Mar 16-22, 2010

Mar 16-22, 2010 / Vol. 24 / No. 3

Q&A: Forest Whitaker

Actor/director, Forest Whitaker, takes a comedic turn in the new romantic comedy, Our Family Wedding, which hit theaters on March 12.

Web Editor

Concert announcement: Lynyrd Skynyrd

According to pollstar.com, Lynyrd Skynyrd will be performing at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre on June 19 with 38 Special and Bret Michaels. No word on ticket sales dates yet… Stay tuned.

Jeff Hahne

Celebrate beer this week

This week, Charlotte raises its glass and toasts, well, beer. The inaugural Charlotte Craft Beer Week jumped off last Friday and continues through March 28. Bars and restaurants all around town will be hosting various beer-related events, such as tastings of rare and exotic brews, showcases featuring local and regional breweries, food and beer pairing…

Kimberly Lawson

Outlaw high-speed chases in high-density areas

There are states in which it is illegal for law enforcement to conduct high-speed chases in residential areas. Tragically for the family and friends of Latia Winchester, there’s no such law in North Carolina. As a result, Ms. Winchester, 25, was killed Saturday night at Parkwood Ave. and N. Davidson St. when her car was…

John Grooms

Best I’ve Had All Week: Irish Soda Bread

St. Patrick’s Day gives everyone an excuse to be reacquainted with the dark delights of Guinness, but it is the making of Irish Soda bread which makes me feel akin to some of my ancestors. In the past I have tried the breads sold at area grocers, but they were too sweet – like the…

Tricia Childress

Toiluxe: Art for your toilet

So … there’s a phantom in my office who leaves me random information on my desk. Earlier this week, I found a page torn out of a health magazine about getting healthier for free taped to my desk. I asked around to see who’d left it so I could thank them for being so considerate…

Kimberly Lawson

Business grants more than double library shortfall

Here’s a really quick way to fund the county’s library system so that the ridiculous cuts announced yesterday don’t have to take place: Cut the amount of money the county spends on business investment grants by less than half, and move it to the library system (which, remember, is widely considered one of the best…

John Grooms

Stupid Thing of the Week: Sen. Jim ‘Screwball’ Bunning tops himself

Jim Bunning’s at it again. You remember former major league pitcher and current U.S. Senator from Kentucky, Jim “Screwball” Bunning, right? The dementia-addled GOP senator who held up unemployment benefits for millions of laid-off workers until his own party leaders convinced him to get back on his meds? Yeah, that Bunning — the honorable lawmaker…

John Grooms

Tonight: Blu Magazine Spring Fashion Show

Tonight The Forum hosts Blu Magazine’s Spring Fashion show. The invite boasts of designers from Charlotte, Atlanta and Charleston. I tried to e-mail someone to get more details, but to no avail. But I do know that local designer Emily Morgen will be featuring her fab feminine line. Go and support fashion! It’s more than…

Kimberly Lawson

Save the schools or lose the city’s soul

“What kind of city is Charlotte?” friends and acquaintances from out of town sometimes ask. I usually say something like, “A bit conservative for my taste, but that’s actually changed a lot, plus there’s a strong sense of community involvement that’s rare these days in cities this size.”  Today, though, considering how nonchalantly city and…

John Grooms

Upcoming: Roc the Fashion 2010

Saturday is the first day of spring. Although my nose begins to suffer from the pollen, I’m so glad the warm weather has finally arrived. That night seems like such a great night to indulge in the festivities of Roc the Fashion 2010, a celebration of hair, fashion and music. Featured designers/guests include: • Brian…

Kimberly Lawson

Happy 2nd anniversary to Black & Blue

Can you imagine opening up shortly before a recession hits and making it through such hard economic times? Yeah, me either. But congratulations to the ladies at Black & Blue, who will be celebrating their 2-year anniversary this Saturday, March 20 with a DJ and lots of bubbly from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. From Cheryl Little,…

Kimberly Lawson

Ri Ra, 3/17/10

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at Ri Ra included breakfast at 8 a.m., music by Acme Celi, Roy Daye and U-Phonik, and Irish Dancers.

