Flooring Company Bans Masks And Encourages Handshakes and Hugs Amid COVID-19 Shutdown

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Flooring Company Bans Masks And Encourages Handshakes and Hugs Amid COVID-19 Shutdown

When the owner of a construction company become fed up with the COVID-19 restrictions and shut-down, he decided to paint and prop up some rather alarming signs in the front of his shop.

Ramsay Devereux, owner of Ramsay One Construction & Flooring, first put up the signs this past Saturday. They quickly went viral when David Parsons tweeted a picture of them with the simple caption ‘actual store in my town‘;

On Saturday morning, TMZ reported the signs being propped up on the inside of the store.

Since the signs were put outside, thousands of people began flooding the company’s Yelp and Google review sections with negative feedback on the company.

Read Danielle G.‘s review of Ramsay One Construction on Yelp

Read Niki M.‘s review of Ramsay One Construction on Yelp

Read Crys B.‘s review of Ramsay One Construction on Yelp

What do you think about the signs?

South Carolina Restaurants Reopening Their Inside Dining Rooms Today

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South Carolina Restaurants Reopening Their Inside Dining Rooms Today

The Governor of South Carolina has announced that all restaurants in his state will now be allowed to reopen their inside dining rooms to all guests.

Governor Henry McMaster made the announcement this past Friday, calling it ‘Phase 2’, where he will allow restaurants and close-contact businesses to reopen with the following restrictions:

  • Only allow 50% of posted occupancy inside, as determined by fire marshals
  • Tables should be spaced 6-8 feet apart
  • Additional cleaning and sanitizing guidelines for equipment, tables, chairs, etc.
  • Additional guidance for health checks for all employees
  • Social distancing guidance for employees and customers, including recommended

“As we gradually and methodically lift restrictions aimed at combating the coronavirus, it is incumbent upon South Carolinians to follow to the guidance and recommendations provided by our public health experts to keep themselves and their loved ones safe,” said Gov. Henry McMaster. “This virus still presents a serious threat to South Carolinians, but I have faith in the people of our state and their ability to act responsibly and in the best interest of the communities they live in.”

Many South Carolina restaurants have chosen to keep their dining rooms closed for an undetermined time even though it is now legal to open them:

Some have announced opening dates starting next week.

and still others have announced that they will be officially reopening their inside dining starting this week.

All Eggs Up Grill locations around South Carolina (including Rock Hill) will be opening their dining rooms today.

The Pump House in Rock Hill will be opening their dining room on Wednesday at 4pm:

The governor also noted that he will allow the reopening of “close-contact businesses” today, including on Monday hair salons, barbershops, gyms and similar places.

What do you think about the decision? 

North Carolina Ranked As 2020’s 9th Worst State for Police Officers

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North Carolina Ranked As 2020’s 9th Worst State for Police Officers

With many police departments hit hard by coronavirus and police shootings remaining a high-profile issue in the U.S., the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2020’s Best & Worst States to Be a Police Officer.

In order to determine the best states to pursue a career in law enforcement, the site compared the 50 states and the District of Columbia across 28 key indicators of police-friendliness. The data set ranges from the median income for law-enforcement officers to police deaths per 1,000 officers to state and local police-protection expenses per capita.

Life & Work for Police Officers in North Carolina (1=Best; 25=Avg.)

  • 18th – Law-Enforcement Officers per Capita
  • 47th – Median Income for Law-Enforcement Officers (Adjusted for Cost of Living)
  • 50th – Median Income Growth for Law-Enforcement Officers
  • 28th – Violent-Crime Rate
  • 25th – State & Local Police-Protection Expenses per Capita
  • 37th – Police Deaths per 1,000 Officers

