Gaston County Men Use Brick To Steal Cigarettes From Dollar General on Valentine’s Day

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On Valentine’s Day morning, 2 robbery suspects threw a brick through the window of a Gaston County Dollar General and stole cigarettes and other merchandise.

The robbery took place at about 12:30am on February 14th at 1530 Lower Dallas Highway in Dallas, NC.

Police are asking for help in identifying and locating two suspects; 1 possible white male, black jacket, blue jeans, white shoes and a blue ball hat under the jacket’s hood, and a second possible white male, orange jacket and blue jeans.

The Town of Dallas Police Department posted the information on their Facebook page this morning:

If you have any info about the suspects, please call Gaston County Police at 704-866-3300.

SC Governor Attending Ribbon Cutting Of New 190 Acre Mixed-Use Development

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SC Governor Henry McMaster will be speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony of CrossRidge One – the flagship building of one of the Charlotte region’s largest new mixed-use developments.

The CrossRidge Center is a sprawling 190-acre commercial, retail, and green-space development in Indian Land, SC off highway 521, just south of Ballantyne.

The development recently completed the new 120,000 square foot CrossRidge One center, a new 78,000 square foot YMCA multiplex, a stand-alone 32,000 square foot conference and event center, as well as a number of greenways, water features, and more.

Retail outparcels will be offered in the next phase of the development, providing future walkable amenities to CrossRidge Center tenants. Visitors to the sprawling campus are welcomed by a scenic lake, fountains, bridges, and landscaping that is unrivaled to the region.

“CrossRidge is hitting the mark in achieving a true “Live, Work, Play” environment that is multigenerational and attractive to anyone looking for a blend of beautiful suburban landscape and modern corporate presence.”  Said Bryan Knupp, Senior Vice President of Edifice, the General Contractor for the project.

2022 North Carolina Black Heritage Festival Coming To Concord

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The 2022 North Carolina Black Heritage Festival will be coming to Concord’s Cabarrus Arena & Events Center this coming weekend on February 19th.

The upcoming festival is free to the public will feature dozens of arts, crafts, music, and shows.

Event organizer Michael Calloway says “the theme this year is Past, Present, & Future. 40 black owned businesses offering products and services will be onsite. All CDC guidelines are being followed and promise a safe environment to have fun in”. The festival’s mission is to increase community engagement and support local black owned businesses.

The February event promises a unique twist with onsite vendors, music, dance performances, free giveaways, and a family atmosphere for all to enjoy.

Attendees can look forward to:

  • 360 Photo Booth
  • Music Performances
  • Dance Performances
  • Kid Games
  • Face Painting
  • And More

Attendees can learn more and RSVP at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-nc-black-heritage-festival-tickets-207520568607.

Upscale Wine Bar Cicchetti Opens in Uptown Charlotte

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Cicchetti (pronounced “chee-KEH-tee”), a Venetian-style wine bar featuring Italian small dishes, is now open at the corner of E. Trade and N. College Streets in the Bank of America Corporate Center. In addition to the small-plate menu, Cicchetti features an all-world wine selection by the glass or bottle, beer, a full bar, and a curated low-alcohol-by-volume cocktail list.

The travel experiences of veteran Charlotte restaurateur Bader and the restaurants’ Operations Manager & Partner Briana Cohen inspired them to create this unique concept for Charlotte, an interpretation of the classic Venetian wine bar, or bacaro. At these casual and convivial spots, locals gather beginning in the late afternoon to enjoy glasses of wine alongside savory finger foods, or cicchetti, exquisite small bites that are Venice’s answer to Spanish tapas.

“Cicchetti was immediately welcomed on the local bar and dining scene,” stated Cohen. “Customers enjoyed it for everything from after-work or pre-dinner bites and drinks, to a leisurely meal of small Italian dishes over wine with friends, to an evening nightcap and snacks. Bringing Cicchetti back is a satisfying and encouraging step forward.”

Cicchetti seats 75 customers at cocktail tables with chairs, settees, and banquettes, as well as its central bar. The space is also available for private event bookings. Beverage Director & General Manager Trevor Wood plans to reinvigorate Cicchetti’s wine tasting and education events as well.

