Monthly Archives: September 2022

By Matt Talhelm, WRAL reporter

A struggle to hire construction workers is delaying and driving up the cost of building projects in the Triangle. A new survey from the Associated General Contractors of America says of general contractors in the state, 100% of them are having trouble filling positions.

The survey says the shortage threatens the progress on billions of dollars worth of new infrastructure projects.

"We've got probably, 22, 23 projects going on right now, and there's not a single one of them where us, or our subcontractors, don't wish we had more people, said Charlie Wilson, the president of C.T. Wilson Construction Company, which was founded in 1952 by his grandfather.

Ryan O'Keefe started with C.T. Wilson Construction Company sweeping floors and doing demolition. He's now a superintendent managing projects and crews. The shortage of workers is getting in the way of O'Keefe adding to his headcount under hard hats.

"It's pretty much across the board, all the trades plumbing, electrical, mechanical, sprinkler, carpentry, sheet rock, all that," said O'Keefe.

The AGCA's survey points to a lack of skilled labor as the biggest problem filling positions.

"The reality is that there are too many open positions and not enough people to fill them," said Betsy Bailey, who represents the statewide association of contractors.

Bailey said contractors have more work than they can take on, especially in the Triangle.

"Youve got a lot of public investment, and thats spurring a lot of private investment, a lot of growth in the state, so there are just a ton of projects out there right now," she said.

More projects are in the works with an influx of funding for infrastructure upgrades to roads, bridges, broadband and public buildings.

"I don't think they'll be impossible," said Wilson. "They'll definitely probably cost more and take longer to do."

Wilson said his company has raised wages and is offering bonuses to try to recruit workers.

"There's a lot of other industries competing against us for employees," he said.

O'Keefe said he moves his crews around as he can to keep projects on pace.

"We just try to get creative to still meet the deadline with the shortage of help," said O'Keefe.

The trade association here is getting ready to launch a Construction Bootcamp at a dozen or more community colleges across the state. Students will graduate from the free, eight-week program with two construction certifications to start work immediately to help fill some of these positions.

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Worker shortage is driving up construction costs in the Triangle - WRAL News

Image via Netflix

It was the slap heard (and watched) round the world, and Chris Rock is still getting mileage out of it.

During a European comedy tour, Rock brought up the incident in which Will Smith slapped the comedian on national television. During a show in Liverpool, England, he asked the audience, as reported by Deadline, Did that sh*t hurt? Goddamn rightThe motherf*cker hit me over a bullsh*t joke, the nicest joke I ever told.

This years Academy Awards have gone down in infamy for Smiths bad decision. On a night when he should have been celebrated for finally taking home the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role for his work in King Richard, all anyone talks about is The Slap. At the awards show in March, Rock, the host of the 94th Oscars, made a joke at the expense of Smiths wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who suffers from the skin condition alopecia. Smith seemed to initially laugh at the joke before charging the stage to slap the comedian. After returning to his seat, Smith yelled obscenities at Rock, all on national television.

Smith has since apologized for his behavior and resigned from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, but its apparently still too soon for most fans. For the time being, hes remained relatively quiet. But, of course, this is Hollywood, and itll all be forgotten when the Fresh Prince has his next blockbuster hit.

Meanwhile, Rock is still talking about his awkward Oscars moment. In May, an audience member tackled Dave Chappelle on stage during his set at the Hollywood Bowl for the Netflix Is a Joke Fest. Rock took to the stage in the aftermath and quipped to the audience, Was that Will Smith?

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Chris Rock Says Will Smith Oscars Slap Followed His 'Nicest' Joke - We Got This Covered

Smoko originally blew up when a local surf shop posted it on its Facebook page. By the time the video surpassed a half a million views, the Chats were being profiled on the local news. Soon after, they started touring the world. Its just a constant pinching-yourself moment, Sandwith says. How do these people know about us? Let alone like us enough to come watch us?

And all this for a band that is almost calculatingly insular. The band name came from a term drummer Matt Boggis picked up in Sydney. All of a sudden, he was like, thats chat, this is chat. We were like, What the fuck does that mean? Boggis explains, Its just something you say when somethings really shit. So they named themselves the Chats. Then they kept pumping out songs informed by the particular world view of their friend group. Their latest single, Ive Been Drunk in Every Pub in Brisbane, spends a good chunk of its 97-second run time naming said bars. It was almost an in-joke, Sandwith says, to use all manner of vernacular that only certain people from our area would understand. Not even Australian people! Just people from our town.

When touring abroad, particularly in the US, Sandwith says, theres a bit of weird tokenism. People are very much like, Oh, can you say Gday? I guess Australia is almost a mythical place they imagined. What differentiates the Chats in particular is that theyre a rare media representation for the Sunshine Coast, or Sunny Coast, in the northern state of Queensland. Queensland in general is seen as more of a redneck kind of place, especially to people from the southern states, Sandwith explains. But to me, its just like, a place. And its their eternal muse. The more insular they go, the more the world loves it. Its just our world. Its what we see and what we do. I mean, it wouldnt make heaps of sense for us to write a song about fucking Paris or something.

