Amazon Selects Charlotte To Launch New Career Choice Program

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UNC Charlotte has been selected as a university partner in Amazon’s Career Choice program. This program provides Amazon’s hourly employees access to fully funded tuition for any of UNC Charlotte’s 171 bachelor’s degree programs in 77 areas of study, including degree completion programs designed specifically for working adults in the School of Professional Studies.

“As Amazon’s select university partner in this region, we provide accessible, affordable, quality higher education to help upskill the local workforce and meet North Carolina’s evolving employment needs,” said UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “Charlotte is uniquely positioned to provide flexible higher education options that meet the demands of today’s working adults and drive even more economic growth, opportunity and success.”

This partnership also helps strengthen a growing, vibrant city, according to Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles.

“UNC Charlotte and Amazon both contribute significantly to the economic vitality of our city,” said Lyles. “We are fortunate that these two powerhouses are partnering together in efforts to train, educate and expand the workforce in the Charlotte region and North Carolina.”

UNC Charlotte and Amazon partnership.jpgStudents transferring to UNC Charlotte from Amazon’s community college partners — including Central Piedmont, Rowan Cabarrus Community College and Wake Technical Community College — have the opportunity to continue to receive Amazon’s employee tuition benefit. This applies to the 49erNext co-admission program for students earning an associate degree and to the 49er Finish program for former UNC Charlotte students who have not completed a degree. Amazon employees who are currently enrolled at UNC Charlotte also may apply to receive free tuition through this program.

Career Choice is part of Amazon’s Upskilling 2025 pledge — a $1.2 billion commitment to upskill more than 300,000 Amazon employees by 2025.

“We’re looking forward to UNC Charlotte coming on board as an education partner for Career Choice, adding to the hundreds of best-in-class offerings available to our employees,” said Tammy Thieman, global program lead of Amazon’s Career Choice program. “We’re committed to empowering our employees by providing them access to the education and training they need to grow their careers, whether that’s with us or elsewhere. We have intentionally cultivated a partner network of third-party educators and employers committed to providing excellent education, job placement resources, and continuous improvements to the experience. Today, over 50,000 Amazon employees around the world have already participated in Career Choice and we’ve seen first-hand how it can transform their lives.”

Susan G. Komen Announces Inaugural MORE THAN PINK Walk In Charlotte

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Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization, today announced that it will hold a MORE THAN PINK Walk in Uptown Charlotte this fall. The Walk will replace the annual Race for the Cure event and be held on Mint Street outside of Bank of America Stadium on October 8, 2022. This be Komen’s first in-person Walk event in Charlotte since 2019.

“This is the 26th year Susan G. Komen has hosted an event in Charlotte, and we are excited to announce it will be a MORE THAN PINK Walk this year,” said Kimberly Burrows, State Executive Director North and South Carolina at Susan G. Komen. “A MORE THAN PINK Walk is more inclusive of Komen’s supporters, some of whom are in active treatment, and better represents our mission – and we hope everyone will join us in October.”

The presenting sponsor for the inaugural MORE THAN PINK Walk in Charlotte is Pink Energy, America’s leading solar energy company. “Giving back to breast cancer causes has been part of our company’s philanthropy the past two years, and now with this partnership, we’re going to the next level with that commitment,” said Pink Energy CEO Jayson Waller. “Our employees and customers are already doing a great thing for the environment by installing solar, and this partnership collectively allows us to do even more good things for excellent causes.”

“We welcome all the members of our breast cancer community honoring friends, family and anyone who has been impacted by the disease,” said Sarah Hanna, Development Director North and South Carolina. “The MORE THAN PINK Walk for the Cure is about making strides toward curing breast cancer and the funds raised through registrations and sponsorships will give more individuals who have been impacted by the disease access to resources and the support they need now.”

The Power of ONE Week – a week’s worth of events to honor those who have been impacted by breast cancer – will precede the Walk on October 8, 2022.

How Can Charlotte Save Its Historic Buildings?

