The Truth

CH

New Year...New Do!

Hope your Christmas was absolutely wonderful. My wife, Meredith and I had a great time with family and a few friends.

Yes, believe it or not! The long hair that has been a part of me for almost two years has now made its way into several ponytails, and is currently being shipped to Locks of Love. It was long enough to donate, so I was very pleased. This is the second time, I've been able to help.

Here's what Locks of Love's website says about the organization:

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.

I ended up getting the mane cut on the Thursday before Christmas. It REALLY surprised my family, but so far reactions have been good. In all honesty, my hair hasn't been this short since about mid-way through college after I had to shave my head from bleaching it platinum blonde. But that's another story for another day :)

Hope you're able to enjoy a little bit more time off before the New Year starts. YEAH, 2007!
CH

Cha-Ching!

You and the family might have gone down to Dollywood at some point this year, and if you are a roller coaster rider, you are familiar with the loud speaker saying about 100 times (depending on the length of the line for the ride)

"Welcome to (insert coaster name.) Please secure all loose article before riding, etc..."

However, sometimes it's hard to find all the loose change in your pocket, and thus the pennies, dimes, quarters that you have are lost forever in the abyss underneath your favorite rides track as you go through a loop or two...

Until now...

If you thought, that the park would keep the change...They don't... That is, if they follow the example of a park called Cedar Point. Cedar Point is taking all the change that they have found and are giving it to a local soup kitchen!

This year, they found over $7500!!!! Hope you had your chance to do your part at a local park :)

CH

101 Things

A different style of New Year's Resolution:

The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria:Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part).

Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as new year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Some common goal setting tips:

1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.

2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.

3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.

4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.

5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.

Gingerbread Man!

The holidays are always a wonderful time for baking cookies, and sharing our blessings with others.

Well, now you can create a cookie without worry of a mess in the kitchen...plus, for each cookie made $1 will be donated to Save the Children! So, get cooking...uh...virtually, and help some kids :)

The last one I made was No. 146707143 -- You can search for and see it!

http://www.caratfusion.com/holiday2006/


CH

You Did It!

Congratulations – you were named Time magazine’s "Person of the Year!!!!"

No, really...the magazine is on the stands with a mirror on the front cover, so you can bask in the glory of this prestigious honor :) So, how did you win?

Simply by using the resources we have been given.

The magazine writes: "For seizing the reins of the global media, for founding and framing the new digital democracy, for working for nothing and beating the pros at their own game, Time's Person of the Year for 2006 is you."

Time continues saying that things like MySpace, YouTube, and blogs :) helped make a change in how we get information and communicate.

Start writing your acceptance speech...You like me...you really like me...(sniff sniff, wipe a tear) I'd like to thank Time and the people in my Friendspace for this wonderful accolade...

CH

Another Extreme Makeover: Gingerbread Edition

Bloom supermarket (Part of Food Lion Stores) has built a life-sized holiday gingerbread house (Kids--it's made of Styrofoam, so it won't taste good, if you get hungry...)

The house is to be used as a collection point for a local Community Food Bank. The house is on Hwy 81 North in Anderson, SC, and welcomes visitors each weekend through Dec. 23.

The house is open from noon to 3 p.m. and besides dropping off non-perishable foods for the food bank, you can pose for a free photo with the gingerbread man and enjoy refreshments.

How far away is the house from Johnson City? Not too far...could be a fun road trip! Click Here

CH

Not Baaaaaaaaaaad

I am currently in the Johnson City Community Theater's production of Godspell, and there is a part where we are seperated as sheeps and goats. The whole cast (minus one-Jesus) is down on all fours being the best farm animals we can be...that's why I found this hilarious!

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A single featuring singing sheep is to be released for the second year in a row due to public demand.

The Baarmy Sheep's version of Jingle Bells received thousands of downloads last year. This year, the website has been inundated with requests for the song from around the world.

A Tourism spokesman said, "We really had no intention of releasing this single again and the plan had been to quietly retire the sheep for good. We have been amazed by the amount of people who have been in touch wanting to hear them, so we are making it available again absolutely free from our website.

___________________________________

Click Here to see the video or here the song!

CH

I Saw The Sign

There is a new book that has recently been published called The Great American Book of Church Signs. The author, Donald Seitz, traveled 20,000 miles and across 40 states to photograph his signs. I went around the world--wide web--to find mine. :) Enjoy!

CH

Adventures in Christmas

Ah yes, Saturday...a great day for shopping, cleaning, and those other loose ends that never seem to get tied during the week.

This past weekend is usually when my wife and I load up the dogs, and travel to Abingdon to Hannah's farm to find the perfect white pine Christmas tree. We have done this for the past 5 years...but this year, it didn't seem to be in the cards. Oh, breaking the tradition is driving us crazy, but we tried to make the best of it.

We were in Elizabethton doing some quick shopping, and we thought...hmm...wonder if there is a Christmas tree farm around that we could get a pine??? All the lots have Fraiser Firs...and we just aren't into those. Well, we had a man give us some directions to a tree farm on the outskirts of Carter County. Directions seemed easy enough, and it seemed it would only take us 20 minutes from where we were. So, we traveled...and everything was in order until...we started climbing the mountain...we climbed and climbed...went over some ice and snow...and climbed...45 minutes later...we were starting to come down the mountain!!! But no signs for the farm we were looking for...we saw some Christmas trees, but no entrance to the farm. Somehow, we missed it and we needed to get back to the house before company arrived!!! ACK! So, we kept going, because there was no way to really turn around...the road got really really tiny.

Finally, we came upon a place called Fairhaven Ministries. Beautiful place! I think we will return there to enjoy a weekend. Luckily, Meredith saw someone loading their truck up with some wood. We stopped, and kindly asked for some directions. Turns out this guy was one of the staff members, and he wasn't sure where this farm was that we were looking for...He apologized, but then gave us some good news. We didn't have to go back the way we came!!! HOORAY! We were only a 1.5 miles from 19E. We thanked, wished him a Merry Christmas, and traveled down the road some more. We made back home in time...but we still had no tree.

Oh well, at least we had a great and beautiful drive! I guess, it looks like we might have to change trees this year and either find a Fraiser Fir to our liking or invest in an artificial. (sigh)

It'll work out...some way or another. At least Christmas isn't all about the tree. :)
CH

Rush of Fools

A couple of guys, Wes and Kevin, from the new band Rush of Fools stopped by the station. They were hilarious and a lot of fun to be around. You can see why in this fantastic video blog.

Quick note: You might have to scroll down a bit...we are in the video that is labeled "WEEK 2 DAY 3 RADIO PROMO TOUR VIDEOCAST." Enjoy!

CLICK HERE

LOL! Thanks, guys!
CH

Extreme

http://www.newsobserver.com/1181/story/517087.html

This is a time lapse video of a house that was picked for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in Raleigh, NC.

7 days, thousands of volunteers, and one deserving family...The episode is supposed to air in January.

Merry Christmas,
CH

Liliana

Thank you so much for your concern, thoughts, and prayers for the little girl named Liliana that was mentioned as having to be hospitalized a couple of days ago. She is a dear friend to Sarah Wells at Good Samaritan Ministries, and many in the community. It was Sarah who informed me of the situation.

The doctors have had a chance to see her and are now moving her to St. Jude Children's Hospital, because she needs the best of care. It has been determined that Liliana has a brain tumor at 11 yrs. old. Her family will be going with her, but this means many many extra expenses for them. This where they need you. There are several ways you can help:

1. PRAY --as Sarah has mentioned to me...pray for a Christmas miracle.

2. WRITE --Please send cards to Liliana to let her know that you are praying for her, and that God will strengthen her for this difficult journey.

