Mailbag: Highlighting 32 electronic feedback letters

General

Dear Agenda, I see this guy most mornings when I’m walking to work. He walks the opposite direction and we usually pass each other in a crosswalk (often Tryon & 6th, sometimes Trade & Tryon). I don’t think he’s noticed me, but I’ve noticed him and he’s a cutie. What am I supposed to do about this? Stop him in a crosswalk and give him my number? This is my issue with Charlotte. I see a fair amount of attractive people when I’m to and fro work but what can I do about it??? Where do they hang out at night? Are they all spoken for? I know you don’t have an advice column, but I can’t be the only one who is having this issue in this town. Maybe you can write about it and turn my missed non-connections into an annoyingly cute rom-com. I feel like maybe he’s an Agenda reader. He has nice shoes. Anyways. – A

Ted: Glad you associate nice shoes with Agenda readers. Talk to him!

I wanted to let you know that I love the Axios Charlotte and I think you and the team are doing a fantastic job! Keep up the great work. I look forward to the agenda first thing in the morning! Thanks Again. – T

Just a note of thanks from a busy mom and realtor, who may have undiagnosed ADHD! Thank you for wonderful short articles that connect me to my city! – D

I would love to see a story of riding an Amtrak train after all the hype of Amtrack coming to our city. Last year I rode from Newark, NJ to Charlotte after I couldn’t fly due to a severe ear infection. Let me tell you it might have been the most interesting journey I’ve ever taken. The people I met, the conversations I overheard, the once in a lifetime experience…that I will leave as once in a lifetime… – S

Ted: I once spent the night in a single Amtrak room with my two brothers and my parents. It was odd. That said, I love traveling via train.

Can you please allow/open your articles to commenting? DISCUSSION FOLKS! – A

Ted: No. But we’ve got some exciting stuff planned for how to involve the community. Overall, I agree with your sentiment, but I disagree that site comments are the answer.

In response to: Over-testing – Charlotte 8th graders sit through more than 3,000 minutes of mandated exams per year

Loved the testing piece! I remember having to take an absurd amount of tests in 8th grade and eventually I just would bubble random things in and read a book at my desk because that was much better than any of those awful testing packets. Granted, I was (un)lucky that those were all the practice tests that set up the test the students take today. – K

In response to: A breakdown of the weekday Starbucks stereotypes

The weekday Starbucks article is genius. – J

In response to: On Paris

Thank you for sharing your beautiful journalistic commentary on the Paris events from Friday. I am sure that the raw thoughts and concerns you shared echoed loudly with many, as well as the late night tears that fell. I love reading the Axios Charlotte each day; the wit and perspective that you and your writers share is always a joy to read. Thank you for connecting Charlotteans. – C

Just wanted to tell you that your op-ed on Paris was fantastic. Really shows the depth of your writing skills (I chuckled when your next story was about Turkey Trots). It’s hard for a lot of people to write so openly and emotionally, but you’re clearly able. I found myself feeling and thinking many of the same things when I watched that video from the concert hall. I tried to imagine what I would do if I were the one stumbling and running for my life. It’s not bad to see those things — it connects us with ourselves and others. Anyway, you rock. – R

In response to: What should Elevation Church pastor Steven Furtick do about disclosing his finances?

It seems like you drank the kool aid. – J

Furtick is “worth it”? In what sense? Because he gets a bunch of mindless sheep to follow him in perpetuating the myth of Christianity? And you say “by all accounts.” Really? You haven’t asked around much. The guy is a first-rate scam artist. What does he have to lose by being transparent? Pretty much EVERYTHING — because then maybe some of his sheep would actually see the light. – A

Ted: Furtick has positively impacted tens of thousands of people.

In response to: RIP Tiki Hideaway. Here’s why you were important to our city

Oh no…..this is terrible news. He makes the best Mai Tai I’ve ever had and I love Mai Tai’s. – M

Ted: I agree. And, the drinks we’re so strong. My one regret is that I never ordered one of those Scorpion Bowls that Tiki Hideaway served.

