CD review: Kaki King, Junior
Sometimes artists try too hard to revolutionize themselves, and as a result, the changes they make sound forced. Though some of her new material is familiarly expressive – that enigmatic and mesmerizingly shapeable mass of notes – such is the case with Kaki King’s fifth full-length album, Junior (Rounder). King’s guitar skills are unmatched. After listening to 30…
On the Radar: comedian Louie Anderson at the Hard Rock
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. Let’s be honest: It’s been quite a while since Louie Anderson has been on the pop culture radar. After bursting onto the national scene in the mid-’80s, the portly comedian from Minnesota sustained his popularity with appearances on the late-night…
Do It This Weekend: Mother’s Day 2010 events, 600 Block Party, Hyde Park Chalk Walk, Animated Wonderland at the Studio, Samarpana Indian dance showcase and more
The 600 block of Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg was recently dubbed the city’s new arts district. Between redevelopment and revivals, a collection of more than 30 new businesses – including art and design studios, music outlets, film studios, galleries, boutiques, and a public journalism organization – have opened up … and business is…
Do It Today: Dali’s sur-really freaky film, Un Chien Andalou, plus a Bachelor Auction and Summer with Style
If your tastes are more avant-garde than apple pie, check out next week's installations in the Dali and Beyond Film Series: Sharing Salvador, Le Pink Grapefruit and Dalí and Buñuel's Un Chien Andalou — the surreally freaktastic montage of shocking images like a close-up of a woman's eye being sliced by a razor (pictured), rotting…
On the Radar: Helen Hill’s Animated Wonderland and GIFF’s Global Lens Film Series
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming arts events to mark your calendars for. You may not have heard of DIY filmmaker Helen Hill, but you can get to know her a little better this Sunday when The Studio@620 screens Animated Wonderland, a retrospective of 10 shorts, in honor of her mission to…
Dreaming of a sinking cruise ship
“Dear Dream Momma, I am always on a cruise ship, and the cruise ship is ALWAYS sinking. Sometimes I'm below deck. Sometimes I'm at the buffet line on the Lido deck. Either way, the water rushes in….This happens three of four times a month.” (sic) Hmmm. What could a cruise ship symbolize? Certainly leisure, adventure, romance, glamor,…
Would a LEED certified Rays stadium appease environmentalists and new stadium supporters?
Many ponder the ins and outs of how to get a new stadium for the Tampa Bay Rays. What is your take on it? Are you a fan? Not interested in the new taxes it may bring? Or do you cringe at the idea of dredging and filling the bay? I will confess that I…
Iron Man 2 who’s who: Separating Whiplash from Black Widow
When launching the first Iron Man movie, Marvel Studios instantly took stark in Robert Downey, Jr by signing the actor for multiple films, and Gwyneth Paltrow peppered up the screen as his assistant and love interest. Moviegoers saw what comic fans had seen for years: quality characters, intriguing storylines and great stems. (There, Gwyneth. I said…
On the Radar: Samarpana combines Indian and western styles to showcase the evolution of dance
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Indian dance? (And, no, I'm not talking about feathered headdresses and rain sticks.) You probably think of flashy Bollywood films, but there's so much more to Indian dance…
Florida DEP Secretary Sole on oil spill: tar balls may affect Southeast part of the state
Florida's Department of Environment Protection Secretary, Mike Sole, hosted a conference call this afternoon where he briefed members of the Florida legislature on the latest developments of the giant oil spill that is slowly making its way towards the coast of the Sunshine State. When asked by House Representative Adam Hasner about the concerns that…
Restaurant Review: Cassis American Brasserie in St. Petersburg
Cassis American Brasserie 3.5 stars 170 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, 727-827-2927 or cassisab.com You could almost hear the collective “oooohhh” in downtown St. Petersburg when Cassis held an open house about a month ago, shortly before opening to the public. Reporters and locals marveled at the design of the place, chefs gaped at the…
CD review: The New Pornographers, Together
The music made by A.C. Newman and his cadre of notable friends — including beloved songstress Neko Case and Destroyer's Dan Bejar — under the New Pornographers moniker has always been an intriguing mix of the stately and the quirky. Familiar elements of chamber pop, '60s girl-group hits and even psychedelia and prog-rock are examined,…
Cookbook review: Edible, A Celebration of Local Foods, with a recipe
America is going through a food renaissance. We want to know the source of our food and the way it is made. It isn’t good enough that it just “looks” pretty; it needs to have flavor and preferably a story behind it. With perfect timing, Tracy Ryder and Carole Topalian brought out the first of…
Photo review: Q105 Fun ‘n Sun Toyota Rocks the Park Concert with Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult and Eddie Money
Some shots from this past Saturday's Fun ' n Sun Concert in Clearwater featuring sets by Foghat, Blue Oyster Cult* and Eddie Money. * Unfortunately, I was interviewing Foghat during Blue Oyster Cult's set and was unable to get any pics of the band. Check out more pics after the jump—-!
