4 Small U.S. Cities Gamers Will Love

Selena Charley
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4 Small U.S. Cities Gamers Will Love
Santa Monica has great weather, ocean access, a young population, and a booming gaming sector. What more could you possibly need?

For many, online gaming is not just a hobby, it’s a way of life. The perfect headset, chair, and playlist are all vital components that set the stage to engage in successful and fun gameplay. So, when setting out to create your perfect gaming experience, why not consider which cities will lend themselves well to gaming?

Although the modern world we live in allows for people to enjoy playing from most location, there are some beautiful, small U.S. cities that definitely give gamers the upper hand. An added bonus: you won’t have to bend over backwards to pay your rent in a dense, overpopulated location like New York or LA.

Atlantic City, New Jersey  

Known to serve up the fastest internet access in the entire country, New Jersey has the highest broadband coverage at 99%- a dream for gamers who spend a large majority of their time in front of their device’s screens and hate to be delayed because of slow internet.

Another huge advantage gamers have in the garden state is the rise of the online gaming industry in general, specifically when it comes to casino games which continue to flourish throughout Atlantic City and beyond. There truly is no other U.S. state that has so much variety when it comes to online casinos. Users have the possibility to choose from themed slots, video poker, roulette, baccarat and much more. The popular and unpredictable nature of blackjack, which is available in single and multi-player functions, keeps users particularly well entertained, even in the non-land based casino setting.

In addition, Atlantic City has continued to host many events in the Esports sector, with future plans to create venues that will connect the area even more with the industry in the years to come.

Santa Monica, California

Everybody knows that California’s Silicon Valley is the tech capital of the United States, home to Google, Facebook and Apple among others. But did you know that Santa Monica is also a gaming developers hot spot?

Several video game companies call this sunny beachside city home, such as well as the creators of extremely well-known games like “World of Warcraft” and “Guitar Hero.”

Stepping in New Jersey’s footsteps, the city is also becoming more related with Esports. A new training facility for a professional organization in the industry, Team Liquid, recently opened in the area. California knows that the sector is booming, especially when it comes to Esports betting, and more locations are needed to keep up with the hype.

Madison, Wisconsin 

Although you will most definitely experience a harsher winter in Wisconsin if you choose it over Cali, the state’s capital was recently ranked within the top 20 best places to live for gamers on a list of 100 different U.S. cities. Perhaps this is due to Madison being home to the University of Wisconsin, as the school offers a variety of degrees in Instruction, Computer Science, and especially Game design and development.

The city as a whole is a tech hub, with the Wisconsin Games Alliance appearing on the scene just three years ago and growing the industry to remarkable heights. Now, thanks to various conferences and partnerships in the community, important gaming developers are starting to notice the midwestern city and plant more jobs and entertainment opportunities here.  

Kansas City, Missouri

Similar to New Jersey, Missouri’s Kansas City ranks top when it comes to broadband speed, clocking in at 159.18 Mbps, offering wicked fast access all over the city.

When it comes to overall gaming environment, as well as gaming developer presences, Kansas City has you covered. For example, small and large developer studios are popping up all over the city, and many lounges have opened for gamers to take the fun out of their house and make friends by competing with other people in a comfortable space.

The city is known to be one of the best places to live in the U.S. and for tech lovers even more so. Kansas City was chosen as one of the five best places in the country to obtain a job in the gaming industry.

Kansas City is also known for its tasty barbecue cuisine and historic roots in jazz music, but it’s also a fantastic place to find a job in the gaming industry

Why is Angular your favorite framework?

Ramesh Tanugula
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Why is Angular your favorite framework?

Hello, coders! In this article I am going to discuss all the versions of Angular and on the basis of this information I will help you to choose the most suitable one for you. 

Angular: brief overview

Let’s start with the short review of some key features of this framework.

What is Angular?

Angular is a framework developed by developers from Google, used mainly to create complex SPA (Single Page) and mobile applications using AJAX technology.

The main advantages of using Angular:

  • Declarative code style
  • Use of special directives
  • Modularity
  • Ease of testing
  • Pre-made solutions that simplify development
  • Directives used in the framework

Angular directives are additional attributes that extend standard HTML code and contain the prefix ng-. Among the most used and basic:

  • ng-app – “wraps” the Angular application, starts it.
  • ng-init – initializes program data
  • ng-model – enters additional data into the program by linking the data.

Example of Angular’s work:

<div ng-app = “” ng-init = “firstName = ‘John'”>

<p> Enter your name: <input type = “text” ng-model = “firstName”> </p>

<p> You entered: {{firstName}} </p>

</div>

The ng-app directive tells Angular that the block is an Angular wrapper.