Hours of operation are Tuesday-Thursday, 5-9 PM, and Friday-Saturday, 5-10 PM. Cicchetti offers validated parking in the Bank of America Center parking garage, as well as complimentary valet parking on Friday and Saturday after 6 PM at the corner of N. College at E. Trade. Reservations are accepted via telephone and OpenTable.

Executive Chef Alex Piatt oversees the Cicchetti menu with Chef de Cuisine and fellow Johnson & Wales graduate Kelsey Norgaard. Examples of the shareable plates include:

  • A variety of Polpette (meatballs), including beef, crispy salted cod, and chicken
  • Bruschetta options such as Prosciutto with black kale pesto; Tuna Conserva with caperberry and preserved lemon; Deviled Egg with speck and picked shallots; and Roasted Leeks with pistachios and goat cheese
  • Tins + Chips, a selection of tinned seafood served with chips and hot sauce, including Cockles, Mussels, Octopus, and Sardines
  • Bocconcini small bites, such as:
    • Fried Oysters with puttanesca aioli
    • Polenta Fries with pecorino and black truffle aioli
    • Octopus with potato and olive & arugula salad
    • Bresaola (cured beef) with arugula & Parmesan salad
  • Antipasti for 2+, with options of cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables
  • Desserts, including:
    • Zeppole – crisp vanilla doughnuts with seasonal sugo
    • Spumoni Bomba – chocolate, strawberry and pistachio gelato dipped in dark chocolate
    • Unique and savory Cookies such as walnut/cranberry/orange; chocolate/pine nut; and olive oil/sea salt

Mecklenburg County Lighting a ‘Controlled Burn’ at 11:30 am Today

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The Mecklenburg County Natural Resources staff has just announced that they will be setting the Latta Nature Preserve on fire today as part of a fire-preventing controlled burn.

The county sent out an alert noting that residents may see smoke around North Charlotte today between 11:30am and 2:30pm:

“Mecklenburg County Natural Resources staff are conducting a controlled burn today beginning around 11:30 a.m. at Gar Creek Nature Preserve. Smoke will affect air quality in the downwind area for 2-3 hours. To reduce your exposure to smoke, stay indoors or avoid areas of heavy smoke.”

According to the Mecklenburg County website, “land managers use controlled burns (also known as prescribed fire) to mimic the natural disturbance caused by the natural fires of years ago. These fires are carefully planned and conducted under specific weather conditions to achieve specific goals. In this way fire can safely be used as a management tool.”

For more information on Mecklenburg County prescribed burns visit: meck.co/RXfire

Helpful Tips When Designing a Machine Learning Lifecycle

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Machine learning is a relatively young technology that is just discovering its true potential. Today, on the threshold of great changes in science and technology, machine learning can increase the competitiveness of businesses, prevent fatal mistakes in planning, transform energy and ensure prosperity for automated systems.

From the point of view of applicability, machine learning can be used in a wide range of product niches. Given the fact that the technology is going through a development stage, the range of intended use is only growing. At the same time, the most promising advantage of machine learning is that it can be used to predict events. Forecasting accuracy depends on many components: the information content of the data, the algorithms used, the system model, and much more. The only obstacle to the large-scale application of machine learning can be noted the emphasis on static data. That is, the algorithm takes into account data that is produced in today’s time, while it is not at all necessary that in the future they will not change their natural values.

Deep learning is the second stage in the development of artificial intelligence technology. Like machine learning, deep learning is based on algorithms and data, only the algorithm of the model’s actions is presented in the neural network format, which allows the system to learn independently and achieve better results. This means that today machine learning services are especially relevant.

Collection and systematization of data

The fundamental components of a machine learning architecture are data. The process of collecting information of interest occurs on a systematic basis, which allows you to determine the relevance of the source, test the hypothesis and compare the data obtained.

Gathering the right data is critical to making the model work correctly, both in machine learning and in deep learning. Clearly labeling, classifying and organizing data greatly reduces the risk of errors. The accuracy of predictive models is based on the informativeness of the data from which they are built, so the validation and classification of the data determine the success of the result.