2010 Summer Movie Preview — Part One, featuring: Robin Hood, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse, Shrek Forever After, The A-Team, Iron Man 2 and many more (with lots of video trailers)
[Editor's Note: For reviews of all the summer's biggest blockbusters, be sure to visit the Daily Loaf Movie Reviews Index.] I know it’s not standard for movie critics to profess their love of the summer movie season — roughly the period from May 1 to August 31 in which Hollywood showcases its biggest, most audacious…
The Transition Movement and growing a Transition Town in Tampa Bay
The Perfect Storm We live in a turbulent time. Peak oil, climate change and an economic crises seem to be looming on the horizon. Some would say we already live in their shadows. Individually they are grim, together they create a “perfect storm”. These issues continue to recur, while most of our political and economic…
Tampa names new fire chief
This morning Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio announced that Thomas Forward, 50, currently the assistant chief of administration and a member of the Tampa Fire Department since 1983, will become the next fire chief in Tampa, replacing Dennis Jones. City officials say that Forward has held a number of positions within the department over his 17…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events: Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day edition
Tuesday, May 4: Shula's Steak House B.R. Cohn Wine Dinner. Senior VP Dan Cohn hosts tonight's four-course paired meal, which includes: Lobster Twice, with lobster tail tempura with sweet chili garlic sauce and a poached lobster medallion with mango and parsley crème fraiche paired with B.R. Cohn Chardonnay, Sonoma County; maple smoked duck breast salad …
The libertine’s guide to gallantry: cougar hunting
Bagging a cougar isn’t nearly as difficult or as dangerous as it seems. The term cougar is a misnomer. In the wild, cougars are lethal predators who hunt alone. In contrast, human cougars are the female equivalent to 18-year-old boys: they congregate in small, sexually frustrated groups, lusting after attractive partners that they're not quite…
Tampa Bay agencies publish pro-drilling message touting safety of offshore drilling
The current issue of Bay Soundings, "Tampa Bay’s Science and Nature News Journal,” includes a full-page message promoting oil drilling off Florida’s coasts and touting the safety(!) of offshore drilling. The previous issue also presented a missive supporting drilling done in a "safe and environmentally sound manner" within three miles of Florida's coast. The Soundings…
Restaurant News: Bruegger’s Bagels opens in Tampa
Tampa's bagel scene has been pretty lackluster since the glory days of the 1980s — besides the doughy buns of Einstein's, at least — but maybe another chain can change things a bit: A Bruegger's Bakery-Cafe (501 E. Kennedy Blvd., 813-402-2989 or brueggers.com) franchise has opened in the M&I Bank building on Kennedy. Word has it…
Kendrick Meek speaks out, Ginny Brown-Waite explains her rationale, and more on the ominous oil spill: Mitch Perry Report 5.4.10
There continues to be no bigger story in the country and in Florida than the slowly spreading oil slick from a blown out drilling rig that erupted two weeks ago off of Louisiana's coast. We wrote several different posts about it yesterday. One was after a conference call where one USF College of Marine Science…
Kendrick Meek on still being relatively unknown and “too liberal” & Jeff Greene- and Greene’s campaign responds
This morning in Bradenton, former Florida First Lady Rhea Chiles and her sons Bud and Ed will endorse Kendrick Meek for U.S. Senate. Lawton Chiles of course served as governor in Florida from 1994-1998, and three terms in the U.S. Senate before that. His son Bud has been rumored to have political ambitions but so…
Album review: The Flaming Lips do Dark Side of the Moon (with video!)
