Charlotte Off Topic

[15895]

Someone in here showed a crane count that included Toronto. I thought of that post when I seen these before after street views of Toronto 

I love. Love. Love how they kept the smaller buildings. Wish this would’ve happened more in SouthEnd and hope SouthEnd can save structures like this with new towers  

(from @ProjectEnd on Twitter) 

[KJHburg]

Southwestern NC this week in full Fall beauty,. 

Great Smoky Mtns National Park US 441 shots (1-4) and shots along US 64 from Franklin to Cashiers via Highlands (rest of the photos)   Dry Falls is nothing but its name. 

[Take2]

Something about remembering when the Phillips Place Cinemas opened and seeing it close 26yrs later has me feeling.   Old... Must be how people feel that remember when Eastland or the Charlotte Collesium opened/torn down etc... welcome to middle age I guess. Lol

[KJHburg]

ever since I posted something about a custom made Japanese car on the Cars of the QC thread all my ads popping up are in Japanese!

日本語が読めない

 

Edited October 26, 2022 by KJHburg

[KJHburg]

Looking for some fall color drive up I-77 north (and splurge and take the express lanes) to Mooresville or Statesville and see color like this.  Just beautiful.  Then eat up in Mooresville or Statesville and return.  Or check out Mountain Creek Park in Catawba County. 

I-77 shots between Charlotte and Statesville from Thursday. 

 

[videtur quam contuor]

Is there a Wilkinson Boulevard topic somewhere on this site? I could not find it. To be such a major connector and Hwy 74 it says something that it does not exist. 

Nonetheless, I was at the Dairy Queen this afternoon on Wilkinson and Mr. Lacey, the owner was there enjoying some of his product. He is 89 years and we discussed the potential sale of his property which I think was mentioned somewhere on this site, and if not, mentioned here. He has owned the site for nearly 50 years. He owns the property and building. Dairy Queen owns the business (or something like that). No sale can proceed without Dairy Queen remaining in the location or very near to the current location. This is something of a legacy arrangement since this location dates from 1947. He said he has an offer in hand from someone who wants the property but not the business and wants Mr. Lacey to resolve the DQ situation, which is not in the interest of Mr. Lacey to undertake.  Perhaps someone will buy and relocate DQ to another property nearby as a two business transaction (not likely). Perhaps someone will buy and keep the business or add the business to the development in that location that will exist in the future under the new owner. Perhaps the whole thing is just not meant to be. Mr. Lacey has a son in the real estate business who is advising for the family. He also owns the DQ at Eastway and Central which is wholly his own and purchases products from DQ International and retails under their name. Different owner relationship.

There are some holes in this discussion but I had to let him go before his ice cream melted.

Edit: He said DQ will be here for quite a while so please keep coming. Proper businessman, always closing.

Edited October 30, 2022 by tarhoosier

[videtur quam contuor]

On the way home from DQ I went Morris Field and saw the former Plato Price Habitat project underground utilities were ready to be placed. Much grading done and conduits and sewer sections on site. 

Also, across the street from Plato Price on Connelly Circle there is new residential construction and I "think" this is an affordable housing project as my search returns some information from the last two years with something about that place and name. Connelly Creek Apartments says Accela. Anyone with more information please chime in.

edit: this site has trained me to be alert for such things. 

Edited October 30, 2022 by tarhoosier

[kermit]

1) So perhaps some of the UP folks who migrated to twitter will be more frequent visitors over here again?

2) Setting $44 billion aflame will certainly reduce inflation

3) The WSJ reports that BoA is carrying several billion in Twitter bonds that it was unable to resell (not the end of the world, some is collateralized,  but, oops)

Quote

Banks, including Morgan Stanley and Bank of America Corp., that together put up $13 billion of their own money for debt in Twitter, could also see losses. The banks had to place the debt on their books as they couldn’t sell the bonds fast enough to a wider group of investors.

They, however, have some safety nets. Roughly $10 billion of the $13 billion in debt is backed by specific assets, ensuring that they would be paid back, even if not in full.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/pro-take-musk-warns-of-a-potential-twitter-bankruptcy-he-would-be-the-big-loser-11668191472

Edited November 11, 2022 by kermit

[KJHburg]

what southeast rival to Charlotte is this city skyline?   at least 3 cranes in the skyline shot. 

