New Independent Music Business Model: Crowdfunding, Fanffiliates and Webcasts
Since I won’t be able to make it to the Homemade Music Symposium this weekend, I wanted to at least offer my two cents on something that independent bands need to think about and adopt into their strategy. Many people think that the reason the music business is tanking is the lack of a new,…
Chew on this: Guilt (and preservative) free beef jerky recipe
Beef jerky is one of those snacks that's a guilty pleasure for me. The pleasure is that it's all protein and no carbs, doesn't need to be refrigerated and is a healthier alternative to snacking on chips or a candy bar. The only thing I feel guilty about when eating it are all the chemicals…
Concert tip: Don’t park your kids in front of the loudspeakers, dumbass!
I'm typically one of those people who keep my nose out of other people's business. It's usually my wife who is known for going into a store and looking for the person who left his or her dog locked in a hot car, not me. I do have my breaking point, though. While covering the…
On the Radar: World Refugee Day observances, film screenings, and panel discussions across Tampa Bay
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there are over 69,000 refugees in the U.S. seeking asylum, and over 279,000 settled refugees in our country currently. Next week, Tampa Bay hosts several events celebrating and recognizing the courage…
Iron Maiden announces The Final Frontier, a new album due out August 16 (video and poll included)
5 hours ago, Iron Maiden announced via their fan club that the release date for their 15th studio album in 30 years, The Final Frontier, will be August 16, 2010. Also, starting tomorrow in Dallas, Texas, the band will embark on 34-date North American and European tour to promote the new album with prog-rock monsters…
Nelson wants investigation on AP story that claims BP has been “making it up as they go along “
Florida Democratic Senator Bill Nelson is seizing on an Associated Press story published today that blasts BP's 582-page regional spill plan for the Gulf and it's 52-page, site-specific plan for the Deepwater Horizon rig. The AP reports that those plans were "riddled with omissions and glaring errors." As the story, co-written by St. Petersburg based…
Tonight’s Top Chef Masters preview: The final countdown
Oh my goodness, this is it. We're finally down to the finale episode of Top Chef Masters (and I thought it wouldn't come soon enough). The trio of chefs remaining are Susur Lee, Rick Moonen, and Marcus Samuelsson. The first preview video (below) doesn't really reveal much, it's just an overview of the chefs, their…
Dreaming of booze
“DM, I had a dream last night I was shark and the ocean was Jack Daniels and every one else was a fish inside pitchers of beer. Weird” (sic) This one’s easy. It’s a compensation dream. Dream Momma understands that every man secretly wants to be a manly man, drink hard, play hard, and make…
Concert review: Plants and Animals at Backbooth, Orlando (with setlist and video)
The Montreal indie-rockers Plants and Animals [pictured] played to a sparsely filled venue in Orlando last Friday night. I can’t say the weak turnout wasn’t expected, as the band has been largely overlooked even by the fauxhemian hipsters which typically champion the folkier side of the genre. Their relative obscurity is puzzling as their first…
Concert review: Citizen Cope at Jannus Live (with video)
It’s Friday night and I’m standing amidst the swarm of Citizen Cope lovers who've arrived at Jannus Live for the musical mixology of Clarence Greenwood and Co. The crowd of 20- to 50-somethings howl and whistle in between sipping cocktails as pink and blue-hued light beams over the masses. Greenwood conducts the scene from the…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Niemann shuts Jays out, Leavitt won’t get out and ESPN zone-out
Welcome to Bill's Sports Binge, hump-day edition. Like a box of chocolates, too much will make you throw up. You're halfway to the weekend, folks. Too early for a beer? Too late? Our Tampa Bay Rays decided to go ahead and play like the best team in baseball for a change Tuesday night as they treated the Toronto…
Kelly Steele – Contributor
Kelly Steele is trying to find her place in the world. In between collecting things, sneezing, listening to outdated music and fighting for the feminist cause (yes, there is still a feminist cause), she spends her time at the University of South Florida in St. Pete working towards that little piece of paper that will…
Reconnecting with our surroundings and “living local” in the Tampa Bay area
We live in a world where our lives, for the most part, are determined by forces from faraway places. Much of our food comes from California. What we watch on the evening news is determined in New York. Our shoes are made in China. When we think of living green, we recycle, buy organic food,…
Concert review: Nobunny at Will’s Pub in Orlando (with pics!)
