And they say the CIAA is just one party
Devondia Roseborough is spreading her message of HIV/AIDS awareness this week as she signs copies of her autobiography, “Put It On Paper.” Well, it’s happening at a pre-party, but still with all that’s going on this week, it’s nice to know you can pick up a book that might change your life. Here are the…
This week’s new releases (2/26)
Here’s a quick rundown of the big names releasing albums today: Erykah Badu New Amerykah Part One Janet Jackson Discipline Tift Merritt Another Country
Dead day in the CIAA
It’s dead inside the Charlotte Bobcats Arena. It’s almost like being at a Charlotte Bobcats’ game. But it’s the Women’s portion of the CIAA tournament and ain’t nobody watching. Is it because no one cares about the women? Possibly. But these girls play hard. Even if Fayetteville State and St. Augustine’s had 84 turnovers in…
Those stubborn Koreans
Korean people are really stubborn. I can say this because my mom’s from South Korea and I’ve been engulfed in the Korean community for more than 20 years. I wouldn’t say that I’m an expert on the Korean culture (far from it!), and perhaps this is a hugely unfair generalization, but from my experiences, I’ve…
Heard in passing …
You ever hear the end of a really horrible conversation while walking down the street? I heard this as I passed a couple on 6th and Tryon: “I don’t know what I’m gonna do with my son if I have to go to jail …” Damn.
Movie trailers for this week’s film reviews
Be Kind Rewind Directed by Michel Gondry \\\\\\\\\\ Charlie Bartlett Directed by Jon Poll \\\\\\\\\\ City of Men Directed by Paulo Morelli \\\\\\\\\\ Read the reviews in the film section.Â
The Turbanator
When Barack Obama responded recently to criticisms from Hillary Clinton by saying the presidential race had reached “the Silly Season,” he didn’t know it was about to get a lot sillier. Yesterday, the rightwing, and frequently unreliable, “Drudge Report” political blog posted a photo of Obama looking like Taliban Santa, wearing traditional Somali clothing. Drudge…
Harry Taylor files
Harry Taylor was at the Board of Elections an hour ago to file as a candidate for Congress. Taylor, you may remember, was the guy who told Bush he should be ashamed of himself. Some of us at the Loaf — OK, me — have made little secret that we liked the move, and in…
Jimmy Kimmel f’s Ben Affleck
A while back, Sarah Silverman released a video about how she was f*cking Matt Damon. Now, Jimmy Kimmel has returned the favor – and gets some help from a lot of his friends. \\\\\\\\\\
It’s more than just a shopping cart
Congratulations to josieposie33, a local user of the Flickr Web site and fan of both The Light Factory and Creative Loafing. Her photograph Stray Shopping Cart was selected out of more than 30 submitted for The Stray Shopping Cart project, whereby creative Charlotteans (and the world at large) were charged with finding and photographing stray…
News Roundup, 2/26/08
No Starbucks … for 3 hours: Starbucks across the country are closing from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. today to provide equipment training to 135,000 employees. This training is to improve the quality of coffee served at the stores, said company officials. Other companies are planning promotions, and some places are offering free coffee during…
What survivor Yuri Kochiyama can teach us
Nearing 87 years old, Yuri Kochiyama lives in a small room in an Oakland, Calif., senior living facility. Her walls are adorned with photos, posters, postcards and mementos detailing a living history of the revolutionary struggles of the 20th century. She is quiet, humble and small, and has trouble at times retrieving the right word.…
News Roundup, 2/25/08
When will gas prices relent?: Charlotte gas prices rose over the last two weeks and experts can not predict what will happen next to the prices. Regular fuel sold for about $3.13 per gallon on Feb. 24, according to AAA Carolinas. That is a $1 more than last year. There is no definite answer as…
CIAA: The calm before the storm
Today, downtown Charlotte seems eerily quiet and calm. Just think, in a few days Uptown will be mobbed by thousands of folks out to have good time at the basketball tournament or any of the dozens and dozens of parties going down this week. That said, we at CL will be covering the whole thing…
Nader … again
— Cartoon by Jim Hunt
Next supergroup?
All these supergroups appear to crawl out of the woodwork — Velvet Revolver, Army of Anyone, etc. So, could this be the next one? Angelo Moore of Fishbone, Corey Glover of Living Colour and pFluid of 24-7 Spyz are joining forces… Should be interesting!
Concert announcement
James Taylor will perform at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Charlotte on May 29. Tickets go on sale on Saturday, March 1.
