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something ridiculous to highlight how preposterous paper is in 2018 when there are more efficient solutions.” His company, in fact, delivered a presentation on the subject at the International Manufacturing Technology Show in Chicago as the ball was being made. The ball had an internal frame of cardboard and an exoskeleton of brown paper cord. It was stuffed with paper recycled from Wake County Schools. No tape or glue was used, so the project was 100% recyclable. Progress on the construction was tracked on social media at @giantpaperball. Then, on the appointed day, September 14, the ball was officially measured at the BlueHat Mechanical warehouse in Apex. It was 9’8.6” in diameter, and after being carried by a forklift to the scale, it was found to weigh 576 pounds. Then the ball was quickly destroyed and recycled.
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Localfit is taking preorders following the successful launch of a beta version on the East Coast. Localfit is an app that allows subscribers to access over 6,000 health clubs and class-based fitness studios in the country. While a single visit to some of the clubs in the network could cost as much as $50, the developers negotiated lower rates for volume use to bring subscriptions down to a starting price of $11.95 a month, or as low as $5.95 with a promo code. Localfit’s developers combined mobile and GPS technology and partnered with Mastercard and Marqeta for fintech. The result allows members to find a club and start working out with a swipe of their cards. This is handy not only for persons wanting to maintain their routines while traveling, it also allows cardholders to access more fitness options than they would with a membership at a big box studio. In the days leading up to the launch, the developers are continuing to add studios to the network—there are already eight in the Asheville area and they’re looking into something 98
| November 2018
called experimental fitness excursions to attract millennial subscribers.
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The Signature Collection by Charles & Colvard, an exclusive line of bridal and fine moissanite jewelry, launched in September. Microscopic moissanite was discovered by Henri Moissan in meteoritic rock in Arizona in 1893. It was long believed to be unique to meteorites, but additional naturally-occurring moissanite was eventually discovered in Wyoming. Since it is so rare, all commercial moissanite is grown in laboratories. Moissanite is a form of silicon carbide crystal Charles & Colvard grows in a “lengthy, complicated, and expensive” thermal process. It takes 2-3 months to grow one stone, and the process took years to perfect. Persons preferring moissanite to diamonds cite its brilliance, fire, durability, and value. The crystal has a refractive index and dispersion value higher than diamonds, and a hardness higher on the Mohs scale than any gemstone but diamonds. There is also a movement toward preferring synthetic stones as more environmentally-conscious and less supportive of oppressive political regimes. The design of each piece is a variation of the Charles & Colvard floret logo, made of four Cs, that stand for clarity, cut, color, and conscience.
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The Aberdeen Town Commissioners postponed a vote on a resolution to move forward with a referendum for a quarter-cent sales tax in Moore County. The tax would be used to support school construction in Aberdeen, Southern Pines, and Pinehurst. Aberdeen would benefit from construction of a new elementary school, which would reduce operational costs by combining the town’s primary and elementary schools. A new sewer line would add to the costs of construction. Voters had approved