Dozens of hidden cameras, several months of planning, and hundreds of pieces of free chicken added up to a new viral Bojangles’ commercial filmed at Charlotte Douglas International Airport this past wee;
The widely creative video was filmed this past week among an airport full of tired and bored passengers waiting for their luggage.
Once the conveyor belt started, huge boxes of chicken started popping out with tags that said “Take Me Home.” – most passengers were glad to obey.
Charlotte ad agency BooneOakley, known across America for truly unusual approaches and ideas worked in conjunction with Wheelhouse Media to capture the candid moments.
The reality-style shoot required 13 cameras. Head engineer Chris Shearer spent four nights installing the hidden cameras and gear at baggage claim.
Bojangles’ is now considering cutting the video down to a 30-second national TV commercial.
The Panthers are now on track to make the playoffs this year for the third straight season, and it may now be easier than ever before.
Here are the top five reasons why the Panthers are almost guaranteed to make the playoffs;
#1 Cam Newton
The Panthers now have one of the youngest and arguably the best franchise quarterback in the league. He’s carried the offensive burden for the Panthers in the past and he’ll have to do so again this season. He’ll miss his top target in Benjamin, so he’ll need to make rookie Devin Funchess, the veterans already on the team or a player yet to be added look good this season.
#2 Offensive Tackle
Last year, the Panther’s offensive tackles were embarrassing to say the least, but Michael Oher and Daryl Williams have already proven to be a decent combo.
With Cam as the QB, we don’t need much more than decent – anything near league average will be more than sufficient for him to dominate.
#3 Killer Defense
The Panthers defense was solid last year and is proving to be even better this season. They spent their first round pick on freak athlete Shaq Thompson, who could be Thomas Davis 2.0. Thompson will eventually replace Davis, but in the meantime, they’ll make a nice tandem at outside linebacker.
Luke Kuechly is arguably the best linebackers in the game. Charles Tillman is aging, but he can still force turnovers with the best of them. The defensive line features a combination of veterans and youngsters on the verge of breaking out.
#4 Improved Receiving
Funchess should provide Newton with a young dynamic receiver to grow with, and Corey Brown is already proving himself as a solid addition to the receiving core, already raking up 5 receptions for 70 yards.
Having a weapons like Funchess and Brown splitting the field along with Greg Olsen at tight end should provide Newton with plenty of options to pass to.
#5 Easy Schedule
The NFC South is simply not good. A .500 record would have won the division last year and none of the teams could even do that. While the division winner this year should post at least an 8-8 mark, it shouldn’t be much higher. Making things easier for the Panthers is that they have the 27th easiest schedule in the NFL this year. Getting nine or 10 wins this season is now more than doable.
Charlotte just witnessed one of the largest prayer gatherings in the cities history.
The Response NC was state-wide call to prayer and fasting held at the Charlotte Convention Center. The sole purpose was to bring the church together, without labels, brands, or denominations, to pray for revival in our state, our nation, and the world.
Governor Pat McCrory took the stage to lead a prayer, then asked worshipers to step outside the four walls of their church and help their community.
“This isn’t about us, this is about God,” commented NC Governor Pat McCrory.
The Governor called on the masses of Christians to not just gather on Sunday mornings, but to pray for and practically love their neighbors every day.
“You’ve got to get out of your church and go to the emergency rooms and veteran centers.” commented the governor.
During the entire event, there were no logos, church banners, or denominational positions lifted up. Every person joined together in united prayer, no matter what race, culture, or church they were from.
“It’s not being separated on a particular church on a Sunday morning. It’s about coming together for a common cause, lifting up the one who has the answer to all of the world’s problems,” commented one of the pastors from Charlotte.
The Response broke down the walls of religion to raise up one voice, one prayer for God to bring revival.
Carolina Fight Nights will debut it’s first major bout this coming weekend in Uptown Charlotte. The eyes of the world will once again be on the Queen City as Jared ‘The Warrior’ Robinson takes on Christian Dominquez for the title fight.
John Savage (Sione “John” Latu of WWF fame) is the recent founder of Carolina Fight Nights, he’s now hoping to make Charlotte a premier destination for major fighting events and exhibitions. Over the years John has built up a sound professional relationship with some of the most respected Fight coaches/promoters globally.
Construction is now underway on what might soon become Uptown’s favorite new spot to read a book, listen to some music, or just hang out with some friends.