When Smoko first started doing numbers, Sandwith didnt get carried away. I remember thinking, I know how the internet works! Somethings cool for a bit and then its like pffffft. Everyone could just go back to not giving a fuck about us next week. But here they are, five years later. I didnt think it would stand the test of time, where people would still care about us, he says. But they still do!

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This Band Made a $3.44 Music Video. Then They Went Viral - WIRED

There's some rivalry action on tap for this weekend.

Lompoc and Cabrillo are set to square off in the Big Game and Arroyo Grande and San Luis Obispo meet in their big SLO County throwdown.

That means it's the perfect time to make some predictions.

Lompoc (2-0) at Cabrillo (2-0)

The last time the Big Game had this much hype was in 2011. Then Cabrillo and Lompoc actually played twice, with Lompoc beating Cabrillo in the regular season finale and then 21-0 in the CIF Southern Section Northwest Division title game.

A lot has changed since then. Cabrillo and Lompoc are now in the CIF Central Section and a part of the Central Coast Athletic Association.

Cabrillo last started 2-0 in the 2014 season under then coach Don Willis. Cabrillo also started the 2011 season with a 2-0 record.

Lompoc coach Andrew Jones has never lost to Cabrillo since taking over the head coaching job in 2010. Is this the year Cabrillo can knock off the Braves? I don't see it happening.

Cabrillo is clearly much improved this year, but Lompoc is Lompoc. The Braves have beaten the Conqs 17 of the last 19 times. Too much speed, too much talent and Lompoc is too well coached.

Cabrillo, though, can turn its focus to Ocean League play where the Conqs should be much more competitive.

The Pick: Lompoc 42, Cabrillo 6.

Righetti (0-2) at Pioneer Valley (0-2)

The Warriors haven't won yet, but they've played two of the top teams in Santa Barbara County, with losses to Bishop Diego and Santa Barbara.

The Panthers lost to Bakersfield Independence 7-0 in their opener and then were blasted by Lompoc 54-7 last week.

Pioneer Valley just doesn't have the offense to keep up with Righetti. People tend to look at Righetti's record, but remember the Warriors play tough teams, whether its in league or non-league.

Righetti has too much firepower on offense and just too much talent all over the field.

The Pick: Righetti 42, Pioneer Valley 8

Arroyo Grande (0-2) at San Luis Obispo (2-0)

This rivalry is a lot like the Big Game. After not being very competitive over the last 20 years, there's some intrigue in this one. Arroyo Grande has beaten SLO 14 of the past 18 times the teams have played.

This time, though, the once underdogs are now the favorites. San Luis Obispo should win this game. The Eagles did beat the Tigers 42-14 a year ago, but SLO has played well this year while Arroyo Grande has struggled. It should be close, but the Tigers are the pick. They've beaten Nipomo and Caruthers, two middling programs, but SLO has confidence and momentum on its side.

The Pick: SLO 35, Arroyo Grande 27.

Morro Bay (1-1) at Santa Ynez (1-0)

The Battle of the Pirates is back! Santa Ynez looked great in its 35-0 win over Atascadero in the opening week of the season and was off last week. Morro Bay lost to San Marcos and then beat Carpinteria 41-7 last year. Carp went 0-10 a year ago.

Santa Ynez should cruise in this one, though Morro Bay isn't a team to sleep on. They did win the CIF Central Section Division 6 title a year ago and Nicky Johnson can sling the rock all over the field. One thing is for sure: The Pirates will win this game.

The Pick: Santa Ynez 42, Morro Bay 20.

East Bakersfield (0-2) at Templeton (0-1)

Templeton started the season with a bye and then lost to Coalinga 39-15 on Friday. East lost to Santa Maria 24-22 and to Bakersfield Golden Valley 28-7.

This one could be close.

The pick: Templeton 29, East 22.

Paso Robles (0-1) at Atascadero (0-2)

This used to be THE SLO County rivalry. It'll probably get to that level in the future, but it's not there now.

Paso Robles has gone 12-6 against Atascadero over the last 18 years. Atascadero lost to Santa Ynez 35-0 in its opener and was beat by North Bakersfield 37-14 in its second game.

Paso Robles was smacked by Kingsburg 35-0. Kingsburg is really good. Paso Robles is just in another league from Atascadero. Literally. Paso is up in the Mountain and Atasadero is down in the Ocean.

Look for Leo Kemp to have a big night running the ball for Paso. Atascadero has some pieces, but the Hounds aren't quite there yet.

The Pick: Paso Robles 44, Atascadero 18.

