Thomas Edison’s family: early green advocates
Thomas and Mina Edison had three children, Madeleine, Charles and Theodore, in addition to the three children Thomas had by his first wife – Marion, Thomas and William. The family loved boat trips. They traveled up the winding Caloosahatchee River to the mysterious waters of Lake Okeechobee by way of the Everglades. The love of…
Reviewed: Neil Young’s Fork in the Road
This review was written by CL Political Editor Wayne Garcia. Neil Young Fork in the Road (Reprise) Neil Young seems to toss off discs these days like a bad blogger: quick and topical, without much depth or time to think deeper thoughts. That’s a shame, because Young still sounds great, still has a fire in…
Filmmaker/composer/artist David Lynch teams up with Danger Mouse (with videos)
Hollywood director and I was compelled to continue after the first episode. It was television like none I'd never seen before, one that both intrigued yet completely and utterly disturbed me with its dark, bizarre aesthetic, tortured characters, and intriguing storyline, about an FBI agent who's sent to a small town, Twin Peaks, to investigate…
CL Interview: Kings of Leon (with video)
Three boys travel around the South with their itinerant preacher father and a mother who home-schools them. They sneak in as much secular rock music as they can, learn to play instruments, occasionally back up Dad at the altar. They write songs. Then they write better songs and, as if from nowhere, land a record…
Free KFC grilled chicken meal coupon, available until 5/6
In a thinly veiled effort to capture more of the health-conscious crowd (and a bit late in the game), KFC introduced an alternative to their iconic fried poultry – Kentucky Grilled Chicken. And they want you to try it… for free.
New Vinyl, CD, DVD Releases Tuesday, May 5
NEW RELEASES in VINYL: Akron/Family – Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free Their musical vocabulary runs deep – it's not just Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young, and The Grateful Dead that inform this record; the band feels at home and self-assured. With limited outside assistance, the trio has made a focused, powerful and unified work. This…
Go ‘green’ in the bedroom with eco-friendly sex toys
Nowdays, everyone is jumping on the 'Green' bandwagon, including the sex toy industry. More and more adult stores are offering eco-friendly relationship enhancement products" to help Mother Earth and offer non-harmful product alternatives(and probably boost sales by following the trend). VibratorShopping.com, a reputable online retailer of adult products, now features an entire green line, and…
Weed whacking the nether regions: when good fur goes bad (VIDEO)
Can we talk about hair? Flowing locks are sexy, yes. And I love a good head of hair as much as the next person. I'll admit it – I'm a sucker for follicular beauty. But what about when the luscious strands stray from one’s head and on to less, shall we say, flattering regions. That’s…
Two Tea Parties: Ralph Waldo Emerson meets Bill Clinton in Poet’s Notebook
My grandfather used “weak tea” as a catch-all phrase for anything he considered insubstantial, like cigarettes (he smoked cigars), whiskey sours (he preferred whiskey straight) or even people who seemed to him to lack backbones, which brings me to last month’s Tea Parties. I thought of Grandpa as I was writing my Poet’s Notebook on…
TIME names Van Jones among the top 100 on planet earth
Van Jones has been selected by TIME magazine as one the 100 people influencing the world today. Here's what Leonardo DiCaprio has to say about him. Recently, Larry King asked Van during his CNN interview if he liked being called Obama's new "green czar". Van quickly dismissed the term saying, "I don't like it. I…
This Mother’s Day, celebrate Mother Earth
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, may we also honor our Mother Earth – especially as so many of us are nurturing our backyard gardens and installing rain barrels. Throughout history we see Mother Earth as a common metaphorical expression for the Earth and its biosphere as the giver and sustainer of life. Mother Nature is…
Restaurant Review: Tampa’s Ocean Prime
Ocean Prime 3 and 3/4 Stars 2205 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa, 813-490-5288 Several months ago, when I first heard that Ocean Prime was opening, I wondered if Tampa could handle another high-end steakhouse — a chain, in fact — during tough economic times. Hell, considering the massive representation steakhouses have in the Bay area,…
Tony nominations: “Billy Elliot, The Musical” gets 15
Nominations were announced this morning for the 63rd annual Tonys, Broadway's biggest awards, and the news of who got nominated may get outshone by the story of who didn't. Billy Elliot, The Musical racked up the biggest tally, at 15, including an unusual joint nomination for the three young actors who alternate in the title…
Celeb Chef Crush: Rediscovering a love for Ming Tsai
I listened to Chef Ming Tsai yesterday on NPR's All Things Considered program. As part of their "How Low Can You Go?" challenge (cook a meal for four for under $10), Tsai cooked a chicken fried rice dish. He related how fried rice is close to his heart because it's the first thing he cooked…
Hail, Caesar! Comedic actor Dom DeLuise dead at 75
The story is just breaking, but TMZ is reporting that 1970s TV and Mel Brooks/Burt Reynolds film regular Dom DeLuise has died in a Los Angeles hospital. Captain Chaos, the voice of Pizza the Hutt, the mobster Don Giovanni from Robin Hood: Men in Tights and one of the funniest men ever to sit on…
Do It Today: Cinco de Mayo, Steps to Hope, Kevin Devine, and more
Wanna celebrate Cinco de Mayo, the observance of the date of a great battle victory that only managed to delay — not stop — the French invasion of Mexico? (Contrary to popular believe, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated here more than in Mexico, and it is not the date of Mexico's actual independence, which is…
Betty Hardy – Contributor
Mrs. Hardy has been a state-certified business instructor in Florida for 31 years and works as Coordinator of Industry Services on the pTEC Clearwater Campus. She received a BS in Business Education at the University of Memphis and Masters of Education (Adult Curriculum & Instruction) from University of South Florida. Currently, Betty works as a…
Lifetime TV to feature female Tampa MMA fighter
Lifetime TV plans a reality show that features female mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters, including the Rare Ninja, Caroline Portugal from Tampa, Fla. The series is supposed to follow a similar concept as the Ultimate Fighting Championship's (UFC) well known reality show, as well as TapOut's recruiting and sponsoring show. One major difference of the…
FDA issues voluntary recall for Hydroxycut due to it causing liver damage
The Canadian manufactured performance enhancement diet supplement Hydroxycut, used for weight loss and body building, has been pulled from the market in a voluntary recall at the request of the US Food and Drug Administration. This is technically not a drug and is advertised as a "Diet Supplement". The distress to the liver caused by this…
April Powerslide Rallycross at East Bay Racetrack (photos)
Today, I attended the "April Powerslide Rallycross" races at East Bay Racetrack (6311 Burts Rd Tampa, FL 33619), one of my favorite places to kick some dirt around.