Best States to Be a Police Officer

Overall Rank
(1=Best)		 State Total Score ‘Opportunity & Competition’ Rank ‘Job Hazards & Protections’ Rank ‘Quality of Life’ Rank
1 Connecticut 58.64 21 1 7
2 North Dakota 58.43 29 3 1
3 New York 57.15 4 24 10
4 New Jersey 56.32 2 9 31
5 Minnesota 56.06 10 4 25
6 Maryland 55.02 15 12 4
7 District of Columbia 54.66 1 47 35
8 Washington 54.21 9 8 36
9 Massachusetts 53.95 8 5 43
10 Illinois 53.75 16 11 9
11 Rhode Island 53.64 18 7 23
12 Michigan 53.42 5 31 22
13 Hawaii 53.05 7 35 15
14 Maine 52.79 33 6 17
15 California 52.77 6 23 33
16 Ohio 51.54 13 10 27
17 Texas 50.99 17 15 20
18 Colorado 50.32 3 37 34
19 Pennsylvania 49.62 11 25 29
20 New Hampshire 49.56 48 19 2
21 Florida 48.39 45 16 8
22 Indiana 48.26 39 13 19
23 South Dakota 48.10 46 17 6
24 Delaware 47.71 19 36 18
25 Vermont 46.93 44 2 41
26 Kansas 46.77 32 41 3
27 Wisconsin 46.61 28 20 26
28 Oregon 46.44 23 29 28
29 Utah 46.19 49 14 14
30 Nebraska 46.04 22 26 37
31 Iowa 45.94 30 22 24
32 Nevada 45.93 20 45 11
33 Oklahoma 45.91 34 33 12
34 Alabama 45.49 27 39 16
35 Missouri 44.02 12 40 38
36 West Virginia 43.88 51 32 5
37 Virginia 43.53 24 21 46
38 Georgia 42.88 26 18 49
39 Arizona 41.81 25 42 30
40 Kentucky 41.52 42 27 40
41 Mississippi 41.40 40 49 13
42 New Mexico 40.96 14 43 44
43 North Carolina 40.78 37 30 45
44 Tennessee 40.72 36 28 48
45 South Carolina 40.59 31 38 39
46 Idaho 39.05 35 34 47
47 Montana 38.68 38 50 21
48 Wyoming 36.80 41 44 42
49 Alaska 34.67 47 51 32
50 Louisiana 33.87 43 48 50
51 Arkansas 31.44 50 46 51

Note: “Law-enforcement officers” includes police and sheriff’s patrol officers, detectives and criminal investigators.

For the full report, please visit:
https://wallethub.com/edu/best-states-to-be-a-cop/34669/

Matthews Company Raised Over $90,000 On Kickstarter By Inventing A New Kind Of Light Bulb

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Matthews Company Raised Over $90,000 On Kickstarter By Inventing A New Kind Of Light Bulb

smart-charge-bulbLocal Matthews resident Shailendra Suman is now the CEO of his own tech-startup after inventing a new kind of light bulb, and raising over $90,000 for it on Kickstarter.

It’s called the ‘Smart Charge Re-chargeable Bulb‘, and it will basically keep your lights on, even when the power goes out.

“What we have is done is put a rechargeable battery in it. When power goes out, you can still turn on/off from same light switch,” commented Shailendra.

It basically works like an everyday bulb, until the power goes out.

Over the past year North Carolina has seen a record number of power outages, and thanks to his new invention, Shailendra’s home in Matthews is one of the only homes with the lights still on when the electricity goes out.

The company’s founder has pitched the bulb to dozens of big-box stores, including Walmart and Target, and even to governments.

“We met with the government in India, they are looking in the millions of units,” said Shailendra.

He said his biggest retailer continues to be the internet, where he now sells the majority of his bulbs direct-to-consumer on Amazon.com. He sells them on Amazon for $23.97 each.

More CBD: the trends that keep the CBD hype going

Rebecca wright
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More CBD: the trends that keep the CBD hype going

In the past few years CBD established itself as a miracle ingredient in the wellness world. Since its rise to fame, the public has had mixed feelings about CBD. There was a lot of skepticism in the beginning, but as time passed more and more people became interested in CBD and its potential health benefits. Right now, there are more CBD advocates than ever and there’s a wide range of CBD products for all tastes and needs, so the CBD hype seems to be going strong.

To get an idea of just how popular CBD has become, a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) showed that in April 2019 there were 6.4 million searches for CBD on Google. CBD searches are comparable with searches for yoga or electronic cigarettes and they’re expected to grow in the near future as the CBD market is on a rising trend. 

The 2018 Farmers Bill definitely played an important part in CBD’s growing popularity. The bill legalized the cultivation and sale of industrial hemp nationwide, making CBD production much easier and affordable. On top of that, many states legalized recreational marijuana, so the interest for CBD products also soared.  

Since CBD is here to stay, it’s worth looking at some trends to help us understand where the CBD train is going. 

