Get up on this: Muhsinah
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: T-Pain is wack. So yo, burn his CDs, and get up on this up-and-coming artist named Muhsinah: \\\\\\\\\\
There is a special seat in a burning pit for this duo
From CNN.com KANSAS CITY, Missouri (AP) — Federal prosecutors have unsealed an indictment accusing a man and woman of training the woman’s child to be a dominatrix, selling her sexual services and photographing some of the acts. U.S. Attorney John Wood said the case is unusual in that a parent has been charged with the…
Quote this
“There was talent in the room, but most of it had been stifled by years of stoner ennui, the unfortunate side effect of working for a pop culture perennial [High Times] where free weed was a perk. One editor, whose eyes looked like hemorrhoids from years of staring down the length of a water pipe,…
More news on Tasers
Two recent columns by yours truly about the use of Tasers by police brought passionate responses from readers on both sides of the issue. The most passionate were readers who interpreted the columns as blanket slams of the police force, as if criticizing the apparent over-use of Tasers amounted to being “a cop hater.” By…
Bill O’Reilly gone wild
You’ve probably seen this clip of Bill O’Reilly flippin’ the hell out, but damn, it sure is funny. Watch: \\\\\\\\\\
This week’s new releases (5/13)
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the albums being released today: Joe Cocker Hymn for My Soul Death Cab for Cutie Narrow Stairs Duffy Rockferry Filter Anthems for the Damned Jason Mraz We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things 10 Years Division
King James (crybaby) curses at his mother
Last night LeBron James told his mother to sit her ass down. Sure she jumped up in the face of some Boston Celtics players who she must have felt like harmed her meal ticket son. But really, Ms. James, if Paul Pierce can knock your son down, what do you think he’ll do to you?…
Meet the next police chief
The three men vying to be the next head of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department are going to be on public display today at the Blake Hotel. But with Charlotte’s rising crime rate, why would anyone want this job? And why is it that since the Dilworth neighbors are experiencing more crime in their neighborhood…
Richard Patrick on the music industry
I interviewed Richard Patrick of Filter recently (see the May 21 edition of the paper for the full story) and thought I’d share what he had to say about the record industry since it probably won’t get into the article. Just something to think about: “The only thing that’s gonna stop music is the absolute…
Is this even a dress?
http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2008/05/12/edwards.skimpy.prom.dress.khou This prom goer should’ve been arrested–by the fashion police!
There are some videos that just defy logic
\\\\\\\\\\ I got this from a friend. After watching this video, I realized that there are just too many cameras floating around out there. This girl looks as if she needs help. I hope she gets it.
Live Review: Radiohead
Radiohead May 9, 2008 Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre The Deal: Radiohead performs for two-hour, In Rainbows-focused set. The Good: If you’re a fan of the new album, you’ll be in heaven on this tour as the band is performing nearly every song from In Rainbows. They’re also tossing in a bit of the older stuff and…
Gino Vanelli: He is not his hair
India.Arie ain’t got nothin’ on my man Gino: \\\\\\\\\\
Gino Vanelli Rocks
Suck on it you soft-rock haters: \\\\\\\\\\
Live Review: Glow in the Dark Tour
Glow in the Dark Tour with Kanye West, Rihanna, NERD and Lupe Fiasco May 8, 2008 Time Warner Cable Arena The Deal: Probably one of the hottest shows this summer, Kanye West’s Glow in the Dark Tour, featuring Lupe Fiasco, Rihanna and N.E.R.D., popped off at Time Warner Cable Arena last night. The Good: The…
McCrory needs Perdue to stay positive
Pat McCrory better hope that Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue sticks to her “no negative campaigning” pledge. Otherwise, he could be in big trouble. The Charlotte mayor and new GOP gubernatorial candidate may be in trouble anyway, considering most political experts’ expectations of across the board Democratic strength nationwide, but if Perdue starts poking holes in…
If these children are the future, then we are f*@ked!
