Theater Review: Jobsite’s Mindgame is a seriously funny brain-teaser
Why are ordinary, law-abiding people so fascinated with serial killers? This is the question that Mindgame, Anthony Horowitz’s psychological romp now playing at Jobsite Theater, attempts to answer while carrying us along on a wild and entertaining ride.
Life As We Blow It: Electing Not to Elect
Election Day approaches, and I am weary beyond description. I’m tired of local-news segments. Tired of soundbites. Tired of wave after wave of attack ads that seem to ironically underscore the current focus on the problem of teenage bullying with a certain malevolent humor. Tired, even, of the sarcastic intellectual mockery of Jon Stewart and…
Linda Saul-Sena says she’ll file complaint against Ken Hagan for uprooting her sign – Hagan disputes her version of story
An incident today involving Hillsborough County Commissioner Ken Hagan in front of the College Hill library in East Tampa has led his Democrat opponent in their District 5 race, Linda Saul-Sena, to say she will file a complaint with the state Commission on Ethics. The incident in question involves a yard sign that the Saul-Sena…
Think before you brush: Ditch the toxic toothpaste and try these natural alternatives
In case you haven't heard, there are chemicals used in our personal care products that the FDA doesn't inspect and they have banned only 8 out of the over 12,000 ingredients used in cosmetics since the federal cosmetics law was written over 70 years ago. These chemicals can be toxic and can lead to cancer,…
Fujiya & Miyagi present a pre-Halloween trailer for their forthcoming LP, Ventriloquizzing (video)
As they gear up to release their third album, Ventriloquizzing, due out on Yep Roc January 25, 2011, UK electro-Kraut-funk rockers Fujiya & Miyagi have released a funny little trailer just in time for Halloween that recreates well-known scenes from classic horror films (Psycho, Silence of the Lambs, The Exorcist, The Shining) with some freaky…
The Grind podcast 10/27: College football frenzy, how important is weed to you and we beat Favre’s junk to death
I can promise you this, folks. You can't get this kind of coverage in terrestrial radio. And that may be a good thing. Flip and Bill get hip deep in the mud that is the week in sports (or slow news day lifts the toilet seat and goes snorkeling). Let's take a peek. Hold your…
Green your cat litter: Eco-friendly alternatives and ways to reuse it
Cat litter can be an expensive commodity, both to your wallet and the planet. The most common types of cat litter are made of clay and are sourced by strip mining (read: not eco-friendly). It's also very difficult and just ends up in the trash and being taken to a landfill. So, if you've got…
Jim Norman back in the saddle again
Rebuking a lower court's ruling that tossed Jim Norman off the ballot, the 1st District Court of Appeal in Tallahassee today reversed that decision, one again putting Norman on the ballot as the Republican candidate in the Senate District 12 race against two write-in candidates, meaning that if voters choose Norman on the ballot, they…
Florida Democrats break out Bondi dog story in web ad – Bondi camp calls it “desperate” (video)
With their candidate trailing in the polls with less than a week to go in their race for Attorney General, the Florida Democratic party today unveiled a new, two minute web ad that focuses on the anger of a Louisiana woman previously involved in a legal battle with GOP candidate Pam Bondi regarding a dog…
Offensive 2010 Halloween costumes for ballsy men
If you're anything like me, you spend the entire year monitoring pop culture for potentially offensive Halloween costumes that showcase your winning personality, your perverse sense of humor, and your slightly padded package. For all of you guys struggling to figure out what to wear this year, here's a list of costumes that require you…
Christopher Nolan dishes on Batman 3 title and villain
It’s hard to remember a movie that has as many rumors flying around as the current Batman franchise does. Since the previous film The Dark Knight was released, and gained critical and financial acclaim, audiences have wondered what the third movie could entail. Rumors of different actors for Batman, every different villain you could think…
Four Tools for a Strong Business Presence Online
Back in the day, it was all about brick and mortar location – having flashy signs outside, using little stands to show what specials were going on, and trying to catch the attention of window shoppers. Now, it's not as simple. Businesses are not only in brick and mortar, but running their own websites and…
Five Ways to Empower Your Employees to Work Above and Beyond
Millionaire entrepreneurs around the globe have all said the same thing: the greatest resource any company has is its employees. No company can succeed in the long-run if its human resources are not valued, retained and empowered. One of the great things about our high-tech world is that empowering employees and giving them greater autonomy…
Analysis shows 200,000 more registered Republicans have voted than Democrats so far in 2010 vote
The Orlando and South Florida Sun-Sentinel papers this morning have overwhelming evidence that it's already a huge year for Republicans at the polls. So far they say that of the 1.1 million Floridians who have cast ballots so far, 52 percent are Republicans — and only 34 percent are Democrats. From the article in those…
Free urban permaculture design course in St. Pete – Saturday, October 30
The Permaculture Guild is currently hosting ongoing urban permaculture design courses, one of which I was very fortunate to attend last weekend. The design course is being held at Sacred Lands along Park Blvd. in St. Petersburg. St. Petersburg is my hometown so it was nice to see permaculture blossoming from where I began. We…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Friday, October 29: Whole Foods Market Ready for a healthier more earth friendly Halloween? Join Whole Foods Market and the Tampa chapter of Green Halloween and treat your little ones to late afternoon or early evening of natural treats and goodies. Children up to age 12, along with a parent can make their way through…
Movie Review: Conviction starring Sam Rockwell and Hilary Swank (with video trailer)
The crime drama is one of those genres that seems to have an endless supply of juicy intrigue. We love the mystery and the high stakes. Even better if what we're watching is based on a true story. So, when I saw the trailer for Conviction from director Tony Goldwin (Dexter, Law & Order, and…
Do It Today: Pre-Fest, Olivia Newton-John, MGMT and other hump-day happenings
Each year, around Halloween, hordes of punk bands, rogue troubadours and other DIY indie acts head to Gainesville for a ginormous multi-venue music festival that offers everything from the obscure to the up-and-coming to the odd international headliner. This year, British heir to the Billy Bragg throne Frank Turner performs. Notable locals Dukes of Hillsborough,…
Final Florida Senate debate: Four guys sitting around a table
Though the prospect of watching the 2nd U.S. Senate debate within the last 2 1/2 days, and the 6th of the campaign season was hardly mouth watering, one has to give thanks to low expectations, because the hour long forum in Orlando moderated by Meet The Press' David Gregory was for the most part, a…
Sink makes amends to black community in Miami, but what about Tampa?