Data binding

As you can see, the expression {{FirstName}} is placed at the top of the code. It is used in AngularJS to bind data. Data binding is used to create a “bridge” between the ng-model and the output.

Modules in Angular

Modules are the form of organization of all processes in Angular. A module is a specific environment for individual information, such as directives, controllers, filters, and so on. It is described by the ng-module directive.

Angular controllers

The ng-controller directive defines the application controller. It is made by organizing the work of the controller that we established in order to control over the data in the program.

A list of all Angular Versions

Originally, the very first version of Angular is called AngularJS. It had such a name as JS stands for JavaScript. Though there nearly ten new updates released, AngularJS still remains one of the most popular frameworks in the development marketplace. 

The new implementation of AngularJS was originally called “Angular 2”, but that confused developers. In order to establish clarity, it was recommended that different names be used for the two frameworks.

Version 2

Angular 2 was announced at the ng-Europe conference in September 2014. The drastic changes in version 2.0 caused controversy among developers. The first beta version was released in December 2015 and the first release candidate in May 2016. The final version was published on September 14, 2016.

Version 4

Angular 4 was announced on December 13, 2016. Version number 3 was skipped because one of the Angular 2 NPM packages was already version v3.3.0. The final version was published on March 23, 2017. 

Version 5

On November 1, 2017, Angular 5 was released. The main improvements in Angular 5 included support for progressive web apps, a built-in optimizer and improvements related to material design.

Version 6

Angular 6 appeared on May 3, 2018. Angular Elements are now integrated in the framework. All framework packages are synchronized in version 6.0.0. Two new command line commands were introduced: ng update and ng add.

Version 7

On October 18, 2018, Angular 7 was released, which focused on performance improvements, innovations in Angular Material and CDS, virtual scrolling and other improvements. Typescript 3.1 and RxJS 6.3 were also used.

Version 8

Angular 8 was released on May 28, 2019, which focused on differential loading (smaller browser-specific script packages), incremental compilation and optimization by Ivy (beta), support for multithreading by web workers, adjustments to lazy loading of scripts and various extensions to Angular Command line (CLI), sets. Typescript 3.4, Node 12 and RxJS 6.5.1 are also used. There are also numerous minor changes in the Angular ecosystem.

Version 9

On February 6, 2020, Angular 9 was released a little later than it was expected. Ivy (incremental compilation and optimization) is now suitable for productive applications. This should make bundles up to 40% smaller and also much faster. Ivy also supports more efficient lazy loading so that not all packages need to be loaded when the applications start, only when they are in use. The integration of localization of the applications has also been improved and these are also only loaded when used. To do this, the application must be adapted to a new localization interface. At least Typescript 3.6 / 3.7 is required.

Version 10

Angular 10 was released on June 25, 2020. Due to the short time compared to the previous release, which brought significant changes, only minor changes and additions have been made. The clear focus in this release was on increasing quality. Over 2000 different improvements have been made and this will continue over the next few months. Angular Material 10 now includes a date range selection dialog. The strict mode has been significantly expanded. This mode makes it possible to create more maintainable applications and also catches some typical application defects in advance. Typescript 3.9, tslib 2.0 and tslint v6 are now supported. ES5 builds (for older browsers) are deactivated for new projects. Older browsers and rarely used browsers are also not supported in the standard settings. However, support can be activated. An existing Angular 9 application can be updated easily using the Angular “Update” tool.

Conclusion

To sum everything up, there are quite a big choice of Angular versions. All of them are good in their own way. But from my point of view, such releases as AngularJS and the latest 10th version remain now dominant among developers. 

Thank you for reading and good luck in your Angular development!

Evangeline’s Stocking Drive Raising Funds To Donate 1000 Stockings to Charlotte Children Hospitals

Charlotte Stories
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Evangeline’s Stocking Drive Raising Funds To Donate 1000 Stockings to Charlotte Children Hospitals

Evangeline’s Stocking Drive is a Marvin, North Carolina based charity that, last year, provided 700 stockings to Children’s Hospitals in Charlotte, North Carolina and New York City during the Christmas season. The stocking drive was started in 2019 by 4 year-old Evangeline Dusenberry and her family after Evangeline received treatment in the Charlotte Children’s Hospital for a severe and unidentified virus that caused double pneumonia and acute kidney failure among many dangerous side effects. Now, Eva is on the road to recovery. But during her family’s stay at the hospital, they saw countless children who had been there for many months, who they knew could use some happiness during holidays and special occasions.

