Important Things to Know about Making Nursery Wall Decals

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Whether you choose a pretty and relaxing, minimalist, or attractive traditional design for your baby’s nursery room, planning how to shape it can be a lot of fun.

You probably know that a nursery is a room formed especially for a baby. The baby will develop her early years there, sleeping, playing, and learning. Like other parents, you want the nursery for your baby to be attractive and beneficial. Additionally, there are numerous ways to decorate the nursery. The choice is yours between a traditional or modern theme. Besides that, you can combine different looks to give your family a unique excitement.

With so many options, it may be overwhelming to know where to start. So, the post comes with savvy tips for the best nursery wall decals to make your baby’s room a fun and safe haven. Let’s get started…

The best time to think about it

Even though the months leading up to the arrival of your new baby may be quite busy, with a little foresight and a well-organized schedule, it’s easy to accomplish all the small jobs that need to be performed, including decorating your new nursery.

Experts typically recommend setting up your nursery at about 20 weeks of pregnancy. This could provide you with a lot of time to order any furniture or nursery accents you may require and arrange for everything to be installed.

The colors work best for a baby’s room

No matter what color palette you decide to implement to decorate your nursery room, whether you choose a time-honored pink or blue motif or something neutral, choosing soft, relaxing hues is the most excellent option for producing a soothing atmosphere.

If you decide on a single overarching theme to unify the room, decorating a nursery will be much easier and faster. Some great nursery themes here often attract the parents such as animals, trees, stars, clouds and geometric shapes that can be reflected into the room through fabrics, furniture, and nursery wall decals.

Using wall stickers for a timeless idea

Nursery wall decals often come to give instant magnificence to your baby’s room with minimal effort and less fuss – quick, effortless, and most importantly, fun.

For implementing shapes, patterns, portraits and color pallets in your baby’s room, these decals are ideal. They are easy and quick to install, and best of all, they can be removed without causing damage to your walls once your kid outgrows them.

Particularly printed nursery wall decals that are imaged on a material that reflects fabric, will stick to your walls wonderfully and give just a touch of added flair to your nursery decor.

The best place to apply wall decals

Think about how it will look as you enter the room, so you can get an idea about locating the best place for your wall decal. Nursery wall decals are often easily adjustable to decorate any wall in your nursery; all they need is a smooth surface for sticking, and a polished, soothing wall works best. Consider using a repeating pattern to decorate the wall surrounding the baby’s crib or the entire perimeter of the nursery. And as your loved one will be looking up at the nursery ceiling usually from their cot and changing table, make the effort to ornament it with a lovely pattern.

In addition, door decals may be placed on walls, so it would be a good idea to include your baby name on it. Using a cursive font with a soothing gradient hue is often well-welcomed in wall decals.

Ideas for a nice wall decal

When you just think about baby room decoration, the first thing you must seek out is an idea. Regarding ideas, wall stickers can instantly make a nursery more ornamental and cheerful for your baby, and there are various design options still available for you.

Most commonly, a gallery of framed artworks, tapestries, wallpaper, stickers, pretty garlands, and hanging plants are the best things to display on nursery walls. You can also go along with a mirror, stickers, floral wreaths, and the baby’s name.

Don’t limit yourself to using soft pinks, mild greens, pale yellows, and blues while designing the nursery for your baby girl. Both baby boys’ and baby girls’ rooms look great in pastel colors. Be open to multiple color themes!

Regarding particular designs, you can choose from classics along with fairytale themes, or you can put a wall sticker with your child’s name above the crib. You can also apply wall decals reflecting lions and tigers that show a starry night sky. Alternatively, you might use quotes from some of your personal favorite nursery rhymes.

On the bottom line, nursery wall decals make it easy and fun to decorate your baby’s growing room. Each of them is quite interesting for nurseries, children’s rooms, or any other area that may use a touch of enchantment. And wall decals are typically easy to install and take off without causing any damage to your walls. So, if you’re looking for a way to give your baby’s room some personality and joy, think about creating lovely nursery wall decals.

10 Education Majors That Will Be Popular in The Coming Years

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Are you going to enroll in college but not sure which major to select? Every student struggles to find an education major that can offer huge growth potential with financial stability. Time has changed; technology has been gradually transforming the working of many industries. Automation has become an integral component of every business. Considering this, it is important to choose a major that won’t become obsolete in the coming years. What can you do to explore education majors that can align with your career goals? 

Students like you today want something extra, like joining international exchange programs like Erasmus+, Fulbright, or the Peace Corps, to learn new things and see the world. If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, you might apply for the J1 Visa program, which is another great way to study or work abroad, meet new people, and grow your career at the same time. The benefits of traveling while you learn are that it opens up your world, and you have a lot of options to begin with.

Here are the ten education majors that will be popular in the coming years. 

  1. Engineering

Engineering is a vast field that includes many sub-specialties, from nanotechnology to biomedical, petroleum, and nuclear technology. There are unlimited options when it comes to engineering degrees. However, any engineer’s basic principles revolve around mathematics and sciences like physics, chemistry, biology, and computer sciences. For instance, chemical engineers use theoretical knowledge of chemistry to produce and develop new chemicals, fuels, and other pharmaceutical products. You can excel as an engineer if you possess great analytical and problem-solving skills in addition to critical thinking and technical prowess. 

