Chalmer Harper

If you missed it today...

2008-09-10T12:12:00.004-04:00

Steven Curtis Chapman was featured on CBS Early Show today in a wonderful and moving piece.

Then, it was followed by the first public performance of Cinderella-- since tragedy struck the family...

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4434608n

Bring the tissues...

CH

Is that..Nooo, surely not...

2008-09-03T15:14:00.007-04:00

Every time I see Sarah Palin on TV or a picture up on a news story, it never ceases to amaze me how much she looks like Tina Fey! It's almost uncanny. Actually, I wouldn't doubt it if Saturday Night Live invites Tina to be a part of their season opener with Michael Phelps to do a cameo as Sarah Palin...I'm thinking maybe a commentary on Weekend update...hmmmmmm...

CH

Rock Star

2008-08-07T17:02:00.002-04:00

It's been a little while coming, but I got the chance to play with Decemberadio a couple of time in Nashville. This video is from the first night at a place called the Rutledge.

This was truly a memorable event! One I will never forget-- Thanks for letting me share.

Thanks to Chris for placing this up online.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=o1QlxQasXXg

Thoughts and Prayers

2008-07-28T15:43:00.004-04:00

You may have read about all the terrible things that happened in Knoxville yesterday. Your thoughts and prayers for the victims, their families, and all those affected by the tragedy are much appreciated.

Send Cards and Prayer Support to:

2831 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN 37919

Praying for God's comfort and peace to surround them, now and forever more...

CH

This Weekend

2008-06-10T16:08:00.002-04:00

Meredith, Jay, and I will be headed to help defeat ALS this weekend.

What is ALS? This is from the ALS Association:

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually lead to their death.

We are walking in memory of a dear friend of Meredith's, Keri Brown Still-daughter, wife, mother, and beloved sister to the world in which she excelled. Keri lost her life too early in a battle with the disease. You may read her full story here.

So we walk...In addition to Keri's story, we walk because....

Every 90 minutes a person in this country is diagnosed with ALS and every 90 minutes another person will lose his or her life from the disease. The Walk to Defeat ALSTM offers an exciting, empowering opportunity for patients, family members, friends, companies and organizations across the country to raise significant funds to support comprehensive patient service programs and cutting-edge research. By participating in area Walks, both walkers and donors directly impact the lives of those affected by ALS as well as spread awareness for this devastating disease and the urgent need to find treatments and a cure. Walking is a great, visible way to tell others that you support the fight against ALS.

We hope you will join us in prayer, education, and you are welcome to make a donation to our walk by following the link below and searching our names (Meredith or Chalmer Harper:)

http://walknc.alsa.org

Thanks! Together, we really do make a difference.

Go Team Keri!
CH

A New Set of Rules

2008-06-06T16:06:00.007-04:00

AWESOME!

Please read and heed the "Ten Commandments of Cell Phone Use"

1. Thou shalt not subject defenseless others to cell phone conversations. When people cannot escape the banality of your conversation, such as on the bus, in a cab, on a grounded airplane, or at the dinner table, you should spare them. People around you should have the option of not listening. If they don't, you shouldn't be babbling.

2. Thou shalt not set thy ringer to play La Cucaracha every time thy phone rings. Or Beethoven's Fifth, or the Bee Gees, or any other annoying melody. Is it not enough that phones go off every other second? Now we have to listen to synthesized nonsense?

3. Thou shalt turn thy cell phone off during public performances. I'm not even sure this one needs to be said, but given the repeated violations of this heretofore unwritten law, I felt compelled to include it.

4. Thou shalt not wear more than two wireless devices on thy belt. This hasn't become a big problem yet. But with plenty of techno-jockeys sporting pagers and phones, Batman-esque utility belts are sure to follow. Let's nip this one in the bud.

5. Thou shalt not dial while driving. In all seriousness, this madness has to stop. There are enough people in the world who have problems mastering vehicles and phones individually. Put them together and we have a serious health hazard on our hands.