This year, they are holding another stocking drive, but due to COVID-19 are collecting funds for stockings rather than stocking supplies. Their new plan is to raise funds to deliver over 1000 stockings directly to hospitals from suppliers, in order to meet hospital safety requirements.

On Sunday, Evangeline’s Stocking Drive launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $35,000 to support the purchase and delivery of 1000 stockings to children’s hospitals around the Charlotte region.

You can learn more here: https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/evangelines-stocking-drive-2020

Huntersville Officer Taken To Hospital After Melania Trump Motorcade Crash

Charlotte Stories
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Huntersville Officer Taken To Hospital After Melania Trump Motorcade Crash

An officer escorting First Lady Melania Trump through Huntersville crashed and was taken to the hospital yesterday afternoon.

The incident occurred after the First Lady spoke at a 3 pm “Make America Greate Again” rally in Huntersville’s Magnolia Woods.

According to police, a motorcycle officer with the Huntersville Police Department collided with a citizen’s vehicle during the FLOTUS procession away from the afternoon rally. The officer was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Yesterday evening, the First Lady announced that she had spoken with the Huntersville Police Officer and said that he is now doing well:

Why North Carolina is More Important for The Candidates Than They Anticipate

Sharon Anderson
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Why North Carolina is More Important for The Candidates Than They Anticipate

One of the most popular states of the US is indeed North Carolina which is the ninth-largest state in the country by population. We can list tons of reasons for it to be considered as an attractive place for Americans. Wonderful climate, great weather, flourished job market, stunning beaches, breathtaking views, culture, history, etc. There you can find amazing career opportunities, so chances of finding a new job for the people migrating there are higher than other states. This is why NC has become one of the top destinations for people of different ages, nationalities, and professions and why people are actively considering moving to the state.

Why is North Carolina attractive for US candidates?

As time goes by and the date of the presidential election approaches, the candidates become more and more concerned about their supporters from different states. They try to visit as many states as possible to attract people from different places, so that chances of becoming a new US president can grow. Recent election polls have shown that the popularity of North Carolina rises among them and the state has become a more important place for the candidates than you can imagine. 

Why did NC become so popular? Experts often focus on well-known states New York, Texas, California, etc., but actually, there’s no use in starting a campaign in these states because surveys show that in big states voters aren’t affected by the presidential campaigns. Over the years they haven’t changed political views, which means that people who supported Trump from Texas, are still going to vote for him. But spending time and energy on states like North Carolina is worth it for the presidential candidates. For example, statistics show that whoever has won in Florida throughout the years, has become a president. The same thing can be said about North Carolina which is why both Democrats and Republicans agree that victory in this year’s election for the most part runs through North Carolina. The one that wins in NC will likely triumph on election day and become the new president of the USA.

One more thing why NC can be the most important state in this year’s presidential election is its economic growth. North Carolina has become a national leader in agriculture, manufacturing, and financial services. It’s one of the richest states of America which is why there are many financial companies in the state. Investment is setting up an office there, offering the local population some options. For this reason, financial literacy in NC is really high and quite a lot of people work from home which is why forex brokers that traders trust have bigger chances to make a profit. Also, North Carolina’s economy is now focused on industries such as banking, food processing, technology, and vehicle parts, and it rapidly expands. For example, according to USNews, the pace of job growth is so fast and unemployment rates decrease. Besides, the state is at the top of the list in the country with its fiscal stability. 

Another reason why North Carolina is an essential place for both candidates is that the state’s political allegiances often depend on who is trying to do it. From recent surveys, most of the registered voters are Democrats in NC. Also, Roy Cooper, the governor of the state, and the supreme court support Democrats. However, nobody can be certain that Biden is going to win in NC as North Carolina supported Republican Presidential Candidates for the past nine elections and the congressional and senate delegation are strong Trump supporters. This ambiguity makes both Trump and Biden worry more about the state as it’s hard to rely on recent polls and surveys of voters in North Carolina.

Elections in North Carolina

If you want to know why 2020 elections are important for North Carolina, the answer is simple – according to Reuters, NC is considered as a “swing state” by most of the political experts. It means that both Republicans and Democrats have the same chances of winning as they have pretty much similar levels of support among voters and the overall result of the elections strongly depends on the results of this kind of swing states. North Carolina has 15 electoral votes and being a swing state means that all of this electoral vote could go to either major party. As a result, we can expect lots of campaign rallies and political advertising in North Carolina, and this is why the state is more important for both Trump and Biden than anybody could anticipate. 