On Tuesday morning Alex Sink called up Miami broadcasting and religious figure Bishop Victor T. Curry, after blowing off the influential head of the Miami-Dade County chapter of the NAACP last week. She apologized for failing to make an appearance on WMBM-AM last Tuesday, saying her duties as the state’s CFO kept her away. However,…
Dissecting Dexter: Season 5, episode 5 “First Blood”
Thankfully, after its fifth episode of the season, Dexter is on its way to being top-notch again. A possible affair scandal! Creepy "f**k buddies" around the baby! Sex offenders galore! Harrison scratches another baby at Mommy and Me playtime! Yeah, the baby stuff does seem a bit out of place amid a slew of much…
A new twist on a holiday classic: Streuseled caramel pumpkin pie with gingersnap crust (recipe)
Looking for a great dessert to wow your family and friends with this Thanksgiving? Well, look no further. Dorie Greenspan's Streuseled Caramel Pumpkin Pie is the one for you. This new twist on a classic Thanksgiving staple will have your dinner guests drooling! One of the many things I love about Dorie’s recipes is that…
CD review: None More Black, Icons
When singer-guitarist Jason Shevchuk emerged from the ashes of beloved Philly hardcore act Kid Dynamite as the frontman for None More Black in 2000, most fans expected another dose of blistering guitars, speed and melody. And they got it – albeit in more eclectic and adventurous form. In the time since, None More Black has…
Florida Senate debates end as Charlie Crist plays the role of Reagan optimist; Alex Sink makes amends to black community in Miami, but what about Tampa? And absolutely nothing (sort of) on “Debategate”:Mitch Perry Report 10.27.10
Yesterday the national political news media feasted on Alex Sink's "cheating" incident at Monday night's debate at USF. You can read all about it elsewhere. However, it can't be good news for the Democrat, who needs every single vote she can garner and every bit of positive news coverage in the homestretch, and talking about…
Heller rips Brandes at Tiger Bay event; says he has misrepresented his record
With just a week to go before the end of voting in Florida's midterm election, St. Peterburg House Democrat Bill Heller, feeling the heat against insurgent GOP challenger Jeff Brandes in the HD 52 race that is one of the most watched races statewide, attacked his opponent today at a Suncoast Tiger Bay meeting in…
Concert review: An evening with Styx at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater (with photos)
Classic soft prog rock group Styx brought back the retro sounds of the 1970s and '80s one note at a time this past Saturday, October 23, at Ruth Eckerd Hall. And they weren't just playing their hits. On this tour, the band presented a two-part show that fans had could really get behind: two sets…
Greenpeace releases updated Greener Electronics Guide: Nokia leads while Microsoft and Nintendo received lowest scores
Greenpeace has just released their Greener Electronics Guide that ranks the top 18 electronics manufacturers on the following criteria: hazardous substances, 'take back' and electronics recycling programs, and climate impacts of operations and products. A main factor looked at in the companies' products was the presence of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and BFRs (brominated flame retardants),…
Interview with Jon Glaser, star/creator of Delocated
From now on Jon Glaser will no longer be primarily remembered for the strange characters he played for years on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. Glaser's new portrayal, sure to be seared into the psyche of American television audiences, will be his role of Jon, the witness protection program member starring in his own reality…
Frightfully good cocktails: Devil’s night drinks that are more of a treat than tricks
The only thing scary about most Halloween-themed cocktails is how frightfully bad they taste. From the ghastly Candy Corn (equal parts Baileys, vanilla liqueur and butterscotch Schnapps), to the merely gut-wrenching Jack-O-Tini (bourbon, sour-apple Schnapps and cranberry juice), devil’s night drinks tend to taste more like tricks than treats. Which is why I’d suggest you…
New music out this Tuesday, October 29: Bryan Ferry, Lyrics Born, William Orbit, Taylor Swift, Keller Williams, Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, and more (with video!)