Re-imagining a sacred cow of rock albums is not only a demanding endeavor, but a tricky one. How do you put your own distinctive stamp on a work so relentlessly and universally familiar, one beloved by millions in its original state and still relevant more than three decades later? If the album happens to be…
Ginny Brown-Waite responds to critics of her last hour announcement that she will not run for re-election
Brooksville area GOP Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite has responded to the criticism that has rained down on her in the wake of her stunning last hour announcement Friday that she would not run for re-election in Florida's 5th Congressional District seat. Citing health concerns, Brown-Waite announced on the day all candidates must declare their candidacy that…
America’s first offshore wind farm approved
And the award for best producer of April, 2010’s weirdest news goes to Planet Earth. In his poem "The Waste Land", T.S. Eliot wrote, "April is the cruelest month." April 2010 saw ice on fire in Iceland as a volcano thrust Western Europe under a cloud of ashen spew, while sundry earthquakes and extreme weather…
Blaming the wrong dog: All that barking could be a message
No one likes a tattletale. Even so, I owe Jana, a golden retriever, an apology, so I am making a very public one in the hope of sparing other dogs the pain of being unfairly accused. In multi-dog households, I am sure that this happens often. Here’s the story. Deni and I had taken our dogs…
Cell phone hell: The battery cover that wouldn’t budge
I am not, by any definition, a technology geek. I can work with cars, appliances, carpentry and most bathroom cleaning supplies. My computer, on the other hand, only really gets used as a word processor/photo organizer/window to look at Facebook and YouTube. But phones always get me excited. I have no use for most of…
Concert review: Ben Harper and Relentless7 at The Ritz Ybor (with pics)
I hadn’t seen Ben Harper since just before he and the Innocent Criminals took off in 2003, when he was touring and making albums like Diamonds on the Inside. This past Saturday, Harper and his current band, Relentless7, kicked off the first day of May at the Ritz Ybor, rocking his fans and melting our…
It Happened This Week-ish: A Chelsea Handler sex tape, the end of The Office?, LiLo’s porn career, Bieber Fever, Sandra Bullock’s baby and more…
Robert Downey Jr. presents Gwyneth Paltrow, sporting what I like to call the mullet of lady-suits: Business on the top, beach blanket bingo on the bottom. (Photo on the left) Radar Online started off the week with a bang (heehee) and exposed a Chelsea Handler sex tape that may or may not be a freaky-deaky…
Do It Today: LOST is back, Sons of Bill and American Aquarium play Skipper’s Smokehouse
After a week's hiatus, the cruel, cruel folks at ABC give us another new episode of LOST this week — and with only four new episodes left in the final season, you can bet I'll be watching and re-watching my DVR'd episode in the hopes that I haven't wasted the last six years of my…
On the Radar: St. Pete’s 600 Block Party
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming arts events to mark your calendars for. The 600 block of Central Avenue in downtown St. Petersburg was recently dubbed the city’s new arts district. Between redevelopment and revivals, a collection of more than 30 new businesses – including art and design studios, music outlets, film…
Concert review: John Hiatt at Jannus Live (with pics)
While it wasn't quite a capacity crowd on Friday night, the audience of hard-core John Hiatt fans got their money's worth. Following a great opening set by songwriter Matthew Ryan, Hiatt took the stage and launched directly into "Perfectly Good Guitar". Switching between a Gibson J45 and blonde Fender Telecaster guitars, Hiatt rocked Jannus Live…
USF Marine Science Professor – chance oil spill will hit west coast of Florida “Very low”
Dr. Bob Weisberg from the University of South Florida College of Marine Sciences today called the oil spill that is spreading through the Gulf of Mexico "a scary scenario," and says that he is concerned about the spill moving into a loop current that could spread to the beaches in North Florida. But he said…
Florida lawmakers get vocal on oil spill catastrophe
As the gigantic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico moves inexorably towards Florida, the state's lawmakers are making a lot of noises. Today Senator Bill Nelson said he wants a probe of oil rig safety rules. In a letter written to Mary Kendall, the acting inspector general of the Interior Department, Nelson wrote: In…
Restaurant news: Laura Reiley taking a leave of absence from the St. Petersburg Times, two new restaurants, recipe contest
Peter Schorsch over at stpetersblog.com broke the news last week that Laura Reiley — restaurant critic at the St. Pete Times — might be taking a break from the paper for a year. Rumor confirmed! “My husband had such an opportunity,” said Reiley. “A book contract, a sabbatical year and a fellowship in the Netherlands.”…
Raven Reda and Project Runway’s Ben Chmura show their newest collections at Garment District 813
Well-dressed men, trendy women and a 100-foot runway in the middle of an industrial district… for a minute there, I forgot we were in Tampa. But then, there it was, the 90-degree heat and the 170 percent humidity, reminding us that this is Florida and as much as we may think the idea of a…
EPA launches Gulf oil spill website with up-to-date information
With the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico quickly becoming the worst oil disaster in the U.S. (set to surpass the Exxon Valdez spill), the EPA has set up a website providing breaking updates, photos and online resources for those living in the affected areas. Lisa Jackson, the EPA's administrator stated: "We are…
Party Pics: Red Square Saturdays at Orpheum (5-1-10)
The countdown is on! Next Saturday, May 8, DJs Rig and Noi will be celebrating eight years of Red Square Saturdays with the annual Red Party. The Party: Red Square Saturdays at Orpheum. Next week wear RED! The Music: Rig and Noi definitely caught my attention when they played "Walking On A Dream" by Empire…
Congress looks at education value of SeaWorld and other parks after February tragedy
Last month CL published a story about animal welfare, and specifically on the moral debate about keeping animals in captivity in places like SeaWorld, after the tragic killing of trainer Dawn Brancheau by an orca named Tilkium at SeaWorld in February. Our article alluded to the fact that in order for parks like SeaWorld and…
Charlie Crist’s website can’t keep up with his (changing) positions
The liberal media watchdog group Media Matters is calling attention to Charlie Crist's conversion over the past week to being dead set against possibilities of renewed offshore drilling, in the wake of the the massive oil spill spreading across the Gulf Coast. The governor changed his position (which a few years ago was anti-drilling) last…
Crist and Rubio back at it on Sunday morning; Kendrick Meek wants Crist to veto controversial abortion bill and the Tampa Bay Rays poor attendance numbers becoming a story nationally:Mitch Perry Report 5.3.10