2. Cybersecurity 

With the ever-increasing number of cyber threats and attacks, cybersecurity is the most emerging and promising major soon. Today, you can even enroll in an online cybersecurity program to boost your employment chances in a stable and lucrative career path. Intense learning of computer-related disciplines with practical knowledge of cutting-edge tools can launch your career as a cybersecurity analyst, network security specialist, and many more. This specialization is not limited to the IT sector only. You can become a part of any public or private entity after becoming a graduate in cyber security. 

3. Hospitality

Restaurants, cafes, hotels, casinos, and entertainment outlets are here to stay, and so does the hospitality industry. Graduates in this major oversee various tourism and entertainment-related services. They delegate work to people involved in service-oriented positions and facilitate a welcoming atmosphere for guests. As a hospitality professional, you need to have organizational and leadership skills with a proactive and problem-solving mindset. Aspiring professionals in this industry can earn a degree in tourism marketing, risk management, and revenue management. 

4. Health Informatics 

Health informatics deals with technology and data analytics to evaluate and generate meaningful insights from medical records to improve the systems. Health informatics graduates study a combination of healthcare and information technology subjects. You can anticipate working as an information analyst or network system administrator. Being a popular major, you can advance in leadership roles dealing with decision-making, research, and innovation. 

5. Nursing

Nursing is one of the fastest-growing professions. You can never stay out of business with a nursing major. Nurses provide medical care and perform various procedures. They typically get hands-on training in major foundational courses such as human anatomy, pathophysiology, etc. Additionally, they complete hours of fieldwork to acquire clinical experience. From 2020 to 2030, the Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 40% increase in the number of nursing careers, including nurse anesthetists, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives, far exceeding the national average for all professions during that time.

6. Business Administration 

You can learn to run and expand a business with a major in business administration. Through comprehensive coursework on macroeconomics, risk management, and business communications, every student can learn how to beat modern challenges. Moreover, a business administration degree also equips students with a sound knowledge base to work as an entrepreneur. Other concentrations can prepare you to join organizations as a financial expert, accountant, or business manager. Graduates with a background in business can launch their careers in various settings at executive positions.

7. Education

Graduates majoring in education can focus on fundamental courses in classroom management, child development, and pedagogy. You can become a part of the education sector as a teacher, researcher, or policymaker at various levels, such as schools, colleges, and universities. Graduates gain practical experience through teaching the students. They frequently specialize in elementary education or special education to target more focused education areas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that there will be 5% more high school teachers by 2031.

8. Computer Science

Software development and information systems management are two core areas of computer science. Students who opted this major can become a part of the rapidly expanding field with high earning potential. Courses in data mining and cryptography can train students to acquire skills for the highly evolving job market. You can become a computer programmer, software developer, or hardware architect after earning a major in computer science. The career choice is highly dependent on the sub-specialization you would take during your studies. However, all sub-specializations offer immense scope for lucrative career opportunities.  

9. Public Administration 

The Public Administration major holds the potential for growth across the States. The increased need for community engagement leads to the demand for public administrators. This major primarily focuses on administration aspects of public projects, such as the planning and execution phase. You can join any government setup or non-profit organization as a government relations manager, activist, business administrator, etc. Most graduates will likely join the local government or social care sector to practice the skills they learn during the coursework. 

10. Accounting 

Accounting has always been an in-demand profession that offers a diverse range of career options in various settings. Every business, bank, and insurance company needs a professional accountant to run and manage its accounting operations. A graduate degree in accounting can unlock many career opportunities in public and private settings. For instance, you can become a personal financial advisor, accountant, or financial analyst in government or private organizations. No matter which sector you join, the career scope for accountants is always bright. 

Final Thoughts  

The best approach to taking up an education major is to follow your passion and measure the earning potential of the career path in the coming years. The guaranteed way to success leads through focus and your interests. Make sure what you choose as your major perfectly aligns with your professional goals and brings your contentment. 

Joedance Film Festival Closing 13-Year Run After Donating Largest Check to Atrium Health

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Joedance Film Festival, which just completed its 13th year, will cease operations after contributing its largest annual donation, $82,000, to Atrium Health Foundation.

In short, all the promises that Joedance founders Diane and Mike Restaino made to their son Joe in 2010 to continue the battle against rare pediatric cancers, have been made. The festival will not continue, but Joedance’s work will live on at Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s.

The Joedance Pediatric Cancer Fund at Atrium Health Foundation is substantially funded with a $300,000-plus balance. The Joedance legacy will also continue with the Joedance Internship program and on-going clinical research at Levine Children’s.

“It has been a record year for Joedance,” said Joedance president Diane Restaino, who will continue to serve on the Levine Children’s Board of Ambassadors and the Levine Children’s Cancer Champions board. “We were thrilled to have welcomed audiences back for an in-person festival at Charlotte Ballet for the first time in two years while continuing to grow our virtual platform to make the event more accessible. We raised $73,000 and showcased 25 short films from all over the country.”

But Restaino sensed the time was right to pivot her efforts.

“As we stepped away from the culmination of another Joedance Film Festival, I considered the organization’s future very carefully,” Restaino said. “After 13 years and much thought, our family has decided not to continue Joedance Film Festival. When we founded Joedance, it was to complete a specific set of goals – the items on Joe’s legacy list. His last request, funding for a Level III Research Technician in the pediatric cancer lab at Atrium Health’s Levine Children’s, was fulfilled two years ago.

“The film festival, which has been a labor of love for our family, is going away, but our commitment to finding better treatments with better outcomes will not stop. The Joedance Pediatric Cancer Fund at Atrium Health Levine Children’s, with a balance $300,000, will sustain our programs. While we will not be actively campaigning for donations, funds from this account must be disbursed with our approval, and we will be very involved with how the funds are used. We will continue to help focus money to support research for underrepresented pediatric cancer, just as we have been doing for years.”

