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Sunday, April 20, 2014
Arts / Today's Top Five Today's Top 5: Sunday
Posted By Anita Overcash on Sun, Apr 20, 2014 at 9:00 AM
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, April 20, 2014 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
* Nymph()maniac at Crownpoint Stadium 12
* Blue Man Group at Belk Theater
* Karaoke at Snug Harbor
* Brunch at BLT Steak
* Photos with Easter Bunny at Bass Pro Shop
Saturday, April 19, 2014
Music Miley Cyrus reschedules Charlotte show
Posted By Kimberly Lawson on Sat, Apr 19, 2014 at 2:25 PM
Arts / Today's Top Five Today's Top 5: Saturday
Posted By Anita Overcash on Sat, Apr 19, 2014 at 9:00 AM
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, April 19, 2014 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
* The Last Days of Judas Iscariot at Carolina Actors Studio Theatre
* Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at Time Warner Cable Arena
* Bad Girls Burlesque & Baby Oil Wrestling Event at Marigny
* Rising Appalachia at Visulite Theatre
* Reggae Spring Fling Day Party at The Tavern
Friday, April 18, 2014
Comic Afterthoughts The Secret Service: Behind Mark Millar's next comic film
Posted By Andy Smith on Fri, Apr 18, 2014 at 5:57 PM
While some decry comic creators eager to sell movie rights, Mark Millar has created an express lane between his works and the screen. It started with Wanted, his 2003 series about an unlikely assassin-in-training, which was loosely adapted by Timur Bekmambetov. His cinematic pacing and big ideas translate to films with ease, something he continues to take advantage of as he scripts bold ideas and packages them under the Millarworld moniker.
His collaborations with director Matthew Vaughn began with Kick-Ass, the (originally) realistic take on what happens when a teen wants to turn himself into a superhero. Vaughn helmed the first of the successful Kick-Ass films and produced the second, but with October's release of The Secret Service, we see him back in the director's chair.
Adaptations of Superior and Real Heroes are being tossed around, but with this Comic Afterthoughts post, let's take a look at The Secret Service and what will make this comic yet another hit with filmgoers. The tale sees a world-class, 50-something spy pluck his nephew out of poverty and into his own line of work. The two end up working together to battle the sort of evil genius you find often in comics: a bad guy who claims he's doing a good thing. That's the basic plot. But here are three other things you should know about the upcoming film adaption of this comic.
Arts Five cheap things to do in Charlotte this weekend
Posted By Anita Overcash on Fri, Apr 18, 2014 at 2:30 PM
Going out in Charlotte doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, to prove that statement, we've compiled a list of cheap things to do in the Q.C. this weekend. These events may vary, but they're all entertaining and they won't break your bank (piggy banks excluded).
1,2,3 Spring Kickoff at SouthSide: The event, which celebrates the coming of Spring, will feature music from DJ Method, craft cocktails and drink specials (including $1 Jello shots, $2 beerls and$3 flavored vodkas). Free admission. April 18, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Southside, 1600 Montford Drive.
Rippin Art Show at Black Sheep Skate Shop: More in this week's Art Openings. Free admission. April 18, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Black Sheep Skate Shop, 1504 Camden Road, Suite 200.
Egg Drop at Tilt: Search for plastic eggs - containing vouchers for drinks, shots, candy and T-shirts - that will be hidden throughout the bar. Drink specials include $3 drafts, $3 shots, $4 liquor mixes. DJ Jimmy Hype spins, too. April 19, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tilt, 127 W. Trade St. 704-347-4870. www.tiltontrade.com.
Spring Wake Up at Stutts Marina: Wake boarders and surfers come together for this newbie event, presented by North Point Watersports. There's also a cornhole tournament, live music, food trucks and more. Free admission. April 19, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stutts Marina, 571 Stutts Road, Mooresville.
The Breakfast Club at Amos' Southend: The cover band performs classics from the 1980s. 42, a Coldplay cover band opens. Free tickets available at select Jersey Mikes locations; $10-$12. Amos' Southend, 1423 South Tryon St. 704-377-6874. www.amossouthend.com.
Arts Theater reviews: The Reluctant Dragon
Posted By Perry Tannenbaum on Fri, Apr 18, 2014 at 11:45 AM
When a story points out people's tendency to be unreasonably afraid of things that are bigger and more powerful than they are, the ending can be tragic for the big-and-powerful. If you've never checked Frankenstein or Of Mice and Men out on Netflix, please skip over these spoilers: it doesn't end happily for the Doc's creation or the galumphing Lennie. We can be more hopeful in the realm of modern children's lit, where death isn't dealt out as gratuitously as it was in the good old fairytales.
In the relatively brief history of defanging the nocturnal terrors we once simply slaughtered, The Reluctant Dragon, as penned by Kenneth Grahame in 1898, preceded a similar neutering, Ferdinand the Bull, by nearly 40 years. Does it sound like I abhor these palliative, PC makeovers of the classic bedtime storytelling experience? Well, pelt me with your rainbows and buttercups if you disagree.
