Free-Times Blog

News :: No, Seriously, Toro Y Moi Will Be in Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:06:56 -0400

Chaz Bundick, other indie A-listers to pose with swimsuit models.

Taboo Adult Store Gets Temporary Business License

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:22:21 -0400

As Taboo settles in, the city will decide next week whether to let the controversial adult toy store stay open.

Still Some Things To Hope For In Gamecock Basketball Season

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:13:04 -0400

It could hardly be considered going out on a limb to call this year a failure for USC basketball and to predict continued mediocrity for the remainder of the season based on what we've seen so far.

Pass Voter ID: Vitriolic Online Commenters Want it

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:57:22 -0400

Online commenters on newspaper websites helped bolster support for new law.

Clooney Deserves Second Oscar in "The Descendants"

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:31:56 -0400

Awkward and raw, "The Descendants" has amusing moments but is not the feel-good movie of the year.

Under the Radar :: Bill's Pickin' Parlor Starts Country Jam Session

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:25:53 -0400

Bi-weekly open stage sessions sponsored by WWNQ-FM.

Dead Wrong? Election Official Disputes Claim That Deceased Voted in S.C.

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 11:28:32 -0400

Elections agency director disputes claim that dead people are voting in South Carolina.

The Story is the Song: Into It. Over It. @ New Brookland Tavern [Wednesday, Jan. 25]

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:26:14 -0400

A Q-and-A with literate songwriter Evan Weiss.

Columbia Quadsquad Rollergirls Open Season This Weekend Hosting Dominion Derby Girls

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:09:22 -0400

The winter derby drought is finally over as the Columbia Quadsquad prepares to roll into the 2012 season this weekend against the Dominion Derby Girls of Virginia Beach. The Quadsquad, working towards full membership in the WFTDA (Women's Flat Track Derby Association) will host the year's first bout at the Jamil Temple on Sunday at 4 p.m.

Under the Radar :: Dare Dukes @ New Brookland Tavern [Sunday, Jan. 22]

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:46:39 -0400

with Modern Man

Tuskegee Airmen Take Wing in "Red Tails"

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 12:27:51 -0400

Red Tails is superficial and juvenile. It's also grand and glorious

"The Artist" is a Joyful Return to a Simpler Time at the Movies

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:59:34 -0400

The Artist is a silent film, yet speaks more distinctly than any other film I've seen in months.

Beckinsale Trades Acting for Skintight Rubber in "Underworld: Awakening

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 11:46:53 -0400

At least she's not pouting and whining like a Cullen.

Colbert, Booze to Blame for Poor Turnout at Today's Southern Republican Leadership Conference?

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:36:55 -0400

Conference was billed as blockbuster, turned out a dud.

News :: Etta James Dies

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:44:36 -0400

Debate Day in S.C. Solidifying State

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:54:01 -0400

South Carolina is upholding its reputation as the political minefield of the early nominating contests with just two days to go before the critical first-in-the-South GOP primary

Under the Radar :: F#!k Work @ Bey's [Thursday, Jan. 19]

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:46:26 -0400

Popular DJ night celebrates two years of wildin' out.

Openly Gay, Jewish GOP White House Hopeful: "I'm Staying In"

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:20:16 -0400

California's Fred Karger is still in the race for presidency.

News :: The St. Pat's in Five Points Festival Wants You!

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:54:09 -0400

(To apply for its battle of the bands.)

Under the Radar :: Versus the Robot @ Bey's [Tuesday, Jan. 17]

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:50:39 -0400

with The Tired and True, Wolves at Bay

Hundreds Flock to S.C. Tea Party Convention in Myrtle Beach

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:37:04 -0400

Attending the convention is like being given an all-day pass to a theme park of right-wing America.

Roman Polanski Orchestrates "Carnage"

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 13:10:49 -0400

It wouldn't be the first time performances have risen above material.

Gingrich, Santorum Court Anti-Romney Vote at Upstate Forum

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:34:03 -0400

Non-Romneys urge voters to rally around one of them as the conservative alternative.

Ron Paul on Rise, Foreign Policy at Issue

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:23:01 -0400

Paul runs pro-vet ads, talks foreign policy and gets veteran support in South Carolina.

Incoming! :: Drake Coming to the Colonial Life Arena

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 10:01:12 -0400

Club Paradise Tour rolls in Feb. 21.

Under the Radar :: Jasper Magazine Issue Release Party

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:26:33 -0400

Blue Mountain! The Fishing Journal! The Mercy Shot!

Huntsman a Hit Among Young Moderates at USC Speech

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:53:40 -0400

Former Utah governor spoke at the USC business school.

