INtune

Sexual maturity comes at different times for us all

Amy Bartner — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:56:37 GMT

When it comes to sexual experience, the playing field is not equal. Some grown men still believe the G-spot is a myth. Some teenage girls could tie up and flog the crap out of them with an expert hand.

Yesterday, three separate sets of 18 year olds came through my sex shop doors in search of “the experience.” One couple quietly traveled the aisles whispering important questions and answers to each other. Another group burst on the scene IDs at the ready giggling and blushing the whole way. Afraid to linger in any one section too long for fear of having a fetish outed or a fantasy fulfilled, they wandered aimlessly, overwhelmed with confirmation that there are as many ways to make love as there are people in the world to make it.

The final set of newly legals stepped inside grinning and victorious, proud to have finally made it to the top of this once forbidden mountain. Their eyes sparkled wide ready to embrace it all, fascinated with the possibility of endless opportunities for pleasure, boldly asking with all the uncouth of a four year old what everything was for and how to use it.

When it comes to sexual exploration, we each move at our own pace. As long as we grasp our curiosity firmly in both hands (pun intended) and remember that there is always more to learn, then we don’t have to spend life the way we came into this world: writhing and screaming and naked and vulnerable, unless of course, that’s exactly what we want.

Written by Slutmuffin
Special to Metromix

New Hoosier film and the disappointing summer movie season

Ben Neff — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:12:59 GMT

Hoosier filmmaker Christopher Allen ("A Time for the Heart," "Star Trek Vs. Batman," "Quantum Leap: A Leap to Di For") has announced production on his latest fanfilm "Fall of Gotham."

Set in the world of "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight," Allen is mixing characters from that universe with existing DC characters, adding Harley Quinn as the villain and introducing Wonder Woman into the "Dark Knight" mythos. Filming is to commence in 2010.

And now for something completely different!

The summer movie season is winding down. So I wanna know: how was the summer movie season for you? What movies did you love? Hate? Were you surprised in a good or bad fashion by any?

Here's my take: 2009 will go down as the worst summer in movie history (at least since 1975, when "Jaws" officially began "summer movie season"). There was no legitimate monster blockbuster, the season was marred with substandard sequels, prequels and original films. "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," "Terminator Salvation," "Transformers," and"G. I. Joe" were all crushing disappointments, and films like "Public Enemies" and "Funny People" were at best mild disappointments. The best film of the summer hit theaters the first week of May ("Star Trek"), and save for a few smaller-scale surprises like "District 9," "(500) Days of Summer," "The Hurt Locker" and "A Perfect Getaway," there wasn't much that was even good.

So post below: What's the best and worst of this year's summer movie season? What are you looking forward to in the fall?

Written by Joe Shearer
Special to Metromix

Social media sites are trying to take over my life!

Amy Bartner — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 20:44:27 GMT

Today I received an invitation to yet ANOTHER social media site. The e-mail subject line read: “You’ve been invited to Plaxo!” I literally gasped in fear of having to complete another new profile page and come up with ANOTHER blasted witty status update every day.

The invitation came from a well-connected colleague who already had 90 “friends” on Plaxo. Sweat beads formed on my brow as I made the conscious decision not to succumb to more electronic peer pressure. No – I’m not doing it. I won’t click the glowing “register here” button designed to subliminally entice me to join.

I already have profiles on Twitter, Linked In, Smaller Indiana, Metromix, Facebook and the outdated, MySpace (does anyone still use MySpace?). I write a daily, turned weekly, I mean monthly – almost never, blog that has gotten neglected because I’m too busy meddling into the lives of other people trying to find out “what they’re doing.”
It’s come to the point that I have to check myself.

At 2:00 on a Monday afternoon, why do I even CARE what they’re doing? I should be working... so should THEY! LOL! Instead, I’m caught up in an Internet voyeuristic cyclone of status updates and mundane feedback like, “I’m eating a cheeseburger at Rally’s,” and before I know it, it’s time to leave for the day.