Since I’m having issues with cable right now, I’m getting my national news fix from www.cnn.com. I just so happened to be browsing the site to see what’s going on outside of Charlotte, which despite reports to the contrary is not the center of the universe, when I came across this article: HOUSTON, Texas (AP)…
The Weekender
Friday, May 9 Film All About Eve: The Charlotte Film Society graciously wraps up its winter/spring program with screenings of All About Eve. Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s masterpiece is set in the world of theater, with Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter) attempting to professionally and personally snatch the spotlight from established (and aging) star Margo Channing (Bette…
Live Review: Dierks Bentley
Dierks Bentley May 7, 2008 Whisky River Last night, Dierks Bentley celebrated the release of his Greatest Hits album with a performance at Whisky River, where he played his greatest hits…and some Johnny Cash. I have never had to apply so much to get into a bar as I did last night. Ticket holders had…
Team behind ‘Death Of Captain America’ to appear at HeroesCon
Check out this breaking news about Charlotte’s HeroesCon comic book convention: Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting Join Guest List of Fan-Favorite Comics Show Continuing a string of high-profile announcements leading up to this summer’s Heroes Convention in Charlotte, NC, show organizers have confirmed that the team of Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting will appear at…
No photos of Kanye
Usually, we like to take some photos at live shows (thanks to a photo pass) and put them in the paper and post them online. Well, don’t expect to see any from tonight’s Glow in the Dark Tour. Kanye West has refused any media from taking photos at tonight’s show. Yep, that includes openers Rihanna,…
Flush the toilet, Hillary — Obama’s gotta use it
By Samuel L. Jackson I ain’t bullshitting now–this shit’s got to stop. Somebody’s got to take Hillary out behind the Capitol Building and put this bitch out of our misery. She’s clearly got some serious got-damn mental defects that don’t let her see reality. Fuck it. I’m gonna try reasoning directly with the bitch. Hillary.…
The Democratic primaries: A look at Lake County, In.
By Ronald H. The Democratic primary vote on Tuesday for the presidential election in Indiana and North Carolina was a significant one; an election so significant that voters came out in record numbers from both states — many voting for the first time. Indiana had not had a meaningful Democratic primary election in four decades.…
Candidates gun for chief of police
The horse is not dead; in fact, it’s still beating politics as three men fight for the position of Mecklenburg County’s police chief. After eight years, Darrel Stephens will retire his position, leaving the city with one of the lowest crime rates since 1981. City Manager Curt Walton released the names of three men yesterday…
Tuesday night primaries
The democratic primary race continues on to West Virginia. The Tuesday night primaries in Indiana and North Carolina dealt a blow to the Clinton campaign that she might not be able to recover from. Obama continued to hold his lead in delegate count after his decisive victory in North Carolina, and his very narrow loss…
Film trailers
Here are the film trailers from this week’s issue Ironman \\\\\\\\\\ Made of Honor \\\\\\\\\\ —– Redbelt \\\\\\\\\\ Deception \\\\\\\\\\
Ticker tape ain’t spaghetti
Food riots are erupting around the world. Protests have occurred in Egypt, Cameroon, the Philippines, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mauritania and Senegal. Sarata Guisse, a Senegalese demonstrator, told Reuters: “We are holding this demonstration because we are hungry. We need to eat, we need to work, we are hungry. That’s all. We are hungry.” United…
Mother’s Day
In a year chockfull of fabricated “holidays,” even a cynic like me can appreciate Mother’s Day. In spite of the gross promotion and advertising of the “special day,” the intent behind it is commendable. It reminds us to appreciate our first best friend and protector. A mother is someone who loves you when unlike any…
Ford’s foolishness
For all his success, Harrison Ford hasn’t always been the best judge of roles. He agreed to star in turkeys like Hollywood Homicide and Firewall yet (according to IMDb and other sources) turned down the following films: JFK (Kevin Costner’s role) The Untouchables (ditto) Traffic (Michael Douglas’ role) Schindler’s List (Liam Neeson’s role) Syriana (George…
We, Robot
Subject: Robot Johnson. Charlotte’s premier sketch comedy group is back with its irreverent humor. Creators A. Blaine Miller and Sean Keenan from the disbanded Charlotte comedy troupe The Perch are working together with some new cast members to bring their new troupe Robot Johnson to life. And Keenan is back performing his notorious Talking Baby…
Playing around with sex ed
One girl in four has an STI. Something has to change.
