Eats, drinks and chillin' in Columbia

Okay, I didn't make it in time to check out any bands on Friday night. By the time, I got to Columbia, S.C. and hooked up with my buddy it was felt too late to do the media check in thing at the festival.

Instead sampled, Columbia's nightlife. The last time I was here, I hung in the Vista area. Last night, some friends and I went to Hunter Gatherer on Main Street. From the name of it, I thought it was going ot be a true meat-market, but it was more a folksy more rustic version of the vibe at the Evening Muse. Apparently, Hunter Gathere is one of the first brewpubs in the state. It looks like an old hardware or farm supply store, but African masks adorn the walls and beams. The doors to the bathroom are antique wood doors with stained glass. They look like something you'd find after much searching in a junkyard.

An old-timey band played on stage. I figured Hunter Gather would be all charm with average food, but I was pleasantly surprised. The grouper on a bed of stoneground yellow grits was huge and delicious. The hot black bean dip and duck over warm salad greens were also good. For desert we had a moist rum cake. The menu was small, but varied with several dishes that I wanted to return and try.

After dinner, we stopped by Delaney's Speakeasy on Saluda Avenue in Little Five Points. The area is a strip of bars where college-age students and yuppies mill spill onto the sidewalks in front of bars. It's my kind of area, not as polished as uptown, but still lively. I dug Speakeasy. If I lived here, it would be teh first place I took visitors. When you first walk in, it's long and narrow bar kind of like Liquid Lounge. The back opens to a spacious area with sofas and a gas fireplace. We huddled on a couple of oversized sofas, and ordered drinks from a reluctant server. Note: if you go, order drinks at the bar and then find a seat. Speakeasy has a huge imported bottled beer selection that rivals Hotel Charlotte. Music sets the tone, but it's not so loud that you can't have a conversation.

We finished the night at Rio Nightlife on Main. That was a mistake. It's strictly for young hip-hop fan, but what made the place whack is that It felt like a high school dance. Boys danced together and the girls danced together. It's like each group was scared to talk to each other.

Chill usher lady, I don't want any trouble

When I got to work this afternoon, Urban Vixen told me she thought about sending me a text from her seat at the Toni Morrison lecture last night. We were both there and she could see me.

I told her it was a good thing she didn't because the ushers would have jumped down her throat. What did I say that for? I didn't realize so many people have had bad experiences with the ushers at the Belk.

Mine occurred when I was trying to type notes on a Treo during the Soweto gospel choir. The usher made me put it away after I tried to explain what I was doing. I tried to keep my voice lowered, but the woman talked to me as if I were an insolent child. I respect my elders, but she tested my patience.

Last night, I watched two ushers descend upon a woman who pulled her telephone out. The woman put her phone away, but the ushers hovered as if to say, "We're watching you."

After Morrison's lecture, I was talking to a friend in the bathroom. She told me she was trying to finish e-mailing on her Blackberry before the lecture and the ushers made her put it away. People talking on cellphones in the movies or at performances is annoying, but some of the ushers who work the Belk Theater are overbearing about cellphones and are sometimes downright rude.

I don't know if they're acting this way because been told to prohibit any kind of cellphone use or if its by their own initiative. If it is policy, the women can be nicer about how they deal with patrons. And if it's policy, it's one I don't agree with. If I want to pay my hard earned money for tickets to a show, and then I sit in my seat sending text messages or checking the score of the basketball game, that's my business. I'm not bothering anyone if my phone is on silent mode.

My co-workers stories didn't involve cellphones. Urban Vixen (who requested her real name be withheld for fear of retaliation)said she watched the ushers fuss at a few women who weren't headed to their ticketed seats. (Mind you, the Belk was far from full for Morrison's lecture.) While I was talking to Crystal, the reading life editor stood up at her desk and talked about her experience. Before the lecture started she left her seat to visit her husband, and an usher aggressively asked if she needed help. You know how sale people say, "Can I help You," as if you're up to no good.

I wonder if it's a generational disconnect. Some of the ushers at the Belk look as if they're well into retirement age and these are the ones who act as if patrons are children about to climb all over the good furniture.

The treatment by the ushers at Belk is in stark contrast to my experiences at the Bobcats Arena, Ovens Auditorium and even Spirit Square. I'm going back tonight to see the opera "Margaret Garner." I sincerely hope the ushers drink some tea before the show and remember that they're working at a performing arts venue not nightclub. No one is going to be moshing in the orchestra level. Although, I would love to see how they'd handle that.

What do you think? Have you dealt with aggressive ushers at Belk or any other performance venue? And do you have an issue with people text messaging during a performance? Post your replies below.

Sippin' champagne with A.I.

If Allen Iverson looks sluggish tonight, the Bobcats can thank partiers at Crush for slowing down the basketball star.
Iverson sipped champagne from the bottle and hung with rapper Nelly and other celebs last night at Crush.

The invitation-only party was the place to be Tuesday night. When my friends and I arrived about 11:30 p.m. the line wrapped around the building. Since I don’t have clout like that, a few of my friends got in and a couple of us stopped by Cans to wait for the line to disappear.

By 12:20 a.m. Larken, who was inside Crush, sent me text telling me to head over. When we arrived it wasn’t as crowded as I expected. Nelly was in the VIP area with two big beefy body guards who kept men and woman at bay. Bobcat Sean May walked around with his honeys and Panther Kris Jenkins was his usual jovial self and extremely happy to be walking without a limp.

I didn’t see Emeka Okafor, but I heard he was there. Iverson finally arrived sometime after 1 a.m. He and the other celebs posted up next to the DJ booth.

Did you go to Crush last night? If so, what did you think of the party? If not, what else was poppin’ Tuesday night? Post your replies below.

It's a party blog but...

On Monday nights I'm typically glued to the couch watching "24." Did you catch it last night? I'm still reeling from the idea that the president is the one engineering this whole thing. He just doesn't seem that bright to me.

I'm still undecided about whether Jack should have given up the tape to save his boo. And just how dumb is the Sec. of Defense? What I really want to know is what happened to Aaron and do you really think the president is going to have his own wife whacked? I love Chloe, with her pouty self.

Post your replies below.

Colorblinded in the clubs?

A co-worker sent me an Associated Press story about the rape investigation at Duke. In the story black women talk about how they're treated by some white men in nightclubs.

According to the women interviewed, a white man asks her to dance erotically while he watches. Or he grabs her rear end. Or asks for sex, in graphic detail, without bothering to ask her name. (Tonya's note: Asking my name wouldn't make me less offended, but I digress.)

“We can sort of count on it happening. My friends from California and New York and Boston all tell the same stories,” Danielle Terrazas Williams, 22, a graduate student at Duke University told the reporter. “They’re watching you as if you’re performing for them, and it’s disgusting. You just sort of feel like, ‘Is this all we’re good for?’"

Reducing black women to sexual objects isn't new, and we all know the legacy of white men raping black women during slavery. The accusations at Duke reignites this conversation, and opens the door to talk about all races have some kind of sexual stereotype.

My black female friends have never complained to me about being disrepected by white men in clubs. My Asian female friends, however, complain men of all ethnicities treat them like exotic creatures. A man told one of my friends he wanted to pour duck sauce on her.

It's no secret that many of the black men hanging in uptown bars prefer white women, and some black women prefer white men. My buddy went to Miami recently and said Latino and Hispanic women were "in." His friends asked why he bothered talking to black women down there when he could get that home. Many of my friends can recite the women of different ethnicities who they've had sex with and can list the ones they want to try.

Whether we like to admit it, subconsciously, many of us believe the stereotypes of blacks being sexually aggressive, Latinos being passionate lovers, Asians being exotic and whites women being the forbidden fruit and easier to deal with. And we want to see if the stereotypes are true.

What do you think? What are your experiences with people of other ethnicities when you're in the club? Post your replies below.

Back up off me

Seriously, what is the deal with guys who think they can grab and grind on a woman just because she’s in the club?
Erin Taylor e-mailed me complaining about how men harassed her at the KRS-One show last week. Erin said the problem was "guys putting their hands all over women, who were trying to enjoy the show. It wasn’t just the graze of a hand either, it was forceful grabbing and grinding - really disgusting. I witnessed it happening to several other girls, as well as myself... I got into a yelling match with one of the offenders last Monday and & I had to struggle to keep a crowd of my friends from rushing him.”
Erin complained to folks at the Goblin and was told the guy would be banned from the club. Erin and her friends who regularly attend underground shows are devising a plan to watch each other’s backs and get the vultures (as I call them) blacklisted from hip-hop events.
I would like more women to ban together and create the same strategy at other clubs and parties. When I wrote about this topic a couple of years ago after an experience I had at Crystal on the Plaza, I received e-mails from women and heard from co-workers about the same problem they’ve had at BAR Charlotte and other clubs.
Ladies, clubs want our business. That’s why it’s typically free for ladies to get in because club managers know women draw men. If we start working together and boycotting clubs that don’t protect us, managers will get the message. Let’s join Erin and her friends in banning vultures.
If a guy can’t keep his hands off you, report him to management or security. If they don’t do anything about it, leave, don’t go back and post the name of that club on this blog and on Erin’s (blog.myspace.com/e6000). Let’s start a list of clubs that don’t value women.
What do you think? Is this a real problem here? Share your stories by post your reply below.

Popping the can

I squeezed past body after body weaving my way through the crowd talking, laughing and dancing inside Cans Canteen and Bar on Thursday. The building, at the corner of Graham and Fifth Street, is huge and it seemed as if every inch of it was filled with people.