This has to stop. Dear cyber-gods, hear my plea. My name is Keianna Rae Harrison, I am a social media junkie, and I need help.

Today I’m joining SM-Anonymous, a group for people who have too many social media profiles and no real lives. My Facebook/Twitter status for the next few days will read: Keianna Rae has left the building. She cannot have anymore friends or join another e-gang.
Thanks! ~Keianna's Social Media Sponsor

Written by Keianna Rae Harrison
Special to Metromix

Five course meal coming to Restaurant Tallent

Ben Neff — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 19:48:16 GMT

Coming up Wednesday, Sept 2nd at Restaurant Tallent, easily one of my favorites restaurants because the scene, food, and people, Krissy and Dave Tallent, whom I affectionately refer to as “the Bad Ass Tallents”, will be opening their dining room for what looks to be an amazing dinner paired with wines from the remarkable portfolio of Eric Solomon Selections.

Restaurant Tallent is very passionate about food and wine. Their dinners are phenomenal and a true credit to the Indy dining scene. The dinner is done in conjunction with Big Red Liq and Wine stores, the leading retailer down in Bloomington.

The dinner:
6:00 Reception and Hors d' Oeuvres with Con Class Rueda or Castano Monastrell
6:30 Dinner

Course 1
Grilled and Chilled Seafood Salad with Salsa Verde, Romesco, Olives, Tomatoes, and Watermelon
Paired with Burgan's Albarino 2007

Course 2
Chorizo Crusted Cod with Saffron Risotto, Crispy Chicken Oyster, and Lobster Broth
Paired with Vilosell 2006

Course 3
Crispy Braised Fiedler Farms Pork Belly with Chanterelle and White Bean Ragout, and a Honey and Sherry Vinegar Lacquer
Paired with Ercavio Tempranillo Roble 2007

Course 4
Ribeye of Indiana Beef with Rioja Potatoes, Grilled Candy Onion, and Blue Cheese Salad
Paired with Aalto Ribera del Duero 2006

Course 5
Poppy Seed Angelfood Cake French Toast with Hunter's Honey Ice Cream and Vanilla Peaches
Paired with Gramona Cava N/V

Cost is $80 per person, which includes includes tax and Gratuity

Please call the restaurant to make your reservation at 812-330-9801.

Written by Arthur Black
Special to Metromix

Those five guys know good burgers

Amy Bartner — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:17:04 GMT

Anyone out there that can’t appreciate the gastronomic value of a good ole American cheeseburger and fries simply can’t see beyond their white table cloth snobbery and really needs to embrace or re-embrace the comfort food genre and its undeniable contribution to living relaxed flavor; I love a great burger and am always on the look out for a sloppy indulgence that makes any time in the gym truly worth it.

Bad ass burgers are one of a number of prime comfort foods, bringing me to a recent visit to Five Guys. An awesome, momentum building franchise opportunity originating in Arlington, Virginia in 1986, now up to 6 stores throughout Indy central and one property in Lafayette.

The simple and straight forward menu above the counter lists all the choices of hamburger, cheeseburger, bacon burger, bacon cheeseburger, a few dog options, and fries, with various toppings to dress your burger. It’s about the burgers here and the only deviation is the dogs and a grilled cheese option. Well, it's not entirely about the burgers…they seem to put an equal amount of love into their fries, which are made solely from Idaho potatoes and cooked entirely in peanut oil.

The venue is unassuming with white walls covered with stories of their origin and the awards and accolades they’ve rightfully received (won).

For a restaurant concept that is relatively fast paced in delivery and style, like a Steak n Shake, etc., the staff was very accommodating and attentive….a refreshing and unexpected surprise.