Feel like makin’ love: the top 6 sex songs
I just realized that last week when I wrote about Katy Perry curing Tampa of the Swine Flu, I failed to properly introduce myself. I'm your party host, "Rabid" Nick Refer (the more you read, the more you'll understand the reason for the name). I'm one of the new Sex & Love Contributors and I…
Cancer in a water bottle: The numbers to avoid on your plastic bottle
Ok, I've been really, really good. I've played the fatty food deprivation game, I've exercised four times a week, drank a gallon of water a day — the whole nine. I've even displayed my loyalty to the Green club at the gym by bringing the same plastic bottle of frozen water every day instead of…
Judas Priest hits the Forum in August.
Barely a month ago, I finally witnessed Iron Maiden live. It literally took half my life to see them. I documented the journey, from the show's announcement through its conclusion. While nothing could top my Maiden experience, it seems the Metal Gods continue smiling down on me nonetheless. After all, you can't mention Iron Maiden without…
Green Day slated to play St. Pete Times Forum
Just in from the St. Pete Times Forum: Green Day will play the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa on Mon., August 3. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 8 at 10 a.m. Green Day are touring in support of their long-awaited eighth studio album, 21st Century Breakdown, which will be released globally by Reprise…
Sharon Jones to the funky rescue! (With video!)
Promotional e-mail of the day. (Rarely are they so entertaining and ON!, so we thought we'd share.) From World's Fair Label Group: Retail, Sharon played the Dark Was The Night show at Radio City last night and totally killed it! She also stole the encore by taking the boring song "This Land Is Your Land"…
New upcoming concerts: The Juan MacLean, Peter Murphy, Incubus and more.
Some recent additions to our Upcoming Events concert calendar; for the comprehensive list, click here. Saturday, May 23 Lush Progress Video Release Party w/Butch Ryan Band/Glasgow (New World Brewery, Ybor City) Tuesday, May 26 The Juan Maclean (pictured) / The Field (Crowbar, Ybor City) Saturday, May 30 Joecephus & The George Jonestown Massacre (The Garage,…
Video report from the line outside IKEA Tampa
Creative Loafing interns Hannah Walk and Diana Ruiz visited the line outside IKEA Tampa 48 hours before its May 6 opening. Here's their report — with video after the jump. How long would you wait in line for a free chair? How about a chair from IKEA? If you’re the first people in line for…
Consumer Reports rates chocolate chip cookies and mixers — Health Valley Mini, Keebler Chips Deluxe Original, KitchenAid tops
This month, Consumer Reports puts their enormous resources to work tasting pre-fab, packaged chocolate chip cookies from 13 manufacturers, with nine classified as "good": Nabisco's Chips Ahoy! Real Chocolate and Real Chocolate Reduced Fat, Trader Joe's Dress Circle Crispy Crunchy, Back to Nature Chocolate Chunk, Pepperidge Farm Nantucket Soft Baked Chocolate Chunk Dark, Mrs. Fields…
Green office tip of the month: reduce paper usage
It's easier to "green your office" than you might think. Let's start by taking small steps together! We can all do our part in our offices by applying this familiar mantra to our everyday worklife – you guessed it – that mantra is "reduce, reuse recycle"! Did you know that those words are written in that order intentionally? Reduce is…
Colleen Sachs – Contributor
Born in England to an Air Force father from Norfolk, Virginia and a mother from Tampa, Colleen was fortunate to travel and eat her way through Europe and the United States while growing up. Each stop along the way opened up new culinary doors that added to her family food heritage of good country cooking…
Happy Star Wars Day and Top 5 Movie Themes
Hello fellow geeks! When I woke up this morning, I found out some AWESOME news. Today is Star Wars Day. HAPPY INTERNATIONAL STAR WARS DAY my fellow geeks! May 4 is called Star Wars Day because of a play on words based on the similarity between “May the 4th be with you” and “May the…
Espresso Basics
Well, perhaps that's a bit of an exaggeration. But it kills me to hear people pronounce "espresso," "expresso." And most people don't have the first clue as to what actually goes in to the making of a decent cup of espresso. Odd, given both the Latin and Italian taste for a short, sweet, stiff shot…
Ricky Redwood – Contributor
Ricky Redwood breezes through life on the back of luck's coat tails usually equipped with only a smirk and a beer. He's a musician, writer, artist, teacher, student and an all-around smart ass. He likes to break down stereotypes and always questions the true essentials of life. Sexually motivated and eager to explore, he's always…
Drummer Jon Priest returns this weekend, gigs ass off
Talk about a homecoming. Drummer Jonathan Priest visits Tampa bay this weekend, but it's not just to drop in on Pop and catch up with pals at The Hub. He has three gigs on Friday night and one on Saturday — all of them, thankfully, under the same roof at Yeoman's Road Pub on Davis…
Five Questions for Isabel Czerwenka-Wenkstetten and Leslie Fry
Image courtesy Isabel Czerwenka-Wenkstetten and Leslie Fry Tuesday evening marks the public debut of a collaborative project between St. Petersburg-based artist Leslie Fry and Austrian artist Isabel Czerwenka-Wenkstetten at the Studio@620. The pair met via email and Skype earlier this year then teamed up for an intense, ten-day collaboration in St. Petersburg. During Tuesday’s opening…
My fuck-buddy came over smelling
I’ve been taking applications and conducting interviews for my new fuck-buddy now for the past month. Mainly they’ve been short interviews and no one has been called back for a follow-up. Why waste anymore of my time or bodily fluids on a sub par applicant? I’m tired of the anticipation, only to be let down. …
Beer review: Jolly Pumpkin Maracaibo Especial Belgian-style strong brown ale
Michigan brewery, Jolly Pumpkin Artisanal Ales, has nothing to do with seasonal gourd beers and everything to do with open air fermentation, exotic French and Belgian yeast strains, oak barrel aging, and bottle conditioning. All their beers are funky, spicy, and sour, packed full of Brettanomyces and Lactobaccillus goodness. Maracaibo Especial is a 7.5% ABV…
A journey through the Master Cleanse: cleansing body, mind and spirit
As promised I am writing to update you on my process through the Master Cleanse. It was one of the most challenging experiences of my life and I will absolutely do it again! You can do anything if you stick your mind to it and I owned this journey and stuck with it for 8…
Late night music, May 4-9: Animal Collective, Van Morrison, Jenny Lewis and more.
