Q. I have a Mervyn’s credit card. Can I still use it for anything? Do I need to pay off the balance I had before Mervyn’s closed?

A. The department store chain Mervyn’s closed completely in late 2008 / early 2009. If you had a balance on your Mervyn’s credit card, you still owe the money, because the money was really owed to GE Money Bank, the issuer of the card. So, while you can’t use the Mervyn’s card for purchases anywhere anymore, you still have to pay any owed balance.

Check the links below for info on how to pay your Mervyn’s credit card balance, as well as related links to GE Money Bank and info on the closing of Mervyn’s:

1. Mervyns Credit Card Account Login and Bill Payment - Use this page from GE Money Bank, which issued the Mervyn’s card, to log in and access your Mervyns credit card account information and make a payment online. (www.onlinecreditcenter6.com)

2. GE Money Customer Service Phone Numbers - If you have questions about your Mervyn’s credit card account, you can reach GE Money Bank, the issuer of the card, at the number listed via this link. (www.gemoney.com)

3. GE Money Bank Payment Address - If you want to mail in your Mervyn’s credit card payment, this page offers a payment address that should be correct. (www.gemoney.com)

4. Mervyns.com - The official site of Mervyn’s is now just a blank page with a logo and a chance to sign up for any future “special announcements” about the company. (www.mervyns.com)

5. Mervyns to Liquidate Remaining Stores - October, 2008 article on the announcement that Mervyns would shut the doors on all stores by the end of 2008 (which it did). (articles.latimes.com)

6. Mervyns Consumer Credit Card Program Privacy Policy - Mervyns card issuer GE Money Bank may sell some of your personal information to other companies so those companies can market their products to you. Here’s the privacy policy that spells that out and also information on how to opt out if you don’t want your information shared. (www.onlinecreditcenter6.com)

Other related Bessed pages:

• Mervyn’s Credit Card Payment Online
• Mervyns Department Store Locations
• Mervyn’s

Link

Q. How do I sign on to my SunTrust Bank accounts?

A. It’s fairly easy to sign in to your SunTrust account online, whether you want to check balances or make a payment. Just click on the links below, which will take you to the login pages themselves, or to pages that give you further information or customer service help:

1. SunTrust Online Banking Sign On - Sign in here with your login ID and password to access SunTrust Bank online banking, as well as SunTrust Mortgage, 401K and other accounts. (www.suntrust.com)

2. Register for SunTrust Online Banking with Bill Pay - If you have a SunTrust account but do not have a login ID and password to access it online, go here to get your account registered and approved for online access, payments, etc. (www.suntrust.com)

3. SunTrust Mobile Banking Sign On - If you are viewing this page with your cell phone, go here to find the Online Banking login page specifically for mobile devices. (m.suntrust.com)

4. Online Banking Signon FAQs - Go here for answers to questions such as “How do I sign on to Online Banking?”, “How do I get a User ID and password?”, “What if I forgot both my User ID and password?”, etc. (answers.suntrust.com)

5. SunTrust Customer Service Phone Numbers - Go here for customer service telephone numbers for various SunTrust banking services if you are having trouble with an online login page. (www.suntrust.com)

6. SunTrust Mortgage Account Log In - If you are a SunTrust Mortgage customer, you can use this page to sign on and make a payment online or otherwise manage your account. If you don’t have a login ID and password, you can sign up for those here, too. (carenet.fnfismd.com)

7. SunTrust Retirement Solutions Log In - If you have a retirement investment account with SunTrust Bank, go here to log in to your account and see how your money is doing, and otherwise manage your account. If you don’t know your username and/or password, a phone number is provided to help you get your login information. (suntrust.retirementpartner.com)

8. SunTrust Business Banking - Online Cash Manager Sign On - If you are a SunTrust business customer, this is the sign on page for you. (www.suntrust.com)

9. Log On from SunTrust Bank Home Page - You can also sign on to your online banking account via the SunTrust Bank consumer home page. The spaces for your login ID and password are on the upper left corner of the page. (www.suntrust.com)

10. SunTrust Online Banking and Mobile Banking Demo - Go here for a demonstration of how to use SunTrust Online Banking via your computer or cell phone. (www.suntrust.com)

Other Bessed pages of interest:

• SunTrust Mortgage
• List of Banks
• Internet Only Banks
• Discount Stock Brokers
• SPDR ETF

Link

Q. Where can I get one of those outdoor projectors that projects Christmas scenes and sayings, Halloween scenes, other holiday messages, etc.?