You can send the cards to this address:

Liliana Tamayo
c/o Good Samaritan Ministries
PO Box 2441
Johnson City, TN 37605

3. GIVE --As in any family emergency, there is a need for your financial gifts. The emotional strain is hard enough without having a financial burden. They would appreciate your help. There are two funds set up for the family:

a. You can make a gift at Good Samaritan Ministries, and please mark it for Liliana Tamayo.

b. You may go to any local First Tennessee Bank, and make a gift to the Liliana Fund.


It has already been amazing to see all of this coming together. There have already been several who have been very instrumental in this effort. Thanks again for your generosity and support. The family thanks you, Sarah Wells thanks you, and so do I.

CH

Christmas Quiz

I found this little quiz about the Biblical account of Christ's birth...Don't worry about test anxiety, your score doesn't matter. After all, we're supposed to learn something new everyday :) My hope is that you enjoy taking in a quick survey about the "reason for the season."

CH
_________________________________________

1. Christmas (the day Jesus was born) probably actually occurred on:
a. December 25th
b. March 29th
c. April 1st
d. We do not know

2. A manger is:
a. a feeding trough
b. a barn
c. a stable
d. a room behind an Inn

3. How many wise men came to see Jesus in the manger?
a. two
b. the Bible doesn't say
c. three
d. none

4. When Mary was found to be with child, she and Joseph were:
a. married
b. companions
c. engaged
d. The Bible does not say

5. Where did the wise men find Jesus?
a. In the manger
b. On a donkey with Mary
c. In the field
d. In a house

6. Who told Joseph to go to Bethlehem?
a. an angel
b. Herod
c. The tax collector
d. Caesar

7. What animals were present at the birth of Jesus?
a. cows and sheep
b. cows, sheep and mules
c. cows, sheep and camels
d. unknown

8. How long was the trip for the wise men after they saw Herod?
a. Two years
b. Less than 1 day
c. A little less than two years
d. None of the above

9. How did Joseph and Mary get to Bethlehem?
a. walked
b. by cart
c. Joseph walked/Mary rode a donkey
d. The Bible doesn't say

10. What is meant by "heavenly host"?
a. an arch angel
b. greeting angels
c. an army of angels
d. an angelic choir or herald


Answer Key:

1. d

2. a

3. d*

4 . c

5. d

6. d (see Luke 2:1-3)

7. d (the Bible does not say what animals were present)

8. c

9. d

10. c

* - the Bible says they saw the young child in the house - they were not present at the manger - and no mention is made as to how many Magi there were - we often assume there were three because there were three gifts.

Article Source : ABC Article Directory
Author: Gary Kurz

One in a Million

If your husband is one that really wants to get the most out of your car and his...tell him to go by the book.

That's what Peter Gilbert did as he drove his 1989 Saab more than a million miles over the course of 17 years.

He recently donated his beloved car to an Automotive Museum after Saab verified it had driven 1,001,385 miles.

Just for details...The transmission was rebuilt at 200,000 miles and the hood and a few other parts replaced, but otherwise it has original equipment.Peter said he paid about $30,000 for the car in 89.

Then, thoughout the years used premium, synthetic oil in oil changes, changed the tires every 45,000 miles and strictly followed the maintenance schedule.

And believe it or not the exterior still looks good, but road salt has rusted its frame a bit. Never the less, Peter had it detailed, parked at the museum, then bought another Saab with fewer miles.

VAROOOOOM!!!
CH

Lights in the East

National Lampoon's Eat Your Heart Out!

Visit a fun website for your chance to spread some Christmas cheer ( in Winston-Salem, NC, and around the world :)


www.controltheshow.com


LOL! I spent almost an hour waiting in line late last night, but I did get my chance to "control the show "and watch many many others do the same. It's fun, but short lived...like a roller coaster.

The site is live from 5pm til midnight every night until New Year's.


CH

Easy As Pie

You might have baked cookies, cakes, and even made some special Christmas candy. However, this year, you might have decided to take on the challenge of making a scrumptious pie (or several) for the holidays.

Well, if you need a little help making that endeavor, call the Crisco Pie Hotline at (877) 367-7438. Much like the Butterball hotline for Turkeys (1-800-BUTTERBALL, ) experts are standing by from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday until Dec. 31 to answer your questions and offer sage advice.

If you can't reach them during those times, you can listen to pre-recorded pie messages.

MMMM...I smell a masterpiece in your future :)

CH

Super Pizza

The other night, my wife asked if we could get some Papa Johns. She was craving it. So, we ordered and I got to looking at all the coupons after picking it up. They were advertising for the new Superman Returns DVD--which hit the shelves today.

Well, if you like the combo of Superman Returns and Papa Johns, you are in luck! Because it pays to be Superman's best "friend," or at least to live on a street named after her.

Papa John's pizza is now offering a free pie to anyone living on a Lois Lane (anywhere in the nation.) Actually, there are supposedly about 1600 households that are on Lois Lanes n some 400 cities.

The free pizza promotion runs through December 12th.

CH

My True Love Gave To Me

The cost of The Twelve Days of Christmas is on the rise — again.

Buying each item in the song just once — from a partridge in a pear tree to a dozen drummers drumming — will cost you $18,920, or 3% more than last year.

The total cost of items gifted by a True Love who repeats all of the song's verses costs more than ever before — $75,122!!!!

While prices for the partridge, two turtle doves, three French hens, six geese and seven swans remained the same as last year, higher wages made the lords a-leaping, ladies dancing and pipers piping costlier.

For the price of buying all 364 items, you could get a brand new, fully-loaded special edition Hummer 2, a cruise around the world, a 5-carat diamond ring or top-of-the-line watch.

Trying to find cheaper deals online won't help, either. The 364 items online would cost $125,767, including shipping costs!

Yeah, I guess just stick with the iPod ;)
CH

Getting a bit (of) Chili!

Last night, I was travelling back from Nashville (GO TITANS!) with some friends when we stopped into a Steak-N-Shake. If you've never experienced one, you should. They are basically, a quick steakburger diner with milkshakes that always hit the spot.

Well, we all get our orders, and are having a good time just chatting. The server returns to ask about everything, and my friend asks, "We like to get some cans of chili to take with us. Not the microwavable ones. Some regular cans. Do you have any of those?" The server looked a bit confused, but smiled and said, "I'm sorry. I don't know, but you can check when you go to the counter."

Apparently, this is the only chili that our friends will eat. So, once a year, or whenever near a Steak-N-Shake, they stock up. Low and behold, they weren't kidding! They really did stock up! They bought a case...24 cans, I'm guessing....to take with them. LOL! Actaully, they kind of laughed at themselves as they left saying that everyone probably thought they were crazy trying to buy all this chili...well..uh...(cough, cough) no comment...just kidding!

Actually, it makes a lot of sense if you've ever wandered into a restaurant, really enjoyed what you had or always get this certain dish--and when leaving you always wish you could take a whole bunch with you...I guess I'll take a tip from my frinends, the next time that happens...all they can do is say "No."

CH

Cooll (uh...Hot) Christmas Present

I've always heard that when you don't have much to talk about, always use the weather. Well, now the weather can be made a very neat topic of conversation...or rather how you got the forecast...

There's a new coffee maker hitting stores for the holidays that can display real-time weather data!!! It uses a "smart objects" (aka SPOT) technology that Microsoft has been touting for years.

The Melitta Smart Mill & Brew takes advantage of a wireless-data system built by Microsoft to automatically display current weather conditions and forecasts.

This will set you back about $200, but what a neat idea!

