A woman’s/wife’s/girlfriend’s guide to coping with fantasy football addicts
I was sitting at a local watering hole when the gentleman beside me started going on and on about his fantasy football team. Like I had nothing else better to do than listen to him discuss how he drafted the Redskins defense in the 7th round. For those of you still unfamiliar with Fantasy Football……
Game review – Wolfenstein: a joyous Nazi-killing extravaganza
Tis the season to be killing Nazis in alternate history epics. Or at least in my life it is. First there was the history-bending, tense-monologue laden glory of Quentin Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds. Now there's Wolfenstein, one of the oldest game franchises around and the mirror image of Tarantino's talky WW2 pic. Here we have action,…
Britney’s Bad Imitator: Heidi Montag at the Miss Universe Pageant
On Sunday night the anticipated Miss Universe aired live for the entire world to see from the Bahamas. As with any other big live event there are always guest performances some better than others. Apparently, the reality show celebrity from The Hills, Heidi Montag decided to try and become a singer/performer. The performance was such…
Kings of the dirty south, Goodie Mob, are set to reunite.
Goodie Mob – Fly Away If Sept. wasn't already booked up there is no doubt I'd drive up to Atlanta for this. Hopefully a new album will follow.
On the Radar: Questa at Club Nautico
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. Today’s edition is a new play at Club Nautico, where "all are welcome." If you’re looking for a place to avoid Ronda Storms (or maybe run into Charlie Crist), I’d put my money on Gypsy Productions’ new show, Questa…
Do It Today: O.A.R., Wine Wednesdays, save the planet and more
Whether you're looking to go mainstream, indie, or pop-punk (yeah, we even threw something in for you guys), CL Music Editor Leilani Polk has got a show for you tonight, starting with… O.A.R. (Of a Revolution) is a reggae-roots jam rock five-piece that is currently touring in support of their sixth studio album, All Sides,…
Four dream interpretations of a fireball. Which one fits?
I was floating in a black sea. The whole earth was water. I thought…uhh, shit. The sky was beautiful, dark, space as far as the spirit can conceive…stars, galaxies, gas clouds all perfectly visible. Then a HUGE fireball (what, a sun?) approaches, nay, careens through space at my head. I dive into the water, wondering…
Mini MegaCon invades Orlando (Pics/Video)
Attending Mini MegaCon this past weekend was like walking into a different world than the mundane one I tend to inhabit. Stormtroopers, mystic elves, movie stars and a few renaissance festival holdovers invaded Orlando and The Rabid One and Hopp were at the center of it all.
TV review: Psych Season 4, Episode 3 “High Noon-ish”
Howdy partners. Welcome to my third review of Psych, this week's episode entitled "High Noon-ish." In the latest installment, Shawn and Gus help Lassiter find out who is sabotaging an old west attraction called Old Sanora. Let's take a look and see if Psych is getting back to its roots and finding its footing in…
Kevin White: Why he should resign or be fired, and why taxpayers should have just bought him a hooker
By Kelly Cornelius PoHo contributor & R-LAND; activist Photo credit: tom.arthur at Flickr.com Good news: Not only do we NIMBYS and concerned citizens think that Commissioner Kevin Shovel-ready White should pack his bags, but both the Tribune and the Times are also calling for his resignation. If that doesn't happen, then they think the governor…
Progress Energy seeks to add Smart Grid in Florida: Customers will see their real-time energy use
Progress Energy announced that it applied for $200 million in U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) federal infrastructure funds for the development of an electric Smart Grid in the Carolinas and Florida. The DOE grant would be shared equally between the two states. A “Smart Grid” is a modernized digital electric transmission and distribution system that…
Atalaya outbids Eason, assumes control of Creative Loafing
Atalaya Capital Management this morning doubled Creative Loafing Management’s bid to retain the alternative newsweekly chain, ending months of legal wrangling and 37 years of control by the Eason family. Michael Bogdan, managing partner of the winning New York-based hedge fund, said he is committed to keeping the chain’s 230 employees and 400,000 readers in…
The PoHo, Wayne Garcia, to leave Creative Loafing for UF appointment
After nearly five years of documenting the inside story of Tampa Bay and Florida politics, my time here is coming to a close. I have accepted a yearlong appointment as the Freedom Forum Visiting Professional at the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications, where I am teaching four sections of investigative journalism and…
Cute little Cake Pops