More new music out today! Yay! Here’s a breakdown of the ones you might want to know about. To see last week’s releases (out Oct. 18), click here; for releases out Oct 12, click here. Avey Tare, Down There (Paw Tracks) The first solo effort from Animal Collective's Avey Tare. Syd Barrett, An Introduction To…
Confessions of a Republican
I’d rather let my kids watch a gay marriage ceremony than a Jim Norman real estate closing By Chris Ingram Some of my more narrow-minded Republican friends have suggested I am not a Republican – at least a not very good one. By their definition being a “good Republican” means drinking the Kool-aid, following the party’s ridiculous…
Rand Paul supporter steps on MoveOn.org member’s head (video)
We usually aren't into showing random YouTube videos of political stuff going on around the country. It's cheap and easy and really, what's the point? But we're so appalled by seeing this broadcast of from a Kentucky television station last night that we've got put it up for your perusal. Even more disturbing are the…
AltDotPop: Glee stars in GQ, Hilary Swank boycots Gillette, awkward exes
A few Glee stars are all over GQ but their clothes seem to have been misplaced. Some people seem to believe that this is wrong because they play high schoolers. But here is the thing, THEY ARE NOT ACTUALLY IN HIGH SCHOOL. It's a lot like Saved By The Bell or Beverly Hills 90210 or…
Sink “cheating” incident goes viral; CFO goes on black radio to make amends, and new Gallup poll shows Democrats are super UNenthusiastic about next week’s election: Mitch Perry Report 10.26.10
Last night on the USF campus Rick Scott and Alex Sink tangled for the last time in a debate broadcast nationally on CNN. You can read our initial review of the proceedings here. And of course, the story out of the debate isn't about content or even demeanor, but Sink getting a message halfway thru…
New Gallup poll begs the question: Do Democratic voters just not give a damn?
A new USA Today/Gallup poll released this morning shows exactly a week before Election Day, there is a record-setting enthusiasm gap between Democrats and Republicans. Gallup says only 37% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning registered voters report more enthusiasm than usual about voting, while 63% of registered Republicans Republican leaning voters say they are more fired…
The Sustany Foundation’s 3rd Annual Sustainable Buzz – Thursday, November 11
Mark your calendar for The Sustany Foundation’s 3rd Annual Sustainable Buzz! This year, they are emphasizing “The Art of Sustainability” and will be featuring the art and photography of Carlton Ward Jr, Taylor Ikin, Stephen Gregory, Brenda Gregory, Bill York, and Angela Dickerson. Tampa writer and publicist Paul Abercrombie will be shaking up organic cocktails…
Alex Sink fires campaign aide after cheating incident. But why?
As those of you who watched last night's CNN debate between Rick Scott and Alex Sink saw, Scott accused Sink after a commercial break of breaking the rules of the debate, which did not allow for any notes or campaign aides to be a part of the debate. Sink said nothing after Scott's remarks, but…
Do It Today: Black on Black Rhyme, 9 to 5 for peanuts and Creepy Crawly Creatures
Spark up your evening in lyrical style at Black on Black Rhyme Poetry Night — an event that's not your professor's prim-and-proper literary affair. This wordy whirl is a whole other type of poetry in motion. Tonight's featured performer, 21-year-old spoken word artist Nicole " The Poetic One" Nelson, tackles the mic with passionate and powerful…
The two candidates who say they feel Floridian’s economic pain, but don’t know what the minimum wage is
In what was at times an awkward debate, Alex Sink and Rick Scott engaged in their third and final one-on-one forum at the USF Tampa campus Monday night. On style points, Scott was more the aggressor, while Sink at times seemed to struggle, perhaps because she wanted to be more formal than either Scott or…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Bucs win ugly, cheerleader diversions and Favre throws three picks but denies dick-pics
Before I begin, two quickies: 1. To the Tribune and the Times, please deactivate the reader comments section. 2. To the readers compelled to spray-paint your ignorant diarrhea online because you lack the huevos or friends to say it in person, please go back to trash-talking each other on Wizards of Warcraft. There, better. Now,…
Sink taking black vote for granted?
On Saturday Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink was in East Tampa with a host of other Hillsborough Democrats on the ballot, from Congresswoman Kathy Castor to state representative Stacy Frank. We noted in our post that there were approximately 100 people in attendance, but in fact that was probably the total attendance, which one might…
CL Feature: South Florida R&B pop star Jason Derülo, who brings his first-ever headlining tour to the Ritz Ybor on Thursday (with video)
Only a little more than a year into his career as a professional recording artist and Jason Derülo has already proven himself a promising young talent with three Top 10 Billboard hits, one of those a triple-platinum seller, and an eponymous 2010 LP that’s put the barely 21-year-old South Florida R&B pop artist on the…
Changing high-fructose corn syrup to “corn sugar”: A ploy to mislead consumers?