I wonder if Dave Dierks (WCYB-TV) already has one of these in his kitchen?

CH

Turkey Day in a Bottle

Yum, Yum!

After introducing the world to new soft-drink flavours like fish taco and salmon, Seattle specialty beverage maker Jones Soda Co. is offering a new flavour: Green pea.

Green pea, along with other unusual sodas such as turkey and gravy, dinner roll, sweet potato and antacid flavour, will be part of the company's $10 to $15 "holiday pack" of bottled drinks available nation-wide.

Past flavours included broccoli casserole, corn on the cob and Brussel sprout.

When asked if there were any flavours that were off limits, the company's president said he put his foot down when it came to curried chicken flavour.

CH

(Source: Yahoo.com and Jonessoda.com)

What to do?

Last night, my wife, Meredith, called and asked if we wanted to nab something to eat after the Magical Night of Giving. I obliged, thinking it was a good idea. Eating is nice.

Just to make sure that a place would still be open until 11, I called. Good news for us, they were.

So, there we are...sitting in our booth about 10:20...ordered our food...had good conversation...sipped some water...and then, minutes later, we had our food.

This is where our dilemma begins. See, Meredith, ordered something that she really, really wanted. It came...it looked fantastic...mine looked great as well...mine tasted really good...Meredith's didn't.

They had added a whole bunch of salt to her dish. The dish was salty to begin with, but this was overboard. So much so, it was hard to eat much of it. Well, after a minute or two of talking about it. I asked if I should say something to the server about getting it replaced because of the insane salt value.

After a few more back and forths, we decided that we would not send it back. The reason being that it was getting close to closing time, our server was cleaning the restaurant, and the kitchen was probably not expecting any more orders at this point. So, it seemed it was going to be too much trouble to ask for a replacement in an order like ours. Meredith said that she would try and dust some of the salt off and make it work. She ate a bit more, got a box, and now, it's in the fridge. Still salty.

Should we have sent it back or not? There are reasons to use either option...

CH

Friday!

Today is a busy day in the life of 88.3and said DJ, Chalmer (I just referred to myself in the 3rd person...hmm...not good for the mental health...anyway, I hope you have a chance to be a part of this fun day!

This afternoon, the Spirit of Giving Sounder will play, and you have the chance to win a $1000 Gift Card to the Ft. Henry Mall in Kingsport!! When you hear it, be caller number 8 and you'll be instantly qualified! I'm sure, it would be nice to know that Christmas is taken care of.

Also, I'll be at the Subway on Lee Highway (Exit 19 off Interstate 81) in Abingdon from 3-6 collecting your shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. We thank you for your fantastic response in making Christmas for a little boy or a little girl somewhere around the world. These little boxes get shipped to over 95 countries. In my book, that's cool!

And finally, the Christmas season will begin in Abingdon tonight as I will be in the annual Christmas parade!!! I love driving down Main Street in Abingdon! Being in this parade is one of my favorite things about the Holiday season. So, look for the WCQR van! I can't wait to see your family there! (Just need to figure out someway that I can get a Thermos before I go...Looks like it's going to be chilly again this year!)

Hope you have a fantastic weekend, and I hope to see you tonight!
CH

I enjoy the Star Wars saga. I have the DVD set, the VHS tapes, have some old Empire Strikes Back sheets, and I pretty much look like a wookie. However, in my opinion, this might be taking the movies a wee bit too seriously...I read this today.
__________________________

Two self-acclaimed Jedi Knights want their faith to be formally recognised. John Wilkinson and Charlotte Law, want the UN to acknowledge Jedi is worthy of being called a religion.

It comes after 400,000 people recorded it as their faith in the 2001 Census.

"Wilkinson and Law even made a stament today,"Like the UN, the Jedi Knights are peacekeepers and we feel we have the basic right to express our religion through wearing our robes, and to be recognised by the national and international community."
_______________________________________

As a fan of the movies, I know that George Lucas used several different religious beliefs in creating "The Force." However, I wanted to dig a bit and found this interesting article from 2002 by Terry Mattingly--Milligan College.

http://www.leaderu.com/humanities/mattingly.html

CH

Oversized Gift Certificates

Well, now that the elections are over...it's time to clean up those campaign signs! Sure, I guess you could use 'em for a few things...a yard sale sign, a for sale by owner sign, or nostalgic reasons...However, I have found the best use for them, yet! You can turn those campaign signs into some free food!!

Yup, the restaurant chain Sticky Fingers is offering a free appetizer to anyone who cleans up the campaign clutter and brings in a sign.

Just think of those leftover campaign signs as roadside gift cards! :)

Sticky Fingers is a ribs restaurant, and will be offering coupons for a free appetizer through next Wednesday. Unfortunately, the closest ones are in Chattanooga and Greeneville, SC...a good 2.5 to 3 hours drive one way.

But I was thinking...maybe we should do a bit of campaigning of our own and ask our favorite restaurant chain owners about doing the same thing in the Tri-Cities.

Because if Olive Garden, Logan's, Cheddar's, Johnny Carino's, Johnny Brusco's, or ANY of the local restaurants were to offer a free appetizer for a campaign sign...I'd be happy to bring them a sign. :)

CH

Family

November is National Adoption Awareness month!

As an adopted child, having family members who are adopted children, and seeing how adoption has blessed so many in my life...I truly believe in the efforts families put forth to take in a child or children. So, "naturally," ; ) I found this article very interesting.

_____________

In light of recent high profile international child adoptions by celebrities like Madonna, The Tennessean newspaper in Nashville asked Steven Curtis Chapman about his thoughts on the sometimes controversial situations.

Here's what he had to say...

“The bottom line is, there 145 million estimated orphans in the world (and) anytime a celebrity turns their focus to that, I think good comes from it,” he said. “It opens up more people to consider the fact that, ‘Wow, there are a lot of children in the world who don’t have families’ . . . If celebrities are going to use their celebrity for that, I’m going to cheer on the good and raise the flag if there are questionable issues.”

You can read The Tennessean’s complete story here, and learn more about Steven’s current adoption efforts here.

____________________

Have a great day!

CH

(Source: CMSpin.com)

God Listens

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8: 26-28 (NIV)

300 letters sent to a minister - ended up dumped in the ocean, most of them unopened.

The minister passed away two years ago and it's still a mystery how the letters, some dating to 1973, wound up bobbing in the surf.

An insurance adjuster was fishing with his son when he spotted a flowered plastic shopping bag and waded out to retrieve it.

The letters were wrapped in several smaller brown paper bags inside the larger plastic bag, and about half were too badly damaged to be legible.

The guy who found them said he is sad that most of the writers never had their letters read. But he hopes to change that as he is putting the collection up for sale on eBay.

Sure, that's is one way to have them read...but if you are a praying person, you know that those prayers, whether written or unwriten have been heard and did not go unanswered.

FOR 2 WEEKS ONLY!

If you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that your kids are going to be bringing home more candy than they can handle, or that you want them to handle. There is an alternative for you!!

I talked with my good friend, Donna Lyon, this afternoon, and the orthodontics office that she works in is holding their 2nd Annual Candy Buy Back!

For 2 weeks, Bradshaw, Hathaway, and Bradshaw (300 W. Watauga, JC and a another branch at 904 W. "G" Street--Elizabethton) are buying back the candy you want out of your house for $1 a pound. Then, as a wonderful display of service, they are shipping the candy to Iraq. As a matter of fact, one soldier, who is an orthodontic patient when in the states, is going to be distributing that candy while in service there. His name is Brad Allen--No pressure, man :) Just kidding...Thanks, Brad!

Last year, the office collected 170 pounds of candy. What a neat idea!

