Tornado Watch and Severe Heat Advisory Both Issued For Charlotte Region Today

Today is a potential record setter for severe summer weather around the Charlotte region.

The National Weather Service just issued to major warnings for local residents – a severe thunderstorm outlook with a tornado watch along with a dangerous heat advisory.

Duke Energy even emailed an alert to all Charlotte area customers this morning warning of possible power outages across our region.

They recommend having the following items handy in case of a power outage;

According to Weather Underground, Charlotte should see the worst of the storm from roughly 5pm – 7pm this evening.

Please stay safe out there!

Carowinds Just Named One of The Best Theme Parks in America by Tripadvisor

The Charlotte region’s biggest theme park, Carowinds, has just been named one the best amusement parks in America by Tripadvisor. We came in just behind 6 Flags Magic Mountain (#23) and Hershey Park (#24).

The site notes that they “award Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best to experiences and attractions with a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from our community over a 12-month period. Each winner has passed our rigorous trust and safety standards. Fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor’s 8 million listings are awarded Best of the Best, signifying the highest level of excellence in travel.”

Carowinds first opened in 1973 as a roughly 80-acre theme park and has since expanded to be a sprawling 400-acre complex that straddles 2 states.

Do you think Carowinds should be higher up on the list? 

Honda Announces Plans To Invest Over $335 Million in North Carolina To Build Advanced HondaJets

Honda Aircraft Company, the renowned manufacturer of the HondaJet light aircraft, has announced its plans to develop and manufacture an extended-range version of the plane at its facilities in Greensboro. This exciting venture is set to create 280 job opportunities, as confirmed by Governor Roy Cooper. With an investment of $55.7 million in Guilford County, the company’s total investment in the state will exceed $335 million.

“HondaJet’s creation of nearly 300 good-paying jobs is yet another example of why CNBC named North Carolina as the number one state in the country to do business for the second year in a row,” NC Governor Cooper said in a press release. “This decision shows our state’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce, not only in the key industry of aerospace with a flagship brand like HondaJet, but in the entire advanced manufacturing arena.”

Headquartered in Greensboro, Honda Aircraft Company has gained recognition for producing the innovative HondaJet, a light jet aircraft featuring a unique over-the-wing engine mount. Since its maiden flight in 2003, the HondaJet has received widespread acclaim. Recently, the company unveiled its vision for the HondaJet 2600, a longer-range model aimed at becoming the world’s first light jet capable of nonstop transcontinental flights across the United States. With a quiet and spacious cabin tailored for long-distance travel, the aircraft can comfortably accommodate up to 11 passengers and is designed for single-pilot operation.

The company’s project in Greensboro will establish production lines specifically dedicated to manufacturing the new HondaJet 2600. Initially, the focus will be on the crucial design phase and ensuring the aircraft’s production readiness, necessitating substantial research and development resources.

DIY Holidays in Your Garden

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The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness and creating cherished memories. What better way to celebrate than by bringing the magic of the holidays to your own garden?

With a little DIY creativity, you can transform your outdoor space into a whimsical and enchanting wonderland that captures the spirit of the season. By embracing do-it-yourself projects, you not only add a personal touch to your holiday decor but also create an opportunity for quality time spent with loved ones.

Creating eye-catching centerpieces and displays

One popular focal point is the Christmas tree, a beloved symbol of the holiday season. Whether you choose a traditional evergreen or opt for a unique twist by crafting a tree from repurposed materials, the Christmas tree becomes the centerpiece of your holiday garden. Adorn it with DIY ornaments, twinkling lights and a beautiful tree topper to create a magical focal point that radiates the spirit of the season.

Another idea is to create a captivating holiday vignette using a vintage sleigh filled with festive decorations or a rustic wagon adorned with blankets, pillows and twinkling lights for a cozy seating area. Add seasonal props like oversized gift boxes, oversized ornaments or even a life-size snowman to add whimsy and charm to your garden space.

