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Amid unconfirmed reports of at least two people killed in Northern Florida due to weather-related injuries, Tropical Storm Idalia ripped through Georgia and onto South Carolina late Wednesday.
In its wake, the storm left tens of thousands of homes without power.
Hurricane Idalia has moved into Georgia as a Category 3 storm about midday on Wednesday. As Florida officials continue to assess the situation, hurricane-force winds batter the Gulf area and have now crossed state lines, which means intense winds and storm surge is still happening along the Southern East Coast.
Idalia hit Florida early this morning as a Category 3 storm. The projected path of the weather event will take it into the Big Bend communities and then into South Georgia.
Footage from news cameras already show homes underwater and rooftops being ripped off due to strong wind gusts. Authorities are urging people to shelter in place.
Speaking to news media, Tampa Mayor Jane Castor said the city is on high alert due to extensive flooding along waterfront land.
“We expect that ‘King’ High Tide around noon to 1 p.m., and that’s going to bring in several additional feet of water. The flooding that we’re experiencing now is nothing compared to what we’re experiencing now.”
Where Did Idalia Make Landfall?
Idalia made landfall near Keaton Beach, Florida, around 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
Landfall is expected to present some significant problems for Florida’s coastal regions as well as certain cities and town inland as storm surge could be as high as 16 feet, according to weather reports. If you’re in its way, you should take safety precautions.
Georgia Officials On Alert
Georgia and the Carolinas are both expected to get a lot of rain and strong wind gusts, which is sure to cause major flooding in many communities.
How To Stay Safe During A Hurricane
When it comes to a hurricane or any big storm, there are some practical things you can do to stay safe and protect you and yours.
Wait for the All-Clear
Stay indoors until authorities declare it safe to go outside. Be cautious of downed power lines and other hazards.
Seek shelter in a sturdy building and stay away from windows, glass doors, and skylights. Stay on the lower floors of multi-story buildings to avoid wind exposure.
Check for Injuries
Check yourself and others for injuries. Provide first aid as necessary and seek medical attention if needed.
Avoid Flooded Areas
Stay away from flooded roads, bridges, and buildings. Floodwaters can hide dangers like debris and downed power lines.
High winds can shatter glass and cause debris to fly, posing significant dangers.
Keep enough bottled water on hand for drinking, as tap water might become contaminated.
Inspect Your Home
Check for damage to your home, but avoid entering if it’s not safe. If you suspect structural damage, contact authorities.
Avoid using candles or open flames, as they can lead to fires if gas lines are damaged.
Communicate
Let friends and family know you’re safe. Use social media or text messages to conserve phone battery.
Continuously monitor weather updates and forecasts from reliable sources. Listen to local authorities and follow their instructions and evacuation orders.
Fully charge cell phones and other essential electronic devices in case of power outages.
Assess Food and Water
Assess your food and water supply. If in doubt, throw out perishable items that might have spoiled during power outages.
Flying debris is one of the most dangerous aspects of a hurricane. Secure outdoor furniture and items that could become projectiles.
Final Word
Remember, preparation is key to staying safe during a hurricane season. By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can minimize risks and protect yourself and your loved ones during this challenging weather event.
If flooding occurs, get out of the basement or lowest level of your home and take refuge on higher ground.
Here Are The Best New Restaurants In Atlanta
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Comedian Dave Chappelle is returning to Atlanta, Georgia this fall to perform one night on his comedy tour.
Chappelle’s Pilot Boy Productions has announced that his documentary tour includes a stop in Atlanta’s State Farm Arena. Here’s how to get tickets.
When Is Dave Chappelle Coming To Atlanta?
Chappelle is set to come to Atlanta on October 31 at State Farm Arena., 2023. His show in downtown Atlanta is being recorded as part of his documentary, which is likely to stream on Netflix.