Written by Arthur Black
Special to Metromix

The five sexes

Amy Bartner — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:40:30 GMT

Have you heard about the South African runner, Caster Semenya, who won the women’s world championship 800 meter race by a huge margin? Well, apparently officials couldn’t believe the result and decided to subject her to a gender test on the grounds that, well, she looks kind of manly.

Yeah, well Michael Phelps has a lisp and no one asked HIM to whip it out after shattering Olympic records left and right.

“The gender test, which takes weeks to complete, requires a physical medical evaluation, and includes reports from a gynecologist, endocrinologist, psychologist, an internal medicine specialist and an expert on gender.”

WHAT?? Isn’t Semenya the expert on her own gender? I am NOT okay with this. This is the kind of rigid mentality that walks through my sex shop door on a regular basis. If there’s one thing I cannot stand, it is people laughing at the transgender porn. Or the gay porn. Or the midget porn. Or anything they prefer not want to watch themselves.
You know, I read once that, “A pervert is anyone kinkier than you.”

Gender is actually nuanced and complicated. Don’t believe me, start here. It’s an article by Anne Fausto-Sterling titled "The Five Sexes: Why Male and Female Are Not Enough."

And when you come back into my store a changed being, I will happily sell you all the transgender porn you want. Without judgment. Without question. And you can run home to watch it just as fast as you please.

Slutmuffin
Special to Metromix

That ain't hip-hop...

Ben Neff — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:33:51 GMT

Recently I engaged in a spirited debate with friends about the meaning of "real hip-hop..." It was a great discussion, but let's just say things got really LOUD. LOL!

There were some commonalities in our examples of "true" hip-hop music: Common, Tribe Called Quest, Wu Tang Clan... That said, the meaning of "hip-hop" should be obvious, right? Wrong.

The phrase "hip-hop" has so many different uses in today's culture; it has become diluted and, in my opinion, misapplied in a lot of cases. "Hip-hop" could describe anything from a style of dance to urban dress to a genre of music. So, while the jury is still out on the unified meaning of what is hip-hop, we all agreed in stereo about what hip-hop isn't... I present to you the list of what hip-hop is not:

Hip-hop is NOT:

1.    Anything having to do with all Black people as a culture

2.    Gold grillz - that's just ghetto

3.    The Stanky Leg

4.    All rap music - I REPEAT: all rap music is NOT hip-hop!

5.    A lifestyle of violence and misogyny

6.    Too big pants that sag to the knees

7.    A broken vocabulary filled with slang words - again, ghetto, not hip-hop

Hip-hop is one of those phenomena that you know when you see. I invite you to experience a little hip-hop culture in it's true form right here in Indy:

Sangiovese Ristorante - 4110 E 82nd Street in Indianapolis

Every Thursday night from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

This, my friends, is hip-hop. Go there. Experience. And see if you can engage in a little debate yourself about hip-hop.

Written by Keianna Harrison
Special to Metromix

One stop phone shop – Google number gets my vote

Ben Neff — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 15:34:46 GMT

As if the world has not gone gaga for Google enough, Google’s come with yet ANOTHER cool innovation – Google Voice.

I recently learned about Google Voice after getting a random-numbered text from a close friend who told me to hit him back on his Google-number. I became instantly envious when I learned that this one number will connect all of your phones together on one set of digits and it doesn’t actually exist plugged into any particular place. From work to cell to home, your people can dial one number to get to you. This number can even send text message and you can read your voicemail in an e-mail. You get to determine by individual preference where they can reach you, and get this – it’s FREE.

I instantly went to the Google site to sign up (google.com/googlevoice), but as with all cool new gadgets, there’s a catch – you have to be invited – and it could take weeks! Ugggh.

Anyway, I trust it’ll be worth it in the end. Make your way to Google and check out the newness and get in line behind me for your invitation. I’m all for making my life simpler.