The amount of information is also a significant parameter. Before modeling and choosing an algorithm, it will be necessary to analyze the model for a sufficient amount of information. Machine learning does not require much data to identify an image or organize information, while voice translation or production process curation requires a set of data, also known in IT as “big data”: https://data-science-ua.com/ml-development-company/machine-learning-software-development/.  

Application of the algorithm

Initially, you will need to select a system model. The type of model depends on the purpose of the system and the complexity of the tasks that need to be solved. Before integrating the model, you need to check the following factors:

  • Quantity and reliability of data. If the model will be integrated into the Excel environment, the data set must be labeled and ordered according to the architecture of the software components.
  • Handling spaces.
  • Information format. In most cases, the data needs to be converted to the required format.

After preparing the data, it is required to decide on which model the system will be tested and trained. A typical method is the division of a data class into 3 segments: training, verification and testing.

After testing each model, you need to sort out the best results and analyze the work in detail. The result should be a list of models sorted by objective indicators.

Is It Possible to Make Money Playing Online Casinos in Australia

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Online casinos are growing in popularity as more people gain access to the internet. Now, you don’t have to drive down to the nearest land-based casino to get some good gambling action. All you need to gamble online is a computer or smartphone and a good Internet connection. 

If you are wondering if you can win real money while gambling in an online casino, the answer is yes. Gambling websites are just virtual versions of land-based casinos, and you will get paid whenever you win a bet. Several players have been able to win millions in online casinos over the years, and you can win yours too. Though online casinos have been banned in Australia, there are several offshore platforms for you to choose from. In this article, we will be showing you how you can win money while gambling online. 

Find a Trusted Platform 

If you want to make money from online gambling, the first thing that you have to do is to find a trusted platform. Fraudulent websites have been set up by scammers to steal from amateur players. So, you need to know how to recognize the platforms. 

Legit gambling websites always have at least one license from a reputable regulatory body. Some of the most reputable regulatory bodies include the United Kingdom Gaming Commission (UKGC), Malta Gaming Authority, Nevada Gaming Control Board, etc. If you don’t find any license on the platform, then it isn’t trustworthy. 

Another way by which you can know if an online casino is to read reviews written by other users. Several platforms are dedicated to this. If a lot of users are complaining about a certain website, then it is no good. 

Bonuses and Promotions

After finding a trustworthy online casino, the next line of action should be to search for bonuses. The top online casinos offer mouthwatering bonuses and promotions to new customers as incentives. Check for the welcome bonus. Some platforms will reward you with up to 100% of your first deposit as a welcome offer. 

Source: https://pixabay.com/photos/online-poker-cards-crisps-dice-4518186/ 

A good online casino should also offer other incentives such as weekly bonuses, VIP programs, free spins, and more. These bonuses are important because they will help you increase your bankroll. However, you need to be careful when selecting bonuses. Before accepting any offer, you should always check the terms and conditions. Some platforms make it difficult for their customers to withdraw their bonuses by setting unrealistic wagering requirements. 

Play Slots 

You will find most of the games that are available in land-based casinos in virtual casinos. These include poker, slots, roulette, baccarat, blackjack, and more. However, we recommend that new players spend more time playing online slots in Aristocrat online casinos Australia. They offer the highest chance of winning because they are easy to play and they don’t require experience or skill. All you have to do is to choose your bet and hit “Spin”. 

Demos 

Regardless of what type of game you will be playing in an online casino, you should consider playing the demo version of the game first. Most online casinos have demo versions of their games that can be played for free. Though you won’t be able to win real money from these games, you will get a chance to become more familiar with them. A better understanding of the games will increase your chances of making a profit when you start playing with real money. 

Gamble Responsibly 

One of the essential steps that you have to make when gambling online is to manage your bankroll responsibly. To start with, you should only gamble with money that you can lose without issues. Avoid gambling your rent or tuition fee. This will put undue pressure on you. 