Joedance was founded in 2010 in memory of Joe Restaino to raise funds and awareness for pediatric cancer research at Atrium Health Levine Children’s. The family chose a film festival to honor Joe Restaino because of his love of movies. Joedance supports research and clinical trials for pediatric sarcomas, blastomas and brain tumors.

In its 13-year history, Joedance Film Festival has raised more than $400,000 to benefit Levin Children’s, including $82,000 in 2022.

The Joedance Pediatric Cancer Fund has crucially supported significant research and programmatic advancements within Levine Children’s pediatric oncology program, including:

*funding a Level III Research Technician in Levine Children’s state-of-the-art pediatric cancer research lab to operate a specialized piece of equipment, a CyToF machine, which will speed up the process of studying effects of inflammation on cancer cells as it relates to treatment outcomes.

*assisting in funding clinical trials for recurrent osteosarcoma.

*funding multiple cancer research internships, which have provided critical support to the hospital, such as collecting data on integrative medicine, with Joedance Film Festival named as the underwriter for the project.

*assisting in funding additional cancer research and clinical trials, including the Healios Project to prevent mouth sores in cancer patients.

Joe Restaino

Joe Restaino died of osteosarcoma on January 8, 2010, at the age of 20. A resident of Fourth Ward in Charlotte, Restaino graduated with high honors and was a varsity swimmer at The McCallie School in Chattanooga in 2008 before moving on to the University of Pennsylvania. He was treated for the first occurrence of the disease in 2006 during his high school sophomore year. The cancer recurred in 2008 during his senior year at The McCallie School. The third recurrence of his cancer happened his freshman year at Penn. Joe withdrew from school to be with his family.

During the 2008 graduation ceremony at McCallie – which Joe Restaino was able to attend between cancer treatments – he received the Campbell Award, one of the school’s highest honors, voted on by the student body. In 2007, Joe Restaino established the Bone Cancer Awareness Walk at The McCallie School and continued to raise money for pediatric cancer research. (That walk is now held jointly with Girls Preparatory School of Chattanooga and has been renamed Mission: Remission.) In August 2010, eight months after Joe’s death, his family established the Joedance Film Festival to support the research and clinical trials for rare pediatric cancer at Atrium Health Levine Children’s.

North Carolina’s Favorite Reality TV Show in 2022

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  • A new study has analyzed the most searched for reality TV shows in 2022
  • Married at First Sight takes the crown in North Carolina followed by Survivor and Shark Tank 
  • MAFS is the most popular reality TV show across the board, beating both the Bachelor and Love Island as America’s favorite. 

A new study has revealed the most popular reality TV show in North Carolina for 2022, according to Google search data.

The study analyzed US Google Search data from October 2021 to October 2022, in a bid to reveal the most iconic reality TV shows in every state.

According to results, the top 5 reality TV shows for 2022 in the state of North Carolina are:

  1. Married at First Sight 
  2. Survivor 
  3. Shark Tank 
  4. Southern Charm 
  5. Wheel of Fortune 

Married at First Sight 
Airing in the UK, US, and Australia in the last 12 months, Married at First Sight has become one of the world’s most iconic reality dating shows. With 15 seasons of MAFS USA since 2014, it seems TV addicts can’t get enough of the hit social experiment.

Survivor 
This classic reality show places a group of castaways in an isolated location, where they must provide food, fire, and shelter for themselves. With a staggering 43 seasons and 629 episodes so far, this year’s season is proving to be among the most challenging to date.

Shark Tank 
It seems those in Alabama also have a keen interest in business as Shark Tank comes in third place. The 2022 season launched at the end of September, with sharks, Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner, Kevin O’Leary, Daymond John, and Barbara Corcoran taking a bite into the business plans of US entrepreneurs.

Southern Charm 
Southern Charm first aired in 2014, capturing the attention of viewers across America. The documentary series follows a group of high-class Charleston singles as they pursue their personal and professional lives while trying to preserve their family names. The eighth series of the show aired this year, proving to be the most scandalous to date.

Wheel of Fortune 
One of America’s longest running reality game shows, Wheel of Fortune first aired back in 1975. To date, there has been 40 seasons of the show, which is still on screen today.

What’s your favorite reality show?

Charlotte’s 10 Worst Restaurant Health Scores in October 2022

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Even though the Charlotte region’s restaurant selection continues to grow, so does our population, and some restaurants are taking advantage of this growing customer base by letting their health standards slide.

Some of the most common reasons for low scores were food handlers not washing their hands properly, contaminated food containers, and improper food temperatures (many restaurants are starting to use infrared thermometers to avoid this).

These were the top 10 worst inspection scores in Charlotte for October, 2022;

#10 Sushi 101

1730 E. WOODLAWN RD., CHARLOTTE NC 28209
Scored 90.5 (A) on 10/5/2022

They had the following violations;

  • Observed chicken breast, sliced squid, shredded lettuce, tossed salad, tuna, salmon, shrimp, cream cheese, and crab sticks that were stored above 41 F. Chicken breast, sliced squid, shredded lettuce and tossed salad were stored in the walk-in cooler. Other items were stored in sushi display cooler for one hour before being stored in small cooler.
  • Observed container of Cajun egg rolls that were not dated.
  • Observed container of cheesecake rolls that were dated 9-13-22.
  • Observed sushi rice that was not marked with time in stamp.
  • Ambient air of Walk-in cooler reading was 53 F.

