV, don&#8217;t forget about your TV antenna.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; It&#8217;s a critical piece of equipment you&#8217;ll need to enjoy the improved picture and sound quality digital television brings.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; If yours is among the 250,000 households in South Carolina (100,000 Upstate) that watch over-the-air TV, likely you already have an antenna.&nbsp; It may be the same one you&#8217;ve had for decades.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; But you -may- need a new one for DTV.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:15:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/dtv_youll_need_an_antenna_that_handles_uhf_and_vhf/11151/#When:03:15:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>DTV:&amp;nbsp; Order Your Converter Box Coupons Pronto</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/dtv_order_your_converter_box_coupons_pronto/11095/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   Making a list&#8230; and checking it twice&#8230;

&nbsp;  &nbsp; This isn&#8217;t about Santa Claus coming to town.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; It&#8217;s about the things you need to do to be ready for the DTV conversion, now just 96 days away (as of 11/13/08).

&nbsp;  &nbsp; At midnight on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, News Channel 7 and the other television stations across the country will stop broadcasting an analog signal and will broadcast in digital only.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:51:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/dtv_order_your_converter_box_coupons_pronto/11095/#When:02:51:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Saturday at GSP FedEx:&amp;nbsp; News Channel 7 Versus a 727!</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/saturday_at_gsp_fedex_news_channel_7_versus_a_727/10778/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; I haven&#8217;t participated in a tug-of-war since the mid/late 1960&#8217;s when I was at field day in junior high.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; This Saturday (11/8/08) I pick up the rope again as part of a team from News Channel 7.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; And on the other end of the rope will be a FedEx 727!
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:11:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/saturday_at_gsp_fedex_news_channel_7_versus_a_727/10778/#When:03:11:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Election Day:&amp;nbsp; the Great Equalizer</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/election_day_the_great_equalizer/10590/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   What memory will you carry of this Election 2008?

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Will you remember it for the historic candidacies of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton?&nbsp; Will you remember former Vietnam POW John McCain getting the GOP nomination when only months earlier his campaign had been declared dead?

&nbsp;  &nbsp; I will remember this election for the outstanding voter turnout.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2008 21:22:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/election_day_the_great_equalizer/10590/#When:02:22:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>My Special Delivery Ballot for Election 2008</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/my_special_delivery_ballot_for_election_2008/10588/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   I wasn&#8217;t home early Saturday evening (11/1), but my family told me I had a visitor.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; It was an employee of the Spartanburg County Voter Registration and Elections Office, hand-delivering my absentee ballot to my home.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; I was floored&#8230; -pleasantly-... when I found out.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:55:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/my_special_delivery_ballot_for_election_2008/10588/#When:01:55:00Z</guid>
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          <title>John Hughes, Senior:&amp;nbsp; &#8220;One of Spartanburg&#8217;s Greatest Citizens&#8221;</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/john_hughes_senior_one_of_spartanburgs_greatest_citizens/10195/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
I wish I had known John Hughes.

John Patrick Hughes, Senior.

Usually, if I write an article (or &#8220;blog,&#8221; in this case) about someone, I knew them and have memories or mutual adventures to share.

That&#8217;s not the case with John Hughes.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:20:01 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/john_hughes_senior_one_of_spartanburgs_greatest_citizens/10195/#When:02:20:01Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Burn Your Headlights, Wear Your Seatbelt</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/burn_your_headlights_wear_your_seatbelt/9622/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; While driving to work during the rain Wednesday (10/8/08), I noticed many motorists were not burning their headlights as they ran their windshield wipers.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; I decided to keep count for a few miles.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; I counted 12 cars and trucks on Interstate 26 not running their headlights and two more on Fairforest Road near the Highway Patrol station.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:29:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/burn_your_headlights_wear_your_seatbelt/9622/#When:03:29:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>A Young Veteran Trades One Battlefield for Another</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_young_veteran_trades_one_battlefield_for_another/9452/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   A young man I know from the Upstate who served with the U.S. Marine Corps survived a tour of duty in the Middle East.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; He survived being wounded during a firefight in Afghanistan.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; What happens when he returns home to the country whose freedom he spent years defending?

