The pawn business is the second-oldest profession known to man, dating back 3,000 years to China. The practice started in Asia but is rich in European and eventually American history – it’s well known that Queen Isabella of Spain pawned her jewelry to fund Christopher Columbus’ expedition to find a more direct route to the Indies.

A half-mile up Central toward uptown, Will’s Park and Pawn wears its history on its walls, which include a faux rhino’s head, a collection of 1950s model airplanes, an old Elvis exit sign, and a collection of guns and knives that could arm a province in Afghanistan. In business since 1985, Will’s place isn’t about looks, or air conditioning; it’s really about the owner Will Spoke and taking what can be a difficult financial situation and making it at worst manageable and at best feeling like you just made a friend for life. A friend who also happened to loan you $40 on a slightly used Suzuki acoustic guitar.

Spoke’s business includes a set of supporting characters who beautifully round out his shop. Including, in no particular order: his son Will Jr. who, after going to Appalachian State for a short period, decided it wasn’t for him and happily joined the family business; Spoke’s mother, who softens the all-male crew with her charm; Mikey, who when he’s not eating fixes jewelry in the middle of the shop; and Broadway, a true Southern gentleman with a wavy gray pompadour who watches the door. Broadway always has a toothpick in his mouth and started in the pawn business seemingly at random after managing a Sears’ car service center at SouthPark.

Talking to Spoke made me feel like I was listening to a NASCAR driver talk shop while simultaneously driving his car at 200 mph. He didn’t take a breath between explaining the pawn business to me, buying a black leather Harley Davidson jacket from a customer, whispering that he really just wanted it for himself, and then getting an additional $5 from the customer for getting Mikey to fix his watch. By the time this customer left the shop he was smiling, fist bumping Spoke, and promising to come back if he ever needed some quick cash again.

Both pawnshops I visited were quick to explain that they abide by all the rules and regulations set forth by the city, county and state. They provide regular reports to the Charlotte police and help to track down stolen property. As a rule, this was the first thing that I was told. Second was that all items purchased must be held for seven days after the purchase date, and all things pawned must be held for 90 days after they are foreclosed upon. The third was typically that they were making a killing on lending money.

In the state of North Carolina, pawnbrokers are legally allowed to charge 2 percent interest per month on all money lent. However, on top of this interest rate they are allowed to charge fees for handling, appraisal, storage and insurance not to exceed 20 percent per MONTH. So with fees included it is within the law to charge an annual interest rate of 264 percent.

But those in the industry would counter any shock and awe from that number with the following two points. The first being that banks legally charge upwards of $25 for insufficient funds plus any fees levied by the store where you passed your bounced check. For checks under $25 the DAILY interest rate could exceed 100 percent.

The second point is that pawnbrokers have been providing a valuable service for centuries as a source of readily available credit to a section of society that has been underserved. Thousands of years ago it was subsistent farmers in China, today its folks riding the No. 9 bus down Central Avenue working in kitchens across the city, mowing lawns, and doing other menial jobs that for the most part go unseen by the majority of society. It also includes senior citizens on social security or welfare who are unable to pay their bills in a typical month. It is a part of society for which bank-issued credit is not an option as American Express does not bombard them with gold card offers, and in most cases Bank of America will not even grant them a checking account.

Most of the heat and humidity outside has joined us inside of Spoke’s Park and Pawn. The clouded glass door opens, the rusted bell rings and in walks a gorgeous woman in a short, clingy dress and a humongous guy with dreads carrying a vinyl covered guitar case. In the case is an out-of-tune gleaming black guitar and painted on the back is a heart surrounded by a crown of thorns. Along with the guitar and case is a collection of how-to tapes and books. In Will’s place, eventually a story is told about why someone is selling their stuff – in this case, a musical career was planned that never panned out and a need for money overtook the woman’s musical dreams. Will & Co. took a quick look over the guitar and books, offered the couple a price that they took, and another happy lifelong customer walked out the door.

