Dr. Dre’s son dead
Rapper Dr. Dre’s 20-year-old son, Andre Young Jr. was found dead in his California home on Sat., Aug. 23. Apparently he arrived home around 5:30 a.m. and was found dead by his mother at 10 a.m. The cause of death is still being determined, but foul play is not likely.
United Way CEO ousted
Ousted United Way of Central Carolinas CEO Gloria Pace King will continue to receive her $290,000 annual salary for two-and-one-third years unless the agency can find her private sector unemployment. The agency’s executive board voted unanimously this morning to ask chief executive officer Gloria Pace King for her resignation. Thirty-seven of 63 board members were…
News roundup 8/26/08
Possible Obama assassination plot: The FBI is investigating possible claims of an assassination plot against Sen. Barack Obama, after four people were arrested near the Democratic Convention in Denver in possession of high-powered riffles. Aurora Police Department spokesman Marcus Dudley identified Tharin Gartrell 28, and Nathan Johnson as suspects in the plot. Fox News Anthony…
DNC pics Part 2
We’ve got more exclusive photos from the Democratic National Convention — snapped yesterday by Creative Loafing photog Joeff Davis. Check them out: Check back tomorrow — and throughout the rest of the week — for more photos.
Loser parents=loser kids
Have you heard the one about the nine-year-old who was told he’s too good to pitch against other kids his age? WTF? Nine-year-old Jericho Scott is a good baseball player— too good, it turns out. The right-hander has a fastball that tops out at about 40 mph. He throws so hard that the Youth Baseball…
Pics from the DNC Part 1
Creative Loafing photographer Joeff Davis is out in Denver covering the Democratic National Convention. While he’s out there, he’ll be shooting the antics going on at the event and sending his pics to us. Check out what he snapped on the first day: Many more photos to come all week. Stay tuned.
iPhone comics
Now you can get comics on your iPhone. Check it out: \\\\\\\\\\
We’re No. 7!!
Charlotte always wants to rank high on these national lists that folk like Forbes and other rag–I mean magazines do. Well, here’s one where the QC is No. 7. The Worst Cities to be a Sports Fan. Here’s what they say about us: Teams: Panthers (NFL); Bobcats (NBA) Median Household Income/Fan Cost Index: $46,119 /…
Trading sex for services. . .isn’t that like marriage?
I was just reading an article on CNN.com about bartering sex for service and “stuff.” Here’s part of it: While she was studying in Brazil during college, the one thing Stephanie Gerson longed to do before leaving was spend time in the thick of the Amazon rain forest. Unfortunately, she couldn’t find a tour that…
One of many convention watch parties
I didn’t get this in the paper, but Obama Pride Charlotte plans to host a Democratic National Convention watch party at Petra’s Piano Bar & Cabaret on Thursday – the night he’s expected to accept the nomination – from 7 p.m. to midnight. Petra’s is private, so you have to be at least 18 years…
Bush admin, Iraqi government looking in different directions
Iraq Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki is demanding changes to a draft deal on the status of U.S. forces beyond this year, according to an article released by Agence France-Presse Sunday. The thing that strikes me about this article is the obvious distortion between what members of the Iraqi government are saying about this deal and…
Monsters in Concord
This event sounds really geeky … and you know we love geeky stuff ’round here. Check it out: HOLLYWOOD MONSTER MEN COMING TO NORTH CAROLINA OCTOBER 4-5! Start celebrating Halloween on October 4th and 5th by meeting and getting autographs from actors that have portrayed two of Hollywood’s most famous horror movie icons, Friday The…
The next batch of “Homebrew”