A weekly bulletin on musical guests playing late night TV; set your TIVOs or DVRs if you've got an early bedtime. The Late Show with David Letterman, CBS Monday, May 4: Keri Hilson with Kanye West (pictured … "Make Love" or "Knock You Down," I wonder?) Tuesday, May 5: Franz Ferdinand Wednesday, May 6: Ben…
Do It Today: Must-see shows in Dunedin, a town meeting on the arts in Carrollwood
Dunedin Fine Arts Center Spring/Summer Exhibitions: Craft-ed!, Charles Parkhill and Kim Michelle Coakley. Take Monday off and head to the Dunedin Fine Art Center for what CL art critic Megan Voeller calls three of the best shows of the season. Here are her comments: "For starters, there’s Kim Michelle Coakley’s explosion of (literally) off-the-wall paintings,…
Review: Stereotypes in America at Studio@620
An African-American man laments the fact that people lock their cars when he approaches and says that people write the story of his life based on scripts from TV. A young man who thinks he might be gay asks, "Why does homosexuality get lumped in with alcoholism, pedophilia and drug addiction as something that is…
Augusto Boal: Theater activist dead at 78
It was maybe the first impacting death to reach me first via Twitter: Augusto Boal died at the age of 78 Friday from respiratory failure after a long battle with leukemia. I was immediately transported back in time to the first time I'd studied the theater legend in undergrad at USF — I'm pretty sure…
Dragonboat Racing in Tampa’s Garrison Channel
On Saturday, several teams of dragonboats took to Garrison Channel, a thin strip of water separating Harbour Island from the St. Pete Times Forum and the rest of Channelside. Racing in small groups of five teams, the races ran continually throughout the morning. The 6th Annual Tampa Dragonboat Race brought corporate teams and dragonboat enthusiasts…
Swine of another kind: concertgoers
These are strange times we're living in. We're having to battle swine flu, an atrocious economy and teachers playing naughty with our kids. However, the thing I CAN'T seem to fathom is the weird and bizarre ways that folks are behaving at rock concerts. Sure, you always had your concertgoers who were too high, too…
Kentucky Derby shocker: Mine That Bird “an impossible upset”
"Oh. My. God." Those were the first words out of the TV interviewer's mouth when she caught up with jockey Calvin Borel after he came from way behind to ride Mine That Bird to a startling Kentucky Derby win. It was Borel's second Derby victory, but even he seemed kind of amazed at the outcome,…
Sex bites: this week’s sex and love news in review
From sex bans in Kenya to bestiality in Florida, your sex news week in review. No sex in the Prime Minister's room: The Women's Development Organization, a women's rights group in Kenya, called for a week-long, country-wide sex ban on Wednesday to quell the tension and political unrest between Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Odinga and…
The national pastime in St.Pete isn’t baseball, it’s corporate welfare and environmental destruction
Perhaps , you've noticed a theme in my articles or maybe it is simply a theme amongst the corporate thieves and their publicly elected counterparts. The theme: bailouts, corporate welfare, our tax dollars, being used against us and our environment, all while CEO's line their pockets with our hard earned cash. Now this time it's the…
Free SkyWatch at the Museum of Science and Industry on May 2
Isn’t it nice to look up at the sky on a clear night and admire the moon and constellations? Maybe, but the truth is you won’t get to see much detail even if you have perfect eyesight. Plus, most people don’t know all that much about astronomy, so aside from picking out the Big Dipper…
Ivison to perform at The Garage on May 15 (video)
Hot off a packed showcase at South by Southwest, Austin, TX-based Ivison are set to perform at The Garage in St. Petersburg on Friday, May 15 at 9 p.m. An emotional blend of Muse and Radiohead, Ivison will release their second CD, Relativity Maestro, at the show – their only Florida stop. The Garage is located at 662 Central…
Free offer for teachers May 2: H.B. Plant Museum
In order to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week (which I didn't know existed until recently), Saturday is Teacher Appreciation Day at the H.B. Plant Museum, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd. The former Tampa Bay Hotel and National Historic Landmark is offering a special deal for teachers on May 2. So if you are (or you know) a…
Radford’s Quadfest hit by swine flu
Swine flu Noun Pathology: A form of influenza caused by overly aggressive pigs (also known as law enforcement professionals) that occurs commonly after close encounters with these infectious vermin. Symptoms include nausea, despair, and a general lack of a good time. After a successful performance at the State Theatre in St. Petersburg, I caught a flight…
Album Review: Gomez’s A New Tide
Gomez: A New Tide (ATO) Being a Gomez fan can be lonely. It can also be confounding. The British quintet has never broken through in the States, despite making hooky, dynamic rock music that splits the difference between Britpop and American roots, and boasts one of the best singers in the biz in Ben Ottewell.…
This week at the movies: X-Men Origins: Wolverine
[Note: This is the first edition of weekly posts outlining what's coming to the multiplex this summer. It's also a sneak peak at what you can expect from next week's Summer Movie Preview. Details on that are coming next week. In the meantime …] FRIDAY, MAY 1ST Box office gold: X-Men Origins: Wolverine Worth seeing?…
Ecological Intelligence: looking at the impacts of what we buy
Looking for a Green Job, or better yet a Green Career? Check out Daniel Goleman's (New York Times science writer who authored and coined Emotional Intelligence) new book, Ecological Intelligence: How Knowing the Hidden Impacts of What We Buy Changes Everything. Since the book was just published, it may not have made it to your…
Oak Ridge Boys cover The White Stripes’ Seven Nation Army
From the upcoming new album The Boys Are Back (May, 2009), the Oak Ridge Boys cover The White Stripes' hit "Seven Nation Army": In the spirit of fellow contributor, Lorna Bracewell, I am gonna go ahead and call it: The Oak Ridge Boys are lesbians and it's all Tom Cruise's fault.