Over the weekend we spoke with Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful Kendrick Meek. He believes Governor Crist should veto that abortion bill that was only debated on very late last week before the legislative session ended; Meek's Republican and now independent opponents for that Senate seat, Marco Rubio and Charlie Crist, made the rounds of some…
Rays lack of attendance becoming national story
As the Tampa Bay Rays last month were going about putting together the best record in Major League Baseball, they were continuing to attract paltry crowds to lonely Tropicana Field, a development that brought forth front page stories in both local dailies last week. Now that story is going national. Yesterday in the New York…
Addicted to oil: The high costs of drilling
For the past several weeks I've been working on finishing up the last weeks of my semester at St. Petersburg college. In my Biology 2 class we were studying Wall Springs park and taking trips at Clearwater Marina. The number one thing we learned that causes loss of biodiversity is habitat destruction. We learned how…
Neighborhood eats: Gulfport
Gulfport is St. Pete's well-known hidden gem, a tiny insular community overlooking sheltered waters and the historic Gulfport Casino building. Dress is distinctly linen and flip-flops along the few blocks of Gulfport's core, but the concentrated and diverse restaurants promise more than your usual casual fare. Here's a list of CL's Gulfport dining recommendations. BACKFIN…
Theater Review: Don’t miss American Stage in the Park’s brilliant production of Hair
One of the many virtues of the wonderful production of Hair currently playing at Demens Landing is its reminder that the youth movement of the late 1960s stood for a genuine revolution in American values. Watching the passionate, perfectly rendered hippies sing and dance in this superb Park musical, you’re delighted to remember — if…
Concert review: My Morning Jacket at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre (with setlist)
For me, live shows are characterized by a symbiotic relationship; the atmosphere of a venue combined with the overall crowd energy and performance of the headlining band inform the overall experience. When you're going to see a favorite artist, these feelings are always intensified, especially when a road trip is involved, making it more of…
Do It Today: Complicating art collision at Centre Gallery and Donnybrook’s HxC punk at SPoT
Everyone can identify with work invading their home life, but for an artist, work can literally take over domestic spaces. USF alumna artist Tuong Anh Kim Millspaugh addresses the collision of art and home in Complicating (pictured), her collection of soft sculptures, photographs and paintings. On display through May 7, Centre Gallery, Marshall Center, University…
On the Radar: Mother’s Day 2010 events, from tea parties to rose gardens
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. I guess it’s only right that we celebrate the women who gave us breath (and bail money), and if your mom is into marine life, the orchestra, tea, hats and roses (sorry, biker moms), then there’s something for you to…
Sizing up: what it takes to get into my pants
While swingers seem to have an endless supply of easy access sex partners, sometimes a room full of people seems more like a job than a good time. Swinger clubs are fun places. The social aspect is far superior to any vanilla club. Since the purpose of going to a swing club is to meet…
Photo review: Uncle Kracker with Rehab at State Theatre
Some shots of Michigan Top 40 hip hop-rocker Uncle Kracker at State Theatre this past Wednesday night, with Atlanta's Rehab providing support. Uncle Kracker Check out photo galleries featuring more Uncle Kracker pics as well as pics of Rehab.
The Green Community week in review: Gulf oil spill, pesticide toxins on your food, green jobs in Florida and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week: On the Radar: Sweetwater Organic Farm's Pesto Festo and Sea Grapes Wine and Food Festival at the Florida Aquarium See The Cove screening with star Richard O' Barry at Muvico BayWalk – See the…
Crist and Rubio do Sunday talk – Meek still an afterthought
Three days after Charlie Crist shook up the political world by declaring his independent candidacy for governor, the Florida Senate race was featured on three of the big five Sunday political affairs programs. But in keeping with how the race has been covered for the most part so far, both locally and nationally, the Republican…
Castor seeks over $147 million in earmarks; Meek over $255 million
By Mitch Perry and Carla Alonso Tampa area Democrat Kathy Castor has requested more than $147 million for projects in next year's federal budget, including $12.8 million for the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, $15 million for Hillsborough County to stabilize Egmont Key from further degradation, and $15 million to the Manatee…
Meek calls on Crist to veto measure that would require women seeking abortion to pay for an ultrasound
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Kendrick Meek this afternoon criticized the Florida Legislature's passage Friday of a bill that would require women seeking an abortion to pay for an ultrasound and hear a doctor give a description of the fetus. The bill also includes a prohibition against the use of state or federal dollars for abortions.…
CL’s new landlord? Church of Scientology in negotiations to buy Ybor Square, increase Tampa presence
Last week, as Creative Loafing was preparing to move from temporary quarters to permanent office space in Ybor Square (right), we heard the rumors: The historic former cigar factory, built in 1886 by Vicente Martinez Ybor, was up for sale — and the prospective buyer was The Church of Scientology. Whoa. We looked into it.…
Your word is your bond
It's been said that an honest politician is an oxymoron, and it's never been more apparent than now. With Charlie Crist announcing his decision to run as an independent, it seems We the People don't know who to trust. Charlie, of course, had previously denied the rumors that he would leave the GOP. He recently…
Make your voice heard for clean energy legislation and get a free Bonnaroo compilation
Yes, you read correctly. Write to the powers-that-be and earn a free download of the “Best of Bonnaroo” compilation. HeadCount and the NRDC Action Fund teamed up with Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, Phish, Jack Johnson and many other top artists to bring you the free download. The issue: Clean Energy NOW! Send your concerns…
On the Radar: Urban Elements hip-hop extravaganza
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming arts events to mark your calendars for. NYC, Detroit … St. Pete? So our sweet hipster haven might not be on the national hip-hop map, but the bboys, DJs and graf artists at Saturday's Urban Elements are blazing their own path next Saturday. They're dropping the…
What do Charlie Crist, Mike Tyson, and Heidi Fleiss have in common?
