Clara
favorite magazine: “Nylon”
Best bets in Charlotte comedy, Oct. 26-31
Here are a few of the best places to find comedy events in Charlotte.
Limbaugh & Co. make fools of themselves again
Conservative extremists of the Fox/Limbaugh persuasion hate Barack Obama so much, they’ll apparently believe anything, and everything, negative about the President that’s thrown their way. If it’s not supposed connections with terrorists, it’s a missing birth certificate, and so on. On Friday, Mighty Rush himself, along with the FoxNation Web site and all its little…
BlueCross postcard campaign backfires
The lovely, lovely folks at BlueCrossBlueShield of North Carolina, as you know, have your health care interests, and the interests of your fellow citizens, topmost in their minds. While we’re at it – but you know this already, too – the Pope is a Southern Baptist. But I digress. As part of its aggressive effort…
Tim Will’s $100K idea
What the world needs now is more people like Tim Will.
Christianity + cocaine rap = dope results
Clipse remixes Mary Mary’s “God In Me.”
Photos from Brief fashion show
Well, you certainly missed a heck of a show. Brief, a male underwear fashion show, went down this weekend at Extravaganza Depot, and we were there to capture every goody morsel of … fashion. Click here to see the photos.
Why boys are turning into girls
This isn’t about choice, it’s about chemicals.
Correcting Bush-era climate change propaganda
Obama Administration will be “guided by science and law.”
Preparing for a pandemic, state health departments struggle with rationing
The Swine Flu scare brings up frightening questions.
Today’s Top 5: Monday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Taste of the Panthers
From the field to the kitchen the Panthers go.
Sale of the day: Bob Ellis
The Bob Ellis store is closing. Head out to Southpark mall to say farewell and partake in the clearance sale. 4400 Sharon Rd 704-366-668 www.bobellisshoes.com
Dharma Lounge, 10/24/09
Camden Road Fashion Show was held at Dharma Lounge Saturday night.
Tempo, 10/23/09
It was the Drink for Pink party at Tempo Friday, Oct. 23.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Monday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Creative headshot party
So…if you happen to like some of what you see here, then you should come to my “Headshot Party.” There will be an awesome makeup artist and a face/body paint artist there. Contact info is on the flier or just show up! …and oh yea, face paint is FREE for kids taking pictures!
Brief, 10/23/09
The Brief benefit gala was a cocktail party and fashion show featuring the latest styles in underwear briefs and accessories.
See them live tonight: The Public Good, Mike Doughty, Revolting Cocks, Cycle of Pain
Sample all flavors of rock coming to Charlotte
Wondering what to do for Halloween?
Happy tricking — I mean, trick-or-treating!
Audiofloss — Vol. 3, No. 9: New music from Russell Taylor and more
More great soul tunes from some of the industry’s best indie artists.
Audiofloss — Vol. 3, No. 9: New music from Russell Taylor and more
More great soul tunes from some of the industry’s best indie artists.
Audiofloss — Vol. 3, No. 9: New music from Russell Taylor and more
More great soul tunes from some of the industry’s best indie artists.
CarnEvil celebrates Halloween
Want to go to a party that isn’t the regular old bankers dressed in the same costume?
Costume, fabric sale courtesy Children’s Theatre of Charlotte
Info via CharlotteOnTheCheap.com: Children’s Theatre of Charlotte Costume and Fabric Sale going down tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until they run out) Costume Items will be individually priced. Fabric is $1.00 a yard. Location: Rehearsal Room B in ImaginOn ( 300 E. 7th St .) Only Cash or Check is accepted
Wacked-out, Muslim-fightin’ Sue Myrick wins STOW award
Delusional nuttiness with a nasty undertone has been Myrick’s stock in trade for years.
Backstreet’s back, ALRIGHT!
Win tickets to Gravediggers Ball with the Backstreet Boys
Yoforia frozen yogurt coming to Charlotte
Yoforia, an Atlanta-based frozen yogurt company, is planning to open two locations here in the Charlotte area. Score!
