This week’s new releases (3/17)
Here’s a quick list of some of the big names releasing albums this week: Black Tide “Light from Above” Flo Rida “Mail on Sunday” She & Him “Volume One” Yael Naim “Yael Naim”
News Roundup, 3/19/08
Tournaments fill trains: The Charlotte Area Transit System’s light rail, the Lynx Blue Line, made around 90,000 trips during the four-day ACC tournament. In late February, during the CIAA tournament the Lynx dealt with 80,000 trips over a six-day period. During CIAA CATS increased the frequency of trains immediately before and after games. There were…
Battle of Hoods … the end is near!!!
Remember … tomorrow March 19 at midnight, all Battle of the Hoods voting ends! Get your votes in before it’s too late!!! Vote here
Connect the dots: big bank bailout and Spitzer’s fall
Thanks today to fearless investigative reporter Greg Palast for the following information, which I’m offering in condensed form. There’s no smoking gun here, but the overall picture looks awfully fishy. Let’s see if we can connect these dots: 1. Mortgage bankers’ practice of steering unqualified people to sub-prime loans with high-interest kickers (in other words,…
Vote on the fate of Savage Love
We knew we were taking a chance, back in the July 19, 2006, issue of Creative Loafing, when we asked readers to vote on whether to allow Dan Savage to become part of the CL family. Savage had been the sex columnist for Seattle’s alternative weekly The Stranger since 1991, and his column, Savage Love,…
New York shorts
— Cartoon by Jim Hunt
Idol’s power rankings
TVguide.com has created the American Idol power rankings. Here are the latest standings: Top 11 Power Rankings 28.0% David Cook 24.6% David Archuleta 14.9% Brooke White 11.9% Carly Smithson 8.9% Jason Castro 5.6% Michael Johns 1.6% Amanda Overmyer 1.4% Chikezie 1.4% Ramiele Malubay 1.0% Kristy Lee Cook 0.6% Syesha Mercado David Cook on the top…
Filling the Well
Filling the well involves the woman lying on her back, as she brings her legs as close to her chest as possible. The man is then instructed to enter her deeply and slowly, allowing her to then rest her feet onto the man’s shoulders.As the man supports his own weight, he advised not to thrust…
Tales from SXSW – Wrap Up
By Chris Faraone, Boston’s Weekly Dig I woke up this morning with no teeth, four limbs full of track marks and three kids who I’m not interested in raising. A way-ahead-of-time warning to those of you who plan to ever hit SXSW: wear a full-body condom and drink lots of water. Friday kicked off with…
Need a summer job?
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre is hiring for the 2008 season. There are part-time positions available for ushers, ticket takers, security, cleaning, parking, concessions, VIP team, street team and interns in all departments. They’re holding job fairs at the amphitheatre on Wednesday, April 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. and on Saturday, April 5, from 10 a.m.…
News Roundup, 3/17/2008
Police to Atlantans: If you can stay out of the city: Police officers and clean-up crews are working hard to repair the damage left by a tornado on Friday. The tornado was considered an EF-2 by the Fujita scale. Dozens of limbs are down, and many traffic lights are on the blink. At a news…
Responsible for what the preacher sez?
All weekend I’ve been hearing about things that Barack Obama’s pastor has said in sermons. And all I have to say is why is that Obama’s fault? Also, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright wasn’t lying when he said, according to CNN: At one December service, Wright argued Clinton’s road to the White House is easier than…
The end of the 24-hour blog-o-thon
To all things, an ending … \\\\\\\\\\
24-Hour Blog-o-thon — A look back
Well, 24 hours and around 183 posts later, Creative Loafing’s first 24-Hour Blog-o-thon is over. If you missed anything, follow this link and check out the tons of stuff we posted: 24 Blog-o-thon Archive
Adios
To all things, an ending … \\\\\\\\\\
It came from Craigslist Part 5
Here’s another interesting post I found in the personals section on Craigslist: No Time For Beating Around The Bush – 49 Reply to: pers-603312717@craigslist.org Date: 2008-03-11, 9:26PM EDTI want to meet a good man who goes to church is not afraid to go to church with me for fear of who he may see and…
Missing out on cable TV?
Whenever I go to my parents’ house, I take the opportunity to get in some good cable TV viewing — since my own lack of cable leaves me with only two channels. But tell me why Larry King is interviewing Tori Spelling. Is this what I’ve been missing? — Kimberly Lawson
Personal Ad o’ the hour Part 12
Yes, more ads! And this guy is deep. Lookee here: Balance of Things The laws under which we live are designed solely for our advantage. These laws are immutable and we cannot escape from their operation. All the great eternal forces act in solemn silence, but it is in our power to place ourselves in…
Late night in Charlotte Part 4
Snapped at the Bankers Raw Bar & Billiards. Photo by Jasiatic.
Don’t be a texting coward
Isn’t it funny how people often choose the easy way out of an uncomfortable situation now that technology has consumed the world? E-mail and texting, although both great ways of communication, can become bitch-ish ways to handle certain situations. For example, my Marine ex of many moons ago initially broke up with me via an…
Personal Ad o’ the hour Part 11
I think the Blog-o-thon has been reduced to me just posting weird personal ads. But who cares. I’m exhausted … and I love these damn ads. Check out whatsarahsaid. I actually want to date her myself! Call me. Fighter I’m Sarah, and I’m 21 years old. Currently a Senior at UNC Charlotte with a double…
More Algebra
Just posted some videos from an artist named Algebra on The CLog. Here’s an article I wrote about her a while ago for Creative Loafing Atlanta: Bridging the gap Crunk plus soul equals Algebra When it comes to urban music, it sometimes appears that America still suffers from a bad case of segregation. On one…
Music I dig
On February 26, a soul vocalist by the name of Algebra finally released her debut solo album. This CD has been in the works for years and now — at long last — it’s in stores (you can pick it up at Best Buy). What does she sound like? Sadly, you won’t hear her much…
Late night in Charlotte Part 3
Snapped in Plaza Midwood. Photo by Jasiatic.