In between customers, Spoke is boxing up items for eBay like an assembly line, weighing the box, packing the goods, and slapping a USPS pre-printed label on the outside to be picked up by the mail carrier, sometimes upward of 30 boxes a DAY. Both shop owners I met agreed: eBay is a huge source of income for all pawn shops and in most cases more is sold on eBay than in their stores. Plus, eBay is a ready source of current prices for just about anything. In Central Jewelry & Pawn I was told of a woman who brought in a sterling silver tea set she valued at $1,200. A quick look on eBay found that a similar set recently sold for just south of $500. As a result, the tea set was bought for $200. Before eBay, they all agreed, this sort of price shopping was impossible.

A healthy but harried woman in her early 30s comes in to Spoke’s store after Will had left for the beach; Will Jr. takes care of her. She lays on the counter three very small silver necklaces, with crosses made of semi-precious stones. In a business-as-usual manner, Jr. takes the necklaces, eyes them under a jeweler’s loop, tosses one aside, and takes two to weigh on his scale. The numbers tickle upward ever so slightly as the necklace folds into a small bundle on the scale. Will Jr. quickly turns and apologizes, saying there really isn’t enough silver in her necklace to be worth much more than a couple dollars. Her demeanor quickly changes from one of nonchalance to quiet desperation. Not understanding Will Jr., she says she’ll take it. He clarifies by saying the necklaces are worth $3 at his price, meaning only about a dollar to her. She hears this but once again says, “Fine, whatever I can get.” With a small amount of patience left, Jr. says it’s really not worth it to fill out the paperwork, get thumbprints, take down a driver’s license, and report it to the police for a potential profit of $2. Not hearing and with the desperation in her voice growing, she says she understands but would still like to sell the chains. Will Jr. realizes the situation she must be in, and with a touch of exasperation reaches back and pulls $3 from the cash register, and without taking the chains he hands her the money.

~ Todd Trimakas

This holiday season, it’s all about being a conscious consumer. Shop at Ten Thousand Villages and you are gifting not only to your recipient, but to the global community as well. All items sold here are unique, handmade and fair trade, and the shop’s mission is to create a better livelihood for tens of thousands of artisans in 38 countries. If you purchase a gift here, you can rest assured that part of the money you spend will go toward food, education, housing and health care for these artisans who would otherwise be deprived. An added bonus: Ten Thousand Villages urges all artisans to use environmentally friendly processes and sustainable resources wherever possible.
Ten Thousand Villages, Cotswold Village Shops. 300 S. Sharon Amity Road, (704) 365-0010

For the Boys:
The Sony Bravia 3.1 Home Theater Soundbar Speaker System with Subwoofer provides an excellent solution for the uptown apartment dweller who likes it loud. You can give the gift of surround sound, without having your giftee lose his or her rental deposit to the landlord for butchering the apartment walls while hanging speakers. This sleek little Soundbar gives the same effect, minus the damage and excess equipment.
www.bestbuy.com. Best Buy, Midtown. 1055 Metropolitan Ave., (704) 333-1032. $299.99

Auto Wall Art – Turn Your Favorite Automotive Photo into a Work of Canvas Art. Snap a photo of your man’s other baby and turn it into a work of art custom-made for him to admire. Take it one step further: Get your booty in the pic and strike a sexy pose. Cars + chicks = happy hubby. No one ever said men were complicated.
www.autowallart.com/, $89-$470

Instant. Foosball. Tabletop Game. If you need more incentive than this, the hours of joy that this simple little wonder will provide are sure to last far beyond the holiday season. Wrap up a six pack of your man’s favorite beer as an added bonus.
Paper Skyscraper, Dilworth. 330 East Blvd., (704) 333-7130. $29.95

Perfect for Mom or the Woman in Your Life:
Heather Moore Framed Charm Necklaces
Custom design a necklace for your honey, with charms bearing your anniversary date or children’s names and birthdays etched in them. Stick to classic silver, make it a silver/gold two-tone, or bling it out with diamonds and sapphires – the possibilities are infinite. Order a charm for each child and craft a gorgeous necklace for Wifey, an elegant gift that won’t break the bank – unless of course you’ve got eight kids, and your baby mama is a diva. But, then again, you’d probably have your own reality show, and could use the money you withdrew from your joint account to foot the bill.
www.heathermoorejewelry.com. $35-$675 and up