Event:
Dave Chappelle’s ‘Untitled’ Documentary Show
Date and Time:
October 31, 2023, 7 p.m. ET
Chappelle’s tour has added some additional stops as it grows in popularity. So far he’s added the following dates:
Oct. 17: Milwaukee, WI — Fiserv Forum
Oct. 19: Boston, MA — TD Garden
Oct. 25: Raleigh, NC — PNC Arena
Oct 26: Charlotte, NC — Spectrum Center
Oct 31: Atlanta, GA — State Farm Arena
This is a cell phone-free event, according to organizers. This means if you need to use your phone, you’ll need to return to the distribution tent at the entrance. Anyone caught using a cell phone during the show will be immediately ejected.
What To Know Before You Go
State Farm Arena has a strict bag policy for all events held there.
Please note that bags larger than 14″ x 14″ x 6″, including briefcases, purses, luggage, and diaper bags, are not allowed in the arena. Additionally, backpacks and hard-sided bags of any kind are prohibited. However, you are welcome to bring in single-compartment drawstring bags and fashion backpacks or purses that are smaller than 14″ x 14″ x 6″.
Final Word
The comedian is riding a wave of controversy after the release of his latest Netflix special The Closer, in which he takes on the trans community among other topics.
The special has caused a firestorm at Netflix, where trans employees and those who support them have threatened a walkout if the production isn’t pulled.
Chappelle, for his part, has decided to stand his ground. In a short video he released on Instagram, the comedian said that he “will not be summoned” by the trans community. He also had some conditions for a proper sit down.
“To the transgender community, I am more than willing to give you an audience,” he said. “But you will not summon me. I am not bending to anybody’s demands.
Metro Atlanta’s food and drink scene continues to grow with no stops on the horizon. Ready to try something new?
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As the nice weather facilitates more people out on the water, the deaths continue for Lake Lanier. Georgia officials confirm that an Atlanta man died while swimming in Lake Lanier over the weekend.
Edgar Steven Cruz Martinez, 23, visited the lake on Saturday, August 26, 2023 and went under the water for a swim. About 3 p.m. that day, first responders with the Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office arrived after receiving a call about a possible drowning at Lake Lanier.
When they arrived, observers said that Martinez never resurfaced after going for a swim. Officials found his body in about 10 feet of water.
Martinez is the seventh person to drown in Lake Lanier this year.
Why Do So Many People Drown In Lake Lanier?
One of the reasons Lake Lanier has so many fatalities year in and year out is that people fail to follow safe boating practices, according to safety officials. Boating under the influence continues to be an issue on the man-made lake. People boating without safety vests on also has been frequently observed.
There are also some curious incidents that have occurred on the lake that have raised questions about its past. Read our Untold History of Lake Lanier.
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If you’re a virtual assistant, this is the perfect time to find a local entrepreneur or small business to help out.
With so many people working from home it’s easier than ever to become a virtual assistant to another person or company. The position pays well and comes with plenty of flexibility — if that’s what you want.
In this article, we’re going to discuss some ways you can find virtual assistant jobs, including some jobs sites with companies that are hiring people to help them.
6 Websites To Find Virtual Assistant Jobs
If you’re looking to learn more about the occupation, read our Ultimate Guide on How To Become A Virtual Assistant.
First, lets’ talk about some commone requirements of a virtual assistant job. These are things that most employers will expect you to have.
- Good communications skills
- High-speed internet
- Ability to return calls and emails promptly
- Deadline awareness
- Good writing skills
If you have those qualities, more likely than not you will make a fine virtual assistant. Now let’s get into some great sites to find virtual assistant jobs.
99 Dollar Social
If you can write engagement content for small businesses, 99 Dollar Social, has virtual assistant jobs for you. One of the requirements is that you must be able to submit quality content on a weekly basis.
Indeed.com
Indeed has listed virtual assistants jobs as its own category, so they’re easy to find.
Fancy Hands
At FancyHands.com, you can get hired to do internet research for clients of the website. All you need is a fast internet connection and computer to get started.
