New GoFundMe Campaign Is Raising Money To Keep Cam In The Carolinas

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A group of passionate Panthers fans has just launched a new GoFundMe campaign to raise money to pay for a billboard to keep Cam Newton on the Carolina Panthers team.

The campaign reads:

“Cam Newton has brought so much joy, passion, loyalty, and culture to the Carolina Panthers, the City of Charlotte, and the Two State Region, that we want to show him and the team how much we want him to stay.  

We want him to finish what he started  in Charlotte. We want him to only experience wearing #1 in Charlotte!”

So far the campaign has raised just over $1,800 out of their $8,000 goal.

The campaign notes that if the $8,000 goal is not raised, all funds raised will be given to the Cam Newton Foundation.

Greensboro Firefighter to Compete in Discovery Channel’s New Series Pitting ‘Man Vs. Bear’

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Courtesy Discovery

On Wednesday (Dec 18), Hannah Johnson, a 36-year-old firefighter from Greensboro, will compete in a new Discovery series “Man Vs. Bear” – going up against Grizzlies in challenges based off the bears’ natural instincts and predatory skills. There is tug-of-war, tree climbing and an eating contest…think of it as American Ninja Warrior, but with bears.

Each week, three Grizzlies – Bart, Honey Bump and Tank – will take on three new human competitors at their Utah sanctuary to test the limits of strength, speed and stamina. All challenges will be based on the bears’ natural instincts as well as predatory skills and actions – whether it’s engaging in a monumental game of “tug of war” or using brute force to roll giant logs.

Bart is the largest, most powerful grizzly on the mountain with no other bears matching his strength and versatility. Topping the pack as the fastest is Honey Bump, who is the only female on Bear Mountain. She brings a level of ferocity and predatory instinct that her male counterparts cannot beat. Bart and Honey Bump were orphaned as cubs and discovered by an Alaska State Trooper. After a nationwide search for a loving home for the rescued cubs, they were adopted by caretakers Doug and Lynne Seus. Along with Tank – known for his voracious appetite – the Seus’ have raised and cared for all three bears for two decades on a sprawling section of protected land.

Each episode will include five distinct challenges inspired by what bears do naturally in the wild, pushing these brave men and women to their absolute limits. In the final round, the top two competitors will come face-to-face with Bart, who stands 8 feet 6 inches tall and weighs 1,400 pounds. The human competitor who earns the most points of the day will be named champion.

But the competition isn’t over yet. At the end of the season, the top three competitors with the most points will return one more time for the super-human showdown against the bears.

“Competing against bears is both scary and exciting,” said Ira, an MMA fighter and competitor from Dallas, Texas. “It’s competing against the unknown. This is a completely new challenge for me.”

Viewers can also get to know the bears and discover more about their lives on Bear Mountain here.

Start The New Year On The Right Foot with Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K

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Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K and Fun Run will present the opportunity to run the LYNX rail line in University City on New Year’s Day. Participants of all ages are invited to complete their first walk or run of 2020. The inaugural event will take place at 10 a.m. on January 1, 2020 followed by a New Year’s Day brunch with pancakes, craft beer from Armored Cow Brewery, mimosas, hot cider, music and family fun. 

“We are excited to bring this race and community holiday event to Charlotte,” said Darlene Heater, Executive Director of University City Partners. “Running the rail line down North Tryon Street with family and friends is a fun and healthy way to jump start the new year. Doing so while supporting local food pantries makes it all the better.” 

The Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K race will begin at Old Concord Road Station and end at W.T. Harris and North Tryon Streets. At the finish line, participants and friends will enjoy food and drinks to celebrate their accomplishment and to ring in the new year. Race entry prices range from $30 to $45 for early, regular, same day and VIP registration. Registration includes a swag bag with race bib, timing chip, a long sleeve runner’s shirt, headband and other items. The Fun Run, designed for children, is $5 for entry and includes a train whistle. Participants will receive an all day pass to ride the LYNX, and can take the train to the starting line or park at Old Concord Road Station. Registration details can be found at https://www.cltnewyearsday5k.org/. 

Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K is presented by Atrium Health and raises awareness about hunger challenges in Charlotte. The race proceeds will benefit Camino Center Food Pantry, Hope Street Food Pantry, and Jamil Niner Student Pantry, which collectively serve hundreds in need in University City. More information can be found on Facebook under “Charlotte New Year’s Day 5K” or directly here. 

Charlotte Chef Jamie Lynch to Compete on Top Chef Season 17

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via chefjamielynch.com

Charlotte’s 5Church Partner Chef Jamie Lynch has just been selected to compete for culinary supremacy on Top Chef’s Season 17, set to premiere on Tuesday, March 19.

Bravo’s “Top Chef” just announced the cast of Season 17 – All Stars LA featuring the fiercest group of competitors the show has seen with 15 finalists, front runners and fan favorites from seasons past who have all returned to finish what they started and battle it out for the coveted title.  

