Dreaming of pulling out teeth
“OK. So I have a recurring dream that I can pull some of my bottom teeth out and then put them back in. So, last night when that thought came in my head as I was dreaming, I remember thinking, oh yeah, that only happens in dreams. Let me check it out. So I did,…
CD review: Broken Social Scene, Forgiveness Rock Record
It's been five years since the last Broken Social Scene album. You might not have noticed between their numerous side-projects, guest appearances and solo releases. But they are back. And they are kicking ass. Forgiveness Rock Record spans the better part of an hour and is all over the musical map. David Byrne's bizarre intonation…
Dreaming of a hole in the heart
"Dream Momma, I'm the person who sent you the dream about the facebook guy. The next night after that dream I had this bizarre dream about a good friend from college. She was pregnant and ready to deliver at any moment, but was ignoring the situation and serving dinner a whole table of people at her house. I kept…
Do It This Weekend: SiFF Retro’s indie films, Pesto Festo and Sea Grapes, Bachelorette Auction, The Dubliner’s HopFest, Bay of Beards and Scurvy Awareness Day
With the deluge of summer blockbusters just around the corner, the Beach Theatre has some timely counterprogramming to give moviegoers a taste of cinematic nourishment on the small scale. Starting this Friday, the venerable movie house is screening a retrospective from the Strasbourg Independent Film Fest, featuring 14 films as well as a number of…
On the Radar: Back to the Future at Sunset Cinema and Dali’s sur-really freaky film, Un Chien Andalou
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. Snuggle up for a movie showing under the stars (on a giant, 50-foot inflatable screen): Saturday's Sunset Cinema selection is the oldie-but-goodie, Back to the Future. Toss a Frisbee or a football; bring a blanket or a lawn chair; nosh…
Do It Today: Dining Out for Life and mucho music — from jazz jams to Cornmeal’s electro-acoustic bluegrass and the Tampa Bay Symphony
You don't have to walk, run, or research — you can help find a cure for AIDS just by enjoying a night on the town during Dining Out for Life. Visit diningoutforlife.com/tampabay for a list of local restaurants that are donating 25 percent of your bill total to charity tonight. It might be the only…
Beware The Birds: Scavenging seagulls are back
Now that winter has given way to warm weather and pollen storms in the Bay Area, it’s important to discuss the largest untold danger that arrives in great numbers with the seasonal change. Every year the local media likes to highlight the dangers of visiting the beach, including sunburns, alcohol poisoning, stingrays and roving Girls…
Dreaming of a chocolate-inspired Facebook man
“Dear Dream Momma, Got an Facebook email from a man I have only been in contact with a few times over the last 20 years. That night I couldn't sleep ( did eat dark chocolate late at night so that was probably most of this) but I woke up every hour or so…and each time I went back to…
Movie Review: Furry Vengeance, starring Brendan Fraser, Brooke Shields and Ken Jeong (with trailer video)
With the current state of the world affairs including an economy on life support, a massive Teabagger movement constantly rubbing its junk in our faces on cable news, and a never-ending litany of Hollywood, sport and political sex scandals, we humans have little time or energy left to worry about Mother Nature’s impending eco-drama. (I'm…
On the Radar: celebrate International Scurvy Awareness Day with citrus grog and a Bloody Mary bar
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. May 2 is International Scurvy Awareness Day, and it takes the (fruit)cake for the most fun fest dedicated to an all-but-defunct disease. The satire-happy (but scurvy-free) folks at limestrong.com — who founded the event last year — say that "we…
Do It Today: Uncle Kracker’s country rock, “Reexamining the Black Atlantic” at USF, and Cowboy Mouth brings Big Easy style to Skipper’s
You know Uncle Kracker from his easy-going country-stained Top 40 AC rock singles “Follow Me” and “Smile” (off 2009’s Happy Hour, that song that played in all those baby promos for The Office), and his cover of “Drift Away" (aka "Give Me The Beat, Boys”). Rehab opens. Weds., April 28, State Theatre, St. Petersburg, statetheatreconcerts.com.…
“Papers, please”? Yeah, not so much.
