Historic election, huge turn out
Normally there aren’t many people rushing out to the polls this time of year. But with the eyes of the nation on North Carolina’s Democratic primary, it seems as if voters have stepped up to the ballot. Driving around Charlotte on this primary afternoon, I saw a lot of people pulling into polling places. But…
Why won’t McCain support our returning troops?
Sen. John McCain was in town yesterday, preaching to the conservative Chamber choir about appointing rightwing judges and the like. I bet nearly everyone in that meeting, at one point or another, has used the phrase “support the troops,” so maybe one of them should have asked Senator War Hero why he’s been such a…
Crown Town Showdown – Week 2
Last night was the second Crowntown Showdown at the Evening Muse. Another solid group of performers showed up and made the judging difficult again — but that’s not a bad problem to have. The winner was Austin Hill, who also plays with Humans, who showed off some great songwriting and funky fingerpicking. Runners-up were Nathan…
Go vote!
Get out and vote today!
The Dominator
This position starts out with the woman on her back while the man is standing above her (a great start to any sexual jaunt). This next part will take a little strength on the woman’s behalf, so the man may need to give her a tug and a pull here and there. The woman is…
Hillary Guy: ‘All By Myself’
Hillary’s biggest supporter is holding out hope for a convention surprise. In the meantime, he’s so alone. \\\\\\\\\\ For Hillary’s secret blog and more humor go to http://www.newsgroper.com
Protest at the McCain reception
The Southern Piedmont Central Labor Council plans to protest — er, welcome John McCain “union style” — outside the presidential candidate’s reception today at the The Westin on College Street, according to an e-mail. Others liberal/progressive groups plan to be there as well. I missed Barack Obama’s visit this weekend, but I can’t recall protests…
NIN release new album…for free
NIN, taking the Radiohead model a step further, has released their new album online…for free! Head on over to nin.com and you can get a link to download The Slip as a mp3, mp4, flac or other format.
Live Review: Kid Rock
Kid Rock May 3, 2008 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre The Deal: Detroit’s Kid Rock gets Queen City rockin’ for nearly three hours. The Good: From start to finish, Kid Rock — who dressed in white, black or a combination of both all night — not only appeared to be having a blast, but his energy level…
Maybe it’s a good thing Charlotte politicians are boring
The Detroit Free Press has published the text messages that the mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick and his former chief of staff, Christine Beatty, were sending to each other–on city owned phones–and they are steamy. They also show that both of them lied on the stand during those police officers’ lawsuit against the city. It’s good reading,…
Quote this
“Jayson pulled at the top half of his mother’s Pucci knockoff bathing suit. Up until an hour ago it’d been a one-piece, but he’d had to cut it into two pieces in order to transform it into the ‘revealing string bikini’ called for in the script he wrote earlier that afternoon.” — Candy Everybody Wants,…
Political ad I’d like to see
[voiceover:] John McCain says he was “very honored by Pastor Hagee’s endorsement” even though Hagee is a confirmed hatemonger. [videos of Hagee:] “Only a Spirit-filled woman can submit to her husband’s lead. It is the natural desire of a woman to lead through feminine manipulation of the man.” “Fallen women will try to dominate a…
NASCAR rocks on May 17
It’s been announced that Three Doors Down will perform a 75-minute concert prior to the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race on May 17 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway. The concert will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the infield. Admission to the concert is free with the purchase of a ticket to the race. The band is set…
‘My Uncle Was Murdered by the Illinois State Police’
Just found this video created by Otis Grigsby of the Minnesota Vikings: \\\\\\\\\\
News Round Up 5/2/08
Some blacks may sit out if Obama loses nomination: When November rolls around some black voters are making it known that they will abstain from voting if Barack Obama is denied the Democratic presidential nomination. Full story: Charlotte.com UNC suspect guilty of parole violation: Damario Atwater, 21, accused of the murder of the UNC student…
The ’70’
We’ve all heard of 69′, but if you really want to test your physical skill you should try 70′. This is the ultimate in mutual satisfying oral sex. The man is instructed to begin this position while on his knees. This will make it easier for the woman, as she must begin with her legs…
American Zombie Horror Film Contest
Creative Loafing, The Light Factory and Reel Soul Cinema presents: the American Zombie Horror Film Contest. We’re looking for the area’s (and the nation’s) best amateur and/or professional filmmakers to create the best short horror film. For full contest details, download the rules and entry form.