A. There are a couple of sites that specialize in holiday projectors, plus a handful of other retailers that offer limited choices but sometimes cheaper prices. See the links below:

1. HolidayProjectors.com - Offers 8 different holiday projector options for sale, including still slide projectors, moving image projectors, and outdoor laser light show projectors. (www.holidayprojectors.com)

2. Outdoor Christmas Projectors at eBay - You’ll find new and used outdoor projectors with Christmas themes up for auction or immediate sale via this link, including slide projectors that show a single projected image and motion projectors that allow you to have moving snowflakes or other images projected on to your house. The popular Mr. Christmas brand as well as others available last we looked. (www.ebay.com)

3. Outdoor Halloween Projectors at eBay - Find new and used outdoor projectors that project Halloween images on to your home or other surface, including single slide projectors as well as motion projectors that allow you to have moving ghosts or other images projected. (www.ebay.com)

4. Outdoor Holiday Image Projector at The Sportsman’s Guide - Outdoor projector with 30 holiday and special event image slides included — Christmas, Halloween, 4th of July, birthday, more. (www.sportsmansguide.com)

5. Outdoor Holiday Projectors from RazTech Lighting Systems - This site may have the best selection of outdoor projectors out there, with tons of potential Christmas, Halloween, and other holiday images available — but their web site is confusing and you must e-mail your order to them, making it quite a bit of trouble to make a purchase. (www.holidayprojector.com)

6. Outdoor Holiday Projectors at Sears.com - Sears offers a handful of holiday projectors that either show holiday slides or project moving images onto a building like falling snowflakes. (www.sears.com)

Other related Bessed pages:

• Outdoor Christmas Decorations
• Outdoor Halloween Decorations
• Outdoor Snowman

Link

Q. What are my options for paying my TJ Maxx credit card bill?

A. You can make a TJ Maxx credit card payment online, but you can NOT make a payment in a TJ Maxx store. (NOTE: The TJ Maxx credit card recently changed issuers from Chase to GE Money Bank, so the online payment system has changed as well.) The links below will direct you to what you need:

1. TJ Maxx Credit Cards Login & Online Payment - Click through to log in and pay your TJ Maxx credit card bill online, or, if you don’t yet have a login ID and password, you’ll find a link to register for online access. (www.tjxrewards.com)

2. Can I Pay My TJX Card In Store? (NO) - You can NOT pay your TJ Maxx credit card balance at a TJ Maxx store. We even called TJ Maxx to ask and they say NO. (If you click through this link, you will get a different answer, which is wrong.)

3. TJX Rewards - This portal page for the TJ Maxx credit card includes a “Manage My Account” link which takes you to the site where you can log in and pay your TJ Maxx credit card bill. (www.tjxrewards.com)

4. TJ Maxx - Contact Us - Still having trouble? Go here for the TJ Maxx customer service phone number, which hopefully will lead you to a person that can help. (www1.tjmaxx.com)

5. GE Money - 4 Ways To Pay - GE Money Bank, which issues the TJ Maxx credit card, has its own site where it allows online payments and also offers a payment mailing address that should work for the TJ Maxx credit card. (www.gemoney.com)

Other related Bessed pages:

• GE Money Bank Payment
• TJ Maxx Credit Card
• Marshalls Credit Card

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Q. What are some good sites for fun, interesting maternity T-shirts?

A. From clever pregnancy sayings to tees featuring your very own ultrasound, the 10 sites below are among the best for maternity T-shirts:

1. Maternity T-Shirts at CafePress.com - Wide variety of maternity T-shirts, including tees with funny sayings, due date T-shirts (”due in March,” etc.), arrow pointing to stomach T-shirts, maternity T-shirts for those pregnant with twins, and more. A few pregnancy-related T-shirts we liked: “If you didn’t put this baby in here then don’t even think about touching my stomach”, “Knocked up”, “Bun in the oven”, “Stop looking at my big boobs I am pregnant”, “I’m Not Fat, I’m Pregnant”, more. Plus, pregnancy T-shirts for dads—”My boys can swim” (with sperm graphic) & others. Almost all styles include short-sleeve T-shirts, some styles include tank tops or long-sleeve T-shirts. (www.cafepress.com)

2. Ultrasound Shirts - Choose a maternity T-shirt with short sayings like “Sneak Preview”, “Joy”, “My Son/Daughter”, etc., then e-mail or send them your ultrasound picture to have it included under the slogan on your belly. (http://www.ultrasoundshirts.com)

3. Maternity T-Shirts at Mommy Loves - Offers a wide selection of maternity T-shirts, including shirts that show your due date month, shirts with funny sayings, and even the ability to make a custom tee to fit your announcement of being a mother to be. (mommyloves.com)

4. Maternity T-Shirts at eBay - Not the first place you might think to look, but there are over 1,000 maternity T-shirts up for auction or sale here, including basic tees, T-shirts with funny or cute sayings, and those with a little more fashion sense. New and pre-owned here — you may not want to spend top dollar on a shirt that gets limited wear, so you may not want to shut the door on a used tee. (www.ebay.com)

5. Funny Maternity T-Shirts at Tee Wit - These really are pretty funny — “I’m bringing sexy back (in a couple of months)”, “Tell me I’m huge and I’ll puke on your shoes”, “Sympathy Belly” (for the dad), “And how does hearing your awful labor story help me, exactly?”, “Next time I’m adopting”, more. (www.teewit.com)

6. Preggers n’ Proud - Maternity T-shirts as well as tees for the expecting father, with slogans like “Loving My Buddha Belly”, “Sexy n??™ Showing”, “Hot Mom”, “Men Who Change Diapers Rule” and more. (www.preggersnproud.com)

