World’s Toughest Rodeo Coming to North Carolina Next Month

Charlotte Stories
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World’s Toughest Rodeo Coming to North Carolina Next Month

In one month, the CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo storms the LVJM Coliseum in Winston-Salem, N.C. on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21, 2020 (pre-show begins at 6 p.m., show begins at 7:30 p.m.).

A must-see show that is bigger and better than ever, fans can expect the absolute best in cowboy and animal athletes competing to be the “Toughest in the World,” sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Those competing in the CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo are proud to be PRORODEO.

Much more than an eight-second ride, this action-packed event will qualify winners to ride in the $2 million American Rodeo in Dallas, as well as the ultimate opportunity to compete at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas for the title of World Champion. Featuring three fan-favorite events including Bareback Riding, Saddle Bronc Riding, and – the most extreme sport – Bull Riding, twelve contestants will compete for the ultimate chance to come back for the winner-takes-all showdown round. This year’s event will also feature some of the nation’s fastest cowgirls on their very own animal athletes competing against the clock in the Women’s Barrel Racing, and talented specialty entertainers including trick horse extraordinaire Mr. Bojangles, who survived Hurricane Katrina and was rescued by animal trainer and entertainer Jerry Thornton.

Pre-show activities:

The doors open early from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. both nights for a unique pre-show experience (FREE with a ticket) for fans as they get their rodeo on in the Cowboy FunZone. Fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet the cowboys, cowgirls and specialty entertainers, get autographs and have special photo opportunities. The pre-show also includes pony rides, behind the scenes opportunities, giveaways, and much more including the chance for fans to sit on a LIVE bull in the chutes and get actual proof with a picture!

TIME AND TICKETS:  

Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are family priced starting at just $20 with additional options including The Gold Buckle Package, featuring best seats, rodeo rally rag, a free program and early access to the Pre-show with a meet and greet only for VIP’s. Kids are ½ price every day (excluding P1).

Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com  or the arena box office.

This Charlotte Repair Shop Built A 700HP Flame-Throwing Mercedes (Video)

Steve
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This Charlotte Repair Shop Built A 700HP Flame-Throwing Mercedes (Video)

The Eurowise shop in South Charlotte has been known to create some insane road machines, but they may have outdone themselves with one of the craziest SUVs you’ll ever see.

They took a stock Mercedes G63 AMG (MSRP of $140k) and totally tricked out the engine, suspension, paint, lights, interior, and perhaps most impressively, they added a flame-throwing exhaust;

Would you drive it?

U.S. Department of Labor Fining Charlotte’s Time Warner Cable $745,000 For Hiring Discrimination

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U.S. Department of Labor Fining Charlotte’s Time Warner Cable $745,000 For Hiring Discrimination

After a routine compliance evaluation by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP), Time Warner Cable LCC – a large telecommunications company – and the department have entered into an early resolution conciliation agreement. As a result, the company will pay $745,000 in back wages and interest to resolve hiring discrimination violations found at three company facilities. Time Warner Cable did not admit any wrongdoing.

OFCCP’s preliminary findings showed Time Warner Cable discriminated against African Americans and women applying for sales representative, direct sales trainee and inbound telesales positions. The alleged practices occurred at the Time Warner facilities in Charlotte and Morrisville, North Carolina and West Columbia, South Carolina.

“This agreement ensures Time Warner Cable takes action to remedy discrimination, and proactively adopts practices that prevent it from happening again at any of its facilities,” said Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Southeast Regional Director Sam Maiden, in Atlanta, Georgia.

“OFCCP is satisfied that Time Warner Cable will pursue an early resolution conciliation agreement, and proactively address hiring and compensation equity nationwide,” said Director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs Craig E. Leen. “OFCCP’s Early Resolution Procedures program helps ensure prompter and broader relief for America’s workforce by allowing contractors facing a potential violation to proactively correct such violations and enact best practices to ensure future companywide compliance.”

In November 2018, OFCCP launched an effort to resolve supply and service compliance evaluations at the earliest stage possible with corporate-wide compliance and issued a directive establishing early resolution procedures. Time Warner Cable is one of the first federal contractors to volunteer for the program.