Ever since Arizona governor Jan Brewer signed the new immigration enforcement bill into law, the press has been in an uproar. The Economist called the law "hysterical nativism", and warned that Arizona was on the path to becoming a "police state". The Huffington Post said that the new law could lead to "racial profiling and…
Your aching dog may need a trip to the chiropractor
Jana’s first visit to her chiropractor was triggered by a chat with a pet psychic. Really! Marla, the pet psychic, had told me that Jana was suffering from pain in her mid-spine and around her neck and tail. When Jana started refusing to go down stairs and jump into the car, I decided to check…
Colin Powell speaks at motivational event at St. Pete Times Forum: “We’re not going to be intimidated by some clown in a cave in Pakistan”
The St. Pete Times Forum was nearly filled to capacity before 9 a.m. on Tuesday as thousands of people flocked to the arena for a day-long motivational seminar highlighted by speeches by General Colin Powell, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and former Tampa Bay Buc and Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy. The…
St. Petersburg College named “Outstanding Business of the Year” by U.S. Green Building Council chapter
St. Petersburg College was named “Outstanding Business of the Year” Thursday by the U.S. Green Building Council’s Florida Gulf Coast Chapter, a sustainable building organization whose membership covers 15 counties from Citrus County to Collier County. The award recognizes a business that demonstrates a commitment to green building initiatives and a culture of sustainability through…
3 Guys and the Quest for the Holy FAIL: SLIMED, an Independent Florida feature film by Eric Manche and Jeff Nitzberg (with video trailer)
Somewhere deep within the annals of wretched movie-dom stands The Holy FAIL, the best worst movie ever committed to film. And in the 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…
Restaurant Review: The inoffensive Urban Cantina elicits a rant
Urban Cantina 2.5 stars 200 East Madison St., Tampa, 813-221-8226 or urbancantina.com Some new restaurants — and often it's the simplest and most straightforward types — call for an oddly philosophical exploration into the very nature of the dining scene that seems well beyond the scope of what's on the plate, what it costs and…
Concert review: Motion City Soundtrack with WD-Han, Sing It Loud and A Rocket to the Moon at State Theatre
The line outside the State Theatre for Motion City Soundtrack’s headlining show on Saturday night reminded me of a high school pep rally. You had every clique in the school you could possibly imagine and even a few of the teachers and administrators. They all gathered together for one event to show off their spirit,…
New music releases out this Tuesday, April 27: Aqualung, Melissa Etheridge, Gogol Bordello, Hole, Linfinity, and more (with audio + video)
This week’s new music releases; to check out a complete breakdown of upcoming releases due out in the next few weeks (and a list of those ones that have dropped since the year began), click here. 16 Second Stare, 16 Second Stare (Goomba) Alcoholic Faith Mission, Let This Be The Last Night We Care (Paper…
A return to The Cove: A followup with Ric O’Barry
Back in October, I spoke with Ric O'Barry, the Flipper trainer turned dolphin defender featured prominently in The Cove, the documentary about the capture and slaughter of dolphins in Taiji, Japan. At the time, O'Barry was excited that the movie was coming out, finally exposing the travesty he had spent so much of his life…
Images from NASA satellite of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill
As reported yesterday, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico continues to leak over 42,000 gallons — about 1,000 barrels — of oil per day. As of late Monday, the sheen measured about 80 miles by 42 miles and was 36 miles offshore. Of the 126 people on board the oil rig at the…
Hungry for more True Blood? Sink your teeth into the comic
's answer to the trending vampire phenomenon, True Blood, premiered with only average ratings in 2008. But the show raised the stakes with every episode — (that's the last vampire pun, I promise) — and by the end of the second season, an average of 12.4 million viewers were tuning in every week. It's even…
Concert review: Jimmy Buffett at Ford Amphitheatre (with lots of pics + setlist)
Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer Band took over the Ford Amphitheatre this past Saturday April 24, and it was an electrifying experience, to say the least. I completely underestimated the size of the venue, and the intensity with which the Jimmy Buffet fans, or “Parrotheads” as they tend to be called, celebrate the concert…
On the Radar: Garment District 813, featuring fashions by Raven Reda and Project Runway’s Ben Chmura
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. This Saturday, join Creative Loafing when GARMENT DISTRICT 813: 100% CUT-N-SEW takes fashion back to its roots. Inspired by New York’s Garment and Meat Packing Districts, the event focuses on the industrial aesthetic of the fashion. Garment District 813 features…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Tuesday, April 27: Publix Apron’s Cooking School Neanderthal Basics. Designed to teach the man of the house a few tricks for pulling dinner together, tonight’s class is also ideal for the lady in your life who can barely boil water. The menu includes: French onion soup; nuts and bolts stew; cauliflower with cheese sauce; twice-baked…
Maybe money does grow on trees: Eco-conscious tips for saving green on the homefront
In today’s world, the “what’s in it for me” philosophy is stronger than ever. With technology adding greater efficiency and fostering faster results, people want the same from their daily lives. Well, the answer to how, and to make a difference, can be produced by your own two hands. Set aside the arguments and worries…
New drug, Priligy, available in the UK for the treatment of premature ejaculation
As many as one in three men suffer from premature ejaculation (PE) at some point in their life. A new prescription drug, Priligy, may help alleviate the effects of this sexual dysfunction, at least for PE sufferers who live in the UK. If taken 1 to 3 hours before sex, Priligy can make a man…
Dems want to hear what Crist/Rubio think of Arizona immigration law, ban on texting while driving in Florida law in doubt, and GOP state legislature thumbs its nose at FairDistrictsFlorida: Mitch Perry Report 4.27.10
This is the last week of the regular 2010 legislative session in Tallahassee, and there promises to be plenty of events coming down the pike that will probably upset liberals, as the GOP led legislature finishes its work. Last night the House passed a resolution that would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot, effectively…
On the Radar: 79/21: USFSP Graphic Design Senior Thesis Show at The Studio@620
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. April showers are past and May flowers are just around the corner — so are laurels for graduating USF students. Honor their accomplishments this weekend at 79/21: USFSP Graphic Design Senior Thesis Show, a wide-ranging art and design exhibit that…
Do It Today: Riverdance at Ruth Eckerd, free STD testing and a fresh market
Perhaps more frequently parodied than it is performed, Riverdance, the lightning-quick combination of traditional syncopated Irish step dance, music and song with a modern aesthetic is nevertheless a jaw-dropping spectacle of sound and sight. Visit Rutheckerdhall.com for more info. April 27-29, 8 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, $50-$70.
