Sep 21-27, 2010

Sep 21-27, 2010 / Vol. 24 / No. 30

Forecast: Immigration firestorm headed to Charlotte

The growing shit storm that is America’s debate over immigration policy is set to start blowing hard and piling up soon in Charlotte, as the GOP — Bill James, in particular — tries to milk anti-Latino prejudice for all it’s worth. At the Oct. 5 County Commission meeting, James plans to introduce a proposal that…

John Grooms

Pink cupcakes for the birthday girl

Our CL Operations Editor Kim Lawson celebrated her birthday yesterday sans cake. Whaaaaaaat? That’s unacceptable! Today we are celebrating with cupcakes in the office. The birthday girl requested chocolate cupcakes, so here we have chocolate cupcakes filled with creamy ganache, and topped with a girly pink buttercream frosting. The chocolate cupcake recipe is the same…

Priscilla Tsai

Immigrant haters get their 15 minutes in Concord

The U.S. media has gotten into the lazy habit of giving right-wing gripers more coverage than their numbers merit. It happened locally over the weekend when the Mexican Consulate, based in Raleigh, came to Concord High School Saturday to register Mexican citizens for Mexican passports and IDs. (When Mexican nationals return home, they need passports…

John Grooms

Scythian and Buzzov*en

Fiddles, toe tapping and good times or heavy metal, guitars,and rock; you’ve got options with Scythian at Neighborhood Theatre and Buzzo*en at Tremont Music Hall.

Samir Shukla

Homemade Lara Bars

* Warning: This may be the ugliest food I’ve ever made for this blog. After discovering Lara Bars a few days ago, I’ve been obsessed. Most of the Lara Bars only have three ingredients or so and contain no preservatives. And they are gluten free. It’s amazing! Unlike other energy bars that try to pass…

Priscilla Tsai

Renee Elmers’ mosque-scented run for Congress

We’ve seen some oddball campaigns this season, mostly from Tea Party-backed candidates, but until now, most of them at least emphasize relevant issues. Not anymore. Not in North Carolina’s 2nd District. Get ready for Renee Elmers. Locally, we had Tim D’Annunzio’s machinegun trainwreck of a campaign, complete with talk of saving the world from evil,…

John Grooms

More slaughter on South Tryon

The Observer is going through another round of bloodletting. Already stripped to what some of its employees refer to as “skeleton crew” dimensions, the daily paper announced this morning that it will get rid of 20 more positions “through a combination of buyouts, layoffs and frozen job openings.” The cannings, the O says, are all…

John Grooms

Health insurers nix child-only coverage to avoid new law

Just in case you’d forgotten what a slimebag business the health insurance industry has become, here’s something to remind you. Aetna, Wellpoint Inc. (which owns Blue Cross Blue Shield), and other major health insurance companies have suddenly stopped selling policies that are specifically meant for children. In that way, the insurers won’t have to comply…

John Grooms

Failure of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repeal is ‘disgustipating’

As Popeye used to say, “I’m disgustipated.” Yesterday, U.S. Senate Republicans flexed their, ahem, majority of 40 votes (+ 3 Dems) to block a military spending bill that would have repealed the armed forces’ ridiculous, harmful Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy. There’s a lot to be said about the successful GOP filibuster, but few have…

John Grooms

Charlotte banks linked to loser of $18 million consumer lawsuit

In this week’s issue of CL, we told you about Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Wachovia’s links to payday lenders. Our White Knights of Uptown have quite a history of propping up one of the nation’s most disreputable industries, as was documented in detail in a report released last week by National People’s Action,…

John Grooms

Obama smacks clueless hedgefunder

At a televised town hall meeting yesterday, Pres. Obama smacked down a Wall Street hedgefunder who complained that those poor, pitiful folks on Wall Street “felt like a piñata” and were tired of being “wacked with a stick.” OK, it’s Obama, Mr. Be Cool, so you only realized it was a smackdown a few seconds…

John Grooms

OK Go does it again

OK Go has definitely taken the art of videos to a new level every time a song is released. From the infamous treadmills, to the Rube Goldberg machine… This time around, they get the help of dogs. \\\\\\\\\\

Jeff Hahne

The Capital Grille introduces new prix fixe dinner

It’s officially fall tomorrow, and while the air isn’t crisp and chilly here in Charlotte (at least not yet), you can enjoy fall flavors courtesy of The Capital Grille. The Capital Grille has rolled out a new prix fixe dinner menu inspired by the Pacific Northwest. The three-course “Flavors of the Pacific Northwest” menu features…

Priscilla Tsai

One killed in shooting at The Money

Just got word of this — apparently the band Parmalee was hanging out in its RV after a show last night at The Money in Rock Hill, S.C., when two guys tried to rob them. Details of what went down are here. Thoughts go out to the band members — the one who was shot…

