Finding a Suitable Title Loan Online

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If you are looking for a loan, it is important to first determine what sorts of options are available to you. There are many factors that can determine your eligibility for different loan products, and this includes your income, your age, and your credit score among other things. The assets you own can also have an impact on your ability to get some types of loans, and this includes title loans.

You will find some of the best title loans online, and in order to access one of these, you do need to own your own vehicle. The car must be registered to you and should not still be under finance. The amount you can borrow by way of one of these loans will depend on the value of the vehicle. Fortunately, if you have damaged credit or other issues, this will not necessarily stand in the way of you being able to borrow money, as you will be using your car as collateral.

What to Look For

Of course, in order to get a title loan, one of the things you need to do is to find the right lender. It is important that you find a suitable lender in order to benefit from peace of mind and professional service. One of the things you should look for when comparing lenders is the amount of money you will be able to borrow. Title loan lenders generally allow you to borrow a percentage of the vehicle value, but this percentage can vary from one lender to another. The higher the percentage, the more you can borrow against your vehicle. So, make sure you look at the percentage the lender allows you to borrow.

Another thing you should do is to look at consumer reviews online from other people who have also taken title loans from the same lenders. This is a great way of finding out what to expect in terms of reliability and service levels, and it will give you far greater peace of mind as well as enabling you to make your choice with far greater ease. You should make sure you look at a variety of reviews in order to get a better idea of what you should expect.

It is also important to look at the interest rates and terms of the loans, as these aspects can also vary from one lender to another. Of course, you want to ensure you enjoy competitive interest rates to keep your costs down, so make sure you check and compare rates of interest. Also, pay careful attention to the loan terms to ensure that you are happy with them before you make any commitment.

You may want to check the application process and speed of the payment before you decide. This will give you a better idea of how quickly and easily you can complete the application, and how soon you can get your cash.

All of these factors will help you to choose the right title loan lender for your needs. 

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Files Amended Complaint Against Department of the Interior

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The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) has filed an amended complaint in its federal lawsuit against the unlawful decision of the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) to take historic Cherokee land in North Carolina into trust for the Catawba Indian Nation of South Carolina to build a casino.   The decision by the DOI will allow the South Carolina tribe to ump across state lines and build a casino near Kings Mountain, North Carolina, without the required consultation with the EBCI and without approval by North Carolina lawmakers or the people of North Carolina.  A combination of federal and state laws – which the Catawba Indian Nation agreed to in 1993 – prohibits the Catawba tribe from building and operating a casino in South Carolina.  Now it wants to jump state lines and open a casino in North Carolina.  The facts and the law demonstrate that the DOI’s decision to allow this is unlawful.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are the EBCI and twelve of its members who live near the Kings Mountain site. Additionally, the Cherokee Nation based in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, filed its own amended complaint, seeking to protect cultural artifacts on their ancestral land where the illegal casino is planned.

Commenting on the filing, Richard G. Sneed, Principal Chief of the EBCI, said “We welcome the growing coalition that is fighting against the DOI’s decision.  The decision is an egregious violation of federal law, and our amended complaint will establish for the court that there is no legitimate, legal basis for the decision.”

Among other things, the amended complaint reveals the following:

  • The driving force behind the DOI’s acquisition of land is unsavory but well-connected casino developer in South Carolina, Wallace Cheves, who has prevailed upon the Catawba Indian Nation of South Carolina to lend its name to the scheme and has deployed his influence to reverse the DOI’s long-held position that this type of land-into-trust acquisition is illegal.
  • In 2007, two Catawba-connected businessmen pleaded guilty to a scheme to unlawfully funnel Catawba Indian Nation funds to political candidates to reverse South Carolina’s ban on gaming by the Catawba. On the heels of those convictions, Wallace Cheves—who has a history of criminal and civil enforcement actions against him and his companies for illegal gambling—prevailed on the Catawba to try its luck in North Carolina.
  • The controlling statutes – enacted at the behest of the Catawba Indian Nation in 1993 – require that a specific process be used for acquiring trust land for the Catawba Indian Nation and that trust land has to be in South Carolina – and until Congress changes the law the DOI’s decision giving North Carolina land, particularly historic Cherokee land, is null and void.
  • The DOI clearly violated other legal requirements including early consultation with the EBCI to identify and protect Cherokee cultural resources located at the Kings Mountain site, and producing a “hard look” environmental impact statement, which was never conducted.
  • All told, the DOI unequivocally violated the law in their hastily rendered decision to take this land into trust for the Catawba casino project in Kings Mountain, North Carolina.