FairDistricts Florida head blasts passage of HJR 7231
Monday afternoon in the Florida House, representatives voted to support a Constitutional Amendment on the November ballot designed to neutralize two earlier amendments that would re-district congressional and legislative districts in Florida. The vote was 74-40. The proposal was sponsored in the House by Port Orange Republican Dorothy Hukill. Immediately after the vote, the chair…
Florida Dems want Crist and Rubio to weigh in on Arizona immigration law
The Florida Democratic Party, cognizant of the potential political advantages that the new policy on immigration signed last week into law by Arizona Republican Governor Jan Brewer, are now challenging the U.S. Senate Republican candidates to weigh in on the issue. A press release sent out Monday afternoon by party spokesman Eric Jotkoff asks: With…
Gulf oil spill update: Now covering more than 1800 square miles
As of this morning, the oil spill near Louisiana has now spread and is covering more than 1,800 square miles in the Gulf of Mexico. The current problems are not being able to shut off the well — located 5,000 feet below the water's surface — and the huge cleanup task at hand. About 42,000…
CL Interview: Ben Harper, who performs with the Relentless7 at the Ritz Ybor on Saturday (with video)
Seasoned singer-songwriter Ben Harper can deliver a soulful pop-infused love song dedicated to the woman he loves with just as much heartfelt sincerity as a socially-conscious roots reggae number about instituting change or an easy-going acoustic rock ditty about individuality and burning one down between friends. He plays electric, acoustic and lap steel guitars with…
Bogdanoff kills texting while driving bill in Florida House
Nearly half the country – 23 states – have laws on the books that currently ban texting while driving. Six others (including the great state of California) have laws on the books now that will get you busted for speaking on a cellphone while driving. But though there was much talk before the session began…
The Sounds of CL, Vol. II: What the music team is listening to right now, from Portishead to The National to Chaka Khan
Ever wonder what the Creative Loafing music team has been listening to, above and beyond all those albums we review? There’s plenty. Here's the latest compendium of Monday selections. – Portishead, Dummy (1994) Rather than fight the dark moodiness of my Monday morning spiritual malaise, I decided to roll with it; this bleak trip-hop classic…
Concert review: An eye-opening experience with the Blind Boys of Alabama at Skipper’s Smokehouse
This past Friday, April 23, WMNF presented the Blind Boys of Alabama and Bird Street Players on the Skipperdome stage. Unfortunately, my plan to arrive early enough to grab a bench was foiled by a predominantly older crowd; the extra-early birds got the worms and the good seats, which were filled with fans who'd been…
Dine out and help raise money to fight AIDS: Participate in Dining Out for Life (April 29)
What a better way to donate to charity than by doing something so many of us do on a regular basis? Dine out at restaurants! This Thursday, April 29, 65 restaurants in the Tampa Bay area are participating in Dining Out for Life by donating 25% of their sales to benefit over a thousand men,…
Goldman Sachs: Worse than Enron?
Remember Enron? Kenneth Lay, the CEO? As the fraud and deception of Enron began to unfold in the media—he stood before the public and his employees and continued to insist that all was fine. Now we have Lloyd Blankfein insisting to everyone that the SEC fraud investigation is nothing to worry about, they have no…
Julia Gorzka – Contributor
A professional speaker and social media strategist, Julia Gorzka consults with businesses and individuals to develop integrated digital communications and creative marketing strategies that build stronger brands, customer loyalty and revenues. Her innovative approach has made her a leader in training organizations and professionals to successfully use social media to achieve business goals. Julia leads…
Do you like Facebook’s new “Like” button? (w/ poll)
As the confusion between fans and friends rages on, Facebook unleashed a few major changes during the past week that you've probably noticed. Our friends are "liking" everything these days, it seems. We "like" our veterinarian. We "like" our favorite causes. We "like" our friend's band. We "like" pointless social media memes just because it's…
USF Students to listen to and discuss light rail proposal in Hillsborough County
In 2 1/2 weeks, Hillsborough County citizens who have just been itching to let the County Commission get a piece of their mind regarding the one cent sales tax referendum on transportation, will finally get their opportunity, as the board last week authorized a public hearing to be held on Thursday May 13 at 6…
It Happened This Week-ish: Bret Michaels’ brain is bleeding, Tiger Woods hearts Nickelback, and Kate Gosselin forgot she has kids
Hayden Panettiere got herself a new hairdo. She clearly went to the same barber shop as Leslie Knope when she got "The Mayor." Bret Michaels is in the hospital and in critical but stable condition. This sudden onset of brain bleediness may or may not be related to the news that Rock of Love will…
See The Cove screening with star Richard O’ Barry at Muvico BayWalk
See the Oscar Award winning documentary that exposed the slaughtering of countless dolphins and exposed the ecological crimes taking place in Taiji, Japan, at the Muvico Theater in BayWalk on Wednesday, May 5th. The Cove, the recent winner of the Academy Award for best documentary and 24 other film accolades, uncovers the horrific practices in…
Benefits of cloud computing for business
The cloud. It sounds ominous and mysterious. But really, it's all around us. Many of us even work in the cloud without realizing it. How many of you work in Google Docs? How many of your employers have you using systems such as Zoho or Google Wave for collaboration? Probably a lot of you. With…
Bringing down the Breu-house: Review of Jim Breuer’s comedy show at the Tampa Improv
Is it possible that Jim Breuer has really grown up? This man that we all grew to love for his dumbo laugh and perma-stoned face raised the Improv’s roof Friday with a routine based largely on autobiographical family comedy. The show opened with a mildly disappointing bit on the differences between Tampa and Sarasota, which…
Financial reform vote today, and immigration comes back with a vengeance on the national stage:Mitch Perry Report 4.26.10
After taking a weekend off last week, it was with much interest that we tuned into all of the various Sunday morning public affairs programs on broadcast and cable news yesterday morning. First up was the financial reform bill that the U.S. Senate will vote on this afternoon. Will the Republicans be able to maintain…
Will financial reform move ahead today?
