Make mom feel special- have an organic Mother’s Day
Mother's Day is right around the corner and many wonder what they can do for their mom that will be different, special and also show their love and appreciation. It is a difficult task as many people run around last minute trying to search for that something 'just right' for mom that shows you put…
Holistic alternatives to conceive in honor of National Infertility Awareness Week
Having a child can gratify the deepest needs of a person, the inability to conceive can crush a person's spirit. This is National Infertility Week. Families with fertility challenges are targeted by this week long awareness; success stories of conception and birth abound, proponents of high tech, high science, invasive and medical methods to induce…
Concert review: Dead Confederate at Crowbar
Dead Confederate headlined an eclectic evening of psychedelic, experimental electronica, soul and straight up rock this past Friday, April 24, at Crowbar in Ybor City with support by The Future on Films in Space, The Beauvilles and Palantine. Dead Confederate, which hails from Athens, Ga., is hard to describe … their stage set-up suggests metal…
Check out Ian Svenonius’ Soft Focus
Ian Svenonius (ex-Nation Of Ulysses, Make Up, Etc) is, was & will always be one of my favorite "voices" of underground culture. His critique & commentary RE: the transformative capacities of music / art / aesthetics pretty much always inspires. Whether it be through song, prose and/or this series of interviews he's done on the…
“Stand By Me” as Sung by the World
I just saw this on Gizmodo and knew I needed to share it immediately. From Gizmodo: This cover of Stand By Me was recorded by completely unknown artists in a street virtual studio all around the world. It all started with a base track—vocals and guitar—recorded on the streets of Santa Monica, California, by a…
Introducing the Ringling International Arts Festival
The lineup for October's Ringling International Arts Festival features New York cabaret sensation Meow Meow. Meowmeowrevolution.com. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, in partnership with the Baryshnikov Arts Center in New York, announces the first Ringling International Arts Festival, scheduled to take place in Sarasota this October. The festival, which runs Oct. 7-11,…
Restaurant Review: The Floridian plans to bring Tampa’s cuban sandwich to the world
The Floridian 3.5 Stars 4424 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-287-6662 On one level, reviewing the newly expanding Floridian – formerly a Treasure Island landmark in a single location – could be an exploration of what happens to the food and feel when a simple restaurant is turned into a chain. Does it devalue the historical…
Nine little questions for Geri-X
What do you really know about Geri-X? She is a singer songwriter with a band in her name, a band currently based in my little beach town- St. Petersburg, FL. Why am I asking her nine questions? Well, primarily because I've had her CD playing in my car for a couple of months now and I…
How to Make a Flyer
In this post I will impart the 6 things to keep in mind when making a flyer for a show or event. It may seem simple and trivial, but a good flyer/poster will give people all the information they need to make up their mind to come to your show or not. The purpose for…
New Dylan album reviewed
Bob Dylan Together Through Life Despite leaning heavily on the signature instrument for the bratwurst-and-polka crowd, Bob Dylan’s new album, Together Through Life, manages to wring rhythm and soul from an overgrown squeezebox. David Hidalgo of Los Lobos plays accordion on each of the album’s 10 tracks and much of the backing band’s beat reminds…
MMA 101: Is all fair in the name of blood and entertainment?
Ever wonder where to draw the line in the sand in the debate of fairness and the American Disability Act? The mixed martial arts (MMA) debut of the quadruple-amputee, Kyle Maynard, last weekend has sparked quite a controversy in the MMA world all around the U.S. How was it possible for him to fight another…
New Music Releases Tuesday, April 28
Black Crowes – War Paint Live Clutch – Slow Hole To China (remastered rarities) Rivers Cuomo – Live at Fingerprints Omar Kent Dykes w/ Jimmy Vaughan – Big Town Playboy Bob Dylan – Together Through Life (regular and deluxe edition with bonus Theme Time Radio Hour CD and DVD!) Esquivel – Infinity in Sound, Volumes…
The HB 1219 Bill and what you can do to fight the foes of Florida’s future
Once again the foes of Florida’s future have united to pillage our natural resources. You can hear the lip smacking and feel the glad-handing from here. HB 1219 – the bill to allow oil drilling within sight of Florida’s Gulf Coast (that’s our coast), was passed in the House today by a vote of 70…
Make every day Earth Day
In 1970, the first Earth Day inspired 20 million people to turn out for everything from sit-ins to a traffic-stopping march down New York's 5th avenue. With the passing of the 39th annual Earth Day and Earth Week, does Earth Day still matter? Green Living Magazine asked six Environmentalists this very question. While all readily…
In my mind I saw James Taylor in concert
The first time I saw James Taylor in concert was in college. It was the early ’90s, and I was on a date. This was a very big-deal date because there was dinner before and the concert so I think my suitor had very high hopes about how the evening would end. James (yeah, I’m…
Ruth Reichl re-dons disguises for restaurant reviewing, kinda, in video
Just for the record, I do not dress in drag, wear wigs, or try role-playing characters when I review restaurants. Although a couple of local chefs have claimed to me that they have my picture posted in the kitchen — some even offering bounties — I have no idea where they got the pic, or…
Video game review: Ninja Blade – the name says it all
