Movie Review: Luca Guadagnino’s I Am Love (Il Sono L’Amore), starring Tilda Swinton
[Editor's Note: I Am Love will open this Aug. 13 at the Tampa Theatre. For more reviews of the summer's hottest indies check out the Daily Loaf Movie Review Index.] Tilda Swinton's appearance in a film tends to carry a connotation: The woman likes her films on the dark and uneasy side. So it's less…
Jordan Winery’s new releases: More than just going with the flow
The name “Jordan” means down flowing. One couldn’t think of a better name for a winery that is nestled in the hills of Alexander Valley with the Russian River meandering its way down towards the Pacific. However, the name is actually a family name. Jordan Winery is a family enterprise started in 1972 by Tom…
Do It Today: Deion Sanders poker tournament, free ice cream, ‘Big Bang’ talent show, Q Fraz and Naj
Mah, mah, mah, mah poker face … uh, I digress. Anyway, the people at Seminole Hard Rock tell us that former NFL cornerback, Major League Baseball outfielder, Florida Stater, sports commentator and Fort Myers native Deion Sanders will host a No Limit Texas Hold 'em single table poker tournament at our local gambling-adult-recreation theme park. All…
Health care activists challenge Mike Haridopolos Medicaid tour
On Thursday incoming Florida Senate President Mike Haridopolos and friends visit Tampa on the second leg of his "Health Care Solutions Tour." Haridopolos and a traveling crew will visit three different sites in the Bay area: At the managed care group Amerigroup in Westshore, then the Brandon Regional Hospital, and finally the USF College of…
Federal judge rules California same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional
This just in from the New York Times: A federal judge in San Francisco struck down California’s voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage on Wednesday, handing a temporary victory to gay rights advocates in a legal battle that seems all but certain to be settled by the Supreme Court. Wednesday’s decision is just the latest chapter…
Town hall meeting on oil spill asked many questions, but got few answers.
People filled the seats and lined the walls at the University of South St. Petersburg's Fish and Wildlife Research Institute looking for answers Tuesday. At the helm of the town hall meeting on the oil spill was Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, listening to dozens of questions about the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.…
Hillsborough Circuit Judge says Dingfelder stays on ballot – Hillsborough Republicans refuse to concede
In the case of Lothrop v. Dingfelder, Hillsborough Circuit Court Judge William P. Levens today ruled in favor of John Dingfelder being allowed to stay on the ballot as the Democratic nominee for District 1 on the November ballot. However, attorneys for the Republican activist who filed the lawsuit challenging Dingfelder's status, Brian P. Lothrop,…
Brunch time: Ham and cheddar strata recipe
Brunch. The word evokes pleasant thoughts of a lazy Sunday, sleeping in, and a late morning indulgent meal. Many of us skip breakfast the rest of the week, rushing out the door on our way to wherever. There's the classic Sunday brunch, our opportunity to make up for the sunny eggs and salted cured meats…
Featured green site: Greenopia – The guide to green living
It's an online directory, product and company ratings source and news site all in one! Looking for green businesses, organic restaurants, or eco-friendly shops in your area? Or maybe you're traveling and seeking the aforementioned in a city you're not familiar with? Greenopia is at your rescue and your fingertips with their Green Business Directory.…
Republican AG candidates race to the right
Three Republicans –former Hillsborough County Assistant Prosecutor Pam Bondi, Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottcamp, and former legislator and state agency head Holly Benson are competing for their party’s nomination to succeed Bill McCollum as Attorney General this November. The race should be competitive, even though some analysts immediately pegged Bondi as the favorite. That bit of…
Do dogs learn from their past behavior?
Do dogs remember and learn from past experience? I believe they do; I also believe that knowing that about dogs can be helpful when we’re trying to teach them new skills and behaviors. A couple of stories illustrate what I mean. In both of these stories, the teachers are not humans: Ginger, a Beagle mix,…
Comedy Benefit for fallen Tampa officers tonight at Side Splitters
It's no laughing matter, but humor can still be part of the healing process. On Aug. 4, Side Splitters, a comedy club located at 12938 N. Dale Mabry Highway, will hold a benefit comedy show on Aug. 4 for the families of Tampa police officers Dave Curtis and Jeffrey Kocab.
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: Rays alone in 1st place, Price looking for history
Pat Donovan talks about the Rays finally being alone in first place since early June and reminds you what lesson the month of June should have taught you this baseball season. Also hear why tonight's start could be a historic one for David Price, and um, oh yeah, Brett Favre might retire. Twitter@PatDinTampa ONDECKTAMPA.COM Download the…
The Grind Podcast 8/4: Flip and Bill live from Buccaneers training camp
Today Flip and Bill podcast live (well it was live when we did it, smarty-pants) at Buccaneer training camp 2010 to get all up close and personal with the team we simultaneously love and have been railroading for almost a year. Today, we parked our sweaty asses down with our high-performance recording equipment and touched on…
CD review: Arcade Fire, The Suburbs
The days of sweeping compositions, dramatic ebb and flow, and emotional grandstanding are apparently behind the Arcade Fire. There are no finish line-crossing epics like “Wake Up” or “Keep the Car Running” on the Canadian ensemble's third album, The Suburbs, and the immediate knee jerk reaction of disappointment upon first and second and even third…
Green Beauty: Herbal and vitamin enriched makeup from Palladio Cosmetics (video)
The latest news on beautifying your appearance with cosmetics may scare you — with numerous harmful chemicals being used in personal care products, many of them unchecked by the FDA — but alternatives exist. (If you are not sure as to what I am referring, please read this article and watch the supplemental video: The…
Wednesday-music.com indie music profile: Wavves
The no-fi/sunshiny/noise pop band Wavves is the creation of twenty-two year-old Nathan Williams (vocals) and is so named for his fear of the ocean. Not too long ago, he spent his free time skateboarding, writing a hip-hop blog, watching Cops and The Price is Right, gulping 40’s, recording music on an '80s cassette recorder and…
Hillsborough County Commissioners want to eliminate panhandling on city and county streets
Throughout Tampa and other parts of Hillsborough Counties, motorists over the past year (especially on Sunday) have been confronted by eager newspaper salesmen or women, hawking copies of the Tampa Tribune and/or the St. Pete Times for purchase. In Tampa, they now wear brightly colored orange vests, as per the law. Earlier this summer, St.…
CL Feature: Kickstarter.com presents a crowdfunding platform for indie bands, locals included
Last Monday, after 48 days of rigorous self-promoting, the members of local prog hop quintet Rise of Saturn found themselves one hour and $614 away from reaching their $5,000 Kickstarter.com fundraising goal. Kickstarter is an online "crowdfunding" platform for artists, writers, musicians, filmmakers and other inspired types to raise money for their creative endeavors. The…
Jeff Greene’s memory problems, Barack Obama turns 49, and George LeMieux to host a debt forum in Tampa: Mitch Perry Report 8.4.10
Jeff Greene is being accused of lying about his trip to Cuba aboard his yacht, Summerwind. The accusation comes after Greene's comments during his debate with Kendrick Meek Monday night. Read about it here. It's President Obama's 49th birthday. Happy Birthday, Mr. President. Too bad your poll numbers aren't better. And the growing debt and…
Barack Obama celebrates his 49th birthday as his poll number grow dangerously low
President Obama marks his 49th day in the universe today with a speech to the AFL-CIO Executive Council Meeting in Washington, and then later gets some private time with Mitch McConnell, the Senate Minority Leader from Kentucky. He'll then head home to Chicago to hang with some friends, as the rest of the First Family…
Meek team seizes on Greene gaffe on traveling to Cuba (video)
The Kendrick Meek campaign immediately pounced last night on a report on WLPG, the ABC affiliate in Miami, that broadcast a story on Jeff Greene spending several days traveling to Cuba on his yacht, illegally, in 2007. On Sunday, the St. Petersburg Times first reported that according to two former crewman on Jeff Green's yacht,…
Is junk food the #1 cause of climate change?