Due to my failure to convince a friend to do it for me, my hands dominate a trustworthy grip on an expensive camera, a camera of inferior quality that was used to capture the photo you see at left and those in the gallery below. Yes, the digital pictures are vibrant, seizing an appropriate level…
Restaurant News: Shor American Seafood Grill on Clearwater Beach
A seafood grill in a big pink hotel on the Gulf of Mexico? You won’t find fish tanks, tropical-colored dinnerware or old world stuffiness here. Shor American Seafood Grill in Clearwater Beach’s Hyatt Regency Resort is a fresh restaurant for a youthful crowd. The menu itself reinforces this casual vibe by encouraging you to “Catch…
Theater Review: Jobsite’s Dead Man’s Cell Phone rings true and false
Dead Man’s Cell Phone is a tantalizing play: original, unpredictable, poignantly lyrical at times and then suddenly obscene. But I don’t think it ultimately works. The major themes of the play — the ubiquity of cell phones, the attempt to deceive an egocentric dead man’s loved ones into thinking he truly cared for them, and the…
Tonight at Ruth Eckerd Hall: Peter Frampton and YES
Ruth Eckerd Hall hosts a double bill of progressive rock groundbreakers tonight. Symphonic-leaning YES are British purveyors of such classic rock hits as “Roundabout” and “Owner of a Lonely Heart.” Grammy-winning ‘70s guitar whiz Peter Frampton (“Baby I Love Your Way,” “Do You Feel Like We Do,” pictured, photo by Denis O'Regan) is touring in…
CD review: Ratatat, LP4 (XL Recordings)
For all their experimentation and innovation, the albums Evan Mast and Mike Stroud release as Ratatat show a very classic musical evolution, cementing familiar, recognizable characteristic traits while also reaching restlessly beyond them in different directions for new and personally exciting elements. It's a process beneficial for both artist and listener, and these two guys…
New hotel in Rome is garbage, literally
Yes, you heard correctly: one of Rome's newest hotels is made of garbage (except for its actual structure). The building, located on Capocotta Beach, is aptly named Save the Beach Hotel because it was created to raise awareness about the trashy state of many of Europe's beaches. The hotel is covered with over 26,000 pounds…
New Florida Poll shocker – Crist up by 20% over Meek – Rick Scott over Sink by 10%
Quinnipiac University has just released a new poll this morning, and the results are not exactly predictable. First of all, Barack Obama gets his worst ranking in this particular survey, with only 40% favorable, vs. 54% unfavorable. The President did rank lower in a Mason/Dixon survey released earlier this spring (he was at 37%). Pollster…
Graphic novel review: Wildstorm’s A God Somewhere
As I left my mother’s womb in December of '84, I’m fairly certain I was only crying because I’d missed so many issues of Uncanny X-Men. I am a comic fan. And while most of you out there may not treat every Wednesday like a mini-holiday (it’s new comic day), it’s safe to say that…
Do It Today: Say “yes” to YES and Peter Frampton, a farcical guide to Dating, Mating and Marriage at the Straz, and Singing for Sisters at Skipper’s
A double bill of progressive rock groundbreakers. Symphonic-leaning YES are British purveyors of such classic rock hits as “Roundabout” and “Owner of a Lonely Heart.” Grammy-winning ‘70s guitar whiz Peter Frampton (“Baby I Love Your Way,” “Do You Feel Like We Do”) is touring in support of a new album, Thank You Mr Churchill, approved…
On the Radar: the Florida Dance Festival takes over Tampa Bay for 10 days of dance
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. Starting next Tuesday, choreographers and dancers descend on the University of South Florida for the annual Florida Dance Festival, a summer dance school that boasts an intensive series of performances open to the public at bargain ticket prices. The full…
Will new tax credits help Florida compete for movie and TV production money?
Next month, A&E Network premieres The Glades, the rare series being filmed almost entirely in Florida — in this case, the Broward County suburb of Pembroke Pines. But according to members of the local acting community, it should have been produced in Tampa Bay. In fact, the pilot was filmed in the Bay area (including…
New Florida poll shows dramatic reversal on offshore drilling; Hillsborough County and Pat Bean, never can say goodbye, and Mitch Perry Report: 6.9.10
Quinnipiac has a major poll this morning on where the Florida political landscape lies less than 5 months away from the general election. It ain't good for the Democrats; USF College of Marine Science Dept. has been on the forefront of researching the oil out in the gulf. Our Kelly Steel has a report; CL…
Tampa Firefighters endorse Buckhorn 9 months before general election for mayor
Although former Tampa City Councilman Bob Buckhorn announced his candidacy for mayor just a few weeks ago, for years he's been cultivating relationships throughout the city that could pay off for him once he did declare he was running for office. Such work paid off big time for Buckhorn on Tuesday when he landed the…
Hopheads unite at Dunedin Brewery’s “Hoppy Endings” IPA Fest (photos)
Bitterness ran deep Saturday night at the Dunedin Brewery, but few complained. It was the Hoppy Endings IPA Fest, a celebration of all things lupulin-infused. With over twenty five offerings, live music, and some tasty hors d'oeuvres, the balmy Florida summer weather could not keep the "hopheads" at bay. The event began at 7 pm…
Attend the Gulf oil spill community forum on Tuesday, June 15
Since April 20, the Deepwater Horizon well has leaked millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico- making it the worst oil leak in US history. How did this happen? What does it mean for Florida? How can we prevent it from happening again?
Caption Contest celebrates Dustin Hoffman, Jason Bateman and the kiss that shook the NBA Finals
It’s NBA Finals time. Basketball’s biggest stage featuring the league’s most storied rivalry. And what is everyone talking about after Thursday’s Game One? Not Kobe being only three wins away from his fifth championship. Not Pau Gasol’s 23 points or eight offensive rebounds. Not the fact that the Lakers led the Celtics from start to…
Photo review: Carole King and James Taylor at St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa
Some shots from the Sunday evening "Troubadour" tour show at the St. Pete Times Forum featuring a co-bill of legendary singer-songwriters — Carole King and James Taylor (pictured together below). More pictures after the jump.