Art: Finer side of art
Check out artists from across the nation as they display their art and expose techniques at the first Charlotte Fine Art Show. The show will include an array of glass, clay, wood, fiber, jewelry, sculpture, painting, photography and metal pieces of art. Artists will also have the opportunity to win awards from $100-$1,500, and folks…
Musical production looks (Spring) Forward
Musical production looks Forward
For more information on sex ed …
Organizations and articles on the Web • Advocates for Youth — advocatesforyouth.org • European Approaches to Adolescent Sexual Behavior & Responsibility – advocatesforyouth.org/european.htm • Tips for Talking with Sexually Active Teens about Contraception – advocatesforyouth.org/parents/contraception.htm • Parents and Teens Talking Together About Contraception – advocatesforyouth.org/parents/experts/huberman2.htm • Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States…
Sports: Putt, putt and away
Golfing and singing don’t seem to go together, do they? But maybe try it out today for Opera Carolina. The Opera is hosting its fifth annual Invitational Golf Tournament in hopes of raising money to keep bringing you some of the best voices in the city. Hit some balls, eat lunch and enjoy the 19th…
Plenty of debris
I’m still generally amazed by the debris caused by drunk people, and I’m not just talking about my dad and all the empty peanut packets he left strewn on the floorboard of our family Fairlane because, “Peanuts mask booze breath better than chewing gum. That right there is knowledge, little girl!” I’m also talking about…
Charlotte principal gets a hearing — and a right to vote
Hassan Elannani, principal of Charlotte Islamic Academy, spent nearly six years trying to become an American citizen. After applying for citizenship in 2002, the Morocco-born man waited. And waited. Until November, when the American Civil Liberties Union of N.C. filed a lawsuit on his behalf. On April 23, Elannani was sworn in as a U.S.…
Art: Bring your black book
Graffiti is awesome. Colorful artwork, bubbly-to-sharp lettering and a parade of shapes and styles: It has a life of its own with no end in sight. Spray cans unite to learn about the history of graffiti, techniques of the art form and tools of the trade at The Art of Graffiti. There will also be…
Stargazer
Taurus The Bull: (April 20 – May 19) This is not an easy week for the Bulls. Temptations are all around you and threaten to pull you back from good decisions that you have already made. This is weakness territory. Don’t put yourself in circumstances that make it more difficult to stay with your chosen…
Woman loses $1,200 looking for love online
A Charlotte woman has found one of the dating service signs posted at intersections and utility poles around town may be more scam than saving grace. Denise Melahn had been married for 23 years. Following her divorce, the 47-year-old woman didn’t want to meet a guy in a bar. She’d had friends who’d been lucky…
Fundraiser: Gnome Hunting
Car lovers pimp their rides, MySpace addicts pimp their profile, and gnome lovers — yes — pimp their gnomes! NoDaRioty presents Pimp My Gnome Live Auction. This mythical auction will consist of 25 clay garden gnomes that have been transformed into works of art by 25 local artists. NoDaRioty pimped and displayed their gnomes in…
Capsule reviews of films currently playing in Charlotte
Charlotte Film Society ALL ABOUT EVE The Charlotte Film Society graciously wraps up its winter/spring program with screenings of my all-time favorite motion picture. All About Eve (1950) is writer-director Joseph L. Mankiewicz’s masterpiece set in the world of theater, with ingenue Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter) attempting to professionally and personally snatch the spotlight from…
Last week on the CLog …
Xenophobes like margaritas too! “There are a lot of people who are against illegal immigration — especially if the immigrants are Hispanic … how many of those people are going to get shit-faced drunk for Cinco De Mayo?” Turning on Obama? “A lot of folks have been waiting for the time when so-called liberal white…
Vino lovers rejoice during Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend
MAY 9 — Big Bottles & Blues. Kick off your Friday night with the first event of the Charlotte Wine & Food Weekend. Delight yourself in a casual atmosphere surrounded by winemakers and bottles ranging from magnums to six liters. Proceeds benefit Allegro Foundation, Charlotte Symphony, Johnson & Wales University scholarship fund and others. There…
Reviews of new DVD releases
THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI (1957) / LAWRENCE OF ARABIA (1962) / A PASSAGE TO INDIA (1984). To celebrate the recent 100th anniversary of David Lean’s birth (the great director passed away in 1991), Columbia Pictures has seen fit to re-release three of his staggering epics on DVD. Set in the Burmese jungles during…
From polygamy to Miley Cyrus