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As one of the fastest-growing and the 15th most populous city in the US, Charlotte has seen a lot of changes in recent years. But a casualty of this rapid growth and strong real estate market has been Charlotte’s historic buildings. Many of Charlotte’s older buildings are now gone forever after being torn down to make way for new housing and commercial developments. While it’s not only happening in Charlotte, with each building that is demolished, an important part of the city’s history goes with it. But we can do something about it.
Charlotte’s Lost History
While there are more than 2,600 national historical landmarks in the US, those in disrepair, abandoned, or simply don’t fit in with the city’s plans could be torn down. The iconic 1914 Masonic Temple on South Tyron and the 1903 Mecklenburg County’s first library are just two important buildings now gone forever. While not all historic buildings are architectural wonders, they are an important part of the city’s history and character. With such a rapid pace of redevelopment in Charlotte, we must look at how we can safeguard the city’s history by preserving its landmarks and architectural icons while at the same time meeting the needs of a modern growing city.
Repurpose Old Buildings
One of the most effective ways to preserve a historical building is by changing its original purpose through adaptive reuse. While preserving the building’s key historical features, adaptations are made to the internals to accommodate a new purpose. Adaptive reuse can transform old buildings into modern offices, apartments, museums, or visitors. A good example is Rural Hill Plantation in Huntersville, now a wedding venue and hosts the Highland Games. By repurposing buildings in this way, Charlotte can keep hold of some of its history and character while transforming the interiors for modern use.
Get The Community Involved
Preserving any historic building is a group effort. When you have a team of like-minded people, you’ll have a greater reach across the community and help you be more successful. Get in touch with historical groups in your area, such as The Mecklenburg Historical Association and the Charlotte Museum of History. They will already have experience of local preservation and be able to offer their knowledge and support. They may even be able to help with collecting donations towards the preservation project. You also need to get community organizations, local government, and historic preservation officers on board.
Secure Funding
Preserving aging buildings is not a cheap exercise, especially if it will involve renovating, restoring, or even moving the building to a new location. Securing enough funding can take between six months to many years and you may not be able to secure all the funding you need. However, working alongside a professional fundraising consultant or non-profit can help you plan an effective fundraising campaign. You can also look to get funding through state grants, private funding, donations, and tax credits.
Historic buildings are witnesses to the cultural and aesthetic history of a city. They help us stay connected to the past and help to shape our future. It may take a lot of time, money, and effort, but it’s never been more important to preserve Charlotte’s historic buildings before it’s too late.

A Guide to Getting Your Employer Sponsorship License

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Getting your employer sponsorship license is your first step towards working abroad in a country you love, such as immigrating to the US for work. But how do you go about it? Before you can even start this exciting process, you need to wade through many different pieces of information.

We have taken all the guesswork out of the equation for you and created this step-by-step guide to help you get your employer sponsorship licence.

Employer Sponsorship License Explained

Employer sponsorship is a category of non-immigrant visas that allows foreign nationals to work in the US on behalf of a sponsoring employer. These visas are typically issued for a specific period. They have no other restrictions on the employer or employee apart from employment.

The H1B visa is an employer sponsorship license that allows foreign workers to work in the US for up to three years. The H1B visa is designed to fill highly skilled positions that cannot be filled by American citizens or permanent residents.

The applicant must have at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in their field and apply for a visa before starting working with their new company. The employer must also prove that they cannot find an American citizen or permanent resident to fill the position.

The L1 visa is another standard employer sponsorship license, which allows foreign workers to work in the US for up to seven years. The L1 visa is designed for executives or managers who are being transferred to a US subsidiary of their company.

The applicant must have worked for the company for at least one year within the three years preceding their application and must be applying for a managerial or executive position.

Applying for an Employer Sponsorship License

The first step in applying for an employer sponsorship license is ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements. Once you have confirmed that you are eligible, you will need to gather all the required documentation.

The next step is to complete the online application form. Once you have submitted your application, you will need to pay the application fee and schedule an interview at a US consulate or embassy.

At the interview, you will be required to present all of your documentation and answer questions about your eligibility for the visa. If your application is approved, you will be issued a visa allowing you to work in the US for up to three years.

If you are applying for an employer sponsorship licence, it is essential to remember that you are not guaranteed approval. The US consulate or embassy will make the final decision on your application based on their criteria.

However, follow all the steps in this guide and provide the required documentation. You will give yourself the best possible chance of success.

