Charlotte, NC

Man, how stupid can ya get?

I’m talkin’ about those Earnhardt-wannabes who were caught drag-racing on I-85 North.  Yes, they were arrested — and not a moment too soon:  As I understand it, the 19-year-old who was caught was already doin’ 87 mph, had no license, and (if that wasn’t bad enough) resisted arrest!  All that and reckless driving, too!

Look … in my travels throughout the US and Canada, I’ve seen quite a few draggers, and, usually, the end result is a helluva lot more tragic than just bein’ caught by police!  Most of these clowns aren’t usin’ seat-belts anyway (hmph … they think it takes away from the thrill), so, apparently, they don’t mind if, when they hit someone head-on, their face goes through the windshield and ends up lookin’ like thawed pizza (WHOA!! A little rough?? Gotta calls ‘em like I sees ‘em.  Besides, I have seen a couple like that …).

In some jurisdictions, they have an unusual sentence for anyone caught and convicted of drag racing — and, quite frankly, I think the courts oughtta adopt this idea (why?  ‘Cause it works!!):
Whenever a person’s been caught and convicted of drag racing, he or she should have to visit, under police escort, a morgue.  There, they would view the body of victim of a severe auto-accident, prior to its preparation.

Then, again under escort, they’d have to attend the funeral of a child who was killed in a severe auto-accident.  After the funeral, they would return to the courthouse to be lectured by officers who’ve witnessed crash scenes, victims and their families.

Harsh?  Maybe so.  But, remember:  I’ve seen two crashes that resulted from “drag racing” (fortunately, neither was on an Interstate), and, in one case, viewed the victim myself (thankfully, there wasn’t a child involved).  And, in jurisdictions where the “sentence” I just described has been handed down, they see a reduction in these shenanigans … in fact, i reckless driving as a whole.

Look … if it saves one life, it’s worth it, right??

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!

Well, it looks like the people have spoken …

A new national poll shows that three out of four Americans feel he’s leaving not a moment too soon.
Seventy-five percent of those questioned (it was a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey) released Friday said they’re glad Bush is going (hey … twenty-eight percent of those said President Bush is the worst president in U.S. history); only 23 percent said they’d miss him.

“Earlier this year, Bush scored some of the lowest presidential approval ratings we’ve seen in half a century, so it’s understandable that the public is eager for a new president to step in,” the polling director, Keating Holland, said.
And CNN’s senior political analyst, Bill Schneider, added, “As President Bush prepares to leave office, the American public has a parting thought: Good riddance. At least that’s the way three-quarters feel.”

Now, compare that with the 51 percent who said they wouldn’t miss President Bill Clinton when he left office in January 2001. Forty-five percent of those questioned at that time said they would miss Clinton.
So it obviously shows that Bush compares poorly with his presidential predecessors.

Only a third of those who were polled said they hope he’ll remain active in public life after he leaves the White House. Still, that’s 22 points lower than those in 2001 who wanted Bill Clinton to retain a public role.

What’s your take on President (for now) George W. Bush? Either leave a comment or email me and let me know. (NOTE: Many of the comments I’ve received of late have been rude or downright vulgar, no matter which post they were directed to. I will NOT accept any of those at ANY time!

TRUCKING ALONG

Have you ever tried to move yourself or your family through winding roads, over mountains or other “iffy” terrain? I have … and, let me tell you, it’s no fun!
So I’ve learned of a place that’ll have drivers pack and move you professionally, with extreme care of your belongings (including your vehicle) — and at great savings to you!
You see, when you drive your own rental truck, you’re not only responsible for the packing, lifting, etc., but also for the space you don’t use (meaning, money out of your pocket!).
And what about the stress? Suppose you were driving, say, from Charlotte, up toward Hickory, around Grandfather’s Mountain (and those winding roads), to some other town? You’d be tied in knots wondering how things were in the bed of the truck, right?
There are so many advantages to letting the “pros” do it … and, when you click on the link that’ll take you to the best in truck rental, you’ll see what I mean.
So, if you’re planning to move anytime in the near future, trust me: It’ll be worth your time to click on that link! You’ll find they’ll be more helpful than you’d ever expect …

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

To most of us, there was no doubt: The pitiful little remains in the bag they found near the Anthony home were those of little Caylee. And, last week, word from Orange Country ME Dr. Jan Garavaglia, proved us right …
Nonetheless, it still tore everybody up; not just the deed, but that it was an innocent, two-year-old (at the time of her abduction) child who was cruelly murdered at the hands of …

who, exactly?? That’s what we’re waiting to find out from investigators. As it stands now, it appears Tot Mo — er, biological mother Casey Anthony is the sole killer; but will the results show an accomplice? Were her parents, boyfriend(s) — anyone else involved?