As the saying goes, you are what you eat – or as it looks like, the planet will be what we eat. Food Agenda 2020: The Organic Alternative, a “national petition on agricultural solutions for climate change and health”, claims the #1 cause of climate change is factory farmed junk food, contributing to at least…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Wednesday, August 4: Shula’s Steakhouse Ladies Chalk Talk. Former Bucs Derrick Brooks and Ian Beckles huddle up for an evening of Football 101, teaching the lovely ladies of Tampa Bay the finer points of tossing around the ol’ pigskin — and as an added bonus, this year also includes pointers on Fantasy Football. The coach-approved…
Stacy Burke: The notorious Fetish Con spokesmodel on the sunny side of fetish modeling (NSFW)
is a modern-day, blonde Bettie Page — she often appears bound in playful costumes and smiling despite the ball gag in her mouth. In her backlog of over 100 adult films, Burke frequently plays the tied-up damsel in distress or the cock n' ball torturing super villain. She gained notoriety as one of Hugh Hefner's…
Proposition 8 ruling scheduled August 4, 1-3 PM
Mark your calendars, boys and girls: U.S. district chief judge Vaughn Walker's written decision on the federal challenge to Proposition 8 is scheduled to be released Wednesday, August 4th between 1 and 3 PM. Lisa Leff reports via The Huffington Post: SAN FRANCISCO — A federal judge has reached a decision in a landmark case…
On the Radar: Kitchen Dreams and Undressing the Feminine
Two intriguing art shows on domesticity and female identity are on the verge of ending — how they might relate to one another, well discuss amongst yourselves. Anyhow, make it a plan before next weekend to stop by the Morean Arts Center to see Ricky Bernstein's "Kitchen Dreams" and Mindy Solomon Gallery's "Undressing the Feminine." Both…
Do It Today: Dog Sees God and Ladies Chalk Talk
For 50 years, Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip famously and brilliantly tapped into themes of universal angst. So it will be interesting to see if Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, which previews tonight and opens on Thursday, can distinguish itself beyond the shock value of seeing beloved characters on the brink…
First-place Rays top Twins 6-4
Hey, Creative Loafers. I'll apologize up front for the abbreviated recap; other stuff going on and I'm actually becoming fond of sleep. But did I mention the Rays are in sole possession of first place in the American League East with the best record in the Majors? No? Well it's good that you know that…
Recycled chic: Unique and stylish ways to reuse incandescent light bulbs
Due to the rise in use of energy-efficient LED light bulbs, incandescent bulbs are on their way out — out of popularity and out of our homes, but that doesn't mean they need to be pitched in the trash. Do the eco-friendly thing and recycle those old light bulbs into some fun and unique-looking decor…
At St. Pete’s Twisted Cork, it’s all about the fries
Don't get the wrong impression about Twisted Cork. Despite the name, and the corkscrew logo the restaurant uses on the menus and signage, the place isn't about wine. Take one look at the wee printed pyramids on the tables that list the beer and wine options, and that will become abundantly clear. Mondavi is the…
LeMieux to hold public forum on growing U.S. debt in Tampa
Florida Republican U.S. Senator George LeMieux will be hosting a meeting on possible solutions to the country's long term budget issues next Wednesday in Tampa at the Stetson Law School campus at 5 p.m. Joining him will be one of the most revered public officials when it comes to talking about the debt, former U.S.…
CL Interview: Praga Khan of Lords of Acid, which plays State Theatre this Friday with My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult
For the first time in eight years and without an album to back them up, Belgian acid house/industrial outfit Lords of Acid hits the road, ending their too long hiatus to co-headline the “Sextreme Ball” tour with fellow industrialites, Chicago’s My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult. Lords of Acid visionary frontman Maurice Engelen (aka…
It Happened This Week-ish: The Speidi divorce, Laurence Fishburne’s daughter does porn, Idol loses Ellen, Lindsay Lohan’s hair goes to jail and Joshua Jackson’s Pacey-Con
That picture to the right is Mischa Barton? Really? What happened since The O.C. and when did she turn into a harajuku version of Gwyneth Paltrow? Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt have taken advantage of our televisions, our tabloids, Heidi's body and now the California court system in order to gain more attention, fame and…
Television review: Mad Men, season 4, episode 2 — “Christmas Comes But Once a Year”
It's Christmas, in August! And with Mad Men's holiday episode came a delicious mix of returning characters. First, the return of so-drunk-he-wet-himself ad man Freddy Rumsen, who approaches Roger Sterling about working with the new Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce. With him he brings a $2-million Ponds face cream account and a catch: He doesn't want…
The Primaries: Democrats Dave Aronberg vs. Dan Gelber for Attorney General
Dan Gelber sat upright in his chair, listening to Holly Benson. The Republican Attorney General candidate was explaining why she supports the lawsuit filed by the current AG, Bill McCollum, challenging the federal government’s mandate that every citizen must buy health care insurance when the law goes into effect in 2014. Benson told the 50…
Theater Review: St. Petersburg Shakespeare Company’s Hamlet
The new St. Petersburg Shakespeare Company is presenting Hamlet at Eckerd College’s Bininger Theater, and though the production isn’t an impressive one, it does offer some glimmers of what this long-needed organization may, in time, become. More precisely, it offers Betty-Jane Parks as Ophelia, Ginger King as Gertrude and Nicholas J. White as Laertes. All…
Bill’s Sports Binge: The kid is all right, Rays and Yanks tied and Barrett Ruud denied
: Somebody forgot to tell Durham Bull pitcher Jeremy Hellickson he was in the big show Monday night because not only was the kid nails from the first batter to the last in his debut, but the 23-year-old's demeanor was cucumber-cool even in the middle innings as he pitched himself out of trouble like he…