On NBC's Meet The Press Sunday, Alabama Senator Richard Shelby predicted that all 41 GOP senators will vote to delay the start of debate on a financial reform bill sponsored by Connecticut Democrat Christopher Dodd. Shelby told NBC's David Gregory that the GOP is just not "there yet" when it comes to agreeing on a…
Arizona immigration bill brings the issue to the forefront of national consciousness
The national debate on illegal immigration, which Washington politicos have been afraid to touch since a bi-partisan proposal in the U.S. Senate crashed and burned discussing it in 2007, has instantly become a topic du jour after Arizona Governor Jan Brewer on Friday signed the nation's toughest bill on illegal immigration into law. It's aim…
On the Radar: Sweetwater Organic Farm’s Pesto Festo and Sea Grapes Wine and Food Festival at the Florida Aquarium
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. This weekend, take your pick from two very different fundraising food festivals — one by land and one by sea. Let loose and enjoy a night under the stars, not to mention the farm-fresh, organic food, beer and wine, at…
Do It Today: Juried student exhibit at HCC Ybor, and Blues Traveler plays the State
See into the future of art in Tampa Bay at the 36th Annual Juried Student Art Show, a fresh collection of photography, digital media, drawing, painting, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media artworks. This year’s judge is Todd Smith, Executive Director of the Tampa Museum of Art. (Pictured: Student work on display at the HCC) On…
Sex partners: how old is too old?
recently had a birthday, which is just one more reminder that my age is quickly climbing and there's no stopping it. I've discovered recently that as I age, I'm increasingly becoming attracted to older men. By older I mean a little gray here and there; I'm not ready to start scouting old folks homes for sugar…
Rumble at the Ritz 2 features future stars of MMA in Ybor
The Tampa-based mixed martial arts promotion, Art of Fighting, offered fight fans in Tampa an exciting night of action with Rumble at the Ritz 2 that featured an eleven-bout amateur fight card on Friday at a packed Ritz in Ybor City. Although amateur MMA is not yet sanctioned in the state of Florida the International…
Selena Narayanasamy – Contributor
An avid lover of all things caffeine, Selena Narayanasamy currently does SEO and is a social media marketer/analyst as well as a writer. She has multiple degrees in business, marketing and finance. Along with all this, she also writes for Search Engine Journal and is growing Esvienne.com, her own personal social media and tech blog.…
CD review: Black Francis, NonStopErotik (with video)
If you imagine three sides of a Frank Black triangle, the first would be his role as the lead singer and songwriter for seminal alt-rock group, the Pixies. The second would be the solo work he's done under his own moniker in the years since his departure (and return to) the Pixies. The third would…
Pinellas County Schools recycling expert to speak at Seminole Community Library
On Monday, May 3, Wayne Hefty, Pinellas County Schools Energy Coach, will speak at Seminole Community Library about “Recycling in Seminole Schools”. The discussion will focus on public school recycling audits. Hefty's presentation will demonstrate the educational and social benefit of recycling, and will compare the costs effectiveness of such recycling programs. Please attend this…
3 Guys & Glee — The Podcast: Ep. 15, “The Power of Madonna” (with episode video)
Glee came back strong this week with an all-Madonna episode and the 3 Guys had a lot to say about the characters, the plot, the comedy and especially the music. After last week's less-than-stellar return, we survived the hangover to enjoy this really great episode that combined the power of Madonna, three big characters looking…
Previously on Lost: “The Last Recruit”
Well, we got another great episode of Lost Tuesday night, full of action in both realities, and quite a bit of mythological exposition on the island. Everyone is back together, as Smokey pointed out. As presumably "The Last Recruit," Jack was great in this episode. I'm not sure what exactly it is about him, but…
On the Radar: SiFF Retro offers indies from the Strasbourg Independent Film Fest
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. With the deluge of summer blockbusters just around the corner, the Beach Theatre has some timely counterprogramming to give moviegoers a taste of cinematic nourishment on the small scale. Starting this Friday, the venerable movie house is screening a retrospective…
Scott Harrell’s Life As We Blow It: Where the white things are
I'm white. Like, white-white. Like, Scandinavian-albino white. I can't dance. I speak Spanish with all the liquid eloquence of a computer's text-to-speech program. I only listen to hip-hop from the late '80s and early '90s. I like my seafood fried and my movies full of tits and fire. I fear slang, and coolness, and persons…
Drinks: Tasting history in an 1880 Madeira
