Virtual Showrooms Allow You to Get Behind the Wheel of Your Favorite Car

Sharon Anderson
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The thought of visiting the dealership can be enough to discourage you from leaving your home. The traditional car-buying process is unpleasant and overwhelming. You may spend many hours negotiating with tough salespeople only to end up going home empty-handed. 

If you’ve never visited a dealership before, you may find the entire process very daunting. A 2019 Cox Automotive study revealed that the car-buying process hasn’t gotten any better. Most people say that their most recent car buying experience wasn’t better than their last one. Virtual reality can be the game-changer.

Virtual Reality Car Showrooms Are Here to Stay  

Did you know you can get behind the wheel of a showroom automotive without having to leave your couch? This online process is more convenient, immersive, and cooler. Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality now allow car buyers to step inside vehicles and see the specifications and features in a realistic way. And all you need is an everyday device like a smartphone or a tablet.

So, if you’ve been wondering how the new Tesla or Porsche looks like, visit a virtual reality car showroom. You can check out the car and even customize it within seconds. You can see its interior, detailed features, change the paint colors, and even compare it to another model side by side.

You can view the car at different angles, get in the driver’s seat, and even take it for a spin. Afterwards, you simply go to the dealership when you’re ready to buy the car–or simply buy it online.

People Want to Buy Cars Online More

The coronavirus pandemic has increased a desire that was already there–viewing and buying cars online. People buy everything online these days—from groceries to jewelry. Why not cars?

In a recent survey, 18% of people said they’d buy a car quicker if they could do it online. And there’s another growing demand–home delivery of cars. Consumers have become accustomed to a world of online purchases. 

But for most car dealerships, this is a tough hurdle to overcome. Most love transacting offline. Their websites are simply a platform for gathering leads and prospects–the main goal is to send visitors to the showroom.

Switching to an online model is tough, and it won’t happen overnight. But the rewards will be enormous. Auto dealers who make the shift now will win big and gain a competitive advantage.

Is This the End of Traditional Dealerships?

Yes, virtual showrooms may mark the end of traditional car dealerships. The numbers say it all. A survey of 11,000 car buyers showed 64% prefer to buy cars online–from researching the model to paying for it. 12% of millennials, who comprise 40% of new car buyers, simply visit the dealership for research.

Virtual reality creates flexible showrooms for numerous car models. Dealerships will soon be all about experiences offered by a VR headset. Sure, we’ll still buy cars, but the buying experience will never be the same.

American Modernist Literature: 5 Recommendations for Students

Scott Wilson
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American Modernist Literature: 5 Recommendations for Students

A choice of the best books for modernist literature can be a great challenge, especially if not guided well. However, if you do proper research, you recognize that modernists live in an era that is characterized by change, thus requiring a change in the rules of reading and writing to embrace coherence and clarity of the content. 

In choosing the best books, review the content, and clearly establish the principles behind the book that you want to read. Below are five recommendations for your reading.

The Waste Land by T.S Eliot (1922)

This is a poetic modernization book that provides literature about post-war despondency. The author uses disconnected images and various snippets such as Shakespeare, Sanskrit, Jazz tunes, and Ovid to capture attention and encourage reading. This can enhance your understanding as it brings out the message clearly, especially if you desire to pursue poetry as your career. 

The “Waste Land” represents very profound insights into modernist literature that brings out heart-pounding effusion, faith, and philosophy. You can start reading it during the earlier years of your learning in college so that you have enough time to re-read it as a guide to make a credible review.

After reading these wonderful books, you would certainly want to present an essay in the classroom. With some simple guidance, you can come out with flying colors. All you need is some self-motivation to cover the book and you can also ask for assignment by Writix to complete the tasks. Professional writers know the work in and out and are the right people to get suitable help. They know how to work with students’ assignments and writing an essay or a book review to help your learning process is their main job.

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (1899)

The author embraces and brings out clearly the “civilized” culture through a layered and nested narrative. The book is featured very cryptic language to bring out the tale of corrupt imperialism, bringing out clear comparison between London and Africa that is considered “places of darkness.”

