Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Top 10 things people want to know about Charlotte


The folks at the Ask.com search engine just sent me their top 10 most asked questions about Charlotte. My takeaway: We've got a lot of newcomers looking for basic info on the area, a lot of sports nuts, and a lot of pre-teen girls dying to see His Hairness, Justin Bieber. Here are the top questions, along with Ask.com's answers:
Top Questions Asked about Charlotte on Ask.com
1. What county is Charlotte, North Carolina in?
Charlotte, North Carolina is located in Mecklenburg County.
2. What is the population of Charlotte, North Carolina?
The population in Charlotte is approximately 756,912.
3. Who owns the Charlotte Bobcats?
Hall of Fame basketball player, Michael Jordan, is the majority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats.
4. What is there to do in Charlotte?
Charlotte has something for everyone, from major sporting events to historic Carolina charm. Charlotte also boasts major shopping centers like SouthPark Mall and Concord Mills, as well as "NoDa" (Arts District north of Uptown), where you'll find an assortment of cool galleries and a hot lineup of live bands performing almost every evening.
5. What is the closest beach to Charlotte?
The closest beaches to Charlotte, North Carolina are Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina, and the Isle of Palms, Folly Beach and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. The nearest beach would be around a 4 hour drive from Charlotte, which is about 178 miles from Myrtle Beach.
6. Why is Charlotte called the Queen City?
The city is named for Charlotte Sophia of Mecklenburg-Strelitz in Germany, who became the bride of England's King George III. In 1768, founders named it "Charlotte Town" in an attempt to win favor with the crown.
7. Will the Carolina Panthers be Super Bowl material this season?
Most experts put them in the middle of the pack, with odds of winning the Super Bowl ranging from 30/1 to 55/1.
8. Are Justin Bieber concert tickets sold out in Charlotte?
Tickets for the August 8th show at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte are sold out. However, there are still plenty of tickets available via third party resale sites.
9. How much are tickets to the NASCAR Hall of Fame?
Adult tickets are $19.95. Tickets for children are $12.95.
10. When is the next Charlotte Restaurant Week?
Charlotte Restaurant Week is Friday, July 16 - Sunday, July 25, 2010.

127 comments:

  1. 11. When will the NASCAR HOF go out of business due to lack of interest? A: 3 years but only after the city pumps $3 million more into it.

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  2. What a lame article. This was copied and pasted from another website and pasted on the front page of the Observer site? This is NOT newsworthy.

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  3. 12. Why did it take so long for EpitCenter to go belly up, especially after lying to everyone about building condos on top just to open up a bunch of copy-cat bars, drunks falling off balconies, drug charges against doormen, and lawsuits coming in every week!? Let the wrecking ball swing!

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  4. That additional $3 million will allow them to modify the NASCAR display cars to float at the also failing "National" whitewater center. White sport + white water + $3,000,000. = same failure.

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  5. why do you have the comments section set listing the oldest first? Due, that's so annoying.

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  6. The closest beach is about 3 1/2 hours away at IOP. Interesting that the White Water Center isn't included in the list of things to do. And what about all the greenways? How about the new Bechtler Museum? But do tell me where I can find all the 'historic Carolina charm' in Charlotte. And why would Concord Mills be included?

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  7. "Historic Carolina charm" is something to do? World class shopping malls?

    You know I love it here, mostly because there ISN'T anything to do (i'm done done doing and don't care to do no mores). Bragging about southern charm and shopping malls as things to do just makes this area look foolish.

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  8. 13. Why are there so many negative douches trolling the message boards on the observer website?

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  9. Looks like you've answered that question yourself, #13! You certainly are trolling it you pig. So far, the comments are right! Charlotte sucks.

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  10. 14. What the hell is the Coffee Cup?

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    Replies
    1. One of the many restaurants that went belly up. Only difference was it was a "historical" one.

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  11. 15. When will the light rail extend to Eastland mall?

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  12. My sister and two of her co-workers currently have pending lawsuits against BMG (EpiCenner). With everything that has been going on, they don't have a leg (or soon to be property) to stand on!