Live Review: Lou Reed
Lou Reed Carolina Theatre, Durham April 28, 2008 By Grant Britt Lou Reed at 7:30? The concept boggles the mind. Reed’s music is for the wee hours, set in some smoky, dangerous dive. But the early evening show at Durham’s Carolina Theater Monday night showed Reed in his guise of a hard rock thunderer who…
How is Hillary going to be up at 3 a.m. if she can’t work the coffee machine?
By Barack Obama I don’t watch Youtube videos that often. Half the time when I go on there I see Jeremiah Wright’s fat head blaming the KKK for charter schools or something like that and the other half I’m getting RickRoll’d by my staff. No, Plouffe, that was NOT funny. I really wanted to see…
The Weekender
Friday, May 2 Film Iron Man: Just try to avoid this movie. Even if you wanted to, you couldn’t. Burger King, television, your favorite newspaper Creative Loafing and Robert Downy Jr.’s piercing hotness just won’t let you. And that’s fine by us. Iron Man tells the story of the other man of steel, gazillionaire Tony…
News Roundup, 5/1/08
Census: Hispanic growth biggest in South: The top 10 states that saw the largest growth of the Hispanic population last year were in the Southeast, according to new census data. The number of Hispanics in the United States rose by 1.4 million over a year’s time to 45.5 million. Full story: Charlotte.com Residents fear bar’s…
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Hillary “Get Out The Vote” kick-off event
Got this press release: CHARLOTTE, NC – Tomorrow, Thursday, May 1st, Grammy nominated singer Sophie B. Hawkins will speak and perform at the Charlotte for Hillary “Get Out The Vote” kick-off event. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Charlotte Forum. Supporters will gather to learn more about the campaign’s grassroots activities going…
I wonder?
There are a lot of people who are against illegal immigration — especially if the immigrants are Hispanic. But I wonder how many of those people are going to get shit-faced drunk for Cinco De Mayo?
Charlotte mayor Pat McCory must be making headway in the governor’s race
A right wing group calling itself “Americans for Legal Immigration” has released a statement highly critical of something that happened in Charlotte two years ago. And they’re blaming the mayor for a decision that I think is up to the police chief. Here’s what they had to say: (Raleigh, NC) While NC Republican candidate for…
Live Review: Levon Helm
Levon Helm @ Merlefest April 26, 2008 By Grant Britt If you were looking for the high and lonesome, you had to do some rooting around to dig it up at Merlefest on Saturday. Headliners Rhonda Vincent, and Tony Rice and Peter Rowan provided the purest mountain music during the day, but after the sun…
Movie trailers for this week’s film reviews
Young@Heart \\\\\\\\\\ Baby Mama \\\\\\\\\\ Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay \\\\\\\\\\ The Counterfeiters \\\\\\\\\\ The Year My Parents Went On Vacation \\\\\\\\\\
Radical racists
A lot of folks have been waiting for the time when so-called liberal white Democrats would turn on Barack Obama and it has happened. The AP has reported that white Democrats are concerned about his close association with a “radical.” What? Is this not the state where the infamous PTL was headquartered? It’s a good…
She’s gone crazy!