If you think you may be one of the applicants eligible for back pay or job opportunities from this settlement, or may know someone who is, please visit the OFCCP Class Member Locator for information about this, and other OFCCP settlements.

In addition to Executive Order 11246, OFCCP enforces Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. These laws, as amended, make it illegal for contractors and subcontractors doing business with the federal government to discriminate in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. In addition, contractors and subcontractors are prohibited from discriminating against applicants or employees because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their compensation or the compensation of others subject to certain limitations. For more information, please call OFCCP’s toll-free helpline at 800-397-6251 or visit https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/.

Charlotte’s Northwest School of the Arts Selected To Perform At International Thespian Festival

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte’s Northwest School of the Arts Selected To Perform At International Thespian Festival

The Northwest School of the Arts cast, and crew will present their production of A Chorus Line at festival in Indiana once the school secures the $65,000 needed to attend The International Thespian Festival.

Northwest School of the Arts is one of eleven schools to have been invited to perform on the main stage at the nation’s leading high school theatre festival. The International Thespian Festival, (ITF) produced by the Educational Theatre Association (EdTA), celebrates student achievement in the performing arts. It’s expected that more than 5,000 high school drama students and their teachers will come together for a weeklong immersion in workshops; interaction with colleges, industry leaders, and Broadway professionals; and opportunities to be inspired by the best high school theatre in the nation. The 57th event this year takes place June 22-27 on the campus of Indiana University in Bloomington.

Northwest School of the Arts has embarked on a quest to raise funds required to make the trip, and has produced a short video appeal:

“Our Northwest School of the Arts Thespian group #5634 are passionate about our program and motivated to move mountains,” said Melody Sears, Principal. “They don’t let obstacles get in their way, but instead they simply see it as a challenge to overcome. This is their dream, and they will not let anything stand between them and achieving this dream.”

This current production of A Chorus Line is directed by Tony Award winner Corey Mitchell. In 2013, Corey Mitchell won the first Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre Education and directed Northwest School of the Arts’ production of “The Color Purple,” which was also invited to the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska. That trip to the International Thespian Festival was the subject of the documentary “Purple Dreams,” about the process of producing a musical version of “The Color Purple,” which was submitted to the Sundance Film Festival.

Northwest School of the Arts is recognized internationally and is the only public arts magnet school serving Mecklenburg County students grades 6 through 12. The school’s unique educational approach combines elements of creativity, art, and technical prowess with a strong academic foundation. The history and prestige that comes with Visual and Performing Arts means something different to everyone – that’s why students have multiple ways to launch into a professional career down the path they choose in Band, Chorus, Costumes Design, Dance, Musical Theatre, Orchestra, Piano, Theatre, Technical Theatre, and Visual Arts.

North Carolina’s First Indoor Skydiving Facility Located In Charlotte

Steve
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North Carolina’s First Indoor Skydiving Facility Located In Charlotte

Great news for skydiving enthusiasts and thrill seekers!

North Carolina’s first indoor skydiving facility is in the Concord Mills area. The $10 million, 6,000 square foot facility is located at 7840 Lyles Lane NW in Concord.

It features a giant wind tunnel and allows for both beginner experiences and advanced training.

According to Sky Group Investments, the new facility is projected to bring in about 50,000 visitors annually, attracting skydiving enthusiasts from across the southeast.

 

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Pricing ranges from $70 (single flights) to $300 (for up to 5 people) – that’s about 1/3 the cost of what Piedmont Skydiving charges for a tandem jump.

For more info you can visit iflyworld.com/charlotte

Have you ever tried ‘indoor skydiving’ before?

How Envy Empties Your Pockets

Robin Mann
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How Envy Empties Your Pockets

Whoever said money couldn’t buy happiness was mistaken. 

Yes, we just said you could use money to purchase joy. The only problem is it doesn’t last when you buy it. It only lasts when it’s earned. Even worse, pursuit of happiness in this fashion has the potential to keep you broke.

And, nowhere is this more possible than when people get caught up in “keeping up with the Joneses.” Having trouble seeing it? 

Well, here’s how envy empties your pockets.

Causes Irrational Spending

OK, so you’re sitting a traffic signal in your perfectly adequate five-year-old paid-for Honda Civic. The sun is out, good music is on your audio system and it’s a wonderful day.  

