How you ever notice something that just looks all wrong? How about a 17th Century sailing vessel without sails, hauling some serious butt across the Charleston Harbor?
More about Charlestown Landings Adventure here.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
CMPD Vice Cops Bust Infamous Florida Hooker
One of the East Coast's most infamous prostitutes made the mistake of setting up shop in Charlotte this week. CMPD Vice officers were quick to arrest Jennifer Wheeler of Orlando Florida after she placed a repeat ad on Backpage. Wheeler has a record of arrests for prostitution from Maryland to Florida.
Wheeler's Norfolk Virgina arrest was documented in the following expose' published in the The-Virginia Pilot:
In the sting that led to the woman from Florida, an undercover male officer printed ads from Backpage.com for female escorts in Norfolk.
"I saw your posting online and was wondering if you had any openings," he says on the phone, sitting in a grocery store parking lot in a car that once belonged to a drug dealer.
He sets up a 9 p.m. meeting at a hotel where police already had arrested a prostitute that evening. She tells him to walk up to the balcony.
"Wow, you look beautiful," he says as he walks into her room. Her cell phone rings. "You're a busy woman!"
After they agree to trade a sex act for cash, the officer goes to the bathroom. Seconds later, there's a knock on the hotel room door. He rushes out, asks if she was expecting someone and opens the door. Officers come in and arrest her.
They begin questioning Samantha. She gives police permission to search her room, phone and computer.
She says she has an associate's degree in communications marketing and once worked at a bank.
"Next question: Are you alone?" asks Investigator Matt Tolson, a towering vice detective.
"Yes."
"Why Norfolk?" Hlebinsky presses.
"It seemed like a good spot to come to."
"Who do you send your money to?"
"I don't."
In fact, she says, she has just a few hundred dollars on her and had spent several days in Norfolk after driving from Connecticut.
Hlebinsky is annoyed: "Every time you answer a question with 'Honestly,' you lie," she says. "You're going to jail tonight."
Samantha, whose online ad says she is 23, is actually Jennifer Lynn Wheeler, 25, from Orlando. When her phone rings, Hlebinsky answers, hoping it's a pimp.
Hlebinsky's voice instantly shifts from aggressive to flirty. "Come on over to 236 and come up to the room," she says, then hangs up and announces: "A john is on his way up to the room. We're going to charge him with visiting a bawdy place."
Wheeler is taken into the bathroom and sits on the toilet in handcuffs while a detective holds a glass of water for her to drink.
A man knocks on the hotel room door.
"Come on in, partner. Take your hands out of your pockets."
He has $250 in cash in an envelope. He says it's a gift for his housekeeper. A detective glares at him: "You and I both know this isn't for your housekeeper."
Police write him a summons for the misdemeanor; his court date is in January. He takes it and drives off.
With Wheeler on her way to the Police Operations Center, Tolson ponders the case in the frigid night air on the hotel balcony.
"I really don't believe that she's only been doing this since August," he says.
A yellow Lab named Duke sniffs her rental car and gives police probable cause for a search. In one bag is $9,830 in cash. Four cell phones in another bag are ringing.
Wheeler is on probation for a prostitution charge in Maryland.
Police suspect she's part of a larger ring because pimps usually collect cash at the hotel and don't let their prostitutes keep that much cash on hand.
Wheeler is charged with conspiracy to commit a felony, solicitation for prostitution and maintaining a bawdy place.
"After you go through this case, do not come back to Norfolk to prostitute," Hlebinsky tells her.
Read the full report here.
Wheeler's Charlotte Back Page ad has since been removed but a copy is here here.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Don't Tase Me Bro! How Chief Monroe is Shocking Taxpayers
Last week Charlotte Police Chief Rodney Monroe released the following statement regarding the department's use of TASERS:
On July 21, 2011, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department began immediately inspecting all of our Electronic Control Devices (TASERS) to ensure they were in proper working order. To accomplish that goal, all ECDs were collected from our officers and personally tested and inspected. This inspection identified a small number ECD’s had minor defects such as batteries and date reset displays; they will be replaced or repaired.
CMPD has also completed an internal review of the department’s policy on the use of ECD’s as well as the training that officers receive on their use. The CMPD continues to believe that TASERS are a valuable tool for police officers and that they ultimately enhance the safety of our citizens by giving officers a viable option to minimize injuries to themselves and others.
However, it is critical that both our officers and the public have confidence not only in the devices themselves but also in the policies and training related to their use. To that end, I have asked the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) to conduct a review of the department’s policies and procedures regarding TASER deployment along with our training program. PERF specializes in identifying best practices related to law enforcement issues and is familiar with TASER deployment policies and training throughout the country. PERF’s review will give us an objective outside look at our policies and training and will help us identify any needed modifications.
I anticipate that the PERF Review will take 45 to 50 days to complete. While that will take us past our initial target of September 7 to complete the review, I believe that the extra time spent on that outside review will result in enhanced confidence in our use of TASERS, both for our officers and the public. We will keep you informed on the progress of the review.
We are also in discussions with TASER International regarding the possible replacement of our current TASERS with a newer model that has some additional safety features. I will keep you updated on the progress of those discussions.
Chief Rodney D. Monroe
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
Here is the inside scoop:
After 100s of man hours those within CMPD who were asked to conduct the review gave their presentation to Chief Monroe on Tuesday. Their findings were straight forward; first the TASERS and the department's training proved more than adequate. Second should the chief have any question regarding the safety of the weapons the most logical solution would be to move up the date which the department had already agreed to acquire the new TASERS from TASER International.
In other words the entire memo seems to be nothing more than a white wash of the facts.
Why have a department review if you are simply going to toss it in the circular file and and spend another 20 thousand to have someone else repeat the process and reach the same conclusion?
The answer, smoke and mirrors. Monroe simply wanted things done his way and having PERF say the new TASERS are better than the old TASERS is the perfect solution. Can PERF find fault in CMPD Policies and training? Consultants like PERF are happy to provide the answer you want to show up on the report. This is how "outside" consultants and experts work.
But why hire the Washington DC based Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) in the first place? Do they have a special weapons testing facility? Answer: Not really, but it turns out PERF has assisted the City of Charlotte in the past.
What did they assist the City of Charlotte with? Answer, would you believe locating a new police chief? The Washington based organization has an Executive Search division that has, according to their web site "assisted with more than 75 executive searches, providing our clients with a highly qualified and diverse national candidate pool from which to select a new police leader. PERF has assisted jurisdictions such as Charlotte North Carolina..."
That's right PERF is also an Executive Search firm that helped the City Manager of Charlotte select the chief of police.
Read it for yourself right here.
Shocking isn't it? Meanwhile for the next two months CMPD officers on the street are going without one of the most effective tools on their utility belt. A weapon that keeps them safe and protects the public as well. Why?
You tell me.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Idiot Tweet of the Week!
@BlackPoliticalB: "Only 22 Lives Lost Versus 1,500+ Lives Lost Under G. W. Bush's Administration When Hurricane Katrina Hit. Excellent Work President Obama!"
How The City of Charlotte Pissed Away 4 Million Dollars On A Bus Stop
According to the Charlotte Observer, the Charlotte City Council unanimously and without discussion approved the purchase of 1.4 acres of land for $771,150, or $479,000 more per acre than the current seller purchased the property for a year ago.
The property is home to a small community bus station, and CATS wanted to stop paying annual land rent of $55,000.
Eastland Bus Stop
The buyer of the property a year ago Andrew Segal said "The city came to me with a reasonable price, we didn't even have to negotiate" the deal.
According to the Observer: "CATS said the higher 2011 sale price is OK because it's a smaller piece of land, which makes it more expensive". In addition, the transit system said the Central Avenue frontage makes it more valuable than other parts of the mall.
In 2006, CATS spent $2 million building the Eastland Community Transit Center on the mall parking lot. The transit center is a nicely landscaped bus stop, with eight shelters and a ticket booth."
This is how government pisses away your tax dollars:
Step One: Build a Class "A" building in an area that has nothing but Class "C" space, and spend 2 Million Dollars for the building that is "single purpose" a building that could have been built for 1/4 the price. For good measure, build it on leased land, at an inflated rate and agree to a 25 year lease that has built in annual 5% rate increases and no provision for downward market adjustments.
Pissed Away Meter: $2,000,000.00
Step Two: Complete the building which becomes a conduit for undesirables to travel to an already at risk Mall. Two years later the Mall's slow death accelerates with the departure of major tenants. Pay property owner $110,000.00 for land lease.
Pissed Away Meter: $2,110,000.00
Step Three: Another two years pass and and while the clock is running talk about doing something, but do nothing and stand by with your collective hands in your pockets as the property is sold for pennies on the dollar and the Mall closes. Pay property owner another $110,000.00 for the land lease.
Pissed Away Meter: $2,220,000.00
Step Four: While the mall remains empty make failed attempts to get the new owner to redevelop the property with tax incentives, promises of low interest loans and grants. Pay another $55,000.00 in rent for the land.
Pissed Away Meter: $2,275,000.00
Step Five: Pay $771,150.00 for the small tract of land that your over priced building was built on. Make sure the price so high that the developer can't say no, in fact the idea is to make the offer so good that he is still rubbing his eyes in disbelief.
Pissed Away Meter: $3,046,150.00
Step Six: At this point the developer has no motivation to fast track the property because his exposure is now nearly 1/2 of what is was at this same time last year. Developer also seeks to have the property "re-valued" which lowers his tax bill from $700,000.00 to less than $100,000.00 of which most of that is attached to the property just sold to the city.
Pissed Away Meter: $3,646,000.00
Not surprisingly the developer is in now in no hurry to develop the property.
Congratulations Charlotte you now own a nearly 4 million dollar bus stop to nowhere.
Cedar Posts Bonus:
Fox News Charlotte's take on the CATS purchase:
Make sure you pick up on Charlotte City Council Member Nancy Carter's clouded thinking.
"I say keep it, invest in this land, and by investing you're sending a message to other investors, 'this is a good place to be,'" said Carter who adds that city council didn't just consider the appraised cost, but the opportunity to buy a unique piece of land.
Extra Credit: The Charlotte Observer's Editorial is here.
The property is home to a small community bus station, and CATS wanted to stop paying annual land rent of $55,000.