For more information call 929-1126

The office in Johnson City is open M-TH 8-5 and F 8-12.

CH

Sanctus Real - Face of Love Video

This is the link I referred to today--

The drummer of the band Sanctus Real (Mark) put this video up on YouTube. He wanted to introduce you to his son's (Benjamin's) cute side...He said he just randomly shot it, and randomly put it up on the site. Good video, because babies are always cute.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o5diw4GRh0


CH

Dessert?

A new fast food is making its debut -- fried Coke.

Abel Gonzales, a computer analyst from Dallas, tried about 15 different varieties before coming up with his perfect recipe -- a batter mix made with Coca-Cola syrup, a drizzle of strawberry syrup, and some strawberries.

The batter is then deep-fried, ending up like ping-pong ball sized doughnuts which are then served in a cup, topped with Coca-Cola syrup, whipped cream, cinnamon sugar and a cherry on the top.

Gonzales gave no indication of the calories in his creation (smart man,) but said the success of his fried Coke has inspired him. So, in the near future, you can look forward to fried Sprite or -- for those watching their weight -- fried diet Coke.

LOL!!!

(Oh wait, he's serious...that's even funnier!)

CH

PS-I think I wouldn't mind trying it once...My wife, though, she might eat a quick taste, but wouldn't order it...1st of all, because it's not chocolate, but also because it's fried Coke...she's a Pepsi gal :)

Tomorrow Night

I had a chance to talk to Elizabeth Berry from the Jonesborough Visitor's Center about the fun that will happening in the Historic District of Downtown Jonesborough!

This annual event provides your family with a safe alternative. The festivities will begin at 6:00 p.m. as they will have games, contests (including a costume contest for your pets...so bring Max along with you!,) music, stories (of course,) and the main event of allowing your kids to receive lots and lots of the sugary goodness that they long for...yes, candy.

Just a few more quick details about the event. When you come into downtown, you'll notice Main Street is blocked off for all the fun, and that the Main Street Merchants will decorate their stores and dress up while they give out candy. It really is a safe choice...and it fits the budget! Everything is absolutely FREE!!! YAY!!

Elizabeth also told me that last year over 3000 people made their way to event. Hope you can come and enjoy!

CH

YAY!

Congrats to Kristen and Cliff Jeffrey on being the Grand Prize Winners in Extreme Makeover: Kitchen Edition!

You can see their picture, their current kitchen, hear the Grand Pirze Winning Announcement, and read more HERE!

CH

BIG DAY

This morning at 7:20, we will announce the winner in Extreme Makeover:Kitchen Edition!!! I'm in studio early this morning in order to help Mike and Mike with the big announcement!!

They are going to be headed out shortly to surprise the family that will receive a brand new kitchen...including new cabinets, countertops, appliances, floors and more!!!

Also, be listening for special guests stopping by to say "Congrats" to our winning family!

CH

PS- Thank the Lord for Coffee...4 am always seems to come early. :)

Nice Car...

Every car...Every person...We are all different, and apparently that plays a role in how we drive.

I read this from the Washington Post today...

Does your car have a good personality? Is it a "he" or a "she"?

The answers to those questions might indicate your propensity for road rage. In fact, how people view the "personality" of their cars might be a better indication of how aggressive they'll be behind the wheel than their own personalities.

They found that drivers who thought of their cars as being male or female "scored significantly higher than non-gender-vehicle drivers on aggression, use of vehicle, and driving anger."

Researchers also found that the personality of the car and driver were far from a perfect match. Actually, the perceived personality of the car sometimes was a better predictor of aggressive driving tendencies than the owner's personality.

For example, people who thought of their car as friendly were more likely to behave better on the road, even if they were not particularly friendly people.

I like my car..It's (Notice the Non-Gender) been nice to me...So, it must have a good personality.

I want it to be a nice car...I want to be a better driver :)

CH

Kids First

I was happy to read this story:

Researchers have ranked states by intelligence and Vermont tops the list!

The ratings are based on 21 elementary and secondary education indicators, ranging from graduation rates and test scores to teacher pay and class size. Vermont is followed by Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Arizona is found at the bottom.

Of course with any state ranking, you may wonder where states you live in or hold dear rank.

The TN/VA areas made good strides this year! VA is just outside the top 5 at 6th...while TN jumped by leaps and bound going from 41st to 30th!!!

And since I know many, many teachers (I even married one,) I fully expect Tennessee's ranking to only get better ;)

The full rankings - http://www.local6.com/education/10097048/detail.html

CH

Can't live with 'em...cant live without 'em

It doesn't matter where you go...take you cell phone (or a camera with a flash,) and make sure the battery is charged. Now, I know that sounds like a command, and I am not trying to be to be forceful. But that little device could come in really handy.

Just down the road in Knoxville. A couple got lost in a heavily wooded area, and were rescued thanks to their cell phone - not the phone itself, but the camera part, too. Around 8:30, Sunday, the tandem alerted emergency workers that they had lost their way. So, police used a helicopter with an infrared device that detects body heat but were still unable to find them...because of the trees and all the leaves still on them.

By this time, the hikers' flashlight batteries were losing power. So, the wife told authorities by cell phone that she would use the camera flash on the phone to alert the helicopter pilot. it worked!!! He saw the flash using night-vision goggles.

Then, the helicopter hovered over the hikers' location until workers reached them around 9:20 p.m.

Awesome!
CH

The Craziest Thing

Friday was a wonderful day in my life! My wife and I celebrated five years of marriage! WOO!! I am a truly blessed man.

This weekend was also the 5th reunion year for my wife and her graduating class at Emory & Henry College. So, we decided to travel there this weekend. Heading up that way, we decided that we would stop into Backbone Rock in Damascus (where we had our wedding reception) as a way to stroll down memory lane. Well, we travelled through Shady Valley and up through the beautiful mountain roads...and all of a sudden ***FLASH*** Police Lights were a head of us!

There were also a couple of cars right in front of us, so we figured that someone had just been involved in an accident. We even saw an ambulance. But a couple minutes later, we were waved through...as we passed the Sheriff's deputy...we kept looking around to see what was going on. I said, "Wouldn't it be funny if they were filming a movie?"

There were a lot of vans, cars and things in the lot where we would normally park, so we had to drive down the road a second to find a spot. As we pulled in, we saw a truck with the words, "Lightning Productions" on the side. Hmm....we hopped out and made our way back to the Rock. As we were walking we asked, the other Sheriff's deputy what was happening. Lo and behold, they WERE filming a movie in the park!!!!!! LOL!!!

The fun part was that we were able to go running around the Rock and watch them film without getting in their way. So, we relived some memories while making a new one. I decided to not bring the digital camera this weekend, so we have to wait on the pictures. But once they are ready, I will digitize and place them on here for you to see.

The name of the film will be "Grizzly Park" and it WON'T be for your kids to see. However, if you are one to enjoy scary movies...sounds like this one will be for you. And it can't be that small of a film...Glenn Morshower (From the show "24"-- Aaron Pierce) is going to be in it.

So, when you see the previews, take a look around the scenery...you'll see that it is actually the Appalachians! That's neat. And we were there!!!! I think that's neat, too.

The rest of our weekend was fantastic! We saw all sorts of friends, had a blast, and Emory won! Good times.

Hope your weekend was just as fun!
Chalmer

Had to Tell you

If you are a fan of the movie A Christmas Story...

The Cleveland house where the film was shot will open as a tourist attraction Nov. 25.

Brian Jones has painted the exterior of the house and rennovated the inside to match the look of the home where Ralphie lived in the 1983 movie.