A CD release party will be held on Sept. 4 at Double Door at Lake Norman for the next edition of the Homebrew CD. “Creative Loafing Presents Jeff Hahne’s Homebrew, Summer Stash 2008” features 12 local, independent bands. (We’ll announce the bands on the CD this week!) The CD will be available for free at…
There’s no place like Nikko…
In a land far, far away… down Tryon there is a little sushi spot called Wang King. They have half price sushi night, every night. I asked them what was in their Mango Chicken and the waitress just shrugged her shoulders like she had no idea what chicken even was. “We do white meat for…
Great Gatsby Gala, 8/23/08
The 20th annual “roaring 20s” themed Great Gatsby Gala took place Saturday, August 23, at the Wachovia Atrium. All proceeds benefited the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mid-Atlantic Chapter. Photos by Renaul Hill, Charlotte Vibe Photography staff
70-year old shoplifter
In an attempt to resist arrest for shoplifting, a 70-year old man tried biting a police officer to avoid capture. The only problem was, he forgot his dentures at home. He was only able to leave a wet mark from his gums on the officers arm. hahaha…
News Roundup 8/25/08
Major disaster in Florida: Flooding caused by the aftermath of Tropical Storm Fay prompted evacuations in parts of Northern Florida on Sunday. President Bush declared a “major disaster” in Florida, which made the counties of Brevard, Monroe, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie eligible for federal funds. The storm could still drop up to a foot of…
SEC 75th anniversary alumni bash @ CANS, 8/22/08
CANS Bar & Canteen played host to a bunch of SEC alumni last Friday, Aug. 22. We’re leading off with this particular photo because the guy is representing them Georgia Bulldogs, and I have to show love to my home state. Go dawgs! Photos by Renaul Hill, Charlotte Vibe Photography staff
Death be not proud
Rowdy remake requires a tune-up By Matt Brunson DEATH RACE *1/2 DIRECTED BY Paul W.S. Anderson STARS Jason Statham, Joan Allen Paul Thomas Anderson currently stands as one of the most acclaimed writer-directors in America, having created such films as Boogie Nights, Magnolia and last year’s Oscar-winning There Will Be Blood. Therefore, it’s unbelievable that…
Skimpy material
Anna Faris elevates threadbare comedy By Matt Brunson THE HOUSE BUNNY DIRECTED BY Fred Wolf STARS Anna Faris, Colin Hanks According to the Internet Movie Database, Playboy founder Hugh Hefner has appeared as himself (or a variation thereof) in over 150 movies, TV shows and video productions, including episodes of Laverne & Shirley, The Fresh…
Fumble
Charming actors can’t save formula sports flick By Matt Brunson THE LONGSHOTS ** DIRECTED BY Fred Durst STARS Ice Cube, Keke Palmer Make no mistake: We’ve seen this exact same “root for the underdog” sport movies countless times before. But we haven’t seen them starring hardcore rapper Ice Cube. And we certainly haven’t seen them…
Warner Bros. will reboot Superman film franchise
It seems that Warner Bros. wants some big screen super hero blockbusters of its own. A story on the pop culture site Newsarama states: Warner Bros. has confirmed long-running rumors that it will reboot the Superman movie franchise. Jeff Robinov, Warner Bros. Pictures Group President, tells The Wall Street Journal that the Man of Steel…
As ‘judgement day’ approaches, should candidates face God?
By Ryan Pitkin A survey released by the Pew Research Center yesterday shows a shift in religious political thought happening among Americans, especially among conservatives. The survey shows a 20 percent increase since the last election of conservatives who would like for religious institutions to keep out of political affairs. While Democrats have stayed at…
Cho me some love
Best Quote Ever: “Am I gay? Am I straight? And I realized: I’m just slutty. Where’s my parade? What about slut pride?” — Margaret Cho Margaret Cho’s new, long overdue venture into television, The Cho Show, aired last night on VH1. The pseudo-reality show is part scripted, part real-life and Ms. Cho’s humor and vulnerability…
Hey, you fashionistas!
