NOLAbound Applicant Details

In what city do you currently reside?

Los Angeles, CA

What do you love the most about where you live?

I’m a recent West Coast transplant, having moved to L.A. from New York in September, and what I love most is the feeling that you can totally reinvent yourself here. Anything is possible, and that feeling of possibility is incredibly exciting.

Also, the fact that I can wear shorts and a tank top in November on certain days is really nice.

In what other cities have you lived?

New York; Dublin, Ireland

What is/was your favorite city and why?

I’m completely in love with my hometown. New York is an amazing city, because it accepts everyone exactly as they are. It is such a “melting pot,” not just of cultures, but of ideas and lifestyles, that anyone can make a home there and find their place if they’re willing to look. As much as I’m enjoying my West Coast adventure (even NYers need to leave home sometimes!), I miss New York terribly!

What do you hope to gain from NOLAbound?

I hope to get to know New Orleans beyond the French Quarter! I’m an arts and pop culture writer who specializes in a geek audience, and so anything to do with the arts, sci-fi/fantasy/comics, or digital/tech careers would be of huge interest to me and my readership.

What is your overall opinion of New Orleans?

I loved New Orleans! It’s a city that forced this hurried (and harried) New Yorker to slow down and enjoy life for the time I was there. It’s a vibrant city that manages to be mellow at the same time. There are so many things - the music! the art! the food! - to enjoy, but you’re encouraged to take your time to enjoy it. I love that New Orleans is such a proud city, that knows its culture is valuable and isn’t afraid to show it off!

Single most important issue facing New Orleans?

I think the most important issue is one that you’re already covering - encouraging not only businesses that already exist in New Orleans, but encouraging business to COME to the city. With New Orleans still rebuilding, and the national economy being what it is, the city needs to retain its entrepreneurs - particularly its arts scene, which is one of the things that makes it special - and attract new ones, which will help the rebuilding process.

Community Response: