Newsweek Blogger Checks In From Charlotte About McCain's VP Pick

How Palin Played on the Plane

By Andrew Romano

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--John McCain really, really wants to win. So badly, in fact, that he chose a veep who suffers from the same problem he's always criticizing Obama for--inexperience. Only worse.

I just landed here in North Carolina after taking a 6:45 a.m. flight out of Denver. This meant, of course, that I didn't get to experience the revelation of McCain's new running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, in real time. But the flight did provide me with what was arguably a more interesting vantage point on the announcement: from the cabin of a Boeing A321 packed with Democratic delegates, strategists and various and sundry other politicos, all of whom learned the news simultaneously, the moment we touched down, from the tiny flickering screens of our trusty CrackBerries.

The best way to describe the reaction aboard U.S. Airways Flight 1520: shock and awe.

Click here for the entire blog post.

Nelly Performing Free Concert Sept. 4

UPDATE 9/6/08: Click here to read a review of the concert.


Nelly will perform a free show at Neighborhood Theatre on September 4. The concert is being presented by Myspace and T-Mobile Sidekick. The St. Louis rapper, who is no stranger to Charlotte as a minority owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, is promoting his new album, Brass Knuckles, which is scheduled to be released September 16.

Neighborhood Theatre holds just under 1,000 people and tickets are going to be very hard to come by. If you aren't lucky enough to get in, you'll be able to watch it live on Myspace. Click here for more info.

Rickles and Smith: Separated at Birth?

I'm watching Jimmy Kimmel Live right now and comedian Don Rickles is one of the guests. Seeing Rickles made me realize that he has an uncanny resemblance to billionaire Lowe's Motor Speedway owner Bruton Smith.

See if you can figure out who is who.

New Movie About Billy Graham

Billy: The Early Years of Billy Graham hits theaters October 10. The movie depicts Graham's life as a teenager, through college, and his road to becoming one of the most famous religious leaders in the world. Much of the movie showcases his life in Charlotte.

Here's the trailer.



For more info, visit the movie's official website.

Kournikova Is Coming!

I saw an ad today in the September issue of Charlotte magazine for The Championships at The Palisades tennis tournament. This is the third year for the tournament being held at the Tim Wilkison Tennis Complex at The Palisades, an upscale neighborhood on Lake Wylie. I was offered tickets each of the past two years, but each time I was unable to make it. I'll be there this year, though. Why? Because Anna Kournikova will be there. Enough said. Oh, and Man Law.

The tournament is September 24-28, and Kournikova is scheduled to play in mixed doubles exhibitions during both the day and night sessions on Saturday, September 27. Click here for more info.

It's Back to School!

Around the city, 130,000 kids are heading back to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. I had to go out this morning to run a quick errand and back-to-school was in the air. Kids standing at bus stops. Buses slowing up traffic. I saw a mother kneeling at a bus stop with her daughter who had to be about six years old--it was so adorable. I remember what it was like for the first day of school.

I woke up around 3:30 this morning and was not able to go back to sleep. It's as if my internal clock knew it was the first day of school. Never mind the fact that I've been out of school for years. But that's how I would be as a kid, restless the night before school started back. In one sense I would dread the end of summer, but in another I would be excited to go back. Excited to be wearing my new "school clothes." Excited to see the friends I hadn't seen all summer. Excited to see what girls would be in my class. Man Law (or maybe that's Boy Law).

Hey kids, enjoy this memorable time in your lives. You'll never experience anything else like it.

Linking You to Young Professionals

Charlotte has a lot of young professional organizations. And these groups can be a great way to meet people as well as advance in your career. We're the third fastest growing city for people ages twenty-five to thirty-nine, so I guess local organizations are just trying to keep up with demand.

I've added a list of links under "Charlotte Young Professionals Organizations" in the right column on this site. I dare you to find a more comprehensive list anywhere! But I'm sure I've left off some so if you know of any YPOs that should be added, please email me at jarvish@grownpeopletalking.com. (Note: I don't plan to include Internet-based organizations like those on Meetup.com or groups on Facebook, etc.)

Panthers Rookies' Bad Luck With Cars

While reading a news story just now about "One of Charlotte's Most Wanted," I learned that Carolina Panthers rookie Jeff Otah recently had his Cadillac Escalade stolen. Otah's brother was driving his SUV and was carjacked in uptown.

First of all, have you noticed that there seems to be a large number of carjackings happening in Charlotte lately?

And secondly, it seems like it is now bad luck to be a Panthers rookie and own a nice, new car. Last summer, then-Panthers rookie wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett had his BMW 645 totaled when he was hit while driving on the interstate.

Note to Panthers rookies, and to Charlotte Bobcats rookies for that matter: I know one of the first things you buy with your big, new paycheck is a fancy whip, but be aware of your surroundings. Charlotte isn't as small and slow as you may think. And don't forget, nearly three years ago, as a player for the Bobcats, Melvin Ely was robbed of $30,000 worth of jewelry while leaving a local strip club.

'First' Arrest Made In Park

A couple of weeks ago I blogged about my thoughts on Mecklenburg County's new ordinance that bans sex offenders from county parks ("Why Our Justice System Is Broken: Part 1").

Now, the first arrest has been made in violation of that ordinance. See video below.

More Proof There's Stuff To Do Here

I'm always telling people there's a lot to do in Charlotte. Some don't agree. One of the things I try to do with this blog is prove them wrong. So, many of my blog posts are event or activity related. And I began to realize that there's stuff to do here that a lot of people just don't know about.

