Charlotte, NC

HAPPY NEW YEAR, CHARMECK!! If there’s one sentence that describes the beginning of ‘09 it’s the catchphrase from Monty Python:

“And now for something completely different …”

Now, most folks have made at least one resolution, right?? But, y’know, sometimes, these can come as a result of lessons learned in the year that’s just passed. One of my very first resolutions was made on December 31, years ago (and, fortunately, became an indelible part of this old bird’s psyche).
It was borne from an incident that happened on my birthday that year. That being said, here’s the Double-E’s New Years story:

LIFE and the REAR-VIEW MIRROR …

Remember your very first car? It was usually a sign that your folks finally trusted you enough to have some personal freedom and responsibility. Mine was an old 1966 Ford Fairlane — an olive green machine that ran as rough as it looked.
Oh, it was fine sitting in the driveway, but on the road, if something didn’t “clink,” “clank” or “clunk,” it fell off! And, whenever I went out for a spin, the vibration from the car shook my rear-view mirror, throwing it off-center. It seemed that, every other mile, I had to try and fix it while driving.

One Sunday afternoon shortly after getting the car, I came close to colliding with someone while I was busy trying to do just that. When I got home, I parked the car and stomped into the house, where my parents were watching TV. “Oh, THANKS, Dad,” I snapped in sarcastic frustration. “THAT car runs BEAUTIFULLY!” Then I told him about the mirror and the near-accident.
He listened intently, then, as mama reached over to turn the TV down, he asked, “You mean you were more concerned with that blamed MIRROR than you were with what was in FRONT of you?” Now feeling both embarrassed and a bit ashamed, I nodded my head “yes”.
He and mama looked at each other as he continued, “Son, you should’ve gotten that thing fixed before you went out!” Then mama added, “Besides, nobody can get where they’re going if they’re always looking at where they’ve been.” As daddy smiled at the wisdom of her statement, I stood there, thinking about it.

Concentrating on the past is like driving while focusing only on your rear-view mirror. It doesn’t take long before you end up with an accident! Just as you’d watch the road in front of you to drive safely, the only way to move ahead in any endeavor is to focus on what’s ahead … and don’t look back!

Of the Top Forty things that causes depression, retrospection — the “shoulda, woulda, coulda, didn’t” factor — tops the charts. Of course, qualified counselors and psychotherapists will occasionally use that as part of a successful therapy, but, otherwise, we need to get away from it as fast as possible! You see, it’s nothing but thought-poison! Living in the past while wanting a happy, progressive life is like wanting a smooth, fizzy soft drink — but drinking water out of the toilet!

The past is something we’ve experienced, but there’s no way to go back and change it. It’s gone. Let’s put it this way: When we’ve put our trash on the curb for pickup by the city, we let it go! We don’t run after the trash truck yelling “WAIIIIIIT!” We move on …

“Moving on” also means changing our way of thinking a bit. There’s a popular and appropriate saying these days: “If you keep thinking what you always thought, you’ll keep getting what you always got.”
If we’re constantly dwelling in the past, and they’re negative memories, then we’ll keep battering our emotional selves and NEVER move into any sort of wellness! Rev. Leroy Boyd (from Tirzah, S.C.) told me that “dwelling on the past is like walking through the devil’s back yard at midnight. You’re either gonna wake him up or step in something that’ll make you stink!”
Look — we can’t change the past, and it’d be foolhardy to try and relive it. But it’s easy to become retrospective in our thought process. The words “If only I had done …” or “I should’ve/would’ve/could’ve/didn’t”, or just a simple reflection on past situations can depress us and cause us to lose focus on those things we really need.

Now, when we’re lookin’ ahead at the ‘09 in Crown Town and vicinity, we’ve gotta make sure that we’re focused on what we’ve got before us. I’ve run across people from Fort Mill to Kannapolis who’ve said “If she’d just … we’d've had …” or “I wish this hadn’t happened …” or “(fill in the space) did this-or-that … and I miss …”. Hey … remember the resolution part: Do your best to make the best out of every situation NOW, and you can avoid most negative responses!

Okay … now, go on and enjoy the rest of this first day of 2009. Hope it’s a fantastic and optimistic year for you all!

I know the title of this sounds a little odd, but think about it for a moment: Across our country, there are literally thousands of new homeless people — victims of either the economic crunch, foreclosures, or both.