DVD Review: Tom DiCillo’s When You’re Strange: A Film About The Doors, starring Jim Morrison, narrated by Johnny Depp (with trailer video)
“Fact is the music is strange. It is music for the different, the uninvited; it carries the listener into the shadowy world of dreaming.” —When You’re Strange: A Film About The Doors With a rising sun illuminating the sky red and charcoal clouds floating to the sound of an ethereal hum, When You’re Strange, the…
Deepwater Horizon disaster now dubbed the worst oil spill accident in history
After the Gulf oil well was capped on July 15, a federal scientific task force was at last allowed to study it and take readings to get a more definite look on how bad the flow has really been. They concluded that about 53,000 barrels of oil per day were spewing from the well and…
Foods to help you beat the heat – from the inside out
With Florida's 100 degree weather, faulty air conditioning, and the growing threat of global warming, it doesn't look like it's getting cooler any time soon. So I thought this would be an appropriate article. Before I give you a list of the foods that will keep your body cool this summer, I have prepared a…
On the radar: Derby Darlins go at it this Saturday for the kids
The Tampa Bay Derby Darlins want a piece of your heart. Roll up to their next event, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun — part bout, part aw-shucks fundraiser. The Cigar City Mafia vs. the Switchblade Sisters, and expect to heave a heavy sigh or two as the Darlins display portraits from The Heart Gallery, an area-wide portrait exhibition of children who need…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: A tale of two rookies: a first place Ray and a first string Buc
Pat Donovan talks about Jeremy Hellickson's debut for your first place Tampa Bay Rays! Also hear why Pat thinks we'll see more of Jeremy Hellickson before 2010 is over and what he thinks about Ozzie Guillen's comments that latino players aren't afforded the same advantages as asian players. Also hear Pat's conversation with Buccaneer rookie wide out Mike…
Stream Netflix thru your Wii
has been good using new technology to keep up with the "I want it now," fast-paced society we live in. Streaming movies was long the domain of the computer, but Netflix has expanded to your Internet-capable Blu-ray player, PS3 and X-box 360. The Nintendo Wii had been left out of the streaming party — until…
How to keep your front lawn trim, inviting, and enticing! (NSFW)
While some complain that shaving their naughty parts makes them itchy, and waxing is too painful; most men and women expect their partners' to corrale and tame their wild pubic hair. That's why I'm always surprised when I encounter a man or woman who lets their neither regions return to nature. This always disappoints me, like…
Concert review: Los Lobos rock the post-Rays game stage at Tropicana Field
When the six members of Los Lobos took the portable stage near the centerfield wall in Tropicana Field on Friday, they seemed ill at ease. One of the great cult bands of the last three decades, Los Lobos is accustomed to playing for a crowd of heads, an audience familiar with their eclectic barrio-meets-the-blues artistry.…
Navy Secretary in St. Pete to talk oil spill; Meek & Greene hammer at each other in debate, and a tribute to Leroy Collins Jr.: Mitch Perry Report 8.3.10
Democratic Senate candidates Kendrick Meek and Jeff Greene hammered each other for an hour at their debate in St. Petersburg Sunday, but the show itself wasn't aired until last night. Our analysis can be read here. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus comes to St. Petersburg late this afternoon for a town hall meeting with…
Navy Secretary in St. Pete tonight for hearing on gulf oil spill- now officially the largest of its kind ever
U.S. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, in charge of a presidential commission drawing up a plan for the long-term recovery of the Gulf of Mexico, comes to St. Petersburg tonight for a public hearing on the spill at the Florida Fish & Wildlife Research Institute auditorium on the USF-St. Pete campus (100 8th Ave. SE) beginning…
Meek-Greene debate shows the candidates to be similar in beliefs, radically different on style
Viewers in the Tampa Bay and Orlando television markets were treated Monday night to a tape delayed broadcast of a spirited hour-long debate between Senate Democrats Jeff Greene and Kendrick Meek recorded Sunday afternoon. There were several moments during the forum when the two looked like they wanted to tear each others heads off. And…
Lions and tigers and beer – Wazoo! At Lowry Park Zoo this Saturday, August 7
and J.J Taylor have teamed up once again for for the annual beer festival known as Wazoo. This Saturday, August 7th, from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., taste locally made craft brews from Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Cigar City Brewery, Dunedin Brewery, as well as suds from all around the world. If you enjoy craft of…
Energy saving smart phone apps: Manage home energy usage from the palm of your hand
Are you the proud owner of an Android device or iPhone? If so, you will be able to download a large number of “apps” (applications) that are geared towards saving energy or monitoring energy consumption. Some will help you to manage an automated home, and others are designed to help you monitor things like energy…
New music releases out this Tuesday, August 3: Arcade Fire, Waaves, Katie Melua, Squeeze, and more (with video)
This week’s new music releases. To see last week’s releases (out July 27), click here; for releases out out July 20, click here. All Out War, Into The Killing Fields (Victory) Arcade Fire, The Suburbs (Merge) Autolux, Transit Transit (Future Perfect) Buckcherry, All Night Long (Eleven Seven) The Black Crowes , Croweology (Megaforce) A double…
Hell-ickson yeah! Tampa Bay tops Twins 4-2
1-2-3. 1-2-3. 1-2-3. Sensing a pattern here? That’s the sound of Tampa Bay Rays rookie sensation Jeremy Hellickson mowing down the Minnesota Twins’ entire line up Monday night in his major league debut, putting up three consecutive three-up, three-down innings to open a 4-2 win. Hellickson threw 107 pitches, 64 of which were strikes, yielding…
Do it today: Tango lessons at the Gulfport Casino and karaoke at the Refinery
Forget Dancing With the Stars and start getting your own hot-cha-cha on. Try the muy romantico Argentinean Tango at the historic and picturesque Gulfport Casino. From 6:30 to 7 p.m., first-timers take the floor, and continuing students join in 7-8 p.m., and after 8, well, that's when the party begins. Cost is $7. Gulfport Casino Ballroom, 5500 Shore Blvd. S,…
