Adventures in Virginity: Breaking up with my first grade teacher
“Ms. Shout wanted to have her way with my oversized imagination”
Cams and panties
Advice columnist Dan Savage dishes do’s and don’ts regarding selling your panties and talking to your kids about camwhoring.
St. Pete’s Broken Tusk to become Mad Hatter’s Ethnobotanical Tea Bar
“We want to serve the best legal high in St. Pete,” Levi said.
Grin and bear the cuteness
A new Disneynature “doc” tends to ignore the more violent aspects of ursine reality.
Ballin’ Bollywooders get the IIFA party started
Bollywood moguls kicked off IIFA with a bang at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
The Wiz: “… Nothing that might be a load”
American Stage takes audiences on a fun if lightly packed trip back to Oz.
Obamacare on a roll? New Jersey Dem visiting Tampa calls ACA “tremendously inspiring”
The conventional wisdom for months now has held that the Affordable Care Act, a/k/a Obamacare, is a political loser and the future downfall of Democrats everywhere in the midterms this November. But could that be misplaced? It's too early to say. Although supporters of the ACA have felt the wind at their back in recent…
Ready, Set, Shoot?
The city of Tampa may soon play host to the largest Hollywood film production in its history. But unless the Legislature builds it, they — the producers — may not come. “It” is a tax incentive program — one that would offer dollar amounts large enough to lure Hollywood film and television productions back to…
Cheers, to the birth and death of Shakespeare
The exact cause of William Shakespeare’s death on April 23, 1616, 398 years ago, remains a mystery to this day – but if the “Bard of Avon” was as immortal as his impact on English literature, he would have celebrated his 450th birthday this week. Though the poet, playwright and actor’s exact date of birth can’t be confirmed,…
Life As We Blow It: Fit to be killed
Back in February, the Pew Research Center released the results of a poll showing a steep decline in Americans’ support for the death penalty. I don’t really think that’s what the poll shows, however. I think the poll shows a sharp increase in the number of Americans who are sick of being forced to defend…
Restaurant review: Piquant provides the spice of life
Hyde Park’s Piquant evolves beyond a patisserie to offer unique French-accented flavors.
Comedy hypnosis: Suggestive material at Tampa Improv
A Q&A with comedy hypnotist Gary Conrad.
MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry to be Eckerd College commencement speaker next month
Eckerd College announced this morning that Melissa Harris-Perry, a political science professor and host of a weekend public affairs program on MSNBC, will be giving the commencement address to Eckerd graduates on Sunday May 18. "I'm honored to address the 2014 graduating class of Eckerd College," Dr. Perry said in a press release. "My own…
CharlieCrist.com/espanol goes live
On the same day that Rick Scott's half-a-million dollar television and online ad goes live in the Tampa Bay area and three other major media markets across the state, his likely Democratic challenger for governor this fall, Charlie Crist has now unveiled his own Spanish language website. “Today, we launched CharlieCrist.com/espanol with the goal of…
Concerts on the horizon: Phantogram, Umphrey’s McGee, Kings of Leon & more
A look at some upcoming live dates
Bollywood in Tampa: See these films
Here’s a trio of must-see Bollywood flicks for the uninitiated.
Bollywood in Tampa: Who’s Who at IIFA
A quick primer on some of Indian cinema’s biggest starts who’ll be in Tampa for the International Indian Film Academy Awards.
Back to their roots
Former Laughing Cat owners open Caffe Italia in Riverview.
