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

Congrats!

Wow! I am very happy to announce the winners in some exciting contests we have had recently at WCQR.

This weekend, we crowned Pastor Greg Key of Elizabethton the winner of passage aboard the Music Boat Cruise! Greg won the intense shuffleboard competition that we had at the Mall at Johnson City on Saturday. He will set sail next April to Ocho Rios, Jamaica, with about 16 Christian artists aboard!! Greg also is on good standing with his wife, because they will be celebrating 20 years of marriage within days of the cruise. Congratulations!

Another winner I had the privilege to announce this afternoon was the winner of the Missing Pace Car Contest! Amy Knight (see picture) was winner of two tickets to the sold-out Sharpie 500 along with a special ride in the Official Pace Car of Bristol Motor Speedway! Amy is from Gray, TN, and actually, just celebrated 17 years of marriage! She said this would be a wonderful way to celebrate their covenant once again. WOO!

Thanks to Food City, Bristol Motor Speedway, Kiser Supply, and Subway for all their help in making these wonderful things possible! More at www.wcqr.org

Hope you are having a spectacular day...I wish you all the best that God has in store for you!

Chalmer

Start Your Engine!

Hi! Hope you are having a great weekend. I just wanted to drop you a note to say that we will be giving away the tickets for the Sharpie 500 and that ride in the Bristol Motor Speedway Pace Car on Monday at 4:20pm!

Thank you so much for using your detective skills and finding the Missing Pace Car this past week. It was so nice to meet you and your family, and it was a lot of fun, too!

Speaking of racing...Since it is race week in the Tri-Cities, don't forget to leave yourself a little extra time everywhere you go, and share the wonderful hospitality that we are known for.

Bless you and yours!
Chalmer

(Photo Source: www.bristolmotorspeedway.com)

On the road again

Hello!

Today you're back on duty trying to find the missing pace car...and honestly, you'll have to be on the lookout for it today, because a couple folks who stopped by yesterday really want those Food City 250 tickets. Then, of course, we're still signing up you or someone you love to win Sharpie 500 tickets and a ride in the pace car. So, listen closely to the clue, be the first to ask for the Food City 250 Tix, and you'll be BIG winner!!! YAY!!!

Here's some fun information I heard today to tide you over while I'm gone:

South Korea has decided to make some very tech-savvy clothing. No longer will you need a clunky iPod to carry around...no way...just have your MP3s loaded into your shirt or jacket. YUP!

They are calling the new line of clothes "Smart Clothing" and they come with built-in digital music players...which is supposed to help avoid the hassle of carrying around a separate music unit.

Hope the players are waterproof! I can't remember to get all the stuff out of my pockets...much less remember to unplug a music player built into my clothing. They need to talk to Timex before they start mass producing them.

CH

The Hunt for Red...

...Pace car! You thought I was going to say "October" didn't you? I'm so tricky :)

This is the third installment of The Case of the Missing Pace Car, and so far you have really been great at finding it. All those TV Crime Dramas are now paying off. Yesterday was a blast in Gray! But I want one detail to not go unnoticed, because it was a wonderfully unselfish act.

I was giving out the clue for where we were, and all of a sudden two families pulled up (almost simultaneously)to see if they were the winners of the Food City 250 tickets. It was a Dad/Daughter and a Mom/Daughter/Son team. It turns out that the Dad/Daughter team had actually been in line first. So, I apologized to the mom (who had a very sad look on her face) and told the man that he was the winner of the tickets. The man took one look at the woman, her disappointed look, and said without hesitation, "Ma'am, you can have them."

With that, he put his car in reverse, backed up, and took off while, Gina (the mom,) stood there in shock while being declared the new owner of the tickets. Then, she became ecstatic and yelled appreciation to the man, "THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!!"

Gina has never been to the race, (she's worked one, but never had a chance to watch live) and a few moments later she was telling you and me how she will be taking her 9 yr. old son with her.

So, to our mystery winner/giver, thank you very much! You gave up something very precious in order that a mom and her son might enjoy a priceless gift...time together. That speaks volumes in my book!

You Could Win today! We'll be in....wait a minute...I can't tell you that...that would be spoiling the surprise!

Detective Harper

Monday...

This week, I'll be out searching for Bristol Motor Speedway's Missing Pace Car!

If you are always the one who solves the CSI mysteries before the end of the show, then you should be hot on the trail. If you find the car, it could win you tickets to both races!

Be listening this afternoon (and all week) starting at 4 for clues about where the pace car will be.