More research for USF and NOAA to link deep-water “plumes” to BP oil leak
St. Petersburg, Fla.- Researchers at the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced today that layers of degraded oil found in the subsurface of the northern Gulf of Mexico cannot be directly linked to the Deepwater Horizon spill until further research is conducted. “We have not…
More skeletons in the soon-to-be-ex Hillsborough County Administrator’s closet
By George Niemann PoHo contributor and R-LAND, UCAN, Amendment 4/Florida Hometown Democracy, FSP activist The ideas expressed are my own and not necessarily those of the organizations to which I belong We have watched the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners dicker over firing County Administrator Pat Bean for months now. It’s amazing how the BOCC…
Bill’s sports binge: Lightning get their guy, Rays draft high (school that is) and World Cup fans almost die
Welcome back to Bill's Sports Binge. Your cheat sheet to the big picture of today's local and national sports headlines. It may be light on the details, but so is the hot receptionist you've been trying to bang impress. And isn't that why we're all here? You can admit it. We're in the trust tree here.…
Exercise ebb and flow: sometimes you need a gym-cation
Whether or not we like to admit it, there is an ebb and flow of exercise. Everyone goes through exercise lulls and cheat streaks. Heck!—Even professional athletes have an off-season. Last year, I wrote about instinctive exercise and why it isn’t instinctive for us to be physically fit. At the time, I’m sure I wished…
St. Pete Democratic activist says he may oppose Arthenia Joyner
St. Petersburg based Democratic party activist David Schauer, treasurer for the Pinellas County DEC as well as for St. Pete Pride, says he’s disgusted with District 18 state Senator Arthenia Joyner, and is strongly considering challenging her in the August 24 Democratic primary. Schauer told CL today that he will travel to Washington next week…
Concert review: Cheap Trick at House of Blues, Orlando (with setlist)
It’s true. I am biased. I’ve loved Cheap Trick for three of the four decades that I’ve been on this earth. My infatuation with music started early in life and I’ve always had a tendency to remain a loyal fan to most of the bands who have had the greatest impact on me. [Photo by…
Celebrate World Oceans Day today, June 8 (videos)
, officially recognized by the UN as June 8th, is a day when we all should be thinking about our oceans and ways to protect them. This rings especially true in a time like this where our Gulf Coast waters and sea life have been so horribly devastated. The Ocean Project gives us some great…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Tuesday, June 8: World of Beer Brewery Night. Four premium Southern Tier suds are on draft, and a rep is on hand to guide you in your quest for the holy ale. 8-10 p.m., 5226 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727-525-4589) Wednesday, June 9: Central Cigars Belgian Beer Night. If you're in the mood for…
Bring out your undead! St. Pete’s newest publishing house, Zombie Nation Publishing, seeks submissions
Zombie Nation Publishing,? ?the newest publisher in St.? ?Pete,? ?arose from the wildly successful anthology ZOMBIE ST.? ?PETE,? ?released in? February at the St.? ?Petersburg Pier.? ?Featuring an introduction penned by up-and-coming zombie superstar S.? ?G.? ?Browne and short stories written by local authors,? ?the book attracted attention like shambling corpses to a slumber party.?…
Misconception of the young athlete
I'd like to challenge the notion that professional athletes are nothing but thugs, criminals and all around bad guys. As a guy who has covered sports for three years and has always worn his love for sports on his sleeve that's one misconception that I hear from the average non-fan on a day-to-day basis. For…
Polygamists, the blues and reggae: suggestions for those with eclectic tastes
Every couple has its List. She says: “I love you, baby, but if Matthew McConaughey ever looks my way, I have to go down on him.” And, like most men, you probably have Angelina Jolie as your No. 1. “I don’t care if she rips off my head and devours me like a praying mantis,”…
Photo review: Martina McBride at Taste of Pinellas in St. Petersburg
Some shots of Martina McBride's headlining set this past Saturday night at Taste of Pinellas in St. Petersburg. Check out the complete photo gallery after the jump.
New study finds that lesbian parents raise superior children
A new 24-year study published in the journal Pediatrics, found that the children of lesbian parents have fewer behavioral problems and higher intelligence than their peers. Researchers followed 78 children conceived through artificial insemination between 1986 and 1992 to lesbian mothers. The data was collected through a series of interviews and questionnaires completed when the…
Dine out for the Gulf Coast to support the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund, June 10-12
You can help out those who were affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill just by dining out at restaurants participating in Dine Out for the Gulf Coast on June 10-12, 2010. Select restaurants around the nation will be donating a portion of their profits to the Gulf Coast Oil Spill Fund to give help…
Huge primary election in 11 states, including California; Another orca dies at SeaWorld; and Gov. Crist takes up suggestion from CFO Sink in helping out businesses affected by the oil spill: Mitch Perry Report 6.8.10
Today is the single biggest primary election day of 2010 with voters in 11 states going to the polls, including the big one – California; Another orca has died at SeaWorld. This time it's a year old orca who died giving birth; Download the report here. And Charlie Crist takes up Alex Sink's suggestion to…
Economist says oil spill could cost Florida 39,000 jobs
University of Central Florida economist Sean Snaith is predicting that an early analysis of the Gulf oil disaster could cost the state $2.2 billion, and over 39,000 lost jobs. The News Service of Florida reports: Snaith also said about 39,000 jobs could be eliminated in coming weeks, as the leisure, hospitality and fishing industries retrench…
Lots of new music out this Tuesday, June 8: Christina Aguilera, Blitzen Trapper, Deer Tick, Teenage Fanclub, Nada Surf, Lil Jon, Viernes, and more (with video)
This week’s new music releases. To see last week’s breakdown of releases (out June 1), click here; and for releases out May 25, click here. , White Crosses (Sire / Wea) Gainesville's favorites release a fifth studio album and swing by the Ritz Ybor with the Silversun Pickups on Friday, June 18. Christina Aguilera, Bionic…
Book Review: Tampa professor’s memoir Talk Thai: The Adventures of Buddhist Boy
When Tampa writer and professor Ira Sukrungruang expressed interest in writing a memoir, a literary agent asked, "Why? How fucked-up was your childhood?" Beginning Talk Thai: The Adventures of Buddhist Boy, I too couldn’t help but try to predict who would commit suicide or start shooting heroin. Spoiler alert: none of the main characters dies…
On the Radar: Pre-Dating Speed Dating at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. Having no luck in the love department because you're too busy to get out and meet people, sick of online dating disharmony, don't have a million bucks to hire a matchmaker, or all of the above? Then clear your calendar…
Do It Today: WWE Smackdown gets dirrrty at the Forum, and Living History at the Tampa Bay History Center
The stars of WWE Smackdown are giving stripper names a run for their money: see Jack Swagger, Chris Jericho (pictured), Undertaker, Batista, Edge, Red Mysterio and maaany more 'roided-up, testosterone-fueled muscle men battle it out in the ring. Tues., June 8, 6:45 p.m., St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, $20-$75. Living History is a collection of
Animal rights group calls for an end of public display of captive orcas after another dies at SeaWorld
Animal rights activists groups are once again calling for SeaWorld to halt the use of orcas for entertainment purposes at SeaWorld in Orlando after a 20-year-old orca died during the birthing process over the weekend. Theme park officials canceled Sunday's performances in Shamu Stadium after a whale named Taima and her calf died, but the…
Gulf spill hits Pensacola and the “small” amount of oil we have risked our environment over
Recent cross posts on the Pensacola tar balls and and the environmental damage done because of one "small" oil reservoir. The Wall Street Journal is reporting tar balls washing ashore Pensacola Beach on Friday: Officials on Thursday afternoon spotted an oil slick within 3 1/2 miles of the Pensacola coast, and a stretch of Pensacola…
Highlights from the Pinellas Pepper Fest and jalapeno eating contest (photos)
Being a lover of spicy foods and a self-proclaimed hot sauce addict, I attended the Fourth Annual Pepper Fest in Pinellas Park this past weekend. There were many purveyors of spicy sauces, salsas, marinades and pepper plants, in addition to cold treats to combat the heat — both Scoville- and weather-wise. For the kiddies, there…
Meek and Greene agree to debate in Palm Beach County – will rest of the state be able to see it?
