theCLog

Comedian Tone-X has been tickling Charlotte’s funny bone for quite some time. But on Monday, August 3, it was the comedian’s turn to laugh as the spotlight turned on him in a very special way.

Anthony Belser, a radio personality on Charlotte’s Power 98 WPEG and host of Tuesday night’s Tone-X & Friends Comedy Show, has never shied away from his opportunity to shine. His resume boasts of spots on Russell Simmons “Def Comedy Jam”, BET’s Comic View, and a feature on Diddy’s “The Bad Boys of Comedy”. He is an announcer for the Charlotte Bobcats and recently embarked on a three state tour with Mo’Nique; branding his name on a more wide scale level.

So naturally, it was time to roast him.

The surprise event, organized by Y Square Management and Swagger TV, took place at Apostrophe Lounge — an intimate spot located in Charlotte’s South End neighborhood. On this particular night, the normally upscale venue was even more star studded as some of the city’s finest walked the red carpet in honor of “Uncle Tone.”

Before Tone’s arrival, guests were treated to performances by Y Square Management artists Quills and Ida Divine. DJ Skills manned the booth, keeping everyone’s energy on high.

The limo arrived soon after toting a well groomed Tone-X, and was escorted by managers — wife, Yolanda Belser and business partner Kimberly Edmonds. Photographers swarmed to take pictures of the guest of honor and Power 98’s Janine Davis pulled him aside for an interview where he admitted he had no idea what was in store for him.

As the doors opened, Jay-Z’s Encore blared through the sound system and at least 150 guests cheered him on as he took his seat center stage. Bluz, host of the event, kicked off the roasting session. Other roasters included fellow Power 98 personalities Janine “JD” Davis and No Limit Larry, local comedian, Neecie, and Tone X & Friends co-host, Chris “Funnyman” Robinson. Stacey Blackman of Q92 took to the DJ booth later in the evening.

Also in attendance were media representatives from several publications including Metro Proponent News, us here at Creative Loafing, Qcitymetro.com, and Craig Martin from South Coast Marketing. Present were Charlotte Bobcat’s announcer Pat Doughty and host Caroline Renfro, celebrity stylist Sparkles, and make-up artist Fatima B. VP of Radio One, and arguably one of the most influential African Americans in radio, Wayne K Brown made an appearance. Charles Woodyard, CEO of the Charlotte Housing Authority and Jameka Whitten of NABEFEME also came out to lend support.

It proved to be an emotional night; one full of good humor and well deserved appreciation. It was a night that reminded everyone that it is important to make the time to recognize people in the midst of their goodness; a reminder that good people are like good jokes — they’re to be applauded in the moment and they stick with you for a lifetime.

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Sarah Palin and husband, Todd are not getting divorced. Just a little internet rumor created for “fun.” Seriously, we must re-evaluate that word.

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The Deal: Live comedy show hosted by radio personality Tone-X and Chris “Funnyman” Robinson (and sponsored by members of the Carolina Panthers) that takes place every Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Skandalos (5317 East Independence Blvd).

The Good: The Tone X & Friends comedy show, which has featured well-known comedians such as Hope Flood and Michael Blackson, definitely lived up to the hype last night, pulling all the stops. The show kicked off with open mic, as amateur comedians were given their chance at QCity fame; one shot to rock or flop. And it didn’t stop with comedy — R&B artist Young Fletcher blew everyone away with his fresh sound and crisp performance. To top it off, headliner Dekeys kept the momentum as he moved the house with his crude but tear jerking humor — I literally laughed till I cried.

Tone X & Friends’ affiliation with urban media network, Swagger TV, allows the show to stream live — nationally and internationally. And thanks to the network’s accessibility to major artists, the show was able to pull off the biggest surprise of the night: a performance by Sean Paul! As if the crowd wasn’t live enough … Trust me, you’ve never seen a show like this before.

The Bad: Anticipate a large crowd and plan to arrive early. Ladies, if your stilettos are just for show, then you might want to make an appearance before they bring out the “standing room only” sign.

The Verdict: Food, drinks, laughs … what more could you ask for? If you don’t mind raw humor and long lines — you should definitely check out this show. ($15 goes a long way, huh?)

