Charlotte

What could be more entertaining than watching Tina Fey do Sarah Palin? The answer is obvious: watching Sarah Palin do Sarah Palin!

Hot on the heels of last Friday's slog through foreign policy sound bites and financial meltdown one-upmanship, this Thursday's Vice-Presidential debate promises to be, well...no one knows quite what to expect. Will sassy Sarah Palin have anything smart to say? Can affable ol' Joe Biden keep his foot out of his mouth? Who knows.

Only one thing is certain: This will undoubtedly be the wildest, most-watched of all of this season's debates!

With that in mind, what better way to take in the thrills and chills of this once-in-a-lifetime reality-TV-type spectacle than with a glass of wine or a cold beer and the company of your Drinking Liberally cohorts? Come to Dolce Vita this Thursday for what promises to be 90 minutes of sheer eyebrow-raising, head-smacking hilarity!

Here's the deal: This week we're skipping our regular first-Wednesday-of-the-month gathering. Instead, come out Thursday evening. Swing by the friendly confines of Dolce Vita anytime after 7 o'clock, where you'll grab a drink, and within minutes find yourself embroiled in a witty, spirited, thoroughly refreshing round of conversation with people as passionate, informed, and hopeful for the future as you are. Then, at 9 o'clock, we'll dim the lights and watch the debate, live from St. Louis.

It's going to be a great night!

We'll have an extra TV and plenty of good seating, plus Dolce Vita will offer debate-viewing drink specials just for us!

What: Sarah Palin/Joe Biden Debate-Viewing Soiree
Where: Dolce Vita, at 3205 North Davidson Street, in NoDa
When: Thursday, October 2
Show up: anytime after 7:00
Debate starts: 9:00
Who: Debate diehards, Liberal drinkers, and anyone who loves the idea of live reality TV playing a part in selecting the Vice-Leader of the Free World
Plus: An extra TV for optimal viewing! Drink specials! Good vibes! Sarah Barracuda!

Hi everyone. Hope you had a good weekend.

You know that we here at Drinking Liberally cannot promote one candidate over another and according never attempt to do so. That being said, when we are notified of events that you might find interesting, we do our best to let you know about them.

Tonight, there is a young professionals event at Aquavina. Lt. Governor Bev Perdue will be there to talk to and learn more about the issues facing young professionals in the Charlotte area. This event is free and open to the public.

Young Professionals For
Bev Perdue
Come Meet the Next Governor of
North Carolina
Monday September 29th, 2008
7:00 PM
at
Aquavina
Wine Reception and Hors D’ Oeuvres
435 South Tryon Street
Charlotte, NC 28202

Aquavina is located in the Ratcliffe on the green in uptown Charlotte,
across from the convention center & the new westin hotel.
Complimentary covered parking & valet service is available.

You've heard the news! The Presidential debate is on as planned!

Join us tonight on the outskirts of Uptown Charlotte, a stone's throw from the Obama headquarters, for a debate-watching free-for-all. If you like your TV politics punctuated by heady discussion with hipsters as informed and into it as yourself, swing by--you'll be in the right place.

Feel free to bring drinks of your own or to enjoy beer from our keg.

In addition, Marcus will give away five "Liberal Cards," good nationally for use at like-minded businesses offering discounts on products and services. The program is just beginning to flower here in the Queen City, but we expect a lot of enthusiasm in the months to come.

What: Debate Viewing Party
Where: Charlotte Energy Solutions, at 337 Baldwin Avenue
When: TONIGHT, Friday, Sept. 26
Party Begins: 7:30
Debate Begins: 9:00
Who: Policy hounds, debate fanatics, Liberal carousers, and anyone who loves the idea of live reality TV playing a part in selecting the Leader of the Free World
Plus: Good vibes! Free keg beer!

Hi guys and girls.

You should all be aware of the debate watching party tonight. We just wanted to send you a quick reminder that the event will be held.

Many were worried about McCain and whether or not he would show. Some were worried about the rain.

Alas, neither will keep us from getting together and having a great time. See you tonight!

Where: Charlotte Energy Solutions, at 337 Baldwin Avenue
When: Friday, Sept. 26
Party Begins: 7:30
Debate Begins: 9:00

Free beer!

In the event you need directions, feel free to call Marcus Williams at 704 953-9003

Wondering where Obama and McCain stand on foreign policy and national security issues? Enjoy free beer?

This Friday marks the first of a handful of major-party Presidential and Vice-Presidential debates, and we invite you to join us as Drinking Liberally kicks things off in high style with a full-throttle viewing extravaganza!

We'll have beer available (free!), grilled corn on the cob (free!), and a grill for grilling (bring your own burgers, dogs, or meat-shaped veggie treats). Prefer wine or some sort of highfalutin microbrew beer for your debate watching? No problem! You're more than welcome to bring your own.