It must be a Florida election By Chris Ingram This week’s big political news story was of course Florida Governor Charlie “the Tan Man” Crist ditching the G.O.P. in favor of an independent run for the U.S. Senate. Sir Charles will be listed on the ballot with no party affiliation after two decades in office…
Concert review: Ha Ha Tonka and Murder by Death at Orpheum (with pics)
I pretty much operate under the impression that none of you read a single thing I post and judging from the response I've gotten so far, I think I've been proven correct. That said, if anyone does actually read what I post, you're probably about to start seeing a trend when I say I went…
Kama Sutra: namaste’s delight
The flexibility and balance that Yoga offers can be utilized in many Kama Sutra positions. Namaste's Delight begins with the woman on her back and the man standing above her head. The woman then takes her legs and swings them over her head until her knees are resting on the floor alongside her ears. She…
Rabid Movie Review: A Nightmare on Elm Street remake, starring Jackie Earle Haley (with trailer video)
Remake, reboot, redo, recombobulate. This unfortunate jargon is all the rage in the movie industry’s lexicon. Why create something new when you can simply take a tried and true hit from the past and resell it in a new package? As such, demented murderer Freddy Krueger is back for another Nightmare On Elm Street —…
3 Guys & a couple of Florida filmmakers: An interview with the makers of Slimed
[Editor's Note: The 3 Guys have a full review of Slimed available, including an exciting drink recipe. Check it out.] It’s not easy being an independent filmmaker, especially with the economy in the dumps and the state of Florida not willing to cooperate. That’s why when the 3 guys watched Slimed for our Holy Fail…
Hair and mushrooms: The perfect recipe for an oil spill cleanup
In November 2007, a cargo ship named Cosco-Busan accidentally hit the San Francisco Bay Bridge and spilled 58,000 gallons of oil, which then washed up onto the San Francisco beaches. In stepped Lisa Gautier and her nonprofit organization, Matter of Trust, with the solution to cleaning up the oily blobs on their beaches: hair and…
UPDATE: The Flaming Lips’ Steve Drozd hospitalized, Jannus Live date re-scheduled
I was cruising the Flaming Lips site to find out who would be supporting the band on their Florida stops, when I found this very disturbing message: Steven Drozd of THE FLAMING LIPS has been hospitalized and will be unable to perform. Doctors are expecting a full recovery within a few weeks. As a result,…
Mixed Six: Tasting across the Great Divide
Look down the singles shelves at your local beer purveyor and you’ll find a offerings from a wide variety of American craft breweries. A few from this producer, a couple from that. But few craft breweries — few mega-breweries, for that matter — can match the incredibly wide range of options from the prolific Great…
More on Charlie Crist, Joe Scarborough rips into Marco Rubio, and Florida GOP Congressman compares Arizona immigration law to Nazi Germany:Mitch Perry Report 4.30.10
We were in St. Petersburg yesterday for all the fun that was Charlie Crist's declaration of independence. It was a big deal, as there were lots of local and national media in attendance. But not so many of "the people" the governor frequently espouses is the reason he's doing what he's doing; Charlie was on…
TECO responds to CL story
Two weeks ago, CL reported on a recent task force's report on efforts to make the city of Tampa more energy efficient. The task force was a group of 18 individuals who teamed up with Tampa Electric Company on making recommendations regarding clean energy and combating climate change, and was created after citizens had called…
Florida GOP lawmaker blasts Arizona immigration law as the law itself changes overnight
Although the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is probably the most important story of the week, and Charlie Crist's defection from the GOP the most fun, nationally the most engaged debate has been on the state of Arizona's tough new immigration law signed by their governor last week. Though public opinion polls in…
Donate sheets and towels for oiled wildlife aid today in St. Pete Beach and Sarasota
The Save Our Seabirds Oiled Wildlife Response Team in Sarasota is in need of sheets and towels to aid the oiled wildlife that will begin to arrive shortly from the Gulf oil spill area. They are setting up a critical staging area today where these items can be dropped off. Where to drop off linens:…
Scarborough rips Rubio for “Morning Joe” snub
Fresh off his declaration of independence yesterday in St. Pete, Florida Governor Charlie Crist traveled across the bay to Tampa this morning, where he appeared by satellite on MSNBC's Morning Joe program, hosted by Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski. But Scarborough, a former Florida Republican Congressman and avowed "Rubio conservative," blasted staff members of the…
On the Radar: Hyde Park’s Chalk Walk
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. Chalk isn't just an artistic outlet for kids playing hopscotch anymore: it's a medium for some fine looking art at this three-day festival in Hyde Park. Chalk Walk is a free (if dusty) weekend of art and music hosted by…
Olivia Munn gets naked again, this time for PETA (NSFW pics and video)