Other states that are considered as swing states are Ohio, Michigan, Florida, and Pennsylvania and each of them has more electoral votes than North Carolina. However, due to unprecedented changes in demographic patterns, North Carolina will likely replace Michigan in the number of electors which makes the experts conclude that North Carolina can provide a difference between winning and losing the elections. One more reason why NC is a uniquely strategic place for the electoral candidates is that parties often choose to place conventions in the state because of the idea that holding a convention is a swing state that may lead that state to swing in their direction as a result. 

Trump’s frequent tweets about North Carolina also proves the importance of this place in the presidential election process. Trump has tweeted about NC 160 times since 2016 which is far more than his tweets about states like Michigan, Arizona, Nevada, or New Mexico. 

By this time, CBS reports that according to election polls Biden is leading Trump in North Carolina but the difference is quite small and the situation may change any time, making both parties spend more time on political advertising in NC. This is why North Carolina has become more important for the candidates than ever before.

Eight of the Most Popular Shotguns for Hunting

Sheep Bell
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Eight of the Most Popular Shotguns for Hunting

Regardless of the type of game you are chasing, it’s critical to find the right shotgun to help you on your hunting trips. Thanks to the abundance of options available in the market, narrowing down your options can get pretty tricky. It’s especially true when you haven’t purchased a firearm recently and are unfamiliar with the latest-and-greatest technologies.

Here are some of the most popular shotguns for hunting to make the selection process easier for you. Built for performance and durability, these options help you get the most out of your hunting excursions.

Mossberg Maverick 500

The Mossberg Maverick 500 shotgun boasts dual extractors and two action bars. With its reliable anti-jam shell elevator and easy-to-reach top-mounted safety, it allows you to take timely action without putting your well-being in jeopardy. With various barrel lengths and accessories to choose from, it shines through as the ideal shotgun for hunting.

Winchester SXP

In addition to its sturdy exterior, the Winchester SXP with 8mm rem mag brass grants you the ability to take three shots in under 30 seconds, making it one of the fastest shotguns in terms of follow-up shots. The model comes in various barrel lengths and different fits, which let you flaunt your hunting skills in style.

Benelli Nova

With its corrosion-proof steel and polymer design, the Benelli Nova excels in terms of durability. It also comes in several barrel lengths and gives you multiple gauge options. Unlike other models, you can select the gauge you prefer. 

When accounting for the optional features such as additional choke tubes, it can be easily considered a long-lasting investment for any hunting enthusiast.

Remington 870

The Remington 870 prides itself on its extensive strength and its ability to endure any curve balls thrown its way. With a steel-based receiver and sturdy stock options, this shotgun can sustain rugged hunting terrain and harsh conditions with ease—even those that require additional equipment to obtain drinking water. The shotgun’s extensive choices in barrel length and gauge lend to unparalleled customer satisfaction. 

Weatherby SA-08

The Weatherby SA-08 comes with optimal protection against severe weather conditions. With its dual valve system and thoughtful design, the shotgun delivers high-quality results without frequent jamming. It also offers multiple barrel lengths and gauge choices. 

No matter your hunting location, this ensures that your trips start and end without a hitch. Go for the kill during your sub-zero camping excursion without the annoying inconveniences common in other shotgun models. 

Winchester 1300

The Winchester 1300 is yet another speed-shot firearm distributed by the renowned brand. With its fast-cycling pump, the shotgun ensures that you don’t miss out on game opportunities. 

The Winchester 1300’s sturdy build further enhances this quality and allows you to enjoy your hunting trips without worrying about protecting your prized possession: your shotgun. Due to its unrivaled durability, this shotgun is an excellent option for those hunters who want to focus on their strategy, rather than wasting time and energy checking their firearm’s current condition. 

When you pair a Winchester 1300 with other essential hunting gear, you’re sure to harvest enough animals to fill your freezer to the brim.

Stoeger Model 3000

Also known as the Stoeger M3000, the shotgun only comes in a single-gauge model. However, to compensate for this limitation, this shotgun includes additional features such as a fiber-optic sight, allowing hunters to pinpoint game even in low-light situations. Combined with its premium materials, the shotgun proves to be a trusty steed in any hunting adventure. 

Benelli Super Black Eagle II

The Benelli Super Black Eagle II is sought after by novice and experienced hunters alike, mainly due to the shotgun’s overall design, which strikes the required balance between simplicity and performance. When combined with its choke tubes and uniform shots, you can maneuver areas with fast-moving targets successfully. 

Conclusion

By purchasing the right shotgun for your hunting excursions, you can enjoy each open season without a care in the world. Just make sure that all your current hunting licenses are up-to-date, so you don’t run into any issues during your outdoor adventures. Whether for recreation or food supply, you’ll need to prepare accordingly for your annual or monthly hunting trips. 