For all you pretty people out there who keep up with the ever-changing trends of the fashion world, check out this event tonight. Fashion Friday at Salara You are invited to Fashion Friday @ Salara hosted by Jordanos Mens & Womens Boutique and presented by JSW Media Group and Salara Bistro and Dessert Lounge. Expect an…
Pop culture headlines 8/22/08
SCI FI Cancels A Stargate, Launches Another Favreau is at work on ‘Iron Man’ sequel and a political cause WILL ANYONE WATCH THE WATCHMEN? Vin Diesel Beats Up Everyone In Science Fiction
Today’s Menu (8/22/2008)
David Lindley The guitar legend’s curriculum vitae would take up the entire music section, but a cross-section should give you an idea: Ry Cooder, Jackson Browne, Warren Zevon, Emmylou Harris, Bob Dylan, Iggy Pop, Henry Kaiser, Rod Stewart, Dolly Parton and on and on and on. His own band, El Rayo-X, made some noise in…
Alcohol vs. Pot, round two
Some readers disagreed with a statement in a recent column which pointed out that pot is less harmful than alcohol. Those folks might want to read more about the large group of college presidents who, on Monday, proposed dialing back the legal drinking age to 18 because of a rash of binge drinking deaths by…
The Charlotte House Music Society
I just got word that a new music-oriented group recently launched in Charlotte. Here’s the press release about the organization and the group’s first event: Welcome to the Charlotte House Music Society The Charlotte House Music Society is a local alliance, determined to unite and expand the Queen City’s dance music community. Promoters, musicians, club…
Live Review: Tristan Prettyman
Live Review: Tristan Prettyman The Visulite Theatre Aug. 19, 2008 The Deal: San Diego-based songstress Tristan Prettyman performed at The Visulite Theatre with local opening act Mike Strauss. The Good: The show started out with an Americana acoustic blend of folk and blues from vocalist/guitarist, Mike Strauss and bassist Jon Schigoda. After their set, Tristan…
A scrapbook of summer shenanigans, Part 2
FOX’s Kelly Bartick with Dave Chappelle’s little brother. Paris Hilton’s party girl DJ Caroline D’Amore at Suite. Someone get this girl a sandwich. A whole bunch more! I think this guy had a little too much fun at EpiCentre! He was just chillin’ on the stairs in front of Whisky River; I’m hoping his friends…
It’s a party, BeBe!
Since I started writing QC After Dark, my inbox has been inundated with e-mails from people asking me what there is to do in Charlotte, complaining that there isn’t anything… Are you kidding me? If you can’t find something to do in Charlotte, then you’re not even looking – there are parties, events and concerts…
Today’s Menu (8/21/2008)
Kenny Chesney It’s getting to the point where you could almost set your watch by a Kenny Chesney summer concert tour. He’s constantly winning the Entertainer of the Year Award, so you know he’ll put on a good show. This year, it’s the Poets & Pirates Tour, sponsored by Corona (do they even sell that…
DJ Technics live mix
Charlotte’s own DJ Technics spun an ass-load of wax at a recent edition of the nightlife event Pop Life — sponsored by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen. If you missed it, don’ fret: Technics recorded his entire set and made available for music lovers online. Check, check it out: http://www.baltimoreclubtracks.com/djtechnicslive_at_poplife.mp3
Mom celebrates birthday with son in heist
A 37-year old woman celebrated her birthday by helping her teenage son rob two gas stations in Milwaukee. The mom acted as a getaway driver while her 17-year-old son robbed the gas stations at gunpoint. The woman’s 13-month-old daughter and two boys ages 10 and 14, rode along during the robbery. The duo are in…
News Roundup 8/21/08
Student shot and killed at a Tennessee high school: A law enforcement official said a 16-year-old student was shot and killed Thursday morning in a Knoxville, Tenn., high school cafeteria. The shooting took place at Central High School, where the suspect was taken into custody six minutes after the shooting. AP via CNN U.S. &…
Black woman down
Black women are under attack in the media. It seems like every single news item is negative. We get it — we’re a bunch of lonely, desperate, fat, disease-infected bitches that nobody wants. Anything else? Back up off of us please. We’ve had enough hatred and ridicule.