Personal Ad o’ the hour Part 10
OK, I am obsessed with the ads from Creative Loving. Meet, redneck1981: i’m lookin for a transsexual i’m lookin for a transsexual to have sex with and experiment with. maybe even consider a gay or bi male dependin on looks. You gotta love it.
Late night in Charlotte Part 2
Snapped at the Common Market in Plaza Midwood. Photo by Jasiatic.
A chance for Charlotte to come together …
… or a chance to preach to the converted. The Coalition for Peace and Justice has planned a 7th Annual Charlotte Social Justice Conference April 5 at the downtown library. Scheduled speakers include Henderson Hill, Susan Burgess, Dwayne Walker, Dwayne Collins, and Ross Overby. The topic is “Promoting Justice in the New and Growing Multi-Ethnic…
A funny little phrase
I found this phrase on Facebook. It’s fucking hilarious: “Funny tricks, rabbits are for hard times!”
It came from Craigslist Part 4
This post sounds terrible: **my feelings are hurt, help me** – w4m – 27 Reply to: pers-606478038@craigslist.org Date: 2008-03-14, 6:33PM EDT i am not looking for sex!! MY BOYFRIEND CHEATED ON ME! he has destroyed every OUNCE of SELF CONFIDENCE that i have and he has RIPPED MY HEART OUT OF MY CHEST AND STOMPED…
Late night in Charlotte Part 1
Snapped at the Alley Cat in Uptown. Photo by Jasiatic.
Personal Ad o’ the hour Part 9
Here’s yet another personal ad from the Creative Lusting site. Her name is mistressharmony: Beautiful Shapely Dominant/Switch in Greensboro I am a fresh, young, vibrant, warm yet wicked Dominant/Switch, beautiful and caring, with the experience to create an exciting adventure in kink just for you. I play in a safe, sane environment in an elegant…
Battle of the Hoods update
Leading neighborhood as of 1:14 a.m.: Tied between NoDa and Starmount. Total votes as of 1:14 a.m.: 32,132
The final Denzel Washington blog
 This is an awesome magazine and not just because Denzel is on the cover. He’s also the Centerfold and the headline is Washington Monument 🙂
It came from Craigslist Part 3
This one is sweet: Met you at CVE on tuesday (john) – w4m Reply to: pers-606037225@craigslist.org Date: 2008-03-14, 12:06PM EDTgave you my info, been thinking about you. hope you will call If you’re out there John, give her a call man!
Cops on Segways, it just doesn’t make me feel all that safe
How fast do those things go again? Can you really shoot a gun and hit the right person on that thing?
CL/God City art show
Have you heard about the art show that CL is sponsoring? The show is called “Counter Culture” and it features art created by the local art collective known as God City. The work in the show focuses on the media and pop culture. It’s going on right now at the Art House (in NoDa). We’re…
Artists I dig Part 4
Presenting another “artist I dig.” This post, I bring you the work of painter Eric Mack. Now, his stuff is difficult to describe, so I’ll show you what he says about his own work: While exploring and exposing various subject matter, my goal is to recognize how shape, form, and pattern are primary in our…
Another new Audiofloss
Wanna her some good music that you won’t find on the radio? Check out another new, all-music episode of Audiofloss right here: New Audiofloss Part 2
Personal Ad o’ the hour Part 8
You know the drill — but this one’s from the Creative Lusting site. Enter, mageman2k8: Let’s do the damn thing My thirties are going to be my twenties. So I’m looking for a girl willing to hop on and ride this crazy train for a night or a week but nothing to tied up or…
You know you want it
Do you have the Apple iPhone? I do! I always get excited when I see people with it. I think we should start an iPhone club. Although … I’m sad to report that I dropped it the other day. It’s got two scratches on the top corner.
It came from Craigslist Part 2
Here’s more weirdness from the Craigslist personals. This one’s out of South Charlotte: Fantasy Role Play – w4m – 23 Reply to: pers-606373443@craigslist.org Date: 2008-03-14, 4:51PM EDTLooking for someone to ‘rape’ me. We would meet beforehand briefly to ensure we really are who we say we are. Then you would come in, take conrol of…
Want to be on reality TV?
From the folks at C & J Casting and ABC TV: ABC TV HOLDING OPEN CALL FOR NEW REALITY SHOW ABC TV is coming to Charlotte, searching for spontaneous, adventurous people age 20s-30s for a new Reality competition show! C & J Casting and ABC TV will be holding an OPEN CASTING CALL on…
What is Cautious Heart about?
Here’s the plot of my latest novel, Cautious Heart, which I’ll be signing this Saturday at RealEyes bookstore in NoDa: Caprice Johnson is a highly respected detective. She’s one of the few women in the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department’s elite Vice/Narcotics unit. Caprice does her job with precision and expertise; her entire life is built…
Another new Audiofloss
Wanna her some good music that you won’t find on the radio? Check out another new, all-music episode of Audiofloss right here: New Audiofloss Part 2
It came from Craigslist Part 1
OK, as I troll through the Creative Loving site, I decided to go check out the personals on Craigslist. Here’s one an interesting ad: Sunday Layover? – w4m Reply to: pers-606251871@craigslist.org Date: 2008-03-14, 3:03PM EDT Flying through Charlotte on Sunday night. I’ve got an hour or so. What will YOU be doing at 9?
