Charlotte, NC

If there’s one thing we’ve learned in this still-newish century, it’s the fact that, more and more, we’re needing credit cards to get those things we need (and want). Many stores, restaurants, hotels/motels and other venues are requiring those as a means of payment (as opposed to the paper check). And, let’s face it: it is a convenient (and safe) manner of payment!

Unfortunately, so many of us don’t have decent-enough credit scores to get the credit cards that could help us. And, even if we qualify for some kind of good card, we either have to go through banks, phone books, internet searches (which can be endless and frustrating), or wait for the mailman to bring us that “miracle” offer along with our monthly bills.
OR …
We can take just one click of the computer mouse and find a search engine that will help us make the right decision by showing and comparing the different cards that are “tailor-made” for your situation (even if you’re a college student, have good credit, etc)! It saves loads of time, confusion and frazzled nerves! For example, Credit Card Search Engine can help you decide whether bad-credit credit cards or the prepaid cards are right for you. Along with that, they give you the categories, the issuers and lists APRs (annual percentage rates), annual fees, balance transferability, and more.
I’ve known at least three people who’ve already used their services and they were delighted with the response they received! In fact, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t check this site out! Folks, this is one that’s done the research for you, and gives you the results you need to make a solid decision in choosing the one that’s right for you!
So what’re you waitin’ for? Oh … the link! Just click on the following link if you’re looking for Credit Cards For People With Bad Credit. Believe me, you’ll be glad you did!
This is truly a “one-stop shop” for anyone who has less than stellar credit.

Let’s see … in about … ohhhh, I’d say 24 hours (from the time I typed this, anyway), we’ll be done with this year. FINALLY! COMPLETELY!! ABSOLUTELY!! IRREVOCABLY!! FOREV… oh … ahem!(heh-heh!) … guess I sorta got, ummm, carried away there! Let’s move on …

One of my best memories of NYE occurred back in 1984. While I was still hammerin’ out the script to the Superock! rockumentary, I was pickin’ up some extra green doin’ the graveyard shift at the A&P on South Boulevard in Charlotte. Now, since it was New Years’ Eve, the boss let us take an hour-long break to see the ‘85 come in. At 11:30 PM, I took off for a nearby neighborhood with a… well, a “prop” I’d brought with me. A friend of mine lived there, and, each year, he brought out his .22 and shot into the air when the clock struck “twelve”.
This time, though, he was in for a … wellll, a little “surprise.”

11:50 PM — I parked the Furry Fury about a block from his house and nearly tip-toed to the position I planned: right, front, next to the corner of the house, away from the bedroom window. He always came out the back door, poised himself against the back corner, same position, and fired.

11:59:30 PM — I heard the back-door close and the shuffling as he went down the steps. This was it; I put my little “prop” into position. As soon as I heard the gun fire, I quickly leaned back and threw the prop over the roof, so it’d come down almost in front of him.

The prop? A rubber chicken! He screamed something with the initials “WTF?”, and ran around the side of the house where I was … with chicken in one hand, the .22 in the other, and a noticeable wet spot in the front of his pants!

I learned something that night. Never play a joke like that on a half-drunk dude with a .22 in his hands. Fortunately, he had a fairly decent sense of humor (I found that out after the “police” came into the store that New Year’s morning and “arrested” me. As they took me away in an unmarked car, I asked what it was all about. They took me to a gay club [I'm NOT gay, btw! Nothing against them; follow the story ...] and deposited me on the front lot, where my friend was standing … with a camera!).

Aftermath: We got a kick outta those photos he took, although a few nights later, they were suddenly … er, “missing” … for some reason (no, he ain’t gonna get ‘em back, either!). He, on the other hand, no longer eats chicken.