Cans is the newest offering to Charlotte's bar scene. It's a restaurant, dance club, lounge, bar and all around hang out spot and it provides a strong anchor to the Gateway Village area. If successful, Cans would stretch the boundaries of uptown's entertainment district. Right now that district stretches from Caldwell down to Church Street, from Fifth to Eighth streets. Cans gives partiers a reason to walk a few blocks more down to the Gateway Village area, which also boasts Town restaurant, the Corner Pub and Cedar Street Station. Ideally, people could park in the core Tryon and Fifth street area and bar-hop up, down and around Fifth Street. Or they could park for free in the Gateway Village area and walk up to the Tryon Street area.

While standing inside Cans listen to Efren Ramirez, aka Pedro, I talked to some friends if they think Cans will succeed in Charlotte. A couple of people said they thought it was too far away from the main hub. What do you think? Is Cans too far away from the main party areas uptown? Post your replies below.

Tasting the World in East Charlotte

It's 1:40 p.m. and I'm just now starting to feel hungry again. Last night, I did my second Taste of the World tour. This event keeps getting better. I attended the first one last April, which was good, but this one was even better.

If you've never been, it's organized by the Charlotte East group, the Charlotte Chamber and area businesses. It costs $35 and typically sells out. Participants meet at the Charlotte Museum of History where they board buses and head to three ethnic restaurants along the Central Avenue and Independence Boulevard corridor. About 15 restaurants participate and each bus is assigned three restaurants to sample. After the third stop everyone meets at the Vanlandingham Estates for dessert and coffee.

For me, the key to having fun with this is finding the right bus. Participants ranged from elderly couples out for an evening to rowdy Budweiser drinkers looking for good food and fun. I of course gravitated to the fun and rowdy people. I chose Bus 4 with gourmet guide (bus captain) B.G. Metzler, a spunky about-town woman who's probably served on every community board there is. I knew I was on the right bus when one guy jokingly introduced himself as if he were at an AA meeting. Our bus was a mix of Taste veterans and newbies.

We visited Saigon Bistro, La Canasta Dominicana and Brazas. The key to taking full advantage of the tour is to pace yourself at each restaurant. If you fill your plate up at the first two, you won't have room left for the third restaurant.

The food was great at all three - the pork at Brazas reminded me once again of why I love eating pig. Saigon and La Canasta were my favorites. I had a noodle dish and delicious spring rolls at Saigon. I ate the most succulent chicken and beef at La Canasta, and of course the plaintains. At Saigon and La Canasta, staff went out of their way to welcome and explain the dishes. We also got a little dance demonstration at La Canasta.

It was a night of good eats, good people and good fun. Were you there last night? If so, which places did you try? Post your replies below.

A better way to get a date?

We all know you can't really find the love of your life in a club, and some of the people you meet there aren't really worth dating.
But do you think eyeballing someone in traffic and tracking them down could lead to dinner and a movie?
A new Web site is hoping people will seek a love connection among car fumes. It's called Flirttraffic.com.
Here's how it works: Say you're driving down Independence Boulevard and traffic is completely stopped. (I know that rarely happens). You see a cutie, I mean a cutie, driving a red convertible Mustang and you want to holla'. She has a numbered sticker on her bumper.
You whip out your Blackberry or your Treo and log on to Flirtingintraffic.com, type in the number on the sticker and see a stunning profile of the honey in the Stang.
What do you think? Would you prefer to do this over trying to pick up dates in bars and nightclubs? Have you tried it Post your replies below.

Who Am I?

Mik A Magic as me!
Can't you tell?

I met this funny man at the Evie Awards on Saturday. Everytime I ran into him, he flashed his mohawk sign.

To curse or not to curse

I was with friends at the new Quaker Steak & Lube on Park Road last night when we overhead a waiter talking casually with two customers and later a fellow waiter. Several times, both waiters used profanity. I have foul mouth, but hearing staffers curse freely around customers seemed unprofessional.

Then I read an Associated Press article in today's paper about a recent poll regarding profanity. About three-fourths of people polled said they frequently or occasionally encounter people using profanity or swear words in public. Two-thirds said they think people use profanity more now than they did 20 years ago.

What also struck me about the article is that most people surveyed don't like it when people swear for no good reason.

That got me to thinking. When is a good reason to curse?

When I'm working my use of profanities changes. I sometimes curse around colleagues and they curse around me. Talking to club owners and bartenders, depending on my relationship with them, I've cursed when we're shooting the breeze. During straight-up interviews, business talk and interactions with readers (no matter how rude), I don't curse.

Here's my question: Is cursing unprofessional at work or does it depend on your job? Is it okay if you're a bartender, but not a bank teller. Post your replies below.

Are man bags sexy?

Hey fellas, is your game tight? In a recent interview with Details magazine, Sean Combs talked about what makes men sexy.

Here’s part of his list:
1. You’ve got to get your smell right. Walk into an elevator with a beautiful woman in it. If you’ve got your scent going in the right direction, she’s gonna be thinking about you when you leave. That’s the way to seal a woman.

2. The lighting design in a home is the icing on the cake. I’m not talking about anything expensive. I’m talking about dimmers. You’ve got to be able to control the mood.

3. I don’t have a lot of body hair. If I did, I’d get rid of it.

4. It’s better to look like you’re wearing something that fits then like you’re wearing a trend.

5. I have a “man bag.” I’m not gonna lie. Just make sure that if you carry one, it’s very, very big, so it doesn’t get mistaken for a pocketbook. (Here's Keifer Sutherland as super agent Jack Bauer saving the world and carrying a man bag)

Sorry, P. Diddy, I was with you until the man bag thing. I don’t care how rich you are men with purses or clutches are not sexy.
Fellas what do you think? What’s your best technique to scoring with the ladies? And ladies, what does a man have to do to woo you?
Post your replies below.

Goodbye McHale's, Hello Sir Ed's.

There's a line out the door for a table and inside is packed. Lee Van is holding it down with the ladies and Jared Young just wants to be down. I'll be swinging back here later on tonight. I missed the Irish dancers. Ugh.

Jigs and Reels at McHale's

Dishing it up at McHale's

I love corned beef, but usually I don't eat it at Irish bars because its dry. The beef McHale's wasn't. The $10 admission included a free buffet of corned beef, cabbage, red potatoes and shepherd's pie.

The Pervert's Corner

It's not what you think, actually maybe it is. A bunch of trash-talking older gents who refer to women as lasses. Every night, you'll find them in the far right corner of the bar at McHale's. Now, how they got that name, I never got a straight story.

Bob says it's because they used to have a brass pole in the bar and it had a Barbie doll on it. He also says its because they come every day and talk trash during happy hour. John says it's because they all lie about their younger days. Whatever, the reason if you ever go to McHale make sure to stop in the corner and say hello.

Goin' Green at McHale's

I knew I was home the minute I walked into McHale's, Bruce Prospect, who was sitting at the bar eating corned beef and cabbage, told me not to write anything bad. Margaret Green took me under wing and showed me around the place. She introduced me to her partner, Lorraine Bonura Green, and gave me a quick run down of why this is her favorite spot. McHale's is one of those bars that is the neighborhood pub. Packs of friends are sitting around the bar and at tables. They're eating corned beef and cabbage, drinking stuff and chillin'. Several people drank Bud out of green aluminum cans -- cute.

I'm getting ready to meet a group of regulars here called the Perverts. I can't wait.

If you're heading down this way here's what' up at McHale's:
Mchale's in Fort Mill and Rock Hill will have an all you can eat Irish menu, beer specials, live music and dancers. Fun starts at 3 p.m. $10. Fort Mill location: (803) 548-2151, 1820 Gold Hill Road., Rock Hill: (803) 329-8580, 122 E. Main St.

Hello Irish Cue, Goodbye Irish Cue

After leaving Galway Hooker Pub, I went down the street to the Irish Cue. Their menu sounded tasty so I figured they'd have a decent crowd. Plus, the Cue is a longtime spot here. It was dead with a capital D at 3:45 p.m. Maybe 10 people sat around the bar talking and drinking. A nice lady did offer me a green beer, but I'm alcohol free until 6 p.m. I'm off to the next place --McHale's in Fort Mill.

If you're going to Irish Cue her'es the deal: HIGH-END FOOD: How about braised corned beef, cabbage, garlic mashed potatoes, turnips and glazed carrots for $6. Live music starts at 9 p.m. Doors open 10 a.m. Irish Cue,$5. 19501 W Catawba Ave. Exit 28 off I-77 N. (704) 892-6904. $5

Goodbye Galway Hooker

It's Kiss me I'm Irish, not the shamrock!

If you're coming to Galway Hooker here's the deal: -B-BALL AND BEER: Galway Hooker Pub is celebrating March Madness and St. Patrick's Day. They'll air the games all day, and serve an Irish breakfast and a Guinness starting at 8 a.m. Giveaways and games all day, live bagpipers about 9:30 p.m. There's a VIP shindig for $100 with free food and the games on a projector screen. They're working on a leprechaun show -- scary. Exit 28 off I-77 N

The Zoo at Galway Hooker Pub

That's what they call the cooler. Galway Hooker co-owner Chris says the pub will go through 40 kegs of Guinness today. On a typical Friday, the club runs through eight kegs.

Although things are jumping at the Hooker now, it's going to be crazier tonight. They're having a VIP party. It's $100 a head and includes free food and other goodies. They'll be showing the basketball game on a big projection screen. Ace &TJ and their crew will be here as well. I'll be long gone by then, but if you go let me know how it is.

Holla' at a sista at Galway Hooker

All week, I've been saying: "holla' at a sister if you see me in the streets."

Well, my man Joel in the white T-shirt. Stepped up. He and his boys did it up right at the Galway Hooker Pub.

Going green -- At Galway Hooker Pub

Oh yeah, you could hear the live music when you walked up to the Galway Hooker Pub. At noon, the patio is full and so are the tables inside. Some people are watching the game, others are just drinking and hanging. An acoustic duo is playing cover tunes.