Ballet Flats or SwitchFlops by Lindsay Phillips. This is one of those products that will have you repeatedly smacking yourself on the forehead for not inventing it yourself. One shoe, endless possibilities. Now you can give your spouse more prime closet real estate, or simply free up some room for even more shoes.
The Beehive, uptown. Ballet flats: $64, individual snaps: $12; SwitchFlops: $35, individual straps: $12

Spoil your sweetie with a piece of jewelry from Butterfly Jewelry & Treasures, like this bracelet – a stunning faux druze quartz in jewel and earth tones, with dark metal. All of the pieces in this boutique are hand selected and one-of-a-kind. It’s the perfect spot to find accessories that are bold, dramatic and sparkly, just like your lady love.
Butterfly Jewelry & Treasures, uptown. 2 Bank of America Plaza, 101 S. Tryon St., (704) 375-0000. $44.50

For the Kiddies:
Stumped on what to get the little one in your life? Try the “Tickle Me” plant, the potted wonder that moves when you tickle it. Guaranteed to fascinate the kiddies and, by default, is sure to provide hours of entertainment and awe for your stoner cousin. Just be sure to confiscate any matches so no one attempts to smoke this thing.
www.ticklemeplant.com/, Growing Kit, $10.99

Keep your favorite little monkey’s head warm with this adorable Crocheted Mouse Hat, found at Shanalogic.com. The super soft, thick yarn guarantees itch-free wear, and each hat has been crocheted and designed with love by indie artists.
www.shanalogic.com, $35

Experience Gifts:
Stumped on what to get the foodies in your life? Squash the boring idea of yet another cookbook, and sign them up for one of the Chef’s Choice Recreational Cooking Classes at Johnson & Wales University for a hands-on experience with the pros. Select a one-time class you know they’d enjoy, such as “Making the Perfect Pizza” or “Cajun Classics,” or simply purchase a gift certificate so they can choose a class that best suits them. You can even please the wino on your list this year: sign them up for the “Wine & Dine Cocktail Party,” where they can enjoy a multi-station sampling buffet, with gourmet treats paired with specially selected wine. They can get right down to business – no cooking required!
www.jwu.edu/chefschoice/clt “Making the Perfect Pizza,” $125; “Cajun Classics,” $140; “Wine & Dine Cocktail Party,” $135

You were so happy for your BFF when she got engaged. But when you went out that night to Suite to celebrate, you realized that she and her soon-to-be together create a monster with four left feet. It’s your duty as a friend to not let them stumble on their big day: Sign them up for dance classes at Fred Astaire Dance Studio. A “Newcomer’s Package” will get them started with three 25-minute private lessons, one 45-minute group lesson, and one one-hour practice session, all for $50. You’ll be able to breathe a sigh of relief and guiltlessly enjoy your cocktail when they share their first dance.
www.fredastairecharlotte.com; Dance Studio: 2520 N. Sharon Amity Road, (704) 536-6070. Newcomer’s Package, $50

Help your honey relax with a massage at the Wellness Center in the new Ritz-Carlton. Choose from treatments such as Reflexology, Southern Hot Stone, and the Ritz-Carlton Signature to loosen her up after the holidays. Be sure to get her there 30 minutes prior, so she can unwind in the lounge before the appointment.
The Spa at the Ritz-Carlton, uptown. 201 E. Trade St., (704) 547-2244. Massages, $35-$350

Listen up, Sugar Daddies: Want to impress your sweetie and her girls? Treat them to a night at Polished Nail Bar & Spa. They can have their nails done and sip on cocktails while they unwind from holiday shopping and gush about how cute and thoughtful you are. The geniuses at Polished offer a spa atmosphere and feature different drinks every night, which guarantees a chic and fun experience no matter what day you set the appointment. I’d personally opt for a Wednesday – because nothing goes better with a mani/pedi than some seriously good sangria. www.ipolished.com, two locations. South End: 2041-F South Blvd., (704) 954-0004. Meyers Park: 605 Providence Road, (704) 375-3488. Mani/pedi $35.

