Submitted by Melissa Howsam — Correspondent
PLAIN WHITE T’S: The pop-rocksters told us that “friends don’t let friends dial drunk.” Not always the case. But now that Verizon got the iPhone, more of us can have an app for that. If only that Bad Decision Blocker could prevent all poorly made choices. So your friends can focus on their own drunken drama, and your phone can do your dirty work. Can you hear me now that I’ve had a few brews? No? Good. But you can hear the Plain White T’s when they take the Cradle stage Friday Night. Need to buff up on the T’s tunes? Yeah, there’s probs an app for that, too. When: Feb. 17, 7 p.m. $18 advance, $20 day of show. More info
THE UGLY DUCKLING: If your friends said they were headed to Ugly Monkey’s and showed up at your house instead, well, that’s unfortunate. But, it’s not such a bad fate to be the ugly ducky. I mean, it comes with a side of humility so you’re not, say, having to resign from high-government post after sending a shirtless-flexed pic of yourself to a Craigslist cutie. Well played, congressman. So, celebrate the honor in inner beauty and sauté over to Fletcher Opera Theater for Carolina Ballet’s re-imaging of Hans Christian Andersen’s famed coming-of-age story, with new ballet from artistic director Robert Weiss. And remember, that lucky duck grew into a beautiful swan, but if that doesn’t work out for you, ugly ducks get cuter if the pond water is spiked. When: Feb. 17 - March 6. Times vary. $25-65. More info
MAKE A BLANKET FOR LINUS: Blankets are important. Linus once said “sucking your thumb without a blanket is like eating a cone without ice cream.” Unacceptable. He also said it kept him from “cracking up.” So, give the kids some ice cream and a little peace of mind by patching together for Project Linus, stitching handmade blankets for seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need tots. When: Feb 20. 1-4 p.m. at Marbles Kids Museum. More info
VALENTINE’S DAY: No, not that wretched star parade disguised as a movie that made romantics scurry to the theater to get jacked up on forced affection. Who knew Taylor Swift could act? Oh, wait. She can’t. So, be glad this isn’t that, suck it up and go surrender to a little punch-drunk love at a variety of about-town Valentine’s events, like the Foothills Sexual Chocolate Release at Busy Bee Cafe or Motorco’s Sexy is Important showcase. Jaded? Trade “amoretto” for amaretto, feel the hate and hop over to HI-5’s annual heartless dining “Anti-Valentine’s Day” party or to Woody’s City Market eighth-annual “Anti-Valentine’s Day” bash. When: February 14, everywhere, all day long. Check triangle.com for a complete list of Valentine’s events, times and prices.
TRUE LOVE: Pro PDA? Trade store-bought sentiments and sloppy kisses for true displays of affection, like cookies for pint-sized cancer patients at Fullsteam Brewery. Make them, buy them, whatever – just bring them. Now that’s sweet. Not feeling your Martha Stewart flair? Hungry helps, too. So, if you’ve got dollars to dole or a sugar daddy to dote on you, trade paramour for paragon, eat sweet treats and drop some cash for the kids. All cookie sale earnings and Worker’s Compensation-series draft proceeds will benefit Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Raleigh kids who are allergic to I40 can frequent Poole’s Diner, who will also be donating all Valentine’s proceeds to the cause. When: Feb. 14 More info