Eastland Bus Stop
The buyer of the property a year ago Andrew Segal said "The city came to me with a reasonable price, we didn't even have to negotiate" the deal.
According to the Observer: "CATS said the higher 2011 sale price is OK because it's a smaller piece of land, which makes it more expensive". In addition, the transit system said the Central Avenue frontage makes it more valuable than other parts of the mall.
In 2006, CATS spent $2 million building the Eastland Community Transit Center on the mall parking lot. The transit center is a nicely landscaped bus stop, with eight shelters and a ticket booth."
This is how government pisses away your tax dollars:
Step One: Build a Class "A" building in an area that has nothing but Class "C" space, and spend 2 Million Dollars for the building that is "single purpose" a building that could have been built for 1/4 the price. For good measure, build it on leased land, at an inflated rate and agree to a 25 year lease that has built in annual 5% rate increases and no provision for downward market adjustments.
Pissed Away Meter: $2,000,000.00
Step Two: Complete the building which becomes a conduit for undesirables to travel to an already at risk Mall. Two years later the Mall's slow death accelerates with the departure of major tenants. Pay property owner $110,000.00 for land lease.
Pissed Away Meter: $2,110,000.00
Step Three: Another two years pass and and while the clock is running talk about doing something, but do nothing and stand by with your collective hands in your pockets as the property is sold for pennies on the dollar and the Mall closes. Pay property owner another $110,000.00 for the land lease.
Pissed Away Meter: $2,220,000.00
Step Four: While the mall remains empty make failed attempts to get the new owner to redevelop the property with tax incentives, promises of low interest loans and grants. Pay another $55,000.00 in rent for the land.
Pissed Away Meter: $2,275,000.00
Step Five: Pay $771,150.00 for the small tract of land that your over priced building was built on. Make sure the price so high that the developer can't say no, in fact the idea is to make the offer so good that he is still rubbing his eyes in disbelief.
Pissed Away Meter: $3,046,150.00
Step Six: At this point the developer has no motivation to fast track the property because his exposure is now nearly 1/2 of what is was at this same time last year. Developer also seeks to have the property "re-valued" which lowers his tax bill from $700,000.00 to less than $100,000.00 of which most of that is attached to the property just sold to the city.
Pissed Away Meter: $3,646,000.00
Not surprisingly the developer is in now in no hurry to develop the property.
Congratulations Charlotte you now own a nearly 4 million dollar bus stop to nowhere.
Cedar Posts Bonus:
Fox News Charlotte's take on the CATS purchase:
Make sure you pick up on Charlotte City Council Member Nancy Carter's clouded thinking.
"I say keep it, invest in this land, and by investing you're sending a message to other investors, 'this is a good place to be,'" said Carter who adds that city council didn't just consider the appraised cost, but the opportunity to buy a unique piece of land.
Extra Credit: The Charlotte Observer's Editorial is here.
Monday's Odd and Ends
Hurricane Irene - was a bust as far as Charleston, South Carolina was concerned. But mention the word "Hurricane" and it doesn't take long people for people to get all worked up.
I imagine the talking weather heads won't see this much action again this year. The media hype goes crazy whenever a tropical depression forms in late summer. In the wake of Hugo any tropical weather was cause to send a truck to the coast for WSOC. One news producer was so concerned with the lack of rain that she sprayed the on air reporter with a garden hose thinking they were not live. Opps.
Grace Beahm a photographer with the Charleston Post and Courier was disappointed to find Cedar putting a coat of wax on a vent cover rather than struggling with failing dock lines on Friday. She was in search of spray and some epic man vs wild struggle and quickly moved on.
I am old enough to remember Hugo and my parent's Seabrook Island home that was spared only by the fact that the storm went ashore 15 miles to the north rather than 15 miles to the south. As with Irene, storms that turn to the north are good for Charleston, but it is that time while we wait for the turn that keeps me up at night.
Since Hugo I've been through 6 storms on a boat in Charleston and one that formed on top of me during a charter in Florida. As much as I like storms and heavy weather aboard a boat I don't like Hurricanes. Cedar Posts is a fair weather sailor.
DWI Checking Stations - Did you notice CMPD is trying to be a little more politically correct these days? Now they are calling DWI Check Points, "Checking Stations", we can only surmise that this is in an effort to tone down the intrusive nature of the operations and appear more people friendly as the DNC 2012 convention nears.
A kinder friendlier police department will be holding "DWI Checking Stations" tonight, a sort of a blue light "meet and greet" or get acquainted with the public effort.
Still I'm amazed at the number of people who are driving without a license, without insurance or with a revoked license so call it what you like, just arrest these idiots.
Meanwhile South Carolina (never one to be PC) is going the other way with signs that flash DUI "Crack Down" in progress. Military Police State vs Charlotte's mamby pamby land.
Cedar Bonus: "Can switching to Geico, really save you 15 percent or more on car insurance? Does a former Drill Sargent make a terrible therapist? That’s interesting. You know what makes me sad. You Do! Maybe we should chug on over to mamby pamby land and maybe we can find some self confidence for you – you jack wagon!"
More on former Marine and actor R. Lee Ermey here.
Jerry Orr's Kingdom - Seems like there is little rest for energetic Charlotte Airport Director Jerry Orr. Now he wants to turn over all the airport ATM's to Bank of America.
My grandfather used to say: Hire an energetic smart man if you can, hire a lazy stupid man if you must, but God help you if you hire a energetic stupid man.
So Charlotte's airport idiot Jerry Orr thinks it would be a good idea to have just one bank with ATM's at the airport. Frankly he is correct. Its just that Jerry wants to skip right to picking his buddies over at Bank of America.
Care to guess which bank handles all of CDIA's banking needs?
Or maybe we should re-vist the Designline bus contract?
Pride Festival - Careful not to call the event a "Gay Pride" festival the Charlotte Observer gave a 100 word announcement in Saturday's on-line edition. But Megan Cooke gave a little more detail in Sunday's paper which is here.
Local Charlotte transgender who goes by the name "Phonenix"
With Tryon Street blocked off Charlotte's Drag Queens, Dikes and Flamers crowded in a show of unity and reveled in the rainbow colors of Duke Power's "Voltron".
Lip syncing Katy Perry's "California Girls", Charlotte's drag queens lacked the class of South Beach or the fully body tans of LA and proved that even when its comes to the perverse Charlotte is second rate.
If you want to see what you missed (it wasn't much of a crazy show) check out these photos from Charlotte Pride which is here.
Seriously lacking the full monty shock value of North Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte's Gay Pride Festival was about as depressing as the topless protest in Asheville last weekend.
Charlotte's LGBT leaders called the event a success and claimed that thousands attended, but the real number looked closer to 1200. But there is always next year.
The only arrest was Rev. Phillip "Flip" Benham who likes to shout via a megaphone suggesting God is not happy with fags.
Interesting take on the anti gay protesters is here.
Cedar's Take: Whatever!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
In Case You Missed It
As Hurricane Irene barrels her way toward the mid-Atlantic and up the East Coast, members of The Old Guard continue their vigilance at the Tomb of the Unknowns.
While on duty the Tomb Sentinel crosses a 63-foot rubber surfaced walkway in exactly 21 steps. He then faces the Tomb for 21 seconds, turns again, and pauses an additional 21 seconds before retracing his steps.
The 21 is symbolic of the highest salute according to dignitaries in military and state ceremonies.
Members of The Old Guard have guarded the Tomb every second, of every day regardless of weather or holidays since April 6, 1948.
Cedar's Take: If you haven't been there I doubt you can really appreciate the vista. Go there during the summer with all the tourists if you must. But to really understand Arlington you need to go there in January on a cold day, in the half light of a freezing dawn. The sound is amazing. I swear you can hear the leather in the guard's dress shoes creak.
More here.
Did You Notice Him?
I didn't think so, and I wouldn't have noticed either except I've always noticed.
He's 12 or 13 sitting on a bench waiting. Brown corduroy pants and a black knit shirt, glasses. Who wears corduroy pants in summer I think to myself, hell who wears corduroy pants? He's a dorky looking little black kid clutching a clarinet case and the bench is out in front of a music store.
He's rocking back and forth, so much so that his anxiety and stress are palatable. His music lesson is over and his parents are nowhere in sight.
Music lessons, I'm not sure how kids get talked into playing a musical instrument. I suspect its nothing more than a whim, an idea, a dream for a fleeting moment.
Somewhere in elementary school someone put a pair of cymbals in my hands and my musical career was born. Sadly four decades later I am still not an accomplished musician. But I can play a piano - somewhat. I can play a guitar, and a violin, neither with any perfection. I suppose if I took a month off I could get good. I surprise people with my Tijuana Brass - Doc Severson medley on trumpet yet the first four bars is all I know.
Somewhere along the dusty path to adulthood I put down the horn and closed the violin case for the last time. I sold the two guitars I owned long ago, and then bought one at a charity auction a dozen years later. Its nice to know I can still play bloody finger tips and all.
He sits and waits, his nervous rocking back and forth checking the time on his iphone has changed to pacing, and then sitting again and I know that kid time makes the minutes seem like days. If parents only knew how painful waiting is for kids.
The stress shows, as every fear in the world races through his mind and time flows in slow motion. They might only be five minutes late but to this young boy they might as well be six hours late. His pain and anguish is so noticeable it makes my heart hurt.
A few years ago I would have noticed his plight and struck up a conversation with ease. Now days someone would suspect a child predator, so I start my car and Mrs Cedar and I go about our night.
As the car backs and then turns toward him, Mrs. Cedar notices too. Clarinet I say. How do you know? she askes, I know I answer with a quiet laugh.
We share the same feelings about parents who are late. She suggests they are parents who are self absorbed and clueless, I on the other hand suspect they are attending the older brother's football practice. I offer that we circle back around and ask him if he's ok, it's getting dark after all.
No, she says he'll be alright.
In a world filled with hip hop gangster thugs, this kid is a miss fit. If his parents don't wake up they will soon wonder what happened to him and where he went wrong. I keep my thoughts to myself as my car needs my attention.
Buy in my rear view mirror I catch one last fleeting glimpse and for a moment I see a future Wynton Maralis.
He's 12 or 13 sitting on a bench waiting. Brown corduroy pants and a black knit shirt, glasses. Who wears corduroy pants in summer I think to myself, hell who wears corduroy pants? He's a dorky looking little black kid clutching a clarinet case and the bench is out in front of a music store.