Acting relatively quickly (as CL suggested ten days ago) to Democratic Senate hopeful Jeff Greene's call for a debate, the Kendrick Meek team says they will debate Greene on Tuesday, June 22nd. The news, first printed in the Palm Beach Post, says that Meek and Greene are contacting local Palm Beach county television stations hoping…
Tampa to be hit with Justin Bieber fever, North American tour stops at the St. Pete Times Forum in December
In case you were worried that Canadian pop/R&B teen heartthrob singer Justin Bieber was done serenading teens across America for a little while, he releases a new string of dates for the second leg of his North American Tour. Bieber stops in Tampa on December 19; the presale begins on Wednesday, with the public on…
Concert review: The Swell Season at Hard Rock Live, Orlando
To really appreciate the music of The Swell Season, you need to have seen the 2007 Irish independent film, Once. The film tells a story of a struggling musician (Glen Hansard) who develops a friendship with a young woman (Markéta Irglová, both pictured right). They begin creating music together and ultimately fall in love, though…
Bill’s sports binge: Rays snap back, Storm on track, and Glazers not in the black
Got a case of the Mondays? Congratulations, you must still have a job. Welcome to Bill's Sports Binge, where I skim through millions of megabytes for the latest local and national sports stories that catch my caffeinated eyeballs, condense and compact them with Cliff's Notes efficiency, throw in a pinch of personal opinion, and cram them…
Longtime White House correspondent Helen Thomas quits amid furor over her comments about Jews leaving Israel (video)
Legendary veteran White House reporter Helen Thomas has retired two months before her 90th birthday, as calls for her firing from the Hearst Newspaper chain reached a fever pitch this weekend after she was quoted as saying that Israel should "get the hell out of Palestine" and that Jews should return to Germany, Poland, or…
Bonnaroo weekend 2010: A survival guide to popping your ‘Roo cherry
In less than 72 hours, a sweaty valley nestled between Nashville and Chattanooga will swarm with 80,000-plus stoners, hippies, jocks and crusty jam band babies. Some of you, including my 'roo coverage partner, Andrew Silverstein, are what I call “roogins.” Virgins to Bonnaroo that are eager to experience every sound and probably a few mind-altering…
The NBA fan’s newfound obsession with Rajon Rondo
is slowly becoming a household name. While doing so, he might just land himself another NBA championship. Rondo, the young, Celtics’ point guard, is taking these playoffs by storm. So far, he’s averaged seventeen points, ten assists and six rebounds, including a eye-popping 29, 18 and 13 performance against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.…
Mighty Mongo was a big bang at Got Jokes? season finale
Got Jokes? Entertainment and NOVA 535 hosted the season two finale of their Big Bang Show this past Thursday, June 3, with a lineup of five of the Bay’s most impressive talents vying for the $1,000 cash prize. This reporter was sure that Mark Byrne “The Balloon Guy” secured first place when he climbed inside…
CL Party Pics: The Castle’s third annual Beach Party (5-30-10)
Last Sunday, May 30, The Castle in Ybor City hosted their third annual Memorial Day Beach Party. The Castle staff put on one badass beach party, equipped with an inflatable pool, a sprinkler system, music and endless amounts of booze. The Party: The Castle's third annual Memorial Day Beach Party with DJs Sean and Jason…
“Seafood sniffers” deployed to Gulf states to monitor and prevent contamination
Now that the Gulf has been subjected to almost two months of oil contamination and with fishermen still bringing in their catch, one might ask, "How safe is this seafood now and how is it being tested?" A third of federal waters and hundreds of square miles of state waters were closed off to fisherman.…
The Battle of Upham Beach, part 2: The great sand debate
This ensuing article is the second piece of the Upham Beach series, the first being: "The Battle of Upham Beach: Groins – not just a pain in the pass". In understanding the irony of the situation: Upham is a feeder beach, meaning sand transports from Upham’s land mass southerly from Sunset Beach, according to the…
Kate returns minus Jon, plus a whole new attitude (and a CL poll: do you miss Jon?)
