Kevin Clark really, really wanted a Meximelt . He longed for the seasoned ground beef, melted three cheese blend and fiesta salsa wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. He craved its melty goodness. The only problem – Kevin was living in Australia where alas, there are no Taco Bells. So, Kevin thought outside the bun. He’d been corresponding with a friend in the states who’d asked Kevin what he missed the most. After describing his dilemma, he convinced the friend to mail him a Meximelt. Yes, you read that correctly; it was sent in the mail. Two weeks later a box arrived at Kevin’s doorstep with the coveted food item tucked inside. Given the lack of refrigeration, Kevin did the unthinkable – he ate the taco. Unfortunately for him, it didn’t live up to the expectations his memory had built, and he was left rather disappointed. He admits he probably shouldn’t have eaten the taco, but credits youthful indiscretion for his bravery. Now chef/owner of the aptly named Atlanta eatery Home Grown (which prides itself on farm-to-table freshness), Kevin’s food philosophy has changed. It’s a serious condition. Chain envy has long affected residents of this fine country. The condition is mostly caused by the convenience of getting what we want, when we want it. The thought of not being able to have our favorite food can be terrifying. Chain envy is usually brought on by a cross country move of some sorts. For example, a West Coast resident newly transplanted to the East Coast might suffer from chain envy upon realizing that In-and-Out Burger cannot be found east of Texas. Or, an East Coast resident might be alarmed to learn that they won’t (yet) be drinking Dunkin' Donuts coffee when visiting the West Coast. The list of chains unavailable country-wide might surprise you. Some of the most missed include Zaxby’s, Krystal, White Castle, Chick-fil-A, Waffle House, Chuy's and Jack in the Box, among others. Ignorance is bliss. If you've never had a warm chicken biscuit from Chick-fil-A on a cold Georgia morning, you wouldn’t know what you’re missing and therefore are not affected by chain envy. The rest are probably plotting ways to either recreate this southern comfort, begging friends to bring you one, or making the two, three or four hour trek to get one yourself. Chain envy can be a serious problem. Thankfully, help is available and you do have options. If you’re going to get someone to bring you a food item, make sure it’s transported properly. Separate items that need to be refrigerated or that wouldn’t travel well. For example, deconstruct your burger so the lettuce and tomato don’t make the buns soggy and ask for the sauce on the side for the same reason. Remove and refrigerate the patty and then reassemble the burger upon arrival. Most popular single-coast chains are used to requests like this and are happy to help pack your precious cargo. You can also try making your own version. A simple Google search of your favorite chain restaurant item usually brings up at least one or two forums filled with like-minded people trying to figure out just how much Sriracha goes in zesty mayo. It can be fun to experiment with a group of friends who suffer your same predicament; you can even compete to see who gets the closest to the real thing. Some food delivery services will go get your favorite North Carolina barbecue and bring it to your home in Tennessee for the right price. Just be sure to check the delivery fee before placing the order. Chain envy does not always have to leave one in dire straits. While nothing is likely to replace your beloved chain, it’s always a good idea to explore new places. Who knows? You may even develop a brand new obsession. View This Poll Previously – Regional favorites may be a click away

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Thou shalt envy thy neighbor’s chain

The hurricane warning that was put into effect in North Carolina on Thursday was extended up through New Jersey on Friday, and New York and much of the Northeast were placed under hurricane watches.

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Alert Extends Up the East Coast as Hurricane Irene Closes In

The storm could make landfall in eastern North Carolina on Saturday, according to the National Hurricane Center.

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Hurricane Irene Gains Strength as It Batters the Bahamas

When Mark Emmert was named NCAA president in April 2010, the natural question to ask was this: Who will he choose to emulate in his new role? We now know the answer. He is Don Vito Corleone. Earlier this month, Emmert called for a meeting of the five families — also known as the 50 university presidents — to discuss the seemingly out-of-control cheating going on in college football. With both schools from last season’s championship football game (Auburn and Oregon) joining Ohio State, USC and North Carolina in running afoul of NCAA rules, it was time to put an end to this war. Read full article > >

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Fixing college sports requires less talk, more action

Representative Walter B. Jones is finding support in his party as an advocate for swift withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

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Antiwar Republican Is No Longer Party’s Pariah

Before former North Carolina senator and vice-presidential candidate John Edwards was indicted Friday on charges that he committed campaign-finance violations in covering up his affair and love child with mistress Rielle Hunter, prosecutors made him a…

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Edwards Nixed Prison-Time Deal

And the next American Idol is … Scotty McCreery. The 17-year-old North Carolina native defeated fellow country singer Lauren Alaina, 16, in the 10th season of Idol. Alaina competed in Tuesday night’s final sing-off despite injuring her vocal cords,…

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Scotty McCreery Wins American Idol

Two Muslim men were removed from a plane headed to North Carolina because passengers were uncomfortable, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said.

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CAIR: Two Muslim men kicked off plane

Two Muslim men were removed from a plane headed to North Carolina because passengers were uncomfortable, the Council on American-Islamic Relations said.

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CAIR: Two Muslim men kicked off plane

A North Carolina woman who stirred national headlines when she accused three Duke student-athletes of rape is now accused of murder, a county official said.

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Duke lacrosse accuser charged with murder

Search and rescue efforts continue in North Carolina after three days of storms and tornadoes killed at least 44 people across half a dozen states.

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Search continues after US storms

At least 22 people were killed during a brutal wave of storms and tornadoes that battered Virginia, North Carolina and other Southern states over the weekend, leaving swaths of devastation and knocking out power for hundreds of thousands of people, officials said Sunday.

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Many killed as storms lash N.C.

More than 90 tornadoes left at least 43 people killed and hundreds more injured across middle America to the Eastern Seaboard.

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After Storms, a Widespread Path of Death and Damage

North Carolina becomes the latest state to be hit by severe storms and tornados that have swept across the southern US, killing at least 43 people.

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VIDEO: Devastation after tornados hit US

At least 23 people were killed after a “family” of violent tornadoes roared through the city of Raleigh and the heart of North Carolina on Saturday.

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North Carolina Bears Brunt of Tornado Rampage