He's rocking back and forth, so much so that his anxiety and stress are palatable. His music lesson is over and his parents are nowhere in sight.
Music lessons, I'm not sure how kids get talked into playing a musical instrument. I suspect its nothing more than a whim, an idea, a dream for a fleeting moment.
Somewhere in elementary school someone put a pair of cymbals in my hands and my musical career was born. Sadly four decades later I am still not an accomplished musician. But I can play a piano - somewhat. I can play a guitar, and a violin, neither with any perfection. I suppose if I took a month off I could get good. I surprise people with my Tijuana Brass - Doc Severson medley on trumpet yet the first four bars is all I know.
Somewhere along the dusty path to adulthood I put down the horn and closed the violin case for the last time. I sold the two guitars I owned long ago, and then bought one at a charity auction a dozen years later. Its nice to know I can still play bloody finger tips and all.
He sits and waits, his nervous rocking back and forth checking the time on his iphone has changed to pacing, and then sitting again and I know that kid time makes the minutes seem like days. If parents only knew how painful waiting is for kids.
The stress shows, as every fear in the world races through his mind and time flows in slow motion. They might only be five minutes late but to this young boy they might as well be six hours late. His pain and anguish is so noticeable it makes my heart hurt.
A few years ago I would have noticed his plight and struck up a conversation with ease. Now days someone would suspect a child predator, so I start my car and Mrs Cedar and I go about our night.
As the car backs and then turns toward him, Mrs. Cedar notices too. Clarinet I say. How do you know? she askes, I know I answer with a quiet laugh.
We share the same feelings about parents who are late. She suggests they are parents who are self absorbed and clueless, I on the other hand suspect they are attending the older brother's football practice. I offer that we circle back around and ask him if he's ok, it's getting dark after all.
No, she says he'll be alright.
In a world filled with hip hop gangster thugs, this kid is a miss fit. If his parents don't wake up they will soon wonder what happened to him and where he went wrong. I keep my thoughts to myself as my car needs my attention.
Buy in my rear view mirror I catch one last fleeting glimpse and for a moment I see a future Wynton Maralis.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Hurricane Irene Takes A Swipe At Charleston
A week of preparation turned out not to be needed, so Cedar Posts took Friday afternoon off and went looking to hookup with Irene's fury. Only one place to go when you're looking for an angry woman, Folly Beach!
An angry Atlantic churned up into heavy swells and ten foot seas pounded Folly Beach Friday afternoon.
For surfers it was a welcome break from the standard South Carolina muddy water knee cap to waist high surf.
The extra high tide at 6:30 helped the "washout" live up to it's name.
The surf covered blacktop didn't keep surfers off the beach or the spectators from watching the show.
Then there is always a little local flag waving to be done.
An angry Atlantic churned up into heavy swells and ten foot seas pounded Folly Beach Friday afternoon.
For surfers it was a welcome break from the standard South Carolina muddy water knee cap to waist high surf.
The extra high tide at 6:30 helped the "washout" live up to it's name.
The surf covered blacktop didn't keep surfers off the beach or the spectators from watching the show.
Then there is always a little local flag waving to be done.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Boat Girls
There is just something fun about girls who like boats. Nuff said don't you think? More of the boat girls here.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
JetBlue can teach Verizon a thing or two about compassion
Why is it so hard for some companies to show a little human decency when a customer has a problem?
By David Lazarus Los Angeles Times
It's a symbiotic relationship. We need businesses to provide the stuff we want. But they need us just as much to buy their stuff.
So why is it so hard to show a little human decency when a customer has a problem?
I think about that every time I encounter a tale of woe from a reader. And a recent chat with Shelley Keith of Sherman Oaks only reinforced my belief that some companies get it, and some seem to go out of their way to appear insensitive, cynical and just plain mean.
This story offers an example of both.
Keith's mother, Lilyan Goldberg, had terminal cancer. I say "had" because she died last month, on her 91st birthday.
Before Goldberg's passing, her caregiver needed to call a relative in Britain. Keith's sister, Phyllis Goldberg, was overseeing their mother's affairs and had power of attorney for business matters. She gave permission for the call.
But it wouldn't go through. Phyllis Goldberg called Verizon to ask what the problem was. She was told that the international call appeared unusual for the account so a block was imposed. Verizon said the block could be lifted with the written authorization of the account holder.
As Keith, 63, related this to me, I could hear the anger in her voice rising. Even now, a month after her mother's death, the wound is still raw.
Goldberg explained that their mother, the account holder, was incapacitated and that she had power of attorney. The Verizon service rep insisted that only the account holder could lift the block. They went round and round on this.
"Finally my sister hung up," Keith recalled. "And she's not the kind of person who has difficulty communicating with people. She has a PhD. She's a writer. But she couldn't get anywhere with Verizon."
On July 21, Keith flew to New Jersey to see her mother. On the day Keith was scheduled to return home on JetBlue, her mother died. Keith called the airline to see if she could reschedule.
"JetBlue was incredible," she said. "I told them my mother had died, and the service representative immediately said she was sorry. I said that she'd died on her birthday, and the representative said, 'On behalf of everyone at JetBlue, please accept our condolences.'"
After confirming with the funeral home that her mother had indeed passed away, the airline told Keith that she could reschedule her flight to Los Angeles for any time. And it wouldn't charge her the customary $100 change fee.
By David Lazarus Los Angeles Times
It's a symbiotic relationship. We need businesses to provide the stuff we want. But they need us just as much to buy their stuff.
So why is it so hard to show a little human decency when a customer has a problem?
I think about that every time I encounter a tale of woe from a reader. And a recent chat with Shelley Keith of Sherman Oaks only reinforced my belief that some companies get it, and some seem to go out of their way to appear insensitive, cynical and just plain mean.
This story offers an example of both.
Keith's mother, Lilyan Goldberg, had terminal cancer. I say "had" because she died last month, on her 91st birthday.
Before Goldberg's passing, her caregiver needed to call a relative in Britain. Keith's sister, Phyllis Goldberg, was overseeing their mother's affairs and had power of attorney for business matters. She gave permission for the call.
But it wouldn't go through. Phyllis Goldberg called Verizon to ask what the problem was. She was told that the international call appeared unusual for the account so a block was imposed. Verizon said the block could be lifted with the written authorization of the account holder.
As Keith, 63, related this to me, I could hear the anger in her voice rising. Even now, a month after her mother's death, the wound is still raw.
Goldberg explained that their mother, the account holder, was incapacitated and that she had power of attorney. The Verizon service rep insisted that only the account holder could lift the block. They went round and round on this.
"Finally my sister hung up," Keith recalled. "And she's not the kind of person who has difficulty communicating with people. She has a PhD. She's a writer. But she couldn't get anywhere with Verizon."
On July 21, Keith flew to New Jersey to see her mother. On the day Keith was scheduled to return home on JetBlue, her mother died. Keith called the airline to see if she could reschedule.
"JetBlue was incredible," she said. "I told them my mother had died, and the service representative immediately said she was sorry. I said that she'd died on her birthday, and the representative said, 'On behalf of everyone at JetBlue, please accept our condolences.'"
After confirming with the funeral home that her mother had indeed passed away, the airline told Keith that she could reschedule her flight to Los Angeles for any time. And it wouldn't charge her the customary $100 change fee.
2 Nights 4 Murders 4 Killers Charlotte in Chaos
The Charlotte Observer headline screams "Police charge three men in killing of girl, 4, parents at Charlotte apartment"
Lorenzo and Cheryl Graves were found shot to death in front of their television. The body of their four-year-old daughter, Oznola, was found in her parents bedroom, where family members think she was hiding before she was stabbed to death.
Lorenzo Tyrone White, 27, Joseph Louis Amous, 25, and Linny Marquise Barcliff, 20, were apprehended by police within 24 hours.
White is charged with three counts of murder, two counts of robbery, three counts of kidnapping and conspiracy and same charges have been filed against Barcliff and both are being held without bond.
But Amous is charged only with conspiracy to commit robbery and his bond is set at only $50,000. Cedar's Take: WTF?
White
Barclif
Amous
Less than six miles away the fouth murder victim in two days, 20 year old Caleb Coppenhaver is found dead behind a vacant home.
Caleb Coppenhaver's alleged killer Campton Conway Wolfe, DOB 12/11/1986, was arrested by CMPD officers and charged with: Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery and Armed Robbery late Wednesday night. Wolfe's resume includes weapons, drug, robbery and assault charges.
Wolfe
Cedar's Take:
Less than a month after Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Chief Rodney Monroe claimed victory for his war on crime, the city hits a new milestone with the stabbing death of a four year old.
It is not about numbers regardless of what CMPD's talking heads say. The percentages and charts don't tell the real facts or the cold hard truth.
Where is the acknowledgement of a subculture, of a sub class of humans that live among us? These are people that for whatever reason have embraced a culture of violence, drugs, guns and a way of life that doesn't include working. These are people who are not fit to live within our city, our state or our country.
How many times do the facts have to repeat before there is a public out cry?
We need long sentences for violent offenders. If you use a gun it should be a life sentence. We need to push back the line that says you are unfit for society and there is no hope of redemption. That line is now at rape and murder. If we are to "prevent the next crime" we need to push back the line.
Take a good look at the four above, every one of them should have been "put down" long ago.
The first time you commit a violent crime, will be the last time you commit a crime.
I think I could run for governor on that and get some pretty serious percentages.
Update:
August 31, 2011
Joseph Louis Amous, 25 who was orgianly charged with only conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon was also charged with three counts of murder and two counts of robbery with a dangerous weapon.
Read more: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2011/08/31/2569049/3rd-suspect-charged-with-murder.html#ixzz1Wf5BGWo5
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Remembering One of Charlotte's First Meter Maids
Elizabeth McKnight Steele, 91, of Midland, formerly of Charlotte, died Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at Lawyers Glen Assisted Living.
Her funeral service was held on Saturday, August 20 and her burial was completed in Sharon Memorial Park.
Born December 31, 1919 in Mecklenburg County, NC, Mrs. Steele was a daughter of the late Samuel Walter McKnight and Rose Belle Hewitt McKnight. She was one of the first and original meter maids for the Charlotte Police Department.
