Budget cuts: your money or their lives
Some of the cuts would make some problems worse, which would, in turn, cost even more for society to deal with in the long run.
Mary Easley gets fired
Headline says it all …
Recipe: Strawberry Ice Cream
This ice cream makes for a perfect summertime dessert.
A wedding at 145 b.p.m.
I recently drove to Raleigh to dj at a wedding reception, right? Easy money, because the company I work for requires that the bride and groom go through and pretty much hand pick all the songs they want played. They tell us what song they want for the first dance, the father/daughter dance… yadda,yadda,yadda. Well,…
Books for movie passes
Free movie passes if you donate two or more books!
Best bets in Charlotte comedy: June 9-13
As the headline suggests, here are a few of the best places to find comedy events in Charlotte
CL’s Star Ratings
Star ratings for films playing locally.
Flying with Marley
The plane truth about in-flight entertainment options.
How to avoid getting jacked
If you don’t have a criminal record, why not get yourself a gun and keep it in your car?
Wells Fargo now accused of racist loan policies
Wells Fargo, which devoured former Charlotte corpo-powerhouse Wachovia, is being sued by the city of Baltimore for racist loan policies that have, according to the city, caused hundreds of foreclosures and cost the area tens of millions of dollars in taxes and city services. According to the New York Times, a group of Wells Fargo…
Camping out at Niche for Kanye’s sneakers
Only one N.C. store was given the opportunity to carry the exclusive Nike Air Jeezy, rapper Kanye West’s new shoe, and that store was Niche in SouthEnd. With only 18 pairs of the highly coveted kicks in all of North Carolina, how does a person manage to snag a pair? They camp out. More than…
Why do you ‘Krawl’?
Here’s a look at some of what’s happening at Plaza Midwood’s next art crawl
Jessica Lea Mayfield sings ‘Kiss Me Again’
Before you check out Jessica Lea Mayfield at the Visulite tonight, take a look at her here
Live review: No Doubt, Paramore, The Sounds
No Doubt rocks Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on June 6, 2009.
Topless Britney Spears photos hit Internet
Some topless photos of Britney Spears have hit the Internet – they were apparently taken from a photoshoot in 2007. And she’s not exactly topless… she has fake tattoos covering her nipples. Check out the photos here.
A Lesson in how to be sexy
This is kind of funny.
Regulating water
It is about time.
What do you do when you discover cheating?
Do you fight for your relationship, let it go or get a measure of revenge?
Amos’ Southend, 6/5/09
Rusted Root performed at Amos’ Southend on Friday night.
WTF did Mary Easley do at NC State?
Shit if we know.
Taste of Charlotte, 6/5/09
The 11th annual Taste of Charlotte event was held uptown this past Friday though Sunday.
LiveNation expands ‘No Service Fee Wednesday’
No service fee deal happni
Dammit, Janet … and mother nature
By Brittney Cason and Sarah Coombes Another parade was rained on in Charlotte when the water cycle got stuck on the precipitation dial again, raining out opening night for Dammit Janet … dammit! Yet the place was still packed for the VIP grand opening party this past Thursday, even the rain came … in the…
Sale of the day: Paul Simon
With Father’s Day coming up, you might want to start thinking about what you’re going to get the daddy in your life. How about hitting up Paul Simon? On sale now: all FERRAGAMO TIES !! $125.00 down from $160 All men’s swim trunks are 25 percent off: Vilebrequin, Vinyard Vines, Salteair, Bill’s Myers Park 1027…
Today’s Top 5: Monday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, June 8, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Jessica Lea Mayfield at Visulite Theatre • Grand Imperial Poetry Night at SK Netcafe • Ocean exhibit at The Schiele Museum of Natural History • Bill Hanna’s…
Masterworks from the New Orleans Museum of Art
Hurry and see the masterpieces from renowned artists before they leave town.
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 8, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • SIN with $5 table dances. •Monster Karaoke Night at Dixie’s Tavern. • Vintage Dance band at…
Music Menu: Arc Angels
Arc Angels at the Neighborhood Theatre on Sunday night. Check ’em out.