There's a place for experiences like the one Ninja Blade has to offer. It's the kind of thing you can really only do with a video game these days: surf a missile into a zombie helicopter, fight a giant lightning bolt spitting crab in a subway tunnel, run down the side of a skyscraper while…
Swine flu: protect yourself holistically
The big news today is about the threat of the "new" swine flu. The outbreak started in Mexico with a cluster of twenty deaths from severe viral pneumonia. Since then multiple milder cases have been reported in Mexico, the United States and Canada. Two interesting facts need to be investigated. Read on to find out…
Interview: Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
When guitarist/singer/songwriter Jason Isbell put together his solo debut, Sirens of the Ditch, it was a prolonged process carried out over several years while he was a fulltime member of Drive-By Truckers, those purveyors of raucously rockin’, whiskey-drinkin’ alt-country music. “I only had a day or two to record it at a time,” Isbell told…
Do It Today: Katy Perry, ‘MNF Film Series, James E. Tokley and more
Every year, mainstream media picks a pop tart to feel the heat of the MTV spotlight, though 2008’s rising star was not a Mickey Mouse Club or American Idol outcast nor was it some annoying bleached-blonde virginity-claiming bombshell. Instead, we saw the rise of a doll-faced, naughty-girl-next-door singer/musician Katy Perry (pictured), who brought the nauseatingly…
Prose and cons of Florida books: essential Sunshine State reads
This state inspires so much great prose, it’s amazing we can keep up. Here’s a half dozen great new Florida books you need to get your mitts on. THEY PUT UP A PARKING LOT: From some of the same folks who brought you a Pulitzer Prize comes Paving Paradise (University Press of Florida, $27). Craig…
Separation of church and sex and state
A church sex workshop in Melbourne, Florida is shaking things up on the east coast. Melbourne’s New Hope Church is presenting a three part series, called "Great Sex for You." Earlier this month, the New Hope Church mailed 25,000 fliers to Melbourne houses, asking occupants "Is Your Sex Life a Bore?" The ad campaign showed…
CD Review: Prince’s Lotusflow3r
Prince Lotusflow3r (NPG) The good news is that Lotusflow3r is the best Prince album since 2004’s Musicology. It’s his most guitar- and rock-oriented in years — perhaps ever — and includes a few songs that deserve consideration for the upper echelon of the Prince canon. The not-so-good news is that Lotusflow3r is inconsistent and acts…
Musical Motley, a collection of random music news.
Much randomness has arrived in my inbox, made headlines, been ranted about, premiered, revealed … you get the idea. Here's a breakdown of news stuff that caught my eye over the past seven days. Tonight, the Decemberists (pictured) make their first appearance on The Colbert Report since the 2006 ShredDown between Funk and Colbert fill-in,…
Carol L. Roberts – Contributor
Carol L. Roberts, M.D. – Founder and Medical Director of Wellness Works located in Brandon, Florida. She graduated from Harvard University and the University of Texas Medical School and practiced Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) for ten years, followed by ten years of Emergency Medicine. During much of that time, she practiced and taught the…
Late night music, April 27-May 2
A weekly bulletin on musical guests playing late night TV; set your TIVOs or DVRs. The Late Show with David Letterman, CBS Monday, April 27: The All-American Rejects Tuesday, April 28: Dolly Parton Wednesday, April 29: Manchester Orchestra Friday, May 1: Bat for Lashes (pictured) The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, NBC Monday, April 27:…
I Am A Craft Brewer video: Making beer geeks everywhere teary eyed
Bit from the Stone Brewing website via Vimeo: "I Am A Craft Brewer" is a collaborative video representing the camaraderie, character, and integrity of the American Craft Brewing movement. Created by Greg Koch, CEO of the Stone Brewing Co. and Chris & Jared of Redtail Media…and more than 35 amazing craft brewers from all over…
An arbitrary tipping point for the Rays, plus other thoughts
I have a number in my head. 10. It's not a magic number, more like a dreaded number. I guess it's kind of arbitrary, certainly not based on meticulous statistical analysis, but when it comes to the Rays, the number 10 keeps popping up in my head. As in: The Rays cannot afford to go…
Beer events this week : Dan Gordon, Chimay Night, Hoppy Endings IPA Fest
Break out your calendars, beer fans. Here's the scoop on this week's brew agenda — Thursday, April 30th : Oldsmar Tap House welcomes Dan Gordon, co-founder and original brewmaster of Gordon Biersch Brewery. Come out for an evening of mingling – and drinking, of course. A variety of Gordon Biersch brews will be available on…
Performance contracting: how not to spend tax dollars and save the environment
My initial CL green blog, this will be the first in a series of ways that government can go green in these revenue-short, credit-tight times. Later for how we should be investing tax dollars for future economic and environmental saving. The City of Tampa can reduce energy and water usage in public buildings without spending…
Butternut Squash Apple Cinammon Crumble
Dear Butternut Squash, Please accept this letter with my sincere heart felt apologies. In all of my years of grocery shopping, I have always passed you by. Sticking up my nose at your bulbous, misshapen body. Why did you not yell out my name as I walked on by. Throwing yourself off the shelf to…
Twitter flash fiction project
I live in parallel universes. While I brush my teeth, I dance in Rio. While I do schoolwork, I have a tryst. While I drink a latté, I am murdered in my sleep. I recently caved to peer pressure and signed up for a Twitter account. I tried to think of some purpose for it…
Bucs first-round pick: Josh Freeman (I like it)