That's Lib Steele doing a back side inspection checking for "wiggly seams" along with Traffic Captain Lloyd Henkel. Lib also put together the ladies temporary uniforms as the newspaper photo from 1950 shows.
Her funeral service was held on Saturday, August 20 and her burial was completed in Sharon Memorial Park.
Born December 31, 1919 in Mecklenburg County, NC, Mrs. Steele was a daughter of the late Samuel Walter McKnight and Rose Belle Hewitt McKnight. She was one of the first and original meter maids for the Charlotte Police Department.
That's Lib Steele doing a back side inspection checking for "wiggly seams" along with Traffic Captain Lloyd Henkel. Lib also put together the ladies temporary uniforms as the newspaper photo from 1950 shows.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
CMPD Chief Monroe Looking to "Upgrade" Law Enforcement Center
During Monday's City Council meeting CMPD Chief Rodney Monroe will ask Charlotte City Council to sign off on a little fall remodeling.
Nothing like hiring an interior designer and contractor to brighten up the place and give it that ready for the holidays or policical convention look.
Monroe's need to spend apparently can't be fixed with a quick trip to Home Depot or the local IKEA store. Word is he'll spend just shy of $600,000 to give the old place a little face lift.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Who Said Watermelon
In 1914 when this photo was taken it was considered so humorous that it was made into a postcard, with the caption "WHO SAID WATERMELON"
Last week nearly 100 years later the scene repeated itself outside of Vicksburg Mississippi.
Before you get on your politically correct soapbox and start with the "you're a racist" comments take a deep breath.
Is it a funny photo? I don't know, I think in 1914 is was considered cute. Nothing more than kids enjoying the summer. I think its interesting that the more things change the more they stay the same, as clearly southern rural life hasn't changed much in 100 years.
In fact not only do kids still love watermelon on a summer day, but some photographer known only to Cedar Posts thought it was a cute photo opportunity.
So once again two nameless young boys have a brief moment of their lives captured by a photographer with sharp eye. Their lives frozen in time for all eternity, a perpetual summer's day with anticipation of enjoying their find once they get home the only thing on their young minds.
Oh and yes, that's his real hair.
Update:
Interesting comments. Some people feel there is still a racial stigma associated with watermelons. In fact as one commenter pointed out there is an entire web site devoted to documenting stereotype images of African Americans.
The site also has images of Jews, Irish Americans, and Arab though those sections are incomplete. The site even notes that some African Americans to this day will not eat watermelon. Frankly I think they are missing out.
The truth is there are images that even today some of us shy away from because of what they represent. I can't fly a confederate flag even though my Great Great Grandfather fought for the South at Gettysburg. I wouldn't dare put on a t-shirt decorated with a rainbow for fear that someone would assume I'm gay.
And so it goes, I guess stereotypes are as prevalent today as they were 100 years ago. But I suggest that its up to us to rise above those stereotypes and accept the fact that this Southerner really likes watermelon.
Last week nearly 100 years later the scene repeated itself outside of Vicksburg Mississippi.
Before you get on your politically correct soapbox and start with the "you're a racist" comments take a deep breath.
Is it a funny photo? I don't know, I think in 1914 is was considered cute. Nothing more than kids enjoying the summer. I think its interesting that the more things change the more they stay the same, as clearly southern rural life hasn't changed much in 100 years.
In fact not only do kids still love watermelon on a summer day, but some photographer known only to Cedar Posts thought it was a cute photo opportunity.
So once again two nameless young boys have a brief moment of their lives captured by a photographer with sharp eye. Their lives frozen in time for all eternity, a perpetual summer's day with anticipation of enjoying their find once they get home the only thing on their young minds.
Oh and yes, that's his real hair.
Update:
Interesting comments. Some people feel there is still a racial stigma associated with watermelons. In fact as one commenter pointed out there is an entire web site devoted to documenting stereotype images of African Americans.
The site also has images of Jews, Irish Americans, and Arab though those sections are incomplete. The site even notes that some African Americans to this day will not eat watermelon. Frankly I think they are missing out.
The truth is there are images that even today some of us shy away from because of what they represent. I can't fly a confederate flag even though my Great Great Grandfather fought for the South at Gettysburg. I wouldn't dare put on a t-shirt decorated with a rainbow for fear that someone would assume I'm gay.
And so it goes, I guess stereotypes are as prevalent today as they were 100 years ago. But I suggest that its up to us to rise above those stereotypes and accept the fact that this Southerner really likes watermelon.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Husk Named “Best New Restaurant in America”
Located between two venerable pillar of epicurean delight; Poogan's Porch and 82 Queen, Hush opened it's doors in November of last year to rave reviews. But the accolades didn't stop there, as last week the national foodie guide Bon Appetit named Husk the best new restaurant in America.
Husk while located in a tourist mecca, is not a touristy place, and the food is not for the Bubba Gump crowd, the meek, the timid or those who have an aversion to food that looks back at you.
Chef Sean Brock
But if "oh wow, that was an amazing dinner" is on your bucket list then Husk is for you. You can read more at Bon' Appetit here.
Husk while located in a tourist mecca, is not a touristy place, and the food is not for the Bubba Gump crowd, the meek, the timid or those who have an aversion to food that looks back at you.
Chef Sean Brock
But if "oh wow, that was an amazing dinner" is on your bucket list then Husk is for you. You can read more at Bon' Appetit here.
CMPD Officer Gina Cook Goes Postal On Her Domestic Partner
Gaston County 911 Dispatchers got a call more than a month ago and just now the altercation has made the press. Cedar Posts first mentioned this news back in July when the altercation filtered down the chain of command. At the time only the event was known and not the officer.
Now according to WCNC that Officer is Gina Cook, who is under investigation after her roommate called 911 on July 7, 2011 and the following conversation took place:
“We need police,” said Cook’s roommate on the 911 call.
“Who’s there causing problems and what are they doing?” asked the 911 dispatcher.
“Well, we've had a little bit of shoving. We've had some verbal abuse,” the roommate answered.
“Do they have any kind of weapons,” asked the dispatcher.
“No ma'am,” Cook’s roommate answered.
According to WCNC Cook has been placed on paid administrative leave.
This is not the first time Gina Cook has gone postal on her domestic partner. Back in 2003 she went nutty on a fellow police officer that she once had a relationship with after finding her in bed with another woman.
What was then described as a total beat down at the hands of Cook took place while she was on duty, and ended only after Cook nearly choked her former lover to the point of passing out.
It is unclear if this latest victim is the same woman.
Back then Chief Stevens gave Cook a free pass and allowed her to keep her dog as well as her role with the K-9 unit.
Cedar's Take: No doubt Ms. Cook has served the City of Charlotte well over the past twenty years. However while Ms. Cook's lifestyle choice should not affect her job performance it is clear that it does. Now not only has her lifestyle as a violent lesbian become an embarrassment, her complete lack of self control has become a danger to the public at large.
In this case she may not be guilty of any crime, only guilty of complete lack of judgment and moral character, as well as conduct unbecoming an officer.
I'd give her 24 hours to resign, and suggest she do so without adding further embarrassment to the already troubled department.
It should be noted that no male officer suspected of domestic violence would be given such courtesy as paid leave or special assignment or even an opportunity to resign.
Bonus Coverage Lesbian Cop Brawl at CMPD, Take II by Tara Servatius which is here.
Now according to WCNC that Officer is Gina Cook, who is under investigation after her roommate called 911 on July 7, 2011 and the following conversation took place:
“We need police,” said Cook’s roommate on the 911 call.
“Who’s there causing problems and what are they doing?” asked the 911 dispatcher.
“Well, we've had a little bit of shoving. We've had some verbal abuse,” the roommate answered.
“Do they have any kind of weapons,” asked the dispatcher.
“No ma'am,” Cook’s roommate answered.
According to WCNC Cook has been placed on paid administrative leave.
This is not the first time Gina Cook has gone postal on her domestic partner. Back in 2003 she went nutty on a fellow police officer that she once had a relationship with after finding her in bed with another woman.
What was then described as a total beat down at the hands of Cook took place while she was on duty, and ended only after Cook nearly choked her former lover to the point of passing out.
It is unclear if this latest victim is the same woman.
Back then Chief Stevens gave Cook a free pass and allowed her to keep her dog as well as her role with the K-9 unit.
Cedar's Take: No doubt Ms. Cook has served the City of Charlotte well over the past twenty years. However while Ms. Cook's lifestyle choice should not affect her job performance it is clear that it does. Now not only has her lifestyle as a violent lesbian become an embarrassment, her complete lack of self control has become a danger to the public at large.
In this case she may not be guilty of any crime, only guilty of complete lack of judgment and moral character, as well as conduct unbecoming an officer.
I'd give her 24 hours to resign, and suggest she do so without adding further embarrassment to the already troubled department.
It should be noted that no male officer suspected of domestic violence would be given such courtesy as paid leave or special assignment or even an opportunity to resign.
Bonus Coverage Lesbian Cop Brawl at CMPD, Take II by Tara Servatius which is here.
Monday, August 15, 2011
CMPD Promotes Several Officers to the Rank of Sargeant
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Police Chief Fired Over Mexican Spaceship Comment
Willianston South Carolina Police Chief Richard Inman resigned Friday at the request of Mayor Carthel Crout, who said the chief's FaceBook page showed poor taste and lacked judgment. He said one posting showed a photo of a portable toilet with handwriting that reads "Mexican spaceship."
Inman told WSPA earlier this week that he thought the post was funny and not racially insensitive. He said he treats all citizens fairly.
Inman has worked for the Williamston Police Department for about two years.
More sillyness here.
Cedar's Take: Anyone who has worked around a job site knows there are a dozen names for the Porta John. There is just something a little un-manly announcing that you "need to use the bathroom". John, Head, Shitter, See a man about a horse and visit the Mexican Spaceship are as common as ticks on a hound dog in the summer. Not one of those phrases is really troubling and just apart of rednecked talk.
On the other hand some people think its clearly racially insensitive. But so is the Mexican Shuttle Program.
Come on America lighten up!
Inman told WSPA earlier this week that he thought the post was funny and not racially insensitive. He said he treats all citizens fairly.
Inman has worked for the Williamston Police Department for about two years.
More sillyness here.