Tampa Wins! (The Twins game and The Bachelorette)
CL sports blogger Kevin Tall will fill in the details later tonight of the very encouraging debut of Jeremy Hellickson pitching the Rays to a 4-2 win against the Minnesota Twins. But I'm here to tell you that Tampa had another win tonight, hanging on to its position as the #1 source of Bachelor/Bachelorette champeens…
Republican Congressional candidate takes shot at Kathy Castor’s role on House ethics committee
The eight members of the House ethics committee – one of them being Tampa area Democrat Kathy Castor- are suddenly in the spotlight, with the possibility that two major Democrats – and members of the Congressional Black Caucus – New York's Charlie Rangel and Los Angeles's Maxine Waters – say they now want a full…
Turning waste into an alternative energy source with thermal depolymerization
Interested in making your own oil? If you had the right equipment you might be able to whip up a batch of oil from any carbon-based waste you gathered. This means you could go around collecting used tires, animal carcasses, or a variety of plastics and implement the technique known as thermal depolymerization to convert…
On Deck podcast: Screw you, Yankees fans, the Rays are on fire
Pat Donovan and Mike Tyree talk about the Rays roll through their current homestand and the Rays lack of action before the trade deadline. The guys also talk about the Rays historic week with Matt Garza's no hitter and Carl Crawford reaching 400 stolen bases. Also find out why the guys say it's ok to…
Julie Garisto – Arts & Entertainment Editor
Julie Garisto is a maven of Tampa Bay culture. She has written about local music, restaurants, film, retail and personalities by way of writer/editor/freelance positions at Weekly Planet, tbt*, St. Petersburg Times, America Online, Tampa Bay Newspapers and a slew of other media outlets. A Largo High and USF grad — and first-generation Italian-American —…
Health care will be major issue in Attorney General race this fall
According to a June Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, 44% of American call the sweeping health care law passed earlier this year a bad idea, while 40% called it a good idea (that's a jump from 31% taken earlier in the year). The controversial reform bill has divided the nation and Florida, and seems to…
Photo review: Rihanna with Ke$ha at Ask-Gary Amphitheatre in Tampa
Some shots from the Friday, July 30 show at the 1-800-ASK-GARY Amphitheatre featuring hip hop songstress Rihanna with electro popper Kesha providing support. Complete photo gallery after the jump.
Floridians pay tribute to Admiral LeRoy Collins, Jr.
Dignitaries and common-folk pay respects to a Tampa statesman By Chris Ingram An over-flow crowd of people from all walks of life attended funeral services for LeRoy Collins, Jr. at Saint Andrews Episcopal Church in Tampa today. Dignitaries attending the service included Governor Charlie Crist, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, former Governor…
CL Interview: Comedian Jim Norton, who performs at the Tampa Improv this weekend
Jim Norton is vile. Honestly vile. He’s like that uncle that’s just a little too frank, the one that pounds beers at noon, and elicits social discomfort at the family reunion like it’s his job. Except, this really is Norton’s job. His brand of biting stand-up is unique because he's so self-loathing, he’ll just as…
Project Runway Podcast Season 8 ep 1: Not really the show, but kinda the show
It's only been a few short months since we said auf wiedersehen to Project Runway, but so much has happened! Our little show grew to 90 full minutes of designing goodness, they started with one more designer (technically the show hasn't started yet; it will next week with the normal 16 designers, but it kinda sorta has…
Concert review: Robert Plant & Band of Joy with Bettye LaVette at Ruth Eckerd Hall (with photo gallery)
I was a complete Zep-head throughout high school and college. Not only did I have all the albums (and all three box sets), I collected somewhere north of half of all the Zeppelin shows available as bootlegs. I still own a heavily dog-eared copy of Luis Rey's Led Zeppelin: An Illustrated Guide to Underground Tapes,…
#MusicMonday, Vol. IVX: Nicki Minaj, The Fling, Mumford & Sons, Arcade Fire + more
Find out what the Creative Loafing music team is listening to this Monday to get us through the day… Andrew – Nicki Minaj, Barbie World (The Mixtape) (2010) A FEMALE RAPPER! What happened to those? Missy Elliot, Eve, and Lil Kim' used to crank out the hits as fast as the male majority and kind…
Healthy, energy-efficient cooking with waterless cookware (video)
I recently read an article on Planet Green about energy-saving cookware and came across this type I'd never heard of before: waterless cookware. Now, I don't want to sound like an infomercial in this article, but this cookware has a lot of great features — using less energy than conventional pans and having non-porous, non-stick…
Study: sex can make you smarter
Past research has discovered that stressful and displeasing events can impede the growth of brain cells in adults. Princeton researchers wanted to test these findings to see if pleasant events would then have the opposite effect. Researchers allowed male rats access to sexually receptive female rats either once a day for two weeks, or only…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Yankee fans suck, A-Rod record stuck and Bucs spend a few bucks
Rays win the series. It may take days to get the smell akin to a pile of dead wet rats along the Bayshore at low tide out of Tropicana Field. The assembley of obscene, misdirected, obnoxious, elitist, egotistical collective attitudes of Yankee fans with 727 area codes once again comes to an end. The arrogant mass of pale pudgy humanity bum-rushed…
Concert review: Deer Tick with Dead Confederate, The Beauvilles and Sleepy Vikings at Crowbar (with setlist)
In what was one of the most hyped Aestheticized shows this summer, Deer Tick and Dead Confederate proved to be a Thursday evening worth every penny of the $10 cover charge. Four bands, each with their own flavor of whiskey-drenched, world weary Southern-alt-rock, played to a nearly sold-out crowd at Crowbar. Tampa's Sleepy Vikings were…
How about some fish with your kool-aid?