I’m no NFL draft geek, but I do follow along to a point. I at least watch the first round, and check in periodically after that. Which brings me to last weekends draft, particularly that of the hometown Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The franchise opted to select what it perceived as a franchise quarterback with the…
Gamma Testing video game podcast, episode 2: Resident Evil 5
The GammaTesting.com guys talk about how amazingly beautiful a war-torn African town filled with zombies can be when rendered by the Xbox 360. The zombies are kinda pretty, too, until you shoot them in the head with your pistol. But does shooting uncountable numbers of infected undead make you a racist, thanks to RE5's japanese…
Garam Masala rack of lamb with apricot brandy glaze
Most of my last weekend was spent in a medical conference. 15 hours in a hotel conference room listening to pharmacy laws, regulations, zzzzzzz. You get the drift. Cuisine was not a focus; I mustered up the enregy to try the turkey sandwich offered at lunch and the stale bread left me with a jaw that felt…
Haki Lee and Eddie Boza victorious in Sarasota MMA fight
Lee dominated his opponent Keith McCabe during the majority of the fight mainly through his superior conditioning and jiu jitsu skills. While McCabe started off with a noticeable height advantage that made it easy for him to land well-aimed kicks to Lee’s head and legs, Lee proved to have more endurance and a quicker sense…
Ultimate wedding crasher: why your mistress shouldn’t get an invite
Planning a wedding? Take a good look at your guest list, and be sure to uninvite anyone you cheated on your fiancée with. If you don’t, it could get ugly. The Sunday New York Post reported a Queens woman has filed a civil suit against a guest at her wedding for slander, emotional distress and…
Green wines: stand up to non-organic counterparts and great for wine newbies
Disclaimer: I am not a wine aficionado — I can be pretty picky, and I might have a bias against some styles. Don't completely take my word for it here — get out there, try your own organic wines, and find your new favorites! Being green doesn't mean you have to give up your vices.…
I-275 in Tampa shifts to new lanes, lower speed limit, traffic delays
From 10 Connects: Cars are now driving on a new section of Northbound I-275 that runs from Himes Avenue through Downtown Tampa. Eventually, the construction there will give drivers five lanes to choose from as they head into Downtown. The new stretch of road also smooths out some of the hills that take cars up…
The night James Brown saved Boston
Let's start with the obvious: James Brown was among the two or three most incendiary performers of the rock 'n' roll era. He presaged the likes of Michael Jackson, Prince and all the other brothers with soulful voices and slick dance moves who came after them. In the 1960s, Brown didn't cross over to a…
Do It Today: The Great Buck Howard, James Taylor and more.
Tampa Theatre continues its run of The Great Buck Howard (pictured below), a dramedy about an aspiring writer (played by Colin Hanks) who goes against his father's wishes and drops out of law school to search for some meaningful life experience. Enter new employer Buck Howard (John Malkovich), a once-famous mentalist who's in search of…
Cathy Harrelson – Contributor
Cathy is a St. Pete transplant from western New York and has worked in the financial services industry throughout her career. Her intro to Green started on Earth Day 1970, where she lobbied her small town to actually put trash cans on street corners to control litter. She’s been actively involved with the Suncoast Sierra…
Linda Saul-Sena – Contributor
Linda is an at-large member of Tampa City Council, serving her fifth four-year term. As an elected official, she is involved in urban planning, transportation, the arts, and protection of the environment and sustainability. Attending Tulane University created her interest in historic preservation. She serves on the Preservation Roundtable, Public Art Committee, Tourist Development Council,…
A love song for my anniversary and the California Supreme Court ‘s “Day of Decision”
On the morning of November 5th, 2008, the day after the historic election of Barack Obama as President of the United States, I was performing in a highschool in Palatka, Florida. The students, approximately 1/3 of whom in this particular district were African American, were palpably stoked. Many of them wore bootleg Obama t-shirts featuring images not just of the President…
Review: Chicago at the Mahaffey is a class act
When Fred Ebb penned the lyric “In fifty years or so, it’s gonna change, ya know” for the 1975 Kander & Ebb musical Chicago, the ironic intent was clear. Sung by a pair of beautiful murderesses famous for being famous, the message seemed to be: Sure, we’ve set this so-called “musical vaudeville” in the late…
Kama Sutra: the two-faced beast
Getting into position: This position is fundamentally the standard missionary with a twist (literally). The woman lies flat on her back with her legs open, ready to receive her lover, but instead of approaching her from the front the man lays down upon her, so that he is facing her feet (great for those with…
The Dolls are coming to St. Pete
This just in: New York Dolls Announce May US Tour Dates! Play the State Theatre on Tues., June 9 Legendary NYC proto-punk glam rockers the NEW YORK DOLLS announce the first dates of the US tour starting in May. The band that kick-started the NYC rock scene with their self-titled debut back in 1973 reunited…
Sex bites: this week’s sex and love news in review
This week's sex and love news in review, all wrapped up in a tight little package. No Miss Domanatrix, please don't crush me!: On Monday, the Supreme Court decided to rule whether or not depictions of cruelty to animals are protected by the First Amendment. A law back in 1999 made it illegal to sell…
What shade of green is your building?