Charlotte Kids Fest Will Bring Virtual Fun and Creative Learning Experiences to Children

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte Kids Fest Will Bring Virtual Fun and Creative Learning Experiences to Children

Charlotte Kids Fest, created by University City Partners to help expand the minds of children and parents in the Charlotte region, presents a virtual fourth annual event on November 4-8. The festival will stream live from UNC Charlotte each evening at 6 p.m. Events are free for parents and children to view from Facebook Live. The lineup of Charlotte Kids Fest activities will deliver creative, physical and kid-captivating content designed to help children explore the world around them. Those who stream in will experience educational activities and live performances covering five main areas: CREATE! DISCOVER! GO! LEARN! and PLAY!

“We attract thousands of children and caregivers to the Charlotte Kids Fest at UNC Charlotte each year. Even during the pandemic, we wanted to ensure that we could deliver some fun and enlightenment to ever-learning children.” said Darlene Heater, Executive Director of University City Partners. “UNC Charlotte remains the host location for us to stream events to online viewers. Select performers, businesses, UNC Charlotte colleges and youth program providers will join us to lead dynamic activities and performances.”

Those who join the Live events should visit CLTKidsFest on Facebook for daily activities and supplies. Children will learn new dance moves, make robots out of toothbrushes, create rockets and much more. The zones will cover fascinating hands-on activities and subjects including:

  • Reading, math, history, science and technology in the LEARN! Zone
  • Performing and cultural arts in the DISCOVER! Zone
  • Arts and crafts in the CREATE! Zone
  • Exploration of all things on wheels in the GO! Zone
  • Outdoor activities, exercise and healthy development in the PLAY! Zone

The full schedule and list of program providers are available under each daily Facebook event.

Earlier this year, Charlotte Kids Fest delivered virtual bedtime stories with Pinwheel Polly, the festival mascot, arts & crafts and live performances via Facebook Live. These events served to provide a break for parents and enrichment for children who suddenly shifted to virtual schooling when Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools closed for social distancing.

The 2020 Charlotte Kids Fest is made possible by the support of University City Partners, Culture Blocks—a community partnership funded by Mecklenburg County, Atrium Health University City, Charlotte Area Transit System, Duke Energy, Walmart, UNC Charlotte and many generous Charlotte businesses and organizations. The festival is the only of its kind and scale in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region, attracting 7,000 attendees in 2019. More information about the festival, participants, performances and viewing options are available online at www.charlottekidsfest.org and Facebook at facebook.com/CLTKidsFest.

A Freeze Warning Has Just Been Issued For The Charlotte Region

Steve
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A Freeze Warning Has Just Been Issued For The Charlotte Region

Even though Thanksgiving is still 3 weeks away, Winter is already here for a large section of North Carolina.

A freeze warning has just been issued for the Charlotte region.

At 1145 AM this morning, the National Weather Service issued the following warning:

...FREEZE WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TO 9 AM EST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 degrees expected.

* WHERE...Portions of piedmont and western North Carolina, mainly
  north and west of a line from Tryon, to Gastonia, to Salisbury.

* WHEN...From late tonight through Tuesday morning.

* IMPACTS...Frost and freeze conditions will kill crops, other
  sensitive vegetation and possibly damage unprotected outdoor
  plumbing.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Take steps now to protect tender plants from the cold. To prevent
freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes they should
be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. Those that have
in-ground sprinkler systems should drain them and cover above-
ground pipes to protect them from freezing.

If the temperature drops just a few degrees lower than expected tonight, we could break the all-time record for November 2nd, which currently sits at 27 degrees;

If you moved here from Ohio or New York (like myself), you may be rolling your eyes, but if you’re from Florida or California, you might need to make some changes to prepare for the coming winter temperatures.

To prepare your car, top off all your fluids, especially your oil, power steering fluid, and antifreeze. You’ll also want to check your tires and make sure your air pressure is over 32 PSI.

To prepare your home, make sure to drain all fountains and exterior water fixtures. Always let at least one of your faucets drip to avoid freezing pipes. Consider buying a humidifier if you’re sensitive to dry air. If you have an older home with older windows, investing in some shrink film insulation will save you a ton on your heating bill.

To prepare yourself, buy some thermal gloves, a warm hat, and a winter jacket. If you’re going to spend any length of time outside, you may even want to consider buying an electric heating jacket.

If you have a pet – make sure to read our article about how to keep your furry friend warm!

Tickets Now On Sale for Holidays at the Garden

Charlotte Stories
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Tickets Now On Sale for Holidays at the Garden

Tickets are on sale now for Holidays at the Garden: Lighting the Way for a Safe and Healthy Holiday. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s annual seasonal light display, presented for more than 15 years, will run Nov. 27 through Jan. 3.