Whether you're mostly eager to bask in the thrilling glow of your candidate's superior command of the issues or prefer instead to jump on the opposing candidate for his nutball audacity and propensity to stretch the truth, whether you're a viewer who loves pointing out the candidates' annoying verbal tics and all-telling nonverbal cues or simply someone who enjoys an all-but-innocuous, thoroughly crippling gaff or two--or even if you're just curious about moderator Jim Lehrer's mysterious, doll-like eyes--be sure to swing by Charlotte Energy Solutions this Friday night for the debate party to end all debate parties!

What better way to begin your weekend than with free beer and smart, informed discussion? Plus, no one knows how these debates are going to go. After all, it all comes down to who looks better in TV. It's shameful but true. We refuse to be swayed, of course.

Charlotte Energy Solutions is at 337 Baldwin Avenue, just off Third Street and a stone's throw from the Obama headquarters. Here's a map. Still can't find it? Send us an email and we'll get back to you with better directions.

Where: Charlotte Energy Solutions, at 337 Baldwin Avenue
When: Friday, Sept. 26
Party Begins: 7:30
Debate Begins: 9:00
Who: Policy hounds, debate fanatics, Liberal carousers, Progressive schmoozers, pop psychologists, and anyone who loves the idea of reality TV playing a part in selecting the Leader of the Free World
Plus: Free keg beer! Gee willikers!

Wondering where Obama and McCain candidates stand on foreign policy and national security? Enjoy free beer?

This Friday marks the first of a handful of major-party Presidential and Vice-Presidential debates, and we invite you to join us as Drinking Liberally kicks things off in high style with a full-throttle viewing extravaganza!

We'll have beer available (free!), grilled corn on the cob (free!), and a grill for grilling (bring your own burgers, dogs, or meat-shaped veggie treats). Prefer wine or highfalutin microbrew beer for your debate watching? No problem! Feel free to bring your own.

Whether you're mostly eager to bask in the thrilling glow of your candidate's superior command of the issues or prefer instead to jump on the opposing candidate for his nutball audacity and propensity to stretch the truth, whether you're a viewer who loves pointing out the candidates' annoying verbal tics and all-telling nonverbal cues or simply someone who enjoys an all-but-innocuous, thoroughly crippling gaff or two--or even if you're just curious about moderator Jim Lehrer's mysterious, doll-like eyes--be sure to swing by Charlotte Energy Solutions this Friday night for the debate party to end all debate parties!

What better way to begin your weekend than with free beer and smart, informed discussion? Plus, no one knows how these debates are going to go. After all, it all comes down to who looks better in TV. It's shameful but true. We refuse to be swayed, of course.

Charlotte Energy Solutions is at 337 Baldwin Avenue, just off Third Street and a stone's throw from the Obama headquarters. Here's a map. Still can't find it? Send us an email and we'll get back to you with better directions.

Where: Charlotte Energy Solutions, at 337 Baldwin Avenue
When: Friday, Sept. 26
Party Begins: 7:30
Debate Begins: 9:00
Who: Policy hounds, debate fanatics, Liberal carousers, Progressive schmoozers, pop psychologists, and anyone who loves the idea of reality TV playing a part in selecting the Leader of the Free World
Plus: Free keg beer! Gee willikers!

Hoping for a diversion this Sunday afternoon? Tired of the mundane? Seeking a change of some sort?

You're in luck! We have two great suggestions.

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* Barack Obama will visit Charlotte for a rally!

Where: 4th Street between Davidson St. and McDowell
When: Sunday, September 21
Doors open: 11 o'clock
Program begins: 1 o'clock
For more info: Click here

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* "Your Voice. Your Vote." A huge gathering of state and local candidates will be Charlotte's largest information forum and voter registration drive.

Confirmed speakers to the event include U.S. Senate candidate Kay Hagan, Gubernatorial candidates Pat McCrory and Bev Purdue, State Reps Beverly Earle and Robert Pettinger, State Senator Malcolm Graham, County Commission candidates Harold Cogdell, Hal Jordan, Dan Ramirez, Jennifer Roberts, and more.

The event is sponsored by the Charlotte Area Association of Black Journalists, in partnership with the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and Generation Engage.

Where: Levine Museum of the New South, at 200 East 7th St
When: Sunday, September 21
Program time: Noon till 4 o'clock
For more info: Click here

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Plus, as always, we'll be Drinking Liberally! So whichever of these options you choose, swing by Brixx afterward for an ice-cold beer and some friendly banter.

Where: Brixx Pizza, at 225 East 6th St
When: Sunday, September 21
Program time: All afternoon
Why: To unwind! To connect! To share what you've learned! To get involved!

It should be a great Sunday! We can't wait to see you!

September 17 is U.S. Constitution Day! Join us for a toast to what's left of this profound document!

No kidding. Wednesday marks the anniversary of the day the U.S. Constitutional Convention signed the Constitution, in Philadelphia, way back in 1787. What better way to celebrate the wisdom, sanity, and hope of the world's oldest federal constitution than by Drinking Liberally?

We'll also raise a glass to thank all who joined us in making the Living Liberally party at Madison's such an unequivocal success!