Additionally, you should avoid exhausting all your money on a single bet. Don’t get greedy and think this will win you a large payout. You can easily lose all your money this way. Smart punters are known to break their bankroll into small bets, as this gives them a better chance of getting a payout before exhausting their bankroll. 

Use Gambling Strategies 

You can improve your chances of making a profit in an online casino by utilizing a gambling strategy. There are several gambling strategies that you can adopt, but one of the most effective options is the Martingale betting system. It is easy to use. You double your stake whenever you lose a bet and half it whenever you win. This way, you will stand a good chance of getting back any money you lose. 

Final Thoughts 

You should have no doubts that you can make money from online gambling. You just have to ensure that you take the right steps and gamble responsibly. We have provided all the information you need in the article.

How to Find and Hire a Python Development Company

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Focusing on Python programming, it is ironic that at the moment the lack of Python programmers is one of the reasons why some small companies are hindering the growth.  Companies that might be looking to have a development team to match their demand end up tailoring their business to one or two important customers, leaving product improvement in the hands of the free software community, which finds it interesting.

Therefore, when entrepreneurs try to find new developers, they face a number of problems.  In order to avoid it, you can ask for help from specialists https://uvik.net/technologies/hire-python-developers/.

It is not enough to know the syntax of the language.  We are looking for a specific profile of a programmer who is able to come up with creative and original solutions and able to express them as Python code for the rest of the development team.

Therefore, today we will figure out what a Python programmer should be able to do and what to look for when recruiting.

1. Filtering a simple

Before wasting time, the first step is to ask the candidate if they really know Python.  There are quite a few who come up with the idea that it doesn’t matter if it’s python or any other “popular” language like java or Visual Basic.  No matter how much they insist that he must be an experienced Python programmer, many times you will find that he does not know Python and has no experience.

Test “Hello world!”  in python, this should be the first test to exclude people who don’t speak the language.

2. Ask for samples of their work

Any self-respecting programmer should have a collection of things they have worked on.  They don’t have to be amazing things.  It could just be those knowledge tokens left on the web to help others, maybe a Stack Overflow profile or Python Majibu where you can see what kind of communicator you are and solve problems.  Maybe some open source repository he contributes to, professional blog, twitter.

A simple look at what people are doing helps a lot to understand what a programmer excels at and what he doesn’t.

3. Attitude to corporate culture

Experience says that belonging to a corporate culture provides more success than programming.  Free software companies are a typical example where they tend to enforce certain ethical standards among their employees, such as sharing all knowledge.

When it comes to python, the programmer of this language has a very distinctive profile.  He strives for simplicity and elegance of the code, not for its optimization and efficiency.  Try to be platform agnostic so that the code works on (almost) any site.  However, he is eager to learn about new libraries that he can use in his developments, always with Python as the application logic control language.

All of this activity is reflected in the Python “communities” where these topics are proposed and discussed.

But a decent company that can offer a good open source product should be able to form its own community as a meeting place for those involved with the project, not just programmers.  This community serves both to spread the company’s philosophy and to meet related personnel.  Unfortunately, many companies believed that community was built through ad bombardment, and that is how they created their social media accounts like Facebook or Twitter.  In this way, they have acquired fanatical consumers, but very few collaborators.

The programmer must get the code.  Developer communities form around services such as github, bitbucket, sourceforge, launchpad, trac, etc. If you find a programmer in your community who has made a great contribution to you, or a hacker who has found a strange and hidden vulnerability, hire him,  without hesitation.

4. Programming test

The next thing to do is to ask them to implement some simple programs: create a regular expression to search for phone numbers in text, convert a list of tuples into a dictionary, and so on.

A programming test does not have to look for the perfect answer, but to create a context in which the programmer can be observed in his understanding of problems, as well as in how he tries to solve them.  If possible, this is a test that could well be done online, with a combination of videoconferencing and whiteboarding.  If too many alarms are triggered online, the test can be aborted at any time and thus save time for both candidate and employer.

Thanks to these four simple things, you will be able to find the perfect developer for your team.