Are you green? Words can mean different things to different people. The word "green" seems to be based upon a genuine concern for health; your health, the health of those around you (both near and far) and the health of the planet. This simple concept is a great foundation for your own embellishments if you…
She sent a stripper as a stand-in to her high school reunion
Comedy writer Andrea Walker didn't want to go to her high school reunion. So she sent a stripper instead — with hidden cameras and mics. See it on CNN before Andrea turns it into a screenplay deal.
Destression is the new black
Destression! I just heard that word used for the first time today and had to get it out there before it wound up like “octomom," “perfect storm” and “____is the new____”. Feel free to add it to your own vocabulary. Do it now before you’re one of those people who, like me, caught on too…
New Roman Times conquers New World
Austin-by-way-of-Orlando's New Roman Times were on their best game this past Saturday, April 18, at New World Brewery as they celebrated the release of their full-length, On The Sleeve, on New Granada Records. Frequently compared with indie greats like The Pixies, Versus and Sonic Youth, NRT successfully fuses quality songwriting with dance-worthy guitar-driven rock 'n'…
Dead Confederate at Crowbar tonight and other news.
One of my favorite Rock bands of the last coupla years, these Georgia sons are playing a coupla one-off headlining gigs after a run of dates opening for the almighty Dinosaur Jr. (and a co-headlining European tour w/ A Place To Bury Strangers directly before that)… and we were lucky enough to land one! I…
Ninebullets.net April podcast: Drive-By Truckers, Eileen Jewell and more
Okay, last month we stumbled, both technically and performance wise, through the debut podcast. Now come month two we’re pretty much about to drop the cream of Americana podcasts (from one of the best Americana blogs) on you, and our tech is prepped for the amount of awesome that you’re likely to find yourself listening…
American Stage’s Todd Olson vs. monologist Mike Daisey
Mike Daisey (right) has struck a nerve in regional theaters across the country with his monologue How Theater Failed America, now playing at Joe's Pub in Manhattan. Depending on your perspective, Failed is either: 1) a necessary corrective to an increasingly corporate theater system that fails to support individual artists; or 2) a self-centered diatribe…
Artsqueeze Weekend Roundup, Apr. 24-26
Ann-Marie Manker, Hummingbirds. myspace.com/cheddarbunny On Friday, [5]art presents the first in a series of exhibitions from contemporary art galleries around the country where the Tampa collective’s work will be shown later this year. Fever Fakers, featuring five artists from Young Blood Gallery in Atlanta, is particularly notable for its fine examples of figurative drawing and…
Sweet indulgence: Vanilla bean cupcakes with blackberry buttercream
Cupcakes have been hip and trendy on the food scene for quite some time now, and have taken over specialty bake shops which produce them in every flavor imaginable. From simple chocolate to lemon, coconut and red velvet, these indulgences are one of the biggest crowd pleasers you can bring to celebrate special occasions, or…
Review: Four Days of Dance, Hillsborough Community College
I attended the second day of HCC's Four Days of Dance. Some dances were performed by students and some by guest artists. I can only say that I was completely floored by the artistic accomplishment of this program. The Korean Fan Dance, choreographed by Jiae Paul and deftly performed by HCC students, was a visual…
Vegan beauty: No animals were harmed in the making of this lipstick
Common cosmetic ingredients such as cetyl alcohol (a wax derived from sperm whales) and carmine (a red pigment extracted from crushed insects) are found in your favorite crimson lipstick. So what cosmetics are out there for vegan vixens? Lots!
