These are the Best Value Colleges in North Carolina

Charlotte Stories
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These are the Best Value Colleges in North Carolina

SmartAsset released a study on the colleges and universities that give students the best return on their investment. The study weighed five metrics: scholarships, starting salary, tuition, living expenses and retention rate.

According to the study, these North Carolina schools ranked the highest overall:

Rank School City Avg. Scholarships and Grants Avg. Starting Salary College Tuition* Student Living Costs Student Retention Rate College Education Value Index
1 Duke University Durham, NC $49,026 $72,300 $55,695 $18,644 98% 72.95
2 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC $16,164 $56,600 $8,987 $14,824 96% 66.41
3 North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC $10,061 $58,600 $9,101 $14,876 94% 63.60
4 North Carolina A & T State University Greensboro, NC $8,607 $54,000 $6,612 $11,524 79% 59.79
5 Appalachian State University Boone, NC $8,114 $48,100 $7,364 $11,830 88% 52.88
6 Wake Forest University Winston Salem, NC $37,534 $61,500 $53,322 $18,316 94% 48.06
7 East Carolina University Greenville, NC $8,192 $49,400 $7,188 $14,484 82% 45.01
8 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC $7,295 $53,600 $6,853 $16,841 83% 44.93
9 Winston-Salem State University Winston Salem, NC $8,294 $47,900 $5,904 $14,230 78% 42.62
10 Western Carolina University Cullowhee, NC $5,476 $45,900 $3,926 $13,779 78% 40.00

 

You can find additional details on the study, including the methodology, interactive map and a list of the top schools in each state here.

Charlotte Water Main Ruptures – Boil Water Advisory Issued For Multiple Zip Codes

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte Water Main Ruptures – Boil Water Advisory Issued For Multiple Zip Codes

One of Charlotte’s largest water mains ruptured yesterday, causing low to no water pressure in tens of thousands of Charlotte homes.

The break occurred off Remount Road yesterday evening evening at around 5pm. The main serviced several zip codes, including the areas north to Brookshire Boulevard and I-85, east to WT Harris Boulevard and Monroe Road, west to the Catawba River, and south to the SC state line.

The City of Charlotte has issued a boil water advisory until tomorrow (according to Charlotte Water, “if you did not experience a loss of pressure or water, your water is safe to drink”).

Here is a short video showing the immense pressure of the water main break:

Charlotte’s Sycamore Brewing is Giving Away a Custom Airstream Camper

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte’s Sycamore Brewing is Giving Away a Custom Airstream Camper

In honor of National American Beer Day on October 27, Charlotte’s Sycamore Brewing has decided to extend its Candy Camper Giveaway Contest for the chance to win a one-of-a-kind, 16-foot, branded Airstream camper.

From now through December 31, participants 21+ who post a creative video on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube featuring a Sycamore beer and tag #CandyCamperContest will be automatically entered to win. The Mountain Candy-branded Airstream Bambi includes a fully stocked beer fridge and a Mountain Candy-themed package complete with a hammock, surfboard, string lights and party games.

“The giveaway instructions are simple – get wacky, get weird! You’re the star of the show, but a Sycamore beer can must make an appearance in your video,” explains Sycamore Brewing co-owner Sarah Taylor Brigham. “We encourage all of our contestants to step out of their comfort zone to make fun and engaging short videos for the chance to win a customized Mountain Candy Airstream camper for a lifetime of adventure.”

This giveaway is the perfect opportunity to taste one of Sycamore Brewing’s delicious beers released this fall – and the Airsteam makes the perfect Christmas gift. Tangyland IPA, with notes of passionfruit to white grape, berry, bubblegum and spicy mango, is brand-new, the Pumpkin Latte Blonde, featuring notes of fresh spices, real vanilla and house-roasted coffee, is back by popular demand, and the Rising Hope IPA, containing passionfruit, orange and guava flavors, is back for the brewery’s second year of partnership with Brewing Funds the Cure.