The Weekender
Friday, August 22 Film The House Bunny: Fluffy? Probably. Funny? Hopefully. Anna Farris takes the leading role as an aging Playboy bunny forced to seek higher education. Let’s see the twits on The Girls Next Door do that. Nepotism is alive and well in Hollywood: Look for Colin (son of Tom) Hanks, and Rumer (daughter…
Georgia is my bitch
by Vladmir Putin A lot has been made about me calling the shots instead of the man who is actually Russia’s president. Well the truth is Medvedev just found out about the war a short while ago. I didn’t want to interrupt his finger painting session. He had traced his hand with paint and was…
Journalism is dead
Today, I received a breaking news alert from CNN stating that Congresswoman Stephanie Jones Tubbs had died. I checked Bloomberg News and The Cleveland Plain Dealer, which said the same thing. Ten minutes later, they went back to stating that she is in critical condition. So, which is it? It is a sad time when…
Today’s Menu (8/20/2008)
The Crowntown Showdown kicks off it’s new format tonight at the Evening Muse. Trouble Walkers Comprised of former Modern Don Juans (bassist Mark Lynch and drummer Robert Childers) as well as onetime Hot Rod Greased Lightning guitarists/singers Daylon Brumfield and Gabe Hinceman, country-punkers the Trouble Walkers’ newish Free Cowboy Hat is a healthy-dose of the…
Man kept upright at his wake
Angel Pantoja Medina was granted his last wish: to remain standing up at his funeral wake. A funeral home used a special embalming treatment to the corpse of 24-year-old Medina standing up for his 3-day wake. His brother Carlos told a San Juan newspaper that his brother wanted to be “happy, standing at his wake.”…
News roundup 8/20/08
Major fatalities reported in Spain plane crash: An airplane heading to the Canary Islands came off the runway at a Madrid airport this morning. Unconfirmed local media reports say up to 50 people are dead. The crash may have been caused by a faulty engine on the aircraft. TELEGRAPH Dave Matthews Band saxophonist dies: Leroi…
Live Review: John Mayer
John Mayer w/ Paramore Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Aug. 19, 2008 Pics coming soon! The Deal: John Mayer showcases his guitarwork, brings along Warped Tour favorites Paramore. The Good: Paramore opened up the night with a strong set of rock that usually targets a younger crowd. No doubt their high-energy set won over some new fans.…
Sad news for DMB fans
Saxophonist LeRoi Moore, a founding member of the Dave Matthews Band, has died from complications stemming from a recent ATV accident. The accident happened before the band’s Charlotte show earlier this summer.
Plaza Midwood TV
Local real estate company Savvy & Co. Real Estate has been filming videos about Charlotte neighborhoods for a few months now and putting them on YouTube. The videos were obviously created to help the company sell homes, but they offer pretty interesting snapshots about sections of town. Check out this one that was created about…
Plaza Midwood TV
Local real estate company Savvy & Co. Real Estate has been filming videos about Charlotte neighborhoods for a few months now and putting them on YouTube. The videos were obviously created to help the company sell homes, but they offer pretty interesting snapshots about sections of town. Check out this one that was created about…
Superman’s Hidden History: The Other ‘First’ Artist
The pop culture Web site Newsarama just posted this interesting tidbit about the creation of Superman. Newsarama’s Jeff Trexler writes: It’s relatively common knowledge that in 1934 Jerry Siegel approached other artists besides Joe Shuster to be his collaborator on Superman. One of these artists was Russell Keaton, who had been ghosting the Buck Rogers…
Movie trailers for this week’s film reviews
Vicky Cristina Barcelona \\\\\\\\\\ Stars Wars: The Clone Wars \\\\\\\\\\ Hamlet 2 \\\\\\\\\\ Henry Poole is Here \\\\\\\\\\
Trailer tales
Regular readers of Creative Loafing may be familiar with the work of writer Hollis Gillespie. As the woman behind our weekly Moodswing column, she chronicles the incredibly true stories of her often-bizarre real life. Fans of her column may not know, however, that she is also the author of two best-selling books (Bleachy-Haired Honky Bitch:…
Civic events in Charlotte