And while many, many of you pitched in with favors big and small, we're especially indebted to fellow D.L.ers Tate Austin, Dan Crawford, Adrian Devore, Sarah Hada, Michael Kahn, Lucas Keipper, Chris Kendrick, ElisaBeth Staudt, and Harry Taylor for going the extra mile to lend a hand.

Our guests from out of town were thrilled! Kudos!

Moreover, The Gin Mill, Charlotte Energy Solutions, and Elite Properties, were vitally important in our efforts and went out of their way to work with us, as well. And of course we can't neglect to mention Laura Paynter and Heather Taylor, whose combined chutzpa a few years back set our local chapter in motion and without whom today's Charlotte Drinking Liberally would certainly look lots different--if it existed at all. Huzzah!

And with fewer than seven weeks till the elections, with our country embroiled in financial crises galore and bogged down by two wretched wars, with Houston under water and Galveston blown to bits, with a recklessly incompetent---

Oh, you get the point: this week there's surely plenty to talk about! We can't wait to see you!

Where: Dolce Vita, at 3205 North Davidson Street
When: United States Constitution Day, Wednesday September 17, from 7:00 till late
Who: Any and all who'd like to join the fun! Windbags are fine, but please: no haters.
Why: Relief from the mundane! Sarah Palin jokes! Lipstick on a pitbull! Lipstick on a pig! Lipstick on a moose! Lipstick on Joe Biden! Plus, the sweeping humanity of our Constitution!Plus: Dolce Vita's "Wino Wednesday" means you enjoy half-price wine by the glass! Huzzah!

Peace,

Andy, Jeremy, Kendall, Marcus & Mark

Just a Reminder

As many of you know, this weekend the City of Charlotte plays host to the annual Living Liberally National Conference. With Drinking Liberally members from around the country dropping by to check out the Queen City, we'll show them the best time ever by throwing our biggest, grooviest gathering of the year.

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Where: Madison's Bar & Lounge, at 115 E. Fifth St., near the corner of Fifth & Tryon
When: Saturday, September 6, beginning at 7:30 sharp
Who: Every single one of us! Let's show our out-of-town guests what we're made of!
Why: Meet D.L. members from all over the place! Make friends!
Plus: A measly $5 donation at the door gets you drink specials, lots to talk about, and oodles of good karma! Come out and support Drinking Liberally!

+++++

If you can only make one D.L. event between now and Election Day, this is the one you want to attend.

Things get going at 7:30 sharp, and for the next few hours we'll have the place completely to ourselves. This is your unique opportunity to chat with long lost Drinking Liberally kin from hither and yon, like-minded rabble-rousers who care as much about politics, public policy, and "Promoting Democracy one pint at a time" as you do.

Join us! You'll be happy you did!

There will be deals on drinks, funky music, a special Drinking Liberally toast, and everyone will be looking a little more dapper than usual. All of this for a measly five bucks! You'll have a blast!

We can't wait to see you!

Curious about what's going on in the world?

No matter what's on your mind, you've got friends in Drinking Liberally thinking about those same things, too. Whether it's Hurricane Gustav's mostly benevolent landing in the Gulf. Or Carolina Coast hopeful Hurricane Hanna, gyrating in the Atlantic. Or GOP Vice-Presidential hopeful Sarah Palin, gyrating in St. Paul. Or that fink Joe Lieberman. Or any of the ongoing Republican National Convention fracas. There's plenty to talk about!

Join us tonight at Dolce Vita for what has become the Queen City's best ongoing opportunity to hobnob with a variety of Left-leaning movers and shakers.

Whatever your interest, your cause, or your pet peeve, you'll find an inquisitive, informed group of people ready to talk it over with you. Plus, we'll probably be able to catch Sarah Palin's GOP Convention speech, which we're guessing will be an eyebrow-raiser, to say the least. Hear it here first!

Also, with this weekend's Living Liberally National Conference just around the corner, please drop us a line if you'd like to help out.

We're especially grateful for help with airport pickups Friday afternoon or evening, and there are several other jobs as well--all of which are mellow and won't involve anything more than showing a stranger around our groovy, soon-to-be-rain-soaked Queen City.

So if you can make the time, have a modicum of gumption, and generally like meeting and lending a hand to new and interesting people, drop us a line.

As for tonight, things will kick off at around 7 o'clock, as usual. Swing by. We can't wait to see you!

Peace.

Mark, Jeremy, Kendall, Marcus & Andy

Where: Dolce Vita, 3205 North Davidson Street
When: TONIGHT, Wednesday Sept. 3, at 7 o'clock
Who: Anyone ready to take a breather, enjoy a relaxing drink, and chat with other sharp-thinking Progressive leaders, well-intentioned bystanders, hangers-on, ne'er-do-wells, rounders, rabble-rousers, rapscallions, roustabouts, and muckrakers.
On the agenda: News, politics, public policy, and Sarah Palin's GOP Convention speech, broadcast live!
Plus: Each Wednesday Dolce Vita offers half-price wine by the glass. Yowza!