Celebrating While Distancing: A COVID Guide

Ray Davies
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Celebrating While Distancing: A COVID Guide

Birthdays, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day. It’s springtime in North Carolina and special occasions are upon us, regardless of what’s going on in the world outside our front door. How can we celebrate while still maintaining a healthy distance from our loved ones? Technology and old-fashioned ingenuity, it seems, have the answers. This is your guide to celebrating while distancing. 

Support Local Businesses

Many local businesses such as bakeries, coffee houses, breweries, and restaurants are offering curbside pickup and delivery services to help them pay the rent. You can order coffee beans for the caffeine junky in your life, pastries for the foodie, and burgers, pizza, and wings for just about anyone you’ve ever met. For local beer options, search this list for Charlotte. There are more than a few breweries open (with limited operating hours) for crowler fills and bottle/can sales. Nothing says “happy birthday” or “I miss you” like a care package of local, artisanal-quality goods. As an added bonus, some restaurants are throwing in a roll of toilet paper with takeout orders.

ECards: All the Sentiment and None of the Germs

If you snoop around online, you’re sure to unearth a few ecard companies so that you can let a loved one know that you’re thinking about them without having to venture out to the store or make physical contact. Funny cards are especially helpful in times of crisis, and perhaps no company we’ve found is funnier than JibJab. You can send their ecards for father’s day, mother’s day, or just plain because. This service even has something called “shorties,” in which you upload a picture of your face to have it superimposed into a hilarious video. Creativity such as this can go a long way towards brightening someone’s day.

Say “I Love You” Every Day

During uncertain times, it can help to maintain contact with loved ones. Text messages and phone calls will do the job in a pinch, but video chats make it more fun – and provide an excuse to get out of your pajamas. Try Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, FaceTime, or any other video chat service – especially on birthdays and other special occasions. Lift a drink together – whether it be a soda, a juice, or a beer – while you’re on a video call. Such activities can be uplifting. Some beer fans are keeping up with a regular “happy hour” on video chat platforms, while families who used to meet for a meal once a week can stage an impromptu dinner together online.

What About Children?

A child isn’t going to be uplifted by a pound of artisanally-roasted coffee beans, but there are ways to make the day special for them. Some families will drive by a friend’s house and hold hand-crafted poster-board signs with birthday greetings out the windows. In fact, if you organize enough families, you can stage a mini parade past the recipient’s house. With all families staying in their vehicles, social distancing is kept in practice while the child of honor gets to feel special. Don’t overlook the once-popular practice of serenading. Standing outside of a friend’s home and singing “Happy birthday,” perhaps with musical accompaniment, will be a memory they’ll cherish.

And now may be the time to practice your baking skills. Using YouTube videos and online tutorials, try making a better birthday cake than you’ve ever made before. If you’re having a difficulty finding certain ingredients at the grocery store, try some of the restaurants that are selling groceries, or try to make a recipe with substitutions. For example, if you can’t locate eggs, look for vegan cake recipes. 

Just because a birthday or other special occasion falls during the days of COVID-19 doesn’t mean that it can’t be special. In fact, overcoming the obstacles can help it be even more memorable. 

7 Alternative Therapies A-List Celebrities Swear By

Larry Keith
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7 Alternative Therapies A-List Celebrities Swear By

Alternative medicine and treatments aren’t a new fad in the health and wellness world. As a matter of fact, certain alternative treatments such as Homeopathy have been in practice since the 18th century. In 2017, in the UK alone there were around 9 million users of some kind of complementary or alternative medicine and the number continues to grow. 

The prevalence of alternative medicine and treatment can be attributed to its multitude of benefits. Most alternative medicine focuses on curing the root cause, rather than just treating the symptoms. While using modern medicine can have side effects, alternative treatments can follow a natural, safer approach.

From fashion to health, we as a society continue to look up to celebrities for tips. So are Hollywood A-listers delving into the world of alternative therapies? Absolutely! Check what your favourite celebrities are into.

 

  • Acupuncture

 

One of the most popular forms of alternative therapies, Acupuncture involves inserting really thin needles at specific points in a person’s body. It has proven to be effective for many medical conditions such as lower back pain, high blood pressure, headaches and dental aches. 

Celebrities like multi-talented Jennifer Lopez and Academy Award-winner Natalie Portman use acupuncture. 

 

  • Aromatherapy

 

Aromatherapy focuses on using essential oils and other aromatics to improve a person’s mood or health. These oils can be inhaled or topically applied. Lavender is popularly used to induce relaxation and deep sleep, while Tea Tree essential oil has antiseptic properties useful for treating acne.