The Heart of Darkness comments on racism and imperialism, which are major concerns in the world today. It is considered one of the top-rated novels for students in the 20th century as it has been re-published and also translated into various languages. Conrad’s conclusion is quite interesting compared to that of other books under similar themes. 

Ulysses by James Joyce (1922)

“Ulysses” narrates a story about a couple that was estranged and a young man, constantly linking the present with past happenings as well as one character with another. This novel is a must-read for any American modernist as it gives historical and philosophical references to bring out the message. The book is also bawdy, playful, hilarious, and quite interesting. 

It is easy to know the characters because the author consciously simplifies the content. The narrative tricks are also easy to understand, making it an ideal reference book while writing an essay. If you are an active reader, the book will make sense to you and in this way, you can be able to write a review on this book.

To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf (1927)

This is a novel about perception, roles of gender, aesthetics, time, and death, based on compelling characters. “To the Lighthouse” brings out shocking revelations supported by lyrics and puzzles. It is a unique novel due to its sheer beauty and formal invention that makes it suitable for modernists.

Most of the content is based on observations and thoughts with little dialogue with close to no action. Childhood emotions are captured in the theme and adult relationships highlighted. The book is rated among the best novels in modern literature and has commanded good reviews from readers in the past.

As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner (1930)

This book is quite comic and brings out fifteen characters who think about a matriarch at the point of death. Faulkner gives an account of the odyssey of the Bundren family to burry Addie and the mother. Each of the family members, including Addie, narrates the story, bringing out emotions in the form of a dark comedy and deep pathos.

“As I Lay Dying’ is an influential novel for American modernists in terms of drama, style, and structure. It is, therefore, a true representation of a 20th century classic to help learners who aspire to take literature as an area of specialization in college.

Conclusion

American modernist literature requires that you focus on thorough and continuous reading and re-reading with a lot of curiosity regarding the principles. Read a book that is most relevant to you, depending on your area of study. Don’t forget to go through the book review to get insights into how others have benefited from the book and how it can be of help to you as an individual.

Author’s Bio:

Emma Rundle works in a private college as an associate professor and provides online classes to international students. She is also a part-time academic writer and helps native and foreign students in completing their thesis and dissertations. In her free time, she listens to jazz music, reads autobiographies and relaxes by practicing yoga.

US Marshall Shot and Killed Charlotte Man on His Birthday While Serving Warrants

Charlotte Stories
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US Marshall Shot and Killed Charlotte Man on His Birthday While Serving Warrants

A tragic incident occurred this morning just before noon involving a US Marshall shooting and killing a Charlotte resident while attempting to serve several outstanding warrants.

The incident occurred at the Citgo located at 2235 The Plaza in East Charlotte.

CMPD is now leading the investigation into the specific details of the shooting and what led up to it.

CMPD released a statement this afternoon saying:

“On Tuesday, March 23rd, 2021, at approximately 11:06 a.m., officers with the United States Marshals Service – Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force (CRFTF) were attempting to arrest a subject with several outstanding warrants. During the warrant service, Deputy Marshals made contact with the subject in the 2200 block of The Plaza. One of the deputies perceived a lethal threat and fired a service weapon, striking the man. The subject was pronounced deceased on scene by Medic. The deceased has been identified as Frankie Jennings, DOB: 03/23/1989. His family has been notified of his death. A firearm was recovered at the scene.

No officers with the CRFTF were injured during this incident. There were not any CMPD officers involved in this incident.

CMPD will be the lead investigative agency for this investigation. The investigation into this case is active and ongoing. As additional information develops, it will be released by the
CMPD’s Public Aftairs Office. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 704-432-TIPS and speak directly to a Homicide Unit detective. Detective Helms is the lead detective assigned to this case.”

According to Queen City Nerve, “A vigil will be held tonight at the intersection at 7 p.m. and people are asked to bring candles and wear something white, as that was Jennings’ favorite color.”