What Your Employer Sponsorship License Can Do

When applying for your employer sponsorship license, you must understand what it can and cannot do. An employer sponsorship license will allow you to work in America while waiting for your EAD card. Still, it does not guarantee that you will be granted an H-1B visa or even permission to stay in the country once you arrive on your student visa.

That means you must apply for and be granted an H-1B visa before starting working in America. The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows highly skilled workers to work in the United States for up to three years.

To be eligible for an H-1B visa, you must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a field related to the job you are applying for. You will also need a job offer from a US employer willing to sponsor you for the visa.

Once granted an H-1B visa, you can work in America for up to three years. After that, you must either apply for a new visa or return to your home country.

If you want to stay in America beyond the three years of your H-1B visa, you must apply for a green card. A green card is a permanent residence permit that allows you to live and work in the United States indefinitely.

To be eligible for a green card, you will need a job offer from a US employer willing to sponsor you. You will also need to pass a series of tests, including a medical exam and an English language test.

Once granted a green card, you can live and work in the United States indefinitely. You will also be able to apply for US citizenship after five years.

Conclusion

Applying for an employer sponsorship license is the first step in a long process, but it is essential. If you are eligible and follow all of the steps in this guide, you will give yourself the best possible chance of success.

Why People Turn to THC Products from ThinkApollo

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People these days are often looking for products that can improve their life quality, boost their health, and improve their well-being. Among the items that many turn to are THC products, which have become increasingly popular over recent years. When you use THC products, it is vital that you find one that offers great quality and effectiveness while being affordable. This means finding the right product and the right provider.

Many of those who want high-quality products at an affordable price turn to products from ThinkApollo, which is a well-known provider with a solid reputation. It is important to find a provider that has a good reputation when you are purchasing THC products, as this means that you can enjoy products that are compliant, of great quality, and very effective. There are many reasons why a lot of people turn to this provider for their THC products, some of which we will look at in this article.

Some of the Reasons

When you find the right THC products that boast high quality and effectiveness, you can look forward to a host of great benefits. Some of the key benefits that you can look forward to are better sleep, the ability to relax with greater ease, improved mental wellbeing, and more. Some of the reasons why people turn to Apollo in order to purchase these products and enjoy these benefits are:

The Products Are Affordable

One of the reasons why a lot of people choose this provider is that the products are affordable. Not only this, but the products are of great quality and fully compliant, which is vital when purchasing THC products. If you are on a budget, it is important to ensure you find products that are within your price range but are also of a great quality. This is where Apollo can help as their products tick both of these boxes.

It Is a Reputable Provider

When buying products such as THC, you need to ensure you not only choose the right product but that you also find a reputable provider. The provider you choose can affect your experience in many ways such as affecting the quality of the products, the choices available, the level of service received, and the pricing of products. Many people choose Apollo because of its solid reputation and great reviews, which means greater peace of mind and confidence for you.

You Can Enjoy Plenty of Options

You can also look forward to a range of options when it comes to finding products when you go through Apollo, and this is another reason why a lot of people use this provider. When you have a choice of products to select from, you can more easily find one that is perfectly suited to your needs. So, this is another reason to consider using Apollo to find the ideal THC products.

These are some of the many reasons why a lot of people now use this provider for their THC purchases. 

The Effects Of Inflation On Business in 2022

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70% of Americans, or one in ten people in the US, deem inflation as the number one concern regarding businesses, according to a recent study by Pew Research.

To some extent, it is surprising that inflation has overshadowed the aftermath of the pandemic, yielding a new issue of concern for many small-business owners or corporate companies.

According to the Special Report by the US Chamber of Commerce, 85% of all small businesses state the negative impacts of inflation highly concern them. 

Inflation is taking its toll on every business owner, from elevated raw materials prices to reduced profits. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into some effects of inflation on business in 2022 and the reasons and ways to deal with them.

What Makes Inflation Skyrocket Today?

The financial impact of the pandemic left the world constrained in terms of keeping up with supply and demand. People lost jobs, businesses closed, and even the trading markets lost their previous power – all of it conditioned an increase in prices. 

Today, investors are seizing opportunities to recover and jump-start global trade. If you’re thinking about investing, get the latest investing news on Fastbull, and stay in the know of what’s happening in the investment world today.