Cedar's Take: Anyone who has worked around a job site knows there are a dozen names for the Porta John. There is just something a little un-manly announcing that you "need to use the bathroom". John, Head, Shitter, See a man about a horse and visit the Mexican Spaceship are as common as ticks on a hound dog in the summer. Not one of those phrases is really troubling and just apart of rednecked talk.
On the other hand some people think its clearly racially insensitive. But so is the Mexican Shuttle Program.
Come on America lighten up!
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Bush vs Obama By The Numbers
By request here is a short comparison of Bush and Obama. I don't have all the numbers yet, so hang in there I'll chase them down soon.
National Debt Increase: $4.9 trillion Bush Eight Years
National Debt Increase: $4.0 trillion Obama Two and Half Years
National Debt when Mr. Obama took office: $10.6 trillion
National Debt when Mr. Bush took office: $5.7 trillion
National Debt as of August 8, 2011: $14.6 trillion
Number Of Political Fund-Raisers Attended By President Bush: 338
Number Of Political Fund-Raisers Attended By President Obama: 112
Number Of Baseball Games Attended: 12 Bush
Number Of Baseball Games Attended: 5 Obama
Number of Basketball Games Attended: 0 Bush
Number of Basketball Games Attended: 11 Obama
Number Of Times President Bush Had Dinner Out At A Restaurant: 21
Number Of Times President Obama Had Dinner Out At A Restaurant: 47
Total U.S. Military Deaths In Iraq: 4,228 Bush
(Source: Dept of Defense as of Jan. 16, 2009)
Total U.S. Military Deaths In Iraq: 4,477 Obama
(Source: Dept of Defense as of Aug. 9, 2011)
Total U.S. Military Deaths In Afghanistan: 634 Bush
(Source: Dept. of Defense as of Jan. 16, 2009)
Total U.S. Military Deaths In Afghanistan: 1,721 Obama
(Source: Dept of Defense as of Aug. 9, 2011)
Medals Of Honor Bestowed By Pres. Bush: 12
Number Of Commencement Speeches Delivered: 23
Number Of Visits To Camp David: 149, totaling all or part of 487 days.
Number Of Visits To Bush Texas Ranch: 77
Number Of Out Of Town Domestic Trips: 609
Number Of Foreign Trips: 49
Number Of Foreign Nations Visited: 75
Number Of Rounds Of Golf Played As President: 24
(The last one on Oct. 13, 2003. President Bush has since explained that he stopped playing golf out of respect for the families of Americans killed in the war in Iraq.)
Number Of Formal, Solo, White House News Conferences: 44
Total Number Of News Conferences: 212
(Including many joint sessions with foreign leaders at home and abroad)
Number Of News Conferences At Which Shoes Were Thrown At Him: 1
Number Of Presidential Pardons: 189
By Comparison:
Bill Clinton: 396
George H.W. Bush: 74
Ronald Reagan: 393
Jimmy Carter: 534
Gerald Ford: 382
Richard Nixon: 863
Lyndon Johnson: 960
John Kennedy: 472
Dwight Eisenhower: 1110
Harry S. Truman: 1913
State Dinners For Foreign Leaders: 6 Bush
President Vicente Fox of Mexico
President Alexander Krasniewski of Poland
President Gloria Arroyo of the Philippines
President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya
Queen Elizabeth II of UK
Presidet John Kufuor of Ghana
State Dinners For Foreign Leaders: 4 Obama
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India
President Hu Jintao of China
Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany
President Felipe Calderon of Mexico
Vetoes: 12, including 1 pocket veto.
(President Bush did not cast his first veto until his sixth year in office - a measure to extend federal funding of stem cell research.)
By comparison:
Bill Clinton cast 37
George H.W. Bush: 44
Reagan: 78
Carter: 31
Ford: 66
FDR: 635
Number Of Flights On Air Force One: 1,674
(Source: Presidential Airlift Group)
Number Of Miles Flown On Air Force One: 1,490,698
(Presidential Airlift Group)
National Debt Increase: $4.9 trillion Bush Eight Years
National Debt Increase: $4.0 trillion Obama Two and Half Years
National Debt when Mr. Obama took office: $10.6 trillion
National Debt when Mr. Bush took office: $5.7 trillion
National Debt as of August 8, 2011: $14.6 trillion
Number Of Political Fund-Raisers Attended By President Bush: 338
Number Of Political Fund-Raisers Attended By President Obama: 112
Number Of Baseball Games Attended: 12 Bush
Number Of Baseball Games Attended: 5 Obama
Number of Basketball Games Attended: 0 Bush
Number of Basketball Games Attended: 11 Obama
Number Of Times President Bush Had Dinner Out At A Restaurant: 21
Number Of Times President Obama Had Dinner Out At A Restaurant: 47
Total U.S. Military Deaths In Iraq: 4,228 Bush
(Source: Dept of Defense as of Jan. 16, 2009)
Total U.S. Military Deaths In Iraq: 4,477 Obama
(Source: Dept of Defense as of Aug. 9, 2011)
Total U.S. Military Deaths In Afghanistan: 634 Bush
(Source: Dept. of Defense as of Jan. 16, 2009)
Total U.S. Military Deaths In Afghanistan: 1,721 Obama
(Source: Dept of Defense as of Aug. 9, 2011)
Medals Of Honor Bestowed By Pres. Bush: 12
Number Of Commencement Speeches Delivered: 23
Number Of Visits To Camp David: 149, totaling all or part of 487 days.
Number Of Visits To Bush Texas Ranch: 77
Number Of Out Of Town Domestic Trips: 609
Number Of Foreign Trips: 49
Number Of Foreign Nations Visited: 75
Number Of Rounds Of Golf Played As President: 24
(The last one on Oct. 13, 2003. President Bush has since explained that he stopped playing golf out of respect for the families of Americans killed in the war in Iraq.)
Number Of Formal, Solo, White House News Conferences: 44
Total Number Of News Conferences: 212
(Including many joint sessions with foreign leaders at home and abroad)
Number Of News Conferences At Which Shoes Were Thrown At Him: 1
Number Of Presidential Pardons: 189
By Comparison:
Bill Clinton: 396
George H.W. Bush: 74
Ronald Reagan: 393
Jimmy Carter: 534
Gerald Ford: 382
Richard Nixon: 863
Lyndon Johnson: 960
John Kennedy: 472
Dwight Eisenhower: 1110
Harry S. Truman: 1913
State Dinners For Foreign Leaders: 6 Bush
President Vicente Fox of Mexico
President Alexander Krasniewski of Poland
President Gloria Arroyo of the Philippines
President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya
Queen Elizabeth II of UK
Presidet John Kufuor of Ghana
State Dinners For Foreign Leaders: 4 Obama
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India
President Hu Jintao of China
Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany
President Felipe Calderon of Mexico
Vetoes: 12, including 1 pocket veto.
(President Bush did not cast his first veto until his sixth year in office - a measure to extend federal funding of stem cell research.)
By comparison:
Bill Clinton cast 37
George H.W. Bush: 44
Reagan: 78
Carter: 31
Ford: 66
FDR: 635
Number Of Flights On Air Force One: 1,674
(Source: Presidential Airlift Group)
Number Of Miles Flown On Air Force One: 1,490,698
(Presidential Airlift Group)
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
What's Wrong With Washington?
Maybe the trouble starts at the top.
U.S. President Barack Obama waves as he and daughter Malia Obama (FROM L-R), nephew Avery Robinson, family friend Roxanne Nesbitt, daughter Sasha Obama and firstlady Michelle Obama return from a family visit at Camp David to the White House in Washington, August 7, 2011.
Maybe it is just Cedar but 2 days after S&P lowers the nation's credit rating the Obamas are living the good life at Camp David. While the rest of us watch our retirement plans give back a year's worth of gains in 48 hours of trading, B and M enjoy family time at our expense. Just doesn't seem fair.
U.S. President Barack Obama waves as he and daughter Malia Obama (FROM L-R), nephew Avery Robinson, family friend Roxanne Nesbitt, daughter Sasha Obama and firstlady Michelle Obama return from a family visit at Camp David to the White House in Washington, August 7, 2011.
Maybe it is just Cedar but 2 days after S&P lowers the nation's credit rating the Obamas are living the good life at Camp David. While the rest of us watch our retirement plans give back a year's worth of gains in 48 hours of trading, B and M enjoy family time at our expense. Just doesn't seem fair.
In Case You Missed It: The Post Office is The Town By Liz Clarke
There is no hospital in my mother’s home town. There’s not a gas station, a bank, a restaurant, a hardware store or dime store, either.
There is a U.S. post office. It’s across the street from Roberts Chapel Baptist Church and a mile down the road from Willis Hare Elementary School, which doubles as the polling station on Election Day.
Along with the cemetery, these things in Pendleton, N.C. — the church, the elementary school and the post office — serve as the center of community life.
In 2000, Pendleton’s population was 842. Today, online estimates put it at 590 — down 30 percent.
People are dying faster than they’re being born in Pendleton, an unincorporated town six miles south of the Virginia state line and about 120 miles inland from Nags Head and Duck, the beachside enclaves most people in Washington have heard of. When Pendleton’s young people go away to college (education has always been a point of pride), they rarely return. These days, it doesn’t take many people to run a farm, so there’s little for them there.
As a result, Pendleton’s population skews older than that of many places. More a crossroads than a town, Pendleton isn’t on a lot of maps. The sign that reads “Pendleton” when you arrive from the north on Route 35 also reads “Pendleton” on its opposite side. Pendleton is so small that the moment you arrive, you have left.
The post office will be leaving, too — it is on the list of 3,700 nationwide that have been targeted for closure starting in January to save $200 million toward an $8 billion annual deficit.
Loss is nothing new in Pendleton. The train depot was built in 1883 but was shuttered so many decades ago that no one living can recall a time when a train actually stopped.
Airey’s Store — where my brother and I bought Atomic Fireballs and Push-ups when we visited our grandmother — is long closed, too.
There’s no trace of the old brick elementary school my mother attended. For a time, it had a second life as Ellis Ray’s Junk Store, musty rooms stacked with old mantels and headboards, chairs with missing slats, and boxes of porcelain doorknobs and rusty hinges. But Ellis Ray got tired of opening for business. Apart from my mother, no one ever bought anything. Then one night a tornado came through and demolished Ellis Ray’s and everything inside.
But just because there was no place to go in Pendleton didn’t mean there was nothing to do.
