Mad at American Apparel
The local branch of American Apparel, over in South End, really has me in a pissy mood. I stopped by the shop yesterday to pick up a copy of my favorite monthly magazine, Vice, and they were out. And honestly, they’re always out of Vice. Have you ever heard of Vice? It’s an international magazine…
News Roundup, 03/04/08
Three postal workers dividing $1M lottery: Ever wish you could go postal. Three postal workers are splitting $1 million they won from N.C. Education Lottery scratch-and-win ticket. Full Story: www.charlotte.com/news/story/521165.html Police: ASU Student Made Up Story That Led To Lockdown: Matthew Haney, an Appalachian State University student, must have a vivid imagination since he reported…
Movie trailers for Oscar nominees for Best Documentary Feature
Taxi to the Dark Side \\\\\\\\\\ Read the review of this documentary in the film section. No End In Sight \\\\\\\\\\ Operation Homecoming \\\\\\\\\\ Sicko \\\\\\\\\\ War/Dance \\\\\\\\\\
Plagiarism strikes again
By John “F. Scott Fitzgerald” Grooms (as pictured) Word is out today that yet another well-publicized memoir is nothing but a pack of lies. Margaret B. Jones, author of Love and Consequences, released last week to critical acclaim, admitted that her story — of life as a half-white, half-Native American girl who grew up in…
Kanye confirmed!
Well, The Eye and Charlotte Observer have been telling people for the last week that Kanye West wasn’t coming to Charlotte. The cover of the Eye last week stated “Kanye’s Not Coming.” I, on the other hand, was skeptical as the show was listed on West’s Web site. Now, it’s been confirmed. While West and…
News Roundup, 03/03/08
Fight over coal plant focused on Mercury: Environmentalists are feuding with Duke Energy Corp. over the construction of a $2.4 billion coal-fired generator that would emit upwards of 290 pounds of mercury each year. Opponents argue to increase measures that will ensure emissions are limited to the greatest extent, where Duke claims they already have…
NIN’s new release
Nine Inch Nails released a new album entitled “Ghosts I-IV.” The interesting part is that the 40 instrumental tracks are available for $5 through the nin.com site or amazon.com. It also comes with a 40-page pdf. Rumor is that the double-disc will be released traditionally on April 8.
Live Review: Puddle of Mudd
Review by Chey Scott Puddle of Mudd w/ Neurosonic, Tyler Read Tremont Music Hall March 2, 2008 The Deal: Tyler Read and Neurosonic joined the notorious Puddle of Mudd for a Sunday night show. The Good: Tyler Read opened the show and proved they are an up-and-coming band you should know. In proper country-boy attire,…
Black images in comic books
Just an FYI: Creative Loafing Editor, and writer of the weekly “Comic Proportions” column, Carlton Hargro (that’s me) will be hosting a brief presentation about African-American images in comic books on March 13 at the Levine Museum of the New South. If you’re interested in comic books or black history, you’ll probably enjoy this event.…
R.I.P. Jeff Healy
Remember that song “Angel Eyes” from back in the day? Maybe you remember the video — blind singer Jeff Healy performing with the guitar on his lap. He was also in the Patrick Swayze cult classic “Roadhouse.” Healy, 41, died from cancer — the cause of his blindness — on March 2.
Van Halen cancels tour?
Rumors are swirling around the ‘Net today that the rest of the Van Halen tour has been cancelled. The reason, some are speculating, is that it’s because of Eddie Van Halen’s condition — leading to rumors of alcohol or drug use — because of his ex-wife’s current book tour about their marriage. I would have…
The final campaign
— Cartoon by Jim Hunt
The Crackheads are coming!
