This weekend: Shoes at the Door Modern Dance Company
, Tampa’s newest modern dance company, will hold its debut performance, Imprints, on August 28th at USF Theatre I. Imprints will feature all new choreography from two of the company’s founders: Danielle Boe and Erica Lessner, both BFA graduates of the USF Dance Department.
Dogs make a splash at annual swim day at St. Petersburg’s Fossil Park Pool
The annual Dog Swim Day at St. Petersburg’s Fossil Park Pool is so popular that they’ve added a third session for this year’s event on August 28! Last year, Jana and Wylie had to wait more than half an hour for their turn to swim. Fossil Park Pool hosts this annual soggy dog event a…
Do It Today: Reefer Madness gets MST3K treatment
Welcome to On the Radar where we preview upcoming events to mark on your calendar … Remember those high school seminars wholly revolving around horrifying stories meant to deter us from naughty behavior? You know, tales of prom queens and future NBA stars maimed and ruined by the likes of sex, booze and…
This is how straight marriage will be destroyed (cartoon)
Jen Sorensen, one of the funniest cartoonists on the planet, has finally explained what all those Prop 8 propagandists couldn't (at least not to the satisfaction of Judge Vaughn Walker). She has discovered why and how allowing gays to marry will mean the end of straight marriage as we know it. Hint: Larry King is…
Reel Projections Podcast: Eat, Pray, Love edition
For more movie news and reviews, check out the CL index of movie posts. We're back for another installment of the Reel Projections podcast, the only CL podcast detailing the week's biggest theatrical movie releases, DVD and Blu-ray offerings and any movie news that catches our eyes. For this week's podcast, I'm joined by Out…
A kinder, gentler Rick Scott speaks in St Pete – and puts the crowd to sleep
Florida GOP gubernatorial candidate Rick Scott spoke at the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club in St. Pete Wednesday afternoon, and in his nearly 20 minute formal address, spoke almost exclusively about his business background and how he would apply that to state government, with nary a cross word uttered about Bill McCollum. But that didn't mean…
Sequoia Grove: Aiming to raise Napa Valley to the ranks of the world’s great Cab producers
Mergers in the wine world tend to mean one thing — that what goes into the bottles is about to start sucking. Luckily, California’s Sequoia Grove is undergoing a decidedly different kind of merger. They’re dropping one wine and making another a whole lot better. Sequoia Grove President and Head Winemaker Michael Trujillo says he’ll…
Researchers in Scotland have found a way to turn whiskey byproducts into biofuel
Biofuel researchers at the Edinburgh Napier University in Scotland have spent two years creating an alternative fuel source from whiskey — the byproducts of whiskey, that is. This was part of an effort to have biofuels make up 10% of fuel sales in the EU by 2020. The BBC reports: "As part of the research,…
The Water Cooler: Florida’s most corrupt; trampling the Constitution; McCollum’s best week; Greene’s strippers
The Water Cooler is a brief look at what people are talking about in politics. By Chris Ingram To Hell with the Constitution The controversy about the NYC mosque being built blocks away from Ground Zero is serving as a convenient distraction for congressional Democrats who would rather not be talking about record budget deficits,…
Do we discriminate against black dogs?
Is it true that black dogs in shelters are less likely to find homes than dogs of another color? I’ve heard this and read about what’s referred to as BBD — Big Black Dog — syndrome in places as diverse as The Bark magazine and on MSNBC. I grew up with a (black) Scottish terrier…
Concert updates: Neil Young, Surfer Blood, Lyle Lovett, Bonobo & others confirmed, Big Boi canceled, La Roux re-scheduled
For those folks who don't pay explicit attention to CL's Upcoming Concerts calendar, I'd like to draw your attention to the most recent additions, a cancellation and a re-scheduled date as well as some shows on the horizon you should know about if you didn't already. To see a complete schedule of live music taking…
T. Hampton Dohrman – Contributor
Hampton is not a professional chef. He is just a writer who loves to eat and cook, and enjoys sharing his passion and ideas about food with others. email: thdohrman@gmail.com
New poll has McCollum, Meek up; Wayne Garcia to work for Amendment 4, and could Tampa soon have direct flights to Havana? Mitch Perry Report 8.18.10
Quinnipiac has their last poll up before next Tuesday's primary, and it shows the establishment dudes, Bill McCollum & Kendrick Meek, holding off their mega-rich opponents. The man who used to own this hollowed ground, Wayne Garcia, is getting back into politics. The former Political Whore columnist is now teaming up with Democratic political consultant…
Wayne Garcia and Mitch Kates to work for Hometown Democracy Amendment 4
The Florida Hometown Democracy campaign announced Wednesday morning that former CL News & Politics Editor Wayne Garcia and Mitch Kates, the St. Petersburg based Democratic political consultant, have joined the Amendment Four campaign. Garcia will serve as communications director, Kates as campaign manager. Lesley Blackner, president of Florida Hometown Democracy, made the announcement in a…
New Quinnipiac poll shows Florida voters coming home to Meek & McCollum
Quinnipiac University, one of the top pollsters in the country, has issued what is probably its last poll before Florida's August 24 primary election, and, not surprisingly to this reporter, has "the insiders," Kendrick Meek in the U.S. Senate race and Bill McCollum in the GOP Governor's race, taking back the lead in their respective…
Green DIY: Refurbishing vintage furniture
My husband and I recently installed new floors in our house, long overdue and well received as they greatly improved the look of our 1953, 900 square foot home (the original oak flooring was, unfortunately, too far gone to save). The problem? Our beautiful, shiny new floors now highlight just how crappy our furniture is.…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Wednesday, August 18: Slow Food Tampa Bay General Membership Meeting at HCC Slow Food Tampa Bay will hold its first general membership meeting for all members and those who are considering membership. Issues discussed will be the goals for the organization, setting priorities for future projects and events, and getting acquainted with fellow Slow Foodies.…
Concert review: Goo Goo Dolls and Switchfoot at the Ask Gary Amphitheatre in Tampa
Sunday night’s Goo Goo Dolls show at the 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheatre provided local folks with an evening of great music and fun, the band putting on a high-quality show despite the sparse turnout. I’m not sure if the economy or market oversaturation is to blame, but the excessive number of empty seats implied a box office…
Body enhancing undergarments: hot or not?
