AltWeeklies Wire
Comparing the Chinatown Bus to Its Upstart Rivalsnew

Ah, the Chinatown bus, this mode of transportation is the epitome of "shady." About two years ago, however, new competitors to the original Chinatown buses materialized, claiming to provide a more pleasant trip for as little as $1 one-way from Philadelphia to New York City.
Philadelphia City Paper |
Sulina Gabale |
08-12-2008 |
Travel
Why Can't Philly's Thriving Theater Scene Use the City's Grand Old Stages?new

Ironically, Philadelphia is worse off because we have so many great old theaters -- we might sustain one or two, but what do we do with a dozen?
Philadelphia City Paper |
David Anthony Fox |
08-12-2008 |
Theater
Get Out the Butter; Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is Toastnew
Friday's double-whammy of a total ban on travel outside the tri-county area and Attorney General Mike Cox's announcement that new felony charges are being filed against Detroit's mayor are the final nails in his political coffin. As far as we're concerned, the question isn't, "Can he survive?" No, all that remains to be seen is when the exit comes, and by what means.
Metro Times |
Staff |
08-12-2008 |
Politics
Bob Beaumont Recalls His Past Creating and Selling Electric Carsnew
In 1974 the CitiCar -- an electric car modeled on an golf cart -- began rolling out of the factory, and Beaumont's Sebring Vanguard Motors became the sixth-largest car manufacturer in the country.
Baltimore City Paper |
Chris Landers |
08-12-2008 |
Transportation
Immigrant Poet Zilka Joseph Straddles Two Worldsnew
Joseph lives, works and studies here in Michigan, but her poetry tells the story of a woman who exists in two different places. Born in Bombay and raised in Calcutta, Joseph has been in this country since 1997. In a physical sense, moving here meant leaving everything behind. In her poems, she shows that it isn't where you live that matters, but what lives on in you.
Metro Times |
Norene Cashen |
08-12-2008 |
Author Profiles & Interviews
The Human Life Extension Movement Sees a Glorious Future for Us Allnew

People involved with the loosely connected movements of life extension, transhumanism and singularitarianism think we're soon going to be able to extend our lives almost infinitely. And they're working feverishly to survive into that golden age. They're willing to pop pills and radically reduce how much they eat just to live a bit longer.
New Haven Advocate |
Adam Bulger |
08-12-2008 |
Culture
Man Up, Charlie Crist: Make Your Own Macho Would-Be Veep!new
It's crunch time in the Republican VP sweepstakes. If Florida Gov. Charlie Crist wants to win, he has to outrun the rumor he's light in the loafers. Getting engaged was a good start, but he needs an extreme makeover to be straight enough for the family-values crew.
New Times Broward-Palm Beach |
Thomas Francis |
08-12-2008 |
Commentary
Rising Detroit Rap Star Invincible Creates Sonic Calling Card from Activism & Dissentnew
Here's the deal: Invincible is one of the best emcees in the country, as many will tell you, gender notwithstanding, though the odds are stacked against her: 1) She's a woman working a male-dominated genre 2) She's gay and 3) She's overtly political -- her sympathy for the Palestinians, and politicking in a pop world often spells fiscal failure.
Metro Times |
Brian Smith |
08-12-2008 |
Profiles & Interviews
Do Pay Phones Do More Harm Than Good?new
As fewer and fewer people use pay phones, some city governments and neighborhood groups increasingly see them as invitations to crime. Still, removing pay phones from city property is one thing; getting rid of those on private property is another.
Philadelphia City Paper |
Isaiah Thompson |
08-12-2008 |
Crime & Justice
When it Comes to Foreign Affairs, the Criminally Insane is the New Normalnew
Even a salamander should be able to see that the Iraq War hasn't done a damn thing for us, except terribly damage our prestige. Yet, remarkably, millions of people seem ready to vote to install a President John McCain, who is promising even more war.
Metro Times |
Jack Lessenberry |
08-12-2008 |
Commentary
Selden Edwards' Debut Novel Was a 30-Year Journeynew

Although the writing process differs for everyone, a book taking 30 years to get published is outside the norm. But that's what it took to get Selden Edwards' The Little Book to the masses.
Santa Barbara Independent |
Charles Donelan |
08-11-2008 |
Author Profiles & Interviews
Tags: Selden Edwards, The Little Book
Pro Poker Hurts: It's Not All Glitz and Glory at the Tablenew
Harold Persaud is one of dozens of men -- and a few women -- who go to the legal poker rooms across South Florida every day, hoping to grind out the money to pay the bills. They go to places such as Pompano Park, Mardi Gras, and Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, to card rooms full of businessmen who cut out of the office early, young men wearing hooded sweatshirts and listening to iPods, foul-smelling degenerate addicts, and more retirees than a Sunday buffet.
Miami New Times |
Michael J. Mooney |
08-11-2008 |
Recreation
Black Out at the Belle Meade Country Clubnew
Even after drawing national scrutiny for its lily-white membership, the Belle Meade Country Club can't lend a brother a hand.
Nashville Scene |
Matt Pulle |
08-11-2008 |
Race & Class
Gov. Phil Bredesen as Obama Veep? Seriously?new

He's praised as a possible Obama running mate -- too bad our governor isn't programmed to function as a Democrat.
Nashville Scene |
Jeff Woods |
08-11-2008 |
Politics
Deep Pockets Still Love Ted Stevensnew

Despite his indictment and earlier suspicions he was on the take, Alaska's Ted Stevens still has a nearly $3 million fundraising lead over his likely Democratic challenger in November, Anchorage mayor Mark Begich. Boeing, for one, has ponied up $48,000 for his re-election campaign.
Seattle Weekly |
Rick Anderson |
08-11-2008 |
Politics