Patrons and staff are decked in beads and green. Two women are walking around selling some kind of flavored shots, and there's a VIP area upstairs. I'm trying to decide between hanging with the shot girls or checking out the VIP.

What to do, what to do? Oh wait, I just talked to the owner. I'm going to the secret place where they're tapping kegs..

Going green -- It's St. Paddy's Day

What up Party people!

I'm started my St. Patrick's Day early at Ri-Ra last night. I joined dozens of people getting an early start to the their St. Patrick's Day celebrations. A live cover band played on the stage and couples and friends sat at tables and around the bar.

I hooked up with an out-of-towner named Garth. He had expense account money to burn and some wild stories to tell. I only intended to grab one beer and leave, but I ended up swapping stories with him for two hours. Good peeps, good times. I'm doing the day-long Irish bar pub crawl from Charlotte to Cornelius to Fort Mill and then back to Charlotte.

Am I the only one out there partying now? We'll see.

If you know the best spots post your replies below and if you're looking for St. Patrick's day events. I've got you. Let's get this party started. Holla' at a sista' if you see me in the streets.

N---- Jeans? No way

When my phone rings before 10 a.m. and I see WBT on the caller ID, I know it can only be Keith Larson. This morning he wanted to talk about comedian/actor Damon Wayans desire to trademark the term "Nigga" for a new line of clothing. I figured Wayans was just joking until I began reading Internet articles about his effort. He's been in a 14-month battle to trademark the term and he's been turned down by the Trademark Office twice.

For an hour, this morning, Larson and I argued about why some young blacks use the n-word. Larson, I'm happy say, believes the term is bad, bad, bad. I don't use the word and don't let my friends call me the N-word. In fact, those of you who have followed my blog know someone used to post messages signed N-hater. I no longer allow those posts because I find the name offensive.

Still, I also recognize the difference between Damon Wayans using the n-word and a reader using the term to make people angry. As I explained to Keith this morning, there's also generational difference between the hip-hop generation and Baby Boomers when it comes to how openly we use the term. As I told Larson, although the hip-hop generation understands how the term was used to oppress blacks, we gave the term our own meaning.

But that's an old debate. I'm more curious to talk about the idea of trademarking the term. First, I don't think Wayans should be able to trademark "Nigga," but I do think he should he able to trademark "Nigga Jeans" or "Nigga Clothing." The word "nigga" is too much a part of our common vernacular to let one man own it.

The Trademark Office should allow Wayans to trademark the term as it applies to his specific company. And yes, if David Duke wants to trademark "KKK Hoodies," I'll support that too. Let consumers decide if selling clothes with a brand name so closely associated with hate is a bad idea.

Here's my question, regardless of your race, would you buy Nigga jeans and clothes? Would you date someone who wore the brand? Post your replies below. (As always ridiculously racist post will be deleted, so don't bother.)

Are man bag's sexy?

Hey fellas, is your game is tight? In a recent interview with Details magazine, Sean Combs talked about what makes men sexy.
Here’s part of his list:
1. You’ve got to get your smell right. Walk into an elevator with a beautiful woman in it. If you’ve got your scent going in the right direction, she’s gonna be thinking about you when you leave. That’s the way to seal a woman.

2. The lighting design in a home is the icing on the cake. I’m not talking about anything expensive. I’m talking about dimmers. You’ve got to be able to control the mood.

3. I don’t have a lot of body hair. If I did, I’d get rid of it. For a woman, a wax is absolutely necessary. It makes everything smoother and more attainable. It makes room for all the advances I make when I’m going to please a woman.

4. It’s better to look like you’re wearing something that fits then like you’re wearing a trend.

5. I have a “man bag.” I’m not gonna lie. Just make sure that if you carry one, it’s very, very big, so it doesn’t get mistaken for a pocketbook.

Sorry, P. Diddy, I was with you until the man bag thing. I don’t care how rich you are men with purses or clutches are not sexy.
Fellas what do you think? What’s your best technique to scoring with the ladies? And ladies, what does a man have to do to woo you?
Post your replies below.

She wouldn't stop screaming

All Saturday night, DJ Chuck Love is ripping it at Liquid Lounge. He played a trumpet, guitar and sings as he spins the sickest house music. Yeah, Love is a DJ and a one-man band. I've never seen anything like it.

A small but animated crowd is dancing, sweating and applauding Love.
But applauding or cheering wasn't enough for one woman. She screamed her appreciation.

She didn't scream, "Yeah Chuck" or "Chuck, you're the man" or "Chuck, I love you."

She screamed like Jason was chasing her. She screamed in that kind of way where you want to slap a person to make them stop. It was the most blood-curling, obnoxious scream and she wouldn't stop.

People looked at her and each other wondering the same thing, "What's up with the screaming?"

Finally, I asked.

"I love his music," she gushed. "He's a f------ genius. Have you heard his music?"

Yes, I thought and I could hear it even better if you'd stop screaming.

Party people, I've got to know have you ever experienced anything like this in a club? And what is the most annoying thing that you've dealt with at a nightclub? Post your replies below.

Do black people tip?

I was talking to a bartender last night and I asked him about how the CIAA went for his business. He said business was normal, but that he'd talked to several friends at Uptown restaurants. His friends told him that a lot of the CIAA fans didn't tip.

I wasn’t surprised to hear that. I've often heard that black people don't tip, but I don’t understand how that can be true. I tip bartenders and waitresses. My friends tip as well. I have one buddy who is so worried about being perceived as a non-tipper that he over-tips even if he gets bad service. I won’t do all that, but I will call the manager over and request another server or report any poor service I’ve received.


In 1999, a Miami restaurant owner faced a discrimination lawsuit because he automatically charged black patrons 15 percent gratuity because he said sometimes blacks don't tip well.

A 2003 study by the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration found that many servers felt African Americans often tip 20 percent less than white diners. Plus, of all races disliked waiting on black people because they assume the tips will be less no matter how good the service.

That's messed up.

Black patrons what's up? Do you at least tip 15 percent and if not why? If you have bad service, do you report it to managment?

To restaurant workers, do you notice a difference in the tipping patterns of whites and blacks? And servers, do you treat black patrons differently because you don't believe you'll get a good tip?

Post your comments below. Please no racial slurs, they won't be posted.

The party's over, but what a party

All week, we've been wondering where are the people. On Friday, CIAA fans and revelers slammed Charlotte like a hurricane. It's Sunday morning and uptown is nothing but idling cars and partiers crowding sidewalks.

After the Chuck Brown show, I stroll over to the Westin, which is the unofficial after-party. At least 1,000 people fill the lobby and lounge. It's the place to meet up with your friends and recap the night. Folks are chillin' so hard that a couple of men and women play spades -- at 3 a.m. Bobcats Emeka Okafor is there too.

The party didn't last as long as I expected though. The fire alarm goes off about 3 a.m. An automated voice tells people to find the nearest exit. No one does. Finally, a police officer walks around and politely asks everyone to leave. We drift out slowly, still not ready for the weekend to end.

I stop by a 24-hour diner off Central Avenue near Eastland Mall. I figure San Remo will be empty. Once I get there, I don't bother going inside. It's full. Heading home I spot a taco vendor at Central and Kilborne. Can I tell you, I ate the best burrito I've ever had. It was huge and only $5. It had onions, some kind of yellow sauce, chicken and rice. If this trailer was uptown it would give the chicken-on-a-stick stand, at Sixth and Church, serious competition.

Where did you go last night? My Paid to Party scouts tell me the LIEU Cool J event at the Convention Center was nuts. I hear Bob Johnson and Charles Oakley were at the No Grease party at Founder's Hall. What else happened last night? Post your replies below.

Wind Me Up Chuck!

The floor inside the Hilton Center City is actually bouncing.

It's 12:15 a.m. and we're in a third floor ballroom with at least 1,000 people for the Chuck Brown show. When the Godfather of Go-Go starts playing, fans dance so hard that the floor bounces. I briefly worry the floor is going to cave-in. Then I throw my hand in the air and shout "Wind Me Up Chuck" along with everyone else. It's almost like I'm home in Maryland.

If you have never been to a go-go, you've missed an experience. Go-go is percussion-based music with a distinct beat that is the base of every song. Bands often cover contemporary hits, such as the Ashlee Simpson's "Pieces of Me" or Jill Scott's "It's Love." Bands also write their own material that becomes huge as well. For example, Jay-Z's "Do It Again" was basically a cover of the go-go band Rare Essence's song "Overnight Scenario." Go-go is also all about call and response. All night, Chuck would ask "Are ya'll tired yet?," and the crowd shouted "Hell no!." The last component is shout-outs. Fans handed Chuck slips of paper with the name of their crew and their neighborhood. He would read the information as part of his songs.

Chuck, who is at least 70, is to go-go what James Brown is to soul. I hadn't seen him live since I was in college and attended a huge festival in Wilmer's Park back home. That's why I couldn't miss Saturday's show. And the hundreds of people packing the ballroom with me didn't want to miss it either. The good thing about seeing him here is that the audience was a mix of young and old and I didn't have to worry about neighborhood beefs like you do in the D.C. area.

Instead of keeping one eye out for a potential fight, we could focus on sweating and dancing for two hours as Chuck and his full band pumped out hits such as "Run Joe," "Moody's Mood" and more. Most young go-go bands focus on original songs and remaking hip-hop tunes, but Chuck is a jazz artist at heart. So, he'll do jazz standards as well as hip-hop. His original songs though are narratives of street life, such as "Cat In the Hat," about a junkie.

One fan stood in the back of the ballroom shaking a tambourine as he danced. Couples dance together, men grooved in pockets of friends and women did the same. To the side of a stage, this older white guy did this sort of ballroom style dancing with an older black woman (something I've never seen at a go-go). Fans crowded the stage and Chuck blasted one guy for pushing women to get to the front. Chuck shook hands with people as he performed and after his set he hung out onstage and continued greeting fans.