O Deskwork
O Desk connects freelancers to business owners who need tasks down for their operations. Sign up to get started.
Time Etc.
Designed specifically for virtual assistants with an average of 12 years experience, Time Etc. matches experienced workers with some name-brand companies that need administrative work done.
Zirtual
At Zirtual, you get to sign up with the site and lock in a set number of work hours based on which plan the client chooses. For example, the Entrepreneur Plan is $449 a month, while the Team Plan is around $1,500 a month.
Who Hires A Virtual Assistant?
You may be wondering what type of business can benefit from a virtual assistant. Actually the question is what kind of business can’t use one?
A client that needs clerical work done, such as bookkeeping, payroll and even HR can use a virtual assistant. Not only can the business save money by hiring a virtual assistant on a project-by-project basis, but they can also use them to perform different tasks for the business.
Do Virtual Assistants Work From Home?
You may be surprised to know that the term “virtual” in virtual assistant is relative. You may find a client that requires you to make occasional appearances in the office while some businesses are 100% remote.
The truth is that virtual assistants have a flexibility that many jobs simply don’t have. Best of all, you typically are able to work from home and pick a schedule that works for you.
There’s so much more to know about the role of virtual assistants and how to hire one.
Ultimate Guide on How To Become A Virtual Assistant.
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Freelancing can be a very rewarding experience if you know how to take care of business. The truth is that if you can’t find a full-time job, there are several ways to make money today as a freelancer. Freelancing is one of the best ways to make money online. Now on to the burning question…How Can I Start As A Freelancer?
I actually have several years of experience as a freelancer for CNN, where I wrote about various subjects, including breaking news.Because of the COVID pandemic, the definition of the traditional job has stretched a bit due to the circumstances. The reason why this is important is because it means that freelancing has also changed.Is It Easy To Get A Job As A Freelancer?
If you don’t have any experience or very little, it may be difficult to get a job as a freelancer, but you can do it. The key is to expose yourself to jobs, gigs and hustles that pay money.As with anything, it helps tremendously if you know someone within the company or organization you’re applying for.If you don’t happen to know a current employee or have another inside track, that’s OK. You just have to apply for the job and have some patience.What Is Freelancing?
Freelancing involves working for a company on an as-needed basis or as a contractor rather than an employee. Contrary to popular opinion, many freelancers have full-time schedules with their clients.In some cases, freelancers may even qualify for insurance and other benefits that are typically only eligible for full-time workers.You may want to know how you can become a successful freelancer so that you can work at a pace that works for you. Let’s go over some steps you need to do.1. Brand Yourself Or Your Business
Because you’re a free agent when it comes to business, you will need to brand yourself by investing in some marketing tools that will help you.Some things you can do to help your business include creating a website, compiling a portfolio and getting some business cards. No matter if you choose to go all in on advertising yourself or just marketing yourself passively, it’s always good to invest in yourself and your abilities.2. Network Among Your Friends
To get started as a freelancer, you need to tap into your network so that you can get exposed to some job opportunities. Contact your former co-workers and others in your circle to see if the company they’re with has some work for you.And don’t forget about social media. Other networking opportunities may exist on sites like LinkedIn, Alignable or Facebook.3. Find Jobs That Pay
At this point, it’s time to find work to fund your freelance career. There are several freelance-friendly websites that make it worth your while to join.Here are some online resources that frequently post and hire freelance jobs.- Alignable
- Amazon Mechanical Turk
- Fiverr
- Freelancermap.com
- Freelance Writing Gigs
- PeoplePerHour
- Toptal
- Upwork
- Wingspan
4. Over-Deliver
Once you land some freelance gigs under your belt, you want to make a great impression. One way to do that is to over-deliver on the things you do best.
Not only will your work speak for itself, but the extra mile you go could lead to more jobs and — more importantly — invaluable word-of-mouth references to keep your business afloat.