For years, the homeless have been criticized, ostracized and categorized as lazy, shiftless and drunks who are too irresponsible to work or maintain a residence. This, Charlotteans, is B.S.!! I oughtta know; I was homeless at one time in my own adult life!
Yes, there are shelters to take them in (for example, the Uptown Shelter here in town). But they’re becoming full, thanks, in part, to the economy.
And it’s not just “poor” folk who are applying to these shelters; now you’ll find middle class and above … those who once “had”, but lost it all …

As the harshest of winter may be yet to come, and our population grows while the economy is still trying to break out of this rut it’s in, we can be thankful for the assistance programs we have in the city (e.g., Dove’s Nest, Crisis Assistance Ministries, Salvation Army, Goodwill), as well as some of the most benevolent churches and individuals in the United States.

So, as we turn our thoughts toward the New Year and the hope of a better tomorrow with the new Administration, let’s not forget those who are on the streets. And NEVER be judgmental about them! Remember the old saying? There but for the grace of God go I?

After all, these are human beings, too … and have a soul and heart that can be lifted to become better and happier … more hopeful … in this city of ours!

TOO MUCH TO HANDLE?

Whether you’re in a get-your-hands-dirty job or not, chances are you’re still looking for something to make the material you’re working with a little easier to handle. For example, if you’ve got items that have to be lifted by cantilever or need a box dumper for large amounts of scrap, then you know how rough it can be without the right equipment!
Fortunately, the link that I’m gonna give you in a moment will take you to the folks who can provide you with exactly what you’re looking for! They not only have the best equipment to handle any large loads, but controls, clamps, hardware and much more!
They’ve been in business for 60 years now, and their track record for quality, durability and price are second-to-none!
So, for the best in material handling equipment, just click on that link you just passed! If you wanna save time, effort … and money … this is the place you’ll want to visit!

I’ll bet the cardiac unit at Presbyterian Hospital could tell ya this, but:

DIDJA KNOW that one out of every five people recovering from a heart attack is still having chest pain a year afterward?  That’s what a new US study is saying.
The Archives of Internal Medicine reported some suffered angina every day, despite bypass surgery.
A team from Colorado University quizzed nearly 2,000 patients and say that it’s linked to smoking  — even depression in some cases.

Chest pain, or angina, is a common symptom of heart disease, but doctors expect some heart attack patients to continue to have it, regardless of efforts to treat their underlying disease.

The team looked at the progress of 1,957 patients, who filled in questionnaires a year after their heart attack. All told, 19.9% of the patients said they still had angina pain one year after their attack, and although this was once a week or less for most, 1.2% of them had daily pain.

Those most likely to have chest pain were younger men who had undergone heart bypass operations, or men who smoked or had depressive symptoms. The researchers said these links might help doctors monitor “at risk” patients.
A spokesman for the British Heart Foundation, who keenly studies the findings,  said:  “Targeted services for these people - such as helping them quit smoking - may help to improve the quality of life and health of heart patients by alleviating or preventing angina”.

Needless to say, this can be of tremendous help to everyone — not just here in the Queen City, but around the world! The bottom line here:  If you need help in treating smoking habits, depression or both, just reach out to your doctor.  He (or she) will be glad to refer you to someone who can help if they can’t!

LIGHTING UP … THE BATHROOM!

Everybody spends quite a bit of time in the bathroom every day — whether for showers/baths, makeup, washing hair, getting stuff from the linen closet or … well, “other” duties.
But wouldn’t it be great if our bathroom lighting was as warm and welcome as that in other rooms of the house?  And if that lighting gave superb illumination to prevent falls or slips?

Well, there’s one place that not only offers the best and most beautiful in lighting fixtures for your loo (British for “bathroom”), but at great prices, too!  And you can select your favorite finishes, brands, styles and applications (2 bulbs? 3? 4 or more?) … and even your own price range!

On top of all that, you get secure shopping, no sales tax since you live here in Charlotte and free shipping (if your order’s over $75.00)!

By now, I know you must be interested, so why not click the link that’ll take you to the best bathroom lighting you’d ever want?
Believe me, you’ll “see” what I’m talking about when you get there!! So make your bathroom a place of beauty and click there now!

Was it a holiday miracle … or optical illusion?

A Charlotte family says it’s an angel that came to watch over their sick daughter, Chelsea, who was born five weeks premature and wasn’t expected to live.