All eyes on baby boomers 

While THC products speak more to millennials, the CBD market has baby boomers as the target audience. Baby boomers are going to be the force driving CBD product sales in the future and it’s not hard to understand the connection between their generation and CBD. As they’re growing older, baby boomers are going to look for natural alternatives to treat the many health conditions associated with aging. 

THC and its psychoactive properties isn’t something that appeals to baby boomers. Instead they can benefit from using CBD products that have nothing to do with THC’s hallucinogenic effects, but could help them treat issues such as arthritis, insomnia and other age-related problems. As a result, the CBD industry will adapt and more products catering to their needs will emerge. We’re going to have an even broader range of CBD oil supplements that could help with chronic pain or CBD sleep aids in the next few years. 

Tired of oils? Try CBD pre-rolls 

CBD oils, tinctures and balms are already ubiquitous. There’s not a single soul on earth that hasn’t heard about or used them. But smokable hemp is something quite new and exciting on the CBD market. So if you’re bored with the million CBD oils out there and want to try something different, CBD pre-rolls are a great way to spice things up.

They’re really convenient to use and they come in a variety of flavors. Unlike CBD oil, pre-rolls are fast-acting, because the CBD gets absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Also, many consumers believe that pre-rolls are the tastiest way one could enjoy CBD. Since there are so many unique strains and everyone’s tastes are different, you might have to experiment a bit to find the ideal CBD pre-roll. But checking out terpene levels, responsible for each strain’s flavor and effects, could help you decide what the product is.

While THC products speak more to millennials, best CBD oil on the market has baby boomers as the target audience. Baby boomers are going to be the force driving CBD product sales in the future and it’s not hard to understand the connection between their generation and CBD.

Drink it up!

Health beverages are also a growing trend and CBD wants to join the club. Unfortunately, there’s a big obstacle when it comes to producing CBD infused beverages. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) hasn’t yet approved CBD as an ingredient. As a result, big brands are steering away from producing CBD drinks at the moment and it might take a few years until they get the green light. 

However, it doesn’t mean we won’t be seeing CBD drinks on the market. Luckily, indie brands are stepping in to fill the gap. While large companies are taking the risk-free route, start-ups are ready to produce CBD drinks and foods on a smaller scale. 

Changing the spa experience: CBD facials

CBD is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, so the beauty industry wasted no time on taking advantage of it. Since many skin issues such as acne or rosacea are inflammatory conditions, some studies suggest that CBD could be of help. Therefore, more and more skincare brands are creating CBD lines with all sorts of products ranging from cleansers to serums and face masks. 

But this was simply not enough for skincare aficionados. CBD products will fill up the shelves in spas and salons as well. CBD facials will become a thing in the near future and if that doesn’t satisfy your CBD love, salons will also offer massages, manicures and pedicures with CBD products. 

Fight the pain CBD style

We’ve talked about pain before and we’re going to mention it again as pain relief and CBD seem to go hand in hand. CBD beauty creams, bath salts or dog treats all sound interesting, at least for some people, but CBD has been long known and loved for being a great ally in fighting pain. 

Although more research needs to be carried out, it appears that CBD products have a lot of potential as a pain management method. On top of that, people using CBD for pain don’t have to worry about side effects like they would with OTC drugs. So there will be even more CBD products on the market for those seeking to treat menstrual cramps, aching feet or other types of pain.

Nutraceuticals 

It’s not hard to guess what Nutraceuticals are about. The simplest way to define them would be as nutrition-based products that might provide medical or health benefits. They can be seen as next-level supplements and a great alternative to pharmaceuticals. CBD will be one of the main ingredients in Nutraceuticals, along with other plant-derived compounds. Ancient holistic therapies such as Ayurveda will also include CBD products into their healing system, to help achieve balance and a healthier lifestyle. 

 

Top 5 Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding in New York

Robert Tilman
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Weddings in New York City have an urban magic that makes them special. You have the beauty of the skyline while saying “I do” to the love of your life. The rising skyscrapers and beautiful landscapes offer a wedding experience that is unlike any other. With these views, you can be sure that there are many venues readily available to make your day special as well.

Even if you do not live in New York City, you can still have your wedding in the city. Consider a destination wedding that offers the beauty of New York City to meet your wedding dreams. Follow the tips below for planning your New York City destination wedding.

Start Planning Early

If you are planning a destination wedding to New York City, it is important to start planning early. Venues get booked quickly in New York City. For this reason, start looking early at the venues that best fit your needs. After researching them, be sure to book quickly to make sure you get your date.