Guess what everyone? Kate Gosselin wants you to know how normal she is and just how much she loves her kids — again. Although I am definitely on team Kate, the two-hour Kate Plus 8 and Inside Kate's World specials were nothing unexpected. Kate planned an over the top trip to Orlando complete with a very…
FL journalism awards: CL’s Mark Leib named top critic
Mark E. Leib, longtime theater critic for Creative Loafing Tampa, has won the top award for Criticism in the 2010 Sunshine State Awards, a statewide competition recognizing Florida’s best journalism of 2009. The winners were announced Saturday night at a ceremony at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, FL. CL also took home awards…
LeMieux says Obama needs to be hanging in the Gulf longer; John Kerry says his climate change bill is required more than ever in the aftermath of the spill, and Time mag looks at why Kendrick Meek doesn’t get any respect: Mitch Perry Report 6.7.10
As the first real tar balls from the oil gusher hit Florida beaches late last week, the Sunshine State is now becoming part of the national nightmare in terms of news coverage, and both Governor Crist and Senator Nelson went on national TV yesterday to decry what's happening, while at the same time trying to…
Swinger dynamics: differences make it work
If all swingers were the same, no one would swing. Each person's individual motivations for being a swinger is what keeps the encounters fresh and exciting. I like the newness of each person I meet and I thrive off the excitement of each new experience. A fellow swinger enjoys the aspect of friendship, the trust…
Time.com piece brings different perspective on Kendrick Meek’s campaign
Regular readers of this blog know that we've written a lot about the Senate race, and why Kendrick Meek has yet to break out in any fashion, as he is now mired uncomfortably in third place in most polls behind Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio. When Crist left the Republican party and went independent at…
Restaurant News: New menu unveiled at the Don CeSar’s Maritana Grille
Maritana Grille, the Don CeSar's four diamond-rated fine dining restaurant on St. Pete Beach, has just unveiled their new menu — a creative take on New American cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood. Named one of the Top 10 Best Seafood Restaurants in the U.S. by Gayot Guide, Maritana Grille offers an abundance of…
Photo highlights from the 2010 Tampa Bay Living Green Expo
The fifth annual Tampa Bay Living Green Expo was held this weekend at the Coliseum in Downtown Saint Petersburg. The 2010 edition featured over 75 exhibitors, activities for the whole family, and new ways to go green. There were lots of giveaways, as well free plants and information on recycling. Attendees learned how to start…
On the Radar: Super7 Star Wars Stormtrooper Super Shogun Release party and Dada’s Dream Art Party
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming art events to mark your calendars for. This Saturday, you can party arty at two different venues in downtown St. Pete. First up is the very Japanese-translated-into-English-sounding Super7 Star Wars Stormtrooper Super Shogun Release Party. Toy collector haven Super 7 Florida showcases the release of a…
Do It Today: CL’s summer reading list and The Real Life of a Yummy Mummy at American Stage
Well, folks, it appears the summer slump is finally upon us: performing arts venues, theaters and galleries are wrapping up their seasons; Lost and American Idol are over (with no Lost and no Simon Cowell, I may never watch TV again); and unless you're a glutton for punishment, it's too damn hot to do much…
Concert review: Blackberry Smoke at The Social in Orlando
As I turned off North Orange Street into a parking lot behind The Social, I was immediately struck by how empty everything seemed to be. I wrote this off to the early hour and held out hope that there would be a good turnout for Atlanta-based, southern rock outlaws Blackberry Smoke. For a town best…
LeMieux bashes Obama on oil spill reaction
As the first signs of the BP oil gusher in the gulf hit Florida beaches last Friday, the Sunshine State's leaders, Governor Charlie Crist and U.S. Senators Bill Nelson and George LeMieux, hit the Sunday morning public affairs circuit to discuss the latest development in this environmental horror show. Nelson found himself in the paradoxical…
John Kerry makes the case for an energy bill in the wake of the disastrous oil spill
As American sit slack jawed watching horrific photos of damaged birds being cleaned as more oil permeates the Gulf of Mexico, the question about whether the country can use the catastrophe as a catalyst to seriously change how we get our energy was promulgated Sunday morning by Massachusetts Democratic U.S. Senator John Kerry. Appearing on…
Was Rays Jersey Choice Slap In The Face To Bolts
For those of you who are not familiar, every year, and with every road trip the Rays go on, Rays Manager Joe Maddon comes up with a theme. The idea is that whatever the theme is, the team will dress like that for the flight out on the upcoming trip. With the team heading out…
Faces of the Trop:Bill Wertz
Periodically I will try to bring you the story of some of the people you may or may not get to see on your visits to Tropicana Field. These stories will be called "Faces of the Trop" and will include behind the scenes stories of those who make game day at Tropicana Field what it…
Californians go to the polls in most expensive governors race ever – with 5 months to go before the general
Americans in 12 states will go to the polls on Tuesday. Lots going on, but indulge me as CL looks at the high profile races out in California. Like Florida, California voters are voting for governor and U.S. Senator this November, and the Golden State's primary election this Tuesday will consolidate the field for nearly…
Kevin’s Korner: Your movie news wrap-up, including Alias, The Hobbit, Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, Patrick Stewart, Captain America and more!
Welcome to another week of crazy movie news, casting bits, some great images of the new Captain America and the wonderful trailer of the week … it’s Kevin’s Korner! This week was a busy one as the Interwebs blew up with movie news, and the Creative Loafing team nabbed some exclusives as well (we’re on…
New cap is collecting some of the oil leakage, while tar balls wash ashore in the Panhandle
Though BP attached a new cap over the Deepwater Horizon leak late Thursday, crude oil still flows into the water through several open vents on the inverted funnel-like device. Engineers are now steadily working on closing up those leaking vents. Mother Nature Network reports:
Tampa International airport board member announces new online marketing survey as a step towards getting more direct flights to and from TIA
CL readers may recall our story last December (called Tampa International Airport ain't very international. Is that a problem?)that examined the tensions on the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority and in the community about TIAs lack of virtually any direct international flights. That tension began when relatively new board member Steve Burton challenged then airport director…
Celebrate local restaurants during Restaurant Week, June 17 – 27
Do you like dining out? If so, join Creative Loafing in celebrating Bay area restaurants during our Third Annual Restaurant Week Tampa Bay! From June 17 – 27, Creative Loafing will be partnering with select Bay Area restaurants to offer three-course, prix fixe menus for $25 and $45. That means for a limited time, you…
Vampire Weekend stops by The Colbert Report
Beneath Stephen Colbert's hilariously iron- fisted exterior lies the heart of a trendy, middle-class twentysomething apparently. That or he just really knows his demographic. Either way, the titan of thruthiness has been on his game as of late inviting some choice indie acts – The Mountain Goats, T.V. On the Radio, and The Hold Steady…
McCollum calls for Crist to sign ultrasound bill that he still hasn’t received
Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum today put more public heat on Governor Charlie Crist to sign HB 1143, the measure that includes a provision with amendments that would require women to pay for an ultrasound exam and, with few exceptions, look at the embryo's or fetus' image or have it described to them by their…
Reel Projections podcast: Rock ‘n’ Roll Edition, featuring Get Him To The Greek, Splice, Alice In Wonderland, The Wolfman and more …
For more movie news and reviews, check out the CL index of movie posts. Click here to listen to Reel Projections — Episode 21: Rock 'n' Roll Edition, featuring Get Him To The Greek. We're back for another installment of the Reel Projections podcast, the only CL podcast detailing the week's biggest theatrical movie releases,…
Grow organic with Green World Path in Brooksville
In my last post, I mentioned the company Green World Path. I'd like to dedicate this post to telling you all the wonderful things they are doing, right here in Brooksville. The company started just 3 years ago as a manufacturer of organic fertilizers and non toxic pest control. On a daily basis, they are teaching…
This Week @ the Movies: Splice, Get Him To The Greek, Killers and more …
This is a big weekend at the multiplex, with four new high-profile releases seeing the light of day. Leading the pack is Get Him To The Greek, the Russell Brand-Jonah Hill comedy I thought was a rude, crude (and successful) comedy aimed straight at the boys. Of course, the rock ‘n’ rollers aren’t the only…
Donald Glover asks what’s the problem with a black Peter Parker in Spider-Man 4?