Absinthe & Atmosphere @ Soul Gastrolounge
Soul Gastrolounge is celebrating the 200th birthday of Edgar Allan Poe with Poetry in a Glass, an evening of Absinthe & Atmosphere on Friday, Oct. 30.
10-in-10 CD reviews
Each Friday, we bring you 10 CD reviews done in 10 words each: Kristina Train Spilt Milk — Strong vocals from soulful, bluesy singer on her debut CD. Neil Diamond A Cherry Cherry Christmas — ‘Tis the season for holiday albums…and it’s still October. Tiny Tim I’ve Never Seen a Straight Banana — Soaked in…
Astro Boy: Not quite a blast
Animated effort is fast-paced but overly familiar.
Good Hair: The root of the matter
Documentary is both fascinating and funny.
7-layer Whopper for Windows 7
Windows 7 promotion will kill you.
Live review: The Mars Volta
Prog-rockers perform at The Fillmore on Oct. 22, 2009.
Self-snitching in the club
A woman’s reaction to music can tell you a lot.
Burger King, Windows 7 unleash 7-layer Whopper
Windows 7 hit stores yesterday, and with it came a whopper of a promotion. Considering how obese Americans are, thankfully, this promotion is in Japan only.
Theater review: The Trojan Women
Theater review of The Trojan Women at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
‘Who let the dogs out?’
Those of us with dogs can most likely sympathize with the long days they must have. Whether they are cooped up in the house or backyard, most dogs just don’t have the freedom to wander (and we wouldn’t want them to either, for fear of getting hurt or picked up by the pound). But along…
Erin McCarley serenades Charlotte tonight
Erin McCarley Singer-songwriter-guitarist McCarley was part of the Ten out of Tenn tour that stopped through town last winter. Since then, she played Bonnaroo (winning over many who caught her set in the beer garden there) and released her latest CD, Love, Save the Empty. Her music has been featured on a handful of TV…
Halloween costume idea: Balloon boy (updated)
People are predicting that the Balloon Boy will be one of the top Halloween costumes this year. Do you think so? (photo via Buzzfeed.com) But how does one go about making a Balloon Boy costume? Well, off the top of my head, I’m thinking aluminum foil and lots of it. OK, seriously, if I were…
The Boulevard hosts ‘A Miracle on 36th Street’ Speed Shopping Event
For the month of November, the folks at The Boulevard are making holiday shopping a little easier for the fellas. Here is how it works: Ladies come in and fill out a Holiday Wish List and submit their favorite guy’s name. The ladies of The Boulevard invite the men to come in for a special…
‘Names of the Dead’ site is live
Congressman Alan Grayson: Suck on the truth, insurance industry.
Sale of the day: Chez Elle
Take 20 percent off anything you purchase. One day only. 532 Governor Morrison St. 704-365-4680
Today’s Top 5: Friday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Friday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, October 23, 2009 — as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing. • Cat’s Meow Review at The Men’s Club. • Halloween 2009 (a week early) at The Estate.…
Take a slice out of cancer
Pizza Party tonight!
Sex that all couples need
If you’ve been with your mate for a while, your sex life probably needs a makeover.
You might be a ‘jumpoff’ if …
Let’s run down my list of ways to figure out if you indeed are JUST THE JUMPOFF:
Weekender
Check out these events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area this weekend.
Chad
inspiration: “Anything awesome.”
Junk-food junkie?
You’re not the only one.
NASCAR surprisingly hip
Bank of America 500 a little better than expected.
Blue October cancels
The Pick Up The Phone Tour 2009, has been cancelled due to the hospitalization of Justin Furstenfeld, lead singer of the tour’s headlining band Blue October. The tour had a scheduled stop at The Fillmore on Oct. 23. Furstenfeld is being treated for suffering from an extreme mental anxiety attack. His doctors have ordered that…
Quickie comic review: The Incredible Hulk No. 603
In this latest issue of Incredible Hulk, Bruce Banner teams up with his son from another planet, Skaar, to talk with/fight Wolverine and his estranged son, Daken. And there’s a backup story starring the new She-Hulk from the future. No, for real.
Concert announcement: Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi will perform at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 22, 2010, it was announced today. No word on when tickets will go on sale.