Rick Perry at the Barbecue

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:38:04 -0400

Candidate says nothing about the War on Drugs.

Under the Radar :: Dolfish at Conundrum Music Hall [Wednesday, Jan. 11]

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:51:46 -0400

It's "Ron Paul, Y'all" at West Columbia Rally

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:09:00 -0400

Ron Paul hits S.C. after second-place finish in New Hampshire.

News :: Red Hot Chili Peppers Postpone Colonial Life Arena Concert

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 10:49:40 -0400

Singer Anthony Kiedis knocks the world right onto his feet.

Online Extra: Charleston Chamber Orchestra Plays Columbia

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:03:51 -0400

At a distance, one would presume that city would not have too much difficulty supporting its fine local orchestra

Gingrich Calls Obama "Food-stamp President" in Call With S.C. Voters

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:25:56 -0400

Former House Speaker doubles down on controversial remark.

"Documentary Filmmaker" Finds Evidence of "The Devil Inside"

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 11:39:27 -0400

Fairly interesting for subject matter you've seen a thousand times.

Spurrier Turns Corner With Capital One Bowl Win

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:12:09 -0400

You wouldn't have thought it midway through the season when fans were complaining about almost every aspect of the team, but Steve Spurrier has finally gotten the USC football program to a turning point.

Lawmakers Look to Fix S.C. Retirement System This Session

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:20:48 -0400

During workshop for the media, lawmakers said fixing the system could dominate session

SEC Bowl Predictions For January

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:22:34 -0400

With three games already under its belt, the SEC stands at 2-1 in bowl play, with wins by Auburn and Mississippi State over ACC schools Virginia and Wake Forest and a loss by Vanderbilt to Cincinnati of the Big East.

Spoleto Releases 2012 Lineup

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 13:54:22 -0400

If there's one thing that can be said about the Spoleto Festival USA, it certainly has expanded its scope in recent years

Huntsman Daughters to Appear in Columbia on Pub Politics Jan. 5

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 18:03:31 -0400

@Jon2012girls to appear on an online talk show filmed in a Columbia bar.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo Makes Her Mark

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 17:39:34 -0400

The only thing I can really pick on is the fact that here are Craig and Mara and Plummer, supposedly Swedes, spouting off in English for two hours.

Spielberg Sneaks Sly Theme into "War Horse"

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 10:57:01 -0400

A tractor can plow your field and a tank can take you into battle, but they don't love you and have no life they would willingly give for you.

S.C. Insurance Chief's Abrupt Resignation Stuns Industry Insiders, Fuels Haley Critics

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:44:50 -0400

"Rats leave sinking ships," says state Democratic Party chairman.

WHOOPS! Bachmann Campaign Touts Democratic Antagonist as Grassroots Supporter

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 14:29:03 -0400

SC Forward Progress operative ends up on Bachmann email list as a supporter.

New SEC Schedule Favors Georgia Over USC In 2012

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 16:13:10 -0400

Though the SEC has not officially released the new post-expansion football schedule for the 2012 season, sources are now reporting that the Gamecocks will face Arkansas and LSU next year in addition to their six SEC East division opponents.

Cruise Teeters Precariously in Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:52:00 -0400

Everybody likes the idea that America can carry out its foreign policy by tiny surgical strikes rather than by massive bombardment.

Council Delays Walmart Decision

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:45:55 -0400

Columbia City Council won't decide until January whether to sell baseball stadium to developer.

Holmes Meets Moriarty for "A Game of Shadows"

Sat, 17 Dec 2011 11:09:25 -0400

A Game of Shadows, the follow-up to 2009's Sherlock Holmes, is one of those rare sequels that may actually be better than the original.

S.C. Tea Party Leaders Blast Bachmann Campaign Tactics, Bachmann Supporters Fire Back

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:58:11 -0400

Letter says Bachmann campaign hurting movement.

Under the Radar :: Of Hoof and Horn at Conundrum Music Hall

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:35:22 -0400

Cultural Council Hires Interim Director

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:31:07 -0400

Gamecock Christmas Wish List

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:39:31 -0400

It's that time of year again, when the kids reap the rewards of their good behavior or have their hearts broken for being bad.

Federal Judge Rules in Favor of Occupy Columbia, Against Gov. Nikki Haley

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 15:03:44 -0400

Occupy Columbia allowed to protest 24/7 until state develops clear, written rules.

S.C. Election Agency Could Run Deficit to Fund Republican Presidential Primary

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:53:12 -0400

Taxpayers on the hook for GOP presidential primary.

Hill Mismanages Hellions in The Sitter

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 11:53:54 -0400

When you have two movies like this back to back, it's difficult to conclude that this is not, at least circumstantially, a trend.

