Jun 16-23, 2009

Jun 16-23, 2009 / Vol. 23 / No. 16

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Great. Another friggin’ racetrack

There are people in the Derita neighborhood who are worried that a planned Metrolina Speed and Sports Center will bring traffic jams and intolerable noise levels. I’d say they’re probably right, and I’ll just add that if history is any guide, those people will find themselves either suing the city and developer, or moving away,…

John Grooms

Need a place to take your date?

Let’s say you and this special person have been dating for awhile — three dates to be exact — and you’re ready to take your date to bed. You’ve suffered through movies you hate because you want to show your date that you can compromise. You’ve taken hikes, gone to the Lake at University and…

Mustang Sally, Mayor of Bang Town

Maher nails it

Sometimes a writer has to admit it, and even celebrate it, when someone else has already done the job the writer was planning to do. That’s the case for this writer today. I was planning to write about the skewed political spectrum in America these days, in which we have a centrist-to-slightly-liberal president and nearly…

John Grooms

Tweet of the Day — John Mayer

Today’s Twitter post of the day goes to John Mayer in reference to Perez Hilton allegedly being attacked by Black Eyed Peas Will.i.am: I love that @perezhilton uses his cellphone to log on to twitter to post a tweet to ask his followers to call the police for him. Which he followed up with: Last…

Jeff Hahne

Thoughts on The Fillmore

So, Friday night was the opening of the new Fillmore here in Charlotte which means that both of the new venues are now open. I thought I’d share a few thoughts on both: The Uptown Amphitheatre I haven’t been to the new amphitheatre yet, but have heard mixed reaction. Some people said it’s awesome, some…

Jeff Hahne

Openings: Salad Creations, Bite Your Tongue

• Yogesh Patel has opened a Salad Creations in the Ballantyne Commons East center. Hours are 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. 704-542-4644. • Bite Your Tongue, 1928 Randolph Road, inside of the Randolph Medical Center, is now open on Saturday from 11a.m.until 4 p.m.…

Tricia Childress

Today’s Top(less) 5: Monday

Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, June 22, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Learn the sultry Salsa. • Service Industry Night at the Double Door Inn. • Bark at…

Mustang Sally, Mayor of Bang Town

Upcoming: Ladies Night Out at Morrison

Ladies, head out to the Morrison shops on Wednesday, June 24, for a shopping soiree. Ladies only will receive discounts, drinks, goodies, and the opportunity to sign up for a $1,000 shopping spree! Here’s a list of what kind of savings you’ll get in on:

Kimberly Lawson

HeroesCon 2009: Day 3 — Part 1

Well folks, here we are at the last day of the annual HeroesCon comic book convention — here in sunny (and hot as hell) Charlotte, N.C. What good stuff is going on today? I’ve picked a few things that shouldn’t be missed: 12 p.m. — ED BRUBAKER & STEVE EPTING IN CONVERSATION Room | 217A…

Carlton Hargro

HeroesCon 2009: Day 2 — Part 2

So, here we are at the second day of Charlotte’s gigantic celebration of comics and pop culture. I’m chilling in my spacious one-bedroom apartment at the moment, getting ready to hit the Charlotte Convention Center (that’s, you know, the site of the whole thing). So what cool things are schedule to take place today? Here’s…

Carlton Hargro

A chat with Corey Smith

Check out this interview music editor Jeff Hahne did with acoustic rocker Corey Smith backstage at The Fillmore Charlotte. His show tonight is the opener for the newly opened venue at the NC Music Factory.

Kimberly Lawson

Stupid Thing of the Week: Skip Stam

This week, picking the Stupid Thing of the Week wasn’t easy. First, you had the two GOP congressmen equating themselves with the Iranian protesters because, hey, we’ve used Twitter, too! You also had the County Commission passing a budget that is like something out of a Dickens novel. And, of course, we had the school…

John Grooms

An historic anniversary

Today marks the 45th anniversary of the day the U.S. Senate passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by a 73-27 vote, a week after an 83-day filibuster by Southern Democrats was shut down. The Senate vote guaranteed that the bill would become law after tinkering to bring the House and Senate versions into agreement.…

John Grooms

10-in-10 CD reviews

Each Friday, we bring you reviews of 10 recently-released CDs done in 10 words each: Rod Piazza & The Mighty Flyers Blues Quartet Soul Monster — Standard blues album’s focal point is Rod Piazza’s harmonica virtuosity. Candye Kane Superhero — Soulful blues tunes show her strength after battling pancreatic cancer. Violent Kin Bitter Blood —…