So rather than only write about individual places I'd gone or events I'd attended, I decided about six weeks ago to also list weekly events (look for the link in the right column under "Proof There's Stuff To Do In Charlotte"). For the most part, these are events that I, as a young professional, would attend. I pull events from a couple of local websites, but I also receive a lot of events through email lists I'm on and press releases I receive. So, many of the events I have on here you don't often find on other sites (I'm bragging).

The event listings have quickly become the most popular part of this blog. (Well, that and my single post months ago about Fantasia and Young Dro. Thanks to Google and other search engines, that is my most visited post. Who knew?!)

Just now I added a couple of more events to the list for this week. They were a result of two press releases I received this morning. And I must say that there's truly plenty going on this week, particularly Thursday and Saturday. And I'm very pleased at the variety: live jazz at a museum, several cocktail socials, a hip-hop event at a skate park, a political convention party, a 20s themed gala. Not one of those events is at a nightclub. So see, there IS plenty to do in Charlotte. Now, go do it!

And while I'm self-promoting, I must mention that I'm now writing a monthly "At Night" column in the Eat, Drink section of Charlotte magazine. I'll be reviewing great places to go—at night. Look for the first one in the September issue, which should be hitting newsstands around the end of the week.

Ask These Local Companies for a Job

Each year, Inc. magazine ranks the 500 highest-growth private companies in the country. The magazine actually expanded the popular list to 5,000 this year, but we'll just focus on the crème de la crème. Four local companies made the top 500 and they are: Red Ventures (Charlotte) at No. 17, FireFold (Concord) at No. 73, nGroup (Fort Mill, S.C.) at No. 246, and Red F (Charlotte) at No. 476.

Red Ventures is a marketing firm that solicits new customers for national companies such as DirectTV, Sirius satellite radio, and ADT security systems. The company’s revenue grew to more than $103 million in 2006 from $1.7 million in 2003.

If salaries are increasing at Red Ventures as quickly as revenue (more than 5,000 percent in three years), sign me up.

FireFold specializes in retail sales of audio and video cables and other accessories for high-definition television. Its revenue grew to $6 million in 2006 from $200,000 in 2003.

nGroup is a human resources firm that supplies temporary workers to manufacturing and distribution operations. Its clients include The Home Depot Inc. and Target Corp, and revenue grew to $6 million in 2006 from $510,000 in 2003.

Red F, a marketing firm, focuses on nontraditional marketing methods for clients that include Wachovia Corp. and DirectTV. It increased its revenue to $12.8 million in 2006 from $1.7 million in 2003.

Thirty-four other area companies made the top 5,000. Inc. has published the full list in its September issue, and it's also available at www.inc.com.

Illegal Immigrants Aren't Stupid

Check out this excerpt from a recent Associated Press story.

Just six illegal immigrants volunteered to leave the United States in the first week of a pilot program inviting nearly a half-million people to self-deport, federal officials said.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement program is aimed at more than 450,000 illegal immigrants who have received but ignored court orders to leave the country and who also have no criminal records. It is available in just five cities: Santa Ana, Calif., San Diego, Chicago, Phoenix and Charlotte, N.C.

The six who signed up by Wednesday evening included an Estonian in Phoenix, an Indian husband and wife and a Guatemalan in Chicago, a Salvadoran in Charlotte and a Mexican in San Diego, said Virginia Kice, an ICE spokeswoman in San Diego.

The program offers a less disruptive option than arrest and instant jailing by Immigration agents who track down Immigration fugitives at their homes or workplaces, officials said. It gives those who participate up to three months to wrap up their personal affairs and to know that agents won't be busting into their homes.

Even through there are few takers so far, ICE has registered increased reader activity on its Web site, and the agency also has received "more than a handful" of calls with questions about the program to a telephone hot line, Kice said.

Some callers have asked whether the program will be available in more than the five pilot cities, which include Santa Ana, Calif. "This was a pilot program that we wanted to undertake to see what kind of a response we'd get," Kice said.

It's modeled after an established self-surrender program that the U.S. Marshal's Service uses, Kice said.

ICE has 90 teams nationwide charged with rounding up fugitives who have ignored deportation orders, said ICE spokesman Vincent Picard in Phoenix.

While Picard and Kice said the program will be evaluated once it ends Aug. 22 to decide whether it has any future, critics have snickered at the whole idea.

"I said they must be out of their minds," said Jon Garrido, a Phoenix entrepreneur and online publisher who writes extensively about Hispanic affairs. "Nobody's going to do that."

Events for the Week: August 18-24

Note: If I learn of more events, I’ll update this post throughout the week.

Tuesday, August 19

Tone X and Friends (weekly event)
Enjoy a night of stand-up comedy, live skits, improv, and music, along with a performance by the Hunnie Dipz Dancers. $15. 8 p.m. Skandalos, 5317 E. Independence Blvd. 704-890-0771.

Wednesday, August 20

Young Jeezy
He’s one of the hottest rappers today, known for his hood credibility. And he’ll certainly be performing in front of a hood crowd. Cost varies. 10 p.m. Crush Nightclub, 300 E. Stonewall St. www.crushcharlotte.com.

The Klazzy Lounge @ Bebe
Klazzy Magazine is holding an exclusive event at Bebe at Northlake Mall that will showcase the store's fall line. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres and wine will be served. Music by a special guest DJ. You must RSVP to attend. 6-9 p.m. 6801 Northlake Mall Dr.