Aside from the pandemic, another significant aspect of the peaking of inflation is the Russia-Ukraine war. Although Europe is mainly affected by this issue, the rest of the world, too, feels the consequences. 

Since Russia and Ukraine are the big players in the production and export of grains, the world is automatically deprived of those essentials. Moreover, as one of the top exporters of crude oil, Russia impedes gas import to most countries around the world, thus raising the costs – for individuals and businesses alike.

In Which Aspects Does Inflation Affect Businesses?

Essentially, businesses are affected by inflation in 4 different aspects: 

  • Borrowing difficulties;
  • Raises overhead expenses;
  • Decreases revenues, and 
  • Reduces profits.

Creating Difficulties in Borrowing

It’s only logical for business owners to opt for loans to keep their businesses running. However, decreased revenues and lower profits result in poor credit scores, which is why companies can’t take out good loans. 

Put, banks or loan companies don’t give beneficial interest rates to businesses with bad/low credit scores. The type of credit they give is usually accompanied by high-interest rates, which only deepens the company’s instability.

Raising Overhead Expenses

Due to the rising price of raw materials and manufacturing costs, an increase in overhead expenses is bound to happen. 

For example, a business that requires workers to be physically present on-site will have more overhead expenses than companies that can operate remotely. Unfortunately, not all businesses can adopt a remote style of work, which is why inflation has hit hard many business owners.

Reducing Profits

Due to fear of losing customers, many businesses will rather go for paying more than raise the prices of their goods and services. 

Corporate-level companies can afford to pay more in manufacturing/acquiring costs, but a small business might not. Now, adopting an increase in costs and a decreased sales volume equals drastically flopped profits. 

Decreasing Revenues

The fluctuation of the value of money has rendered the American dollar (as well as many other currencies) a not-so-powerful coin as it was. With this in mind, customers have less purchasing power and spend less on goods and services, which translates to businesses experiencing a decrease in sales. 

How to Survive Inflation?

In the post-pandemic world of today, global trade is still recovering. The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine worsens the world’s economic future.

Still, there are some tips to consider for surviving the effects of inflation on 2022. 

Plan Cash Flow Ahead

Cash infusions will become paramount for businesses at some point, especially with the increase in costs and reduction in revenue. 

So, every business owner will need a financial cushion to soften the blow. For example, if you face difficulty attaining loans or grants, an alternate funding source will be a game-changer for your business.

Revise Pricing Strategy

Keeping up with the pricing trends and the economic fluctuations can mean a leg up for your business. Dedicate some of your time as a business owner to research the market and see whether the time to raise the prices is right or you’ll need to lower them.

Consider Cut-Backs

Re-evaluate your business plan and see what’s essential for your business to stay up and run. Cut off all non-essential costs, determine what’s a must for your business, and which aspects you can go without.

Conclusion: The Effects of Inflation on Businesses in 2022

Inflation has been merciful to businesses, from causing a shortage of goods and raw materials to reducing profits and revenues.

Being mindful of business expenses and operating costs, and finding ways to adapt to the changes, can help your business stay afloat in these difficult times for the global economy.

When Is It Time To Call A Roofer Philadelphia PA

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In order to be successful in taking care of your Philadelphia home, you don’t need to be a professional contractor. Still, you do need to be handy enough to take care of standard care and upkeep of the household. 

In some cases, it will involve recognizing potential problems to enable bringing in a professional to handle the necessary inspections.

That couldn’t be more true than with the property’s roof. This is a primary home structure responsible for protecting the household and the valuable possessions inside. 

The estimated lifespan for a well-maintained roof can be as great as 20 years. Still, it’s crucial to learn adequate upkeep and how to handle minor repairs like leaks, plus know when it’s time to contact the professional roofers in Philadelphia PA to lend a hand. 

The experts can often save money by preventing a minor defect from progressing into significant damage. Let’s look at a few tips on proper roofing maintenance.

Tips On Proper Roof Maintenance And Repair

The primary component of a house is its roof. This structure is meant to protect the property and all the interior elements plus your valuable possessions. As a homeowner, you don’t need to have the knowledge of a roofing contractor to engage in household care and upkeep. 

Still, it is essential to be aware enough that you can handle basic tasks, including small repairs like the development of minor leaks. 