The following image of Frankie and his son (intentionally blurred to protect identity) is from his Facebook page:

We will update this article as new information is released.

NC Governor Cooper Just Lifted A Wide Range of Capacity Limits and Gathering Restrictions

Steve
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NC Governor Cooper Just Lifted A Wide Range of Capacity Limits and Gathering Restrictions

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has just announced sweeping changes to Covid-19 restrictions across our state.

According to Executive Order No. 204, a wide range of capacity limits and gathering restrictions will officially be lifted as of April 30th at 5pm.

“Our fast and fair vaccine distribution and our sustained progress with the COVID-19 metrics tell us we can move forward with easing restrictions if we do it safely,” said Governor Cooper.

The order officially increases the number of people who can gather indoors from 25 to 50 and the number of people who can gather outdoors from 50 to 100, and it lifts the restriction on the late-night sale of alcoholic for bars and restaurants.

Additionally, the order allows for 100% capacity at:

  • Museums and Aquariums
  • Retail Businesses
  • Salons, personal care and grooming businesses, tattoo parlors

75% indoors and 100% outdoor capacity for:

  • Restaurants
  • Breweries, Wineries, and Distilleries
  • Recreation (e.g., bowling, skating, rock climbing)
  • Fitness and Physical Activity Facilities (e.g., gyms, yoga studios, fitness centers)
  • Pools
  • Amusement Parks

and 50% indoors and outdoors capacity for:

  • Bars
  • Movie Theaters*
  • Gaming Facilities*
  • Meeting, Reception, and Conference Spaces
  • Lounges (including tobacco) and Night Clubs
  • Auditoriums, Arenas, and other venues for live performances
  • Sports Arenas and Fields (includes professional, collegiate, and amateur

You can read more about the specifics on NC’s FAQ sheet here.

These 3 NC Counties Are Now Vaccinating Any NC Resident From Any Group

Charlotte Stories
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These 3 NC Counties Are Now Vaccinating Any NC Resident From Any Group

While Mecklenburg County may still only be vaccinating people who fit into Groups 1-4, there are now 3 counties in North Carolina that have begun vaccinating all groups.

So, if you don’t fit into any of the first 4 groups, you’re at least 16 years old, and you’re willing to travel, you can now schedule your first COVID-19 vaccination.

Rockingham County (about 2 hours northeast of Charlotte) is allowing anyone from North Carolina who is at least 16 to now schedule a vaccine appointment on their website here.

According to a press release from Greene County (about 3 hours east of Charlotte), “if you would like to receive the vaccine, call and schedule your appointment (747-8181, 747-8182, and 747-8183)”

Craven County (about 4 hours east of Charlotte) is also letting any North Carolina resident 18 years or older schedule a vaccine through their website here.

Once you schedule your first vaccination, you can start singing along with this song:

Johnson C. Smith University Awarded Over $300,000 In Grants for Urban Renewal Project

Steve
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Johnson C. Smith University Awarded Over $300,000 In Grants for Urban Renewal Project

Johnson C. Smith University has been awarded three grants to visually reconstruct former African American neighborhoods, destroyed during urban renewal processes in Charlotte. JCSU’s team will work with Duke University’s Digital Humanities Lab to digitize parts of African American communities that were destroyed in the 1960s and 1970s in an augmented reality environment. The project will also trace the path of displaced families and institutions across the city, and parallels will be made with current threats of gentrification in the Historic West End neighborhoods around the university.

“To make the impact of urban renewal clear, it can be said that it is similar to the processes by which Native Americans were “removed” by those who coveted their lands,” said Dr. Tekla Johnson, Electronic Resources Librarian and pilot of this project. “African Americans have been removed from the locations where they settled as freepersons after the American Civil War.  This pattern of removal is also analogous to the Bantustans or reserves which Africans in South Africa were restricted to under apartheid. This pattern of gentrification has occurred all across the United States, jeopardizing the financial stability of African American communities and impacting our economic well-being and even health in many cases. This project does not recover the land, but it does seek, to reconstruct a virtual sense of place, history, narrative, to illustrate the warmth and strengths of these African American communities and to reinforce African American culture.