Personal Ad o’ the hour Part 7
Here we go again. Check out … LollERotten: The things that lie below..beware… I”m not going to lie i’m a little wierd it’s just i’m sorta ficle about sertin things…i’m hard to get along with at first but i try to stay open minded although it may get tuff. I’m into all kinds of music,clothing…
Iraq called
My ex-boyfriend is currently serving his duty in Iraq. Around here, he’s only known as Iraq. “I got a phone call from Iraq today!” “Oh, the whole country?” “Ha ha, very funny.” The only reason why I’m bringing him up is because I have a soft spot for soldiers, especially those who are deployed, and…
Ladies of Seduction
Did you know that Charlotte has an official go-go dance team? I didn’t. The team is called the Ladies of Seduction. Here’s a little info about the group: Introducing Sexy Go-Go Dancers to Charlotte’s Nightlife-Bringing something new and different to the party scene! Ladies of Seduction (L of S) Go-Go Dance Company is a newly…
Another Battle of the Hoods update
Current winner as of 10 p.m.: Starmount. Vote tally as of 10 p.m.: 30,934 Don’t let your hood lose: http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/theclog/category/battle-of-the-hoods/
Sex advice Part 2
More bizarre sex info … \\\\\\\\\\
‘Bro Fro I Wanna Know’
One of my most favorite local radio segments is on 96.1 The Beat. Brotha Fred and his crew have this thing called Bro Fro I Wanna Know. Every week, people email him, asking him to help them find out if their significant other is cheating on them. I have to admit, I’ve been late to…
No TV
Wow. I haven’t watched TV all day.
Personal Ad o’ the hour Part 6
Another sexy person from Creative Loving. Introducing, BBW: you like-a-me then I like-a-you Marriage minded gen-ex bbw seeks to mate for life. good sense of humour-no nagging, no games. flirtatious when in the right mood…nice eye twinkles. you must be masculine: short/dominant, tall/dominant, chubby/switch, average height/switch. you must be the same education or experience level…
Gino Vanelli is a god
Man, I used to love Gino Vanelli. But this ain’t him: \\\\\\\\\\
Sex advice Part 1
This is some funny shit: \\\\\\\\\\
Artists I dig: Fahamu movie
OK, I already wrote about Fahamu and showed you his art. Here’s a short film about the dude — this piece shows off the performance aspect of his work I told you about before. \\\\\\\\\\
Artists I dig: Part 3
Fahamu Pecou is the shit. Or, at least that’s what he says — and I happen to agree. His work tackles issues of black masculinity and celebrity — especially in the art world. And he presents his visual art with a large amount of performance art. Check out his stuff:
Roxy the blogger
Roxy’s blogging too. OK, not really. But you know I had to put up a picture of my cute puppy!
The unreal women of MySpace
I’m really tired of getting friend requests from “unreal” women on MySpace. I’m sure you get these if you’re a member of the site. When these requests come to my page, I take one look at the pic of the incredibly beautiful lady and I immediately know it’s fake. (Which is sad.) I KNOW these…
Personal Ad o’ the hour Part 5
It’s time for more from Creative Loving. Here’s a hot dude who goes by the name muneglum: Nerdy Goofball Dreamer I’m recently divorced and looking for a girl to hang out with/share some laughs. Basically I’m a quiet, easy-going guy who enjoys catching movies, music, art, hiking/nature, bicycling. Deeper My favorite authors/books are Tolkein, Moorcock…
The joys of twist-off wine
I picked up a bottle of wine to celebrate the Blog-o-thon; and, as I always do, I purchased a bottle with a twist-off top. And that got me thinking about how whenever I break out a bottle of wine with a twist top in Charlotte, I get the most condescending looks. I don’t think folks…
All-new Audiofloss episode
Creative Loafing’s urban music podcast, Audiofloss, just posted a brand-new episode featuring the music of — and an interview with — Southern-soul vocalist Melissa Young. Check it out: all-new Audiofloss
Classic Audiofloss: Melissa’s Young’s Southern Soul
Finally, a new episode of Audiofloss! I’ve been slacking … I know. This episode, initially taped in February, features a new artist with a Southern-soul sound: Melissa Young. We chat with Melissa about her evolving career — and we play some of her music, too. After you listen to the episode, check out her MySpace…
F***in’ awesome
One word, my friends: Batman. Hell yeah.
Battle of the Hoods update
As of 6:38 p.m., NoDa and Starmount are tied. Current vote tally: 28,918 Want to tip the scales? Vote: http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/theclog/category/battle-of-the-hoods/Â
12 hours to go …
Yes. This is the homestretch. We’ve been blogging for 12 hours straight — since 6 a.m. The next 12 hours are sure to be pretty damn weird. Stay logged on and check us out!
The final say
As CL’s resident Johnny Depp aficionados and, though he may not know it yet, his potential future ex-wife, I was deeply saddened when I saw the hate for my favorite eye-liner-wearing eye candy. Tsk tsk. But, despite Cheris threatening to break my arm if I got near her precious Denzel Washington, I can’t help but…
All-new Audiofloss episode
Creative Loafing’s urban music podcast, Audiofloss, just posted a brand-new episode featuring the music of — and an interview with — Southern-soul vocalist Melissa Young. Check it out: all-new Audiofloss
Flyer mania: Part 3
Look what I found …
Some facts you might not have known about sex in America
We get a lot of books sent to us from various publishers for possible review. Most of them are crap, but one crossed my desk that I’ve actually delved into and enjoy: America Unzipped: In search of sex and exploration, by MSNBC.com’s “Sexploration” columnist Brian Alexander. Here are some facts you might not have known…
Let’s make a deal, scalper style
So, the ACC is in town and walking around Uptown you run into all sorts of interesting people. Today, I decided to take the light rail from Woodlawn to the Arena because I heard that riding the train from that station to uptown is like being on Thunderroad. (It ain’t) So, as soon as you…
Personal Ad o’ the hour Part 4
More hotness from Creative Loving. Introducing … Wolfman: Night Creature Ready To Play I am a gentle night creature who loves to play. When I get excited the wolf comes out to play. I am tall, dark, and handsome. I love life and the finer things that come with it. Looking for that special person…
NASCAR kills
Global-warming talk and going green initiative is everywhere. The race season has recently commenced and I am submerged right in the middle of it. So, I couldn’t help but notice a bumper sticker that read, “NASCAR is killing our planet.” At first, it seemed arbitrary, but it as it intended, it got me thinking. I…
Celebrate the day of drunkeness
To pregame for St. Patrick’s Day head over to Ed’s Tavern. Raise your glass with the rest of the drunks for a midnight Guinness toast and chow down on a corned beef and cabbage platter for $5.95. Hunters Travesty will be supplying the evening’s tunes. March 15. Ed’s Tavern, 2200 Park Road. 704-335-0033. www.edstavern.com. Wear…
I’m hungry…
You know what amazes me? How many amazing restaurants and food choices this city offers… I’ve now been living here for almost a year and continually find new places to eat just about every time I turn a corner — Alexander Michaels, The Penguin, Solstice Tavern, Big Daddy’s Burger Bar, Pike’s, Lupies, RuSan’s, Nikko’s and…
Nancy Dis-Grace
I was in Cancun when I learned about the tragic disappearance of Natalie Holloway on Nancy Grace’s show. She was relentless in her broadcast as parents all over the country became enamored with every breaking development. It was very relevant to me at the time, as I was a young vacationer outside the U.S. border.…
Tales from SXSW – Day Three
By Chris Faraone, Boston’s Weekly Dig I’m not stable enough to write a fluid piece this morning. Instead, here are some quick snap shots of shit I’ve seen down here in no particular order: • A lot of people in Austin actually sleep in booths at their friends’ bars at the end of the night.…
Here come the boobs
Spring has sprung in Charlotte. We have had a wonderful week of amazing beautiful warmth, and Carolina blue skies. A warm spring is on its way and many of us can’t wait. In go the coats, and scarves, and fuzzy winter hats. Out come the skirts, shorts and flip-flops, and most importantly, out come the…
Trader Joe’s, Yum!