Snapshot of life in the U.S. (1st of a sporadic series)
Yesterday, my wife received a notice from Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, telling her that her premium is going up over 25 percent, and her co-pays are nearly doubling. Later in the day (at dinnertime, naturally), we got a voice mail from BCBSNC, warning of us of the dangers of health care reform…
Will Cheney ever just shut up?
Dick Cheney keeps living up to his first name and reputation, with no signs of going away. Yesterday, the former Veep spoke to the conservative Center for Security Policy, where he accused Pres. Obama of “dithering” on Afghanistan and urged the Prez to hurry the hell up and send more troops pronto!. Yas, boss, right…
White House v. Faux News
Listen, both you kids: STFU.
Model behavior?
Another model was fired allegedly for being a size 4.
Annual Mallard Creek BBQ takes place today
The 80th Annual Mallard Creek Barbecue will be held today, starting at 10 a.m. at the Mallard Creek Presbyterian Church Community House
CD Review: Mayer Hawthorne
Checking out “A Strange Arrangement.”
Preparing an Altar for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
In preparation for the return of the dead, families set up altars to show their respect.
Something smells fishy in CMS
Not everyone invited to private meeting. Ooops.
‘Floetically’ speaking
Natalie Stewart will perform a blend of poetry and hip-hop at House of Jazz on Oct. 24.
Today’s Top 5: Thursday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Tonight: Party in Pink at Civilian
6908 Phillips Pl Ct 704-554-1908 www.ladyinlotus.com
Oprah and Sarah, sittin’ in a tree
It’s a media marriage made in heaven.
Reminder: Brief fashion show goes down tomorrow night
Tickets for the men’s underwear fashion show Brief!, which will take place at Extravaganza Depot Friday night, are still available at Sloan/Step By Sloan (1419 East Blvd.). Click here or here for more info. And by the way … Gabriel Everett from Make Me a Supermodel Season 2 will be there.
Sale of the day: Charlotte Warehouse Sale
Here’s your opportunity to save 75 percent to 90 percent off the original retail price of women’s designer and children’s apparel, including labels like Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Anne Klein and much more. This sale continues through Saturday. 5400 West WT Harris Blvd., Suite R (in between the Shoppes at Davis Lake and Old Statesville…
Pop Life @ Luna Lounge, 10/21/09
Pop Life moved to Luna Lounge last night (from Apostrophe Lounge) for the weekly party.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Thursday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Live review: Social Distortion
Mike Ness and Co. hit Amos’ Southend on Oct. 21, 2009.
Opening Friday
What’s new in theaters this weekend.
Simon Fashion Now at SouthPark Mall
Simon Fashion Now invades SouthPark Mall this Friday and Saturday.
Everything Doesn’t Suck Party
The FREE party on Thursday, Oct. 22 will celebrate fun and all the good things in life — reason enough for a party, no?
Box Office Top 10
The week’s top moneymakers.
Quickie comic review: Justice League of America No. 38
Writer James Robinson and artist Mark Bagley begin their stint on the Justice League, which stars a rather sparse-looking team that’s fronted by an injured Vixen.
Halloween costumes don’t always have to be sexy/slutty
As I was checking out the selection of Halloween costumes in a local store recently, I came across one that caused a puzzled wrinkle in my brow: a sexy valet (such as the one on this site). Seriously? Who wants to go out for Halloween dressed as a person who parks cars? Where’s the fun…
New chef, menu at Villa Antonio
Villa Antonio in Ballantyne has acquired a new chef who hails from the famous French Laundry restaurant in Napa Valley.
Beatles, meet the Taliban
This is one of the most amazing, and most unexpected, stories about cross-cultural experiences I’ve ever heard of, not to mention a glimpse at just how deeply our pop culture penetrates throughout the world. Following is an excerpt from New York Times reporter David Rohde, who was kidnapped and held captive for 7 months by…
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Bozos repent, Burr keeps digging his grave
First things first: The two South Carolina Republican county chairmen who praised Sen. Jim Demint by comparing him to penny-pinching Jews apologized yesterday for the ethnic slur. Seems that these days you can say almost anything and, as long as you apologize for it quickly, everything’s OK. So, here’s a big thank you for the…
Amber
inspiration: “I am most inspired by those who ignite the fire of greatness within me.”