Priscilla Tsai

Gia

alias: “Mother, Natural hair stylist. I drum to the beat of my own drum.” inspiration: “My boys, Drew, Ali. Also, I am moved by change. Learning how to live a better me. Knowing that, ‘out of nothing…comes everything’.” passion: “Making people beautiful. Clothes. Learning. Pleasures.” favorite food: “I am a soup and salad chick. However…

Jasiatic

Trunk show: Andrea Barnett at Our Place

Our Place’s latest trunk show features the jewelry line of Andrea Barnett, now through Saturday. These handcrafted pieces are definitely timeless, so no worries about trying to keep up with trends. And don’t the stylists always tell us to accessorize, accessorize, accessorize? Take 20 percent off any Andrea Barnett product purchase. Our Place 4732 Sharon…

Kimberly Lawson

Grand re-opening: Peek-A-Boo Couture

That cute, CUTE children’s clothing boutique has moved! Originally in Dilworth, owner Candace Khashman has relocated Peek-A-Boo Couture to the new Metropolitan center in Midtown. While their doors are already open to the public, the grand opening is this Saturday. Mention that you saw this post on Klepto and get a 25 percent discount!

Kimberly Lawson

An academic look at Illmatic

There’s no obvious parallel between a university whose tuition and fees neared $39 G’s this year and a hip-hop album that was only 39 minutes long but Duke University brought the two, together last night.

Mike McCray

Library learns of $2 million cut in current budget year

This just in from the folks at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library: Library learns of $2 million cut in current budget year Charlotte, NC – On Tuesday, March 16, the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library learned that Mecklenburg County would be reducing the Library’s funding for Fiscal Year 2010 by 6.3 percent, or $2 million dollars, before June…

Carlton Hargro

Treasure Island Pirate Party

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is typically associated with one thing … children. But that’s not the case on Saturday when the theater company hosts its special 21-and-up Treasure Island Pirate Party. Dress in your pirate best (there’s a costume party and those who dress up get an extra drink ticket) and enjoy appetizers from Brixx,…

Anita Overcash

Sale of the day: Cottage Chic

To add to your Saint Patrick’s Day fun, head out to Cottage Chic today and take 15 percent off anything the color GREEN! If it has a splash of lime or olive, or if it’s emerald all over, you get the deal. 1232 East Boulevard 704-375-1888

Kimberly Lawson

Look out for Project Runway’s Tim Gunn

OK, you’ve got a little over two months to get ready to meet the perfectly poised Mr. Gunn, who will be stopping through Southpark to host a fashion show on May 22. And how do you go about doing that? Heck, I don’t know. I’ve never met the man. From the fabulous Rachel Sutherland, former…

Kimberly Lawson

Fifty-1 South Charlotte

Fifty-1 South Charlotte is much more than the 30 Televisions that captivate you as you walk through either of two main entrances. More than a Dance Party or Live Music Destination on weekend nights & more than a “Sunday Funday” during football. What you’ll find with Fifty-1 is great Value, Atmosphere, and People. Sure, our…

Priscilla Tsai

Live Review: Red Bull Thre3 Style Battle

Red Bull Thre3 Style Battle The Forum March 15, 2010 The Deal: Eight local DJ’s each spin a 15 minute set that must include three different genres of music and win over the crowd and judges, which included local promoter Mike Kitchen, NASCAR driver Scott Speed, rap duo Camp Lo & the legendary DJ Jazzy…

Mike McCray

Magic Jeff is going to jail

The first clue that something is off about you minister is the fact that his name is Magic Jeff. But in Georgia, the former reverend Magic Jeff is going to jail. A former youth minister and magician who went by the name “Magic Jeff” pleaded guilty to a federal child pornography charge Tuesday in an…

Mustang Sally, Mayor of Bang Town

On the Roxx

If you are looking for the chill vibe of a lounge or the energy of a nightclub, without the downtown attitude, then come experience Southend’s finest Martini Lounge, On the Roxx. Conveniently located on South Boulevard, just a few minutes away from center city, and offering a signature menu of 40+ martinis. Come after work…

Priscilla Tsai

Upcoming: Mad Hatter Tea Party at Green With Envy

Sunday seems like such a great day to have a tea party, don’t you think? On March 21 from 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Green With Envy in Plaza Midwood will be hosting a Mad Hatter Tea Party — a festive afternoon with wine, tea, hors d’oeuvres, music, jewelry, trunk shows, local artists and a fashion show.…

Kimberly Lawson

Spring comic book preview: Astounding Wolf-Man and I, Zombie

In this week’s edition of Creative Loafing, we rolled out our big, fancy-shmancy Spring Guide 2010 — which is designed to let you know the best people, places and things blooming all season. And to coincide with that guide, I offered a few picks for cool comics coming out this spring. I’ll be continuing that…