The event will feature lighted, musically-orchestrated topiaries, a prairie full of colorful cascading lights, blossoming lighted cherry trees and more than 10 acres of glowing holiday cheer spanning the Garden’s perennial and annual displays. In order to protect the health and safety of guests and to help mitigate the spread of Covid-19, The Orchid Conservatory and Lost Hollow: The Kimbrell Children’s Garden will remain closed through the holiday season. Displays indoors will also be scaled back, but will include the Garden’s spectacular Orchid Tree, a 16-foot-tall display of more than 300 unique orchids.

“The staff has developed a plan to present this cherished outdoor event in a safe and healthy manner,” said Jim Hoffman, interim executive director. “We’ve eliminated locations where people tend to gather, have plans to control the flow of guests and have reduced the number of high touch surfaces so that we are certain we can manage sanitation.”

Tickets are currently being offered online only. When purchasing tickets guests are asked to select an entry time of 5, 6:30 or 8 p.m. Guests with 5 or 6:30 p.m. tickets will have 90 minutes to present their tickets for entry. Guests holding tickets for 8 p.m. entry are encouraged to arrive promptly in order to enjoy the displays prior to the 9 p.m. closing time. No one will be permitted to enter prior to the time on their ticket.

Food will be available from food trucks and the Garden will offer three locations from which guests can purchase beer, wine, coffee, hot chocolate and s’mores for preparing alongside a fire pit. The Garden will also have the Tall Pine Railroad, a miniature train display, in operation. Guests can also check off some of the boxes on their holiday shopping lists shopping in the Garden Store, which will feature wares from local artists as well as entertaining décor. Special promotions will be offered throughout the period.

Because of social distancing recommendations, Santa sadly will not make his annual appearance at the Garden this year. Likewise, customary live indoor entertainment or other events won’t make it onto the calendar. The Garden continues to monitor state and local restrictions and recommendations from the Center for Disease Control with regard to Covid-19. Currently, masks are required indoors in public spaces and outdoors in locations where six feet of social distance cannot be observed. If recommendations remain, this means face coverings would be required much like they are in restaurants with face coverings required when guests aren’t seated or are eating or drinking.

Tickets can be purchased at www.DSBG.org. Tickets are $14.95 per adult, $12.95 per senior 60+, $7.95 per child ages 2 through 12, and free for children under the age of two. Ticket prices have been reduced from last year to account for the smaller scale of the event. Garden members receive a 30% discount on tickets including up to four guests. Please note that the Garden will remain open daily for general admission from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Holidays at the Garden is presented by Duke Energy. Supporting Sponsor is Caromont Health.

For more information call (704) 825-4490 or visit https://www.dsbg.org/events-exhibits/exhibits/holidays/.