Your sister loves knitting funky scarves and handcrafting her own jewelry, and everyone she comes across is lining up for orders. But too bad her silly day job keeps her from having the time and money to start her own business. Give the creative one in your family a little push by setting her up with her own personal e-store on Etsy.com, the place to “buy and sell all things handmade.” Here she can easily create her own “storefront,” manage her shop, and network with other artists, all without the painful business startup fees. The folks at Etsy also provide you with your very own URL, eliminating the cost of building a Web site.
www.etsy.com

For the Decoratively Challenged:
What’s better than takeout sushi? Eating your takeout sushi while relaxing on sushi pillows, of course. These cozy cushions, available at Shanalogic.com, are a great gift for the sushi lover with eccentric style and a sense of humor. Choose from “Salmon Nagiri,” “Shrimp Ebi” or “California Roll” – but get them while they’re hot (or cold)! These are made by indie artists, and supplies are limited.
shanalogic.com, “Salmon Nagiri” and “California Roll” pillow, $52 each; “Shrimp Ebi” pillow, $56

Black Forest Cuckoo Clock. You may be all mod in your swanky uptown apartment, but you’re never too cool for a cuckoo clock. This sleek and classy take on an old staple will bring some charm and character to your pad.
www.momastore.org, $450

Know someone who’s stumped when it comes to decorating his space? Gift them the “Designer For a Day” two-day package from Sensibly Chic Interior Designs. A designer will spend the first day helping him assess his space and figure out what his needs are, and the second day taking him out shopping, introducing him to the best places for bargains on home décor.
www.sensiblychic.biz/OurServices.asp

For the Hostess:
The folks over at Thymes have managed to capture everything magical about the holiday season and turned it into a line of scented products called “Frasier Fir.” Between candles, diffusers, room sprays, hand soaps and even cleaning spritzes, your friend and her guests will fall in love with this aromatic and addictive scent – so convincing, no one will ever know her tree is fake.
Paper Skyscraper, Dilworth.  Prices vary based on product.

Help the hostess keep the conversation flowing at her shindigs with these “Chat Plates” from MoMA. Quirky and cute, these could also make for a fun game of “guess what I’m thinking,” especially after guests have greased themselves up on too much eggnog.
www.momastore.org, $48 for set of three

Entertaining is a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it. Introduce your host to Poo-pourri, a new spray from an Austin, Texas-based company that you leave in your bathroom for guests to spritz into the bowl before they do their…business. As the shelf-talker boasts: “You make it a rule not to invite party poopers to your shindigs. But everyone has a crappy day from time to time.”
The Beehive, uptown. 2 oz. $11.98, 4 oz. $16.98

The hilarious book “I Like You,” by Amy Sedaris, is the bible for the person who loves entertaining, sans the “uptight” feel. Take a cue from Amy on how to throw a great dinner party while keeping the mood light and messing with your guests at the same time, a la sticking marbles in your medicine cabinet to embarrass the snoop.
Park Road Books, Park Road Shopping Center. 4139 Park Road, (704) 525-9239. $15.99

Stocking Stuffers & Gag Gifts:
Wanna freak out your loved ones? Tuck one of these Plush Microbes in their stockings; the stuffed “animals” look like tiny microbes, only a million times their actual size. Choose from cutesy characters such as The Common Cold, Mad Cow Disease, and Herpes – because nothing says Happy Holidays like the gift that keeps on giving.
Paper Skyscraper, Dilworth. $7.95

Shake things up a bit this year: Stuff these Peppermint Pecker Mints in your friends’ stockings in place of a boring old candy cane. Why, you ask? Well, why not?
Paper Skyscraper, Dilworth. $6.95

For the Drinker:
Uncle Freddie hates anything that comes close to diluting his drink. Even though he likes it cold, he doesn’t need pesky things like ice cubes sucking up his precious whiskey. Offer him a solution with Whiskey Stones, soapstone cubes that stay cold for hours without diluting. Just pop them into the freezer for a few hours before use, in between the hard liquor and TV dinners.
Paper Skyscraper, Dilworth. $19.95

~ Ali Salvatore

What makes Charlotte a “sexy” city? What doesn’t?
Charlotte is a fresh and vibrant city. It’s expanding and growing overnight. Every day going to work I see the cranes and new buildings being built, who wouldn’t get excited about all the opportunity literally sprouting up on every street corner. It’s sexy to know that you have this opportunity at your fingertips. What doesn’t? The traffic from construction—but that’s a small price to pay.