The First Ward Park is going to attempt to become even greater than the now famous Romare Bearden park (although FWP will be only 4 acres, compared to RBP’s 5).
The reason many think this park will become the city’s favorite, is due to the development that will soon circle it. The park’s developer, Levine Properties, is now planning dozens of new buildings around the park, including new luxury apartments, urban offices, new shops, and hotels.
“This revitalization will restore its diverse culture by giving people a place to live, work, and play together…” Levine’s site states.
What are your thoughts on the new First Ward Park?
Countless Americans have faced death defending our country, but in spite of the danger of direct combat, many tragically lose their lives after combat due to post traumatic stress disorder.
A local group of Navy SEALs recently dove into the water to save their fellow soldiers.
This past week a group performed a grueling 13.1 mile swim to bring awareness to the 22 veteran suicides that take place every day, on average.
The swim raised enough funds to send Kevin Trainor, a Mooresville veteran, and 74 other local veterans to a PTSD recovery program. The five-day experience is called “Operation Restored Warrior,” a proven program that has helped many veterans overcome drug addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts.
You can find out more information by visiting their website by clicking here.
Kannapolis has just approved the purchase of 13 new 2015 Ford Interceptor P2M cars for their Police Squad at a total cost of $319,735. They will be buying the cars for $24,595 each.
The city counsel also approved several speed limit decreases in the region, including Rankin Street and Aileen Avenue, but being decreased from 35 mph down to 25 mph.
Now with the new Interceptors coming, along with bigger engines, and more horsepower, it will be easier for police to enforce the new speed limit changes.
The Kannapolis City Council has just approved a historic $600,000 spending plan to install a carousel in Village Park. The carousel itself will only cost $228,000, but the city will also need to build a structure to house the carousel, install landscaping around the structure, and install other complimentary improvements around Village Park.
The new carousel was originally included in the 2001 master plan to re-develop Village Park.
The carousel the city has its eye on is a 1989 Bertazzon Carousel manufactured in Italy. It has 570 lights, Brazilian oak decking and hand painted Venetian murals. The proposed carousel is a double-decker carousel that will be housed under a structure 60 feet in diameter.
The city is purchasing the carousel from a mall that closed in Illinois. The ride will hold 68 people and will be fully handicap accessible.
The anticipated spending is now up to $1.35 million for Village Park Phase 3, which includes the historic new carousel project.
Mecklenburg County is now spending a historic sum of money to shift all resident services from one central office building, out to several suburban locations. They’re trying to make county services, such as permitting, filing complaints, and paying fees easier for residents who live throughout the county.
The first phase of the plan is currently budgeted to cost $165 million, but the county is promising that it won’t create any additional burden for taxpayers, according to Mecklenburg County’s 2016 Work Plan.
The $165 million first phase of the plan includes;
1. The relocation of LUESA from the Hal Marshall Center to Suttle Avenue, which will
improve the experience for customers and employees while supporting the
redevelopment of the North Tryon corridor.
2. The relocation of MEDIC from over-utilized, leased facilities to a permanent
home. This involves the adaptive re-use of a warehouse and distribution facility
central to their service area.
3. The balance of Valerie C. Woodard will be renovated, providing a home for the
balance of staff from the Hal Marshall Center, the Tax Assessor and Tax Collector
offices, and some functions of the consolidated Health and Human Services Agency.
Some renovation will occur to support the work of creating new Community Resource
Centers.
4. The initial phase of work within the Government District will be initiated, with the
relocation of a consolidated Finance Department as a focus along with renovations to
and use of underutilized spaces.
They now have a goal to finish the first phase in the next five to 10 years.
Do you think this is the best use of $165 million?
Lake Norman is about to build a community funded memorial to all those who lost their lives on September 11th. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey just donated a massive piece of steel that will be the focal-point of the new monument.
The monument will primarily be focusing on the police, firefighters, and medical first responders who exhibited extraordinary selflessness and bravery after the attacks
The Town of Cornelius has selected Fire Station #1 for the monument to be erected, and finalized the planning comity for the monument, consisting of local firefighters, policemen, elected officials, citizens and art experts.
If you’re interested in donating to the Lake Norman World Trade Center Project Fund, you can contact Jen Crickenberger at 704-892-6031, ext. 166