OK, so I have found a new love. It is now my sole reason for being. About three months ago I had my first Trader Joe’s experience. And it was magical, and special and all the things a girl should feel when she enters the hallowed aisles of her favorite grocery store. There were samples…
Charlotte Roller Girls at it again
It’s roller derby time again! See the press release below. Charlotte Roller Girls host “Shamrock Shenanigans” March 16th The women’s flat track roller derby league will host New River Valley Roller Girls in their second home competition at Cricket Arena Charlotte, North Carolina: March 3, 2008: Charlotte Roller Girls will host their second home competition…
St. Patty’s Day dinner
Obviously, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated mostly with a liquid diet, but if you want to do it right, corned beef and cabbage is the way to go. Though this meal is the tradition, it is actually just as American as it is Irish. Cabbage is a longtime element of the Irish diet and was…
Bushwick Bill’s alive! and more SXSW
Who knew Bushwick Bill was still alive? If you were reading the SXSW blogs over at qcvibes.com, you’d already know…
Personal Ad o’ the hour Part 3
Here’s another ad from our Creative Loving site: SexxieCountryCutie Im a hard working independence woman looking for a man who can handle me. Im not needy or over protective so I dont expect you to be either. I can be bitch but what woman cant?! ha. Im not an inside girl so Im always on…
Making fun of the homeless?
I’m not sure what to make of this. Street-people.com is a Web site that takes photos of “bums” and writes stories about them. In a press release, its organizers write that this weekend they’re going to be, “walking the street, back alleys and parks of major cities in North Carolina talking and taking pictures with…
Classic Audiofloss: Music from Tori Alamaze, DJ Spinna and more
Presenting another episode of Audiofloss. This one features three new songs from a trio of diverse vocalists (including the bizarre, futuristic, yet lovely Janelle Monae, pictured left). Info: http://www.myspace.com/janellemonaefans, http://www.myspace.com/alamaze, http://www.myspace.com/djspinnafrombrooklyn Enjoy! Click on the Audio MP3 icon below to listen to the show.
Does Johnny have one of these? (and this could be the last Denzel post)
Maybe Denzel will loan him one of his. (Since the sexiest man alive has two.)
The last Johnny Depp post
Ok, I’m done with posting about Johnny Depp. This is my last one, I promise. Just check the dates on the issues that Denzel won and Johnny won People’s Sexiest Man Alive. Obviously, Denzel’s a has-been.
Hasn’t Michael Vick been ‘dogged’ enough?
Vick dogfighting trial delayed Source: The Associated Press SURRY, Va. – The trial of suspended NFL quarterback Michael Vick on state dogfighting charges has been delayed. Vick was scheduled to stand trial on April 2. The Surry County Commonwealth Attorney’s office says no new date has been set yet. The trial will be rescheduled on…
News Roundup, 3/14/2008
MySpace page evolves with Spitzer Scandal: The woman at the heart of the Spitzer scandal, 22-year-old Ashley Alexandra Dupre, has been busy trying to limit what media can see and access through her MySpace and Facebook pages. The social networking sites have been used frequently by media outlets to do research and background on people…
Shame, sex, and Puritans
Will Americans ever get enough of famous people’s sex lives? I doubt it, but it sure would be nice. Instead, if this week’s media-meltdown reaction to New York governor Eliot Spitzer is any indication, we’re apparently stuck with the same schizophrenic national response we always show in situations like Spitzer’s: “SHAME! SHAME! Tee-hee, giggle. What…
Local artist Joseph J. Hart
Artist Joseph J. Hart is dope with a paint brush. His art comes from his soul, he says. Here are some of my favorites of his: Check him out at www.josephjhart.com
Bringing sexy back
I guess I need to clarify something: I’m not saying Johnny Depp is THE sexiest man alive, only that Denzel Washington definitely isn’t it either. There are plenty of men out there who are sexy as hell. Denzel just doesn’t get the title. This video seems fitting, though … \\\\\\\\\\
Paris needs a best friend
As thrilling as this Depp/Denzel-a-thon is :::yawn:::, I’ll have to interrupt it for something more interesting… Paris Hilton needs a new best friend. You too could become famous for no reason! Just think, maybe you’ll get pregnant before marriage like Nicole Richie or make a sex tape like Kim Kardashian. You can audition here. Just…
Denzel is the king of the world
Check him out: When he speaks, he makes words sexy. Sorry Johnny, but you don’t even come close.