A few touches still remain, he is still searching for a claw-foot tub and a pull-chain toilet to finish the 1940s look of the upstairs bathroom.

Brian also bought the house across the street, which will serve as a ticket office, museum and gift shop. There will be plenty of leg lamps for sale. LOL!!

Wonder if they'll have the Bumpus Hounds?

CH

Now, that's practical!

I love our two dogs. They are so much fun to have around, to play with, and cuddle. They really do provide great companionship, but as I was surfing the net today, I came across a great question:

What advice do you give to people who live with animals ‑- particularly, dogs? I'm looking for advice on flooring and furniture options that don't attract dog hair, etc.

I about fell over in my chair with laughter...flooring and furniture without the dog hair? RIIIIIIIIGHT. LOL!!!

Our dogs shed all year round, and not just a little bit. Let me put it this way...the dog on the bottle for a vitamin supplement called SHED STOP is a CORGI. We have 2.

But since this was a type of "Ask the Experts" Column, I read it, and was a bit impressed with the answer. My wife and I already do a few of these things, but there's always room for improvement.

Sharing your home with a canine companion has its ups and downs. While the love, loyalty and affection are so rewarding, clusters of dog hair and dried drool have a tendency to diminish the elegance of a chair. To answer your question, I asked a dedicated bunch of designers ‑- and pet lovers ‑- for their suggestions for pet-friendly home-furnishing products.

Performance fabrics, formerly the domain of outdoor fabric houses, have come indoors. Crypton Super Fabrics (www.cryptonfabric.com) is one good example. The brainchild of two dog-loving entrepreneurs, Crypton offers a range of fabrics from washable twills to suede.

Designer Annie Selke of Pine Cone Hill Linens (www.pineconehill.com) is enthusiastic about Sunbrella Fabrics' range of stain-resistant fabrics (www.sunbrella.com) for her slipcovers and upholstery. Waverly's Sun-N-Shade collection (www.waverly.com) is another group that caters to the demand for high durability and easy care.

Carpeting is another complicated issue when you live with dogs. Some like to coordinate the colors of their carpets with the colors of their dogs so that the dog hair isn't as noticeable.

Although hardwood floors and tile may be easier to maintain, with a little common sense, a reliable vacuum cleaner and an arsenal of stain remover and deodorizer, you can live with both your carpeting and your pets.

Consider keeping a paw towel by the door to wipe your dogs' paws when they come back from exploring. You can also try Oreck's dry powder and spray-on treatment. Maybe try keeping Nature's Miracle within reach. Bissell (www.bissell.com) also makes a line of stain- and odor-removing products, and Febreze Fabric Refresher (www.febreze.com) is safe for use around pets.

Last, to keep the bed free of dog hair, spread a throw on top that can be quickly washed or changed.

Just as with a new baby, safety-proofing your home for a pet is an important step in decorating. You can learn about pet-proofing at www.americanhumane.org, but a good place to start is by taking breakable objects off of tabletops and low-lying shelves, removing poisonous plants, locking up chemicals and organizing wires and cables. It's also a good idea to install locks on low cabinets and add baby gates to any off-limits areas. Plus, chew toys and quality pet beds make great alternatives to your chair legs and fine upholstery.

Good luck!

Hope these quick and simple tips have helped you think about something you haven't tried before. As for my household and the dog hair that we have...I think I just need to make sure our vacuum cleaner is empty for a daily pickup. :) It's not so bad when you look into the dogs' sweet eyes, and know that you are loved.

CH

(Source: Lifestyle.msn.com --Picture: Dennis Cope; Johnson City, TN)

Mommy, I'm Sick

After a big weekend full of festivals and fun, you might have had a bit of trouble trying to roust the kids out of bed and out the door for school. And you might have even found that your kids started giving certain excuses for not wanting to go, including feeling sick. My Mom might have called it "Playing Hookey" if I had said those things. She would have been right...but now there is a more serious issue at hand.

About 5% of U.S. school children have something called "school refusal behavior," a malady that may sound like an old-fashioned desire to skip school, but is actually "a serious anxiety disorder" in the eyes of health care professionals.

For kids who have it, "the mere thought of entering a classroom is so distressing that they will do almost anything to escape."

But as a Mom, how to tell the difference between the disorder and just laziness or a preference for staying home to play video games?

The American Academy of Family Physicians put together a checklist and published it here. However, there is one key difference between a plain old want to skip and a child with the disorder: The one who wants to skip usually tries to hide his/her actions. The child with the disorder doesn't.

CH

Food for Thought

Thanks for letting me join you a couple of days on the Morning Show this week. Gotta admit...I had forgotten that 4am even existed. But I found it again. It was really fun hanging with you and Mike Perry. And Mike Riddles thanks you for all your prayers while he was out with the flu...blech...(Not So) Friendly reminder to get a flu shot!!!!! There are supposed to plenty this year.

As the busyness of the weekend is here, I thought this little notion from the bassist of Third Day, Tai Anderson, was fantastic food for thought. Enjoy "chewing" on this for a while :)



Peace, CH

Storytelling

Last weekend in our Sunday School, we talked about not just living our faith (although very important,) but also telling the stories of our faith. That way, the next generation will know about the Love and Grace of God throughout the ages.

In that same vein, the International Storytelling Festival is coming to Jonesborough this weekend. I found it interesting that this was in yesterday's Upper Room Devotional, a global publication. God is cool!

_______________________

A friend and I recently attended the National Storytelling Festival in Tennessee. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the small host town welcomes thousands of people annually. The storytellers are as unique as their stories. There is something for everyone. A common thread of interest united us into one group on a similar mission -- to enjoy something as simple and beautiful and powerful and touching as someone telling a story.

I was reminded of Jesus, the greatest storyteller of all. I wondered what it would have been like to sit and listen to the Master himself, instructing me concerning how I should live. What would it have felt like to make eye contact with the man who could see into my very soul? What would it have been like to hear his voice and feel his love fill my heart?

We are all called to be storytellers. We are told to "go and tell" about our risen Savior. We are to tell of his sacrifice for our salvation, of his great love. "Go and tell." (See Mark 16:15.)

Written By: Brenda Whitten

_________________________________

Tell the story!
Chalmer

Pack Rat

We were talking about cleaning out our storage area in the WCQR building today during staff meeting. Soon, the proclamation came out that Mike Perry for our Family Friendly Morning Show is a pack rat. I gotta say I'm on the same page as he is. It's sad, but for some reason I find myself holding on to things with the thoughts of "I'll need that sometime soon...or as soon as I get rid of it, I'll need it."

Thus I make my case for being a pack rat with this story...

Ruth Ferrell donated one of her husband's shirts to Goodwill as she was making room in her closets. As far as the shirt goes, she never liked the red-and-black checkered flannel, and her husband rarely wore it.

But she had forgotten that Walter Ferrell had stashed $2,000 - the couple's savings for a trip to Europe - in a pocket in the shirt. They had stashed it there on a whim.

When her husband asked her about the missing shirt, Ruth realized that she had given away more than a piece of detested clothing.

The panicked couple called Goodwill and a worker found the cash. In happiness that all was not lost, they gave the associate a $100 reward.

Okay, so it may not make a clear cut case for being a pack rat, BUT (not that I will ever have $2000 lying around) it will make me check my pockets & use the bank!

Have a great day!
CH

Trouble...That starts with T

Which rhymes with D and that stands for DETENTION! (Gotta love The Music Man!)

I don't know why...But I have chronic "5 Minutes Late" Syndrome.