It’s also critical that you recognize when there’s a defect that requires a roofing professional in your Philadelphia area to come to do an assessment and make adequate corrections to avoid significant damages. 

That can save you considerable money and the headache of major repairs or a possible replacement. Learn tips on hiring trusted roofing contractors at https://www.bbb.org/article/tips/14082-bbb-tip-roofing-contractors/. The following means to offer guidance if you find yourself with a roofing situation and are unsure how to handle it.

  • Recognize when a professional roofer is required

Many homeowners are into trying to DIY household repairs, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing for small projects since it can save considerable money and offer self-satisfaction. 

The average homeowner can find a wealth of guidance online with varied tutorials and “how-to” videos making even minor roofing repairs a more confident undertaking.  

That doesn’t mean that all roof issues should be construed as DIY-worthy. Some should be considered for inspection by a professional as a precautionary measure to avoid danger and prevent additional damage. A few scenarios where this is the case include.

  1. A structure involving a steep pitch.
  2. Materials prone to breakage if stepped on like stone, tiles, or other fragile surfaces.
  3. When you feel uncomfortable with the idea of climbing or unsafe in the situation.
  4. If the repairs seem too complex or you don’t feel skilled enough to make an attempt.
  5. When you recognize significant leakage, the leaking continues to reoccur; you are unable to find the source or the roofing has substantial damages.
  •  How will you know when a repair is sufficient, or it’s time to replace

Instances of minor damages, perhaps a loose shingle or two, and what would construe as minor leaks are often things that a homeowner can troubleshoot and repair with household upkeep. Eventually, all roofing reaches the point where a replacement is necessary.

Regular roofing inspections by professional roof contractors will help to keep your roof in good condition for an extended lifespan. Plus, the expert can advise you in advance when it’s getting close to the time that the roof will need extensive repairs to make it last a short while longer, or a replacement will be necessary. Go here for guidance on what you should know before hiring a local roofing contractor.

  • Roof leaks of any nature are all a significant issue

The smallest of roof leaks can create a massive mess for the household. Leaking water from the roof and water drips will result in visible water spots, including discolorations on the drywall and ceilings where the water is creating damage. 

However, you will also have damages happening that won’t be visible, like within the electrical system, within the attic supports, and perhaps with the house’s foundation. At worst, you will have a foundation failure, electrical fire, perhaps develop wood rot, mold and mildew, and on. 

No matter how insignificant, immediate action needs to be taken when there is an obvious sign of a roof leak. That will include finding the sour and sealing it. It will then be necessary to address any potential water damage that has resulted.

  • Adequate protective clothing is essential

Climbing on the roof to do some maintenance is a dangerous undertaking. That entails having proper clothing to undergo the process and the right mindset. If you don’t feel comfortable or in any way have a fear or sense of being unsafe, call a professional. 

It would be best if you never attempted to climb onto a roof with significant damage since these have the possibility of caving. Nor should you walk on a surface with tiles, any sort of material that will break under your feet, as well as those that can become slippery or if the structure has become wet. 

For a homeowner lacking adequate tools or equipment, it’s imperative to contact a professional to handle the repairs for optimum safety.

If the conditions are good and you can access the roof, you need to have heavy material, long work pants or jeans and a long-sleeved shirt for arm protection, along with shoes that offer good traction with rubber soles to avoid slippage.

Final Thought

A roof can often seem like a truly major hassle and tremendous expense to preserve and upkeep; however, it is essential for the home’s safety, so it needs to be viewed in the context of an investment in your protection. 

That would mean partnering with a licensed, insured, and well-established professional roofer in Philadelphia PA. This expert can be a massive life saver with quality, honest regular inspections. 

These will determine if defects are to be corrected immediately before they turn into major problems or create significant damage. The contractor can also inform you ahead of time when a replacement is forthcoming. 

They can even help extend the life a little longer with repairs until you’re ready. When you take good care of your roof, it will give you an extended lifespan taking good care of you.

How Did Technologies Change the Betting Industry?

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How Did Technologies Change the Betting Industry?

