The Week's Inanity, Aug 31: DNC, Just Happen Already. Plus, Cat Videos and Ric Flair
Jeremy Markovich wraps up the week that was as the DNC rolls into town
News + Opinion
Bill Clinton's Lesson to Big Spenders
A local documentary gives a chilling lesson on the national debt
The Quixotic Conductor
Two years ago, the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra was struggling when it hired Christopher Warren-Green as music director. Before the renowned conductor could even make the move from London, things got worse. But don’t tell him that, because more than anything else, he believes
What Not to Say During the DNC
Want to make a good impression? Avoid mentioning any of these things to our Democratic visitors
Coming-Out Party: LaWana Mayfield
Yes, LaWana Mayfield is the first openly gay person to serve on Charlotte City Council—and only the second African American female—but she’d rather you focus on the challenges, and potential, of the city’s west side
Un-Conventional Plans
When the DNC arrives this month, the famous people will need to know where to go. I’m here to help
Things to Fix Before the DNC: Postscript
For a year, Jeremy Markovich has sought out things to fix before the DNC. This month:
Mayor Foxx's Moment
The DNC could be Anthony Foxx’s breakout moment. Here’s how
Jock Rock: Vinny Esposito
Ever wonder who chooses the music at Panthers games? It’s this guy
Church Reform
Despite our Bible Belt status, not all of Charlotte’s churches are what they seem
Fun Fall Festivals
It's festival season and some of the best are just an easy ride from the city
The DNC Survival Guide
Your guide for how to make the most of the Democratic National Convention, or, at least, how not to let it get the best of you.
Les Provocateurs
Meet twelve artists and creatives who are shaking up Charlotte’s cultural scene
Dem Words
Since news broke that Charlotte had landed the DNC, much of the city has been obsessed with how it’s been depicted in the national media. In case you haven’t been following along, here is a curated selection of Charlotte-centric sound…
Party Favors
Parts of Charlotte got all gussied up for the DNC. And once the circus leaves town, we’ll have more than memories —R. T. and L. R. The new community garden, created out of a partnership between the DNC Host Committee…
The Slideshow
Not all the action during the DNC will come from politicians. Here’s a guide to the protests —L. R. More than seventy left-leaning organizations have joined forces in the Coalition to March on Wall Street South—the Occupiers, environmentalists, college…
The Players
For one week, Charlotte will be the center of the political world. Here’s a program —R. T. The Big Shots Barack Obama Most likely, he’ll just fly in for his closing speech at Bank of America Stadium, then leave…
When the Stars Align
The DNC brings out the celebs. Here’s a guide to the ones we expect to see —J. H. Sheryl Crow The Grammy Award-winning musician has performed for the President and First Lady numerous times, from the inauguration to events…
Tweet, Check-In, Repeat
Mobile technology will be ubiquitous during the 2012 DNC There's An App for That! Here’s a quick rundown of a few notable (and free!) apps created specifically for the political conventions: App: Re:Con Developed by: National Journal Compatible with: iPad,…
Party Over Here
Two full-time staffs in Charlotte, totaling more than 200 people, have been planning, organizing, and fundraising over the past year to make the Democratic National Convention possible. Yet with all of the official proceedings on deck, it’s still largely a…
One on One with Wolf Blitzer
Wolf Blitzer is anchor of The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer on CNN. He’ll broadcast live from Charlotte during the DNC —J. H. Courtesy How long have you been covering political conventions? This is my twenty-third year at CNN. Before…
Charlotte’s Political Past
The Democratic National Convention is not the city's first brush with national politics —V. B. In 1919, trolley workers struck, then rioted. Courtesy photo December 1774—Colonists call for a boycott of British goods to prove the settlers are determined…
One on One with Bret Baier
Bret Baier is anchor of Special Report with Bret Baier on Fox News —J. H. Courtesy What’s your experience covering political conventions? In 2008, I anchored from Denver (site of the DNC) and Minneapolis (RNC). There are a lot of…
Stick With Us for a Unique Take on the DNC
How we plan to cover the DNC
You're Welcome, Esquire
It's an old trick. When a national media outlet needs to report on a city with which it is unfamiliar (i.e. any city besides New York), a reporter or producer scopes out the city mag's Best Of list.
The Week's Inanity: Cam Newton Is Not Impressed, Ricky Berens Photobombs Michael Phelps, Stand-in Babies, Some Dude Is Building an Ark, and Shallow Critiques of Political Ads
If political ads are a window into a candidate’s heart, it is possible to watch Pat McCrory’s latest spot and conclude that he has poor circulation.
The Week's Inanity: Billy Graham and Chick-fil-A, Olympic Silliness, and Giant Urban Catfish
Charlotte’s native son, the Rev. Billy Graham, issued a statement, saying he planned to celebrate Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day (a proper noun) by making the journey to one on Wednesday. About that.
The Week's Inanity: No Road for Cam, Bachelormeh, Billy Graham, Chik-Fil-A, and So Much More
This week, Cam Newton came THIS CLOSE to having a street named after him in suburban Atlanta. Not just any street, mind you, but the road in College Park, Ga. where his parents still live. A Fulton County commissioner thought it would be just a lovely idea to call it Cam Newton Drive. The locals were not pleased.