I had to jump on the Bakerella bandwagon and make some Cake Pops! I see them all over the Food Web World. They really are simple to make, but very time consuming. Of course, I made them even more difficult with all the different decorations. I love self induced torture! And, I must say, they…
Clean energy and anti-offshore drilling rally in Ybor this Thursday
Would you like to stand up against the Big Oil and Big Energy companies and oppose offshore drilling of the Gulf Coast? Would you like to support Clean Energy and green jobs in the Bay area? Then help make a difference and make your voice heard by attending this Clean Energy rally on Thursday in…
It Happened this Week-ish: Steven Tyler Drinks, MJ murdered? McSteamy in a threesome, Jon Gosselin is into Ed Hardy, Tim Gunn=God
*Video has surfaced that indicates Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, may have been drunk when he fell off a stage and broke some stuff, and by stuff I mean bones. I am beside myself. This is about as shocking as the moment I realized Brett Michaels is kind of a skeezeball. *Something about Michael Jackson and the doctors…
CL on the Road: Athens/Atlanta band, The Shut-Ups, becomes re-acquainted with the ATL scene
It's been a year-and-a-half since Athens-Atlanta band The Shut-Ups played Atlanta. As their set neared, Kavarna — laid-back coffee joint by day, music venue by night — filled up with excited fans, friends and family. As the five-piece band took the stage clad in their trademark dress suits, silence ensued and the onlookers' lips curved…
More to love or more to laugh at: TVs new big women shows
It’s no secret that I love big beautiful women. Recently two new television shows focusing on curvaceous women popped out, catching my attention like over sized breasts springing out of an undersized corset. Is Hollywood finally getting away from its infamous worship of the anorexic female form, or are these new shows just a thinly…
Abol Bunna Ethiopian restaurant in Tampa closes
Guess that Restaurant.com gift certificate I recently purchased is null and void. I was just there with the International Friends Meetup group and we enjoyed the food and service. Sluggish economy + sluggish summer= another one bites the dust. Here's the email I received tonight: CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENT We want to thank you for your continued…
Rep. Bill Young to Gov. Charlie Crist on Senate: ‘No, thanks’
Charlie Crist's delicate task of making everyone in the GOP happy and yet finding someone to appoint to a caretaker role in the US Senate now that Mel Martinez has quit in mid-job continued yesterday, with one fewer candidate for the position: Congressman C. W. Bill Young, a Republican from Indian Rocks Beach. The Times…
Despite perception, federal stimulus may actually be working
By Mitch Perry PoHo contributor Mitch Perry is the anchor of the WMNF Evening News on 88.5 FM community radio. Joe Biden's trip to Orlando last week barely made any ripples in state media coverage. The VP came to Florida to extol some of the virtues of the much criticized $787 billion federal stimulus package,…
Tits in the city: pics from NYC’s ‘Go Topless Day’ Celebration (NSFW)
Sunday, 8/23 was shirts. Festivities took place in several cities including Maui, Miami, Chicago, Portland and, of course, New York. I went to check out the action at "Boobstock" in Central Park, if only for the opportunity to feel the liberation of wearing just a miniskirt and flip flops on a hot summer day. Boobs…
Dream of dancing with grandfather means looking for Mr. Right
I saw your request and I just so happened to have an interesting dream last night. I dreamed I was dancing with my grandfather (who died three years ago and I was very close to). But as I was dancing with him, I couldn't see him, I could only feel the sensation of dancing with…
Do It Today: Reality TV overload with Big Brother, Hell’s Kitchen and more, Tony Dungy’s Red Zone
Remember last week when another Tuesday? Well, tonight's that night. That's right, TV junkies: order a pizza with the works, put on your comfiest peejays, and prepare to spend an evening on the couch reveling in reality TV overload. You've got myriad choices of crap to watch, including paranoid housemates on Big Brother 11, the…
On the Radar: New Exhibits at [5]art
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. Today’s edition includes a slew of cool new exhibits at [5]art, where they don't let the sticky summer heat stop them from putting on a kickass autumn art debut this Friday. The air is getting crisp, the leaves as…
Fall Arts Best Bet: Lesley Dill at the Museum of Fine Arts
A traveling exhibition organized by Chattanooga’s Hunter Museum of American Art, I Heard A Voice: The Art of Lesley Dill brings nearly 30 of the acclaimed contemporary artist’s works — with an emphasis on sculptural installations — to St. Petersburg. Poetic and psychologically charged, Dill’s constructions often combine fabric and figures (or dress forms) with…
Who murdered Michael Jackson?