Recently this year, The Corn Refiners Association has petitioned the Food and Drug Administration to change the name of high-fructose corn syrup to "corn sugar". The sweetened name is to appear on all food labels and advertisement campaigns. So why the name change? High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a common ingredient in most sodas and…
#MusicMonday, Vol. 19: The Bright Light Social Hour, David Bowie, The Octopus Project, Quarterfly, Austin Lucas, and more
What the Creative Loafing music team is jamming to break through the Monday malaise and rocket launch the week… Click here to check out previous entries. – The Bright Light Social Hour, The Bright Light Social Hour (2010) The Bright Light Social Hour landed on my desk a couple weeks ago, and since it wasn't…
Tampa Bay area ranked 7th dumbest in the nation
Unfortunately, Tampa and the Tampa Bay area frequently rank among the lowest regions in the country on various indexes (such as transportation, pedestrian safety, etc.). Florida and the Bay area have never ranked high on education surveys, and the area received another major diss today with the release of the Daily Beast's second annual "America's…
Indian summer sweets: White chocolate mousse and Nutella tarts (recipe)
I know very well that summer is behind us and that it is officially fall, so I should be making pumpkin desserts or treats loaded with lots of warm cinnamon. But lets be serious here: We live in Florida and it is pretty much summer all year long. These mini pies just scream summer to…
Green Halloween kids event at Whole Foods Market – Friday, October 29
is back with another eco-friendly event for kids. This year, it will be held at Whole Foods Market in Tampa for an evening of safe, fun and green activities, and it's absolutely free. Each child will receive a recyclable Halloween bag to collect their goodies for trick-or-treating around the store. There will also be kid-friendly…
Florida to get $800 million more for Tampa to Orlando high speed rail route
Florida will receive $800 million more in federal funds to help construction of its first high speed rail line, scheduled to go from Tampa to Orlando. That news comes via a press release from Florida Democratic Senator Bill Nelson's office, which reports that Nelson received the news via Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This is fantastic…
Crist not dead yet? New poll gives him hope day after the governor “heckles” Rubio at debate; new Tillman documentary out, and way to go SF Giants! Mitch Perry Report 10.25.10
Happy Monday to you and yours out there. What a weekend it was. If you weren't in front of a TV set at 9:00 a.m. yesterday, we've got a breakdown of yesterday's U.S. Senate debate held at USF Tampa; Charlie Crist was accused by Marco Rubio of "heckling" him, as the governor was insistent to…
New Zogby poll first indication Crist benefitting from Anybody But Marco sentiment
All recent polls, including yesterday's St. Pete Times/Bay News 9/Ipsos survey, have Marco Rubio walking away from Charlie Crist in the battle for U.S. Senate with just 8 days left in the race. But some observers have told CL for weeks that they don't trust those polls, because they say that they and their liberal…
“The Tillman story” moving tribute to slain star and his family
There were many American citizens who felt compelled to do something for their country in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and join the military. None were more famous than Pat Tillman, who quit a high paying, glamorous job playing safety for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL in May of 2002 to enlist…
EarthTalk: What are the benefits of “hydroponic” growing of lettuce and other crops?
The following is from the environmental themed advice column EarthTalk®, by the Editors of the non-profit publication E/The Environmental Magazine, that we regularly featuring here on CL’s Green Community. Dear EarthTalk: What are the environmental benefits of the hydroponic growing of lettuce and other crops? — Bruce Keeler, Oakland, CA While organic agriculture is all…
Eat, drink and be scary: Halloween brew reviews
Halloween is the time of year where many adorn horrific, funny or sexy personas and party the night away. The heat is gone, the weather is cooling and many people are gearing up for the holidays. A lot of different spices, smells and tastes come around at this of time of year, which is a…
San Francisco – Texas World Series will be historic no matter who wins
In modern baseball history, two of the most celebrated franchises best for known having "long-suffering" fans have been the Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs. The BoSox of course, ended their long, long, status as losers when they miraculously defeated the New York Yankees after being down 3-0 in the American League Championship status…
Blu-Ray review: Back To The Future Trilogy 25th Anniversary Edition, starring Michael J. Fox, Lea Thompson, Christopher Lloyd and a DeLorean
I’m not going to lie: The first thing I did after opening the excellent new Back to the Future Trilogy 25th anniversary Blu-ray package (Universal, $79.99 MSRP, but it’s been advertised below $50) was skip all the content about the movies, and jump straight into a bonus feature covering Back to the Future: The Ride.…
Down in the polls, Dan Gelber makes best case by highlighting newspaper endorsements in new ad (video)
It's our contention that while it's great to get a newspaper's endorsement, it's not the be all and end all in any particular political race. Alex Sink has dominated the endorsement battle leading up to next week's gubernatorial election, yet, depending on what poll you're looking at, the race appears to be dead even with…
Do It Today: Transit Talk, ladies’ tequila hour and Carrie Underwood
The Kelly Clarkson of country music, Carrie Underwood comes equipped with a don’t-take-no-shit-from-nobody attitude, supplies boonies and urbanites alike with everything from lovin’ your momma ballads to cheatin’ bastard anthems – a sweet girl next door-type who’ll take a Louisville Slugger to a windshield if crossed just as quickly as she’ll pine for a “Cowboy Casanova.”…
Lightning comeback falls short in 4-3 loss to Predators
The Tampa Bay Lightning got off to a great start Sunday night against the Nashville Predators at the St. Pete Times Forum; then they dug themselves a hole that they just couldn't climb out of. The Bolts got out of the starting gate quickly when Pavel Kubina stole the puck on an errant pass at…
Crist tries to rough Rubio up on personal finances at Sunday debate at USF
Realizing that the hour is late for his faltering campaign, Charlie Crist was determined in Sunday morning's latest U.S. Senate debate to put Marco Rubio on the spot regarding his failure to fully account for expenditures he put on a Republican Party of Florida American Express card back in 2005-2006. The St. Pete Times on…
The Green Community week in review: Project GreenHands, Largo’s Recycled Innovations contest, Florida Conservation Alliance’s candidate picks and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed last week: EarthTalk: Does oil drilling cause sinkholes or earthquakes? – What, if anything, fills the empty space underground created by the extraction of billions of gallons of oil? Could oil drilling be one of the causes…
The Water Cooler: Wallace to State Senate; U.S. Senate Debate Sunday a.m.; pathetic pageant participants; October surprise for Rubio?