To enhance the festive ambiance, consider incorporating water features such as fountains or small ponds. Dress them up with floating candles, artificial snow or floating ornaments for a stunning display that reflects the joyous spirit of the season.

In addition to traditional holiday decor, you can also find Christmas supplies to elevate your focal points. From artificial snow and garlands to themed props and figurines like nativity scenes, these supplies can be used to create captivating scenes and enhance the overall holiday ambiance of your garden.

Incorporating natural elements into your DIY holiday decor

When it comes to holiday decorations, there is a wealth of inspiration to be found in nature’s bounty. By incorporating natural elements into your DIY holiday decor, you not only embrace the beauty of the outdoors but also infuse your home with an authentic and earthy charm.

Evergreen branches, pinecones and berries are timeless elements that bring a sense of freshness and natural beauty to your DIY decor. With them, you can create stunning wreaths by intertwining the branches, adorning them with berries or dried flowers and adding a festive bow. When you’re done, hang them on doors, walls or garden gates to welcome guests with a touch of nature’s splendor.

Pinecones, with their intricate patterns and rustic charm, are perfect for crafting ornaments and centerpieces. Dip them in glue and sprinkle them with glitter for a touch of sparkle or paint them in festive colors to match your holiday theme. Arrange them in decorative bowls, string them together to make garlands or use them as accents in wreaths and table settings.

For a fragrant and visually pleasing touch, consider incorporating dried flowers, cinnamon sticks and citrus slices into your holiday arrangements. Bundle dried flowers to create charming bouquets or make scented sachets to hang on your tree. String cinnamon sticks and citrus slices together to make fragrant garlands or ornaments that add a touch of natural elegance to your holiday decor.

DIY stations and activities for holiday garden entertainment

The holiday season is a time for gathering, laughter and creating joyful memories with loved ones. To enhance the festive atmosphere in your garden, consider incorporating DIY stations and activities that engage and entertain guests of all ages.

One idea is to set up a DIY ornament-making station. Provide plain ornaments, colorful paints, glitter, ribbons and markers, allowing guests to unleash their creativity and personalize their own unique holiday keepsakes.

Another engaging station is a hot cocoa bar. Set up a table with a variety of hot cocoa flavors, marshmallows, whipped cream, sprinkles and other toppings. Guests can mix and match their own delicious concoctions, creating a cozy and indulgent treat to enjoy while exploring the garden. Consider adding festive mugs and signage with creative hot cocoa recipes for added inspiration.

For a touch of nostalgia, set up a photo booth with holiday-themed props. Provide Santa hats, reindeer antlers, funny glasses and other accessories for guests to don before striking a pose. Include a backdrop that reflects the holiday spirit, such as a winter wonderland scene or a festive backdrop with twinkling lights.

Don’t forget to incorporate traditional holiday games that can be played in the garden, such as a DIY snowball toss using soft, plush snowballs or a holiday-themed scavenger hunt that leads participants through different areas of the garden in search of hidden treasures.

Uptown Charlotte’s VAPA Celebrating Massive Facade Mural Reveal Tomorrow

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The Visual and Performing Arts Center (VAPA), home to over 300 creatives, gave the Hal Marshall building a major facelift this year (located at 700 N Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202).

They are inviting everyone to share in this celebration ceremony to kick off VAPA’s new look at 12:30 on August 5th, coinciding with Open Studios. This event celebrates the updates and will introduce the artists whose art appears on the panels now hung on the building’s facade. Along with the new paint job, these panels give just a hint of the creative offerings inside the facility.

“Our intent is to visually rebrand the building to help distinguish it from other County resources,” said Executive Director Arthur Rogers.

The project was funded in part by the Placemaking Grant, awarded to The VAPA Center by the City of Charlotte. The scope of the project includes seven (7) vinyl panels printed with artwork, created by resident artists from The VAPA Center – Ken Knudtsen, Chalice Meikle, “Surf” Mitchell, Leigh Williams, Mason Olonade, AJ Johnson, and Javon Jeter.