Divorce Party–nothing but women?
One of my best friends since pre-school was always the first to do everything. She was the first of our crew to get a tattoo. She was also the first to get married. And now she’s the first to get a divorce. To celebrate her newly single status, she decided to throw a divorce party.…
Big boomer birthday, of sorts
There’s a big Baby Boomer cultural anniversary today. It’s doubtful that many members of my overhyped, and increasingly memory-challenged, generation will take note, but they should. For those of us who were around at the time and have a sense of history, just mentioning “February 1964” can elicit a smile or a fond shake of…
Education or experience … what’s worth more?
When Johnston and Wales first came to Charlotte in 2004, those working in the service industry at the time seemed to have mixed feelings. On the one hand, there would be a wealth of young, new talent coming to the city looking to learn and work in their respective fields; on the other hand, this…
Park this, Charlotte
What the hell is up with the parking in Uptown Charlotte? Don’t get me wrong — I am happy to pay four or five dollars to park my car and go and enjoy myself in any one of this city’s numerous bars and clubs — but $15-$20? That is fucking ridiculous! Picture this scenario: You…
A song about McCain
By George W. Bush I can’t believe I’m trapped here in Africa whilst hopes of appearing more brainy. The Serbs are mad because Kosovo declared independence. Well, listen, John Q. Serbia: What would your existence have been like if someone denied you independence? You’d still be living in mud abodes, imbibing Serbian Pollen Punch. You’d…
Putting on the Sock
“Putting on the sock” does not refer to a condom or penis extension as many would have thought. Instead, it refers to an age old technique of foreplay. The technique begins with the woman on her back and man kneeling before her with his penis placed at the entrance of her vagina. Instead of inserting…
Geek love
Looking for the Peter Parker to your Mary Jane? Itching for a Wonder Woman to lasso you? Or are you simply ready for someone to share your love of all things Star Wars? Look no further than your friendly neighborhood comic book store! The good people of Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find are sponsoring a…
American Idol – Women’s Top 12
Last night, the top 12 girls sang and…well…they didn’t do much better than the guys. I wasn’t impressed. Even Carly Smithson – the one with all the hype because of her record deal – didn’t do well. I’d say the lone standout from either night was Syesha Mercado. The rest fall into a big pool…
News Roundup, 2/21/08
Pentagon confident satellite’s toxic fuel destroyed: A dead satellite that’s been floating around in space was shot down by a Navy missile late yesterday. Without intervention, the satellite would have fallen to Earth in early March, said officials, and could have dispersed harmful or even potentially deadly fumes over an area the size of two…
New soul music video
Check it out — a dope, up-and-coming, indie soul vocalist named Salakida has just put the finishing touches on a new music video for her song “Heart Attack.” It’s directed by author and filmmaker Casondra Sigers. Take a look and show this non-commercial artist some love. And for more info, check out her Myspace page:…
Molière with milk and cookies!
I’ve seen many college productions in my time, but last night under a red full moon, I saw the funniest of all. The Davidson College production of Scapin, directed by reigning Theaterperson of the Year Scott Ripley, is a laugh riot for young and old. Don’t wait for a full review — the fun will…
Long live Lindsay?
This week, semi-nude photos of Lindsay Lohan dressed up like Marilyn Monroe appeared in New York Magazine. In it she blames the media for the recent death of Heath Ledger, while willingly participating in a photo shoot that likens her to a fallen movie star. She states that she will not suffer the same fate…
New soul music video
Check it out — a dope, up-and-coming, indie soul vocalist named Salakida has just put the finishing touches on a new music video for her song “Heart Attack.” It’s directed by author and filmmaker Casondra Sigers. Take a look and show this non-commercial artist some love. And for more info, check out her Myspace page:…
News Roundup, 2/20/08
Obama chipping away at Clinton’s base: The political race tightens up on the democratic side as Obama trounces Clinton in Wisconsin and Hawaii. Obama is slowly chipping away at the Clinton base. Obama won 48 percent of women voters, and 53 percent of white voters making him the candidate to beat going into the next…
American Idol – Men’s Top 12
Did you watch “American Idol” last night? I sat there and watched as guy after guy stood up, sang a boring song and walked away. Normally, I’d go singer by singer and make comments on what I thought, but, off the top of your head, can you really remember one of the performances without thinking…
A real Pearl
A Man Named Pearl, the charming and inspirational documentary that enjoyed a successful Charlotte run when it played in town last fall at the Regal Stonecrest, will return to area theaters this weekend. The nonfiction film about Pearl Fryar, a Bishopville, S.C., resident known for his gorgeous topiary art, will be shown starting Friday at…
CD Review: L.A. Tool & Die
The Deal: Locals release sophomore album, The Last Thorn of Summer, on AAJ Records. The Good: L.A. Tool & Die isn’t trying to be like anyone else. They use a mellow approach – simplistic lyrics and rhythms – to draw the listener in. The quintet’s album uses organ and piano, in addition to the standard…
Country living
Will the Coens’ gem prove too daring for the Oscars?