When researching and determining venues, you can narrow down your choices by specifying exactly where you want to get married.  If you want to get married in Manhattan, you will be within the skyline and among the skyscrapers. If you want to get married in one of the other boroughs like Brooklyn or even in New Jersey, you will have a view of the New York City skyline behind you.

One other thing to consider when starting to plan your wedding is to determine the size of your wedding. This factors not only into your venue, but it also factors into catering, invitations and more. A larger wedding will require more food, more invitations, a larger space and ultimately, larger costs. This is very important to consider in planning your destination wedding.

Find The Best Wedding Reception Venue in NYC

There are many types of wedding venues in New York City. There are even waterfront venues that allow you to have a ceremony on the water. If you choose a hotel where you can utilize the ballroom, consider a waterfront one with a great view. If you want, you can even choose a more industrial venue like a warehouse on the waterfront.  Thankfully when it comes to wedding reception venues in NYC, there are a lot of great options. 

You can have a modern wedding, a rustic wedding, a vintage wedding, an industrial wedding or even a traditional wedding. There are wedding venues to meet every need and every style within the city.

A lot of information about considering your venue choices depends upon the mood you want to offer at your wedding. If you want a more traditional mood, consider a ballroom with chandeliers and classic styling. If you want a modern wedding, consider an industrial venue such as a warehouse on the waterfront as aforementioned.

A rooftop wedding venue could work for any wedding mood. They also offer a great view of the city. The rooftop can be decorated to fit any style you want showcased. Have pillars, lights and flowers for a traditional wedding, or keep it very industrialized for a modern wedding for instance.

Hire a Great Wedding Photography

Part of capturing the mood of your wedding day is in hiring a great photographer. Make sure to check out a photographer’s portfolio to get a feel for their experience. Make sure there are photos similar to what you want.

Photographers can earn rewards as well. If you hire a photographer who has won multiple awards, you know they must be great. Make sure to ask about this when interviewing potential photographers.

It is important to have a photographer you can build a relationship with and trust as well. You want to be able to depend on this person throughout your wedding day. They will be there from beginning to end.

Make sure to read online reviews before saying yes as well. You can learn a lot of information from others’ experiences. Make sure to take any information you read into consideration.

When you finally hire a photographer. make sure they capture the essence of New York City. Have pictures of the taxis, the skyline or the skyscrapers in your photography. Use classic New York City themes as part of the backdrop of portraits to capture your destination wedding perfectly.

Make Time for Sunset Photos

You should make sure you have ample time for sunset photos as well. Make sure to specifically ask your photographer about this. Even if you have an afternoon wedding, your reception will probably last until at least sunset.

A sunset in New York City will be especially beautiful if you have a waterfront or rooftop venue. Make sure to set aside free time with your photographer to capture photos in the sunset. You will not regret spending a few minutes with your spouse capturing the sunset by photograph.

Allow Free Time for Your Guests to Explore New York

Part of a destination wedding is making sure that you and your guests get to experience the destination. Make sure your guests have time to explore New York City. You could even set up time for group activities throughout the week prior to your wedding. Make sure to save time to see Central Park, museums, the Empire State Building and more.

One unique way to experience New York City with your guests is to get a double decker bus. You can even hire a double decker bus for a private tour. Consider a double decker bus also to take guests to the reception venue to get a view of the skyline and the city when riding to your wedding reception.

One last great option for guests is to plan a rooftop brunch. Make it a private event between you, your spouse and your loved ones, or invite all of your guests. The choice is completely yours! This is a great way to show appreciation to those who came all the way to New York City just to be there for you on the day of your wedding.

Final Thoughts

If you live in Charlotte, planning a destination wedding can be extremely exciting. It can be even more exciting if the destination you are planning for is New York City. Be sure to start planning as soon as possible in order to get the venues and the locations you want for your most special day.

When your locations have been booked, make sure to hire a photographer who can capture the beauty of your special day and your location. Make sure to also prepare special activities and fun for your guests. Your wedding will truly be a day to remember when planning for the destination of New York City.

Charlotte Planning 2.23 Mile Runs Today In Memory of Ahmaud Arbery #irunwithmaud

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Charlotte Planning 2.23 Mile Runs Today In Memory of Ahmaud Arbery #irunwithmaud

Earlier this year on 2/23, a 25-year-old unarmed black man was chased down, shot, and killed by while jogging in his Brunswick, GA neighborhood (Gregory McMichael and his son Travis have now been arrested for murder).