#9 Famous Toastery 

8933 J M KEYNES DR, CHARLOTTE NC 28262
Scored 90.5 (A) on 10/28/2022 

They had the following violations;

  • Observed PIC did not have active control of kitchen.
  • Observed line cook not washing hand at frequency to prevent contamination and between glove changes.
  • Observed employees handling dirty dishes and going back to work with food without hand wash or glove change.
  • Observed front hand sink being used as a dump sink.
  • Observed hand sink near dish machine missing soap dispenser and no soap available.
  • Observed paper towel dispenser at hand sink near grill missing and paper towel hung on gas lines.
  • Observed raw steak over ready to eat foods in prep unit near grill.
  • Observed unwashed produce over ready to eat berries in walk in cooler.
  • Observed ice machine in need of cleaning.
  • Observed lettuce over stacked in prep unit at greater than 41 degrees.
  • Observed facility holding pasteurized eggs and pooled eggs on tphc without written procedure.
  • Observed raw salmon not on menu still available without consumer advisory.

#8 First Watch

16641 BIRKDALE COMMONS PKY, HUNTERSVILLE NC 28078
Scored 89.5 (B) on 10/27/2022

They had the following violations;

  • Observed employee drinks stored on and over prep tables, drinks on the supply shelving in warewashing area and prep area.
  • Observed food handler at the cookline opening the reach in cooler a few times and grabbing cut tomatoes and then plating a cooked omelette then folding the omelette with their gloved hand, observed this a couple times.
  • Observed no handsoap at the warewashing handsink and the front prep line handwash sink.
  • Observed unwashed boxed produce stored over ready-to-eat foods in walk in cooler.
  • Observed “clean” potato slicer with food debris.
  • Observed “clean” plastic cups for storage of eggs at the cookline with visible residue.
  • Observed pancake mixture on the top prep cooler temped above 41F.
  • Observed mixed greens at the prep top cooler temped above 41F.
  • Observed the following expired TCS foods: water chestnuts(10/11), cajun chicken (10/20), black beans (10/18), honeydew (two prep dates on product), roasted carrots (10/4) and observed the following without dates: black beans, feta, hard boiled eggs, chicken salad.
  • Observed unlabeled spray bottle of yellow liquid cleaner at the front hostess counter.

#7 Shun Lee Palace

4340 COLWICK RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28211
Scored 87.5 (B) on 10/6/2022 (rescored to 91 on 10/26)

They had the following violations;

  • Observed employees wearing gloves to do tasks not involving food preparation and not washing hands and changing gloves before engaging in food preparation tasks.
  • Observed raw shrimp and raw eggs stored over ready-to-eat sauces in walk-in cooler.
  • Observed container of chicken uncovered in reach-in freezer.
  • Observed dish machine sanitizer concentration at 0ppm chlorine.
  • Observed sanitizer concentration of 0ppm chlorine in sanitizer bay of 3 compartment sink.
  • Observed corrected chlorine concentration for dish machine and 3 compartment sink.
  • Observed cutting boards stored clean with visible food debris.

#6 Lulu’s Maryland Style Chicken and Seafood

2308 CENTRAL AVE., CHARLOTTE NC 28205
Scored 87.5 (B) on 10/24/2022 

They had the following violations;

  • No manager present at establishment during inspection.
  • Employee food and beverages observed on prep table at start of inspection.
  • Employee observed handling cell phone and went began straining ice out of raw shrimp.
  • No paper towels at both hand washing sinks in kitchen.
  • Several large mixing bowls, food pans, strainer, scoops and other utensils, and plates found stored as clean but had visible food or grease residue on them. Can opener blade also had visible multi-day buildup on it.
  • Collard greens (109F), green beans (125F), and rice (108F) were below 135F in hot hold cabinet.
  • Raw catfish in sandwich cooler top measured 51F.
  • Vacuum packages of raw salmon measured 50-52F in ice bath that was mostly melted.
  • Reach-in freezer was off, but a bag of fries was stored in it at 67F.
  • Large container of collard greens in walk-in cooler measured 47F.
  • Container of feta cheese missing date label in walk-in cooler.
  • Sanitizer bucket stored directly on top of container of sugar.

#5 Rincon Latino Restaurante

8432 OLD STATESVILLE RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28269
Scored 87 (B) on 10/7/2022 (rescored to 97 on 10/18)

They had the following violations;

  • Observed no PIC on site, the manager knew very little about food safety.
  • Observed FE go from grabbing raw chicken and beef, cooking them, then they went to the WIC and grabbed and tomatoe and was about to wash and cut it.
  • Upon entrance EHS observed 2 different employees cutting cilantro, touching tostadas, and making pico all without gloves.
  • Observed cooked oxtail in a large metal container covered at 46F, it was full enough to be over the brim.
  • Observed 2 DM from 9/26 and 9/27.
  • Observed no asterisk, advosiry or disclosure on the menu for undercooked eggs.
  • Observed a can of raid in the kitchen.

#4 NC Tavern

8225 UNIVERSITY CITY BV., CHARLOTTE NC 28213
Scored 87 (B) on 10/27/2022

They had the following violations;

  • Observed PIC without knowledge of the holding process for chickens wings.
  • Observed tag not stored with oysters.
  • Observed containers of tomatoes and lettuce cooling at a rate of .01.
  • Observed cheese, sour cream and chicken in the prep top holding above 41F.
  • Observed no time procedures for chicken wings.
  • Observed no time stamp for wings on TPHC.
  • Observed sour creams and cheeses over stacked in the prep top area.