Oh, well … Hey, listen — Part II of this will be coming up within the next twenty hours, so stay tuned …

It’s still kinda hard to believe that one of the true superstars of today’s football is gonna be retiring from the Panthers after Sunday’s game against Tampa Bay. But, if anyone deserves the break, it’s #16 — quarterback Vinny Testaverde.
The Long Island native, who played for the University of Miami when he won the Heisman Trophy in 1986, was picked in the 1987 NFL draft by the … Tampa Bay Buccaneers! So it’s a bit ironic that his final game in the sport will be against his mentors.
At 43-and-change, he’s the oldest quarterback in NFL history to start and win a game. During his time as a Panther, he’s been bothered by problems with an Achilles tendon … but it certainly didn’t slow him down!
Testaverde has always been close to his fans, and, though now among the true legends of pro football, has never lost his humility and warmth. Combining all that with one of the most precise passing arms in the sport, you could almost say he was the epitome of gridiron greatness.
No doubt, he’ll be missed by thousands of Panther fans … by the Queen City itself … and every person who’s ever followed the pigskin.

STOP-UP THE POP-UPS!

Let me ask ya something: Are you more than a little annoyed by those blasted “pop-ups” that hit your monitor screen when ya least expect them? Let’s say you’re reading something about Testaverde’s career when, suddenly, a small ad window shows up claiming you’re the 1,000,000th visitor and get a free (put whatever you want here). Not only are they as unwelcome as a chipped front tooth, but they lead ya to some garbage you don’t wanna buy!
Well, there’s a sure-fire way of sendin’ these interruptions back to hacker heaven (or opposite)! Y’see, the makers of a product called STOPzilla give you the best in pop-up protection, spyware removal, kills of browser hijackers and much, much more. In fact, STOPzilla is so dependable and reputable that it was even a clue on the game show Jeopardy! back in 2003. (The clue was: “STOPzilla is software to stop these from constantly appearing on your computer screen.” Natch, the answer was “pop-ups”. But it just goes to show how good this software is!)
You can get this one-stop relief from spyware and pop-ups at a great price … and, once ya get it, you won’t even have to do any configuring! It happens automatically, and runs in the background without bogging down any of your programs!
So, for the absolute best and most reliable popup blocker on the market, just click the link you just passed, and order today … you (and your PC or laptop) will be glad you did! (Incidentally, you’ll order on a secure site to make the transaction safe! These people are serious about guarding your privacy!)
I mean, after all, Alex Trebek wouldn’t steer ya wrong, would he?

Not enough could ever be said for our area’s veterans, whether it be of the Iraqi wars, Vietnam, Korea … or of The Second World War (what some say was our last justified war). They sweat, cried, ached, bled and died for what they believed in — freedom from tyranny!
Now, some say that Iraq, ‘Nam and Korea were just conflicts, and not actually war. To them, let me invoke the spirit of Hawkeye Pierce on one of the most poignant M*A*S*H episodes: After hearing so many reporters calling it a “conflict”, Hawkeye griped about it in the operating room when Col. Sherman Potter (Harry Morgan) looked at the carnage on the OR gurneys and said ” … this is war!”

The biggest war — the one that tied millions of Americans together as one because we were after a maniac who was bent on violently taking over the world – brought forth a generation of true heroes. These will be spotlighted in a special “World War II remembrance program” at the Gaston County Museum on the afternoon of January 6 from 2:30 to 4 p.m.. On that Sunday, I wanna urge everyone to be there. It’s going to be an afternoon of appreciation, understanding, compassion … and awe … as World War II veterans from Gaston County will be there to tell about their wartime experiences.

Here’s just part of the festivities, according to the Charlotte Observer online: “The Marine Corps League will present a flag retiring ceremony behind the museum and the ‘Last Man’s Club’ made up of Gaston County World War II veterans will conduct a 21-gun salute.”
There will also be a Marine Corps M35A2 Deuce-and-a-Half (a 2 1/2-ton truck used for transporting ammo, supplies, gear and extra troops to and from the front) parked in front of the museum. First used during World War II in both European Theater of Operation (ie, where we fought the Nazis) and Pacific Theater (where we fought the Japanese Army_ , they were also used heavily during the Vietnam War.

