South Carolina Ranked Among The Least Safe States To Live in During the Pandemic

Charlotte Stories
-
0
South Carolina Ranked Among The Least Safe States To Live in During the Pandemic

With around 51% of the population fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and vaccination being essential for getting the economy back on track, WalletHub today released updated rankings for the Safest States During COVID-19.

In order to find out the safest states during the COVID-19 pandemic, the site compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across five key metrics. Our data set includes the rates of COVID-19 transmission, positive testing, hospitalizations and death, as well as the share of the eligible population getting vaccinated.

South Carolina was ranked among the bottom ten states in the nation at #43 and North Carolina ranked among the bottom half of states at #32.

Safest States During COVID

Overall Rank*  State Total Score 
1 Vermont 99.00
2 Connecticut 95.43
3 Massachusetts 94.63
4 Maine 93.80
5 Rhode Island 93.54
6 Maryland 93.47
7 District of Columbia 92.60
8 New Hampshire 91.69
9 New York 91.62
10 New Jersey 91.61
11 Pennsylvania 91.05
12 California 90.39
13 Hawaii 90.17
14 Delaware 89.71
15 Illinois 89.05
16 Minnesota 88.51
17 Colorado 88.14
18 Virginia 87.97
19 Wisconsin 87.60
20 New Mexico 84.98
21 Alaska 84.46
22 Michigan 84.08
23 Ohio 83.99
24 North Dakota 83.47
25 Washington 83.41
26 Utah 83.03
27 Iowa 82.36
28 Oregon 82.05
29 West Virginia 81.78
30 Nebraska 80.53
31 Arizona 79.87
32 North Carolina 79.11
33 Montana 76.28
34 Indiana 75.79
35 Wyoming 75.43
36 South Dakota 74.14
37 Kansas 73.65
38 Kentucky 70.74
39 Florida 67.98
40 Texas 66.79
41 Missouri 66.30
42 South Carolina 66.28
43 Tennessee 65.78
44 Georgia 65.52
45 Alabama 61.52
46 Oklahoma 61.25
47 Idaho 54.39
48 Nevada 53.28
49 Arkansas 47.32
50 Mississippi 44.81
51 Louisiana 35.07

Note: *No. 1 = Safest
Rankings are based on data available as of 12:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 18, 2021.

Easy Ways to Remove Your Phone Number from Google Search Results

Sarah Feldman
-
0
Easy Ways to Remove Your Phone Number from Google Search Results

Have you ever performed a basic search online using your full name to see what type of information shows up in the results? Perhaps you have gone to Google, typed your name into the search box, and realized that there is quite a bit of info out there about you even though you never ran your own website or contributed content to any websites. And one piece of information that might have stood out is your phone number. 

You might be wondering if there are ways to remove your phone number from Google results so that people won’t be able to find it so easily, especially if you, like a lot of people, tend to receive a lot of bogus phone calls from scammers every day. Well, we have some good news for you: there are ways that you can take your phone number off of Google, and a few strategies that you can try right away are listed below. 

People Search Websites Are Often to Blame

First up, let’s cover people search websites. These probably showed up in the search results when you looked up your name on Google, right? Well, they are really common, and there are many of them out there. But they all basically do the same thing: they make it possible to look up information on just about anyone, and you can even use these databases to run background checks on people, e.g. find their email. In other words, these sites will give away more than just your phone number. So, if you want to take down your phone number from Google search results, you will definitely want to ask these sites to take down any listings that pertain to you.

You can visit these sites directly to look for listings that showcase your information, or you can use your Google search results to find the ones that are currently hosting your personal details for anyone to find. One example is Radaris, so if you find that your phone number is on there, you’d need to go to the Radaris opt out page to figure out how to request the removal of that information. 

Another people search website that a lot of people use is FastPeopleSearch. Even if you have never heard of it before, it’s a good idea to search through this database, and to head to the FastPeopleSearch opt out instructions if your information is on there too. 