Thursday, August 21

Third Thursdays: Live Jazz
Enjoy live jazz, light refreshments, and great art during special late hours at the museum. This month’s featured musician is Calvin Edwards. Sponsored by V101.9. Mint Museum of Craft + Design, 220 N. Tryon St. Free. 5-8 p.m. (music 6:30-7:30 p.m.) www.mintmuseum.org.

Alive After Five (weekly event)
This Charlotte staple is in its eighth year. From spring to fall you’ll find Charlotte’s professionals coming to this outdoor after-work party each Thursday. Free. 5-9 p.m. Wachovia Plaza, corners of Tryon St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. www.charlottealiveafterfive.com.

Epicentre at Five (weekly event)
Epicentre is the new hotspot, with its new bars and clubs (Whisky River, Suite, Howl at the Moon, BlackFinn, and more to come). And now there’s an outdoor after-work party to compete with Alive After Five. Free. 5 p.m. Pavilion at Epicentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.epicentreat5.com.

Business After Hours
This event is held at a different venue each month and this time it is getting sporty. Enjoy food and drinks while mingling with Charlotte’s business leaders and professionals. Presented by the Charlotte Chamber. $15 for non-Charlotte Chamber members (free for members). 5:30-7:30 p.m. Bass Pro Shops, 8181 Concord Mills Blvd. www.charlottechamber.com.
GPT says: Business After Hours is a great way to meet people on both a professional and personal level. It made Charlotte magazine’s list of “Best Places to Meet People.”

Cufflinks and Cocktails
Presented by Charlotte’s Kappas, this monthly event draws an elite group of professionals. Free. 6-10 p.m. GW Fins, 525 N. Tryon St. www.cltkappas.com/cufflinks-cocktails.

Martini Mingle (weekly event)
Mingle with young professionals in a relaxed setting with some good drinks. Presented by IKON Entertainment. Free. 7 p.m. Presto Bar & Grill, 445 W. Trade St. www.ikonent.com.

Friday, August 22

Fashion Friday
Models will be showcasing fall fashions. Enjoy chocolate martini specials and free giveaways. Music by DJ R-Senal. Presented by JSW Media Group. Free. 8:30 p.m. Salara Bistro, 14825 John J. Delaney Dr. www.salarabistro.com.

Yin & Yang: The Black and White Party
Black and white attire is requested at this sure-to-be sexy night out at this beautiful new lounge. Presented by Digital Divas. Music by DJ Rham. Advance tickets $10. 10 p.m. KISS Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.digitaldivasevents.com.

Saturday, August 23

BattleSlamJam
This third annual event features competitive skateboarding, art, break dancing, music, and many elements of hip-hop culture. Free. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Presented by Create Don’t Hate Productions. Grayson Skate Park, 750 Beal St. www.battleslamjam.com.
GPT says: Hip-hop, it started out in the park….

International Art Market (weekly event)
Experience art, music, and food from around the world. Free. 4-10 p.m. Area 15, corner of 15th and N. Davidson streets, NoDa. www.areafifteen.com.

"Life Is Political" Convention Party
GenerationEngage presents this bipartisan celebration of the Democratic and Republican National conventions. Event features a screening of Darfur Now (5 p.m.), a Mecklenburg County Commissioner Candidates Forum (7:30 p.m.), and will conclude with a concert featuring local musicians. Free. 4:30 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. www.generationengage.org/state/chltt/indexnew.php.

Great Gatsby Gala
The 20th annual Roaring 20s themed party is expected to draw more than 700 guests in period attire. Complimentary beverages and food from 15 local Charlotte restaurants will be served. Event will also feature a costume contest, dance competition and exhibition, and a silent auction. All proceeds benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Mid-Atlantic Chapter. $75 advance, $100 door. 8 p.m.-midnight. Two Wachovia (Wachovia Atrium), 301 North Tryon St. www.nationalmssociety.org/ncp.

Cream & Butter Affair 2
Six Figure Entertainment presents its biggest event of the year at a very auspicious venue. Cream attire is suggested. Music by DJ Flemingo. Advance tickets $15. 10 p.m. Ballantyne Village Theatre, 14814 John J. Delaney Dr. www.sixfigureentertainment.com.
GPT says: Six Figure’s events usually draw a large crowd of well-dressed young professionals.

Sunday, August 24

The Sunday Night Jazz Suite (weekly event)
Local, regional, and national jazz artists perform in an intimate setting. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and a wine tasting reception. $15. 6:30 p.m. Madison’s, 115 E. 5th. St.
GPT says: This could be a great Sunday night date.

Ssshh! Sensual Seduction Sundays (weekly event)
Enjoy an infusion of open-mic poetry and jazz over candle light. After-party and dancing follows. Presented by Pink Diamond. 9 p.m. $5 before 10 p.m. if you RSVP. Happy Hour Bar and Lounge, 3603 S. Tryon St. www.pinkdiamondpromo.com.

'Pop Life' On Pause

Below is the message I received in an email about an hour ago from the organizer of Pop Life, the highly attended Wednesday night event that had been held each week at Loft 1523.

Pop Life and INFUSION will no longer be held at Loft 1523. Although I'm really hurt by this unfortunate turn of events, I promise you that we will be back soon at a new location that has yet to be named--bigger and better than ever.

In a nutshell, we (Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen) determined that we should break ties with Loft and move forward.

All the folks behind Pop Life want to thank you for the love and support you've shown us while holding our events at Loft 1523. I've met many good people since this event moved to this location in April. As mentioned earlier, we will be back soon, so be ready to start all over again when I release the new date and venue for Pop Life! We thank the staff at Loft for the service they provided.