Is it OK to cast a black actor as Peter Parker? That is the question that's been raised after comedian and Community star Donald Glover started a Twitter flurry by announcing his desire to audition for the lead role in Spider-Man 4. In the aftermath, more questions than just "can he act?" have been percolating…
Safe, all natural repellent to keep the bugs at bay
I am that person where a mosquito could be buzzing around 100 people and I would be the one being bitten. I later found that lavender oil does a nice job at keep them away. However, in the process of deterring bugs, I have succeeded in deterring my husband as well, seeing as he can't…
St. Pete passes tough panhandling law; Bud Chiles confirms he’s a candidate for governor, but not as a Democrat, and the Republican Attorney General candidates debate in St. Pete: Mitch Perry Report 6.4.10
It went on for several hours last night, but in the end the St. Petersburg City Council passed a tough anti-panhandling provision that critics say is an "assault on the poor"; Democrats in Florida have been wondering if Bud Chiles would enter the race for governor and challenge Alex Sink. Well, he did yesterday, though…
Celebrate National Doughnut Day with a free donut from Dunkin’ today
In honor of the 60th anniversary of National Donut Day, Dunkin' Donuts is giving away free donuts. Visit any Dunkin' Donuts today, June 4th, and with the purchase of a beverage, you'll receive a free donut. It's that simple. So what will it be? A chocolate glazed cruller, raspberry jam-filled powdered donut, or a simple…
Life As We Blow it: Feeling their pain
In the past, I thought it was funny when a group of my friends sat talking about how people used alcohol as a crutch, meanwhile passing around the bong for the seventh time. Now, I think it's sad and inhumane when my friends bitch about "pill mills," and the "degenerates" that frequent them, between beers…
Bud Chiles declares his candidacy for governor — but will he make any difference running as an independent?
After months of rumors that he would challenge Democrat Alex Sink, Lawton "Bud" Chiles III officially announced yesterday he is running for governor, but as a no-party candidate. The son of former Florida Governor Lawton Chiles is a very interesting man, and his entry into the race will no doubt delight political reporters and others…
Panhandling ban passes in St. Pete
Panhandlers have been outlawed in St. Petersburg. City Council members listened as business owners, homeless activists, homeowners and newspaper “hawkers” voiced their opinions on the ordinance before it passed last night at 10:30 p.m. The new ordinance states that no one can solicit cars on sidewalks or medians in St. Pete. The ordinance not only…
New Jay-Z track, “Ultra”
's posted a new Swizz Beats-produced Jay-Z track called "Ultra". Who knows where or when this track will show up again though. Pitchfork thinks the multiple Diddy nods might indicate that the track, or at least part of it, will be featured Sean Combs upcoming "electro-hip-hop-soul funk" album Last Train to Paris coming out on…
3 Guys & the Quest for the Holy FAIL — The Podcast: Troll 2, starring people who never acted again and no trolls whatsoever (with trailer and special, movie-inspired drink recipe!)
Somewhere deep within the annals of wretched movie-dom stands The Holy FAIL, the best worst movie ever made. In search of said cinematic bile are The 3 Guys, brave heroes like no other. If a poorly suited monster or a dangling boom mic appear on screen, the 3 Guys have seen it. They do it all…
On the Radar: see Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band in London Calling: Live in Hyde Park on the big screen at Beach Theatre
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. A Jersey star hits the big screen and it’s not The Situation … it’s The Boss. For two nights only, Emerging Pictures presents LONDON CALLING: Live in Hyde Park, a screening of Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band’s 2009…
CD Review: Melvins, The Bride Screamed Murder
After a disappointing 2009 noise/remix release, Chicken Switch, the mighty Melvins last Tuesday released The Bride Screamed Murder on Ipecac Records – their 18th LP, and their third recording as a quartet. In 2006, The Melvins asked both of the dudes in Big Business (Jared Warren and Coady Willis) to join the band. Yes, that…
Florida GOP attorney general candidates show and tell some in St. Pete
The four men and women who want to be the Republican nominee for attorney general convened Thursday afternoon in St. Petersburg for a debate at the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club. Four, you might wonder? In addition to former Hillsborough State Attorney Assistant and spokesperson Pam Bondi, former Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Holly Benson…
Oil flow likely to end up in the Atlantic by summer’s end
A video animation of the potential path of the oil spill was released today by NCAR (The National Center for Atmospheric Research) depicting the flow of oil making its way into the Atlantic Ocean by some time this summer. NCAR repports: The computer simulations indicate that, once the oil in the uppermost ocean has become…
What happens when Paul McCartney, Barack Obama, Jerry Seinfeld and various others sing “Hey Jude”? (video)
…I dunno. But there's a joke in there somewhere. Paul McCartney received the third Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song last night (the previous two went to Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder) and a slew of A-listers were were in attendance, including the Chief Executive himself. PBS taped the whole thing for a…
The Grind Podcast 6/3: Rays the worst best team, Urban’s heartburn, and umpire Jim Joyce blows a perfect game
It's that time again, good people. Time for Flip Satchel and Bill Freitas to scour the Bay area for the top 10 sports stories of the week, marinate them in their own opinionated juices and regurgitate them into your proverbial gullets for sustenance like an eagle feeding her young: Yes, you classless ignoramuses, he has a heart. Turns out esophageal…
Fla Rep. Kathy Castor discusses oil spill solutions with Sierra Club, local business owners
Florida Rep. Kathy Castor held a press conference and meeting earlier today with environmental and business advocates at the Tradewinds Resort in St. Pete Beach to discuss solutions to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in hopes of moving towards the long-term goal of practicing cleaner energy and breaking America’s oil addiction. The meeting began with…
