New Viral Social Media Challenge Tipping Servers 100% – #tipthebillchallenge

Steve
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New Viral Social Media Challenge Tipping Servers 100% – #tipthebillchallenge

Finally, after a series of social media eating challenges, dancing challenges, and prank challenges, there’s now a challenge that’s blessing people’s lives in a huge way – the new #tipthebillchallenge

It first started back in March, but thanks to 2 recent viral posts, people all over the country, including in Charlotte have started to embrace the challenge.

The two viral posts came from Tennessee;

and Virginia;

Since the posts went viral, people have been leaving 100% tips at restaurants, bars, and even coffee shops.

Last night, a UNCC student even posted a picture of a tip she received that was well over 100%;

What do you think about the new challenge?

North Carolina’s Zootastic Fined for Failing Animals and Exposing Public to Ringworm

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North Carolina’s Zootastic Fined for Failing Animals and Exposing Public to Ringworm

According to records that just recently became available, Zootastic Park was penalized $7,450 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for nine violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act.

According to the related inspection reports, Zootastic failed to provide the following cubs with adequate veterinary care: a tiger named Elsa with a bleeding tail injury, a liliger (a crossbred big cat) named Logan who had hair loss over 40 percent of his body, and a tiger named Zara who had hair loss as well as significant swelling around and discharge from her eyes. The roadside zoo also put the public’s health at risk, since three cubs—one of whom was being used in public encounters—were being treated for highly contagious ringworm.

Zootastic was also fined because it had failed to maintain enclosures in good repair, keep enclosures and premises clean, and ensure that food for animals was safe for consumption after a walk-in freezer was found to be malfunctioning and moldy feed was found in a storage area. The roadside zoo was also fined for failing to have a sufficient number of adequately trained employees after a wildebeest attacked a worker and for not having adequate enclosures after a kinkajou escaped and was killed by a lion cub.

Zootastic has previously received multiple official warnings from the USDA, including for failing to have proper barriers separating the public from wild animals and a calf with ringworm, failing to seek veterinary care for an extremely thin goat, failing to provide animals with adequate shelter, failing to comply with written veterinary programs, and operating without a license.

Top 10 Things To Do Around Charlotte This Weekend

Steve
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Top 10 Things To Do Around Charlotte This Weekend

The weekend is almost here!

There will be tons of concerts, festivals, and the first home game of the upcoming Panther season!

Here are the top 10 things happening around the Charlotte region this weekend:

#1 Carolina Panthers Vs Miami Dolphins

The Carolina Panthers are now gearing up to take on the Miami Dolphins for the first home game of the season this coming Friday night starting at 7:30pm.
The Panthers have seen significant growth and maturity from quarterback Cam Newton since making him the top overall pick in the NFL Draft, and that has gone a long way into steadying this Carolina offense.

For tickets or more info click here.

#2 Jason Aldean

Legendary country singer Jason Aldean will be coming to Charlotte this Friday night.

With 18 No. 1 hits on either the Hot Country Songs or Country Airplay charts, singer-songwriter Jason Aldean is the creative force behind such fan favorites as “Big Green Tractor,” “Night Train,” “The Truth” and “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” his duet with Kelly Clarkson.

For more info or tickets click here.

#3 Louisville Bats at Charlotte Knights

This coming weekend the Charlotte Knights will be taking on the Louisville Bats in Uptown Charlotte.

The two teams will face off Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at BB&T Ballpark.

For more info or tickets click here.

#4 The First Ever Uptown Flea

This is not your grandmother’s flea market, and that’s something to get seriously excited about.

Head uptown to shop over 80 flea vendors from salvagers, collectors, vintage dealers, hand makers, antique dealers, local shops, and everything in between. Honestly, anything goes at the Uptown Flea.

Entry fee: $1

Food trucks, live music, hangout spots, and every kind of vendor under the sun.

For more info click here.

#5 Taste & Sip

Start your Saturday right by grabbing a friend and coming out to sample: coffee, tea and pastries in Charlotte’s growing Gold District. First 20 people to purchase tickets will receive event swag bags with goodies and promos! Ticket proceeds + 50% of all additional sales during the event will benefit Metro School in Uptown Charlotte with school supplies.