The government opened fishing grounds in the Gulf on Friday saying the fish passed the "smell test" but did not do any actual chemical testing on the fish according to this report in the Tribune: Louisiana wildlife regulators on Friday reopened state-controlled waters east of the Mississippi to harvesting of shrimp and "fin fish" such…
Florida political debates are coming, but good luck seeing them live: WikiLeaks document dump dominates Sunday talk, and Rays take 2 of 3 from Yankees, despite being outspent by $130 million: Mitch Perry Report:8.2.10
Kendrick Meek and Jeff Greene debated last night, but you didn't see it. However, a full day later, you can. Why that's wrong. Defense Secretary Bob Gates and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, were on the Sunday talk shows yesterday complaining about the WikiLeaks document dump — but their answers regarding the…
Q&A with GrownGurl Events director Nora Gupton
Moving from Atlanta, which has a huge, easy to find gay community to Tampa, which has a much harder to find gay community, was really hard for me. Until a friend of mine invited me to a GrownGurl event two years ago. The rest was history. Last Friday I attended GrownGurl's Friday at Valentine's Nightclub to interview Ms.…
What’s with major Florida political debates not being televised live?
Forgive me for thinking it's the NBA Finals in the late 1970's, but what's with so many important political debates leading up to August 24 primary in Florida being tape delayed? Last night audiences in Tampa and Orlando at least got to see the Republican candidates for Attorney General – Pam Bondi, Jeff Kottkamp and…
Gulf oil spill town hall meeting with U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus at USF St. Pete – Wednesday, August 3
An important opportunity for the people of the Tampa Bay Area to add our perspective to the Gulf oil situation has just been announced. U.S. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus will facilitate a Gulf Oil Spill Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, August 3, at 6 p.m. on our beautiful USF St. Petersburg Campus. The…
Sunday morning public affairs gets an estrogen injection
With the House of Representatives now officially on Summer holiday until September (the Senate is in session for one more week), the focus of the Congressional elections will begin to be illuminated even larger by our national political press, obsessed with elections as opposed to public policy debates. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is well aware…
Roasted red pepper and wild mushroom tagliatelle (and how to make your own fresh pasta)
There is absolutely no equivalent to freshly made pasta. After you try it, you will be spoiled — the dried boxed or even commercially made frozen “fresh” pasta will not do. Unless you’ve had it fresh, you’ve never really tasted pasta. The noodles take on a life of their own, and will not settle for…
WikiLeaks document dump increases focus on Afghanistan
The massive WikiLeaks document dump a week ago that found its way onto the front pages and websites of the New York Times, The Guardian of London, and Germany's Der Spiegel dominated news coverage for a couple of days last week, and that, along with two other major issues involving Afghanistan, made it topic du…
Do It Today: Elsewhere at USF’s Centre Gallery and The Vagina Monologues at American Stage
In Elsewhere (pictured), artist Nicole Abbett documents Tampa's unnoticed, decaying buildings, visually linking them to personal growth via her series of photographs. According to Abbett, they're intended to be "reminders of the lives of the buildings, their history and why they no longer have a purpose" in her exploration of the human traits of "loss,…
Big Game James and Rays bullpen shut out Yankees
“Big Game James” Shields lived up to his moniker Sunday afternoon, throwing seven and a third scoreless innings to preserve the Tampa Bay Rays’ early 3-0 lead in the final outing of a three-game set against the visiting New York Yankees. He allowed four hits and one walk while striking out 11 batters and improving…
Team XFC helps raise more than $24,000 at Dodgeball for a Cause
Team XFC proved that mixed martial arts is not all about violence as it helped raise more than $24,000 Saturday at Dodgeball for a Cause at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, which was hosted by Clear Channel Radio of Tampa, Tampa Bay Storm, St. Pete Times Forum, and and 620 WDAE for the…
Despite being outspent by $130 million, Rays only down 1 game to Yankees with 2 months to go
After one of the greatest weekends in terms of regular season intensity in its still young history, the Tampa Bay Rays stand just one game behind the New York Yankees after Sunday's 3-0 victory in the American League Eastern Division, with still a third of the marathon regular season to come. Yesterday's combined pitching gem…
Rays overpowered, fall 4-5 to Yankees
Realistically, any baseball fan worth his or her salt knows a one-run lead will not stand up against the New York Yankees. It may have worked for the Tampa Bay Rays in Friday’s 3-2 victory but with the bankroll this team has to buy power, it’s just a matter of time before they come back…
Concert review: Dave Matthews Band and Gov’t Mule rock the Amphitheatre in Tampa (with photos and complete setlists)
The recently re-named 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheatre welcomed Dave Matthews Band and support act Gov’t Mule this past Wednesday, July 28. The place looked surprisingly sparse when we arrived around 7 p.m., even in the general admission pit, where fans were pressing in close to the stage and vying for the first glimpse of Dave. [All photos…
Rays 2010 deadline deals
Well folks, the Rays have made their first deadline move of the day. They picked up right-handed relief pitcher Chad Qualls from the Arizona Diamondbacks for a player to be named. Speculation is that this will allow Tampa Bay to include a bullpen arm in a potential trade for a decent bat, perhaps Adam Dunn…
Hometown home run heroics: Rays beat Yankees 3-2
Alex Rodriguez failed to hit his 600th* home run Friday night and the Tampa Bay Rays failed to show up offensively until the bottom of the sixth, looking early-on like they may have shot their load sweeping the Detroit Tigers earlier in the week. Or maybe their bats did make it through the luggage check;…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: The “let me get to 1 Buc” print edition
What's up, Creative Loafers? Today I've got to hit the road and get over to One Buc Place to pick up some credentials so everyone here at Creative Loafing can give you the best Buccaneers coverage possible! The Rays won their 6th game in a row yesterday behind another strong performance from David Price. Price…
The debate on labeling chicken as ‘natural’
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is taking another look at their policy towards the labeling chicken as "natural". As it stands, a poultry product can be labeled "natural" as long as it doesn't contain artificial flavors or chemical preservatives. But many politicians and health advocates are bringing up the issue that about a third of…
Hillsborough County Commission candidates slam St. Pete City Council for Amendment 4 “gamesmanship”
Last week the St. Petersburg City Council alienated a block of the community when they voted to amend their comprehensive land use plan in the event that Floridians approve Amendment 4 this November. The Hometown Democracy constitutional amendment would require local governments to have voters have a say in any changes to such a comp…
Traditional family values, vacation houses, boats and Obama jumps the shark.