Final Word
When you think of the term “freelance,” you may get the idea that it refers to people who work for less or for free. That is totally wrong.
You can make some really great money as a freelancer, especially after you earn the trust of your client.As a freelancer, you can control how you want to receive payment, either by electronic payment, direct deposit or cash. Metro Atlanta’s hot economy has slowed of late due to the COVID-19, but that’s OK. Check out our Coronavirus Resource Guide and find out how to make and save money.We currently have job articles that show you high-paying jobs, those close to downtown and even side hustles you might like.If you’re looking to get hired in Atlanta right now, there’s a very real possibility that you can land your dream job. -
Morris Brown College in southwest Atlanta has mandated masks in light of an increase of COVID-19 cases in the city.
On its Instagram page, the historically black college posted that a mask mandate will be in effect for the next 14 days.
The mask mandate extends to students and employees and includes social distancing, contact tracing, and other health protocols.
What Are The New COVID Variants?
Some new COVID variants, including the EG.5, or “Eris,” as it’s been called, has emerged in some nations. The EG.5 has been identified as the dominate strain in the United States with 20% of new cases, according to the Centers of Disease and Control (CDC).
The new variants all can be traced to the XBB strains that were dominant in late 2022, according to health officials.
Scientists are also trying to ascertain the new highly mutated coronavirus variant spotted by scientists in Israel. The Ba.2.86 variant is in four countries, including America.
The new variant, called BA.2.86 and nicknamed Pirola, is an ancestor of the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron.
If you’ve had the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and catch the new variant, you’re likely to experience the following symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
If you’ve had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you’re like to experience the following symptoms:
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
How To Protect Yourself Against COVID
- Wear a Mask
- Wash Your Hands for At Least 20 Seconds
- Avoid High-Exposure Events and People
- Getting Tested for COVID-19
- Staying Home When You Have Suspected or Confirmed COVID-19
- Seeking Treatment If You Have COVID-19 and Are at High Risk of Getting Very Sick
Atlanta has a lot of cool things to do and places to eat, including some of the top soul food joints and remarkable Thai food spots. Explore the city.
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We all love to go out to eat from time to time, but there’s nothing like cooking at home. What’s for dinner? Homemade tacos!
Have you ever thought about creating tacos yourself? It’s not hard! You can make them just like your favorite Atlanta restaurant that serves Mexican fare. In this article, we’re going to show you how from the best taco recipe we have.
Before we show you how to create a taco that rocks, let’s get into what makes a perfect taco.
How To Make A Taco
A taco consists of a tortilla made of wheat or corn. If you cook it just a bit, you’ll have the right consistency and texture you need to fill the taco with ground beef, chicken or some other meat.
Speaking of meat, you may be wondering what you can put inside of a taco. Here are just some of the fillings you can use for a taco:
- Ground beef
- Pork
- Chicken
- Fish (salmon, catfish, halibut, etc.)
- Cheese
- Vegetable medley
There is so much you can do with a taco and so many ways to create one. Because it is a dish that lends itself to so much diversity and variety, the taco is truly a global food.
Along with the meat filling, you want to add some other things, such as some type of greenery and spices, sauces and other condiments.
Here Is The Best Taco Recipe
To make this awesome taco, you’re going to need several ingredients, including cheese and other toppings. We’re going to go over everything, but first, let’s talk about the meat you need to use.
What kind of beef should you use?
It’s best to use 100% lean ground beef in your taco, but even 90% will work. You don’t want a lot of grease to be in your tortilla. So, you don’t want your beef to be too fatty.
I personally use Pace Taco mild seasoning and sprinkle it over my beef.
As an alternative, you can also use Yoders Canned Taco Seasoned Beef if you want everything already done for you.