Jeff Hahne

International Fest is your ticket to culture

My top two suggestions for anyone going to UNC Charlotte’s annual International Festival (happening this Saturday, Sept. 25): come hungry and bring cash. With around 50 nations represented and a plentiful mound of food, arts and crafts and cultural displays, this fest is tasty, fun and educating. Plus, you’ll be entertained by the “Parade of…

Anita Overcash

Capsule reviews of films playing the week of Sept. 22

THE A-TEAM “Overkill is underrated,” opines group leader “Hannibal” Smith (Liam Neeson) at one point during the course of The A-Team. Clearly, the man isn’t talking about summer films, wherein the whole point of many of these heavily hyped efforts is to render everything louder, larger and more expensive. Still, as far as costly packages…

Matt Brunson

3 questions with Adam Reed, executive chef

Adam Reed has had his fair share of exposure and experience in food, coming from a long line of French chefs and having held a number of varied positions (such as an apprentice at René Pujol’s, and as sous chef at the Russian Tea Room, both in New York). He is also a culinary and…

Victoria Creasy

A little misses sunshine

BONN, Germany — When first lady Michelle Obama started an organic garden at the White House, she sparked a national discussion on food, obesity, health and sustainability. But the green action on the White House lawn hasn’t made it to the White House roof, unfortunately. Back in 1979, President Jimmy Carter installed solar panels on…

Amy Goodman

Mike Posner graduated from Duke and hit the road

Mike Posner walked out of Duke University in May with a 3.59 GPA, a degree in sociology, a record deal and nearly 1 million singles sold of his song, “Cooler Than Me” — recorded, unceremoniously, in his dorm room. Honestly though, what else would you expect from a guy who was bold enough to send…

Mike McCray

FASHION: Charlotte NC Fashion Week

Some people might hear about Charlotte NC Fashion Week and think, “What a crock. There’s no fashion scene here.” But others, like the folks behind PLITZS Fashion Marketing who are producing this three-day event, see the potential the Queen City has to offer. Unbeknownst to many people in our fair city, there are actually a…

Kimberly Lawson

Where to find Fresh Wheat Flour Tortillas

A reader asks where he can find freshly made flour tortillas, or tortilla de harina, in Charlotte. I have written about the tortilleria at Compare, which makes corn tortillas (tortilla de maíz) exclusively. Wheat flour tortillas originated in northern Mexico/southern Texas and were also made by the First Peoples throughout the American Southwest. Northern Mexican…

Tricia Childress

THEATER: Steambath

The idea of heaven being a steambath isn’t that far fetched. After all, the atmosphere is supposed to give rise to a peaceful, relaxing experience. Carolina Actor’s Studio Theatre’s opening production of the season, Steambath is a comedy that takes you beyond cloudy images of the afterlife for a sweaty encounter — did I forget…

Anita Overcash

Drug dogs at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

You may have heard that Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is proposing to bring in drug-sniffing police dogs to curb an increase in drug activity in the school system. Mark Price of The Charlotte Observer recently reported that the actual number of drug incidents last year was 543 students out of 133,774 enrolled, a 13-percent increase. School officials…

Nsenga Burton

FESTIVAL: Charlotte Oktoberfest

In the unfortunate case that you lack the funds to go to Germany for its sacred beertastic Octoberfest, you ought to be thankful for Charlotte Oktoberfest. The event features samples from more than 350 craft brewed beers, in addition to food (bratwurst, pretzels and more), live entertainment and games (table tennis, foosball, corn hole and…

Anita Overcash

Anthony Foxx snubs schools

Charlotte Mayor Anthony Foxx can almost move you to tears with his passion for Charlotte’s public schools. “The public school system is where so many of our young people find a doorway to daylight,” Foxx told The Charlotte Observer last November. Just not his kids, apparently. You’d think, after making the county’s public schools the…

COMEDY: Ben Bailey

Cabbie on the loose! Ben Bailey, the Emmy Award-winning host of the Discovery Channel’s TV show, Cash Cab, will make a stop in the Q.C. for a performance at McGlohon Theatre tonight. Currently on tour for his stand-up, you can expect adult content and language as a part of this trivia king’s final destination. $25.…

Anita Overcash

Sake to me at Enso’s one-year anniversary/birthday

  What is the difference between a birthday and an anniversary when it comes to clubs and bars? If a place has been open for a year, then it’s a year old and thus its first birthday — but then it’s also the 1st anniversary of its opening. I think from now on I’m just…

Brittney Cason

DANCE: Free to Dance

Put on your dancing shoes (even if you think you have two left feet) and make your way over to the North Carolina Dance Theatre School of Dance for free dance lessons this week — as a part of the Arts & Science Council’s cultural free-for-all. Classes, in an assortment of styles like tap, ballet,…