Principal Chief Sneed said, “Despite political contributions and questionable lobbying campaigns conducted by Mr. Cheves, the facts and the law are clearly on the side of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and our fellow plaintiffs. We feel confident we will be vindicated by the court.”

A Controversial Reptile Show Coming To The Charlotte Region This Weekend – Repticon 2020

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A controversial event is coming to the Charlotte region this weekend – Repticon 2020.

Repticon 2020 will take place in Concord on July 11th and 12th and will feature all varieties of snakes, lizards, and spiders from around the world. The show will offer live demonstrations and informative sessions about the biology and behavior of cold-blooded creatures.

The show will feature exhibits from; AHP Exotics, All American Gutter ProtectionAsheville Wildside, Atypicalpets, Blackburn Exotics, Carolina Crested Creations, Carter Reptiles, Cinderella Dragons, Cold Blooded & Bizarre, Invert and Spider Shop, Davinci boa, Exotics Unlimted, FrogDaddy LLC, Gecko Junkie, Gecko Overload, LS Critters and Creations, Reptile Passions, Reptile Tubs, Reptiles2You, Scaled Up Exotics, Serpentine Exotics, Shore Thing Exotics, Slither Inc., Soul Frogs, Stones Custom Reptile Hides, T & B Reptile Zone Aquatic Outlet, Taking Up Serpents, and The Reptilian Complex.

Repticon 2020 is not without controversy, however, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, the World Animal Protection sent a letter to Repticon asking them to call off the event. Ben Williamson, US programs director, commented; ‘It’s inconceivable that when many states are still seeing increases in the number of Covid-19 cases, Repticon in North Carolina would consider playing host to a live wild animal market. While Covid-19 is believed to have started many thousands of miles away in Wuhan, China, the conditions of live animals being confined together in close proximity to humans are remarkably similar to those we’ve investigated at US reptile markets such as Repticon. 

For more information about this year’s Repticon, you can visit their website here.

Charlotte MLS Has Just Signed Its First Professional Soccer Player – Sergio Ruiz

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The City of Charlotte has just signed its first ever major league soccer player.

25-year-old Sergio Ruiz is a midfielder and a captain for the international renown second division Spanish club, Racing de Santander.

“We are laying down the foundations of a competitive and winning team, and Ruiz is the ideal player to start with,” said Zoran Krneta, Charlotte MLS’s Sporting Director.

Ruiz has played for Racing for the past 3 years and has become a true standout player. Here are some of his highlights from the past few years.

This 3-D Flyover Video Shows What The Charlotte Douglass Airport Will Look Like After Its $2.5 Billion Makeover

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The Charlotte Douglas Airport is now in the middle of one of the most historic renovations in decades. The $2.5 billion upgrade will add significantly more capacity to the departure and arrival lanes, as well as adding a new runway, new underground walk-ways, new public transportation and taxi lanes, new gates, and a fully renovated interior (here’s what the Charlotte Douglas Airport looked like in the 50s).

Watch how it will all be built;

Please share if you love Charlotte!

6 Ways to Become the Best Version of Yourself

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There is never a better time to become happier and healthier than now.

Research is continually showing that one of the keys to having good health throughout your life is regulated lifestyle medicine. Things such as daily exercise, stress management, and easy diet changes can make a big difference. The hardest problem is getting the momentum going for these lifestyle changes, which is why it is important to start small but start firm.

Here are six ways to slowly but surely improve your quality of life mentally and physically:

  1. Make the Choice to Put Your Health First

Improving your quality of life is just as much mental as it is physical. Prioritizing your health is a decision only you can make. The first step to becoming a better you are to remove all of the harmful substances from your life and body.

Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol become so easily addictive. Not only are you affecting your health, but causing distress to those around you. If you or someone you love has fallen victim to addiction, consider nearby programs at VCAM. This center offers you and your loved ones the care you need.