Michael Kitchen
The Sol Kitchen
www.thesolkitchen.com

IMAX Is the Way to Go, I'm Telling You

Exactly a month ago, I blogged about how you should "Experience Movies Differently In Charlotte," with one of those ways being the IMAX Dome Theatre at Discovery Place in uptown. Well, yesterday I took my own advice and went to see Dark Knight at the IMAX. My brother and I took our three nephews (ages 9, 11, and 12) and my girlfriend met us there. None of us had seen Dark Knight yet. I'm glad we saw it there.

The reason I'm on here talking about IMAX again is because I don't hear enough people, at least not my friends, talking about it. When most speak of going to the movies they usually talk about going to one of the AMC theaters on South Boulevard, at Concord Mills or Northlake malls, or one of the other multiplexes around town. Those are all fine and dandy and show a large variety of movies so it usually makes most sense to go to the one nearest you. IMAX only shows one mainstream film at a time (the other two that play are usually science or history films, often coinciding with an exhibit at Discovery Place).

It felt like he was looking at me.

So you don't have a whole lot of options at IMAX, but if you were planning to see Dark Knight, I promise you would have enjoyed it more there. (I'm speaking in past tense because many of you have likely seen it already. It spent four weeks as the number one movie in the country until Tropic Thunder knocked it off this weekend.) The three-story screen, which hovers above you, makes you feel as if you're in the movie. And that's a great experience for an action-packed movie like Dark Knight.

I'm not sure what the next movie to show at the IMAX will be. One of them probably would've been Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, originally scheduled to be released November 21, but on Thursday Warner Bros. announced it would be moving the release date to next summer. (Click here to read how that move left Entertainment Weekly with egg on its face).

So my point is, do yourself a favor and put the IMAX theater on your radar from now on. I want to see more people my age there instead of throngs of kids like the ones who sat behind us kicking the seat (we went in the afternoon, so I'm sure the night showings have more adults).

When Obama Didn't Come It Was Scary

When presidential candidate Barack Obama was scheduled to speak in Charlotte last month, the plane carrying him from Chicago began experiencing mechanical problems and had to make an emergency landing in St. Louis. To the dismay of awaiting locals, Obama had to cancel the engagement but did phone in to thank those who had assembled at the private event. Today, news agencies are reporting that the plane's problems were more serious than the FAA had stated at the time. See video below.




Here's how the story was originally reported last month.

House Swapping—I Don't Know

You may be familiar with the concept of house swapping. If you're not, I'll fill you in. It's when a person trades his/her home for another person's home. People often do it when they're having difficulty selling their home, and it's common that the traders are moving out of state. So, say if you took a job in Richmond, Virginia and had trouble selling your home in Charlotte, you'd look to see if there was a homeowner in Richmond who was looking to sell his home to move to Charlotte. If the property values were similar, you might make an even trade. If not, one party would throw in some cash to make up the difference.

When I first heard of the concept, I thought it was strange. But in this struggling economy in which the housing market is hurting, it not only makes sense but it has become the only option for many people. On Charlotte's Craigslist, there's a housing swap section. You'll find posts that say: "Looking to trade Lake Worth, FL residence" or "Looking to relocate to Charlotte from Tampa." In addition to Craigslist, which some people probably use because it's free, there are dozens of websites devoted to house swapping (for a fee).


But I'll tell you what blows my mind: the fact that people are swapping homes for vacations. In these temporary swaps, you would offer up your home to a person or family for a specified period of time to stay at their place. I could see someone wanting to stay at my house during race week, but they would need to live somewhere like Miami for me to be interested. This is something else that's being done more because of the economy. People looking to save money on vacations by not having to spend on hotels are swapping homes. I imagine they would also save on food since they would have full use of a kitchen as opposed to eating out during the entire trip.

One of the popular websites to do a home exchange, as they're also called, for a vacation is Digsville.com. I don't think I could do this type of swap, though. There are too many crazies in this world. I wouldn't feel comfortable having strangers live in my house for a week. Who knows what they've done while you're gone? Some sicko might even install hidden cameras.

Cullen Jones Is a Star

Cullen Jones, who lives in Charlotte and trains at the Mecklenburg Aquatic Club, has become a media darling since winning an Olympic gold medal (Monday Beijing time, Sunday our time) as a member of the U.S. 4x100 relay swim team. Jones is only the second African-American swimmer to ever win an Olympic gold medal. His relay team, which includes swim god Michael Phelps, also set a world record with their time.

Below are videos from a couple of his recent interviews. The first is from the Today Show and the second is from the Associated Press.

Concerned About Crime? Tell the Chief

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Rodney Monroe, who started his post in June, will be holding a series of community meetings around the city. The first "Meet the Chief" meeting is tonight, 6-7:30 p.m., at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 3400 Beatties Ford Road. That meeting is designed for residents in northwest Charlotte.

The next meeting, for residents in the university area, will be August 19 at Vance High School, 7600 IBM Drive. Hats off to the chief for making himself available to answer citizens' questions.

Below is video of Monroe's recently announced reorganization plans for CMPD.

Events for the Week: August 11-17

Note: If I learn of more events, I'll update this post throughout the week.

Tuesday, August 12

Tone X and Friends (weekly event)
Enjoy a night of stand-up comedy, live skits, improv, and music, along with a performance by the Hunnie Dipz Dancers. $15. 8 p.m. Skandalos, 5317 E. Independence Blvd. 704-890-0771.