Until your high-school nemesis pulls up in a brand-new BMW convertible. 

Suddenly your music sounds a bit less clear. The sun isn’t shining so brightly and your day just went to scat. Determined never to experience that feeling again, you go straight to a Mercedes dealer and lease a brand-new convertible of your own. 

You know you can afford it, so that’s not a problem. 

However, you didn’t really want a Benz — you just wanted the envy to go away. 

Drives You into Debt

You’ve got to love HGTV. That channel seems to sell more homes and redecoration projects than anything that ever came before it. You’re chilling in front of your TV mindlessly flipping through the channels when on the screen appears the most gorgeous fireplace you’ve ever seen in your life. 

Before this, you were completely happy with the way your home looked. Now you’re starting to think it’s a bit behind the times. So you go to the bank, take on a home equity line of credit and redecorate the house. 

Your pad looks great now — and you have a new bill to deal with every month. 

Makes You Pay More Than You Should

Ok, so you’ve scrimped and saved and put away enough cash to spend a week on Waikiki beach without using credit cards. You tell some friends about your upcoming trip, feeling great that you’re about to get away from it all without incurring debt. 

They show you pictures of their trip and it’s immediately apparent they stayed in a nicer hotel than you’ve just booked. They also rented a Ferrari for a day to cruise around the island and took a helicopter tour the day after that. They went to luaus, chartered a catamaran for a dinner cruise and spent a couple of days on Maui too. 

Suddenly, your week of chilling on the beach and exploring Honolulu on foot seems less exciting. So, you whip out your charge card and set about making your experience measure up to theirs. Suddenly, your debt-free trip to Hawaii just became three years of monthly payments.

Here’s the Thing About Debt

Operating out of envy is like trying to pass every car on the freeway. 

Regardless of how fast you go, there’s always going to be somebody who started out before you did, got on the freeway up ahead of you, or simply has a faster car. As many Freedom Debt Relief reviews demonstrate, far too many people have learned how envy empties your pockets the hard way. 

However, if you read between the lines, you’ll find the people you envy so much actually envy people who have even more — and they are often in debt up to their nostrils trying to keep up. 

In other words, everything you see isn’t always what it appears to be. Rather than focusing your attention outward, trying to imitate what appears to be the reality of others, focus inward on your own reality. 

The only person on this earth you ever need to impress is you. 

 

Schools Closing and Milk and Bread Scarce Ahead of Charlotte-Area Snowstorm

Charlotte Stories
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Schools Closing and Milk and Bread Scarce Ahead of Charlotte-Area Snowstorm

The Charlotte region is now bracing for what could become the largest snowstorm of the season.

As many stores see a depletion of their milk and bread, Charlotte airlines are now issuing travel alert, and several school systems have already shut down.

The National Weather Service is now predicting over 3 inches of snow accumulation in some parts of Gaston and Lincoln Counties and over an inch in some parts of Charlotte:

Catawba County Schools, Hickory Public Schools, and Avery County Schools have already announced they will be closed on Thursday, Feb. 20, due to the snowstorm. Iredell-Statesville Schools will be operating an early release schedule, beginning with elementary students at 11 am, and Caldwell County Schools will release 3 hours early.

CMS released a statement about the snowstorm, saying:

“CMS will dismiss three hours early today due to the threat of severe weather and the potential of dangerous road conditions. All after-school activities, including athletics, ASEP, field trips and community use of schools are cancelled.”

In addition to the snow, the National Weather Service is also warning residents around the Charlotte region about the danger of black ice that will begin to develop Thursday evening:

“Widespread black ice will likely develop
Thursday night through Friday morning as temperatures fall into the teens and 20s behind the storm.

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

Please report snow and ice accumulations by calling the National
Weather Service toll free at 1 800 267 8101. Leave a
message with your observation and the specific location where it
occurred. You can also post your report to National Weather
Service Greenville Spartanburg Facebook or tweet your report
using hashtag nwsgsp.”

Friday morning, we’ll see real temperatures around 25 degrees and the wind chill expected to dip below 20.