Written by Keianna Harrison
Special to Metromix

Joe's weekly film news

Amy Bartner — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 21:14:21 GMT

North Central High School graduate Ali Bell’s new film “Post Grad” opens this week. The film stars Alexis Bledel, Michael Keaton and Carol Burnett, and Bell served as associate producer on the film. She seems to be building herself a nice solid future in Hollywood, so keep an eye out for her name in the credits!

On another note, did anyone catch local filmmaker Christopher Allen’s screenings at Gen Con? Several of his movies were screened together. You might know Chris from fanfilms “Star Trek Vs. Batman” and “Quantum Leap: A Leap to Di For,” and the film “A Time for the Heart.” If you missed the Gen Con screenings or just want to check out his films, take a look at them at the RACSO Films website: http://www.racsofilms.com/

So am I the only one who thought 2009 was just about the worst summer movie season ever? Sure, the movies made some money, but in terms of quality the best films of the season were “Star Trek,” “Up,” (both of which came out in May), and “The Hangover,” which was something of a sleeper hit. It seems like everything from “Transformers,” “Wolverine,” “Terminator” “G.I. Joe” and even the previously untouchable “Harry Potter” films had more negative buzz than usual. My count is three really good movies, and most everything else was middling to bad.

I’m blaming last fall’s writer’s strike for the mess, especially since the issues with most all of those films were in the screenplay. Writers weren’t allowed to work during that time, so most of those scripts languished as the summer clock was ticking down, leading to a rash of bad movies.

Anyone think I’m off base here? Anyone agree?

Who knew fairy-tale endings could be so sexy?

Amy Bartner — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 19:17:32 GMT

So many middle-aged women come through my sex shop door and are simultaneously shocked and relieved to see standing behind the counter a young woman, roughly the age of their daughters, who is able to speak so frankly about sex and all the internalized taboo passed down through the generations.

The feeling never gets old. I have accepted my position in life as one of the cutest socially sanctioned checkpoints on the path that traffics only in black market shame. Your self-hatred gets you no where around here. You either leave that nonsense at the border or I turn you away left to once again start that round trip back to the despondent place from which you came.

With the proper ID, however, and a stated purpose of wanting only to love yourself and your partner(s) better, I can in fact grant you free passage and a cart blanch visa to work and study as long as you like in this exotic land of enchantment.

The secret, I tell these women in so many words, is that the Renaissance never ended, and we are all, each of us, heir to a throne. Just beyond the border of my sex shop door lays the path that leads safely back to this position of power. It is a place where each woman can safely reclaim the passionate, uncensored sexuality that is rightfully theirs and maybe, just maybe, live happily ever after.

Slutmuffin
Special to Metromix

You're going to have a big night (in a month)

Amy Bartner — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 18:59:06 GMT

Mark your calendars now for a month from now when a couple great music showcases are going on.

September 19 gives all of us a chance to max out on music and art as both a stellar Back to School Bash is happening up north near Ball State's campus at Village Green Records and the Oranje 2009 is going on here in Indy. See details below and plan accordingly:

Back To School Bash, 3 p.m. to 12 a.m., Village Green Records, Muncie, 519 North Martin Street:

A fantastic array of national and local music acts will come together to entertain the Ball State masses as well as good music lovers. Mason Proper, Good Luck, Jookabox, Selfish Whales, Rodeo Ruby Love and many more will be joining the festivities well into the night so make sure to make the drive north to check it out.

Oranje 2009, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., 2323 North Illinois St., www.oranjeindy.com:

The scene will be full with a fantastic mix of DJs, musicians of all styles, local artists, films and much more. National buzz acts like Wye Oak will be performing alongside local favorites such as The Last Good Year, Heavy Hometown and Jascha. Over two dozen local artists including painters, potters and more will be around and food and drinks will be available all night.

Matt Conner
Special to Metromix

Get a cup at this cup

Amy Bartner — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:32:11 GMT

For three years the Bean Cup has quietly brewed coffee for the Southside of Indy tucked into an unassuming corner just off of US 31 and County Line Road across from the Greenwood Park Mall.