Where are the best spots in Charlotte to live? To go out?
I must admit a slight bias on this question. The EpiCentre is the heartbeat of Uptown Charlotte. With so much to offer and so many different venues it’s the perfect place to spend a day or night out. The upbeat atmosphere keeps people coming back and the best part about the EpiCentre, it’s not done growing yet!

What motivates you to get up and go to work in the morning?
I have a great challenge in my line of work: how do you get people to constantly find the product you are producing the most exciting in the city? I enjoy seeing a project from beginning to end. At Suite, at the EpiCentre, we develop new ideas, create marketing plans, execute, and watch an idea become reality as we try to redefine nightlife in Uptown Charlotte.

What’s something not many people know about you?
Working my way through college at UNCC, I started doing nightly security at Have A Nice Day Café before I was old enough to drink. From there I worked my way up through other clubs in town going from security to a VIP host, to manager, to partner here at Suite at EpiCentre. I am excited about the future and expanding the Suite concept across the country.

What do you think the future holds for the Queen City?

The people are just so genuine, it’s unlike anyplace else, not to mention the youth of the city. I’m not just talking about age—the energy here is something contagious. Take a walk though Uptown on any night and you’ll find people out and about and live music playing. The city is alive. I only see it continuing to grow. And as more people move into Uptown, the possibilities are endless.

Brad’s Prize Package to be Auctioned off at Enso on Oct. 29 from 7-9p.m.
Strike City: Enjoy a two hour private party for eight to ten people in the Private King Pin Room. ($800 value)
Monday – Thursday. Includes appetizers, two hours of bowling, and shoe rental

Suite VIP platinum card ($400 value)
You plus one guest enjoy free admission from Nov 2009 – Nov 2010
VIP Line access, VIP Table Wednesday – Friday for up to eight people ($400 value)

Whisky River VIP Card ($400 value)
You plus one guest enjoy free admission for a year from Nov 2009 – Nov 2010
VIP Line access, VIP table good for Tuesday or Friday for up to eight people ($400 value)

Aloft: A room at the ALoft good for any Friday through the end of the year ($170 value)
BlackFinn – $100 Gift Certificate
Mez: Two complimentary movie tickets, a romantic chef’s tasting for two. a delightful five-course meal with wine pairings ($228 value)
Modern Salon and Spa: $100 Gift Certificate
Palm Beach Tan: One free diamond level package for a month ($100 value), lotion kit ($65 value)
Indo China Grill: $50 gift card
Enso: $150 Gift Certificate
Blue Restaurant and Bar: A romantic chef’s tasting four course meal with wine pairings for two ($200 value)

~ Bryan Reed

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Sure, Facebooking can be fun, but let’s explore its ups and downs. A positive experience may go something like this: an old buddy finds you and “adds you as a friend.” You accept the request and visit her profile, maybe write something on her wall. “So good to hear from you! You and the kids look fab! You’re in VA now? I’m in NC! Let’s catch up!” Later that day she writes you a similar message and “tags” you in some great photos of good times from college. She links you up with three of your favorite people with whom you’ve lost contact, and you are now planning a much needed “girls’ reunion weekend.” In the midst of this, your favorite cousin is messaging you, filling you in on the fam back home. Excellent!