Stay tuned for the latest on this case, which is developing more turns than a pretzel …

BLAGOJEVICHIN’ Didja see that half-cocked “announcement” made by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich (he of “Honest Roddy’s Used Senate Seat Emporium”)?
Man, that sucker could fake his way outta anything! Oh, I know … he sounded sincere, but … well, did anybody think to check out his body language while he was talkin’?

He was hopping and twisting around like he was in severe need of a bathroom break! His eyes looked like those of a kid whose mom had just caught him with his hand in the cookie jar!
Now, news reports have already told of his impulsiveness and anger (including choice ‘&*!@’ words at times), so how can anybody buy his excuses?

Legally, the state Senate can still proceed with impeachment hearings against him. For the sake of the state’s political reputation, it’s the least they can do.

THERE AUTO BE SOME RELIEF NOW

The recent bail-out of the General Motors and Chrysler Corporations (it was also offered to Ford, but they said [bless 'em] they didn’t need it) can (I said “can) mean a boost for other companies as well.

AK Steel in Kentucky had to lay off hundreds of workers, due in part to the flagging auto industry; Firestone, Goodyear and other tire and rubber plants, the same; glass manufacturers, parts warehouses, etc. — many of whom have had to go “belly-up” (if only partly) due to the near-demise of the car crunch — may benefit from the effects of this bail-out (as long as GM/Chrysler keep their part of the bargain).

So, though the price tag is still pretty steep, maybe it’s providing a little “light at the end of the tunnel” after all!

IF MEMORY SERVES ME CORRECTLY …

then my PC should be running okay. But, all too often, it becomes bogged down with so many downloads, songs, articles and such that I need more memory for it!
Actually, it’s one of the best ways to improve performance as well as speed! Now, you can go to a big computer-repair places for a memory component (and maybe be charged an arm-and-a-leg for one you’re not familiar with) or you can click the link I’m about to give you! It’ll take you to a spot where you can not only buy your own component, but at a much lower price! And they have such a selection that you’re bound to find a component that’ll fit your computer’s needs exactly!
In fact, you can even show them what price range and memory capacity you want, and they’ll provide you with a tailor-made selection. In many cases, you also get free shipping included!
So, if your PC’s dragging and you need a boost in speed and performance, just click on this link for the best in computer memory.
When you see your music playing smoothly, your downloads running a lot quicker and your games more playable, you’ll really be glad you did!

Over the past two weeks, we’ve read or heard about the number of pedestrians that’ve been hit in our area. Whether it was on Ballantyne Commons Parkway, Milton Road or on a road in South Carolina (where a man was “relieving himself”!), it’s still a terrifying experience for both victim (if he/she lives through it) and the driver who hit the victim!

Listen — there are certain “rules of the road” that can help drivers miss these pedestrians (like being sure you’re driving at a slower speed through heavily-populated neighborhoods, scanning the road ahead of you where possible for any sign of “walkers” and, especially, watching out for cars parked on the side of the road! You can’t tell if a man or woman [or, worse, a child] will step out between bumpers of two parked cars!) just as there are for pedestrians to help drivers (such as wearing light clothing or jacket [preferably white or bright yellow], staying at least two feet away from the road itself where possible and being aware of any and all traffic coming!).

By following these simple steps (and there are so many others, I’m sure), we can make this a safe and happy holiday for everyone. No one wants to be in the hospital — or worse — at Christmas, right?

IPOD, YOUPOD?