Date Correction: UB40 on Sunday, not Monday
We previously published that UB40 would be playing Jannus Landing on Monday, May 4. They will actually land at the St. Pete venue on Sunday, May 3. Here's Snider's write up: Formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England, UB40 is one of the most successful and durable of the British reggae bands. The group is a…
Review: Carrollwood Players’ Bat Boy The Musical
Bat Boy The Musical is a great show, and the current Carrollwood Players production does it justice. Read on for my review and more photos of the show.
Florida’s shame: Creed reunites (with video)
Our state has a very rich musical history. Lynyrd Skynyrd and their Southern rock brethren put us on the map. Currently, bands like Against Me!, Iron & Wine and Torche represent the state well. But when I think of Florida, sadly, I tend to think of shitty '90's alternative bands and all-boy pop groups. Maybe…
Green Acres: Manatee program aims to train newbie farmers
In New York City you might find Williamsburg hipsters moving out to the suburbs for their own plots of land, transforming trucker hats and work boots from ironic to just plain practical. In San Francisco, neo-hippies and former tech workers buy a plot outside of town to get closer to the land, the ultimate expression…
Backstage at IADT’s Imagine Fashion Show (pictures)
I hadn't seen daylight since about 1 p.m., yesterday. From then on I was the backstage photographer for the International Academy of Design and Technology's annual student fashion show. This year's fashion show was titled Imagine, at the A La Carte Pavilion in Tampa. I hardly saw the runway, instead I was in the back…
Kelly McGillis (the smokin’ hot chick from Top Gun) is a lesbian
At age 51 actress Kelly McGillis of Top-Gun , The Accused and Witness fame, has confirmed rumors that she is, indeed, a lesbian. While this comes as no surprise to devotees of The L-Word (McGillis portrayed a closeted Army Colonel on the Showtime series back in 2007), it does make me look at Tom Cruise, McGillis's Top-Gun co-star, in a…
Swine Flu: “Imminent pandemic”– low cost, effective, integrative prevention
They're calling the H1N1 virus (the Swine Flu) an "imminent pandemic". We hear a mounting body count of new cases at the top of the news all day long. Three states to date have more than two cases – New York, California and Texas. Of the ninety one cases in the US as of today, one,…
A baby-boomer’s answer to a green ice-breaker question
"What has "Green" ever meant or been associated with for you?" Go ahead, try it. Don't limit yourself to the media's current interpretation. Put your green-tinted glasses on, go way back to your childhood and recall everything labeled green. I randomly went up to strangers and tried this question out as a non-threatening ice-breaker. It…
Potential homes in the Sahara, thanks to sand-eating microbes
If Magnus Larsson, a student of the Architectural Association in London, has his way, he'll combat the encroaching Sahara desert and provide green refugee housing simultaneously. The ambitious plan turns sand into sandstone by using microbes to eat the sand and output a solid surface that can be shaped into any structure needed. While there…
Do girls have dirty minds too?
Lets face it. There aren't many guys out there that haven't been told by a female that they have a dirty mind. Hell, I'll admit it! I'm a horndog. I'm a walking hard-on. I'll even go as far as saying I'm a bit of a pervert. So what? I think girls might be just as…
Patricia Kiesylis – Contributor
Eight years ago, Pat joined Defenders of Wildlife as the Florida Program Coordinator. She is also a long time leader in the Suncoast Sierra Club. Currently, she is co conservation chair. She also serves as the contact for public education programs and interns and volunteers. Pat has successfully owned and then sold a series of…
Do It This Weekend: UB40, Asia Fest, Paint the Town Green, and more.
Formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England, UB40 is one of the most successful and durable of the British reggae bands. The group is a two-tone ensemble that scored dozens of hits in the U.K. and a few major smashes in the States, including two — “Red Red Wine” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” —…
Antonio D – Contributor
I'm a 28 years old guy who has been married for 6 years. I have two kids and love spending time with my family. My interests include, but are not limited to, sports cars, motorcycles, music, photography, hotties in thigh highs and having sex in uncomfortable places (like the back of a Volkswagen? To be…
Swine Flu info line
Just in case you needed reminding, or a little bit more stress in your life, this came in from the Pinellas County Health Department: The Florida Department of Health has set up a Swine Flu Information Line that gives information regarding precautions to take to avoid getting the flu, symptoms, how the disease is spread,…
Cook the book: Ratio by Michael Ruhlman
Michael Ruhlman has made a career out of dissecting the relationship between chef and food. His three Chef books — Making of, Reach of, Soul of — are elegantly constructed stories about the life of a modern chef, from culinary school to semi-celebrity. His cookbooks range from the concise and unfussy Elements of Cooking to…
EPA finds chemicals and pharmaceuticals in fish across the US
It turns out that not only is fish a great source of Omega 3 fatty acid, fish is easily fortified with pharmaceuticals that treat anything from high blood pressure or the risk of unwanted pregnancy to high cholesterol and bipolar disorder. How, you ask? Waste waster treatment plants used to be called sewage treatment plants…
Solar tiles keep your roof in style
Tile roofs are popular, especially in Florida. If you've considered solar power but didn't like the thought of solar panels mucking up your home's look, there's a new alternative. SRS Energy has teamed up with US Tile to offer you solar energy in the form of "barrel-style" tiles. The additional weight and possibly undesirable appearance…
“Realists” and “optimists” in the permaculture world
Concerns for the disastrous consequences of Peak-Oil and Climate Change are the most obvious reasons for "Going Green". A great deal has been written about both subjects and it is not my desire to discuss the merits or lack thereof of either topic. You have probably "framed" your own position by now. I do posit…
Steroids, A-Rod, Accusations…. ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz
I am by no means a Yankee fan. It's no secret how I feel about Derek Jeter, and it's safe to say that I feel pretty much the same way about the entire squadron/organization. (Hank, we get it, you're a loudmouth and you have useless opinions… can we move on?) Today, or yesterday, or whenever,…
IKEA Tampa Photo Tour
On Wednesday I attended an exclusive photo preview of the new IKEA Tampa at 22nd & Adamo. I'm really impressed with this store, and its grand opening May 6 is likely to be a big event. A few things about this IKEA make it different from many other retails, including other IKEA stores. First, this…
Rules of engagement for polyamory relationships
Some people think it's impossible to cheat in a polyamory relationship, but it doesn’t work that way. The following are four rules that my boyfriend, The Puppy, and I have: 1) No starting a new relationship without telling your partner. Deciding to have an open, poly, or otherwise non-monogamous relationship doesn't automatically give you the green light to…
Katy Perry cures Tampa of swine flu with sexually charged concert (Video)
Pandemic? We don't need no stinkin' pandemic. The world might be in a state of blinding fear but you wouldn't know it by looking at the faces in the crowd at Katy Perry's bay area appearance on 4/28. The Rabid one was a part of the wily crowd and has to say, sex was flowing…
CL’s Lost Podcast, Season 5 Ep 14 “The Variable”
On this week's edition of the CL Lost podcast, we discuss Daniel Faraday's past, pat ourselves on the back for calling the Faraday/Widmore connection, and debate whether "The Variable" was a great Lost episode or the greatest Lost episode ever! Download the podcast here. Plus: Curious what Wayne Garcia's notes looked like? Check them out…
Black Lips and … GZA?