7. Due Maternity: Tops - Offers novelty & funny maternity T-shirts like all the other sites, but also offers more plain and stylish tees if you want casual without silly. (www.duematernity.com)

8. Maternity T-Shirts at Pickles and Ice Cream - Basic maternity T-shirts and other tops, plus a few with funny sayings or graphics. (www.picklesandicecream.com)

9. Disco Belly - Fashionable maternity tees without the “corny maternity slogan.” (www.discobelly.com)

10. UltrasoundTee.com - Another site offering to put the ultrasound of your baby on a T-shirt. (www.ultrasoundtee.com)

Other Bessed pages of interest:

• Maternity Shirt Sayings
• Target Baby Registry
• Babies R Us Registry
• Mossy Oak Baby
• T-Shirt Template

Link

Q. Where can I find bedding with a skull theme?

A.?  There are more skull bedding options out there than we originally would’ve thought, though most sites have only one or two choices. Nevertheless, below are 8 sites with skull bedding, with the top 4 choices having the most varied and interesting choices:

1. Skull Themed Comforters at Vision Bedding - This custom bedding site offers loads of skull design options for your bedding, or you can even upload your own artwork. From scary to cute to funny, a wide selection of skull themes available. (www.visionbedding.com)

2. Skull Bedding at eBay - A good variety of skull bedding for adults, kids and teens up for auction or immediate sale, from dark black skull and crossbones designs to cute pink skull bedding for girls. But full bedding sets or individual skull sheets, comforters, etc. (www.ebay.com)

3. Skull Bedding at Sin In Linen - Check out the Skull Bedding and Pirate Themed Decor here for a variety of skull sheets sets and duvet covers. (www.sininlinen.com)

4. Skull Bedding at Amazon.com Marketplace - Over 100 options for skull bedding from Amazon.com partner retailers, including complete bed in a bag sets with a skull themes, as well as skull sheet sets, comforters, blankets, etc. (www.amazon.com)

5. Skull Bedding Lauren Home - The skulls are a bit more understated in this collection of sheets and other bedding from Ralph Lauren. (www.ralphlauren.com)

6. Skull Bedding at Overstock.com - Skull bedding sets in a number of sizes and skul sleeping bags for sale here on our last visit. (www.overstock.com)

7. Skull Bedding at Kohl’s - Last time we checked, Kohl’s had two skull-themed comforter sets for sale, one geared toward boys and one toward girls. (www.kohls.com)

8. Skull Bedding at Sears - A couple of skull bedding options for sale here. (www.sears.com)

Other Bessed pages of interest:

• Skull Hoodies
• Skeleton Hoodies
• Cross Necklaces
• Outdoor Halloween Decorations

Link

Q. Where can I find Lucky Brand hoodies for sale?

A. The place for the latest Lucky Brand hoodies is the Lucky Brand site, but there are also a handful of other sites that sell discount or discontinued Lucky Brand hoodies that are worth visiting. The 7 links below will show you all your options:

1. Hoodies at LuckyBrand.com - Official Lucky Brand website features about a dozen women’s and men’s hoodies for sale. Zip and pullover styles available. (www.luckybrand.com)

2. Lucky Brand Hoodies at 6PM.com - There are actually more Lucky Brand hoodie choices here than at the Lucky Brand site — about 20 Lucky Brand hoodies for sale at discount prices. (www.6pm.com)

3. Lucky Brand Hoodies at eBay - More than 500 women’s and men’s hoodies up for auction or immediate sale. New and used current and older styles available. On our last visit we saw zip, kimono and pullover hoodies like the women’s Jingo Wrap, Asian Dragon hoodie, Lucky Brand logo hoodies, more.?  (shop.ebay.com)

4. Lucky Brand Hoodies at Zappos.com - Offered 8 styles of Lucky Brand hoodies on our last visit, for both women and men, including both zip and pullover hoodies. We saw a women’s leopard print hoodie that was interesting. Free shipping and also free returns (if necessary). (www.zappos.com)

5. Lucky Brand Hoodies at Amazon.com - On our last visit here there were 7 Lucky Brand hoodies for sale, including both men’s and women’s hoodies, including the women’s Charlotte and Topanga zip hoodies. (www.amazon.com)

6. Lucky Brand Hoodies at Buckle.com - Shop for women’s and men’s Lucky Brand hoodies here, including short and long sleeve, zip and pullover styles. Several discontinued and heavily discounted items available. (www.buckle.com)

7. Lucky Brand Hoodies at Nordstrom - Just 1 women’s Lucky Brand hoodie available on our last visit here — the Isabella zip up hoodie. (shop.nordstrom.com)

Other Bessed pages of interest:

• Plain Hoodies
• Zip Up Hoodies
• Hoodies That Zip All The Way Up
• Skull Hoodies

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Q. Where can I buy a skull hoodie online?