Being a music lover, I can tell ya that one of the most invaluable little gadgets on the market is the Ipod. Now, what this is (as if you didn’t already know!) is a palm-sized, electronic device primarily created to play music.
They’re extremely portable, and can carry more tunes than a CD or cassette. Now, there’s one out called the “Ipod nano” that also can let you enjoy movies and TV shows — and all on a two-inch display!
And there’s one spot where you can buy these at a lower price than most (if not all) retail outlets. It has a fantastic selection and also has a great low-price guarantee as well as nifty gift certificates for those on your list!
Considering the weather (it’s gettin’ colder!), one of the best things about shopping with these folks (I’ll give ya the link to click in just a moment) is that you can do it online and securely!
Quality, price, selection, guarantee — what more could you ask for? Then just click the following link to find the best in ipods. Believe me, it’s worth it!

First, lemme give you a quick “heads-up”:

NBC’s “Today” show is heading for prime-time, if only for one night.

On December 22, Matt Lauer, Meredith Veira, Al Roker and Ann Curry are going to be hosting an hour-long review of the year’s biggest news events (I assume they mean “to that point”. Fortunately, it won’t be all news, though; the show will include big moments in pop culture and some hysterical “Today” show bloopers. So be sure to tune in to your NBC affiliate on Monday!

WHERE’S THE BEEF?? ON … ME?!?!

It sounds almost like something outta Saturday Night Live.

Burger King™ has unveiled a new cologne/body spray for men (at least, I hope it’s for men only) that smells … like beef!

Now, I dunno about you, but it seems to me that, when ya wear cologne, it’s meant to attract the opposite sex, not salivating dogs, cats, or the chronically-starved!

And what happens if you wear the BK cologne in McDonald’s? Would they have you arrested for harassment?

Or what if you grabbed it by mistake and sprayed it on before going to church? Probably have the shortest sermon ever, as, within fifteen feet of you, folks’ stomachs start growling for their Sunday dinner!

Well, it could be worse … Kentucky Fried Chicken could have a cologne out, too (remember the female employees who took a bath in their dish sink?).

ONE MORE WORD (or two)

No sooner had I written the post hoping that investigators would be more careful with the Caylee Anthony case than they were with Adam Walsh’s than we get the report that the meter reader had to call them four times before they took action!

This is gonna take some serious following, because it appears now that the Orange County (Fla.) Sheriff’s Department is under fire for their apathetic attitude toward the discovery.

More on this as it develops, of course.

That’s it for now, but stay tuned … there’ll be more in 24!

Okay … was it any mystery that Time Magazine bestowed its prestigious Man Of The Year award (and front cover) on President-elect Barack Obama?

Yes, he does deserve it — and for three very good reasons:

• Sen. Obama has accomplished something that no other Presidential hopeful has done: He broke the racial barrier separating African-Americans from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue! That, in and of itself, is worthy of front-page Time, right?
• He’s to be inaugurated at a time when the country is at its lowest economic point since the Great Depression of 1929 — and there’s a war going on! These alone make for one of the heaviest loads to bear since FDR was elected in 1933.
• But he’s already addressing these issues actively … and he’s not even in office yet! The President-elect had told America that he expected to hit the ground running when he entered the White House — and if the way he’s sizing up the socioeconomic scene now is any indication, there’s a very strong chance he’ll keep his word!

Man Of The Year? If he handles everything with the same verve and determination he’s promised, he could end up Man Of The Decade!

The investigation into little Adam Walsh’s kidnapping and murder has closed, and the murder solved. The murderer, Ottis Toole, passed away years ago.

While we feel a sense of relief, and sympathy for his dad John Walsh, mom Reve and their family, there’s still something that doesn’t set right about all this:

How could so-called “competent” investigators have botched this case as they did?

The blood-soaked carpet in the car: missing. The car ITSELF: missing. Adam’s green shorts and single sandal found at Toole’s home: inconsequential. The week it took for the FBI to get involved.

Today, another young cherub is in the front-lines of investigatory news: Caylee Anthony. While skeletal remains have been found, and sent off for DNA sampling and autopsy, are other investigators dragging their feet now? Will it be decades before this one’s fully solved?

Maybe not, but, in the light of these mistakes made by those searching for little Adam, it’s just a new concern as the public’s sitting on proverbial “pins and needles”, waiting for action!