Music Menu: No Doubt, Groovenaughts, Gaelic Storm, Tom Principato
No Doubt hits the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on Saturday Night. Groovenaughts, Gaelic Storm and Tom Principato are also coming to the Queen City.
Upcoming: Pure Denim’s VIP Day Party
If you’re interested in Robin’s Jeans, True Religion Summer II, MEK denim, Basix Couture, Bullzeye, or Rock and Republic, you want to check out Pure Denim’s VIP Day party going down today starting at 1 p.m. Get a VIP discount of 10 percent off, plus 20 percent off all Diesel and 15 percent off all Custom…
Dammit Janet!: That ’70s Show
NoDa hot spot gets off to a promising start
How do we feel about green wine?
Columnist Tony Cecchini has a secret love, and it’s green. Vinho Verde (pronounced veen-yo vaird) is the name of a large region of northern Portugal, and by extension its wines. Though over half of those are brutally harsh reds that rarely see these shores, what we mean when we talk about traditional vinho verde here…
Tricia Cotham: NC must raise taxes on wealthy
In the face of proposed severe cuts in basic state-provided services, NC Rep. Tricia Cotham of Mecklenburg County is bravely grabbing the third rail of current politics: She’s proposing a tax hike on North Carolinians making over a quarter of a million dollars per year; that’s the top 3 percent of NC income earners. Cotham’s…
Saving the world, one event at a time
Shit to do this weekend … save the world
The Weekender
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend— as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
Valentino: Fashion faux pas
VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR DIRECTED BY Matt Tyrnauer STARS Valentino Garavani, Giancarlo Giammetti As far as documentaries about the couture culture go, Valentino: The Last Emperor runs out of thread long before its closing credits. By comparison, the 1995 Isaac Mizhari piece Unzipped provided a lot more, uh, zip than this nonfiction effort, which ultimately…
The Hangover: Frequently painful
Take two aspirin and call the director in the morning.
Land of the Lost: Not quite dino-mite
TV adaptation is extremely hit-and-miss.
My Life in Ruins a disaster site
Comedy emerges as one of the year’s worst.
Valentino: Fashion faux pas
Documentary unravels before long.
Which eco sunscreen is best?
Hint: It’s not Burt’s Bees.
Sugar hits a homer
Trailer and review of the new baseball flick Sugar
Concert announcement – Black Crowes
Southern rockers heading to The Fillmore Charlotte this fall.
First Friday means gallery crawls
“It’s the first of the month, get up, get up, get up … It’s the first of the month, wake up, wake up, wake up…” OK, I’m through reminiscing about Bone Thugs N Harmony. But it IS the first Friday of the month, and that means gallery crawl time! Charlotte Historic Southend Gallery Crawl is…
David Carradine’s death, a missing plane and other mysteries
“Things are getting too friggin’ weird.”
Charlotte’s about image, not style
The Queen City isn’t about fashion.
Grammys eliminate polka
It’s been the butt of countless jokes…. so I’ll make another. The Grammys have announced that they will no longer consider a polka category. Somewhere, three fans are weeping…
Dating tip: Screening is essential
One man. Twenty one kids. Minimum wage job. Eleven baby mamas. I’m sure most of you have heard or read about this ridiculous story about the 29-year-old man in Tennessee with 21 kids. And if you haven’t … then I need you to read the newspaper, turn on the TV or something! This foolishness combined…
10-in-10 CD reviews
Each Friday, we bring you 10 reviews of recently released CDs done in 10 words each.
Music Menu: The Graveyard Boulevard, Floating Action and Brad Paisley
The Graveyard Boulevard at Milestone, Floating Action at Visulite Theater, and Brad Paisley at Verizon Wireless. Friday Night.
Upcoming: Cottage Chic’s tent sale
On Saturday, June 6th, head out to Cottage Chic, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for their tent sale. Items on sale will include bedding, clothing, bath & body, candles, baby goods, shoes, accessories and lots more. All items are discounted 25, 50 or 75 percent (majority of items are 50 or 75 percent off),…
Food news: Sundays at Zink, more
A family-styled dinner and a memoir to make your mouth water.