M.I.A. releases controversial video, feels mis-repped by the New York Times (truffle fries, anyone?), launches online assault (with video)
Sheesh, it's been a crazy few weeks for Sri-Lankan pop star Maya Arulpragasm, or, as the rest of us know her, M.I.A. FIRST, she released the ultra-violent, beat-you-over-the-head symbolic short film/music video for the song "Born Free" off her upcoming album, Maya. The uber-NSFW video depicts a SWAT team-like brigade invading the homes of, and…
Steroids in cycling: Floyd Landis, Lance Armstrong and an accusation of my own
Professional cycling continues to prove it’s a shady business. Floyd Landis recently accused his former racing partner and seven-time Tour de France champion, Lance Armstrong, of taking steroids. His allegations made national headlines as statements like these always do when those accused are as accomplished as Armstrong. Landis’ comments turned out to be largely unfounded…
Movie Review: Get Him To The Greek, starring Russell Brand, Jonah Hill, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs and Elisabeth Moss (with trailer video)
[Editor's Note: For more reviews of the summer's biggest releases, check out the Daily Loaf Movie Review Index. And for more on Get Him To The Greek, check out this week's Reel Projections Podcast, posted Friday to Daily Loaf.] Judd Apatow is the reigning king of the summer comedy. Sure, last year’s Funny People was…
Green burials: Reducing your carbon footprint even after you die
You do everything you can to minimize your carbon footprint during your life. You drive a Prius. You bring your own canvas bags to the grocery store. You even change every light bulb in your house. But what happens after you die? How can you ensure that this green Earth will continue on for those…
Ousted from his x-chair: James McAvoy to replace Patrick Stewart as Professor X for X-Men: First Class
Fox is clearly trying to skew the new X-men movie extra young by casting 31-year-old James McAvoy (right) as Professor X, which makes me wonder just how young Kitty Pryde is going to be? In X-3, Pryde was played by a then 19-year-old Ellen Page while the Professor was a 64-year-old Patrick Stewart. According to…
Closing arguments: The practicality and politics of wine closures
One of my favorite wines is Two Hands Brave Faces (particularly the 2005 vintage). It is a wonderfully jammy shiraz grenache from Barossa Valley, Australia. It is a delicious big boy of a wine with 15% alcohol, and a price tag of nearly $40 —a nd it has a screw cap. While cork still dominates…
3 Guys & Glee — The Podcast: Ep. 21, “Funk”
There was some serious funk going on in the penultimate episode of Glee. Some of our favorite characters reared their dark side, while others showed an unwanted sensitive side, as the New Directions geared up for the showdown in next week's regionals. The 3 Guys crew cover what the funk happened with Jessie, whether our…
Celtics-Lakers hard to predict
The NBA Finals begin tonight in Tinseltown, as the two most revered franchises in the history of professional basketball begin their best of seven series, with the L.A. Lakers holding the home court advantage, and thus, perhaps the edge in this closely contested match-up. Much has been made of this classic 80's rivalry, but more…
The bite-sized McDonalds McRibbles: Is this for real?!
This leaked image of the possibly new McRibbles from McDonalds has swept the blogosphere like wildfire this week, displaying what looks to be a bun-less version of the infamous and highly coveted (by people who eat this sort of thing) McRib sandwich. The McRibbles are to the McRib what chicken nuggets are to the McChicken…
Jim Greer indictment dominates political news cycle, Bill Nelson still calling for the military to call the shots in the oil spill crisis, and NBA Finals begin: Mitch Perry Report 6.3.10
The major news today is reaction to the arrest and announced indictment of former Florida Republican chairman Jim Greer, charged with six counts of alleged theft and fraud. Our thoughts are on why one candidate whose mission was to clean up the mess fared so poorly this year; As folks in the Panhandle prepare for…
Greer scandal cries out for reform in Florida GOP, but its signature candidate has left the campaign trail
Every single major newspaper in Florida has the indictment of former Florida Republican Party chairman Jim Greer on their front page this morning, and when you read the details against the close ally of Governor Charlie Crist, it's fairly nauseating. The Florida Department of Law Enforcement alleges in their indictment that Greer stole $125,000 in…
This weekend’s best bets in Bay area music: Rebecca Zapen, Alias Punch, Huey Lewis & the News, Rev. Horton Heat, Steve Connelly, Jukebox the Ghost, Carole King & James Taylor, and more
The following is a quick breakdown of the weekend's most worthy concerts (i.e., those ones you need to know about in order to get on with your live music life) beginning Thursday, ’cause that's when the weekend really starts… For a more comprehensive schedule of this weekend’s offerings and beyond, check out our Upcoming Concerts…
Hooked on hookah
Despite health concerns, the allure of the waterpipe remains strong.
Mom found my real life sex doll
Son’s sexual activities are none of her business.
Culinary Amtrak at Moulin Rouge restaurant
Moulin Rouge’s tired food can’t live up to the beautiful train car decor.
Alternative Universe is yet another startling show at a St. Pete gallery with guts
The metal bench in front of Mindy Solomon's gallery in downtown St. Petersburg is an interesting place to do some people-watching. As pedestrians promenade past the gallery's plate glass windows, they often slow down or double back for a second look; if a pair of promenaders passes by, one may say to the other, "Hey,…
Splendid acting and FX help Mary Poppins soar at the Straz Center
Mary Poppins is, at its core, a fantasy about healing. At the start, the Banks family is broken: the children are so wild, no nanny can manage them, and paterfamilias George is fixated on business. Into this wounded household comes the magician figure, Mary Poppins, who brings the children happily under control, and helps turn…
Clinical diagnosis: Instead of meds, a prospective “patient” runs into roadblocks and red tape at area pain clinics
Instead of meds, a prospective “patient” runs into roadblocks and red tape at local pain clinics.