The Water Cooler is a snapshot view of some of the things people are talking about in politics By Chris Ingram Who is Rob Wallace? Former State Rep. Rob Wallace will replace disgraced Republican Jim Norman on the ballot for State Senate District 12. Wallace was selected by six Republican representatives from Hillsborough and Pasco counties…
McCollum’s last stand? He won’t appeal gay adoption ruling, BUT….
The good news: FL Attorney General Bill McCollum announced Oct. 22 that the state would not appeal the recent appelate court decision declaring Florida's gay adoption ban unconstitutional. The excellent LGBT legal and political news site, Keen News Service, published a thorough summary of the case, the outcome of which may mean the ban is…
Under the covers of Sex and the University with author Daniel Reimold
It's hard not to think about sex when sitting in the Stadium Center of The University of Tampa. The school is notorious for its lopsided female-to-male ratio, a fact that's quite apparent in the dining area. The subject of college sex lives has undoubtedly been discussed many times in this room, but rarely with a…
Alex Sink on Bill McCollum endorsing Rick Scott: “Took him a long time, didn’t it”
Although the Alex Sink campaign on Saturday hailed their latest newspaper endorsement in the governor's race (this one by the News-Press in Fort Myers) as the "Lucky 13," the latest polls in her intense race against Republican Rick Scott show that the populace in Florida isn't that impressed, with a St. Pete Times/Bay News 9/Ipsos…
State Senate D 12 is like a beauty pageant
A satire By Chris Ingram Imagine for a moment that you’re a total loser with nothing better to do on a Saturday night than watch the Miss America pageant. After putting up with the insipid “how would you change the world?” question responses, followed by the ridiculous “talent” session whereby you have to endure the…
Television advertising and music: How M. Ward, Nick Drake, The Beatles, and various other musicians entice you to buy, buy, buy.
The commercialization of music is a subject of much debate. When an artist's songs are used to sell a product, it makes you wonder if the intent of the song is being compromised, and just how using the song is helping sell said product. In an era when hard CD sales are at an all…
Ramen re-do: Healthier ways to get your ramen noodle fix
Ramen noodles are quick and easy to prepare, calorie-rich and super cheap. It’s easy to see why they’re also known as the official food of college students. A package of ramen, which typically consists of a dried block of noodles and a seasoning packet, can be found for as little as 10 cents a pop…
Ask Dream Momma: dreaming of my shadow self
“Dear Dream Momma, I dreamt this morning that I was at a small, 1920s-style old-fashioned white wood-framed bungalow with a front porch. I think it was my house in the dream but nothing like my real-life house. The weather was nice — like a pleasant October day. It was after work, a sunny afternoon. I…
The Rabid Film Review: Clint Eastwood’s Hereafter, starring Matt Damon and Cécile De France (with video trailer)
The business of death is rich in both profits and emotion. Where do we go when we pass from the land of the living? Worse yet, who is going to pay for your last affair on mortal soil (the funeral) and who will purchase your headstone? One wishes there were easy answers to these questions…
Bill’s Sports Binge Friday freeway: Bulls, Bucs and Yankee f****s
Got a minute? Then you have more than enough time for your Tapas-style sports update guaranteed to make you feel like the smartest guy in the break room. Jesus, is anybody ever going to clean the microwave? It looks like a barf-stuffed Hot Pocket blew up in there. Another home game, another blackout. Sam Bradford,…
Foodies, eat your hearts out: Epicurean adventure at Jose Andres’ Minibar, D.C.