Mountain Candy IPA can be purchased in major grocery stores in the southeast and Charlotte-area residents can purchase the beer online at www.sycamorebrew.com. Visit CandyCamperContest.com to see if the Mountain Candy camper is coming to a city near you. For images of the Mountain Candy IPA and the Airstream, visit https://bit.ly/3rfm3mV.

A Complete Guide to Warehouse Management

Sharon Anderson
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A Complete Guide to Warehouse Management

With e-commerce booming and supply-chain issues from covid, more and more businesses are looking for warehouse space to store their inventory. According to recent reports, US businesses will likely acquire more than 1 billion square feet of area to accommodate their warehousing needs. 

However, the success and efficiency of a warehouse dependsprimarily on its management strategies. Warehouse management comprises various processes and principles that ensure the proper execution of everyday operations. 

It may even include receiving warehouse space, organizing it according to need, scheduling necessary labor, entering logistics, fulfilling orders, and increasing overall efficiency. To help you get started on warehouse management, we’ve curated a guide to understanding warehouse management and its benefits:

What is a Warehouse Management System? 

Warehouse management refers to receiving, tracking, and storing (stowing) inventory. It also includes training staff members and the effective culture and happiness of the staff, workload planning, managing shipments, as well as monitoring all deliveries. 

On one hand, a warehouse management system(WMS) is an up-to-date software or business strategy that helps business owners optimize various processes in the warehouse. 

By installing a robust WMS in your warehouse,or a cutting-edge BPO solution, you can benefit with on-demand real-time inventory, forecasting, and increased staff productivity, with the capability of viewingthe order fulfillment workflow.

Essential Warehouse Management Processes 

Warehouse management has a substantial effect on inventory management, distribution, shipping, and storage. Let’s discuss some of the essential warehouse management processes:

Inventory Tracking 

Inventory tracking allows monitoring and managing stock levels to stay updated with all SKUs present in your warehouse. Italso provides the exact location of the individual inventory or whether it’s being shipped from a supplier.

Proper inventory management allows you to quickly determine how many products are ready to be delivered and update stock requirements and any integrating to web-based sales systems. As your brand expands, accurately tracking inventory becomes even morecritical.

Picking and Packing 

Packaging and collecting orders is an integral process of any warehouse. Your warehouse must generate a packing list for each item. This helpsstaff retrieve shipments accurately and efficiently. 

Upon collecting any new order, the warehouse staff receives a packing slip revealing the items and exact storage location.

Shipping 

Depending on the delivery and shipping options your business provides, you might collaborate with carriers like USPS, UPS, DHL, and FedEx. 

These carriers will collect orders from your warehouse and ship them to their desired destination. 

The Benefits of Warehouse Management 

Warehouse operations play a critical role in ensuring quick, on-time shipments. According to a study, 56% of online buyers expect same-day delivery for their items. At the same time, up to 61% of purchasers say they would pay a higher fee to get same-day delivery.

Businesses need to improve their delivery time for a swift online shopping experience. And to achieve this, companies need to ensure all their warehouse processes are running efficiently. 

For instance, warehouse management can help optimize how business owners use warehouse space. In turn, they can maximize inventory storage. They may also leverage their WMS to fulfill orders efficiently, coordinate with transportation companies and suppliers to ensure items arrive on time.

Lastly, good warehouse management will provide you with high-quality service at affordable prices. This way, you can foster deep relations with suppliers and customers. 

To Sum Up

Businesses can leverage data and intelligent automation for efficient day-to-day warehouse operations, planning, forecasting sales, and on-demand analysis with an efficient warehouse management system or B2B solution. 

A great WMS willprovide real-time insights into volumes, quantity, and location of inventory and is integral to any efficient warehouse. A good WMS will help make the warehouse staff experience better bolstering productivity and a longer and happier workforce.

Charlotte Witnessed 3 Separate Murders Yesterday – CMPD Asking For Public’s Help

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte Witnessed 3 Separate Murders Yesterday – CMPD Asking For Public’s Help

The City of Charlotte tragically witnessed a total of 3 homicides yesterday, 2 of which were in North Charlotte, and 1 occurring in Uptown Charlotte near Truist Field.

