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Beards keep men young, healthy & handsome

 Beards keep men young, healthy & handsome

Gentlemen, beards aren’t just for hipsters and hippies anymore.

If you want proof the beard is king in Charlotte, stand by any college, or look around any corner uptown: You’ll see full beards on the faces of students and men in their 30s and 40s.

So why the new hankering for heavy stubble?

While some say beards just make a man instantly sexy, researchers discovered there’s more to it than sex appeal.

"There are certainly some benefits to having beards," said dermatologist Dr. Ronea Harris with Presbyterian Dermatology South.

The study from the University of Southern Queensland found stubble or facial hair can improve men's overall health.

"We know that hair bearing areas because of the hair it does tend to protect more from UV light so we don't see as many skin cancers," said Dr. Harris.

The study also says that "all that hair" retains moisture and protects against the wind, keeping you looking young and fresh-faced.

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MK wins again! Smash Mouth sings All Star! Must be Parker's Points!

MK wins again!  Smash Mouth sings All Star!  Must be Parker's Points!

CONCORD -  His boss (Matt Kenseth) won again and Adrian Parker might have something to say about it! 

Adrian's career includes football and academic glory at South Rowan High and Catawba College, then public relations perfection for some of NASCAR's top drivers and Charlotte Motor Speedway.  Now, he's the business brains behind Matt Kenseth, frequently balancing the champ's checkbook. 

But when he's not doing that, he provides us with the deep insight known by limo drivers and NASCAR fanatics across the planet as Parker's Points!

TOO TOUGH TOO TAME? Not for Matt Kenseth. The boss man got it done at Darlington (S.C.) Raceway on Saturday night by leading when it counted and scoring his series best third win of the 2013 season.

Social media's impact on the track

It's one of the most significant things to change the way fans watch sports on television, particularly NASCAR racing.

Social media has taken race coverage to an unheard of level, and while some say it's a great companion to enjoy the sport, others are warning that just like in news reporting, social media is often one tweet away from trouble.

Walking through the garage area is one of the few times you won't see Sprint Cup Champ Brad Keselowski sending a tweet. With nearly a half million followers on Twitter, he's one of the best pioneers of the sport's newest frontier.

"It gives fans a place and forum and a place to voice their opinions, sometimes I wonder if social media, Facebook, Twitter, is the majority, or the minority which is voicing their opinion," former driver, now broadcaster Kyle Petty told WBTV. "Is one of the most active on social media, often taking on his critics.

"Ten Days of Speed" underway now at Charlotte Motor Speedway

"Ten Days of Speed" underway now at Charlotte Motor Speedway

CONCORD - Every year, Charlotte Motor Speedway packs as much entertainment as possible into the 10 Greatest Days in Racing to give fans an experience that they’ll never forget. From the excitement on the track to pre-race concerts, the expansive Play Zone and a moving salute to our nation’s military, fans that come to Charlotte will be sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

While you’re in town, be sure to check out these can’t-miss opportunities that you can only find at Charlotte Motor Speedway!

Fan Zone: Every trip to Charlotte Motor Speedway should start with a visit to the Fan Zone. Located at the speedway’s main entrance, the 10-acre Fan Zone is a one-stop shop for race souvenirs, interactive displays and so much more. Fans can visit the Sprint Experience for driver appearances, photos with the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series trophy and an autograph from Miss Sprint Cup.

Severe weather spotter training classes offered

Severe weather spotter training classes offered

Severe weather season is underway in the Carolinas and the National Weather Service is looking to train severe weather spotters in our area.

The first of two classes in our area will be offered Thursday evening, May 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Iredell County Agriculture Center. Classes are about two hours long and covers the basics of thunderstorm development, fundamentals of storm structure and how to identify potential severe weather features.

The class is free, but you will need to register by calling 704-878-5097. For directions and more information, click here.

The next class will be offered in Union, SC on Tuesday, May 21st.

For more information on the SKYWARN program, click here.

Copyright 2013 WBTV.  All rights reserved.

Police: Man, teenager arrested for murder of Concord teen

CONCORD, NC (WBTV)- Concord Police have arrested a man and a teenager for the April murder of another teen.

Officers were called to the 100 block of Madison Avenue at about 4 a.m. on April 17. There, they found the body of Treyvon Jermaine Burton, 19, in the driveway of his home.

Police said Burton had been shot. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

On Wednesday, May 15, police arrested Elijah Joquez Bost, 20, and Jerrick Charmaine Grier, 18, and charged them each with first degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon.

Both suspects are being taken to the Cabarrus County Jail after processing.

Copyright 2013 WBTV. All rights reserved.

NC House bill draws fire over contraception rules

NC House bill draws fire over contraception rules

A bill broadening so-called conscience protections and the number of employers who can refuse to provide contraception services in health insurance coverage has been approved by a North Carolina House committee.

The bill approved Wednesday allows any medical professional to refuse to participate in an abortion and allows any business to refuse to provide contraception coverage on religious or moral grounds.

The bill expands so-called conscience protections beyond doctors and nurses to include people such as pharmacists and technicians.

The contraception provision expands existing law that exempts religious organizations to any private or nonprofit company.

The bill also outlaws health care plans that include abortion services from future online marketplaces of private plans offered under the federal Affordable Care Act.

Opponents say the bill tramples women's rights.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.