Watching a favorite match after placing even a minimum bet immediately becomes more thrilling and exciting. And the rapid development of the industry has made it one of the largest in the world. Of course, dramatic changes in technologies have significantly influenced it.  If earlier people had to visit hippodromes and sporting events to compare the odds and make a bet, and nowadays, such entertainment has become as accessible as possible.

Virtual Reality in Different Spheres

VR technologies have been already implemented in numerous industries, allowing people to escape from reality and dip into the wonderful virtual world. A user should just wear glasses to enjoy 3D images surrounding them and influence all actions in real-time.  This technology has been successfully implemented in the gaming industry, and it’s definitely the latest trend.

There are entire VR rooms that can be found in some entertainment centers and universities. Gambling fans can also take advantage of this innovation and play the best casino slots with an exciting MrBet bonus in augmented reality.

Mondaq platform states that it’s just a matter of time before this technology will be actively used in the betting sphere. Well, we look forward to such updates with great impatience! Just imagine creating an atmosphere of a sports match at home and enjoying the spectacular event.

Branded Bookmakers’ Mobile Applications

Modern technologies allow users to interact with a bookmaker’s website from any device, which is incredibly convenient for those who prefer using smartphones and remain multitasked. Most betting sites now provide the option of interacting with them from a mobile browser, but some platforms have already made a step ahead and launched convenient applications for users.

As a rule, such applications provide all the benefits, including a wide range of odds, the possibility to claim bonuses, and quickly deposit and withdraw funds. There’s no need to leave home and go somewhere since a betting station is always in a person’s hand or pocket. This technology has become a new era for sportsbooks. However, it’s not the only innovation that has made the betting sphere so demanding.

Live Streams of Sports Matches

There’s no need to attend the physical matches since now users can enjoy their favorite events online. Many people will definitely wonder what’s surprising about this point, as video broadcasts on TV channels appeared long ago and cannot be considered an insane innovation. But the thing is that such streams are usually delayed, which doesn’t allow following the actions in real-time.

First, it’s a disadvantage for sports fans who would like to be at the center of the event. On the other hand, it’s disadvantageous for bookmakers, which is the main reason why they prefer installing special equipment for instant data transfer.

Last-Minute Betting

This opportunity has become possible thanks to the point described above. Even though following a sports event is thrilling, not so many people have time to sit and wait for the anticipated match to place a bet. Sometimes users just aim to earn some additional cash without any interest for a particular match. Last-minute betting is also a good solution for indecisive viewers who wait until the last minute.

Evolution of Cryptocurrencies & Blockchain Technologies

The rapid growth of cryptocurrencies has undoubtedly affected all areas. Many believe that Bitcoin will soon become a full-fledged replacement for fiat currencies, and not a single person in the world can stand aside. One of the main benefits is that blockchain technology guarantees full anonymity for a user so that they can be confident that their personal details will always remain private.

The fact that cryptocurrencies are increasingly used, as they provide many advantages, remains indisputable. Crypto development has significantly influenced the betting market and led to the emergence of new bookmaker companies. The demand for such services can be easily explained: such payments are known for offering secure payment methods as well as instant transactions without any banks or other financial institutions involved in deposits and withdrawals.

Fantastic Esports Tournaments Popular Worldwide

According to research by DFC Intelligence, almost half of the world’s population prefers spending time in video games. And esports tournaments are definitely a trend that won’t lose its relevance in the nearest future. Moreover, such events have significantly expanded the borders of the bookmaker business.

Betting on esports has seemed something unusual and exotic only several years ago. And today, they are in no way inferior to classic sports, considering the number of people who would like to make their predictions. Of course, one of the main factors influencing such popularity is the rejuvenation of the audience, which is more interested in trying something new and trendy. Many people predict that in a few years esports will mostly replace traditional matches since even now, the younger generation would rather enjoy Twitch streaming than attend a stadium and watch football or ice hockey.

Variety of Bets: From Sports to Politics

If before there were only some sports to bet on, nowadays, users can enjoy a wide range of opportunities and choose any event in the world. For instance, those who are not keen on sports but want to tickle their nerves and get an adrenaline rush can consider some political events, for instance, try to guess who will win the election. Even though bookmakers mainly benefit from sports bets, they provide a wide choice for users. Nobody can ever get bored in such a diversity.