Wednesday, August 13

Lunch and Stillettos
On the second Wednesday of each month enjoy free hors d’ouevres and personal shoe shopping. Free. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Epiphany Shoes, 136 Brevard Ct. 704-332-SHOE, www.epiphanyshoeboutique.com.
GPT says: Who don't understand a broad with a mean shoe game / Who's up on Dot Dot Dot and Vera Wang. —“Change Clothes,” Jay-Z

YAMs Happy Hour
The Young Affiliates of the Mint are holding happy hour at the Epicentre’s newest venue. Free. 6-9 p.m. 210 E. Trade St. Free. www.blackfinncharlotte.com.
GPT says: The Young Affiliates of the Mint (Museum) is a good organization to join if you like art and drinking.

Pop Life (weekly event)
This is the city’s most popular Wednesday networking event. Enjoy a great view of the city while listening to music by local DJs, sometimes accompanied by live instruments. Sponsored by Creative Loafing and the Sol Kitchen. Free. 6 p.m. Loft 1523, 1523 Elizabeth Ave. www.thesoulmovement.com.
GPT says: The crowd, filled with attractive movers and shakers, usually peaks around 9 p.m., but people often hang well past 11.

Thursday, August 14

Alive After Five (weekly event)
This Charlotte staple is in its eighth year. From spring to fall you’ll find Charlotte’s professionals coming to this outdoor after-work party each Thursday. Free. 5-9 p.m. Wachovia Plaza, corners of Tryon St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Free. 5-9 p.m. Wachovia Plaza, corners of Tryon St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. www.charlottealiveafterfive.com.

Epicentre at Five (weekly event)
Epicentre is the new hotspot, with its new bars and clubs (Whisky River, Suite, Howl at the Moon, BlackFinn, and more to come). And now there’s an outdoor after-work party to compete with Alive After Five. Free. 5 p.m. Pavilion at Epicentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.epicentreat5.com.

Martini Mingle (weekly event)
Network with young professionals in a relaxed setting and cool bar. Presented by IKON Entertainment. Free. 7-11 p.m. Rustic Martini, 616 N. Tryon St. www.ikonent.com.

Touch One Thursday (weekly event)
Come and enjoy a live band and spoken word by Concrete Generation. $10. 9 p.m. Wine Up, 3306 N. Davidson St. www.wine-up.com.
GPT says: Wine Up is the home base for Charlotte’s flourishing spoken word and slam poetry scene. You’re guaranteed to enjoy it, so long as you’re not easily offended.

Friday, August 15

Free Friday Flicks
Play hooky from work and catch a movie for the afternoon. This week's showing is Step Up 2 the Streets. Free. 3 p.m. ImaginOn, 300 E. Seventh St. 704-973-2780, www.imaginon.org.

Salara Bistro Lounge
If you’re looking for something to do in Ballantyne, here it is. Experience an eclectic blend of music by DJ Hevi. Free. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Salara Bistro, 14825 John J. Delaney Dr. www.salarabistro.com.

Infusion: I Love the 90s Edition
DJ Spinna will be playing the best in hip-hop, R&B, house, pop, and more from the 90s. Presented by The Sol Kitchen. $10 and up. 9 p.m. Loft 1523, 1523 Elizabeth Ave. www.thesolkitchen.com.

Saturday, August 16

International Art Market (weekly event)
Experience art, music, and food from around the world. Free. 4-10 p.m. Area 15, corner of 15th and N. Davidson streets, NoDa. www.areafifteen.com.

Poetry In Motion
Charlotte’s nationally acclaimed slam poets take the stage with other wordsmiths from around the country. Music by a DJ and live band. Presented by Touch One Productions. $20 in advance, $25 at the door. 8 p.m. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. www.touch1productions.com.

Antawn Jamison’s Annual NBA Black and White Affair
Video vixen Angel Lola Luv hosts the party for Charlotte native and Washington Wizards star Antawn Jamison. Other NBA and NFL players are expected to be in attendance. Black and white attire is suggested. Cost varies. 10 p.m. Club Eclipse, 3746 N. Davidson St. www.ez-tixx.com.
GPT says: Charlotte’s professional athletes tend to hang out together so expect to see plenty of them here. Get those little black dresses and heels ready, ladies.

Soul Bowl Lounge
The popular bowling and social networking event is held in a dozen cities including Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York. In addition to knocking down pins, enjoy live music, food, and card games. $25. 10 p.m. AMF Carolina Lanes, 11210 Brigman Rd., Matthews. www.soulbowllounge.com.
GPT says: It’s bowling—black folks style.

Sunday, August 17

American Idols Live
It's your chance to see the ten finalists from season 7 in person, including the deuling Davids (Archuleta and Cook). $39.50-$68.50. 7 p.m. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. www.timewarnercablearena.com.
GPT says: Isn't it funny that each year this tour is sponsored by Pop-Tarts?

Def Poetry Charlotte (weekly event)
Hosted by popular Slam Charlotte poet Bluz, this event is an open mic for spoken word artists. 9 p.m. Allure, 1508 S. Mint St. 704-713-7703.

The Sunday Night Jazz Suite
Local, regional, and national jazz artists perform in an intimate setting. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and a wine tasting reception. $15. 6:30 p.m. Madison’s, 115 E. 5th. St.
GPT says: This could be a great Sunday night date spot.

Pole Dancing—It’s Good For You

Most of us are living more sedentary lives, not exercising the way we should. As a result, the number of overweight Americans is at an all-time high. For us guys, if we want to get more active we might join an intramural sports team. For you ladies, there's an activity you might enjoy as well: pole dancing.