It’s always been a mystery to me — why people who get caught with crack spend more time in prison than those who have the powder cocaine. I mean, it’s not the chicken and the egg; you can’t make crack without the powder. Well, finally the federal government is opening up the overcrowded prison cells…
The CIAA is over and CATS is the big loser
Charlotte is a winner. Johnson C. Smith University men’s basketball team won the men’s CIAA crown on Saturday. But the Charlotte Area Transit System is a big loser. Of the thousands of people who rode the light rail this week, not many of them paid. Seriously. So many of the CIAA visitors thought the Lynx…
Is R. Kelly loose in the Q.C.?
Partiers at BackStage say that R. Kelly didn’t show up at Friday’s party. I wonder if anyone checked across the street at the skating rink? Traffic Uptown was horrible, but what was even worse were those drivers who thought that you were supposed to let them in front of you. We’ve all been sitting in…
A bunch of y’all are just plain spammers!
Okay, I get it — there are CIAA parties going on this weekend. But y’all damned promoters know that you’re having these parties months and months beforehand. Stop with the damned e-mail blasts already! One e-mail is enough. Thirty, that’s just too damned many.
SNCC passes the torch
Four Civil Rights activists planted some serious seeds in fertile ground, as moderator Steve Crump put it, at the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee panel discussion Feb.26 at Central Piedmont Community College. Members of the SNCC, or “Snick” panel, included Efia Nwangaza, Ira Grupper, Isaac Coleman and Theresa El-Amin. The discussion was led by moderator Steve…
Better than broccoli
Just because you prefer home cooked meals doesn’t mean you have to slave away every day on gourmet dinners. Though many of us would prefer it, most just don’t have that kind of time. Home cooking still has to be simple, quick and hopefully yummy. But sometimes it all seems to get old: steak and…
News Roundup, 2/29/08
UNC-Charlotte football would boost students fees by $300 a year: Bringing football to UNC-Charlotte is going to cost a lot. The school did a study finding that school fees would increase to $300 a year. From the study conducted by the school there was no indication as to were the $70 million to $120 million…
New Iron Man trailer
The newest trailer for the Iron Man movie just went online. And it rocks ass. Here’s the link: http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=29294971
McCain & the anti-Catholic bigot
During the last Clinton-Obama debate, NBC’s Tim Russert got so worked up while “pressing” Obama over the Louis Farrakhan endorsement, I thought his head would explode. I’d like to know if Russert plans to be as belligerent the next time he speaks to John McCain. Specifically, I want to see whether Russert, or anyone else…
The Ostrich’s Tail
This position is called the Ostrich’s Tail because the woman’s raised and spread legs give the impression of an ostrich’s tail. This position is said to benefit both partners by allowing them to build up to a mutual orgasm. The woman begins this position on her back with her legs comfortably in front. The man…
It’s hard out here for a pimp
Thursday night at the CIAA was a show. First of all, Floyd “Money” Mayweather, marched into Bobcats arena with nine dudes. Maybe it’s just me, but why does a man who knocks people the hell out for a living need so many security guards? You expect to see Mr. CIAA dressed in loud and colorful…
Flight of the Conchords
Yo. Flight of the Conchords rocks ass. For real. \\\\\\\\\\
A pat on our back
Creative Loafing is proud to announce the fact that we’re the shit. In the 2007 NCPA News, Editorial and Photojournalism Contest, two of our entries won first place. Not second place. Not stinky third place. FIRST place. In the category of News Feature Writing, reporter Karen Shugart won for her story “Casualities of War.” Read…
It came from MySpace
I actually heard about this on MTV this morning (weird, eh?):Alt-soul vocalist Res and conscious rapper Talib Kweli have formed a new two-person group called Idle Warship. Kweli said in an interview on MTV’s “Sucker Free” show that the group was created so Res and him could create more dance-floor friendly music. No CD is…
CIAA photos
Check out some pics we snapped over the first few days of the CIAA tournament. All photos by Erica L. Singleton: Power 98 radio personality Consuella sings the National Anthem at the CIAA tournament Feb. 27. The West Charlotte High School band breaks it down at the Bobcats Arena Feb. 27. A CIAA attendee naps…
It came from MySpace
I actually heard about this on MTV this morning (weird, eh?): Alt-soul vocalist Res and conscious rapper Talib Kweli have formed a new two-person group called Idle Warship. Kweli said in an interview on MTV’s “Sucker Free” show that the group was created so Res and him could create more dance-floor friendly music. No CD…
Pay attention to me, I’m making crazy Biblical amendments
By Mike Huckabee Did you hear what I’m up to? No? You stopped paying attention? I figured as much. So I’m doing some super wacky conservative crap. I endorsed an amendment to Colorado’s constitution that will define life as beginning at conception. I also said I want it added to the U.S. Constitution. You see,…
Think before you send
If I get one more e-mail from a black person calling Hillary Clinton a bitch, I am going to scream. First of all, this election has confirmed for me that sexism is alive and well in the United States. The fact that so many people are comfortable circulating e-mails calling her a bitch in jest,…
Kanye not in Q.C.?