For more info or tickets click here.

#6 Charlotte Pride Festival & Parade 2018

This weekend, Uptown Charlotte will be hosting the region’s largest LGBTQ Pride event, including a two-day festival on Saturday, Aug. 18 and Sunday, Aug. 19 and the annual parade on Sunday.

For more info click here.

#7 Jerry Seinfeld Live in Charlotte

Few comedians have impacted pop culture as significantly as Jerry Seinfeld has. He consistently delivers fresh, laugh-out-loud funny sets during his live shows, and this legendary comedian will surely keep you laughing from the get-go.

Jerry will be performing live this coming Saturday night starting at 7pm at The Oven’s Auditorium.

For more info or tickets click here.

#8 Paint Your Balls Out

This Saturday night, help to raise awareness and funds against Testicular Cancer. This is the first event of many to bring people together to fight against this terrible disease.

The most common cancer for males between the ages of 15-34… it’s time to take action.
Protect your manhood, Join Save a Nut today.

Join us for an evening of painting, local beer and Kombucha, live music and fun!

#9 Charlotte Community Health Fair/Festival

This coming Saturday at the Carole Hoefener Center, check out Charlotte’s 2nd annual community health fair.

There will be free health screenings, fitness classes, cooking demonstrations, and tons more.

Check out more information here.

#10 Jeff Beck, Paul Rodgers, & Ann Wilson of Heart

This coming Sunday night, Jeff Beck will be performing live in Charlotte at the PNC Music Pavillion.

A virtuosic guitarist renowned for his right-hand dexterity and his signature Fender Stratocaster, Jeff Beck has spent the last 50 years innovating techniques and bridging the gaps between genres. The former Yardbird and longtime solo artist has won many fans among his fellow musicians, many of whom praise his technical playing ability and his soulful, blues-filled music.

For more info or tickets click here.

If you think other events should be on this list or future lists, let us know – Scott@CharlotteStories.com

Charlotte’s Newest Gym Is Changing How We Work Out – CKO Kickboxing

Steve
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Charlotte’s Newest Gym Is Changing How We Work Out – CKO Kickboxing

One of Charlotte’s newest fitness centers is changing how people think about working out.

CKO Kickboxing is a high-intensity hour-long workout designed to combine cardio with strength training in a fun and competitive atmosphere. Once the music starts, trainers guide everyone through a wide array of kicks, punches, elbows, jabs, and various other attacks;

CKO Kickboxing South Charlotte was opened by husband and wife power duo Nicholas and Linda Lancetti. In addition to their passion for fitness, Nicholas is a long time DJ and Linda is a certified health coach – their unique knowledge, experience, and personalities make for a truly powerful workout.

“I’ve been djing for 20 years and I make all the music sets for all of our classes.  Our members have a whole new experience in our classes because of the way my sets are specifically designed to bring the energy to the next level,” Nicholas commented. “Music can change a person and sometimes even motivate them to make a change and I like to take our members on a whole new fitness journey that will benefit them in the long run!”

They also told me that community is a key aspect in their gym – they’re focused on the physical, mental, and social growth of each member.

“Our gym is different because of the way we approach our members. We don’t care for how long they will sign up for, we want them to see real results and make them change their lives for the better,” commented Linda. “Doing this for 7 years now, we realized that every person has a story and making a difference in a person’s life means the world to us! If I can have a positive impact on their life…I’ve done my job.”

You can find out more about what they do or sign up for your first class on their website here and follow them on their Instagram account here.

The 14th Annual Blues & Jazz Festival Is Coming To Fort Mill

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The 14th Annual Blues & Jazz Festival Is Coming To Fort Mill

Celebrate the roots of modern music with infectious rhythms, soulful sounds, and high energy performances at the Arts Council of York County’s 14th Annual Blues & Jazz Festival.

Events kick off with concerts in both Baxter Village in Fort Mill AND Clover, SC from 7 – 10 PM on Thursday, October 4!