Along with our cousins we’d lie stock-still in the fields pretending we were dead until the crows circled and swooped low over our carcasses. Then we’d pop up shrieking. We’d dig giant trenches and hurl dirt clods at one other, pretending we were soldiers in Vietnam tossing grenades from our foxholes.
If we were really bad, my grandmother threatened to “cut a switch and tan somebody’s hide,” though no stick ever smacked my bottom. She never balked when I asked for the keys to her Ford Fairlane even though I was only 13. I’d head down the road, her dog Bud sitting on his haunches beside me, practicing my driving. There was no way I could hit anything; there was nothing to hit.
At night we’d catch fireflies in Mason jars or dance with sparklers in the front yard.
That was back when Pendleton still had mail delivery. It had home delivery of the Raleigh News and Observer then — or the “News and Disturber,” as people called it whenever its politics diverged with theirs.
These days my mother has to drive to Pendleton’s post office to pick up her mail and magazines each day. Out front there is an American flag, one regular parking space and one handicapped space.
Although her mail gets placed in her box in the lobby, she steps inside to speak with Lillie at the counter, to find out who’s sick and to fret about so many days without rain.
For years my mother has asked me to buy my stamps at Pendleton’s post office to boost business so it wouldn’t be shut down.
Maybe now that it has been targeted for closure, Lillie will have a run on stamps for a letter-writing campaign. But even if every household in Pendleton wrote to save it, that would be only about 400 letters.
So I imagine that sometime next year, when my mother is 83, she’ll start driving a few miles farther to Conway, the next town, where she already goes to buy the newspaper, do her banking and pick up the cat food she forgot to buy in Murfreesboro.
And what will remain in Pendleton?
The sound of the freight train passing by at dusk. Fireflies in summer. And the stars — millions of brilliant stars — that fill the sky each night.
I bet most people in Washington have no idea how many stars are up there.
There is a U.S. post office. It’s across the street from Roberts Chapel Baptist Church and a mile down the road from Willis Hare Elementary School, which doubles as the polling station on Election Day.
Along with the cemetery, these things in Pendleton, N.C. — the church, the elementary school and the post office — serve as the center of community life.
In 2000, Pendleton’s population was 842. Today, online estimates put it at 590 — down 30 percent.
People are dying faster than they’re being born in Pendleton, an unincorporated town six miles south of the Virginia state line and about 120 miles inland from Nags Head and Duck, the beachside enclaves most people in Washington have heard of. When Pendleton’s young people go away to college (education has always been a point of pride), they rarely return. These days, it doesn’t take many people to run a farm, so there’s little for them there.
As a result, Pendleton’s population skews older than that of many places. More a crossroads than a town, Pendleton isn’t on a lot of maps. The sign that reads “Pendleton” when you arrive from the north on Route 35 also reads “Pendleton” on its opposite side. Pendleton is so small that the moment you arrive, you have left.
The post office will be leaving, too — it is on the list of 3,700 nationwide that have been targeted for closure starting in January to save $200 million toward an $8 billion annual deficit.
Loss is nothing new in Pendleton. The train depot was built in 1883 but was shuttered so many decades ago that no one living can recall a time when a train actually stopped.
Airey’s Store — where my brother and I bought Atomic Fireballs and Push-ups when we visited our grandmother — is long closed, too.
There’s no trace of the old brick elementary school my mother attended. For a time, it had a second life as Ellis Ray’s Junk Store, musty rooms stacked with old mantels and headboards, chairs with missing slats, and boxes of porcelain doorknobs and rusty hinges. But Ellis Ray got tired of opening for business. Apart from my mother, no one ever bought anything. Then one night a tornado came through and demolished Ellis Ray’s and everything inside.
But just because there was no place to go in Pendleton didn’t mean there was nothing to do.
Along with our cousins we’d lie stock-still in the fields pretending we were dead until the crows circled and swooped low over our carcasses. Then we’d pop up shrieking. We’d dig giant trenches and hurl dirt clods at one other, pretending we were soldiers in Vietnam tossing grenades from our foxholes.
If we were really bad, my grandmother threatened to “cut a switch and tan somebody’s hide,” though no stick ever smacked my bottom. She never balked when I asked for the keys to her Ford Fairlane even though I was only 13. I’d head down the road, her dog Bud sitting on his haunches beside me, practicing my driving. There was no way I could hit anything; there was nothing to hit.
At night we’d catch fireflies in Mason jars or dance with sparklers in the front yard.
That was back when Pendleton still had mail delivery. It had home delivery of the Raleigh News and Observer then — or the “News and Disturber,” as people called it whenever its politics diverged with theirs.
These days my mother has to drive to Pendleton’s post office to pick up her mail and magazines each day. Out front there is an American flag, one regular parking space and one handicapped space.
Although her mail gets placed in her box in the lobby, she steps inside to speak with Lillie at the counter, to find out who’s sick and to fret about so many days without rain.
For years my mother has asked me to buy my stamps at Pendleton’s post office to boost business so it wouldn’t be shut down.
Maybe now that it has been targeted for closure, Lillie will have a run on stamps for a letter-writing campaign. But even if every household in Pendleton wrote to save it, that would be only about 400 letters.
So I imagine that sometime next year, when my mother is 83, she’ll start driving a few miles farther to Conway, the next town, where she already goes to buy the newspaper, do her banking and pick up the cat food she forgot to buy in Murfreesboro.
And what will remain in Pendleton?
The sound of the freight train passing by at dusk. Fireflies in summer. And the stars — millions of brilliant stars — that fill the sky each night.
I bet most people in Washington have no idea how many stars are up there.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Milwaukee State Fair Riots
Is this a preview of Charlotte's DNC 2012? Milwaukee's demographic closely mirror Charlotte in many ways.
Except in Milwaukee city and local law enforcement officials speak openly and honestly with the media about what happened:
Sheriff David Clarke on State Fair Race Riot by justin-earl
Except in Milwaukee city and local law enforcement officials speak openly and honestly with the media about what happened:
Sheriff David Clarke on State Fair Race Riot by justin-earl
In Case You Missed It
He has legendary crooner, Frank Sinatra's blue eyes, and some people say his voice too. Meet Gary Russo, a 50-year-old construction worker on New York's 2nd Avenue subway line. For the past few weeks Russo has been serenading New Yorkers during his lunch break to give them a moment of ease from the city's noise. Honing his talents in front of a mirror, Russo decided one day to bring his karaoke machine to work and start singing.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Sunday's Check This Out!
Tommy Tomlinson - Writes about Inertia, its a good read and won't slow down your Sunday.
"Routines become habits, and habits become ruts that run so deep it's hard to see out. When inertia kicks in, your mind clicks over to autopilot. You could live your life blindfolded. You know exactly where to go." More here.
Cedar's Take - Tomlinson is a treasure, I wish he'd drop some weight as I worry about his health.
I wonder about people like this - "You imagine yourself as a legitimate news outlet but you're just posting unfiltered misinformation from the victim's distraught family members. Your problems go far deeper than a simple reluctance to spell check..."
I don't imagine anything. Cedar Posts runs along most days with 500 or so visitors and 800 page views. On average there are 4 comments for every post. Every once and a while there is a spike in the numbers. Sometimes I know why sometimes I don't.
Comparing Cedar Posts to the Charlotte Observer's 100,000 plus vists everyday and well, that is less than 1%. I have no illusions of grandness.
What I do know is that main stream media is a mess. They have stayed in their comfy world of pressers and stock images too long and the public is looking for a source of information outside of mainstream and a forum for discussion of news on a more relevant scale.
Harper's SouthPark - If you haven't checked out the 3 interactive booths at Harper's you are missing out. T1 Visions of Huntersville has installed the systems sometime ago, which feature interactive menus, games, news and more. The cool stuff is also over at Cowfish SouthPark. All that is missing is a PacMac game.
Provided
Cedar's Take: Harper's is still SouthPark's best deal. Going on year 20 the restaurant is comfortable like a well worn pair of jeans.
Then there is Desi our server. Ha! She's as cute as they come and one of the best. Attentive but not intrusive. Desi rolled right along with Cedar's dry sense of humor Saturday night. While the interactive menu feature is trendy and cutting edge it will not replace Desi.
Bounus - Cedar has been going to Harper's since it opened in 1992. Which was before Desi was born. I suddenly feel old.
Tweet of the Week - From @SnoopDogg "US Economy downgraded #getyomoneyright"
Cedar's Take and Tweet - Obama adopts "Oh No You didn't!" after S&P hijacks Obama "Yes We Can" slogan.
Proof Pakistan Is No Deterrent to Terrorism - 14 Pakistani soldiers were killed when they fired a mortar to try and repel a group of militants but accidentally hit themselves, a government official said.
The incident occurred when the soldiers were traveling in a convoy of three vehicles Monday night near the village of Akakhel in Khyber Agency, said Roshan Khan, a government official in the agency.
Militants fired on the convoy with machine guns and a soldier responded by firing a mortar. Somehow the mortar landed among the soldiers, killing them, Khan said.
Seriously do we need any better reason to cut of funding to Pakistan?
"Routines become habits, and habits become ruts that run so deep it's hard to see out. When inertia kicks in, your mind clicks over to autopilot. You could live your life blindfolded. You know exactly where to go." More here.
Cedar's Take - Tomlinson is a treasure, I wish he'd drop some weight as I worry about his health.
I wonder about people like this - "You imagine yourself as a legitimate news outlet but you're just posting unfiltered misinformation from the victim's distraught family members. Your problems go far deeper than a simple reluctance to spell check..."
I don't imagine anything. Cedar Posts runs along most days with 500 or so visitors and 800 page views. On average there are 4 comments for every post. Every once and a while there is a spike in the numbers. Sometimes I know why sometimes I don't.
Comparing Cedar Posts to the Charlotte Observer's 100,000 plus vists everyday and well, that is less than 1%. I have no illusions of grandness.
What I do know is that main stream media is a mess. They have stayed in their comfy world of pressers and stock images too long and the public is looking for a source of information outside of mainstream and a forum for discussion of news on a more relevant scale.
Harper's SouthPark - If you haven't checked out the 3 interactive booths at Harper's you are missing out. T1 Visions of Huntersville has installed the systems sometime ago, which feature interactive menus, games, news and more. The cool stuff is also over at Cowfish SouthPark. All that is missing is a PacMac game.