It doesn't matter if I'm trying to get somewhere leisurely, or on a deadline. I am always 5 minutes later than I want to be. Sometimes that means I am 5 minutes past the time I was expected to be there. Other times, it means that I lose 5 minutes in preparation for what I going to be doing. It may also mean that I leave 5 minutes later than I wanted, and end up at my destination on time (but never early.)

I tell you what, though, I think some school offcials have found the cure all for my disease: Detention.

Yup, you now have a new incentive to get your kids to school on time. Some public schools are making you serve detention if your kids are late.

Under the new rule, parents who don't drop off their kids by the specified time, have to pick up late slips from the principal's office.

But that's not all...then, you must go to the auditorium to serve 20 minutes of detention with your kids!!!

Most parents who have served detention say they won't be late again.

Chalmer

PS- Congrats to the cast of the Jonesborough Repertory Theater's THE JACK TALES! They did a fantastic show this weekend. Proud to know ya!

Sharathon

HI!

Thanks so much for your help during our Fall Sharathon! Your gifts mean so much to us at WCQR, and allow us to continue to be an encouragement to you and your family. What an amazing partnership!

This Fall's Sharathon ends on Friday at 8pm. If you haven't already done so, we ask that you prayerfully consider a gift (of any size.) We all have different gifts, different budgets, different families, but it's for one common goal...to keep WCQR on the air! Awesome!

You can make a pledge at our website... www.wcqr.org

Plus, keep up with all the action by streaming our studio webcam. Now you get to see what happens behind the music...in REAL TIME! Watch for my fantabulous lip synching, and for Tiger Brooks' cuttin' a rug. That man can dance! LOL!

Blessings!
Chalmer

9 to 5...or 6 or 7

My sister is a working mom.

She has a bounding little "almost" two year old who is cute as a button and full of energy (not that i'm biased..no, not Uncle Chalmer...) Anyway, having to enter the working world because of the financial strain that many families face in this day and age has led to thoughts of what to do about child care...try and find a family member to do it? A day care?

Many companies have been unbending when it comes to family, until now...and that's why Working Mother magazine released its annual list of the top 100 places to work.

Taking your best interests into mind, the magazine compiled the list by using a 550 question survey.

The magazine used five main criteria as the basis for its judgments: flexibility, leave time for new parents, child care, elder care and the number of women occupying top jobs.

The top 10 companies that best satisfied the five criteria were:

Abbott Laboratories

Bon Secours Richmond Health System

Ernst & Young LLP

HSBC USA Inc.

IBM Corp.

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Patagonia Inc.

PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP

Principal Financial Group

S.C. Johnson & Son Inc.


Find the full list here!

CH

Connection

I had a chance to read this from the Upper Room Devotional Website: www.upperroom.org

I'd been pretty smug throughout the Bible study. The study dealt with patterns of destructive behavior that continue in families from generation to generation. Most of the lessons centered on the sins of abuse and prejudice. By God's grace, I have been spared those difficulties.

Months later, however, the Holy Spirit revealed a sin that I was guilty of passing down to my children. As I listened to a heated discussion between my daughters, I realized with a heavy heart that their sharp words were behavior they had learned from me. I had always prided myself on speaking the truth, but all too often, my words were not seasoned with grace. I began to pray for lips "anointed with grace."

Breaking lifelong patterns of behavior doesn't happen overnight. I've practiced speaking kind words, and God has poured more grace onto my lips. As a result, I have had new opportunities to witness. Looking back, I saw this harmful behavior for what it was.

God is bigger than our sin, and destructive patterns of behavior do not have to continue forever. Whatever cycles of sin we have perpetuated, we can also break. We can change. Help is only a prayer away.

Your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you forever.
-Psalm 45:2 (NIV)

Have a great weekend!
CH

Makes Cents

I wish I could say I knew it all...but I don't. Especially when it comes to finances, I get confused. My math all of a sudden doesn't make sense and there are sooooo many things beyond the checkbook that we are all supposed to "know." I have a friend who says she is in the same category. She calls it," The Financially Illiterate." I'm a card carrying member.

If finances seem to boggle your mind and you wish someone would lay out so many of the things you are supposed to know in a simple format. Your wish has come true!!

I read an article today called "46 Things I Wish My Mom Had Taught Me About Money." It is fantastic! It is extensive, so you might want to print it out instead of reading it on screen. However, it's got so much information on the everything from the basics to education to investing and debt in easy to follow tidbits. It could be a breakthrough for your family. I hope it is.

Plus, not to ruin it, but the finally tip will definitely help put everything in perspective...it says:

"Money is Important, but It Ain’t Everything."

CH

New

Sometimes you need a change...

So, in honor of September 20th and the chilly weather...TADA!

The blog display has a new look. Hope you like it!

CH

Ring, Ring Goes the Bell

This woman is dedicated to answering her deepest longing question...

If a bell rings in a shopping mall parking lot, will anyone respond?

Brenda Hutchinson is driving around the country in her two-door Honda Civic with a large bell to find out. It is a 250-pound cast iron bell [pictured.] In the lobby of our church, we have one that looks a lot like this one. I think that is special.

Brenda is setting up the bell in different cities and asking passersby to ring it. Why? No real reason except the ringing, she says.

The Journey is called The Bell Project, and will finish at the Exploratorium in San Francisco. Brenda will then donate the bell to the museum during the opening of their new Listen: Making Sense of Sound project.

Find out more about the acoustic cross country adventure, including photos and videos, in The Bell Project blog.

CH

Doing a Them a Flavor

Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream has winnowed down more than 40,000 suggestions for a new flavor to five finalists!!!

The finalists get an expense-paid trip to the ice cream maker's plant, where they will whip up their concoctions for the company's flavor gurus in the Oct. 4-5 finals.

Some of the final flavors are:

Italian Renaissance-- amaretto ice cream, cherry chunks and sliced almonds

Wackie Chan-- sweet cream and ginger-flavored ice cream, with chocolate-covered fortune cookie bits and fudge swirl

"ApricotAbra"-- apricot chunks, dark chocolate, vanilla ice cream and tart apricot preserves.

Find full descriptions and the other finalists at www.benjerrys.com

See you at the Grocery Store,

CH

Appetizing

I haven't been able to stop laughing about this all weekend!

We had been out with our dogs all day, and decided to meet a bunch of friends for dinner.

Since we still had the dogs with us, one of our friends checked on dog-friendly establishments. So, the restaurant was kind enough to let us sit out on the patio with dogs . Well, the conversation was going great with lots of laughs and catching up. And the dogs...the dogs were being so good!

Because of that, we decided to reward them with a treat. So, my wife, Meredith, reaches and gets a couple of gingerbread man shaped dog biscuits. She hands one to me and to my mom.

The things is, we had been passing around appetizers too! Before we knew it, we heard my mom say, "Oh, thank you, dear." And with one fell swoop, my mom had her mouth wide open with the little dog biscuit about to go down the hatch...

NO!! WAIT!! THAT'S A DOG BISCUIT!!!!

Bless the Lord, it worked. The whole restaurant might've known what she was going to eat, but we spared her the doggie delight.

CH

THAT'S DYNAMITE NEWS!

Since John Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) and his wife (Kirsten) will be having their first child. (WE should build tem a cake or something...LOL!)

I wonder if they'll use a generational pass down name ?

My parents did...I'm the 3rd!

Now, I know that there's a lot that goes into naming your child, but there seems to be a trend lately of parents choosing names for their children that may be considered more traditional. As a matter of fact, at east 8 of the the top 20 names in 2005 were also in the Top 20 names in 1885!! Some of those are Emma, John, James, and Elizabeth.

Find the lists on the September 13th posting to senselist.com

CH

Class!