With today's announcement that the L.A. County coroner has ruled Michael Jackson's death a homicide, the never-ending story has officially turned into a murder mystery. Any minute now some old Hollywood detective (Columbo? Jessica Fletcher?) will come shambling onto the scene, gather all the celebrity suspects in a fancy living room and spring a surprise…
Fall Arts Best Bet: Fences at American Stage
August Wilson's best play, Fences, is about Troy Maxson, an African-American rubbish collector whose bitterness and sense of lost opportunities make him a problematic husband and father. Set in Pittsburgh in 1957, it's also about a time when new opportunities for black citizens were slowly becoming real, but the indignities of the past were too…
NOVA’s Some Like It Hot show was a scorcher
From the outside, NOVA 535 Art Lounge looks like a run-of-the-mill storefront: a brick exterior and nifty neon sign amidst a string of shops on St. Petersburg's Ninth Avenue. But don't let this art and event space fool you: the deceptively tame exterior gives way to a hip, trendy night spot finished with dark wood,…
Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll 2009: The race for Greenest Politician has Linda Saul-Sena in the lead
The race for the title of Greenest Politician in the Bay area is neck and neck so far, with Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena of Tampa just two votes ahead of Councilman Karl Nurse of St. Petersburg. Behind them are Councilwoman Mary Mulhern and Rep. Rick Kriseman of St. Petersburg; Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio and Gov. Crist bring up…
Best of the Bay 2009: The race for Best Chef
Despite the culture surrounding celebrity chefs that's sprung up in recent years worldwide, our own local culinary heroes usually spend much of their time behind the line instead of in front of the cameras. Our annual Best of the Bay Readers' Poll is your chance to recognize your favorite knife-wielding madman (or madwoman)! Right now,…
Does wine really prevent heart problems?
I drink with abandon, but not hoping that my habit will make me healthier — wine is fun to drink. Years ago, it was bonus points to read that wine allegedly prevents heart disease and a litany of other ailments, from Alzheimer's to obesity. But like all other shortcuts, it sounded too good to be…
Geri X video, “Kiss on Both Eyelids”
If you missed the premiere of Geri X's new Michael McCourt-directed video at her release show this past Friday, never fear — the lovely songstress was kind enough to post it online this week for the consumption of the Geri X-loving public. Geri looks pretty phenomenal, a classy rockin' chick with grit (great job, stylist!),…
Instinctive Exercise: My dog wants to run — why don’t I?
“This was such a terrible idea,” I thought to myself as I gasped for air while jogging in the sweltering August heat. “Please rain, please rain, please rain,” I repeated over and over in my head. “Oh my god! I feel like my legs are going to fall off.” I am only 9 minutes into…
Fruit fly f-ing:BDSM, necrophilia, and one minute men
A new study in the journal BMC Evolutionary Biology finds that female fruit flies prefer to keep intercourse short because they get a reproductive boost from shorter sex. Male fruit flies prefer sex to last longer, which leads to a struggle between the mating flies. "After about a minute and a half (of mating), the…
Richard Blais talks Top Chef Las Vegas — Second Helpings: A kiss is just a kiss
As I cover Top Chef Season 6 in Las Vegas for Bravo, I take a few seconds of action each week and throw it under the microscope. I often find one or two moments each episode that either reveal a industry insider’s secret or, as a former competitor, something I have a behind the scenes…
Photo review: Crosby Stills, and Nash at Ruth Eckerd Hall
Saturday evening at Ruth Eckerd Hall, legendary folk rock trio Crosby, Still and Nash took the stage to a standing ovation and I was graciously able to snap photos of the first few songs. They opened the sold-out show with "Helplessly Hoping," a track from their 1969 debut, Crosby, Stills and Nash, and followed it…
Dreams of being the tip of a phonograph needle
Thought I’d share a dream I’ve had for years…ever since I was a teen. Not sure what it means, but I have to say I remember it clearly even though I have not had it for about three years now. I think of it every so often though. I realize that I am on the…
Corkscrew: The wines people are drinking these days, and Sebastiani blossoms
When I was a kid, I compared myself to everyone. One teacher called me "other-directed" and it wasn't until my twenties that I realized that wasn't a glowing compliment. I carried a bit of this into adulthood, and perhaps it shows up in my voyeuristic sneak peeks at what wine drinkers are sipping. As a…
Game review: Wii Sports Resort, or what your Wii was made for
Back before it was the Wii, Nintendo had code-named its new console The Revolution. And when the best selling console of this generation did come out a few years back, its motion controlled game play was indeed revolutionary. And like so many revolutions, it didn't quite live up to the promise. The original Wii Sports,…
Weekly SportsChumpdate featuring Plaxico Burress, Usain Bolt, John Calipari, Gloria Estefan and the Wild Card races
Memo to those vacationing in New York: leave your piece at home. Former New York Giant wide receiver and Super Bowl champion Plaxico Burress was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of an unlicensed firearm. He'll likely serve at least 20 of those 24 months. The penalty may seem excessive…