Last month, more than 400 children were removed from the Yearning For Zion polygamist ranch in West Texas. In what is quite possibly the largest child abuse case in the history of our nation, these children were allegedly abused in multiple ways. A religious sect that claims to follow the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ…
CD Review: Eric Avery
The Deal: Former Jane’s Addiction bassist and co-founder releases solo debut. The Good: The album’s tone leans a little toward the goth side of the rock road – dark overtones in the music and vocals. (It should be no surprise that he worked with Peter Murphy in the past.) Avery gets help from friends on…
Getting Downey
Actor humanizes heavy metal act in the new Iron Man
Brett Heyl
What’s the best thing about having the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte? Having an Olympic kayaker such as 2004 Olympian and 2008 Olympic hopeful Brett Heyl residing in our very own city. That hope is looking up for Heyl because at the Olympic Team Trials, he finished first, putting him one step closer to…
CD Review: Jeff Healey
The Deal: Jeff Healey’s last stand a testament to his god-like bar band status – you wouldn’t want to follow this act. The Good: He wasn’t a household name, but if you ever saw or heard Jeff Healey you’re not likely to forget him. Healey played guitar with the instrument laid flat in his lap.…
Wine trippin’
Last week, I plotted a wine trek through the Napa and Sonoma valleys, but now we go where many haven’t ventured: Santa Barbara and Mendocino counties and Willamette Valley, Ore. Cheaper, less crowded and more tranquil, these hypnotic destinations reflect a pace of life that seems unattainable given my manic machinations. But a serene sojourn…
Marching on City Hall
An amazing thing happened April 28. Voters from all the right neighborhoods marched on city hall demanding more money to fight crime. It’s the kind of rarity that causes city council members to soil their Depends. In the weeks before politicians got notice that the marchers were coming, they were busy knee-capping the criminal justice…
DVD Review: The Clash
The Deal: New live documentation of “The Only Band That Mattered.” The Good: Recently, some young whippersnapper overheard me reminiscing with a fellow gray beard – “re-living the heydays?” he smirked. Guilty as charged – Greatest gigs we’d had the privilege to be drunk and disorderly at was the topic, and at the top of…
New owners breathe flavor into Vietnamese spot
Keep on Truc-ing
I saw the sign
Lead me to the Life Percussionist Robert Beasley jams with DJ Smitty (in background) at Pop Life last Wed., April 30, at Loft 1523. Check out Pop Life every Wednesday at Loft. The art of spray Caryn Little (left) and Brandis Ridenhour admire some graffiti at the Off the Wall: Graffiti Art exhibit…
CD Review: Tab Benoit
The Deal: Cajun soulman captured live in swamp-boiling escapade. The Good: Tab Benoit plays guitar like a blend of Albert King and Albert Collins and sings like Delbert McClinton with a Cajun accent. This live set taken from a two-night stand in Nashville last year captures the best of his swampy, soulful blues style. And…
Stratos Lambos, owner
Chef and restaurateur Stratos Lambos sees great things in the future of his restaurant management company, Stratos Restaurant Group. With successful eateries Ilios Noche and Nolen Kitchen & Crescent Bar and Lounge already in full swing, Lambos and his partner Angelo Kaltsounis are looking forward to the opening of their new restaurant – Big View…
The Maus that roared
Last week’s Opera Carolina production of Strauss’s Die Fledermaus had many ingratiating ingredients. A pair of coloratura sopranos — one of them, Judit Lorincz, making her U.S. debut and eager to please. A profusion of male actor singers, all willing to travel the hambone road to comedy. Most fundamental of all, OC’s Maus had a…
CD Review: Sevendust
The Deal: Atlanta rockers release quick follow-up to 2007’s Alpha; seventh studio album. The Good: It’s good to see that nothing’s changed with Sevendust’s sound – hard guitars, heavy drums, the melodic vocals of Lajon Witherspoon and screaming of Morgan Rose all remain intact. While the new album features Sonny Mayo – who joined in…
A classic game of (beer) pong
As I alluded to last week, I’m kind of a hippie. Thus, I don’t believe in fighting … I settle all my disputes in life via games of Rock Paper Scissors. Some life-altering conflicts have been concluded over games of Rock Paper Scissors. OK, maybe that was a slight exaggeration, but Panthers linebacker Jon Beason…
CD Review: Man Man
The Deal: Genre-defying band releases Anti- Records debut. The Good: Noisemakers, improvisation, high-activity and all-around craziness categorized the appearance of Man Man at last October’s Echo Project in Atlanta. The disc gives you the impression of some of the hijinks that ensue, but fail to gather the chaotic nature of their concert. Unconventional instrumentation and…
Apocalyptica take cellos in a different direction