The phenomenon has been increasing among professional women over the last couple of years. The report CNN did yesterday can tell you better than I can. See video below.



Many of you women are surely familiar with this workout concept, either having tried it yourself or heard friends and coworkers talking about it. If you haven't tried it yet, what are you waiting for? You can go to any of B-Risqué Fitness' four Charlotte area locations. The Charlotte-based company has grown to that number of locations because of its creative style of workouts, and has expanded into several other cities as well. While it offers about 50 different workouts, it is the pole classes that are most popular.

We men have been proponents of pole dancing for years. It's good to see that fitness experts are now siding with us. So ladies, it's official. Pole dancing is good for your long-term health. Man Law.

Jordan's Six Rings Debut Saturday

Sneakerheads have had August 16 circled on their calendars for months. It's the day the Jordan Six Rings sneaker will be released. The pair is designed from each of the six sneakers Michael Jordan wore during his six NBA Championship wins. The debut color is black, varsity red, and white.

Kids used to cut school to buy these shoes on the release date, so it was moved to Saturdays.

Jordan sneaker release dates are still a big deal. Not as big a deal as they were when I was a kid, when Jordan was the most incredible thing to witness in sports, but it's still a cultural phenomenon. You have to marvel at a guy who continues to sell the most anticipated sneakers years after he's retired from playing. What I want to see now is more perks since he's a part-time resident of Charlotte. I talk about this all the time, partly because I'm a fan but mostly because it's important.

We need to have special release parties in Charlotte, signings at local sneaker stores, Jordan Brand fashion shows—something. I know Jordan says he doesn't want his celebrity to overshadow the Charlotte Bobcats, the team which he is a part owner and the managing member of basketball operations, but screw that. This has nothing to do with the Bobcats. This is about the kids who run out to buy your shoes and the men who buy Hanes all so they can be more like you.

Jordan is the 2008 Citizen of the Carolinas award winner, an honor given each year by the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce to a citizen from either North or South Carolina who has brought positive recognition to the two states. He'll receive the award at the Chamber's annual meeting in November. While Jordan is certainly deserving of many awards—and of course has won many—I'm not exactly sure why he's winning this award this year.

Is there something he did in the past year that had a direct impact on the Carolinas? Doing some of the things I mentioned above would.

John Edwards Weakens My Argument That Not All Men Cheat

I've spent the past hour watching the breaking news coverage of John Edwards admitting to having an extramarital affair. ABC News broke the story when Edwards admitted it today during an interview that's being taped to air on Nightline tonight.

Shame, shame on the former North Carolina senator and presidential candidate. I used to look up to Edwards. He's a Carolina boy who made it out of poverty to earn his law degree and to become a rich and successful attorney. But unlike many who've "made it," Edwards has dedicated his life's work to a mission to end poverty. Sure, he caught a lot of flack last year for his $400 hair cut, but the man was on the path to being a great leader. Until now.

Rumors of Edwards' affair plagued him for months. All the while he denied it, often times refusing to answer the question, appearing insulted by it. Most likely he admitted to the affair with Rielle Hunter, a filmmaker whom he had hired to film web videos during his campaign, because of the looming Democratic National Convention. Edwards wouldn't have wanted to be a distraction and people would have wondered why one of the party's brightest stars wasn't there. Now they know why he won't be there.

I used to look up to you, sir.

I'm disappointed in Edwards. Sure, he's human; people make mistakes; nobody's perfect; he isn't the first and won't be the last to cheat; saints have a past and sinners have a future. But I'm disappointed in Edwards mostly because he's weakening my argument.

I get into frequent discussions with a good friend of mine who says she believes that all men cheat. She says if and when she decides to get married, as difficult as it may be, she'll just have to bring herself to accept that and hopefully she and her marriage would be able to survive it. I tell her that I don't think all men cheat. I'm not married, but I've never cheated on a girlfriend (do you see the halo above my head?). And I have no plans to ever cheat. But perhaps men like John Edwards, who's been married for 31 years, whose wife has cancer nonetheless, never planned to cheat either.

In a time when fewer people are getting married and even fewer are staying together, I need a reason to believe. I need the guy who cares so much about ending poverty, who's a great leader, who had millions of people vote for him, who tells the story of how every year for thirty years he and his wife have celebrated their wedding anniversary at Wendy's because that's where they celebrated their very first anniversary—I need that guy to be the man I thought he was.

His affair shouldn't discredit any of the great work he's done. But it discredits the man he is. My mom, who often gives her sons advice on how to avoid the ills of the world, often says that "nothing can pull a man down faster than a woman." The first time I heard her say that I was surprised because it was coming from a woman. But I don't think she was saying that to put the blame on women, but instead to illustrate what can happen when a man can't control himself around a woman.

We've seen far too many men who seemingly had too much to lose, risk it all for an affair. Bill Clinton. Michael Jordan. Eliot Spitzer. Reverend this. Doctor that. John Edwards. Come on guys, you're killing me.

Why Our Justice System Is Broken: Part 1

Here on GPT, I don't just talk about fun and good times (though I do most often). From time to time, I try to discuss issues. True, it's been awhile, but I've discussed race and politics several times. And those are certainly two of the touchiest subjects amongst people. But since this is indeed Grown People Talking, we must be sure to do just that.

Well, this may be a topic that makes some uncomfortable and many may disagree with my argument, but I have a problem with an ordinance that Mecklenburg County passed yesterday. In an 8-1 vote, county commissioners enacted an ordinance that bans sex offenders from county parks. Let me first say that I think that people who commit sex crimes are despicable human beings, especially when those acts involve children. And I'm a strong believer in victim's rights.