The name and age of the victim in the first homicide has not yet been released. According to police, a body was found off Aulton Link Court at 12:30 am on Sunday morning having died from a gunshot wound.

The second homicide occurred Sunday morning at 11am off Wynbrook Way. Police announced that the victim was 29-year-old Terrell McCreary and that he died of “apparent trauma”.

The third homicide took place in Uptown Charlotte near Truist Field where police say 21-year-old Tahajie Howard was killed at about 7:45 pm last night.

All 3 cases are active investigations.

Police are asking the public to call if they have any information. You can leave information anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600 or by visiting charlottecrimestoppers.com.

Charlotte Survivor Rachael Brooks to Give Keynote Address at Oct. 28 Breakfast of Hope

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte Survivor Rachael Brooks to Give Keynote Address at Oct. 28 Breakfast of Hope

The more she told her story and connected with fellow survivors, the more empowered Rachael Brooks felt.

When Brooks began writing Beads, a memoir about her sexual assault, her years-long search for justice, and her path to healing, she rediscovered the power she thought she’d lost to one random, brutal act of violence. Today Brooks uses that power to support and empower other sexual assault and abuse survivors.

Brooks, an advocate, speaker, and author, will share her story at our Oct. 28 Breakfast of Hope virtual event at 9 a.m. The event wraps up the Safe Alliance’s October (Domestic Violence Awareness Month) Hope Is Calling campaign to raise awareness about the devastating impact of domestic and sexual violence in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. The breakfast will include the premiere of our 2021 video as well as agency updates.

After her assault in 2008, Brooks struggled to cope with the rollercoaster of emotions she experienced. She found purpose in sharing her story and in writing Beads. Her message of determination and hope struck a chord with fellow survivors and helped Brooks heal.

“Continuing to talk about my trauma allows me to continue healing and also fulfill my passion for helping others,” said Brooks. “I have met so many amazing survivors throughout my journey, and while it is devastating that there are so many of us, I take comfort in knowing that, collectively, we can make a difference.”

Brooks added that agencies like InterAct and Safe Alliance are “imperative for survivors.”

“They offer so many critical services, including counseling, court and hospital advocacy, and support groups. They also provide an outlet for survivors to speak candidly and anonymously if they choose,” said Brooks. “Having this support available is crucial to a survivor’s wellbeing and trauma recovery.”

The Breakfast of Hope Virtual Event is free; register today. When you register, you’ll automatically be made and Champion and you’ll receive an email with a link to your own personalized fundraising page.

A Cry For Help: 5 Signs That Someone is Experiencing Sexual Abuse

Charles Brown
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A Cry For Help: 5 Signs That Someone is Experiencing Sexual Abuse

When you know someone is a victim of sexual abuse, they find it hard to cope with the trauma of the incident. Up until now, sexual abuse is very rampant in society, but not everyone is aware that it has already happened to them. Unfortunately, not all victims of sexual abuse can voice out their pain, report to the authorities the unfortunate event, and go through the protective order process to prevent contact with the abuser.

Anyone who has been a victim of sexual abuse may pose some signs that could indicate if a person has been sexually molested. If you notice any of these signs mentioned below, consider talking to that person and helping them get the justice they deserve. 

Pain in the Genital Area 

Victims of sexual abuse usually feel discomfort, pain, or irritation in their genital area. Sometimes they even find it hard to sit properly or even walk straight. This pain is due to forcing the abuser into unwanted sexual intercourse without any consent from the victim. 

Also, victims tend to feel discomfort when they wash their genital area or even show some bloodstains in their panties. If you see any of these signs from your children, it may be a clear indication that your child has been sexually abused.

Typically, children who have been victims of sexual abuse open up to their mother; however, if the mother is also the person behind the unlawful act, children resort to disclosing the event to a teacher or a close friend. A physical examination would be required to confirm if someone is a victim of sexual abuse. Still, before doing the necessary procedure, it will be best to inform both the caretaker and the victim of the evaluation process. 