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It’s still Food Lion– but with a Latin twist. Food Lions in the Charlotte area are gearing up to be a little more diverse in their service. Sales increased in Greensboro as 13 of their stores began advertising and training their employees in Spanish language, as well as stocking items favored by most of their Hispanic customers.

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Judge David O. Carter has agreed to “hear the merits” of Alan Keyes case regarding the legitimacy of Obama’s citizenship if he can get his paperwork together.

Anyway …

As the rest of the world obsesses over this recycled rumor, check out this article posted more than a year ago:

It is the Internet rumor that will not die.

It goes something like this: Barack Obama is ineligible to be president because he (pick one or more) was not really born in Hawaii, he relinquished his U.S. citizenship as a child in Indonesia, his mother was too young or – for those who allow that he might have been born in Hawaii – he was born before Hawaii became a state.

Wrong, wrong, wrong and so wrong.

And we don’t want to have this conversation again.

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Five people, places and things we really ain’t digging today.

• What’s about to happen to these poor seals

• Male hookers

• This Ford Explorer

• No home improvement in Iran

• People always hating on Al Sharpton

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When an influential figure passes, congress is able to decide whether or not they’d like to honor them. If most are in favor — two-thirds to be exact — then the process is fairly simple. But, when you have people like Rep. Peter King who “will do anything” to stop the music, things get a little sticky.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee may have trouble keeping the promise she made at Michael Jackson’s public memorial for a House resolution that “forever” honors the late pop star.

Jackson Lee, a Texas Democrat, took the stage Tuesday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles and hoisted a framed copy of the resolution, embossed with a gold seal.

The measure will be debated on the House floor, she said.

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Murder-suicide has been dubbed the most likely scenario in the murder of NFL star Steve McNair. McNair and his girlfriend were both found in the athlete’s condo Saturday with fatal gun shot wounds. The gun, purchased by McNair’s girlfriend a few nights prior may provide the answers police have been looking for.

Levy said the 36-year-old McNair was shot in each temple and twice in the chest. Three of the shots were taken from a distance, but one of the shots to the temple came from just inches away.

The gun that killed Kazemi was in contact with her head when it discharged, he said.

Police spokesman Don Aaron said Monday McNair wasn’t with Kazemi when she bought the semiautomatic pistol that was found at the scene. Police have declined to release the caliber of the gun or the name of the person who sold it to her.

While some believe that girlfriend Sahel Kazemi is definitely to blame, othersare still skeptical. Readers and fans share their two cents on the net:

Another thing that bothers me though… “Levy said the 36-year-old McNair was shot in each temple and twice in the chest. Three of the shots were taken from a distance, but one of the shots to the temple came from just inches away.”

She owned the gun just two days and shot him in one temple “from a distance”… either she already knew how to handle a handgun or that was one heck of a luck shot! Barring evidence of prior experience, I’d be wondering about that shot.

– Anonymous

no mention of fingerprints on the gun? unless she had gloves on, that one should be pretty simple to figure out…i’m not a doctor or a scientist, but i kind of doubt she could have wiped the gun clean after the deed :-)

– Anonymous

Lack of motive? Hmmm…let’s see. “Girlfriend” finds out that she has been duped and instead of becoming the wife she has schemed and dreamed of being…she finds out she is a mistress and will always be a mistress. Sounds like a motive to me. The fact of McNair’s home being on the market is not indicative of trouble in the marriage. People sell homes all the time. The bottom line is…no legal separation or divorce proceedings were ever initiated. He played with the emotions of the wrong one…..I have sympathy for all parties involved in this shameful tragedy.

– Anonymous

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Five people, places and things we really ain’t digging today.

• The GOP — politically incorrect

• Peter King

• Sex in the classroom … with your professor

• Serial killer, Patrick Burris

• The Real Estate market (Well it’s wack if you’re a homeowner. Yes, it does suck to be you)

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Five people, places and things we really ain’t digging today.

• North Korea’s missile tests

• Pedophiles

• The lack of funding for this Senior Center

• CMS layoffs

• The continuing violence in Pakistan

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