Facebook is the most disliked app in North Carolina, study finds

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New study reveals the apps that Americans want to delete the most, with Instagram taking the the top spot nationwide.

The study, conducted by cybersecurity experts VPNpro.com, examined Google search data to discover which social media apps Americans wish to delete nationwide and in each state. The data was based on the aggregated average monthly volume for search terms frequently used by people seeking to delete or deactivate each social media app in the country.

The top 5 apps most disliked apps in North Carolina:

The research revealed that Facebook is the app that residents of North Carolina want to delete the most. Residents search for terms relating to deleting or deactivating the app an average of 36,902 times a month. The top 5 can be found below:

Top 5 most disliked social media apps in North Carolina

Rank

App

Combined average monthly searches in North Carolina:

1.

Facebook

36,902

2.

Instagram

36,294

3.

Snapchat

8,868

4.

Twitter

5,707

5.

TikTok

1,079

 

The social media apps that Americans want to delete nationwide

Instagram is the app Americans want to delete more than any other social media app, according to the research. On average, there are 1,181,302 combined searches every month on how to delete or deactivate Instagram in America, the highest search volume of any social media app. Meta-owned Instagram the app that Americans want to delete the most in 21 states altogether and is especially disliked along the West Coast. Those in California, Texas, New York, Florida, and Georgia are most interested in deleting Instagram, respectively.

Meta-owned Facebook comes in second in the ranking, with a combined 1,005,860 monthly searches about deleting accounts. While Instagram receives more average searches nationwide as the app that Americans want to delete the most, with 1.1 million searches, Facebook follows closely behind, but is the app Americans eagerly wish to delete in a total of 29 states. Facebook is especially popular to delete in Midwestern states, including Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

Snapchat places third in the ranking. Snapchat, initially launched in 2011, places as the third social media app that Americans wish to delete in a total of 47 states. The picture-sharing app receives 269,235 average monthly searches in the United States for a combination of search terms related to deleting or deactivating the app, such as ‘how to delete Snapchat’ and ‘deactivate Snapchat account’.

The social media app with the fourth highest number of searches for deletion was Twitter. With 183,963 average monthly searches nationwide, users in Hawaii, Maryland, and New Jersey are the most eager to delete the app. Although Instagram and Facebook have considerably more monthly searches than Twitter, this number could be subject to change as Elon Musk rebrands the popular site to the recently announced ‘X’.

TikTok ranked as the fifth app that Americans want to get rid of, with an average of 32,937 combined monthly searches nationwide. TikTok ranks high on the list despite the video-sharing app ranking as the most downloaded app of 2022, with more than 672 million downloads worldwide. TikTok has faced scrutiny over data privacy in the last year, leading to discussions of potential bans or restrictions in the US and other countries.

The top 10 social media apps that Americans want to delete are rounded out by Reddit ranking in sixth place, LinkedIn in seventh, followed by YouTube, WhatsApp, and Pinterest in eighth, ninth, and tenth, respectively.

Fort Mill’s 8 Elementary Schools Rank Among The Top 11 in South Carolina

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A recent study has crowned the Fort Mill School District as the best in the state for young learners, with an impressive eight out of the top 11 public elementary schools located within its boundaries.

Gold Hill Elementary School has emerged as the shining star among South Carolina’s public elementary schools, claiming the prestigious top spot overall. It’s been scoring so high over the past few years that the school district has recently forced to freeze enrollment due to its surging popularity.