The Bean Cup offers a full menu featuring coffee, tea, smoothies, soups, salads and sandwiches at extremely reasonable and competitive prices. The most expensive item on the menu is $7.95, which gets you a platter holding “a slice of homemade quiche, side salad, and a bowl of the daily soup.” Coffee drinks range from $1.35-$4.25.

The atmosphere is warm and inviting with local art hanging on every wall, free wi-fi and live music every Friday and Saturday night.

Store hours:

Monday through Thursday: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Friday: 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Sunday: closed

For a complete schedule of events check out www.thebeancup.com.

You can even Text the word "bean" to 71813 to receive discounts or special offers from The Bean Cup.

By Erin Livingston
Special to Metromix

Don Julio Tasting at Morton's

Ben Neff — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:39:50 GMT

Coming up on Thursday, August 20, Gina Castillo, the Tequila Ambassador for Don Julio, will be conducting an educational seminar and tasting of the number one premium tequila in Mexico, Don Julio. People, I’ve been to Tequila, a tiny town in the state of Jalisco, and when you’re drinking premium in Mexico, you’re drinking Don Julio.

The first part of the evening at Morton’s will consist of heavy appetizers and the different spirits of Don Julio. The second part will be an interactive how to make the perfect margarita, with guests being encouraged to participate.

The cost is $45 per person. Make reservations at 317-229-4700.

Written by Arthur Black
Special to Metromix

Sushi excellence at H2O

Ben Neff — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:40:45 GMT

If you didn't know, H2O was recently sold by Eli and Nicole Anderson to Chris Choi, but the name and the plan (and food... and staff) stays the same. The skillful front of the house stays the same, so you'll see the familiar faces of Kat, Nick, Andrew, and Meredith, taking care of you. It seems Nick has maintained ownership of the beverage program, so the same carefully selected and well priced wine list suited to sushi, as well as beer and sake, remain in place.

John Adams, previously Sous Chef under Eli, took over the kitchen and seems to be keeping up quite well, while adding his own flavor. John is a total foodie and very experimental, but does so thoughfully; that is, he doesn't throw a lot of crap at the wall and hope something sticks, there is method and intent in his creations. For instance, last night, just as we thought we were finishing our wonderful dinner last night, John brought out a monk fish liver pate, served with some house made ponzu, a touch of truffle, and sprinkles of flying fish roe, with pea shoots... enough said.

I only met with the new owner briefly, but Chris Choi seems sincere in his desire to accommodate guests and continue the tradition of sushi excellence that H2O has become known for. Go meet Chris, have oyster shooters (best in town) and dig on their seaweed salad, made with wamake seaweed (the good stuff, not the standard weeds that look like neon stirephome).

Written by Arthur Black
Special to Metromix

Brugge Brasserie offers seasonal surprises

Ben Neff — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:41:27 GMT

In light of the upcoming issue of Metromix on our favorite local places, I thought I'd weigh in on the topic at hand and give a shout to my favorite place: Brugge Brasserie. The Broad Ripple joint features some of the best tasting beer offered in the area and the selections always change seasonally, so a new surprise awaits every couple months. The current Quadripple is fantastic and the Winter selections always delight, ensuring a bit of warmth in the sad, slushy season.

The salads and sandwiches are some of the best in town and that doesn't even touch the favorite food items of the frites or mussels. So while there's no music happening in the background and seating might be limited, you just can't beat grabbing a brew along the Monon Trail while you watch others run and bike.

Written by Matt Conner
Special to Metromix

Sisterhood of the traveling sex shop

Amy Bartner — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:12:40 GMT

Twice now I have done this, pack a giant bag full of toys and adult products for transport across several state lines to be given away at special events. At least 30 pounds of my suitcase and a portion of my carry on arrived with me to the Indianapolis International Airport. It seems they remember me. This time around security didn't even flinch. Either that, or Indianapolis travelers have suddenly become exponentially freakier and my kind of luggage is simply par for the course.

