Charlotte, NC

It was just a simple act of kindness by a sweet and caring lady …
but it was turned into a hateful crime by two cruel thieves.

On Saturday afternoon, an 82-year-old lady who lived off Remount Rd. saw a car with two apparently parched women pull in front of her house. The driver exited the vehicle and came to the woman’s front door, asking her for a glass of water. The lady graciously went into the house and came back with the water …

only to be knocked senseless by the driver, who took the lady’s cane and beat her with it! According to city police, she also took some item from the lady, though CMCPD hasn’t identified it as of this writing. The victim was taken to Presbyterian Hospital where her injuries were not considered life-threatening. The perps have gotten away …

This story broke only minutes as this blog post was started (originally on the upcoming Yiasou! festival. It’ll appear in Monday’s edition). But it serves as a strong reminder: This is a way that criminals around every heat-stricken area of the country are using to gain access to homes, belongings … and residents!

So, what’s the best way to handle situations like this?

Well, first of all, it’s obvious that you wouldn’t turn away those whom you know well. Whether they be family or friends, perhaps you’ll feel comfortable enough with them to invite them inside. But, for anyone you don’t know, yet still want to help, why not keep a garden hose connected to a spigot, and direct them to it? If they still demand a “glass of cold water” plea from you, just level with them as to why you can’t do it.
Another way is to answer the door with a cell phone in-hand. You can act as if you’re talking with someone if you want. That could be strong enough action to scare potential assailants away.

But, whatever the case, just be careful in all your doings this summer! Remember: the hot weather makes some people agitated, other desperate — and all of us hot as the proverbial firecracker!

THE BEST PHONE-Y BUSINESS!

You know, whether you’re in one of Charlotte’s big superconglomerate businesses or simple mom-and-pop ops, the best way to handle your phonework is by VoIP phone systems. Unlike the traditional PBX systems, VoIP (for Voice Over Internet Protocol) by Xpander gives you plug and play phones that’ll work wherever you have broadband. Their Nimbus systems give you total control over your phone and its features.

Some of the best features of this system is that you don’t have to buy and maintain costly, traditional PBXs with their lengthy service contracts and labor charges. With Nimbus, you’ll also have unlimited calling throughout America and free dialing to any other of their VoIP phones in the world!

So, no matter what size your business is here in the Queen City — whether you’re just “getting your feet wet” in our corporate world or already an “old pro,” you’ll find a faster, less expensive and more efficient way of doing business by just clicking the link above!