The greatest delight the fields and woods minister is the suggestion of an occult relation between man and the vegetable. I am not alone and unacknowledged. They nod to me and I to them. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson When the opportunity arose to present a paper in Washington, D.C. last fall, the first thought that popped…
St. Pete College Seminole Campus forum on preserving green space, October 27
St. Petersburg College’s Applied Ethics Institute will host a forum entitled “The Ethics of Preserving Green Space” on Wednesday, October 27, at the Seminole Campus’ Digitorium. Forum speakers include: Rep. Janet Long, D-Seminole, Florida State Representative, District 51 Joe Malo, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Director of Education Jake Stowers, Assistant Pinellas County Administrator, retired Lester Abberger,…
Concert review: Caribou brings their stunning light show and electro-psychedelic sounds to Crowbar, Ybor City (with setlist)
I wasn't expecting much of a crowd for Caribou this Sunday night, taking into consideration a late set time and the fact that Rocktober's most viciously scheduled week of shows is making everyone succumb to total auditory overload. I apparently underestimated not only the popularity of Caribou, but also the perseverance of Tampa's indie music…
NPR blows it on Juan Williams ouster; St. Pete Times reports on more Rubio financial hypocrisy, and a look at Mike Predergast’s economic plan
Although it's not expected to be a close race, the Mike Prendergast-Kathy Castor election in Congressional House District 11 in Hillsborough County interests us. Yesterday Prednergast released his economic proposal, and we caught up with Castor earlier in the week to talk about the health care bill and the stimulus plan that she strongly supports.…
NPR getting crucified for Juan Williams firing
Juan Williams appeared on ABC's Good Morning America this morning, where he called the comment made about him yesterday by NPR head Vivian Schiller "low." Schiller said Williams comment on the O'Reilly Factor about being a bit paranoid on air flights when he sees somebody dressed in Muslim garb was something between him "and his…
Marco Rubio’s financial hypocrisy exposed. Again.
This morning's St. Petersburg Times report by Alex Leary and Adam Smith on Marco Rubio's "questionable spending and sloppy accounting" is just the latest in a series of stories that have been published all year long that should make voters question the sincerity of Rubio's message of fiscal discipline if elected to represent Florida in…
EarthTalk: Are teeth whitening chemicals safe?
The following is from the environmental themed advice column EarthTalk®, by the Editors of the non-profit publication E/The Environmental Magazine, that we’ll be regularly featuring here on CL’s Green Community. Dear EarthTalk: I’m considering going for a teeth whitening, but is this safe to do? — Clara Reid, Kent, Washington In the U.S., teeth whitening…
Dining Guide: University Area eats
CL regularly presents focused listings of the best dining options in Tampa Bay’s neighborhoods. This week, we’re giving you a guide to dining in the University area, as well as the distance each spot is from the USF Tampa campus. CAFE KILI 5731 E Fowler Ave., (813) 988-2879, 1.7 miles. cafekili.com Offering students a nice…
Kathy Castor upbeat despite negative trends throughout the nation
In the current issue of Rolling Stone, National Affairs Correspondent Tim Dickinson writes in The Case For Obama: By any rational measure, Obama is the most accomplished and progressive president in decades, yet the only Americans fired up by the changes he has delivered are Republicans and Tea Partiers hellbent on reversing them. Heading into…
Ghouls and Games at Necronomicon 2010
You'll have no problem finding comic books at Necronomicon this weekend. But the event, now in its 29th year, is a whole lot more than a comic book convention. There will be games (miniature, board and role-playing), a variety of contests, art shows, more than 50 discussion panels and performances as well. You'll also hear…
Lightning sloppy, fall to Islanders in controversial overtime finish
The Tampa Bay Lightning took to the ice Thursday night at the St. Pete Times forum to take on the New York Islanders; before the night was over, they would take on three opponents: the opposing team, on-ice officials and the honchos at hockey operations in Toronto. In what was a sloppy contest from the…
Mike Prendergast unveils his plan for “putting Tampa Bay back to work”
Mike Prendergast, the Republican nominee in the District 11 race against Democrat Kathy Castor, on Thursday unveiled his plan on trying to revive the economy if he pulls off a shocker and beats the two-term Representative next month. Although there are several dozens of Congressional seats that the Republican expect to win in November, the…
Do It This Weekend: Art After Dark, Tom Petty tribute, Chelsea Handler, Imagine and more
Masquerade in the former Masquerade? Why, yes. Attend the Rocky Horror Masquerade Ball and see performances by Dani Panic, Arica Love and more. Masks and treats are included, and proceeds benefit The Arts Council of Hillsborough County. Event also features raffles and a silent auction, dancing and a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at…
Scare Tactics: The Reel Terror filmmakers talk about why they make horror movies
When the lights go down and the blood splatters across the screen at this weekend’s Reel Terror Film Festival the audience will be watching more than just a few scary movies. The 12 films selected for the fest represent the unwavering commitment and drive of the filmmakers, a diverse bunch of professionals and enthusiasts who…
Tampa gets more federal funding for High Speed Rail – but could a Rick Scott win jeopardize the project?