Future of Betting Has Already Begun

The active introduction of innovative technologies in the field of betting has significantly changed the industry and continues to do so. Many hope that soon it will be possible not only to watch the broadcast of your favorite match but also to completely immerse yourself in it, creating virtual reality.

What awaits us in the future? We can only guess that. However, it is already clear that the betting industry will not lose demand from customers, and modern technologies will definitely not stop developing.

High Volume of 911 Calls Reporting Gas Odor Throughout The City of Charlotte

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If you live in Charlotte and you smell a gas odor outside, the city is asking that you do not call 911 unless you see smoke or fire.

The City of Charlotte just send out the following alert to residents:

“WE ARE CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING A HIGH 911 CALL VOLUME RELATED TO THE ODOR OF NATURAL GAS, THROUGHOUT THE CITY OF CHARLOTTE. WE BELIEVE THAT WEATHER ‘AN INVERSION’ IS KEEPING THE ODOR CLOSE TO THE SURFACE, MAKING IT EASY TO SMELL. WE ARE WORKING WITH PIEDMONTH NATURAL GAS TO DETERMINE THE SOURCE OF THIS ODOR. THERE IS NO NEED TO REPORT THIS ODOR UNLESS YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY OR YOU FEEL THAT THIS ODOR IS COMING FROM YOUR HOME OR BUILDING.”

CMPD also sent out a statement saying that the Charlotte Fire Department is working with the National Weather Service to determine the exact cause of the city-wide odor issue.

 

According to meteorologist Brad Panovich, the odor “is being exaggerated by a strong low-level temperature inversion”

Have you smelt gas today?

Average North Carolinian Would Sell Their Personal Data for $1,489

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When we shop online, there’s very little information that internet browsers don’t know about us… We grant websites and apps certain permissions and allow ‘cookies’ to track our online information and most users know that companies track our activity and sell this data to online advertisers. Targeted advertising algorithms also mean our devices have all our browsing history and personal interests saved and stored. It’s clear that nowadays, personal data is a highly valuable asset for businesses when it comes to finding out more about consumer behavior or potential audience, as well as in targeted advertising strategies – but exactly how much (to the dollar) is this information worth?

CouponBirds, provider of consumer information to do with real-time deals and savings, conducted a survey of 3,510 consumers to determine the exact amount at which they would be willing to sell their online shopping data if it were hypothetically possible. This found that the average North Carolinian would be willing to sell their personal online shopping data for the price of $1,489.58 (compared to a national average of $1,452.25).

When these figures were broken down by state, online shoppers in Colorado would charge the most for their personal online shopping data if it were hypothetically for sale: $2,820.67. By comparison, this figure was lowest in Tennessee, where the average online shopper would sell theirs for just $623.04.

While many internet users are unenthused about their data being shared with third parties, it’s evident that having money involved sways their feelings slightly… Nearly a third of online shoppers said they would sell their personal shopping data if they had the opportunity to profit from it. In fact, a significant 85% of internet users felt they should be financially compensated for any of their personal data that had been sold to a third party.

On a similar note, 65% said they would rather have free access to social media and have their data tracked and sold, as compared to having to pay for social media where their data is not tracked or sold.

However, despite privacy concerns, only 1 in 5 people said they’ve done something about changing their privacy settings when surfing online.

It appears curious users are aplenty on the internet as nearly 3 in 4 (70%) admitted they would access or buy another users’ social media data if they thought they could go incognito. And whose social media data would these curious internet users be most likely to buy? Well, over a third (35%) said they would most likely purchase their ex-partner’s social media data, while 1 in 5 (20%) would buy their current partner’s data. Other responses included hypothetically purchasing:

·      Friends’ social media data: 15%
·      Co-workers’ social media data: 12%
·      Family’s social media data: 10%
·      Parents-in-law social media data: 8%

‘It’s a scary reality that our internet browsing history holds a significant amount of information about our personal lives, which is an invaluable asset to companies that use this data in their online advertising schemes,’ says Tricia Smith for CouponBirds. ‘It’s important to make sure your personal information is protected online, even if you’re only placing a one-time shopping order from a website. Ensure your passwords are unique and protected, and while you’re at it, double check your privacy settings on social media too.’

You can check out the interactive map to see how much residents of each state are willing to give up their data for here.