Big banks cozy up to payday lenders

  Drive down Cherry Road in Rock Hill and, within a two-mile stretch, amid the small businesses and fast food joints, you’ll see 20 or more payday loan and auto-title loan companies. You’ll find the same companies’ storefronts in Charlotte, too, but ever since North Carolina limited annual percentage rates to 36 percent, these businesses…

MUSIC: Ed Kowalczyk

Ed Kowalczyk, former front man for the band Live hasn’t changed his tune much now that he’s flying solo. His voice is distinctive enough to set the tone for the evening, whether it’s performing new songs from his solo debut or old songs that Live fans will sing along with. He even rocked out the…

Jeff Hahne

Weekly horoscope Sept. 22-28

Libra The Scales (Sept. 22-Oct. 22): There is likely a crisis of decision in front of you. The subject matter is about property and family matters. It is an old issue, returning for review. At depth the most important factor is who you really are now and where you belong. Pretense no longer becomes you.…

Vivian Carol

THEATER: Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte presents The 39 Steps

Hop onboard as Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte gears up for performances of The 39 Steps — one of Broadway’s longest running comedy thrillers. The show, set on a runaway freight train that’s traveling across 1930s Europe, is comprised of only three actors who play a number of characters — more than 150 — and create…

Anita Overcash

CL previews upcoming concerts (Sept. 22-28)

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 22 JOHN ALEXANDER The jazz scene in Charlotte continues to flourish thanks in part to musicians like John Alexander. The Gastonia native has played all over the world, been featured at the North Carolina Jazz Showcase and Jazz Charlotte, and has jammed out with musical greats such as The Four Tops, K.C. and…

Rambo 3.5, Brightest Day among new comic reviews

As always, I’ve been reading a ton of comic books lately. Here are some quick looks at a few titles I picked up last week: Rambo 3.5: A reader may initially write this comic off as one of those weird, funny indie parodies. But writer/artist Jim Rugg packs a lot of subtext into the hilarious…

Carlton Hargro

Michael Douglas titles among new DVD releases

KILLERS (2010). In Killers, Ashton Kutcher plays a seasoned CIA assassin, which is only slightly more believable than Miley Cyrus portraying Scarlett O’Hara or David Spade tackling General Douglas MacArthur. His character, Spencer Aimes, is tired of his bloody lot in life, though, so after he meets the sheltered Jen Kornfeldt (Katherine Heigl), he quits…

Matt Brunson

Theater review: CAST’s Steambath

When Bruce Jay Friedman penned Steambath in 1970, his novels and short stories had already made him the acknowledged poster boy of black humor, and his first off-Broadway foray, Scuba Duba, had run for nearly 20 months. Back then, the comedy-satire presenting God as a Puerto Rican bath house attendant was a relative flop, as…

Perry Tannenbaum

Easy A earns a B-

Heathers in the 1980s. Clueless in the ’90s. Mean Girls in the noughts. It seems like every decade insists on giving audiences a razor-sharp high school satire centered around the travails of a brainy and likable female protagonist. Easy A appears to be this new decade’s first entry in the sweepstakes, and while it can’t…

Matt Brunson

Store Signing: Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting

The team behind Marvel Comics’ Fantastic Four series — writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Steve Epting — will visit Heroes Aren’t Hard to Find this Wednesday, Sept. 22, to promote their new story arc and to sign copies of Fantastic Four No. 583 (and, I’m sure, other titles). Don’t miss this chance to meet and…

Carlton Hargro

Affleck’s Town worth visiting

Is it safe to assume the “Bennifer” wisecracks are now behind us? Granted, Ben Affleck’s professional dalliances with Jennifer Lopez — specifically, Gigli and Jersey Girl — didn’t exactly aid a career lull further bogged down by the likes of Surviving Christmas and Paycheck. But a better selection of roles as well as a stunning…

Matt Brunson

Exhibit: Queen City Inspires

Mint Hill Arts is celebrating its third anniversary with the opening of its newest exhibition, Queen City Inspires. Though the title is pretty much self-explanatory, I’m still going to point out that it contains a variety of multimedia works — like Rudy Torrico’s “Up Tryon from 3rd” (pictured) — inspired by the city of Charlotte.…

Anita Overcash

Is grass-fed beef better for you than grain-fed beef?

Is grass-fed beef healthier for us than grain-fed beef? I’ve seen the following claims: it’s lower in fat and calories, has more omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins, and is a good source of conjugated linoleic acid. — Diana, Houston Let’s not take a narrow view here, Diana. Fans say grass-fed beef represents a trifecta of…

Cecil Adams

A whole lotta love at A Taste of Philly

Philadelphia is the center of a region famously blessed with renowned street food from mom and pop operations: soft pretzels with yellow mustard, Italian hoagies, and, of course, the cheesesteak. Philly natives who move here have been vociferous about the lack of these foods just as the people from the other side of that state…

Tricia Childress

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