If you moved here from Ohio or New York (like myself), you may be rolling your eyes, but if you’re from Florida or California, you might need to make some changes to prepare for the coming winter temperatures.

To prepare your car, top off all your fluids, especially your oil, power steering fluid, and antifreeze. You’ll also want to check your tires and make sure your air pressure is over 32 PSI.

To prepare your home, make sure to drain all fountains and exterior water fixtures. Always let at least one of your faucets drip to avoid freezing pipes. Consider buying a humidifier if you’re sensitive to dry air. If you have an older home with older windows, investing in some shrink film insulation will save you a ton on your heating bill.

To prepare yourself, buy some thermal gloves, a warm hat, and a winter jacket. If you’re going to spend any length of time outside, you may even want to consider buying an electric heating jacket.

If you have a pet – make sure to read our article about how to keep your furry friend warm!

North Carolina Ranked As Having The 2nd Best State Capitol In America For 2020

Charlotte Stories
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North Carolina Ranked As Having The 2nd Best State Capitol In America For 2020

Some state capitals rank amongst the richest metro areas in the U.S., but not all of them offer the best quality of life. To take a closer look at this issue, the personal-finance website WalletHub today released its report on 2020’s Best State Capitals to Live in.

To identify the most livable seats of state government, WalletHub compared all 50 state capitals across 49 key metrics, ranging from cost of living to K–12 school-system quality to number of attractions.

North Carolina’s capitol was ranked #2 in the nation, just 1 spot behind Austin, Texas;

2020’s Best State Capitals

Overall Rank
(1=Best)		 City State Capital Index ‘Affordability’ Rank ‘Economic Well-Being’ Rank ‘Quality of Education & Health’ Rank ‘Quality of Life’ Rank
1 Austin, TX 67.61 12 1 3 4
2 Raleigh, NC 63.72 3 3 5 19
3 Madison, WI 62.14 17 10 2 8
4 Denver, CO 60.25 37 2 10 3
5 Lincoln, NE 59.97 10 19 7 23
6 Columbus, OH 59.24 14 18 21 10
7 Atlanta, GA 59.12 34 12 8 5
8 Salt Lake City, UT 58.89 31 7 12 6
9 Concord, NH 58.73 8 11 32 17
10 Oklahoma City, OK 58.65 2 14 35 14
11 Boise, ID 58.55 15 6 9 28
12 Bismarck, ND 58.31 1 16 20 36
13 Des Moines, IA 56.56 5 22 18 32
14 Nashville, TN 56.26 22 4 28 15
15 Montpelier, VT 56.12 26 31 1 27
16 Phoenix, AZ 55.16 25 9 27 21
17 Olympia, WA 54.26 32 24 11 24
18 Boston, MA 54.09 49 5 4 1
19 St. Paul, MN 53.80 36 25 15 13
20 Annapolis, MD 53.66 23 33 17 18
21 Helena, MT 53.61 20 17 13 37
22 Santa Fe, NM 53.46 33 20 24 22
23 Pierre, SD 53.09 9 37 31 33
24 Sacramento, CA 53.05 46 15 22 9
25 Springfield, IL 52.99 4 34 25 42
26 Cheyenne, WY 51.92 7 21 41 43
27 Albany, NY 51.61 44 38 14 11
28 Columbia, SC 50.97 29 45 26 16
29 Frankfort, KY 50.89 11 28 47 35
30 Honolulu, HI 50.63 50 8 6 2
31 Tallahassee, FL 50.54 43 30 16 25
32 Lansing, MI 50.39 16 29 36 34
33 Salem, OR 50.32 41 13 29 29
34 Jefferson City, MO 49.87 6 43 44 41
35 Richmond, VA 49.87 39 36 43 7
36 Juneau and, AK 49.67 24 23 30 39
37 Indianapolis, IN 48.17 27 35 40 30
38 Topeka, KS 47.88 13 40 42 45
39 Harrisburg, PA 47.87 28 44 48 20
40 Augusta, ME 46.29 40 41 19 40
41 Dover, DE 46.01 35 26 34 47
42 Providence, RI 45.43 47 32 33 12
43 Little Rock, AR 44.80 18 42 37 50
44 Jackson, MS 44.29 21 47 38 46
45 Montgomery, AL 43.80 19 48 45 44
46 Hartford, CT 42.83 48 39 23 26
47 Baton Rouge, LA 42.15 42 46 49 31
48 Carson City, NV 42.13 38 27 50 49
49 Charleston, WV 40.65 30 50 46 48
50 Trenton, NJ 40.40 45 49 39 38

Do you agree with the ranking?