From my Inbox
Someone sent me this e-mail. It’s kind of funny, but it’s also creepy because it could be true. Hillary’s dream:
Another rebuttal to Denzel Washington
This photos say it all. Yes, Johnny Depp. No, Denzel Washington. Sorry. And damn if I wouldn’t become a whore just to sleep with this pirate…
Another reason Denzel is better than Depp
Just look at the picture: So nice, had to post it twice.
A rebuttal to the rebuttal
The fact that Johnny Depp wears eyeliner disqualifies him from being the sexiest man alive, like Denzel!! And here’s another picture to back up my point:
All commercials should be like this…
Flea Market Montgomery in Alabama. \\\\\\\\\\
Crazy pics: Part 2
Picture below: DJ Larmarrous straight out of Atlanta.
The ACC tournament is in town (yawn).
Growing up in South Carolina makes it hard for me to be a fan of the ACC. My uncle works for the University of South Carolina, so cheering for Clemson was out of the question. After living in Charlotte and attending the CIAA tournament for the last few years, I figured the ACC was going…
More concert news
The cool house music band Tortured Soul is coming to Charlotte’s Visulite Theater on March 25. If you’ve never heard the group, let me explain the band’s sound: it’s house music created using live instruments, not computers. I recently played a track by the band on my podcast, Audiofloss. Here’s a link to that episode:…
Even more geeky stuff
Last night, I spoke at the Levine Museum of the New South (here in Charlotte) on the topic of African-American images in comic books. The talk was presented in conjunction with the Comic Stripped exhibit currently on display at the museum. The event went great, but for all the folks who couldn’t make it, I’m…
Fame doesn’t = talent
The escort at the center of the New York governor controversy is gaining popularity on MySpace. Ashley Alexandra Dupre’s MySpace page has more than 6 million hits and her song has been played more than 275,000 times. Have you listened to the song? I’m sure people are listening out of curiosity and not because it’s…
A rebuttal to the Denzel Washington post
I would have to say that Denzel Washington is definitely not the sexiest man alive as stated in a previous post. He’s definitely got talent, and the photo of him on Askmen.com is especially scrumptious … but he really doesn’t compare to Johnny Depp. I’m sorry, but come on. If you can wear eyeliner, have…
Denzel Washington, the sexiest man alive.
For those of you who don’t know, I love Denzel Washington. What’s not to love about this talented and sexy guy? Here’s what Askmen.com had to say about him: Why Is He Famous?Other than being one of the best actors on the face of the earth, Denzel has stayed remarkably humble. He’s portrayed great men…
The invasion of social networks has overcome us
What was the world like before Facebook and MySpace? Probably like it was before we invaded Iraq like a chicken with its head cut off. Well, we’re all up in the midst of that madness. If you’re on Facebook, look us up (Creative Loafing Charlotte). MySpace geeks can get at us at www.myspace.com/creativeloafingcharlotte.
Ever wonder: How did that fool get a driver’s license?
Sometimes in my travels around our fair city, I see people who drive worse than I do. But it’s not the driving that gets to me — it’s the parking. I have never seen so many drivers who can’t parallel park. But everybody is always trying to find a free spot Uptown. It pretty much…
All commercials should be like this…
Flea Market Montgomery in Alabama. \\\\\\\\\\
Personal Ad o’ the hour Part 2
Found another great guy on the Creative Loving site. Behold, Righteoustrash: I’m lovely What’s dating me like? I don’t know. Have you ever tried dating PURE MAGIC? If so, then you have some idea. But there are other reasons you should get to know me, as well. For one, I have my own car/place to…
Fame doesn’t = talent
The escort at the center of the New York governor controversy is gaining popularity on MySpace. Ashley Alexandra Dupre’s MySpace page has more than 6 million hits and her song has been played more than 275,000 times. Have you listened to the song? I’m sure people are listening out of curiosity and not because it’s…
More concert news
The cool house music band Tortured Soul is coming to Charlotte’s Visulite Theater on March 25. If you’ve never heard the group, let me explain the band’s sound: it’s house music created using live instruments, not computers. I recently played a track by the band on my podcast, Audiofloss. Here’s a link to that episode:…
Flyer mania: Part 2
Found another flyer. Check, check it out:
Feeding the bubble wrap addiction
The third writer of the 24-Hour Blog-o-thon is here. Aren’t you excited? Anyway. The world has gone so high tech that it’s now possible to feed your bubble-wrap popping addiction via the Internet. Check out this site: www.virtual-bubblewrap.com/popnow.shtml Although, I do have to admit that the feeling of relief you normally get from crushing little…
Personal Ad o’ the hour
Dunno if you’ve heard about our dating site Creative Loving, but it’s a place where folks can post personal ads and photos in an attempt to find love … or a variation on the theme. I found this ad on the site from a dude named mayham25: I am 25 years old and i am…
Artists I dig: Part 2
As I stated before, many of my buddies are artists. Meet another of my art friends: Torkwase Dyson. Here’s what someone wrote about her recently: Torkwase Dyson creates hyper-real composite images that examine the complex relationship between the automobile industry, black popular culture, nature, and consumption. Drawing upon science fiction and its infinite possibilities, her…
Crazy pics: Part 1
Pictured below: ?uestlove of the Roots beating up on Jack Black.