#3 Diamond Restaurant 

1901 COMMONWEALTH AVE, CHARLOTTE NC 28205
Scored 85.5 (B) on 10/12/2022

They had the following violations;

  • Employee observed cleaning out pre-rinse sink and then went to putting away a clean dish without washing hands.
  • Employee observed handling cell phone and went straight to donning gloves to fry food without washing hands.
  • Another employee drank from a cup with no lid and straw and did not wash hands before preparing food.
  • Dish machine is not dispensing sanitizer. Establishment was using it to wash dishes.
  • Can opener blade and mixer bowl had visible buildup in them and need to be cleaned.
  • Utensils and food-contact equipment must be cleaned to sight and touch.
  • Vegan chili (44F), marinara (48F), and black eyed peas (55F) were still above 41F after cooling overnight.
  • Mashed potatoes at steam table measured 117F.
  • Sauteed onions, cooked peppers, bucket of feta cheese, and cole slaw missing date labels.
  • Sloppy joe mix (9-27), spaghetti (10-4), and tuna salad (10-3) were past 7 days old.
  • Live small roach observed mop sink.

#2 Crab Du Jour

8140 S TRYON ST, CHARLOTTE NC 28273
Scored 85.5 (B) on 10/26/2022

They had the following violations;

  • Observed issues with cold holding, cooling time and temperature, cooling procedures, food contact, handwashing violations, and date marking.
  • Observed an employee use cell phone then change gloves and prepare foods without hand washing prior.
  • Observed raw, frozen oysters in the shell, being thawed and used with multiple tags stored inside of one box.
  • Observed older oyster tags saved with one number on the tag.
  • Observed raw chicken stored above crabs and oysters.
  • Observed food contact surfaces with food debris left attached and labels attached.
  • Observed ice machine with excessive build up left attached to walls and divider board.
  • Observed unsalted butter in ice bath cooling after 36 minutes only drop 7F. In order to meet cooling, unsalted butter would have to drop a total of 19.44F in 36 minutes.
  • Observed lettuce, chicken wings, and lobster tails all held above 41F.
  • Observed 4 kettle sized containers of soup prepared the day before without datemarking present.
  • Observed degreaser stored in a secondary bottle without label attached.

#1 Las Meras Tortas 

14601 STATESVILLE RD, HUNTERSVILLE, NC 28078
Scored 77.5 (C) on 10/26/2022

They had the following violations;

  • Observed lack of Active Managerial Control(AMC) during inspection due to several critical violations and repeat violations.
  • Observed employees handling to-go boxes, using the phone, handling cash, and not washing their hands before donning gloves to prepare food.
  • Observed paper towel dispenser in poor repair/EHS unable to dispense paper towels at front hand sink.
  • Observed clogged hand sink in back of kitchen – soiled water standing in sink causing splash and staff unable to use.
  • Observed raw bacon stored above cilantro and lettuce in walk-in cooler.
  • Observed employee beverages stored inside ice in ice machine.
  • Observed high levels of chlorine sanitizer at three compartment sink and in red sanitizer buckets- 200+ppm.
  • Observed immersion blender stored as clean soiled with food waste.
  • Observed raw breaded beef not meeting cooling parameters in walk-in freezer.
  • Observed chicken not meeting cooling parameters in walk-in freezer.
  • Observed tamales and cheesy peppers being held below 135F in front counter steam well/heat lamp.
  • Observed hot dogs being held above 41F in flip top portion of make table.
  • Observed several TCS foods being held in bulk containers in walk-in cooler with no date labels(beans, beef, lettuce, salsa, slaw, tomatoes).
  • Observed raw breaded beef and cooked chicken cooling in plastic bus tubs covered with lids in walk-in freezer.
  • Observed shelving throughout facility soiled with food waste(dry storage, dish storage, walk-in cooler).
  • Observed gaskets throughout facility soiled with food waste(make table, reach in cooler, walk-in cooler).
  • Observed outside of ice machine soiled with food waste and sticker/white covering.
  • Observed food splash on walls around small prep table next to walk-in cooler.

If you’d like to monitor health scores or do a quick search for a restaurant you’re about to eat at, check out North Carolina’s health inspection database here.

Spearfishing In North Carolina: 8 Tips To Get Started

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Spearfishing is gaining ground as one of the most practiced water sports, with an increased number of entrants each year. With the inclusion of technology and more advanced tools, it’s become a thrill to spearfishing fans. Learning all its ins and outs before your first dive is best. Remember, sea waters are typically full of eerie creatures that can turn on you.  Thus, learning some tricks to stay safe while catching fish is essential. Below are eight tips to get started:

  1. Understand Your Weapon

In spearfishing, you can only be as good as your weapon. There are several types of weapons to use on your spearfishing quest. You’ll mostly need a spear gun and a sharp knife. In addition, you must have your speargun ready to make the kill. It must be well-loaded, and you must familiarize yourself with all the basics of loading and aiming your gun. You can find additional information and tips on preparing your weapon for a successful hunt.

2. Enroll In A Spearfishing Course

Diver pointing his speargun to the target fish under deep sea 3d rendering

Like scuba diving, you don’t simply wake up and start spearfishing. It helps to get professional training to master the associated dynamics. Lack of training may mean getting hurt if you don’t correctly handle your weapon. Thus, it’d be best to enroll in a spearfishing course to learn handling techniques and diving skills. You’ll learn some valuable insights that come in handy.  