The University was awarded $75,000 from the Knight Foundation, $38,000 from the National Parks Service, and $194,000 from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (National Archives) for the three-phase project. Several large maps from the Charlotte Planning Commission that were used to document and justify the policies and progress of urban renewal in these supposedly “blighted” neighborhoods will be digitized with the help of the University at North Carolina at Charlotte in the first phase of the work. Community members from the affected neighborhoods will be approached for oral history interviews and input on what stories and narratives they want the project to tell, and the final phase of this two-year project will focus on the design and creation of reimagined neighborhoods in a virtual landscape in partnership with the Duke Digital Humanities Lab.

University Archivist and Digital Manager Brandon Lunsford, who will serve as co-pilot of this project with Johnson, said this project is critical to understanding some of the current institutional racism being addressed today.

“I think this project will be crucial to understanding how the machinery of institutional racism worked in Charlotte, as far as housing discrimination, forced dislocation, and highway construction,” Lunsford explained. “This happened all over the country but this will show how it played out in Charlotte. It will also show how Black communities are still under threat under a different guise, in this case gentrification as another form of resettlement.”

The project is part of the university’s continued efforts to raise awareness of Black history and share the narrative of African American’s impact in the Charlotte community.

5 Important Facts to Consider About Porcelain Veneers

Cheryl Stine
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5 Important Facts to Consider About Porcelain Veneers

Which feature strikes you the most when you meet a stranger? For some people it could be the eyes, or perhaps the hands, right? But for most people, it’s your smile. A beautiful smile can be an unforgettable experience that leaves you mesmerised.

Not everyone has the good fortune of a beautiful smile. Unresolved dental problems can leave you feeling ashamed and unwilling to show your teeth. That’s why porcelain veneers could be a consideration if you’re dealing with dental issues.

Here are five truths about porcelain veneers you might not have known.

Value for Money

Porcelain veneers will radically transform your face at the fraction of the cost of major cosmetic surgery. The only other cosmetic procedure with longer-lasting benefits and instant results is a facelift, which is far more expensive.

You derive value because:

  • You won’t have to replace the porcelain veneers often. It will last you up to 15 years if you look after it.
  • Porcelain is a durable material that can withstand chipping and cracking, so fewer visits to the dentist.
  • It debunks the false promises of many teeth whitening products and will always maintain its white appearance for years to come.

Stronger, Healthier Teeth

Besides the aesthetic value of porcelain veneers, it also helps to protect your teeth and improve the overall health of your gums & teeth. Here’s how:

  • Protection against decay: It doesn’t eliminate the risk of tooth decay completely but substantially minimises the risk. The thin porcelain veneer sheet covers your teeth and provides better protection against decay.
  • Support for damaged teeth: Veneers can provide structural support to damaged teeth which improves your overall bite. By aligning damaged and cracked teeth it gives your teeth more stability
  • Versatile: Porcelain veneers can be shaped and moulded to match & improve the appearance of your teeth. It’s strong enough to withstand teeth staining and cracks.

Tooth Sensitivity

It has been reported that some people experience enhanced sensitivity to hot or cold consumables after getting porcelain veneers. This may differ from person to person but it’s worth knowing before getting it done. 

Enhanced tooth sensitivity may be experienced straight after getting it done but it can go away after some time. Also using the right products for tooth sensitivity will manage the discomfort of these sensations.