Officials with the U.S. Housing and Urban Development, along with local and federal officials, announced on Thursday afternoon that they, along with the U.S. Department of Transportation have awarded $1.181,250 to develop a master plan for the Nebraska Avenue – Hillsborough Avenue Primary Transit Corridor, which translated means it would help build a station for…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Use your head not your helmet, partying punters and a Peruvian putz
I thought spearing was always illegal. I remember those calls when I was in Pop Warner. Translated quite literally, if you're caught using your body as a spear it's a penalty. Case closed. It was never okay, so none of this is new. The NFL is simply considering enforcing a rule already in the books before…
DVD reviews: Ladies and Gentlemen, the Rolling Stones and The Rolling Stones 1969-1974: The Mick Taylor Years (with video)
Earlier this year, I was lamenting the lack of hot, archival video releases from these now-geriatric British rockers. Then, just the other day, I noticed that Best Buy was selling the new-to-DVD concert film, Ladies and Gentlemen, the Rolling Stones, for eight bucks. I had never seen it, really, and who has? It had a…
Chefs on the Loose wine dinner feat. Chef Rene Valenzuela – November 19
Chef Rene Valenzuela, best known for his popular (and Best of the Bay award-winning) Mexican eateries, the Taco Bus and Taqueria Monterrey, will be cooking up some upscale south of the border cuisine at an upcoming Chefs on the Loose event. He will be preparing a five-course dinner accompanied by wine pairings. Local wine educator…
Gelber calls on Bondi to explain why she won’t be appearing with Sarah Palin this Saturday (video)
Sarah Palin will appear in Orlando this Saturday for a Republican National Committee fund raiser, with RNC Chair Michael Steele also returning back to the Sunshine State. Although Marco Rubio is feeling confident enough to appear with the Tea Party and Fox News superstar, some other Republicans in tighter races have somehow found other things…
Catch My Disease: Viral Videos of the Week (10.22.10)
Alright everybody, I have to say. Youtube is just a mess this week. I personally think there might be something funky going on with who/whatever is in charge of counting hits. Every video in the top 20 most viewed videos this week has more than 1 million hits, but a lot of the videos are…
The Gaily News: Boy Scouts ban gay father from wearing volunteer uniform
A straight-shooting gay dad was upfront about his sexuality with his son's cubmaster when he volunteered to help with the troupe. But now, because of the complaints of other fathers and the Supreme Court-approved no-gays policy of the Boy Scouts of America, he's been banned from wearing the Cub Scouts volunteer uniform. They'll stil let…
An interview with White Fence, the solo music project of Darker My Love’s Tim Presley (with audio)
At night, when not performing as the guitarist for Darker My Love, and when not toiling away at his job as a graphic designer, Tim Presley makes music alone in his apartment under the alias White Fence, crafting a specific tone and atmosphere that evokes a mod/Kinks/punk hybrid. Recently, because of a peculiar coincidence, Presley…
Sink and Scott duke it out; NPR cans Juan Williams for anti-Muslim remarks, and Hillsborough Dems push case against GOP HD 47 candidate James Grant: Mitch Perry Report 10.21.10
We watched with great anticipation last night's first prime time gubernatorial debate between the two people will hope to lead the Sunshine State out of its economic morass in the coming decade, and have a report on the blow-by-blow action between Rick Scott and Alex Sink. Saying it echoes the Jim Norman debacle, supporters of…
NPR cans Juan Williams after comments about Muslims on airplanes
Following in the tradition of CNN, who jettisoned afternoon anchor Rick Sanchez and Middle Eastern expert Octavia Nasr in record time, NPR last night fired longtime commentator Juan Williams, after remarks he made about Muslims on The O'Reilly Factor Monday night. The comments came as O'Reilly again focused on his spat with Joy Behar and…
Twists on tradition: A garlicky Cuban at Michelle Faedo’s and a water-based ice cream at La Unica Michoacana offer varying rewards
When CL moved its offices back to Ybor last year, we asked a whole host of locals for their favorite spots in the area. One name that kept popping up was Michelle Faedo's, mostly because of its popular Cuban sandwich. Several people told us it's their favorite example of this pressed piece of Ybor's culinary…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Urban permaculture design course, salt marsh planting, ‘Food Not Lawns’ meeting and more
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. Fresh Markets and More at Seminole Mall- Every Thursday-Sunday; 9 am-3 pm. Fresh Markets and More is a fun-filled celebration of the world’s most popular culinary ingredients along with a selection of unique arts and crafts all located…
Book Review: A gay teen struggles to come out to The Perfect Family, in the latest from Kathryn Shay
Review by Robert Jaquay Originally posted at MyQmunity As I write this review, we’ve just ended the annual celebration of National Coming Out Day. Unfortunately, we’re also mourning the deaths of several gay teens who felt that being gay is harder than staying alive. Little did I know, as I was searching for the next good…
10 mistakes men make in bed (updated!)
Even after nearly 10 years of swinging, I still find that some men forget the basic etiquette of pleasing a woman during sex. Occasionally they need to be reminded of the do's and don't's of getting down to business. While I'm sure women do just as many things to piss off men in bed, as…
Rough and ready: Women’s rugby tackles Tampa
Crouch. Touch. Pause. Engage. If you're a rugger — aka, a rugby player — you're familiar with these words. Chances are, if you're an American rugger, you discovered rugby in the Northeast and Midwest, where it's become a staple of progressive sports programs. But the game, which traces its origins to Rugby School in Warwickshire,…
Will self-destruct in 5, 4… Can this marriage survive?