Saxman Dante Lewis brings his smooth sounds to Springmaid Park in Baxter Village, 980-990 Market St., Fort Mill, SC. New in 2018 – the Festival expands to Clover, SC with Letron Brantley heating things up at The Larne Building, 103 N. Main St., Clover, SC. On Friday, October 5, the Blues & Jazz Festival’s signature Old Town Restaurant Crawl returns to Rock Hill where festival-goers can enjoy live music by nine acts at eight Old Town restaurants & venues throughout the night.

The 14th Annual Blues & Jazz Festival
October 4 – 5, 2018 | Rain or Shine

KICKOFF | BAXTER VILLAGE
Thursday, October 4, 2018 | 7 – 10 PM | FREE
SPRINGMAID PARK at BAXTER VILLAGE
980-990 MARKET STREET | FORT MILL, SC

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED | 2-hour shifts are available during the Restaurant Crawl on Friday, October
5. Volunteers will check admission bracelets at the doors of the venues. In thanks, volunteers will
receive a 14 th Annual Blues & Jazz t-shirt and will also receive an event wristband for entry to the
festival either before or after their shift. Contact the Arts Council at (803)328-2787 for more
information.

To find out more information, you can visit their website here at yorkcountyarts.org/14thbluesandjazz

Charlotte Men’s Shelter Hosting Grand Re-Opening After Massive $5.8 Million Overhaul

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte Men’s Shelter Hosting Grand Re-Opening After Massive $5.8 Million Overhaul

The Men’s Shelter of Charlotte is about to celebrate the Grand Opening of its renovated 1210 N. Tryon shelter on August 16th. The event marks the culmination of years of work and countless acts of generosity to help men begin their journey out of homelessness. Tours will be offered from 3pm – 5pm, with a short program at 4 pm, recognizing the donors, volunteers, staff, and the construction team that made the transformation possible.

Men’s Shelter of Charlotte raised $5.8 million for the project, buoyed by an anonymous $1 million gift and strong support from individuals, congregations, and foundations, including a $1.4 million investment from the City of Charlotte, NC Housing Finance Agency and Federal Home Loan Bank of Atlanta.

The project is wrapping up within budget and within days of the initial deadline. Special thanks go to Shelco, Overcash Demmitt Architects, Little, and architect David Furman for major contributions to the renovation effort. The renovation was not an easy one. The shelter opened in 1985, retrofitted from a plumbing supply warehouse constructed in the 1950s. Since that time, the building had fallen into disrepair after more than three decades of sheltering thousands of men experiencing homelessness.

The 230 men who will be served each night at the newly refurbished shelter will be welcomed with significant basic facility improvements (new pipes, HVAC system, ductwork, roof, kitchen equipment), greatly improved privacy and dignity in the sleeping dormitory and bathrooms, and much more hospitable and functional communal spaces, including the addition of “Hope Plaza,” a small park for guests to enjoy.

“We’ve long been providing excellent programs and services to help guests end their experience with homelessness. And, now we’ve finally got a facility matched in quality,” says former Board Chair and Campaign Co-Chair Will Alston. Alston adds that the new facility will only “improve our work to connect guests to housing.”

During the nearly 5-month renovation, services for the approximately 200 guests at the Tryon shelter have continued at two temporary locations, thanks to support from hundreds of volunteers. Guests will return to the shelter on Saturday, August 18th and the temporary sites will be closed.

Men’s Shelter of Charlotte currently provides shelter to 350 men a night across two campuses (Tryon St. & Statesville Ave). Post renovation, the campuses combined will increase to 400 men a night (230 at Tryon St. and 170 at Statesville Ave.).

“We are humbled by the extraordinary support from across our community,” says Liz Clasen-Kelly, Executive Director, Men’s Shelter of Charlotte. “We’ve created an atmosphere that is much more hospitable, helpful and hopeful. We see the completion of the renovation not as an end – but as just the beginning.”

Video of UFO Sighting Over Lake Norman Now Going Viral

Steve
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Video of UFO Sighting Over Lake Norman Now Going Viral

Earlier this year, Lake Norman resident Jason Swing filmed what he described as a UFO over Lake Norman on his cell phone and uploaded to YouTube.

Under the video Swing commented, “I was at work 2018 10:30 a.m it had been raining all morning. Rain finally stopped so we went w pick up a boat from lake norman.. When came around the corner I saw this thing sitting still very close..”