I went to a lovely dinner last weekend, hosted by my friends Joe Shepard and Jefferson Harkins, with drinks served on the rooftop accompanied by delicious finger foods. Dinner was a salad of roast red and golden beets with goat cheese, succulent pesto-coated haddock, and a key lime tart with mixed berry compote. We enjoyed…
CD review: The Bird and the Bee, Interpreting the Masters, Vol. 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates
Ah, Hall & Oates. Mullets and mustaches. Synths and hand claps. Emotional lyrics and hearts-on-fringy, acid-washed jean sleeves. I was dubious when I heard about a cover album made up of the sacred duo's most celebrated works. But since I love the Bird and the Bee, I was intrigued by their latest LP, Interpreting the…
Federal Health care bill to be on Florida ballot, GOP consultant weighs in on Crist/Rubio and Tampa observes Earth Day:Mitch Perry Report 4.23.10
For those of you who are closely following the fight for a financial regulation bill and other measures that the Obama administration may choose to fight on this year, sorry, but health care refuses to go away. The Florida state legislature – well, the Republicans in the legislature – yesterday voted to put a constitutional…
Week in review: The public, the panther and possibly the gulf getting drilled by politicians
1. Senator Mike Haridopolos had this commentary in the Trib this week promoting drilling for oil off Florida's coasts (which experts say won't add up to any real savings at the pump, this recent report shows saving 3 cents a gallon by 2030) but it would most certainly spoil our environment. Haridopolos thinks they can…
Q&A with Chris Ingram about the Fla. GOP
Creative Loafing asks Chris Ingram a few questions CL: Given his low poll numbers and discontent of him within the GOP, what should Charlie do? Ingram: The best thing Charlie Crist can do at this point is drop out and try to rehabilitate his image. It can be done. But running as anything other than a…
Politically Androgynous
Too-Tan Charlie a Jake Fuller cartoon Charlie Crist swings the other way By Chris Ingram I was off last week (and thus I.V. was on hiatus) for spring break with my kids. We rented an RV and went to Manatee Springs State Park near Chiefland. The park was beautiful and it was like taking a…
Mayor Pam Iorio celebrates the 40th anniversary of Earth Day in downtown Tampa
Friday was Bring Your Child To Work Day and parents brought their children to Lykes Gaslight Square Park in downtown Tampa to celebrate Earth Day's 40th anniversary with Mayor Pam Iorio and Captain Green Eye. Both parents and children were educated on how to be good stewards of the environment by recycling and disposing of…
Tampa bay leaders gather at Walker Brands to call for a new energy policy on Earth Day
Marking the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Tampa Bay leaders gathered at the LEED Gold certified Walker Brands building on Thursday morning to call on the Senate to adopt a revised climate and energy bill that will be released in the Senate on Monday, April 26, 2010 by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), John Kerry (D-MA),…
Do It This Weekend: Straz Center shows, Earth Day events, Pops in the Park, Barkin HeARTs, Storytelling Fest, STOMP and more
Two shows at the Straz are taking child's play to an adult arena. Becoming A Man in 127 Easy Steps (pictured, photo by Abby Gaskins) is a very grown-up version of kid's diversion that uses audience participation to hilarious effect — it's a choose-your-own adventure for "mature audiences," where you pick the path of the…
Featured green site: GoingGreenTampa.com – Tampa Bay’s green directory
Even though I'm very proud of our own Green Community Calendar, I do have to give some props to another locally-oriented site featuring green-related events and local businesses. GoingGreenTampa.com not only keeps a comprehensive calendar — listing workshops, events and markets — but they also have an extensive green directory that lists eco-friendly businesses around…
Florida Legislature votes to put referendum on federal health care bill before voters this fall
Among the (at least) 10 ballot amendments that Floridians will vote on in November now includes a measure that would allow the state to opt-out of the federal health care reform legislation signed into law last month by President Obama. The “Florida Health Care Freedom Act,” won approval in both houses of the state legislature…
Former CL Editor John Sugg on media cross-ownership in Tampa
As long time CL readers will know well, John Sugg used to be the editor of this publication, and was then a senior editor with CL Newspapers. After reading our report on the FCC hearings on cross-ownership that were held in Tampa on Tuesday, in which John Schueler from Media General, the corporate parent of…
CD review: The Postelles, White Night EP
As evidenced by The Postelles' EP, White Night, these spunky New York indie-rockers seem to think a set of drums and guitars and a Brit-pop vinyl collection are all it takes to make music. Au contraire. Making music takes three steps. At least. One: Worship pioneers of your designated musical genre – in the Postelles'…
Celebrating Record Store Day at Mojo Books & Music with Sons of Hippies, free PBR and more