3. Learn The Techniques 

Spearfishing isn’t an easy sport. To catch a fish, you ought to think like one. Learning the techniques puts you a step ahead.  Remember, you’re not the only one hunting the fish. There are other predators, such as sharks. The last thing you want is to spook your fish or wake the predators. If they’re swimming around, it’s more challenging to catch them. Therefore, you must use camouflaging techniques, such as wearing unnoticeable gear. Additionally, ensure you’re smooth and stealthy.

4. Get A Fishing License

You’ll get yourself in trouble if you go spearfishing without a license. You’ll pay hefty fines if the law enforcers catch up with you. Thus, before making your first dive, you need to determine the legal requirements in the location you plan to be fishing. Some states require you to fish in specific areas and be of age. On that note, find some of the best states for your adventure. Ensure you comply with such safety regulations to enjoy the sport. 

5. Train With A Mentor

After your class, it’s time to practice what you’ve learned. However, on your first attempt, don’t go alone. You can ask a qualified friend and an expert at the sport to accompany you. It’s better to be safe than sorry. Accidents may happen. And if you don’t have anyone with you, you could drown and die. Being your first hunting trip, having someone guiding you builds your confidence. Again, you’d rather practice surface hunting on your early trials. Alternatively, you can join a spearfishing club and go with them. This way, someone will watch as you learn the ropes.

6. Study Your Prey

Before going to fish, you should know what kind of fish you’re hunting. Every fish has a different escape strategy; their water adaptations are different. Also, it helps you know how deep you should go to get your prey. You should find the right spot to hit your target. 

Without such information, you might hurt the fish or be on a wild goose chase. As such, it’s essential first to study the fish in your location. Remember, the faster you can reach your target, the better. That’s what makes your spearfishing experience a thrill. 

7. Learn To Hold Your Breath

Knowing how to hold your breath underwater is an excellent skill. As you start spearfishing, you should be able to meet the three-minute threshold. Once you master it, you become unstoppable. Within no time, you graduate to more time underwater. This means you can go deeper and successfully spear your fish. It guarantees you’ll not miss your target if you get closer to it. It’s essential to learn to hold your breath as it makes you an excellent spear. 

8. Know Safety Precautions

As is with every game, there are rules and regulations that you should follow. They form the basis of your safety as you practice. Here are some rules of thumb for spearfishing:

  • You should never point a loaded speargun at anyone
  • Don’t aim at your target against the motion and flow 
  • Have surface intervals 
  • Avoid playful sea lions 
  • Have enough weight in your belt. It allows you to overcome buoyancy underwater and dive deeper.

Such safety tips ensure you make the most of your spearfishing experience. The safety precautions also help avoid accidents or self-harm.

Conclusion

The excitement of spearfishing in North Carolina shouldn’t divert your attention from the real threat of diving without the right basics. As a beginner, you should adhere to safety precautions to avoid hurting yourself. You can enjoy the spearfishing experience if you do it right. Start by acquiring the right spearfishing gear and mastering the techniques. By and by, you’ll become a guru. 

How to Make a Card Online for Free?

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In today’s society, getting lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life is easy. However, finding time to relax and be creative can be hard with work, family, and social obligations. One way to express your creativity is to make a card online meaning that you can even design your own card for free. Online cards are a great option whether you’re looking for a birthday card, thank you card, or just a fun way to say hello. All you need is time, creative energy, and maybe help from a friend. This article will show you how to design a card using some of the best free tools available.

Step 1: Find a Free Online Custom Card Maker

Before finding free online software, you should keep a few things in mind. First, ensure the site is easy to use and navigate and has a variety of templates and designs to choose from. Lastly, ensure the site offers high-quality print so your cards look their best.

Vistacreate, Canva, and Posterous are the best starting options. While Canva and Posterous are good options, many users not familiar with technology often find it difficult to navigate their way through them. In contrast, Vista Create is user-friendly and will enable you to make the best-looking cards because it has many free and beautiful design templates readily available for use. 

Step 2: Use the Online Custom Card Maker

Now that you have your personal message and design, it’s time to start creating your card. 

  • To begin, visit a website. For example, you go to vistacreate.com and select the “Create” tab at the top of the page.
  • Next, choose the size and shape of your card from the options provided. You can go with oval, rectangular, or square, whatever shape you like.
  • Then, select your template category from the choices provided. You can browse through all available templates or narrow your search by choosing a specific type, such as “birthday” or “anniversary.”
  • Be sure to experiment with different font sizes, colors, and layouts until you find something that looks good. 
  • Remember, this is your card, and it should reflect your personality and style. So, once you’re happy with how it looks, save it and print it out!

Step 3: Save and Print Your Card

When you have completed your card, it is important to save and print your work. Here are the steps to follow:

  • First, click the File tab in the upper left corner of the screen.
  • Next, choose Save As from the drop-down menu.
  • Enter a name for your file in the dialogue box that appears.
  • Choose where you want to save your file on your computer by clicking the Browse button.
  • Once you have found the location, click the Save button.
  • To print your card, click the File tab again and choose Print from the drop-down menu.
  • In the Print dialogue box that appears, ensure your printer is selected and click on the OK button to print your card.

Tips for Creating Effective Cards Online

So here are some tips for using tools to get the most out of online card makers.

