November 2008

	Staying Stephen Last March, with a magical performance in the NCAA men's basketball tournament, Davidson guard Stephen Curry became an instant national celebrity. Now he returns for his junior season, and the hype is building. How will this story end? By MICHAEL KRUSE
	The Power 50 Between elections, bank mergers, and corporate turnover, it's never been more difficult to figure out who's running this town. That's where we come in. Plus, the up-and-comers, and why Charlotte could be the next Hickory By RICHARD THURMOND
	Fear/Guns People in Charlotte are afraid. And guns are easy to get here, which means there are a lot of them. The author has never liked guns, but he decided to confront his fear By VAN MILLER
	Top Dentists Start smiling. This list of more than 150 of the city's top dentists, as voted by their peers, will help you keep your teeth in top shape

Departments

Business
Age-restricted developments, i.e., boomer utopias, are all the real estate rage. But are they a good thing for society?
By Jen Pilla Taylor

Politics
With more than half of U.S. cities taking the smoke-free plunge, many wonder if Charlotte will do the same. The answer? Not anytime soon
By Emily A. Brown

In Every Issue

• Editor’s Note
• Letters  

The Buzz

Spotlight Breakout singer Benji Hughes keeps himself grounded
News & Notes A look back at the 1999 Power List. Plus, why the Chamber likes Mike (as in Jordan) and chatting with a Hip-Hop Republican
QC Culture Worst. Month. Ever. Looking back at a dark time in Charlotte -- all of two months ago
Money & Power Three items on this November's ballot that will affect you
Reality Check Registries are commonplace for bridal and baby showers. But now the tween set wants in, and some say that's asking for trouble
Health Charlotte's fat. What three local companies are trying to do to make us slim

Life/Style

To Die For Tights, leggings, and fishnets in bright colors and not-so-subtle styles that are sure to give you a leg up on fashion this fall
Trendspotting Flowers aren't just a spring style anymore In Search Of Faux fur Shoptalk west elm hits midtown and Blakeney just keeps getting bigger
Stylemaker Charlotte mom Carla Manna is making your next shopping trip eco-friendly -- and fashionable Stuff We Love There's no reason to spend money at the gas pump when you could be spending it on these local boutiques' online offerings
Service Desk Save your cash with coupons for everything from meals to manicures
City Seen Speedway Children's Charity and the Shain Gallery host soirees. Plus actress Andie MacDowell chats at the Dress for Success "Look at Her Power" fundraiser

Back Page

Two wheels and a tree
Photograph by Chris Edwards

Charlotte Guides

Agenda
Spotlight Cirque du Soleil meets STOMP in the high-energy performance of Traces
Best Bets Duncan Sheik sings at the Blumenthal, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra pairs symphony sound with Andy Warhol images, and Nicole Atkins plays to a hometown crowd at the Neighborhood Theater. Plus, the Mint Museum of Craft + Design shows off North Carolina's young talent
Conversation Jackie Dempsey, co-artistic director of the humorous hit theater group Squonk Opera, dishes on performing around the country and what will make Charlotte especially fun
Calendar What to do this month

Eat, Drink
Review Can Nolia make it a go in a seemingly cursed Elizabeth location?
In Season Chocolate gets political
Now Open Checking out a new uptown Italian eatery
The Dish Two new taverns plus a trendy organic lounge in uptown
Nightlife The University area welcomes a new neighbor with the House of Jazz
Local Flavor A block-by-block look at Plaza Midwood's wild culinary scene
Restaurant Listings