Chuck Brown in Charlotte. I can't believe it.

Magic, over here!

After I got my money maker shot of Al B. Sure, I focused on getting a picture of Magic Johnson. There was no way, I could go back to work without seeing Magic and getting his picture.

He's sitting in a dark corner in the VIP section at the Big Chill. I'm trying to be cool and snap off a couple of shots of him talking, but it's too dark and my camera isn't high-tech.

A lady walks up to him and taps and holds her cellphone in his face. He turns around and gives her a big grin. She snaps the shot and walks away.

At this point, I'm ready to do the same thing because he doesn't look like he's going to leave that dark corner. I get his attention and he gives me a big smile.

I'm nervous now. I'm still getting used to a new camera and it's so dark I can't see him in my viewfinder. My hands are trembling. I snap the shot. He shakes my hand. I check the camera to see the photo.

I got a great picture -- of the ceiling.

I get his attention again and try another one. I hit the record button, and my camera switches to video mode. I ask him for one more chance.

He flashes me a big smile. I'm so nervous now, I worry the shot will be blurry. I press the button. I check the photo.

Yes!

Battle of the Bands

Okay, crunk music – the get you hype to fight in the club and sweat on the dance floor music – is my guilty pleasure.

I just can’t help bouncing when I hear it. I’m at the battle of the bands competition inside the Bobcats Arena for Super Saturday. North Carolina Central is battling one of the colleges in Virginia.

Virginia is graceful and artistic. They play Teddy Pendergrass’ “Love T.K.O,” and their dancers gracefully do choreographed steps.

N.C. Central starts. They play that club music. Band members wave their horns as the drum line plays. Dancers do those music video style moves, and two girls in the audience are doing the same. I know how two girls feel. (Okay, I don't drop it likes it hot, but I tap my toe real fast.)

Virginia’s tribute to R&B was good and they got the loudest applause, but sometimes I just want to bounce, bounce, bounce….

Oh wait, Virginia just stepped up. They’re playing “I’m In Love With A Dancer” and their dance team is killing it. The guys drop to the floor and do this push-up centipede move. The audience on on their feet clapping and chanting. I get it, Virginia was saving for their tricks for the end.

Now, I can't get that song out of my head. "I'm in love with a ...."

In da' clubs

My night started at the Big Chill at midnight and didn't end until 4 a.m. at the Coffee Cup.

Where to begin?

The Magic Johnson and Al B. Sure party at the Big Chill was packed like I expected Friday. Every inch of that club had people.

A photo guy set up in the corner snapping Polaroids. Magic and Sure chilled in the VIP area. Couples danced, but nearly as many people sat on sofas, chairs and anything else they could find.

After leaving Magic's party, I stopped next door at Dilworth Neighborhood Bar and Grill. This was a smaller party and a nice breather from the Big Chill. Next, I swung by the Best Western because actor Morris Chestnut was supposed to host a party. It was 1:30 a.m. and that party was already over. (Not good.)

My last party stop was Kon Funk Shon Friday at Eden. DJs D.R. and Buttafingaz spun. That party had a good mix of Eden late night regulars and CIAA folks. I chilled in Lava talking to Mike Kitchens, the women from A Gem Am I, the guy from Liquid Lounge and Elevate's Larkin. I met some cool new people too.

By 3 a.m., Larkin and I were starved so we met up at the Coffee Cup. Crowded doesn't even describe the scene, but I expected that. After all it was 3 a.m. We waited for an hour for our food and of course the eggs were cold, the waffles were lukewarm, but the chicken was piping hot. You know at that point it doesn't even matter. I just wanted to eat and go to bed. And I'll probably be back there again tonight.

I talked to several people at the restaurant to see what happened at the parties I missed. Here's what I heard was off the hook: Big Tigger at Jillian’s, Whoudini along with Monie Love and Big Daddy Kane at The Hilton Center City (they actually performed), DJ Clue at the Forum (and no Jay-Z didn't show up)and Fantasia along with Trina at the Hyatt in SouthPark.

What's up for tonight? I'm going to the go-go to see Chuck Brown. I know L.L. Cool J at the Convention Center is going to be nuts.

What about you? Holla' at a sista if you see me in the streets.

Al B. Sure's still a cutie

I'm aiming my camera to take a picture of Al B. Sure. He is in the VIP area talking to Magic Johnson at the Big Chill on Friday. I'm standing below the VIP area, which overlooks the main floor of the club on Morehead Street.

All I need is for Sure to turn around so I can get a good shot of his face. A woman brushes past me to get to her seat. She's hot from dancing in the crowded club. Her friend grabs her arm and points to the VIP area. They scream. Al. B. Sure turns around and smiles.

Women rush toward the glassless window where he stands. They pull out phones and click pictures. One woman jumps onto a chair and grabs Sure in a headlock -- I mean a tight hug. I snap my picture.

The Perfect Traffic Storm

I was trying to get to Congressman Mel Watt's reception at Blue on Friday night when I ran into traffic like I've never ever seen in Charlotte before. If you think driving is bad uptown during a Bobcats or a Panthers game, think again.

On Friday somewhere around midnight, the last game ended at the arena and the Step Show ended at the Charlotte Convention Center. At the same time, cars streamed into uptown for parties and clubs. The perfect traffic storm.

When I pulled onto Fourth Street, all I saw was a sea of red -- brake lights. The roads from Caldwell to Church streets and from Ninth to Fourth streets were a parking lot. Since I live here, I figured I could zip down Eighth Street, cut across Tryon and roll down Church Street. I ended up in another parking lot.

Finally, I gave up and cut down Sixth Street and shot across to Graham Street. I went to Morehead Street for the Magic Johnson and Al B. Sure party at the Big Chill.

My Paid to Party scouts tell me that uptown sidewalks were just as crowded. Also, the Bad Boys of Comedy concert at Ovens Auditorium had cars backed up along Independence Boulevard. All week, we've been asking where are the all the people for the CIAA?

They were out last night.

Tonight, I'm getting uptown early for the game and leaving my car parked. Forget starting my night at midnight like I usually do.

Charlotte vs. Raleigh

I took an informal survey while party-hopping today to see which city CIAA fans liked better.

The reaction was mixed. Some people said Raleigh was better and was way more hype than Charlotte. And several said the crowd seemed smaller. Others said they liked Charlotte better because everything was centralized.

Most people said parking was horrible. Everyone said the city of Charlotte has been extremely hospitable. One guy said even the cops were nice. (What! Just kidding Mr. Policeman.)

"Charlotte seemed like they laid out the red carpet for us," said Fred Jones, 39, of Maryland. "It looks like Charlotte, they're trying to get this here for many more years."

Andre Willingham of New York said he liked Raleigh better. Then he reeled off a list of bars and parties that he said were jumping by Friday afternoon during the tournament in Raleigh.

The problem with Charlotte, several people said, is that it's a new city and there are so many events going on.

"Once people find their way, Charlotte is going to be off the hook," said Derek Morris of Richmond. "It's going to be better than Raleigh."


What do you think? How does Charlotte compare to Raleigh so far? Post your replies below.

Shaking that thang before sun down

Men and women grooved on the dance floor inside Liquid Lounge. Others stood alongside the bar talking. Across the street at the Gold Pepper Grill, about 25 people talked and cut up. Strangers became fast friends.

It was 4 p.m. on Friday, and while most Charlotteans were at work, CIAA fans were hanging out at the storied "day party."

These partiesoften start typically by noon and last a couple of hours. They're a warm up before the bigger gigs later in the evening. Some are free, others have open bars or free food.

The Q92 party at Liquid was more of a club gathering with people dancing to DJ Live. The crowd was a mix of young and old partiers, something you only see here at the Excelsior Club and Savoy. Derek Morris sat with Mike Gray and Joe Taylor. The men, who hail from Baltimore and Virginia, hadn't seen each other in years and finally connected at the club.

"It's all about a reunion," Morris said. "We're going to find each other."

Heather Headley was blazing

I’ve been rocking Heather Headley’s new disc, “In My Mind,” but I didn’t have any desire to see her live. I figured she sounded good on the disc, but would be average live.
After seeing her perform during the Steve Harvey Show’s live radio broadcast, I’ll be the first person in line to buy tickets to see her live.
The woman can sing and she’s gorgeous to watch on stage. She sang “In My Mind” and “What Would You” off her latest album, but it was the impromptu version of “He Is” that won me over.
She sang with such conviction and passion. Harvey was on his feet playing air bass, and fans gave her a standing ovation. She only had a couple of background singers with her today, but I hear she’s even better with a live band. I can’t wait.

Steve Harvey's staying

I'm not sure what was the funniest part of Steve Harvey's live broadcast this morning, but I know it happened during Harvey's version of "American Idol."

A contestant from Shelby sang "Misty Blue," which Harvey called brown liquor music and too depressing for early morning. Harvey gave her a chance to sing something uplifting. She suggested "Lean On Me." He took her mike and ripped on how "Lean On Me" wasn't a cheery song. Then he started singing "Sometimes, in our life..." in the most monotone voice ever.

My other favorite part involved Harvey's co-host Nephew Tommy. He and one of the contestants started reciting lines from the "Color Purple" and within minutes the audience had joined.

"Sat in that jail 'til I damn near rot too death," said Tommy reciting Sophie's line. The contestant started singing "Miss Celie's Blues." Then Tommy jumped in with "God Is Trying to Tell You Something."

Moments like that are what made the live broadcast fun. Sitting in the audience, you felt as if you could have been in your living room with friends and family. There was cussing, fussing, cracking and singing. Harvey also dispensed his bits of wisdom.
"You need a man," Harvey told one woman. "Get some stress in your life."