These days Academy Award-winning actress Gwenyth Paltrow is better known as a wellness guru, thanks to her million-dollar company Goop. She’s a big fan of essential oils, particularly, clary sage, jojoba and lavender.

 

  • Osteopathy

 

Another popular alternative medicine, Osteopathy involves physical manipulation of the skeleton and musculature. A qualified practitioner offers a holistic approach and concentrates on the whole body to treat a range of medical disorders. Osteopathic care has helped people with back pains and sleep disorders.

Lesley Garrett, a renowned English soprano singer, has regularly sought Osteopathic care for over 20 years! She claims it has helped her with back pain, gut issues and spine realignment.

To book an Osteopathy Treatment in London, head over to Bodytonic Clinic.

 

  • Ayurveda

 

Originating in the Indian Subcontinent, Ayurveda is a healing therapy that promotes overall good health rather than fighting a disease. Its goal is to restore the delicate balance between mind, body and spirit to keep illness at bay. 

Critically and commercially acclaimed actress Julia Roberts partakes in ayurvedic treatments. Popular UK Youtuber and lifestyle vlogger Niomi Smart recently moved to India and started practising Ayurveda after completing a course for the same.

 

  • Reiki

 

A form of Japanese alternative medicine, Reiki uses hands-on healing techniques to encourage emotional and physical healing. By assisting a person’s natural healing abilities, it promotes mental and spiritual wellbeing. It is believed to induce relaxation and alleviate stress.

One of America’s most beloved talk show hosts Ellen DeGenerous has received Reiki treatments for pain and stress. 

 

  • Reflexology

 

Reflexology involves massaging hands, feet and ears at different pressures to induce a range of health benefits. It may help to reduce stress, improve mood or boost the immune system. 

Heavyweight champion Muhhamad Ali received foot reflexology from celebrity reflexologist Richard Minarik in 1976.

 

  • Medical Cannabis

 

Medical cannabis or medical marijuana is prescribed by physicians to treat anxiety, insomnia, nausea, cancer’s side effects, Parkinson’s and other conditions. 

Saturday Night Live! star Pete Davidson uses medical marijuana to manage the severe side effects of Crohn’s disease. It helps increase his appetite, which is impacted as a side effect of heavy medication. Lady Gaga has said to smoke cannabis to deal with mental and physical stress.

Tips for Applying for Life Insurance on the Internet

Jessica Barish
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Tips for Applying for Life Insurance on the Internet

If you’ve been shopping around for life insurance through local agents, you’re truly missing out on an opportunity to open a policy that is both affordable and protective. The coverage that you take out will help to pay for funeral expenses and other bills in the event of your passing. Because many people will be without an income when a loved one dies, the life insurance policy essentially acts like a second income until the family can get themselves back on their feet financially. Shopping for this coverage online is a quick and easy process, and you can be approved in no time.

Compare Rates and Policies

The first thing you’ll want to do is to compare different rates and policies. This can be done by requesting a quote specifically from the company itself. They will let you know how much coverage will cost and how long the policy will be good for. Some accounts, like term life, are only valid for one or more decades. Once the policy has expired, its coverage is null and void so that it can’t be used. We recommend checking out SeniorsLifeInsuranceFinder.com to get the most competitive rates.

You’ll also want to make sure you have some type of communication with an agent, and let them do a health evaluation.  Why you may ask?  Because you might be ‘looking’ at unrealistic quotes given your health history.  Says Melissa Smith of Diabetes 365 ” many consumers don’t realize that when they go to a website, the quotes for life insurance that are advertised are often misleading.  A common example of this includes people with Diabetes seeing a really low priced quote and not understand they will not qualify for these rates.  Life insurance for type 2 diabetics or for type 1 diabetics will always be more expensive.  Life insurance with diabetes or any chronic illness is a little more complicated and requires a little guidance from an agent.” Moral of this story is to make sure your rates are accurate before actually appliyng.

Understand Coverage Options

Each type of insurance policy will have different coverage options and terms. Some policies are permanent and will have cash value over the course of the many years that you pay into them. Others are temporary, so you’ll need to be aware of changes that may happen as the account expires. Others may even offer long-term care insurance, which essentially pays for necessary expenses in the event that you need to go to a nursing home or assisted living facility. Being aware of what’s included within the premium will help you to choose the right company for this coverage.