Instructions
- Turn your stove’s heat up to medium high
- Add your ground beef in a skillet
- Add garlic pepper, salt, oregano, garlic powder and chili powder
- Cook the beef while tossing it periodically
- Once the beef is about done, add tomato sauce
- Add water if you want to stretch the sauce, but if not, no water
- Once the sauce is brought to a boil, set oven to low
Here are just some of the non-meat fillings you can use in a taco:
- Salsa
- Shredded cheese
- guacamole
- sour cream
- vegetables
- lettuce
- onion
- tomatoes
- chiles
Now let’s get into the measurements of the ingredients you need the best taco recipe to take shape:
Taco Ingredients
- Taco shells (hard shells or soft tortillas)
- 1 lb. 90% to 100% lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 white onion cut in 1/2 inch rounds
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1/4 cup water (optional)
Nutrition Information
524 calories; 44 g protein; 12 g fat(1 g sat); 90 mg cholesterol; 10 g fiber; 60 g carbohydrates; 60 mcg folate; 19 g sugars; 0 g added sugars; 2,435 IU vitamin A; 20 mg vitamin C; 240 mg calcium; 4 mg iron; 1,250 mg sodium; 508 mg potassium
Once you prepare your ingredients for a taco this way, it will take about 30 minutes and the yield should be four servings. Make your plate and enjoy the best taco recipe you’ve ever had!
To make it official, you can get some taco tools as well:
Bonus: How To Make A Fish Tacos What kind of fish to use Cod Haddock Catfish Tilapia Grouper What to put on fish tacos Chopped cabbage Diced tomatoes Salsa Diced onion Shredded lettuce Coleslaw Shredded Cheese Instructions Cook fish in oven or on stovetop for 10-13 minutes or until brown Heat up your tortillas Break up fish into tortillas and proceed to add toppings Ready to serve Final Word
You might not realize it, but tacos are one of those dishes that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Taco may be a Spanish word and a traditional Mexican dish, but Americans have fallen in love with it.
If you’ve had success with making tacos after reading this article, post a pic in the comments so we can see what you’re working with!
Tacos aren’t the only things you can make at home with great success. Burritos, tostadas and even chalupas can be make pretty easy from your own kitchen.
Atlanta restaurant are one of the hottest things happening right now. Hot chicken is the rage in Atlanta’s dining scene right now. But so are chicken and waffles.
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A good credit score is essential to keeping the purchasing power to buy the things you need and want.
A lot of people no less than zero about their credit scores, so i”m going to break down all you need to know about them, including where to get them and what’s a good credit score range.
What Is A Credit Score?
A credit score is a three-digit number assigned to consumers who borrow money. The higher the score, the lower your credit risk.
If you’re under 18, you may not have a credit score yet.
As soon as you turn 18, you may notice a bunch of credit card offers in the mail. That’s because by law you’re fair game to be solicited to get a credit card.
How To Get Your Credit Score
Let’s say you apply for that credit card and get it. Then, you’ll be assigned a credit score. It will be used by lenders to access your credit risk.
Here’s How To Get Your Credit Score:
Every year, you have the right to request one free copy of your credit report from three major credit reporting agencies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
You can can request your free credit report online at AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling toll-free 1-877-322-8228.
If you have any discrepancies on your credit report, you can dispute it.
When you get your credit report, here’s what you should do:
- Go over your credit reports with a fine tooth comb
- Make sure you know which open accounts you have
- Make sure you know which closed accounts you have
Credit Score Ranges: What They Mean
Once you receive your credit report, you’ll see scores ranging from 300 to 850. Here are the credit score ranges for a consumer:
- Excellent Credit: 850-800
- Very Good Credit: 799-750
- Good Credit: 749-700
- Fair Credit: 699-650
- Bad Credit: 649-600
- Poor Credit: 599-300
What Is A Good Credit Score Range?
A good credit score range is one that is between 700 to 749. The credit scores are determined by he Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO), which created the scores that lenders use to issue credit.
What Is A Good Credit Score To Buy A House?