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  13. Surprised the teabagger soccer moms haven't raised hell yet about Ballantyne not getting mentioned. Who wants to visit a big plastic bubble anyway? Charlotte is in a sad state of affairs.

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  14. Looks like more people are out of a job and have nothing better to do than whine about whatever is the first link they see and click on. I mean really. Look outside.... notice something, its called sunshine. Including myself, the reason we are posting is because we are NOT enjoying Charlotte and this state. Go do something please!

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  15. 16. Does Timber Ridge apartments offer secure parking for my leased BMW?

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  16. 17. Are those cookies or biscuits in the median on South Blvd. near Scaleybark?

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    Replies
    1. They are cookies meant to feed all the homeless who hang out there.

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  17. 18. Is macaroni and cheese really a vegetable?

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  18. 19. ARe the names of Democrat candidates actually listed on the voting ballots?

    Nevermind. It dosen't matter.

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  19. Funny that the observer listed NoDa as a place of interest when it is going belly up and has been the last 2 years.If a true football fan has to ask how the panthers will do this year,they have no knowledge of football.I'm not a bills,lions,bears,raiders,49ers,jets,or cowboys fan,but i can tell you how each will do this year without having to google a website.I think some of these questions were made up by the observer.

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  20. couldn't over half of those original questions have been answered with a 30 second search on the web rather than asking them on a website? people are idiots

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  21. Is Dilworth a good neighborhood to re-enact the "The Blindside"?

    My wife and I are loaded and suffer from white guilt.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, it is. You can fimd your athletically gifted, impovershed, minority teen hanging out on a corner on Wilkinson Blvd.

      Delete
  22. Kind of dumb story. Seems like the Observer is run by idiots.

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  23. #20 - What are Charlotteans so fat? A - they sit around think the NWC is a waste of money despite never have gone out there to enjoy it or ride the mtn bike trails. The ONE thing in Charlotte that promotes a healthy lifestyle is left off the list.

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  24. Which drive-in claims the best chicken and waffles... BAR-B-Q King, or South 21?

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  25. 12. When you're being carjacked, is it better to shoot the mugger twice with a .38 or once with a .45?

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  26. How do I join MS-13?

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  27. #21 - Former Charlotte resident Samir Khan is the new editor of an Al Qaeda magazine in Yemen.

    #22 - Former NBA owner Bobby Johnson, billionaire after the tax payers bought his new stadium even though they voted against funding it, called this city a bunch of hicks.

    #23. We release repeat, repeat felons.

    #24. We are nationally known as one of the most corrupt liberal cities and states in the country.

    #25. Only liberal males like Ryan who live in Charlotte know how to use a douche. Looking for more like minded Creative Loathing "male models".

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  28. Bring back the Charlotte News!

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  29. The article was worth reading just for the comments. I love everyone's questions that didn't make the list.

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  30. 26. Why so many african american women look so unhappy and lonely?

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  31. Why is there a statue of Medusa outside baggage claim at Charlotte-Douglas?

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  32. Why are so many people making fun of my hometown.If you don't like it move.I had to move and wish everyday I could move back

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  33. Why did the citizens of Charlotte fail Demeatrius Montgomery?

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  34. 21. Am I the only Charlotte native?

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  35. Why does the drive-thru line wrap 10 cars deep around every BoJangles every Saturday and Sunday morning?

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  36. Where is Fort Sumpter?....Oh really,...it's in Charleston, S.C.?

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  37. 22. Why is everyone so fat in Charlotte?

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  38. Is the pitch-girl in the East Charlotte Nissan TV commercials married? Boyfriend?

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  39. Do the chickens have large talons?

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  40. 23. if I get a diet coke with my bojangles meal is that healthy?

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  41. 24. Why does ballantyne suck so much????

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  42. Charlotte Blows and so does the CrapeCentre!!!!

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  43. Why are the first 3 months apartment rent always free in East Charlotte?

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  44. #11 - Why are there so many idiotic posters who act like they are 12 on the Charlotte Observer's web site?

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  45. "#24. We are nationally known as one of the most corrupt liberal cities and states in the country." -- Yea, in Sim City, which is probably what you play in your mom's basement.