[NCMike1990]

That would be the North Hills skyline in Raleigh.

[KJHburg]

1 hour ago, NCMike1990 said:

That would be the North Hills skyline in Raleigh.

Correct the skyline of North Hill rivals many other cities.

[NCMike1990]

1 hour ago, KJHburg said:

Correct the skyline of North Hill rivals many other cities.

That one building has signage for Advance Auto Parts. That surprised me. Guessing that's their corporate HQ. I didn't even know they were based in Raleigh. I just found out they relocated from Roanoke, VA to Raleigh back in 2018.

[KJHburg]

Just now, NCMike1990 said:

That one building has signage for Advance Auto Parts. That surprised me. Guessing that's their corporate HQ. I didn't even know they were based in Raleigh. I just found out they relocated from Roanoke, VA to Raleigh back in 2018.

Yes it is the only Fortune 500 company based in Raleigh but they have a few F 1000 companies headquartered there.    I did not know you could see that sign LOL.   When you round the Beltline in Raleigh it looks like downtown Raleigh with that Eastern apartment tower 35 stories tall as the centerpiece.  

[NCMike1990]

3 minutes ago, KJHburg said:

I did not know you could see that sign LOL.  

I view UP on a 40 inch LCD TV. I can see all the pics in great detail on the big screen. That's why I always appreciate the pics that you, QCXpat and others post on here.

[kermit]

So about a month ago my wife's car got dinged while parked on the street in front of our house. They left a note and she called. Turns out the dinger was working for  a local film who was dropping off Ewan McGregor (Obie-Wan Kenobi himself (if you are under 50), or Mark Renton (if you are over 50)) at his air b&b. Ewan stayed in Dilworth for about a month while filming Mother Couch. Since he was just across the street, my wife (with Scottish roots) was super thrilled about all this. His also very famous wife was here for a couple of days at the start (and I was super thrilled about that).

For a big star he was a very quiet neighbor. He did wheel back his emptied trash and recycling bins and he spent quite a bit of time walking or running through Dilworth. There were a couple of days where I saw him leave the house on foot with a backpack in the morning and he didn't return until after dark. This is slightly less creepy than it all sounds, my desk overlooks the street and I am easily distracted by whatever is happening out there.  We didn't chat. I hope he had a pleasant time. Was exciting for the neighbors who all did their best to be cool. 

Car is still dinged though...

Edited November 18, 2022 by kermit

[DJ8hep]

So about a month ago my wife's car got dinged while parked on the street in front of our house. They left a note and she called. Turns out the dinger was working for  a local film who was dropping off Ewan McGregor (Obie-Wan Kenobi himself (if you are under 50), or Mark Renton (if you are over 50)) at his air b&b. Ewan stayed in Dilworth for about a month while filming Mother Couch. Since he was just across the street, my wife (with Scottish roots) was super thrilled about all this. His also very famous wife was here for a couple of days at the start (and I was super thrilled about that).
For a big star he was a very quiet neighbor. He did wheel back his emptied trash and recycling bins and he spent quite a bit of time walking or running through Dilworth. There were a couple of days where I saw him leave the house on foot with a backpack in the morning and he didn't return until after dark. This is slightly less creepy than it all sounds, my desk overlooks the street and I am easily distracted by whatever is happening across the street.  We didn't chat. I hope he had a pleasant time. Was exciting for the neighbors who all did their best to be cool. 
Car is still dinged though...

I saw for a week them filming across the street but never got to see Ewan. That’s awesome!! Haha what a story! Sorry about your car though…

[tozmervo]

1 hour ago, kermit said:

So about a month ago my wife's car got dinged while parked on the street in front of our house. They left a note and she called. Turns out the dinger was working for  a local film who was dropping off Ewan McGregor (Obie-Wan Kenobi himself (if you are under 50), or Mark Renton (if you are over 50)) at his air b&b. Ewan stayed in Dilworth for about a month while filming Mother Couch. Since he was just across the street, my wife (with Scottish roots) was super thrilled about all this. His also very famous wife was here for a couple of days at the start (and I was super thrilled about that).