In response to: Last call – Where to get food in Charlotte after the bars close

Great article on late night eats, I’m proud/sorry to say I’ve patronized most of the list after last call. BUT, how in the world did you leave out Cook Out??!? I know none are within walking distance to bars, but the Freedom Drive location is a very short cab drive away from Uptown. Sadly, I’m at the age where I visit Cook Out more often during the day, but when my friends and I need something to eat after the bars close, there’s not even a discussion about where we’re headed. The only debate is which of the 43 milkshakes we’re each going to get. Cheers. – A

In response to: Sushi lover? 5 go-to sushi spots and recommended rolls at each

An overlooked sushi spot: Sushi Guru in SouthPark (next to Rooster’s). Awful name, hidden location, awesome sushi. Can’t stop, won’t stop: The guru roll and hamachi jalapeno roll. – C

I’m glad you all didn’t include Koishi — the hidden gem in the old Pizza Hut in Cotswold. I personally think that’s the best sushi in town — well priced, not a huge scene, no-muss no-fuss sushi. And now I’m pretty sure I’m thinking about having sushi for breakfast. So food motivated over here. – M

Ted: If a sushi restaurant makes it in an old Pizza Hut building, it means they have really good sushi.

I encourage you to try Koishi (corner of Randolph and Sharon Amity). Yes, the outside will turn you off since it is a refurbished Pizza Hut, but I have had sushi all over the country from Nobu to Morimoto. Koishi rivals any that I have had anywhere! Surprising find right here in Cotswold. Give it a shot. If you are lucky enough to catch them on the right night, in regard to ingredient availability, ask Steven for his “Snowy Roll.” Hope you enjoy it! – A

In response to: Canning – Not just for little old ladies anymore

I wish you’d done more research on the canning article because you’ve published dangerous, incorrect information. Botulism is actually colorless and odorless; you will not be able to “smell” it. You need to follow the guidelines from a reputable source (like the USDA’s complete guide to home canning), or your local county extension agency to get information on safe canning. This from the CDC’s website: “Outbreaks and Home-Canned Vegetables – Home-canned vegetables are the most common cause of botulism outbreaks in the United States. From 1996 to 2008, there were 116 outbreaks of foodborne botulism reported to CDC. Of the 48 outbreaks that were caused by home-prepared foods, 18 outbreaks, or 38%, were from home-canned vegetables. These outbreaks often occur because home canners did not follow canning instructions, did not use pressure canners, ignored signs of food spoilage, and were unaware of the risk of botulism from improperly preserving vegetables.” I was pretty alarmed when I saw this article published on the website as I would hate for people to try canning for the first time and not do it safely. Vegetables with low ph specifically must be pressure canned, not water bath canned. The way the article reads, the casual reader could infer that any vegetable could be processed using the method provided. I really like this website and am a regular reader. I don’t plan to quit reading any time soon. And thanks for including an article on canning! I love this topic and would love to read more about local food and home cooking/canning. Work on the editing, friends! – S

In response to: Where to eat brunch in Charlotte according to your current emotional state

Best. Article. Ever. – B

Nailed it on Terrace. You only forgot to mention that if the date goes well prepare to go there regularly enough that the staff know your names and order. – A

In response to: The biggest surprises in this year’s election results

Sigh… Only 15% of registered Mecklenburg voters actually cast their vote this election. Instead of stopping by the polls, the other 85% must have been too busy in a coffee shop somewhere complaining about their public school system, riding their bikes irritated at the potholes, driving their cars annoyed with heavy traffic, on their laptops writing entitled Yelp reviews about local businesses and healthcare providers, on their cell phones tweeting about the Kardashians, or rolling their apathetic eyes and unappreciative souls at the importance of local government and our civil servants. Embarassing! With options of absentee ballots and early voting, there is no excuse to not dedicate 10 mins of one’s energy and time to just show up and vote. Just Show Up! – A

I love the election coverage and encouragement toward civic duty the CA provides! Question for the team: What is more detrimental, not voting or uninformed voting? My good friend has always felt an imposed guilt to be active and participate in our political system, but not motivated enough to research. Over a cold beer last night, we were discussing the day’s election and he admitted he voted for Peacock because “he had a funny name.” In fact, that’s how he voted for ALL electable positions and I doubt he’s the only one. Which is worse? I’ve been stuck in this conundrum all night…

In response to a newsletter talking point that read:  “Huntersville voters were so angry over the state’s plans to widen I-77 that they voted Mayor Jill Swain and other political incumbents out of office… Strong momentum against these toll lanes.”

Warning- unsolicited commentary: I’m not a resident of Huntersville, but I have such a huge issue with this. Rural mayors have very little input into what the state decides to do in these situations. A small group of uninformed crazy people managed to convince enough other people that they should be crazy too, and now Huntersville has lost one of the best mayors it’s ever had (seriously that guy who got elected has no idea what he’s doing and won’t be able to effect change in the toll road situation any more than Jill did). A similar situation has just played out in Chapel Hill as well. I blame voter turn out, but it’s also a statement to how polarized the electorate had become and how ignorant most people in this country are to the political process. – M

In response to our series: CLT Playlist  

Danny never misses a beat with Agenda music picks, does he?!? They do not go unnoticed and are always respected! DANNY IS THE MAN! :o) – S

Ted: Danny wears patterned short sleeve button down shirts, so don’t always trust his judgement.