Black Lips — those who made a press campaign out of their near-arrest in India — came to town in March and played a sweaty packed show at Orpheum (here's Snider's feature, here's the REAX review). The latest press-generating tactic the Lips are enjoying is a collaboration with Wu Tang's GZA. (That's the foursome below…
Review: Cirque du Soleil’s Saltimbanco defines “awesome”
"It's awesome," said the girl into her cellphone during intermission for Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco, which opened last night at the Lakeland Center. For once, that adjective didn't sound cliched. "Amazing" wouldn't have, either. When it comes to this show, superlatives that ordinarily seem like lazy word choices turn out to be the only logical…
Concert review (with pics): Whiskey & Co., Will Quinlan & The Diviners, and Matt Butcher at New World Brewery
Saturday found a distilled presence at New World Brewery! Whiskey & Co. headlined a fine evening of Americana along with Will Quinlan & The Diviners and Matt Butcher this past Saturday, April 25. The show was hosted by Thx Mgmt. As you can see from the photos, Gainesville's Whiskey & Co. has a ferverent following…
The Rock Report (in 140 characters or less): Katy Perry at Jannus Landing
For the last few months I've been thinking about ways I could utilize my twitter account to capture my immediate feelings about things before they have the ability to be filtered and clouded by time and/or sobriety. Then along came the Katy Perry show and I decided I wanted to go, not because I am…
The Devil’s Advocate with Bill Keller, Vol. 3
"The whole purpose of the law is to stifle speech against people who speak against the deviant [gay] lifestyle." —Bill Keller The first and second installments of The Devi's Advocate with Bill Keller drew lots of traffic and comments. Welcome to our third Q&A. I'll be playing the role of Devil's Advocate. One of our…
Photos: State of the Art 2.0 at the Roosevelt
Tek-nique Entertainment continues to put on great shows throughout Tampa Bay, the latest being the State of the Art 2.0 show at the Roosevelt in Ybor City last Saturday. (Read about Project 3.0, the renovation team behind the Roosevelt, in Creative Loafing's Green 100 list.) Local artists including Christine A. Galas and J.E. Feightner were…
Cow farts are killing us all, so what’s carnivore to do?
You are an environmentally-minded individual. You also enjoy consuming meat. So yes, you have read the studies that show how livestock expel gas, and how said gas contributes to the greenhouse effect. But at the same time, you just can't bring yourself to give up eating McRibs. What is a carnivore to do?
Heat up your water in a flash with this Chili Pepper hot water pump
Do you turn your sink faucet on and wait for hot water? Now there is a great green product that offers you a solution, so waiting for your hot water is a thing of the past. Have you ever heard of "The Chili Pepper" hot water pump? The Chili Pepper is a small micro-processor pump…
Spring cleaning: refresh yourself with a master cleanse
Spring is a time to clean house, the garage, the kitchen junk drawer, that closet of unknown items that has not been touched since last spring. Along with my many trips to Good Will in my effort to reduce my unneeded goods, I have decided to clean my physical and mental self. Just as we…
Photos: Beat Cancer with a Paddle
"Beat Cancer with a Paddle," held last Saturday on the Hillsborough River's Seddon Channel, was the first event of its kind in Tampa, drawing hundreds of kayak and paddlecraft enthusiasts to the river to raise money for cancer research. The weather was absolutely perfect. At 8 a.m., it was a warm 77 degrees and the…
New phishing scam: fbstarter.com
Looks like a new phishing scam has hit Facebook, this one currently know as "fbstarter" or "fbstarter.com." The scam arrives in the form of a message from a Facebook pal that states "Look at this!" and includes a link to fbstarter.com. If you click it, you'll be dropped onto a spoof Facebook sign-in page which…
Ultimate food blogging success story — Julie & Julia — hits trifecta with new movie trailer
So, one day young New York wage slave Julie Powell decides that she's going to cook all 524 recipes in Julia Child's classic tome Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Volume 1. In one year. And, of course, she's going to blog the whole thing. Soon enough, national attention for the Julia & Julia Project…
Interior Crocodile Alligator
Best. Video. Ever. This clip defies description, but if Gator Nation doesn't make it Tim Tebow's anthem (possibly even re-shooting the vid with Timmy as the cloud surfer), it will be further proof that there is no imagination among UF grads. Enjoy: To see the full video for the song, click the jump below …
One day left in NPR’s “How Low Can You Go” $10 meal challenge
Earlier this week, NPR announced a challenge — no, not matching funds for donations — for both home cooks and famous chefs: Cook a meal for four for under $10. No matter that we did this last year (admittedly with a $20 price tag), this is still an opportunity for all you frugal gourmets out…
Bestiality: legal in Florida (for now)
Yellow Lab puppy: cute, or enticing? On Tuesday, the Florida Senate passed bill SB 448. The bill would make it a third degree felony to have sex with an animal, punishable by up to five years in prison. Florida is among the 16 states that (still) do not have a law against bestiality. -W.J. L'amour
Do It Today: Dining Out for Life and IADT’s big fashion show
Imagine '09. The International Academy of Design and Technology presents Imagine ’09, the school’s 24th annual fashion show featuring designs by more than 65 of IADT’s talented fashion design students. The opening scene, “By the Sea,” features an array of aquatic-inspired attire, followed by enough bridal, swimwear, evening, cocktail and prêt-a-porter to quench any fashionista’s…