PS3 Slim Is Amazon’s #1 bestseller for 5 days as Wii Sports Resort’s reign ends
Sony's ugly duckling PS3 Slim has toppled Wii Sports Resort's from it's #1 spot on Amazon's video game bestsellers list and has held it's ground for 5 whole days. That's a feat when you're a Sony product going up against a Wii Sports title. The PS3 Slim would like you to forget the fact that…
MMA News: Marcio Cruz defeats Tom Sauer, becomes first WFO champion; Seth Petruzelli defeats Tampa police officer Chris Baten
The main event on the Art of Fighting (AOF) fight card indeed turned out to be the highlight of the evening, with an enthusiastic audience cheering on the mixed martial arts (MMA) veteran Tom Sauer on his walk towards the octagon as prelude to a very exciting fight against Marcio Cruz. Regardless, Sauer was not…
On the Radar: I Love Africa
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. Today’s edition is an African market and art showcase, proceeds from which benefit families in Uganda. We often list losing our jobs, forgoing health care, or sacrificing fresh, healthy foods for Ramen noodles as signs of the rough economic…
Do It Today: Die, Mommie, Die, healthy cooking class
It’s August—traditionally a sleepy month for visual art in Tampa Bay—but that’s not stopping C. Emerson Fine Arts owner Lori Johns from launching what’s sure to be a delightful exhibition of Eva Eun-Sil Han’s eye-popping collages (pictured). Tapping into the legacies of Surrealism and Dada à la Hannah Höch, the South Korea-born, Belgium-based artist combines…
Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler: Was he drunk when he fell off that stage? (with video)
In a summer full of big concerts coming to the Tampa Bay area, one of the biggest never happened. Aerosmith postponed their July 11 date at the Ford Amphitheatre due to Steven Tyler's ripped quadricep. Eager ticketholders kept their fingers crossed for almost a month — until blown equipment and some uncoordinated dancing sent Tyler…
Finding an emotional connection with our planet
I have always been someone who has felt connected to the earth and environmental conservation. In high school many years ago I was wearing the "reduce, reuse, recycle" t-shirts at a time where this practice was not common place. Recently though I have found myself with a new emotional connection to the Earth. This connection…
American Express gold cards galore! A report from the Florida Republican Party meeting in Orlando
There was a whole lot of hot air at the Gaylord Palms resort in Orlando this weekend as the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF) conducted its quarterly meeting. Charlie Crist was there looking all tanned, smiling, and talking as though he is a conservative (really Charlie, you don’t have to be conservative, just stand for…
The Keynesians and ‘Helicopter Ben’ Bernanke: The End of the Fed, Part 2
By Al Coryell PoHo correspondent I left you in Part 1 of this series with the statement the U.S. "…has not had a truly free-market economy since 1913". Hopefully you were able to draw the inference that that was the year the Federal Reserve System was created by the Federal Reserve Act of 1913. It…
Late night music, August 24-28: Imogen Heap, Kings of Leon, Friendly Fires and more.
A weekly bulletin about who's playing on late night TV; set your TIVOs or DVRs if you’ve got an early bedtime. See a day missing? No musical guest that night… The Late Show with David Letterman, CBS Tuesday, August 25: Jet Wednesday, August 26: Care Bears on Fire Thursday, August 27: Mutemath Friday, August 28:…
Dirty hot sex: a second try with a couple new to swapping
I just noticed that I have a bruise on my breast. Does this mean the sex was really good or really bad? I think that all depends on what you like in bed. My weekend sex, bruises and all, was pretty damn good. We are walking into the second bar of the night on our 'date' with a…
The Top 10 Hottest Men in Comics
Ryan Reynolds has signed on to play Green Lantern for DC's upcoming live-action adaptation of the same name — and while he may play the same character in every film, so do his abs. Wolverine has been played in four separate films by Hugh Jackman and his pecs. Before Christan Bale's mouth was crippling franchises…
The Green Community week in review: World’s first solar-powered city, redesigning suburbia, green pledges and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week: Fixing sprawl and redesigning suburbia- Grant Rimbey CNU explores a possible strategy towards improving existing sprawl. Fixing the sprawl that we have, along with sprawl demolition and recycling, are strategies that could be employed…
Jury verdict: Kevin White sexually harassed his aide, must pay $75,000
By George Niemann PoHo contributor and R-LAND and UCAN activist Friday, the jury came back with its verdict in the Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White sex trial at 5:10 p.m. Jurors determined that 1) Commissioner Kevin White did sexually harass Alyssa Ogden during her employment with Hillsborough County and 2) that the sexual harassment played…
Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll 2009: The Best Local Band race continues in earnest
It's another Best of the Bay Reader's Poll race you want to know about, especially if you're a musician working the local scene and are actively encouraging your fans to vote. This category has always been a popular one since it gives Tampa Bay bands the chance to receive much-coveted props from the people who…
The Costume Diva dishes on Project Runway
Tonight as we all watched the long-awaited premiere of Project Runway, the Costume Diva was left wondering….