Charlotte Roller Derby Kicks Off Their 14th Season in The Queen City Next Week

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte Roller Derby Kicks Off Their 14th Season in The Queen City Next Week

The Charlotte Roller Derby will kick off their 2020 season on next Saturday (Feb 29th) at the Grady Cole Center. The Charlotte All-Stars will face off against the Greenboro Roller Derby at 5:00 pm.

Tickets are now available at the Charlotte Roller Derby website (http://charlotterollerderby.org/tickets/) or at The Common Market: $10 for adults and $5 for children (6-12 years, kids under six are free). Fans can also purchase tickets the evening of the bout at the Grady Cole box office: $12 for adults and $7 for children. The Grady Cole Center box office and parking attendants only accept cash.

To get a full year of derby action (six home bouts), season passes give the purchaser VIP status, which includes reserved seating, lanyard and other Charlotte Roller Derby merchandise. Adult season passes are $46.38 (plus tax and online fees) and children’s are $23.19 (plus tax and online fees).

The league also offers birthday packages for children. The package includes one kids’ ticket, one free Chuck-a-Duck, autographed program, photo opportunity with skaters, birthday balloon, shout-out announcement and an opportunity to be the celebrity whistleblower.

Charlotte Roller Derby is currently ranked 172 in the world by Women’s Flat Track Roller Derby Association.

Top 5 Shooting Ranges in The Charlotte Area

Steve
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Top 5 Shooting Ranges in The Charlotte Area

The Carolinas is one of the biggest regions for hunting and shooting sports and Charlotte is certainly no exception.

Although we may not have the largest selection of skeet-shoot ranges and hunting clubs due to the fact that we’re a major city, we do have one of the South East’s largest selections of indoor ranges.

Based on online reviews, shooter feedback, and personal experience, these are the top 5 ranges in the Charlotte area (also check out these rifle scope reviews if you’re considering an upgrade);

#5 Shooter Express

Belmont’s Shooters Express is a casual range with a wide selection of rentable firearms – and Tuesday is Lady’s Day when ladies can shoot for free all day. Find out more information on their website here.

#currentsituation

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#4 Carolina Sporting Arms

Carolina Sporting Arms contains both a fairly large gun store and a modern shooting range. They charge $20 per day for range time, and $20 per day for firearm rental (use any of their guns for one price – ammo is separate, but we recommend 6.5 Grendel or .308 for shooting).

They are the only range in the Charlotte region that’s been given a 5-star rating by the NSSF (National Shooting Sports Foundation). Find out more information on their website here.

Much needed stress reliever with my favorite peeps

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#3 Point Blank

Point Blank charge $20 for an entire day of range time. They have 2 locations in the Charlotte location, one in Mooresville, and a bigger one in Matthews, with 20 climate-controlled lanes spread across 3 separate bays for pistol, rifle and shotgun use. Find out more information on their website here.

 

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#2 The Range at Ballantyne

The Range at Ballantyne has an even better deal at $19 per day, and they have a complete TI Systems simulator for running through shooter scenarios. Check out more information on their website here.

#1 Blackstone

Blackstone Shooting Sports is the largest indoor shooting ranges in the Carolinas and they offer the widest variety of activities, resources, and equipment of any gun range in the Charlotte area. The range features 27 standard shooting lanes and 9 tactical training bays. They also feature a ton of unique training seminars, social gatherings, and specials on a regular basis. Check out more information on their website here.

Bonus:

If you don’t mind driving a little further, the recently built Foothills Shooting Complex in Cleveland County is the largest shooting range in the Southeast, and one of the largest in America.

The entire complex includes three 50-yard pistol ranges, two skeet/trap and pistol ranges, a 250-yard rifle range, a 3-D archery range, training classrooms, armory, visitors center, and gift shop.

What’s your favorite shooting range in the Charlotte area?

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