McLane (1-1) at Mission Prep (0-1)

McLane has a 20-14 win over Mendota this year and was beaten 14-6 by Porterville.

Mission Prep was beaten by a decent Bakersfield Christian squad. Mission Prep just has too much talent for McLane.

The Pick: Mission Prep 39, McLane 9.

Saturday

Nipomo (0-2) at Santa Maria (1-1)

This is a tough one. The Saints looked pretty solid in their opener beating East Bakersfield 24-22 and then was beat handily by San Marcos. Now they get 0-2 Nipomo, which hasn't had a good start to the season, falling 35-0 to SLO and 13-6 to Cabrillo.

If the Saints have made any progress over the past 12 months, they should beat a team like Nipomo. (This game has been moved to Saturday night at 7 p.m. due to an officials shortage).

The Pick:Santa Maria 24, Nipomo 10.

8-man

Orcutt Academy (0-1) at Valley Christian Academy (0-0)

There's some great 8-man action on tap Saturday. The Spartans were too big and too strong for the Lions a few years ago and the teams hadn't played each other. The matchup now figures to be much more competitive. VCA has a lot of returners with QB Sean Swain and do-everything standout Jacob Sanders. I'll go with the Lions. Expect lots of points.

The Pick: VCA 66, Orcutt Academy 50.

Continued here:

The Predictions: Can Cabrillo keep up with Lompoc in the Big Game? - Santa Ynez Valley News

Franz Ferdinand is a rock band. Franz Ferdinand is a pop band. Franz Ferdinand is a dance band.

Formed in 2002 in Glasgow, Scotland, Franz Ferdinand across five studio albums also has been labeled as indie rock, post-punk revival, dance-punk, dance-rock, and art rock, all of which may be partially correct. The pop-rock-dance tag seems like the best fit, however, exhibited by the success of Take Me Out in 2004 and Do You Want To in 2005 in the United States.

Franz Ferdinand presently consists of two founding members, vocalist/guitarist Alex Kapranos and bassist Bob Hardy, along with keyboardist Julian Corrie, rhythm guitarist Dino Bardot, and drummer Audrey Tait. The bands newest product is a greatest hits package,Hits to the Head, released on March 11. The album collected many of the bands better-known songs, and included two new songs which the band released in advance of the album in 2021.

With no new music since 2018, Franz Ferdinand performed the concert that anyone would have expected a retrospective celebrating the bands 20 years. For the most part, the songs were slick, high-energy pop-rockers, given a stronger presence by Alex Kapranos effervescent showmanship. Kapranos wide-legged jumps repeatedly drew cheers from the audience.

Kapranos was in fine voice, and the well-rehearsed band played a tight support. Flourishes were added to some of the songs, including a slightly longer introduction to Take Me Out. The live setting made the adrenaline-pumping faster songs that much more dynamic.

Toward the end of the set, roadies brought a set of tom toms to the center of the stage. New drummer Audrey Tait moved forward to beat a rhythm. The other musicians joined her in playing percussion around the stage, even using her main drum kit. This lasted only a few moments, but gave another sparkle of flash to the concert.

Franz Ferdinand lit and maintained a spirit of enjoyment throughout its performance. The Hits to the Head tour was a rousing victory lap for a band whose new music output has diminished in recent years. It also was an opportunity for the fans to enjoy the bands catalog the way it is best appreciated live and loud.

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Franz Ferdinand at the Rooftop at Pier 17 / August 13, 2022 - Aquarian Weekly

Quarterback Russell Wilson of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field before a preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at Empower Field at Mile High on August 27, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images/AFP.

Can Russell Wilson lead the league in passing yards? Let's examine that and more with our top NFL quarterback bets for 2022.

The first game of the 2022 NFL season is officially one week away. Yes, life will be worth living again, and we'll also be able to enjoy our Sundays shortly after the Thursday night opener. Maybe I'm speaking for myself, but I'm sure you fall into this category too. Don't deny it.

With the season fast approaching, there's not much time left to make futures bets. Let's break down a few of the top quarterback futures plays for the 2022 NFL season (odds via DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, and Caesars Sportsbook).

This number is slightly over 350 yards fewer than what Carr finished with in 2021.

He now gets the offensive-minded Josh McDaniels as his head coach. McDaniels is adept at tailoring game plans around individual players. Carr will also be throwing to his former college teammate, Davante Adams. He's been the NFL's best receiver for the past two seasons while racking up nearly 3,000 yards and 29 touchdowns, and Adams has already built up chemistry with Carr.

The passer also works with other dynamic receiving weapons in Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow.

Another factor in Carr's favor here is playing in the AFC West.Each team boasts star quarterbacks and elite offensive weapons, and the Raiders will consistently be in shootouts.

Everything aligns perfectly for Carr to register a significant passing yards total again.