Yet another site that’s worth checking is SearchPeopleFree. This site might also be home to listings with your personal contact details, so use the SearchPeopleFree opt out option. 

Contact Any Other Websites That Are Sharing Your Phone Number

Are there any other websites that showed up in your Google search results that are displaying your phone number? Well, to gain control over where your information is shared, you’ll need to contact those sites directly, much like you did with the people search websites. Just tell them that you’d like them to respect your privacy by taking that info down. 

Remove Your Phone Number from Your Public Online Accounts

Finally, if you have any accounts that are public, such as public social media accounts on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook, just be sure that you remove your phone number from your profile. If it needs to be in your settings, that’s fine, but just make sure it isn’t viewable by people who find your page. That way, even if an account shows up in Google search results, it won’t contain your number.  

Top 3 Reasons Why Charlotte Homeowners Are Investing In Outdoor Living Spaces

Christina Magraw
-
0
Top 3 Reasons Why Charlotte Homeowners Are Investing In Outdoor Living Spaces

According to a survey conducted by the International Casual Furnishings Association, more people are relaxing, exercising, dining, and entertaining guests outside. The survey also showed that 58% of Americans plan to invest in at least one new piece of outdoor furniture this year. 

The demand for outdoor living spaces among homeowners is common worldwide, and Charlotte homeowners aren’t an exception. In fact, decks, patios, and pergolas have become more common in Charlotte properties in recent years. 

If you’re wondering why Charlotte homeowners are investing in outdoor living spaces today, the points below will provide answers:

1. It’s a Post-Pandemic Effect

As homeowners spend more time indoors because of the pandemic, their awareness of their outdoor living spaces has drastically increased. Spending more time at home allowed Charlotte homeowners to assess the functionality of their outdoor living spaces and why they need them (if they still don’t have any). 

Investing in outdoor living spaces is often a post-pandemic effect. Because of the restrictions imposed to contain the virus, Charlotte homeowners spend more time with their families in their outdoor living spaces. 

Moreover, having an outdoor living space also allowed Charlotte homeowners to remain physically active regardless of gyms and other public areas being closed because of the pandemic. Charlotte homeowners can turn their outdoor living spaces into home gyms and work out whenever they want to. 

In short, outdoor living spaces enable Charlotte homeowners to continue living their lives even if the restrictions require them to stay at home 24/7.

2. Charlotte Has Great Weather

The summer in Charlotte is sunny and bright, perfect for spending time outdoors. During this season, warm weather and clear skies lure the locals into having more picnics, parties, or gatherings outside. Where else should Charlotte homeowners spend their get-togethers than their own outdoor living spaces?

The summer weather is another reason why Charlotte homeowners are investing in outdoor living spaces. With a deck, patio, or pergola, Charlotte homeowners can spend more time outdoors during the summer without worrying about too much sunlight or humidity.

3. Discover New Ways of Cooking

Gone are the days when meals were solely prepared inside the kitchen. Today, Charlotte homeowners are investing in outdoor kitchens to discover new ways of cooking. 

An outdoor kitchen equipped with a grill and pizza oven, for example, allows Charlotte homeowners to cook food in many different ways. Installing this outdoor living space might even be the key for Charlotte homeowners to try new recipes or find their interest in cooking!

Choose Contractors Carefully

Investing in outdoor living spaces can provide countless benefits. Sure, you might have to pay a decent amount for this home improvement project, but the benefits will outweigh the costs in the long run. 

If you’re planning to invest in an outdoor living space soon, make sure that you’re working with experienced and well-equipped contractors to handle the job. Remember that your ability to enjoy the perks of owning an outdoor living space heavily depends on the contractor you’ll hire.

This article was contributed by Vision Green Landscape, an experience landscape architect firm in Charlotte, North Carolina, specializing in outdoor kitchens.