Kanye West was scheduled to perform at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on May 8 with NERD, Rihanna and Lupe Fiasco, and in Raleigh on May 9. The new rumor is that he won’t be in Charlotte, and only in Raleigh. A quick look at Kanye’s Web site shows that he’ll be performing at both places. Stay…
News Roundup 2/27/08
Obama Tops New National Polls: The Clinton campaign has one new worry. Not only is Obama-mania showing no signs of slowing, but Democrat and Republican voters alike see him as the candidate with the most electablity. The latest USA Today/ Gallup poll asked Republicans which Democrat McCain would have a better chance of beating. The…
Why in the hell is R. Kelly hosting a CIAA party across the street from a skating rink?
Chester Chester, I mean R&B singer R. Kelly is coming to Charlotte for a CIAA party at a venue that just happens to be across the street from a skating rink. A place where a lot of little kids hang out. Makes you wonder if Kelly knew this when he signed on to host the…
You should listen first…
Maxim magazine is coming under fire for their review of the new Black Crowes disc, Warpaint. It’s not because the magazine gave the album 2.5 out of 5 stars…it’s because they wrote the review without even listening to the album. The magazine has since apologized to its readers, but really needs to apologize to the…
Karaoke Idol – Top 10 Men/Women preview
I’m really having a hard time finding any of these guys that stands out from the rest. Sure, David Hernandez did a good job, but will rumors that he’s a former male stripper hurt his chances? Wondering what the women will sing tonight…here’s the rumor: 1. Carly Smithson – “Crazy On You” by Heart 2.…
Post-Oscar ponderings
Highlights of this year’s Academy Award telecast: * Host Jon Stewart bringing Best Original Song co-winner Marketa Irglova (for Once’s “Falling Slowly”) back to the stage to give her acceptance speech after being cut off by the orchestra. * Cate Blanchett as the pit bull in No Country for Old Men. * Marion Cotillard’s giddy,…
Game? What game?