Fans turned out to see Harvey. By 4:30 a.m. people were lined up outside the Convention Center, according to a V101.9 staffer. Inside, several thousand fans sat in chairs that went all the way back to the basketball court. Others stood along side near the vending area. Harvey said he was having so much fun that he planned to extend his stay until Sunday. He wants to go to Magic Johnson's party on Saturday and attend a few of the basketball games.

"This is hands down the biggest turnout we've ever seen," Harvey said in an interview after the show. "I was stunned."

The Jump-off

Partying on Thursday night is what I've been waiting for all week. People packing clubs and having a good time.

I started at the AKA party at the Forum. What!

The main dance floor was ridiculous. The mezzanine was just as crowded and the rooftop had a small crowd as well. Big shouts to DJ Stacey Blackman. He kept people on the dance floor, and pulled out some track that I didn't even know he had. The Alphas, the AKA's brother fraternity, shouted their chants and drowned out the music. I peeped Panther Julius Peppers chillin' in Pravda, where bar manager Savis poured me up a shot that had pineapple and some kind of caramel vodka. It burned so good. The Forum on Thursday was the vibe I'd been waiting for.

Well done AKAs, but the ladies of pink and green weren't the only ones packing them in on Thursday. The party at V-Lounge was nuts. They were at capacity by 1 a.m. Heat smacked you in the face like a bitter ex as soon as you walked into the club. The bartenders looked overwhelmed, but they handled it. I have to pause to applaud two strong women I saw tonight.

The first was a shortie at the Forum. She was fine in her fitted top and jeans and she walked through a throng of guys like she was wearing sweats and a T-shirt. The guys tried to touch her and dance on her in a disrespectful way. She pushed them off and stood her ground. Too few women do that. The second hand-clap goes to the female bartender at the V-Lounge. She's pouring drinks and some dude grabs her hand to get her attention. She snatches her hand away and tells him to wait, and then she continued taking orders from people who were there first. Good look.

V-Lounge was so crowded and hot that the idea of dancing seemed masochistic. Of course people danced anyway. T-Gangsta and his crew took over the floor upstairs. He was so hype, he jumped onto his friend's shoulders during one song, but the security guard made him get down. Another guy in T-Gangsta's crew danced so hard that his oversized jeans fell to his ankles. He didn't stop. The security guard shook his head and then made him pull his pants up. Crazy baby, crazy.

Surprisingly, I was home by 2:30 a.m. I was glad to get in early because I want to catch Steve Harvey's live broadcast in a couple of hours.

Were you out Thursday night? What good party did I miss? Post your replies below, and holla' at a sista' if you see me in the streets. (Party hard, party safe.)

JCSU makes an entrance

JCSU's marching band sure knows how to make an entrance. They lined up in the lobby of the Charlotte Convention Center and then someone banged a drum. The band shouted J-C-S-U!

Everyone within hearing distance, gathered to watch -- the band go down the escalator.

The troupe lined up on the basketball court and their horns, drums and whistles filled the area. I felt bad for the Food Lion guest chef who was trying to make a chicken recipe because the band stole his shine. They did the theme song from the movie "Coming to America" and they performed "In Love With a Dancer."

J-C-S-U!

Did you see JCSU perform? How did they do? What's the best band you've seen so far? Post your comments below and holla' at a sista if you see me in the streets.

Fantasia takes over Convention Center

One minute Fantasia's testifying about love, the next minute she's crunk like she's in the club. At the Convention Center, fans loved it all. They sang, danced and clapped along to the "American Idol" winner's half-hour set.

Fantasia loves the stage. Wearing knee-high black boots -- that prevented her from doing a split -- she strutted, stalked and stomped across the stage in that Holy Spirit way that makes her one of R&B's most dynamic performers.

Viticus Thomas, 25, stood in the back with the JCSU band shouting and singing along with her.

"She's so beautiful," he said. "It's about time we got some good talent that came out of the Carolinas."

Before Fantasia could get fully pumped, she beckoned fans inside the Charlotte Convention Center to move closer to the stage. She needed to feel their love and fans wanted to be closer to her too. During the show, she told all her crunk fans to move toward the stage, but security said no because it was too crowded.

"It's the CIAA," one woman yelled. "Do the d--- thing."

Fantasia sang "Free Yourself" and "It's All Good," off her debut album. She also did a jazzy version of "Killing Me Softly." My favorite was the rap tune at the end. She said it was a tribute to North Carolina. One of her singers rapped and Fantasia and another woman she called G. led the crowd in this body-jerk dance that was accompanied by a handclap. The rap was so-so, but the beat was something you'd expect from Missy Elliott, and teaming it with the dance made it even better.

Twilight Zone uptown

After all the hype about CIAA taking over Charlotte, the Forum's College night was the best party I went to on Wednesday. The dance floor was a mass of bodies, the bar area was full and girls danced on platforms. Bobcats Sean May stood against a wall soaking it all in. I even saw Tony da Tiger doing his usual breakdance thing. Although, it was a tad bit warm for that leather bomber he was rockin', but that's just Tony. The Pravda lounge was less chaotic. I ran into Forum
co-owner Gus Georgoulias and Morehead Street Tavern owner Alan Presley.

I started my night at the Omega party off Cedar Street in a place called Room With a View about 11 p.m. Apparently, I was too early because there were only a handful of people. They Omegas found a nice location and they'll be throwing parties there all week. The space has a wrap-around patio and glass windows instead of walls. You can see the Bank of America stadium and tower from the building. I'm sure more people will be throwing parties there.

Since the Omega party was just getting started, I stopped by Fire and Ice and met up with Mike Kitchen and Letha Taylor, who was hanging out with one of Steve Harvey's event coordinators. Poet Blue was there and J.C. and a few of the Dead Poets stopped in. Power 98 manager Terri Avery walked in a little later as well. Fire and Ice was like the launching place for everyone to disperse after a few cocktails and hugs.

After Fire and Ice, we rolled over to the Breakfast Club to catch Big Daddy Kane, and there was no one there. Me, promoter GiGi and club owner Jody Sullivan were surprised by the light crowd, and we wondered where are the CIAA fans. Kitch's theory is that early in the week, it's mostly CIAA alumni who hang out, but tonight the younger folks should be out. We'll see.

We finished about 3 a.m. at Athens, which had a handful of people and still the slowest service ever. Worse, the waitress said they probably will only have two waitresses working late nights this week. I hope she's wrong because they're going to be slammed. (Or maybe the folks at Athens are betting that the light crowds will continue.)

Were you out last night? What party did I miss? What's up for tonight? Post your replies below, and holla' at a sista if you see me in the streets.

Dave Chappelle in the 'hood

You would have thought Dave Chappelle said his after-party was in Baghdad.
At Ovens Auditorium Sunday, the crowd booed. At the Comedy
Zone, the crowd groaned. At both places Chappelle
asked what was so bad about Wilkinson Boulevard?
People yelled that it was the West side, the 'hood, that you would get shot and one guy said the street had ugly prostitutes (Okay, that was funny).

I went to the after-party and guess what, I didn't get shot. But I and a few hundred other people did go home with tales to tell.

Imagine seeing Chappelle sing "Sexual Healing," hearing Erykah Badu's early raps and shooting as many pictures of Chappelle as you wanted? That's what went down at Tempo on Wilkinson Boulevard. (It happens to be across the street from Coyote Joe's, another popular club.)

For at least an hour, Chappelle, rapper Talib Kweli and friends celebrated singer Erykah Badu's 35th birthday. They cut loose. It was a jam session and sing-a-long. It was like hanging on their tour bus or behind the scenes on the set of the "Chappelle's Show." Chappelle asked fans what they wanted to hear. Then he sang a few versus of Notorious' B.I.G's "F------ You Tonight." The crowd, Kweli and Badu joined in for that one. Chappelle sang the first line of Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing." That would be "Baayybeeee..." Then he started laughing and gave the microphone to Kweli. They went on like that for a while. Chappelle would sing a little something and then pass the microphone around. Badu sang "Bag Lady" and threw in impromptu rap about liquor, driving her man's car and sleeping with his best friend. When she finished, fans were cheering and laughing. Her brother and sister cut-up on stage as well.

Even better than their stage antics was how approachable all three were. Chappelle and Badu signed my friend's cast and posed for pictures with her and anyone else who asked. They signed autographs and talked to people. Chappelle hung out at that bar and talked to people.

What's so bad about Wilkinson Boulevard? People too scared to see there's nothing to be scared of.

Is MySpace the devil?

I know MySpace has been getting a lot of bad press lately, but we could all take a deep breath? MySpace is more than a place for young teens to post their weekend exploits and for sexual predators to find new victims. Unfortuantely, those types of activities will always happen whether it's on Instant Messaging, text messaging or a walk in the park.

In Charlotte, MySpace is a popular way to promote parties and events. Big Ryan, a popular local DJ hipped me to the site last year. It’s one of the main ways he promotes his parties. DJ Matt Bolick, of the Forum, used MySpace recently to pub his DJ Colette show at the Forum. Top Down Productions, which brought Boy George to Velocity, uses MySpace and so does local promoter Mike Kitchen of the Sol Kitchen.

Verizon has teamed with MySpace to help launch a single by on unsigned band on the Verizon’s VCast system.

We’re all worried about teen safety, but let’s not make MySpace, Facebook or any of the other social sites the scapegoats for teens' bad behavior.

What do you think? Is the news media going overboard with the MySpace hysteria? Post your replies below. Are you a promoter on MySpace? If so, please add me to your friends

Game time, party time, enough talk

Next week, the CIAA comes to town and it's going to make uptown feel like a real city. We'll have people walking the streets, visiting restaurants, shopping and chilling uptown from late morning until the way after the sun goes down. Uptown Charlotte will have some real energy.