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  46. Is it Ed Hardy night at the epicenter?

    If so I'll ware my affliction t-shirt cuz I like to be different

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  47. 11) Why post an article like this on a Charlotte web site? Answer: Because it will bring out the same 5 negative trolls that post the same junk everywhere else.

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  48. Should I watch the movie Cop Out?

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  49. Why is Jadakiss as hard as it gets?

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  50. Why aren't there more human interest stories on Chilly Willy in the CO?

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  51. Does eating Bojangles in your minivan on the way home from the Harris Y make you more or less fat?

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  52. I agree with a previous poster -- there is absolutely nothing to do here in Charlotte which I why I like living here. No tourism in MY backyard. When I want to do something, my favorite places are just a short drive away: Charleston, Atlanta, Savannah, Hilton Head, Jacksonville, Virginia Beach (home), Myrtle Beach. And then I come back to Charlotte for peace and quiet.

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  53. 24. Is it true Chilly Willy is behind the parking lot on epicurean?

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  54. #25- Did Bob Johnson ever mush his dong against Pat McCrory? And if so...did he like it

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  55. #31 We had a freak show celebrity from Jersylicous at the CrapeCentre

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  56. 29. Is Charlotte the fattest city in America?

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  57. #183- How much plastic can you fit into the pool at the Blake hotel on Sundays?

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  58. 30. Why has Wake County passed Meck County in quality of life, economy, lower crime and quality schools?

    31. How did we become the NC co-leaders with Durham County as murder capital of the state?

    31. Why can't we get one elected official to Raleigh?

    32. Why does Harry still have his job?

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  59. Is Charlotte the home invasion capital of the world?

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  60. 54. Is Justin Bieber really a beaver??????

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  61. Just wondering if you are all this insufferable in person too? I mean really, doesn't being negative get old at some point? Hate to see your blood pressure #s...

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  62. 11) Why does Charlotte continue to attempt to put public housing in all of the nice parts of the city?

    12) Who is the biggest scumbag in Charlotte.....Answer= Ghazi

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  63. How much embarrassment and shame will Charlotte suffer if they end up hosting the 2012 Democrackkk Convention? Dont we hope that the most EVIL force attacking our country (democrackkk 'party') will be OUTLAWED and shut down by then?

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  64. #9312 - What is a "Crunk"

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  65. 64. What does "insufferable" mean?

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  66. Why do blacks always look "hard" in pictures????

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  67. 56. Can you own a fushigi in Charlotte city limits?

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  68. Why is there no North Blvd at the corner of East Blvd, West Blvd and South Blvd?

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  69. #69 - LOUD NOISES!

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  70. Why do all my sports events on Sunday get pre-empted for weather reports of a thunderstorm in Boone?

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  71. Why does CMS schedule 95% of their teacher workdays BEFORE the Winter and potential for snow?

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  72. Why did it take less time and more money to build the light rail that serves a community that pays no taxes than it has to widen Providence which shuttles high tax paying people into the city?

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  73. Charleston is closest to Charlotte 2:45 mins (2:15 to N. Charleston).

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  74. Why does Charlotte have a penchant for destroying the old to usher in the "new"? We have lost so many lovely, historic spots in the name of "progress"...

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  75. #42- If you drained all the hair gel out of the bank frats heads on a given Friday or Saturday night, how much would it weigh?

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  76. WOW!!!!!Where is the love for Charlotte, NC...Never knew that there was so many unhappy people in Charlotte...Could it be because a lot of people are unemployed/Not enough companies for job opportunities making real money and not $10.00/hr./A workforce that is not diversified/or could it be the lack of activities/things to do....Yep. Charlotte is truly lacking.

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  77. Charlotte (or anywhere for that matter) is what you make of it. If you whine and complain about nothing to do it's more than likely because you don't make an effort. You'd be miserable in a lot of other places too. My friends and I never have a shortage of things to do around here. Whether it's a basketball game, football game, hiking, going to the lake, seeing a concert at NCMF or Amos', a show at Oven's or Blumenthal, going to any number of restaurants around town, there are plenty of things to do for just about anyone. If you sit around and moan all day long and just put negative comments on this site from your basement, I suppose that's your own problem. Maybe it's time you took at look at yourself and see what the real 'boring thing' is.