COUPLA QUICK-NOTES

Chrysler closes plants for at least a month. No big deal … who drives them now anyway??

Woman received face transplant. I just looked in the mirror this morning after gettin’ up. Where do I sign up for one of those?

(EagleScratch: This procedure is only to be used in situations of severe face deformity or accident. As proud as we are that this can now be accomplished, we should be doubly proud of the fact that the physicians are now offering this procedure to veterans of the Iraq/Afghanistan wars, whose faces have been maimed or disfigured in combat!)

Okay … time for this bird to get some shut-eye. But remember:

When you see the shadow crossing … The Eagle’s in the air …”

It’s been a morning staple for the past billion years, it seems. From growing up with the “thump” on the door as the “paper boy” left the morning edition to my years as columnist for the Southeast Charlotte News, I, like so many of you, have relied on the print newspaper for national and local news, comics, obits (generally in that order) and more.

Ahhh, but it looks like its days are numbered. With ever-increasing printing/distribution costs, declining print advertising revenue and the public turning more and more to the instant visual gratification of the internet, fewer people are actually turning the physical pages and reading our “hand-held” newspapers these days.

Now, the Audit Bureau of Circulations says that circulation for 507 daily American newspapers fell to a little over 38 million copies (a 4.64 percent decrease) from March to September — and that’s from 40.02 million in the same six months last year.
Only Gannett Co.’s USA Today and Rupert Murdoch’s Wall Street Journal fared better, gaining a whopping 0.01 percent in readership.

With The Tribune Co., owner of The Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune and other newspapers, going bankrupt and the economic vultures circling around other publications, comedian Jon Stewart got into the act with a new punchline to an old joke.

“What’s black and white and completely over?” Stewart asked viewers of his popular mock news television show on Comedy Central. “Newspapers!”

On the plus side, it seems that The Charlotte Observer is also bucking the trend because, as the Queen City and surrounding area continue to grow to megapolitan size, so is its quest for the stability of a home-grown, “hand-held” newspaper. It not only boasts some of the best reporters in journalism, but also has a Sunday edition that … well, it just wouldn’t feel like Sunday without the full-color comics, large “classified” section and the sales inserts that this giant edition brings!  And, with Christmas just inches away, you can always use past issues to wrap presents or use as insulation in large gift-boxes.

Let’s see the Internet provide that, huh??

Users of the Internet Explorer web browser are advised to switch to a different one (like Firefox or Opera) until a serious security flaw is fixed.

This flaw could conceivably allow criminals to take control of people’s computers and steal their passwords, according to internet experts.

At this moment, Microsoft says it’s investigating the problem and preparing an emergency software patch to resolve it. Read more about it.

CAYLEE UPDATE

The case surrounding the disappearance of little Caylee Anthony took a turn for the worse today as more skeletal remains were found within yards of the Anthony home.

What this means for so-called “Tot M … (sorry … I can’t say it again …) Caylee’s mother can only mean added charges and a nearly indestructible prosecution, should forensics return with a positive ID.

I’ll break in with a special report just as soon as any more news breaks …

ACTOR PETER FALK (”Columbo”) HAS ALZHEIMER’S

The daughter of Hollywood legend Peter Falk (”Columbo”) says her father suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and is no longer competent to run his own life.

Catherine Falk filed legal papers in L.A. County Superior Court claiming her father “requires full-time custodial care for his health and safety.”

A hearing on the matter is set for next month. Calls to Falk’s reps were not returned.

If you remember, in April he was found on the streets of Beverly Hills, California, acting erratically and muttering to himself. In that case, he finally convinced the police that he was alright.

Okay … that’s it for this edition … but stay tuned; more’s on the way tomorrow! Thanks for dropping by …

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 …

Quite a few Charlotte-area residents have loved ones serving with the Armed Forces in Iraq/Afghanistan at this hour. Of course — and despite what we think of the war itself — we support the troops 100% and wish their safe return to us.