Carlton Hargro

More Lilith Fair details released

Still no word on when they’ll be in Charlotte, but here’s the latest… The show in Atlanta will be on Aug. 8, so you can assume Charlotte will be close by to that one. According to the site — Much like the original Lilith Fair, there will be 11 artists on each date, with only two…

Jeff Hahne

Red Lion

With 5 high-definition TVs, including two 100-inch projection screens, Red Lion should be in your list of top places to watch college hoops.  Check out the bar’s Basketball Bracket selection, which will have daily specials next to each team (the special next to the winning team will run the day after the game).  Once the…

Priscilla Tsai

The Double Door

The Double Door is back! BIGGER and better than before!!! now open 6 days a week 11am till close Tuesday thru Sunday! We have a full restaurant as well serving”awesome food” from 11am till close… Join us Tuesdays for “OPEN JAM”, Wednesdays for “LADIES NIGHT” w/DJ CHRIS, and every Thursday thru Sunday for “LIVE MUSIC…

Priscilla Tsai

Mortimer’s

Mortimer’s Cafe and Pub is your friendly neighborhood bar at the Epicentre, Located in Uptown Charlotte. Mortimers is the newest addition to the Epicentre and will quickly become everyone’s favorite lunch spot.  Our lunch menu includes fresh made deli sandwiches, paninis, quesadillas,salads and soups. We are a full service bar serving beer wine and liquor with Daily…

Priscilla Tsai

The billion-dollar elephant in the room

Gov. Beverly Perdue and the rest of the political whizzes in Raleigh are projecting a budget deficit of up to a billion dollars this year. The solution? Probably big cuts in education, public health programs, infrastructure, and God knows what-all. Here’s another thought we hope the legislature considers: A report from the General Assembly’s Fiscal…

John Grooms

Health care reform nitty-gritty: Call Hagan

Unless you simply pay no attention to politics at all, you know that this is the make-or-break week in Congress for health care reform. The president is on the campaign trail, urging voters to contact their representatives and senators. “Make your voice louder than the health industry lobbyists” who are trying to stop reform, Obama…

John Grooms

How does the Q.C. rank on the green cities index?

Not too shabby considering the city’s recent attempts to re-brand itself as a green-job mecca. Charlotte ranks No. 20 among 43 U.S. metro areas in a study of the nation’s “green cities.” The Business Courier of Cincinnati, a sister publication of the Charlotte Business Journal, complied the Green Cities Index. It ranks metro areas based…

Rhiannon Fionn-Bowman

Is exposure to small amounts of radiation beneficial?

What’s the Straight Dope on radiation hormesis? From what I understand, this hypothesis rejects the current wisdom that if a lot of radiation is very bad, a little bit of radiation is at least somewhat bad. On the contrary, these folks claim a little bit of radiation might actually be good. What’s up — sound…

Cecil Adams

More adventures in La-la land

When the forecast threatened Charlotte with snow and all the stores sold out of milk and bread, I figured I’d just escape the snowpacalypse and migrate west to ride out the winter. Regrettably, however, this caused me to miss CIAA in Charlotte. Thus I missed P-Diddy’s party at … The Ramada Inn? But I did…

FILM: Antichrist

Chaos is to be expected in Danish writer and director Lars von Trier’s Antichrist. Having debuted at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival, the psycho thriller horror film quickly received criticism for being misogynic and for its extreme sexual violence. In the film, a couple (played by Charlotte Gainsbourg and Willem Dafoe) retreats to a cabin…

Anita Overcash

Weekly horoscope for March 17-23, 2010

Aries The Ram (March 20-April 19): Your career demands an overhaul. This may come via reorganization of the hierarchy, or moving the workplace. You may be given a different job or at worst, no job for a time. Don’t fight it. Think about how you can turn lemons to lemonade if need be. For All…

Vivian Carol

Local guitarist Rich Parris dies

Guitarist Rich Parris of the bands Animal Bag and M4 Messenger died on March 9, 2010. No word on the cause of death. Animal Bag — Luke Edwards (vocals and guitar), Parris (guitar), Otis Hughes (bass guitar) and Boo Duckworth (drums and percussion) — started in Charlotte in the late 1980s and early 1990s before…