Jeff Hahne

HeroesCon 2009: Day 1 — Part 1

OK, sitting here at HeroesCon … it’s like 1 p.m. and the place is already slammed. I’m just now sitting at my first panel — the Marvel Comics panel. I’ve been at my booth for most of the day editing non-comic related stuff, so now I get to see what’s what with the geek material.…

Carlton Hargro

Grand opening: Revolve Upscale Men’s Consignment

Revolve offers fashion savvy men a new and affordable way to shop, while also giving them a chance to make money by consigning the clothes they no longer wear. The grand opening is Saturday, June 20 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., perfect for Father’s Day. Come in to receive 10 percent off any single item. 339…

Kimberly Lawson

The Weekender

Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.

Priscilla Tsai

‘Show’ business

A legion of Charlotte’s most talented artistic minds — under the collective moniker known as The Culture Initiative — have come together to bring you tonight’s coolest soiree: Show & Tell.

Carlton Hargro

Sale of the day: Coplon’s

Coplon’s is moving to a smaller spot in Phillips Place, and the last day in its current spot is June 27. (They’ll reopen in August). Until then, take advantage of 50 percent to 70 percent off. Coplon’s 6800 Phillips Place Ct # F (704) 643-1113

Kimberly Lawson

Today’s Top(less) 5: Friday

Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, June 19, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Divas night out • Live music and $2 beer. • Hot Summer Nights at The Estate.…

Cheris Hodges

HeroesCon 2009: Yoooo … Herb Trimpe?!

So, HeroesCon is preparing to crush Charlotte, like, tomorrow. Check the Heroes Web site and you’ll see all kinds of news about the Con. But, something I’m really excited about? Yooo … Herb Trimpe is coming! Trimpe, if you didn’t know, is a legendary Marvel Comics artist. I guess his most famous work was drawing…

Carlton Hargro

$2 tank sale at Old Navy

Here are the Charlotte locations. 1.Old Navy VILLAGE/UNIV PLACE 9000 J M KEYNES BLVD CHARLOTTE, NC 28262 Phone: (704) 549-8350 2.Old Navy CAROLINA PAVILION 9551 SOUTH BLVD CHARLOTTE, NC 28273 Phone: (704) 643-8773 3.Old Navy NORTHCREST 9729 NORTHLAKE CENTRE PARKWAY CHARLOTTE, NC 28269 Phone: (704) 509-1361 4.Old Navy SYCAMORE COMMONS 10530 NORTHEAST PKWY MATTHEWS, NC…

Kimberly Lawson

Bush has nerve to criticize Obama econ policy

After a whopping five months of restraint, former President George W. Bush came out swinging against Pres. Obama yesterday in a speech in Erie, Pennsylvania. Bush reminded listeners that, “I told you I’m not going to criticize my successor,” and then went ahead anyhow, saying, “I’ll just tell you that there are people at Gitmo…

John Grooms

Hagan could derail real health care reform

Without quick action by voters who want universal health care, U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan of North Carolina could be one of those who wrecks the whole deal. The main bone of contention, as you know if you’ve been following this issue, is whether Congress will include a “public option” in its new plan. That means…

John Grooms

Upcoming: Cigar dinner at Zebra Restaurant and Wine Bar

On Monday, June 22 at 6 p.m. Zebra Restaurant and Wine Bar, 4521 Sharon Road, will host a cigar dinner with special guest host Tom Kakadelis and sponsored by Outland Cigar Company and Bruce Julian Clothier. On the menu are Dominican Ambassodor Robusto, Ecuadoran Ambassador Churchill, and Cuban Ambassador Siglo 6 ciagrs; and Beef Tenderloin…

Tricia Childress

Upcoming: Charlotte STYLE’s Summer Soirée

Summer is officially here, and it’s time to take all your clothes off — and put on a swimsuit, silly. It’s hot outside! On June 25, Charlotte STYLE Magazine presents Summer Soirée, a benefit for Dress for Success Charlotte. Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a fashion show featuring men’s and women’s swimwear. As an added…

Kimberly Lawson

Wanna be in a music video?