Premiering with a supersized episode on Thursday, March 19 from 10 – 11:15 pm ET/PT, the Emmy and James Beard Award-winning series returns with host Padma Lakshmi, head judge Tom Colicchio and judge Gail Simmons.  Coinciding with the premiere, Bravo is teaming up with Universal Studios Hollywood for the inaugural Bravo’s Top Chef Food & Wine Festival on March 19-20, 2020.  In addition, Bravo and Spectra recently announced a new location of quick service restaurant Top Chef Quickfire to open in January 2020 in Philadelphia.

Here are all of this season’s competitors:

 

Ice Warning Issued For The Charlotte Region For Friday Morning

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A massive developing coastal low pressure zone is about to interact with a cold and
dry air mass across western North Carolina tonight and tomorrow morning, creating the possibility for ice on the roads, according to the National Weather Service.

They sent out the following alert for the Charlotte region and Western North Carolina;

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 9 PM THIS
EVENING TO NOON EST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Freezing rain expected. Total ice accumulations of up
  to a tenth of an inch.

* WHERE...Portions of piedmont and western North Carolina. This
  includes areas along and east of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, the
  I-40 corridor, and the northernmost Charlotte suburbs.

* WHEN...From 9 PM this evening to noon EST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Difficult travel conditions are possible. The
  hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. Tree
  branches and power lines will sag, and isolated power outages
  could result.

Rain is now predicted to start around 9 pm tonight and will turn to freezing rain at around 2 am. Currently the low tonight is expected to drop down to 31 degrees around the Charlotte region.

We should see temperatures rise above freezing by 8 am tomorrow morning, with highs rising into the high 40s by midday.

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!

Stand-Up Comedian Joey Thompson Makes Parody “Tour Video” of Charlotte

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South Carolina stand-up comedian Joey Thompson just did one of his viral ‘Gettin’ Rowdy’ tour videos right here in the Queen City.

In the video, he pokes fun at many of our most iconic and cliche things, including the Panthers, Hornets, NASCAR, Bojangles, Cam Newton, Wells Fargo (Wachovia), Duke Energy, and more.

He posted the video on Facebook just last week and it’s already been viewed over 15,000 times;

Thompson’s “Gettin’ Rowdy” tour videos have taken him all across the country, from Myrtle Beach to Beverly Hills and everywhere in between. His biggest video to date was of his hometown of Greer, SC, which has already racked up over 1.9 million views on Facebook.

Do you think he accurately described the Queen City? 

UNC Charlotte’s 2020 Economic Forecast: Growth Continues

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The economy of the United States and North Carolina has expanded for 10 consecutive years, the longest economic expansion since 1854.

Dr. John Connaughton, Barings professor of financial economics in UNC Charlotte’s Belk College of Business, says the growth will continue in 2020.

“Despite the projected slowing of both the U.S. and North Carolina economies in 2020, the prospect of a recession is still slight,” Connaughton said. “Consumer confidence still remains high, despite the politics in Washington.”

Connaughton forecasts 14 of the state’s 15 economic sectors will experience output increases in 2020. Sectors with the strongest growth include:

  • Agriculture: 8.9%
  • Information: 4.1%
  • Durable goods: 2.9%
  • Business and professional services: 2.4%

Connaughton presented his quarterly forecast to members of the Charlotte business community and the media at a luncheon held at UNC Charlotte Center City. The event is sponsored by Barings.

He said for 2019, the state is expected to add 107,700 net jobs. The two strongest sectors are TWU (6.6%) and hospitality and leisure services (5.1%).

“With the national unemployment rate consistently below 4.0%, more job openings than job seekers, and lower gasoline prices than last year at this time, consumers have the discretionary income to continue to spend,” he said. “In addition, the Fed has lowered interest rates by 75 basis points since July, making business investment and consumer big-ticket items less costly.”

For 2020, Gross State Product (GSP) is expected to reach $611.2 billion, up from $587 billion in 2019. Real inflation is expected to increase by 2% over 2019.

The full report is available at belkcollege.uncc.edu/forecast.

Cam Newton Nominated For 2019 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award

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Panthers QB Cam Newton, who is currently on Injured Reserve, has just been nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of The Year Award. The award is given out each year to 1 of 32 nominees from the NFL (1 nominee from each team) who has shown exceptional character and work both on and off the football field.

The Panthers posted a collage of Cam photos in making the announcement, along with the caption, “QB1 is our 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee!”

“Every day, in cities and towns across America, NFL players give of themselves to make our communities better,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a press release. “The 32 nominees for this year’s award are the best of the best and truly embody the spirit of Walter and his legacy of leaving the world better than he found it.”

The winner of the award will be announced and presented with a trophy on the eve of the Super Bowl.

Do you think Cam should win the award?

Top 10 Best Donut Shops in Charlotte

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This was one of the hardest articles I’ve ever written – mainly due to the fact that every donut I tried was my new favorite. How could anyone not love every hand-made fancy donut?