Photo credit: johnnyalive @Flickr.com This week in review once again proves that political corruption, circumventing the rules, and the love of boats are all bipartisan 1. Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman, R is still not saying which investors paid for his wife's $400,000+ vacation home in Arkansas (that his name is not on). Doesn't this…
“Non-performin’” Norman needs a job
Never content to be outdone by Kevin White, Jim Norman is equally disgraceful. A satirical look at Norman’s latest plea for help By Chris Ingram Dear sycophant Kool-aid drinking Republicans: As you know, it’s tough being an elected official when the darned media starts asking questions about where you got your lakefront resort home in…
Ride the lightning with the musical vibrator, the Freestyle
OhMiBod's sound sensitive vibrator, the Freestyle, gives new meaning to songs like "Ride the Lightning," "Sex Machine," "Rock Me All Night Long," "All by Myself" … OhMiBod is trumpeting in a new wave of sex toys, leading the industry in vibrators that hum along to your favorite songs. The mobile ClubVibe bullet can have you…
Simple (and delicious) homemade pizza dough recipe
It's been said that pizza is like sex — even when it's bad, it's still somewhat good. But why settle for mediocre sex, er, pizza? There are a vast array of choices out there, from large chain delivery to frozen to gourmet, but making homemade pizza is rewarding and, with a little preparation, can be…
Time to change the kitty litter: The Rabid movie review of Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (with fur-raising trailer video)
You'll be surprised to learn that Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore is the Citizen Kane of talking animal movies. It's true, it's true, it's damn true! Or maybe I'm making a wild exaggeration to sell you on reading the review of a movie you have zero interest in seeing in the first…
Stereotype on ice: My world as a male figure skater
are filled with stereotypes; gay men also conjure up a multitude of stereotypes. Add the two together, and a common sum is figure skating. Welcome to my world as a male figure skater. Stereotypes are generally based on some truth. They generally offend at least some portion of the group, as they are simplistic and…
Is YouTube homophobic? (with censored lesbian kiss video)
Remember the double rainbow guy? He, like many before him and many after, became an Internet sensation after discovering a double rainbow, freaking out about it and posting the video on the popular, Google-owned YouTube. Jimmy Kimmel even tweeted about it. (I actually miss when a sentence like that wouldn't have made sense.) The Second…
The Ecopod: The stylish, natural and biodegradable burial option
On the cutting edge of eco-burials, the Ecopod is not only environmentally friendly, it's also very attractive — because who wants to bury their loved one in some bulky and drab traditional coffin? The Ecopod, manufactured in Brighton, England, is handmade from recycled newspapers and hand finished with 100% mulberry pulp paper. It sports a…
The choice of being transgender
Why do I choose to be transgendered? It's a hard life and it's not like anyone would ever have to know how I really feel inside. You're right, I do have a "choice." I could choose to keep my female body and go on living a life of unfulfilled dreams. Because I am not the person in my dreams. Lets…
Democrats love affair with Charlie Crist continues, AG races still very undetermined, and Tampa City Council says ‘nyet to studying hsr to TIA :Mitch Perry Report 7.30.10
A new poll indicates the obvious: Charlie Crist owes his continuing lead in the U.S. Senate race this November on Democratic support. That same poll reveals that a huge majority of the state's voters wanted a chance to vote on offshore drilling this November, but can Democrats seize on that? Regular readers of this post…
New Quinnipiac poll on offshore drilling shows Florida House Republicans have completely ignored will of the public
Quinnipiac University has a new poll out today on the U.S. Senate and gubernatorial races. You can read here for more on that. However, what deserves further discussion in that state wide survey is another example of how out to lunch the Republican led Legislature is when it comes to where the majority of Floridians…
Charlie Crist’s campaign team gets attention, as Democrats continue their love affair with the Governor
is reporting this morning on the interesting crew of characters who are populating Charlie Crist's independent run for U.S. Senate. Labeled "Band of Others," the story written by David Catanese includes this interesting quote from Florida Republican strategist Brett Doster: “Thirty percent of the votes in a general election come from the four southeastern counties,”…
Anybody have any idea of who might win Attorney General nominations?
A debate between the Republican candidates for Attorney General – Holly Benson, Pam Bondi and Jeff Kottkamp, will be aired this Sunday night on Bay News 9 here in the Tampa Bay area. It will air just a little over three weeks before primary voters will go to the polls to select their nominee, and…
The Negroni: A classic (and classy) Italian cocktail that’s not just for the older folks
Ask most people who don’t yet receive Social Security checks in the mail what sorts of aperitifs they like, and your audience will likely imagine musty old ladies sipping what tastes like cough syrup from tiny glasses while peering over bifocals at their bridge hands. I did too. Until I began trying some of these…
Concert review: Crowded House wows at Ruth Eckerd Hall (with pics + setlist)
Neil Finn: what's not to love? The 52-year-old singer-songwriter from New Zealand has delighted his faithful followers for 30-plus years with his mastery of pop music and his gorgeous voice. Since his early days as a young lad and member of pop giants Split Enz, Finn has held a firm grasp on the right amount…
The real map of Hillsborough: Which ghetto are you?