CD Review: SIA
The Deal: Australian pop songstress releases third solo album. The Good: Hints of Fiona Apple, Tori Amos and Joss Stone can be heard in the singer’s sultry songs that teeter somewhere between pop and complete melancholy. Sia hits and holds the right notes at the right times showing off some vocal prowess when it counts.…
Music Menu
THURSDAY, FEB. 21 Lori McKenna Currently touring in support of her major-label debut, Unglamorous, McKenna’s got strong ties to the country world. She’s toured with Trisha Yearwood, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill and on a label run by McGraw. The Massachusetts-born singer has the ability to stand on her own though – her album’s getting…
Eastern promises
Does South Charlotte’s Yama succeed?
Shades of gray
Randall Kennedy ponders racial betrayal
The fine art of pole dancing
I am often told that I dance like a stripper … just, fully dressed in self-esteem. I don’t know whether or not to take it as a compliment, but I have managed to utilize this random talent as a form of exercise via the creation of “Hip-Hot,” a form of cardio striptease. I take hip-hop…
Buzz cut
The Whigs riding high on new release
Lessons of the Chesapeake sweep
After the Potomac Primary, Virginia is the new Massachusetts and Texas is the new Florida. Barack Obama claimed a “Chesapeake Sweep,” winning all three primaries — Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia — by decisive margins. Hillary Clinton, whose campaign conceded these, is betting the house on the forthcoming, delegate-rich primaries of Texas, Ohio…
Bad Boy at Bard Fest
Edward Albee is far better at connecting with his audience than staying on-topic. Originally the acclaimed playwright was scheduled to keynote a Davidson College symposium, held in the waning days of this year’s Royal Shakespeare Company Residency on campus, and address the mighty theme of “The State of Theatre and the Arts in America.” By…
Who the hell is Pat McCrory?
Voters outside Charlotte sound off on the man who would be governor
Comic Proportions
The Walking Dead No. 46 Published by Image Comics. Plot and script by Robert Kirkman. Pencils and inks by Charlie Adlard. The Deal: It’s the latest issue of The Walking Dead, Image Comics’ ongoing zombie survival series. The Good: This issue continues the no-one-is-safe-themed storyline. This story arc is meant to shake up the book…
The Blotter
BUY AND STEAL: An employee at Citi Trends said a woman came to her register and purchased a few items of clothes. After ringing the woman up, the employee noticed several items of clothing hanging out of the woman’s purse and jacket. As the woman attempted to leave, the employee stopped her and she was…
Community: Without trust there is nothing
Trust is easy when it’s given to someone you love, but what happens when the other person is a stranger, racially or religiously? That’s where the Friday Friends Festival comes in. This celebration is in honor of the nearly 500 people who decided bridge the gap between races, religions, and cultures. Join the Mecklenburg Ministries…
Landlocked gem
There’s no better way to sail into Black History Month than climbing aboard August Wilson’s mighty Gem of the Ocean. Written in the fullness of his years — Wilson died less than eight months after its Broadway voyage ended — Gem is the cornerstone of the playwright’s 10-play, decade-by-decade traversal of African-American experience across the…
School Board bullies
If you want to dig down to the heart of the “culture wars,” tune in to the ridiculous School Board arguments over bullying. Moreover, if you want to see how narrow views and repression can twist souls into odd, angry knots, look no farther than the three Republican members of the School Board — Larry…
Art: River of life
The Catawba River has gone through some changes lately. (Like nearly every body of water in the world, thanks to global warming.) The Light Factory Contemporary Museum of Photography teamed with York County’s Culture & Heritage Museums to give us a project focused on the Catawba River. River Docs: A Catawba River Narrative is interviews,…
A wrinkle in timing
A Wrinkle In Timing I’m 25, and work in film and TV. Last year was my first year of consistent employment. I’m producing my first documentary, but I still have a long, brutal climb ahead. My girlfriend of a year is extremely pretty, kind, and smart, and has supported me in every aspect of my…
Earle speaks out
State Rep. Beverly Earle chuckled at first. Why was she laughing? Because she’d just been asked what she thought about Charlotte Mayor Pat McCrory running for governor. Earle, no stranger to politics — being that she’s serving her seventh term in the state house — faced McCrory last fall in the race to be mayor…
Theater: Doggone it!