A. Skulls are a fairly popular design element on hoodies, but since they aren’t often described as “skull hoodies,” they can be difficult to track down. Here are a dozen sites where you’re sure to find some:

1. Skull Hoodies at Zappos.com - Men’s, women’s and even kids skull hoodies from Metal Mulisha, King Baby Studio and Gabriella Rocha. Note that some of these have the skull on the back of the hoodie, so you might not think it’s a skull hoodie when first glancing at the front. This site offers free shipping and also free returns if needed. (www.zappos.com)

2. Ed Hardy Skull Hoodies at DrJays.com - Men’s and women’s zip front skull and crossbones hoodies from Ed Hardy. (search.drjays.com)

3. Skull Hoodies at eBay - Over 10,000 skull hoodies up for auction or immediate sale on our last visit, including Ed Hardy, Tapout, Volcom, and other hoodies with a skull design. (shop.ebay.com)

4. Skull Hoodies at Amazon.com Marketplace - A variety of skull hoodies, both zip up and pullover hoodies, including skull & crossbones hoodies, Misfits skull hoodie, Ed Hardy skull hoodies, Marc Ecko, more. Sold by Amazon.com retailer partners, not directly from Amazon. (www.amazon.com)

5. Skull Hoodies at Cafe Press - Skull hoodies from a variety of artists at this custom design marketplace. (www.cafepress.com)

6. Hi Ya Roy Evil Clown Skull Hoodie - This creepy hoodie has an evil skull clown on the front and it also zips all the way up over your face to show the same skull on the face of the hood. (www.costumediscounters.com)

7. Punisher Skull Hoodies at Stylin Online - The Punisher movie logo hoodies and other clothing here, including black hoodies with the Punisher dripping skull design. (stylinonline.stores.yahoo.net)

8. Skull Hoodies at Hot Topic - About a dozen skull hoodies for men and women here last we looked, including Alkaline Trio, Plain White T’s, and Bullet for My Valentine skull hoodies, and other hooded skull / skeleton sweatshirts. (www.hottopic.com)

9. Skull Hoodies at The Budk Catalog - There were 4 skull hoodies available here at last check — we liked the Ghost Skull Hoodie. (knives.budk.com)

10. Skull Hoodies at Zazzle.com - Offers a variety of skull hoodies from various designers at this DIY custom shop, from scary skulls to cutesie skulls. (www.zazzle.com)

11. Skull Hoodies at eCrater - Limited selection of skull hoodies from a variety of sellers at this online marketplace, including skull & cross bones hoddies as well as skull hoodies from bands & artists including Godsmack, Ramones, more. (www.ecrater.com)

12. Skull Hoodies at Football Fanatics - About a half dozen skull hoodie styles from Metal Mulisha, No Fear, Hart and Huntington, Throwdown, more. (www.footballfanatics.com)

Other related Bessed pages:

• Skeleton Hoodies
• Hoodies That Zip All The Way Up
• Plain Hoodies
• Zip Up Hoodies
• Lucky Brand Hoodies

Link

Q. Where can I find leather trench coats for women?

A. Your options are limited, but we found 6 sites that we think are a good start:

1. Women’s Leather Trench Coats at Zappos.com - On our last visit here, we saw 2 leather trench coat styles for women — a black leather trench coat from Cole Haan and a brown leather trench coat from Andrew Marc. Free shipping and also free returns. (www.zappos.com)

2. Women’s Leather Trench Coats at eBay - Over 500 new or pre-owned women’s leather trench coats up for auction or sale here, including short or long duster style trench coats from brands like Burberry, Centigrade, Giovanni Navarre, Knoles & Carter, Pelle, Scully, Terry Lewis, Wilsons Leather, Andrew Marc, Bebe, more. (www.ebay.com)

3. Women’s Leather Trench Coats at Wilson’s - Within their selection of women’s long leather jackets and coats you will find leather trench coats from Pelle Studio and Black Rivet. (www.wilsonsleather.com)

4. Women’s Leather Trench Coats at Overstock.com - You’ll find a handful of women’s leather trench coats here, mostly in black. (www.overstock.com)

5. Women’s Leather Trench Coats at Sears - Three styles of women’s leather trench coats for sale here, include black, brown and tan / beige leather options. (www.sears.com)

6. Women’s Leather Trench Coat at Main Modes Leather Factory - Offers a long black leather trench coat for $239. (www.leathermodes.com)

Other Bessed pages of interest:

• Women’s Trench Coats
• Leather Jackets
• Women’s Vests

Link

Q. Where do I go to apply for an HSBC credit card or to make a monthly payment to HSBC?

A. First off, you need to know that HSBC has sold most (though not all) of its credit card operations to Capital One, so in most (though not all) cases you can no longer get a new HSBC credit card. (Some high net-worth individuals and businesses can still obtain new cards from HSBC.) However, until the sale is final, you can still make a payment on your existing HSBC credit card through HSBC. If you’re confused, the following links should help:

1. HSBC Credit Card Account Login and Bill Pay - If you’re already an HSBC customer, go here to make a payment online or otherwise manage your account. This page will take you to all HSBC Visa and MasterCard credit card login pages, including those for store credit cards issued by HSBC, the GM Card, Orchard Bank cards, etc. If you haven’t already, you can also register here for a login ID and password. (www.hsbcusa.com)

