Brooklyn Decker to 'Chuck' It

Swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker is scheduled to appear in an episode of the NBC series Chuck. The episode will likely air in late January or early February. Decker, who is from Charlotte (Matthews actually, but she claims us so of course we'll claim her), has become a staple in Sports Illustrated's annual swimsuit edition, appearing in the coveted issue the last three years. She's also appeared in ad campaigns for Gap and Victoria Secret, and she's currently featured in holiday ads for Danskin. But she mostly makes headlines nowadays as Andy Roddick's fiance. She's set to marry the tennis star in the spring.

I had the privilege of meeting and interviewing Decker in the spring of 2007. She told me then that she aspired to become an actress, which seems to be a goal for most models. She has a lot of personality, in addition to the great looks, so it may pan out. And she's only 21 so her future is bright. But if she can't break into acting, she can always become an anchor on FOX News. Most of the women on their shows look like models (except for Greta Van Susteren).

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Seth Curry Is a 'Diaper Dandy'

It's got to be tough to be Stephen Curry's little brother. Especially considering Seth Curry is just two years younger and plays the same sport and same position. While Stephen has been amazing the college basketball world for more than two years now at Davidson, Seth is quickly having his coming out party as a freshman at Liberty.


Seth is Dick Vitale's "Diaper Dandy of the Week." Here's what the legendary basketball analyst writes on ESPN.com: "The 6-3 freshman from Charlotte, whose brother is Davidson star Stephen Curry, helped Ritchie McKay's [Liberty] Flames win three games during the week. Curry had 26 points in a huge upset at Virginia. He had 22 points and eight rebounds against Coker, followed by 21 points in 50 minutes during a double-overtime thriller over William and Mary."

Seth is one of seven freshmen on the Liberty men's basketball team. They're off to a 5-1 start and even though they're in the Big South conference (which includes local favorite Winthrop), this could be the making of a great basketball story. Think about it--seven freshmen. But I won't put that kind of pressure on them. It's enough weight on the shoulders being Stephen Curry's little brother.

Liberty plays Clemson on Sunday.

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Events for the Week: December 1-7

Your best list for parties, nightlife, social, and cultural events in Charlotte. If I learn of more events, I’ll update this post throughout the week.

Tuesday, December 2

A Cinematic Christmas
These movies will get you into the holiday spirit. Two short films will be shown, then Miracle on 34th Street. Complimentary hot cocoa and popcorn will be served. Presented by Christ Central Church. 6 p.m. Free. Neighborhood Theatre, 511 E. 36th St. www.neighborhoodtheatre.com.

A Peace of Jazz
Radio personality Jaye Delai and his wife Monica are presenting this new weekly jazz series. It promises to be a classy event. 7 p.m. $10. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.jayeandmonica.com.

Second String Santa
It’s the 20th anniversary of this annual fundraiser that has grown to become one of the biggest holiday parties of the year. Attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped children’s toy, to be donated to charity. Performance by Rhythm Nation. 7-11 p.m. $20 with an unwrapped gift, $40 without. Time Warner Cable Arena. 333 E. Trade St. www.secondstringsanta.org.

Wednesday, December 3

Pop Life (weekly event)
It’s the most popular social networking event on a Wednesday night. Starts after work but ends late. Music by select DJs. Presented by Creative Loafing and The Sol Kitchen. 6 p.m. Free. Apostrophe Lounge, 1440 S. Tryon St. (South End). www.thesolkitchen.com.

Martinis and Heels
It’s a holiday shopping party that will feature more than 50 vendors, from Beijo Bags to Pampered Chef. Enjoy martinis while you shop. Presented by Streamers Events and Promotions. 6 p.m. $20. Mercedes Benz of South Charlotte, 950 N. Polk St., Pineville. www.martinisandheels.com.

Thursday, December 4

Christian Siriano Fashion Show and Brunch
Meet the winner of Project Runway season four and enjoy a fashion show over brunch by Dean & DeLuca. Proceeds to benefit Dress for Success Charlotte. 9:30-11:30 a.m. $100. Coplon's Ladies Fine Clothing, 6800 Phillips Place Ct. www.dressforsuccess.org/charlotte.


Touch One Thursdays (weekly event)
Come and enjoy a live band and spoken word by Charlotte’s slam poets. An after-party follows. Presented by Touch One Productions. 9 p.m. $10. Wine Up, 3306 N. Davidson St. www.wine-up.com.

Friday, December 5

NoDa Gallery Crawl
Visit art galleries and shops, watch street performers, and duck in and out of bars for drinks and live music during the popular crawl in Charlotte’s art district. 6-9:30 p.m. Free. Area around corner of N. Davidson and E. 36th streets. www.noda.org.