Queen City Theatre Company presents Bert V. Royal’s unauthorized continuation of the Peanuts story starring everyone’s favorite blockhead, Charlie Brown. It’s been 10 years since CB and the gang were playing baseball together in the neighborhood. Dog Sees God is a darker tale inhabited by a philosophy-spouting pothead, mean girls, a visit to a mental…
Karma Cleanser
Dear Karma Cleanser: (In response to “Keisha with a ‘K,'” Jan. 16): You told “Keisha” that the reason she is being turned down for jobs may have less to do with her name, but her insistence on “seeing life through a lens of discord.” Although I’m unaware of Keisha’s qualifications (or lack thereof), there’s more…
Waiting for citizenship
Since the Sept. 11 attacks, federal officials have scrutinized citizenship applications in an effort to weed out potential terrorists. But one technique — name-checking would-be citizens through a slew of databases — has led to an immigration backlog that’s left in limbo potentially millions of applicants already in the United States. One Charlotte man has…
Community: Calling all brides to be
Watching the movie 27 Dresses is like being stuck in the longest wedding EVER. You want everything to go off without a hitch, so the bride can be happy. But, you also want to fast-forward to end so you can party at the reception. Unfortunately, the Wedding Showcase is more like the former rather than…
What you learn in Paris
I didn’t know ants could become zombies, but evidently it’s possible. This is according to Eddie, who has been talking about zombie ants all day. I personally think we have better things to converse about, because here we are in Paris, and that right there is a pretty good icebreaker if you ask me. We…
Is CATS ready for CIAA?
With basketball and party fans pouring into town within the next few weeks, the Charlotte Area Transit System will be facing a new challenge that could make or break the Uptown experience. Light rail is rolling, but how are the gurus of transportation going to get fans to climb aboard? It might help if they…
Entertainment: Soulabrate
It’s the last week of February. You know what that means! Spell it for me. CIAA! That’s right. The famed tournament officially begins today with the women’s side dominating the arena. More low-key than the men’s games, but well worth the effort if you aren’t jet lagged or haven’t spent too many hours in the…
Stargazer
Pisces The Fish: (Feb. 18 — March 19) Your sense of personal identity has been the subject under consideration for the last 18 months. Who are you becoming and who do you need to be? How do you wish to define yourself before the world? You were learning what is required for you to hold…
Mackey flexes political muscle
In December, one of Creative Loafing’s psychic friends predicted that Nick Mackey would change the world … well, maybe just Mecklenburg County. It turns out that she was right. Mackey, the center of controversy since the Democratic Party’s sheriff election two months ago, is still exerting his political rights. Last week, he applied and was…
Entertainment: Step it up
Looking for a little pick me up, maybe something different from the normal 9 to 5 routine? We all need to shake out that extra stress sometimes so awaken your senses at Stomp. With a combination of exciting percussion and visual comedy, this show is sure to get the energy flowing after a long day…
Film Clips
New Releases DEFINITELY, MAYBE When it comes to a worthy romantic comedy, Definitely, Maybe certainly isn’t fool’s gold (or Fool’s Gold) – on the contrary, it’s the real deal, a diamond in the rough that could use some polishing but overall sparkles with warmth and wit. Little Miss Sunshine’s Abigail Breslin (suddenly more overexposed than…
Money grab
Here’s a look at incumbents’ financial advantage in Charlotte-area Congressional races: District 8 Rep. Robin Hayes (Republican), raised $1,318,243 Larry Kissell (Democrat), $391,881 Michael Zaccaro (D), $1,760 John Autry (D), no report District 9 Rep. Sue Myrick (R), $521,806 Harry A. Taylor (D), $60,720 Ross Vincent Overby (D), $9,900 Bill Glass (D) $816 District 12…
Community: Go green or go home
Who needs a vacation when you can have paradise in your own backyard? The 48th Annual Southern Spring Home and Garden Show will show you how to create your own custom getaway without leaving the house. This year’s theme is Shades of Green. The show will focus on energy efficient appliances and tips on how…
View from the Couch
AMERICAN GANGSTER (2007). American Gangster is yet one more tale about a confident crime figure who rises to the top before taking that inevitable plunge down the elevator shaft. Yet for all its familiar trappings, director Ridley Scott and writer Steven Zaillian invest their tale with plenty of verve, even if they frequently soft-pedal the…
