CD Review: Lizz Wright
The OrchardLizz Wright(Verve Forecast)Though it’s tempting to play guessing games as to why this doesn’t continue Wright’s fast-ascending career arc, the greater mystery remains in the peculiar wonders that were on her previous (second) disc. She even found something new in “A Taste of Honey” on that one. Here on her third collection, there are…
My science project? There”s something in the water
students: Christian Academy seniors Corey Hall, left, and Mazie Walthall found 17b Estradiol in Floyds Fork Recreation Area. Christian Academy seniors Mazie Walthall and Corey Hall know how to stir up trouble, but not the kind that gets your knuckles rapped with a ruler. More than a month before last week’s EPA release of a…
Irena Salina: “Water has no passport”
Irena Salina: former French radio journalist turned filmmaker who directed and developed the documentary “For Love of Water,” which examines worldwide water shortages, pollution and privatization. Irena Salina is a former French radio journalist turned filmmaker who directed and developed the documentary “For Love of Water,” which examines worldwide water shortages, pollution and privatization. It…
In treatment: Endless research, vigilance elevates Louisville Water Co. to global consultant status
In fall of 2009: contractors are expected finish work on four collector wells “This is not your drinking water.”A bundled, tobogganed Barbara Crow looks over a tank of undulating, moss-green liquid floating on a frigid February morning. “I have to say it again,” she says. “This is not your drinking water.” My stomach thanks her.…
About the cover story
LEO planned this week’s cover package before the Associated Press report detailing the growing incidence of pharmaceuticals in our water supply. We were motivated by the approach of World Water Day, on March 22, and a general sense that water, more now than ever, is an increasingly urgent — and controversial — topic. You saw…
Atrazine: Controversial weed-killer still used in Western Kentucky
Although most European countries have banned it, the pesticide atrazine is used in Western Kentucky’s corn-rich fields for two reasons: It’s cheap, and it works. Atrazine, one of many synthetic herbicides, kills cocklebur, morning glory and giant ragweed, the three weeds most likely to reduce state corn production, says William Witt, a plant and soil…
LEO Eats: The Sushi battle is joined!
By Robin Garr (with guest reviewer Suzi Bernert) Toki Masubuchi Huie: Maido Essential Japanese co-owner and sushi-maker Toki Masubuchi Huie fashions “Dragon King’s Daughter Reborn” bites at Sushi in the City. Gather ’round, young ’uns, and I’ll tell you a story about days gone by. Way back in the dark ages … well, the 1980s…
Ballz: Sports by Stephen George
Time for Cards to refocus Heading into a postseason that starts Wednesday with the beastly Big East tournament in New York, the University of Louisville men’s basketball team could learn a little something about focus from a rival. Kentucky’s Wildcats showed up to play Sunday, albeit about 10 minutes after the game against Florida started.…
The Bar Belle: Green and bear it
Are you ready for the best long weekend in Louisville? Yes, I know Derby is months away. I’m not talking about that binge-fest — because I believe that St. Patty’s weekend is far superior here. I always have more fun these next few days than I do trying to convince track-going out-of-towners that our city…
¡ ask a mexican ! Who”s making your bed?
Q Dear Mexican: Mexicans are angry that the United States might protect its own borders, might make it harder to sneak into this country, and, once here, to stay indefinitely. Let me see if I correctly understand the thinking behind these Mexicans. Let’s say I break into your house. Let’s say that when you discover…
Born to be wild: How can we save the world? Bill Plotkin says it starts from within
Bill Plotkin Imagine a forest of trees so massive they seem as if they’ll always enjoy hegemony. But then, one day the big trees succumb to greater forces, and something new is revealed, something that’s been there a while but hidden. The newly revealed growth is hearty, and exhibits surprising patterns of development that are…
Guest Commentary by David Ross-Stevens: The case for nukes?
The Courier-Journal recently made a lukewarm pitch for nuclear power electrical energy. This 180-degree editorial policy change illustrates the brevity of institutional memory, and calls into question the newspaper’s commitment to environmental health. During the 1970s, the Bingham newspapers were dead set against building the Marble Hill nuclear power plant near Madison, Ind., 40 miles…
Erosia (Letters to the Editor) for 3-12-08
LEO welcomes letters that are brief (250 words max) and thoughtful. Ad hominem attacks will be ignored, and we need your name and a daytime phone number. Send snail mail to EROSIA, 640 S. Fourth St., Louisville, Ky. 40202. Fax to 895-9779 or e-mail to leo@leoweekly.com. We may edit for length, grammar and clarity. Friends…
Changing form:Louisville appears set to enact an affordable housing trust fund.
How will that affect real estate trends? Park DuValle: Photo by Geoff Oliver Bugbee West Louisville’s Park DuValle is one of the city’s visible examples of a shift to mixed-income housing development. I decided to drive south on Bardstown Road last Friday to find some new housing developments, car slipping amid the sleet-and-snow precursor to…
Long road to nowhere: Students plan walkout amid tuition-hike speculation, while universities expect the worst.