6. Thou shalt not wear thy earpiece when thou art not on thy phone. This is not unlike being on the phone and carrying on another conversation with someone who is physically in your presence. No one knows if you are here or there. Very disturbing.

7. Thou shalt not speak louder on thy cell phone than thou would on any other phone. These things have incredibly sensitive microphones, and it's gotten to the point where I can tell if someone is calling me from a cell because of the way they are talking, not how it sounds. If your signal cuts out, speaking louder won't help, unless the person is actually within earshot.

8. Thou shalt not grow too attached to thy cell phone. For obvious reasons, a dependency on constant communication is not healthy. At work, go nuts. At home, give it a rest.

9. Thou shalt not attempt to impress with thy cell phone. Not only is using a cell phone no longer impressive in any way (unless it's one of those really cool new phones with the space age design.)

10. Thou shalt not slam thy cell phone down on a restaurant table just in case it rings. This is not the Old West, and you are not a gunslinger sitting down to a game of poker in the saloon. Could you please be a little less conspicuous? If it rings, you'll hear it just as well if it's in your coat pocket or clipped on your belt.

Now that you have seen, you are responsible :)
CH

PS- Wish I wrote these, but I didn't. I found them here : http://www.infoworld.com/articles/op/xml/00/05/26/000526opwireless.html

PPS- If you are looking for the cute video of Lilly Kate and Jay...or to vote for Jay for the Cover Model search...just look below. Thanks! :)

New Buddy

2008-06-06T14:13:00.003-04:00

There is nothing like getting two babies together! We had a great time getting to know Lilly Kate and her family today. Jay and Lilly Kate were having fun holding each other's hand and smiling at each other. The video only shows a teenie tiny bit of the two of them holding hands, but a video with two babies is hard to resist.

Enjoy this 10 seconds of total cuteness.

Have a great weekend!
CH

Jay Harper for Cover Model

2008-06-04T10:07:00.008-04:00

I feel kind of weird doing this, because I'm sure that your kids are amazingly beautiful, too. BUT...we need your help...or your votes!

Meredith and I think that Jay takes great pictures!

So great, that we think he should be the cover model for Parents Magazine.

Please go to:

http://www.parents.com/app/sharemy/photoDetails.jsp?photoId=196100158

and recommend his pictures--you can recommend each picture (all 6.) It takes one click--at the top where it says recommend--and you may recommend him once a day!

Please tell everyone you know to do the same (even forward this message,) and we could see him as a cover boy! Hot dog!!! (That's Jay's favorite song...it's the song at the end of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.)

Thanks for your support of our little guy,
CH

Days of Compassion

2008-06-03T16:52:00.006-04:00

My wife, Meredith, our son, Jay, and I sponsor a little boy named, Rolando, in Bolivia through Compassion International. It is a wonderful organization, and we get a chance to tell you more and more about it, June 24th and 25th.

88.3 WCQR is holding two 'Days of Compassion' and we are looking for your help to sponsor children (with a focus in Thailand.) To bear witness to the amazing things that are happening with the children of Thailand through Compassion, WCQR's Underwriting Director, Randy Pierce and his wife, Paige, are there this week!!

As a matter of fact, while they have been there, the Pierce family has expanded to welcome in a new little girl...

She's soooo beautiful, and we don't even know her name yet...but what's in a name. What matters is that she is now family, and we will love her...and love her... :) The story behind this wonderful adoption is to come.

I'm excited! Don't forget, June 24th and 25th from 6am til 6pm on 88.3 WCQR!

Grace and Peace,
CH

300

2008-05-29T07:09:00.003-04:00

Not the movie...Today is my 300th post, according to my blogger counter!!!

300!!300!!300!!300!!300!!300!!300!!300!!300!!300!!300!!300!!300!!300!!300!!300!!300!!300!!

Okay, got that off my chest...now for a fun story to go along with the excitement of the 300th post.

Memorial Day, Meredith and I hosted a cook out, and the skies didn't look like thy were going to hold out. The company was going to be a great mix of adults and kids, so we knew we had to keep everyone occupied, especially if it was going to rain.