If so, auditions for hip-hop artist Shawty Lo’s latest video are open to you Charlotteans this Saturday: The Hip-Hop community is glad to see another celebrity give back. Shawty Lo, a national hip-hop icon, is giving aspiring singers, dancers, models, rappers, and comedians an opportunity to audition for a role in his music video –…

Kimberly Lawson

Eddie Bauer files Chapter 11

But it’s not like your favorite outdoor clothing retailer is going to be shutting its doors anytime soon. Eddie Bauer Holdings Inc. filed Wednesday for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, overwhelmed by debt payments and a steep drop in customer spending. Eddie Bauer has local stores at Northlake mall and Concord Mills Outlet. The company has…

Kimberly Lawson

Today’s Top(less) 5: Thursday

Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, June 18, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Have sweets and wine. • Learn to Samba. • Music trivia at Dixie’s. • Two for…

Mustang Sally, Mayor of Bang Town

Welcome Zoes Kitchen to Charlotte

New restaurant Zoes Kitchen made a home at Blakeney Shopping Center recently. Join them for drinks and menu sampling to welcome them to town next Tuesday, June 23. The VIP party starts at 6 pm and goes until 9 pm. RSVP by June 19 by emailing rsvp@zoeskitchen.com. (A $20 donation to the Council for Children’s…

Priscilla Tsai

Eat Charlotte unveils Web site

Briana Cohen, founder of Eat Charlotte, announced that Friday, June 19, 2009 will be the launch date for the group’s web site. Eat Charlotte was created to foster a growing relationship between independent restaurants and their communities. The initial goal is to raise the profile of local restaurants that support the support the local economy…

Tricia Childress

Iran protests vs. “Fire Letterman” B.S.

First, two follow-ups to previous blogs: You remember South Carolina GOP bigwig Rusty DePass who had to sort-of apologize after saying that an escaped gorilla was “probably one of Michelle [Obama]’s ancestors.” Now, the S.C. NAACP is saying DePass’ quasi-apology, which was in the usual politico vein of “I’m sorry if I offended anyone,” isn’t…

John Grooms

Gays rightfully mad as hell at Obama

Note: We’re using the term “gay” here as a shorter substitute for the more inclusive term “LGBT.” Much of the American gay community is mad as hell at the Obama administration and with good reason. Moreover, today’s actions by the Prez probably aren’t going to help all that much, either. First, promises to get rid…

John Grooms

Upcoming: Round Peak Summer Wine Festival

When I think of festival, I think of something like Speed Street: hundreds of people crowded in the streets, trash everywhere, short tempers … not my idea of a great time. But I have the feeling that the Round Peak Summer Wine Festival is nothing like that. Join Rockhouse Events as they sponsor a trip…

Kimberly Lawson

Live review: TV on the Radio

TV on the Radio w/ Dirty Projectors Amos’ Southend June 11, 2009 The Deal: TV on the Radio played Amos’ Southend with openers Dirty Projectors. The Good: Any sincere music lover will admit to one truth – never say never. In order for musical tastes to evolve, as they always do, one must be willing…

Beth Gilstrap-Barnes

Come (to) Alive for comedy

Rockhouse Events is hosting a comedy night at Alive Comedy Club in NoDa on Friday, June 19. Feature comedians are Valarie Storm, a “Good ‘ol Gal” from Florida (pictured below),  and Jack Wilhite, who offers up a tour-de-force of costume changes, props and musical parodies. Tickets are available for the 8:00 show.  Prior to the…

Kimberly Lawson

This week’s new releases (6/16/2009)

Here’s a quick rundown of the new albums being released this week: Among the Oak & Ash Among the Oak & Ash Arrested Development Tokyo, 1994 Michael Buble Michael Buble Meets Madison Square Garden George Harrison Let It Roll: Songs by George Harrison Incubus Monuments & Melodies Laura Izibor Let the Truth Be Told Jonas…

Jeff Hahne

Upcoming: Father’s Day BBQ Brunch at Mimosa Grill

If my dad lived in Charlotte, I’d take him here. BBQ brunch sounds so yummy. Make your reservations now for Mimosa Grill’s Father’s Day BBQ Brunch on Sunday, June 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Only $18.95 adults/$12.95 kids 12 and under. Here’s the menu: Assorted Breakfast Pastries Muffins, Bagels, Croissants, Danish and Sweet…

Kimberly Lawson

Update on Charlotte Fashion Week

Here’s a recent press release for you folks interested in the Charlotte NC Fashion Week, going down Sept. 10-12 at the Mint Museum of Art. Simply the Best for Barbara McKay and Charlotte NC Fashion Week 2009 June 16, 2009 Charlotte, NC. Barbara McKay of Charlotte’s “Simply the Best” Magazine and local television show, signs…