This is wrong.The blossoming of spring in the Bluegrass brings with it the seasonal issue of tuition increases at Kentucky colleges and universities. Anticipating the impact of a looming double-digit increase spawned by an economic crisis in the commonwealth, a group of University of Louisville students plan a protest for March 26. The walkout is…
Representin” (A COLUMN ABOUT THE METRO COUNCIL): When I hear that whistle blowin” …
The train whistle wrangle has councilwoman pinned Pavement and train horns, folks — it’s what gets you elected.Above your stance on any issue, be it abortion or arenas, you’ll win re-election by making sure the roads are paved, a figurative expression about taking care of those you represent. The other option is to face a…
What a Week: The City’s Weekly Zeitgeist Radar
+5Gov. Steve Beshear finally looked in a mirror, discovered he’s not Ernie Fletcher and started making some sense. The Guv came out in support of Kentucky education reform, a 70-cent cigarette tax increase and voting rights for reformed felons. Momentarily reFletcherizing, he strongly hinted that casino gambling is dead in the water. In other butt…
Cable Boxing: “The Wire” is gone but not forgotten
The WireEpisode 60: “—30—”HBO, Series finale, aired March 9. Starring Dominic West, Wendell Pierce, Clark Johnson, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn, Clarke Peters and Seth Gilliam.Synopsis: Carcetti maps out a damage-control scenario with the police brass in the wake of a startling revelation from Pearlman and Daniels. Their choice: Clean up the mess … or hide…
Theater Review: “This Beautiful City” knows not what it needs
(Actors Theatre presents Steven Cosson and Jim Lewis’ “This Beautiful City” through March 29. Directed by Steven Cosson. Part of the 32nd Annual Humana Festival of New American Plays.)As it must, the show went on Friday night at Actors Theatre, with the third production of the 32nd Humana Festival of New American Plays, “This Beautiful…
Newcomer? Hardly, but Carrie”s up for reinvention
Artistic validation might not be such a big deal after 11 albums — by then, either you know what you’re doing, or you don’t. For Carrie Newcomer, though, the attention descending on her latest Rounder release, Geography of Light, makes her feel less old guard, more rejuvenated folkster. Newcomer, who was born in Michigan but…
Local kid digs to China
Whoa? A foreigner?I kid, I kid. This week, an expatriate launches a hostile takeover of my column.Johnny Siegel, who writes us from China, where he’s relocated from Sydney, where he relocated from New York, and before that, New Orleans.At this point, he should add world traveler to his list of professions. Enjoy. —Mat Herron After…
Film reviews: “Honeydripper” isn”t Sayles” best work
‘Honeydripper’(Starring Danny Glover, Gary Clark Jr., Keb Mo, Ruth Brown and Kel Mitchell. Directed by John Sayles. Rated PG-13; 2:02. LEO Report Card: C+)In John Sayles’ “Honeydripper,” everything is exactly what it seems, and that is a problem. Nothing that can be stated with a pointed finger is underscored by anything less than a raised…
Sight Unsound: Genre-hopping with Built to Spill, Kid Rock
Friday, March 14Built to Spill is a band straddling genres. Too folky and drenched in Americana to be indie rock, and too obsessed with guitar solos to be alt-anything, the Boise, Idaho, quintet has dazzled audiences across the country with their guitar-centric, tastefully tuneful brand of rock for the last 16 years. The band, the…
Staffpicks for 3-12-08
Thursday, March 13‘A Night in Israel’ Singer Danny Maseng is the featured guest for “A Night in Israel,” part of the 37th annual Congregation Adath Jeshurun Music Festival. The performance also showcases Louisville’s cantors and choirs in this celebration of the 60th birthday of Israel, which will be held at the Congregation Adath Jeshurun in…
Video Tapeworm: Releases through Tuesday, March 11
THIS WEEK’S TWIN PEEKSENCHANTED2007; DVD $29.95, PGWe predict an amazing career ahead for Amy Adams, star of this light-hearted, kinda ditzy satire on Disney by Disney. She plays Giselle, a fairytale princess shot into our “real” reality by an evil queen, and wherever she goes, her goodness and love cause everyone around her to burst…
Shorties (Recently Reviewed in LEO)
CITY OF MEN (Starring Douglas Silva, Darlan Cunha, Jonathan Haagensen and Luciano Vidigal. Directed by Paulo Morelli.) “City of Men” was produced by the team behind “City of God,” and both films are concerned with Brazil’s extremes. Much American gangsta films, this film explains the social ills of the ghetto by providing a panoramic view…
Aftertastes for 3-12-08
J. GUMBO’S, 2109 Frankfort Ave., 896-4046, www.jgumbos.com. At this original location, there’s a down-home, neighborly feeling that results from having the proprietor (the affable Billy Fox Jr., Louisiana-bred Cajun cook and jockey) on the premises, slinging skillets around. I know I can count on a hearty, spicy meal at a price that’s almost laughable. (Reviewed…