Super Last-Minute Ideas For The Ultimate Valentines Day in Charlotte

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Feeling panicked about Valentine’s Day? Here are some last minute gift ideas to help take the thought out of thoughtfulness.

First you must determine your budget, length of time together, and the type of girl/guy you’re dating. Are they the traditional type? If so, then flowers, chocolates, cards and jewelry (depending on budget) will suffice. Are they more casual or humorous? Have you been dating for a short time? Then little gag gifts can be a little more fun and appropriate.

For example, the Common Market in Plaza Midwood has an entire section dedicated to funny gag gifts. If your significant other appreciates thoughtful gestures try something handmade: cut out heart, framed photo, etc. Other thoughtful gestures can include something they’ve expressed interest in, like yoga in which case you could get them a groupon for a new yoga studio.

If you need some last-minute ideas going out, here are some of the best Valentines Day sellers on Groupon for the Charlotte region;

▪ 52% Off Salt Therapy Session
▪ 62% Off Manicures
▪ 44% Off Deep Tissue Massage

If you’d like to take your sweetheart out to a romantic dinner on Sunday night, check out our list of the Top 10 Most Romantic Restaurants in Charlotte.

Choose carefully but make your decisions quickly because the clock is ticking!

5 Lesser-Known Facts About Car Insurance

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Car insurance is a necessary evil for drivers. We all see it as an expense, but few of us understand all the nuances of this complex product. In almost every country, driving without auto insurance is illegal. 

So, it’s important to know what you’re buying and how it works. Here are some lesser-known facts about car insurance:

About 2.44% of the Average Household Income Is Spent on Insurance

This may come as a surprise, but insurance is not cheap. In the United States, the average household spends about $800 per year on car insurance premiums. This amounts to about two percent of the average household income. To get a better deal, check websites like CheapInsurance.com for better deals.

Interestingly, this number varies greatly from state to state. In Louisiana, for example, drivers spend an average of $2000 per year on car insurance. In California, however, the average driver spends only $500 per year.

So, what affects your premiums? Insurance companies take a number of factors into account when setting rates, including your driving record, the type of car you drive, how many miles you drive each year, and where you live.

Comprehensive Insurance Isn’t That Comprehensive

Comprehensive insurance is the most expensive type of car insurance. It covers damage to your car that isn’t caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters.

However, comprehensive coverage doesn’t always cover everything. For example, it may not cover damage to your car if you hit an animal. So, it’s important to read your policy carefully and know what is and isn’t covered.

In addition, comprehensive insurance usually doesn’t cover damage to your car if you are at fault in a collision. So, if you cause an accident, you may have to pay for the damages out of pocket. It may not include third-party injury or loss of life.

Comprehensive insurance is a good idea for drivers who are at risk of experiencing these types of accidents, but it’s important to understand the limitations of the coverage.

Bad Credit Score May Mean High Premiums

Your credit score is one of the factors that insurance companies use to determine your premiums. A poor credit score can lead to higher rates, while a good credit score can lead to lower rates.

This is because insurance companies see people with bad credit as being more likely to file a claim. So, if you have a poor credit score, you may want to consider purchasing car insurance through a separate company that specializes in high-risk drivers.

It’s important to note that not all insurance companies use credit scores to determine rates. Some companies only look at your driving record and the type of car you drive.

You Can Drive Without Insurance in Some States

Virginia and New Hampshire are the only two states in the United States where you are allowed to drive without car insurance. However, if you get into an accident while driving without insurance, you will be liable for the damages.

In most other states, it is illegal to drive without car insurance. You can face fines and even jail time if you are caught. So, it’s important to have car insurance if you live in one of these states.

Intentional Damage Isn’t Covered by Most Policies

If you cause an accident on purpose, your car insurance policy will not cover the damages. This is known as intentional damage.

Intentional damage can include deliberately crashing your car into another vehicle or driving into a wall on purpose. It can also include getting into a fight with another driver and causing damage to their car.

Insurance is a complex product, and there are many things that drivers don’t know about it. These are just a few of the lesser-known facts about car insurance. Be sure to do your research before purchasing a policy so that you know what you’re getting.