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  78. When will the CHARLOTTE observer realize it is not based in Chapel Hill?a

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  79. You keep pipe-dreaming...You obviously have not visited other cities that much have you...

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  80. To the person who commented they want to move back to Charlotte because they love it here, I have a condo to sell you if you're interested.

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  81. Same here....my house is currently on the market....for the right$$..you can have the house and this lame city.

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  82. After the Charlotte Observer goes belly up, what will my bird p00p on?

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  83. If you don't like Charlotte leave, the highway runs both ways

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  84. Have we tried to get rid of the Witch buried under the Grade Disco?

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  85. I am a charlotte native and have lived in other cities during my career. Charlotte has growing pains just like any young city. I have personally enjoyed watching it grow. The saddest part of all is the loss of southern charm. Due to the influx of ungrateful transplants that have.moved to this city hoping that it offers the same list of activities as a city 10 times the size. Go back to where u came from. We wouldnt need the light rail or epicenter if u did not come here. In the first place. Bbq king & south 21 works for me. The Greek owners are taking home more than u snobby bankers and are even adding some character to our town.

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  86. You are an utter fool if you are from Charlotte and think the influx of others has somehow jeopardized the way of life here. Charlotte was a mill town, at best, until banking/finance got a foothold here. The life you weirdly seem to crave was one of low wages, manufacturing jobs and zero amenities other than a couple of greasy spoon restaurants. It was only when NCNB grew up and major corporations like IBM came that Charlotte saw its rise to prominence. So, be careful what you wish for. Alternatively, move to, say, Shelby, and recapture the greatness that was once Charlotte if you must.

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  87. what is the circumference of a moose?

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  88. Yes everyday we natives breath the air and just let the air linger in our lungs a little longer, just thinking that it might have nourished the brains of you Northerners who have graced and saved us from our selves.

    At one time Charlotte was a low crime, low taxes, good schools, great place to raise a family place to live and the banks found all kinds of talent.

    Then we had all these people who came in with ideas of making us the name your city lite with all these expensive toys and the like.

    Now we see you leaving in droves and treating us like we are something on your shoe. Sorry we should have said something sooner. But you seemed so happy and you were so sad that things were so bad where you were coming from. Little did we know you would make it the same here.

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  89. Glad I moved from CLT to Greensboro. People in Greensboro are proud of their city. GSO has character, historic sites and authentic restaurants of all ethnicities rather than lauding shopping malls and late night bar/restaurants as "things to do". Just don't tell this to anyone who wants to buy my house - I need a Charlotte lover to take it off my hands - hmm maybe that's why its been on the market for a year.

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  90. When will the CHARLOTTE observer lose its bias against UNC Charlotte?

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  91. Why does the Charlotte Observer hate CMC so much?

    Why does the Charlotte Observer hate UNC Charlotte so much?

    Why does the Charlotte Observer hate the Charlotte and Charlotteans so much?

    Why does the Charlotte Observer <3 Raleigh so much?

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  92. Oh, come on. I always get this one... "Where are you from?" Answer: "Charlotte." Next question: "Oh okay. South Carolina, right?"

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  93. I've never heard so much whining in my life. Kind of reminds me of most sports teams. A few losing years, and all of sudden you go from a great team (town) to the worst team (town) ever. Please get out more, and you'll realize that Charlotte is actually a pretty decent town, with better schools, a cleaner downtown, and less expensive homes than most U.S. metropolitan areas.

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  94. Where is downtown?

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  95. Why are you in the country 30 seconds outside of uptown on Tryon, Graham, etc? I mean barns and everything.

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  96. You have never heard so much whining?

    Go to Urban Plant.

    That bunch of my Condo is not worth half what I paid for it. And I only have the light rail running every thirty minutes instead of every twenty group is beyond belief.

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  97. What is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?