(One very important note from the Relic: Remember: We were fighting NAZIs, not the German people! In the West, we were against the Imperial Japanese Army, not the Japanese citizenry! That’s why prejudice against these peoples [yes, it still goes on, some 62 years later!] is totally absurd!)

Now, in the previous post (about Resolutions), I quoted a woman who told me, “Every month, take some time to talk with your grandparents … you know, someone that’s ‘old’ … and ask them to talk about the ‘good old days’! You’ll be richer for it, and your young’uns will learn a lot. And it’ll make them (ie, the ‘old folks) feel good, too!” What better way to understand what these men and women went through — and our freedom — than to visit the Museum on Sunday, the Sixth??
Oh … almost forgot the directions: the museum’s at 131 W. Main St., Dallas (just above Gastonia) and is open from: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and 2-5 p.m. the first Sunday.

NUTRITIONAL BOOSTING

As many of you already know, the Relic’s also involved in matters-of-the-squared-circle (i.e., an independent, family-oriented pro wrestling promotion). One favorite snack that I see a lot of wrestlers (some who worked with WWE) enjoy prior to their matches is a “pure-protein” bar, courtesy a company called SportsNutrition.com. After quizzing a couple of the guys, I found that this group gives ya the best, safest and most reliable products for health, muscular definition, stamina … and for overall health! Founded almost twenty years ago, it’s become a mecca for active people (not just sports pros!) due to its selection, quality, reliability and prices.
Now you can take advantage of their super-selection of nutritional products … and save money in the process! They have supplements for weight loss/gain, endurance, proteins, amino acids, brain fuel — even vitamins for your cat or dog!
If you’re involved in any sport, be sure to click on the link describing yours at the top of their page! You’ll be taken to a list of supplements that are “tailor-made” for your specific interest. If you’re not into sports, you can still click on one of the links on the left side (they have sub-links that’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for!)
How to get to the nutritional supplements I’m talkin’ about? Just click the link you just passed. Listen … these safe and effective supplements work wonders for some of the best-known wrestlers in the pro ranks, so you know they’ve gotta be the best on the market! So order now! Just think of all the good it could do ya!

There’s very little mileage left in this clunker of an ‘07 model — but, before we push it into the dealership for trade-in on a brand-new 2008 model, we’ve got one more thing to do:
Make resolutions.
Guess some of you have already made yours … and, as always, a handful have already broken one or two of ‘em, even before the New Year begins! But, y’know, maybe it’s better that we stay away from the traditional “lose-weight-stop-smoking-go-to-church” lists (which, by the way, are great ones to have!) and go with something a little … well, different! Like:

• I’m gonna find at least one person per month who’s in need of a friend, assistance with a bill, food, or whatever … and help him or her!
• Throughout the year — in fact, starting today — I’m gonna cool my temper and think before I do anything that would harm someone, emotionally or physically.
• I will take one weekend off per month (or, if I have to work on weekends, two nights during the week) to spend solely with my family, whether it’s watching TV together, exploring the sights and sounds of Charlotte and its area, or polishing up an old, antique thing called just talking with them.

It’s not hard to find new and improved resolutions to make! But, if you’re gonna do it, make it a “resolution revolution!” Let those rezzies be ones that’ll benefit more than just you! Of course, keep the other ones I mentioned — they’re mighty good — but don’t let the others pass you by!

Oh … here’s an idea passed on by a little old lady I met in Wytheville, while stopping for a bite to eat before heading home from the last Ohio Championship Wrestling™ card (now, this one’s worth makin’ into a firm resolution):

“Every month, take some time to talk with your grandparents … you know, someone that’s ‘old’ … and ask them to talk about the ‘good old days’! You’ll be richer for it, and your young’uns will learn a lot. And it’ll make them (ie, the ‘old folks) feel good, too!” Folks, that’s word-for-word what she told me (I scribbled it down in longhand). Great idea, huh??