So, we started talking about what to do. We have board games, and we also have a Nintendo Wii. Well, this was the perfect excuse to get a new Wii game. We haven't spent much on it, after all, but if people need to be entertained...then, it will be money well spent.

We decided to go to game stop to see if they had the new Wii Fit game in stock. Wii Fit is this exercise "game" that has something called a Balance Board...and it teaches you great posture, good exercise habits, and more...without it seeming like you are exercising. It had hit the stores just a few days before, and they have been wildly popular. We didn't know if anyone would have one, but it never hurts to see. Plus, people needed us to have it :)

Game Stop was the first place we went. They had all sorts of displays for it. However, they were nothing more than displays. Just empty boxes with empty promises...okay, I won't go that far. The guy working was really nice, and let us know when the shipments would come in, and that we could check, because you aren't allowed to reserve them. Meredith and I started talking. No Wii Fit! We might have to get something else. Guitar Hero?!?! Cranium Kabooki?!?! We could have gotten a great deal on Guitar Hero. It just didn't seem right, though, because that wasn't what we wanted. We decided to leave the games there, and head home.

On the way back, though, we were getting ready to pass Blockbuster. The thought occurred to me that not many people think about Blockbuster being the place that you can "purchase" new games. It was worth the shot to see. So, Meredith runs in to talk to the workers. What a fun story!

Turns out, they had ONE left in store. However, it had one of the employees' name on it. The lady working said, "It's been here for a week, though. He should've already bought it if he was going to get it. I'll sell it to you." Meredith didn't want to just take it, so the lady text the guy about it. After a few minutes, the text came back with "Go ahead and sell it."

So, you are reading about two of the newest owners of a Wii Fit!!!! It didn't rain, but a lot of the kids and adults still played on the new contraption. Meredith is doing great on it, and I...well, I still need to set up my profile. I'll get there. Need to lose some weight anyway...

Have a great day,
CH

This Morning

2008-05-22T08:36:00.003-04:00

...I was so ready to talk with you about how exciting it was that David Cook won American Idol, and how the state of Tennessee is ranked number 2 in the nation for the most people who will text message when behind the wheel (Not that I have ever done that... :)

However, I arrived at the studio with some heavy hearted news that when I found out...my heart just sank, and there was this pit in my stomach. I just can't fathom that loss. Here is the report that I received...

At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Thursday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Children's Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters.

The news came later that the car was driven by one of the Chapman sons...and seriously, on the verge of tears, I prayed for the family. I have only met Steven twice in my lifetime, but he is very kind and genuine. You feel like you've known him for such a long time when you are face to face with him. So, along with so many today, I continue to pray for our friends (our family) the Chapmans in their loss of their beautiful daughter, and for the heart and mind of their son.

If you, too, are faced with a loss, or just need strength to make it through the day, let me offer these words of encouragement from the Bible.

The Lord has sent me to comfort those who mourn... He sent me to give them flowers in place of their sorrow, olive oil in place of tears, and joyous praise in place of broken hearts.

Isaiah 61:3

Praying,

It's what time?!?!?

2008-05-20T12:46:00.002-04:00

Oh right....4am?!?!?!...I had forgotten that such a time existed. However, it is a time that I will get used to over the next few days. Mike Perry (WCQR's General Manager) is in sunny Florida and Mexico this week on the Music Boat cruise, and I have the distinct privilege to fill in for him.

Honestly, I like the schedule. Getting up early has never bothered me. The tough part is trying to switch my schedule almost immediately from being a semi-night owl to doing nothing of the sort.
Actually, it was pretty funny Sunday night (at least in hindsight,) because I was getting ready to try and go to sleep early...I got in bed, and my eyes would not close!!!! I tried reading, I tried watching TV, I tried taking a shower...nada, zip, zilch, no way, no how...until 11:30.