  1. Select a template that matches the purpose of your card. For instance, if you create a card for an event like a birthday, congratulation, thanks, or anniversary. You should choose a template specifically designed for the event.
  2. Once you have selected a template, you must enter the relevant messages and pictures into the fields provided. Then, double-check all of the text and graphics before moving on to the next step.
  3. After your graphics have been entered, you can choose various options to customize your card. For example, you can select the font type, color scheme, and layout.

Card Design Inspiration

Card design is a great way to send beautiful wishes to your friends and family. When done well, cards can be eye-catching and memorable. Here are some inspiring examples of well-designed cards:

  1. Try designing a watercolor card with delicate floral details for the sentimental type. It is the perfect way to show someone how much you care.
  2. For the more fun-loving types, why not design a playful pop-up card? These will surely put a smile on anyone’s face – no matter the occasion.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, anyone can create cards online for free with a little time and effort. With a few clicks of a mouse, you can create a professional-looking card that will grab the attention of anyone and make your special ones happy. So what are you waiting for? Get creative and start making cards!

The best VPN deals for Black Friday

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One of the best cybersecurity tools that you could ever install on your device is a virtual private network. You might know it better as a VPN, but this tool brings some incredible protection and other benefits to your device. But, the only problem is that these cybersecurity tools can be relatively expensive — and it’s often not something that we budget for.

However, this is your chance to grab one of the best VPNs on the market at a fraction of the price. This Black Friday, you have the chance to find some of the best VPN deals so you can get yourself one of the ultimate privacy and security tools without paying the full price for them.

If you’re not sure what a VPN is and why you need one, then make sure to keep reading as we break down the importance of privacy on your device and the ability to change your device’s virtual location. You’ll be heading over to grab one of the VPN Black Friday sales in no time.

What is a VPN?

First things first, what is a VPN? A VPN is a cybersecurity tool that has been designed to encrypt your internet connection. While your internet connection is encrypted with a CPN, no one can see what you’re doing on your device while using it and browsing the internet. For example, your internet service provider can’t keep track of your internet history, and even the government can’t monitor your internet traffic. In other words, a VPN is the ultimate tool for privacy and security on the web.

VPNs also allow you to connect to secure global servers in other cities and countries around the world. Once you’re connected to one of these servers, your real IP address will be masked, and your device will adopt the IP address of the server that you have connected to by routing your internet traffic through the server.

That sounds great, but what does it all mean? Websites use your IP address to pinpoint your device’s physical location. They don’t use your location for any malicious purpose, it’s mainly to send you targeted ads and marketing based on businesses near your location. So, when you’re using a VPN, you can change this IP address and trick websites into thinking that you’re accessing them from elsewhere. While the benefits of doing so might not be clear right now, we’ll go into more detail later on.

Why VPNs are Essential

It might be great to know that your ISP and the government can’t monitor your internet traffic, but there’s a more important reason why VPNs are so important in the modern world. If you’re a frequent traveler or if you enjoy working remotely from your local coffee shop, then you can’t overlook the importance of this cybersecurity tool.

Public WiFi hotspots such as the ones found at airports, hotels, and restaurants often use unsecured networks. While these are often cheap, convenient, and easy to access, they can put your device and your personal information at serious risk.

Skilled cybercriminals that are connected to the same unsecured network as you can listen in on your device as it sends and receives data through the internet. This allows them to steal critical information such as your login credentials, personal information, and even your banking details. If you’re not careful, you could fall victim to a serious cyberattack.

The best way to prevent one of these cyberattacks is by encrypting your internet connection with a VPN whenever you connect to an unsecured network. You never know who else is on the network and snooping around through the data of unsuspecting victims, so make sure to enable your auto-connect feature!

Other Important VPN Features

VPNs have additional features that are important to know about though. While they are excellent for keeping your devices private and secure, they also come with other benefits — which is the main reason why they have become so popular in our modern society.

Remember, how VPNs allow you to connect to secure servers in other countries and cities around the world? Well, this feature is about more than just hiding your device’s real location and tricking websites into thinking that you’re accessing them from elsewhere.

By using this feature, you can bypass frustrating geo-blocking restrictions and internet censorship. All you need to do is change your IP address to one in a different country and you can enjoy any content on the internet including YouTube videos, live sports streams, and Netflix shows that are only available in specific countries around the world.

You can also find cheaper flights and accommodation by using a VPN. Many websites that allow you to book flights and accommodation will discriminate against internet users based on their physical location. Try connecting to a server in a third-world country, or a server in the country you are planning on visiting, and see how the prices change!

Cheltenham November Meeting: The Favorites for the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle

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After another thrilling flat season, which was once again dominated by top owners Godolphin, champion jockey William Buick and soon-to-be top trainer Charlie Appleby, we are just days away from the return of the National Hunt season proper — and where better to kick-start the jumps campaign than at the iconic Cheltenham Racecourse? 

The November Meeting, which is held at Prestbury Park from 11-13 November, is the perfect way to lift the curtain on the 2022/23 season and the big names will be out in their numbers to try and get their respective campaigns off to the perfect start — including the King of Closutton, Willie Mullins, who has favourites in the meeting’s biggest races.

The Greatwood Handicap Hurdle, disputed over two miles and half a furlong, is the premier race on the final day of the meeting and the eight-hurdle contest looks hard to call if you’re looking for a bet on Cheltenham. That said, read on as we take a look at some of the favourites. 