First off, thank you to the CL reader who sent us this inspired piece of mapmaking via Twitter, whoever you are. Please come forward and identify yourself so you can get the credit, or the blame. Meanwhile, check out the map (larger version after the break) and claim your neighborhood. Note that Pinellas is indicated…
Home grown pro surfers, Cory and Shea Lopez, speak out against offshore drilling (Video)
If you are a surfer in Pinellas County, you may already know their names: Corey and Shea Lopez. Guess what? They are taking a stand against offshore drilling. The guys grew up here, their family owns Nekton Surf Shop on Indian Rocks Beach, and their sister has spoken before our state legislature. “Florida does not…
Micheal Tyree – Contributor
Mike is a Tampa native, born and raised. He started his radio career in 2006 in hopes of creative challenges, and expanding his comfort zones. In the start grabbed all the knowledge he could about talk radio, and ran with it. He co-founded the first pro Tampa Bay Rays radio show, with Patrick Donovan. He…
Jeb Bush-appointed judge throws out another constitutional amendment placed on ballot by Florida GOP
Calling it "manifestly misleading" to voters, Judge James Shelfer on Thursday blocked amendment 9, nicknamed the "Health care freedom" amendment by Republican members of the Legislature who voted for its inclusion on the November ballot. The measure if passed would put a ban on any future attempts by the Florida legislature to launch a statewide…
Movie Preview: George Gallo’s Middle Men, starring Luke Wilson, Giovanni Ribisi and Gabriel Macht (with trailer video)
[Editor's Note: This is a preview, not a review. Middle Men hits theaters on Fri., Aug. 6. To read reviews of all the latest releases, check out the Daily Loaf Movie Review Index.] The seemingly limitless potential of the Internet to create money-making enterprises is a steady phenomenon, with success stories regularly popping up on…
CL on the Road concert review: Sublime with Rome shreds it at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater in Boca Raton (with video)
It’s always fabulous to go roadtrippin’ in the name music, which is exactly what I did this past weekend to get my second hit of the Sublime with Rome tour. Of the two stops in Florida, the boyfriend and I scored tickets to Boca Raton, where the bill also included The Dirty Heads and Matisyahu.…
XFC to participate in charity dodgeball tourney for fallen Tampa police officers
In an effort to support the families of slain Tampa police officers, David Curtis and Jeffrey Kocab, the Tampa-based mixed martial arts promotion, Xtreme Fighting Championships, has entered an XFC team in the charity dodge ball tournament to take place July 31 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Fla. Curtis and Kocab were…
Movie review: How I survived Grease Sing-A-Long, or singing with a group of 200 strangers can be fun! (with trailer video)
You might not realize this, but you won't find many film critics at a Grease Sing-A-Long screening. Which is fine, since most critics abhor having the slightest bit of fun anyway. (“If it ain’t French or 50 years old it's no good!”) My disdain for the pompous critic attitude is likely why I found myself…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Deja vous, Pitino’s quick screw and got fired? Sue!
Maddon had Grant Balfour intentionally walk Miguel Cabrera (again) in a close game in the 7th inning (again), to load the bases (again) and face Brennan Boesch (again). Boesch got out (again) and the Rays beat the Tigers (again). That's five wins in a row and like the kid who's father just tossed him into the pool…
Creative Loafing welcomes Julie Garisto as new A&E site editor
Julie Garisto is a familiar name to Tampa Bay readers, and a familiar face to anyone who's spent time going to clubs or concerts or galleries or anywhere else something cool was going on. Copy editor for Creative Loafing back when it was called the Weekly Planet, she moved on to write arts and music…
High Speed rail to airport link study discussed, then rejected at Tampa City Council
This morning the Tampa City Council rejected a proposal to have the Florida Department of Transportation apply for federal funds to study extending the Tampa-Orlando high speed rail line to Tampa's International Airport. The 70 minute long discussion featured several speakers who told the Council that they did not believe it was viable to extend…
Brian’s Place: Fresh, locally sourced Spanish-Italian fusion that’s worth the drive
I try to be eco-conscious when I get in my car. Is there somewhere close to home that offers what I'm looking for? Am I able to make it myself and not have to buy it at all? Can I support a local business? Can I make more than one stop on a venture? These…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: Get your brooms out, Rays back out and the biggest moron in Cleveland
Pat Donovan talks about the Rays offense picking up Jeff Niemann on an off night, the Rays pursuit of a Detroit sweep and also wonders if the Rays may have been the third team which Buster Olney reported backed out of the Roy Ozwalt to Philadelphia Phillies talks. Also, find out which prospects Pat thinks…
Photo review: Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard at Ruth Eckerd Hall
This past Monday night, American Idol Season 2 alumni Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard shared the stage at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. Here are some shots from the evening.
With These Words I Fall to play Pegasus Lounge in Tampa this Saturday, July 31
With These Words I Fall is a Westley Chapel metal band that has come a long way in the past year, playing bills at State Theatre and other local venues as well as headlining at Bourbon Street Night Club in New Port Richey. Their first show was at the Pegasus and the foursome returns to…
CBS fails GLAAD’s test, promises more gay characters
GLAAD has released its annual Network Responsibility Index, a grading of LGBT representation in the media — and for the second year in a row, CBS has failed. During the Television Critics Association press tour, CBS president Nina Tassler expressed her concern. Advocate.com reports: "We’re not happy with ourselves,” she said. “We're adding a few characters…
New poll shows Meek campaign in serious trouble; Florida gubernatorial candidates react to Judge’s ruling on Arizona immigration case, and BOCC retains land use ombudsman position :Mitch Perry Report 7.29.10
The latest major poll in Florida's two big primary elections show Rick Scott continuing to have a double digit lead over Bill McCollum in the GOP race for Governor, and the real stunner: Jeff Greene now up by double digits over Kendrick Meek in the Florida Democratic Primary. Somewhat predictably, both Scott and McCollum reacted…
Bi-partisan group of legislators and political candidates to come out for seniors access to quality care
This morning the national Driving for Quality Care RV petition drive will make its 23rd national stop at 11 a.m. for a petition signing event in North Tampa. Organizers are going across the country to advocate Congress to approve emergency Medicaid relief to the states. According to their press release, The American Health Care Association…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Habitat for Humanity’s green home open house, composting workshop, markets and more
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. World Cafe Discussions- Every Friday; 7:30-9:30 pm. Awakening and engaging collective intelligence through conversations about questions that matter. RSVP to Pat at 727.421.2746 or goodpat@tampabay.rr.com. Starbucks Cafe- 4th St N and 89th Ave N, St. Pete. www.theworldcafe.com. Winthrop…
Kendrick Meek officially in trouble in Dem Primary- Greene up by 10% in new poll
Quinnipiac University released their latest polls on Florida's two biggest races going into the August 24 primary this morning, and they both show the wealthy upstarts with solid leads over their better known establishment opponents. The stunner is in the Democratic U.S. Senate primary, where billionaire real estate mogul Jeff Greene, a name that 99%…
Scenic eats: At Tampa Bay’s best-looking restaurants, the food is only part of the picture
Most people pay very little attention to the interior of the restaurant they are eating in. Unless the decor is shockingly horrible, or astoundingly interesting, eyes are usually firmly focused on friends, menu, food and sometimes the more attractive clientele scattered around the place. Partly, that's due to human nature; after all, we eat out…
Do It Today: Spin d’Arte combines comedy and art at The Tampa Improv, Fashion Forward Girls Night Out at Nova 535, and a tribute to Elvis Presley at a theater near you
The Tampa Improv may have created the pitch-perfect date night hybrid. Swing down to the bar for a meet and greet with the artists of Dunedin Fine Art Center's Spin d'Arte program, the featured exhibit this month in the gallery space at the Improv. The paintings are created on rotating surfaces — on anything ranging…
Scenic eats: At Tampa Bay’s best-looking restaurants, the food is only part of the picture
At Tampa Bay’s best-looking restaurants, the food is only part of the picture.