Artists I dig: Part 1
I love art. And a lot of my buddies are artists. One dude I’m cool with goes by the name of Dubelyoo (pronounced “W”) and he happens to be from North Carolina. Dub’s art style mixes the best elements of traditional illustration with cartoons and graffiti. You can see his work in galleries all over…
Love Hurts
So Mike Myers has this summer movie coming out called The Love Guru. Hey, it could well turn out to be a masterpiece. Then again, if this trailer is any indication… http://www.imdb.com/video/user/me709480261/
Flyer mania: Part 1
The ACC basketball tournament is in Charlotte this weekend, but it won’t be nearly as hectic as CIAA. And there won’t be nearly as many parties. I did, however, get this flyer via MySpace about a party tomorrow:
Concert news
A few days ago, I posted a video by a new artist named Estelle, and I mentioned that she may be coming to Charlotte soon. Well, I just got a press release from local promoter Michael Kitchen and it reads: I have two hot shows for the month of April, and I’m only gonna tell…
More geeky stuff
In my last post, I made mention of a comic book artist slated to stop by Heroes Con this year named Darwyn Cooke. Well, a comic book he created recently made the leap to the small screen as the movie Justice League: The New Frontier. Here’s a look at a trailer for the movie, which…
News for comic book geeks
For all you comic book geeks out there, just got this press release from the folks at the great comic shop Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find about their annual Heroes Con comic book convention: DARWYN COOKE MAKES FIRST APPEARANCE AT HEROES CONVENTION 2008 Joins Diverse Guest List of Famously “Comics First” Convention Darwyn Cooke, the…
SXSW coverage
I hope you guys are familiar with the SXSW (aka South By South West) music conference. It goes down in Texas every year, is a hotbed of indie artists, and features tons of workshops, parties, concerts and more. This year, writer Chris Faraone of Boston’s Weekly Dig newspaper has agreed to cover the event for…
Concert news
A few days ago, I posted a video by a new artist named Estelle, and I mentioned that she may be coming to Charlotte soon. Well, I just got a press release from local promoter Michael Kitchen and it reads: I have two hot shows for the month of April, and I’m only gonna tell…
Battle of the Hoods … NoDa’s winning (so far)
So, as many CL readers know, we started our Battle of the Hoods — which is a friendly competition that allows readers to pick the city’s best neighborhood of the year — March 5. And as of this morning, the online Hood war has racked up a staggering 24,500 votes (but expect that number to…
First post! 24-Hour Blog-o-thon begins
OK, so we’re a little late … (as I’m writing this, it’s 6:11 a.m.) But late or not, with this post we begin Creative Loafing’s — and dare I say, the city of Charlotte’s — first ever 24-Hour Blog-o-thon. Stick around for the next 24 hours … or as many as you’re able. We promise…
24-Hour Blog-o-thon!!
Coming tomorrow (March 14) to the CLog is Charlotte’s first-ever 24-Hour Blog-o-thon! What exactly is a 24-Hour Blog-o-thon? Well, the event’s name is pretty self-explanatory: The editorial department here at Creative Loafing will post several blog entries every damn hour for 24 straight hours. That’s right; that wasn’t a typo — 24 straight hours. The…
Tales from SXSW – Day Two
By Chris Faraone, Boston’s Weekly Dig Wednesday started innocent enough with two Bloody Marys (or whatever the plural of that is), three 16-ounce Lone Star brews and a joint thicker than your mother’s tampon. My man Bill at the Jackalope (which is named after some sort of odd hybrid creature that patrols the southern landscape)…
If Geraldine Ferraro wasn’t an idiot, she wouldn’t be in this position
By Barack Obama After eight years of a Down Syndrome Republican in the White House, the economy is in the shitter and there’s a haphazardly executed war to clean up. This election should be a slam dunk for the Democratic Party, right? That is, if it doesn’t implode on itself. Well, it might be too…
News Roundup, 03/13/08
UNC suspect also charged in Duke murder: A warrant has been filed charging 17-year-old Lawrence Alvin Lovette Jr. with first-degree murder in the death of Abhijit Mahato, 29-year-old Duke University computational mechanics doctoral student found shot to death inside his apartment in January. Lovette Jr. has also been charged in with first-degree murder in the…
24 Hour Blog-o-thon!
Coming this Friday (March 14) to the CLog is Charlotte’s first-ever 24-Hour Blog-o-thon! What exactly is a 24-Hour Blog-o-thon? Well, the event’s name is pretty self-explanatory: The editorial department here at Creative Loafing will post several blog entries every damn hour for 24 straight hours. That’s right; that wasn’t a typo — 24 straight hours.…
As goes Vermont, so should go the nation
While the Iraq War is off the front pages, and Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama embark on what may well be a scorched-earth primary battle against each other, let’s keep our eye on where the real scorched earth lies: who profits and who dies. Read the rest of this column [display_podcast]
All for the love of sex
Marriage, family, career, reputation: These are all things that people and politicians in America claim they hold so dear. People get elected because they appear to have wholesome family values and are strong pillars of the community. If this is the case, then can someone tell me why since the beginning of time men have…
10,000 B.C. movie trailer
\\\\\\\\\\ Read the full review in here.
If you think CMS is bad — well, you could live in Marlboro County, S.C.
Maybe I’m lucky that I don’t have children. Or maybe it’s just the school districts that are lucky. I believe parents should be involved in what goes on in the schools that their children attend, and I think that school administrators are too quick to try and hide the truth from people. And I’m not…
Tales from SXSW – Day One
By Chris Faraone, Boston’s Weekly Dig Every time I hit the road for this type of trip I’m reminded of Bloodsport — my favorite Jean-Claude Van Damme film that is also reputed for catapulting Forest Whitaker’s career into the Oscar realm. The movie begins with fighters from around the world practicing with their masters before…
24-Hour Blog-o-thon!!
Coming this Friday (March 14) to the CLog is Charlotte’s first-ever 24-Hour Blog-o-thon! What exactly is a 24-Hour Blog-o-thon? Well, the event’s name is pretty self-explanatory: The editorial department here at Creative Loafing will post several blog entries every damn hour for 24 straight hours. That’s right; that wasn’t a typo — 24 straight hours.…
Spitzer stinks
Here we go again. Another politician caught up in a sex scandal. Actually, this one appears to be a sex and money laundering scandal, but we will see how it plays out. Clearly as humans, we understand that we all make mistakes. However, to build a career on cleaning up corruption while leading a corrupt…
Cracked Cinema
So the humor site Cracked.com recently presented its list of “30 Things That Should Never Be Adapted to Film,” and it’s the funniest damn piece I’ve read in a while. You can find it here: Eli Roth’s Operation and Christian Bale in The Legend of Sisyphus (with a quote from New York Times critic Manohla…
News Roundup, 3/12/2008
Obama wins Mississippi primary: Sen. Barack Obama claimed another victory in Mississippi Tuesday over Sen. Hilary Clinton. The primary revealed that when it comes to race Democratic voters are extremely polarized, with 91 percent of African-American voters voting for Obama and 72 percent of white voters supporting Clinton. “What we’ve tried to do is steadily…
Alice Smith live pic
Here’s a shot of soul/rock vocalist Alice Smith in concert last night at the Evening Muse. The show rocked ass, by the way. Photo by Jasiatic.