CIAA basketball – you gotta love it. That is, if you’ve seen it. As the weeklong party that is the CIAA basketball tournament rolls into town, the basketball seems to be the one thing people forget about. It’s all about the celebrities and the parties. But let me tell you, until you’ve rolled up in…
Housing for families
The YWCA plans to open a new project in mid-March for homeless families that’s designed to meet an unaddressed need in Charlotte. The Families Together program will house as many as 10 homeless families in three- and four-bedroom townhome-style units behind the YWCA’s Park Road offices. “We’ve already started to identify and work with families,”…
Sports: Dunk it
Gimmie a C-A-T, go cats! If you want to catch a few slam dunks and a good time then get your ass to the Bobcats vs. Golden State game today and show a little team spirit. We don’t care how you do it — if drinking beer and eating hot dogs is your way of…
Our Top 8
Here’s a list of CL’s favorite DJs scheduled to spin this week at CIAA parties all around town. 1. Ninth Wonder — The producer behind Little Brother and Erykah Badu’s newest single “Honey” (see art below) makes a stop at the Big Chill (911 E. Morehead St.) Feb. 29 to spin for the “Lyte As…
Letters to the editor
Hypocrisy causes outsourcing Regarding Cheris Hodges’ article (“Observer Sends Jobs to India,” Feb. 13), The Observer’s defense for outsourcing jobs sounds like a classic case of the drowning man taking the ship down with him. From all manner of businesses you hear the same old song. “We have to be able to compete. We have…
Theater: Singin’ the blues
Ahh the eighties, don’t you just yearn for the good ol’ days of big hair, bedazzlers, neon and jean jackets? If you are, Blumenthal has just the thing to take you back. Set in 1985, The Wedding Singer follows rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart’s love life and career. With new music inspired by the movie and…
Attack of the pointy shoes
Peruse the fine print of any CIAA-centric party flyer, and you’ll see a dozen variations of the phrase: “Dress to impress.” Face it, CIAA is a fashion show — but, frankly, some folks are going to wear some really, really ugly clothes this week. With that in mind, we consulted our resident fashion editor, stylist…
Last week on The CLog …
• Get over yourself, Lindsay. “If Lindsay wants to be taken seriously as an adult, then she should stop dressing up like one, and actually be one.” • Proving P.T. Barnum right. ” … [Jim] Bakker is still preaching the same brand of happy-talk Christianity, still avoiding taxes, and, more ominously, has begun a donation…
Fundraiser: Fashion and fancy feet
Spring is creeping around the corner, and you may be realizing that as the warm weather approaches, you are in big trouble because you have nothing to wear! Winter clothes are out so you gotta go shopping. To find out what’s hot and what’s not this season, take that fashion-loving fanny to the Runway for…
Over my head
If my sister had not reminded me, I would have completely forgotten I was once the victim of a bombing. For a second I thought that said a lot about me, to be living a life so crowded with adventure and excitement that the fact I was once hurt by a bomb merits hardly a…
Love without limit
Black people and love. Two topics that are at the forefront of my mind during the month of February. Why? Because of Valentine’s Day and because it is Black History Month. We reflect on so much African-American history during the month, but rarely acknowledge or discuss the history of black love, which in my mind…
Film: There will be Blood
The local film series Truman Capote Goes to the Movies continues with what’s arguably the best of the six titles being shown in this program presented by the Public Library. Based on Capote’s most notorious novel, 1967’s In Cold Blood centers on the real-life slaying of a farmland family by a pair of drifters. Nominated…
Stargazer
Pisces The Fish: (Feb. 18 — March 19) While the Sun continues its path through your sign, notice how its warmth is bringing inspiration into your life. We have experienced the annual cycles so often that we may not really pay attention to the new “birth” heralded by one’s birthday. For All Signs: Pluto is…
Kristi Stanfill
Looking to be Charlotte’s Next Top Model? Then Kristi Stanfill is a person you need to know. As the booking agent for print, TV, and film models at the Evolution modeling agency, a Southeastern branch of the world famous Wilhelmina modeling agency headquartered in New York, she books talent for a number of local and…
Art: Interactive art