York County Announces Winners of 2020 Underexposed Film Festival

Charlotte Stories
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York County Announces Winners of 2020 Underexposed Film Festival
From October 21 – 24, the Underexposed Film Festival yc, presented by Morton & Gettys, embraced the changing landscape of entertainment, and screened 8 blocks of film online for the world to enjoy.
The Underexposed Film Festival yc showcases the best in independent filmmaking from around the world, allowing audiences to take a trip around the world without leaving their seat!
With the introduction of the Best Puppetry Film category to the Festival’s awards lineup, Karen Collins, UFFyc Festival Director, notes the history and future of this ancient art form. “Puppetry in theater can be traced back to the 5th century BCE in Greece, while its history can be traced much further back with examples found in Asia, Africa, and in America by Native Americans. In the early days of film, large-scale puppets were used in films like The Witch (1906) by director Georges Melies, but it wasn’t until the 1930s that audiences saw the rise of puppetry through short film. Puppetry finally hit the big time in the late 1970s and 1980s when Jim Henson brought The Dark Crystal, Labyrinth, and movies featuring The Muppets to the silver screen. Today, multiple generations flock to theaters and gather around televisions to experience the fantastical world of puppetry, and a new generation of puppeteers and filmmakers continues to push the genre forward. The UFFyc has supported puppetry films since its inception, and today, the festival gives this unique artform a pedestal of its own.”
Thanks to the 2020 jurors for their time and consideration: Rob Adler (iVote, You Too?), Coretta Bedsole, Kristin Charney (The Happytime Murders, The Muppets, Team America: World Police), Darryl Dillard (The Real Man, Then I’ll Rest, Who’s With Me, Valor), Juli Emmons (Tammy, The Longest Ride, SpongeBob SquarePants 2), Hobey Ford [Ichabod, Sketches from Sleepy Holly, Bring Your Love (Avett Brothers)], John Gallen (Daddy, Maverick, The Crazy Ones), Nicola Balhuzien Hepp (Songs of the Underworld), Joanne Hock (The Ultimate Legacy, When We Last Spoke, Southern Gothic), Greg Holfeld (Pinchpot), Cashell Horgan (Ancient Lights, The Clockmaker’s Dream, Paddy), Gabrielle Lansner (The Birch Grove, The Stronger), Ng’endo Mukii (Yellow Fever, Nairobi Berries) Michael Rivers, J. Michael Simpson (Light Rain, Stream), Karen Stock, Adria Tennor (Pie, The Artist, One Moment), David White (Going to the Devil: The Impeachment of 1868, The Forgotten War: The Lasting Legacy of World War I, Single. Parents. Collection.), David Wohl (Chillers, Invasion of the Space Preachers, Paradise Park).
Ten awards were presented to Official Selections in 2020 – the Grand Jury Prize; the best of category: animation, documentary, experimental, narrative, and puppetry; Cinema Carolina – awarded to the best independent film made in North or South Carolina regardless of category, content, or subject; Woman to Watch (best female director); Best Student Film; and the Terry Roueche Audience Choice Award. UFFyc award sculptures created by South Carolina artist Bob Doster are presented to the Grand Jury Award winner, Best Animated Film, Best Documentary Film, Best Experimental Film, Best Narrative Film, Best Puppetry Film, and Cinema Carolina.
Grand Jury Award
Prizes: $750 and Lightworks Pro courtesy of Lightworks
The Big Race
Experimental | 2019 | 10 min. 09 sec.
Suggested Rating | PG
Language | English
Director | John Williams
Cast | Ana da Costa, Lester Gonzales, Kitten Marie Clayman, Jessica DiSalvo, Marilla Wex
Set in a surreal world of giant TV’s, talking flowers and dancing Ravens, two mannequins discuss the controversial race between Mr. Tortoise and Ms. Rabbit after allegations surface that the race was rigged by the Ravens.
Best Animated Film
Prizes: $200 Toon Boom Animation Software courtesy of Toon Boom
Dcera (Daughter) 
Animation | 2019 | 14 min. 44 sec.
Suggested Rating | PG
Language | No Dialogue
Director | Daria Kashcheeva
In a hospital room, the Daughter recalls a childhood moment when as a little girl she tried to share her experience with an injured bird with her Father. A moment of misunderstanding and a lost embrace has stretched into many years all the way to this hospital room, until the moment when a windowpane breaks under the impact of a little bird.
Best Documentary Film
Prizes: $200 and Cinematiq DCP Transfer Software courtesy of Cinematiq
Sankofa
Documentary | 2018 | 27 min. 53 sec.
Suggested Rating | PG-13
Language | English
Director | Princess Garrett
Cast | Godsway Anderson, Marcquis Graham, Chiji Akoma, Amari Johnson, Eric Owusu Ansah, Wanluv the Kubolor
This documentary is about the loss of identity and its systemic impact on black males. By exploring the complexities of mental slavery, Sankofa calls its audience to free themselves from the system in which they were born.
Best Experimental Film
Prize: $200
The Big Race
Experimental | 2019 | 10 min. 09 sec.
Suggested Rating | PG
Language | English
Director | John Williams
Cast | Ana da Costa, Lester Gonzales, Kitten Marie Clayman, Jessica DiSalvo, Marilla Wex
Set in a surreal world of giant TV’s, talking flowers and dancing Ravens, two mannequins discuss the controversial race between Mr. Tortoise and Ms. Rabbit after allegations surface that the race was rigged by the Ravens.
Best Narrative Film
Prizes: $200 and Cinematiq DCP Transfer Software courtesy of Cinematiq
Song Sparrow
