| Junior's club is fixin' to glisten
The EpiCentre uptown may still just look like a big construction site, but one of its venues is set to open in less than a month. I tip-toed around the fences and through the rubble near College and Trade streets Wednesday to get a sneak peek at Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Whisky River, named after the country-western town he built on his land. But honky-tonk dive bar this is not. Think subtle touches such as a bar trimmed in belt buckles, rust-colored walls and splashes of dark wood paneling, then contrast that with exposed ceilings, sleek aluminum columns, track lighting, giant lava lamps and a main bar accented by tiny twinkling lights. Managing partner Chris Epstein describes the look as "somewhat of a western style, but with a modern feel and a rock 'n' roll edge." Or, as general contractor Scott Lucas of Harp Renovation calls it: " `Blade Runner' meets `Bonanza.' " There are three full-service bars throughout the 10,000-square-foot space and a stage that can be used for live music acts, dancing or more seating.
Growth can be a nightmare
It's fortunate that Poway's Town Center project has been delayed ("Poway puts town center, park remodeling projects on hold," Feb. 14). Now this controversy can be once again a hot topic in the next City Council election. Restaurants and small shops in the area are already going out of business. Why add more? Just fill up the ones that are sitting there now empty. The Poway Wal-Mart is only a couple of blocks from the proposed town center, and word is out that it is planning to expand to a Wal-Mart Supercenter, even though there is not nearly enough parking in the area. Why on earth would anyone think that a La Jolla-style cafe-and-boutique sort of shopping center would thrive amid affordable housing projects and next to a super Wal-Mart? And how can Valley Elementary School possibly be safe and focused on learning when it's surrounded by a shopping mall? .
Union backs saucy ad teacher
A UNION has backed a teacher suspended from her job over a raunchy internet advert made during her student days. Sarah Green, who teaches at exclusive Stockport Grammar school, was sent home this week after pupils stumbled across a graphic advert in which she stars as a seductive secretary. The 25-year-old English teacher had carried out a number of acting jobs while a student at Manchester Metropolitan University. The National Union of Teachers said that her past activities would not affect her abilities to teach pupils. The four-minute film was created to promote a brand of protective workwear and shows three contractors being seduced by a number of attractive women. Although Ms Green was fully-clothed throughout, it was too explicit for television but proved a hit on the internet with tens of thousands of viewers on Youtube and other sites.
Prams, trams, automobiles prove frustrating mix
DRIVERS and strangers are often rude and don't help. BABIES and kids are left alone near stairwells as parents push heavy prams up and down. LIFTS and pathways are often badly lit and unsafe at night. Three-wheeled prams often exacerbate the problems. They are heavier and wider than traditional strollers, and must be lifted at dangerous angles to get through doorways, parents say. The report, released today by the Victorian Council of Social Service, surveyed 45 mums aged under 25 from Melbourne, Albury-Wodonga and Geelong. Some mothers said it was difficult to get drivers to help. "If they are in a foul mood they won't help you," one Ringwood mother said. Two-thirds of those interviewed were largely dependant on public transport, which they said made getting around "horrible" and "hard".
Richard Williams: Capello should drop Beckham and get on path to World ...
For anyone out there who bought a ticket for next week's Inghilterra friendly in the belief that it would mark the celebration of David Beckham's 100th cap, here is a simple message: more fool you. The mistake you made is a miniature version of the one committed by Peter Ridsdale when he mortgaged the future of Leeds United to a belief that success would continue sine die. This is sport, dummy. What goes up can easily come down. There are no guarantees. .
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Despite the glam, women's game isn't looking so good
Tap in the name Serena Williams and the first link to pop up is two bikini shots and a snap of La Williams tucking up her knicker leg while wearing a denim micro-skirt, a skin-tight sleeveless top and biker boots. A search for Maria Sharapova stumps up a photo of her in a posh frock with a neckline that plunges to her navel, while Daniela Hantuchova is represented by a picture of her bending over in hotpants and bra top with a Nike swoosh emblazoned on her behind. Tap in the names of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic and the first mention of the world's top three players is an update on their progress and chances here at the Open. At the same time, the women want to be taken seriously. They are professional athletes, they say, and demand to be treated with due respect.
Disease carriers may be detained without charge
PEOPLE carrying dangerous diseases and sexually transmitted infections, such as HIV, could be detained without charge and forced to undergo medical treatment under legal changes. A new public health Bill is set to replace the existing law, which is nearly 100 years old, and give the The Western Australian Health Department powers to deal swiftly with individuals who it suspects pose a threat to the community. Those affected could be banned from venues such as nightclubs, public baths or bars and have to submit to supervision or face the threat of a $50,000 fine. They could also be forced to take antibiotics. If passed, the new law would replace the WA Health Act 1911 which, according to State Government literature, has "significant limitations in regard to its application to people who knowingly expose others to the risk of HIV infection".
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