Who doesn't love a nice rack? Combine that with a sexy bubble butt and you have an hour glass figure that won't stop. Unfortunately not every woman is blessed with naturally large breasts or a firm round ass that men drool over. Some women aren't able to afford painful surgeries to enhance their bodies or simply…
Tampa Bay tramples Texas at the Trop, Rays win 10-1
Josh Hamilton must have felt like riding a horse Tuesday night, being the lone Ranger to score in the 10-1 victory by the Tampa Bay Rays, as they took two from Texas in as many games. Incendiary pitching and a fired up Rays offense led to what looked like some flaring tempers as the game…
On the Radar: Stop Making Sense
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark on your calendar. Yes, you may own a well-used copy of 1984’s Stop Making Sense and can pop that baby in any time to feed your Talking Heads fix. But have you ever seen it on the big screen? If not, or you’re…
Do It Today: Rock by the Sea Benefit
Like acoustic, down-home-'n'-gritty radio-friendly rock? Okay, Blues Hammer won't be playing, but you can expect a formidable lineup to perform for a worthy cause. Spend a little cash to help Rock by the Sea, a nonprofit organization an organization that raises money via music events in support of cancer treatment programs and charities that deliver direct help…
The Target boycott, set to music
Oh, Target. We used to like your style. We even named you Tar-zhay. But the news that you — a company we always perceived as gay-friendly — gave $150,000 to a right-wing anti-gay Minnesota GOP gubernatorial candidate whose pals promote execution of homosexuals? Well, that was pretty disappointing. And not very good business either. Hence,…
Corvette website wants more intel on Rick Scott’s Corvette company
A blog devoted exclusively to all things Corvette- Corvette Mafia- is reporting on one of Rick Scott's company that makes parts for Corvette's. Their not sure if he really does. After excerpting a story that CL reported on a speech that Scott gave to the Hillsborough County Republican Party last month, in which we wrote:…
The man in the stands: Todd Kalas is the smiling face of the Tampa Bay Rays
The pitcher throws a curveball out of the strike zone: ball one. Next he throws a 92 mph pitch, fouled off: strike one. Finally, Matt Garza throws a 91 mph, four-seam fastball and the Detroit Tigers' Ramon Santiago swings, sending the ball flying into right field to be caught by the outstretched hand of the…
Decision on expanding U.S. travel to Cuba could come by end of the week
U.S. and congressional officials said on Tuesday that the Obama administration is considering easing travel restrictions to Cuba. The New York Times originally reported on Tuesday that unidentified officials, said it was meant to loosen restrictions on academic, religious and cultural groups that were adopted under President George W. Bush and return to the “people…
Two new polls on Democratic AG’s race indicate that majority of voters still undecided (video)
The Dan Gelber fans were eagerly re-tweeting the URL Tuesday morning of a Sunshine State News poll that showed the Miami Beach state Senator breaking away from his fierce challenger, fellow South Florida state Senator Dave Aronberg by a 38%-27% lead. Pollster Jim Lee said that among the more heavily weighted "likely voters," Gelber has…
Do It Today: Artlink at the Florida International Museum
Artlink program — an annual collaboration between professional Bay area artists and artists with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities — unveils its latest results at Florida International Museum at St. Petersburg College this week. Conceived by Creative Clay executive director Grace-Anne Alfiero, the program has produced wondrously imaginative, well-crafted art and life-changing relationships since…
Almost 80% of the oil from Deepwater Horizon disaster remains in the Gulf
Despite what BP and and the media may be reporting, a study by the Georgia Sea Grant and the University of Georgia that was released yesterday stated that almost 80% of the oil from the Deepwater Horizon disaster remains in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The study was written by five prominent marine…
CL Feature: Catching up with Candy Bars; the buzzworthy local experimental rock trio plays New World Brewery on Friday with Morningbell and Cure for Caska
In the months following the release of Candy Bars’ 2006 studio debut, Cutting Tigers in Half and Understanding Narravation, the locally-based trio garnered a flood of favorable press from some of the most respected taste-making online music rags around — Stereogum, PopMatters, Cokemachineglow, Pitchfork — and had reached a point where success seemed not only…
Eat, Pray, Love: A new kind of chick trip
Categorized as "chick lit," Eat, Pray, Love cultivated quite a following several years back. I ignored it, because those types of women watch Lifetime and join Jenny Craig. No, thanks. Oprah got involved and I knew for sure I wasn't going to like the book. She liked Twilight, for crying out loud. Then Julia Roberts…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Rays bats swingers again, Storm in for a Shock and blackout for Bucco Bruce?