Anyway, the best wish I can give you for a great New Year is a modification of what I use as sign-off on the Relic’s site: “Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your head above water — and your heart with the music …”

See ya next go-’round …

By now, everyone has heard about Will Smith (”Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Independence Day,” “Men In Black”, superstar rapper, etc.) and what he allegedly said about Hitler. Already, some of our Crown Towners are startin’ to act up about it. I mean, the nerve of that guy, sayin’ that Hitler was “good!” Right??

WRONNGGGGGG!

Y’see, Will didn’t say that at all! In fact, Smith thinks Hitler was despicable — a racist of the first order, and a maniac! What he actually said was that (and I quote) “”Even Hitler didn’t wake up going, ‘let me do the most evil thing I can do today.’ I think he woke up in the morning and using a twisted, backwards logic, he set out to do what he thought was ‘good.’”

Now, let’s get to a true “translation” of that: He’s saying “Hitler didn’t wake up thinking how much Hell he could raise. The dude was using the logic of a criminally-crazed person. He actually thought he was doing good!” Meaning that, yes, Hitler was demented — screwed up! His exact words were “backwards logic”. What’s that but illogical thinking??
Further, he said (another quote) “Adolf Hitler was a vile, heinous vicious killer responsible for one of the greatest acts of evil committed on this planet.” Now … puttin’ the words together from those two quotes: “Twisted, backwards … a vile, heinous vicious killer …”

Sounds like the words the Observer (and 99.9% of other major newspapers) use to describe murderers, doesn’t it??

So Smith’s words were “taken out of context.” It’s not the first time this has been done. Forty-one years ago, a young man, speaking on behalf of his group, supposedly said they were “bigger than Jesus Christ.” What followed could only be described as a knee-jerk reaction that led, first, to a shameful, angry display of hatred; radio stations around the country (including local WTYC) hosted “Beatle bonfires”, and many record stores refused to sell their records.
What John Lennon said, (and again I quote):“We’re more popular than Jesus now; I don’t know which will go first — rock and roll or Christianity.” He said, “more popular” To wit: If you were to offer kids-of-the-era the choice of a Bible or the latest Beatle album (or tickets to the next Beatle concert in their town), which would most of them accept? If they had a choice of going to church on a given Sunday night or watching the Fab Four debuting their latest single, live, on the Ed Sullivan Show, which would they have rather done?
On top of that, which did mags like Time™, Life™ and others have on their front pages more often back-in-the-day? Which was talked about more? But John’s statement (which, for the sake of sanity and peace, he later apologized for) was taken out of context. As was Will Smith’s …

with one exception:

I mentioned the Beatles’ remark as “First”, which means there’s a second remark, right??

It came … at the sound of three bullets hitting Lennon’s body as he returned from a production review on December 8, 1980. The assassin … used those out-of-context remarks … to brutally murder one of the world’s most prolific musical talents — and a man whose one desire and goal was peace …

So, whenever anyone’s quoted anywhere, let’s make sure we read it right … think about it … and keep it “IN-context” … before we make any spur-of-the-moment remarks, huh?? It could save a lot of embarrassment, a lot of misunderstanding, a lot of hoopla …

It could even save a life!

Okay … the Big Day is over for another 365 or so, which (naturally!) means thousands of after-Christmas sales poppin’ up wherever there are products to be sold. Annnnnd there’ll be wall-to-wall Wal-Marters, belt-bustin’ Belkers and penny-pinchin’ Penneysites runnin’ through the aisles, checkin’ for whatever they can find at half-price or better!

But there are some places that are gonna be overlooked … and, readers, these are the spots ya wanna start first! For example: With loads of Santasized gifts bein’ used for the first time around the QC, folks will be unloadin’ their former goods at Goodwill™ stores and consignment shops. You can pick up quality stuff for Penney’s … er, pennies … on the dollar at those places — especially now!