Anti-ageing Result

The main reason people opt for porcelain veneers is because of their staying power and ability to instantly transform your appearance. ‘A white, bright smile that’ll last you more than a decade’. That’s the promise dentists make when offering you porcelain veneers. But can it truly combat ageing? Let’s look at the different ways it can slow down the ageing process:

    • Discolouration: Some experts claim the secret to a youthful appearance lies in your skin tone. Even, brighter skin makes you look younger and the same holds true for your teeth. Discolouration of your teeth happens as you get older because of all the staining of food and drinks over the years. Porcelain veneers give you perfect white teeth instantly which makes it difficult to tell your age.
    • Tooth gaps: A lucky few can pull off a tooth gap, right? For most, a tooth gap is unattractive and makes you look older. Orthodontic treatments from calgary orthodontists are one way of fixing gaps in your teeth, but what if you don’t have the time or money for drawn-out orthodontic treatments? Porcelain veneers can instantly close the gaps and give you a more even smile that’ll brighten up your face.
  • Cracks and chips: A sure sign of your age can be found in the chips and cracks your teeth had to endure over time. These obvious markers can reveal your age straightaway. Porcelain veneers are a sound alternative to fix cracks and chips. 

Porcelain Veneer Aftercare

There’s practically no recovery time after the veneers have been inserted. As soon as the anaesthetics wear off you can eat and drink normally. But it’s important to continue healthy oral habits after getting porcelain veneers.

Even though porcelain veneers don’t need any specific aftercare practices you should continue with these hygienic practices:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day
  • Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash after brushing
  • If you clench or grind your teeth when sleeping, rather get a retainer to protect your teeth
  • Floss daily
  • Avoid any drinks or foods that can cause stains
  • Never bite or chew your nails or any hard item that can cause breakage
  • Regular dental check-ups are a must

Final Thoughts

It’s not vanity to want to look good and feel great about your appearance. We all do. Looking good is one way of taking care of yourself. Investing in porcelain veneers can give you instant results and take years off your appearance. And when you’re ready to get your veneers, you can check out this dentist who does veneers and the best dental implants in Delray Beach FL.

We’ve provided you with the facts. Now it’s up to you to make the final decision. Let us know if you found this information helpful and how you feel about porcelain veneers, by leaving a comment below.

Remember your smile can brighten up someone’s day.

5 Reasons Why the Younger Generation Needs to Get Closer to God

Sharon Anderson
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5 Reasons Why the Younger Generation Needs to Get Closer to God

All of us encounter hardships through our life journey. We strive to overcome everything ourselves, to become stronger. But we forget who guides us through our lives and gives us the power to do anything. God should always be inside you because only with faith and prayers you will achieve what you want.

This is the truth younger generations tend to ignore and neglect. Of course, we live in modern society, and it’s their right to choose whether to believe in God or not. But that just means that they’re straying further from him. So, we made this article to spread the word about our Lord further and help youngsters understand why they need to get closer to him.

source: https://unsplash.com/photos/fIDIgxZpdSM

Freedom

With faith comes true freedom, we all know that. Nobody can feel free of all burdens if they don’t believe in God. Besides, when we don’t forgive, we become slaves of our insincerity, bitterness, and aggression. In the end, you’re the one hurt the most because of unforgiveness. You just trap yourself inside this cage of bad thoughts and doubts and feel horrible.

Of course, many youngsters experience troubles in schools and colleges. They use an essay sample as a source of external help. There’s nothing wrong with that; it does help and can teach you. But it shouldn’t be your first thought when you are desperate.

The good thing is that when people open their souls for Jesus, all their negativity disappears. You will never experience anger and resentment with faith inside you. Youngsters need to realize it because the amount of aggression they express increases with each day. They tend to accumulate so many negative feelings towards other people and themselves that depression and anxiety have become common.

Many young people even perceive these mental problems as a joke. It’s horribly wrong, especially considering that they don’t turn to the Lord in these troubled times. And they should, as Jesus will always help. 

Strength

Many people believe that they should cope with everything themselves. They try to become stronger on their own and still end up losing because true strength comes only from faith. This is exceptionally important for the young generations. They are so overwhelmed with chores and inner troubles that they have no confidence in their future.

One should always keep in mind that Jesus can give strength to defeat all the difficulties. No doubt, a student still may find a tutor to help with studying, but God is the one who will give the power to succeed. Keep praying, and you will become stronger than ever before. 