Check out the latest comprehensive and most trustedSportsbook Reviewsby SBR.

Mayfield only exceeded this total twice during his four years with the Cleveland Browns. He's now on a Carolina Panthers team that leans on defense.

The signal-caller will benefit from throwing to solid weapons in DJ Moore and Robbie Anderson. But we can assume he'll be checking down or handing it off to the lethal Christian McCaffrey often. Run CMC is the focal point of Carolina's offense, and head coach Matt Rhule will lean on him and the defense to do most of the work.

The Panthers will also face the 12th-hardest schedule in 2022, and a brutal stretch in October that includes the Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mayfield is a viable NFL starter, but he's nothing more than a game-manager. Don't expect him to be slinging the rock all over this season.

This will finally be the year we see Russ cook. Wilson now finds himself on a Denver Broncos team with exceptional receiving talents, and a head coach inNathaniel Hackett who will allow him to play freely offensively.

In Seattle, head coach Pete Carroll insisted on running the ball.Though the Broncos boast a solid running back duo in Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon, Hackett and offensive coordinator Justin Outten will let Wilson air it out.

Much like Carr, Wilson will be letting it fly in games against AFC West foes, and he'll be throwing to a fantastic receiving tandem in Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton. Sutton is an elite red-zone and outside target, and Jeudy is a top-tier option between the numbers. Third-year receiver and downfield threat KJ Hamler is poised to take the next step, too, creating even further problems through the air for opposing defenses.

The stars are finally aligning for Wilson to produce his best offensive season yet, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him lead the NFL in passing yards in 2022.

Here are ourtop-rated sportsbooks:

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Jordan Anderson is a Content Editor and Sports Betting Analyst at SportsbookReview.com. He's previously written at BettingPros and has spent most of his career in content marketing. Jordan's first love is hockey, and he covers the NHL, the NFL, and PGA. A long-time suffering Buffalo Bills fan, he is thoroughly enjoying the Bills' current wave of success before they ultimately break his heart again. Jordan holds a bachelor's degree in Sport Management from SUNY Cortland and a Master's in Integrated Marketing Communication from Marist College. You can find him watching sports and playing hockey and golf in his free time.

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Top Quarterback Bets for 2022: Will Russell Wilson Lead the League in Passing yards? - Sportsbook Review

Muses Will of the People is Music Feeds Album of the Week. Tiana Speter reviews.

Muse have been making a living blasting social, technological, and interpersonal dystopias since exploding into the mainstream at the turn of the century. It seems inevitable that the British trio would emerge from years of global unrest armed with an album that leans heavily into these themes. But while Muses ninth album,Will of the People, goes hard on the alarm-raising fanfare, its also an authentic snapshot of the current state of the world.

Blending elements from Queen and Radiohead with prog experimentation and straight-up bombast, Muse have outlasted many of their contemporaries largely through taking steep diversions from album to album. Theyve embraced concept albums, made excursions into dubstep and rock opera, and built an identity founded in predictable unpredictability.

WithWill of the People, the band shed the fictionalised aspects of 2018sSimulation Theory in favour of something that chimes with the current news cycle. Many tracks here ooze with paranoia and chaos, but theres also a lot of fun to be found in this soundtrack to the apocalypse.

Will Of The People is a whirlwind of genres, with metal, glam rock, synthpop and arena rock all contributing to the mix across the albums 38 minutes. In the wrong hands, thisgenre-cluster might lead to self-implosion, but with front personMatt Bellamy at his larger-than-life best throughout, the grandiosity feels like a familiar friend returning home to deliver some hysterical messages.

Opening track, Will Of The People, is a stomping call to arms that borrows the chugging beat from Marilyn Mansons The Beautiful People; Wont Stand Down and Kill Or Be Killed hint at the sonic acrobatics of earlier Muse. Amid Bellamys trademark falsetto, Chris Wolstenholmes fuzzy bass and Dom Howards thunderous drums, there are lashings of ethereal piano and heavy metal guitar playing, including a Van Halen-aping solo on standout track You Make Me Feel Like Its Halloween.

Bellamys lyrics encompass Black Lives Matter, wildfires, political discourse, the COVID-19 pandemic, online vitriol, and even the January 6 attack on the US Capitol.The album closes with We Are Fucking Fucked, the title of which is a blunt summary of the agenda Muse have long pursued. But in 2022, these paranoid political themes feel especially salient, even given the surrounding sonic absurdity.

Will Of The People may at times be overdressed for dinner, but it isnt your average pandemic moan and groan. As Bellamy himself declares, Welcome to the desecration, baby / Well build you right up and well tear you down / Welcome to the celebration, baby / The chances are turning, this future is ours. If this is how the world ends, its with a bang, not a whimper.

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Muse: Will of the People Review Oozing With Paranoia and Chaos - Music Feeds