Experience Difficulty in Managing Their Emotions 

Emotional changes are also very rampant among individuals who have been sexually abused. They tend to experience changes in emotions and sudden mood swings. Also, they may show signs of crying for no reason and are confused. They may also show some signs of lowering self-confidence and self-efficacy. 

You might also notice that these victims become more silent and distance themselves from the usual. The fear instilled in them from the traumatic experience gives them anxiety and confusion about what is the right thing to do. If not given the proper help, they might resort to self-harm or other mental illness that will not benefit them. So, if you know someone showing signs of sexual abuse, talk to them and hire an abuse lawyers to help you fight for your case. 

Sudden Changes in Behavior 

Behavioral changes are one of the most obvious signs to look after to know whether someone is crying for help from being sexually harassed. Often, the victim will become aggressive most times and have trouble sleeping at night, and in addition to this, having regular nightmares during sleep results in them having a fear of going to sleep every night. 

Additionally, some people try to regress to infantile behavior as a defense mechanism from the anxiety they are experiencing. They may also possess an abnormal interest in sex that is considered inappropriate, especially for a child’s young age, and use inappropriate sexual language.

Take note also to ask the meaning of the words they associate with their genital area as some people who are victims of sexual abuse are told other words for their body parts so that the abuser will not be exposed. If you suspect someone is experiencing sexual abuse, it’s important to understand the signs and consider the potential impact of what is emotional trauma in such situations for a more comprehensive perspective.

Avoiding a Specific Person 

If a child shows a sign that they suddenly dislike someone or tend to avoid a certain person, they may find that person as someone who is disturbing them. Victims of this case may show that they dislike someone and are afraid of spending time alone with them. In cases like this, do not force the victim to be alone with someone if they are uncomfortable, especially if they are still a child. 

Difficulty in Concentrating 

Due to the trauma brought to the victims, there is no wonder why their minds become preoccupied and would have a tough time concentrating. Children who were studying and were victims of sexual abuse will reflect on the way they perform in class and how their grades would shift from high to suddenly dropping. 

Learning for them may be hard as they can get their mind off of the traumatic experience they have been into. In times like this, it’s best to make the victim feel you are a person who will help them. Victims may also have some recurrent flashbacks of what happened to them, which could take up most of their attention, and think they may lose control of their lives. 

Takeaway 

No one deserves to be sexually abused. Even though it is rampant in society, not everyone has the courage to report their abusers to fear that something more terrible might happen. Thus, it is always best to be observant and watch out for signs that the people around you are showing.

If you suspect any suspicious activity that someone may have been a victim of sexual abuse, never hesitate to help that person and hire a competent lawyer who could guide and fight for your case.

CBD laws and regulations in Europe

Sharon Anderson
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CBD laws and regulations in Europe

WHO studies have received positive results and its recommendation as to the main health entity. Not only in the UK and Europe, but throughout the world!

WHO removed CBD from its drug and narcotic lists and mobilized cannabis from the list IV of prohibited substances to list, where it would cease to receive the same legal treatment as considerably dangerous substances such as heroin?

However, it is the job of other entities such as the Drug and Narcotics Commission, with the different laws of each country, to determine whether to remove this plant from their dangerous lists to adjust the legal agreements linked to this list.

Nowadays, if you are in the UK or any European country, you can legally buy and use CBD. That’s why you can now buy the best CBD oils and flowers online legally at JustBob ecommerce CBD shop!

What are the legal ways to consume CBD in the UK?

As we have already explained, CBD cannot be sold in the UK as a food product, which creates confusion among users of this cannabis supplement, leaving the question of which CBD-based products can be consumed in our country?

The only products that can be legally marketed in the UK are those registered as cosmetics, not suitable for human consumption. For a CBD product to be sold under these conditions, it must specify on the label that it is for external use or topical use only.

Due to this, many companies have been forced to change the labelling of their products for human consumption as a cosmetic product, but it is still the same product.