If you have fair credit, you can still get credit, it just will be at a higher interest rate. Lenders will generally let you qualify for a mortgage with a credit score above 650.
What Is A Good Credit Score To Buy A Car?
If you want to buy a car, you can typically qualify with a credit score around 650, which is again in the fair range.
The truth is that there’s no uniform, agreed-upon minimum that lenders abide by. There’s just so many other factors at play, like how much your downpayment is.
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Britt Stewart of ABC’s Dancing With the Stars is hosting a series of free dance classes this weekend In Atlanta.
The classes are a part of a partnership between Stewart’s Share the Movement nonprofit and Band-AId’s OurTone brand.
The three Band-Aid OurTone Dance Clinics will provide free dance classes and resources to local communities.
The first event will be held on Sunday, August 20th hosted in partnership with The Black Artists Dance Collective.
Attendees will have the opportunity to…
- participate in a class with some of the top professionals in the dance industry including Stewart
- attend a Q&A panel with leading industry veterans
- watch incredible performances from our dance partners
- create a new TikTok dance
- participate in a dance battle with scholarship prizes
- receive a BAND-AID® Brand OURTONE® gift bag and more!
ATLANTA | RSVP HERE
- Hosted by: Share the Movement and The Black Artists Dance Collective
- Where: Westside Cultural Arts Center, 760 10th Street NW, Atlanta, GA, 30318
- When: Sunday, August 20 at 1-5pm
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Atlanta is home to a countless number of small businesses and entrepreneurs, which is why its tech scene is growing so much. Now comes an initiative that focuses on one of its most underserved communities: black people.
The first-ever ForbesBLK Summit aims to gather the world’s top Black business leaders, entrepreneurs, entertainers and creators to focus on equity across all segments.
What Is The ForbesBLK Summit?
The ForbesBLK Summit has as its goal to convene the world’s top black changemakers and set policies, structures and initiatives in place to achieve a more equitable world.
Atlanta, being an innovation hub like no other place in the United States, is the ideal city for such a creative venture.
“Welcome to the Black mecca, welcome to the birthplace of the Black Middle Class, welcome to the place of Black success,” Kelly Beaty English, ForbesBLK Advisory Council Member, said in a news release.
“We are thrilled to announce Forbes is hosting its first-ever Forbes BLK Summit in Atlanta. We are the city that’s synonymous with Black excellence,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens. “Atlanta is the perfect place to host an inaugural event that is so timely, progressive and connected to culture.
When Is The ForbesBLK Summit?
The ForbesBLK Summit is planned for November 5-6, 2023 in Atlanta.
Speakers at the event include the following:
Ron Busby Sr., President & CEO, U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.
· Shelly Cayette, Chief Commercial Officer, Cleveland Cavaliers
· Tamira Chapman, President & CEO, Storehouse
· Phylicia Fant, Head of Music Industry and Culture Collaborations, Amazon
· Dr. Debra Furr-Holden, Dean of Global Public Health, NYU
· Milt Newton, Assistant General Manager, Milwaukee Bucks
· John Hope Bryant, CEO, Operation Hope
Nicole Pullen Ross, NY Region Head of Private Wealth Management, Goldman Sachs
· Isiah Thomas, Former NBA Player, Philanthropist, and Chairman & CEO of Isiah International LLC
“The ForbesBLK Summit is the larger extension of what we’re building around this Forbes platform,” said Jabari Young, ForbesBLK Editorial Lead. “It’s no secret the city of Atlanta is the core foundation of the ForbesBLK community and it’s the perfect home to host and celebrate our inaugural ForbesBLK Summit.”
Final Word
Atlanta has a lot of inspirational people and AtlantaFi.com is going to introduce you to many of them as well as cool places to go, great restaurants and other ATL happenings.
Got an event or know of something opening in and around Atlanta? Holla: CJ@AtlantaFi.com. See what’s poppin’ in the ATL! Subscribe to our news alerts here, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