New Works by Alena Hennessy
‘REVERIE INDIA’: The Natural Perspective: New Works by Alena Hennessy with featured potter Julie Wiggins runs June 3-28 at Lark & Key Gallery and Boutique. The opening reception goes down tonight from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. 453 E. 36th St. 704-379-1836
Subaru River Jam, 6/4/09
Photos from last night’s party featuring Thom Crumpton Trio at the US National Whitewater center.
Sale of the day: abode
According to the Charlotte Magazine’s Shop Talk blog, there’s a sale going down at abode, a home decor store in Southend. 201 West Worthington Ave. 704-332-3731
Today’s Top 5: Friday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Friday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Litterers be damned
I’ve got your number.
Art in the Latino community
The fifth annual Con A de Arte — Spanish for “A is for Art” — themed “Tell Me Your Story” is a celebration of artistic achievements by folks in the Latino community held at the Main Library. At the one-day event, you can browse the El Mercado de las Artes — The Artist Market, in…
Concert announcement — Miley Cyrus
I only mention this for those of you with children… Otherwise, I’d be telling you to run and hide and warning of traffic jams in the heart of Uptown. Miley Cyrus will perform at “The Cable Box” — aka Time Warner Cable Arena — on Nov. 24, according to pollstar.com. Her brother’s band, Metro Station,…
Color My Dreams exhibit opens Friday
The Charlotte Art League Gallery will feature Goodwill artists in the Color My Dreams exhibit, which opens Friday, June 5.
Just what we need: less legroom on airplanes
If you think airline seats are cramped now, just wait. The next generation of passenger airplanes, now being delivered by Boeing to American Airlines, will be even more torturous than the “cattle-call seating” we suffer through now, according to the Wall Street Journal. The planes will feature “slimmer” seats (for all of us ever-slimming Americans,…
Attack of the ‘supergroups’
Groups like Chickenfoot and Tinted Windows are only as good as the new music they create.
The Fillmore… opening soon
They’re just finishing up the last details on The Fillmore Charlotte. The Uptown Amphitheatre opens on June 13 and The Fillmore will open on June 19.
American Violet fits made-for-TV profile
Fact-based drama is earnest but flat.
Teachers: Keep your paws off of the kids’ privates
Parents: Pay attention.
Flooding: a natural disaster?
Kinda, but sprawl helps.
Demolish Memorial Stadium and move planned baseball park
When there’s an obvious solution to two problems at once,it’s often too obvious for local bureaucratic powers-that-be to notice, but let’s point it out nonetheless, OK? Problem 1: The plan for a baseball stadium downtown has hit snag after snag, and although it’s a popular idea, God only knows when the planned stadium in Third…
Up: Yet another Pixar winner
Trailer and review of Pixar’s Up
There’s Good Food, and ghosts, on Montford
There is both Good Food and ghosts on Montford Drive.
Halle’s horny(?), Beyoncé’s ‘Ego’-tripping
Random pop culture rants
The Dave Matthews GPS
Jimmy Fallon does a great impression of the singer.
Victoria’s Secret in trouble
A Pennsylvania woman has filed a suit against lingerie company Victoria’s Secret over a bra design. Heather M. Knox, of Monroeville, filed a lawsuit yesterday in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh claiming that the store’s new BioFit 7-way bra infringes on her design. Knox patented her “multi-layer uplift bra” in 2006 with the federal government.…
Hot Topic hopes to cash in on New Moon
They’ve snapped up an exclusive deal to promote New Moon.
Upcoming: Chef Francis Mallmann, Almost-Summer Extravaganza
• On Saturday, June 6 at 3 p.m. Carpe Diem Restaurant will host Chef Francis Mallmann, who will demonstrate some of the techniques used in his new cookbook Seven Fires: Grilling the Argentine Way in their parking lot. Grateful Growers Farms will sell their local grown organic pork products at the event. A book signing…
The Bag Lady announces shoe drive
Give a shoe or two to get a discount.