  1. Exercise Daily

Surprisingly, regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce the major signs of aging. From normalizing your blood pressure and improving your eyesight to increasing your lean muscle with an appetite enhancer and improving your bone density, these daily exercises will help you live longer.

This is not to say you need to stress about becoming a gym rat – there are all kinds of alternatives to traditional workouts. Crank your stereo to dance around your living room or sign up for kickboxing lessons. Play hopscotch or jump rope with your kids. Go for a hike to see new topography. The options are endless!

  1. Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep

Don’t underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. If this is something you struggle with, there are relaxation techniques you can try. Next time you are fighting to get to sleep, try some meditation or breathing exercises to clear your mind.

Some foods are also known to help shift your mindset into sleepy time modes, such as oatmeal, milk and whole-grain cereal, chamomile tea, and cherries. Turn all lights away from you at night (such as your cell phone or alarm clock) to help as well.

  1. Eat Well

Have you ever met a truly happy person that eats unhealthily day in and day out? Doubtful, so don’t skimp on the vegetables.

While this is a steep goal, try to shoot for consuming five servings of veggies every day. Keep your diet high in fiber and vegetables for a reduced chance of cancer and overall health improvements. Broccoli, carrots, tomatoes, and leafy greens are all great contenders.

  1. Let Go of Your Anger

Nobody is immune to experiencing anger, but some people are better at keeping it in check than others. When anger goes uncontrolled, it can create problems for your relationships and, ultimately, your health.

Letting it go won’t be easy, but the first step is to learn more about it. Learn to recognize when it occurs – keep your mind ready to mentally note when you start feeling upset and make an effort to manage that feeling instead of lashing out or denying it. Focus on your options.

  1. Support Those Around You

Helping others is a great route to become a better person. In addition to simply making the world a better place, your altruism is sure to make you more compassionate and happier.

Overall, becoming a healthier, better person is a long mental and physical process that isn’t supposed to happen overnight. Be patient and stick to these positive habits, and you’ll be on the right path.

Charlotte Leaders Unveil Radical New Plans For A 220-Acre Central Park

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A massive new project is now in the works to turn a 220 acre rail yard into the Queen City’s largest public park – the Queen’s Park. The new plan is being spearheaded by attorney Eric Spengler, who formed the non-profit organization ‘The Friends of Queen’s Park’ last October.

Today, Friends of Queen’s Park released the official renderings of the new development, along with a press release about the ‘remarkable transformation’.

“At 220 acres, Queens Park will be the largest and most diverse park within the City. Situated at the intersection of the Cross-Charlotte Trail, the Lynx Blue Line, the Rail Trail, and North Tryon Street, the Park will accommodate amenities such as a flexible great lawn, a regional cultural district, and a natural area that showcases nature and natural systems. It will connect diverse and exciting neighborhoods and change the way that we think about Parks in the City of Charlotte.”

The vision and renderings are a collaboration of renowned professionals in development, urban design, and architecture who volunteered their time, including representatives from The Flywheel Group, Stantec, Odell, and The Agency.

It is potentially now or never for Charlotte: imagine if New York City missed the opportunity to create Central Park some 150 years ago—and tried to engineer one now. Few sites near uptown offer comparable potential and improved quality-of-life impact as the transformation of the railyard into Queen’s Park. Transforming the industrial site will connect to existing infrastructure and build upon investments made in the area. The park will be a catalyst for growth sitting in the middle of a larger area of urban renewal, marked by Optimist Hall, Camp North End, and the North Tryon Vision Plan. Friends of Queen’s Park envisions an expansive urban park that will contribute to Charlotte’s community, culture, and quality of life. 

  • Queen’s Park will be an inclusive public space that connects people to people (community). The park will link and center eight diverse neighborhoods of North End Smart District now separated by a railyard expanse. 
  • Through public amenities and art, the park will connect people to place (culture). Think of the Cloud Gate sculpture in Chicago’s Millennium Park, a former rail yard until it was converted to a park in 2004. The park will provide opportunities for cultural events, festivals, etc. 
  • Queens Park will contribute to the quality of life of all Charlotteans by transforming the gray railyard into a vibrant greenspace—and in the process, adding back trees to our dwindling canopy. The park will connect to the regional greenway system. 