I did force myself, for the sake of my readers, to get super critical and figure out which donut shop (and restaurants that make fancy donuts) was truly the best.

Without further adieu, here are the top 10 donut shops in the greater Charlotte region;

#10 Suarez Bakery (Park Rd. Shopping Center)

The Suárez family history is really what makes this specialty bakery one of the best in the city. For over 23 years, the bakery has been a true family-run staple in the ever changing Park Road Shopping Center. It’s served patrons cakes, cupcakes, and other scratch made goods. Anything with their signature chocolate ganache is a must try, as well as the cinnamon twist and the old-fashioned cake options. You have to try their maple bacon bar!

Here’s to weekends as amazing as our Texas Doughnuts are big. Thanks for the photo, @kaymhoff!

A photo posted by Suárez Bakery (@suarezbakery) on

#9 Foxcroft Wine Co. (Dilworth)

Foxcroft Wine Co. is an upscale wine bar in two locations, although the Dilworth one is the original. Their doughnuts have a true cult following in our city. They’re served piping hot with dipping sauces such as chocolate ganache and marshmallow fluff cream.

Wine, donuts, chocolate, and fluff…what more could you want?

A photo posted by La Donna (@elleb_12) on


#8 Faith Coffee and Sweets (Harrisburg, NC)

This might be our most unknown bakery on the list, but it also might be the best – if you’re into authentic, homemade, southern donuts.

If you’re a “coffee snob”, you have to try their salted caramel mocha.

faith donuts

#7 Your Mom’s Donuts (Matthews)

This farm-to-table concept recently opened their first retail location. The shop sources as many ingredients (dairy, eggs, fruit, flour) from the local farming community as possible. Donut flavors change weekly and seasonally. Be sure to check the online menu and beware the dreaded “SOLD OUT” listed next to a flavor. The Cinnamon Sugar with Cream Cheese Frosting is by far one of the most popular, if it’s not available or if you want more than one, get the apple donut.

#6 Duck Donuts (Dilworth)

Duck Donuts is a gourmet donut shop that was originally founded in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

All of their donuts are made to order and are always served warm and fresh. Pull up a stool and watch your donuts made right there in front of your eyes. The maple bacon is certainly one of their most unusual, and one of their most popular – a great balance of sweet and savory, and you can never go wrong with either the shredded coconut or the rainbow sprinkles as topping choices.


#5 Sugar (Ballantyne)

These are some of the cities best truly ‘handmade’ gourmet donuts began as the first donut food truck with truly unique ingredients such as French chocolates, fresh fruits, and exotic herbs. Some of their most recent savory donut inventions include pepper jack cheese potato and bacon “hash” filled donut and an “Egg in a Basket” (a popover with organic black forest ham, cheddar cheese, scallions, and a hard boiled egg baked into the center).

#4 Reigning Doughnuts (NoDa)

Reigning Doughnuts makes amazing donuts for events and bars all over the city and in their retail shop in NoDa.

The Maple Bacon donut will make you want to elbow people out of your way. The Peanut Butter S’mores donut will inspire you to sit alone in a quiet corner as you enjoy the rich treat in blissful silence.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Beat the Mondays. And we mean CRUSH the Monday’s. 💥 It’s our Maple bacon day!! 🥓 #letsdothis #bacon #doughnuts #donuts

A post shared by Reigning Doughnuts (@reigningdoughnuts) on

#3 Carolina Donuts

Variety similar to a Krispy Kreme, but with ten times more love added to the ingredients. Go early and get them fresh.

carolina-donuts

#2 MJ Donuts (Pineville)

MJ Donuts is a true no-frills classic donut shop in the heart of Pineville Here the focus is on creating homemade favorites like the double chocolate cake, the buttermilk with sprinkles, and their insane apple fritter. Don’t forget the donut holes – You can get a dozen free when you order a dozen donuts.

#1 Krispy Kreme (Everywhere)

Krispy Kreme is one of the most North Carolinian eateries in the state, and it’s been engrained in the Charlotte region for over 75 years. It would be a disgrace to the word donut if we didn’t rank them as #1

The “Hot Now” sign lights up, and Charlotteans everywhere lose their minds.


What’s your favorite donut shop in Charlotte?

 

Amazon Fresh Expands to Charlotte With 1-Hour Grocery Delivery

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Amazon Fresh announced it’s expanding grocery delivery to four new cities – Charlotte, Cincinnati, Richmond and Virginia Beach. Prime members can now shop a selection of tens of thousands of Amazon items, including an assortment of quality produce and groceries – plus Amazon devices, electronics, health and personal care, home & kitchen, toys and more, and receive one- and two-hour delivery.

The new Amazon Fresh delivery service is now included with all Prime memberships in these 4 cities. Two-hour delivery is free for orders $35 or more and one-hour delivery is $4.99.

Prime members can now do all their grocery shopping right on their Alexa device, you can simply add items to your cart by saying, “Alexa, add bananas to my Amazon Fresh cart” and checkout when it’s convenient.