‘Green’ as a reused, recycled, repurposed word throughout history
Does labeling something "Green" make it so? You can't dispute the fact that Green, even when describing a color, is an evocative word. It provokes passion, frustration, disputes, camaraderie, joy, the green-eyed monster, hope, blank stares, mere shrugs and so much more. I wondered how it became so divisive. Are we all listening to the…
Unlike Weapons of Mass Destruction, this Swine Flu is real
This new and exciting strain of swine influenza has Mexico running in circles looking for a US Citizen to blame for the epidemic. The CDC is running in circles hoping that this flu strain is just a late bloomer and will not become an historic event that exposes the limited control Public Health actually has…
Diggin’ Through My Old Man’s Vinyl (or: Amazing Rhythm Aces):
I came about my musical addiction naturally. When I was a young-un my parents had an extensive vinyl collection. I can remember weekend trips from Plant City into Tampa to buy a new record and long nights with my parents and their friends sitting around listening to music. Once I finally reached and age where…
HBO Plans Series on Red Hot Chili Pepper’s Anthony Kiedis
HBO is planning a series based on Red Hot Chili Pepper’s Anthony Kiedis' growing up in West Hollywood. The series is tentatively titled "Spider and Son" and will focus on Kiedis' relationship with his father who sold drugs and mingled with rock stars on the Sunset Strip, all while aspiring to get into show business.…
Billy Corgan vs. himself: backing Ticketmaster and other idiocy
Its official- Billy Corgan has lost his mind. What once was a name of stature and notoriety in the music world, and our playlists, has become nothing more than dirt and tarnish. Some of you may be familiar with the Smashing Pumpkins’ headmaster and his various eccentricities as of late. For those who are not,…
Tupac is Alive in New Orleans!
I hate to perpatuate a rumor, but this is a juicy one worth mentioning: Tupac is Alive in New Orleans! No…. freakin'…. way! BallerStatus.com reports: We've always heard that the late rapper was hiding on some island somewhere, locked in a studio, recording all the music you've heard released following the years after this death.…
Indie 101: 365 Songs/365 Days, An Interview with Another Day On Earth’s Lawrence Bonk
Lawrence Bonk has begun a year long journey and music project called Another Day On Earth. This project requires Lawrence to write, record, and post one song each day for an entire year. He says, "Some may be good. Some may be bad. Whatever. I guess I'm trying to teach myself to let go and…
Pork industry lobbies to change name of “Swine Flu”
Are you afraid of eating pork thanks to the outbreak of the swine flu? Or, more accurately, the outbreak of media hysteria over swine flu? Well, don't worry about it, you can't catch a respiratory disease like flu from a slab of applewood smoked bacon or inch-thick chop, no matter how undercooked. This new strain…
Beer mixology : Terrapin’s Dos Cocoas Porter meets Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout
While I really enjoyed Dos Cocoas Chocolate Porter, the 4th installment of the Terrapin Brewing Side Project series, I was distracted by thoughts of what the brew would taste like with higher ABV and a bitter coffee injection. As I drank Dos Cocoas, I couldn't get Terrapin's Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout out of my…
Food, wine and beer events
Wednesday, April 29: Avenue Cellars Wine Bar Avenue's Red Wine 101 class features an overview of the dark side of the wine world, with a tasting of about ten examples. Reservations necessary. $25. 9662 Linebaugh Ave., Tampa (813-920-9991) Wednesday, April 29: ABC Fine Wines & Spirits (New Port Richey) This weekly tasting features wines and…
More bang for your buck with field greens
These days, we hear more and more about Green. Green energy, green power, green cars, green cleaners, "the greening of corporate America," and more. All well and good, lest smog, brackish waters, and short-term thinking consume us all. But let's not forget that original pioneer of Green: the leafy variety, otherwise known as "a heapin'…
NYT best-selling paranormal romance writer Sherrilyn Kenyon coming to Tampa
Ran across on Twitter: Best-selling author Sherrilyn Kenyon, whose Acheron sits at No. 27 on the NYT paperback list right now, says she will make an appearance in Tampa Bay: It is confirmed. Tampa, Chicago and Philly in mid May. Dates and stores coming as soon as they're written in stone. 7 minutes ago from…
Do It Today: Cirque du Soleil, Sunscreen Film Festival, UT dance
Cirque du Soleil: Saltimbanco The touring company's signature show visits Florida for the first time in this fantasy-filled evening of agility and acrobatics. See a stunning amalgamation of theater, dance and gymnastics combine with unique music, costumes, lighting and makeup that has enthralled more than 10 million people all over the world. Following its run…
Clear Channel Layoffs and Why Radio Sucks (Video)
Radio behemoth Clear Channel is one of the latest victims in the music business downfall. The official news is as follows: US radio giant Clear Channel Communications has announced a new round of layoffs, with 590 workers in its radio division to be cut. The new layoffs, which follow a round of 1,850 in January,…
Seeing double in Montepulciano
I have adorable twin nieces. As they've gotten older, I can tell them apart by personality (and each helpfully favors either purple or pink), but when they were tiny tots, it wasn't as easy. One birthmark differentiated them and served as my twin detector for many years. If only Italian wines were as easy. They have…
Remembering the the night James Brown saves Boston
Beantown was a powder keg. Then the Godfather of Soul stepped in.