Bars and restaurants will be packed and many are staying open late. Mert's will be open until late. I can't wait. I met a woman the other day who will be selling fried fish sandwiches near Time. Fried fish! Forget hotdogs and sausages. Give me some hot sauce and white bread.

I know there will be a bunch of basketball games at the arena since it is a basketball tournament involving historically black colleges and universities in North Carolina and Virginia, but I'm excited about the parties.

Tom Joyner won't be here, but Steve Harvey will. Joyner, a longtime CIAA tournament supporter, is on Radio One-owned Q92.7, but Infinity-owned V101.9 is a tournament sponsor. Harvey is on V101.9.

Magic Johnson is going to be here. No Grease is hosting a Mardi Gras themed fashion show with a brass band -- a brass band. On March 4, there will be almost as many parties during the day as there will be that night. The Omegas fraternity brothers will even have a breakfast party. There's also a pajama party.

To really grasp how big this is, check out the list of CIAA week parties. It took me four hours to compile it and I'm still getting e-mails about other parties.

By the way, I'm looking for the women's I met last year in a hotel lounge and who promised me breakfast. You know who you are, holla' at your girl.

Do you have a party I need to attend? What are you most looking forward to? Post your replies below.

Trying to smack your....

I'm heading to the bathroom for one last time after an evening of partying with friends and strangers at the Bartender's Ball when it happens.

I see one of my flag football teammates and another guy whom I've played against. We had all spoken to each other earlier that evening and we say hello again. The guy who I've played against starts whacking me on my tailbone. I grab him by his shirt and jerk him toward me. I ask him, why he keeps hitting me.

"I'm trying to smack your a--," he says as he twists out of my grip and hits me again.
I put him in a headlock and tell him "No one, smacks my a--."

I let him go. My flag football buddy says he's drunk (Who isn't at this point?) and gets the guy to leave. I know alcohol loosens inhibitions and all that, but that's no excuse to touch me or any other woman beyond a hug, high five or half chest bump.

So, what do ya'll think? Did I overreact? Did I underreact? How often does this type of stuff happen to you and how do you usually handle it?

What U missed at the Bartender's Ball

*A guy stealing the inflated Bacardi bottle, and a woman chasing him down.
*A woman named Molly who loved nice people and her gay friend who kept yelling "Pride!"
*Men and woman doing shots from the ice luge at Pravda.

I had a good time at the Bartender's Ball at the Merchandise Mart on Sunday, but I still liked it at the Adam's Mark better. The hotel felt warmer than the concrete of the Merchandise Mart. Plus, it seemed like the bars were more into it. I remember folks at the Palomino dressed up as Britney Spears last year.

When we arrived at 9 p.m., only a handful of people were on the dancefloor, but two hours later the floor was packed. Girls grooved on a platform near the DJ booth, couples danced, strangers boogied. Packs of friends danced together in the back. Partiers wore everything from Hawaiian shirts to satin dresses to suit and ties.

The ball is a great place try out new beers and liquors. I saw all kinds of flavored vodkas and rums that I didn't know about. I tasted a raspberry beer - too girly; loved an 1800 silver tequila and a bourbon. The only problems is that there wasn't enough water available for partiers. The guys at the Connolly's booth were nice enough to give me a couple of bottles.

RJ Gators had the best drink. It was called the Zoo. It had rum, amaretto, a splash of Bud Light and some green stuff. It was tasty, but with that many liquors it was a recipe for a bad hangover. I didn't mess with it.

Pravda showed off their infused vodkas -- watermelon and peach-ginger. Pravda had the most popular ice shot luge as well. The Uptown Cabaret area was cool. It was a lounge with leather sofas and lamps light. The lamps were a needed bonus because the main room was so dark. Uptown's area was tasteful, and their lemon drop shots were yummy.

The Irish crew -- Connolly’s, Madison's and the Attic -- had a hopping section in the other room. The Attic had a tasty Tuaca and Red Bull shot, but you had to get it chilled or it tasted like cough syrup. I didn't catch much of the bands, but the DJs kept people dancing and most folks seemed to have fun.

Were you there last night? What did you think? Any funny stories to share?

Here's who coming with Dave

Erykah Badu and Talib Kweli will be here with Dave Chappelle when he performs here on Sunday. The show at Ovens Auditorium is sold out, but if you don't have tickets his movie, "Dave Chappelle's Block Party," opens in Charlotte on March 3.

Finger lickin' good

For express barbecue (or fast casual as its officially called) Shane's Rib Shack in the University area is the spot. I stopped by on Wednesday and their grand opening is today (Feb. 16). Shane's is in the Grande Promenade near Total Wine and Moe's.

I had a barbecue sandwhich with a side of mac and cheese and collards. A waitress walked around with ribs for patrons to taste. The ribs fall off the bone. The barbecue sandwich was good as well. The collards were sweeter than I prefer and I could've skipped the mac and cheese. I should've tried the baked beans and the cobbler -- both looked yummy.

Shane's has outdoor seating and the area where you order resembles a screened-in front porch. Shane's serves beer, and the owners will decide if they want to sell wine. Who drinks wine with barbecue anyway?

Shane, the man behind the Georgia-based franchise, was at the restaurant Wednesday night. The one in University is the first in Charlotte, and they also plan to open one in the EpiCenter by the end of the year. Heck, I'd like to see if anything opens in the EpiCenter this year.

Apparently, fast-casual barbecue is a burgeoning market in the restuarant business. What do you think, can good barbecue really be fast food? And what's your favorite area barbecue joint and why? Post your replies below.

Dave Chappelle Update

It's a definite that he'll be bringing a musical guest. (I was just predicting that in yesterday's announcement.) I'm still trying to nail down who's coming.

Also, his movie "Chappelle's Block Party" opens here on March 3.

So one more time, Dave Chappelle is coming to Ovens on Feb. 26. 7 p.m. Tickets are $55. As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, there were only a few balcony seats left.

In honor of Chappelle's return to the spotlight, what's your favorite sketch. And please remember no cursing, use dashes.

Mine is the blind white supremacist and the Wayne Brady one.

Something new for Twist

Changes coming to Twist.
What those changes are however remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure: Twist won't be the same.

New Ivey building owner Stefan Latorre and Twist restaurant majority owner John Weinbrenner recently met in civil court. The biggest beef is this: Latorre accused Weinbrenner and other Twist partners of violating the lease. It requires the property be run primarily as a restaurant and open during the day. Anyone who drives along Church Street knows Twist is empty most weekdays and functions as a club on weekends. Saturday nights used to be jumping.

Weinbrenner, who also owns City Tavern, says he is ready to sell Twist, which was previously a City Tavern and a place called Palladium. He has his hands full running his City Taverns restaurants. He’s about to open one in Wilmington in a Birkdale-style development. The problems is Weinbrenner’s partners don’t want to sell. Twist has tried to do the restaurant thing, but hasn’t been able to make it work. Weinbrenner’s also been looking for a buyer, including offering to sell his share to Latorre.

Weinbrenner says a Chicago-based cajun restaurant has expressed interest in buying the property, and he's also talked to company about opening an Asian restaurant. If he can’t find a buyer, Weinbrenner says he’ll renovate the place, change the concept and get cranking again as a restaurant. The presiding judge said she would mail her ruling to them.

My question are: Why hasn't anything worked in that spot and what type of restaurant would you like to see there?

What I also thought of the Grammys

Hands down, Kanye West's performance with Jamie Foxx was off the chain. No matter how pompous he is, you have to give him credit. That was as memorable as Eminem walking in with the white T-shirt clones. But earlier, what was up with Kanye's Cameo-esque black gloves and the white suit. And as one of my co-workers said, he really should button his shirt.

Paul McCartney trying to rock out was comical. He sounded and looked so stiff when he said, "I want to rock - now." He reminded me of why the Super Bowl planners didn't want anyone over 40 on the field. I will admit, however, I liked seeing him join Jay-Z and Linkin Park. Plus, I liked how that performance ended with a shot of the late Coretta Scott King on the big screen. Nice touch.

What was up with the Gorillaz's Murdoc wearing the cape and tightie-whities? I'm outraged the network didn't blur his pelvic thrusts. (Okay, not really.)

Kelly Clarkson's acceptance speeches felt the most genuine. I like her more each time I see her live. She's totally shed that American Idol label. American who? what?

On the country front, I loved Keith Urban. He looked scrumptious in those jeans, T-shirt and a razor hasn't touched my face in days look. Sugarland sounded flat and I could hear the tech people doing mike checks. (People, people, we're live here.)

Wait, why was Mariah Carey trying to out-churchify Mary J. Blige. Can't be done sweetheart, let it go. Mariah honey, a word of advice. You're new to hip-hop and R&B. You've always been the pop princess. Stick to your screeching don't try to take it to church on the same stage as the Queen of hip-hop and her princess Tay-Tay (that's Fantasia).

Seriously, I the "Emancipation of Mimi" is a slamming album, but did Mariah really think she was going to break the Grammy record for women? She went from being a pop princess that young girls tried to copy to being an R&B singer who sounds like Ciara, Beyonce and every other singing rumpshaker.

What did ya'll think? Post your replies below.

Gilda the newest place to be

A white stretch SUV pulled in front of Gilda's on Friday night and I knew this hideaway lounge in NoDa was destined to be the next hot spot. Out stepped City Tavern owner John Weinbrenner, a guy who looks like George Clooney, Chuck Howard and his wife Karen, and an entourage of people I didn't know. A few minutes later Blue restaurant owner Alex Myrick walked in as well. And a guy who looks just like Checkers' head honcho Felix Sabates was there too.