Art appreciation isn’t just a class in middle school you know. Artist-in-Residence Sara Hughes has created a site-specific installation in the windows of Design Within Reach to see how the public interacts with art outside of a museum. Head over to the project reception this Thursday and maybe you’ll get a new view. 6-8 p.m.…
Film Clips
New Releases 4 MONTHS, 3 WEEKS AND 2 DAYS / PERSEPOLIS This year’s Academy Awards race may be over, but expect the controversy surrounding the group’s Best Foreign Language Film category to continue. After a record 63 countries each submitted a picture for consideration in this year’s contest, the members of the Academy’s foreign language…
Spinning royalty in the house
Charitable rocking Luna’s Lament guitarist Kim “KimNiption” Karnes plays during the KimNiption “Fit at Amos” Southend on Feb. 17. The benefit was arranged to help Karnes after being diagnosed with breast cancer. For more photos, turn to the Vibes section. Kick me, kick me! Houston Yager (left) and Cheri King were two participants in…
Entertainment: Absolutely Fabolous
Fans of radio rap rejoice — a gaggle of hip-hop’s biggest hit makers are coming to town tonight for the Ghetto Fabolous Tour. The tour stars chart toppers like Fat Joe, Cassidy and Gucci Mane — and it’s aptly fronted by DJ Clue protégé Fabolous. If you find yourself bopping to the sounds of Power…
View from the Couch
BEOWULF (2007). Not exactly your grandfather’s Beowulf, this played at select venues last winter in Digital 3D, resulting in a positively astonishing experience. Tossed coins rolled directly toward the camera, spears poked out at audience members, and even an animated Angelina Jolie’s, umm, assets seemed more pronounced than usual. Certainly, the technology exists to offer…
Gunshots
A bizarre standoff between the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police and the African-American community began last week. Maj. Harold Medlock led a press conference in which he politely but firmly accused members of the African-American community of declining to help the police solve the murders of two kids shot at gatherings a year apart. Witnesses know who killed…
Dance: Step lightly
Two of N.C. Dance Theatre’s ace choreographers get to strut their newest stuff, beginning a six-performance run at intimate Booth Playhouse through March 8. Rhoden, Bolero & Balanchine is also grounded in the classics, featuring excerpts from George Balanchine’s Who Cares? Should be absolutely authentic, considering that NCDT artistic director Patricia McBride was a principal…
For the splurge of it
A couple weeks ago, like a traveling big top, the Napa Valley Vintners’ biannual road show arrived. Seventy winemakers and principals preened and crooned about their $30-plus wines, and the public (and the wine trade) lapped them up. I often rag on Napa, much in the same way I judge talented yet overly egoistic celebrities…
God City + Creative Loafing = Counter Culture
Creative Loafing has teamed up with the funky, Charlotte-based art collective known as God City to bring you a provocative art exhibition titled Counter Culture. Counter Culture will display an incredible body of new work created by the God City crew — and the focus of all the pieces in the show is the media…
Lessons of Internment
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.…
Partying hard for a good cause
Between the Inaugural Night with the Knights at the Convention Center benefiting the United Way, the Guys and Dolls Auction at the Hilton benefiting Cystic Fibrosis and Bartender’s Ball at The Blake benefiting Kids First of the Carolinas … I was going to need a new dress. The fact I found a fabulous little number…
Diverse influences unite for broken sound
Who says you have to follow one style? On their sophomore album, Diamonds in the Dark, Sarah Borges and the Broken Singles combine hints of country, rockabilly, blues and rock. It’s a formula that works — instead of sounding like some kind of mix tape, Borges’ vocals remain a constant and the music’s tone is…
Music Menu
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 27 Barton Carroll The Lost One, the latest from this N.C.-bred Seattle transplant and ex-member of Crooked Fingers, is a rumination on loneliness, particularly of the post-relationship, what-the-hell-just-happened variety. Carroll is reminiscent of early Freedy Johnston, but what raises his wistful narratives, folk twang and the occasional raging rocker above the usual broken-heart-by-numbers…
A waste of young men