The praying robber
It is a sad day indeed when a “robber” prays with a woman whom he is attempting to rob. When I first saw the footage, I thought it was crazy. After looking at it, I thought it was sad. This was clearly someone who was desperate and obviously not a robber — just at his…
Save the planet with pranks, tutus, and civil disobedience
Yes Men have fun punking Washington. And you can, too.
The pharmaceutical money train
Toooot toooooooot.
CL blogger losing in DJ Hero
As promised, here’s video from CL blogger Mike McCray losing to NASCAR driver Martin Truex Jr. in DJ Hero before Saturday’s Bank of America 500. How does someone who’s actually touched real turntables lose to a guy who’s favorite group is Rage Against The Machine? The world may never know.
It’s a love/hate thing… I think
Is it ok to love an artist’s music, and not like the artist?
Sale of the day: Infinity’s End
Take 10 percent off all merchandise, including tarot cards, pendulums, funky hats, rock tees, blessing & 7-day candles, through Oct. 31. 5119-A South Blvd. 704-369-0223 5622 E. Independence Blvd. #123 704-535-1710 www.infinitysend.com
Upcoming: Camden Road Fashion Show
Head out to Dharma Lounge Saturday night to check out the CAMDEN ROAD HAIR AND FASHION SHOW featuring: American Apparel Niche Black Sheep Escape salon Theory Salon Cirrus Salon Doors open at 9 p.m. 1440 S. Tryon St., Suite 105 704-236-9314 www.dharmacharlotte.com
Today’s Top 5: Wednesday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Today’s Top(less) 5: Wednesday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
Kravitz cancels
Lenny Kravitz has canceled his upcoming show at the Fillmore on Oct. 27 due to a vocal injury. Refunds will be given at point of purchase. Said Lenny Kravitz in a press release – “I’m very sorry and disappointed to not be able to pay my fans in North Carolina a visit. I was looking…
Discovering Posing Beauty
I expected this book to fit the bill of what I was looking for for my friend; I didn’t expect to want to buy it for myself.
Why FCC’s net neutrality vote is really important
At its meeting on Thursday, the FCC is expected to finally — finally — take a big step toward making net neutrality the law of the land. In case you haven’t been following the issue, net neutrality is a really big deal. The term is used to describe the Internet system we more or less…
This Week’s DVD Releases
What’s new on disc.
Matthews soldier dead, Obama sends more N.C. troops
1 2 3 4 What are we fighting for?
NC Highway Patrol seems to be the sexiest job in the state
Sex in cop cars. Sex with wives while husbands watch. This isn’t a sampling of Pornhub videos, it’s what’s going on in the North Carolina Highway Patrol office.
Sex Q&A: Erotica writer Rachel Kramer Bussel
On Spanking: “It’s something that I’ve been interested in for a while. It’s a fun topic, it’s not as intimidating at some other S&M activities,” said Rachel Kramer Bussel.
S.C. GOPers: Demint’s tight with money, like ‘the Jews’
For years, I told friends who were born in North Carolina that this state’s political scandals, villains and idiots were nothing compared to South Carolina’s gothic parade of blatant crooks, backward ignoramuses, vicious backstabbers, and rabid crackers. It may sound odd, but I’m glad the rest of America has finally caught on to the weird,…
kerr
passion: “Music and laughter.”
Fall into fall fashion at Simon Fashion Now™
OK, you summer lovers, if you were in denial before, the last couple of days should have been cold enough to convince you that fall is finally here. And if you’re wondering what styles are in for the season, here’s a great event to help you out. Simon Fashion Now™ (presented by Land Rover Charlotte)…
This week’s new releases (10/20/2009)
Rammstein, Train, Creed among the week’s new albums being released.
Lita Ford plays The Fillmore tonight
Come see Lita Ford in concert.
Let them smoke pot
Kudos to the federal government for choosing to stop ignoring state laws.