Colleen Banton says she was sitting by her daughter at Presbyterian hospital in Charlotte when the image first appeared on a monitor. Suddenly, Chelsea’s heart rate went up and her condition improved!

Chelsea is now home in time to enjoy the holidays! The family says that’s what matters, whether you believe in angels or not.

Now, I reported that to say this:

If you’ll check back into hospital archives, you’ll find quite a few people who say that angels — or Christ Himself — were in the room when they were undergoing surgeries, at death’s door, or whatever. In fact, I have a close friend who saw his grandmother (who died in 1990) at his bedside when he was undergoing a serious operation.

Listen … miracles do happen, folks! Who are we to dispute whether there are angels, past loved ones or whomever sitting at our bedside — or with us right now? Just because it’s normally unseen to the naked eye, does it mean it’s not real??

Personally, I believe Mrs. Banton. And what more wonderful Christmas gift than that of life itself!

THE RIGHT 7%

Now, what that means is that, while you’re trying to take off those extra pounds you added from the holiday dinner (or any other time), 93% of the so-called “fat-burners” you see advertised so heavily (pardon the pun) don’t work!
But, by clicking the link you’re about to see, you’ll find a review of twenty-five that are known to work! Not only will you get the scoop on their effectiveness, but these folks also find the best prices of these diet supplements! You can study each one and determine which one is right for you!
With 2009 just a breath away, why not take a moment to click on the link that’ll take you to the best in fat burner reviews? You could be on your way to a sleeker, slimmer, more fit “you”! And that’s a pretty good resolution!

DRIVERS, SLOW DOWN THIS SEASON!

Over the Christmas holidays (including New Year’s Eve and Day), the Highway Patrol will be out in force conducting DWI checkpoints and strictly enforcing state DWI laws. The HP will add more troopers on the interstates and other heavily traveled highways, and for good reason:

Y’see, last year, 27 people were killed and 1,118 injured during the week between the two Holidays. The primary cause: speeding.

“Holiday travel can be very dangerous on our highways if people don’t obey the laws and use common sense when they travel,” Highway Patrol Col. Walter Wilson said.

During the holiday week, they’ll participate in the state’s “Booze It and Lose It” campaign and the national Combined Accident Reduction Effort (CARE). The checkpoints will be set up throughout the state that week.

The patrol is urging motorists to buckle up, slow down and allow plenty of time for traveling. They can use cell phones to report safety hazards to the Highway Patrol by dialing “HP” toll free.

CHRISTMAS MEWS

MARSHALL LEMMOND 1926-2008

He was more than a friend … he was a hero to me …

Years ago, when I was just a youngster, mama and daddy had their laundry dry-cleaned by a place called Domestic Laundry. We all looked forward to the truck with its white, cursive writing on the side (in my mind, I can still hear my brother calling out excitedly, Here comes the laundryman!) … but not because we were lookin’ forward to light starch and creases!
Y’see, it was the laundryman who made it such a wonderful experience!

Marshall Lemmond, who passed away this past weekend, was, to us, an actual giant! He had to stoop to get into the front door (and my brothers and I thought that was cool!), and had one of the friendliest, warmest smiles you’d ever see on any human being! He’d always have time to chat with us for a few minutes, and became a genuine friend to the entire Hinson family.

The day he became my hero was when he notices I had a new guitar and was still trying to learn my first chords. He asked to see it, then propped that long leg of his up on a stool … and really played! I was in awe of this gentle giant and the way he played (even covering the lower “E” at the third fret with his thumb to make a deep “G” chord).

He picked out a few chords, then a song … and I’ll remember to my dying day the words he told me when I said, “Man, I wish I could play that good!” He replied, as he handed the guitar back to me, “You can! Keep learning … but have fun with it! In time, you’ll learn!”
From that point on, whenever I’d hear my brother yell, “Here comes the laundryman!”, I’d grab my guitar and wait … knowing that, once again, I’d hear those wonderful tunes he could pick …

A few months ago, it was my privilege … no, blessing … to talk with my old friend again after years of separation. He told me about his cancer, and the treatments he had to receive. But, most of all, we’d reminisce about old times, my parents, God, our families … and, of course, the music. He was just as humble, low-keyed, sweet (and, Lord, only my daddy could love his wife as much as Marshall did Doris!) and gentle as he was all those years ago.
He was so proud of his children Bob and Brenda, and his grandchildren … and appreciative of all the wonderful folks whom he’d met over the years.