Wanna rent a museum? Pinellas County’s now-empty Gulf Coast Museum of Art
Back when the Gulf Coast Museum of Art welcomed visitors to Largo's Pinewood Cultural Park, a lazy Saturday afternoon could be spent visiting the museum and touring the adjacent Florida Botanical Gardens. Taking in a Theo Wujcik retrospective or the museum's impressive permanent collection of Florida artists, then strolling amid the bromeliads and cacti? It…
What secret technology is DARPA hiding from us?
I recently stumbled on the online Straight Dope and, since you seem to be the guru of all things, decided to ask a question. How many years ahead of us is DARPA, technologically, and what secrets do you think they may be hiding from us? —A curious kid P.S. Do you think a rail gun…
Arizona’s immigration bill, the right papers and Communist Poland
In Communist Poland, police were the enemy. Arizona, too?
Singer-songwriter Citizen Cope inspires fervent devotion while shunning the mainstream
The last time singer-songwriter Citizen Cope played the Jannus stage, I attended as an absolute newb. In fact, I'd originally planned on seeing G. Love that weekend, but my friends persuaded me to check out Cope's fusion of blues, reggae, folk-pop and hip-hop instead. I bought my tickets in advance, and a good thing, too,…
Russell Brand schools Jonah Hill in the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle in Get Him To The Greek
Judd Apatow is the reigning king of the summer comedy. Sure, last year's Funny People was a bit of a disappointment at the box office, but since 2004 Apatow has been responsible for more hits than just about anyone. I'm talking about Anchorman and The 40 Year Old Virgin and Superbad and Knocked Up. One…
A construction worker’s rapid fall from pain treatment to full-blown painkiller addiction
When the boom crane snapped its moorings and fell on Joe* in the wet, muddy Chicago fall of 1988, it was a bad start to a long Thanksgiving weekend. "It took three guys to lift the crane off me," Joe says, "but I was fine. Muddy, sore and cold, but fine. I mean, I thought…
Bonnaroo bound
Gearing up for four days of dirt, sweat and live music at the ninth annual Bonnaroo.
Do It Today, Theater Edition: Jobsite’s Dead Man’s Cell Phone, Gorilla’s Young Dramatists Project, USF’s Melancholy Play and Samuel French’s Night of One-Acts @620
When it comes to quirky, thought-provoking theater, the folks at Jobsite rarely disappoint, and their latest production looks to be right in their aesthetic wheelhouse. Written by Sarah Ruhl, a Pulitzer Prize finalist for The Clean House, Dead Man’s Cell Phone centers on a woman who answers the cell phone of — you guessed it…
Scott Maddox to Dean Cannon and other pro offshore drilling Republicans : You owe Florida taxpayers $200K
CL predicted after hearing WUSF radio's report about a $200,000 study requested by Florida House Republicans regarding off-shore drilling that somehow escaped initial media scrutiny earlier this spring that Democrats – unless they were absolutely inert – would start raising hell about it. Yesterday, House Minority Leader Franklin Sands called for an explanation from Republicans…
Nelson asks again for the Obama administration to put DOD in charge of oil spill situation
Florida Democratic U.S. Senator Bill Nelson today wrote to President Obama about getting the U.S. military involved with the Deepwater Horizon oil spill situation, even though some officials have questioned what more they could do that isn't being done. Nelson wrote: While the Coast Guard, under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the National…
Tonight’s Top Chef Masters preview: Partner swapping and a little improvising
This week, we're down to the final four chef'testants on Top Chef Masters: Susur Lee, Rick Moonen, Marcus Samuelsson, and Jonathan Waxman. For the Quickfire, the four remaining chefs pair up, are given their own cookbooks, then have to make like swingers and swap (cookbooks, that is), preparing a recipe from one anothers cookbooks. The…
Tampa Bay champ Tommy Foster competes this week in the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.
“P-U-N-C-H,” the 6th grader in front of me says, punching through the air, adding a sound effect worthy of an episode of 1960s Batman. I asked Tampa Bay Spelling Bee Collaborative champion Tommy Foster if he plays any sports. The 11-year-old says he practices tae kwon do, but doesn’t consider it a sport even though he…
The Green Community week in review: BP’s top kill fail, anti-BP graffiti in Key West, volunteer for Reverb’s summer concert Eco-Villages, and more!
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week: Using permaculture to grow a food forest in Tarpon Springs (video) – The goal of this project has been to develop a self sustaining system that can provide food and fuel for the local…
Incorporating organic, nutrient dense foods into your diet
I recently attended a class at Green World Path, a company who manufactures organic and sustainable products for lawns, gardening, golf courses and farms. Every Thursday, from 6 until 7 p.m., they open their doors for others to learn and share different ways of living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. The featured guest speaker that evening…
Top Chef Masters Podcast, Ep. 8: Gail Simmons wants to do what with that coconut jam?!
This week on Top Chef Masters, we're down to five chefs: Rick Moonen, Susan Feniger, Marcus Samuelsson, Susur Lee, and Jonathan Waxman. For the Quickfire the chef'testants went head-to-head in the 'Name That Ingredient' challenge, trying to outdo one another in identifying the number of ingredients in various sauces. It seemed that maybe some of…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Final weekend for markets, composting workshop, and more!
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. Dunedin Green Market- Every Saturday (May-July 17); 7:30 am- 12:30 pm. Featuring fresh, local produced goods such as baked good, ready-to-eat-foods, organic plants and herbs, coffee, honey, seafood, clothing, and so much more. The Dunedin Green Market is…
CL’s Lost Podcast: Farewell to the Island Edition
Welcome back, fans of the CL's Lost podcast! On today's Lost podcast, the last one we will produce, we take a look back at Lost as a now-complete work of fiction and try to make sense of our feelings about one of the greatest serialized TV dramas ever. The crew is beefed up a bit…
Evan Tokarz – contributor
Evan Tokarz attends USF, where he majors in journalism. When he's not wearing out his library card, he likes to play basketball, swim and write in the third-person. If you have the time, send him an e-mail. He would like to hear from you. email: evantokarz@gmail.com | Twitter: @EvanTokarz