Tweeting for free music
Travis Barker and DJ AM may have found the happy medium between paying for albums and just downloading them for free. The duo gave away their mixtape “Fix Your Face Vol. 2 – Coachella 09” this week for the cost of … ONE TWEET! So anyone looking to get their album can get it for…
Music Menu: The Stellas
The Stellas come to Amos’ Southend on Thursday night.
Sale of the day: Panache
Panache offers a unique assortment of locally handmade items such as pillowcase dresses, hair bows/bands, baby blankets and much more! 116 S. South St., Gastonia 704-923-3392
Beyonce’s Ego
I guess Jay-Z is really putting it down on Sasha Fierce.
A tribute to American Idol’s Adam Lambert: An album of disturbing photos
*Disclaimer: We don’t care about his sexuality and we are aware that he has been involved in theater, but these were too entertaining not to share. Enjoy!!
Today’s Top 5: Thursday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
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 4, 2009–as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Have a hellava night. •VIP and Table dances at Leather and Lace. •$2 draft at Mez. •Laid back…
Man uses Craigslist to rape wife
A Kannapolis man is in jail after police say he used Craigslist to arrange his wife’s rape. According to CNN, the husband used the web site to find a man to rape his wife. The husband is now in jail. The man who committed the rape has been charged or found. “During the investigation, investigators…
Opening Friday
What’s premiering this Friday at local theaters.
Farewell Golden Bulls, Yancy’s with Shaw now
Dr. Yancy makes her move to Raleigh as interim president for Shaw University
Out of the mouths of teens
Charlotte teens are all set to debut their play “The Crossroads Teen Theater Project”
Meet Jordanos creative director Craig Stephenson
When the stylist talks about fashion, his eyes light up.
Concert announcement – Chickenfoot
Chickenfoot have announced the dates for its upcoming tour, and it includes as stop at the Uptown Amphitheatre in Charlotte on Aug. 27. The band’s self-titled, debut album will be released on June 5 — Amazon.com is having a download special of the album for $3.99 from June 5-8. If you didn’t know, Chickenfoot is…
Another swine flu case in Mecklenburg County
DO NOT freak out.
Big bonuses for city fat cats
Thanks civil servants!
Avett’s announce tracks for new album
The Avett Brothers have released the track listing for its new album: 1. I and Love and You 2. January Wedding 3. Head Full of Doubt, Road Full of Promise 4. And it Spread 5. The Perfect Space 6. Ten Thousand Words 7. Kick Drum Heart 8. Laundry Room 9. Ill with Want 10. Tin…
Box Office Top 10
The week’s top moneymaking films.
Happy Birthday to The Flying Saucer… Beam up the beer, Scotty!
Local watering hold celebrates seven years and 83 kinds of beer.
Now open: Granny Lucy’s To Go Restaurant
Granny Lucy’s is part of High Cotton catering which originally opened in Dilworth, but moved to Eastland Mall in 2008.
Upcoming: Shopping for a Cure
Misa’s Closet© will be a consignment sale created by Misa Hylton, award winning fashion stylist and Ereka Brim, marketing executive. The event allows Misa to give back to the community as well as share her personal brand of style from the creative mind that developed iconic images such as Mary J. Blige, Little Kim, Lisa…
Virginia Foxx staff drunk on beer
Thanks to Rep. Virginia Foxx, the frankly wacked-out Congresswoman from North Carolina’s 5th District, the hits just keep on coming. We reported recently on comments by Foxx (who, we remind you again, is not a softcore porn actress, despite her name) … where were we? Oh, Foxx’s statement that Matthew Shepard’s murder was not a…
Upcoming: International Collectibles & Antiques Show
The International Collectibles and Antiques Show will be held from June 4-7 at the Metrolina Tradeshow Expo (7100 Statesville Road). The event is open from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, and from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for seniors, and children under 12 get…
Drag Me to Hell: Fiery Fun
Trailer of Drag Me to Hell. Check out Matt Brunson’s full review as well.