Impromptu Players’ Regrets Only: Local celebs take the stage for a good cause
It's going to be interesting to see how a TV host, an attorney, the founder of one of the area's largest social networking sites and a USF professor pull off Regrets Only, Paul Rudnick's comedy about Manhattan trendsetters and gay marriage. People who (for the most part) don’t usually act are going out on a…
Grilled Chicken, Mango and Mint Salad with Caper Viniagrette
As a kid I never liked salads. Do all kids feel that way? I think they do. I recall wondering what they contributed to my meal at a restaurant other than something to do while waiting for my steak and subsequent dessert. And even at the nicest restaurants, they consisted of iceberg lettuce, 2 or…
Want to pay $35 million to help T. Rowe Price destroy our wetlands in the middle of a drought?
Want to pay $35 million to help T. Rowe Price destroy our wetlands in the middle of a drought? Sounds like a deal that's too good to be true right? Well I guess if you are T. Rowe Price it's a good deal. It is yet another pre-emptive bailout for another corporation poised to do something…
Do It This Weekend: Green festivals, Bluelucy, Derby Darlins
FRIDAY Fever Fakers. Opening night for an exhibition of five artists from Young Blood Gallery in Atlanta — notable, says CL art critic Megan Voeller, for fine examples of figurative drawing and painting. April 24-May 22, with opening reception 7-10 p.m. Fri., April 24 at [5]art, #210, West Tampa Center for the Arts, Tampa, 813-340-9056,…
Beach Goes Pops: April 24 & 25
We have a lot of outdoor events in Tampa Bay. Some come and go, some fizzle out after a few good years and some never really get started. But Beach Goes Pops, held at Pass-A-Grille Beach (at 9th Avenue and Gulf Way) is enjoying its 19th year with two days of outdoor concerts, art and…
Gamer widow? not on my watch
It's late when The Puppy, my live-in boyfriend, gets home. I haven’t seen him since I kissed him good-bye at 8:30 this morning. He takes off his shoes and gives me a kiss. If I’ve eaten already, I tell him where dinner is and ask him to put away the leftovers. After dinner, he hops…
Free Shit: 360 vodka
Just in time for Earth Day, one of the most eco friendly vodka's out there, 360 Vodka, can be be yours for free (after a mail in rebate). Here is the deal after the jump…
New Band to Check Out: Ume “The Conductor”
Ume (pronounced ooo-may) is a My Bloody Valentine/Sonic Youth-influenced rockin' three-piece from Austin, Texas that is one of the more exciting bands I have heard in a while. Critics from all over are drooling over the beautifully brutal songs delivered by easy-on-the-eyes frontwoman Lauren Larson. Check it out:
Michèle Young – Contributor
Michèle Young is enthusiastic about inspiring authentic, sustainable relationships, with oneself, in the community and with the Planet. She is part of a web of facilitators fostering conversations that encourage hope, leading, to transformative action around the green economy. Current focus includes multi-dimensional health, integrative healing options, restorative justice, eco-preneurship and living on purpose. Degrees…
Must-Sees this weekend update: Adrianne, The John Henrys, Gliss and more
Friday, April 24 Bay Area Beat presents Adrianne w/Francilla Two stylistically contrasting artists take to the acoustically impeccable Pro Star Sound Stage. Adrianne (pictured), who claims Atlanta and Los Angeles as bases, is a singer/songwriter who favors cozy melodies and spacey arrangements often built around acoustic guitar. Francilla — Tampa by way of the Virgin…
Beer and Food Pairing: The Table Restaurant in St. Petersburg
A fancy dinner deserves the company of a high quality beer; at The Table Restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg, you can get both. Just like wine pairings, certain foods go better with certain beers. So, cast aside the domestic lagers and get hip to the ways of intermingling The Table's impressive food and beer menus.…
CL Sound Bites: NIN/JA tour, Moz, Mode, The Cure, and more
Ticketholders for the Nine Inch Nails/Jane's Addiction tour (May 9 at Ford Amp), cross your fingers that Jane's makes it that far. They've been fighting again. Perry Farrell isn't concerned though. "I'm not going to tell you it's been all smooches and hugs. But it shouldn't be because that would be a bore … As…
Spirits Review: The indispensable Campari (includes recipes for the two best Campari cocktails)
Let's face it: Italy doesn't have much of a cocktail culture. In La Dolce Vita, when Marcello hits up a burlesque show with his father, the drinks of choice are champagne and whiskey. No homegrown spirits need apply. But the Italians have made at least one invaluable contribution to the spirits world: Campari, a shockingly…
Seven Tampa Bay MMA fighters to rumble this Saturday in Sarasota
By Astrid Bidanec If you are a hard-core mixed martial arts (MMA) fan and you enjoy watching the blood spill live, then you should not miss the action at Robarts Arena in Sarasota this Saturday at 7 p.m. Among the 20 professional MMA fighters brawling for fame and cash will be two of Tampa's finest:…
Concert Review: Fleetwood Mac at St. Pete Times Forum
A little more than halfway through their set at the St. Pete Times Forum last night, Fleetwood Mac played “Say You Love Me.” A Christine McVie song. She is the only member of the re-assembled (yet again) Fleetwood Mac who opted out — she departed, apparently for good, in 1998 — and to these ears…
SunChips touts the world’s first compostable chip bag
SunChips has announced that that by Earth Day 2010, they plan to introduce the world's first fully compostable chip bag. According to their website, these inventive bags will will be designed to fully decompose in about 14 weeks time when placed in a hot, active compost bin. Currently, 33% of every 10 1/2 oz. bag…
Fox’s Shepard Smith: “We do not fucking torture!”