There are a lot of pressures on educators to get everything in and balance the expectations from school board and parents...My family knows first hand. My wife is a teacher.

However, sometimes it can seem after all you do in a day and with all the activites after school, you come home and your kids still homework to do! Or when you pick them up, their backpack weighs 400 pounds, and is loaded with all their books.

I gotta admit that I was shocked when I read this...BUT...The nation's leader on homework research says that Elementary school students get no academic benefit from homework -- except reading -- For High school students there is no academic benefit after two hours a night; for middle-schoolers, 1 1/2 hours.

More at www.washingtonpost.com

Wish they had said that when I was in school,
CH

International Chocolate Day

This is a day that should resound in the hearts (because Dark Chocolate is good for you) and the stomachs of all around the world! Yes, you read the headline correctly, it is International Chocolate Day! A tribute is in order. I did not write this poem on my own, but it is a fitting excerpt for celebration of the day! Yay, Chocolate!

INTERNATIONAL CHOCOLATE DAY

It's international Chocolate Day!

The world will take a holiday,

The futures bright, the flags unfurled,

Our eyes are shining our tongues awhirl

The little ones have ceased their whining,

Come celebrate the perfect timing,

In every dwelling there's people dining

On lovely chocolate!

In shops the shelves are stacked up high

With crates in ships endless supply,

The restaurants' serving chocolate dips,

With fish they're serving chocolate chips,

It's all the people's answered wishes,

Just to consume this bean delicious,

Piled high on spoons, in bowls and dishes

This lovely chocolate!

It's International Chocolate Day!

The multitudes have had their say,

All mankind has been included,

The future's bright, no one's excluded.

We'll face tomorrow with Divine insight,

And spread our love where nations fight,

With every nibble every bite

Of lovely chocolate!

--David Williams

Since it's INTERNATIONAL Chocolate day, I would advise going to try some international varieties of Chocolate. German chocolate is really great, and I am told from an anonymous source that there is great international chocolate to be found in that shopping center just down (heading into Johnson City) from Ingles in Boones Creek. There is a European Market that sells it.

Or visit www.chocolatebar.com
(One of the best chocolate bars I have ever tasted.)

CH

Oasis

:) Ah.......

I'm sitting in a spot that I absolutely love. A coffee shop. The aroma...Free Wi-Fi...an Americano...jazz music...and sitting by my wife.

For me, it dosn't get much better than this. It's relaxation to a T. Nice.

With that said, let me throw in a shameless plug for where I am. Next time you are near ETSU and have a hankering for a great place to go. The new Oasis Coffee House is well worth it.

Ciao!
Chalmer

After...

Didn't really want to write about anything yesterday. I figured you might have had enough reminders. However, it turned out to be a great reflection time for me. I found a neat story about a woman who found her biological parents. As an adopted child, it always strikes a chord when that happens.

My sister has had phenominal success in finding her birth parents, and at the same time, giving our parents the love, attention, and thanks that they certainly deserve for giving us the chance at life.

Back to that story...Turns out this lady found out her biological father was a 9-11 hero. He was on Flight 93 and was one of the group leaders as those courageous people tried to take back their plane. However, hope still remains (I like that part.) She has found friendship and a close relationship with her biological mother and that open door to more family.

It's a neat story. It was in the Johnson City Press yesterday, if you'd like to read it.

CH

Splash!

The Legion Street Pool in Johnson City went to the dogs for the past few nights...literally. Meredith and I decided to join in the fun with the pooches.

Last night, we took Kalla and Alex to the annual Dog Swim to benefit the new Johnson City Dog Park being built at Willow Springs Park (just off the Old Jonesborough Highway.) It was so much fun! The dogs loved it because they were able to run around with their new buddies without leashes and get in the water to cool off, retrieve tennis balls or frisbees. There were so many families there! The place was packed from 6 til about 7:30.

Kalla had a big time, and was so funny. Meredith took her to get into the big pool, but she wouldn't get in!!! It was a alittle baffling at first. We know that she loves to swim, and get wet. She loves to go to Sycamore Shoals and swim against the river current.

However, last night, she was running around the edge barking and whining because she was afraid the other dogs in the pool were in danger by being in the pool. If she would learn to just jump in, she would make a great lifeguard. We finally got her into the kiddie pool. We figured she just liked being able to touch the bottom. It was 1ft. deep, and she went to town!

Alex, on the other hand, just ran around visting (and getting treats from Valerie--Natural Pet Supply--Thanks, Valerie!) He thinks that anything wet is a BATH. He doesn't like baths. We did put him in the kiddie pool. He stayed in for a minute...maybe.

We stayed til about dark, packed up, and headed home with two happy, but tuckered out Corgis.

Chalmer

Bowling

Just the mere mention of that word sends shivers up my spine. I'm not scared of it...necessarily. Rather, it's a strict fear of how horrendous I am at the game. I play lots of games and sports. I like Soccer, football, too. I even love a great board game (anything Cranium brand.) However, bowling is the one thing that I have determined that I will not ever be able to accomplish well. Thus, I lead to my story from yesterday:

We had headed to Kingsport to make a McAlister's tea run. Before tea, we were walking around the shops there. We went into Jacob's Toy Box (a toy shoppe) and ended up finding a few games that we thought about purchasing. However, what we decided on was a set of BOWLING DICE. After that, we went to McAlister's, got some tea, and sat down to play.

The dice are pretty neat, but plainly colored. They are black and white with Bowling things on them...pins, Xs blanks, and slashes. The thing is, I can roll Monopoly with the best of 'em (uh...okay, pretty well.) So, I thought, "Yes! It has nothing to do with bowling, except the scoring. I might be able to do well here and even win!"

Well, I started out okay. A couple of strikes in a row! Then it all went downhill from there!!! Meredith ended up rolling something like 5 or 6 strikes in a row...while I'm rolling 3 pins, 2 pins...AARG!! Bowling wins again!!! Meredith beat me three games in a row!!! When it comes to bowling, I just can't win for losing.

Wish I were a Turkey :)
CH

The Tippin's Good In this Neighborhood

And I don't mean the scene from Cars with Lightning McQueen and Mater ("Tow Mater.")

The other night, Meredith and I went back to Logan's...we don't always frequent there, but she had a meeting and I tagged along. But as we heading out of the restaraunt, I said, "I hope I left our server enough tip." I always worry about stuff like that. I typically give 20% or more..depending..I was a server once...I know how it is to live on the tip. But I had a coupon for this meal and I wasn't thinking...turns out..I was okay.

Which leads to me this story about a server who received a $ 10,000 tip on a $26.00 meal!!! It was at an Applebee's in Kansas, and it turns out this guy is just a casual customer. Came in a couple times a month...and this gal had been his server each time for the past three years. But this time, he signed his card receipt with a whopper...and I don't mean the sandwich.

The server said that she hopes to be able to thank him soon for his kindness and described him as " a nice guy."

WELL, NO KIDDING! (I think I would call him...a VERY nice guy.)
CH

Got to say, I never thought I would never have to say this.

Some Tri-Cities Moms are breathing a bit easier this afternoon after a scare this morning at David Crockett High School...just below Jonesborough.

Read the story here.

Just want to give my kudos to officials (school and otherwise) for doing a great job of taking care of everything in a quick, and safe manner.

Also, thanks for your prayers...when you pray for your kids before the school day, it makes a difference in more ways than test anxiety.

"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." -Psalm 5:11

CH

Chick Flick

Your husband may be finding himself watching football game after football game as the college season starts this weekend...and though it may be hard to pull him away from the TV, because you would like to catch a romantic story (aka. chick flick)...he might be more inclined to watch...if you wrote it! It's easier than you think. I found a few simple steps to creating the Ultimate Chick Flick. All you need is:

1. A Deadly disease

Your main character must have a Terrible Disease For Which There is no Cure. You can write it so she was already diagnosed, or maybe receives the diagnosis during the course of the movie, preferably after falling deeply in love with the Perfect Man.