American Idol – Top 12
Last night, the Top 12 contestants on America’s largest karaoke contest performed songs by The Beatles. Here’s my contestant-by-contestant thoughts on what went down: Syesha Mercado — She sang “Got to Get You Into My Life.” She’s probably one of the top two female singers on the show, and I really can’t complain about the…
Alice Smith live pic
Here’s a shot of soul/rock vocalist Alice Smith in concert last night at the Evening Muse. The show rocked ass, by the way. Photo by Jasiatic.
Who opposed the anti-bullying policy
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board passed the anti-bullying policy last night with the mention of sexual identity intact. The Charlotte Observer had an interesting account of the discussion that preceded the vote. Here’s a little info on two folks who spoke against addressing gender identity/expression in the policy. But the policy’s specific protection of sexual orientation…
When reporters attack
Twenty years ago, the way that Sen. John McCain’s campaign recently handled The New York Times’ allegations about McCain’s supposed affair/relationship with a lobbyist would have been unthinkable. Back then, a presidential-level politician would have called a press conference to deny the charges and take a swipe at the paper, but that would be it.…
Music: Float away with Buble
The Ratpack was the cream of the crop in their hay-day and Michael Bublé follows in their footsteps. With his soulful voice and classic style, Bublé is often tagged as the Sinatra of our generation. His reinvention of the oldies mixed with melodic originals will leave you wanting more. Join the Grammy nominee as he…
Southern? Yes. Realistic? No.
There’s no way to review Tony Earley’s new novel without dealing with the phenomenon of “Southern fiction,” a label that often serves to belie the region’s diversity and depth. The best writers who’ve been placed in the Southern fiction pigeonhole use the region as their setting while exploring more universal themes — think of Doris…
CL Theater Award Nominations
The Charlotte Theater scene has come of age! Or at least our Annual Perry Awards have reached that milestone: The time has come to announce the finalists for CL’s 21st Annual Charlotte Theatre Awards. As you read, I’m retreating to my laboratory where I make all the complex chemical analyses necessary to winnow down my…
Film: Save the music
Experience the healing power of rock ‘n roll through the eyes of Oscar nominated filmmaker John Sayles. Set in 1950’s Alabama, Honeydripper is the story of a desperate man willing to give anyone a chance to help him bring the crowd back to his struggling club. The winner of “Best Independent or Foreign Film” at…
Echo No. 1
The Deal: The much-loved creator responsible for writing, drawing and publishing the indie hit Strangers in Paradise is back with a brand new comic series. His latest comic, titled Echo, strays away from the relationship-themed tales of SIP and instead tackles the world of science fiction. The Good: I was always only a casual reader…
A unique family affair
Plus, a new drill for dinner theater and more
As goes Vermont
While the Iraq War is off the front pages, and Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama embark on what may well be a scorched-earth primary battle against each other, let’s keep our eye on where the real scorched earth lies: who profits and who dies. Clinton proclaimed in her victory speech in Ohio on March…
Karma Cleanser
Dear Karma Cleanser: (In response to “Scarred in Coach,” March 5): I generally enjoy this feature, but Karma Cleanser blew it last week. The problem was obvious: Karma rewards selflessness and reacts accordingly to selfishness. The writer can’t stand children and is perplexed why people look at her like she’s evil when she admits it.…
Ken dolls gone wild
10,000 B.C. is a silly by-the-numbers saga
Perfect sense
In my head I had it rationalized as to how it made perfect sense that I worked for the airlines even though I was terrified to fly. It helped, too, that in the years I had the job I discovered I was not the only flight attendant afraid to fly. There were lots of us…
In a mad, mad world
A kinder, gentler Bob Mould emerges
Stargazer
Pisces The Fish: (Feb. 18 — March 19) Necessary expenses (those not of the “fun” type) may develop this week. If not that, you could be just having a little blue mood. It is one of those times when we become aware that our loved ones can never know or understand fully what is inside…
Hate crimes and misdemeanors
The race for the White House sheds new light on old issues of racial, gender and political self-loathing
Film Clips
Current Releases BE KIND REWIND The premise of Be Kind Rewind is pure Michel Gondry. The end result is anything but. Here’s a guy who marches to his own quirky beat (The Science of Sleep, co-writer of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), and this picture’s plot can be pegged as unfiltered Gondry: After a…
Beazer bummer
Equity Apartments gave renters hope of buying a home. Then Beazer left town.