I sucked in little league mostly because I shut my eyes at the plate. But I walked a lot. My father's most frequent compliment? "Good eye, son." God bless him, that poor bastard must have been so bored it's a miracle he didn't run into traffic. Sure hope he "Irished"-up that coffee before first pitch.…
Concert review: Train rolls into Tropicana Field following the Rays victory on Saturday
This past Saturday, August 14, after the Tampa Bay Rays' sweet victory over the Baltimore Orioles, Train came 'a rollin’ through the Trop and staged a performance as part of the post-Rays Concert Series. The pop rock trio that enjoyed their heyday in the late '90s and early '00s and recently strick gold again with their…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: Rays with balls down their shirts and a first place tie up their sleeves
Pat Donovan talks about the Rays amazing comeback victory over the Texas Rangers last night. Also hear about the bizzare play Pat says he's never seen before and the play by Sean Rodriguez he wasn't sure Rodriguez would make. Pat also talks about why he's dissapointed to see Gabe Kapler head to the DL, but why…
Television Review: Mad Men, season 4, episode 4 — “The Rejected,” with podcast
The rejected: Don's dumb secretary Allison, SCDP's Clearasil account, Peggy/Pete's baby, cavalier Lucky Strike cigarette ads that make smoking look overly cool. One of my favorites this season, this week's episode (directed by John Slattery, aka Roger) felt stylistically very much like season 1/2 Mad Men. Lots of Pete/Peggy action outside of the office, Don…
New music releases out this Tuesday, August 17: Matthew Dear, American Hi-Fi, Filter, Iron Maiden, Ray LaMontagne, NOFX, Brian Wilson, and more (with audio + video)
This week’s new music releases. To see last week’s releases (out Aug. 10), click here; for releases out out Aug. 3, click here. , Fight The Frequency (Red General) Antagonist, The World In Decline (Prosthetic) Trace Adkins, Cowboy's Back In Town (Show Dog-Universal Music) Chief, Modern Rituals (Domino) Darker My Love, Alive As You Are…
Concert review: Alexander and The Grapes, Matt Hires, Proud Iron Lion, and Marian at New World Brewery
This Saturday night's set of concerts at New World Brewery were a bookender — two really great acts sandwiched between two so-so ones. Bradenton's Marian was one of the tasty bands. The foursome gave me a headache from the continual nodding I was doing to their music. A post-rock group, the band had a knack…
Foolproof pan seared crab cakes recipe
Crab cakes are a much sought after and cherished dish here in Florida by locals and tourists alike. Unfortunately, I have often been disappointed by my findings, usually due to the crab cakes having too much filler (i.e., breadcrumbs) and worse yet, being deep fried. This recipe is easy on the breadcrumbs and they are…
More tales from Jeff Greene’s yacht from somebody who worked there: sex, drugs and techno music
The South Florida alt-weekly New Times has a short but very entertaining first person narrative from a former stewardess on Florida Democratic Senate candidate Jeff Greene's yacht, Summerwind. The blog entry written by Sharyn Peach has many choice passages, such as: Working on Greene's 145-foot Choy Lee yacht was like being "locked" in Studio 54…
Spending the night with The Men of Playgirl
Women are way more perverted than men, they just don't realize it until a tanned cowboy starts windmilling his meat lasso on stage. Sure most women may say they're not interested in a male dance revue, but their attitude quickly changes after a few drinks and a few flesh fireworks start shooting out of rip-away…
Calculate your transportation costs and carbon impact according to where you live with Abogo
How affordable is the community you live in (and I'm not just talking real estate figures)? The website Abogo can tell you the real costs of where you live now, not only factoring in housing costs, but transportation costs as well — which can add up to a lot. It also can tell you how…
Social Security turns 75, Tampa recipients celebrate
Nestled off Sheldon Road in Tampa you can find a neighborhood decorated with dozens of American flags, odd speed limit signs and many Social Security recipients. Today the residents of Fountainview Estates, a 55-year and older community, came out to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Social Security. The elderly audience of about 30 residents met…
Alex Sink to name Rod Smith running mate; a Hillsborough County House Dem candidate ruffles feathers by saying he’s against same sex marriage, and more details (but not enough?) surface on light rail plan:Mitch Perry Report 8.17.10
Alex Sink will name former state legislator Rod Smith to be her running mate later this week. Looks like a positive move for Democrats, since nobody will accuse these two of being too "liberal." With attitudes changing so quickly in this country as gay marriage becomes more and more likely to be a reality in…
A Sink-Smith Dem ticket for November is a whole lotta moderation
Published reports throughout Florida say that come Thursday, Democratic gubernatorial front-runner Alex Sink will choose former Alachua County Prosecutor and legislator Rod Smith to be her running mate in November. The Sink camp has said that a "campaign announcement" will come Thursday in West Palm Beach, not far from the Loxahatchee community where the 60-year-old…
Hillsborough Democrat Chris Cano’s bitterness towards party’s gay caucus surfaces
Last night at the Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Committee monthly meeting, several candidates on the ballot next week (or their surrogates) addressed the 50 or so people in attendance at the Children’s Board meeting room in Ybor City. But after District 60 House candidate Christopher Cano spoke up about his race (a contested Democratic primary…
Summer grilling and craft beer: Sweet and spicy grilled lamb with Flying Dog Raging Bitch Belgian IPA
As the summer marches on in Florida, it brings unrelenting heat and thundershowers nearly daily (with little effect on cooling). And yet, we still turn to the grill outside for those long afternoons. For some it is simply a way to avoid heating up the house by turning on the oven or cooking over the…
Rays jump on Cliff, beat Rangers 6-4
The Tampa Bay Rays scored six runs against Cliff Lee? In how many games? In two innings worth of offense? Wow… I wouldn’t believe it if I hadn’t seen it with my own two eyes – or would I? After all this is Lee’s third loss at the hands of our Tampa Bay Rays. Three…
Stop! Go! Stay! Hold! Federal Appeals Court extends stay on same-sex marriages in CA
Anyone else getting a little lost in the jargon of the California gay-marriage case? It's like a game of Red Light, Green Light, or a canine training session: Stop! Go! Stay! Hold! To review: The two-steps-forward, one-step-back dance began when Judge Vaughn R. Walker ruled that Prop 8 was unconstitutional, but imposed a stay on…
Tru Lounge: A truly promising new LGBT spot for Pinellas County
Pinellas County has a new gay bar/club: Tru Lounge in Feather Sound. (It's on Ulmerton between Roosevelt and 275.) As a regular Georgie’s Alibi patron and occasional GaYbor visitor, I was excited to see how this new venue would stack up. Nothing may be able to compete with $3 mason jars and Natasha Richards, but…
What’s your favorite neighborhood bar in Tampa Bay? Vote in the Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll!