Today, this wonderful friend is with the One he loved more than anything … and, if they allow guitars in Heaven, he’s bound to be layin’ back on a cloud up there, serenading the Lord with some beautiful music!

When Marshall Lemmond entered the Heavenly Gates a couple of days ago, I’m sure the angels were saying, with their eyes lighting up the same way ours did when we saw that old black truck stopping at our house,

“Here Comes The Laundryman”!!
__________________________________

WHY NOT FRANCHISE??

As I mentioned in an earlier post, jobs are gettin’ hard to find everywhere you go. So many people are paraphrasing an old quote from George Bernard Shaw and, not finding the job they’re looking for, proceed to make their own!
And one of the most successful ways is to consider buying a franchise. The benefits are amazing, because, though you’re goin’ into business for yourself, you’re not doing it by yourself! You’ll have a proven business strategy (used successfully by the company that’s sponsoring you), instant name recognition, fantastic supply lines, great support and so much more!
One of the fastest-growing franchises is the dollar store. You’ve probably seen a dozen or so this week already, so you know they’re successful!
If you really want to get into business for yourself — and, in doing so, beat that old wolf away from your financial door — then let me introduce you to a site that’s full of wonderful opportunities in franchising! You’re bound to find one you like as you check by industry or, if you’re female or a veteran, listings that are tailor-made for you! And you’ll also find a helpful financing link among the many helpful ones on-site!
So, for the best in franchising opportunities including the popular dollar store franchise just click on that link and find out more! You’ll be glad you did!

I was readin’ recently about The Charlotte Symphony’s Healing Hand troupe and how successful it’s been over the past ten years. Listen — this is something that I know from personal experience is a wonderfully therapeutic (as well as just downright satisfying) mission.

Y’see, about ten times a year, the Orchestra sends small groups of musicians to play in hospitals and retirement communities around our region. The benefits, of course, are gratifying: Seeing older couples remembering the songs they fell in love with; individuals recalling when they danced to this-or-that tune; or just melodies they can tap their foot or clap their hands to.

But there’s more to it than that. Here’s how I know:

Years ago, my daddy taught Sunday-School lessons at Tipton Brothers Nursing Home near Matthews — then went back in the afternoon (at 2:00 PM) to visit and, on occasion, bring a special bluegrass, gospel or children’s group with him. Sometimes, members of Stough Memorial’s choir would visit to sing old hymns.
Not only did the residents love the music — either tapping their feet, clapping or occasionally shouting in delight — but the director of the Home said that it boosted their spirits and actually made them feel physically better!

Shakespeare once said, “Music hath charms to soothe the savage breast,” and nowhere is that more evident than in the fine work these young people do with The Healing Hand. Whether it’s at Presbyterian Hospital, Southminster Retirement Community or wherever, flutist Amy Whitehead, violinist Elizabeth Pistolesi cellist Deborah Kauffman Mishoe and/or others provide excellent inspiration, therapy — and just plain happiness — wherever they appear.
(Their next performance, by the way, will be at Presbyterian Hospital on December 15).

I suppose the best synopsis of their effect (and that of anyone who reaches out to the elderly and ill in a positive way) was offered by Ms. Whitehead: “You can see light across people’s faces. You can sense that you’re reaching them on some level.”
And I can tell ya first-hand, that’s the absolute truth …

WHO’S THE DADDY?

I know it sounds strange, but there are times, when a child is conceived, that the identity of the father may be in doubt. It’s a touchy situation, but one whose answer is obviously needed. Or, perhaps, years later, a child wants to know who his dad is for sure.
Now, there are quite a few ways to find that out, but that often requires asking numerous embarrassing questions (including of the mother), going from doctor to doctor, having numerous tests done … and, then, perhaps having them coming up inconclusive.
Fortunately, there’s one place where you can have DNA testing done privately, and, as you’ll see on the link I’m giving you in a second, they have some amazing national credentials (example: they were the ones who found that Larry Birkhead was the biological father of Anna Nicole Smith’s child!).
Not only will you be treated with respect and dignity, but you’ll also be able to find the best DNA test for you!
Now, this is the only DNA-testing lab to gain and uphold fourteen perfect inspections! So you know you’ll have the quality and accuracy you deserve!
So, if you or a loved one is in need of a paternity test, just click on that link you just passed.
Soon, you’ll have the answers you need …

A few days ago, Bruce Henderson, excellent reporter for The Charlotte Observer, wrote about BoA’s refusal to continue financing the “mountaintop removal” method of coal mining that’s now prevalent in the Appalachians. I applaud their decision (in fact, I’d give ‘em a standing ovation) and hope they stick to their guns on this.