Geeks, set you phasers to "hard on". Last year, video game vixen, and Attack of the Show Host Olivia Munn lit up Playboy like a Death Star with an open exhaust port. Now, every nerd's dream is on the verge of super stardom with roles in both this month's Date Night, and the comic juggarnaut of…
Charlie Crist: Decision to run as an independent says “more about our nation and state than me” (video and audio)
Charlie Crist Thursday afternoon officially announced that he is leaving the Republican race for U.S. Senate, and we'll instead run as an independent against Republican Marco Rubio and Democrat Kendrick Meek in the fall. Speaking for a relatively short seven minutes in front of friends and family at Straub Park and an estimated crowd of…
CD Review: Roky Erickson and Okkervil River, True Love Cast Out All Evil
An album that opens with a song referencing both Jesus and hallucinogenic mushrooms could only come from Roky Erickson. If you’ve never heard of Erickson, you’re probably not alone; he's been missing from the music scene for the past several years dealing with his personal demons. Erickson was the lead singer for the legendary 13th…
Green jobs in Florida: More to come due to demand for alternative energy sources?
Hello, my name is Scott Deitche and, as this is my first post for Creative Loafing's Green Community, I wanted to introduce myself and give you all a heads up on what kind of content you'll be seeing from me in the near future. I'll be posting from time to time on green job-related news in Florida,…
CL Recipe Contest: Win prizes, fame and glory
Everyone eats, and most people have become adept at searching out a perfect recipe to try for that special romantic meal or family feast. Here at CL we've provided tasty and accessible recipes online and in the paper for well over a year now, from our own talented home cook columnists and a few local…
Bill Nelson to Obama: Halt testing wells and & all other exploratory operations in coastal waters until investigation of oil spill in Gulf is complete
The Defense Department is now assisting British Petroleum in dealing with the vast oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that continues to draw closer to shore. Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano said today at the White House that the spill is "of national significance," and that federal resources will be used to try to…
Top Chef Masters Podcast, Ep. FAIL: We’re sorry, so sorry
On behalf of the rest of the Top Chef Podcast crew, I want to apologize from the deepest depths of my heart for the news I'm about to give you. There's no new podcast episode this week. !Escandalo! Yeah, I could give you a million excuses, but we just dropped the ball this week —…
Courtney Love: Home-wrecker and music-stealer?
I'll be the first to admit I spend far too much time writing about Courtney Love. But she makes herself a remarkably easy target. Even fish in a barrel offer up a more intimidating challenge than Love. Perhaps she's just seeking publicity for the release of the new Hole LP, Nobody's Daughter. Given all the ammo she…
Open letter from ‘Hands Across the Sand’ founder Dave Rauschkolb on the Gulf oil spill and lawmakers ignoring the dangers of drilling
As you may have seen in our newspaper or on our website, CL has previously covered the offshore drilling protests by 'Hands Across the Sand', a growing movement opposing offshore drilling, on the Gulf Coast beaches and at the St. Petersburg Town Hall meeting with Newt Gingrich. Since those events, an offshore drilling plan has…
This weekend’s best bets in Bay area music: Alexisonfire, Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars, Toots & the Maytals, John Hiatt, Funk Fest 2010, 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 29 Alexisonfire [pictured right] w/Trash Talk/Therefore I Am/La Dispute Post-hardcore fivesome Alexisonfire tastefully incorporates elements of melodic hardcore, prog, punk and screamo into their…
CD review: Elvis Presley, On Stage 2CD Legacy Edition
Elvis Presley's return to the concert stage in 1969 was a big showbiz deal. So big, in fact, that he was able to establish a residency in Las Vegas that partially kept him off the tiresome concert circuit. If you wanted to see Elvis, you had to come to him. And the people came in…
Theater Review: Smokey Joe’s Café: The Songs of Leiber and Stoller at St. Petersburg Little Theatre
at St. Pete Little Theater has everything I love about community theater: folks who, (for the most part) have to work day jobs and perform in the theater for the sheer love of it, get to show their stuff. These talented individuals are giving it their all, tirelessly dancing jazzy choreography and belting out the…
Lemon Linguine with Basil Pesto Shrimp
For those of you who don't know, I teach monthly Italian cooking classes at Casa Italia, a great little Italian market in Sarasota. It's a pretty cool gig. I get to do what I love and also get to meet lots of very nice people in the process. When making up my class menus, I…
Charlie’s big day, abortion amendments pass in Fla Sen. Might Crist veto? and local House GOP candidate wants Florida to implement immigration laws a la Arizona:Mitch Perry Report 4.29.10
After weeks of suspense, Charlie Crist will tell his friends and family in St. Petersburg – and the entire political class in this country – what he plans to do regarding his candidacy for the U.S. Senate seat currently being filled by his buddy, George LeMieux this afternoon. We wrote a post last night…
Would independent Crist sign or veto new abortion laws?