Here’s where it gets hairy: upon logging in, you are taken to the “Newsfeed.” You learn that Mary just ate a pound of mac ‘n’ cheese and can’t move, Roger fractured his arm playing Wii Bowling, you have 46 requests to take the “Which Desperate Housewives Character Are You?” quiz, 34 pending requests to “join my cause,” and discover that 24 of your friends are fans of the “I f*cking hate mosquitos” club. OMG, TMI! I wonder why we all have A.D.D.? You move on to your homepage, only to be smacked in the face with five photos you’ve been “tagged” in from that glorious night where you were not only hammered, but somehow managed to form a bright red zit in the center of your forehead that apparently grew larger with every shot you slugged. Why are your eyes half closed? And what the hell are you pointing and laughing at that no one else around you seems to notice? Where…? Oh my God, tequila night. It’s all coming back now. Un-tag! Un-tag! Let’s hope that you’ve gotten rid of these for good, and that they don’t wind up on some Japanese billboard ad for Valtrex. (Note: An innocent U.S. family’s photo really did wind up on a foreign billboard, and I recently also read that a man received an advertisement for “Hot Young Singles!” accompanied by a stolen pic of his wife.)

If you are going to keep Facebooking, or if you have just crawled out from under your rock and are thinking of starting now, then take the following into consideration:
(1.) Be careful of the pics that you post. Any questions, see above.
(2.) Employers search Facebook. I personally know of one who did not hire that perfect candidate she interviewed after seeing her very racy profile pic. Unfair? Maybe. Does it happen? Definitely.
(3.) Think before you update your status. While posting “VEGAS FOR 5 DAYS!!!” will make you look cool to some, to others you actually just posted “MY APARTMENT WILL BE VACANT FOR 5 DAYS–COME GET MY NEW FLATSCREEN I POSTED ABOUR LAST WEEK!!” Now who’s LMFAO?

Overall, it’s interesting.  We have no time for anything, yet take quizzes to discover our chocolate personality. We have eighty ways of communicating, yet we lack communication. We don’t like tabs being kept on us, yet we will openly illustrate everywhere we go, and freely offer up personal info via “25 things about me.” While Facebooking can be a guilty pleasure we can certainly all indulge, start to think about what else we could be doing with our time. Plant a tree. Save a lonely animal from a shelter. Help someone in need. Just don’t forget to update your status so we know where you went.

~ Alessandra Salvatore

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For a unique place that has amazing accessories for both men and women, look no further than Revolution. Located on the second floor of the Epicentre, the sprawling shop is home to a plethora of designer clothing and accessories. They’ve got a great atmosphere, and their fun and down-to-earth staff will make you feel right at home and help you find whatever it is that you are looking for. You can score big here no matter what your personal style is, and they are always running great sales. Ladies, check out the jewelry line here from Diana Warner. Her pieces seem as though they’ve been hand-crafted just for you, and she’s got everything–funky earrings, beautiful necklaces, and gorgeous bracelets. My favorites were these cuffs (shown), that have sayings such as “future” and “hope,” for $45. While you’re browsing, make sure you check out the pieces from Mark Edge. I fell in love with this antique gold and silver lariat, complete with a gorgeous purple gem (shown), for $129.

Guys, listen up: you’ll want to check out Revolution too. Accessorizing is just as important for you–I know several of you realize this already, but many of you don’t. Having three older brothers, I understand. Something as simple as the right belt, like this worn-in brown leather option by J. Lindenberg for $110, can take your run-of-the-mill button-down-and-jeans outfit and kick it up ten notches to a trendy ensemble that will set you apart from the crowd. Not too much, but just enough. Chicks notice this. I’m just saying. Make sure you take a peek at the line of masculine cuffs from Cynthia Desser (shown), ranging from $99 – $155.

Back to the ladies: another great place for show-stopping pieces is Butterfly, located in the Bank of America building. Here you will find stunning necklaces, striking earrings, and elegant cocktail rings, to name a few, all at great price points. Most of their jewelry is handmade, which means you are finding unique pieces that you won’t see anywhere else. I scored big with a sterling silver cocktail ring with mother-of-pearl stone for $35, and also found a one-of-a-kind two-tone lariat necklace that goes great with a formal dress for $39. If you are shopping for a gift, make sure you ask to have it gift-wrapped–their fun ribbon and colors will make you happy you did. While you are in the Bank of America building, head up to the second floor and browse around Ivy & Leo. Among their adorable dresses, you can find some great necklaces here as well.

I’m always intrigued when people tell me they don’t know how to accessorize. Of course they do. I think that the real problem is that they just haven’t found the right places. Hopefully the above will inspire you. Happy shopping!

~ Alessandra Salvatore