But let's stop and think for a second. What other types of crimes are punished in as many ways as sex offenses? If I killed someone, served 30 years in prison and was then released, I would be able to go to a park just like anyone who's never committed a crime. Plus, if I was that murderer, I would also be able to live wherever I want without having to register the way that sex offenders are required to.

Do I think sex offenders should be treated easier? Heck no. But I believe that all people should be treated fairly even if they have a criminal history. Our justice system is broken. I'm sure most would agree that it is designed more to punish than to rehabilitate. I believe that if you do the crime you should do the time. But let's not pretend like we're not giving people lifetime punishments and are just not calling it such.

I can tell you what's at the heart of this new ban: people's concern for their children. I'm not a parent, but I'm sure if I was I would do whatever I could to protect my kids, too. But we can't allow fear to push us too far. So far that we think we can solve problems or prevent crimes simply by boxing people in then releasing them and boxing them out.

Previously passed sex offender laws also prohibit offenders from coming within 1,000 feet of schools or day cares. That law is obviously designed to protect children. But, again, a convicted killer could pick his kids up from those places. Probably even serve on the PTA if no one knew about his past, which they probably wouldn't because he doesn't have to register.

I remember seeing something on TV several years ago, and I apologize that I don't recall all of the details, but it was something about someone proposing that we place all sex offenders on an island and force them to live there for the rest of their lives. It was called ridiculous and unfeasible at the time. But it might not be that far away.

As I got to the end of this blog post, I realized that there are several other things that I think is wrong with our justice system. And since I usually come up with the titles of these posts at the end, I've decided to make this a series, which makes this part 1.

KISS Lounge: This Time It's 'Official'

KISS Lounge is holding its "official" grand opening party this Friday, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. While several events have been held there during the last three weeks, management says this is the big deal. I went to KISS for the first time a couple of weeks ago to the CNN Black In America viewing party that Digital Divas held there.

I used to date a chick who resembles her.

If you go to KISS, I think you'll be thoroughly impressed. It's an upscale, Miami-esque lounge. The location may be a little off-putting at first (it's next to The Red Door and The Gentleman's Club), but don't let that deter you. The guys running this place (the same ones behind the Sunset Club) know how to do it right. And I'm actually glad to see a club opening in Charlotte somewhere other than uptown.

KISS Lounge
204 W. Woodlawn Rd., Suite H
www.kisscharlotte.com

Charlotte Bobcats Announce 2008-09 Schedule

I'm going to be lazy right now and simply post the press release. I'll share my thoughts on the upcoming season later.


Team Opens With Eight of Its First 10 Games at Home

August 6, 2008 – The National Basketball Association announced the 2008-09 NBA regular-season schedule today and the Charlotte Bobcats will open on Thursday, October 30 at Cleveland versus the LeBron James-led Cavaliers. The Bobcats schedule also features 21 weekend home dates, including 11 Saturday night games.

Eight of the Bobcats first 10 games will be at home, highlighted by visits from 2008 NBA Olympians Dwyane Wade and the Miami Heat on Nov. 1, Tayshaun Prince and the Detroit Pistons on Nov. 3, Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets on Nov. 7 and Chris Bosh and the Toronto Raptors on Nov. 9. The Bobcats will also host Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 11, Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer and the Utah Jazz on Nov. 14, Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic on Nov. 16 and Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 18.

Other highlights of the schedule include a Thanksgiving weekend visit from the defending NBA Champion Boston Celtics on Saturday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. and a celebration of Martin Luther King’s birthday at 2 p.m. on Jan. 19 against the San Antonio Spurs. The Bobcats will play 24 of their final 41 games on the road, including two five-game road trips.

All Bobcats home games will begin at 7 p.m., with the exception of the MLK game against San Antonio and two Sunday contests against Toronto (Nov. 9, 1 p.m.) and Orlando (Nov. 16, 5:30 p.m.). New broadcast partner FSN South and sister network SportSouth will air 70 games this season, with a schedule to be unveiled at a later date.

Visit www.bobcats.com for more details.

Bank of America/MSNBC Conspiracy?

MSNBC is widely regarded as a liberal media outlet that some even say is "in the tank" for Democrats. I don't think news media should be bias in any way, but without MSNBC who would balance out the right-wing, Republican-backed views of FOX News?

So, I have a conspiracy theory. Look at the logo for MSNBC's political coverage and the logo for Bank of America and tell me you don't see a similarity. Could the Charlotte-based bank be funding MSNBC which would mean it is funding the Democrats which would mean the bank wants Barack Obama to be president?

I kid, I kid... ;)

MJ's Still Got It

I wonder if Michael Jordan does this with the Charlotte Bobcats...

This video may have been edited (props to the kid who sneaked in the camera), but it doesn't seem like MJ missed a shot the entire time.

Oh, and he "sonned" Kobe Bryant.

Events for the Week: August 4-10

Note: If I learn of more events, I'll update this post throughout the week.

Tuesday, August 5

Business After Hours
The Charlotte Chamber’s monthly networking event is doing it estate-style. Hors d’oeuvres will be served. $15 for non-Charlotte Chamber members. 5:30-7:30 p.m. The VanLandingham Estate, 2010 The Plaza. www.vanlandinghamestate.com.
GPT says: Business After Hours is a great way to meet people on both a professional and personal level. It made Charlotte magazine’s list of “Best Places To Meet People.”