With little to no fanfare, Gilda is drawing top echelon partiers and lounge regulars to it's location in the Highland Mills development in NoDa on NOrth Davidson. It's easy to see why. The place is rustic swank with floor to ceiling windows, huge chandeliers, exposed brick and the biggest candles I've ever seen. There's also a huge mirror on the back wall. The mirror looks like a separate room until you walk into it and bang your head. The music was chill house.

What makes Gilda most interesting is the crowd. Its owner is Jennifer Blackburn, a club socialite who knew Myrick and others. That means Gilda gets the money-dropping folks as well as locals, and I'm not talking about the yuppies.

After the first wave of club owners left, a fresh wave came in about 1 a.m. Alexis, the cutie who co-owns Dolce Vita wine bar in NoDa stopped through. So did, K.C., formerly of Fat City Deli -- BTW: my favorite sandwich place, ever. K.C. is cooking at Boudreaux's now and says some changes are coming up for the menu. He's also talking about re-opening Fat City Deli, but he wouldn't give me any details.

Gilda grand opening party is Friday. Doors open at 6 p.m. Greg Pappanastos starts spinning at 10 p.m. It's free.

Slaying near Liquid Lounge

The suspects in the shooting near Liquid Lounge are black so instead of mourning the tragic loss of life, I know some readers (read comments on my previous post) see this incident as an example of why uptown clubs shouldn't be more diverse. I don't. I stand by my call for uptown's clubs, bars and restaurants to more fully reflect this ethnically rich city.

I was at Liquid Lounge on Saturday night, and I can't believe four days later Norman Antoine Gilmore was shot dead after leaving the same club. My heart goes out to his family. And city leaders offer their condolences as well. Charlotte Center City Partners President Michael Smith says "We offer our sympathies to the family and friends of the victim. This is a senseless loss of life."

This slaying won't deter me from hanging at liquid or quiet my call for diversity uptown.

I still plan to go to Liquid Lounge and other uptown clubs, not because I'm Paid to Party, but because I won't let a bunch of gun-toting punks scare me away from the places I like to go.

My question though is what about you?

One of the things I repeatedly heard from patrons regarding CJ's lounge before it closed was that it was a safe place to go. That got me to wondering, long before this shooting, whether people feel safe going out in Charlotte, whether its uptown or anywhere else.

Do you? And how will this shooting near Liquid affect where you party? Post your replies below.

Time for a task force

I like how the Forum handled an e-mail complaint accusing them of ethnic discrimination. The Forum is the latest nightclub to face one of these e-mail campaigns, and like previous accusations this boils down to he said, she said.

In an e-mail last November, member Joe Wind accused a bounce at the club of barring he and his Asian friends from getting in. When the club received the e-mail from Wind describing his experience there, the club's management sent an e-mail apologizing for any "perceived impropriety" and invited Wind to return with friends for a free evening in the VIP area Prive, according to Forum spokesperson Carol Adams. The club did not receive any response from Wind, but the offer still stands, she said. (I have not received a response from Wind either as to whether he plans to accept the offer.)

At a staff meeting, the Forum's management reiterated the clubs desire for diversity and reminded the staff that any sort of discrimination would not be tolerated, Adams said.

Although the club doesn't admit any wrongdoing, they recognize that a patron was upset with the level of service they received, and the club tried to rectify it before Wind's e-mail got a bunch of press.

Still, I'm concerned about the persistent perception that uptown establishments don't welcome ethnic minorities. Whether it's true or not, that perception means when minorities have negative experiences uptown one wonders if skin color played a part in it. On Sunday, Observer writer Gillian Wee writes about her experiences as an Asian in Charlotte. It's not pretty.

You can tell from my previous posts that the issue of how minorities are treated uptown sparks heated debate. Ranting about it on blogs and through e-mails won't solve this problem. I would like to see city leaders form some kind of task force to look at the issue of diversity uptown, from restaurants and bars to the way the city handled the cruisers. Invite people who are black, white, Asian, Hispanic, gay, transgender and anyone else who I've left out to be a member of this task force to identify the problems and solutions. The city should also increase the fine for violating the human relations ordinance. Anything less than $1,000 per incident is laughable.

What do you think? Post your replies below.

Waiting for Uma Thurman

Ever had a night when you're out, and all of sudden you feel like this can't be real? This moment right here, right now feels like you're in a movie.

Saturday was one of those, and no, I wasn't high. It started with a picture.

I'm inside Lava for Freaky Wack, the grand opening party for Eden, formerly Sky. I see this Korean cat, smoking a cigarette standing alone. Now, Asians often hang at Lava, but typically they travel with friends. This dude is standing alone, taking in the crowd. His air was so cool, I snap off a few pictures for Party Pix and introduce myself. We start talking, his name was Do Kin. He used to live in L.A. and loves to breakdance.

We head next door to Cuisine Malaya, which is hosting a private Chinese New Year party. Kin's Korean, but he has Chinese friends. For the next hour or so, I talk with him and one of his buddies about the difference between Koreans and Chinese, clubbing in different states and for Do in different countries (He loves South America). There's a football game playing on TV, a group of Asians talk at a table near the door. Couples pack up to go boxes of food and their children to leave (it's after 2 a.m.) and three other people sit near us talking.

Except for me and a few white people, everyone else is Asian. It was at that moment, when I'm soaking it all in and Do is telling me about why black people love him -- because he's from Seoul and he's got Steez (aka style)-- that I wonder if I'm in some kind of Quentin Tarantino movie. Do keeps saying, "Holla' at your boy" and throwing his hands up. And at any moment, I expect Uma Thurman to bust through the door, and pull out a sword.

The moment passes, we talk some more and then return next door to Eden. It's 3 a.m. and the dancefloor is still jumping. Muscle guys in tight T-shirts and itty-bitty women on their arms fill the dancefloor. The Freaky Wack crowd is gone. Music is pumping, but this DJs has no mixing skills. His song transition is, well there is no transition. Do and I shake our heads at the music then find a space on the floor.

Do isn't exaggerating, he moves with soul. Holla' at your girl.

40 and still groovin'

Hey party peeps,
I regularly get e-mails from my 40 and older crew wondering where can they go dancing in Charlotte other than shag and beach music places and to a place where they won't be running around with a bunch of young'un's.

I've got a spot for you, but it's not in Charlotte. City Tavern at the Lake on Wednesday was rockin' and the crowd was 30 and up with plenty of people who were over the big 4-0. And let me tell you, they were on the dancefloor doing their thang and singing along to the hip-hop and rock.

I met a grandmother who recently moved down from New York and she stayed on the dancefloor. I also saw several guys with bad toupeés,
but the best part is that the crowd was also a mix of 30 and a few 20 somethings. Everyone danced with everyone. Great vibe, good time.

Ooh, if you're looking for something to do this Saturday. Andy Kastanas will be back on the decks at Liquid Lounge He hasn't deejayed around town in a minute, so it should be a good time. Drop in and give him a shout.

Britney in the Q.C.

Morton's is the only Charlotte restaurant to get big time celebrities. Apparently, we've been trying to track this down for a while now, but it's true.

Paid to Party hears that Britney Spears recently dined at Restaurant i, a Japanese restaurant that isn't a bunch of hibachi grills, on East Boulevard. We don't know why the former Bad Girl of Pop now turned Mommy Dearest was in town.

Dude where's my parking space?

Hey party people, so uptown is jumping and parking is scarce. I'm sure all you avid Observer readers have been following our stories about how tough it is to park uptown now.

We had a piece in Monday's paper about the challenges of valet parking, and we had a story in Sunday's paper about how free parking is scarce.

I'll be the first to say, I'm cheap so I loved free parking at the Seventh Street deck, but all this whining about parking uptown is a bit much. You've got to pay to play. After 5 p.m., it typically costs $5 to park uptown on weekends and up to $15 if there's an event at the arena. I typically pay $10 max.

I know all my big city transplants can attest, that $10 is not a lot to pay to park downtown.

So party people tell me is parking uptown really that big a hassle? And is parking keeping people from coming uptown? Post your comments below.

Worst day of my life

Saturday started great. I rocked my Darrel Green jersey all day and random people on the street were wishing me good luck. Other Redskins fans gave me dap.

When I arrived at Picasso's on East Boulevard at 4 p.m. I saw maroon jerseys lining the bar. Tim, the bar manager, sat in the middle nursing a beer and greeting fellow fans. (He wasn't working.) I snagged a stool next to John and his friend, both Loudoun County, Va., transplants. Carlton, a D.C. native, pulled up stool beside me.

For the next three hours, it felt like Fed Ex stadium. We banged on the bar, jumped out of seats, gave high fives, did shots of Jager, chugged beer and hung our heads in utter frustration as the Redskins took us on an excrutiating ride to defeat. The emotions we felt during the Seattle game is quintessential Redskins. They build our hopes and then break our hearts.

I was so depressed after the game, I cussed out my roommate -- a Panther fan and a really nice guy -- and another friend who simply asked who won the game. (I apologized to both on Sunday.)

If the Redskins had gone to Seattle and been blown out or resoundly beaten throughout the game, that would be fine. They made me believe we would win, and when we didn't all I was left with was a hoarse voice, a slight hangover and hopes for next season. I'm tired of waiting for next season. (The worst thing I heard on Sunday was "there's always next season." Ugh)

Panther fans, I know this is selfish, but I wanted you guys to lose to Chicago. I didn't want to be the only person bummed at work on Monday. I got over it at a Panther party on Sunday. I'm glad ya'll won and I'll be pulling for the Panthers against Seattle.

Last night, I stayed home and watched "American Idol." The barefoot guy was too silly to be funny, but the overly tanned girl and her equally clueless mom were hysterical. Sitting on my couch for the third night in a row made realize it was time to shake off the blues. Tonight, I'll be back on the prowl. See you in the streets.