Set Up Automatic Bill Pay

The beauty about using the internet to apply for life insurance is that you can set up automatic bill pay. This means that you won’t need to worry or think about the premium every single month. The amount is deducted from your bank account automatically, which can reduce confusion and possible late fees. If you fail to pay your premium rates regularly, you may face issues with the closure of your account.

Have a Physical Done

Many life insurance companies will require that applicants have a physical exam done by a trusted doctor. This is because you should be practicing healthy living enough to take out the policy. If you are unhealthy, unfit or have a myriad of health conditions, you could be denied coverage because you are seen as a liability. Some companies may not require that a physical be done, but they might still ask some health questions on the application.

Keep Track of Your Account

Once you’ve been approved for your life insurance plan and you’ve been paying the premium each month, it’s time to keep track of and review your account regularly. If you have whole coverage, you may be able to draw on the amount that you’ve accumulated, which can come in handy during emergencies. For other people, they can add and remove beneficiaries as it becomes necessary.

A Total of 5 Wells Fargo Employees in Charlotte Have Now Tested Positive For COVID-19

Charlotte Stories
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A Total of 5 Wells Fargo Employees in Charlotte Have Now Tested Positive For COVID-19

Wells Fargo Bank has just confirmed that 5 of its Charlotte employees have tested positive for COVID-19.

The infected employees work at Wells Fargo’s Customer Information Center in University City. At this point, around 35% of the CIC employees continue to report to the office in spite of the ‘Stay at Home Order‘.

“We wish our colleagues who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 a full and speedy recovery, and we are supporting those employees and prioritizing the safety of their colleagues,” a company representative said in a statement. “We have taken significant actions to protect employees, including social distancing, staggering staff and shifts and enabling more employees to work from home.”

Mecklenburg County is now reporting 869 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 10 deaths from the virus.

According to the CDC, patients with confirmed CoVID-19 infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

  • fever
  • cough
  • shortness of breath

CDC believes at this time that symptoms of CoVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure.

NCCDD Releases Mini Grants for COVID-19 Relief

Charlotte Stories
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NCCDD Releases Mini Grants for COVID-19 Relief

The NC Council on Developmental Disabilities (NCCDD) has voted to invest $75,000 to a relief fund for one-time, time-limited projects to assist in filling gaps in services or activities that people with intellectual or other developmental disabilities (I/DD) are experiencing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funds are open to NC non-profit agencies and other NC community-based organizations that provide supports to people with I/DD and their families who are affected by the statewide Coronavirus response. Funds must be used to meet the needs of people with I/DD and their families and promote engagement with peers, alleviate anxiety due to social distancing, and/or increase positive shared experiences.

  • What do people need now due to social distancing, quarantine, or self-imposed isolation?
  • How will people remain engaged with their friends and family? What will be funded?
  • Activities to remain engaged during social distancing;
  • Items that alleviate anxiety due to social distancing; and,
  • Other items needed for people experiencing social isolation

For more information on the grant, its requirements and the application, visit NCCDD’s website.

North Carolina Has America’s 7th Biggest Increase in Unemployment Due to Coronavirus

Charlotte Stories
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North Carolina Has America’s 7th Biggest Increase in Unemployment Due to Coronavirus

With the U.S. experiencing an extremely high number of initial unemployment claims, WalletHub today released updated rankings for the States with the Biggest Increases in Unemployment Due to Coronavirus.

To identify which states have experienced the largest unemployment increases, the website compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across two key metrics. These metrics compare initial unemployment claim increases for the week of March 30, 2020 to both the same week in 2019 and the first week of 2020.

North Carolina was ranked as the 7th worst state and South Carolina was ranked as the 33rd worst state.