Tone X and Friends (weekly event)
Enjoy a night of stand-up comedy, live skits, improv, and music, along with a performance by the Hunnie Dipz Dancers. $15. 8 p.m. Skandalos, 5317 E. Independence Blvd. 704-890-0771.

Wednesday, August 6

Pop Life (weekly event)
This is the city’s most popular Wednesday networking event. Enjoy a great view of the city while listening to music by local DJs, sometimes accompanied by live instruments. Sponsored by Creative Loafing and the Sol Kitchen. Free. 6 p.m. Loft 1523, 1523 Elizabeth Ave. www.thesoulmovement.com.
GPT says: The crowd, filled with attractive movers and shakers, usually peaks around 9 p.m., but people often hang well past 11.

Thursday, August 7

Alive After Five (weekly event)
This Charlotte staple is in its eighth year. From spring to fall you’ll find Charlotte’s professionals coming to this outdoor after-work party each Thursday. Free. 5-9 p.m. Wachovia Plaza, corners of Tryon St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Free. 5-9 p.m. Wachovia Plaza, corners of Tryon St. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. www.charlottealiveafterfive.com.

Epicentre at Five (weekly event)
Epicentre is the new hotspot, with its new bars and clubs (Whisky River, Suite, Howl at the Moon, and more to come). And now there’s an outdoor after-work party to compete with Alive After Five. Free. 5 p.m. Pavilion at Epicentre, 210 E. Trade St. www.epicentreat5.com.

Martini Mingle (weekly event)
Network with young professionals in a relaxed setting and cool bar. Presented by IKON Entertainment. Free. 7-11 p.m. Rustic Martini, 616 N. Tryon St. www.ikonent.com.

Touch One Thursday (weekly event)
Come and enjoy a live band and spoken word by Concrete Generation. $10. 9 p.m. Wine Up, 3306 N. Davidson St. www.wine-up.com.
GPT says: Wine Up is the home base for Charlotte’s flourishing spoken word and slam poetry scene. You’re guaranteed to enjoy it, so long as you’re not easily offended.

Friday, August 8

Movies in the Park
This is your last chance to enjoy this popular summer series before it ends for the year. Featured movie is Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium. Free admission and free popcorn. Movie starts at sunset. Presented by Watershed and Char-Meck Parks & Rec. Freedom Park, 1900 East Blvd. Click here for more info.

Salara Bistro Lounge
If you’re looking for something to do in Ballantyne, here it is. Experience an eclectic blend of music by DJ Hevi. Free. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Salara Bistro, 14825 John J. Delaney Dr.

KISS Grand Opening
This is the "official" grand opening for the posh, Miami-style lounge. Free. 10 p.m. KISS Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd., Suite H. www.kisscharlotte.com.

Saturday, August 9

International Art Market (weekly event)
Experience art, music, and food from around the world. Free. 4-10 p.m. Area 15, corner of 15th and N. Davidson streets, NoDa. www.areafifteen.com.

Carolina Panthers vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Panthers kick off the preseason at home. Cost varies. 7:30 p.m. Bank of America Stadium, 800 S. Mint. St. www.panthers.com.
GPT says: It’s an evening game so that should make the summertime heat a little more bearable.

Tone Loc Live
He’s a two-hit wonder and you love him. Cost varies. 9 p.m. The Breakfast Club, 225 N. Caldwell St.

The Indigo Revolution
It's an upscale party brought to you by Inner Circle Events. Complimentary hors d'oeuvres will be served. Music by DJ Tab D'Biassi. Cost varies. 10 p.m. Blue Restaurant and Bar, 214 N. Tryon St., inside Hearst Tower (corner of College and Fifth streets). www.innercircleevents.com.
GPT says: Inner Circle parties are some of the most well-attended in the city. A lot of trendy young professionals. Get there early or you may experience sticker shock at the cover charge.

Sunday, August 10

Lady Cats Auditions
So you think you can dance? Well, tryout for the Charlotte Bobcats' dance squad (I'm not sure if they call them cheerleaders). Free. 11 a.m. Time Warner Cable Arena, 333 E. Trade St. www.bobcats.com.
GPT says: Their outfits are killer.

Def Poetry Charlotte (weekly event)
Hosted by popular Slam Charlotte poet Bluz, this event is an open mic for spoken word artists. 9 p.m. Allure, 1508 S. Mint St. 704-713-7703.

The Sunday Night Jazz Suite
Local, regional, and national jazz artists perform in an intimate setting. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and a wine tasting reception. $15. 6:30 p.m. Madison’s, 115 E. 5th. St.
GPT says: This could be a great Sunday night date spot.

Steve Smith Socks Ken Lucas

Carolina Panthers Steve Smith and Ken Lucas got into a fight this morning during practice.

I've met both of these guys before. I had the privilege of interviewing Smith a couple of years ago for a magazine cover story. They're both nice guys off the field.

Here's an excerpt of the story being reported by The Charlotte Observer:

Punches were thrown between receiver Steve Smith and cornerback Ken Lucas in a sideline fight this morning that broke out while the Carolina Panthers were working on special teams practice.

Neither player was wearing a helmet. Lucas was taken to a tent for treatment and later was carted off the field with an ice pack over his left eye.

Smith was pulled away from the fight by linebacker Jon Beason. Smith was escorted to the tent by receiver Muhsin Muhammad, and Smith leaned down to speak to Lucas.

"Steve was probably a little remorseful for what happened and was trying to apologize," said Muhammad.

Click here to read the entire story.