With the numerous great neighborhood bars in the Bay area, you're lucky we divided this one up by county. From trendy craft beers houses to dingy dive bars to upscale spots with a cocktail list longer than their food menus, there are a lot to choose from. So which two will take the crown as…
Which is the best environmental organization in Tampa Bay? Vote for your pick in the Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll!
Which environmental group in the Bay area do you think makes the most impact? Vote for who you think deserves the title of 'Best Environmental Organization' in Tampa Bay in Creative Loafing's Best of the Bay 2010 Readers' Poll. So far the top three contenders in the race are Tampa Bay Watch, the Suncoast Sierra…
CL Feature: Millionyoung, an electronic artist who supports Memoryhouse and Twin Sister at Crowbar this Thursday, August 19
Struggling Florida musicians must hate Mike Diaz. He’s the young man otherwise known as Millionyoung, a palm-trees-and-sunshine-bred electronica artist who’s been getting lipstick-kissed love letters from indie blogs around the country for his radiant, downtempo electronica. And he wasn’t even trying. Diaz owes his success to a Tumblr account. The social networking site allows users…
On the Radar: Shel’s Shorts
Jobsite's current run of Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead has had audiences experiencing the bittersweet transformation of youthful icons by way of a wayward adolescent Peanuts gang. Not exactly in the same vein but close to it are 14 "wicked, bawdy, and absurd" short plays in the collection Shel's Shorts by legendary author and cartoonist…
Rick Scott new ad takes on Obama for support of mosque at ground zero (video)
Although Jeff Greene was the first multimillionaire running for office in Florida this month to blast Barack Obama for his comments supporting a proposed mosque and cultural center two blocks from ground zero in lower Manhattan, Rick Scott is one-upping his fellow mega-rich political insurgent by airing a state-wide ad that discusses "Muslim fanatics" In…
Global warming being blamed as the cause of herpes outbreak in oysters
First of all, no, the herpes found in these oysters is not the same as the sexually transmitted Herpes simplex virus that's found in humans — we're talking about a totally different species of the virus here (though it did get your attention). This deadly strain of herpes is wiping out oyster beds in France…
Working it at Wearable Art 6: Fashion show pics
The sixth annual Wearable Art Fashion Show took to the catwalk Saturday at the Dunedin Fine Art Center.
With 78 days before Hillsborough transit (light rail) tax goes before voters, questions remain
As it was reported by Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART) members at Monday's meeting that the planned first route for the proposed light rail system in Hillsborough County wouldn't be decided upon until November, concerns were expressed that there would not be enough information for voters to decide about the one cent transit tax…
On Deck, the podcast: Rays closing in on first, and an important end to August
Pat Donovan and Mike Tyree talk about the Rays August starting slowly but why that shouldn't make you push the panic button. Also hear why they think the Rays should try and add a bat before the waiver trade deadline if they can, and why they think the Texas Rangers are a little overrated. Also…
White peach and cinnamon sangria recipe: Perfect for a hot, lazy summer afternoon
The dog days of summer are upon us and here in Florida will easily last through October. As much as I love wine, on hot days it can seem a little too heavy, so my compromise is to drink sangria. This recipe uses white wine, but can easily be substituted with a red of your…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: Rays closing in on first, Buccaneers playing for first time
Pat Donovan talks about the Rays taking 2 of 3 from the Baltimore Orioles over the weekend and why you can't miss tonight's game against the Texas Rangers. Also hear why Pat thinks the Texas Rangers might be a little overrated and why he doesn't want Jeremy Hellickson to ever see Durham again. The Buccaneers…
Do It Today: Tampa Bay Rays vs. Texas Rangers
The Tampa Bay Rays hosts the Texas Rangers at the Trop tonight. If you can't get tickets, frequent your favorite neighborhood bar with a big-screen TV, order some grub and help the friendly proprietors beat the recession blues. Should be a good match. TB's leading in the American League Wild Card race but haven't given up on the American League East, behind the…
Slow Food Tampa Bay’s general membership meeting – Wednesday, August 18
If you're interested in getting involved in Slow Food's sustainable, locally produced food movement then you'll definitely want to attend the meeting of Tampa Bay's newly formed chapter. Slow Food Tampa Bay's first general membership meeting will be held this Wednesday, August 18, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the HCC Tampa Campus cafeteria. All current and…
Top 10 dating tips for cougars and boy toys
The British dating site, SugarMummies.co.uk, recently released two top ten lists of dating advice for cougars and boy toys. Although are cousins across the pond have a funny way of saying things, these lists prove age and gender are still the true cultural divides. TOP 10 DATING TIPS FOR BOY TOYS: 1.) Never ask her…
Shopping like a professional (chef): Where to find the best “BAM” for your buck on cookware
Think that your Emeril Lagasse cookware set will give you an edge in the kitchen? Or that if you drop a grand on that fancy cookware set the TV chef uses, you’ll cook like them? Hopefully you still have your receipts. If you want to cook like a professional at home, start by shopping where…
Couples Speed Dating: something different for swingers