Today’s Top 5: Wednesday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, June 3, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. Twelfth Night at The Green Uptown The Blues Cafe at Alive Habitual Ritual Comedy at Double Door Inn Bob Trotman: Business As Usual Takes On Corporate Culture at…
Whisky River, 6/2/09
People beat the heat by chilling out at Whisky River’s Summer Solstice Party Tuesday night. Photos by Christian Yoder.
Video: Kanye West ‘Paranoid’ — final cut
New shit from Kanye. This one’s for you Jeff:
Duke Energy wants more money — from you
Because billion $ profits just aren’t enough.
Fundraiser scheduled for Saturday
Benefit being held for Community Charter School’s music department.
Obama declares LGBT Pride Month, but little else
Did you know that June is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month? I guess I need to get out more, because even though I fully support LGBT rights, I only found out yesterday. It turns out that President Obama even issued a declaration about it. It’s striking, especially to a near-geezer such as myself,…
Adam Lambert may be gay — who cares?
There are more important things going on in the world…
Sale of the day: Summer Classics
Is it time to redo your living room? You may want to check out Summer Classics. Save $100 off your purchase of $1,000 or more. One coupon per family household. 1308 W Morehead St. 704-372-0095?
Kanye West ‘Paranoid’ — final cut
New shit from Kanye. This one’s for you Jeff:
Thank you, Jay-Z!
Rapp
CATS keeps light rail under budget
The Light Rail budget is predicted to be less than expected.
An interview with pastry chef Kelly Stegenga
For the past eight years Kelly Stegenga has been perfecting the art of baking and pastry-making. The Ohio native moved to North Carolina after completing her externship with Pinehurst Resort and has since fallen in love with the state. She chose baking and pastry-making as a profession from her love for sweets and has been…
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 3, 2009–as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Free Salsa Social. • Lick something sweet. • Wet Wednesday at Leather and Lace, South End. • Speed…
Debby Wallace has died
Sadly, Debby Wallace, a local writer and co-author of the book Home of the Blues: 35 Years of the Double Door Inn, died yesterday. Services will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at Wilson Funeral Home on Albemarle Road. More information in next week’s Creative Loafing.
Gamma Testing
Gamma Testing is a podcast that goes in-depth on a single video game each week, so that you can learn more about the games you already — or want to — play. Your hosts are Brian Ries, restaurant critic and family man; Rick Dakan, novelist and co-creator/former lead developer of the City of Heroes MMORPG;…
Courts to Gov. Sanford: ‘No.’
South Carolina’s Gov. Mark Sanford is still kicking and screaming about taking $700 million from the feds in stimulus funds. Why? Because he’d rather pay down the state’s debt than help out the state’s struggling schools. Rumor is, he’s gearing up for a 2012 presidential run. Try as he might to leave stimulus money on…
This Week’s DVD Releases
What’s new on disc this week.
xoxo … I love XO
New bar-a-raunt opens at the lake.
Summer Guide Events
Here are summer events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area June 2-June 17 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. ARTS LAKE NORMAN COMEDY ZONE June 2: Comedian Tony Tone. $10. 7 p.m.; June 9: Comedian Shaun Jones. $20. Lake Norman Comedy Zone at Galway Hooker Pub, 17044 Kenton Dr. 704-895-1782. www.galwayhookerpub.com.…
Triple homicides shake the city
A look at crime in Charlotte for 2009 … so far
Rock in Beijing
Checking out some live music at The Mao Live House in China.
Panthers: Working it … off?
The Panthers coaching staff gets fit
Trade in your children for donuts
Funny sign spoo
Pick your own, help a neighbor
Eating local is the way to go.
Valentino director visits Charlotte
Filmmaker will hold Q&A sessions after select Manor screenings.
Blumenthal’s Tony Awards Party
Blumenthal Performing Arts Center will throw its 5th Annual Tony Awards Party at McGlohon Theatre on Sun., June 7.
Sotomayor’s critics are the ‘unqualified,’ ‘not so bright’ ones
Will the GOP kindly get off Sotomayor’s butt?