&nbsp;  &nbsp; He&#8217;s jumped by a gang of thugs.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:38:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_young_veteran_trades_one_battlefield_for_another/9452/#When:03:38:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Having Trouble With Your DTV Signal?&amp;nbsp; You Need a UHF Antenna</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/having_trouble_with_your_dtv_signal_you_need_a_uhf_antenna/8672/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; DTV arrives in less than five months.
&nbsp;  &nbsp; 
&nbsp;  &nbsp; Are you ready?

&nbsp;  &nbsp; February 17, 2009 is when News Channel 7 and the nation&#8217;s other full-power television stations all convert from an analog TV signal to a digital signal.&nbsp; We call it DTV, and you&#8217;ll enjoy picture and sound that are dramatically better.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; As you make preparations for the change, don&#8217;t forget your antenna.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:30:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/having_trouble_with_your_dtv_signal_you_need_a_uhf_antenna/8672/#When:03:30:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Tight Supplies, High Prices for Gasoline:&amp;nbsp; This Too Shall Pass</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/tight_supplies_high_prices_for_gasoline_this_too_shall_pass/8406/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; Don&#8217;t panic over gasoline.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; I hope you heard that message amidst our reports tonight (9/11/08) on concerns over Hurricane Ike causing some local gas stations to run dry and prices topping $5.00 a gallon.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; I plan to top off my tank as normal, but I see no need to horde gas.&nbsp; I expect it to be ridiculously high for awhile, then it&#8217;ll fall back down.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:06:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/tight_supplies_high_prices_for_gasoline_this_too_shall_pass/8406/#When:05:06:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>The Seventh Anniversary of 9&#45;11</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_seventh_anniversary_of_9_11/8357/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   It is a piece of our nation&#8217;s history that will endure forever&#8230; vividly and tragically.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Today marks the seventh anniversary of the 9-11 attacks.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; September 11, 2001 became one of the worst days in our nation&#8217;s history.&nbsp; Its horror played out on live television.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:16:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_seventh_anniversary_of_9_11/8357/#When:05:16:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Join Me on the Radio Thursday, in Downtown Woodruff Saturday</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/join_me_on_the_radio_thursday_in_downtown_woodruff_saturday/8307/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; Many of you are fans of my classic rock band &#8220;Rock and Roll Reunion.&#8220;&nbsp; I appreciate seeing you when we perform, and I&#8217;d like to invite you to be part of two special events.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; We&#8217;ll be performing Saturday night 9/13 at the &#8220;A Taste of Woodruff&#8221; festival from 5 - 7 pm.&nbsp; The stage is near Georgia Street in downtown.           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:43:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/join_me_on_the_radio_thursday_in_downtown_woodruff_saturday/8307/#When:04:43:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>TV History in the Carolinas:&amp;nbsp; DTV is Here</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/tv_history_in_the_carolinas_dtv_is_here/8254/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[