2. HSBC Credit Card Customer Service - You’ll find HSBC credit card customer service phone numbers here, as well as the HSBC credit card mailing address. (www.hsbccreditcard.com)

3. Capital One Snags HSBC Credit Card Business - August 2011 article on Capital One buying HSBC’s United States credit card business, with a particular focus on Capital One becoming the new issuer of store-branded credit cards that HSBC currently issues. (www.washingtonpost.com)

4. HSBC US Credit Card Business Sale - Customer Frequently Asked Questions - If you currently have an HSBC credit card and want to know what is going to happen when Capital One takes over, you may want to read the information on this page. (Which basically tells you to keep using your card as before.) (www.hsbcusa.com)

5. HSBC Premier World MasterCard - HSBC still offers this credit card to individuals, but you must have at least $100,000 in other HSBC accounts to qualify for it. (www.us.hsbc.com)

6. HSBC Business Credit Cards - HSBC still also offers business and corporate credit cards, which you can learn more about, including how to apply, from this page. (www.us.hsbc.com)

7. Orchard Bank Credit Cards - Orchard Bank is an HSBC company that offers credit cards mainly to those with bad credit or an incomplete credit history. Offers both unsecured credit cards (no money necessary to open an account) and secured credit cards (upfront deposit required). Fill out an application to see which you qualify for. (www.orchardbank.com)

8. Best Buy Credit Cards - HSBC Bank partners with Best Buy to offer the Best Buy store credit card. It also previously offered the Best Buy Reward Zone MasterCard, but that is no longer open to new customers. (www.bestbuy.com)

9. GM Card - This card that earns you points toward General Motors vehicles (or other possible rewards) is issued by HSBC Bank and is technically known as the GM Flexible Earnings Card. (www.gmcard.com)

10. Saks Fifth Avenue MasterCard - Saks Fifth Avenue credit card issued by HSBC offers a number of reward point possibilities. (www.saksfifthavenue.com)

Other Bessed pages of interest:

• Orchard Bank Online Payment
• GM Card
• Carson Pirie Scott Credit Card? 
• Younkers Credit Card
• Household Bank Credit Card Payment

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The Gentlemanly Art of the Insult
By George Weigel
Posted: Wednesday, September 14, 2011


From THE CATHOLIC DIFFERENCE

Publication Date: September 7, 2011

One of the (many) signs of our cultural decline is that verbal insults, these days, are almost invariably scatological or sexual, provoking a blizzard of asterisks whenever A wants to put the smackdown on B. Once upon a time, it was not so. Once, the ability to come up with a clever insult that could be repeated in polite society was thought an important, if not necessarily essential, component of being a gentleman.

Take, for example, two masters of English repartee and wit, George Bernard Shaw and Winston Churchill. Shaw, prior to the opening of one of his plays, sent Churchill a telegram: "I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a friend, if you have one." Churchill, nonplussed (and likely amused), sent a telegram in reply: "Cannot possible attend first night; will attend second, if there is one."

Oscar Wilde, who may have returned to the faith before his death, was another man of English letters who knew how to insult with class and wit: Thus, "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go." Or the immortal, "He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends." (Wilde could turn his wit on himself, too, which is always a sign of an insulter-with-class: "I am so clever that sometimes I don't understand a single word of what I am saying." Or, inventing a trope that others frequently used of Churchill, "I have the simplest tastes. I am always satisfied with the best.").

As writer and editor, Mark Twain accumulated the literary man's usual collection of enemies, whom he enjoyed twitting. Thus, to one especially dull critic: "Why do you sit there looking like an envelope without any address on it?" Or about a more intolerable one: "I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying that I approved of it."

The aforementioned Mr. Bernard Shaw appreciated Twain's wit, noting that "Mark Twain and I are in the same position. We have put things in such a way as to make people, who would otherwise hang us, believe that we are joking." For his part, Ernest Hemingway, in an unaccustomed moment of modesty, once said that "All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn." Twain, in whatever post-mortem circumstances he found himself when told that one, may have winced, knowing as he must of William Faulkner's immortal put-down of his fellow-Nobel laureate, Hemingway: "He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to a dictionary."

Today's political badinage today is lame, lamer, lamest compared with the wits of yore. Churchill, of course, figures prominently here. Told over dinner by Lady Astor, the American-born female member of the House of Commons, that, "If you were my husband, Winston, I'd poison your soup," Churchill immediately replied, "And if you were my wife, Nancy, I'd drink it." And then there was the great man's take-down of the austere Labor minister, Sir Stafford Cripps: "He has all the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire." Another Labor stalwart, Aneurin Bevan, a great supporter of nationalized medicine, was a frequent target of Churchill's raillery: "I can think of no better step to signal the inauguration of the National Health Service than that a man who so obviously needs psychiatric attention should be among the first of its patients."