Kimberly Lawson

Today’s Top(less) 5: Wednesday

Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, June 17, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • No cover and $3 drink specials at Club Onyx. • Wet Wednesday at Leather and Lace.…

Mustang Sally, Mayor of Bang Town

New chamber music series in the works

In last week’s Boomer With Attitude column about the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s problems, we wrote that we’d love to see CSO launch a reasonably priced, creatively programmed, chamber music series. An encouraging number of readers e-mailed in agreement, so CSO, please take note. In the meantime, there are some choices in Charlotte for chamber music…

John Grooms

Casting for upcoming fashion show

Found this notice on our Facebook: Casting for the Black and Blue fashion show entitled, “Hautelook”. Fashion show is scheduled for Friday, July 10th at the rooftop of the EpiCentre Model Casting for the show is Wednesday, June 17th from 6:30-9pm at MEZ located in the EpiCentre. Be there on time and be prepared to…

Kimberly Lawson

Does Oprah hate the vagina?

Oprah Winfrey has always been the one woman I’d go gay for. Really, it’s not that she’s beautiful, she’s rich. But an article on Carnalnation, makes me question O. Newsweek recently called out Oprah for being a quack. In a cover story titled “Crazy Talk: Oprah, Wacky Cures & You,” they cited shows she’s enthusiastically…

Mustang Sally, Mayor of Bang Town

The Orvis Co. is in, Coplon’s is (kind of) out

Luxury sports goods retailer The Orvis Co. is coming to Phillips Place. Orvis, which specializes in outdoor fly fishing, hunting, apparel and dog accessories, has signed a lease to occupy 7,500 square feet of space currently occupied by women’s clothing boutique Coplon’s, according to Phillips Place. Coplon’s will move to a smaller, 3,500-square-foot space across…

Kimberly Lawson

‘New media’ thwart Iran censorship

The world has been mesmerized by the post-election uproar in Iran, largely reported via Twitter and Facebook, with photos and videos uploaded by people on the scene during the massive rallies in Teheran. Today the stakes are as high, if not higher than yesterday. Seven people have been killed, opposition candidate Mousavi has called for…

John Grooms

Sale of the day: Jos. A Bank Clothiers

Today only, everything in the men’s clothing store (except shoes and gift cards) is 50 percent off. Good sale to check out if you’re looking for a Father’s Day gift. CHARLOTTE (Founders Hall) 704-338-1852 The Shops at Founders Hall Bank of America Corporate Center 100 North Tryon Street Ste. 100 Charlotte, NC 28202 Store Hours…

Kimberly Lawson

Today’s Top(less) 5: Tuesday

Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, June 16, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Ladies Night at Caveman’s. • Tenderloin Tuesday at the Men’s Club. • South of the Border…

Cheris Hodges

FESTIVAL: Juneteenth of the Carolinas

Across the nation Juneteenth events celebrate the ending of slavery in the United States. In case you don’t know the history, here’s the deal: On June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger marched Union troops into Galveston, Texas, and declared slaves were free. Of course, we know it wasn’t that easy, and an uphill battle…

Anita Overcash

Congre$$, heal thyself

As the Obama administration pushes for a vote on health-care reform before Congress recesses in August, has health-industry money too thoroughly polluted the process for anything good to come of it? Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., chairs the Senate Finance Committee, key to any health-care reform. Baucus has held several high-profile Senate committee hearings on health…

Amy Goodman

SPECIAL EVENT: Heroes Convention

Comic book fans can jump for joy, as the Heroes Convention is set to go down this weekend at the Charlotte Convention Center. The event draws fans, exhibitors, comic creators, authors and publishers. Authors attending this year include Brian Michael Bendis (Secret Invasion, New Avengers, Ultimate Spider-Man, Powers, Mighty Avengers), Ed Brubaker (Uncanny X-Men, Criminal,…

Anita Overcash

A stellar Crêpe Cellar

Paul Manley has opened other restaurants. In fact, during his 18-year career with corporate restaurants such as the Cheesecake Factory and Lone Star Steakhouse, and as owner of the Charlotte-based Damian Dining, he opened 23. Now, with managing partner Jeff Tonidandel, they have opened the charming 49-seat Crêpe Cellar Kitchen & Pub in NoDa. NoDa…

Tricia Childress

PARTY: White Trash Party at Visulite Theatre

If dressing up like trailer trash and hitting the town ever seemed like a good time, be sure to leave space on your calendars for tonight’s event. Nasty Productions is hosting its White Trash #5 theme party, interestingly dubbed “The Bands, The Broads, The Booze.” Metal band Iron Cordoba will be headlining, and you’ll also…