_______Additional Fun_______

I'm not advocating that you do this at work, but if you haven't checked out the site www.workfriendly.net then you should at least give it a try. It will make you smile. It transforms your favorite sites into a Word file, so if the boss peeps over your shoulder, it looks like you're working! The hyperlinks even work! LOL!!!

CH

Riiiiiight...no left!

Since I am left-handed, this story happened to intrigue me.

(Source: Reuters)

Left-handed men, enjoy much better paydays than their right handed counterparts, a new study says.

Left-handed men with at least some college education earned 15 percent more than similarly educated right-handers, while those who finished college earned about 26 percent more, wrote Christopher S. Ruebeck of Lafayette College, and Joseph Harrington and Robert Moffitt of Johns Hopkins University in a paper published by the National Bureau of Economic Research.

The people writing the paper didn't give a reason for the higher earning either...is it because we are always in our right mind? (Sorry. Couldn't resist.) So, according to this paper... if you go for a new job interview, you just let them know you are left-handed and you'll get a better pay day! Imagine...

"Hi, my name is Jack and I've got all the qualifications you're looking for...including the fact that I'm left-handed."

"Well, congratulations, Jack, you're hired! And we've given you a bigger payday than Bill here, because he's right handed."

That's comedy!

A copy of the working paper can be purchased for about $5 at http://papers.nber.org/papers/w12387.pdf
(Wonder if the researchers are left-handed?)

Enjoying this left-handed compliment,
CH

Rest

I read these verses in a devotional today, and I hope they touch your heart like they did mine. Rest in the Word. Enjoy.

I have seen his ways, and I will heal him; I will also lead him, and restore comfort to him until those who are mourning start singing my praises. No matter where you are, I, the Lord, will heal you and give you peace."

Isaiah 57: 18-19

We're not promised tomorrow but we have today, so make it great! Stand up! Shine! Your new day is dawning. The glory of the Lord shines brightly upon you. The earth and it's people are covered with darkness, but the glory of the Lord is shining upon you.

Isaiah 60:1-2

Peace,
CH

Silly

It really is a pretty big deal, but I feel silly for talking about it again. But, it's been revealed!

The Pepsi Bottle Cap sign (Exit 35 on I-26E) has a new look. I was afraid that it was going to be this new sign that had nothing to do with the bottlecap. I was wrong :) I saw it yesterday on the way home. The new design is basically an updated version of the bottlecap. I have to admit, it looks pretty good. It says,

Pepsi. Tops in East Tennessee

The font is a little "different", and after looking at the other one for so long, (it's been up for 30 years with minor changes) it still takes a second or two to realize what you're looking at...but alas, it is finished and all is well. Kudos to the designers..no major surprises or eye sores.

CH

U R FIRED!

You might have the best boss in the entire world!! (I hope you do.) You might think otherwise of your boss :)

However, if it came time to do the work of firing someone, there's typically a common courtesy of a face to face meeting about all the reasons. Not for Katy Tanner. Katy got a migraine headache, and decided to take a sick day to rest and regain her strength.

As she got home, she turned off her cell to keep the noises from blaring--if you've ever had one you'll know why. The next day, she felt better, and turned the cell back on to find a startling text message: "You're fired!"

The rest of the text delineated the full reasons of why she was being let go...slow sales, etc...and even thanked her for her time with the company. --Nice touch, but on a text?--Well, the company is really standing strong on their decision. They are even saying it was the best course of action because, they couldn't get in touch with her by phone...and to keep modern. KEEP MODERN?!?!?!?

Just call me old fashioned, but the board room seems better than the (Text) chat room.

L8R,
CH

Gone to the Dawgs

This weekend, Meredith and I visted our friends at Natural Pet Supply in Johnson City to grab a couple things for our cat, and some treats for the dogs. We have brought the Corgis into the store before, and they helped let us know about the TN Corgi Picnic that we attended in May.

As we were there, we also found out about something fun to do together with your dog. If you enjoyed Faith and Family Night with the Johnson City Cardinals, consider that the Johnson City Parks and Recreation Department, the Johnson City Dog Park Association and Johnson City Cardinals will host Bark in the Park Night tomorrow evening. The game will start at 7 p.m. and you're allowed to bring your dog(s)!!! Doggie prizes will be awarded throughout the evening, and some of the admission money goes to support local canine organizations! Sounds like a ter"ruff"ic idea, and will have your dog singing:

Take me out to the Ballgame
Take me out with dogs
Buy me some dog chow and beggin' strips
I don't care if it goes to my hips
Cos it's Woof, Woof, Woof for the Cardinals
If they don't win, it's a shame
For it's 1...2...3...snacks...you're out?!?!?!?
At the at ole Bark-game!

www.jccardinals.com
CH

Through The Grapevine

I'm not one to gossip, so you didn't hear this from me...