Jeff Hahne

BENEFIT: 3rd Annual Sirens and Shields

It’s time to do your part during the 3rd Annual Sirens and Shields, an auction where firefighters, police, and other first responders come together for your bidding pleasure. At the event hors d’oeuvres will be served and an array of items will be up for grabs, including tickets to Bobcats and Checkers games, private cooking…

Anita Overcash

Capsule reviews of films playing the week of March 17

ALICE IN WONDERLAND Here’s the problem with the vast majority of movies based on Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and its sequel, Through the Looking-Glass: They’re too tame, too hesitant and too conventional to really tap into the more unsettling aspects of an immortal fantasy that provides as much satisfaction for adults as for…

Matt Brunson

The Apprentice recommends Dish

I had a persistent rumble in my stomach and a hole in my wallet that stretched like over-pulled dough. Thus, I began the quest for good quality grub for less, and an excuse to eat out with great friends. Then I found Dish (1220 Thomas Ave.), with its laid-back and rustic atmosphere fused with the…

Patricia Sener

THEATER: A Streetcar Named Desire

Cruel intentions are crucial in Tennessee Williams’ beloved work, A Streetcar Named Desire. Grappling the drama is Theatre Charlotte, which is sweeping its stage with the story of a delicate Southern sweetheart, Blanche Dubois (played by Paula Baldwin), who has her chances at happiness destroyed by her evil brother-in-law, Stanley Kowalski (played by JR Aducci).…

Anita Overcash

Broken Embraces, latest MST3K set among new DVD reviews

BROKEN EMBRACES (2009). The muse is upon Pedro Almodovar – specifically, favorite leading lady Penelope Cruz, who inspired the Oscar-winning auteur to cast her for the fourth time. Here, she’s seen in the flashbacks of blind screenwriter Harry Caine (Lluis Homar), who reflects on his affair with the mistress of a powerful businessman (Jose Luis…

Matt Brunson

Green Zone: History for dummies

The popular notion that goldfish only have a memory span of roughly three seconds has long been denounced by many as a myth, but that length of time sounds about right for the significant portion of the American population that hides under the bed fretting over fictional “death panels” while conveniently forgetting the roots of…

Matt Brunson

MUSIC: Find Your Muse open mic at The Evening Muse

It’s Find Your Muse open mic night at The Evening Muse this and every Monday. Musicians, grab up your music gear and head over to perform one of your own creations in front of a crowd. No one can guarantee they’ll be liked, but constructive criticism is always helpful! Get there early to snag a…

Anita Overcash

Antichrist: Don’t look now

ANTICHRIST ** DIRECTED BY Lars von Trier STARS Willem Dafoe, Charlotte Gainsbourg Lars Von Trier is no stranger to accusations of rampant misogyny: As his detractors tell it, you would think that his anti-female stance began as he exited his mother’s womb, making sure to repeatedly punch and pinch her legs all the while the…

Matt Brunson

ART: Fast food gets the royal treatment in Fried

Those of you who made New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier need not look away from McColl Center for Visual Arts’ upcoming exhibition Fried by artist Franco Mondini-Ruiz. Though it may make you hungry, the majority of food comprised in the exhibit is artificial — and besides, there’s no touching (so, don’t even think about…

Anita Overcash

COMEDY: Grandma Lee

Too old to be a comedian? Apparently never, but still. Most of us probably can’t imagine our own grandmothers onstage doing stand-up comedy. But, that’s where Grandma Lee comes in. This 75-year-old foul-mouthed lady — who began doing stand-up comedy after the death of her husband in 1995 — stands out not just for her…

Anita Overcash

Remember Me: Forget it

I’m not saying it’s impossible for the surprise ending of Remember Me to work (not to worry; no spoilers here); however, it needs to be attached to a project a lot more distinguished than the one on display here. But because the bulk of Remember Me is clumsy, mawkish and marked by some truly heinous…

Matt Brunson

More visual art events

When it comes to Charlotte’s contemporary art scene this spring, as the cliché goes, there’s pretty much something for everyone. Gallery shows? Check. Scrappy independent efforts? Check. Social engagement? Check. Here is a small sampling of the offerings by the big, by the small and by those on the outskirts — all not be missed:…

Manoj P. Kesavan and Barbara Schreiber

FILM: Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour

In its 34th year, the BANFF Film Festival stops into the US National Whitewater Center during its “World Tour” today. At the fest, films on action-packed mountain adventures and environmental issues will be screened. Dominic Gill will be in attendance to present the film, Take a Seat, which tells the story of his bicycle journey…