View from the Couch
DAN IN REAL LIFE (2007). Anybody who caught even one glimpse at the coming attraction trailer for Dan In Real Life when it played theatrically knew that here was a movie designed to milk audience emotions for all they’re worth. You’ll laugh! You’ll cry! You’ll sing! You’ll reflect! You’ll hug the person sitting next to…
Take me to Funky Town
Zada Jane’s is groovin’ with eco-friendly energy
London calling
The Bank Job bills itself as being based on a true story, but given cinema’s propensity for fudging details every which way, that’s not a declaration I’d be willing to take to the bank myself. But veracity be damned: Even if every detail of this heist flick was drenched in fiction, it doesn’t change the…
CD Review: Louis XIV
The Deal: San Diego rockers return with sophomore album, follow-up to The Best Little Secrets are Kept. The Good: There’s something to be said for bands that almost defy every category out there. A band that tries to tread new ground and create their own niche in the vast array of musical genres. Louis XIV…
The Blotter
A FAMILY THAT FIGHTS TOGETHER: A health clinic employee said a male patient was unhappy with the service he received and called the facility several times cursing staff. Not satisfied with merely phoning in the verbal assaults, the man and his wife came to the facility and cursed staff some more. OLD SCHOOL BEAT DOWN:…
The oak in you
I’m not sure if the noun has officially morphed into a verb: to oak. And I don’t think it’s an official adjective yet, since “oaky” still sends my spell check into gyrations. Oakiness, an indefinable yet ubiquitous presence in wine that’s derived from wood barrels, is something hated or loved by many a drinker. Winemakers…
CD Review: Matt Costa
The Deal: With cultivated tastes, solo artist Matt Costa releases sophomore album full of eclectic sounds. The album was produced by Tom Dumont (guitarist of No Doubt). The Good: The album starts off with Costa’s first single “Mr. Pitiful,” a frolicsome piano tune that will stay in your head for days. It goes on to…
My own Bible
I don’t know about you, but it drives me crazy to be in the middle of a discussion and all of a sudden the other person jerks up ramrod straight with a triumphant look in his or her eye, and proclaims, “But the Bible says …” as if the argument is officially, now and for…
Get more from your mash
The girlfriend of a mashed potato lover somewhere in the great online beyond needed culinary counsel. They’re in a “mixed” relationship — she’s an omnivore, he’s a vegetarian — and for her, the ultimate companion for a mountain of mashed is a pool of gravy made from unctuous meat drippings. What, she wondered, could she…
CD Review: Otis Taylor
The Deal: Ostensibly a vehicle for multiple blues award-winning bluesman Otis Taylor, the record showcases the versatility of the banjo as a blues/rock instrument. The Good: Normally, the idea of listening to a banjo quartet would have people jumping out of windows. But in the hands of blues rootsmen like Keb Mo’, Corey Harris and…
Party politics
With the choice last week of Joel Ford as chairman of the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party, state and local party leaders are pondering how the party’s recent reorganization could shape the November elections. Party activists organized 106 Democratic precincts after the Nick Mackey debacle and likely will have formed more by the time CL hits…
Enjoy the city’s diverse events
QC After Dark
Art: The CL comic takeover
Creative Loafing’s Editor-in-Chief and comic book aficionado, Carlton “I’m not a geek” Hargro will lead a discussion about blacks in comics. Join Carlton as he talks about black artists and imagery from Torchy, a syndicated strip in the era of segregated newspapers, to Marvel’s super hero the Black Panther — and beyond. Tusculum College professor…
Gearing up for more riders
During the busy CIAA tournament, the light rail was packed. Often riders didn’t pay. With the ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament starting tomorrow, what has the Charlotte Area Transit Authority done to make the ride into Uptown smoother for visitors — and more profitable for CATS? Some problems during the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Tournament, especially…
Surviving lineup changes to Take Action
Knowing Every Time I Die is on its eighth bass player in 10 years brings about an air of Spinal Tap. Sure, it wasn’t the drummer the band kept replacing, but they even had a temporary one of those during their last tour. Finally, however, ETID feels like they’re on the right page, in the…
Fundraiser: A greener cause
Give your green for a good cause while drinking green beer and jammin’ to The Mike Strauss Band at Connolly’s Go to the Green party. Snack on EarthFare appetizers and celebrate your contribution to a greener planet because 100 percent of your ticket cost benefits Carolina’s Clean Air Coalition. 5:30 p.m. Connolly’s on 5th, 115…
Letters to the editor
Freedom, not force I was absolutely disgusted when I read the article about Amtrak security in the newest issue (“Amtrak ramps up security” by Cheris Hodges, March 5). The last thing we need is another whining coward in the media complaining that we still have too much freedom and not enough security. If I could…
CD Review: Bullship
The Deal: Charlotte trio releases sophomore album, is/was. The Good: Bullship takes a stripped down approach on their latest, 11-track CD. Usually working a guitar/drums/bass indie rock method, the band also finds a fuller sound on “You Are a Song” thanks to the saxophone of Michael Anderson. They sound most comfortable on tracks like “Garrison”…
Holiday: There’s a little irish in all of us
Come out in all your green glory to the 12th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Charlotte Goes Green Festival. The festivities will include bagpipe bands, floats, Irish dancers, activities music and refreshments. Anyone from neighborhood associations, schools, alumni groups, cheerleading and drill teams, police, fire, and elected officials can join the parade and be…
This week on the CLog …
Grooms’ tale of woe. “Because of these writers’ lying ways, there’s no guarantee now that anyone will believe my own, absolutely true story of working undercover in the White House in my disguise as ‘Dick Cheney,’ where I convinced the Chimp In Chief to invade Iraq in order to prove he had bigger cojones than…
Music Menu
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 The Greencards The Greencards do that high-energy acoustic thing (think Nickel Creek with a lil’ more edge) better than most. Their status as Austinites is rather tenuous, however, they include two Australians (Carol Young and Kym Warner) and one lad from Great Britain (Eaton McLoughlin). All in all, however, their most recent…
Sports: We got game
It’s game time and from noon to 9 p.m., Charlotteans will start the yearly ritual of eating, sleeping and breathing college basketball. The games go on all day and so does the family fun. The ACC FanFest is an interactive event that runs the entirety of the tournament and includes games, face painting, school mascots,…
Heather Barley
Most women in male-dominated sports try to blend in. BMX racer Heather Barley wears pink, but it’s her passion for singing that really separates her from the pack; she spends most of her time preparing for her next opera performance. Since 2005, she’s been performing in Central Piedmont Community College productions like La Boheme. “I…
Big names highlight spring
The year’s music schedule is slowly filling up with bigger and better shows. Each day, it seems like another national name is added to the schedule. Here are just a few of the concerts you might want to check out: Michael Bublé – The Grammy Award-winning jazz crooner is sure to get things swinging in…
Holiday: Drink your greens
Get your drinkin’ face on — St. Patty’s Day, isn’t just another day around here. To start off the best binge day of the year head up to Tavern on the Tracks for the traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner. Drink on $2 Killians and $2 pints. Tavern on the Tracks, 1411 S. Tryon St.…