Provided
Cedar's Take: Harper's is still SouthPark's best deal. Going on year 20 the restaurant is comfortable like a well worn pair of jeans.
Then there is Desi our server. Ha! She's as cute as they come and one of the best. Attentive but not intrusive. Desi rolled right along with Cedar's dry sense of humor Saturday night. While the interactive menu feature is trendy and cutting edge it will not replace Desi.
Bounus - Cedar has been going to Harper's since it opened in 1992. Which was before Desi was born. I suddenly feel old.
Tweet of the Week - From @SnoopDogg "US Economy downgraded #getyomoneyright"
Cedar's Take and Tweet - Obama adopts "Oh No You didn't!" after S&P hijacks Obama "Yes We Can" slogan.
Proof Pakistan Is No Deterrent to Terrorism - 14 Pakistani soldiers were killed when they fired a mortar to try and repel a group of militants but accidentally hit themselves, a government official said.
The incident occurred when the soldiers were traveling in a convoy of three vehicles Monday night near the village of Akakhel in Khyber Agency, said Roshan Khan, a government official in the agency.
Militants fired on the convoy with machine guns and a soldier responded by firing a mortar. Somehow the mortar landed among the soldiers, killing them, Khan said.
Seriously do we need any better reason to cut of funding to Pakistan?
Friday, August 5, 2011
3 Dumb Crooks and Swift Water Justice
In a story perfect for MSM 3 would be shoplifters picked the wrong day to steal from a Burlington Coat Factory store in Charlotte, NC.
In the end one was arrested, one died and one was still missing and/or on the loose late Friday night.
Gracie Johnson Deceased
The offical CMPD press release is below and the Charlotte Observer story is here.
Detectives with the Missing Persons and Homicide Units of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are conducting a death investigation near the 2200 block of Crown Point Executive Drive. The call for service came in at 2:21 p.m., Friday, August 5, 2011. The victim has been identified as Gracie Nell Johnson, DOB: 01/26/1968.
Independence Division officers received a call for service in reference to a larceny call from 2516 North Sardis Road/Independence Boulevard at the Burlington Coat Factory. Upon their arrival, one subject was secured in custody, while the other two subjects fled the scene. A loss prevention employee ran after the subjects on foot. A short time later, it was discovered that the store employee and the two unknown subjects had entered the creek behind the business park. Charlotte Fire Department was called to begin a swift water rescue of the missing subjects. The employee made it out of the creek and advised officers and fire personnel of the last sighting of the two subjects. After a brief search, one of the subjects was located in the creek, deceased. The search still continues for the remaining subject.
CMPD’s Canine Unit and Civil Emergency Unit were called to assist with the search efforts as well. Crime Scene Search responded to both locations to process the scene and collect physical evidence.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Terry Brandon is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. For additional information, reference CMPD complaint number 2011-0806-142103.
In the end one was arrested, one died and one was still missing and/or on the loose late Friday night.
Gracie Johnson Deceased
The offical CMPD press release is below and the Charlotte Observer story is here.
Detectives with the Missing Persons and Homicide Units of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department are conducting a death investigation near the 2200 block of Crown Point Executive Drive. The call for service came in at 2:21 p.m., Friday, August 5, 2011. The victim has been identified as Gracie Nell Johnson, DOB: 01/26/1968.
Independence Division officers received a call for service in reference to a larceny call from 2516 North Sardis Road/Independence Boulevard at the Burlington Coat Factory. Upon their arrival, one subject was secured in custody, while the other two subjects fled the scene. A loss prevention employee ran after the subjects on foot. A short time later, it was discovered that the store employee and the two unknown subjects had entered the creek behind the business park. Charlotte Fire Department was called to begin a swift water rescue of the missing subjects. The employee made it out of the creek and advised officers and fire personnel of the last sighting of the two subjects. After a brief search, one of the subjects was located in the creek, deceased. The search still continues for the remaining subject.
CMPD’s Canine Unit and Civil Emergency Unit were called to assist with the search efforts as well. Crime Scene Search responded to both locations to process the scene and collect physical evidence.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit Detective. Detective Terry Brandon is the lead detective assigned to the case. In addition, you may also call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. For additional information, reference CMPD complaint number 2011-0806-142103.
Killer Barry Long Walks
Last year Barry Long shot and killed a co-worker at a party in the eastern part of Mecklenburg County. According to witnesses Long pulled a gun and fired five times at William "Britton" Twitty who was trying to drive away from a night long argument.
Recently Long's original court date came and went with none of the fan fair of more sensational murder trials. According to a post attributed to Britton's mother the DA's office had no witnesses or offered any sworn testimony in the short hearing that was held. According to Britton's mother the only people there were Barry and his brother. An hour later Long walked out of the Mecklenburg County Court House.
According to Mecklenburg County ADA Rob Corbett Long claimed self defense and they didn't have enough evidence to prove otherwise. Corbett when on to say "it was a difficult desision".
Barry Long had been free on bond and Mecklenburg County DA's office filed a dismissal on October 28, 2010.
Surprising that there were no reporters or news trucks, no mobs of protesters with sign pleading justice for Twitty. In fact no coverage at all.
In the end a killer is free and the family of William Britton Twitty is left with nothing more than the hollow words of Barry Long: "I am sorry".
WBTV's report from July of last year is here.
Recently Long's original court date came and went with none of the fan fair of more sensational murder trials. According to a post attributed to Britton's mother the DA's office had no witnesses or offered any sworn testimony in the short hearing that was held. According to Britton's mother the only people there were Barry and his brother. An hour later Long walked out of the Mecklenburg County Court House.
According to Mecklenburg County ADA Rob Corbett Long claimed self defense and they didn't have enough evidence to prove otherwise. Corbett when on to say "it was a difficult desision".
Barry Long had been free on bond and Mecklenburg County DA's office filed a dismissal on October 28, 2010.
Surprising that there were no reporters or news trucks, no mobs of protesters with sign pleading justice for Twitty. In fact no coverage at all.
In the end a killer is free and the family of William Britton Twitty is left with nothing more than the hollow words of Barry Long: "I am sorry".
WBTV's report from July of last year is here.
CMPD Blue Hornets Nearly Skunk The Charlotte Fire Department
Major kudos to the Blue Hornets for taking the first "Chief's Cup" 13-1 last Saturday. The event raised more the $1,600.00 to benfit CMPD and CFD officers and firefighters injured in the line of duty.
Blue Hornets Jeff Lang, Chuck Bolduc, Scott Sweatt, Zac Parnell, Brandon Ottelin, Jess Keating Stewart, Justin Spindler, Wes Propst, Brad Dunn, Justin Davies, Louis Rango Jr., Mitch Reedy, and Vaughn Pauls pose for a team photo with the trophy and some guy they keep calling Webster.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
CMPD Brass Blink
CMPD Members,
I am pleased to inform you that your hard work has not gone unrecognized. In this Friday’s payroll (Aug. 5), you will receive a 1 % lump sum compensation adjustment based on your annual compensation. I along with the City Manager wish there was more to be given. However, there is one thing that cannot be denied, and that is your commitment to serving the citizens of our city/county. Although tough times remain on the horizon, every effort will be made to identify ways to fairly compensate your dedicated and hard work.
The adjustment is a portion of budget cost savings that are being shared with you. I encourage you to read the attached memo from City Manager Curt Walton for further details. I also want to echo Manager Walton by saying we appreciate all you do for CMPD and the City of Charlotte. Great job!
Sincerely,
Rodney Monroe
Chief of Police
Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Police Department
"Without a sense of urgency, desire loses it's value." -Jim Rohn
I am pleased to inform you that your hard work has not gone unrecognized. In this Friday’s payroll (Aug. 5), you will receive a 1 % lump sum compensation adjustment based on your annual compensation. I along with the City Manager wish there was more to be given. However, there is one thing that cannot be denied, and that is your commitment to serving the citizens of our city/county. Although tough times remain on the horizon, every effort will be made to identify ways to fairly compensate your dedicated and hard work.
The adjustment is a portion of budget cost savings that are being shared with you. I encourage you to read the attached memo from City Manager Curt Walton for further details. I also want to echo Manager Walton by saying we appreciate all you do for CMPD and the City of Charlotte. Great job!
Sincerely,
Rodney Monroe
Chief of Police
Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Police Department
"Without a sense of urgency, desire loses it's value." -Jim Rohn
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Coyotes In South Charlotte?
A couple of Coyotes were spotted this morning along the Piper Glen Golf Course near Rea Road in South Charlotte. An email alert sent out this afternoon stated the Coyotes were spotted along the 9th Fairway near the TPC Club House and that the Coyotes had killed a small deer.
Not surprising since the TPC at Piper Glen course runs along the Four Mile Creek Greenway. The Greenway provides the perfect habitat for the carnivores. The area has shelter, water and an abundant food source from nearby homes as well as rabbits, mice and other small animals.
Early morning and later evening users of the Greenway should beware of coyotes.
According to the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission:
The coyote is named from the Aztec word, coyotl, which means “barking dog,” and is a familiar figure as “the trickster” in many Native American stories. The coyote is native only in North America and, of all wild canine species, the coyote has the widest range in this country. This predator is arguably the hardiest and most adaptable species on this continent.
Coyotes in North Carolina look similar to red wolves, but coyotes are smaller, have pointed and erect ears, and long slender snouts. The tail is long, bushy and black-tipped and is usually carried pointing down. Color is typically dark gray but can range from blonde, red, and even black. Size is also variable, but averages about 2' tall at the shoulder and 4' in length.
The Coyote should not be confused with Fox which are abundant in Mecklenburg County. Fox are normally shy and solitary, we as Coyote are curious and usually are seen in pairs as they mate for life.
Coyotes have been known to target small dogs and cats. Effectively "casing" a property many times before moving in for the kill.
Cedar's Take:
If you have a small dog like Mrs. Cedar's 4 pound Yorkie you need to "walk the dog" not just turn it out to do it's business, even if you have a fenced in yard. Many a small dog has disappeared in South Charlotte and Coyotes are the usual suspects.