Experimental, Narrative
2019 | 11 min. 43 sec.
Suggested Rating | PG-13
Language | No Dialogue
Director | Farzaneh Omidvarnia
Based on a real event, in Austria 2015, and in Ireland 2019…
A group of refugees tries to reach a safe country in search of a better life. They pay a smuggler to convey them across the boarders in a fridge truck. However, the freezing temperature of the truck turns their hopes for a better future into a fierce struggle for survival.
Best Puppetry Film
Prizes: $200 and Cinematiq DCP Transfer Software courtesy of Cinematiq
The Haunted Swordsman
Narrative, Puppetry
2019 | 16 min. 25 sec.
Suggested Rating | PG-13
Language | English
Producers | Lisa Henson
Director | Kevin McTurk
Cast | Jason Scott Lee, James Hong, Chistopher Lloyd, Franka Potente
In this handcrafted epic puppet film set in a world of demons and ghosts, a lone samurai and his odd companion, a cursed severed head, seek vengeance in a haunted world.
Woman to Watch (Best Female Director)
Prize: $200 
Alison James
Alison James is an award-winning director and writer from Perth, Western Australia.
Judas Collar is Alison’s most ambitious film to date, following up on two performance based dramatic shorts, You Have Blue Eyes – which recently screened at an Australians in Film showcase in Los Angeles and Sentence which she filmed in West Australia’s only juvenile prison.
Alison has transitioned from factual into scripted after exploring complex ideas and characters in television documentaries over the last decade. She has directed on fifty hours of factual television, working for national and international broadcasters Discovery, National Geographic, ABC, SBS, ITV, BBC, PBS, S4C, 7mate, Sky TV, TV NZ, Arte and The History Channel.
Working across a variety of documentary formats, Alison has gained privileged access into unique subcultures and nurtured a passion for human complexities without judgment. Highlights include spending countless hours with Indigenous Elders, oil and gas workers, multi-millionaire entrepreneurs, people with intellectual disabilities, Nobel winning scientists, migrants, refugees, prisoners and survivors of terrorism and war.
Most recently Alison was Series Director for the eight-part Railroad Australia (Discovery) following the men and women who run Australia’s vast rail network. Prior to that she was a director on twenty-four episodes of the popular Outback Truckers (Discovery) filming in some of Australia’s most inhospitable and remote areas with some of Australia’s toughest truck drivers.
Alison was field director for the critically acclaimed The DreamHouse (ABC) following three young housemates living with intellectual disabilities. She also co-series directed BoomTown (ABC), examining a year in the lives of seven high-profile multi-millionaire entrepreneurs in Perth. Alison’s series directing debut was the heart-warming Harvest (SBS), tracking the evolution of a community garden at the notorious ‘Suicide Towers’ in Perth.
Alison studied filmmaking and psychology at Curtin University and is a recipient of the prestigious West Australian Young Filmmaker of the Year Award.
Judas Collar
Narrative | 2018 | 15 min. 00 sec.
Suggested Rating | PG-13
Language | English
Director | Alison James
In outback Australia a wild camel is captured and fitted with a tracking device known as a Judas Collar. Based on a real-life practice, Judas Collar is a scripted, no-dialogue, live action short that explores the story of a camel used to betray her kind.
Cinema Carolina
Prize: $200
Summer Headstones
Documentary | 2019 | 18 min. 06 sec.
Suggested Rating | PG
Language | English
Director | Hamilton Young Ward
Cast | Dann Ward, Andrew Kahrl, Kwame Leo Lillard, J.T. Johnson, Al Lingo
This documentary explores the urban decay of municipal swimming pools in the Southern United States, due to their closure and abandonment by white officials after desegregation was instituted in America.
Best Student Film
Prize: $100
Sankofa
Documentary | 2018 | 27 min. 53 sec.
Suggested Rating | PG-13
Language | English
Director | Princess Garrett
Cast | Godsway Anderson, Marcquis Graham, Chiji Akoma, Amari Johnson, Eric Owusu Ansah, Wanluv the Kubolor
This documentary is about the loss of identity and its systemic impact on black males. By exploring the complexities of mental slavery, Sankofa calls its audience to free themselves from the system in which they were born.
Terry Roueche Audience Choice Award
Prize: $100
The Haunted Swordsman
Narrative, Puppetry
2019 | 16 min. 25 sec.
Suggested Rating | PG-13
Language | English
Producers | Lisa Henson
Director | Kevin McTurk
Cast | Jason Scott Lee, James Hong, Chistopher Lloyd, Franka Potente
In this handcrafted epic puppet film set in a world of demons and ghosts, a lone samurai and his odd companion, a cursed severed head, seek vengeance in a haunted world.
Produced by the Arts Council of York County, the Underexposed Film Festival yc is presented by Morton & Gettys, and is made possible by partnerships with Carolina Fresh Farms, Cinematiq, City of Rock Hill PRT, Karen Collins, Dr. Susan Collins, Concerts at the Courtroom, Comporium Communications, Founders Federal Credit Union, Hampton Inn, Lightworks, Melton Insurance, Old Town Association, OTS Media, Sharp Business Systems, Slow Play Brewing, Diane Tennyson, Toon Boom, Winthrop University College of Visual and Performing Arts, and York County Library.
For more information about the Underexposed Film Festival yc, visit https://www.underexposedfilmfestivalyc.org.
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