Can this marriage survive? My husband and I have had an open marriage for the last two years. Up until five months ago, it was working beautifully. At that point, however, I was sexually assaulted by a former partner. Since that incident, I cannot stand sex with my husband. I completely flip out when he…
Scare tactics: The Reel Terror filmmakers talk about why they make horror movies
When the lights go down and the blood splatters across the screen at this weekend's Reel Terror Film Festival (see sidebar on p. 32 for details), the audience will be watching more than just a few scary movies. The 12 films selected for the fest represent the unwavering commitment and drive of the filmmakers, a…
Twists on tradition: A garlicky Cuban at Michelle Faedo’s and a water-based ice cream at La Unica Michoacana offer varying rewards
When CL moved its offices back to Ybor last year, we asked a whole host of locals for their favorite spots in the area. One name that kept popping up was Michelle Faedo's, mostly because of its popular Cuban sandwich. Several people told us it's their favorite example of this pressed piece of Ybor's culinary…
Can public campaign finance be saved? Supporters say it’s good for democracy; Amendment 1 would repeal it
Florida's public campaign finance law has been on the books since 1986, and in the state constitution since 1998. Its one overriding goal: help qualified people run for office even if they don't have the benefit of deep pockets or political connections. Now, if 60 percent of voters approve Amendment 1 in November's election, the…
Going sane: Is Jon Stewart’s Rally to Restore Sanity vitally necessary or badly timed?
On Saturday, October 30, thousands will likely descend on Washington D.C. to attend the Rally to Restore Sanity, and its ironic counter-demo, March To Keep Fear Alive, presented by Comedy Central stars Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. Stewart's event comes just two months after Glenn Beck's Rally to Restore Honor. It's geared, according to its…
Stand your ground: 6 ways to fight back against bullies
Headlines have brought us disturbing stories lately about kids being pushed toward suicide by unrelenting bullies. This trend, kids victimizing other kids, is nothing new, but the internet has made us all more aware. Some of these teenagers were targeted for being gay. Suicide is heinous, and among young people it's especially tragic. Dan Savage…
Uphill climb: Incumbents are in danger this year, but does that include veteran Congressman Bill Young? Charlie Justice hopes so
No political campaign is easy. And when your opponent is incumbent Republican Congressman C.W. "Bill" Young, in his 21st congressional race after 40 years in Congress, it's even tougher. But Democratic State Senator Charlie Justice doesn't seem to be intimidated. Sure, Young sits on the appropriations committee and is chair of the subcommittee on defense,…
Sublime’s new voodoo: The reggae rock group returns with a fresh young frontman
California reggae punk trio Sublime is counted among those groups responsible in the early '90s for bringing punk into the mainstream, while at the same time spearheading a new fusion of punk that incorporated reggae, surf rock and hip-hop. Although beloved Sublime frontman Bradley Nowell died of a drug overdose in 1996, the band's music…
A History of Horror: An academic but reader-friendly tome extols the virtues of classic horror flicks
Generally speaking, there are two types of books about film history — lightweight, easily digestible love letters from armchair auteurs and dry, minutiae-heavy dissections penned by obsessives that go down about as easily as a thumbtack stuck in glue. Granted, both categories can produce great, readable books. But nearly every title on the subject of…
Do It Today: Party with LeBron James, Save the Arts and Centennial movie bash
Cleveland’s loss, Tampa Bay’s gain? Apparently. LeBron “King” James is in town with his new NBA sugar daddy, erm, basketball team the Miami Heat to face off against the Orlando Magic Friday night at the Forum. According to the Orlando Sentinel, tickets are selling like hotcakes and the game may very well sell out. If…
Sink scores on substance in first prime time debate, but wil it matter?
With various polls showing that the race for Florida's governor to be perhaps the closest in the nation, Alex Sink and Rick Scott engaged in a crucial prime time debate on Wednesday night from Nova Southeastern College. Rick Scott had very little specifics to offer, other than his famed "7-7-7" economic plan, but he made…
Even knuckleheads at the County Commission have rights
And no, I’m not referring to Jim Norman By Chris Ingram In what should have been a fitting tribute to Admiral Leroy Collins, Jr. at today’s Hillsborough County Board of Commissioners meeting, one angry citizen decided to make it a less dignified affair. An item of business on the commission’s agenda was consideration of a proposal…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Wednesday, October 20: Tampa Theatre Uncorked and Tampa Theatre present a special reception and one-night-only engagement of the documentary Blood Into Wine. The film tells the story of Maynard James Keenan, the front man of the rock bands Tool, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer, who abruptly left L.A. in the mid '90s to start a…
Green DIY: Upcycled wine/beer bottle chandelier
If you're like me and have a collection of empty wine and beer bottles on your counter by the end of the week (don't judge), here's an even better alternative to sending them to be recycled: upcycle them into a unique and attractive chandelier! I've been seeing wine and beer bottle lighting fixtures and lamps…
Top Chef Podcast: Just Desserts Ep. 5 – Edible fashion faux pas
It's the calm after the storm (the sh*t storm of crazy, that is) on Top Chef: Just Desserts. With Mr. Meltdown and Debbie Downer out of the competition, things seemed calmer and more focused on last night's episode. Granted, the incessant bitching and cattiness hasn't ceased, but who would expect it to with the likes…