Leveling Appalachia: The Legacy of Mountaintop Removal Mining
Powerful video from Yale Environment 360 and MediaStorm about what mountain top removal is really doing to Appalachia.
The new belle of the ball: the new ballroom in Uptown
Nightlife is still under construction in Uptown
Today’s Top 5: Tuesday
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today.
Sale of the day: Heels.com event at Enso
The Charlotte-based Web site Heels.com is practically throwing shoes at you tonight. Head out to Enso Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a Heels sales event. Take 50 percent to 75 percent off sale shoes and 20 percent off regular priced shoes from the site. There will also be…
Quickie comic review: The Astounding Wolf-Man No. 19
Writer Robert Kirkman and artist Jason Howard drop another issue of The Astounding Wolf-Man — as the series inches closer to its conclusion in No. 25.
Today’sTop(less) 5: Tuesday
Here are the five best events to get you hot and bothered with or without a date.
THEATER: Marat/Sade
Has Carolina Actors’ Studio Theatre gone crazy? No, but its newest production (with a really long title), Persecution and Assassination of Jean-Paul Marat as Performed by the Inmates of the Asylum at Charenton Under the Direction of the Marquis de Sade, is devoted to lunatics. This play-within-a-play, which can be shortened to the titled Marat/Sade…
Couples Retreat: Screen saver cinema
Regardless of how her career progresses, Kristen Bell at least has had the fortune of heading off to Hawaii to film Forgetting Sarah Marshall and now Bora Bora to shoot Couples Retreat. Those are enviable assignments for any young performer, and it begs the question: Does her Hollywood agent work a second job as a…
The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later had a unique grassroots flavor
After incubating down in York County at South Pointe High School and Rock Hill Community Theatre for just over 11 months, Edge Theatre Company made its first modest foray north of the border early last week. Modest but memorable. Edge’s staged reading of The Laramie Project: 10 Years Later at Story Slam had a unique…
THEATER: New Kid
Children’s Theatre of Charlotte is touching on a serious issue in its upcoming performances of New Kid. Moving is hard enough for a child, but imagine being teased by your peers because you aren’t speaking the “correct” language. That’s just what happens in this play, which tackles these hardships as well as the potential learning…
Wineries step into the green
Whether through intellectual masturbation or action, we’re all trying to do our part to be green. We recycle, buy organic food, or chat about how cool solar power could be. But buy organic wine, we have not. Organic food sales have grown nearly 20 percent per year over the past seven years but, for whatever…
Trick or treat for climate change
Halloween is around the corner, and children will soon be dressing up and chanting “trick or treat,” their demand for candy backed up by the threat of a prank. Climate-change activists, from pranksters to presidents, are doing the same. This past Monday, the activist artist group The Yes Men staged another of its hoaxes, with…
ART: The 2nd Annual Charlotte Fine Art Show
Folks looking for a variety of original art need to look no further than The 2nd Annual Charlotte Fine Art Show. The show, happening at The Park, Oct. 24-25, features juried artists from around the world selling art of all kinds of mediums, including things like paintings, sculptures, photography and other items made from glass,…
Chef talk: Kelly Weber
WHO: Kelly Weber, a recent Johnson & Wales University graduate, who was the head line chef at M5 Modern Mediterranean Restaurant and is now in the kitchen with Chef Tom Condron at recently opened The Liberty, 1821 South Blvd. Creative Loafing: You told me once that your height was an advantage in the kitchen. Is…
FESTIVAL: Carolina Renaissance Festival
The 16th Annual Carolina Renaissance Festival gives folks with a fascination of medieval times and merriment (or just those who like to dress up in medieval attire) the chance to catch a glimpse of what life might have been like back then. Of course, it’s a rather carefree way of looking at the time period.…
The Food Issue ’09: Women in Charlotte’s food industry
Food and women have a complex relationship. Of the two genders, biology assigned females as a food source for the young, prehistoric communities gave women the task of gathering and many anthropologists even argue that agriculture was invented by women. Later, women became primary food preparers and shoppers for the home, recorded the first recipes,…
FILM: Shadow of a Doubt
The Main Library’s Alfred Hitchcock fall film series, “The Master of Suspense: Alfred Hitchcock Classics,” continues this week with a screening of Hitchcock’s 1943 thriller, Shadow of a Doubt. In the flick, eyebrows are raised as Charlotte “Charlie” Oakley (played by Teresa Wright) questions the frightening possibility that her Uncle Charlie (played by Joseph Cotten)…