Banging your head to most cello music won’t do much for you besides getting your rowdy ass thrown out of the concert hall. But if the cello wielders are four guys from Finland bustin’ out heavy metal on their classical axes, you can slam your cranium without fear of retribution. Since 1995, Apocalyptica has been…
Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files
DUMB CRIMINAL ALERT: An 18-year-old woman reported that she lost her cell phone. When she called her phone, a man picked up, admitted to having her phone, but said he wouldn’t give it back without a reward. He told the woman that he was at work at a CVS in Dilworth and she could drop…
Brunch abounds
Now open • Café Monte French Bakery & Bistro, 6700 Fairview Road, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, and from the café, coffees, teas, and hot chocolate. In-house made pastries include almond croissants, apple strudel and scones. Lunch offers sandwiches, soups, salads, crepes and quiche, while the dinner menu features trout almondine, rotisserie chicken, beef…
Defending Kanye West
Three reasons why you should really, really like Mr. West
Karma Cleanser
Dear Karma Cleanser: At the start of this year, I went to work for a company that is based in Germany. It has been a good job but also very challenging, mainly because it entails quite a lot of travel. Last week, I got a huge deposit in my bank account. I assumed it was…
Ticker tape ain’t spaghetti
Food riots are erupting around the world. Protests have occurred in Egypt, Cameroon, the Philippines, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mauritania and Senegal. Sarata Guisse, a Senegalese demonstrator, told Reuters: “We are holding this demonstration because we are hungry. We need to eat, we need to work, we are hungry. That’s all. We are hungry.” United…
Charlotte Fine Arts Show
Exhibit: Charlotte Fine Arts Show Date: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat., May 10, & 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., May 11 Location: Freedom Hall, Merchandise Mart, 2500 E. Independence Blvd. Admission: $5 Info: 248-685-3748 (event hotline) or www.HotWorks.org The Charlotte Fine Arts Show will showcase 125 artists from 30 states as well as Canada, exhibiting works in…
Holly Near to perform at benefit
Singer Holly Near will be performing at Unity of Charlotte, 401 E. Arrowood Road, on May 19. Near is an entertainer and activist who combines a passion for music with a passion for human dignity. The concert is a benefit for the Peace Alliance Group of the church. For more information on Near, you can…
Music: Don’t stop the music
Hip-hop and rap master Kanye West headlines the Glow In The Dark Tour that features other popular acts of hip-hop. Lupe Fiasco, R&B pop songstress Rihanna and the alternative-rock-fused-with-rapping N.E.R.D. are set to light up Charlotte with a show that glows. $50-$70. 7 p.m. Time Warner Cable Arena (formerly Bobcats Arena). 333 E. Trade St.…
Charlotte books best sellers list
1. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch 2. Long Dead Lover by Robert Boisvert 3. One Helluva Ride: How NASCAR Swept the Nation by Liz Clarke 4. A Broom of One’s Own: Words On Writing, Housecleaning, and Life by Nancy Peacock 5. Bulls Island by Dorothea Benton Frank 6. Outcast (Warriors: Power of Three, Book…
Cl previews upcoming shows
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7 Marc Olson Still known mostly for his role in the seminal early years of twang-friendly mid-Westerners The Jayhawks, Olson left in 1995 as the band opted for a more pop-oriented direction under Gary Louris. Olson stuck to his Americana guns, often recording DIY in his Joshua Tree haunts with wife Victoria Williams…
Music: A pot of gold
The British-alternative, moody, melodic rock band will make their way to Charlotte, playing at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre with Liars opening. A show worth attending, Radiohead is sure to impress. After all, they’ve been doing it for years now. Their newest album In Rainbows hit the No. 1 debut on the Billboard 200 album chart, shortly…
Review of The Invincible Iron Man # 1
The Invincible Iron Man #1 Published by Marvel Comics. Plot and script by Matt Fraction. Art by Salvador Larroca. The Deal: Timed to coincide with Marvel’s big-screen version of the character, Iron Man spins off into his second monthly series: The Invincible Iron Man. The Good: I must admit that I was a little wary…
Dump ‘abstinence-only’ ed
Six weeks ago while shopping at Target, I ran into a college freshman named Maya, and we began to talk. Maya (not her real name) was part of a story I wrote in 2005 about Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools’ “abstinence-only” sex education policies, and so we spent a few minutes catching up. She loves her new school…
Benefit: Pedal power
Break out the bike, work out the legs and gain experience and awareness about riding the bike lanes of the Q.C. at CycleCharlotte08. The celebration also features free food, kids’ safety classes, free helmets and vibes from The Amy Broome Band. CycleCharlotte08 honors Todd Weaver, a Charlottean who devotedly road his bicycle from Concord to…