Beer review: Jolly Pumpkin Maracaibo Especial Belgian-style strong brown ale
Michigan brewery, Jolly Pumpkin Artisanal Ales, has nothing to do with seasonal gourd beers and everything to do with open air fermentation, exotic French and Belgian yeast strains, oak barrel aging, and bottle conditioning. All their beers are funky, spicy, and sour, packed full of Brettanomyces and Lactobacillus goodness. Maracaibo Especial is a 7.5% ABV…
Review: 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 us of the best work…
X-Men Origins: Wolverine
The zillion-grossing X-Men franchise shifts into prequel mode, singling out the series' breakout star, Hugh Jackman, and most popular character, the walking letter opener Wolverine. The most interesting part of his genesis story races by in the first reel: after his superpowers emerge, Wolverine and his similarly equipped brother (Liev Schreiber) immortally kick ass in…
Sculptor Charles Parkhill talks plywood and Puryear
Charles Parkhill makes remarkable sculptures from wood.
Espresso Basics
What you don’t know about espresso will kill you. Well, perhaps that’s a bit of an exaggeration. But it kills me to hear people pronounce “espresso,” “expresso.” And most people don’t have the first clue as to what actually goes in to the making of a decent cup of espresso. Odd, given both the Latin…
Beer mixology : Terrapin’s Dos Cocoas Porter meets Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout
While I really enjoyed Dos Cocoas Chocolate Porter, the 4th installment of the Terrapin Brewing Side Project series, I was distracted by thoughts of what the brew would taste like with higher ABV and a bitter coffee injection. As I drank Dos Cocoas, I couldn’t get Terrapin’s Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout out of my…
Wolverine’s greatest hits
Just in time for his solo big-screen debut, CL presents the mutant superhero’s best comic tales
Savage Love: Why don’t Republicans know what teabagging really means?
Let’s clear up the terminology
Are pit bulls really all that dangerous?
I keep hearing pit bull owners claim their dogs are no more dangerous than any other medium-size to large dog. It's just bad press, they say. Are there any statistics that prove that they (the dogs, not the owners) are more dangerous or aggressive than other dogs? Maybe they are generally docile but so powerful…
Tampa’s Floridian restaurant is pressing for success
Finally, a chain starts in Tampa that actually sells Tampa cuisine.
Songwriter Jason Isbell comes to Crowbar in Ybor City
Jason Isbell has dropped his second solo album.
Review: Gomez, A New Tide
Gomez: A New Tide (ATO) Being a Gomez fan can be lonely. It can also be confounding. The British quintet has never broken through in the States, despite making hooky, dynamic rock music that splits the difference between Britpop and American roots, and boasts one of the best singers in the biz in Ben Ottewell.…
Review: American Stage’s Altar Boyz
Altar Boyz is remarkably slight.
DVD review: Streisand/The Concerts
The new 3-DVD set Streisand The Concerts is being marketed as the perfect Mother’s Day gift, and it’s true that in the two live concerts captured here — "Live at Arrowhead Pond/July 1994," from a multi-city tour that marked her first public concert appearances in 27 years, and "Live in Concert 2006," recorded in Fort…
CL’s Lost podcast: Season 5 recap: “The Story of the Oceanic 6”
Here's the latest installment of our highly-acclaimed* Lost podcast. In this week's edition, we discuss Wednesday night's clip show, speculate on who's going to kick the bucket before the end of season five and mop up some open questions from previous weeks. Download *-Allegedly.
Splendid China: Taylor Eason eats and drinks the People’s Republic
CL Wine Editor and Corkscrew columnist Taylor Eason is in the middle of a two week tour through China. Not surprisingly, her focus is on the food and drink between the sightseeing trips. Here's her Twitter and Facebook comments about her first few days in the Middle Kingdom: 4:27 PM, Apr 20th: Breakfast in Beijing:…
CL’s Lost Podcast: Season 5 Ep 13: “Some Like It Hoth”
This week, we start off with J.J.'s heavy, 5 minute dissertation on Egyptian gods*. Please bear with us, as the information overload gives way to a jaunty discussion of why Miles & Hurley rock, which cast members can act, what's "in the shadow of the statue," and how it can be that London has never…
Chateau Lafite launches wine project in China
Next week, I head to China, not on a business trip but on vacation. But that doesn't mean I won't be scouting the place for Chinese wine potential. Recently, the owners of highly esteemed French wine producer Chateau Lafite Rothschild announced a 60-acre Chinese wine project in the northeastern Shandong Province. It's one of China's largest…
Nosh Pit Episode 12: GNATV, Pizzaiolo Bavaro, crafty recycling
In this week's Nosh Pit food and drink podcast, Taylor and Brian invite Grayson, Chris and Alejandro of GNATV.com to stop by for some wine and conversation, then preview next week's restaurant review (Pizzaiolo Bavaro, get it here first); discuss crafty ways to re-use wine bottles and corks; introduce a new food contributor (and her…
CL Sessions #7: Jim Morey Band
Leilani joins Stephen and Joran in the studio to welcome Jim Morey and his band as they perform two tracks live and talk about their strange brand of Neo-ragtime, NOLA jazz, stumblin' roots rock. Yes, they brought in a monkey, and yes, we got it on video. Download the MP3s of Gypsy Wind and Wishing…
CL’s Lost report Podcast: Season 5 Ep 12: Dead Is Dead
Back by popular demand, it's the second installment of our Lost podcast. This week, the round-table talks Egyptian gods, Richard Alpert's eyeliner, Locke's divinity and why you can't trust a word Ben says. Plus, we add Leilani to the mix, checking facts and keeping us honest. Video clip from the show below the jump. Enjoy…
CL Sessions #6: Soulfound
It was a long time coming for session number six, but well worth it, as Clearwater-based hard rockers Soulfound join Joran and Stephen in the studio to talk about playing locally and nationally, recording and playing together for a decade and their decision to go on hiatus. They also bring their amps and put them…
Nosh Pit Episode 11: The Nest restaurant reviewed, Rishi Ramkissoon, chain restaurant and Kosher wines
This week, Brian and Taylor sit down with CL food contributor Rishi Ramkissoon and drink some kosher wine. Oh, and talk about Ybor's The Nest, chain wine lists, and whatever else crosses their minds. Download
CL’s Lost Report: Season 5 Ep 11: “Whatever Happened, Happened”
Join the CL round-table of Joe, J.J., London and Ham Gravy as they talk out this week's puzzling Lost episode, "Whatever Happened, Happened." And if you guys think you can answer any of the questions that have our chatty crew's heads spinning, please take a shot at it in the comments section. Download
Nosh Pit Episode 10: Podcasting under the influence
Taylor and Brian Nosh under the influence of Roederer Estate Sparkling Wine this week, and talk about David Miller's new Cities Restaurant, The Lodge, Tacos and Tuscany. Download
Nosh Pit Podcast Episode 9: Urbex, Katie and Aqua-not
This week, our heroes bring in guest and CL contributor Katie Machol, talk about the Bay area's best food sites, fill your wine rack and dish on a bad meal at Aquaknox. Download
Nosh Pit Podcast Episode 8: BK, Gallo’s jugs, Taco Terror
Brian and Taylor bust out the mics for some old fashioned talkin' and drinkin'. This week they dish Taco Tournament Readers' Poll, Gina Gallo, Burger King Burger Bar, Sayroo Bakery, Culinary Sherpas, and the beef baby food/White Castle phenomena. Download
CL Sessions #5: Beauvilles
For session five, Stephen and Joran talk with the foursome about touring, knife play and a newer sound, plus, the band performs three songs: Lips, Pretty in Pale and Whipsering Sin. Download. Download the MP3s below the jump:
Nosh Pit Episode 7: Food Poisoning and Tournament of Tacos
In this week's episode of Nosh Pit, CL's food and drink podcast, Taylor and Brian discuss the Top Five food stories of the week (Seasons 52, Pizzaiolo Bavaro, Best Florida Beer Competition, Meatless Mondays, and Brian has food poisoning), wine geek terms that will make you sound smarter at cocktail parties, and the start of…
Nosh Pit Episode #6: Starbucks food sucks
This week's episode talks about the atrocious food offerings at Starbucks, Bamboo Club's closure, this Saturday's Abilities Wine Fest, the changing of the chef guard at The Table, in home wine tastings and our impromptu tasting of Korean Soju based beverage from Ty Ku. Download.