Vinyl nerds, collectors and lovers of music alike all gathered at their establishment of choice this Saturday to celebrate a holiday of sorts: Record Store Day. I spent a few hours at Mojo Books & Music off Fowler Avenue in Tampa to partake in the festivities. If the lure of limited edition records wasn’t enough,…
Many thanks this Earth Day: An open letter by contributor Linda Taylor
“The ecology of the natural world inspires us to explore the ecology of our soul.” -Intro from Great Women Exploring Nature by Linda Taylor. As I celebrate the 14th year of It's Our Nature on this 40th anniversary of Earth Day, I must reflect on the people and experiences that have helped me travel this…
Neighborhood eats: Seminole Heights
CL's semi-extensive guide to the best dining options in Seminole Heights. If we're missing some of your favorites, let us know. BLUE SEA FISH MARKET 7110 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 234-5085 This simple and inexpensive fish shack serves up broiled, fried and sauteed seafood ranging from Dungeness crab to Gulf grouper, all with sides of…
Attention True Blood addicts: get an early taste starting May 2
From Jason Stackhouse’s sculpted abs and country boy innocence; to Eric Northman’s male model gaze, deadly fangs and cold-blooded power; to Bill Compton’s seductive regal charm and bloodsucking impulses; to Sam Merlotte’s shape shifting, naked ass; to a regularly shirtless, clairvoyant lead character named Sookie Stackhouse who has the cutest little Louisiana accent –- there…
This weekend’s best bets in Bay area music: Blind Boys of Alabama, 98RockFest, Down by Law, Red Elvises, Jimmy Buffett, Porcupine Tree, and more
The following is a quick breakdown of shows this weekend’s worthiest live music offerings from Thursday through Sunday. For a more comprehensive schedule, check out our Upcoming Concerts page THURSDAY, APRIL 22 Amy London and Roni Ben-hur: Happy Birthday Ella and Duke As part of its Side Door Cabaret series, Palladium welcomes two NYC jazz…
There’s always time for a quickie
While sex is best when done slow and thoroughly, there are times when you want sexual gratification with someone and have no time for standard mating ritual that exists in your sex life. Even in the busiest of schedules there is always time for a quickie. Suppose you have had a long day at work, have to…
Publish this blurb: A review of Publish This Book
Before I unload my massive critical wit and big dick jokes, I must address the author, Stephen Markley: Dude, when you publish this sweet-ass review in the expanded version of Publish This Book, repay me by throwing me a few failed actresses from the orgies you'll soon be having in Shia LaBeouf’s Hollywood basement. Because…
Hillsborough Republicans battle on who amongst them can beat Kathy Castor, local childrens services boards may go up for referendum, but not for 6 years, and head shops in Florida in peril? Mitch Perry Report 4.22.10
We believe everyday is Earth Day, but today does mark the 40th anniversary of the first such day. You might recall that Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson was one of the men responsible for creating such a day. Speaking of Congress, there are four Republicans who'd love to be the next Congressman from Florida's 11th Congressional…
Florida Panthers face extinction thanks to developers, their politicians and a few cowering wildlife officials
Craig Pittman of the St. Pete Times had a series of articles out over the weekend exposing what seemed to be corruption and collusion of government officials and so called experts regarding the fate of Florida's state animal and it is truly sickening. You might remember Pittman's award winning series Paving Paradise: Florida's Vanishing Wetlands.…
Florida Senate passes bill that could eliminate head shops
A bill that would forbid Florida retailers to sell bongs, water pipes and other paraphernalia unless that establishment sold at least 75% of all of its goods on tobacco related products passed 36-0 in the Florida State Senate yesterday. CL readers may recall our story earlier this month on the issue, which is being sponsored…
Hillsborough & Pinellas County Children service boards future to be decided by citizens- but not for awhile
A proposal by Stuart Senate Republican Joe Negron that would require the eight children's boards throughout the state to face voter referendums to continue their existence is back on the table, and apparently could soon be be passed into law. Readers will remember that two weeks ago Luanne Panacek, the chief executive of the Children's…
Photo review: Wanee Festival 2010 at Spirit of Suwanee Music Park with Stephen Stills, Hill Country Revue, Bill Kreutzmann, and many others (more pics to come)
This past weekend, the Allman Brothers returned to host and perform at the sixth annual edition of Wanee, the classic rock ensemble's annual festival at Spirit of Suwanee Music Park in Live Oak. All the Allmans friends and family were in attendance along with a range of appealing musical match-ups. Here are some pics from…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Earth Day Tampa Bay, Green Thumb Fest, markets galore and more!
