CHARLOTTE, N.C. VP throwing a big party?

Word on the highly policed QC street right now: The Veep will throw down on Thursday with a BEP (Big Exclusive Party) at the HOF (NASCAR Hall of Fame). Do we know for sure? Heck, no. But we love the idea of showing off speed (and moonshine) to the guy famous for taking the train to work. ... And ask us later about the police escort to Saturday's media-party extravaganza. Full-on “Speed” action, with the bus heading into oncoming traffic! (Safely, natch. Party food was extremely safe, too. Best thing: “Southern bruschetta bar.”)

Rock on

Celtic band O'Malley's March is slated to play a couple of late-night gigs this week – at Ri Ra and BlackFinn. Lead singer? Governor of Maryland Martin O'Malley. Slated to speak Tuesday at the convention.

But not a pony in every pot

Vermin Supreme, 62, is continuing his run for the presidency (entering its 20th year) with a Hoover-esque vow into his megaphone uptown: “Yes, I promise ponies for all Americans.” Supreme (his legal name) says he wears that boot on his head to attract attention – and to help his wife and buddies find him. Presumably the body glitter (it's gold!) helps.

Tweet of the day

@KristieHelms, a Massachusetts delegate: Whoever put that handheld battery fan in the @massdems gift bag gets my vote. For anything. Ever. #southern #heat #DNC2012

And the runners-up:

@DaveNavarro (of Jane's Addiction): On my way to Charlotte NC for the DNC

@InvisibleObama: I'd like to reflect on the GOP Convention, but you know, that would be difficult.

@billmaher9m (Comedian Bill Maher): Dirt coming out now about the #ClintEastwooddebacle - they wanted a different celeb to speak: #HoneyBooBoo, but she refused to dumb it down

YEEAaaahh!

Gov. Howard Dean, he of the “I Have a Scream” speech in 2004, will host a Twitter town hall meeting during the DNC. Use #askhoward to post questions. Skip the #phoneticallyspelledscreaming.

Button of the day

Seems sufficiently Southernly hospitable, yes? Bless his heart.