South End Gallery Crawl
Tour eight art galleries throughout historic South End during this monthly gallery crawl. 6-9 p.m. Free. Charlotte Art League, 1517 Camden Road. www.historicsouthend.com.

Friday Afterwork Rendezvous (weekly event)
End your workweek on a high note at this networking event, held at a different venue each week. Enjoy live music and drink and appetizer specials. Presented by Talk of the Town. To learn this week’s location, text “rendezvous” to 38714. 6-9 p.m. Free.

Free Fridays @ KISS
The first Friday of the month is free admission at this trendy Miami-esque lounge. It's guaranteed to be a full house so get there early. 10 p.m. Kiss Lounge, 204 W. Woodlawn Rd. www.kisscharlotte.com.

Club 935 Grand Opening Part 1
This new, upscale hip-hop and R&B club is holding a two-night grand opening. Friday night features DJ Kid Capri, a birthday party for promoter Adolph Shiver, and is hosted by several Carolina Panthers. 10 p.m. Visit website for more details including cost. Club 935, 935 South Summit Ave. www.club935.com.

First Fridays Hosted By Lebron James
It’s Kingdom Come Part 2, as the Cleveland Cavaliers star hosts this party for the second straight year. 10 p.m. Cost varies; ladies free before 10:30 p.m. Purchasing advanced tickets online is recommended (www.ticketannex.com). NV Nightclub & Lounge, 20924 Torrence Chapel Rd. www.1stfridayscharlotte.com.


Saturday, December 6

Dove Real Beauty Workshop
Girl Talk Foundation Inc. and UNCC's Women's Studies have partnered with Dove to present this self-esteem building workshop for girls and their female mentors. There will be educational and interactive sessions along with yoga, free snacks, and workbooks. Visit website to register. 12-3 p.m. Free. University of Phoenix, 10925 David Taylor Drive, Room 105. www.girltalkfoundationinc.com.

Holiday in the Hood
Enjoy music, wine, art, and a taste of holiday celebrations from around the world during this eclectic art crawl. Presented by Creative Loafing. 6-11 p.m. Free. Plaza Midwood, Central Avenue at The Plaza. www.thekrawl.org.

Club 935 Grand Opening Part 2
This new, upscale hip-hop and R&B club is holding a two-night grand opening. Saturday night is hosted by actress Nia Long, and will be an after-party for the Bobcats-Cavaliers game. 10 p.m. Visit website for more details including cost. Club 935, 935 South Summit Ave. www.club935.com.


Sunday, December 7

Sunday Seductive
It's a party strictly for the 30-and-older crowd. Hosted by Q92.7's Stacey Blackman. 9 p.m. Free. The Cafe Room, 1250 S. Lucky Penny Dr. www.carolina30.com.

Ssshh: Sensual Seduction Sundays at Happy Hour (weekly event)
Enjoy an infusion of open-mic poetry and jazz over candlelight. Since this is the first Sunday, it's "Ladies First" and ladies will receive a free gift and music will be by an all-female band featuring Tanya Ross. Presented by Pink Diamond. 9 p.m. Ladies $5, men $10. Happy Hour Bar and Lounge, 3603 S. Tryon St. www.pinkdiamondpromo.com.

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Crazy Dunk In UNC Charlotte Game

When you dunk like this, it's called posterizing. Because dunks like this often make it onto posters. Every basketball fan has had at least one on his wall as a kid. But you don't want to be on the end that Charlotte 49er's Lamont Mack is on. He got dunked on by Cal State Fullerton's Gerard Anderson in a game Sunday during the final round of ESPN's 76 Classic. Mack shouldn't feel bad; every player gets dunked on at one point or another. And this scene won't likely make it onto a poster. But there's YouTube.

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Staggering Fact About HIV

I was watching CNN one night about a week ago, and I usually can't take my eyes off the scroll at the bottom of the screen. It always has the most interesting headlines. Then there was a fact that scrolled by that startled me: More than one million Americans are living with HIV and more than 200,000 of those don't know it. Those numbers were based on new results released by the Centers for Disease Control. I don't know what's scarier--the fact that this many people have the fatal sexually transmitted disease or that 20 percent of them are unaware of it.


Today is World AIDS Day. It's not the kind of observance any of us care to have during the holiday season. But the numbers are getting worse. Learn more by visiting the CDC's World AIDS Day page.

Charlotte Bobcats forward Emeka Okafor has been leading the One Million African Lives Initiative (OMALI) for the last couple of years. The goal of the initiative is to save one million lives in Africa by 2011 by working in remote areas, providing blood testing kits and clinical training. In recognition of World AIDS Day, today Okafor launched a mobile texting campaign to raise money for OMALI. If you text the word HIV to 90999, a $5 donation will be made to the initiative (the one-time charge will be posted to your phone bill). Click here to learn more about OMALI.

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