New CLT Startup Helps You Express Yourself with Personalized GIFs
Express yourself … In A GIF! You don’t need GIFs of crying James Van Der Beek or President Obama dropping the mic to express your emotions on social media and texts. You need GIFs of YOU crying and dropping the mic … especially when you’re sharing feelings about life in the Queen City. A new Charlotte start-up called “In A GIF” films personalized GIFs of you for use on your social channels. With them, the only images conveying the magic that is you … IS you (in 2 seconds or less). Ready to make your own set of customized GIFs? Visit www.CLTinaGIF.com for more information and to be entered for a chance to win a FREE GIF video session courtesy of The Biscuit! 
Video created with the help of Ohavia Phillips and the geniuses at Charlotte Star Room. P.S. Before you send us hate mail (that goes to hello@charlotteiscreative.com, BTW) about the way we pronounced GIF, we’re just going with how the file format’s creator says it’s to be pronounced — a soft “J.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Monique Floyd Photography
SkillPop Expanding to the Atlanta MarketExciting news from SkillPop! On the heels of their 4th birthday, this Charlotte-born company announced yesterday it’s expanding to Atlanta this fall, adding to its classes in Charlotte, Lake Norman, Raleigh, Greenville and Nashville. For the Charlotte creative community, it seems like only yesterday that SkillPop founder, Haley Bohon, addressed CreativeMornings/Charlotte about being a “Pioneer” and launching her company. Click here to watch the video.
Jeep Bryant
President, Arts & Science Council
Instagram | Twitter | FacebookOn the job just a few months, the new president of the ASC brings with him experience in government relations, philanthropy, change management, public relations and marketing. However, we were curious how Jeep would navigate something far trickier: Five Ridiculous Questions from The Biscuit staff. Let’s find out … What high school did you attend, and more importantly, what was in your locker? South Mecklenburg High. My locker had gym clothes that I never wore and a stack of theater scripts that I wore out. What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done for fun? Rappelling down a rock face. A friend on the ground below kept trying to get me to turn around and look down for photos. I never gained the courage to pivot, so the only photo from that adventure is my butt in a harness. My rear end looks a lot bigger from that angle. Look down at your desk. Now look to the left. What’s the first object you see? A miniature version of the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign. It lights up when I remember to replace the batteries. When it flashes, it reminds me of a wonderful trip. Unlike the grumpy people who say “Vegas is tacky,” I traveled with a friend who lit up with excitement at every turn. “This place is so amazing!” That’s the kind of friend you need in Vegas. Who would play you in Broadway’s newest smash show, “JEEPsical”? Ben Platt, from “Dear Evan Hansen.” “Jeepsical” would strive for less angst and more laughter. And just as many Tony Awards. The costume and make-up people would need to make Ben look older for my middle-age years. But, I know he could capture the Jeep spirit. What’s a .gif that makes you laugh every time you see it? 
via GIPHY
Project 658 Creates Uncommon Change … with RiceRice spans the globe and connects people across many cultures. It’s perhaps the most widely eaten food in the world and can be comforting and common, as well as elegant and indulgent. This week’s Chefs For Change dinner at Project 685 was a true celebration of the versatility of this amazing food. And, we were there to taste it all. We can’t share the aromas and tastes, but we can give you a feast for the eyes. 
Grandma’s Recipe Wins the Day at the CCCP Chili Cook-OffWhat’s Matt Olin doing on a typical Wednesday in September? If you guessed, “Judging a chili cookoff alongside a Beard Award-winning baker (Chef Peter Reinhart) and a city council member (Larken Egleston)” — damn that was a good guess! After pushing through the meat sweats, the winner of Charlotte Center City Partners’ Second Annual Staff Chili Cook-Off was crowned: Carlin Kennedy, Historic South End’s new Programs Coordinator. She’s just a short time in her new role, so this may make things a bit dicey. (And, we’re not talking about onions.) “I’m in a tough position being new with this crowd. I MUST make a big deal about this, but how much is too much? Guess we’ll see in the coming weeks…” said Carlin. Matt was able to wrangle the recipe out of Carlin … kind of. Carlin used her grandmother’s recipe for the contest. And, Grandma didn’t entirely disclose the ingredients of her special chili seasoning. So, if you want to crack the mystery seasoning, you’ll need to reach out to Carlin for a sample you can reverse engineer. Grandma’s Chili Recipe - Brown 4 lbs. ground beef
- Add 3 medium onions chopped
- Simmer
- Chili Seasoning
(Grandma left some of her own, but didn’t entirely disclose what was in it) - Pinch of cinnamon
- Add pepper (lots)
- Add 4 cans of Ro-Tel diced tomatoes + green chilies (drained)
- Add medium jar of Tostito’s hot chunky salsa
- Add 1 box of chicken broth
- Add red/black/pinto beans
- Add a hint of chow chow for a sweet taste at the end!
- Bring everything to a boil + EAT!
By now, you’ve probably heard that Central Square in Plaza-Midwood is up for sale (Charlotte Ledger) or experienced the magic hospitality of their sign (Fox 46). We here at The Biscuit are watching what develops there with a keen interest and a hope that the quicky charm of Plaza-Midwood remains intact. But, if future owners must bring in a wrecking ball, we have a suggestion of where to start… 
Thanks to @queencitynerve and Jayme Johnson for the photo we used to make this GIF.
The last time you whizzed down Morehead on your way to Rhino Market or Town Brewing, did you notice that the incredible art deco building across the street at 1401-09 West Morehead Street? The building’s corners along Morehead are adorned with intricate stone Coke bottles and there’s a laser-perfect Coca-Cola logo above the door. According to a 1987 report by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Commission, the building was completed in 1930 and served as headquarters for Coca-Cola Bottling operations in Charlotte until 1974. It was designed by Marion Rossiter “Steve” Marsh, a prominent architect in the region and its whimsical ornamental details were created by Ornamental Stone Company of Charlotte. This Queen City exploration is powered by OrthoCarolina. | The Biscuit is proudly sponsored by: |  |
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