ABC correspondent Martha Raddatz’s terrific book about an early battle of the Iraq war is now available in paperback. Raddatz tells the riveting story of the day — April 4, 2004 — when violent resistance to the U.S. invasion was severely ratcheted up. American troops patrolling the Sadr City section of Baghdad found themselves pinned…
‘Find Your Muse’ gets an upgrade
The “Find Your Muse” open mic night at The Evening Muse on Monday nights is about to get a bit of a makeover. The series, which will now be called “Monday Night Live,” will be held in conjunction with a new event entitled, “The Crown Town Showdown.” On the first Monday of each month (beginning…
Post-pubescent Joe
Plus, some unfinished Symphony business
Checkmate No. 23
The Deal: It’s the latest issue of Checkmate, DC’s resident espionage comic. This book spun out of the company’s weekly series 52 and features a strange mix of characters from across the DC Universe. The stars of Checkmate, however, seem to be former Bruce Wayne bodyguard Sasha Bordeaux and Justice Society of America member Mr.…
Fish Fridays, Thai-style
I think I figured out why so many fish eaters consider themselves vegetarians. It’s a Catholic thing, y’all. According to the Christian calendar, Lent, the 40-day fasting period leading up to Easter, is currently underway. For Catholics, that means giving up meat, particularly on Fridays and designated holy days. Their definition of meat, however, applies…
CIAA: The Ultimate Guide
CL‘s picks for the best tournament-related goodies
Karma Cleanser
Dear Karma Cleanser: My girlfriend cheated on me and when I found out about it, she kicked me out of the house. I did not realize that the end would come like it did. She had told me before that she felt neglected because I play in a band and I spend a lot of…
A local look
Local bands turned up in droves when they were needed for two events on Feb. 17 and 18 — The KimNiption Fit at Amos’ Southend and the Creative Loafing Presents Jeff Hahne’s Homebrew; Winter Harvest 2008 CD Release Party at The Evening Muse. Volatile Baby, Carmona, Lindy Dobbins and the Red Velvet Manx, Echo Code,…
Fit for fast forwarding
New movie compromises Gondry’s gonzo vision
Party over here!
Almost 100 parties will sweep through the Queen City this week in celebration of CIAA. But you can’t go to all the shindigs, now can you? Well you might try, but you’ll probably feel like doo doo by March 3. To that end, we decided to sift through dozens of e-mails and flyers to find…
The Blotter
NEVER TRUST A HOOKER: A 44-year-old man said his money and property were stolen by a prostitute he invited to his apartment. He brought the woman home to have sex, he paid her and she left. But she didn’t leave with just the cash the man gave her; she took his coat that contained $365…
Back down South
The Edwards come home to Southern roots
The hostess with the mostest
Charlotte radio personality Ifé Moore can be heard rocking the mic every day on Q92.7; she can also be seen rocking parties around Charlotte — at spots like Tempo and many more — several times per week. So now that CIAA has blasted into town, will the statuesque self-proclaimed “hustler” be taking a weeklong break?…
Media bullsh*t death match!
Fans of overhyped news stories and publicity overkill have been treated to a virtual overdose of media drivel lately. But which recent story was the most hyped-to-the-gills, bullshit news item? It’s time to find out. We held a tournament featuring four worthy stories competing in various B.S. categories, and finally emerged with one winner. Here’s…
On the cutting edge
Saw Doctors find a balance between genres
Beyond the court/dance floor
Here’s a newsflash: the CIAA offers more than just dunks, DJs, drinking and dancing. A ton of non-party/game-related events are going down during the tournament. Here’s a look at a few: CIAA Ford Fan Experience: Thurs., Feb. 28-Sat., March 1 — Officially tied to the tournament, the Ford Fan Experience is a multimedia event featuring…
Déjà vu at the polls
Last week, two familiar faces in Charlotte politics threw their hats into the race to become Mecklenburg County Commissioners. Attorney Harold Cogdell, a former Charlotte City Council member, and current Mecklenburg County School Board member Velma Leake are running for seats on the board of commissioners. Cogdell is running at large and Leake is running…
Stonehenge or condo bust?
Uptown development remains on pause
Breaking it down old school at the CIAA
It’s clear that the first few days of the CIAA basketball tournament is strictly old school. Emphasis on the old. Take the dance contest during half time of Tuesday’s contest between Johnson C. Smith and St. Paul. A line of old school CIAA fans got in a Soul Train line at half court and did…