The house that Rick built: State Rep. Kriseman put his money where his mouth is on environmental issues
State Rep. Rick Kriseman put his money where his mouth is on environmental issues.
William Dobson: Designing a home, step by step
William Dobson: Designing a home, step by step
Can binaural beats improve your mood?
I've been hearing about the positive effects of binaural beats and how they can alter your state of mind. Can listening to a strange tone for hours on end really put me in a different mood other than annoyed? Should I be worried that my Xbox 360 is going to make me have a seizure…
Gay Gonzalez: The hand-crafted home office
The hand-crafted home office
Firing squad: Latino residents rally in support of Maricela Medrano
Latino residents rally in support of county employee Maricela Medrano.
Mindy and Michael Solomon: The stranger the better
Mindy and Michael Solomon: The stranger the better
Erika Greenberg-Schneider and Dominique Labauvie: The art of living
The art of living
The Seafarer is a devil of a show
Superb performances and supernatural forces at American Stage.
Maria Emilia: The work never stops
The work never stops
Dawn of the read: when monogamy isn’t for you
Savage defends his position on important new book.
Rays step it up, tame Tigers 7-4
In stark contrast to the previous two outings, it was the Detroit Tigers that jumped out to an early lead in the third of four games at Tropicana Field against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays responded, however, grinding out runs by playing blue-collar baseball and coming away with the 7-4 win in front of…
On bisexuality, polyamory, step-parenting and kids
When it comes to kids, I have a layered cake of complications. Layer one, I'm bi. Layer two, my husband and I are practicing polyamory. Layer three, I'm a step-parent. Layer four, my step-daughter's mother is rather conservative and would probably not understand either layers one or two. And layers five through 800,001, all the multifaceted…
Florida Republicans bummed out at judge’s ruling on Arizona immigration law
After a federal judge Wednesday blocked the most controversial parts of Arizona’s immigration enforcement law from going into effect, thousands of miles away, some Florida Republicans reacted with outrage. Rick Scott, who owes a lot to Arizona's immigration proposed law, as it helped catapult him to the tops of all recent polls in the race…
Tonight’s Top Chef D.C. episode preview: Toothpicks, power lunch and Art “Huggybear” Smith returns
This week on Top Chef: D.C., there are more politicians than you can shake a stick at (most of whom I have never heard of). Hey, at least they're utilizing local talent, right? For the Quickfire, the chef'testants have to create an hors d'oeuvre on a toothpick that "packs the punch of a full meal".…
Chelsea Clinton goes ‘green’ with a vegan wedding menu
Former First Daughter, Chelsea Clinton, is set to tie the knot this week with her longtime friend and fiance, Marc Mezvinsky. The wedding will, of course, have the setting fit for a former President's daughter, being held at Astor Courts on the Hudson River in Rhinebeck, NY — the palatial former home of American millionaire…
The Green Community week in review: Tampa Bay oil spill forum video, chemicals in your cosmetics, spices used to reduce methane emissions, and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed last week: Get chemical-free hair at Jules Organic Hair Salon – A salon that cares about the health of their customers as well as the planet. Oil spill containment for dummies: Bill Nye explains how BP's new…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Dinner and a movie feat. Fresh, Barefoot Beach Cleanup at Upham Beach, Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary benefit and more
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. World Cafe Discussions- Every Friday; 7:30-9:30 pm. Awakening and engaging collective intelligence through conversations about questions that matter. RSVP to Pat at 727.421.2746 or goodpat@tampabay.rr.com. Starbucks Cafe- 4th St N and 89th Ave N, St. Pete. www.theworldcafe.com. Raw…
Top Chef D.C. Podcast, Ep. 6: Cold War, propaganda, and sloppy seconds
I have to say that the challenges on of Top Chef: D.C. have quite improved. Last night, they brought back the exotic protein challenge for the Quickfire — though bastardizing putting a twist on it by making everyone switch cooking stations halfway through — and for the Elimination, they asked the chefs to create cold…
Gasparilla International Film Festival: Q&A with GIFF President Chad Moore (with video)
[Editor's Note: For more on the Gasparilla International Film Festival, check out Mitch Perry's interview with the director of festival entry Full Signal, and Joe Bardi's cover story from this week's issue of Creative Loafing.] When he's not busy being a Tampa lawyer/family man, Chad Moore is moonlighting as President of the Gasparilla International Film…
Astrid Bidanec – Contributor
Astrid Bidanec has a Master's degree in Journalism and more than 15 years of reporting experience with a strong focus on sports. Her work has been published in various print and online publications including TBO and Examiner. She also runs the mixed martial arts news site MMA Sphere and her MMA fight photos are available at…