Just as my work in the sex shop has become less shocking with every passing day, so too will the prospect of traveling through the airport with my weight in sex toys in tow. Right now, though, I still get a rush knowing that security and I share a little secret. It makes me wonder what other suits scampering around the Delta concourse are also packing latex and paddles in their professional canvas carry-ons.

How many other displaced freaks are wandering around out there? What do they do when they're not zipped up and tied down to their desks, way up on the 39th floor? Better yet, how many of them actually find the time...

Slutmuffin
Special to Metromix

Oranje date and location announced

Ben Neff — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 17:45:56 GMT

The Oranje team has revealed the date and location of their annual event showcasing progressive artists and musicians.

On September 19, from 8 p.m. until 2 a.m., the event will take place in a 2 story, 60,000 square foot warehouse at 2323 North Illinois. Oranje will be featuring over 35 artists and 25 musicians, enviro-lounges, fashion displays as well as the presentation of indie films, interactrive exhibits and live art demonstrations.

Visit oranjeindy.com and twitter.com/oranjeindy to keep up to date with news and party information.

There will be an Oranje 'Peel' Party at Jazz Kitchen on Saturday, Aug 15 at 9 p.m. The party will be co-hosted with Indy Jazz Fest.

Open mic at the Earth House Café

Amy Bartner — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:00:06 GMT

The last place I would ever expect to find a progressive free speech open mic is in the belly of an old Indianapolis Methodist Church, but that’s exactly where you need to go if you are looking for a high quality unpredictable mix of singer/songwriters, spoken word artists, freestyling, storytelling — you name it. Friday nights at the Earth House Café have it all.

Earth House Café is Indiana’s only 100% organic and fair trade coffee shop, and it is located inside the giant Methodist Church building on the corner of New York and East Streets. The space is now home to the Earth House Collective, “a group of peace activists, conservationists, artists, musicians, Methodists, teachers and many more dedicated to peace, wellness, community and culture.”

FreeSpeaker, the 9:00 p.m. Friday night open mic extravaganza, takes place at the Earth House Café every week and is hosted by 18 year old Matt Davis. FreeSpeaker is preceded by DJ Dicky Fox and other local music acts. For more information visit www.earthhousecollective.org.

Erin Livingston
Special to Metromix

48-Hour Film Project a tremendous success

Ben Neff — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:47:32 GMT

The Indianapolis bureau of the 48-Hour Film Project was a tremendous success, screening films in The Toby at the IMA this past Thursday night. I was among the panel of judges for the project, and it was a heckuva time choosing from the myriad of outstanding films.

The 48-Hour Film Project is a filmmaking competition where filmmakers are given a camera, a prop, a character name, a line of dialog and a genre and told to make a short film. The best film goes on to the worldwide competition.
The winning film “Gno Man is an Island,” centered on a man whose collection of garden gnomes are surreptitiously rearranged into odd dioramas by a mysterious figure.

Here’s the complete list of winners in all categories:

Best Use of Character: "Special Delivery" by Spitshine Productions
Best Use of Prop: "Fulfillment" by The Hungry Frontiersman
Best Use of Line of Dialogue: "I'm Not Talking to You" by Spontaneous Combustion & Magnet Films
Best Sound Design: "Cell" by Clutch Productions
Best Cinematography: "Cell" by Clutch Productions
Best Editing: "Cell" by Clutch Productions
Best Acting: "I'm Not Talking to You" by Spontaneous Combustion & Magnet Films
Best Writing: "Gno Man is an Island" by Talk to Todd Productions
Best Directing: "Gno Man is an Island" by Talk to Todd Productions
Runner Up for Best Film: "I'm Not Talking to You," by Spontaneous Combustion & Magnet Films
Best Film: "Gno Man is an Island" by Talk to Todd Productions
Audience Award Winner, Group A: "Magic 8 Ball" by Team Thunder Claw
Audience Award Winner, Group B: "I'm Not Talking to You" by Spontaneous Combustion & Magnet Films

Written by Joe Shearer
Special to Metromix

48-Hour Film Project

Ben Neff — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:37:00 GMT

Right on the heels of the IIFF, the 48-Hour Film Project is open for business. Filmmakers participating in the contest are given two days to make a film from concept to script to film given only a rudimentary topic. It’s a wonderfully innovative contest that has grown to include more than 70 cities around the world.