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. Dunedin Green Market- Every Friday (through April); 8 am- 1 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…
Do It Today: Earth Day 2010 brings the Trashy Fashion show and Green Expo, Conservation Conversations, sustainable gardening tips and more
It's as if Project Runway cut their budget and auf'd Heidi Klum: See the art of trash upcycled into eco-fashion (complete with runway show) by amateur designers at the third annual Trashy Fashion Show at the Largo Cultural Center in celebration of Earth Day. Get there early to check out the Green Expo. (Pictured: Lisandra…
“Fire Kathy Castor” cries heard at the Hillsborough County Republican Party meeting
There are many safe gerrymandered congressional districts throughout the county, one reason why incumbents get re-elected in the U.S. on average over 90% of the time, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. For every District 10 race, where Democrat Charlie Justice is expected to challenge 39-year incumbent Bill Young later this year (his first…
An open letter to Charlie Crist: Please run as an independent
Dear Governor Crist, Surely you don't remember me, but if you recall an odd evening at St. Pete's Pacific Wave back when you were attorney general during which you and your consort were seated in a semi-private room with a birthday party, I was one of the folks screaming that if Charlie Crist got sushi…
ACLU to host forum on torture in the age of terrorism at UT
Thursday night the ACLU of Florida's Greater Tampa Chamber is hosting a discussion called Reckoning with Torture: Memos and Testimonies from the "War on Terror" from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Reeves Theater on the University of Tampa campus. According to Joyce Hamilton Henry, the Regional Director of the ACLU's Mid-Florida Office, “Raising…
DIY green thumb: Turn a plastic clamshell container into a mini garden (videos)
It seems kind of hypocritical to be buying organic salad mix in a plastic container, but the truth of the matter is: A. greens seem to stay fresher in plastic clamshells than the alternate choice of plastic bags, and B. until they start making biodegradable plastic more widely available (and more affordable) we just have…
My favorite memories from VH1’s Best Cruise Ever with 3 Doors Down
This past weekend’s VH1 Best Cruise Ever was an awesome event and a music-lover’s dream come true. The cruise, which traveled to the Cayman Islands and back, managed to squeeze 48 performances by 14 different bands and numerous other events into barely three-and-a-half days. Before my hangover completely wears off and I start to experience…
Wednesday-music.com indie music profile: The Magnetic Fields
While attending high school in Boston, singer-songwriter Stephin Merritt (ukulele/keyboard/vocals) — often referred to as one of the best working songwriters around — met Claudia Gonson (percussion/piano/vocals). Soon after, the two put together their first band, The Zinnias. Years later in 1989, they formed The Magnetic Fields along with Susan Anway (original lead vocalist who…
Hillsborough County Commissioners voice support for Bill McCollum’s lawsuit to throw out health care law
Although a recent majority of Floridians surveyed said they opposed Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum from pursuing a lawsuit that would stop the federal health care legislation from going into effect, that majority was not reflected this morning at the Hillsborough County Commission. On a party line basis, three Republicans on the Commission – Al…
ULI teaches developers how to grab more tax dollars using public-private partnerships
The Urban Land Institute bills itself as a broad-based coalition of land-use professionals and planners, dedicated to “creating better places.” Some of their seminars, though, reveal a bunch of developers who seem more concerned about their own profits than the public good. Sponsored by a Who's Who of local developers, the Tampa Bay ULI chapter…
CD review: MGMT, Congratulations (with video)
Let’s say, hypothetically, you’re among the freshman music majors at an eclectic Northeastern liberal arts college. As creative and artsy kids are apt to do, you collaborate with friends in your spare time, experimenting with replicating and recreating different genres, and generally having fun and being silly. You’re certainly not working in earnest; it’s all…
Watch Food, Inc. on PBS tonight (4/21)
If you haven't heard of the eco/food documentary Food, Inc. then you may have been living under a rock this past year. The Oscar-nominated documentary by director Robert Kenner explores the food industry’s detrimental effects on our health and environment while opening our eyes as to what's really going on with our food and scaring…
Coachella 2010 an enthralling experience
The 2010 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival climaxed this past Sunday night with a heavily produced performance by the Gorillaz, the Damon Albarn-created project that featured an orchestra, back-up singers, former Clash members Mick Jones and Paul Simonon is a lush presentation of their new concept album, Plastic Beach. The show was marked by…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Wednesday, April 21: The NoHo Bistro Wine Wednesdays. The wine and tapas change weekly, so come back regularly and bring your BFFs, blind dates, co-workers, boy/girlfriends or, hell, someone else’s boyfriend. $15 for two glasses of wine paired with two tapas. 1714 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa (813-514-0691) Thursday, April 22: Florida Craftsmen Gallery Feast for…
Art of a different color: Square One’s “Camille Leone” ravaged the Ritz Ybor (with pics)
Square One Florida hosted Camille Leone, its bi-annual art event, this past Saturday, celebrating the arrival of spring in the image of the most painterly sub-tropical creature of all: the chameleon. Exceeding their reputation as the Bay area’s most attention-grabbing event organizer, Camille Leone boasted 78 visual artists, 30 performers, 25 models, one band, and…
Tampa Tribune bashed at FCC hearing, Rubio under federal investigation and how Hillsborough County officials really feel about Amendment 4
We were there for most of yesterday's FCC hearing on cross-media ownership. Our report; The Miami Herald/St. Pete Times has a blockbuster story on a federal investigation into Florida Republians who used credit cards, including Marco Rubio; And CL contributor George Niemann has a report on how Hillsborough officials sandbagged a supporter of Amendment 4.
Rubio confirmed to be under investigation by the feds – how does it affect Crist?
The St. Petersburg Times/Miami Herald reported late Tuesday night that the U.S. Attorney's Office in Tallahassee, as well as the FBI and the I.R.S. are all involved in an investigation into the use of American Express cards issued by Florida Republican Party to elected officials and staff, including Ray Sansom, Marco Rubio, former party chair…
Media General gets severe bashing at FCC hearing
Members from the Federal Communications Commission hosted a meeting on ownership rules for media companies on the University of South Florida's Tampa campus on Tuesday afternoon, as they contemplate allowing corporations more opportunities to take over broadcast outlets. Apparently not that many people care. Though that was our take as less than 50 people were…
Eco-friendly and fun Earth Day events around Tampa Bay (April 22)
Get out and go green at one (or more) of these great events around Tampa Bay in honor of the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day: Safety Harbor Farmers' Market- Every Thursday (through May); 8 am-1:30 pm. Fresh and organic produce, plants and fresh flowers, gourmet foods, baked goods, handmade jewelry, light snacks. Located at the…
Sexual selfishness
Sometimes it’s best to focus on your own needs.