Garry Marshall Celebrates "New Year's Eve" Prematurely

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 12:40:08 -0400

Every director has a misfire sooner or later, but rarely have I witnessed a breakdown like this

How Stephen Colbert Played the S.C. GOP

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:51:45 -0400

South Carolina: peaches and punchlines for Comedy Central satirist.

News: Changes at the Five Points Pub

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 17:56:33 -0400

Vance McNabb - and McNabb's son, Christopher - replace Travis Maynard at Five Points music venue.

Sweepeat! Gamecocks Sweep Tigers Again

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:50:24 -0400

Against all odds the USC men's basketball team completed yet another major sports sweep over Clemson this weekend, joining the baseball and football teams in celebrating victories over the Tigers in both 2010 and 2011.

Incoming! :: Chili Peppers at Colonial Life, Merle Haggard at Township

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:15:58 -0400

And more!

Solicitor Drops Charges Against 19 Arrested Occupy Columbia Protesters

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 10:03:32 -0400

Occupiers will hold a news conference at 1:30 p.m. at the State House.

Herman Cain Moving Forward With S.C. Events, Plans Rock Hill Town Hall Dec. 2

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 23:18:02 -0400

Despite reassessing his campaign, Herman Cain plans to be in Rock Hill on Friday.

Gamecock Football: What If?

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 13:42:57 -0400

It has been a long time since the "what ifs" in a USC football season were even worth talking about. Rarely have the Gamecocks done so well as to be positioned for the opportunity to achieve the true greatness that they just missed out on this season.

Scorsese Bares Cinematic Soul in Hugo

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:14:13 -0400

I have no doubt that Hugo will be Oscar-nominated for Best Film, and Scorsese for Best Director.

Bachmann, Gingrich Begin Bloodsport for Tea Party Banner in S.C.

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:45:33 -0400

Bachmann camp says Gingrich "buying" tea party support; Gingrich camp says Bachmann "desperate."

Has USC Basketball Finally Hit Rock Bottom?

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:14:28 -0400

Sitting in the Colonial Life Arena Sunday evening watching as the Gamecocks fell behind by 22 points to the mighty Tigers of Tennessee State, I wondered aloud to those around me, "Are we witnessing the lowest point in the history of USC basketball right here and now?"

The End of "Twilight" Begins in "Breaking Dawn Part I"

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 11:12:58 -0400

The Vampire Lestat would rip whiny Edward Cullen into shreds and Lon Chaney, Jr.'s original Wolfman would have werepuppy Jacob as a midnight snack.

Online Extra: USC Symphony and the Red Violin

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:18:41 -0400

People write about what to listen for in classical music in the academic world, in the performing world, and even in novels and comic strips. It's amazing what vast differences happen. Some see colors.

Immortals Revises Classics Downward

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 07:56:47 -0400

You know, the island of Crete really is much prettier than a greenscreen in a warehouse.

State House Cop: Mass Arrests at Occupy Columbia an "Order by the Governor"

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:28:50 -0400

About 20 Occupy Columbia members arrested at State House.

City Council Swats Down Food Truck Restrictions

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:10:23 -0400

The city's food trucks dodged some hefty restrictions being pushed by the Columbia Restaurant Association.

Inside the Clown Car: Meet Michele Bachmann's South Carolina Team

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:00:42 -0400

Bachmann hires controversial S.C. campaign team.

Columbia Quadsquad Rollergirls Win Third State Championship

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 22:45:10 -0400

Continuing an already incredible two-year winning streak, the Columbia Quadsquad added a third consecutive South Carolina State Roller Derby Championship to its list of victories on Sunday, defeating the host Low Country High Rollers in a dramatic showdown in Charleston

Clint Tiptoes Through the Daffodils With "J. Edgar"

Sat, 12 Nov 2011 16:41:05 -0400

Was Hoover a flaming cross-dresser who publicly vilified homosexuals, then secretly went home to his lover, subordinate Clyde Tolson?

One Book Program Seeks Reading Advocates

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 14:57:40 -0400

Spearheaded by City Councilwoman Belinda Gergel, the One Book One Columbia program was launched in April with the goal of promoting not only literacy, but also community dialogue.

Remembering Bill Wells (1927-2011)

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 14:50:29 -0400

Wrap-Up :: 2011 Free Times Music Crawl

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 11:45:00 -0400

Longtime freelance contributor Kevin Oliver recounts his 2011 Music Crawl experience.

SEC Welcomes Missouri, Questions Remain

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 11:32:29 -0400

The road to the SEC championship game in Atlanta has gotten longer, and no, I'm not talking about last week's loss to Arkansas. Last weekend the Missouri Tigers were officially recognized as the SEC's 14th school, scheduled to begin competing in the conference in the fall of 2012.