Chef talk: Fausta Salvitierra
WHO: Restaurateur Fausta Salvitierra, a native of Pachuca, Mexico, opened Cocina Latina, in 2005. Salvitierra had worked in other area restaurants when this opportunity presented itself. On her menu are regional Mexican specialties: huaraches — oval-shaped house-made corn tortillas slathered with black beans, quesco fresco, layered with tangy bits of nopales and house-made Mexican chorizo;…
MUSIC: Jewel
Jewel hasn’t been plagued with a lack of creativity since her start in the music world with 1995’s Pieces. Yeah, she’s ventured outside of the music realm by writing a poetry book and an autobiography, amongst other endeavors, but music-wise she has remained dedicated to her craft. Her latest 2009 CD release is titled Lullaby.…
Affordable superfoods
Do you keep seeing articles about “superfoods”? These are foods that pack a nutritional punch and are recommended in our daily diet. Most people think good for you foods cost more. Surveys have shown that, during the recent recession, most of us have been opting for price over nutrition. But if you take a look…
ART EXHIBIT: Dimeji Onafuwa: The Significant Line
Though faces may not be perfectly clear in the paintings at RedSky Gallery’s latest exhibition, Dimeji Onafuwa: The Significant Line, they still seem to be looking back, and expressing themselves, on a personal sort of level through the bold colors that caress the canvas where they reside. A Nigerian native who now resides in the…
Why do people have to be rude?
This is a question I pondered after attending the grand opening of Kashmir and Fiji last weekend. I was walking through Kashmir, and as is the case in most crowded clubs, there was someone in my way. So, I pressed the brakes on my legs and waited like a car at a four-way stop sign…
Audience awareness: The Chuckleheads
The members of the Charlotte comedy improv troupe The Chuckleheads are giddy. The group, which started in 2007, will celebrate its two-year anniversary with a special show titled “2nd Anniversary Birthday Comedy Improv Variety Extravaganza” at Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte on Oct. 24. The event will feature lots of improv, in forms that include singing,…
Milestone hits 40th anniversary
Located on Charlotte’s west side, more Southern-fried than gentrified, the Milestone Club remains a magnet for adventurous, live music-goers. The end of this month is, believe it or not, the club’s 40th anniversary. For the uninitiated, the Milestone is located on Tuckaseegee Road, next door to the Last Pitcher Show. It’s most definitely Charlotte’s answer…
Review of American on Purpose by Craig Ferguson
Craig Ferguson, the host of The Late Late Show on CBS, is a recovering alcoholic, workaholic, smartassed, impulsive, and earlier in life, a philanderer. He’s also a very good writer, and he’s produced that rarest of books: a show business autobiography that’s not a load of self-serving whitewash. Ferguson is an irreverent and reflective writer,…
Evelynn Rose fundraising before heading overseas
Not too long ago, local rockers The Stellas went overseas to play concerts for the troops. Well, others are following in their footsteps. In November, Evelynn Rose will be heading out for roughly 18 days as they do their own “tour of duty.” Leading up to its excursion, the group is living out of its…
Comic book review: Uncanny X-Men No. 516
Uncanny X-Men No. 516 Written by Matt Fraction. Pencils by Greg Land. Inks by Jay Leisten. The Deal: Writer Matt Fraction (a former Charlottean) continues his reign as “Head X-Writer in Charge” over on Uncanny X-Men. This issue sees the long-teased return of the classic X-villain Magneto — but is he a threat? The Bad:…
CL previews upcoming concerts (Oct. 21-27)
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 21 Social Distortion Ever since seeing Social Distortion open for Neil Young way back a loooong time ago, I’ve always had a soft spot for Mike Ness. His eff-you, slicked-and-kicked-back crouch as a punk front man, I’ve since learned, isn’t much different from the swept-back, hang-on-for-dear-life way one might ride a kustom motorcycle.…
Bizarre crimes from Charlotte police files
My Best Buddy: Police were called to the scene of an accident in which a car crossed the center of the medium, struck two road signs and came to a stop just off the roadway. The driver of the vehicle fled the scene without calling 911 or providing the required information. Later on, the driver…
DVD Review: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Live
The Deal: Nine-DVD set includes 125 Hall of Fame induction ceremony performances along with 52 induction speeches and numerous acceptance speeches to celebrate the Hall’s 25th anniversary. The Good: Where do you start? There are some truly amazing live performances and moments on the collection. Melissa Etheridge pays tribute to Janis Joplin in 1995 with…
Is there any difference in quality between name-brand drugs and generics?
