Who else would choose to live and breathe for the kind of semi-controlled chaos that is local news? At any moment, news breaks and the steady hum of the newsroom erupts into screeching scanners, crazed producers and reporters in a mad rush to get the story and get it on the air. Or in the midst of an intense investigation, you find yourself confronting people head on with the very questions they don’t want to answer. It’s intense day in, day out. The truth is, I love it! So I submit to you, faithful viewer, this question… aren’t those all the marks of individual in need of some type of psychiatric care?

Well, that was quite a tangent when what I really wanted to tell you is we have such an exciting week ahead – Here’s a little preview (and if you are reading this a little late – and missed the stories on air, you can find them on line, too!)

I’m starting the week off with a bang! Monday at 5:15, I’ll tell you how to get clothes right off a celebrity’s back. Think their haute couture is out of reach? Think again. I’ve found a secret site that will deliver them to your front door.

Tuesday – We are taking on locksmiths operating here illegally. What you need to know before your next lockout. I’ll give you a sneak peak at 5:15 p.m. and the full enchilada at 11 p.m. It’s a Consumer Connection Special Report.

Wednesday – A Consumer Connection Problem Solver – you know what it’s like to get the run around. How one viewer and I teamed up to get him what he paid for! You can watch the problem solving in action at 5:15 p.m.

Thursday – Planning to buy a bunch of gift cards this holiday? Have you heard about those pesky “dormancy fees” – the kind that drain your card of its value simply because you haven’t used it yet? Well, you have a new defense against that kind of pitfall. Tune in Thursday at 5:15 p.m. and I’ll give you the scoop before you hit the stores.

Friday – Do you use your American Express card to book travel because of the car insurance perk? Well, you might want to see this viewer’s story about finding himself swimming in fine print and writing a check for his loss. That’s Friday at 5:15 p.m.

Now you have it! An exciting week of Consumer Connection headed your way. Please make us your daily appointment at 6:15 a.m. and 5:15 p.m., and please tell everyone you know (seriously) – we’re barely four months old and you can help get the word out!

Keep your feedback, story ideas, tips, and solution-hungry challenges headed my way to ConsumerConnection@WCNC.com