Dads Lad – 5/1

It’s been a busy year for the Mullins-trained Dads Lad, as the eight-year-old continued racing through the summer — meaning the Greatwood will be his 15th outing in little more than 12 months. He has discovered some fine form of late, though, winning four of his last five races — including a Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last month, which saw him cut to 5/1 for this contest. This is back over hurdles and not fences, however, so it will be interesting to see how he fares.

Sonigino – 6/1

After a disappointing season last year, going without a win in five races (35455), Sonigino underwent wind surgery in April and it appears to have done the trick for the Paul Nicholls-trained horse. The five-year-old has come out all guns blazing this season, winning twice at Chepstow in October — most notably by a 13-length margin in a Handicap Hurdle — and he’s looking like great value at 6/1.

Teed Up – 7/1

There could be a family feud in the Greatwood, as Emmet Mullins — the nephew of the nine-time Cheltenham Festival leading trainer — has a potential runner in Teed Up. The five-year-old was beaten by half-a-length at Galway following a 127-day break back in July, but returned to the winners’ column just a couple of days later with a Handicap Hurdle win back at the track. He was ninth of 16 on the flat at Leopardstown last month, but could go better back over hurdles. 

West Cork – 7/1

Another 7/1 shot, West Cork won this contest for the Skelton brothers — jockey Harry and trainer Dan — from 11/1 last season, beating fellow 11/1 chance Adagio over the line by little less than a length. The eight-year-old didn’t win again in the season, but finished second in the Grade 2 Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr in his penultimate race. He rounded off the season with a fall three out at Haydock and might not get chance to retain his title at the November Meeting as his trainer has claimed he’s learning towards sending him novice chasing. 

 

How to start a lead generation business in 2023

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2023 is the perfect time to start a lead generation business. The economy is recovering from the pandemic and businesses are starting to invest in marketing again. Lead generation is one of the most effective marketing strategies for acquiring new customers.

There are numerous lead generation strategies, but not all businesses are aware of them. This presents an opportunity for entrepreneurs to start a lead generation business.

Here are a few tips for starting a lead generation business in 2023:

1. Research the latest lead generation strategies: 

You need a good understanding of the latest lead generation strategies to be successful. Keep up with the latest trends and best practices by reading industry blogs, attending webinars, and subscribing to newsletters. Even better, you can join a course and community like Modern Millionaires that will give you the training, tips, and tools to get started. Check this Reddit discussion to know more about Modern Millionaires. 

2. Identify businesses that need help with lead generation: 

All businesses need leads but not all have the time or expertise to generate them. You can target small businesses, startups, and even Fortune 500 companies. Make sure you are getting into a niche with high demand.

3. Offer a free trial: 

Many businesses are hesitant to invest in a lead generation service without knowing what they’ll get in return. Offer a free trial to give them a taste of what your business can do.

4. Create a portfolio of successful lead-generation campaigns: 

Show potential clients that you know how to generate leads effectively. Put together a portfolio of your best campaigns so they can see your results.

5. Invest in marketing and sales automation tools: 

Lead generation and lead nurturing require a lot of manual work. Invest in marketing and sales automation tools to make your life easier and free up your time to focus on other parts of the business.

6. Hire a team of experienced digital marketers: 

You will need some good SEO, PPC, and social media skills to succeed in lead generation. If you don’t have these skills, consider hiring a team of experienced digital marketers.

7. Stay up-to-date with the latest lead generation trends: 

Lots of new tools and technologies are being developed for lead generation. Keep up with the latest trends so you can offer the best possible service to your clients.

8. Offer a money-back guarantee to your clients: 

The easiest way to convince someone to start working with you is to offer a money-back guarantee. This will show your clients that you are confident in your ability to generate leads.

9. Focus on generating quality leads, not quantity: 

Remember that the leads must convert into customers for clients to be successful. Don’t just focus on generating a large number of leads, make sure they are high-quality and sales-qualified leads.

10. Measure your results and optimize your campaigns: 

Always measure the results of your campaigns and optimize them accordingly. Regularly track your progress and report the results to your clients.

11. Never stop learning and evolving your business: 

The lead generation landscape is constantly changing. You need to keep up with the latest trends and best practices if you want to stay ahead of the competition.

The risks and challenges of lead generation business:

No business is without risks, and lead generation is no different. Here are a few of the challenges you may face when starting a lead generation business:

1. The lead generation industry is very competitive: 

There are a lot of businesses offering lead generation services and the competition is only getting bigger. You need to be prepared to stand out from the crowd.

2. You need to have a good understanding of digital marketing: 

To be successful in lead generation, you need to have a good understanding of digital marketing. This includes SEO, PPC, social media, and email marketing.

3. You need to invest in the latest tools and technologies: 

Lead generation requires a lot of work and you need to have the right tools to automate some of the tasks. This can be a significant investment for a small business.

4. You need to be able to measure your results: 

To show your clients that you are generating leads effectively, you need to be able to measure and report on your results. This requires a good understanding of analytics and reporting tools.

5. You need to invest in paid advertising channels: 

To generate leads effectively, you need to be visible on paid advertisement channels such as Google AdWords and Facebook Ads. This can be a significant expense for a small business.

6. You need to have a good understanding of the sales process: 

Once you generate leads, you need to hand them over to the sales team to close the deal. It’s important to have a good understanding of the sales process so you can generate leads that are ready to buy.

Conclusion:

Lead generation is a great way to grow your business, but it’s not without its challenges. If you are prepared to invest in the latest tools and technologies, and if you have a good understanding of digital marketing and the sales process, you can be successful in this competitive industry.