Mecklenburg County Justice and Public Safety Task Force Wednesday, Aug. 20, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Government Center, 600 East 4th St., conference room 267. www.charmeck.org. NAACP Annual Freedom Fund Banquet Theme: “Why We Can’t Wait.” Saturday, Aug. 23, 6 p.m. reception, 7 p.m. banquet, Crown Plaza Hotel, 201 South McDowell St., Tickets $75, waddelljoyce@hotmail.com.…
The college survival guide
Ahhh, college. The best four (or five or six) years of your life … or so they say. Freedom, parties, football games, drunken one-night stands; or is it more so about exams, professors who won’t cut you any slack, hangovers and learning to live on a tight budget? Ehh, no one said college was easy.…
Black magic
Last week, the world got a little smaller. Music legend Isaac Hayes and comedian Bernie Mac died within one day of each other. Mac lost his battle with pneumonia due to diminished lung capacity from sarcoidosis and Hayes died of a stroke while working out. Both men were young (Mac was 50, Hayes was 65),…
Art Exhibit: The Dog Show
Exhibit: The Dog Show Dates: Showing now through Aug. 31 Location: Green Rice Gallery, 451 E. 36th St. Info: 704-344-0300 or go to www.green-rice.com For centuries, art has captured the true essence of the world around us. Just about everything one can think of has been immortalized in art. Why should man’s best friend be…
View from the Couch
HAROLD & KUMAR ESCAPE FROM GUANTANAMO BAY (2008). 2004’s Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle looks better with each passing year, but it’s pretty much guaranteed that Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay won’t be enjoying a similar critical ascension in the future. That’s largely because the satire is less subversive and more…
Swoooooshhh! goes the bus
The wheels on the bus Last Tuesday, Aug. 12, was the last Summer Shootout for the year. Principals from various schools raced buses at Lowes Motor Speedway. Sold to the girl who jumps the highest Sarah Shelton leaps for joy as she wins a bid for a doctor at the 4th annual Auction of…
We can do this
I’ve made a few encouraging discoveries this summer in my travels – as near as Greensboro, where I found a branch of the UNC system that actually matters to the cultural life of the city, and as far away as Denver, where an all-handicapped theater group is a fixture in the heart of town, not…
Vicky Cristina Barcelona: European vacation
Livin’ la vida loca with Woody
Edwards goes down
In the end, former Sen. John Edwards’ affair was about a lot more than just sex. For the journalism profession, it may come to mark a historical turning point in which traditional journalists no longer set the national news agenda. And that’s coming from some of the media outlets that deliberately ignored the story. After…
Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files
Kids Gone Wild: A 30-year-old employee at a youth group home said a male resident was out of control and started to wreak havoc. When she tried to restrain him, he ripped off her shirt. When the employee tried to restrain him again, the resident’s friend kicked the employee in the chest. Not-So-Brotherly Love: A…
East, meet West
Several years back, I attended an international wine event in New York and stumbled across a lonely expo crammed with Chinese wine. I’d never heard of China growing vines, assuming a country of 1 billion couldn’t make room for superfluous agriculture. But there I stared — all alone on my side of the table, mind…
Crack moms for Christ
I don’t take it personally when I get accused of inventing my friends Grant and Lary, because sometimes my own biggest wish is that they were imaginary, too, especially given their penchant lately for “keeping things real.” That was their excuse last month when they tried to kidnap a visiting colleague of mine, tie him…
Six weeks exploring Greek cuisine
Going Greek
A Tarantino film on stage
Chip Decker, Brett Gentile, and Dave Blamy are all hard at work on The Lieutenant of Inishmore, the brash and bloody comedy that will launch Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte’s 20th anniversary season. Normally, there’s a wide gulf between Decker and Gentile, both certifiably insane, and the stolid, wholesome Blamy. I mean Blamy portrayed Otto Frank…
Your weekly horoscope for
Virgo the Virgin: (Aug. 22-Sept. 22) Your engine is roaring, but you may be in neutral gear at this point. It is a challenge to know whether to stop or go forward now. Take a fresh look at where you want to direct your attention. Use this month to let go of past hurts and…
There’s plenty to do in the ‘P-M’