But Bevan finally got the best of Churchill. During the coronation festivities for Queen Elizabeth II, there was a state ball at Buckingham Palace at which the old, pre-war uniforms were to be worn. Sir Winston, exiting the palace men's room dressed in the bottle-green uniform of the Lord Warden of the Cinq Ports and wearing the ribbon of the Order of the Garter, spotted Bevan wearing a blue serge suit. "I think that at least on this occasion you might have taken the trouble to dress properly," Churchill harrumphed scornfully. "Prime Minister, your fly buttons are undone," replied a cherubic Bevan.

Those were the days.

George Weigel is Distinguished Senior Fellow and William E. Simon Chair in Catholic Studies at the Ethics and Public Policy Center.

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Q. Where can I find old Chevy El Caminos or El Camino enthusiast sites?

A. Below are over a dozen sites for those looking to buy a Chevy El Camino or who hold the El Camino close to their hearts:

1. Chevy El Caminos at eBay Motors - About 100 used Chevrolet El Camino vehicles up for auction or immediate sale here, with models ranging from as far back as 1959 up to 1987. Elsewhere on the site you can also find El Camino parts and memorabilia. (motors.shop.ebay.com)

2. El Caminos For Sale at Deals on Wheels - Over 30 El Caminos for sale from private sellers, with details on the car, location, photos and a link to contact the seller. (www.dealsonwheels.com)

3. Chevrolet El Camino at Muscle Car Club - Offers an overview and history of the El Camino, with lots of pictures of cars from 1959 to 1977. (www.musclecarclub.com)

4. Chevy El Caminos For Sale at Old Ride - Over 70 old El Caminos for sale, listed by owner or from classic car dealers. (www.oldride.com)

5. El Camino Central / National El Camino Owners Association - NECOA is a free car club for Chevrolet El Camino enthusiasts. Forums, articles, photo galleries, a calendar of events, more. (www.elcaminocentral.com)

6. Chevrolet El Camino at Wikipedia - Online encyclopedia offers a history of the Chevy El Camino, including its 5 different “generations”, and the popularity of El Caminos at today’s muscle car shows. (en.wikipedia.org)

7. Chevy El Caminos For Sale on Craigslist - This link takes you to current listings for El Caminos for sale at Craigslist classifieds sites nationwide. You might also want to visit the Craigslist site for your city or area to find El Caminos close to home. (www.google.com)

8. El Camino Profiles at Super Chevy - This site features articles with photos that profile individual Chevy El Caminos and the restoration jobs done on them by their owners. (www.superchevy.com)

9. El Camino Store - Find restoration parts for vintage 1959 to 1987 Chevy El Caminos. (www.elcaminostore.com)

10. El Camino Pictures at Flickr - Hundreds of pics of old Chevy El Caminos from contributors to this photo sharing site. (www.flickr.com)

11. El Caminos For Sale at cars-on-line.com - El Caminos for sale from around the United States. Sellers can place an ad that will run until sold for $45. Sign up for the weekly newsletter to be the first to get new ads. (www.cars-on-line.com)

12. El Caminos for Sale at AutoTrader.com - Find your city in the list or enter your zip code to find El caminos for sale in your area. View details, photos, and the seller’s location and contact information. (www.autotrader.com)

13. In Praise of an El Camino - September 2011 blog post in which the author looks back at his mother’s silver El Camino that “could fit two people comfortably, but could hold about 60 bags of groceries in the back” and where he had “the most personal of conversations with her” during his teen years. They even heard Elvis had died while driving in it. (jagmin.wordpress.com)

Other Bessed pages of interest:

• Model T Ford For Sale
• Used Cars For Sale By Owner
• Used Pickup Trucks
• Cars for Sale Under $1000
• Used Police Cars

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Q. I still owe money on my old Mervyn’s credit card. Where do I pay it?

A. You can pay online or by mail. See the links below:

1. Mervyns Credit Card Login & Bill Pay - Go here to set up your online Mervyns account, which will let you make your Mervyns credit card payment online, as well as allowing you to see your current balance, check recent card activity, update your personal information, etc. While Mervyn’s has gone kaput, you are still on the hook for your Mervyn’s credit card payment with GE Money Bank, the issuer of the card. NOTE: Many commenters have complained that this page is no longer logging in correctly and/or not accepting payments. It is the last page we knew of for online payments — if you are getting an error, contact GE Money Bank. Do not comment below — it will NOT result in a response from Mervyns / GE Money. (www.onlinecreditcenter6.com)

2. GE Money Payment Mailing Address - This page offers a payment address for GE Money Bank which should work for your Mervyn’s credit card payment. (www.gemoney.com)

3. GE Money Customer Service Phone Numbers - Need to talk to someone at GE Money about your Mervyn’s credit card account? You’ll find a customer service telephone number here. (www.gemoney.com)

4. Mervyns Closing Doors After 59 Years - December 28, 2008 story about Mervyn’s permanently closing all of its stores. (abclocal.go.com)

5. Mervyns - The retail chain known as Mervyns has gone bankrupt and has liquidated its inventory. This page is little more than a placeholder now, asking for your e-mail address to alert you of anything you should know about your Mervyn’s account in the future. (www.mervyns.com)

6. GE Money Bank Customer Login - Because the Mervyn’s credit card was issued by GE Money Bank, you should be able to use the general GE Money login to access your account and make a payment. (www.statementlook.com)

Other related Bessed pages:

• GE Money Bank Payment
• GE Money Bank Credit Cards
• Mervyns

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Q. Where can I find Scepter MFCs for sale?