Friends of Queen’s Park asks supporters to post to social media using the hashtag #Tracks2Trees. The public also can show their support by ordering a Queen’s Park t-shirt, donating to the group, or signing up to volunteer on its website. 

North Carolina Named 10th Most Exciting State to Retire In

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A new comprehensive report has just ranked North Carolina as the #10 best state to retire in.

Retirement-focused publication ‘Sixty and Me’ analysed wide spectrum of factors, including taxes, cost of living, number of meetups, volunteering opportunities, access to vacation destinations from the local airport, local attractions, and startup success rates for retirees not quite ready to relax.

According to the report, “North Carolina scores well in the vacation (175 destinations), starting a business (5-year survival rate for 52.2% of businesses), hiking (1,758 trails), and golf (560 courses) categories. It also offers free college for seniors and scores reasonably well in several other categories, having 3 professional sports teams, 62 volunteer opportunities, an annual salary of $67,560 for authors, good internet speeds and coverage, and 629 Meetup groups in Charlotte alone.”

  • Best for – those who like to keep active.
  • Not suited for – those looking for a large number of attractions in the state or discounts on state activities.

You can read the full report here.

July Data: 32% Missed Housing Payments, up from June

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As new cases of COVID-19 surge, reopening plans have been paused or rolled back throughout the country, making clear that the effects of the pandemic are far from behind us. This continued uncertainty is mirrored in Apartment List’s most recent housing payments survey, which finds that 32% failed to make their full July housing payments on time.
This is the highest non-payment rent since we began running this survey in April. Fears around evictions and foreclosures have also worsened, and more Americans today are considering a move as a result of the pandemic.
Key findings from the report:
  • 19% of respondents have not yet made a housing payment for July, and an additional 13% have made only a partial payment. Missed payments remain common for renters and homeowners alike.
  • 21% of renters say they are “very” or “extremely” concerned about facing eviction in the next six months, up from 18% in June. Meanwhile, 17% of homeowners expressed serious concern about foreclosure, up from 14% last month.
  • More than half of respondents have had their moving plans impacted by the pandemic. 33% say that they are now less likely to move during the remainder of 2020, driven primarily by health concerns, while 21% say that they are now more likely to move, driven primarily by the need to find more affordable housing.
You can view the full report here.

NC School Board Meeting To Develop Plan For Reopening Across The State This Coming Fall

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Amid a continued COVID-19 pandemic, many parents and teachers are wondering what the 2020-2021 school year will look like and if students should return to classrooms.

Today the North Carolina State Board of Education is meeting to talk through how schools might be able to reopen across the state this coming fall.

According to today’s meeting agenda, a total of 3 reopening scenarios are being discussed for North Carolina;

  1. A full return to full in-person learning
  2. Continued remote learning
  3. Alternating in-class and online learning to allow for social distancing in classrooms.

Here is the livestream of today’s meeting:

Last Thursday, the State School Board released a statement, saying;

“Governor Cooper announced yesterday that we will continue to work on our plan to re-open schools with a decision in the next couple of weeks. The Governor, NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), the State Board of Education and Department of Public Instruction (DPI) are focused on bringing as many students safely back to our schools and to take care of teachers and all staff, especially those most vulnerable and those who care for vulnerable family members. As decisions are made about reopening schools, health and safety remains the first priority along with continuing the education of all students. Throughout this process, the SBE has and will continue to engage in a collaborative process with DPI and the Governor’s Office.

Returning students to schools is a priority. While the delay may be inconvenient right now, it allows districts to continue to develop the various plans outlined in Lighting Our Way Forward: North Carolina’s Guidebook for Reopening Public Schools, and provides Governor Cooper, together with the SBE and DHHS, the needed time to make the most appropriate decision based on the best information available to us. By being intentional and collaborative we will have a plan to address the many concerns we have received from students, parents and educators based on the science and guidance provided to us from the NC Department of Health and Human Services.”

This morning the President of The United States threatened to cut off funding from any school system that does not reopen this coming March:

What do you think about the situation?

Do you think North Carolina Schools should reopen this year?