Anita Overcash

Spring Guide 2010

Spring is almost here, and that means the cold weather is finally coming to an end (we hope). And that impending warm weather means it’s time to end your hibernation and start getting out and about the city once more. To aid you in your upcoming adventures, Creative Loafing has assembled the most interesting people…

Catching up with Bad Girl Kendra James

“You can’t turn a bad girl good, but once a good girl’s going bad, she’s gone forever.” That’s a memorable line from Jay-Z’s “Song Cry.” And that’s probably just about the tune Kendra James is singing these days — all the way to the bank. The Bad Girls Club reality TV star was home in…

Jarvis Holliday

Theater review: Treasure Island

A full 15 years have passed since Alan Poindexter first directed Treasure Island for Children’s Theatre at the old Fantasy Palace on Morehead Street. Now he has the amazing resources of ImaginOn at his disposal to give the spectacle more technical dazzle, a new mix of actors to revitalize the familiar characters, and a new…

Perry Tannenbaum

SPORTS: Carolina Kayak Polo Club takes the plunge

Ever hear the old joke about the guy who tried to play water polo but his horse drowned? I know, lame. But if that guy had only used a kayak, he might still be here today. And once he buried his horse, he could have joined the Carolina Kayak Polo Club. As the name suggests,…

Sam Boykin

More and more spring events

Festivals/Events 2010 SPRING FLING PROGRAM SHOWCASE The event offers information and exhibits about Park and Recreation programs and events for pre-school children, youth, teens, adults and seniors. Emphasis is on spring and summer activities. Visitors can see demonstrations, booths and tables for information on nature centers, recreation centers, special events, sports, and more. Sat., March…

Anita Overcash

Turning up the heat on Carmencita

Just over five weeks after the Met’s Live in HD rebroadcast of the new production of Bizet’s Carmen at the Regal Stonecrest cineplex, Opera Carolina had the audacity to radically re-imagine their staging of one of the most beloved scores in the repertoire. They had to do it with a substitute singer in the title…

Perry Tannenbaum

ART: de’Angelo Dia’s super art

It seems like a planned happening. But it’s totally a coincidence that the film Kick-Ass — about a regular kid who tries to be a superhero despite the fact that he has no superhuman abilities or skills — is hitting theaters at the same time that real-life superhero/teacher/artist de’Angelo Dia is hitting the streets of…

Carlton Hargro

Show black women some respect, please

This past week was a rough one for black women in the news. While I am used to black women being judged quite harshly in society, I am sometimes shocked at the amount of venom that is spewed at my sisters, especially during Women’s History Month. Now, Women’s History Month is important for all women…

Nsenga Burton

NYC’S jihad against Debbie Almontaser

Debbie Almontaser has won a victory in her battle against discrimination. She was the founding principal of the first Arabic-language public school in the United States, until a campaign of hate forced her out. She is well-known for her success in bridging cultural divides, bringing together Muslims, Christians and Jews, yet as the new school…

Amy Goodman

MUSIC: Spring live music picks

With spring tours just beginning to get announced, we can only assume there will be plenty of great shows heading our way in the coming months — and undoubtedly a bit of something for everyone. Here’s a quick look at some of the concerts hitting town in the near future: Ben Folds — The North…

Jeff Hahne

Another Charlotte banking crisis?

Another financial earthquake is coming, and the fault line may run through Charlotte. Last week, Bloomberg and Moody’s Investors Service said the nation’s four largest banks, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America Corp., Citigroup Inc. and Wells Fargo & Co., may record more losses on bad loans than they have so far in the last two…

FILM: Spring movie guide

Never mind what your calendar says: Iron Man 2 will be released May 7, so as far as Hollywood is concerned, that’s when the summer officially begins. Before that, however, we can still expect to see approximately two dozen movies — heck, maybe even three dozen, if the art-house theaters kick it up a notch…

Matt Brunson

CD Review: The Whigs’ In the Dark

The Deal: Athens, Ga., based trio releases its third album. The Good: Hot on the heels of the band’s last release, 2008’s Mission Control, The Whigs look to immediately prove they aren’t some flash in the pan and try to show their best work is yet to come. It would be hard to improve on…