New Mask Mandate Goes Into Effect Today For The City of Charlotte

Charlotte Stories
-
0
New Mask Mandate Goes Into Effect Today For The City of Charlotte

A new indoor mask mandate goes into effect today for the city of Charlotte as Covid-19 case numbers continue to rise across our region.

The mandate officially states:

“Face coverings will be required in indoor public places, regardless of vaccination status. The proclamation goes into effect TODAY, Aug. 18, at 5 p.m., and will be in effect through Sept. 1, unless sooner rescinded or terminated.”

The mandate also notes the following exemptions (you are not required to wear a mask if any of the following apply to you):

  • Should not wear a Face Covering due to any medical or behavioral condition or disability (including, but not limited to, any person who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious or incapacitated, or is otherwise unable to put on or remove the Face Covering without assistance);
  • Is actively eating or drinking;
  • Is seeking to communicate with someone who is hearing-impaired in a way that requires the mouth to be visible;
  • Is giving a speech or performance for a broadcast, or to an audience, where they maintain a distance of at least 20 feet from the audience (the audience is still required to wear a Face Covering if indoors);
  • Is temporarily removing their Face Coverings at work, as determined by local, state, or federal regulations or workplace safety guidelines;
  • Has found their Face Covering is impeding visibility to operate equipment or a vehicle.

The mandate was first announced on Monday by Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles after talking through possible options with local health officials.

“I’ve spoken with George Dunlap and Gibbie Harris and I support their approach to create a county-wide mask mandate, which would create a consistent policy across Mecklenburg County and reduce confusion among our residents. The soonest this could go into effect would be 12 days from today, so in partnership with George Dunlap and Mecklenburg County, I am instituting a mask mandate that will go into effect on Wednesday, August 18 and will bridge the gap between Wednesday and when a county-wide mandate could go into effect,” said Mayor Lyles in a statement.

Mecklenburg County Health Director Gibbie Harris gave a full update on the state of the crisis on Monday when the new mask mandates were first announced:

Mecklenburg County will be holding a special public meeting to today to hear from the public and determine if they will be implementing a similar mask mandate for the entire county.

What do you think about the new mask mandates?

Do you think more should be done to slow the spread of Covid?

New Data: 90+ minute commutes in Charlotte region up 45% since 2010

Charlotte Stories
-
0
New Data: 90+ minute commutes in Charlotte region up 45% since 2010

The number of ‘Super Commuters’ – American workers who bear through commute times of 90 minutes or more each way – grew by over 40% nationally from 2010 to 2019, more than 3x the growth rate of the overall workforce.

According to a new report by Apartment List, there are now 4.6 million super commuters in the U.S., and there is little reason to think that remote work alone will significantly alleviate this long-term trend. With the Senate’s passing of the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package, the explosion of super commuting offers important lessons about what is needed to ensure that America’s cities evolve in inclusive and sustainable ways.

In Charlotte that number grew by 45% as an increasing number of workers moved out to the suburbs and small towns surrounding the Charlotte region.

  • There are now 29 thousand super commuters in the Charlotte region, representing 2.3% of the region’s total workforce. The number of super commuters in the Charlotte region grew by 45.0% from 2010-2019, compared to the 28.2% growth rate of the region’s overall workforce.
  • 14% of the region’s super commuters live within a 10 mile radius of Charlotte city hall, demonstrating that not all super commuters travel long distances. Nationally, 13.5% of all workers who commute by public transit are super commuters, and transit riders are 5x more likely to be super commuters compared to drivers.
  • In the Charlotte region, super commuting is most pervasive in Rowan County, where 3% of all workers are super commuters.

You can check out Apartment List’s full report here.

Over A Dozen Tornadoes Wreaked Havoc Across The Carolinas Yesterday (Videos)

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Over A Dozen Tornadoes Wreaked Havoc Across The Carolinas Yesterday (Videos)

Yesterday afternoon, as Tropical Storm Fred plowed north through the southern states, several bands of the storm whipped across the Carolinas and created numerous tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flash floods.