Alan Cohn blasts Dennis Ross on immigration, foreign policy and lifetime accomplishments
Nobody is paying too much attention to the CD15 race just yet, and Alan Cohn is fine with that — for now. The award-winning television journalist is running for office for the first time in his life, and it's not a local or state seat. Cohn is the likely Democratic candidate to face Republican incumbent…
The Laugh Tract — who’s bringing the funny
There's some unusual activity going down at comedy clubs this week. Mentalists and hypnotists are part of the schedule, as well as more traditional stand-up comedians and even a free show. In all cases, though, the goal is to make you laugh. Here are the performers on tap this weekend: Comedy clubs Sheryl Underwood at…
Mitch Perry 4.23.14: Oh thank heaven? 7-Eleven comes to Ybor City
There are lots of areas in Tampa where redevelopment is on the rise, North Hyde Park being one. But one area that remains problematic is Ybor City, where I happen to live and work. The historic district has struggled in recent years. That's not a big newsflash. So what should one make of the fact…
Do This: The IIFA Stomp
The big Bollywood film event kicks off with a free party at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
Do This: ACT pizza fundraiser, Ghost the Musical and The Voice
Help a favorite nonprofit, see a Broadway show and locals in an art show and on TV.
Advocacy group says poll shows Floridians don’t want minimum fares for cab companies
Tampa and two other Florida municipalities, Miami and Orlando, currently mandate minimum fares for limousines. That law is being challenged in Hillsborough County by an advocacy organization which charges such legislation violates the rights of entrepreneurs and customers by violating their due process and equal protection clauses. A proposal to get rid of such mandates…
Activists protest PNC shareholder meeting in Tampa over Mountaintop Removal
Earlier this month, JPMorgan Chase updated its environmental policy and revealed that it will be ending its financial relationships with Mountaintop Removal (MTR) coal-mining companies, joining Wells Fargo and BNP Paribas/Bank of the West in doing so. MTR is the stripping of tops off of mountains in Appalachia to extract coal. The unusable waste rock is then disposed…
Watch: The Menzingers video, “I Don’t Want to Be An Asshole Anymore”
The lead-off single from just-released album Rented World get murderous video treatment.
Photo Review: The Sounds rock State Theatre, St. Petersburg
From the moment she spit into the air and let it fall onto her face, until she blew out the smoke from her last on-stage cigarette that taunted the audience in the smoke-free venue, Maja Ivarsson and her fellow Swedes captivated St. Petersburg. Drunk Camera Guy Drunk Camera Guy Drunk Camera Guy Drunk Camera Guy…
Mitch Perry Report 4.22.14: Happy Earth Day
Welcome to the 44th anniversary of Earth Day. Although the biggest issue of the day when it comes to the global health of the planet remains climate change, most experts will tell you not enough is being done to mitigate its deleterious effects. Locally, one of the biggest events will be a political one. A…
New Music Tuesday! (April 22): Iggy Azalea, The Menzingers, Neon Trees, The Whigs & more
Releases out this week; audio & video included.
BurgerFi to join Post SoHo development
Another quick-service burger noshery that’s environmentally conscious.
A need for nourishment
Nat Geo launches a series exploring the future of food after a recent UN report on climate change.
Growler bill advances in Florida Senate despite deep opposition from Tampa Bay brewers
A Senate committee today passed revised legislation that would allow Florida craft breweries to legally sell 64-ounce growlers, but at too high a cost in the opinion of many of those brewers who testified before legislators. Joey Redner from Cigar City Brewing, John Doble from Tampa Bay Brewing Company and several other local brewers make…
Rick Scott strikes out again in the courts on drug testing Floridians
The Supreme Court of the United States today rejected Governor Rick Scott's appeal of a lower court ruling that declared his executive order to drug test state employees unconstitutional. The move was hailed by organized labor, who along with their allies went to court immediately after Scott surprised state employees nearly three years ago by issuing…
Immigration reform a theme in local Easter celebration
The Evangelical Immigration Table made an effort to push immigration reform back into the forefront of debate Saturday as they brought out fifteen speakers to speak on the issue from a Biblical perspective. The event was held in conjunction with the annual Easter parade put on by local Evangelical churches in the Tampa Bay area…
Mitch Perry Report 4.21.14: Ready or not, Bollywood Oscars come to Tampa
After 10 months of substantial build-up (some would call it hype) in the local press, the International Indian Film Academy awards (also known as the Bollywood Oscars) come to Tampa this week, the first time the four-day event has taken place in the United States. The event is a huge deal for the political and…
Concert review: Local Natives conquer State Theatre in St. Petersburg
A look back at the Wed., April 16 show, in words & photos.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz OK with latest White House punt on pipeline
Everyone in Washington knows when you want to get out the news when the majority of folks aren't paying attention, Friday afternoon is the time to do it. And on Good Friday? Even better. Regardless of where you stand on the benefits or dangers of the XL Keystone pipeline being approved in the U.S., you've…
Chateau DeVoid: Not your typical Easter Sunday
The Local 662 in St. Petersburg is hosting the “House of the Bizarre” under the direction of Vita DeVoid.