Then, I jumped up at 4...okay, 4:15 to get ready. Everything was fine, but I was out of coffee!!! Chalmer!!! You know that when you get up that early, coffee is a necessity! Well, it is, unless of course, you stock your fridge with Pepsi Max!!! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!! It's not a full substitute, but it at least got my brain in gear until I could reach the station and brew some coffee. (Yes, I AM the caffeination of America.)

After all that, I have survived...and things will get easier as the week goes along. I do have to say that my caffeinated ways kept me up long enough to finish mowing my yard, fix my lawn mower, and see a ballet recital yesterday. More about that coming soon...

Super cheers for Hot, Brown Water!!! Oh, wait...that's decaf...For God's Liquid Gold!!!
CH

Southern Style

2008-05-15T15:36:00.002-04:00

I think I'm a Yankee...

I grew up near the banks of the Tennessee, Hiwassee, and Ocoee rivers in the Chattanooga/Cleveland, TN areas, but my tastes are not exactly in line with what the "Southern" lifestyle seems to say. I rarely choose Sweet Tea or Southern fried foods...and I've been told by many that I don't say the name of my state correctly. Apparently I say it funny, because I say TEN-EH-SEE..not TIN-UH-SEE. Facebook even says I have a Northeastern Accent. Honestly, I'm not a transplant, just the way my preferences fall.

And then there's one more Case and Point:

Today, is when McDonald's launched it's "Southern Style" chicken biscuit and sandwich promotion. Since they were offering them for FREE, I figured, it would be a good thing to try them out.

So, this morning, I pulled in ordered a coffee and a biscuit. It was good, satisfying and (again) FREE...but...being the Southern style, it had WAY too much pickle taste for my tongue. I think they actually let it soak in pickle juice before they fry it up. I guess that makes it "Southern Style ???" Not my favorite...I'll go for the regular or spicy chicken biscuit...hold the pickle.

Then, I know I tried the biscuit, but the sandwich intrigued me...was it going to be the same thing? Something a little different? It's still FREE food. So, I jumped on the bandwagon...hopped into the Drive-Thru line and ordered a sandwich. Now the sandwich WAS a bit different- the chicken didn't have as much of the pickle taste as my biscuit. However, it had a mound of pickles right smack in the middle!!! I think my face wrinkled up like a kid having a lemon for the first time. I wasn't expecting it at all! I thought maybe 2 pickles ...like Chick-Fil-A or their burgers, but NOOOO...there were at least 5 to 6 pickles. After that inital bite, I set aside my pickles and ate the rest. Much better.

So, there you have it...If you like Chick-Fil-A chicken, or pickles...chances are you will enjoy the new "Southern Style" chicken offerings. If you're a yankee like me (in taste buds at least,) then, you might be better off getting something different. Like a grilled chicken sandwich..no mayo!! HA!

A Yankee in Dixieland Court,
CH

Random Musing

2008-05-12T16:36:00.004-04:00

"For all your goodness, I will always say, 'Thank You." --33 Miles

That's what is playing over the radio right now, and as I received some incredible news today about a good friend. Great song of praise!

I am not at liberty to say what that good news necessarily, but after lots, and lots and lots of prayers...and a seeming wilderness. A wonderful answer came!

I really wish I knew the magic formula for answered prayers...but then, again that would be a bit selfish...and a little silly, because my desire is not someone else's desire....and it may not be in line with God's heart. But the feeling is amazing to see how God opens doors, closes others, and still sends a little breeze through a window to show there is always a way through.

If you're waiting on prayers to be answered, I know God will be faithful in answering them. The answer will come. Keep your eyes peeled, and your heart open.

Praying God's Best for you and yours,
CH

I'm biased but...

2008-05-07T16:46:00.002-04:00

...I think my son is cute.

CH

Bad Daddy

2008-05-06T17:15:00.002-04:00

Big UH OH last night in my adventures in Fatherhood...

I went to pick up Jay from a restaurant where my wife was having a meeting for her Direct Sell business, Partylite. Jay was ready to go, and they were really starting the meeting, so my wife, Meredith, and I did not get a chance to discuss any of the details for the evening.