Another way to get the bargains — and this really works at the big shops like Belk — is to shop (a) on “off days” (mostly Monday afternoons), and (b) after lunch. Sometimes, you can get better bargains if you take a coupon or two that the store offers in the Observer. So prepare before ya go, shop sensibly, and be sure you want or need what you’re aiming to buy! It’ll quicken that step of yours, and you’ll show more determination to get what you’re looking for! One more thing: Be as patient as possible, because rushin’ with the crowd can getcha confused … and someone else will snap up that bargain before you!

CHRISTMAS DINNERS MEAN NEW YEAR’S DIETING!

Man, after a plateful of turkey/ham, taters, mama’s green beans, biscuits or (for you citified folks) rolls, and a mess of other goodies, you’re probably lookin’ at about three to five pounds more on the scales, right??
Now it’s time to get those pounds off so you’ll look good goin’ into 2008! I know there are a lot of diet programs out there that claim to help … but lemme clue you in on the one successful program that’s sweeping the country: It’s a patch that you can get through the folks at Lab88 — and, if the stars are any indication (you know how finicky they are about their weight), you know you’ll be slimmer, better-looking-and-feeling in no time!
Made with Hoodia straight out of South Africa, it controls your appetite as it actually increases your metabolism! Oh … and it works 24/7, too! When you click on the link I’m about to give ya, you’ll read for yourself how this fantastic patch works … and be able to get a free sample … annnnnnd some of the wallet-friendliest prices you’d ever want from something this effective! So, for the popular and highly successful diet patch, just visit Lab88 by clicking that link today and start the New Year with a slimmer, healthier you!

Geez … now, don’t tell me: Ya couldn’t wait, eight?? Ahhhh, well …

Tell ya what: Just dig the Day, the season, spend a lot of time with the family, and enjoy the warmth, the goods and all the stuff it’s the stuff it’s made of! And we’ll get back together tomorrow (the 26th), alright?

Thanks.

Y’know, we’re so busy shopping for last-minute presents, wrapping, partygoing and watching the upteenth broadcast of It’s A Wonderful Life (so, sue me … I can never get tired of watching it! Interesting fact: It actually debuted during the summer of 1946. It was also the only movie parodied by the late, great Beavis and Butthead!).

Nonetheless, we seem to forget about another, extremely meaningful celebration — that of Kwanzaa! Created by Dr. Maulana Karenga, it stresses the importance of unity and tradition among the African-American community (and, actually, that’s a great idea across-the-board these days!). Along with emphasizing the dignity of those of African descent, it sends a strong message of peace and hope. There are seven principles (called, in Swahili, Nguzo Saba) that are so profound that, actually, I believe they should transcend the races and be practiced by everyone.

The celebration, which runs from December 26 to January 1, is the visual key to society-in-general, and Charlotte has a number of events planned to honor it. Here (courtesy the Charlotte Observer) is what’s planned:

CHARLOTTE EVENTS

• Dec. 26: Discuss the meaning and importance of Kwanzaa, and hear African drumming. 7-9 p.m. Beatties Ford Road branch library, 2412 Beatties Ford Road. 704-336-2882.
• Dec. 27: Learn about self-determination and be entertained by dancers and drummers from the McCrorey YMCA and the Second Calvary Baptist Church. 7-9 p.m. Freedom Regional Library, 1230 Alleghany Ave. 704-336-2721.
• Dec. 28: An educational evening devoted to a discussion of collective work and responsibility. 7-9 p.m. West Boulevard branch library, 2157 West Blvd. 704-336-6802.
• Dec. 30: The jazz band A Sign of the Times performs. 8 p.m. Excelsior Club, 921 Beatties Ford Road. $10. 704-334-5709.
• Jan. 1: Faith is the topic of discussion at this final event on the Kwanzaa calendar. 6-8 p.m. Afro-American Cultural Center, 401 N. Myers St. Free. 704-374-1565.