A. Scepter does not offer the MFC (military fuel can) to the public, so you can only find used MFCs on the secondary market. We’ve seen them on eBay as well as a few other sites you’ll see below:

1. Scepter MFCs at eBay - You’ll find about a dozen used Scepter MFC up for auction or immediate sale here, as well as accessories like cap wrenches, pour spouts, straps, etc. (www.ebay.com)

2. Scepter Military Fuel Can Pairs For Sale at ExploringNH.com - When you click through to this site, it will look like it just sells T-shirts, but if you use the scroll bar to the right of the shirt listings, you’ll see that you can scroll down further to find Scepter MFCs being sold for $90 a pair (which seems to include shipping, because locals can actually buy them for just $38). (forums.exploringnh.com)

3. Scepter MFCs For Sale - The original ad for these Scepter MFCs was posted in July of 2011, but the seller had 24 to sell, so it’s worth a try to see if any still available. Looks like you’ll have to join the site’s forum to actually contact the seller, though. (www.ar15.com)

4. Scepter MFC Sales at Expedition Portal - This one is very hit-or-miss, but if you keep watch on this discussion forum site, you will see small lot sales of Scepter MFCs happening every so often, with sales from other members of the online community. (www.expeditionportal.com)

5. Scepter Military Fuel Container Distributors - Military Only - Not helpful to non-military people, but this is the site that shows you where to find Scepter MFC if you are buying for military purposes. (www.sceptermilitary.com)

Other Bessed pages of interest:

• Military Surplus Vehicles for Sale
• Army Tanks for Sale
• Camouflage Fabric

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Q. What do you know about Lexus SUVs?

A. Lexus offers 3 main SUV models, along with one hybrid — the popular RX and its hybrid sister, then the bigger GX and the even bigger LX. Depending on the model you choose, price can be from the mid $40,000s to over $80K. Check out the links below to see differences between new model Lexus SUVs, reviews, and listings of used Lexus SUVs:

1. Lexus RX - Get information on the latest model of this smallest and most popular Lexus SUV, including features and pricing on the RX 350 & RX350 AWD), plus see interior and exterior pictures, get computer wallpaper, screensaver, more. (www.lexus.com)

2. Lexus RX Hybrid - Get information on the hybrid version of the Lexus RX, technically the RX 400h, including pricing and specs, interior and exterior photos, wallpapers, screensaver, etc. You can also find a local dealer to set you up if interested in buying a new hybrid RX. (www.lexus.com)

3. Lexus SUVs at eBay Motors - Over 300 used Lexus SUVs up for auction or immediate sale here, including GX, LX and RX models from 1996 through 2011. (motors.shop.ebay.com)

4. Lexus GX - The GX 460 is the Lexus mid-size SUV with a third row of seats for up to 7 passengers total and many other features. Get pricing and specs, see pics, learn how to order, etc. (www.lexus.com)

5. Lexus LX - Get info on the LX 570, the largest version Lexus SUV, starting at $79,455 new last time we checked. Offers third row seating to accommodate up to 8 people. Get photos, specs, etc. (www.lexus.com)

6. Lexus SUV Reviews at The Car Connection - Click through to find reviews and pricing on all of the current model Lexus SUVs, including the Lexus RX, RX Hybrid, LX and GX. (www.thecarconnection.com)

Other Bessed pages of interest:

• SUV with 3rd Row Seating
• 7 Passenger SUV
• 8 Passenger SUV

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Q. Where can I find black zip up hoodies?

A. Check out these sites for the blackest of zipper hoodies:

1. Black Zip Hoodies at Zappos - About 300 black zip up hoodies for men, women, and kids here, from brands including The North Face, Volcom, Adidas, Nike, Vans, Alternative Apparel, Hurley, Patagonia, DC, Fox, and more. Includes plain black hoodies as well as black hoodies with some design elements or logos. Free shipping and also free returns if needed. (www.zappos.com)

2. Black Zip Hoodies at Karmaloop - Over 50 black zipper hoodies from urban brands including LRG, Alternative Apparel, RVCA, Matix, and more. (www.karmaloop.com)

3. Black Zip Hoodies at American Apparel - Over a dozen styles of zip up hoodies that come in black, including standard and sleeveless styles. (store.americanapparel.net)

4. Black Zip Hoodies at eBay - Over 10,000 black zipper hoodies up for auction or immediate sale, including plain black and black with various designs. Brands & bands we saw: American Apparel, Champion, Fox, LRG, Gildan, Metal Mulisha, Tapout, DC, Hanes, Jerzees, more. (www.ebay.com)