I grabbed the diaper bag and my son, and we took off for home! Well, we were traveling down 11E and Jay seemed a little frustrated that he was in his car seat. However, at almost 10 months old, what do you expect? He has bee wanting to crawl around and explore more and more each day. So, we get into Greeneville, and the two of us decide to do a little shopping for Mommy...especially since the BIG DAY is coming up on Sunday.

He's still awake, and really he was so excited to get out of the car. So, we went and found Mommy some good gifts. We went straight home after that. I changed him. We fed the dogs. We walked the dogs, and we were getting settled in when Mommy called.

"Hey, is Jay still awake?"

"Yeah, he's a little restless." (But that's normal when he's with Daddy alone...he like to stay up a bit more.)

"Well, what did you feed him?"

(BIG, LONG, PAUSE....)

"I didn't...I thought that.."

And the rest is history! I forgot to feed my son dinner!!!! Now, he nursed, but I forgot to give him solids!!! I feel so bad as a father. I didn't provide for my son. Not a good thing.

However, he's fine, and made it through the night...Needless to say, I gave him a really good, large, and filling breakfast.

CH

Cinderella

2008-04-15T15:27:00.004-04:00

You might have recently heard the latest "story song" from our good friend, Steven Curtis Chapman. If you haven't, please make sure you have a tissue handy, because I have seen more people BOO-HOO at what an incredible song this is!

As a matter of fact, it has become such a phenomenon at WCQR, that I received a phone call from a younger generation listener that said this:

"Hi...I was wondering if you would play Cinderella every other song....(she left her phone number and name)...Please don't call, just play it every other song. Amen. I mean, Bye!"

That's soooo awesome! I was hoping that I could add the audio for you, but that is not possible at the moment.

Thing is, she was so convincing that I did it today.

May all your dreams come true!
CH

SPRING SHARATHON

2008-04-11T14:11:00.004-04:00

It has been an amazing two and a half days! We can't thank you, and God enough for the miracle that has taken place at WCQR. We have met our $250,000 Sharathon goal, and now we are asking for a bit of help for a few things that were not included in this budget. They are special needs for this ministry. One of those things is a new van wrap--and the following video is the reason why.

If you can lend your support, please give us a call at 1-888-477-5676 or visit www.wcqr.org

Thanks again,
Chalmer

The Great Illinois Corn Flake

2008-03-18T16:50:00.003-04:00

I promise that's what they are calling it...although, it really is a Frosted Flake. Two sisters posted the auction for the oddly shaped cereal novelty, and then...capitalism/entrepreneurship at its best.

I have to say that America must be completely infatuated with weird, bizzare, and unique things...and some people have more money to throw around than they should. :) This is obviously another great argument for that.

Because what started out as something kinda funny, and neat has now turned into something just gigantic, with a gigantic price tag.

Take a look at the eBay auction that started at $50...and will end on Thursday. Someone is going to pay more than 200k for a FROSTED FLAKE!!!!

Click Here for the Auction

Wish I had found it first. HAHAHA! :)
CH

Out Of This World

2008-03-14T15:47:00.008-04:00

If you would like to own a piece of Chalmer Nostalgia History...then, you need to go to the link below:

SPACESHIP HOUSE

I spent a good 6 to 7 years of my childhood on Signal Mountain, and my parents still live there. So, for years and years and years, I have passed this house on the way up. It has been placed in the book 'Things to See in Tennessee" and has always been a topic of discussion for anyone traveling up Signal for the first time.

For me, it was weird symbol of being home. Now, it is for sale--actually, it has been for sale several times--now it is up for auction. I wish I could afford it, because it would be fun to own...but alas, I'm hoping that someone will buy it at auction, do some good work to it, and restore it to it's Galactic Glory.

Wiping a tear or two away :)
CH

PS- If you read the full listing...please do so carefully...wish I could choose the language...but I can't.

I See Something Blue...Something BLUUUUUE!