Hot time in the city, how to make your sex life cool
How can you have hot sex tonight and not have a heatstroke?
Common myths about HIV debunked
Despite advances in HIV medicine and the wealth of education that’s available, people still have misconceptions about the virus that causes AIDS. So, Creative Loafing headed to the Metrolina AIDS Project to separate fact from fiction. MAP project coordinators Emerson Rojas and Darrin Johnson sat down with us and answered questions about some common misconceptions…
Upcoming: Next Stiletto Girls meetup
The Stiletto Girls are at it again. Their next regular meetup will be this Thursday, June 4 at Apostrophe Lounge. Here’s what to expect (from the group’s meetup page): Try the wonderful stiletto selection from the Seventy Two Shoe Boutique Preview fashions with Melissa from the The Pink Hanger Boutique Meet Mary Jane “MJ” the…
Companies offering coupon for lightbulbs
40 percent off!
Upcoming: Girls Night Out at Amber Crest Winery
If you’re looking for an alternative to the clubbing scene for your next girls night out, you might want to check out Amber Crest Winery this weekend. On June 5, they host their next Girls Night Out event, the summer version, with wine, chocolate and fun games. At this event, you will be treated to…
This week’s new releases (6/2/2009)
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the new albums being released today: 311 Uplifter Bourbon Crow Highway to Hangovers Jeff Buckley Grace Around the World Chickenfoot Chickenfoot (June 5 release) Elvis Costello Secret, Profane and Sugarcane Dave Matthews Band Big Whiskey and the Groo Grux King Rancid Let the Dominoes Fall Neil Young Neil…
Astronauts star in Louis Vuitton ad
Ol’ Louis is taking its advertising campaign out of this world.
Sale of the day: Hong Kong Vintage
2005 Central Ave. 704-334-0538 www.hongkongvintage.com
Can video poker save the N.C. budget?
Well, it couldn’t hurt.
Best bets in Charlotte comedy: June 2-June 6
Starting today, local comedy guru Debbie Millwater will be delivering, as the headline suggests, the best places to find comedy events in Charlotte — from stand-up to improv to sketch comedy and more. For a complete listing of all comedy visit www.CharlotteComedyLIVE.com. TUESDAY, June 2, 2009 Stand-Up Comedy at The Lake Norman Comedy Zone at…
Today’s Top 5: Tuesday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, June 2, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Celtic Woman at Ovens Auditorium • Comedian Tony Tone at Lake Norman Comedy Zone in Galway Hooker • Shear Madness at Stage Door Theater • Heavy Rotation…
Today’s Top(less) 5: Tuesday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Up: Still soaring
Pixar’s latest provides a contact high
MUSIC: Cowboy Mouth at Visulite Theatre
The New Orleans-based rock act Cowboy Mouth is set to perform at Visulite Theatre tonight. The group, whose popular songs include “Love Of My Life,” “Everybody Loves Jill,” “How Do You Tell Someone,” and of course, “Jenny Says” (the latter blasted over radio airwaves after 1996’s release Are You With Me?), is still kicking, although…
Love turns deadly: Domestic violence hits home … again
Nikki McPhatter is dead. You may have been following the story about a young, African-American woman (30 years old) who had been missing since May 6, 2009. Unfortunately, her body was recently discovered in Richland County, S.C. in her car. Police believe that she was shot in the head and then burned beyond recognition. The…
THEATER: Twelfth Night
Collaborative Arts’ Charlotte Shakespeare Festival returns to the Q.C. for free performances of plays written by Shakespeare (Duh!) outside at The Green Uptown through June 14. In addition, on Wednesdays you can come early (at 7:15 p.m.) and participate in Shakespeare trivia nights — ’tis if you do know a little about the gent and…
CD Review: Asher Roth’s Asleep in the Bread Aisle
The Deal: Hip-hop’s newest great white hype, Asher Roth, deflects Eminem comparisons, cracks open a beer, lights the bong and enjoys the good life over simple hip-hop beats on his major label debut. The Good: Roth’s lax and lighthearted flow sounds like he just sparked up and went in the booth, which adds to the…
Is NASA the only federal agency that makes a profit?