5. Black Zip Hoodies at The-House.com - Black full zip hoodies from Burton, DC, Forum, Grenade, Special Blend, Volcom, more. (search.the-house.com)

6. Black Zip Hoodies at Amazon.com - Hundreds of men’s and women’s black zip up hoodies here, from brands including American Apparel, Eastbay, Hanes, Volcom, Columbia, many more. (www.amazon.com)

7. Black Zip Hoodies at Old Navy - You’ll find a couple of black hoodie options for both men and women, girls and boys. (www.oldnavy.com)

8. Black Zip Hoodies at Altrec.com - Over 100 black zip up hoodies from outdoor brands including The North Face, Prana, Patagonia, Columbia and more. (www.altrec.com)

9. Black Zip Hoodies at BlueFly.com - A handful of black zipper hoodies here on our last visit, from Monarchy, Country Love, more. (www.bluefly.com)

10. Skulls, Skulls, Skulls Black Zip Hoodie at TopatoCo - Black zip hoodie with, you guessed it, skulls. (www.topatoco.com)

Other related Bessed pages:

• Plain Hoodies
• Hoodies That Zip All The Way Up
• Zip Up Hoodies
• Skeleton Hoodies
• Spiderman Hoodies

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Q. Where can I find GPS units specifically for truckers?

A. Below are 5 sites that sell trucker style GPS units, plus one link to a conversation about which GPS units are best for truck drivers:

1. Trucker GPS Units at GPS Planet - This site offers about 10 GPS units made especially for the needs of truckers, including Rand McNally Intelliroute, Garmin dezl and Garmin nuvi units, WorldNav, and PC Miler. (www.gps-planet.com)

2. New and Used Truckers GPS Units at eBay - Over 100 new and used GPS devices with special truck routes and other route items of interest to truck drivers, with units from Garmin, Rand McNally, Cobra and more. (www.ebay.com)

3. Best GPS Unit for Trucker? - discussion forum conversation from late 2010 / early 2011 offers some thoughts on good trucker GPS options, although the old timers suggest you better have a good old road atlas as well. (www.layover.com)

4. Truck GPS Devices at Amazon.com - Over 80 GPS units for the needs of truckers, including Garmnin dezl and Garmin nuvi units, Cobra, WorldNav, Rand McNally, PC Miler, more. (www.amazon.com)

5. Truck Drivers GPS Navigation Units at 12 Volt Travel - Over a dozen truckers GPS units for sale here, including Rand McNally, Garmin, WorldNav, and other makers. (www.12volt-travel.com)

6. Truckers GPS Units at GPScheap.com - Offers a limited selection of Rand McNally and PC Miler truck drivers’ GPS units. (www.gpscheap.com)

Other Bessed pages of interest:

• Semi Truck Stacks
• Google MapQuest
• Used Semi Trucks For Sale

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Below are 7 sites / links that we think you are most likely to want to see if you’re searching for GEICO auto insurance:

1. GEICO Auto Insurance - Official Site - Get a quote on auto or motorcycle insurance, manage your car insurance policy, or report and track a claim at the official Geico site. You can also read reviews of Geico auto insurance and make a payment by phone or online. (www.geico.com)

2. Geico Auto Insurance Quote - Get a free online car insurance quote from Geico in about 15 minutes. If you??™ve been here before, you can also retrieve your saved quote for 30 days, change information or coverages, answer unfinished questions or get your policies started. If you have questions, a phone number to contact a customer service representative is provided. (www.geico.com)

3. Geico Claims Center - At the online Geico Auto Insurance Claims Center, you can report a claim, track a claim, find a Geico car repair facility or inspection center near you, and learn more about the claims process. (www.geico.com)

4. GEICO Auto Insurance - Account Login and Bill Pay - Log in here to manage your GEICO car insurance policy online, including making a premium payment. (www.geico.com)

5. Geico Auto Insurance Discount from Bank of America - Learn about discounts on Geico car Insurance available to Bank of America customers. To apply, you must sign up to pay your Geico car insurance premium directly from your Bank of America checking or savings account using Geico??™s Direct Pay services. This offer is available to all states except CA and is offered as a premium reduction in New York — enter your zip code to get information on your area. (www.bankofamerica.com)

6. Geico Auto Insurance at PissedConsumer.com -?  Read reviews of Geico auto insurance here along with a list of nearly 50 consumer complaints ranging from misleading policies to poor customer service and claims service. If you??™ve had a negative experience with Geico, you can also post your complaint. (geico.pissedconsumer.com)

7. Insurers Back Off Aftermarket Structural Parts - February 2010 article revolves around Geico??™s announcement that it would no longer specify aftermarket bumper, reinforcements, brackets and energy absorbers in its car collision repair estimates after demonstrations showed they may provide a safety risk — and the collision industry??™s response as additional insurers duplicate Geico??™s stance. (abrn.search-autoparts.com)

Other Bessed pages of interest:

• GEICO Bill Pay
• Bank of America Auto Loans
• Firestone Credit Card
• Ally Auto Loans

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