TV stars stinking up Broadway
Lauren Graham and Oliver Platt won critical raves for their roles in TV cult hits Gilmore Girls and Huff, but the New York Times' Ben Brantley says they're not exactly lighting up Broadway in the new revival of Guys and Dolls. Gilmore and Platt are the latest TV stars to get bashed by the Times…
Nosh Pit Episode 5: CL’s food and drink podcast
This week, Taylor and Brian discuss the top 5 stories of the week (Pepsi Throwback, Fat Tire, Bill Niman, Paula Deen, Strawberry Festival); tempranillo — the noble grape of Spain; review Kilo Kai Rum; and interview sommelier Patti Kuhl of Datz Deli. Download.
CL Sessions #4: Hat Trick Heroes
For session #4, Joran and Stephen welcome Tampa's Hat Trick Heroes into the studio to talk about their new album Push It Forward, recorded in Nashville with producer John McBride. The band also perform three tracks: Cemetery Lane, Stuck in a Hole and Wild Turkey. Download. Download the mp3s below the jump:
ArtsSpeak Episode #5: The Fusionistas
In episode 5 of ArtsSpeak, Creative Loafing editor David Warner talks with Marissa-Alma Nick and Tera Greene, the creative team behind the multi-disciplinary Peace Piece project and the dance opera "Take A Walk In My Shoes" which premieres February 24 at USF. This episode also introduces Brianna Kole and Lennox of The Fusionistas, CL's new…
Nosh Pit: Episode #4
In episode 4 of the Nosh Pit, Brian and Taylor talk $10 bottles of wine at Ruby Tuesday, chocolate and wine pairings, new and interesting cocktail offerings and the CL March Madness Taco Tournament. Download. Previous episodes below the jump.
Nosh Pit: Episode #3
In episode 3, Brian and Taylor give a sneak peek of the new Datz Deli, talk about Brian's review of Tampa's Bin 27 Bistro, rant about wine bars, and rundown the top five food stories of the week: Domenica Macchia, Burger King Body Spray, Hook Atsavinh, Hamburger Cake, and "Dear Richard Branson". Download.
ArtsSpeak Episode #4: Postell Pringle (aka Playboy X)
Postell Pringle (at left in photo) is playing the title role in the American Stage production of August Wilson’s “King Hedley II.” He’s also the star of another famous entertainment vehicle with a number in its title: He’s Playboy X in Rockstar Games' “Grand Theft Auto IV.” CL Editor David Warner (right) talks to Pos…
Nosh Pit: Episode #2
In episode 2, Brian and Taylor discuss the fine art of fooling your friends with box wine, how food critic Laura Reiley jumped the gun, why you may be spreading mercury on your PB&J and the reasons real men drink rose wine during the Superbowl. Download. Player below the jump…
CL Sessions #3: Damon Fowler
Damon Fowler talks with Eric Snider about the blues and his new album, Sugar Shack, available on Blind Pig Records. Download. Download the songs below the jump:
Nosh Pit: Episode #1 – The chain gang
In the inaugural episode of Nosh Pit, CL food editor Brian Ries and Cl wine editor Taylor Eason talk about Barack Obama's first meal as president, plus new restaurant openings in the bay area and the worst of the worst chain restaurants: Download.
CL Sessions #2: Giddy-Up, Helicopter!
Listen as the acclaimed 5-piece Giddy-Up, Helicopter! perform live in studio and talk about the Tampa Bay music scene and a possible break up. Download Episode 2 here. Listen to mp3s from the session: Peyton Radio Hates This Song Moggies Something That Needs Nothing Photos: Read Eric Snider's review of Something that Needs Nothing.
ArtsSpeak Episode #2: Lights On Tampa
Lights Up: Editor David Warner and art critic Megan Voeller welcome artist Will Pappenheimer and the City of Tampa's Robin Nigh (L to R in the photo above) to talk about Lights On Tampa 2009, the illumination celebration that will transform the Convention Center, the St. Pete Times Forum and other downtown sites starting January…
CL Sessions #1: Lorna Bracewell
Download.
ArtsSpeak episode #1: CL’s new podcast on the local arts scene
In the first episode of ArtsSpeak, Creative Loafing's new podcast on the local arts scene, Creative Loafing editor David Warner (above left) talks to local actors Curtis Belz and Phillip Gulley (above right) about their roles in Six Degrees of Separation at Gorilla Theatre. Phil almost gossips, Curtis tries to explain why he keeps getting…
