It's late July, early August, and to many people that means one thing crosses their minds during their free time — that monster fish that got away last year at about this time.

I've received zero big-bass pictures this summer and expect a rush of them to be coming in soon. Last year I probably had five or six marvel fish pictures sent my way, just like I do with other outdoor sports seasonally.

Deer and turkey come over the winter months and fish normally all summer, but not this year, not yet. That's why I'm expecting soon, particularly in light of my own success on the pond in late summer, early fall. There's larger, more hungry fish to be taken, and someone's got to want to show those bad boys off. 

This blog is an invitation to those that find it — send a picture of your big catch to Eastern Wake News, it will make the sports page first-send, first-print. 

A big fan of fishing myself, I truly enjoy seeing what has frequently kept me out on the water for too long on multiple occasions. If someone doesn't send me a picture of their beaut I might have to go hit one of my local ponds over the head and put a picture of my own fish in, and for humility's sake I don't want it to get to that point.   

It has been blogged about in the past, but the fact still remains — the parking lot in the Triangle East shopping center in Zebulon is a doggone mess.

When talking to Planning Director Mark Hetrick, however, he said things might change in the not-too-distant future.

Those who the frequent the center are aware, very aware, of the issues. There's potholes, there's awkward traffic flows and there's certainly a lot of traffic.

Today the Southern League released its North Division's tentative starting lineup for the 2009 Southern League All-Star game, scheduled for July 13 at Regions Park in Birmingham, Ala.

Three of the six Carolina Mudcats on the All-Star roster have made the starting lineup. Those include left-fielder Todd Frazier, shortstop Zack Cozart and pitcher Travis Wood.

For more information on the 2009 All-Star game visit southernleague.com, or call (770) 321-0400.   

As if last week's kidnapping and bank robbery didn't draw enough police attention in eastern Wake County, why, I say, why are there so many patrol cars guarding the highway lately?

The first thing that comes to mind is the weather is nice and warm, and hey, it's summer time. People are getting out and doing things (both legal and illegal) and trying to get to their destination in record time.

But still a curiosity in my book is the joint effort between local towns' police officers on 64/264 between Wendell Boulevard and Highway 96 (Arendell Ave.).

It's got my attention because lately as you head toward Wendell from the Knightdale side of things there is a Zebulon K-9 unit monitoring the road, and then when you get past Lizard Lick (into the Zebulon jurisdiction) there are Wendell cops doing the same — more or less a role reversal. 

I thought that was weird enough, and still don't know if they're looking for someone in particular, drugs, or what, but then I saw the true conundrum — a Durham Five-O in Wendell. WOW. I know. Tell me about it. What could possibly be going on here?

One half of me wants to call the local police departments and put an end to my measureless curiosity, but the other half of me doesn't want to spoil the endless possibilities that stem from such ignorance. 

It's almost like the kind of thing that would become the perfect rumor in a small town. Maybe they're searching for aliens. If anyone knows the truth, or thinks they do, I'd love to hear about it.

The headline says it all.

I'm about to tell you my not-too-shabby, soon-to-be ugly bracket picks, and yes, I'm asking for you all to let me know how good you're doing up to this point in the NCAA tourney.

So far I've heard nothing, so I've only come to one conclusion — no one knows I'm interested in finding out. That's got to be the only answer, because there's no way people can stop talking about their brackets this time of year.

I'll give you a hint at why you might laugh at my bracket. I don't have UNC in the Final Four. I don't have Pitt in the Final Four. I don't have UConn in the Final Four and I don't have Louisville in the Final Four. Get the picture? I've got Michigan State, Memphis, Oklahoma and Villanova as the last teams standing.

I've still got 12 of my sweet 16 left, seven of my great eight, and all of the Final Four are still alive, as are my two final contenders and national champs. Like I said, my bracket doesn't look too bad, not just yet anyways.

Think you've got the ultimate winning combination? I'm trying to write about it, so don't be shy, give me a shout!

After Knightdale wrestled twice in two days and hosted a first-ever battle of two three-peat state champions on its mats Saturday, there's only one obstacle left in the road: East Wake.

The Warriors and Knights square off in the final match of the season tonight (Wednesday) before heading into the conference tournament.

It's been interesting watching the two teams over the season. Both teams are coached by progressive leaders to say the least. Mike Kendall and Alex Von Hoene are the type that like to compete today, and even if things go wrong they still like to wake up at 5 a.m. and do it again tomorrow.

Their teams are evidence. Although the Knights (3-3 in the GRNC) may trail their highway rivals by a hair heading into the match, the group of grapplers have managed to keep from falling to far behind as they have competed in multiple invitational tourneys all season long.

It will be interesting to see how the two schools finish in the conference and beyond. East Wake won its last conference match over garner with flying colors. The Knights fell by one point in their last match.

For certain, the two won't hold anything back when they square up for senior night on Knightdale's mats.

It hurt my feelings, deeply, to receive an email from the Southern League announcing its revised Northern Division roster and starting lineup for the 2008 All-Star game, being held this coming Monday at Five County Stadium.

And, for you fans, it is in great disappointment that I express my anger for the Major League teams' uncanny ability to move players from one team to the next, and that players can't avoid injury. 

I'm talking about Chris Volstad, who was promoted to the Florida Marlins about a week before the All-Star game, and Cameron Maybin, who injured his back at about the same time. 

These two guys were supposed to be a big part of the show, certainly in my book anyways. Obviously Maybin was going to have some impact on the game. Earlier in June he slugged a thousand, averaging a .400 on his 25 at-bats over the course of the week. And these figures came on 10 hits, including two doubles, two triples and three homers, with six runs scores and nine RBIs.

Maybin is younger than me, and that is saying something. Maybe it's the 21-year-old eyes that make the magic happen, but now, all of those anticipating his presence in the All-Star game will have to go without. 

Although Volstad was not set to start at pitcher in the unfortunately tentative starting lineup, it's fair to say he would've hit the mound for at least a handful of frames. His potential does not need any more attention — he was promoted to the big show.

Remaining Carolina starters, however, still offer a good incentive for showing up to the game. Gaby Sanchez, John Raynor and Chris Coghlan are historically solid when a much-needed base hit is in order, but Maybin's spot will be filled by a non-Mudcat, meaning five, not six, Mudcats will enjoy the home field game. 

There's still plenty to be proud of, Mudcats fans, just a bit less mainstream hype than initially anticipated.