OT: Re: [Charlug] Questions about the Charlotte Area

[Jason Edgecombe]

Jennifer Leadbetter wrote:
>
> I hope it's not too off topic, but I'm also interested in people who
> can share information on other interests that, while not directly
> computer-related, are often shared by people who like computers.  For
> example, Michigan hosts a lot of sci-fi/fantasy conventions, as well
> as my favorite, Penguicon (a Linux con).  :)  It has a couple of
> Renaissance festivals, anime is publicly screened at the local
> universities, and LARPs are held at many of the local parks.  Does
> Charlotte and the surrounding area host a lot of these activities as
> well?
>
> How "geek-friendly" would you all rate the Charlotte area?
Hi,

Well, since I've lived in the Charlotte Metro area for most of my life,
I can't compare it to other places for geekiness.

Sci/Fi: I attend a very active Sci-Fi and Gaming club, The UNCCharlotte
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Guild. It's open to students and non-students. Most
games meet biweekly on either Friday, Saturday or Sunday. The web site
is http://www3.uncc.edu/theguild/News.asp and the mailing list is at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UNCCGuild/

There is a yearly Renaissance Festival.

We have several local museums and have theater as well. The blumental
performing arts center is one venue. A production of "Cats" is coming to
Charlotte in January for the nth time (n>3). We've had "phantom of the
opera" come through a couple of times.

There isn't much of a night life. There are some local clubs in downtown
(uptown). FYI, downtown Charlotte is officially called "uptown".

www.charlotte.com is the web site for local newspaper and serves as a
local portal for events.

Charlotte has more churches per capita than any other city in the
southeast (possibly US, I can't remember). The social scene is getting
better, but most social events are done through churches.

Charlotte is a young city, but it is experiencing explosive growth.
Charlotte is the banking capital of the southeast. A large chunk of the
IT jobs are with the banks. Raleigh and the RTP area has more software
development jobs. That said, there are still lots of IT jobs available.
Kannaoplis, a suburb of Charlotte is building a new bioinformatics center.

Oh, and Charlotte is the home of NASCAR. You will either learn to love
it or hate it. Most of the NASCAR teams are based in and around Charlotte.

I hope this answers some of your questions.

Sincerely,
Jason