Christian Yoder

Sharing some life lessons

I’m baaaaaaaaaack … in print. Creative Loafing’s new nightlife blog, BrittneyAfterDark.com, is up and running … and now I’m ready to sit back down into print. Charlotte nightlife and I have been going, and going — more than the damn Energizer bunny; between all the festivals and festivities, new bars opening from SOUL Gastrolounge to…

THEATER: Company at CPCC’s Halton Theater

The character of Robert in Stephen Sondheim’s Company is handsome and charming, yet ever so single. Enter reality TV. No, that’s not how it goes, though he sounds like the perfect guy to try for a spot on The Bachelor. But, instead of rollin’ ABC stlye, the plays protagonist gets an earful of good tips…

Anita Overcash

Tyson: Thug life

As far as documentaries go, Tyson is a crock. Director James Toback is an acknowledged friend of former boxing great Mike Tyson, so for 90 minutes, he turns on his camera and allows the man to speak at length about his troubled life, both in and out of the ring. There are no other participants,…

Matt Brunson

ART: The Photographer as Filmmaker at The Light Factory

Just because it’s dreaded Monday doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in a little culture. How about checking out The Light Factory’s latest exhibit The Photographer as Filmmaker. This exhibit brings together the work of photographers William Klein, Stanley Kubrick, Mary Ellen Mark, Ralph Gibson, Sarah Moon, John Cohen, Emily Hanako Momohara, & Sarah A. Martin,…

Band of Horses climbing ladder of success

In September 2006, then Seattle-based Band of Horses played Tremont Music Hall — or, to be precise, the club’s modest Casbah room. The local promoters were hoping for a couple hundred people that night, given that it was a Friday and the weather was kind. Still, they were used to over-estimating Charlotte draws and putting…

John Schacht

THEATER: The Phantom of the Opera at Belk Theater

This is big: Staged performances of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera — adapted from Gaston Leroux’s novel– are back in Charlotte at Belk Theater for the first time since 2001. Having seen this long standing, award-winning Broadway musical in the past, I can tell you to go. The chandelier won’t fall on…

Anita Overcash

Six bands for $5 at Crowntown Showdown

Some people might see the words Crowntown Showdown and move on to the next event, but were you aware that the bands change every month? The venue changes, too. What remains consistent is the fact that six talented artists/bands perform and it’s all for just five bucks. Sure, we’re a sponsor and help promote the…

Jeff Hahne

THEATER: Evil Dead: The Musical

One word: Zombies. Two words: Zombies singing. You’ve got to go see Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte’s newest production: Evil Dead: The Musical. Gore and humor made the Evil Dead film series a hit. If you’ve ever seen one of the movies, you know what I am talking about. Blood doesn’t just drip from injured victims;…

Anita Overcash

CL previews upcoming concerts (June 17-23)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17 Jeff Bujak Piano popster Bujak is a one-man band tickling the ivories and tapping the keys while a steady drum machine backbeat holds up the semi jazzy, quasi-dance lounge compositions. The Syracuse, N.Y.-based Bujak, lovingly known as the Buj, is hauling his stacks of keyboards around the circuit pumping his new recording…

Book Review: I’m Down by Mishna Wolff

So you think you felt out of place while you were growing up? Read Mishna Wolff’s memoir, I’m Down, and you’ll get a lot broader perspective on just how odd “not fitting in” can be. Wolff grew up in the early 1980s in Seattle with her father, a white man who lived his life as…

CD Review: Rancid’s Let the Dominoes Fall

The Deal: Punkers return with their first new album in six years. The Good: Tim Armstrong and the boys are back with a quick-hitting album of 19 tracks that speed through in roughly 45 minutes. Why wait around? The band has something to say and they get it done, quickly. The band sticks to the…

Jeff Hahne

Book Review: Love and Obstacles by Aleksander Hemon

Hemon’s novel The Lazarus Project was one of the best books of 2008, a vivid tale of an East European immigrant who investigates the real-life 1908 murder of an alleged anarchist, and returns to Eastern Europe and its new, surreal gangster-soaked culture. Hemon’s new collection of interrelated short stories — all narrated by an East…

CD Review: Various Artists: Rudo Y Cursi Soundtrack

The Deal: This recording features oldies covers, like three versions of Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me.” Plus there are some new artists doing new material, like Devendra Banhart and new favorites, the Kumbia Queers. It’s a Mexicentric compilation of new and old, mainly of artists doing unusual, atypical recordings. The Good: The…