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg issued a total of 36 tornado warnings across our region yesterday:

One of the first tornadoes confirmed in the Carolinas touched down just after noon yesterday in Iredell County, here is some video clips from that twister:

Ryan Cartee took this photo of a tornado touching down on I-385 near Fountain Inn, SC at 6:07pm:

This was video footage of a another tornado that touched down on Lake Murray in South Carolina yesterday:

Here’s a video of a tornado that touched down near Edgefield, SC yesterday afternoon:

Did you see any tornadoes yesterday?

Do you know anyone that experienced damage from the storms?

Getting Ready for the New School Season

Cassandra Scott
-
0
Getting Ready for the New School Season

The start of a new school season can be full of exciting opportunities and challenges. Whether you’re helping your child to get ready to begin school again after the summer, or you’re preparing yourself to tackle the next exams, there are many things you can do to make this experience smoother. 

  • Create Some Small Goals

Having something to work towards can help to motivate and drive us. Setting small goals can be particularly useful if you’re struggling to encourage your child or you need something to help give a sense of achievement. 

Goals can be as simple as ‘show up at class’, or as ambitious as ‘get the highest mark in the class’. Setting personal goals is a great habit and starting this at school can help to build a healthy and hard-working mindset. 

Make a note of the goals that have been set and take time at the end of the first day or first week to review the progress. 

  • Overcome Obstacles Before School Starts

While some obstacles might arise throughout the next school season, there are likely to be some things you can iron out beforehand.

If you’re worried about particular elements of restarting school, speak to your tutor, mentor, or friends. This can often help to ease anxieties and concerns and can give you peace of mind that other people are looking out for you or your child.

Make a checklist of things that you need, and work to address any problems that could get in the way of completing anything on the list. 

  • Buy the Essentials

It can become an expensive time of year when getting ready for a new school season since there are so many things to buy. Sports kits, school bags, electronics, and stationery items are just a few of the things you might need to buy for you or your child. 

There are many good options available for sports equipment and bags, such as baseball bags. Shopping around often means you will find some great discounts and deals, which will help to bring school costs down if you’re on a budget. 

  • Prioritize Health and Wellbeing

Whether you’re supporting your child to return to school or you’re getting ready yourself, putting health and wellbeing first can help with many other things. 

This refers to both physical and mental health. With better physical health and stronger immunity, facing the challenges of a new school season can seem easier. Good mental health can help us to become more resilient and tackle obstacles that come along the way. 

Where a child is involved, listen to their concerns, and take the time to find a way through any problems. This can help a young person to have a better school experience and maintain positive health and wellbeing. 

  • Start Early 

Preparing earlier than needed can help to reduce stress as you get ready for a new school season. Not only could you find early discounts on more items you plan to purchase, but you’ll avoid the disappointment of things selling out quickly. 

Getting mentally prepared for a new school season is just as important as getting physically prepared and having all the equipment you need. Start planning your routine a few days before school starts. Look out for diary clashes or other commitments that might make it more difficult to have a smooth start to the school season. 

It can be fun and exciting starting a new school season. Ensuring you are well-prepared can ease stress and worries as the year begins. Look after your health at the start of the season through to the end for the best chance of success. 

Staycation in North Carolina to support our economy

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Staycation in North Carolina to support our economy

Our beautiful state isn’t just for the enjoyment of tourists from afar or abroad. Now North Carolinians are being urged to support our economy by vacationing within the Tar Heel State rather than traveling further afield.

After all, there’s so much to do and see right here on our doorstep, from waterfalls to the beaches in the Outer Banks why even think of going elsewhere? Typically, visitors coming to vacation in North Carolina spend nearly $30 billion each year, but that figure dropped to $20 billion in 2020 even though 37 million visitors – mainly from the U.S. – came to sample our cities, beaches, mountains and attractions.

So, the call has gone out to all North Carolinians to forget a long-distance trip and plan on taking some breaks – and spending some money – closer to home.