Trust

Believing in God teaches each individual the meaning of trust. Everyone is used to counting only on themselves. People can rarely say that they truly trust others; there’s always some doubt. A “What if?” question that compromises the open relationship with someone. But with God, you’ll learn to believe in the wisdom contained in his plans and will become braver in your actions.

You may not know or realize that he has a plan for your life. You may not think of it often, but what you should do is believe in him. Only God knows what people really need. He challenges us by hectic situations sometimes, but merely to test our faith. Thus, we should be ready to build trust in the Lord in any circumstances we face.

This is another point younger generations are missing. They’re so suspicious about everything that they can no longer believe anything. Youngsters always doubt every single bit of information. Yes, it may be useful in some cases, like when identifying fake news. But it just proves that they need God to bring the true meaning of trust into their souls. 

God teaches the younger generation how to believe in other people again. Most importantly, these individuals should recognize God’s plan to find solace.

source: https://unsplash.com/photos/qYanN54gIrI

Discipline

With all the sinful temptations of the modern world, it’s no wonder that people lose hope in humanity. The number of industries with the only aim to earn money increases dramatically. The involved individuals don’t care about the degradation of society and the loss of dignity. They need you to pay them and forget about the sins you commit.

The word of God could teach everyone what real values are and show society how sinful it is. Nowadays, people get lost in their jobs too much. The only thing they have the power to care about is working and resting from it. However, in the attempts to use their tiny bits of free time to the full extent, young people often fall into traps, the ones they will never get out of themselves.

 Always remember about the seven deadly sins:

  • pride; 
  • greed;
  • wrath;
  • envy;
  • lust;
  • gluttony;
  • sloth.

The faith will protect you from stepping out of the right path. With God inside, no matter how much depravity and insincerity one encounters, they will overcome the obstacles with honor.

Love

God teaches one what true love is. You can’t believe in Jesus without loving him. Only with faith and love, a human can become happy. Jesus loves all of us, despite all the differences, all the harm we do to each other, and all the people who refuse to believe.

Take inspiration from him, learn from him, and you’ll find the true meaning of love. Love comes together with forgiveness, and both of them lead you to freedom. Don’t you think that it’s God’s plan to show us all the differences between us and make us value every person’s uniqueness? That should teach us to love each other the way we are.

Final Words

God is always watching over humans. He knows everything and guides everyone. It is just a matter of acceptance. Hopefully, this article will help young generations realize the need to become closer to God. Only with faith inside, one will experience the joys of life.

NC Family’s ‘Vaccination Day’ Parody of Frozen’s ‘For The First Time in Forever’ Now Going Viral

Charlotte Stories
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NC Family’s ‘Vaccination Day’ Parody of Frozen’s ‘For The First Time in Forever’ Now Going Viral

A hilarious North Carolina family is now going viral after making a parody music video about the Covid vaccine, set to the tune of a Disney musical.

The Raleigh-based Holderness family released ‘It’s Vaccination Day’ just 5 days ago and it’s already been viewed over 400,000 times on Youtube and over 2 million times on Facebook.

The parody song is about the sheer joy of getting the Covid-19 vaccination and seeing ‘actual real-life people’ is set to the Frozen tune ‘for the first time in forever’.

You can’t help but smile after watching it (WARNING: the phrase ‘for the first time in forever’ will be stuck in your head for the rest of the day):

Matthews Police Issue Silver Alert For Missing Teenager

Charlotte Stories
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Matthews Police Issue Silver Alert For Missing Teenager

The Matthews Police Department has just issued a Silver Alert for a missing teenager.

According to the department, 15-year-old Kevin Byrd was last seen on Sunday, March 21, 2021, at approximately 9:30 p.m. in the Winberry Ct. area of Matthew. He was wearing a burgundy hoodie with white stripes on the sleeves, blue jeans, and black and red sneakers.

He stands 5″09″ tall, weighs 145 lbs., and has brown eyes and black hair cut in a short afro.

He reportedly suffers from a cognitive disorder.

If you have any information about his whereabouts, please call 704-847-5555 or 911 immediately.

Please help spread the word.

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