Wet Willie's Rejects Music Crawl over Hip-Hop Lineup

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:25:34 -0400

On Saturday night, music fans heading to the Vista club Wet Willie's for the 2011 Free Times Music Crawl were greeted with a sign directing them to head to Moda Lounge instead.

Jenny Sanford Has History of Backing Candidate As Sex Scandal Breaks

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 11:45:23 -0400

Sanford endorsed Haley right before affair allegation broke.

"A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas" Offends EVERYONE

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 17:39:40 -0400

This is an awful film and a terrible movie and shouldn't be seen by anyone with even a modicum of taste. Fortunately, I have none.

Media Not Invited to Bachmann Tea Party Event in S.C.

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 14:23:29 -0400

Event is not a fundraiser, spokesman says.

Chief NLRB Attorney Named an American Bar Association Lawyer of the Year

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:10:14 -0400

Lafe Solomon filed a complaint against airline maker Boeing in April.

City Puts Brakes on Stadium Sale

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:13:45 -0400

The city slows its move toward the sale of the Capital City Stadium to a developer who wants to put a Walmart supercenter there.

S.C. Congressman: Illegal Immigrants Are Like Animals 'Using My Deodorant'

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:56:20 -0400

Congressman's remarks certainly interesting.

Gamecocks Move Into BCS Top 10 With Tennessee Win

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:46:38 -0400

With lots of opportunities still ahead the Gamecocks moved one step closer to great things this weekend, climbing into the BCS Top 10 for the first time this season at No. 9 on the strength of a 14-3 win over Tennessee. The Gamecocks also climbed four slots to No. 10 in the AP and Coaches polls.

Depp Channels Thompson Once Again in "The Rum Diary"

Sat, 29 Oct 2011 11:22:58 -0400

The film's comedy and outrageousness is more character-driven than situational, with Depp much more restrained than in his signature role as Captain Jack Sparrow.

Lexington County GOP Chairman to Challenge Sen. Ronnie Cromer in Primary

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 16:47:27 -0400

Cromer has served as a Republican in the Senate since 2003.

Letter to Travis -- A Poem for Occupy Columbia

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:34:30 -0400

I saw that photo of you, lean, grinning, skinny jeans,

flannel shirt, newsboy cap, and nearby,

News: Ladies and Gentlemen, Your 2011 Free Times Music Crawl

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:02:34 -0400

This one really goes to eleven.

Happy Haley Halloween: State Paper Puts Gov's Face on Pumpkin

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:56:55 -0400

Haley won "scariest local politician" in 2011 "Best Of Columbia" awards.

Best Case Scenario For Gamecocks Is Still National Championship

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:14:59 -0400

With the national media writing off USC after the loss of Marcus Lattimore and Stephen Garcia, and even some fans being unbelievably negative about a 6-1 team (an exceptional achievement at USC), I'm going to go as far as possible in the opposite direction and take a look at the team's best-case scenario.

"Found Footage" of Haunted Sisters Explains Too Much in "Paranormal Activity 3"

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 11:03:13 -0400

I invite any reader who believes he or she has such footage to show it to me.

Under the Radar: The Shrine at Hunter-Gatherer

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:15:14 -0400

Chuck Dukowski Sextet cancels; show goes on.

Arts Commission Seeks Nominations for Verner, Folk Heritage Awards

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:14:58 -0400

The South Carolina Arts Commission is seeking nominations for two signature awards programs

Under the Radar: Mr. B's Slides, Caroline Guitar Company Offer Tours

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 17:48:50 -0400

Henry McMaster Argues Epic Supreme Court Case About His Rental Properties

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 14:22:31 -0400

The former GOP attorney general is now fighting for his wife in the High Court.

USC Football Bye Week Preview

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:28:23 -0400

Last season the Gamecocks' bye week was actually one of the best weeks of the season, as every other team in the SEC East lost, thus adding to USC's division lead at the time. The Gamecocks even moved up a notch in the polls without lifting a finger, and they used the time wisely in preparation for their win over No. 1 ranked defending national champion Alabama.

Under the Radar: The Lovely Few at The White Mule

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:09:53 -0400

Charming indie folk troupe plays The White Mule Sunday night.

"The Thing" Desperately Tries to Mimic 1982 Classic

Sat, 15 Oct 2011 12:30:37 -0400

The Thing wants to absorb and imitate these characters' bodies? Fine Let it.

Under the Radar: Whiskey Tango Revue @ The White Mule

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 16:02:05 -0400

South Carolina's "least-feared country band" plays Columbia's finest listening room Friday night.