In response to: A guide to economical Charlotte airport parking

I really wish you would have included a section about another option: public transit. To use any of the three airport connector/sprinter buses (departing from Northlake, Archdale, and Uptown) it costs only $4.40 round-trip and drops passengers right at the terminal. For residents who don’t regularly use CATS (or non-Lynx transit), it’s probably quite daunting. I think it could be a great “how-to” article, and could garner more local support and use of Charlotte’s transit system as it continues to grow. – A

Your article made me LOL. I’ve been parking in the long-term lots for 12+ years. It. is. NOT. hard. Another pro tip: take a picture of your row letter/number and lot number. I always make it back to my car 🙂 – R

As a frequent traveler, I definitely recommend Park and Fly at the airport as I do for all my clients. #1 it is more affordable than long term. #2 There shuttle is waiting for you in their lot and pulls behind your car to pick you up. #3 Grabs your luggage. #4 Takes you directly to the departure terminal. #5 There when you get back at the terminal (no waiting) – Drops you at your car. AND you get free stays by being a loyal parker. Thanks I love the agenda btw! – A

Just two things I wanted to inform you of, and you can pass it on if you feel like it (no bad vibes if you don’t!). First, The CLT airport can tell you where your car is if you have your license plate number. Instead of always writing it down, you can just call SmartPark at CLT and give them your license plate number and they will tell you in seconds. I recall one time leaving from Singapore, connecting in Taipei when I realized I had no idea where I was parked. Called CLT SmartPark when I got to LA (to avoid international phone call prices) and they told me immediately. And there my car was, right where they said it was. But I’ve recently had a better discovery than anything CLT has to offer (at least for the price). Park ‘N Go, just outside the airport off of Little Rock Road on Scott Futrell Drive, is an amazing service. You pull in and usually follow the shuttle to your parking space (or the shuttle follows you), then they load your bags for you, give you a yellow piece of paper with your car’s location on it, and usually there are only 2-3 people per shuttle, so no waiting for 10 different shuttle stops on a crowded bus. No walking, no shelters, no waiting. Plus, if you want to take a newspaper with you, they are complimentary on the bus. When returning, you just give the driver the yellow sheet of paper and they take you directly to your car, load your bags, and do it with a smile. Finally, when checking out for a met $5.50/day, you and your companions get a free bottle of water. On top of all that, they have a frequent parker card that allows you to earn free days. I just cashed mine in on a 5-day leisure trip to Colorado with my wife. And I still I’ll have free days left due to my frequent business travel! – S

In response to: How to get Pappy Van Winkle bourbon in Charlotte

Just got back from Kentucky (Breeders Cup and bourbon trail trip with my husband and some friends) and recalled your article last week about getting pappy van winkle in/around Charlotte and I thought it would be interesting to share that you cannot purchase Pappy at Buffalo Trace, where it is made. When our group asked about it, the tour guide told us their goal is to get Pappy in locations across the world instead and thus, they do not sell it onsite. Very interesting!

Also.. If you ever do get up to Kentucky for the bourbon trail, I’d suggest going to Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey and Buffalo Trace – all are wonderful tours! Buffalo Trace isn’t on the official “bourbon trail” anymore but definitely with the stop. – E

Ted: I didn’t know there was such a thing as the Bourbon Trail.

Great read on the Pappy allocation for this year. I was one of those lucky few who got a bottle of 20yr last go around. It is unopened and I am looking to get rid of it by trading it for 4 lower tickets to the Panthers vs. Redskins. Do you know anyone who may be interested? – J

In response to: One couple wants to improve their west Charlotte neighborhood one cup of coffee at a time

Thanks for writing the Enderly Coffee article yesterday! I am a close friend of Tony’s and even invested financially into Enderly because I believe in their mission. There isn’t a harder worker and more compassionte person in Charlotte, and I’m grateful that you were able to highlight what he is doing. – D

In response to: WWJD – A year after gay marriage became legal, Charlotte churches take sides

I love Axios Charlotte! Keep up the good work. Just a quick comment about your coverage of Charlotte area churches. Covenant Presbyterian was not included in the discussion surrounding same-sex marriages and we were one of the first (if not the first) to change our marriage policy to be all-inclusive/non-discriminatory. Also, we also have some great programs for Young Adults. – C