Lew Herman

Ten reasons why HeroesCon 2009 will rock

Why is Father’s Day such a big deal for comic book and pop culture fans who live in and around Charlotte? Simple: The coming of America’s dad-centric holiday heralds the return of the massive, annual celebration of comic culture known as HeroesCon. Started in the early 1980s by Shelton Drum — owner of the local…

Carlton Hargro

A light comedy: Right-wing killers in hell

The setting: Hell. The cast: • James Von Brunn, killer of a security guard last week at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. (I know, he’s not dead yet, but in fact, only one cast member is currently dead. This is, after all, satire, not a documentary.) • Scott Roeder, killer of Dr. George Tiller,…

Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files

Storytelling: A 32-year-old woman called police after a very exciting fight with her boyfriend. The victim admitted to officers that at around midnight, she walked into her boyfriend’s room and pulled off his covers. The man then kicked her off the bed. The woman decided she should throw a glass of water on the man,…

Ryan Pitkin

Mayoral candidates discuss how to help the school system

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools aren’t the responsibility of the city, but in these trying economic times, the schools need help that the state and county can’t deliver. In the second part of an ongoing series, Creative Loafing asks the current mayoral candidates how city government can help the school system. (This week’s installment includes Martin Davis, another…

Cheris Hodges

Has martial arts training ever helped anybody defeat a mugger?

My son just finished a three-month karate class. Last night he asked me if karate really would help someone defeat a larger, stronger opponent. I told him I honestly never heard of anyone using any martial art to win a fight outside of a movie. You would think here in New York, with so many…

Cecil Adams

NCAA and NBA rules lead to pimping of athletes

OK. The hypocrisy must stop. The NCAA and the NBA are in violation. The University of Southern California’s head basketball coach Tim Floyd recently resigned amid allegations that he gave $1,000 to basketball player O.J. Mayo’s handler, Rodney Guillory. When I heard the news, I thought to myself, “Just one grand?” If it is true,…

Nsenga Burton

Weekly Horoscope for June 17-23, 2009

Gemini The Twins: (May 20-June 21) This is a period in which you will likely fall back into earlier patterns of thinking in order to preserve your ego. You are a rationalist, one who can use words to suit your purpose of the moment. Think carefully: might you be twisting words to preserve your ego?…

Vivian Carol

The Californication of N.C.: Why ruin a perfectly good state?

A net out-migration of more than one million people have left California in the last 20 years, many fleeing to places like North Carolina. So why bring the worst of California here? That’s what the Democrat-led state legislature seems to be attempting to do. It apparently wasn’t good enough that we already have the highest…

Capsule reviews of films playing the week of June 17

ANGELS & DEMONS Angels & Demons, the follow-up to the international smash The Da Vinci Code, feels like nothing more than a cross between a Frommer’s travel guide and a scavenger hunt, as Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon hits all of Rome’s holy hot spots gathering up clues as if they were empty Dr. Pepper bottles…

Matt Brunson

Splatter my heart in Evil Dead: The Musical

Surely one of the landmark theater events of the New Millennium occurred late in 2006 with the invention of the Splatter Zone at New World Stages. For nearly a century, Gotham’s legit producers had been in ignominious retreat against the incursion of movies until the producers of Evil Dead: The Musical finally found something the…

Perry Tannenbaum

The International, The Seventh Seal among DVD reviews

THE INTERNATIONAL (2009). The International is an action flick with smarts, but that’s not to say the brain and the brawn always coexist easily. Clive Owen stars as an Interpol agent who, with the help of a New York assistant D.A. (Naomi Watts), tries to bring down a banking institution that’s long been involved in…

Matt Brunson

The best of Once Upon a Festival

Even Donna Scott herself wouldn’t say whether the Once Upon a Festival, which concluded its 9-day run last Saturday, was a one-time event as its name implied. From what I saw of it, namely The Fairytale Chronicles and The Crossroads Teen Theater Project, the maiden effort of Donna Scott Productions showed sufficient promise for an…

Perry Tannenbaum

Derailed: The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

One of the many delights tied to the 1974 drama The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is that it’s a New York picture down to its Big Apple core. Between a principal cast comprised almost exclusively by NYC natives (apparently, birth certificates were required at the auditions), screenwriter Peter Stone capturing the colorful colloquialism…

Matt Brunson

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