In the waning days of the 2010 Legislative session, the GOP led Legislature is laying down its markers on social issues. Yesterday the Senate 22-17 in favor of a new government mandate amendment that women seeking abortions must pay for ultrasounds and, in most cases, view live images of the fetus. They also adopted an…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Pesto Festo, organic gardening workshop, green 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…
3 Guys & Glee — The Podcast: Ep. 16, “Home” (with episode video)
Last nights Glee had all the drama, tension and social commentary of all the best shows on television — they just added Kristin Chenoweth and music to the mix. The 3 Guys crew are here to break it all down and go over the drama, conflict, romance and the songs in the latest episode, entitled…
Media speculates that Crist will announce he’s running as a N-P-A for U.S. Senate
We know for certain that Charlie Crist has called a news conference for Thursday afternoon at 5 p.m. at Straub Park in St. Petersburg, but the Governor was being coy Wednesday when asked if he would declare that he is leaving the Republican Party to run as a Non Party Affiliated candidate for the U.S.…
3 Guys & Chuck — The Podcast: “Chuck vs. The Honeymooners”
After a short break and a game-changing episode, Chuck is back this week for what feels like a whole new show. Fortunately, the 3 Guys are back and better than ever, ready to tackle the idea of Sarah and Chuck together, the chemistry between Casey and Morgan, and the departure of Ellie and Capt. Awesome.…
Tampa Bay area Republican House hopeful wants Florida to mimic Arizona’s new immigration law
As the national debate continues over a new Arizona law requiring state police to determine whether people are in the United States legally if there is a reason to suspect they aren’t, local candidates for legislative seats here in Florida are making it a state issue. Todd Marks is running as a Republican in Florida House District 57 …
Blackberry Smoke makes the best of the weather at the Fun ‘n Sun Country Concert at Coachman Park
Even though Travis Tritt got rained out, the Fun 'n Sun Country Concert this past Sunday in Clearwater wasn't a total loss. Atlanta-based rock band Blackberry Smoke slipped in an ass-kicking set of pure Southern rock just before the rain broke through the clouds. I even joked with the band that they played so hard,…
Intellectual masturbation
I am a frequent day dreamer. I spend a lot of time fantasizing about this or that, him or her; it's how everything I write is first born. I devour information that holds the potential of a new tale. I keep scribbles of electronic notes to fuel my fantasy so that it may become a written reality…
What’s on my food? Pesticides and toxins on conventional vs organic foods (and free iPhone app)
Many people still the debate the practice of buying organic food, claiming it's not really worth the extra money. While the ubiquitous labeling of "organic" isn't as specific and regulated as it should be by the USDA, the fact of the matter is that you're still a lot more likely to be ingesting harmful pesticides…
Wednesday-music.com indie music profile: Local Natives
LA’s Local Natives have been described by Pitchfork as "Afro pop-influenced guitars with hyperactive drumming and hooky three-part harmonies." In around 2005, high school mates Kelsey Ayer (vocals/keyboard/percussion), Ryan Hahn (guitar/vocals) and Taylor Rice (guitar vocals) met up with Andy Hamm (bass) and Matt Frazier (drums). They played together for three years and in December…
Legislation that could end head shops in Florida goes to Governor Crist’s desk
Talk about an unpopular issue, at least with state legislators. Although a coalition of head shop owners has been warning customers and friends to rally to oppose legislation that would make it illegal to sell bongs and other pipes for use at head shops, the Florida House Wednesday morning voted 115-0 to do so. Specifically,…
Photo review: Alice in Chains headlines 98RockFest at the St. Pete Times Forum
Some pictures of the new incarnation of Alice in Chains from their headlining set at last Saturday's 98RockFest at the St. Pete Times Forum. Jerry Cantrell Check out the complete photo gallery after the jump.
Photo review: Blues Traveler at State Theatre
Some shots from the Blues Traveler show that went down at State Theatre in St. Petersburg this past Monday. Chan Kinchla and John Popper John Popper on mouth harp. Check out the complete photo gallery after the jump.