I once heard NASA was the only government department to show a profit due to patents on things such as Teflon, Velcro, and Tang. Any truth to this? — Michelle, Anchorage Will this silly story never die? I’ve mentioned previously that NASA didn’t invent Teflon, Velcro, or Tang; we therefore deduce that it can’t be…
Bigots and drunks: Adventures in the state House
Welcome, dear readers, to another exciting session of Ask Boomer With Attitude, live from Charlotte, where pro basketball teams come and go with semi-regularity. We have real reader questions this week, along with one that was made up. See if you can spot the fake. Dear BWA: Whatever happened to the anti-bullying bill in the…
BEST DINER
The Landmark opens early and closes late (4 a.m. on weekends), the prerequisite for a great diner. Add to this their homemade desserts and you’ll understand the popularity of this Charlotte, um, landmark. 4429 Central Ave. 704-532-1153.
When City Council kills — Part II
Most Charlotteans assume that if they call 911, someone will quickly answer. In other cities, perhaps that’s true. Here, if you are having a heart attack or have been stabbed multiple times, you may have to languish on hold or deal with your little problem on your own. The Charlotte City Council apparently has other…
Dr. George Tiller didn’t have to die
George Tiller did not have to die. He was assassinated while in church in Wichita, Kan., Sunday, targeted for legally performing abortions. His death may have been prevented simply through enforcement of existing laws. His alleged killer was seen vandalizing a Kansas City clinic, Aid for Women, both the week before and the day before…
Capsule reviews of films playing the week of June 3
Current Releases 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.…
Drag Me to Hell: Wicked fun
Horror romp pulls out all the stops
Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files
Air Freshener: A 22-year-old woman called police after the house she lives in with her boyfriend was vandalized while they were away for the day. She told police that the suspect(s) damaged a large mirror, two bookcases, four crystal lamps, an end table and two coffee tables. Before they left, the suspects spread ketchup across…
Sugar hits a homer
Film makes for a thoughtful experience
Meet the new face of hunger in Charlotte
On a cool, sunny late spring morning, 70 or so men and women stand in line at the Urban Ministry Center Uptown, waiting to receive a free meal from the Center’s 365-days-a-year soup kitchen. Some of the people in line present the careworn, used-clothes appearance that most of us associate with the homeless. Others, though,…
Sky isn’t falling at Spoleto Festival USA
With our Charlotte Symphony reeling, the Baltimore Opera in bankruptcy, New York’s JVC Jazz Festival cancelled, and the Met Opera cutting back on scheduling, our annual pilgrimage to Charleston over the Memorial Day weekend took on a new urgency. Sue and I wanted to make sure that Spoleto Festival USA was still there! You bet…
Horoscope for June 3-9, 2009
Gemini The Twins: (May 20-June 21) Concentrate carefully on any project requiring calculations and multiple plans. The probability of making an error or accessing inaccurate information is high. After the weekend, pay careful attention to communications and messages. For All Signs: Mercury, planet of communication and travel, turned direct on May 30. Projects and decisions…
A pentameter picnic with Collaborative Arts’ Twelfth Night
Driving by The Green on Friday night on my way to the Queen City Virtuosi debut — and returning for the Sunday evening outdoor performance — I could see that the Carolina Shakespeare Festival, presented by Collaborative Arts, is becoming quite the place to hang out, unfurl your best picnic gear, pour yourself a bordeaux…
Jessica Lea Mayfield gets help from her friends
Having first performed with her family’s band One Way Rider at the age of 8, a life touring and being on stage is nothing new for Jessica Lea Mayfield. By the time she was becoming a teenager, she already had her heart focused on her own songwriting and efforts to branch out on her own.…
An Ideal Evening with the Queen City Virtuosi
Every now and then, an event happens on my beat that uncovers unsuspected performing arts treasure that has been lurking for years in our midst. The debut of Charlotte’s new chamber orchestra, Queen City Virtuosi presenting An Ideal Evening, was like experiencing that special thrill twice in one concert. The precision, the artistry, and the…
Australia’s McLaren Vale wines: The bold and the beautiful
Humble beginnings birth beautiful things. Obama. The Simpsons. Angelina Jolie. And McLaren Vale, a tiny town in South Australia with soft yet powerful wines.