Friday, August 27th Rebecca Ammon and Creative Loafing present "Meet & Greet Episode 2 – Couples Speed Dating,"—-an event dedicated to giving couples the ability to meet a maximum number of like-minded couples in one evening. If you're like me, you get frustrated by not always meeting that special couple at the club, or by…
Petraeus says “What deadline?” on MTP, Obama economic adviser says infrastructure and education is they key to igniting US economy and Ausley takes on Atwater on “Taj Mahal”:Mitch Perry Report 8.16.10
General David Petraeus is now on a public relations offensive to let the American public know that through his leadership, the U.S. can "win" the war in Afghanistan, as he told NBC's David Gregory yesterday in a show devoted fully to the war effort yesterday; The economy was front and center on ABC's This Week…
Bubba to campaign for Kendrick Meek in 3 South Florida spots
There are only 8 more days to get out the vote, so Miami Democratic Congressman Kendrick Meek pulls out one of his trump cards today in the person of Bill Clinton, as the former President will stump with the once presumptive Democratic nominee for Senate today. There will be three major rallies today, the first…
Ausley continues to seize on Tallahassee “Taj Mahal” courthouse in CFO race against Atwater
It was a week ago when veteran St.Pete Times investigative reporter Lucy Morgan blew minds with her exclusive on the $48 million 1st District Court of Appeals "Taj Mahal"courthouse being constructed in Tallahassee at the same time that "budgets slashed, courts across Florida have laid off staff, quit buying law books and curtailed building maintenance"…
It Happened This Week-ish: Paris Hilton’s hair extensions sued, Tila Tequila accosted by Juggalos, Scott Pilgrim vs Atlanta weather and Weezer’s “Hurley”
I was absent for a week due to a trip to NYC, where I had big dreams of spotting celebrities, becoming an extra in at least one movie shoot and meeting Liz Lemon. As it turns out, I only walked by an area where I heard Gossip Girl had been filming earlier and the trailers…
CL on the Road: Warner Bros. Records hosts a hot Lollapalooza after party at the Hard Rock Chicago (with photo gallery)
I've heard it said that you never forget your first love. Well I'll never forget my first Lollapalooza, or the 17.4 miles of trudging up and down Grant Park I had to do to cover it. The party started with a 5:30 a.m. flight from Tampa to Hotlanta, then on to the Windy City itself.…
Obama economic adviser says U.S. needs to spend more on infrastructure and ultimately education to turn economy around
Although the U.S. is beset with a number of challenges, the biggest issue in Tampa/Hillsborough County/Florida and the country is the lack of jobs for people who want them. The economy was the focus of an intelligent discussion on ABC's This Week program hosted by Christiane Amanpour. Obama economic adviser Laura Tyson said that spending…
Petraeus on Meet the Press: We’ve only just begun (video)
David Petraeus is the country's most famous and respected general since Stormin' Norman Schwartzkopf 19 years ago, buffeted by his leadership of the surge in Iraq that slowed down the trajectory of violence and uncertainty (though whether it is a "success" is probably still too early to say as U.S. troops levels begin to scale…
Hellboy 3: Rays rookie does it again in 3-2 win over Baltimore
Another Jeremy Hellickson start, another Jeremy Hellickson victory. The young righty for the Tampa Bay Rays laid out another laudable performance, this time taking out the Baltimore Orioles in the third and final installment of the three-game series at Tropicana Field. Hellickson (3-0) pitched through six innings and gave up only one run on three…
The Green Community week in review: Greenpeace launches oil spill expedition ship from St. Pete, plant trees in a state park for free, upcoming oil spill forum in Seminole and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed last week: Using salt as a natural, versatile cleaning aid – Salt. You use it for seasoning your food, but did you know that it is also makes a great cleaning and scrubbing agent as well? Anti-rail…
Sandy Murman vs. Trey Rustmann: Old school vs. up-and-comer in Hillsborough GOP County Commission primary
One of the interesting races to watch on election night Aug. 24 will be the Republican primary election between Sandy Murman and Trey Rustmann in District 1 (with the winner likely – depending on a court appeal – to face Democrat John Dingfelder in November). There are a lot of contrasts in this race, beginning…
Concert review: Norah Jones serenades Bay area audiences at the Straz Center in Tampa this past Wednesday, August 11
I first discovered Norah Jones when my aunt sent me a care package filled with new clothes, accessories and the singer-songwriter's first album, Come Away with Me. I instantly fell in love with her velvety voice, her heartfelt lyrics, and generally everything about her and her music. I arrived at Wednesday night's show confident that…
Shoppach thunder: Rays rock Orioles 7-3 courtesy of crushing catcher
The Tampa Bay Rays rebounded in a big way Saturday afternoon, taking the second of three games against the Baltimore Orioles by the score of 7-3. Catcher Kelly Shoppach pitched in two long balls, one of the Grand Slam variety, to pick up a floundering offense. Seriously, when B.J. Upton reaches base on three consecutive…
Jeff Greene takes issue with Obama on mosque at ground zero
On the campaign stump, Florida Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Jeff Greene has pretty much in sync with President Obama, though he has been critical when it comes to the Obama administration's somewhat strained relations with Israel. Last night, President Obama came out full square in support of the proposed Muslim cultural center and mosque near…
Gays & Religion: Are you treating us right?