Balms to relieve muscle pain, moisturizing creams to take care of your skin, regenerating lotions, shampoo, and many other CBD-based products you can find in the British market. You can alleviate inflammations and recover from various skin damages such as dermatitis and psoriasis with several of these.

The legality of CBD in the different countries of the European Union.

France allows the cultivation of cannabis Sativa to extract CBD, as long as THC levels are non-existent.

Amsterdam is legal for both cannabis and CBD oil; In the case of cannabis, you cannot have more than 5gr at a time.

In Italy, cannabis or Industrial Hemp can be grown freely to extract CBD with THC levels that do not exceed 0.6%.

The Czech Republic is the leading consumer of Cannabis in Europe. Here you can have between 10g and 15g of cannabis without having problems of any kind. However, the sale of cannabis is completely prohibited in this country, which allows people to grow up to a maximum of 5 plants so that they can easily access it.

In countries such as Austria, Portugal, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Romania and Sweden, some laws prohibit the trade, distribution, and consumption of THC. Still, since no law prohibits CBD consumption, it is considered legal within the parameters established by the European Union.

Denmark and Malta have certain restrictions for the legality of CBD, such as a maximum of 0.2% THC and a prescription for you to access Cannabidiol.

In countries like Slovakia and Belgium, any substance from cannabis or hemp is entirely illegal, including CBD.

Luxembourg has established that to consume CBD legally, a limit of 0.3% THC in the product must not be exceeded.

CBD is also in a grey area in Latvia. The country’s Veterinary and Food Administration prohibits selling and marketing CBD as a food and food supplement. However, according to official information, there is no violation of the law when CBD is sold as a souvenir. CBD is generally not prohibited. The cultivation of hemp is legal. Thus, it is possible to sell some CBD products legally, again to a certain extent.

Cannabis products with an average THC content of at least 1% are considered illegal in Liechtenstein. However, the cultivation of hemp with a THC content of less than 1% is legal in the country. CBD is generally not prohibited in Liechtenstein. Therefore, CBD with less than 1% THC should be legal. But this is only a guess. There is no direct statement about this.

Although Kazakhstan is considered the birthplace of cannabis, its possession and sale are illegal. It also applies to all CBD products.

Cannabis has been approved for medical use in Croatia since 2015. However, recreational use is still prohibited.

In Malta, CBD is only legal if there is a medical prescription. However, in many shops, CBD products are also sold without a prescription. The police aren’t concerned with this, so CBD is more of a grey area in this country.

In Montenegro, hemp can only be cultivated for the fibres and seeds that are used as food. Other cannabis products cannot be sold or used.

After the law amendment on the Control of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances in North Macedonia in 2016, the country allowed the cultivation and processing of cannabis. In pharmacies, CBD oil with a content of less than 0.2% can be legally purchased without a prescription. However, anyone needing CBD oil with a THC content higher than 0.2% needs a medical prescription.

The cultivation of industrial hemp is possible in Romania, but must be approved. The procedure must be in line with EU directives. CBD oil with a THC content of less than 0.2% can be sold legally in Romania.

Finally, we have Lithuania, which for six years have allowed the legal cultivation of medicinal cannabis to extract and take advantage of the benefits of CBD.

Where can I shop for full spectrum CBD gummies?

Sharon Anderson
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Where can I shop for full spectrum CBD gummies?

If you haven’t already tried them, CBD gummies are much like their candy counterparts, whether that’s gummy bears, orange slices, or gumdrops. They are bite-sized, usually fruit flavored snacks, but these ones are infused with CBD oil derived from hemp. Full spectrum CBD gummies not only contain CBD, but also all the more than 100 different cannabinoids found in hemp, including THC. 

Don’t let the THC content fool you. Yes, THC is the active ingredient in marijuana, the ingredient that gives you that “high” sensation. But in full spectrum CBD, the THC content is typically very small, by law. It’s certainly not enough to get you high like marijuana can. THC contributes to the “chill” feeling that you get from CBD products– a feeling of relaxation or calm.