Keep in mind that your presence might scare off a Coyote but your dog's flight instinct while off leash will be his/her undoing. Don't expect your fluff ball to run to you when it see a Coyote. Coyotes like the cartoon character Wile E. Coyote are relentless pursuers. So Muffy and Mittens are toast!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
CMPD Major Vicki Foster Goes to the Head of the Class and Cashes In
There has been a steady flow of questions regarding the lack of promotion announcements and pay raises at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department.
While CMPD officers struggle to meet their personal expenses, a few of the command staff are pulling in big bucks.
Data complied by the Charlotte Observer shows an amazing disparity in salaries among CMPD Majors with Veronica Foster's base nearly 10% higher than all CMPD Majors, many who have stronger backgrounds and considerably more years of service.
Foster, Veronica D $109,500
Anselmo, Diego O $100,619
Danchess, T J $100,619
Diggs, John D $100,619
Greene, Dale A $100,619
Williams, R F $100,619
Selvey, Cameron R $100,619
Gallant, Douglas E $98,642
Leonard, George A $98,642
Pearsall, Sherie E $98,642
Neimeyer, Glen A $98,642
Zinkann III, Paul J $98,642
Levins, Paul E $97,844
The above numbers do not reflect bonuses, or perks such as take home cars or secondary employment income.
Deputy Chief salaries are more uniform with Kerr Putney receiving a little more than 5% over his counterparts.
Putney, Kerr Y $118,036
Medlock, Harold E $112,785
Story, Ruth A $112,785
Graue, Katrina T $112,785
While no one wants to micro manage Charlotte's Police Department payroll there are questions that never seem to get a straight answer. Such as, what are the criteria for merit pay raises, for bonuses, and for promotions. Where are the promotion announcements that normally would have been made a month ago.
CMPD's rank and file are being asked to absorb a massive health insurance increases this year with family coverage soaring to more the $600.00 per month. Don't you think our officers have a right to expect some fairness in how promotions and pay raises are handed out?
Cedar Posts emailed Rob Trufano seeking explanation regarding Major Foster's exceptional pay and as expected nothing but crickets.
CMPD's Command Staff salary, perks, benefits and retirement costs come in at more than 5 million a year. That would sure put a lot on boots on the street or better yet reduce the financial stress many officers feel at the end of every month.
Tuesday Odds and Ends
It's one hell of a mess
Cedar Posts has been in Charleston for the last week, dealing with the boat business and trying to keep an up beat smile while working through some heart ache.
One of Cedar's Captains, Lucas Smith was killed along with one of our stews, a little more than a week ago. The Post and Courier story is here. Lucas and I have been friends for nearly a decade, he'll be missed, and every time I hear someone say "Brother" I'll think of him.
The trouble at hand is how to sort out the many commitments we've made to clients while the powers that be, shut down his business.
Trust me its ugly.
The FAA's Preliminary Accident Report is here.
Ken Burger
On the plus side I've had time to enjoy Charleston a little more than usual. In doing so I've read the Charleston Post and Courier more in the past week than I have so far this year. It really is a great newspaper made by some great people.
One such person is Ken Burger who wrote his last column this past week. You might recall Cedar's challenge that cost me $100.00 last summer. Ken turned the tables on my challenge and made me laugh so hard I almost spit coffee.
Ken Burger sits down with the staff of Jack's Cafe at 41 George Street Charleston.
Ken's final column is here and my post from last year here.
CMPD Chief Monroe issues a statement on "Mandatory" yearbook photos
Chief Monroe
Charlotte's Chief of Police Rodney Monroe did a 180 late Monday evening, stating that the yearbook photos are now NOT mandatory. The chief cited "a few complaints". Cedar Posts would describe it more like a phalanx of complaints.
Trial date set in fake testicles case
From the Charleston Post and Courier: The trial for the case of the fake plastic testicles is set for 10 a.m. Sept. 21.
That's assuming a judge does not dismiss the case before then, Charleston attorney Scott Bischoff said today.
He's representing Virginia Tice, who got a $445 ticket after she pulled her pickup into a gas station with big red fake plastic testicles hanging from the rear.
Police Chief Franco Fuda gave her the ticket, saying she had violated the state's obscene bumper sticker law.
The law says a sticker, decal, emblem, or device is indecent when it describes "in a patently offensive way, as determined by contemporary community standards, sexual acts, excretory functions, or parts of the human body." The rest of the story is here.
Family Dollar shoplifter sentenced to 20 years in prison
From the Charlotte Observer: A Lancaster man with a history of shoplifting was handed down a 20-year prison sentence after a trial in a York County courtroom.
Donald Ray Altman, 48, received the sentence after being found guilty of shoplifting, four counts of possession of stolen goods and altering a license tag, according to a release from the 16th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The rest of the story is here.
Boy, 14, arrested after urinating in public
Also from the Charlotte Observer: A Rock Hill teen playing basketball was arrested after he took a bathroom break in nearby bushes.
A resident of Gentle Breeze Lane alerted authorities Saturday night to a teen who urinated near his house, according to a Rock Hill police report.
Police talked to the boy, 14, who was playing basketball near that man’s house around 7:50 p.m.
He admitted to relieving himself in the bushes near the house but didn’t think he did anything wrong. He told officers he thought it was OK to use the bathroom in public since he was covered, the report states.
Police charged the teen with public disorderly conduct and took him home. He was released to his mother and issued a summons to appear in court.
The Cow
The Coburg Cow has been a part of my Charleston life since I was born. Mrs. Cedar loves Coburg Chocolate Milk and so and trip to Charleston requires a cooler for two things "fresh shrimp" and Coburg Chocolate Milk.
It's just better than anything we have in Charlotte. This week the Coburg name will fade into our dusty memories and the story is here.
Death Zone
The Post and Courier has done a number of stories on the high accident rate along I-26 between Summerville and I-95. Now the State DOT is going to try to fix what's wrong with the highway. Their solution is here and its also a fail.
Cedar's Take:
The trouble is not with the road but the truckers who drive based on their "floscan" read outs and not the speed limit. They creep past each other blocking both lanes for miles at a time. This causes a temporary traffic log jam behind them. It is this log jab that causes drivers to jockey for position and often a sudden slow down in traffic a mile or more behind the trucks.
Suddenly finding the cars in front of them driving 20 miles an hour slower the surprised driver swerves off the road and strikes the trees. Game over!
Note: It is better to hit the car in front of you going 50 than the tree that is parked.
Cedar Posts has been in Charleston for the last week, dealing with the boat business and trying to keep an up beat smile while working through some heart ache.
One of Cedar's Captains, Lucas Smith was killed along with one of our stews, a little more than a week ago. The Post and Courier story is here. Lucas and I have been friends for nearly a decade, he'll be missed, and every time I hear someone say "Brother" I'll think of him.
The trouble at hand is how to sort out the many commitments we've made to clients while the powers that be, shut down his business.
Trust me its ugly.
The FAA's Preliminary Accident Report is here.
Ken Burger
On the plus side I've had time to enjoy Charleston a little more than usual. In doing so I've read the Charleston Post and Courier more in the past week than I have so far this year. It really is a great newspaper made by some great people.
One such person is Ken Burger who wrote his last column this past week. You might recall Cedar's challenge that cost me $100.00 last summer. Ken turned the tables on my challenge and made me laugh so hard I almost spit coffee.
Ken Burger sits down with the staff of Jack's Cafe at 41 George Street Charleston.
Ken's final column is here and my post from last year here.
CMPD Chief Monroe issues a statement on "Mandatory" yearbook photos
Chief Monroe
Charlotte's Chief of Police Rodney Monroe did a 180 late Monday evening, stating that the yearbook photos are now NOT mandatory. The chief cited "a few complaints". Cedar Posts would describe it more like a phalanx of complaints.
Trial date set in fake testicles case
From the Charleston Post and Courier: The trial for the case of the fake plastic testicles is set for 10 a.m. Sept. 21.
That's assuming a judge does not dismiss the case before then, Charleston attorney Scott Bischoff said today.
He's representing Virginia Tice, who got a $445 ticket after she pulled her pickup into a gas station with big red fake plastic testicles hanging from the rear.
Police Chief Franco Fuda gave her the ticket, saying she had violated the state's obscene bumper sticker law.
The law says a sticker, decal, emblem, or device is indecent when it describes "in a patently offensive way, as determined by contemporary community standards, sexual acts, excretory functions, or parts of the human body." The rest of the story is here.
Family Dollar shoplifter sentenced to 20 years in prison
From the Charlotte Observer: A Lancaster man with a history of shoplifting was handed down a 20-year prison sentence after a trial in a York County courtroom.
Donald Ray Altman, 48, received the sentence after being found guilty of shoplifting, four counts of possession of stolen goods and altering a license tag, according to a release from the 16th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. The rest of the story is here.
Boy, 14, arrested after urinating in public
Also from the Charlotte Observer: A Rock Hill teen playing basketball was arrested after he took a bathroom break in nearby bushes.
A resident of Gentle Breeze Lane alerted authorities Saturday night to a teen who urinated near his house, according to a Rock Hill police report.
Police talked to the boy, 14, who was playing basketball near that man’s house around 7:50 p.m.
He admitted to relieving himself in the bushes near the house but didn’t think he did anything wrong. He told officers he thought it was OK to use the bathroom in public since he was covered, the report states.
Police charged the teen with public disorderly conduct and took him home. He was released to his mother and issued a summons to appear in court.
The Cow
The Coburg Cow has been a part of my Charleston life since I was born. Mrs. Cedar loves Coburg Chocolate Milk and so and trip to Charleston requires a cooler for two things "fresh shrimp" and Coburg Chocolate Milk.
It's just better than anything we have in Charlotte. This week the Coburg name will fade into our dusty memories and the story is here.
Death Zone
The Post and Courier has done a number of stories on the high accident rate along I-26 between Summerville and I-95. Now the State DOT is going to try to fix what's wrong with the highway. Their solution is here and its also a fail.
Cedar's Take:
The trouble is not with the road but the truckers who drive based on their "floscan" read outs and not the speed limit. They creep past each other blocking both lanes for miles at a time. This causes a temporary traffic log jam behind them. It is this log jab that causes drivers to jockey for position and often a sudden slow down in traffic a mile or more behind the trucks.
Suddenly finding the cars in front of them driving 20 miles an hour slower the surprised driver swerves off the road and strikes the trees. Game over!
Note: It is better to hit the car in front of you going 50 than the tree that is parked.
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