States with the Biggest Increases in Unemployment Due to Coronavirus

Overall Rank State Increase in Unemployment Claims (2020 vs. 2019)* Increase in Unemployment Claims (April vs. January 2020)**
1 Louisiana 6118.90% 6111.40%
2 New Hampshire 7186.52% 5148.41%
3 Virginia 6747.65% 4597.55%
4 Georgia 8262.24% 2175.35%
5 Mississippi 4800.32% 3847.71%
6 Michigan 5659.41% 2813.94%
7 North Carolina 4282.70% 3821.69%
8 Nevada 3877.34% 3427.61%
9 North Dakota 5816.54% 1825.00%
10 Indiana 4298.91% 2913.96%
11 South Dakota 5435.66% 1888.94%
12 Arizona 2528.53% 4120.59%
13 Hawaii 4030.89% 2808.60%
14 Maryland 4227.48% 2597.34%
15 Nebraska 4448.05% 2337.49%
16 District of Columbia 3406.38% 3100.21%
17 Tennessee 2589.69% 3665.92%
18 Florida 2553.62% 3578.76%
19 New Mexico 2944.16% 3229.91%
20 Kentucky 4122.60% 2163.48%
21 Kansas 3566.62% 2364.39%
22 Delaware 3913.40% 2055.77%
23 Maine 4044.93% 1741.91%
24 Alabama 3552.96% 2109.81%
25 Ohio 3629.53% 1983.67%
26 Vermont 3016.76% 2278.82%
27 Rhode Island 4123.47% 1332.81%
28 Utah 3123.78% 2078.92%
29 California 2454.59% 2420.29%
30 Arkansas 2610.76% 2267.70%
31 Iowa 3682.81% 1368.25%
32 Texas 2296.94% 2437.66%
33 South Carolina 3931.20% 1037.97%
34 Minnesota 3443.34% 1423.64%
35 Massachusetts 3149.12% 1374.87%
36 Washington 2707.22% 1664.04%
37 Colorado 2290.65% 1771.41%
38 Oklahoma 2425.89% 1637.14%
39 Idaho 3173.94% 915.29%
40 New Jersey 2675.36% 1295.74%
41 Missouri 3022.36% 1002.48%
42 Illinois 2163.86% 1605.92%
43 Montana 2607.85% 1186.88%
44 Pennsylvania 2449.82% 939.34%
45 New York 2639.40% 669.85%
46 Alaska 1625.03% 1466.77%
47 West Virginia 1986.28% 804.41%
48 Wisconsin 1847.15% 715.12%
49 Wyoming 1324.42% 640.18%
50 Oregon 1167.82% 743.70%
51 Connecticut 1294.74% 325.60%

Increase in North Carolina Unemployment Due to Coronavirus (1=Worst, 25=Avg.):

  • 4282.70% increase in the Number of Unemployment Insurance Initial Claims – from 3,139 the week of April 1, 2019 to 137,573 the week of March 30, 2020. 11th highest increase in the U.S.
  • 3821.69% increase in the Number of Unemployment Insurance Initial Claims – from 3,508 in the first week of the year to 137,573 the week of March 30, 2020. 6th highest increase in the U.S.

 

How to get a photographic memory: mnemonic devices for memory boosting

Robert Dale
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How to get a photographic memory: mnemonic devices for memory boosting

Various strategies, tactics, and advice on how to get a photographic memory are proposed by experts in mnemonic techniques. Our brain has no limits. Of course, it is hard to calculate the exact storage for our memories that include different kinds of information. Humanity still doesn’t know how the memory size in our mind can be measured. However, there are plenty of ways to train our intellect for an ability to encode, store, and recall an unlimited amount of information. Photographic memory is a rare ability when a person can vividly keep in mind the images even after they were taken away. Such a useful and unique skill, known as eidetic memory helps to retrieve information with ideal accuracy. But our brain mechanism is so complicated that it is hard to prove that photographic memory actually exists.

There are two quite interesting issues: how many people have photographic memory and if you are not among them, how can you train it. It is suggested only a small number of people can really recall the details after scanning the place. A lot of tests were made with children and adults. They were asked to scan the visual material for some time and then it was removed from the view. The next task was to report what details they are continuing to observe in their minds. So such experiments show that photographic memory is real, and the human brain can collect, store, and recall past events using skills of visual memory.

Techniques for fast learning and memory improvement

How to have photographic memory? Well, while some argue that reproducing visual materials is an innate ability and it is impossible to develop it, there is an opinion that you can train your mind strongly to achieve a high level of memorization details after momentarily capturing visual images. Those methods include:

  •         the method of Loci, also known as a memory palace, when a person creates a set of locations in the head and associate them with information;
  •         the memory peg offers to associate words with letters or numerical rhymes;
  •         the military method with the concept of sitting in the dark room with the paper, and a person, repeatedly turning light on and off for 15 minutes, must try to remember the content of that paper in vivid detail.

The last technique causes a lot of controversies, requires practicing at least 1 month, and the effectiveness of it is not proven. The memory peg is perfect for learning new languages and long lists of new words, so it won’t work with speeches, complicated definitions, and scientific materials. Mind palace is a universal mnemonic device that can boost your brain activity and improve memory retention. Of course, a strong focus is an integral part of building a memory palace in your head. However, using a mind map is the solution to the problem of how to get a photographic memory skill.