The films screen Thursday night (Aug. 6) at 7:00 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for each show, of $15 if you want in to both. Check out www.48hourfilm.com/indianapolis for more information.

I also want to make note of one of Indy’s own who has made it big in Hollywood. North Central grad Ali Bell is currently serving as Vice President of Production and Development for Montecito Picture Company, owned by Hollywood titans Tom Pollack and Ivan Reitman.

Bell is serving as associate producer for “Post Grad,” starring Carol Burnett, Michael Keaton and Alexis Bledel, and was named as one of the most influential producers in Hollywood under 35 years of age by The Hollywood Reporter.

The summer movie season is coming to a close. We need to know your thoughts overall on the summer season. What movies disappointed? Which hit big? Which surprised you? And looking ahead, what can’t you wait for this fall/winter season and into 2010?

Written by Joe Shearer
Special to Metromix

Eminem versus Mariah: The beat goes on... Make it stop, now

Ben Neff — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:28:42 GMT

Can someone tell me what the HELL are Eminem and Mariah Carey (MC) thinking?

I was in my car minding my own business, listening to XM and I heard Eminem say, "B%$@h, shut the f%$k up before I put all them phone calls out you made to my house when you was wild n out before Nick. When you was on my d$%k and give you somethin' to smile about."

I literally almost ran off the road.

Em's latest blast to Mariah in his song, "The Warning," is a verbal beat down that makes it seem like they were together just yesterday; but they dated back in 2001 - almost eight years ago. And it was only for six months! Jeez, man.

Needless to say, my ears bled as I continued to listen to him bash her and recount intimate moments about their sexual relationship. The female voice impersonation of Mariah in the song takes the diss to a whole new level.

Eminem says Mariah started it. In her video, "Obsessed," Mariah imitates Eminem and has him hit by a bus for insinuating that they slept together while they were dating. She calls him delusional. Then there was war - song for song.

I, personally, do not care if they slept together or not. And I can't imagine Nick Cannon, MC's current hubby, cares about something that happened so long ago.

I smell a publicity stunt here - a good old-fashioned PR move. Are their careers so far gone they gotta take it here? Mmm. Sad.

It'll be interesting to see how things end. Apparently Em said if MC doesn't pipe down, he'll release nude photos he took of her. Oy vey.

In the infamous words of Rodney King, "Can't we all just get along?"

Written by Keianna Rae Harrison
Special to Metromix

New all-aged venue coming to town

Ben Neff — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:37:06 GMT

For those frustrated by the lack of all-ages venues in the Indianapolis area, a new venue might provide some relief. The Dojo is the tentatively named space at 10th and Bosart and co-founder Clark Giles recently posted the following on a local hardcore music message board to clarify the facts:

"This is not to say that there aren't a ton of great places having shows right now, far from it, but none of those places are trying to do what we were trying to accomplish with a place like the Sitcom (which had mixed results of his own). We want to establish a permanent community-centered arts and music space here in town that can survive beyond the involvement of the founding individuals. Luckily through our relationships from working at J.Clyde's, we were able to work out a reasonable deal for the corner space at 10th and Bosart (right by the Emerson Theater/J.Clyde's)."

Later on in the post, Giles makes reference to his first couple shows being already in the works and the thought behind the venue's name.