&nbsp;  &nbsp; As of 12 noon on Monday, September 8th, 2008, families in the Wilmington, North Carolina television market are part of television history.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Their community has gone digital.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Television stations in Wilmington volunteered to have their market become the nation&#8217;s first to convert their broadcasts from analog to digital, ahead of the national conversion date, which is February 17th, 2009.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Wilmington is the nation&#8217;s guinea pig, so to say.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 08 Sep 2008 22:02:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/tv_history_in_the_carolinas_dtv_is_here/8254/#When:03:02:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Plan to Vote?&amp;nbsp; You&#8217;ve Got One Month to Register</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/plan_to_vote_youve_got_one_month_to_register/8113/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   You&#8217;ve got one month.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; One month&#8230; to make sure you&#8217;re eligible to vote in one of the most important elections of our time.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; The deadline is October 4th.&nbsp; The election is November 4th.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 04 Sep 2008 22:37:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/plan_to_vote_youve_got_one_month_to_register/8113/#When:03:37:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Prayers for Families at the Gulf Coast</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/prayers_for_families_at_the_gulf_coast/7881/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   In your prayers this weekend, I ask you to remember Kim and Jack Williams of Ocean Springs, Mississippi.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Three years ago, their dream home was destroyed&#8230; leveled&#8230; by Hurricane Katrina.&nbsp; They lost nearly all their possessions.&nbsp; You may remember the special report photojournalist Jason Parker and I did, as we followed Linda and Jim Brown of Inman taking a vanload of supplies to their friends, the Williams.&nbsp; The destruction we witnessed was amazing, and we never got to see the worst of it in the New Orleans area.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:14:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/prayers_for_families_at_the_gulf_coast/7881/#When:03:14:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Labor Day 2008:&amp;nbsp; Workers of America, We Thank You</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/labor_day_2008_workers_of_america_we_thank_you/7878/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; Now more than ever, a good job is a precious thing to have.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Especially a good job&#8230; with benefits.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; This Labor Day 2008, I know several people looking for a stable job with a solid future.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; They&#8217;re having a tough time finding that perfect job.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:08:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/labor_day_2008_workers_of_america_we_thank_you/7878/#When:03:08:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>The &#8220;Other Side&#8221; Grabs the Headlines in the Race for President</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_other_side_grabs_the_headlines_in_the_race_for_president/7857/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; Barack Obama&#8217;s nomination for the presidency by the Democratic Party didn&#8217;t surprise me.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; His selection of fellow U.S. Senator Joe Biden as running mate was a mild shocker.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; But I wasn&#8217;t prepared at all for today&#8217;s announcement by Senator John McCain, who will officially become the Republican Party&#8217;s nominee for president at next week&#8217;s convention.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 29 Aug 2008 21:05:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/the_other_side_grabs_the_headlines_in_the_race_for_president/7857/#When:02:05:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>I Like My Apples with a little Rock and Roll</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/i_like_my_apples_with_a_little_rock_and_roll/7813/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   One of the great Labor Day traditions of our area is the North Carolina Apple Festival in Hendersonville, Friday through Monday, August 29-September 1.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; It&#8217;s where more than 200 growers produce 65% of the apples grown in the Tar Heel state.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; I&#8217;m giving you a personal invitation to join me there and enjoy everything apple, plus rock and roll!
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2008 23:42:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/i_like_my_apples_with_a_little_rock_and_roll/7813/#When:04:42:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>A Historic Night for Obama and Our Nation</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_historic_night_for_obama_and_our_nation/7760/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; There is no attempt on my part in this item to tell you who to vote for&#8230; or vote against.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; You&#8217;ll decide that for yourself when you step into the voting booth this November 4th.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; It&#8217;s my personal reflection on a huge event in American history that&#8217;s happened this night in Denver, Colorado at the Democratic National Convention.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:01:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_historic_night_for_obama_and_our_nation/7760/#When:01:01:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>A Dad Weathers the Day of the Tornado at Clemson</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_dad_weathers_the_day_of_the_tornado_at_clemson/7726/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; Drought relief came with terrible danger today.&nbsp; And it turned this dad a little more gray, just like the storm clouds.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; A tornado touched down in Hart County, Georgia around 1:30 this afternoon.&nbsp; An hour or so later, the storm produced another possible tornado, this time in the vicinity of Clemson University&#8217;s football stadium, damaging trees and buildings.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 26 Aug 2008 22:16:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_dad_weathers_the_day_of_the_tornado_at_clemson/7726/#When:03:16:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>A Rainy Day Finally Comes</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_rainy_day_finally_comes/7663/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; It was a most welcomed sight.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; I had been fast-walking in my neighborhood for about 45 minutes this morning and was getting ready to run for a bit when I got rained out.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:33:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_rainy_day_finally_comes/7663/#When:03:33:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>My Colonoscopy Experience</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/my_colonoscopy_experience/7580/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; Well, I&#8217;ve done it.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; And I&#8217;m glad I did.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; This week I had my first colonoscopy, and it turned out just fine.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:26:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/my_colonoscopy_experience/7580/#When:03:26:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>A Good Neighbor Comes to the Rescue</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_good_neighbor_comes_to_the_rescue/7203/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; If you&#8217;ve had a bad neighbor, the experience teaches you that a good neighbor is like gold.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; No doubt Diane Brown of Spartanburg is giving thanks for her good neighbor.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:30:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_good_neighbor_comes_to_the_rescue/7203/#When:03:30:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>I&#8217;m Glad the Carolina Panthers are Back</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/im_glad_the_carolina_panthers_are_back/7044/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; One of my favorite times of the year has arrived.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; The Carolina Panthers are back on TV and radio.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:36:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/im_glad_the_carolina_panthers_are_back/7044/#When:03:36:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>It&#8217;s a Crabtree Family Tradition:&amp;nbsp; Move the Daughters</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/its_a_crabtree_family_tradition_move_the_daughters/6673/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; You may have noticed I wasn&#8217;t on the air Thursday night (7/31).