Sounds from the Sahara: Vieux Farka Toure
The latest guitar hero to come out of Africa, Vieux Farka Toure, brings a modern approach to his father Ali’s trademark Sahara blues.
Virtually Indian at Tampa’s Bollywood Cafe
Bollywood Cafe mines Indian cinema and technology for a surprisingly fun — and tasty — dining experience.
Ha Ha Tonka’s southern sounds direct from Missouri
The music of Springfield-bred quartet Ha Ha Tonka is infused with the feel and imagery of the capital-S South.
Loose change: Review of Five Nickels playing in Pinellas Park
Good performances add charm to the mundane Five Nickels.
How accurate are lie-detector tests?
What's the effectiveness of a polygraph? Police departments still use them, and the feds still screen applicants using polygraphs, but the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled them invalid. Surely they can't tell if you're lying, and surely not all lies produce the exact same physiological response in every person. —Rob Lie-detector tests aren't completely worthless.…
Come sleep in my cave: CouchSurfing in the Middle East
Couch-surfing the Middle East from Jerusalem to Jordan.
Organizing for change: The battle for health care for immigrants
Bay area residents continue the fight for comprehensive immigration reform.
Two new shows from Tampa art collector Robert Sanchez
Two new exhibits highlight the many great works owned by Tampa’s Robert Sanchez.
On the Radar: new art debuts at Tempus Projects, West Tampa Center for the Arts and C. Emerson Fine Arts
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming arts events to mark your calendars for. With summer just around the corner, a flurry of exhibitions marks the end of a busy spring season for the visual arts in Tampa Bay. In Seminole Heights, Tempus Projects features work by graduate students from USF's art and…
New music releases out this Tuesday, April 20: Caribou, Sweet Apple, Shelby Lynne, Kate Nash, Plants and Animals, VV Brown, Rufus Wainwright, and much more (with video)
This week’s new music releases; to check out a complete breakdown of upcoming releases due out in the next few weeks (and a list of those ones that have dropped since the year began), click here. , Ananésworld (Nervous Records) Arcadia, So Red the Rose 2CD/DVD Limited Special Edition (Capitol/EMI) The sole release of the…
Creative Loafing’s green office makeover by Office Assistance Plus wraps-up, parts 4.1 and 4.2 (videos)
's green office makeover was completed on time – within 30 days and about 24 hours. I already posted details about how we cleaned up, reorganized and greened up their office in Parts 1, 2 and 3 of the CL green office makeover series. In part 4.1, you'll see the start of a final walk…
The Green Community week in review: The Green Issue, PACE in Florida, energy efficient appliance rebates and more!
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week: Weather forecaster and climatologist duke it out over climate change on the Colbert Report (video) – Due to a recent New York Times article on the debate over climate change between weather forecasters and…
Top Chef Masters Podcast, Ep. 2: Soul food soiree, Mekhi Phifer, and Gail Simmons resurfaces
We're already two episodes into Top Chef Masters and we've had our dose of hipsters and now our appearance by a random celebrity with no culinary ties! This season has definitely hit the ground running. What will we see next week: cooking for picky vegans or surprise catering job for 300? This episode gave us…
CL’s Lost Podcast: Season 6, Ep. 11 “Everybody Loves Hugo”
Welcome to another edition of CL's Lost podcast. This week, the crew welcomed back London, who joined Host Joe, Ham Gravy, Fat Jesus and Leilani Polk as they revealed why everybody didn't love Tuesday night's episode, "Everybody Loves Hugo." If you missed the episode, you can watch it (courtesy of Hulu) after the break. And…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Green festivals, workshops, markets and more!
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. Dunedin Green Market- Every Friday (through April); 8 am- 1 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…
Tonight’s Top Chef Masters preview: Mekhi Phifer, soul food and missing stew
Tonight on Top Chef Masters, it looks like they'll be cooking for yet another random celebrity that has nothing to do with the food and restaurant world. This time it's Mekhi Phifer and he's requesting a soul food-themed feast for his birthday party. The chef'testants up to bat tonight for $10k for their charity and…
Creative Loafing Imaginary Stage Company Presents!
About a dozen years ago or so, I enjoyed a brief turn as artistic director of the New Loft Theatre, later renamed the Tampa City Theatre. After six weeks or so, the money ran out, and my vast power to schedule seasons and hire actors and directors evaporated almost as quickly as it had materialized. But…
An open letter to the people who walked out on Maria Bamford at the Improv Saturday night
You idiots, You waited through the first three acts: host Chris Matson, the disaster that was Robin Savage, and the spastic comedy of Jackie Kashian, and then you left? Did you not know what you were paying $14 to see? Do you have the luxury of throwing away that kind of money, like so much…