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  98. Dude, Clt sucks. No jobs nothing to do. Better off in Atlanta

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  99. I love these comments. The comments are always better than the articles. Hilarious! Keep 'em coming, guys!

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  100. This takes the cake...Was on the phone with a Customer Service Rep. The person asked what city was I in...I replied Charlotte? She replies...."What big city is that near?" I rest my case.

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  101. LOL @ 9:32!!!! That is hilarious.

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  102. we moved from new Jersey in 2006, we shopped and dined in NYc the best in the world.
    But we give lot of thanks and credit to the Queen City, it is a beautiful place that is colorful and has a lot to offer.
    We love Charlotte, and yes if you don't like move the hell out of here! this is my hometown now, and We will stand by her!!
    Viva Charlotte !!!!!

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  103. Colorful? Yeah, let's go do THAT tomorrow.

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  104. #69: Lick my ballsack clean on Saturdays.

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  105. Charlotte is gaining more things to do for fun, but it is lacking compared to places like Tampa Bay, New Orleans and Atlanta. One thing to do in Charlotte is go to the airport and fly somewhere for a fun weekend trip. It's lacking fun places to go because the City controls zoning too much, keeping it a landscaped City with small pockets of corner retail shops.

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  106. #3,359: Why are african-american drivers in charlotte so inconsiderate of other drivers?

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  107. For all the people who say that hated Charlotte and moved, if the city you are in now is so great, why are you wasting time reading and posting in Charlotte?

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  108. I am 36yr. I have lived in Charlotte for 22 years. I remember when we had 2 clubs uptown and club 2000.. In 2 weeks I am moving to the Tampa area "Clearwater" Getting out of this dam khaki filled boring banker town. I will not miss a dam thing about this place. Only regret is I didn't leave sooner. people are so stuck up here. Its like high school with all the clicks. this town and its people have no soul. Last soul that left this town that was worth anything was Charles Hariston. Great place to raise a family but hell if you want to have a life

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  109. what in the h@@@@ are grits?

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  110. Why does Charlotte's downtown - or uptown - have no shopping like a department stores? Like it did 50 yrs ago, and like major cities have?

    And why is Charlotte jealous of being Atlanta's baby brother? And Raleigh's poorer cousin, the poor cousin always begging Raleigh for $ it can't get to finish roads - then blames big cuz...

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  111. Why do you live in Charlotte?...Because you were a loser in your previous place of residence and wherever u go there u are lol

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  112. Q: Does Eric Frazier actually get paid more than $35,000 to write about social networking for the Observer? A: For some reason, yes.

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  113. As someone who grew up here,

    Why is this town so God Dam cliquey and insecure?

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  114. Charlotte rocks

    Does New York City, Los Angeles or Miami have an EPICENTRER. I didn't think so.

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  115. @12;06, what's an EPICENTRER?

    And comparing Charlotte to NYC, Miami or LA is like comparing Sarah Palin to a Yale 4.0 GPA grad.

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  116. An Epicentrer is where the sophisticated go to do face plants in concrete trying to impress celebutard wanna-bees and jersey shore comformists

    That is the Epicentrer of Charlotte, NC, Milky Way.

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  117. #446 Are Charlotte taxpayers going to turn Eastland Mall into a UFO landing site? It would be world-class and draw tourists, like Roswell!

    #447 After the Charlotte Observer folds, how much will the owners get for the building and land downtown?

    #448 When will the Charlotte Bobcats leave?

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  118. I'm going to have to agree with George Washington, Charlotte is a "Trifling place."

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  119. Charlotte use to be a great city...before the trolls moved in and decided their comments were important. Seriously, Charlotte would be better off if these unhappy souls would just leave and take their sunshine elsewhere. Bad attitude is rampant in Charlotte and so is bad taste. Charlotte is a great city with too many sad people. Where did they come from?

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  120. Thanks for the laughs. Better than the article itslf - was there one? To the 36 year old dying to get to Clearwater - buh bye!

    I agree... posting at 9:32 was great.

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  121. 125. Why is it if you have 2 funnel cake vendors, a lemon ice and 1 radio station tent it is called a festival and 100,000 people show up?

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