If you haven’t already tried them, you may be wondering: “Where can I shop for full spectrum CBD gummies?” You should also ask: “where’s the safest place to shop for CBD gummies?” If you’re wondering where to buy full spectrum CBD gummies, we’re here to help.

Truck stops, gas stations, and convenience stores

The most convenient place to shop for CBD gummies may very well be just down the street. Many truck stops, gas stations, and convenience stores now carry CBD products alongside supplements focused on things like sleep, staying awake, and sex. Those places may be convenient and often cheap, but they absolutely have drawbacks. First of all, chances are that the people who work at the store or station are not well-versed in CBD, its benefits, or the different kinds of CBD products that are available. We highly recommend that you do research into the brands before you make your decision. 

The practice of “mis-labeling” CBD is a problem in the industry with some studies showing that nearly 70 percent of CBD is mislabeled. One can only assume that some truck stops, gas stations, and convenience stores managers might not be as astute to this problem as they should be. Again, this is another good example of why you should do your research. Reputable brands post their test results right on their websites.

Finally, CBD is very light sensitive; strong lighting can degrade the content, which is why reputable CBD is offered in amber-colored jars or bottles. The fluorescent lights in many of these stores could be damaging the CBD gummies and other products.

Health food stores

Typically, health food stores have staff that are knowledgeable about the products they offer. So, you’re more likely to find a staff member who can answer at least some questions about CBD. Still, they have an overwhelming amount of products to know and  be able to talk intelligently about, so unless they are CBD aficionados themselves, their knowledge may be limited to the basics.The staff deal with similar products every day, so they are likely to know how to properly display and store CBD products. They will also know how to read labels.

At a health food store, you should be able to find more than one brand to compare and contrast. They may offer some brands’ entire product line. So you should have choices, which is good. 

CBD Stores

Here you will find a staff that is very knowledgeable about CBD, the products, their uses, and their benefits. Staff members here will be able to answer your questions– even complicated ones– and help you compare and contrast. They will be able to make recommendations according to your needs and your preferences. The staff should have access to lab reports for different products or be able to lead you to them.

Because the stores’ focus is on CBD, they will likely carry a wide variety of brands and you will have a lot of choices, not only in brand but in product. CBD gummies have been gaining in popularity, so many of the top brands now offer them.

At a CBD store, you should be able to trust that the management and staff know how to correctly store and display CBD products.

Online

While convenient stores are convenient, there’s nothing really more convenient than being able to order up some full spectrum CBD gummies right from your couch. Online shopping is a boon for CBD brands, many of which have elaborate websites with an extensive educational mission. At these websites, you will be able to see lab reports before you order, read blog posts about your specific needs and how CBD can help you, and eventually make your purchase.

Online, you have the broadest number of choices and all of the information you could possibly need. But if you can’t find specific information, all you have to do is call a company’s customer service.

Online purchases are delivered safely and legally to your mailbox or door. You just need to get up off the couch to retrieve them.

How do Different Places Get Into the Halloween Spirit?

Sharon Anderson
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How do Different Places Get Into the Halloween Spirit?

It may surprise you to hear this, but fall is the most popular season among people in the USA. There’s just something about those warm autumnal colors, the crisp crunch of leaves underfoot, and the shortening of the days that makes people feel fuzzy inside. Perhaps it’s down to a sense of nostalgia, as we remember all the enjoyable events that tend to take place at this time of year. Halloween is, of course, the main festival of the later months, especially here in Charlotte where there are some massive annual events. But in the lead-up to this popular night, let’s look at how other places prepare for it.

USA and Canada

The concept of Halloween began outside of North America in Christian areas of Europe, but it’s arguably the USA and Canada that turned it into the global holiday it is today. Canadians embrace the festivities in the same way we do here in Charlotte, with loads of fun activities like bobbing for apples, dressing in scary costumes, and knocking on people’s doors in search of candy.

