AltWeeklies Wire
Down the 9/11 Rabbit Holenew
Conspiracies still abound regarding the 9/11 attacks but then, conspiracy is as American as apple pie and planning a coup against FDR.
North Bay Bohemian |
P. Joseph Potocki |
08-29-2008 |
Politics
The Gritty Indie 'Frozen River' and a Post-Sept. 11 Thriller, 'Traitor'new
Both films feature formidable performances by their leads, Melissa Leo and Don Cheadle, respectively.
Growing Old, Bitterly, in 'Elegy'new
Isabel Coixet's Elegy is a movie for old men, made by a relatively young Frenchwoman. It's also a rainy afternoon movie, and it's quite likely to annoy women of all ages, no matter what the weather.
Tags: Elegy, Isabel Coixet
If James Jackson Toth is Sell-out Freak-folk, Keep It Comingnew

Outsider figurehead Devendra Banhart may date Hollywood actress Natalie Portman, and CocoRosie may have nabbed a multi-page spread in a July New York Times Magazine. But don't expect the beloved beardos and weirdos to be on sale at Wal-Mart summarily.
P.J. Bracegirdle Gets Spooky in 'Fiendish Deeds'new
The book business has been buzzing like vultures over the fact that 9–12 year olds is the only demographic where reading is on the increase. Bracegirdle (his real name) is a witty, intelligent voice that reads like a not so bloodless Lemony Snicket.
Montreal Mirror |
Juliet Waters |
08-29-2008 |
Fiction
Tanaz Eshaghian's Doc Looks at Iranian Gays Pressured to Endure Sex-Change Operationsnew

Eshaghian says Be Like Others is a film about class as much as it is about gender or sexual orientation. "If you're poor, this is when the conformity is really expected of you."
Montreal Mirror |
Matthew Hays |
08-29-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
Documentary 'Crazy Sexy Cancer' Confronts the Terrifying Diseasenew
For most of the film, Kris Carr presents an uplifting look at herself and several other cancer patients as they do their best to stare down the disease with dignity and courage. It makes for a documentary that's at once bitter and powerful.
Montreal Mirror |
Matthew Hays |
08-29-2008 |
Reviews
Tags: Crazy Sexy Cancer, Kris Carr
Rock Reflections from Silver Jews' David Bermannew
Berman talks about touring, faith, and fighting with Frank Black.
Montreal Mirror |
Johnson Cummins |
08-29-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
The Grim Sleeper is Murdering Angelenos as Cops Hunt His DNAnew

The most elusive serial killer west of the Mississippi took a 13-year break. Now he's back.
L.A. Weekly |
Christine Pelisek |
08-29-2008 |
Crime & Justice
Can Toy Styles Dominate the Cutthroat World of Street Lit?new

Styles has written two novels for Triple Crown Publications, one of the bigger names in the pulpy, erotic, and violent world of urban fiction, and a dominating force in the "African-American Literature" section of chain bookstores. Last November, though, Styles decided to strike out on her own and start her own house.
Washington City Paper |
Ruth Samuelson |
08-29-2008 |
Author Profiles & Interviews
'In Search of a Midnight Kiss' and 'Frozen River': Once More With Failingnew
Two movies on the extremes we'll go to for love.
Washington City Paper |
Tricia Olszewski |
08-29-2008 |
Reviews
Nashville School Resegregation Threatens a New Generationnew

The black-white educational achievement gap is already yawning in Nashville, and the city's black leaders are convinced a rezoning plan will exacerbate that.
Nashville Scene |
Jeff Woods |
08-29-2008 |
Education
Darby Crash Biopic Feels Like 'High School Musical' With Heroinnew

What We Do Is Secret, named after a Germs song, begins with one genuine moment--Shane West perfectly imitating Crash's baby-talkish onstage requests for a "beerwa"—but crumbles into cartoonish movie-of-the-week territory from there.
Washington City Paper |
Tricia Olszewski |
08-29-2008 |
Reviews
Why Wine-lovers Should Avoid Wine Barsnew

It's the culture of wine at these places—the idea that drinking wine somehow makes you more sophisticated, even if you don’t know squat about grapes--and the price that you must pay to join this faux high society.
Washington City Paper |
Tim Carman |
08-29-2008 |
Food+Drink
Getting Smutty with Titsworthnew
On his debut album, Twelve Steps, he turns to making original tracks, and the entire production is a dancefloor murderer, mixing hip-hop, R&B, electronic music, and a little bit of pretty much everything else.
Washington City Paper |
Sarah Godfrey |
08-29-2008 |
Reviews