Everyone is going to be talking about this today… Paula Abdul, last night on American Idol, commented on Jason Castro’s two songs — problem was he only sang one. Some people are saying that proves the show is scripted, others say it’s proof that Abdul is nuts. Check it out: \\\\\\\\\\ As far as my…
Laura Lawson, sommelier
Certified wine sommelier Laura Lawson leads listeners through the world of wine on the nationally syndicated radio show Wine Crush (www.winecrush.com), which she hosts in Concord with Michael Ambrose. Lawson is one of only 250 nationally certified female sommeliers in the country. By October, she hopes to become the 14th internationally certified female sommelier in…
Crossing the line
Why columnist Nsenga Burton decided not to vote for Hillary
Dean Barber Online Art Auction
Exhibit: Dean Barber Online Art Auction Date: Saturday, May 3 Location: givingworks.ebay.com Info: www.barberfundraiser.org On May 3, there will be an online art auction commemorating the late Myers Park high school teacher Dean Barber. Several of the teacher’s former students have gotten together to grant a scholarship in his name. The architects of the fundraiser…
Debbie Does Spirit Square
Debbie Does Dallas… the musical. I know what you’re thinking: How in the hell can they make a musical out of a porn? But BareBones Theatre Group pulled it off in Spirit Square with results you’d see coming from that of Second City. It was like a long, old-school Saturday Night Live skit with added…
Lena Jackson
Lena Jackson owns many hats in the visual arts community. She is an artist, stage performer, author and businesswoman, but presently the cartoonist within her is standing out. The cartoon industry may be a “No Girls Allowed” kind of club, but at age 7, Jackson realized she wanted to be a cartoonist. “I remember being…
Charlotte Bestsellers List
1. Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri 2. Girls In Trucks by Katie Crouch 3. Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult 4. The Age of Miracles: Embracing the New Midlife by Marianne Williamson 5. Where Are You Now? by Mary Higgins Clark 6. Happy for No Reason: 7 Steps to Being Happy from the Inside Out…
Tea Leaf Green gaining fans in the jam circuit
Comparing the life of a touring musician to that of a pornographer may be a stretch (at least — one would hope.) But Trevor Garrod, Tea Leaf Green’s whimsical lead vocalist and keyboardist, draws an effective metaphor when talking about the years the band spent touring on the smoky bar circuit, playing only for 21-and-older…
Rocking down the river
Pulling up Roots The Roots blow the crowd away at Amos’ on April 25. Color me badd Some revelers admire one of the art installations at Art, Beat & Lyrics, an urban art exhibition held at Centerstage@NoDa last Friday, April 25. Up the river Jordan Poffenberger makes his way through the course during the men’s…
Free Comic Book day hits Charlotte in a big way
Want to get your hands on some Iron Man comics without shelling out cash? Well, be sure to check out Free Comic Book Day. Set to be held on May 3 at comic book shops around the country (including right here in Charlotte), Free Comic Book Day was created as an annual way to get…
DrumStrong returns for second year
Beat, bang, thump, strike or pound — whatever you do, do it at the drumStrong Cancer benefit at The Misty Meadows Farm May 3 and 4 in Weddington to support a good cause. DrumsForCures, a non-profit charity will bring performers, vendors and educators together to promote cancer awareness and research in a two-day percussion event.…
Urban refugees
Call them urban refugees. A staggering 73,444 people fled Mecklenburg County for the surrounding counties between 2000 and 2005, according to an interactive map on The Charlotte Observer’s Web page that tracks county-to-county migration data. The data, based on year-to-year changes in addresses on tax returns, came from the Internal Revenue Service. The three top…
‘Dead’ man talking
• Charlotte-based publishing house Main Street Rag has recently released Long Dead Lover ($14.95), a collection of short stories written by News 14 Carolina news anchor Robert Boisvert. This is Boisvert’s debut novel, containing a trilogy of short stories titled “Love Upon Reflection.” The tales chronicle the passion, loathing and heartbreak of a love triangle…
CL previews upcoming shows
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30 Soilent Green Not to be confused with the futuristic (and somewhat prescient) 1973 Charlton Heston film of the same name, Soilent Green, the band, is a death/grind/doom metal band from just outside of New Orleans. The band, recently signed to Metal Blade Records, has had a tough time of it recently. In…
Two CL-sponsored events
Cool people, tasty drinks, dope art, crazy films and the most eclectic blend of music in Charlotte: That’s what you’ll find at Pop Life — the nightlife event brought to you by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen. The fun goes down every damned Wednesday, starting April 30, at Loft 1523 (1523 Elizabeth Ave.) from…
Food fight at the captain’s table
Charlotte Rep may have scorched the earth and prevented the regeneration of a regional professional theater company in the Q.C. for decades to come, but a chestnut like William Gibson’s The Miracle Worker is not so easily defoliated. Five years ago, Rep staffers — those who had replaced the company’s founders — were in a…
Pimpin’ with New Wave Hookers
On the first Saturday of each month, in one of the least likely venues in town, a couple of indie rockers are doing their damnedest to bring dance back into the DIY mix by subverting the doctrinaire ethos and playlists of most dance music parties. This Saturday, May 3, the New Wave Hookers crew presents…
Food: Fiesta fiesta!