Learn all you can about this amazing celebration of peace, unity and tradition … and appreciate its meaning to all of us.

Lemme tell ya … travelin’ from the warm down-home of Crown Town to the cold, steel-rimmed air of Ashland (remember? I do the wrestling shows up there …) can be downright scary at times.

Especially during this winter (well, officially, during the weekend) weather. I left the Appalachian Tall Timbers after getting the promos set up to hit the road for the ride home, and everything went well … until I hit …

FANCY GAP!!

(or should that read: Fancy GULP!!?)

And, with the road slip-slidin’ away underneath me at times (and, friends, no matter whatcha hear, at times there are no guard rails between you and meeting God on part of that downward-spiral from the mountain!)

Of course, leave it to the Relic to tempt fate: In front my old 1937 BoltBucket (actually, the Turbulent Tercel) was a biiiiiiiiig rig (I think it was carryin’ the state of Georgia in it) … and he was smokin’ (no, not Jim Carrey “ssssmokin’”; I mean his back tires …). Soooooooo … y’know what I did, right??

Yup. Went around him as fast as I could without spinnin’ out and goin’ to glory over the left side! No one was in front of him for a half-mile, it seemed … and I thought I was home-free.
At least until I saw him turn frantically for one of those run-offs they have for truckers who are goin’ too fast. See, they go uphill on the right, and they’re meant to stop the semis whose … brakes … have … gone … out!

And that meant that, if he hadn’t stopped, there’d be some superspeed free-wheelin’ to the bottom of the mountain .. with me in his path! And guess who’s Toyota would’ve just become a squished “Toy” — or which blogger was gonna turn into ground Chuck — if that’d happened?? Suddenly, Carrie Underwood’s Jesus, Take The Wheel came to mind … but my thoughts were on that famous, often-repeated slogan that millions of commuting drivers use:

“Where’s-the-next-exit-I-gotta-GO!!!”

Thank goodness that the Good Lord, in His infinite wisdom, created Wytheville, Va. They have loads of bathrooms there … and great deals on toilet paper!

Now, I toldja that to say this: Whenever you’re on the roads this season (especially!), please be careful on the roads, and make it home safely. Don’t get out in yer vehicle and expect everything to be 100% smooth and water-proof! Especially you folks who are drivin’ in from Hawaii. You can make it to yer destination a lot easier if you concentrate, watch out for the other guy, and — for Pete’s sake — stay off the cells until ya git to a rest-stop! Look … already in the USofA there are hundreds who’ll be Christmasing in Heaven because they or someone else lost control of their vehicles or didn’t watch where they were goin’ and ended up meeting in a tragic way.

Don’t be one of ‘em! Be sure to drive defensively and carefully — and you’ll be inside for the Yuletide and present for the presents come the Big Day, okay?

Ahhhh, with the threat of every snowfall in Charlotte, my mind harks back to the “good-old-days” (I have that right. Took me years to teach it to hark. Heck … took forever to get it to “think” …).

I remember the times back in Pineville — in Jimmy Miller’s pasture, where there was a big hill that we all coasted down on water-heater tops. Even when there was snow! It was fun … but, for some unknown celestial reason, God seemed to put an oak tree directly in front of wherever I was “sledding”. To this day, those oaks have little grooves in ‘em where my nose landed … followed by my face.

Then there was the time when, as an insurance agent for Pilot Life, I did what they call a “donut” on a snowy parking lot on Griffith St. (Man, it was so much fun, I went back, got in my car, and tried it! Awesome!)

There’s something serious about driving in inclement weather, though, but I’m not gonna discuss it here.