However, the budding wealth of developers in the country have also come up with some great games that portray the holiday. Looking at some current Canadian online casino offerings, it’s clear that Halloween is one of the most popular themes in the slots genre, with visitors able to play casino games on mobile like Halloween Cashpots and Halloween Jack. Because the online casino industry is such a behemoth, it’s a fantastic indicator of what’s hot in mainstream culture as well as an additional, immersive way to get into the spirit of the spooky season! 

The USA has probably done more for the spread of Halloween, though, thanks to the global reach of the Hollywood film industry. The Halloween franchise created by John Carpenter and Debra Hill was highly influential and started off the Slasher genre we know and love today – especially around this time of the year. There have been twelve offerings in the series to date, with David Gordon Green’s Halloween Ends set for release in 2022. A lot of horror films hit screens around this time of year as well, making it a huge occasion for film producers – almost as big as Valentine’s Day and Christmas.

Caption: Trailer for Halloween Kills.

Meanwhile, here in Charlotte, there are numerous exciting events going on for Halloween this year. The eclectic mix of things to do in the city highlights how diverse Halloween celebrations are. For instance, there is the farmers market at the University City, offering up a way to experience healthy autumnal foods. Along with the chance to try loads of gastronomical delights, there are live chef displays and music. Another way that Charlotte gets into the Halloween spirit is through special offers around the city. Some restaurants give out free food to people who dress up, with Krispy Kreme famously known to award doughnuts to costumed customers.

England and Ireland

The modern-day Halloween celebrations across the pond are fairly similar to those found in the USA, thanks to the shared mainstream culture between English-speaking countries. However, there are a few differences in the autumnal festivities that accompany the spooky event. Much of November over here is spent preparing for Thanksgiving. At the same time, the Brits are enjoying Guy Fawkes Night.

Guy Fawkes was a 17th Century revolutionary who was involved in a failed plot to blow up the House of Lords. This occurred on the 5th of November, and afterward, an annual event was held to remind the public what happens to people who try to tear down the establishment. It involves a huge bonfire, and the effigies of the iconic troublemaker are placed on top of the burning mass. It later became a fun event with fireworks and food, with Brits enjoying sweet treats like parkin and toffee apples.

As for Ireland, many people agree that the country is the birthplace of what is now known as Halloween. The event that occurs today could have drawn inspiration from the Gaelic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and may have had pagan roots. This is disputed, though, as some historians believe that Halloween began as a Christian holiday that was offered as an alternative.

One of the most iconic images found on Halloween is the classic jack-o’-lantern, which is a carved pumpkin made to look like a scary face. These are not only fun to make, but they act as impressive decorations when lit up on a dark porch. The tradition of creating these began in Ireland and was taken to the USA by Irish immigrants. They are based on a fable from the culture about Stingy Jack. This was a vagabond who made a pact with the devil and ended up doomed to roam the Earth. The spooky character had a hollowed-out turnip with lights inside that acted as a torch.

Caption: A video about how to make jack-o’-lanterns.

Latin America and Spain

Halloween hasn’t always existed in Latin America, but many people from the USA brought the tradition down to some of the countries below it including Argentina, Mexico, and Peru. In certain parts, the celebrations are the same as what would be found in places like Charlotte. In others, Halloween concepts are combined with Latin American ideas.

Most Latin American countries take part in various deviations of the Mexican Day of the Dead festival, referred to in Spanish as “el Día de los Muertos.” This is when people pay tribute to those who have passed. They do this by constructing shrines, dressing up in traditional costumes, and eating special food. There is usually music and dancing, and the events are joyous rather than mournful. This is because there is a firm belief in the afterlife in Latin culture, and people believe that their deceased relatives still exist in a place beyond the physical realm. Another popular twist on this is All Souls Day, which occurs on November 2 in Spain and the Philippines.

It’s clear that there are loads of ways to get into the Halloween spirit, and they differ slightly depending on where you are. Here in Charlotte, you’ll always be able to find a classic American version of the event, but some of the other unique celebrations mentioned are harder to find. Perhaps it’s time to bring a Guy Fawkes-themed event to the city, or maybe something for Day of the Dead.

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