Beginning the boost

One new tourism-based economic development initiative is the NC Main to Main Trail, a new digital tool organized around NC’s eight prosperity zones. It aims to give residents and visitors the chance to explore the state’s 66 ‘Main Street’ communities and, it’s hoped, bring much-needed financial support to our rural communities and small businesses.

Our three land-based casinos are also helping to boost North Carolina’s economy, and not just by the sheer number of visitors they attract. Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino in Murphy has recently revealed plans to spend $275 million on expanding its site, and the building of the Catawba Two Kings Casino Resort in Kings Mountain is set to create 5,000 construction jobs and generate $300 million of annual economic activity. Both casinos will, of course, create hundreds of jobs for NC residents.

You can start small

You don’t have to go hiking in the mountains, visit NC’s historic sites or hit the beaches to help our economy. In fact, visiting your local restaurants and buying in-store instead of online are small moves that can make a big difference. And if your staycation is going to be a stay-at-home vacation, there’s no need to miss out on, say, the casino experience either.

Did you know that you can play online casino games via licensed offshore casino websites? These offer all the table games and slots you’d find in a land casino, plus plenty of options to play your favorites for free. If you’d like to play for real money, you can see how Spin Casino works with its welcome bonuses, loyalty programs and safe, secure online casino environment – all perfectly legal for NC residents to enjoy.  

Staying at home also has other perks as it means you can put some money into your local community to help small businesses thrive. North Carolina is a blessed state and there truly is something for everyone: camping, skiing, walking, driving, attraction-visiting. It’s all right here in North Carolina.

Now it’s time to stop fantasizing about flying to the Caribbean or the Alps, when we have such natural beauty on our doorstep. It’s up to all of us to do what we can to help our great state flourish.

7 Places To Buy Rugs And Curtains For Every Budget

Sarah Feldman
-
0
7 Places To Buy Rugs And Curtains For Every Budget

One of the easiest ways to elevate a room’s ambience is to add a statement carpet or rug. It adds colour and pattern to the room and when chosen to compliment the furniture, it can enhance the entire aura of the living space.

Plush, genuine rugs and carpets are generally pricey. But we have scoured the internet to curate a list of 7 best places where you can purchase premium rugs and carpets suitable for every budgetary need.

  • Monterey Geometric Outdoor Area Rug

Choose this geometric-patterned eye-catching Monterey rug to liven up any layout. Featuring modern geometric motifs with botanical accents in beautiful hues of navy, blue and gold, this rug has been power-loomed in Turkey. It has a low pile height that makes it easy for upkeep and maintenance.

Well-suited to adorn your porch or patio, this rug can be purchased from Wayfair for $30.99 after a 37% sale on the original price of $49.00. 

  • Ivory and Blue Zehla Area Rug

This statement carpet in muted shades of faded blue and ivory will look perfect for a bohemian or cosy farmhouse home setting. Featuring an all-over motif design in gray, blue and tan, this area rug measures 5×7 and is crafted out of polypropylene.

This easy-to-maintain rug can be availed from Kirklands for just $79.97, thanks to a 50% clearance offer on its retail price of $159.99.

  • Riviera Home Cashlon Medallion Accent Indoor Rugs

This hand tufted rectangular accent indoor rug from Riviera Home is apt for traditional and cosy indoor settings. Available in pleasant gray and coral shades, with classic motifs this polyester rug has a latex backing and measures 20×34.

Originally retailing for $30.00 at JCPenney, you can shop this elegant rug for just $22.50 by applying the code 4JEANS at checkout.

  • Bali Indoor/Outdoor Patio Mat

This brilliant patio mat featuring a fascinating striped pattern adds a unique and vivid touch to any living space. This rug is made of woven olefin and is, hence, weather resistant, making it ideal for both indoor or outdoor use. The cool turquoise, navy and white hues in a flat-weave construction make it perfect for pool-side use.

Bed Bath & Beyond stocks this remarkable rug for a price of $29.99 but Beyond+ members can purchase this rug after a 20% discount for just $23.99.