DIY countertop and freezer composting (video)
I'm sure most of you have heard of methane, a greenhouse gas that traps in heat (read: global warming inducer) at a higher rate than carbon dioxide does. Well, cows farts aren't the only thing containing it — 13% of the nation's trash is food which then sits in our landfills and emits tons of…
Let’s ban children instead
Recently, Santa Clara County in California decided to pass a new statute outlawing toys from fast food meals. McDonald's "Happy Meals" and their fast food counterparts encourage children to eat unhealthy food, they say. This is just one step in the fight against childhood obesity. On the other side of the country, a Boston group…
Rubio discusses Arizona immigration law, Crist PSC appointees rejected, and Colin Powell speaks in Tampa : Mitch Perry Report 4.28.10
Marco Rubio has finally weighed in on the controversial Arizona immigration bill. He's worried about some of its provisions (as is Jeb Bush); The Florida Senate last night rejected two of Governor Charlie Crist's recent appointees to the Public Service Commission, and one of them is p.o.'d about the whole affair; And former General Colin…
CL’s Sexcast #2: eloping within a month of meeting
You know how women always claim they want a spontaneous man? Turns out they aren't kidding. Freelance photographer and free spirit Shannon Holt opens up about her recent decision to get married for the first time to a tattoo artist she knew for less than two months. Find out what the decision had to do…
National Democratic Party to unveil their 2010 strategy today
Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine is expected to lay out the Democratic Party's plan to energize its base today at a Christian Science Monitor luncheon, where he will promise to spend $50 million to counter the "political headwind." Leaked excerpts to various media organizations today indicate it will be a tough speech that will…
A Tea Party in name only
With no candidates but plenty of contradictions, the Tea Party’s impact on Florida primaries is open for debate.
Revealing too much too soon in a relationship
When someone makes you uncomfortable, trust your gut and bolt.
An interview with the relentless Ben Harper
Creative force Ben Harper brings Relentless7 to town on the heels of a live release and the completion of their second album.
Last call for late-night alcohol in St. Petersburg bars
St. Pete’s City Council prepares to vote on extending bar hours till 3 a.m.
Can rock music cook eggs?
Just for laughs we decided to make our on-hold music at work a compilation of staff picks including a 17-minute version of "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida." Coworker Carol claims the song puts her in an angry, aggressive mood and says maybe it's not the best choice for on-hold music. I looked up rock music's effect on the brain…
The Cove‘s Ric O’Barry comes to St. Pete.
On May 5, Tampa Bay gets the chance to meet Ric O'Barry, the Flipper trainer turned dolphin defender featured prominently in The Cove, the powerful documentary about the capture and slaughter of dolphins in Taiji, Japan. He'll be here for a special screening of the film at Muvico Baywalk to raise funds for the Oceanic…
Theoretically speaking about Chaos Theory
The search for a TOE (Theory of Everything).
New downtown Tampa Mex spot Urban Cantina illustrates one of the problems of the Bay area dining scene
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 how it's served. My recent visit to Urban Cantina, a simple neo-Mex…
Rubio nuanced on controversial Arizona immigration law
A few days ago the Florida Democratic Party challenged the Republican candidates for U.S. Senate, Charlie Crist and Marco Rubio, to voice their opinion on Arizona's controversial new law that gets tough on illegal immigrants. Crist has not – then again, he may have a few other things on his mind, such as if he'll…
Fissure between Florida GOP and Charlie Crist continues as Senate rejects Crist’s PSC appointees
Early Tuesday evening, the Florida Senate rejected Charlie Crist's two appointees to the Public Service Commission, in what clearly is a rebuke of the governor personally just days before he decides on whether or not to leave the party. David Klement of Bradenton lost on a 21-17 vote, while Benjamin Stevens of Pensacola fell on…
A Gay in the Life: Interview with gay comics author Jim McCann
My favorite school assignment from kindergarten through college came in the fourth grade. Mrs. Adams made her way down each aisle, placing a blank book on each student's desk. It was the definitive assignment for the year and ensured each of us would move on to the illustrious fifth grade. We were to take that…
The Green Community week in review: Evos’ eco-friendly ethos, Florida panthers face extinction, outdoor energy saving tips, and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week: On the Radar: Get green with the Trashy Fashion Show, Green Thumb Fest, Growing Green Earth Day, UUC Green Fest and Buffalo Gal Clothing Swap – It's another weekend full of eco-friendly fun in…
Tonight’s Top Chef Masters preview: Irish I knew how to cook
For this week's episode of Top Chef Masters, six chefs from season 1 return: Graham Elliot Bowles, Jonathan Waxman, Ludo Lefebvre, Mark Peel, Rick Moonen and Wylie Dufresne. They're all wanting to prove themselves as Top Chefs and this time, they're out for blood. The main event sees the chef'testants dishing up Irish staples, like…
Hot new releases due out this Winter-Spring 2010: Spoon, Los Campesinos!, Hot Chip, Yeasayer, Jamie Foxx, Ted Leo, Dr. Dog, Plants and Animals, and more
Here's a breakdown of new albums with confirmed releases dates within the next six months. The *asterisks indicate a release that's particularly exciting, enticing or much anticipated — by someone, anyway, even if it's not necessarily myself… Mark your calendars, bookmark this page, and keep checking back — I will continue to update this list…