"We definitely have the spot and the first couples of shows are in the works (benefit shows of course). Details are somewhat sketchy at this point but will solidify fast. Tentative Name: The Dojo (if you don't like the name, suck it, a name is just a name and trying to come up with one that all four of us liked was like herding cats)"

More info to come including, hopefully, an interview with Giles in the near future.

Written by Matt Conner
Special to Metromix

The Terrell Owens Show makes me watch TV

Ben Neff — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:38:06 GMT

The Terrell Owens Show makes me watch TV - I hate TV.

I KNOW you've heard me say at least 22 times by now that I don't watch TV. In fact, I literally hate the boob-tube. I think it's a time-consuming waste of precious moments in a day (tell us how you really feel, KR).

All that said, has anyone watched the "T.O. Show" on VH-1? I mean T.O., like Terrell Owens, wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills. After several peer-pressure type phone calls from friends and a quick Google search, I decided to tune in for just a second.

In only it's third episode, this man's life has had more twists and turns than "As the World Turns" did in a whole season. The reality show is a cool glimpse into the life of Terrell Owens and two entertainment publicists (which is my real gig) charged with managing the daily challenges a pro athlete faces. It's entertaining and worth the 30 precious moments. T.O. is easy on the eyes, too, ladies.

Congratulations, T.O., you've officially turned me into a reality-TV watcher... Er, uhm, not really.

The show airs on Mondays at 10 p.m. on VH-1. If you missed it on the tube, re-run it as many times as you want online at VH1's website.

Written by Keianna Rae Harrison
Special to Metromix

Granite City

Ben Neff — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:38:54 GMT

I recently visited Granite City on 96th St and Meridian, one of 3 total Indiana properties.

The food portions are huge and not exactly healthy, but its great sloppy comfort food. I’ll eat gastronomically ambitious food all day, but I can be a happy man with unpretentious, fattening fare. For instance, their Idaho Nachos is a stack of waffle fries with cheese, bacon, tomatoes, and sour cream….awesome. They have salads, but they’re served mega portion, Flintstone style. The Chix BBQ Flatbread is a good way to start before diving into any one of the sandwiches or entrees before dessert.

Their wine list is small and their bar is stocked, but obviously the focus here is on the beer. They’ll let you sample beers and they have a standing selection of their brews, as well as special or seasonal brews they may be playing around with.

Service is fast paced and very, very informal, in a corporate sort of, “get their orders and get the food out,” fashion, but I have to admit that everyone I came in contact with, from hostesses, bartenders, and a couple of service persons, was authentically friendly and accommodating.

The place definitely has a hustle, corporate-ish, “don’t have to think much about dining” feel to it, but the food is good for what it is, the pricing is appropriate, and the people are friendly. Some of my independent chef friends will probably give me a hard time, but I’ve been twice and I’ll likely go again.

Written by Arthur Black
Special to Metromix

Tequila Tasting at Vine and Table

Ben Neff — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 20:39:25 GMT

Wednesday, August 19th, from 6:30 – 8:30, Gina Castillo, a Brand Ambassador for the Ultra Premium Tequila Brands of Diageo, will be at Vine and Table in Carmel to teach those in attendance about the wonderful spirit Tequila! The cost is $45 a head, but you are going to get a chance to try several cool representations of Tequila, including Riserva de La Familia, which is aged 5 years (rather long for tequila) and has a beautiful nose of honey peppers and caramelized oak staves with baking spices, as well as Don Julio 1942, which is one of my all time favorites (I actually purchased a bottle while I was in the small village of Tequila a few years before it was a available in Indy and I still have that bottle)! Some cat from Dos Banderos, a premium Sangrita producer, will be there doing his thing, sharing Sangrita and telling their story, while and Chef Nathanial provides some appropriately paired yummies to enjoy during this “spirit experience”. Step up, dismiss those notions of Tequila simply being a shooter type of booze and recognize its pedigree. Good times! Sign up at vineandtable.com.

Written by Arthur Black
Special to Metromix