Promise U Won't kiss and tell

Out: Prenups
In: Pre-sexual agreements.

That's right, according to a recent Fox news story, entertainment lawyer Ron Skoler has come up with pre-sexual agreements mostly for celebrities. The person signing promises to be over 18, have no STDs, will never seek money or compensation and to keep the "sexual liaison private and confidential."

Here's my question, we've got some big dogs here -- Panthers, Bobcats and NASCAR drivers. Plus, we're getting more celebrities stopping through Charlotte. Lenny Kravitz will be here Thursday, Star Jones on Jan. 28 and Will Ferrell shot a movie in these parts.

If your favorite celebrity came to town, would you sign a pre-sexual agreement? And which celeb would that be? I know a couple of famous honeys who would get me to sign my name. What about you? Post your reply below and keep it PG-13!

No wheelchairs allowed

I'm still cracking up.
Super Bowl planners don't want people over age 45 on the field during the Rolling Stones halftime show. The NFL is offering 2,000 people a chance to watch the Stones play during the Feb. 5 event, but those lucky fans will be expected to dance, sing and cheer. The Super Bowl planners say they're trying to protect old(er) people because halftime revelers would be expected to run and stand up for a very long time. (And people over age 45 can't do that without a wheelchair, walker or cane.)

I don't think the physical challenge is the real reason planners don't want old(er) people on the field. I know plenty of them who mountain bike, jog regularly and go dancing weekly. The real reason old(er) people aren't welcome is because they're aren't as sexy as young folk.

Viewers want to see barely-dressed girls gyrating together or with virile young men. Who wants to see Viagra candidates kickin' it with menopausal women?

What do you think? Post your replies below.

They're taking over

"I wish I could quit yeewwww."

I love that line from "Brokeback Mountain." It absolutely cracks me up.

Okay, I digress. The boys of Takeover Friday are kicking the New Year off by taking over the Manor on Friday for the Charlotte premiere of the critically acclaimed "Brokeback Mountain." The Takeover peeps helped sell-out the first two shows at the Manor on Friday. As of late Thursday, there were 70 tickets left for the third show and plenty for the last one. "Brokeback" follows the love affair of characters played by stars Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal.

The predicted voices have lined up on both sides of the film. The moral police hope it flops, and gay rights activists are urging gay folks to see the movie and take a friend. Before we get too serious about the "Brokeback" hype, I'd like to defer to David Letterman...

Top Ten Signs You're A Gay Cowboy:

10. "Your saddle is Versace."

9. "Instead of 'Home On The Range', you sing 'It's Raining Men'."

8. "You enjoy ridin', ropin', and redecoratin'."

7. "Sold your livestock to buy tickets to 'Mamma Mia'."

6. "After watching reruns of 'Gunsmoke', you have to take a cold shower."

5. "Native Americans refer to you as 'Dances With Men'."

4. "You've been lassoed more times than most steers."

3. "You're wearing chaps, yet your 'ranch' is in Chelsea."

2. "Instead of a saloon you prefer a salon."

1. "You love riding, but you don't have a horse."

Lighten up. "Brokeback" is a good old-fashioned romance -- a story of love, loss and denial. If you're into those types of films, you'll like this movie whether you're gay or straight.

"I wish I could quit yeewwww."

Bobcats arena the best?

Did you hear that according to Pollstar magazine, the Charlotte Bobcats Arena has been nominated as one of the best new concert venues of the year. Winners will be announced in Vegas Feb. 15.

In past blogs, I've written about us being excluded from other national list. We finally got some major recognition from a respected publication, but I have a feeling some Charlotte concert-goers don't think the new Bobcats arena should be so highly regarded.

I saw the Rolling Stones there, and I had a good time, but I've heard from several people who aren't impressed. The biggest complaint is overpriced food, which is expected, and bad acoustics.

Urban Vixen, who saw U2 in Houston, said the sound was muffled at the Charlotte show, and the Edge's guitar wasn't crisp and lacked depth. At the Dolly Parton concert, Urban Vixen said you could barely hear Parton's vocals.


What do you guys think? Have you been to the new arena and do you think it should be considered one of the best in the country?

No alcohol for New Year's? No way!

I don't know if you heard, but Charlotte Center City Partners announced that vendors will not be selling alcohol on the streets for the big Downtown Countdown. Instead Charlotte Center City Partners wants revelers to go to restaurants, hotels and clubs for their alcohol fix. The keepers of Uptown also asked the news media to remind all the lushes that it is illegal to walk around with an open container of alcohol unless they're on private property or in a closed festival area with an alcohol permit. Apparently, the beer-coozie clutching Panther's and Bobcats fans think they're on Bourbon Street.

Moira Quinn of Charlotte Center City partners says the NYE switch is so that Downtown Countdown doesn't steal alcohol sales from businesses. She assured me that the NYE change doesn't mean alcohol won't be sold at other uptown street events. She also says the open container law is old school.

I'm a little bummed about the alcohol-free countdown, but I'm even more disappointed about the open container law reminder. Walking around with cups of beer or Bloody Mary is part of the ballgame tradition. You tailgate with friends and carry your cocktail or brewski from the asphalt party to the gate. Then you guzzle your drink before you go inside. It's all part of the game-day ritual, like players taping up their ankles. Ball games are special events. It's not like people are drinking beer on the streets uptown every night.

Partiers, am I the only who thinks the city is being a bit too uptight? Post your comments below. (P.S. no cursing, your post will be rejected.)

No Menage? No Forum? We stink -- again

OK, I know some of you doubted the credibility of the Axe deodorant survey showing Charlotte was one of the worst cities to hook up in, but guys we got slighted again.

This time by the respectable Nightclub & Bar trade magazine. They published their Top 100 bars and clubs in the U.S. and guess what - we're not in it. But guess who at least got a shout out -- Raleigh! Their Long Branch Saloon got a mention, but didn't make the top 100 list either.

Click here for the Top 100 Nightclubs and Bars for 2006. The list is in alphabetical order.

Here's a sample:
1. 115 Bourbon Street Pub (Chicago)
2. 32 Degrees Street Pub (Philly)
3. AJ's (Destin, Fla.)
4. Ampersand (New Orleans)
5. Ava Lounge (New York)
6. Aria (Boston)
7. Avala and Spider Club (L.A.)
8. Beach Bar at the W. Hotel (San Diego)
9. B.E.D. (Miami)
10. Billy Bo's Texas (Fort Worth, Texas)

Considering the Coyote Ugly's in New York and Jillians in Dallas made the list, I decided to call Tad Wilkes of Oxford Publishing, which publishes Nightclub & Bar to find out the deal, and if Charlotte sucks.

Wilkes was kind enough to explain that the bars were chosen for their innovativeness, uniqueness to the market and/or revenue. He assured me however that we're a great party town.

"We have not intentionally left Charlotte out," Wilkes said. We definitely don't think Charlottee sucks. I know that there are some good bars there, I can't think of them off the top of my head."

What do you guys think about this latest slight? Are we really lying to ourselves -- does Charlotte's nightlife really stink? If not, what clubs and bars should have made this list? Post your comments below.

Sippin' on some syzzurp

Wow, some of you got downright rowdy last week when I asked about diversity uptown. Some people stayed on topic and seriously tried to address the issue. Others slammed me for race baiting (and other things). To whoever posted that I should ride off into the sunset with my butch wife on my motorcycle, that sounds so romantic. Thanks sweetie. Speaking of which, for some reason a couple of you went on this whole gay tangent. I can see homosexuality being part of the discussion of diversity uptown, but when did you know you were gay conversation threw me. What was that about?
Anyway, as the Community Relations Committee's investigation of Menage continues, I'm sure we will return to the topic of diversity uptown. FYI: any comments that insult or slander a person (other than me) or club by name will be removed as soon as I see it. That's not cool, especially if you don't have the guts to include your name and e-mail address.
Alright, on to this week's topic.
I know people think I have the coolest job ever, but I met a woman who gets paid to drink scotch. For real.
Marcy Ruderhausen is a master of scotch, and last week she conducted a scotch tasting at Morton's to introduce Johnnie Walker Green. Ruderhausen also schooled me on the basics, such as scotch is whiskey made in Scotland (Duh) and how to drink the liquor.
And just because a scotch has an older age date, for example a 12-year Dewars, doesn't mean you'll like it better than a 10-year Talisker. Age ain't nothing but a number.
If you're new to scotch or whiskey, the first thing to figure out is if you like it smoky or not. It's kind of like fruity versus dry wine. When tasting Ruderhausen suggests sampling several different kinds at one sitting, and sampling them neat (straight).
First, sniff the liquor, then sip it. See what flavors you notice and how you like the taste. Using a straw, add a couple of drops of water. Sniff it, and then taste it again. See how the water changes the character of the liquor. Drink some water and then try the next scotch.
Ruderhausen let us try a yummy drink called the Gold Digger (She ain't messin' with no broke, broke...Just kidding). It's a shot of Johnnie Walker Gold and a shot of Godiva chocolate liquor. Oh my goodness.
Okay, enough talk about drinking. Time to party.

Diversity uptown

The accusations of racial discrimination at Menage couldn't have come at a worse time for the city. In three months, Charlotte will host the CIAA tournament and thousands of African Americans are expected to be here for a week of partying.
Whether the accusations are true or not, they reinforce an existing perception among some African Americans that blacks aren't welcome uptown. The issue of diversity uptown surfaced last month, when I wrote about a poll showing that Charlotte is one of the worst places to hook up. Several people complained that uptown isn't diverse.
So, I'm putting the question out there to you. To me uptown's nightlife is more ethnically diverse today than it was five years ago, from Phil's Deli to Crush to the Forum, you see range of ethnicities partying.