Meredith and I went to McAlister's in Kingsport today...a favorite spot for Meredith to get Sweet Tea. Honestly, I have no idea how many trips we have made over there just for the tea and the Asiago Cheese Bisque Soup in a bread bowl...because we don't have one in Johnson City...that is until NEXT SUMMER!!

We were getting ready to leave, and were grabbing a quick refil on our tea when Meredith happened to ask if there were any plans to place a McAlister's in good ole JC. The very kind lady smiled and said that it is the works to be here next summer!!!! Not sure where it will be placed, though. No details were divulged, so it's up to theater of the mind for a bit.

A McAlister's! That's exciting for Johnson City! However, I guess that means we'll have to open a new savings account just for tea (Good thing they have frequent Tea Buyers Card.) Kingsport, you will be getting our business for one more year, then, it will have to taper off. It's nothing personal...it's just sweet tea.

Stay Cool and Dry. Shop Til You Drop (No Tax! Woo!) Go Barefoot.

CH

End Of An Era

As time wears on, it seems that so many things get removed or replaced. Thus is the case for something special in Johnson City. I am full of mixed emotions as I drove past the Pepsi Bottle Cap Billboard just off the N. Roan Street Exit yesterday, and saw the big blue covering over it...stating that the sign will be changed.

Honestly, that has been a landmark of Johnson City for me. Years before I even moved here, I used to visit quite often. I always knew where I was in town because of that sign. Now, it is being updated, and many will never know it's unique welcome.

Typically, I am all for updates, but his time...I don't think so. Yes, Pepsi is the "choice of a new generation," but with all "ol' skool" things hitting the store shelves...I figured the sign would last, and even be considered cool by the "new generation." I must've been wrong.

Well, Pepsi Sign, we will miss you...I hope your update looks fabulous.

CH

Vacation

HI!

Long time...no post. I have been "out of range" for a few days, but now am back in civilization. My wife and I took a quick trip to Hot Springs, NC! It's a wonderful town of about 600 just outside of the Tri-Cities. And it's ture about being "out of range." Hot Springs has NO cell phone service. So, if you've ever wondered what you did before cell phones. Go to Hot Springs! It will remind of a simpler, and most wonderful time. Through the mountains, it only takes a little more than an hour, and it is well worth it.

The two of us stayed in a chalet at the Creek Ridge Campground (www.creekridgecamping.com) Wonderful accomodations! The grounds are right on a wonderful creek complete with fun rapids that you can tube or "body surf" through. It also had a couple of nice trails...and the people (owners and empolyees) were some of the kindest people on the face of the earth. We felt like family after meeting them for 30 seconds. We also met a family from Atlanta! Theywere SO neat and wonderfully kind, too. There were four children and they were just making memories for a few days...no need to go to some fancy place...just spending time together.

A few of the other things we did were to raft the French Broad River and to actually visit THE Hot Springs. We went rafting with a local company called Huck Finn. We only did a half-day trip, so our rapids went only up to Class 3, but it was a great trip. Our guide, Dan, was a nice guy who lives in Hot Springs most of the year and then heads to Cincinnati to sell Christmas Trees during the winter. He also is a major history whiz, and we found out that he was a new Daddy to 18 Day old (now 20 days old,) Aria...Our raft buddies on the trip were Kay and Susan, who are involved with education, and so Meredith had a great time receiving teaching advice from both them. They were so nice, and a lot of fun. You could tell they love adventure!

After the day of rafting and fun, we were able to soak our now sore muscles in the mineral water. It was very nice, and relaxing. If you've never done that before, I recommend finding a spa and trying it. Something neat, also, was that you were able to head to their drinking fountain and bring (or buy) a jug to take some of the water home with you. We did. It comes out hot, but after being the fridge for a bit...it is really some great water!

Finally, after stopping at Steady Eddy's for Coffee, we did something that I never knew I would have the chance to do. We went berry picking at a local organic farm. It was really fun! You grabbed a basket, filled it to the brim, weighed and payed. We took home about 7lbs. of blackberries (Meredith's favorite!) YUM! They are so good. Of course, we made some Blackberry Cobbler, and this morning I made some Blackberry Syrup (Weight Watchers Friendly, too) for our pancakes...and we still have plenty to snack on!

So, if you get the chance to "get away" for a few days, I would recommend staying close by or at least looking close by...we are so blessed to be in this region. Blessed by it's beauty, it's people, and the amazing fun you can really have.

CH