Indy Week

Extraordinary security at RNC, DNC

• by Sue Sturgis

The banjo tells its complicated interracial tale

"It's a rare opportunity for people who've never had the chance to immerse themselves in the banjo for a day" - Steve Weiss, curator of the Southern Folklife Collection and organizer of the day's events.

• by Chris Vitiello

For Greg Cartwright, growing up never meant growing still

The complications of growing older have continually served as a stop or stimulus to the evolution of The Reigning Sound.

• by Jordan Lawrence

American Aquarium's Burn. Flicker. Die.

"Pretty soon I'll hit bottom, but at least I've enjoyed the ride," BJ Barham sings during "Harmless Sparks," which rests in relative peace at the middle of American Aquarium's new album. (Last Chance Records)

• by Peter Blackstock

The guide to the week's concerts

West Africa Music Night, Estrangers, Lollipops, Jon Lindsay, Lightning Bolt, Stag, Fang Island, Tom Maxwell, Randy Dean Whitt, more

In two exhibitions, artists resolve memory with media

Bradford's work rewards moving around the gallery to view it, while despite their inviting clarity, Iwinski's photographs and tree prints register loss.

• by Chris Vitiello

Two fan fictions in Raleigh

Two verdicts for two shows: one assessment for devotees of Rocky Horror and Harry Potter, the other for the rest of us.

• by Byron Woods

Some parting advice about learning about wine

Ask questions. Sommeliers and wine shop owners should be like teachers, willing to help you learn.

• by Amber Nimocks
• Tags: Blessed Is The Pour, wine

Free Inside!: The treasures inside the cereal box

If you had the misfortune of being born post-sugar, post-toy-induced-facial-scars, buy a 40-year-old box of cereal online or, say, from Big Lots, and follow our time-tested instructions for extracting the prize.

• by Lisa Sorg

Hummingbird bakery; Capp's Apizza

Hummingbird bakery, the long-awaited dessert shop by Watts Grocery chef/ owner Amy Tornquist; Capp's Apizza, a new roving pizza oven by John Cappelletti

• by Victoria Bouloubasis
• Tags: Now Serving, Hummingbird bakery, Capp's Apizza

A front-row seat to the 2008 credit implosion

• by Craig D. Lindsey

UNC's slow-moving football scandal has its roots in decisions made 60 years ago

Raising admissions standards for athletes dramatically means accepting the fact that you likely won't win too many games, let alone a championship.

• by Thad Williamson
• Tags: Orange County, Cover Story

Royal Pain

• by V.C. Rogers

Crossed Wheel

• by Jeremy M. Lange

On guard

Mercifully, a dark cloud appeared overhead, followed by a clap of thunder. The pool emptied immediately. Grandmothers and lifeguards could relax as one.

• by Sam Brooks

Aug. 22 crossword puzzle

Aug. 22 crossword solution

Aug. 22 sudoku solution