As we see so cunningly in the current Children's Theatre of Charlotte's production at ImaginOn, Grahame's yarn, as adapted by Mary Hall Surface and directed by Adam Burke, takes us back centuries to when dragons still reigned as terrors in the minds of innocent children and ignorant villagers. Pulleys and hawser ropes raise the sun, the moon, the clouds, and even the village of Geldemere in Jeffrey D. Kmiec's evocative, fabulously faux set design. Co-conspirator Ryan Wineinger creates a series of rear projections that depict the Dragon and his climactic three-round bout with famed dragonslayer St. George.
News N.C. CEO makes 108 times average worker and let's just all give up now
Posted By Ana McKenzie on Fri, Apr 18, 2014 at 10:42 AM
As if we need another reminder of the increasing wealth gap, the AFL-CIO released some figures this week that show the average CEO of a North Carolina-based company made about $4 million in 2013, 108 times more than the average worker, who took home about $38,985. But that guy might as well be a millionaire compared to minimum-wage employees, which CEOs towered over in a 277:1 ratio.
Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan makes 338 times the average worker and about 871 more than those on minimum wage.
"CEO Executive PayWatch [the name of the findings] calls attention to the insane level of compensation for CEOs, while the workers who create those corporate profits struggle for enough money to take care of the basics," said Richard Trumka, President of the AFL-CIO. "This database is relevant to every community in the country. And we'll use this data to organize and mobilize to lift millions of workers out of poverty and to strengthen the middle class."
News First Drip (4/18/14): Report exalts solar energy, don't speed this week, more
Posted By Ana McKenzie on Fri, Apr 18, 2014 at 10:13 AM
A new report offers some convincing arguments for investing in solar energy, a growing industry in North Carolina. The state has an estimated 3,100 solar-energy jobs, a 121 percent increase from last year. Also, Raleigh ranks 15th in the country for solar projects installed per capita.
Watch your speedometer more than usual starting today. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is cracking down on speeders as part of its "No Need to Speed" campaign. In the last three years there have been 3,600 speeding-related accidents in Mecklenburg.
Wake County officials say there has been a 41 percent increase in teacher resignations in the last year. "School officials said Thursday that 612 of the county's 9,000 teachers have resigned since the beginning of the school year. That compares with 433 resignations during the same time last year."
How do you begin your work day? Your routine could significantly impact productivity. These guys offer some tips for optimal habits, including waking up with a shower and light breakfast (I know, I know, no coffee?!), not answering emails too early, getting creative on your commute and banging out your hardest tasks before lunch.
Music 20 recommendations for Record Store Day
Posted By Jeff Hahne on Fri, Apr 18, 2014 at 9:00 AM
Started in 2008 as a way to support local, independent record stores around the world, Record Store Day happens this Saturday, April 19. Despite the long lines, it's a much anticipated "holiday" of sorts for music fans and collectors everywhere. With more than 400 offerings this year, including vinyl, CDs and cassettes, there's sure to be something for everyone.
The Charlotte-area RSD Pledge stores that are participating are:
Lunchbox Records, 1419-A Central Ave.
Repo Record, 3325 Commonwealth Ave.
Here are 20 recommendations:
* Jake Bugg - Live at Silver Platters (CD and vinyl)
* Built to Spill - Ultimate Alternative Wavers (vinyl)
* The Civil Wars - Live at Eddie's Attic (vinyl)
* Sam Cooke - Ain't That Good News (vinyl)
* Foals - Live at Royal Albert Hall (vinyl)
* Jerry Garcia - Garcia (vinyl)
* Grateful Dead - Live at Hampton Coliseum
* Green Day - Demolicious (CD, vinyl, cassette)
* Husker Du - Candy Apple Grey (vinyl)
* Man Man - The Man in Turban With Blue Face (vinyl)
* Mastodon - Live at Brixton (vinyl)
* Mudhoney - On Top (vinyl)
* Nirvana - "Pennyroyal Tea"/"I Hate Myself and Want to Die" 7" split
* The Notorious B.I.G. - Life After Death (vinyl)
* Ray Parker Jr. - Ghostbusters (glow-in-the-dark vinyl)
* R.E.M. - Unplugged The Complete 1991 and 2001 Sessions
* Side by Side series - split 7" singles with two bands playing the same song. The Cure/Dinosaur Jr.; Devo/The Flaming Lips; Poison Idea/Pantera and more unannounced
* Tame Impala - Live Versions (vinyl)
* The Velvet Underground - Loaded (vinyl)
* Doc Watson - Southbound
Arts / Today's Top Five Today's Top 5: Friday
Posted By Anita Overcash on Fri, Apr 18, 2014 at 9:00 AM
Here are the five best events going down in Charlotte and the surrounding area today, April 17, 2014 as selected by the folks at Creative Loafing.
* Rippin Art Show at Black Sheep Skate Shop
* Vintage Glamour Swimwear Fashion Show at Suite
* DJ Kool's Good Friday Takeover at Vibrations
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Question the Queen City: The haunting of Love’s Pass
The railroad pass has claimed at least 14 lives
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The Secret Service: Behind Mark Millar's next comic film
Here are some things you should know about the upcoming movie adaption.
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