(This item originally appeared on CL's news and politics blog, The Political Whore.) Anchor Shepard Smith, Fox News' lone quasi-sane newsperson melted down on the air last night during a discussion of torture and the government's role in authorizing it. Shep's T-shirt worthy quote: "We are America! I don't give a rats ass if it…
Coachella 2009: Cohen and McCartney? Yes. M.I.A.? Not so much
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival observed its 10th birthday earlier this month. The 3-day weekend event, held in the Palm Springs desert each spring, is generally considered (along with Bonnaroo in suburban Nashville) the preeminent music festival in the country. The festival’s domain has been indie and dance music, but in recent years…
Denise Richards’ “Funbags”
Disturbing. Denise Richards' Funbags from Denise Richards
Close the Ringling? Are they kidding?
Lennie Bennett in the St. Pete Times today reports that the trustees of FSU are "floating" the idea of closing the Ringling Museum complex in Sarasota as a way of dealing with the huge budget cuts called for by the state. There's the possibility that this is all a ploy to show off just how…
Godfather 2: I am in fact the boss of you
I think everyone can agree that the best thing about being a mob boss is that you get to boss people around. It's right there in the title, “mob boss.” Because you're feared and/or respected, tough guys do what you say, even if that means blowing up some building, shaking down some store owner, or…
Cigarette butts: toxic litter
Smoking is a habit I don't agree with, but one I'm willing to tolerate. I silently suck up second hand smoke for the sake of politeness, and place fondness of the company over my own good health. Litter in general, is something I abhor, but cigarette butts are the worst form of it. I always…
Hewlett-Packard offers you green to go green
Hewlett Packard is joining the green race even a step further by offering hard earned cash for all of your old computer products including monitors, keyboards, and even printers and smartphones. To entice consumers even further, they offer a buyback quote directly on their website to see how much green you will actually get back…
Do It Today: This American Life, Don Rickles and Eco.Lution
This American Life — Live! Four Tampa movie theaters host a hi-def simulcast of this two-hour stage adaptation of the hit Chicago Public Radio show, broadcast live from NYU’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts. Ira Glass, along with several of his This American Life co-contributors (Starlee Kine, Mike Birbiglia, David Rakoff, Dave Hill and…
Concert Review: The Show Is The Rainbow and Beep Beep at New World Brewery
Don't give stoners an excuse to stay home, they'll take you up on it just about every time. Exams approaching, play-off basketball, a sluggish economy and, well, it was Monday night on 4/20 after all. Those who ventured out to New World Brewery Monday night were treated to the awesomeness that is The Show Is…
Date correction: Jeff Black at the Studio@620
We published that underground Nashville-based roots rockin’ multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter Jeff Black was to play the Studio@620 Thursday, April 23; he's actually playing the show on Sunday, April 26. Black, who's recorded with Iris Dement and Jeff Tweedy, and counts among his fans Sam Bush (who played on Black’s ’05 album) and Waylon Jennings (who covered…
Wayne Davis – Contributor
Wayne is a native ”burger” who was initiated into the sustainability subculture in 1975 when he consumed “Other Homes and Garbage” – Designs for self-sufficient living. He is licensed as an architect in CA and FL w/ NCARB certification, is a member of the Florida Green Building Coalition and holds a FL contractors license. His…
Paul Messerschmidt – Contributor
Paul brought his twenty years of policy-shaping and engineering skills developed in New England to Tampa Bay nearly eight years ago, where he now hopes to advance the conversation and contribute to the technological innovations which will shape a post-carbon economy. While in Boston, Paul was a consultant to the Grand Council of the Cree…
Milton Friedman was greedy on the tennis court, too
Most of us at a certain age have good friends with whom, as the decades roll by, we've split politically. One of my best high school chums — a teammate in football, basketball and baseball, not to mention general teen-aged carousing — keeps in touch with us by sending right-wing articles from The Wall Street…
Kama Sutra: the orisson
Position: The Orisson The position involves constructing a suspension harness with ropes and pulleys. This allows the male to bounce the female up and down atop him with minimal effort. On a scale of 1 to 10 how would you rate the position (1 as horrible, 10 as sexual nirvana)? At long last we finally…
Timeless Advice to Musicians from Thelonius Monk
My buddy Wes Price from Polysound Studios sold me on the fact that this handwritten note was created by Jazz God Thelonius Monk in 1960 as an advice sheet for his new drummer. I think that most of the advice here is valid for anyone in the music business. This is a great companion piece…
Nosh Pit Episode 13: Zack and Jen Gross of Z Grille and Zurritos
This week — with Taylor cruising around China — Brian invites a few guests to the CL studio: Zack, Jen and Zen Gross, owners of Zurritos and Z Grille. We talk about his rise through the culinary ranks, his uncompromising personality and how damn cute their little daughter Zen is. Listen up.