Here are the top 11 ranked elementary schools in South Carolina:

#1 Gold Hill Elementary School (Fort Mill District)

#2 Green Charter School Greenville (Charter School near Greenville)

#3 Tega Cay Elementary School (Fort Mill District)

#4 Springfield Elementary School (Fort Mill District)

#5 Riverview Elementary School (Fort Mill District)

#6 Doby’s Bridge Elementary School (Fort Mill District)

#7 Orchard Park Elementary School (Fort Mill District)

#8 Lake Murray Elementary School (Lexington District)

#9 Pleasant Knoll Elementary School (Fort Mill District)

#10 Lake Carolina Elementary Lower Campus (Richland District)

#11 Fort Mill Elementary School (Fort Mill District)

The Fort Mill School District has set a high benchmark for elementary education in South Carolina, with its schools consistently ranking among the best in the state. This exceptional performance is a testament to the district’s commitment to providing quality education for its young learners, preparing them for a bright and successful future.

You can see the complete list of top South Carolina schools here.

Belmont Partnering With Duke Energy To Build New Public Beach on Lake Wylie

via Gaston County

Lake Wylie residents are about to get a new beach, along with boat launches, fishing piers, and picnic areas.

Last Thursday the Gaston County Board of Commissioners voted to unanimously approve an agreement between the County and Duke Energy for the opening and operation of the brand new 68-acre Southpoint Access recreation area, located off Boat Launch Rd. in Belmont, NC:

via Gaston County

The new park includes two boat ramps (overseen by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission), 2 substantial fishing piers, a swimming beach, over a dozen picnic spots, public parking, and a variety of other amenities. The agreement also stipulates that Duke Energy will construct a launch area specifically for canoes and kayaks, with Gaston County agreeing to fund a portion of it upon completion.

The site also leaves room for additional recreational developments in the future.

Duke Energy has already invested $7 million in the development of the new beach park. The fees for entry will be decided in the coming months, along with the official grand opening of the new beach and park.

This will be the second new beach added to the Charlotte region so far this year, after the construction of Lake Norman’s Beatty’s Ford Park beach was completed last month.

The Legendary ‘Corpse Flower’ Is About To Bloom in Charlotte

The legendary ‘Corpse Flower’ or titan arum, the largest unstemmed inflorescence flower in the world, is about to fully bloom in Charlotte.

The titan arum typically requires between 7–10 years of growth before it will bloom for the first time, and the massive bloom only usually lasts 12-24 hours before wilting.

Here’s a time-lapse video of the majestic flower’s development and bloom;

The plant is native of the jungles of Sumatra, where it can produce massive flower structures in excess of 10 feet in height. When cultivated, the structures typically range between 5-8 feet tall.

The plant is nicknamed the ‘corpse flower’ because of it’s extremely strong and extremely unpleasant scent. The chemicals released by the spadix include dimethyl trisulfide (limburger cheese), trimethylamine (rotting fish), isovaleric acid (sweaty socks), benzyl alcohol (sweet floral scent), phenol (like Chloraseptic), and indole (like human feces). The plant uses all of these foul scents to attract bugs and beetles to help it pollinate.

NC Man Sent To Prison For Operating Widespread P2P Child Porn Network

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North Carolina’s Stephen Allen Hill has just been sent to prison for sending, receiving, and possessing over 29,000 images and 340 videos depicting the sexual abuse of children, some including toddlers and infants engaging in sadistic and masochistic conduct.

According to a press release from Department of Justice, the 75-year-old Boone resident was sentenced today to 48 months in prison, 20 years of supervised release, and fines of $100 for a special assessment, $5,000 for a Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JTVA) assessment, $17,000 for a special assessment under the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act (AVAA), and a general fine of $30,000.

Court documents detail how Hill came to the attention of law enforcement in October 2020 for sharing child pornography via a peer-to-peer network. A search warrant executed on January 15, 2021, at Hill’s residence led to the seizure of multiple electronic devices, including computers and hard drives.

This particular case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national campaign started in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. This initiative aims to fight the rising wave of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The coordination between U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), and other federal, state, and local agencies has intensified the efforts to locate, arrest, and prosecute those who prey on children online, as well as to identify and assist the victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood is available at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.