His name was Ahmaud Arbery and a publicly released video of his tragic death has sparked outrage around the world.

 

Today, supporters across the country and around the world are planning a run dedicated to Arbery – today would have been his 26th birthday. Yesterday the #IRunwithAhmaud hashtag went trending as people shared plans to run 2.23 miles in Arbery’s honor. The distance signifies the date he was killed, February 23.

Here in Charlotte there is a city-wide (socially distanced) run/walk scheduled for this morning in Uptown Charlotte.

If you don’t decide to join the community run/walk in Charlotte, you can share your own run/walk on social media and use the hashtag #irunwithmaud to show your support.

Please help spread the word. 

North Carolina Retailers Prepare to Reopen their Doors for Safe Shopping

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North Carolina Retailers Prepare to Reopen their Doors for Safe Shopping

The North Carolina Retail Merchants Association (NCRMA) today announced it is encouraging customers to “shop smart” as retailers look forward to reopening their doors. Phase 1 of Governor Roy Cooper’s reopening plan allows previously shuttered retailers, such as department stores, jewelry stores and boutiques to reopen beginning at 5:00 pm on Friday, May 8, 2020. The primary concern for all retailers continues to be the health and safety of their employees and their customers, and since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, retailers have made wide-ranging changes in their operations with that concern in mind.

“Many of North Carolina’s brick and mortar retailers have been hit hard by extended store closures,” said Andy Ellen, president and general counsel for NCRMA. “It’s our hope that consumers will be ready to support these businesses who have supported their communities through sponsorships of little league teams, booster clubs, civic organizations and also stepping in with product donations in times of need.”

To keep employees and customers safe as businesses reopen, retailers will continue to implement safety measures. NCRMA urges consumers to help retailers and their fellow shoppers by shopping smart and specifically remembering the “Three Ws”: Wear a cloth face covering, Wait six feet apart to avoid close contact and Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer. Additionally, NCRMA encourages consumers to thank retail employees working to keep shelves stocked and stores clean for the benefit and safety of their customers.

“North Carolina retailers aren’t just the backbone of local economies – they’re the first ones to step up in times of need,” said Ellen. “The ability of these retailers to rebound from this pandemic will benefit everyone, so we encourage residents to shop NC and shop smart as we support these vital businesses.”

Consumers can get more information on how to shop smart as retailers reopen at www.ncrma.org/shopsmart. Retailers can access signs and other guidance at www.ncrma.org/coronavirus or email Andy Ellen at andye@ncrma.org.

Charlotte’s Discovery Place to Host Unique Streaming Science Event May 11

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Charlotte’s Discovery Place to Host Unique Streaming Science Event May 11

On Monday, May 11, join Discovery Place Science (@discoveryplacescience) on Instagram Live at 7 p.m. as we talk with engineer extraordinaire Avery Bang about her passion for building bridges in poverty-stricken areas of the world.

Bang is president and CEO of Bridges to Prosperity, a nonprofit that connects isolated communities to markets, hospitals and schools by building footbridges over impassable rivers. Her work was featured in the 2017 film, Dream Big, and those who tune in to the Streaming Science event are encouraged to first watch the film. It is available free for Netflix subscribers and to rent on Vimeo.

Bang’s foray into bridge building began when, as a young girl, she took a keen interest in engineering – namely through building with LEGO bricks. From there, she pursued degrees in civil engineering and studio art at the University of Iowa, and later completed a graduate degree in geotechnical engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. Later, she completed her MBA at the University of Oxford in England.

Bang has helped Bridges to Prosperity grow from a grassroots effort into a $5 million per year operation. Over the past 17 years, the organization has built more than 250 footbridges and served nearly a million people around the world.

Bang is also committed to inspiring young students to pursue careers in engineering. Join her for an inspiring conversation May 11 at 7 p.m.

Carolina Panthers Just Announced Their 2020 Schedule – Tickets Now Available

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Carolina Panthers Just Announced Their 2020 Schedule – Tickets Now Available

The Carolina Panthers have just released their official 2020 schedule, with a home game kicking off the season for the second year in a row.

The team will be facing off against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 13th to start the season and they’ll be ending the season with a home game against the New Orleans Saints.

They will play a total of 8 home games and 8 away games during the regular season.

Tickets are now available here on TicketMaster.com and locally at the Bank of America Stadium box office.

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