Whether one believes, or a small group or society believes, in a god, gods, a prophet or prophets: all good. Telling those outside your belief group they’re wrong, attempting conversion or shunning them for not believing: all very, very bad I find it interesting that homosexuality is mentioned in a handful of sentences in religious…
Cynical And Southern: A boy I once loved is homeless and HIV positive
I’ve been making wishes all night. I’m conflicted, and if there were a time machine sitting in front of me I’d sprint toward it and dive in. Give me that December 1996 feeling one more time. I’d been living in Atlanta for two months and it was going terribly. The weight of my internal thunderhead…
Yes, I am bi — despite OkCupid’s faulty statistical conclusions
For as many good things as I have to say about OkCupid, the free online dating website, I, as a bisexual woman, am offended by a July 7 OKC blog entitled "The Big Lies People Tell in Online Dating." My husband and I have both successfully found dates (and my current girlfriend) through OkCupid, and…
Rays reek, outmatched by Oriole offense 5-0
Friday evening was Throwback Night, where the Tampa Bay Rays dressed up in uniforms of the 1970s Tampa Tarpons and played like it was a Throwaway Game. Unfortunately, it wasn’t a throwaway game, as the Rays still need to win in order to make it to the postseason. Performances like the 5-0 shutout at the…
Project Runway Podcast Season 8, Ep. 2 and 3: It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to
And we're back! Sorry for the week off last Friday, I was in New York and TV-less, I also lacked the ability to record a podcast so this would make podcasting super-hard to accomplish. What we didn't get to cover last week on the Project Runway podcast was basically a tear-fest and a double elimination,…
ESPN shoots documentary about quadruple-amputee Kyle Maynard’s MMA debut
It was only a little over a year ago that quadruple-amputee Kyle Maynard made his debut as mixed martial arts fighter at an unsanctioned event in Ala. never to be seen or heard of again. Apparently, he did not spend the last 16 months idle though, as he is now heavily promoting an ESPN documentary…
Social media contests equal ultimate engagement
Businesses lately have really been getting involved in the social media landscape. There's a ridiculous amount of benefits that come with using new age marketing and engagement with your business. For one, you're reaching a highly targeted audience, but at the same time, you're opening your brand to newcomers that the contest might attract. People are going…
Take a trip to the tropics for dinner: Island chicken with coconut rice recipe
This my friends, is my new favorite dish to make for dinner. I have been holding onto this recipe for a while now, but I only felt it was fair to share it with you while avocados and mangoes were still in season so you could make it for yourself. Everything about this meal is…
UPS releases new reusable envelope
UPS is lightening their waste and carbon footprint by releasing the new reusable envelope/mailer. It's about darn time, too! The new containers are made from 100% recycled fiber with 80 percent post-consumer content. It's a great idea because not only does it reduce waste, it also means that the receiver won't have to buy a…
Andrew Breitbart to show his face in Tampa later this month
We've always been fans of Barbara Peterson, the President of the First Amendment Foundation in Florida. Years ago we once enjoyed a class she taught at the Tampa Tribune facility on learning how to navigate Florida's Sunshine Laws, which has always been a rare beacon of progressivism in this relatively conservative, center-right state. Which is…
Reel Projections Podcast: Double Man-tasy Edition, featuring Scott Pilgrim vs. The World and The Expendables
For more movie news and reviews, check out the CL index of movie posts. We're back for another installment of the Reel Projections podcast, the only CL podcast detailing the week's biggest theatrical movie releases, DVD and Blu-ray offerings and any movie news that catches our eyes. For this week's podcast, I'm joined by new…
Tampa’s Taco Bus to open a second spot — in St. Petersburg
Just got off the phone with the enthusiastic Rene Valenzuela, owner of Tampa's iconic Taco Bus (or El Taconazo) and Taqueria Monterrey. He told me that he had just signed a lease for a space at 2320 Central Ave. in St. Petersburg, just blocks from the Trop, which will be the site of the new…
‘The Oil Spill Crisis: Next Steps for Tampa Bay’ SPC forum, Wednesday, August 18
SPC will be hosting another public forum regarding the Gulf oil spill on Wednesday, August 18, at 6 p.m., on their Seminole campus. The focus of this forum is looking at how this oil disaster will affect the Bay area and what we can do about it. Guest speakers and topics will include:
Forget Food Network, PBS is where it’s at for great food programming
I refuse to subscribe to cable or satellite television. I would rather spend that $50 to $100 a month on a memorable meal and a great bottle of wine than on 200 channels of mostly simple-minded garbage. I have had cable TV in the past, and in fact, at one point recently, my local cable…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: Is anything more frightening than James Shields and the Village People on Friday the 13th?
Pat Donovan talks about the horrifying prospect of seeing James Shields take the mound before the Village People take the stage at Tropicana Field. Also hear why Pat Donovan thinks the Miami Dolphins offense will be a good test for the young Buccaneer defense. So, on this Friday the 13th be careful out there so…
Book preview: Jay-Z readies a memoir, Decoded
Ever wonder if Jay-Z got that “what, what” he was asking for, or if he ever solved any of those 99 problems he had? Have you ever watched him perform and marveled at his master swagger and asked yourself how someone not only becomes a music icon, but also an icon for walking like a…
Kama Sutra: the piggy back boink
Everybody loves a good piggy back ride, and this one proves to be one of the best a man could get. To execute this position, both partners need to be in the standing position, with the male “rider” facing the woman's rear. The woman braces against a wall while the man mounts her back, wrapping…
Musical chairs at the trough, heterosexual parenting and the new Johnson!
1. County Commission hopeful and State Senator Victor Crist, R was exposed by the Times this week for his last-minute amendment that cost taxpayers $48 million for a 'Taj Mahal' type court building in Tallahassee equipped with granite counters and big screen TVs for the lobbyists judges. The Times also recently endorsed Crist for a…
Kevin White hits back while Dem AG candidates play nice in East Tampa forum; Alex Sink is looking good, and Pam Iorio is proud of her budget:Mitch Perry Report 8.13.10
Happy Friday the 13th to you all. Last night in the College Hill section of Tampa, the two Democratic Attorney General candidates, Dan Gelber and Dave Aronberg, engaged in yet another debate. Perhaps I've seen too many of them, since the jokes are getting a bit stale. It was rich in discussions about Florida's criminal…
Life Without Plastic: Offering eco chic alternatives to plastic housewares