Mustangs = money for Children’s Cancer Center
Want to help a children's charity? Test drive a car on Saturday afternoon. Today's "Drive A Pony, Help A Kid" event at Bill Currie Ford will raise funds for Children's Cancer Center, and to participate all you have to do is test drive a Mustang. When you do, Ford Motor Company, Jennifer Currie and family,…
QUILTBAG writers roll into town for RainbowCon
First Tampa literary conference for GLBT and alternative lifestyles writers kicks off, plans for 2015 event.
Girls
Dan Savage tells the girls about the boys — all kinds of boys.
Do This: 10 weekend best bets
Record Store Day a Florida Orchestra video game spectacular, art shows galore, Ybor beer cheer, Easter fun and more.
Family of Arthur Green Jr. hints at possible legal action against TPD
The family of the late Arthur Green Jr. released a statement this morning saying that they are consulting with attorney Barry Cohen regarding the circumstances of his death Wednesday afternoon in Seminole Heights. Green Jr., 63, was suffering from a diabetic episode on Wednesday afternoon while driving along Central Avenue in Tampa. He was arrested…
Playoffs, pitcher problems, Freeman and Ferg’s
It's here, puck-heads. The Tampa Bay Lightning postseason run has begun. Hop aboard the bandwagon, folks. All are welcome. Think hockey is nothing but hip-checks, fights and goals? Come on down. Don't know a blue line from a clothesline? No problemo. Think offsides is just a football term? Got a spot for you right here.…
The Hip Hop ABCs: Letter L
Who’s your fave hip hop artist beginning with the letter ‘L’? The alphabetical rap battles continue…
Victor Crist says he doesn’t understand controversy over his attempt to recognize Southern Heritage month
Victor Crist says he means no offense with his proclamation recognizing April as Southern Heritage month, and is suprised about the negative reaction in some quarters. He says he spoke with a local official with the NAACP to vet what would actually be written in the proclamation. As CL reported on Thursday, at least one of Crist's colleagues…
Do This: Mainsail Art Festival
Calling all artists, art lovers and victims of boredom: One of Tampa’s favorite art festivals is back in its 39th year with art of all genres.
The Well-Played List, 4-18-2014: tUnE-yArDs, Thee Oh Sees, Jaco Pastorius & more
With audio, video & Spotify playlist included.
Mastodon return with “High Road” off upcoming LP Once More Round the Sun
New album due out in June.
Mitch Perry Report 4.18.14: GOP’s mixed signals on immigration continue
Two days ago we reported on Kathy Castor's comments that she doesn't believe congressional Republicans will do anything regarding immigration reform for years to come. Her frustration is evident from the lack of response in the House to the Senate's passage of comprehensive immigration reform last summer (you remember that — the legislation Marco Rubio was for, before…
Transcendence will bore you away
Johnny Depp’s latest is a sci-fi snoozer.
Happy creepy Easter, bunnies!
The Easter season has been the stuff of nightmares for kids through the years.
rePLAY!: Symphony of Heroes Producer, Jason Michael Paul on video games, classical music, and boss battles.