Unfortunately, there’ve been many wounded, and, beyond the operations, x-rays, medications and standard therapies, there hasn’t been much done to help them.
Until now. Here’s a report from the Baltimore Sun’s David Wood (I share it here for those of you who have relatives and friends wounded over there):

“The Air Force will begin teaching ‘battlefield acupuncture’ early next year to physicians deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. ‘The initiative marks the first high-level endorsement of acupuncture by the traditionally conservative military medical community,’ officials said.”

Now, acupuncture’s nothing new on the market; in fact, many in the medical profession endorse the procedure. It originated in China about 5,000 years ago, and even the WHO (World Health Organization) has cited 104 different conditions that it can treat. Today, between 9 and 12 million Americans swear by its effectiveness.
So, if it can help our valiant forces who are wounded, why shouldn’t they use it, right??

Another concept they’re beginning to use, for those vets who have PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), is yoga. This helps ease the condition and, in conjunction with therapies recommended by competent psychiatrists, can help the vet live a full and normal life!

Any thoughts or comments (or even other suggestions)?

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER

Hey … when you were young, did your parents ever keep a scrapbook? Awww, you remember: It had old photos or maybe some little keepsake from when you were a baby or whatever? If you were to look through it today, it’d probably evoke hours of pleasant memories!
Come to think of it: Why don’t you get started with scrapbooking? It’s fun, easy — and the results of your work will be prized for years to come!
And scrapbooking is so high in demand these days that some folks are actually opening their own small businesses devoted to it! (Now, with the economy and lay-offs being as they are today, you could start your own home-based business in that field!)
Of all the places that offer scrapbooking materials, card stock and equipment, there’s one that stands out above the rest (and I oughtta know, because I have friends just a few miles from me who’ve used them!).
But they’ve got more than just the materials I mentioned (and at great prices, I might add). You’ll find stamping, rub-ons, embellishments and … well, you’re in for some big treats and fun when you visit their Community section!
So, for all your scrapbooking needs (and wants), just click on that link. Believe me, you’re gonna be delighted and even inspired by what you see!

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!

Everybody’s stunned — and some shoppers a bit wary — after hearing the reports coming out of New York and California on “Black Friday”.

It was a remarkable example of greed. I mean, for two thousand customers (give or take a few) to actually break down the entrance of a New York Wally World as a guy was opening it for the 5 AM “Black Friday” rush showed the worst of American shoppers. But, to make it worse, the shoppers actually killed the worker in their rush for those substandard, foreign-made doodads, and injured a number of employees (including one who was pregnant. Reports that she lost her unborn child are false; the mom and child are doing okay, though she’s a bit battered and bruised).
Did they stop there? NOOOOOO!! They just walked over the dying guy, not caring if he was alive or not, and past the injured, to get what they wanted from the store aisles! (For more on the story, just go to CNN Wire).
Personally (and since much of it was caught on security and cell-phone cameras), I believe they oughtta find the people directly responsible for this idiotic “riot” and ensuing death, charge ‘em with inciting to riot, disturbing the peace, vandalism and reckless homicide (as if there’s a careful way to do it!) … or, better yet, a definitive manslaughter charge against ‘em!
And, when these “shoppers” (or, as we call ‘em here in the South, idiots) use those things they “bought” during their crazed rush, I hope they’re haunted by the faces of the children who lost their dad that day; of the mom-to-be who could’ve lost her child; and I hope the damned things break immediately as they use ‘em!
Just hours later, reports came out of California that two people inside a Toys “R” Us store in Palm Springs, California, were involved in a shooting! With no concern for the safety of children in the store, they decided to take their hostilities out with bullets right then and there!

Could this have happened here? Yes — in fact, it could’ve happened anywhere in this country. Y’see, when you take human emotion — that dealing with desire — and add an unhealthy mix of greed, you end up with a very volatile concoction that doesn’t go down well with anybody!
And it’s a brew that, while we don’t wanna ‘drink’ it, could be forced on us at any time. That’s why it’s important that, from now on, we remember this deadly combination … and resolve to do everything in our power to refuse it … as we head into this Christmas season!

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But, of course, you’ll wanna make sure you’ve got the memory in your digital camera for those all-important shots — so just click on this link to find the right memory stick for your camera … and, when the Big Day gets here, you’ll have loads of great shots to remember the season by!