Have you ever realized how many items you use every day that are made of plastic? By using those products, you're being exposed to a number of man made chemicals which can accumulate in your body and cause health problems down the road. Petroleum-based products like plastic are also a big factor in pollution and…
Do It This Weekend: The Princess Bride, MOSI Back-to-School Fair, Analog Existence, Jennifer Nolletti Fundraiser and more
If you're going to be in downtown St. Petersburg for the monthly gallery walk, stop by Cafe Bohemia for its installation show, Analog Existence. Works by Brad Kokay, Scott "Ark 1" Hillis, Alexander "stoic" Glueck, Reid Jenkins, Ricky Seelbach, Lauren Gentry, and Chris and Susan Nadeau are on display. In the exhibit, artists painted on the…
Aronberg & Gelber play nice in front of College Hill audience in Tampa
With just 11 days to go in the Florida Democratic Primary, over half of those surveyed in a recent Mason/Dixon poll of Democrats say they don't have a preference in the Dan Gelber/Dave Aronberg race. That's why every audience and every vote is important, as the South Florida legislators flew into Tampa yesterday afternoon for…
Kevin White goes on offense in fiery Hillsborough County District 3 debate
Though they have engaged at least twice before in formal debates, for the first time last night the metaphorical gloves came off in an at times intense forum between embattled Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White, and his two District 3 challengers, former state legislator Les Miller and community activist Valerie Goddard. Nary a word had…
The Life As We Blow It Citizenship Test: 10 questions to prove you’re an American
So, there’s been a lot of talk lately about anchor babies (20 bucks says that term came from a marketing major) and repealing the 14th Amendment — that’s the one that, among other things, confers automatic citizenship on children born on American soil. And yeah, at its root, it’s exactly the panicked fear-mongering pass-the-buck finger-pointing…
Plant a tree in a state park for free with the click of your mouse
, best known for their tasty and nutritious juice drinks, has launched its third annual Plant a Tree program which allows people to have trees planted in over 2,000 state parks just by visiting the program's website. Each visitor to the site can "plant" up to five trees and choose which states they're planted in.…
Theater Review: Revolve Theatre Company’s Far Away at Gorilla
The brand-new Revolve Theatre Company is off to an auspicious start. The company is just now putting on its first play at Tampa’s Gorilla Theatre, and it’s a daring one. The play is Caryl Churchill’s hour-long Far Away, about a future in which nature itself takes up arms against humans, parents lie to children about…
Derrick Brooks officially hangs up the cleats: Bucs should retire #55 (w/ audio)
As a UF grad, I've always referred to Mr. Derrick Brooks as "the only Seminole I ever loved." For 14 years, Brooks has arguably been the Alpha and Omega of one of the most consistently dominating defenses in NFL history. It's one thing to associate a legendary defense with a particular year ('85 Bears, '00 Ravens)…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: Goodbye Derrick Brooks
Pat Donovan talks about the retirement of Derrick Brooks and the Rays losing ground on both the Yankees and Red Sox. Hear Pat Donovan ask Derrick Brooks about the effect of the Tampa fans and the fact that they loved him more as a man than they did as a player. Also, hear how Derrick Brooks…
New Mason Dixon poll shows Sink’s stock rising against McCollum and Scott
A new Mason-Dixon poll released Thursday is bad news for Rick Scott. The health care exec, who has led in most polls against Bill McCollum in the race for the GOP nomination since entering the race several months ago, is now down in the MD survey, 34%-30% to McCollum. For the sake of the GOP,…
Top Chef D.C. Podcast, Ep. 9: Restaurant war crimes
Well, last night's episode of Top Chef: D.C. sure was a doozy that had me whistling Dixie! (Sorry, I've got nothing — just trying to make fun of Angelo.) It was actually rather exciting, leaving most of us biting our fingernails at the end, both and eager and fearful to see who'd be given the…
Iorio: I’m leaving the city in better financial shape than when I got here
With a new budget due October 1, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio presented her $787 million budget for fiscal year 2010-2011 this morning to the Tampa City Council, the last time she'll do so before being term-limited out of office next March. For the fourth consecutive year, it's a budget of reduced revenues from the previous…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Rays load’em, leave ’em, and lose again; Michael Clayton’s days (hopefully) numbered and NFL in 3D
left everybody stranded on base Wednesday: Kelly Shoppach, Matt Joyce, the millionaire, and his wife, the movie star, the professor and Mary Anne. I'm not the biggest numbers guy unless I get insomnia but this particular statistic stuck out like an open sore thumb on your waiter's serving hand as it teeters on the edge of your Extreme Fajitas:…
Burgin planning election-night party at Chuck-e-Cheese
The Diner, Part II A political satire about the antics of Sam and Josh By Chris Ingram (5:12 p.m. In the heart of Brandon at “Sam’s Café” in walks Josh, candidate for Hillsborough County Commission) (Josh sits down and a lovely waitress hands him a menu) Josh: Good afternoon, I’m Josh, I’m meeting Sam at…
Natural Sundae bath and body products: Providing pure ingredients for a natural solution, right here in Tampa Bay (videos)
In light of recent cosmetic industry news, I have been on a renewed eco quest to find more natural products for my household. During the process, a friend recommended Natural Sundae bath and body products. To my relief, Sundae and Robert, owners of Natural Sundae, warn about non-regulation of industry standards on their website. Their…
Chocolate ganache ice cream recipe
Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m not a big fan of chocolate ice cream. Never have been. I really don’t know why that is, because I love other chocolate things. I love brownies, chocolate chip cookies and chocolate cake. And, I absolutely adore chocolate pudding, especially when it’s homemade. But chocolate ice cream, not so much.…
Concert review: Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival with Korn, Rob Zombie, Lamb of God and others at Ask-Gary Amphitheatre in Tampa (with lots of photos)
I’m beginning to notice a trend. Whenever an outdoor music festival comes to the Tampa Bay area, it rains. Call me crazy or a complainer, but Tuesday’s Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival at the 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheatre only helped reinforce this theory by bringing a bit of nasty weather with it. I will say this, though;…
Theater Review: Dog Sees God at Jobsite
The program for Bert V. Royal’s Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead says that the show “is intended for adults only,” but it would likely make a greater impact on an audience of teens. True, the language about sex and drugs is exceedingly explicit. But once we’ve gotten used to the idea that…
May the Force Be With You: Star Wars Celebration V invades Orlando (with info and video)
Thinking about heading up to Lando this weekend? Well, may the Force be with you. Contrary to what you may think, I did not misspell the name of Florida's biggest playground city. With Star Wars Celebration V in town, RABID fans are looking to change the city's name for a few days to honor the…