Get out your sombrero and celebrate all things Mexico. Cantina 1511 is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with a cooking demonstration from the restaurant’s chef. Enjoy watching a preparation of their signature Shrimp and Avocado Ceviche-Acapulco Syle dish and tasting it when it’s finished. Wash your sampling down with the general manager’s newest cocktail — the…
Two shows in Charlotte tear down walls
Two art exhibits in Charlotte are exploring a few man-made barriers. The artists invite us to ponder the physical and psychological distances we create between each other historically and electively, for sad and shameful reasons, toward comic, unhappy and sometimes deadly ends. The two different shows expose two discrete divides constructed on opposite sides of…
A Geek’s Guide to Understanding Iron Man
Analyzing the other man of steel
Things that go chump in the night
Things That Go Chump In The Night My wife and I have been married 10 years and have two young children. Two years ago, we agreed to separate, and I left for Iraq. Two weeks later, she moved a boyfriend into our place. The following year, she ended it with him, and we decided to…
Seniors and toddlers @ the movies
All age access
Music: His name is
Rapper/rocker Kid Rock is bringing his rock revival to the Queen City. In his usual rebellious state, the American badass’ most recent album Rock N Roll Jesus features his newest hits “So Hott,” “Amen” and “All Summer Long.” Expect a night of some hardcore Southern songs as Kid Rock performs with Reverend Run and Peter…
Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files
CAUGHT ON TAPE: A 44-year-old man said he was unloading his truck behind The Home Depot on Rivergate Parkway when a vehicle came fast through the parking lot at a high speed, striking him and sending him flying into the air. The driver then got out and punched the man in the face before speeding…
Caribbean eatery shines on South Boulevard
Fruits and roots
Food festival: Got Italian?
If you’re longing for Italy, but unwilling to cross the sea, St. Anthony Festa Italiana Charlotte is the perfect solution. Enjoy an assortment of food including pizza, pastas, gelattos and plenty more as Charlotte’s finest Italian restaurants display their excellent edibles. Drink it all down with beer and wine, live entertainment and a silent auction.…
Karma Cleanser
Dear Karma Cleanser: I went through a bad breakup a few years back and that has made me nervous about dating ever since. I’ve had one or two boyfriends over the years but nothing very serious. But a few months back, I went out to a bar with some co-workers and ended up talking to…
Dance: Follow the lead
Argentina is best known for two things: soccer and the Tango. You’ve seen them annihilate many teams on the field, but have you ever seen them cut a rug? Forever Tango boasts an all-Argentine Broadway cast of 14 dancers and 11 onstage musicians. Watch them glide across the stage in their finest abrazo and wow…
A history of wrecks
Annie’s tits are her favorite topic of conversation, which befuddles me. Granted, her breasts are unquestionably magnificent, especially considering she’s not even 5 feet tall and once gave birth to a child. I hear having kids wrecks your breasts, though that did not happen to Annie or even to me, come to think of it.…
The single-payer solution
As the media coverage of the Democratic presidential race continues to focus on lapel pins and pastors, America is ailing. As I travel around the country, I find people are angry and motivated. Like Dr. Rocky White, a physician from a conservative, evangelical background who practices in rural Alamosa, Colo. A tall, gray-haired Westerner in…
Stargazer horoscope
Taurus The Bull: (April 20 — May 19) Venus enters your sign this week and will be traveling “with you” through May 23. Her presence gives you an air of poise and beauty, and people will be attracted to your energy. A relationship with someone of substance is growing. For All Signs: During this period…
Let celebrities do your voting on May 6