&nbsp;  &nbsp; I wasn&#8217;t sick, and I wasn&#8217;t on vacation.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 01 Aug 2008 23:35:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/its_a_crabtree_family_tradition_move_the_daughters/6673/#When:04:35:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Cancer Isn&#8217;t the Only Health Risk From Using Your Cell Phone Too Much</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/cancer_isnt_the_only_health_risk_from_using_your_cell_phone_too_much/6354/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; This week, as I stopped at a traffic light, I pulled beside a man on a big motorcycle.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; He wasn&#8217;t wearing a helmet, and I noticed his head was cocked to the left in an uncomfortable-looking position.

           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Thu, 24 Jul 2008 22:23:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/cancer_isnt_the_only_health_risk_from_using_your_cell_phone_too_much/6354/#When:03:23:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Daylight Shows Storm Damage at N. Greenville University</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_night_of_storms_and_miracles/6208/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Air 7 shows damage after a severe storm hit North Greenville University. Amazingly, no on was injured Monday night.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:19:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_night_of_storms_and_miracles/6208/#When:05:19:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Recycling:&amp;nbsp; You Have to &#45;Want&#45; to Do It</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/recycling_you_have_to_want_to_do_it/6132/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;   Whenever a news story has the word &#8220;green&#8221; in the opening sentence these days, you know what&#8217;s coming.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; The story is about global warming&#8230; or pollution&#8230; or reducing both by recycling.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Recycling.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Over the last ten years or so, I have become an avid recycler.&nbsp; Not a tree-hugger, not an Al Gore groupie, but one who believes it only makes sense to reuse anything that is reusable.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:40:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/recycling_you_have_to_want_to_do_it/6132/#When:04:40:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Tony Snow&#8217;s Inspiring Fight Against Colon Cancer</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/tony_snows_inspiring_fight_against_colon_cancer/5933/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; I spent hours this past Saturday night watching Fox Network TV coverage of the death of Tony Snow.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; Politicians, media figures, even rock stars like Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull told stories of their friendship and respect for Tony Snow.&nbsp; They admired him not only as a media figure, but also for his dedication as a father of three and husband.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; I first became a fan of Tony Snow when he was fill-in host on conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh&#8217;s radio show.&nbsp; Snow would later have his own radio show.&nbsp; Then he became press secretary for President Bush.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:36:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/tony_snows_inspiring_fight_against_colon_cancer/5933/#When:03:36:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>A Good Experience with Charter Cable</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_good_experience_with_charter_cable/5750/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; Over the years, &#8220;7 On Your Side&#8221; has probably received more consumer complaints about Charter Communications than any other company.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; But this time, I want to share with you something good about the company, and it&#8217;s based on a personal experience.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; I had two problems recently with my cable TV service, so I called Charter&#8217;s toll-free repair line.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:42:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/a_good_experience_with_charter_cable/5750/#When:04:42:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>Remembering Jesse Helms</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/remembering_jesse_helms/5747/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
&nbsp;  &nbsp; To his liberal adversaries, Jesse Helms was a pain in the rear.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; But I will remember him as a historic figure in my home state and the epitome of the American Dream.

&nbsp;  &nbsp; The son of Monroe, North Carolina&#8217;s police and fire chief (Jesse Helms, Sr. held both offices) rose from modest beginnings to become a conservative commentator recognized from the mountains to the coast, and then for 30 years, a United States Senator from N.C.
           ]]></description>
          <pubDate>Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:31:00 EST</pubDate>
<guid>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/remembering_jesse_helms/5747/#When:02:31:00Z</guid>
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         <item>
          <title>This July 4th the Music Comes Alive Again</title>
          <link>http://www2.wspa.com/spa/social_networking/blogs/tom_crabtree/article/this_july_4th_the_music_comes_alive_again/5510/</link>
          <description><![CDATA[
Most of you know me as co-anchor of  News Channel 7 at 5:00, 5:30, 6:00 and 11:00 pm weeknights.

But many of you also know me as a performing musician and vocalist, leader of &#8220;Rock and Roll Reunion,&#8221; the classic rock band I formed 14 years ago.

The band is performing this Friday, July 4th at the Fabulous Fourth Festival in Columbus, NC.&nbsp; We&#8217;ll be the first band on stage, 10:15 &#8211; 11:15 am.&nbsp; This is always a great festival, and I&#8217;m looking forward to it with great excitement.
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          <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:28:00 EST</pubDate>
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