Last Sunday morning, I woke up and felt homesick for N.Y.C. If I was still living there, I’d be joining my girls for brunch at Changos in Union Square where they offer all you can drink Bloody Marys with your Sunday brunch. So in order to cure my homesickness I drove to Plaza Midwood and…
MUSIC: Could’ve been a pirate
Ready for a miracle? It just isn’t happening unless you’re a country artist fan, and in that case you might be going to heaven (so to speak), as The Poets & Pirates Tour sails through Charlotte, setting anchor in Verizon Wireless Amphitheater. Power country star Kenny Chesney will play hits off of his latest CD…
Film clips
Current Releases AMERICAN TEEN Perhaps the best way to enjoy this documentary is to pretend it’s a fictional motion picture, no different than Pineapple Express or Sex and the City or even WALL-E. Otherwise, you might start second-guessing every aspect of the movie, a path that can only lead to frustration. Fortunately, I found American…
Nightcats are still howlin’
When the guitar player quits, most bands just plug in another one. But when he’s been there for 30 years, is the guy the band’s named after and can play virtually any style from jump blues to swing jazz, you have a serious problem. “I needed somebody who could really fuck ’em up like Little…
THEATER: Don’t need no educating
There might not be ruler spanking in Willy Russell’s Educating Rita, but the play’s student-teacher tensions measure up all the same. Queen City Theatre Company brings their version of the ’80s play, also produced into a film in 1983. When Rita (played by Christy K. Basa) returns to school for an education, she doesn’t just…
A review of Uncanny X-Men No. 501
Uncanny X-Men No. 501 Published by Marvel Comics. Written by Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction. Penciled by Greg Land. Inked by Jay Leisten. The Deal: Presenting the second installment of the X-Men’s new direction in their brand-new hometown of San Francisco. The Good: I like what new writers Ed Brubaker and Matt Fraction are doing…
Belmont Playboys close in on 20 years of music
Rock, sweat and ink
SPECIAL EVENT: Not just a plank on wheels
At Battle Slam Jam daredevils join forces for a day of wheelies and kick-flipping stunts on skateboards. For those not quite up to par on trying the four-wheeled platform maneuvers, the eye-catching event offers other competitions in dance and art. There’s also a car show hosted by ToneX and lots of music (hip-hop and more).…
Fall Guide 2008
CL’s picks for the best things going down this autumn
CD Review: Trouble Walkers
The Deal: Locals, formerly parts of Hot Rod Grease Lightning, release 12-song, 31-minute debut disc, Free Cowboy Hat. The Good: On first listen I thought it was simplistic, but as I listened, I found the depth. From the humor of “Country Pussy” to the rockabilly rhythms that flow throughout the disc, I was pleasantly surprised.…
Film: All that glitters is …
The Main Library’s Summer Film Series, Once Upon a Time in the West: Great Hollywood* Westerns (* and one Italian), ends today with a screening of Sam Peckinpah’s 1962 oater, Ride the High Country. Western superstars Randolph Scott and Joel McCrea wind down their careers with this eloquent piece about two grizzled vets hired to…
The torture of performing Inishmore
It’s going to be like a Quentin Tarantino film onstage every night, says actor Brett Gentile, the crazed IRA torturer. Two dead cats, nearly three gallons of blood, and 29 rounds of ammo fired off at every performance says Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte artistic director Chip Decker, the guy responsible for sweating the SFX all…
CL previews upcoming Charlotte music shows
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 20 Trouble Walkers Comprised of former Modern Don Juans (bassist Mark Lynch and drummer Robert Childers) as well as onetime Hot Rod Greased Lightning guitarists/singers Daylon Brumfield and Gabe Hinceman, country-punkers the Trouble Walkers’ newish Free Cowboy Hat is a healthy-dose of the hard stuff, a mad platter of hot-sauced subject matter that’d…
Theater: Charlotte blues
Robert Johnson Jr.’s Cellphone Blues has a setting of none other than the Q.C. — from neighborhoods like Oaklawn to a jazzy music venues like the Excelsior Club. But it isn’t ready yet. This play that gives a scent of family struggles from drug deals, debts, an affair and ongoing politics is still baking in…
Urban cinema comes home