Last week, British tabloids The Daily Star did a full story on the video and this past Thursday, YouTube channel “The Hidden Underbelly 2.0” featured the video, which spread it to a wide array of conspiracy and UFO groups around the world.

It has since been viewed over 225,000 times;

Most people who commented under the video either thought it was a hoax, or confirmed their belief in alien space crafts visiting our planet. One commenter even noted that it might be a blimp, which might explain why the object appears to be hovering.

Conspiracy theorists also chimed in, saying that it was an experimental aircraft coming from one of North Carolina’s multiple military bases (Pope Air Force Base, Camp Lejeune Marine Corps, or Fort Bragg Army Base). Other commenters pointed to the numerous other UFO sightings over Lake Norman since the lake was first created.

What do you think the UFO flying over Lake Norman was? 

Do you think it has anything to do with Normie, the Lake Norman Monster? 

South End’s First Full-Service ‘Men’s Spa’ Just Opened Next To Common Market

Steve
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South End’s First Full-Service ‘Men’s Spa’ Just Opened Next To Common Market

Caliber Men’s Grooming is Charlotte’s newest upscale Men’s Salon located in the historic South End, just 1 block away from the light rail, and right next door to our city’s newest Common Market.

The Caliber team worked together in Uptown for 10 years before deciding to open their own modern-day “men’s spa” in the heart of South End.

“I wanted Caliber to be a place where guys come, have a beer, get a custom haircut, and leave feeling pampered,” owner Kelley Brewer noted. “I also wanted to create a fun, comfortable work environment for the stylist and I think our clients can tell we all love what we do.”

Caliber now offers a variety of service including Nose and Ear Waxing, Back Waxing,  Massage Services, a Custom Clothier, and a ‘Full-Service Cut’ – featuring a cleansing pre-shampoo, custom haircut, straight razor on the back of the neck, scalp treatment with a hot steam towel, scalp massage, product and style.

The staff at Caliber want all men in South End to know that GREAT HAIR doesn’t happen by chance, it happens by APPOINTMENT and to invest in your hair – you wear it everyday.

Find out more about what they have to offer on their website here and be sure to follow them on Instagram here.

Huntersville Police Asking For Help In Finding Driver Illegally Transporting Dog

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Huntersville Police Asking For Help In Finding Driver Illegally Transporting Dog

Huntersville Police are now asking for help in identifying a driver who has been illegally transporting his dog from a loosely suspended cargo carrier behind his Jeep.

Several photos quickly spread around social media after local residents spotted the dangerous situation.

“It’s just one sharp turn away from hanging itself basically from its chain,” Lori Bennett told WCNC after spotting the dog.

Huntersville Police Department received numerous complaints over the weekend and posted the following images and description to Twitter;

“Owner identified, but not located yet,” HPD said Tuesday morning. “If you see this vehicle, or the owner, or know its whereabouts, please contact police immediately.”

In the comments, they also note that, “there may be some type of sticker on the lower, right corner of the rear windshield”.

If you know who owns the Jeep and where they might be located, please call the Huntersville Police Department at (704) 464-5400.

Goodwill Just Opened Their Latest ‘GW Boutique’ In The Heart of South End

Charlotte Stories
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Goodwill Just Opened Their Latest ‘GW Boutique’ In The Heart of South End

Goodwill recently opened their newest ‘GW Boutique’ right in the heart of South End (they opened their first location in 2016 on the West Side).

You can now save a ton on designer clothes during your back-to-school shopping and even gear up your child with the latest in new technology in ‘The Grid’ section of the new store.

Goodwill is describing the news store as a “social, engaging and chic” store aimed at young shoppers, offering brands like Kate Spade, Tory Burch and Coach.

“We’re excited to bring the GW brand to South End. With the popularity of the GW store at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, we’ve been searching for the right location to introduce a second boutique store with convenient access for Charlotte shoppers,” said Barbara Maida-Stolle, chief business officer. “This space on South Boulevard is ideal, bringing a bigger GW to fun-loving, trend-embracing South End shoppers who appreciate a good deal.”

Have you been to the new GW Boutique yet?

What are your thoughts?

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