Actually, about two decades ago (or was it 1957? I forget …), when Channel 9 did that interview with a dude from the Traffic Department? He said the best way to drive in icy, snowy weather was offensively. And that, if ya had a skid, turn your steering wheel against the way your car was skidding. Folks, that’s wrong on both parts (not to mention the unsightly skid marks left by your car, which no detergent can get out!). Remember: drive defensively, no matter how offensive the other driver is! And, for goodness sake, turn the steering wheel in the direction you’re skidding (and I’m not skidding about this!). Otherwise, you could end up thisclose to a driver you might’ve made friends with in other times.

The most important things to know during snow (aka the “snow-know”) are:

• Be sure to stock up on a lot of good, nonperishable groceries. You know: foods that won’t die. This is in case there’s a power outage, or if the streets are impossibly impassible. Get about a week’s worth of ‘em. Any left over, just send ‘em to me …
• Get blankets, batteries (no, for your flashlight, unless you’ve got one of those battery-powered electric blankets!), flashlight (seeee?), candles, and a good kerosene heater (be sure you’ve got good ventilation. If you’ve got a fireplace, make sure you’re stocked with enough wood (unless it’s gas, in which case: nix the wood. It’ll make a mess, trust me!).
• If you haven’t done so, get your windows insulated. ‘Nuff said.
• If you don’t have to go out, don’t go out (unless you don’t have indoor plumbing. Then bundle up, take yer Sears catalogue, matches to light the Sears catalogue if it gets too cold out there, and some 3-in-1 oil so you won’t freeze to the seat). Stay warm and cozy inside as much as possible.

Oh … and check antifreeze. If she’s okay, then you’re good to go. (Really, make sure you’ve got the stuff in your car!) Of course, above all, use common sense and stay calm, no matter where you are!

It’s gonna be a chilly winter (even for hot dogs), so use caution, control, common sense and courtesy as you plan for the days ahead …

Y’know, as we’re running back and forth to Wal-Mart and Belk’s for goodies to place under the tree, sometimes we tend to forget the real meaning of Christmas.
No, I’m not talkin’ about the birth of Jesus here (although that’s a given … I mean, why d’ya think they call it Christmas, huh??). I’m talking about the giving — of well-wishes, cards, thoughts … of desires for peace, of “comfort and joy,” and of hope.

After talking with some youngsters throughout town (always with a parent present, I might add. The Relic never bends the rules … and respects all), I found some heart-touching thoughts for the holiday (I’m leaving names out here, incidentally. Read the line before this one):

• From near the Square: “I don’t want nothin’. But my brother wants some heelies (wheelies?) ’cause he broke his and I hope Santa brings him some.”
  “I hope Jesus brings my Daddy a job. He wants to make money for us and says if he does we can have a good Christmas next year.”
  “I just want ever’body to stop bein’ mean an’ fightin‘ over there.”
• From near SouthPark: “I hope my mom gets better she has CANcer an’ I want her to have Christmas with us.”
  “Maybe God can give us sun days (note: I thought she said “Sundays,” but it was like you read it, meaning “days of sunshine”) so nobody has to be cold.”
• And from my hometown of Pineville, “I wish I could give ever’body a whole new house and stuff so they won’t have to be poor no more.”
  “I want my daddy to kiss my mommy and be good to her. Do you think Jesus can bring that to her?” (note: When I heard that, I … er, “got somethin’ in my eye” and … well, you know-whut-I-mean).

The point is that, while we’re alllll worried about the bills, chills and ills we get while trying to supply material Christmas thrills, our children are more concerned about the weightier matters of the season. You’d be surprised at how so many of them, while maybe wanting this game or that trinket, are more concerned with the reality of Christmas: that there are those for whom the season won’t be merry, and, of all the gifts we can give, the thoughts, hopes and prayers for their welfare (along with a warm, loving word and, if possible, some assistance) are the most precious.
And, to think: It’s the CHILDREN who are leading us in these … thus bringing forth the truest meaning of Christmas next to Jesus’ birth itself.

And, after all, that’s what it’s all about.