Under the aegis of Reel Soul Cinema, entrepreneur and self-described cineaste Dennis Darrell (an executive recruiter and former regional marketing director of Kraft Foods, who counts among his close cohorts a number of influential film folk), has been responsible for bringing the work of black filmmakers to light in a highly lauded series of screenings…
Showdown is on again
After dipping its toes in the water last spring, the Crowntown Showdown is on again. Inspired by the nearly two-decade-old open mic showcase at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Ga., where folks like Shawn Mullins, John Mayer and Michelle Malone played before they had a national profile, the Crowntown Showdown aims to put the spotlight on…
Art: Charlotte’s web
It’s RedSky Gallery’s five year anniversary and they’re doing it big with their exhibition titled My Charlotte: Resident Gallery Artist Show, which features the works of 25 local and regional artists. The art may look familiar, since the exhibition’s theme is to capture the many different views of Charlotte. Check out the essence of the…
Local bands gather forces for election year support
Everyone knows that it’s important to vote in an election year, but each year it seems like young people are the hardest ones to motivate. Formed nearly 20 years ago, Rock the Vote was started as a way to inform young people about politics through pop culture. The brand sponsors events around the country in…
Ask the editor
Q: Got any more stuff to plug? A: Yep! But first I’ll plug another organization’s event. Coming Aug. 23, the youth-focused political group GenerationEngage presents its Convention Party. According to the group, the soiree is designed to celebrate the Republican and Democratic national conventions. The event will feature live music, a screening of the film…
EXHIBIT: Blast from the past
Having already viewed the exhibition A Day In Pompeii while it was on display at the Science Museum of Minnesota, I am rather thrilled about its stop at Discovery Place. I have only three words for you: Go see it. This exhibition tells the story of the ancient Roman city Pompeii before the catastrophic eruption…
Underground art event Pecha Kucha surfaces in Charlotte
What do you get when a large group of artists, writers, talkers, drinkers and creative types get together on a Thursday night to share art and ideas, as well as copious amounts of alcohol? A hot mess and/or a world class party, of course. Thousands of others across the globe do it all the time…
Jesse Helms reconsidered
Angry readers, fume no more — I’ve seen the light. Your numerous e-mails in reaction to a recent column about the late Jesse Helms were enlightening and life-changing, even if full of odd spelling mistakes. I tried, but I couldn’t resist the clarity and understanding of the obliging Monroe reader who claimed, “Yure not fit…
Don’t cage dissent
The bulwark against tyranny is dissent. Open opposition, the right to challenge those in power, is a mainstay of any healthy democracy. The Democratic and Republican conventions will test the commitment of the two dominant U.S. political parties to the cherished tradition of dissent. Things are not looking good. Denver’s CBS4 News just reported that…
Novello Festival highlights
The public library’s annual Novello Festival of Reading brings book lovers and authors together for a celebration of books and reading. This year’s star-studded line-up is full of award winners and fan favorites sure to entice just about every interest. Tickets are on sale now. Most events will be held at ImaginOn, 300 E. 7th…
‘Failure to prosecute’
Jeffrey Medlin says he had no idea his case against an off-duty Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s deputy would be tossed because of his attorney’s inaction. Now, with little faith his case will ever be resolved, Medlin has filed a complaint against that lawyer. Medlin’s trouble started a pleasant day in September 2001. Tammy and Jeffrey Medlin…
More things to do this fall
COMEDY Ongoing CHARLOTTE COMEDY THEATER Celebrating seven years of high-energy comedy. Shows Fri.-Sat. at 8 p.m. $10. Rated R. Friday, 10 p.m. Mitosis Live, 1308 The Plaza. 866-improv1. www.charlottecomedy.com. August JOHN REEP Hickory native and 2007 winner of NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Reep makes his way to Charlotte for a night of laughs. $20-$25. Aug.…
No ‘pervs’ on the playground
Can a ban on sex offenders in parks be enforced?