When I buy over-the-counter pharmaceuticals from our local drug store, I always buy the house brand. The active ingredients and dosages in Tylenol (acetaminophen) are identical to that of the copy. The same is true of the Motrin alternative, the Sudafed clone, and so on — and they’re all much cheaper. However, my wife insists…
Positive thinking: ‘Delusion is never a good thing’
Some years ago, two people lived in our neighborhood who were really “positive.” Their “positive” approach to life gave them confidence and the belief that they were great people who did the right things the right way for the right reasons, and they were positive that their neighbors could be the beneficiaries of their positively…
Horoscope for Oct. 21-27, 2009
Scorpio The Phoenix: (Oct. 23-Nov 20) The new Saturn cycle asks that you be directed inward and you may choose to withdraw from the world (if not physically, then mentally). Career events may move you into a side track from the mainstream for the present. Now is a time for spiritual refurbishing and R&R before…
How to effectively lead Charlotte’s charities
When the news of former United Way director Gloria Pace King’s million-dollar retirement package broke, a ripple effect tore though Charlotte’s nonprofit community, leaving leaders of other groups under scrutiny from donors who wanted to know if their donations were going to the needy — or into the pockets of executives. People stopped giving and…
Karloff & Lugosi Horror Classics among new DVD reviews
KARLOFF & LUGOSI HORROR CLASSICS (1936-1958). Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi made a series of memorable movies together during the 1930s and ’40s (including The Raven and The Body Snatcher), but those aren’t the titles showcased in this four-picture collection arriving in stores just in time for Halloween. Instead, these are minor efforts featuring one…
Racism in the 21st century
Just when did 2009 turn into 1909? On the heels of the “Jackson Jive’s” recent performance in blackface on Australia’s Hey Hey It’s Saturday TV variety show, French Vogue had the nerve to run an issue featuring models in blackface. I know the lead-time on magazines is months in advance, but this was a bad…
Creature feature: Where the Wild Things Are
Perhaps it’s best to think of Where the Wild Things Are, Spike Jonze’s live-action adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s beloved children’s book, as the PG answer to this past spring’s R-rated Watchmen. In both cases, the filmmakers involved have captured the look and texture of the illustrated page in a manner that is simply breathtaking. The…
National outrage: hard cores going out the door
Every couple of months, North Carolina makes national news for the dysfunctional way the state handles violent criminals. Right on schedule, the state made national news again last week for a court ruling releasing a few dozen rapists, murderers and pedophiles, who will be set free from state prisons Oct. 29. State courts agreed they’d…
Law Abiding Citizen: Lock it up
Vigilante justice in real life is, to put it mildly, highly problematic, but when it comes to cinema, who doesn’t occasionally feel some measure of catharsis in watching a sympathetic protagonist skirt around a deeply flawed legal system and exact his revenge on his own terms? Take, for instance, the original Death Wish. Bad guys…
No diamond rings for This Mockingbird
With Kevin Campbell as Atticus Finch, Ian Michael Johnson as Tom Robinson, Robbie Jaeger as the prosecuting attorney, Jim Greenwood as Bob Ewell, and Annette B. Gill reprising her portrayal Miss Maudie, the frontline performers of Matthews Playhouse’s current production of To Kill a Mockingbird are stronger than their adult counterparts in Davidson Community Players’…