Jeff Hahne

THEATER: CAST makes it Kurt and sweet

Carolina Actors Studio Theatre has developed quite an affinity for the short forms in recent years. Two seasons ago, there was Neil LaBute’s Autobahn, a series of sketches linked together by the presence of an automobile. Last spring, there was the memorable immersion in a profusion of Greco-Roman myths, Metamorphoses, when the Simmonses, son Robert…

Perry Tannenbaum

CD Review: Eric Bibb’s Booker’s Guitar

The Deal: Eric Bibb delivers the goods in folky, soulful, gospel style. The Good: Bibb got the inspiration for Booker’s Guitar when one of his fans who owns Delta blues legend Booker White’s 1930 National Steel guitar let Bibb play and record with it. White was B.B. King’s cousin, famous for his recordings of “Shake…

Grant Britt

More spring performing art events

Taking our cue from CAST, we’re going to favor the challenging over the easy in making our recommendations. Cases in point: Opera Carolina and Charlotte Symphony, among other notables: • Opera Carolina has mounted Bizet’s Carmen no fewer than eight times before since 1948, and the Met has televised their new production of the sizzling…

Perry Tannenbaum

Social media action in Plaza Midwood

Imagine heading out for an evening on the town, as you’ve done many weekend nights. You park your car in a spot where you’ve parked for ages, but when you leave the restaurant or club ready to head home, your car isn’t there. It hasn’t been stolen; it’s been towed. This was reportedly the reality…

Cheris Hodges

Book review: Princess Noire

Born a preacher’s daughter during the Great Depression in Tryon, N.C., Eunice Waymon grew up to become the fiery and famous Nina Simone. The enormously talented singer, songwriter and pianist performed in an eclectic, idiosyncratic variety of styles, but is generally thought of as a jazz singer (a label she rejected). Her peak of fame…

CL previews upcoming concerts (March 17-23)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 17 Cursive Tim Kasher of Cursive, while not as popular as old fellow Omahaian Conor Oberst (whom he mentored when the former was a glasses-wearing runt with a propensity for squeaky-voiced grandiosity), certainly – like Oberst – wears his lyrical heart on his sleeve. Yet, whether through his work with Cursive or The…

The push for medical weed in N.C.

Igniting support for medical marijuana: On March 4, when state representative Nick Mackey hosted a town hall meeting to explain House Bill 1380, which would make medicinal marijuana legal, he already knew the majority of voters were behind it. “The feedback that I’ve gotten, people are overwhelmingly in support of this bill,” Mackey said. “Out…

Cheris Hodges

Comics coming this spring

Coinciding with our big Spring Guide this week, I decided to throw the spotlight on a few good books coming your way this season. Check them out: B.P.R.D.: The Hellboy-centric book about mankind’s battle against supernatural forces ends more than six years of dangling plotlines this spring in the limited series King of Fear, which…

Carlton Hargro

Little Dragon serves up electronic music 2.0

The last time the Swedish electronic band Little Dragon performed in Charlotte (Nov. 24, 2009 at the Milestone), they didn’t exactly play to a full house. “It was not packed,” said Charlotte resident Carla Hough, who attended the show. “There was definitely room to move … there were people breakdancing in the back. It was…

Carlton Hargro

The oddest questions from readers

Welcome, dear readers, to a very special edition of “Ask Boomer With Attitude.” Frankly, too much writing about politics can burn a guy out, so instead, we’re looking this week at some of the more oddball questions we’ve received from readers of the “Ask Boomer” feature. Yes, I’m anal retentive enough to have saved most…

Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files

Meet the Parent: A 28-year-old woman called police after being assaulted while in the car with her significant other. She told officers that she was arguing with her husband when he apparently had enough. The man pulled over to the side of Albemarle Road and pushed her out of the car. He then drove off…

Ryan Pitkin

Clever culinary twists at Cyros Sushi and Sake Bar

You’re a sushi chef in a hypercompetitive sushi town with a cultishly devoted customer base. For a few years, you’ve been supplying in-house made sushi to wine bars and other establishments, and to professional sporting events ­– golf, football, basketball — through the cushy catering arm of your not quite 3-year-old but red hot company.…

Tricia Childress

COMEDY: Gabriel Iglesias

Rather than call himself fat, comedian Gabriel Iglesias prefers the term “fluffy.” OK, whatever. But the in-the-clouds comedian can’t hide the fact he was disqualified from NBC’s Last Comic Standing in 2006. And yet Inglesias was pegged “Comedian of the Year” by Comedy Central in 2006, so that sort of makes up for his unfortunate…

Anita Overcash

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