Review of Day of Absence
Over the summer, On Q Productions will be taking their Miles & Coltrane: Blue to the New York and the Edinburgh Fringe Festivals — if they can raise the necessary cash. Last week’s revival of Day of Absence conclusively demonstrated that Q, namely founder/director Quentin “Q” Talley and his co-conspirators, deserve the community’s support. Douglas…
Mez has a sweet (if expensive) spot
Once, I illicitly took Asian take-out into an Asian-themed movie. This was at the time theater owners had their employees check to see if food and drink were being brought in. I realize that the concession stand is the profit center for the business and I respect that, but I wasn’t taking in popcorn or…
ART: Con A de Arte
The fifth annual Con A de Arte — Spanish for “A is for Art” — themed “Tell Me Your Story” is a celebration of artistic achievements by folks in the Latino community held at the Main Library. At the one-day event, you can browse the El Mercado de las Artes — The Artist Market, in…
CD Review: Neil Young’s Fork in the Road
The Deal: Neil Young releases new album inspired by his LincVolt project and as a response to challenges in the world. The Good: Fans of cars should love this album – just about every lyric on the album is about cars, fueling and everything in between. The subject of the CD, the LincVolt, is a…
SPECIAL EVENT: Taste of Charlotte
Taste of Charlotte … That’s all I’ve got to say to get you in the mood for what should amount to some mouth-watering culinary goodness. This event — held in Uptown Charlotte — will feature 100 samples from a variety of Charlotte restaurants (including Amelie’s French Bakery, BlackFinn American Saloon, Bombay Cuisine, Caffe Siena, Caribbean…
Rockabilly BBQ hits Puckett’s
It’s that time of year when all of the grease and gams flock to one location for a long day of music, cars and barbecue as the Sixth Annual Rockabilly BBQ hits Puckett’s Farm Equipment on June 6. Starting at noon, the Speed Kings Kustom Car & Bike Show takes place outside of the venue…
MUSIC: No Doubt, Paramore and The Sounds
It seems like forever ago since No Doubt’s walk through “Spider Webs” and breakthrough start in the music biz. Single after single, and hit after hit, the band kept up its climb, until 2004, when like most big-shot rockstars, front gal Gwen Stefani decided to roll solo and later enter the lair of mommyhood. Hopefully,…
The Unwritten, Crossed among comic book reviews
As usual, I’ve been reading a ton of comic books lately — too many, in fact, for me to review in this space. So, behold a few bite-sized reviews of fairly new titles: The Unwritten No. 1 (Vertigo/DC): This clever riff on Harry Potter-esque pop fiction could easily fall into parody territory. Instead, writer Mike…
THEATER: The Fairy Tale Chronicles
Donna Scott, producer and creator of the theatrical production The Body Chronicles, is back, and this time she and Theatre Charlotte are presenting a new satirical production, titled The Fairy Tale Chronicles. The play, directed by Sheila Snow Proctor, will feature new spins on old fairy tales. $12-$21. June 5-6, 8 p.m.; June 7, 2…
Cl previews upcoming concerts (June 4-7)
THURSDAY, JUNE 4 The Stellas The Charlotte rockers just got back from a two-week tour of U.S. bases in Asia and the Middle East. They even blogged about it for us at qcvibes.com. It was a great chance for the band to give back to troops who are overseas, and now it’s your chance to…
MUSIC: Jessica Lea Mayfield at Visulite Theatre
Music comes easy for 19-year old Jessica Lea Mayfield. From performing with her family’s band One Way Rider at the age of eight to recording her own album at the age of 15, she’s like the energizer bunny, only she keeps going and going to make music. Her debut album, With Blasphemy, So Heartfelt was…