With the Christmas season in full swing and stores full of shoppers, there are still thousands of our folks whose Yuletide log won’t be burning as bright … and all because their credit’s bad and they can’t afford loans to actually make a presentable Christmas for their loved ones.
There are loads of offers that come through the mail (with lengthy applications), those that invade your email inbox without invitation, and pages of listings in the Charlotte phone book that you can go through … and hope that one of them accepts applicants with bad credit. Or you can use the best web resource available to help you choose the best ones for your situation.
You see, the folks at Bad Credit Offers (I’ll give you their link in a minute; trust me, it’s one you’ll want to visit!) not only list the most reputable places for loans, home loans, credit cards and more — they do it all for those of us with less-than-perfect-credit! On their front page, you’ll find individual categories; then, whether you’re looking for personal loans, credit cards, auto loans or just credit scores and repair,
just click on the respective link and you’ll get a listing of those who can provide these for you. No matter what your credit looks like, one of these offers will certainly suit your need and criteria!
So, if you’ve run out of luck — and patience — by using standard avenues, why not save time and worry by checking for bad credit loans the smart way??
Believe me, if anyone can help you, they can! Do it today, okay?

I normally write posts that are a bit light-hearted — but with the news coming out of the CPD recently of a rise in sexual predators (yes, especially among our children!), this subject needs to take a serious hit on this post.
Y’see, there are about 650 of those criminals registered in the Charlotte area (hey … I said “registered”! There are more out there who aren’t!) and, according to the National Sex Offender Registry, they can range from clean, crisp, professionals to filthy, foul-mouthed drunks.

Now, there’s a group that will help keep your kids safe from these idiots, but it’ll take your cooperation. ChildShield USA has a program that’s been extremely successful in safeguarding children, and I highly recommend them (please note: This is NOT a “paid post.” I honestly believe in this group, since I’ve seen it work!)

Of course, there are other things we can do:

• Of course, the most vital thing is to completely know where your child(ren) are at all times! Nothing beats the vigilance of a loving parent …
• Secondly, we MUST have stricter sentencing for these perps! I don’t care what kind of “sob story” or “promises” they make; they must have strict (and mandatory) jail terms! No exceptions at all!! Now, this’ll probably mean opening up a “satellite” or just reserving one cellblock for nothing but sexual offenders!
• Thirdly, print out a copy of this page and discuss it with your children as well as partner. It’s a “tip” list that includes at-home safety tips as well as those for when they’re outside.
• Fourthly, PLEASE monitor your kids’ internet activity! This can’t be stressed enough. Remind them how dangerous it is to talk with anybody they don’t know in chat rooms, MySpace (where a lot of these jerks hang out!), or on Yahoo!, AOL and other Instant Messengers. Don’t be afraid to tell them about cases you’ve heard on the news… including the MSNBC show To Catch A Predator (in fact, watch it with them.

Now, if these seem a little harsh, they’re meant to be. Listen … my own son was kidnapped back in 1975, and, though it took Charlotte police only four hours to rescue him, it goes to show these things CAN happen to ANY of us, if we’re not careful!
Yes, I know our kids may “hate” us for doing any of this, but think about this: They’ll understand as they grow older, because AT LEAST THEY’LL HAVE A FUTURE TO GROW OLDER IN … and it’ll all be because we took the time to love, protect — and be a bit strict — with them today.

Now … don’tcha think they’re worth it??

Folks, I just wanna take a moment on this extreeeeeeeeeeeeeemely short-tiny-little-teensyweensy-mini- post and letcha know I’m recupr .. recoup … recovering from a blast of flu (yes, again! They say this is a strong sucker that people are gettin’, and it just happened that I got it!), so the posts have been scarce for a few days.

Just stick with me, and I’ll be back with new QC news beginnin’ tomorrow morning (heck … I’ll even tell the paperboy not to throw it in the bushes this time!) so you can enjoy it with your morning coffee, okay??

Thanx for understanding. C ya tomorrow!

Chuck