Mind palace works with virtual reality

Adapting the mind palace tactic, which is perfect for training strong eidetic memory, to immersive virtual reality, the team of passionate creators has developed memoryOS app that can drastically improve and facilitate the memorization process increasing memory capacity in an interactive way. Using mind palace virtual implant technology, it is possible to obtain the ability to recall a scene from your mind with precise details after scanning it only once. Consider memoryOS product in case you want to get a photographic memory.

Target Employee In Midtown Charlotte Location Tests Positive For COVID-19

Charlotte Stories
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Target Employee In Midtown Charlotte Location Tests Positive For COVID-19

Target has just announced that one of its employees at their Midtown Charlotte location has tested positive for COVID-19.

In a statement, the company said the infected employee is now in quarantine and is on paid leave.

“We’re working in close partnership with local health departments. Our top priority is the health and safety of our team members and guests, and we’re taking a number of steps to move forward,” Target officials said.

Mecklenburg County is now reporting 838 active cases of COVID-19 and 10 deaths from the virus.

According to the CDC, patients with confirmed CoVID-19 infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

  • fever
  • cough
  • shortness of breath

CDC believes at this time that symptoms of CoVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure.

Pack of Coyotes Spotted South of Uptown Charlotte (Video)

Charlotte Stories
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Pack of Coyotes Spotted South of Uptown Charlotte (Video)

A woman’s outdoor security cam recently captured an entire pack of wild coyotes roaming the streets near the center of Charlotte.

The following video was captured in Sedgefield, which is about 1 1/2 miles south of Center City Charlotte. The video was originally shared by Donna Ragan, who works at Charlotte’s Second Harvest Food Bank;

Coyote sightings have continued to rise around our area.

Recently around the Charlotte region, we reported about a coyote attacking a 7-year-old girl, a pack of coyotes killing a man’s 2 dogs in the front yard of his Iredell County home, and a German Shepherd therapy dog being attacked by a pack of coyotes in Weddington.

Since coyotes are not a native animal, they can be hunted year-round, even at night using flashlights – they can also be legally trapped from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28.

Some residents are now equipping their yards with flashing light coyote deterrents, and ultrasonic pest repellers, both of which work on solar power and are motion sensitive.

Officials with the animal control recommend:

▪ Keeping your yard free of any garbage or lingering food smells.

▪ Keep dogs on leashes when walking them, as coyotes are much less likely to approach if a person is nearby.

▪ Look around your backyard for the animals before you let the dogs out.

▪ If you encounter a coyote, back away slowly while yelling and waving your arms. Don’t run.

▪ Call 911 if you are being threatened by coyotes or other animals.

Have you seen any coyotes around your property? 

Online Dating Scams Surge In North Carolina During Coronavirus (Ranked 12th Worst In US)

Charlotte Stories
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Online Dating Scams Surge In North Carolina During Coronavirus (Ranked 12th Worst In US)

A new study shows online dating is surging during Coronavirus, and North Carolina residents are the No. 12 most at-risk for online romance scams.

Online daters seeking love were scammed out of $362 million in 2018, a 70% increase from the previous year.

During the pandemic, online dating platform Bumble reported a 21% increase. Hard hit states New York and San Francisco were even higher at 26% and 23% respectively. Tinder reported a 10-15% weekly increase and the hardest hit countries like Spain and Italy are up 25%.

One thing is clear, romance and catfishing scams are bound to go up even higher in 2020, especially in places where the coronavirus is more prominent.

 SocialCatfish.com — a leading resource to verify online identities — today released a study on the Most At-Risk States For Online Dating Scams using data from the FBI from 2019.

  • North Carolina ranked No. 12 in the country with 422 reported victims.  Vermont reported the fewest victims of all 50 states with just 23 cases.
  • 5 States with the Most Victims: California (2,206), Florida (1,363), Texas (1,287), New York (931), Pennsylvania (607).
  • 5 States with the Fewest Victims: Vermont (25), South Dakota (27), North Dakota (36), D.C. (36), Wyoming (44)

Here are 4 Signs You Are Being Catfished During Coronavirus:

  1. They want to move fast in the relationship. The sooner they gain your trust, the faster they can ask for money. Move at a normal pace.
  2. They don’t want to video chat with you. If someone won’t meet, or even video chat, it is likely they are not who they say they are.
  3. They ask for money. If anyone courting you online asks for money – in this case perhaps related to treating COVID-19 – this is the ultimate red flag and you should cease communication.
  4. They have poor grammar. If they claim to be from the United States yet don’t know how to write sentences or spell words, run.

To avoid becoming a victim, thoroughly fact-check and verify online identities before meeting in person or providing any information about yourself.

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