Yes to rehab
Rehab. Last week, troubled British pop/soul star Amy Winehouse performed via satellite during the 2008 Grammys. The 24-year-old chanteuse was visibly shaken and stumbled through a rendition of her songs, “You Know I’m No Good,” and her signature smash “Rehab.” Anyone who is truly familiar with Winehouse’s work knows that her first album, Frank, is…
CD Review: Ludo
The Deal: Ludo, a band who draws their name from a character in Jim Henson’s film Labyrinth, releases follow-up to 2005’s Broken Bride EP and 2003 debut. The Good: You’re Awful I Love You is laden with catchy energetic rock hooks. The album begins with the band’s first single, “Love Me Dead,” a zestful track…
Animal love
Don’t take this in a kinky Stifler way, but animals have always kindled my affection. My earliest “professional” experience (outside the parade of household pets) was in fifth grade, when my parents hooked me up with a summer gig at a vet clinic and boarding facility. There, I held down terrified pets for embarrassing procedures,…
Michael McCoy
When Michael McCoy’s not working for Richardson Electrical Equipment Company in Cornelius, playing hockey or being auctioned off at a cancer benefit, the 25-year-old Charlotte native is fighting for his claim to fame with his acting and vocal skills. “I’ve got enough talent to make it in acting or music. Whatever opportunity presents itself, that’s…
CD Review: Maceo Parker
The Deal: Timeless funk from a master hornman. The Good: Although he was listed as a sideman for much of his career, saxophonist Maceo Parker’s sound always put him out in front of whatever group he was with. That’s his tenor horn on James Brown’s ’60s classics “I Feel Good,” “Out Of Sight” and “Papa’s…
Mecklen’s burgers
Hankering for that rare or medium-rare burger in North Carolina? Well, you just can’t have it. Whether a restaurant grinds it own meat onsite or not is “immaterial,” according to Bill Hardister of Mecklenburg County Health. Rule 2609(e) issued by North Carolina’s Department of Environmental and Natural Resources states “ground beef and foods containing ground…
Criminals walk free
Nobody marched for Olivia Gail Sigmon. Sigmon was executed in front of her 11-year-old daughter during a brutal carjacking in 2004. The killing was utterly preventable. The killer, Anthony Earmond Marcus, had a long criminal record and should have been in jail at the time for stealing Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem Patrick Cannon’s car. But…
Live Review: Serj Tankian w/ Fair to Midland
The Deal: System of a Down frontman brings along spawn of his record label for quick-hitting show. The Good: Fair to Midland opened the show with a flailing, high-energy show that took the half-full venue by storm. Hard rock filled the air as band members swung themselves in all directions. They capped off their 40-minute…
Pop Life returns for one night!
Our eclectic nightlife event, Pop Life, left the Charlotte club scene almost two months ago — and the city, of course, just hasn’t been the same since. So we decided to bring the great event back for a one-night stand. Pop Life: The Tournament Edition, pops off on Feb. 27 — just in time for…
CD Review: The Mars Volta
The Deal: Category-defying duo releases fourth studio album. The Good: When I first heard the band’s ’05s Frances the Mute, I was instantly blown away and the disc didn’t leave my car for weeks. These 12 new tracks may just do the same thing. Their last effort, ’06s Amputechture, was weak by these standards. The…
Popping their heads up
Despite Athenaeum’s 2004 break up, band members — vocalist/guitarist Mark Kano, guitarist/vocalist Mike Garrigan, bassist Alex McKinney and drummer Jeremy Cannon — are keeping a door cracked open that leads to success with this musical pastime. Hits like “What I Didn’t Know,” from 1998’s Radiance, and “Comfort,” from ’01s self-titled album, are hard to forget,…
Art comes in all forms
White boy in the house Tommy Lee glances up briefly from his post as guest DJ at HOM on Feb. 14. And what do you think? Winthrop University students, faculty and staff had a chance to show off their art at the 2008 Winthrop Silent Art Auction. The event took place at Gallery…
CD Review: Lenny Kravitz
The Deal: Soulful rock funkster releases first new album in more than three years. The Good: A return back to form, perhaps? Kravitz hits all the right notes on the new album, conjuring up images of Let Love Rule. It’s got the grooves, the soul, the right kick-in-the-rock-ass that you’d expect from him. Once again,…