Here’s why:

As many of you know, I’ve commuted back-and-forth to Kentucky many times (not only do I have a beautiful granddaughter there, but I’ve worked with a local “pro wrestling” group as announcer. In fact, a show’s coming up this weekend, which’ll take me back again). During my brief stay, I’ve had a chance to see the “mountaintop” removal in person, read local news items and talk with locals about it.

Lemme tell ya — it ain’t a pretty sight! In fact, it’s one of the worst things the coal companies (like Massey Energy and others) could do for that area. Y’see, the area’s already covered with factories and plants that pollute the atmosphere (such as AK Steel, Ashland Oil and others), and the cliffs and hillsides trap that pollution — thus giving the area the nickname Chemical Valley (or, worse: Death Valley).

And why do they have to destroy the beauty and environment by doing this? It’s like someone shearing off the top of Mt. Mitchell, Spencer’s Mountain or Grandfather’s Mountain. There are many coal veins around the region, but an insider told me that, to the coal companies, this is “so much EASIER”!

Great. In an area already suffering the effects of sedentary lifestyles and lackadaisical attitudes (not to mention a burgeoning obesity rate), they wanna make it easier! To do what?? Smother the environment? Dirty their already-too-precious atmosphere?
Okay, maybe it will provide some kinda “benefits” on down the road (although I fail to see what). Problem is, we’re not gonna be around to see it should they continue; they’ll all be choked to death by the pollution and temp increases (remember: Appalachia has a high concentration of asthma, diabetes and cancer sufferers already).

So, again, I’ll say that BoA is to be applauded for their stance!

Okay, so what’s great about these little rascals??

Well, here at The Eagle’s Nest, you’re bound to find three fruit varieties in and around the fridge: bananas, grapes and tangelos. Now, quick — which one do ya think this avarian handles most often? (Ever see one fly with a ‘nanner in his beak? Naaaah …)

Yep. Whether red, white, black, seedless, seeded or other (no muscadines, though dammit!), they’re even beside me on my office desk, for a quick, healthy pick-me-up between meals (yeah, I usedta like Pepsi-and-Tom’s-Peanuts — aka the redneck pick-me-up — but, since the requirement is for glass bottles, and they don’t make ‘em anymore, the grapes’ll haveta do!)

But there’s something more …

Y’see, there was a study where people who ate ‘em regularly experienced better blood flow in their brachial arteries in just three hours after eatin’ about one and a quarter cups of grapes (and, believe me, these things are nature’s Crackerjacks. Ya can’t stop with just one or two!) And, since they’re only about 60 calories per cup, it’s a pretty juicy deal!

Now, the researchers think it could be due to the antioxidants in grapes — it’s helps keep your blood vessels relaxed and blood free of all that plaque-gook. In fact, grapes may even help protect your blood vessels from fatty meals (probably why ya don’t see ‘em often in fast-food joints, huh?

DECEMBER 8, 1980

If you were anywhere near a radio or TV late that night, twenty-eight years ago, chances are your heart stopped beating for a moment as the words came from station newsdesks:

“… has just been confirmed that former Beatle John Lennon has been gunned down in front of the Dakota apartment building he shared with his wife, Yoko Ono.”

It was the night the world stood still … in grief because, after all, John Lennon was not only an icon of peace; he was the leader of The Beatles; in disbelief, because he was only 40 years old; and in complete shock and anger, because it wasn’t disease or an accident or an overdose that took his life (he’d already stopped the drug use, btw); it was an assassin’s bullet!

For a moment, let’s re-visit that night … as reported by the BBC:

Here’s how the story was broken in UK newspapers the night of his murder.

FACT: When Big WAYS 61 decided to drop their “oldies” format in favor of talk-radio, the very last song the legendary station played was “(Just Like) Starting Over” — from the “Double Fantasy” album, which was released only a month before John’s death. VERY fitting tribute!