Ian Finn – Contributor
Ian Finn is a cookbook author and food maniac. Eating since the age of 1, he began cooking shortly thereafter, when he threw all of his mom's baking ingredients into the mixing bowl at once when she turned her head (the cake came out great, reportedly). As a 20-something, he engineered the menu at Gainesville's…
Go Green Items: recycled, eco-friendly wear and more
Being tired of all the down economy talk, I have decided to really go full steam with Go Green Items: eco friendly clothing, recycled handbags, recycled jewelry, green home environmental products including natural organic products, solar powered gadgets and much more. We are starting to get alot of notoriety in the Tampa Bay area. On March 21st,…
Celebrate Earth Day with organic beer
This Earth Day, express your support of green farming and healthy living by drinking organic brews. There's a decent size selection available locally, all of which have been produced without preservatives, and when cultivating the grain and hops, natural techniques are applied to encourage growth, rather than chemical fertilizers or pesticides. I'll start with one…
This week on DVD: Frost/Nixon, X-Men
Last year's critical darlings continue their march to DVD and Blu-ray with Frost/Nixon leading the April 21 slate of releases. Ron Howard directed this excellent adaptation of Peter Morgan's Tony award-winning play recounting the historic television interviews of disgraced former president Richard Nixon by British TV gadfly David Frost. Though Howard does his usual, slick…
Labauvie receives Gottlieb grant
Dominique Labauvie, Firecloud, 2009, Steel, 21 X 21 X 5 in. Courtesy Blue Acier. Bleu Acier announced last night that French sculptor Dominique Labauvie has received a Gottlieb Foundation grant for 2009. Labauvie, who lives in Tampa, will be featured in an exhibit at the gallery opening May 23. Megan Voeller is Creative Loafing’s visual…
Do It Today: Trashy Fashion, free shakes and a filmfest special
Happy Earth Day to you, Happy Earth Day to you…. The ED celebrations have been going on for a while now and will continue for many days hence, but listed below are some of the events scheduled for today's observance (plus some of today's non-green-themed happenings). For more coverage of green events, visit CL's new…
It’s Our Nature, Earth Day reflection
It's Our Nature- A Reflection It's Our Nature® will celebrate its 13th year in business on Earth Day, April 22, 2009. My vision has been to promote products and experiences that connect our well being with the health of the earth. It's Our Nature officially began on Earth Day 1996 as I guided a group…
Urban Oasis Hydroponic Farm: amazing produce and lessons about sustainability
The first time I visited Urban Oasis Hydroponic Farm was about a month ago, right at the tail end of a tiring and grueling semester at culinary school. The class load had been light, but the "real life" load hadn't. The air was warm and already feeling like the first hints of summer. In Florida,…
Bravo to Pizzaiolo Bavaro restaurant in downtown Tampa
Old country pies in the new downtown Tampa dining scene.
The emergence of St. Petersburg mayor candidate Deveron Gibbons
Deveron Gibbons is a smooth talker. I write this at the risk of appearing to stereotype. Gibbons is an African-American, and there is a horrible political caricature of the slick black candidate that comes to mind for some. But Gibbons is engaging as hell, as he proved during the first major candidate forum for the…
CD Review: Prince, Lotusflow3r
PrinceLotusflow3r (NPG) The good news is that Lotusflow3r is the best Prince album since 2004’s Musicology. It’s his most guitar- and rock-oriented in years — perhaps ever — and includes a few songs that deserve consideration for the upper echelon of the Prince canon. The not-so-good news is that Lotusflow3r is inconsistent and acts as…
Frost/Nixon
Ron Howard directed this excellent adaptation of Peter Morgan's Tony award-winning play recounting the historic television interviews of disgraced former president Richard Nixon by British TV gadfly David Frost. Though Howard does his usual, slick job with the film, it's the acting that's Frost/Nixon's ultimate draw. Frank Langella dominates the film, big and grand as…
Does beet sugar contain a WWII poison?