For a big star he was a very quiet neighbor. He did wheel back his emptied trash and recycling bins and he spent quite a bit of time walking or running through Dilworth. There were a couple of days where I saw him leave the house on foot with a backpack in the morning and he didn't return until after dark. This is slightly less creepy than it all sounds, my desk overlooks the street and I am easily distracted by whatever is happening out there.  We didn't chat. I hope he had a pleasant time. Was exciting for the neighbors who all did their best to be cool. 

Car is still dinged though...

he will always be Christian from Moulin Rouge to me. 

[15895]

Move over DC Metro… It’s MUNI’s time to shine. 

Underground Streetcar (MUNI metro) opened up in San Francisco today (Central Subway) 

Pictures from Twitter, some pre-revenue. 

 

imagine that uptown…

 

[nakers2]

4 hours ago, AirNostrumMAD said:

Move over DC Metro… It’s MUNI’s time to shine. 

Underground Streetcar (MUNI metro) opened up in San Francisco today (Central Subway) 

Pictures from Twitter, some pre-revenue. 

 

imagine that uptown…

 

I hope it stays that nice. This looks like something in Europe or Asia. (Though I've been on some gritty platforms in Europe too) San Francisco definitely has some issue with crime in their downtown. Chinatown was already pretty gritty last I visited in 2015, and while it was cool, I can't imagine the station under it looking this clean and shiny for too long. 

[15895]

22 minutes ago, nakers2 said:

I hope it stays that nice. This looks like something in Europe or Asia. (Though I've been on some gritty platforms in Europe too) San Francisco definitely has some issue with crime in their downtown. Chinatown was already pretty gritty last I visited in 2015, and while it was cool, I can't imagine the station under it looking this clean and shiny for too long. 

I’m not dismissing what you’re saying nor doubting you, however, my experience in San Francisco has been so different from these comments. And I only mention it because I’ve read so many people say this, I question whether I’m just crazy or something, lol. I think Rome and Italy in general is probably the worst I’ve seen (especially. Their metro. My god) but I still find Italy beautiful in its own way. 

My visit to San Francisco in late 2019, blew me away. One of the most beautiful cities I’ve ever seen in the world. Clean. So much natural beauty, Some of the most beautiful districts. I’d say New York & San Francisco blow the next city in line out of the water for US cities. I also loved their Chinatown by far the most of any in the US. I also like New York’s gritty ethnic neighborhoods.

I’m just always so surprised to hear such things about San Francisco. Maybe I am just oblivious to things? I thought Oakland looked drab and bleh. 

I’m a huge, huge fan of San Francisco. Just wish it had a better rail system. 

Edited November 20, 2022 by AirNostrumMAD

[tozmervo]

Did it just call me fat? 

[videtur quam contuor]

Made the annual visit to McAdenville for the lights tonight. I recommend it for those who have not gone before. It is a living historical reminder of our past, 67 years now. For families, children, visitors it is especially good. One is never too old for this experience.

Pro tips: Go early. Later departure means more time in traffic. Leave central Charlotte 4:30-4:45. Adjust departure time depending on your origin location. Use Wilkinson/74 avoid 85. Expect traffic. Be patient. You will arrive around 5:30 pm just as lights illuminate. Avoid weekend (Fri-Sun). If you arrive early pull into the elementary school and wait for the few minutes necessary for the full effect. Experienced visitors will extinguish their headlights and use parking lights only as they idle through town. Windows down as there is music at a few locations and some townsfolk and drive-thru cars will shout Merry Christmas.

If you want more you can make a U-turn at the I-85 end of the town and see it the other direction before your return.

I saw something new this year. In one of the new homes between the school and the mill pond there was an upstairs window with a replica of the lamp from the movie "A Christmas Story". "It was a MAJOR award."

@Temeteronmentioned here some time ago Estia's Kouzina in Belmont , Main Street between 74 and 85 as a fine quality Greek and greek-American restaurant and it has become our post visit dining location. (Greek knows greek). 

[KJHburg]

Seen going northbound on I-85 this morning.  Dixie Lawncare of Kings Mountain snowplows heading northward!  Somebody up north is getting a storm LOL  It was a convoy of about 8 trucks. 

 

[videtur quam contuor]

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/people-in-republican-counties-have-higher-death-rates-than-those-in-democratic-counties/

I predicted Trump would lose the election due to covid death and disability in states with a margin narrow enough to turn the difference.

Statistic critics fire away.

[rancenc]

Overview of some major projects continuing or starting in 2023.