How Sylvester Stallone f*cked up the one thing he’s good at: The Rabid One reviews The Expendables, starring Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet-Li, Dolph Lundgren, Steve Austin, etc. (with trailer video)
[Editor's Note: For more reviews of the biggest movies of the summer, check out the Daily Loaf Movie Review Index.] There's a smugness about Sylvester Stallone's The Expendables that hangs over each rickety shot and wooden line of dialogue. An odd feeling of importance for what would otherwise be a direct-to-DVD release by a long-forgotten action…
CD review: Cure for Caska, Wait And Hope
There are plenty of reasons why the traditional local-band lineup consists of guitar, bass and drums. One of them has to do with it being hard to find fun-loving, road-worthy cellists and timpani players while drinking in a car outside an all-ages club; another might be the simple fact that most local bands are young,…
The Grind podcast 8/11: Flip and Bill go to Buccanner camp part II
The first sample-size of the 2010 Buccaneer season is but a few days away, but the buzz around the campfire is all #55, all the time. Not since Ricky Martin admitted he was gay has there been as shocking an announcement. Our favorite player, Mr. Derrick Brooks, has formerly retired from the NFL. We share our thoughts of the…
Focus on Jim Norman intensifies, Charlie Crist to caucus with himself? And Kendrick Meek stands proudly with those who want to defeat Amendment 8: Mitch Perry report 9.12.10
Charlie Crist was in D.C. yesterday, soaking up financial support from (more) Democrats, and telling CNN's Wolf Blitzer that he'll "caucus with himself," if elected to the U.S. Senate later this year. Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman is back in the news – and it ain't positive. Kendrick Meek spoke passionately yesterday why he's against…
Charlie Crist says he’ll caucus with himself if he gets to U.S. Senate
Florida Governor and independent Senate candidate Charlie Crist appeared on CNN's The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer Wednesday afternoon. It was a relatively brief but also quite substantive interview, as the guv admitted he was in town to attend a fundraiser being held by "prominent Democrats" close to Bill and Hillary Clinton. Crist also admitted…
Media scrutiny tightens on Jim Norman
Last year at this time Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White was preparing to go to trial in his sexual harassment lawsuit filed by former aide Alyssa Ogden. He was found guilty, and subsequently Hillsborough taxpayers were liable. It was several months of bad press for the Commissioner, who faces re-election in two weeks. While appearing…
Restaurant Review: Emilio’s Bistro basics
In the current, incredibly uncertain economic climate, it seems that people aren't going out less, they're just spending less. Let's be honest, people who eat out a lot aren't suddenly going to start whipping up weekday dinners from that Rachael Ray book their aunt got them for Christmas. Instead, they'll look for places that give…
The Grecian Urns charm local audiences — and then it’s time for school
On a late Sunday afternoon at Ella's Americana Folk Art Café, local folk-pop ensemble Grecian Urns captivated a room packed with people chowing down on soul food and barbecue, the musicians charming all with their infectious feel-good energy and youthful exuberance. The music — sometimes quiet and pastoral and pretty in its simplicity, other times…
Geeks and gamers will love Scott Pilgrim vs. The World.
What to make of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, the latest from Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright? On the one hand, Pilgrim is an audio/visual feast drawing vast inspiration from videogames and comic books, with a healthy dose of Japanese Manga thrown on top. But one man's audio/visual feast is…
Full metal corset: Wearable Art 6 at the Dunedin Fine Art Center
Frank Strunk rivets his final frocks for DFAC’s Wearable Art.
Emilio’s Bistro basics
Emilio’s Bistro has a sharp concept based on simple food.
A test for transit and Mark Sharpe?
The Sharpe-Burgin primary may offer clues to the future of Hillsborough’s transit vote.
Dog, God, Gorilla: Reviews of Dog Sees God and Far Away
Teenaged Peanuts at Jobsite and a new company’s daring debut.
Teenage Wasteland: sex advice for teenage boys
A reader asks Dan to reprint some sage advice.
Meek standing firmly behind campaign to defeat Amendment 8
Although Jeff Greene has made much in recent days about Kendrick Meek's lack of productivity in Congress (a press release issued Wednesday blasted Meek for sponsoring 80 bills and not having any become law), one thing that the Miami Democrat has always been proud of is helping to pass the class size amendment back in…
Tonight’s Top Chef D.C. episode preview: Restaurant Wars – Let the backstabbing begin!
There are eight chef'testants remaining on Top Chef: D.C., so you know what that means: Restaurant Wars! This is also known as the most adrenaline-filled episodes of the season — and also the one with the most instances of teammates throwing others/being thrown under buses (large ones). Let the backstabbing begin! The chefs first have…
Five of the most dangerous people in Florida politics
These people are a threat to your children’s future By Chris Ingram Politics is full of people good and bad. Unfortunately the system corrupts even many of the most well-intentioned public servants. Perks and privileges of office ranging from special security details for people 99 out of 100 of us couldn’t finger in a one-man…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Texas hold ’em charity event for clean water, Seminole Mall fresh market grand opening, and more
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. World Cafe Discussions- Every Friday; 7:30-9:30 pm. Awakening and engaging collective intelligence through conversations about questions that matter. RSVP to Pat at 727.421.2746 or goodpat@tampabay.rr.com. Starbucks Cafe- 4th St N and 89th Ave N, St. Pete. www.theworldcafe.com. Winthrop…
Reel Projections Podcast: Indie In Summer Edition, featuring The Kids Are All Right, Winnebago Man, Salt, The 48-Hour Film Project and more …
For more movie news and reviews, check out the CL index of movie posts. We're back for another installment of the Reel Projections podcast, the only CL podcast detailing the week's biggest theatrical movie releases, DVD and Blu-ray offerings and any movie news that catches our eyes. For this week's podcast, I'm joined by new…
Rahm Emanuel thinks there’s an opportunity for Dems to capitalize on Joe Barton’s BP apology
Although there are still more than four months to go before the Congressional elections this November, the expectation that voters will spank President Obama and the Democrats at the polls seems to be a given at this point. The question simply is how severe it might be (Republicans need to win 40 seats to take…
Joe DiPaolo
Sometimes I have an opinion, sometimes I share an experience and its lessons, sometimes I show the possible landscape ahead, and sometimes I turn the deer-in-headlights-bright closing time lights on so we can all get a good, long look at each other before we’re told to exit. Love from another woke me up. email: j3dipaolo@gmail.com