2. Flawed boyfriend

The object of your main character's desire shouldn't be perfect in every way. It is every woman's dream to meet a man, fall in love, and then *change* him! --LOL!

3. 60's soul sing-along

At some point late, the main character and the people she cares most about (friends or children) must hear a soulful 1960's song either on the radio or a jukebox, and sing it together—ideally into combs, and while dancing about in a way that is carefully choreographed to look completely random and spontaneous.

4. Someone else's wedding

At some point, your female lead has to go to a wedding for a friend or family member and reflect on their love and the love or lack thereof in her own life.

5. Matthew McConaughey, Tom Hanks, or Richard Gere

In fact, for the ultimate chick flick you probably need all three.


Grab the tissues and some popcorn...this is going to be a blockbuster night!

CH

Katrina

This is very fitting for marking my 100th post to this blog...by marking another anniversary.

Today, we remember the Gulf Coast on the one year anniversary of Katrina. I know that you have been bombarded by images and news reports of what has been going on in the region. However, I hope you will be able to observe a moment of silence for the victims and to pray for a continued outpouring of love in the form of resources and helping hands.

There has been a man, Mike Schleifstein, who has been keeping a blogathon (24 posts in 24 hours) on the status of the city, inspirational survivor stories, and things that he is happy to see return to the city.

Read the blogathon at www.bloggingneworleans.com

"There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary, and love for the broken hearts. There is Grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing. He'll meet you wherever you are. Cry out to Jesus." --Third Day

CH

Church

Sit back...relax...and enjoy this new rendition of Chris Tomlin's, "Holy Is The Lord."

http://addisonrd.com/WordPress/?p=729

-Just press play.




**This is the church's official blog site and posted the link themselves. Wow.

Hope this puts a smile on your face or at least an "Oh...I've been there," from your lips.

Chalmer

Too Much

Sometimes in the midst of everything that you have going on you don't realize how much is too much. This time, I have to admit that we extended ourselves a bit too far...Our schedule this weekend was way too packed. I don't know how people run on schedules like this all the time. It's an amazing thing.

Meredith and I went to the Sullivan East v. David Crockett game on Thursday...Which to all the players, you played a really fun and wonderful game. I enjoyed watching every moment that I was there.

Then after getting to bed after midnight that "morning," we had to hop up and head to work the next day. After a full day, we met some friends to head to the Food City 250! It was our first race ever! To experience it at Bristol was a lot of fun! It was loud with lots of caution flags. But I was told on Saturday...That's Bristol :) However, we had a great time. Kudos to Matt Kenseth for his great weekend (completing the sweep of the Food City 250 and Sharpie 500.)

That "night" we went to sleep at one and had to get up at 5:30 to participate in the Tree Streets Yard Sale. Had to price everything and get it all out for the early birds. If you'd like tips on yardsale-ing visit www.yardsalequeen.com

That lasted for a good while, and then we had to scoot so that I could DJ a wedding. Some friends of ours had asked me to by the music man for their reception. It was great and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time! Congrats Jason and Amanda! May God's Blessings pour upon your marriage all your life.

After the wedding, things slowed down a bit. We came back and people were still stopping by for the yard sale. Our neighbors had helped sell some things while we were gone. We finally wrapped up things and placed the unsold items away. Then, it was time to relax...we ended up celebrating our weekend at Logan's while the Sharpie 500 was going on. Ah...peanuts and rolls. MMMMMM....

Today, it was Youth Sunday at church, and I helped out with some guitar playing. They did an excellent job and had lots of enthusiasm for serving and worshipping the Lord. Good times.

Finally, we had to catch up on some sleep...so it was nap time and then out to Starbucks for grading papers and some down time (I read.) To the store for groceries. Dinner and the Emmys. I have decided to breath now. Hope your weekend was fun, but not as tiring.

I'm very happy that tomorrow morning I have coffee to keep my eyes open.

Grace and Peace,
Chalmer

PS-My friend, Chris, asked that I play "Wholly Yours" from the David Crowder Band on Monday. I will grant his request at 6:35pm :) All for you, man! Great to see you and Sarah today!

Life...Love...and a Mystery

Yesterday, I told you (on the afternoon show) that my brain happened to "forget" that it was our oldest dog Kalla's birthday on Tuesday. Meredith didn't remember until later that night. Typically, the two of us would go crazy and get her all sorts of puppy fun stuff....but this time...not so much! Well, I have to say that my sister and her husband actually topped that story.

Last night on the phone, she told me that they had broken down in a small Georgia town outside of Valdosta. After being towed in, getting the estimate, finding a hotel, and reserving a rental car, the two of them were quite hungry. So, they started to scout what was around. The town couldn't have been too small, because where they were had a McDonald's, an Arby's, something else, and an IHOP. Now, before I go on...know that my sister and her husband are quite intelligent beings...that being said...I progress.

My brother-in-law, Cory, really likes IHOP. So they decided to go there. They had broken down later in the evening, so they had reserved the rental car, but weren't able to pick it up just. They set out on foot. They walked a little ways, and saw the entrance sign with "IHOP." The two of them started in that way, but stopped shortly before the restaurant wondering..."Is this right?" They both looked up at the older building in front of them and read "International House of Pancakes." My sister said quickly to Cory, "This can't be right, because the sign we saw said IHOP this way, but all I see is this 'International House of Pancakes.' Cory answered, "Yeah, you're right. Let's keep going. " So, they walked around a couple of buildings finding another IHOP sign...and again, ended up at the International House of Pancakes building. Finally, they stopped again and said..."I know that there's an IHOP around here, but all I see is the International House...of...PANCAKES!!! IHOP!!!!

LOL!!! ROTL!!!!! DOROTL (Doubled Over...Rolling on the floor laughing)!!!!!

Their dinner conversation was quite interesting with the back and forth of how both their brains had shut down (from the stress of breaking down, I'm sure.) Good laugh. Good times.


Hope your brain stays healthy today!
Chalmer

Uplifting and Encouraging

I found this link today on USAToday's website, and I think it is absolutely hilarious!!!!

You might have seen those motivational posters with pictures of rock climbers, eagles, water, etc...with a big bold word underneath them (i.e. SUCCESS, etc...) and then a quick inspriational quote to go along with it.

Well, this website allows you to create your own poster, preview it, and purchase if you'd like ($12, I believe...and that includes shipping.) To be honest, I found out about it and it has become addictive trying to figure out different pictures and quotes to place in them. Try it out!

Click HERE!!!

CH

PS- That's a picture of me when I was in 7th Grade. Sorry if I scared you.

Good Things...

...Come to those who wait. I remember that being part of a commercial campaign for Heinz ketchup several years ago. It was fun watching the commercials about how their product always took forever to come out of the bottle, but it was all worth it, etc...

(Actually, rumor has it that the 57s on the Heinz Ketchup bottle are placed there, because that is the best spot to "tap" as you encourage the ketchup to make its way to your plate or food.)

But it is not necessarily the ketchup that I am blogging about today. Rather, it is personalizing and customizing your ketchup bottle. Heinz now allows you to create a custom label on a bottle for your kitchen, for special occasions, or just for fun.

The bottles (full size) will only set you back about $6.oo each and some shipping. However, you can preview your favorite saying (see the picture) on the bottle at

www.myheinz.com

Get creative and share the love of ketchup!

CH