  • Microplush Easy Care Shag Rug

The Microplush Easy Care Rug, is plush, soft and feels like walking on clouds! Crafted from soft micro polyester fibers, this rug is resistant to all wear and tear like fading and staining. It has a durable and flexible synthetic latex backing that reduces odor and enhances the rug’s life.

Ideal for indoor living spaces, this plush rug is available in soothing neutral colour choices of ivory, khaki, and gray. Head on to Pottery Barn to avail this rug for just $148.99 after a clearance sale on the original price of $299.00.

  • Alexander Home Tremezzina Printed Boho Distressed Rug

This boho rug from Turkey is timeless and classic and offers a vintage look to your living space. Designed using the most-advanced rug-making technology, these rugs have a printed design which gives a textured effect on a soft polyester base. Oriental zig-zag stitching finishes off the edges, adding an extra playful touch.

Available in a multitude of colours and sizes, this vintage rug can be procured from Overstock after a 21% sale for a very affordable price of $49.59 only for a 2’3″ X 3’9″ size.

  • Home Dynamix 11029 Optimum Area Rug

This Turkish rug features a traditional design with rich floral motifs in muted pinks, greens and creams on a rich black backdrop, making it ideal for those who love floral patterns but do not wish to overdo it. Crafted from polypropylene fibers, this rug is super-easy to clean and maintain and is available in the choice of your size and shape.

Buy this resplendent rug from Hayneedle for just $30.98 after availing savings of 20% on the retail price.

Opt for one-of-a-kind rugs best suited to the theme of your home and living space. Vintage, Boho, Classic and Modern options are available on rugs and carpets that will instantly transform your room and its ambience. Shop for rugs of your choice from this curated list to gain more savings while redoing your home.

Half of North Carolinians have suffered from ‘pandemic brain’, reveals survey

Charlotte Stories
-
0
Half of North Carolinians have suffered from ‘pandemic brain’, reveals survey
  • 29% say boredom has been the overriding emotion during the pandemic. 
  • Respondents believe ‘Gen Z’ has missed out the most during social isolation.

Devoid of social interaction over the past year, many of us are well-acquainted with being bored at home. You’ve read every magazine and watched your entire Netflix list; started a garden (which seems to be taking forever to grow) and made every banana bread recipe under the sun; but no matter what, your brain feels sluggish and unstimulated. Maybe you’ve accidentally put the milk in the cupboard and cereal in the fridge one too many times lately… Enter the term ‘pandemic brain’: the frustratingly subtle, gradual mental deterioration many of us have struggled with over the course of the pandemic.

According to a new report released by Spider, a total of 54% of North Carolinians say they have experienced pandemic brain – a full 6 percentage points higher than the national average of 48%. Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) also say that they’ve been making more mistakes at work over the last year.

Much of the change has been linked to chronic stress that’s been proven to shrink the prefrontal cortex – the part of your brain responsible for focus, memory and learning. Health anxiety, combined with endless doomscrolling through bad news on social media, has also added to our stress during this time. Over a prolonged period, cortisol – the stress hormone – also increases risk of heart disease, mood disruptions and sleep trouble.

The most common negative factor expressed by respondents was boredom: 29% of respondents say this an adverse feeling they’ve experienced most since the coronavirus began. Nearly a quarter (24%) say they’ve picked up the habit of being lazy when it comes to exercise, and 23% have felt loss in interest in general. Nearly 1 in 5 (17%) respondents reported trouble sleeping and 7% struggled with untidiness at home.

When asked which generation suffered the greatest loss in terms of social isolation since the start of the pandemic, nearly a third (32%) said Generation Z, who were born between 1996 and 2010. Maybe that’s because many are teenagers or younger adults, who are in the process of developing social relationships. Being apart from others in these younger years can possibly have an impact on social skills in years to come.

How have you been affected by the pandemic? 

1...675676677...1,317Page 676 of 1,317