2008-03-11T15:28:00.005-04:00

I saw this picture at http://emmafree.blogspot.com/
and just thought it was awesome.
Test your Mommy Skills, and see if you can find the Blue Pacifier.
Click the pic to expand, if you must. HAHAHAHAHAHA!

CH

Just For Fun

2008-03-04T16:22:00.006-05:00

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current car) Dancer Forenza

2.YOUR GANGSTA NAME: (fave ice cream flavor, favorite cookie) Coffee Mochacchino Chip

3. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your last name) Jhar

4. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Green Red Panda

5. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, hospital where you were born) Chalmer (uh...I don't know the hospital I was born in...I'm adopted....My best guess is this: Chalmer Ft. Sanders

6. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first) Harjo

7. SUPERHERO NAME: (”The” + 2nd favorite color, favorite drink) The Black Americano

8. NASCAR NAME: (the first names of your grandfathers) John Herman

9.WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother’s & father’s middle names ) Robbin Chalmer

10. TV WEATHER ANCHOR NAME:
(Your 5th grade teacher’s last name, a major city that starts with the same letter) Little Los Angeles

11. SPY NAME: (your favorite season/holiday, flower) Autumn Hybrid Rose

12. CARTOON NAME: (favorite fruit, article of clothing you’re wearing right now + “ie” or “y”) Kiwi Khakies

13. HIPPIE NAME: (What you ate for breakfast, your favorite tree) Toasted Sourdough Dogwood

14. YOUR ROCKSTAR TOUR NAME: (”The” + Your fave hobby/craft, fave weather element + “Tour”)
The Roasting Coffee Thunderstorm Tour

MMM...I love the smell of your carpet!

2008-02-26T14:30:00.004-05:00

Usually, when I think about food...I don't think about using it for a stuffy nose, dandruff stopper, carpet cleaner, or bug repellent...However, I think I've been converted.

Because the next time that we run out of "Butt-Paste" for Jay...I'm just going to the pantry!!!!

Check this out...23 interesting uses for food.

http://food.aol.com/play-with-your-food/weird-uses-for-food

Have a Happy Day,
CH

WE ARE HERE!!!

2008-02-21T15:19:00.004-05:00

It was about a year and a half ago that I was reading "Horton Hears a Who" to Mrs. Brittain's Class during Read Across America week...which also coincided with Dr. Seuss' Birthday.

Well, in the Suess-i-an spirit, I thought I would let you know about something fun that goes along with the new Horton Movie--Here's what I read today:

Fox is challenging communities across the USA to raise their voices and proclaim "We Are Here!" -- just as Who-ville's Whos do in Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who! Why? It's a contest tied in to the studio's upcoming movie, and the cities registering the top decibel readings on special sound meters will vie for a sneak screening. The film, with star voices including Jim Carrey, Steve Carell and Carol Burnett, opens nationwide March 14, but the winning city in the "Horton Hears You Hometown Challenge" will get a sneak peek March 13.
For the registration form and details, go to www.hortonmovie.com/hometownchallenge. (Each office of the mayor, or designated official, must confirm a community's participation.)

(Source: USA Today)

So let's get the Mayor on the line (Excuse Me, Dr. Roe,) and go for it!!! The Tri-Cities can get LOUD!!! Bristol should get all 160,000 NASCAR fans to say it. HA!

CH

Join the WCQR Text Team

2008-02-19T17:47:00.003-05:00

I would like to invite you to enjoy a new service from WCQR! It's the WCQR Text Team. This is your chance to get immediate updates, exclusive contests, and just silly random WCQR stuff at your fingertips.

We would love to have you join...It's very simple:

1. Text 883fmwcqr to 66937

2. When you receive your return text, type Y to join.

3. DONE! You will soon begin receiving the mobile alerts!

Join soon, because something tells me that you will have the chance to win a prize or two in the very near future! (Hint, Hint)

In the meantime, you can visit our text site: www.mozes.com/883fmwcqr

CH