I’ve learned to quit worrying about the May 6 presidential primary. Good thing, too, since trying to decide who to vote for was driving me crazy. Ever since my favorite candidate, John Edwards, dropped out of the race, I’ve been going back and forth and spinning in circles, trying to figure out whether I should…
Theater: Charming the enemy
See the play that people are talking about, as I Am My Own Wife hits the stage. It tells the true story of a German transvestite, Charlotte von Mahlsdorf, who resisted the clenches of both the Nazi and the Communist regimes. Berlin then gave her one of the most prestigious civil awards. It’s amazing how…
Capsule reviews of films playing in Charlotte
Current Releases 88 MINUTES 88 Minutes actually runs 108 minutes, a cruel trick to play on moviegoers who check their watches at the 80-minute mark and erroneously believe they’re on the verge of being set free. A film so moldy that it was released on DVD in some countries as far back as February 2007,…
Rocking the vote
Charlotte voters head to the polls
Eat around Charlotte for Cinco De Mayo
Fine art, food and fiestas
New DVD releases
BETTE DAVIS COLLECTION VOLUME THREE (1939-1946). April 5 marked the 100th anniversary of Bette Davis’ birth (she passed away in 1989), and two box sets from different studios were recently released to commemorate the occasion. First up is the Warner Bros. package, their third to capitalize on the numerous years the incomparable actress spent as…
Moving on up
More than a year ago, Gardine Wilson, co-owner of The Coffee Cup, was fighting to keep his restaurant from being demolished. Today, the historic eatery is thriving in two new spots with plans to continue growing and improving. Originally located at 914 S. Clarkston St., The Coffee Cup, which has been around since the 1940s…
Get On Board
The Deal: Smooth, soulful, gospel-flavored blues with a rootsy, folky underpinnings. The Good: Though labeled a bluesman, what Bibb does falls somewhere between gospel blues/rock and folk, like a gentler version of Taj Mahal. His voice is like honey-coated burrs – there’s just enough hoarseness to give it character. Even celebrity guest Bonnie Raitt’s slide…
How to maneuver the Napa and Sonoma valleys
One hit of wine country and your addiction will surpass Amy Winehouse’s. I still recall the emotional rush the first time I glimpsed the undulating hills and illustrious wineries on Napa’s Highway 29. Tingly, my fresh newbie-ness bubbled with fervor and newfound pleasure. It felt good … alluring and bewitching with a heroin-like efficacy. Join…
Letters to the editor
Joy riding The next time you plan to publish an article on riding the bus in Charlotte (“Diary of a CATS rider” by Cheris Hodges, April 9) you should, like, totally assign such a task to a different writer. Maybe find a writer who is a bit more mature? Maybe find a writer who will…
Coma La Grava
The Deal: Another in a series of E.P.s released by Raleigh, N.C., band. The Good: Led by vocalist/guitarist J. Chris Smith, Patty Hurst Shifter switch gears a tad on this collection that leans toward reflective rock constructed with the added benefit of piano, swooning harmonies and jazzy drums. This is hum-along pop with definitive indie…
Five for 5/5
• Azteca offers both classic regional Mexican favorites and more modulated Mexican dishes for American tastes. Azteca will offer live music after 6 p.m., and a free Cinco de Mayo 2008 T-shirt with the purchase of a medium-sized margarita ($6). Azteca Mexican Restaurant, 116 E. Woodlawn Road. 704-525-5110. • Cantina 1511 (the East Boulevard location)…
Last week on The CLog …
Marching toward ecological disaster: “You can buy ‘green products’ until you turn green yourself, but if Duke Energy keeps on belching out carbon dioxide to beat the band, it won’t matter.” Crossing the line: “Anytime you team up with a Republican (John McCain) to attack your Democratic opponent, you have crossed the line. Quite frankly,…
For My Friends
The Deal: Underappreciated band from the ’90s gets new singer, releases first studio album in 13 years. The Good: Fans were crushed when singer Shannon Hoon was found dead of a drug overdose and overjoyed when they found out the band was reuniting. New singer Travis Warren does a good job filling Hoon’s shoes as…