I recently heard a rumor that sugar processed from beets contains traces of a poison used as a combat weapon in World War II. Is this true? What's the difference between beet sugar and cane sugar, anyway? —tomlobur A good rumor, which this is, is like an Indiana Jones movie. There's a grain of truth…
Beer and Food Pairing: The Table Restaurant in St. Petersburg
A fancy dinner deserves the company of a high quality beer; at The Table Restaurant (539 Central Avenue, St Petersburg, 727-823-6372) in downtown St. Petersburg, you can get both. Just like wine pairings, certain foods go better with certain beers. So, cast aside the domestic lagers — or even the tasty mojitos — and get…
Green wines: stand up to non-organic counterparts and great for wine newbies
Disclaimer: I am not a wine aficionado — I can be pretty picky, and I might have a bias against some styles. Don’t completely take my word for it here — get out there, try your own organic wines, and find your new favorites! Being green doesn’t mean you have to give up your vices.…
Bay area resident Michael O. Smith is a major acting talent
One of the best actors in the Southeast is living quietly in north Tampa, seemingly ignored by area theaters. And that's more than a shame. I first saw Michael O. Smith on stage nine years ago, in American Stage's Proposals, and I happily praised the great skill with which he portrayed an abandoned husband whose…
Pigging out: Why greed is notso good
Why greed is not good.
Celebrate Earth Day with organic beer
This Earth Day, express your support of green farming and healthy living by drinking organic brews. There’s a decent size selection available locally, all of which have been produced without preservatives, and when cultivating the grain and hops, natural techniques are applied to encourage growth, rather than chemical fertilizers or pesticides. I’ll start with one…
Bittersweet movieSugar tracks the odyssey of a Dominican ballplayer
Sugar tracks the odyssey of a Dominican ballplayer.
Savage Love: I want to secretly videotape my hot girl roomate and her boyfriend
Resist urge to secretly film hot roommate
Corkscrew: The best white wines for Spring
The older I get, the more I realize the details of life matter most. Not the car I drive — although my Mini Cooper is so freakin' cute it's sinful — or the life- and time-saving gadgets that organize my scattered brain. What matters is appreciating the gushing sweetness of the season's first strawberry, the…
Ray LaMontagne: portrait of a private musician and artist
He's been called introverted, intensely private, interview-shy, even reclusive, yet here is singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne talking to me by phone from a Cleveland hotel room. I'm asking questions, he's answering. With pauses. He speaks just above a whisper, a sort of gentle murmur that belies the raspy bite in his singing voice. LaMontagne attributes much…
REAX Space & Arts On Ninth spark arts center revival in Ybor City
The historic district makes yet another arts revival.
The Informers movie rates slightly greater than zero
Following Watchmen and Adventureland, this year's cinematic fit of 1980s nostalgia continues with The Informers, a film based on the Bret Easton Ellis story collection of the same name. Though published in 1994, The Informers' stories take place in the era benumbed by Ronald Reagan, MTV, Ray-Bans and Bolivian marching powder, and hark back to…
Unqualified fuck-buddy applicants
I had a busy weekend. Three fuck-buddy applicants and not a single one qualified for the position. Friday night I started out texting applicant 1. "What are you doing later?" "Staying home. Do you want to fuck tonight and then 2 times a week?" At first I wasn't sure if I was turned on or…
Unqualified fuck-buddy applicants
I had a busy weekend. Three fuck-buddy applicants and not a single one qualified for the position. Friday night I started out texting applicant 1. "What are you doing later?" "Staying home. Do you want to fuck tonight and then 2 times a week?" At first I wasn't sure if I was turned on or…
USF MFA art sale
Oil painting by Kimberly Adams The University of South Florida's MFA grads are having an End of the Semester Studio Sale in anticipation of summer vacation. Snag affordable art by up-and-coming artists. Facebook users, click here to find out more and peruse pics. Wed., Apr. 29, 2-5 p.m. FAS Grad Studios (Located in the small…
Video premiere: Crystal Method’s “Drown in the Now”
Crystal Method's quality of electronica has been hit-or-miss at best since their 1997 debut, Vegas. "Drown in the Now," the new single from the electro duo's forthcoming album, Divided by Light (due out May 12), features Matisyahu doing his trademark spooky chanting and rapping. I have a hard time liking the dude, but the video…
Bern’s Winefest No.12 – Grand Tasting recap from Cheap Bastard
Typically, as Cheap Bastard, this would not be an event that I would attend since it is priced well outside my comfort zone. However, in true Cheap Bastard style, I scored a free ticket and the game was on. I am no stranger to the juice. I love it so much, it is the one…
Green 100: Vote to decide the Final Five
We chose the first 95. You placed your nominations for the Final Five. THE POLLS ARE NOW CLOSED. Congratulations to our final five: Grant Rimbey, Temple Terrace architect/activist Bill & Sharon Ezzo, Earth’s Best Natural Pest Management AquaFree (earth-friendly car care) Kurt Zuelsdorf, Kayak Nature Adventures Jason Green, St. Petersburg College Sustainability Coordinator We invite…
Food Contributors
Brian Ries – Food Editor Before CL, Brian managed several restaurants, received an advance diploma from the Court of Master Sommeliers, and sold wine to the finest restaurants and retail stores across Florida and New England. Now, he spends his time eating and drinking for you. When Brian got out of the restaurant business, every…