Level-up your Elven Bard character this week with rePLAY!: Symphony of Heroes, a multimedia presentation concert featuring The Florida Orchestra together with the USF Chamber Singers. With selections spotlighting the atmospheric orchestrations of such mega-hits like Portal 2, Halo, Bioshock, and Journey, rePLAY! appeals to gamers and classical music aficionados, alike. Executive producer Jason Michael Paul…
Dark & Sinful: Zebra
Remember that book, Stuff White People Like? Like fancy sandwiches. I like fancy sandwiches. Arugula. Aioli. Aww yeah. I went through a major Guns & Roses phase. I can sing the “November Rain” guitar solos. And don’t make me start singing “Round Here,” by The Counting Crows. Does that make me an Uncle Tom? When…
Poet’s Notebook: He’s so Pope-ular
The perpendiculars of our world Are at odds with one another: Spruce-boles & boat-masts spar; Also dock-pier pillars… Like everyone else, we’re happy to have a pacific face smiling from the Vatican. From the very beginning, when the Argentine bishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio became the first Pope Francis, his choice of the humble saint of…
Video: Tampa’s own Merchandise get the NPR treatment for a performance of “Become What You Are”
Frontman Carson Cox and guitarist Dave Vassolotti team up for a beautifully stripped down take on an older tune.
Victor Crist to offer proclamation honoring Southern Heritage month
April is Southern Heritage month in Florida, and Hillsborough County Commissioner Victor Crist would like to commemorate that occasion by having his colleagues sign a proclamation before next week's Board of County Commission meeting. Not surprisingly, some folks aren't supportive. The proclamation recognizes April as Southern Heritage Month "for the purpose of teaching, learning, and…
Experience brew love in Ybor this weekend — Spring Hops & A Brief History of Beer
Tampa’s historic district offers sudsy fun Saturday and Sunday.
Do This: Four must-see art shows this weekend
We couldn't pick just one. Diverse, culturally in touch galleries in Tampa and St. Pete offer us a fascinating triptych of art show pit-stops on Saturday night. Bluelucy goes cinematic on us for its next pop-contemporary art show, saluting the upcoming Sunscreen Film Festival, which has events throughout the year and presents its main event…
Are Jews being forced to register in Ukraine?
Starting last night, we've been seeing multiple news reports via credible media that Jews in a Russian-controlled town in Ukraine over the age of 16 are being forced to pay a special tax and register with the forces that have taken the town. Here's the USA Today report; here's another one from The Jerusalem Post. According to the…
Dennis Ross makes MSNBC prime time by denouncing minimum wage increase
CD15 Congressman Dennis Ross doesn't often make national news, but his negative take on the idea of raising the federal minimum wage went national last night on MSNBC's All In with Chris Hayes. It comes via footage taken by the progressive blog Think Progress, which filmed an encounter the Polk/Eastern Hillsborough County GOP Representative had…
The Dead Milkmen bring out the old school punk rock girls (and guys) of Tampa
A look back at the Sat., April 12 show at Brass Mug.
Color-blindsided: The flesh trade of Edgar Sanchez Cumbas
The mixed media artist’s latest solo exhibition deftly examines the impact of our complexion.
The Farce is not with us
For Hat Trick’s Unnecessary Farce, a sense of futility doesn’t end with the play’s title.
Game on at St. Petersburg’s Gridiron community flag football tournament
It’s Saturday afternoon, and St. Petersburg Council of Neighborhood Associations president Lisa Wheeler-Brown is contacting her people about flag football practice. It’s the first of two practices ahead of the first annual Gridiron Family Fun Day tournament. Law enforcement and community members signed up to play in hopes of building mutual understanding. “We’re not just…
The boundary-pushing rock poster art of St. Pete-based Greg “Stainboy” Reinel
“A real piece of art, that stuff is timeless. No one’s going to be collecting digital files 20 years from now.”
Movie Review: Under the Skin
Scarlett Johansson mesmerizes and disturbs as an alien visitor.