Pennywise frontman Jim Lindberg calls it quits.
California foursome Pennywise has been spitting out the hardcore fun punk rock for nearly 20 years. Apparently, lead singer and frontman Jim Lindberg has had enough. The remaining members — Fletcher Dragge, Byron McMackin and Randy Bradbury — issued the following statement regarding his departure: “After 19 years with Pennywise, Jim Lindberg has decided to…
David the Day – Contributor
David the Day is a musician, writer, actor, comedian, programmer and is keeping the faux-hawk hairstyle alive despite criticism. He is co-host and co-creator of the Something Planet podcast, and has been keeping it real since 1984 (the year, not the book). email: davidtheday@somethingplanet.com
Mark Holan – Contributor
Veteran journalist Mark Holan has edited a rural weekly near Austin, Texas, and covered politics, the environment and other beats at dailies in Galveston, Texas, Mobile, Ala., and Tampa. Mark has done freelance reporting for The New York Times, St. Petersburg Times and Tampa Bay Business Journal, plus writing and editing work for niche media…
Project Runway All Star recap: Santino’s lurid Lycra, why we love Chris March and the return of Urkel
Before they graced our eyes, ears and hearts with a new season of Project Runway, the geniuses over at Lifetime made us sit through an extra two hours of commercial time, most of which promoted, you guessed it, Lifetime. Sorry, but I am still not tuning into the Sherri Shepherd show. Aaaaaanyway, when it comes…
Running with the Stinky Drinkers: Whoops….we ran how far?
(The Stinky Drinkers are a band of runners in training for the Women's Running Magazine Women's Half Marathon in St. Pete November 22nd. We love to run…we love beer…and when we're done running, we love to toast our achievement with a pint! We hope you'll toast with us!) Sunday's early morning run turned out to…
CD Review: Little Dragon, Machine Dreams (with video)
Electronica, '80s pop, hip-hop, traditional Japanese music, jazz, salsa — Sweden's Little Dragon draws from this mishmash of influences to create their own uniquely individual sound. The foursome's self-titled debut garnered them much praise and attention, and their follow-up, Machine Dreams (Peacefrog Records), is sure to extend their reach even further. A Japanese lead singer…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Solar power workshop, history mound hike, green markets and more
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. Ellenton Farmers Market- Saturdays; 8 am – 1 pm. Ellenton Farmers’ Market will be the largest year-round market in florida that specializes in "green" natural, organic and environmentally friendly products that makes for a healthier lifestyle and a…
Kevin’s Korner: Avatar Edition + Megan Fox
Happy "Avatar Day" everyone, and welcome to another installment of Kevin's Korner, where I, Kevin, give you more movie news than you could shake a wet noodle at — along with some box office info, a DVD release list, and, of course, some Avatar Images and the trailer itself. So, grab a drink and celebrate…
Sneek peek: Michael Moore’s Capitalism: A Love Story (with video)
Muckracking documentarian Michael Moore is back in Roger & Me territory with this fall's Capitalism: A Love Story, the trailer for which was released today. Marvel as Mike takes on AIG and Congress to the tune of M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes." Capitalism hits the multiplex on Oct. 2. Trailer after the jump …
Project Runway recap: Tears, fears and “hookers in space”
I think Franki really put it best yesterday as she recapped the emotional rollercoaster that the last year has been for us Runway fans. But alas, it happened and we get to experience a rollercoaster of tears and sewing needles with a whole new set of designers to love, hate, forget and quote. So, without…
How about a Charlie Crist-Marco Rubio debate at GOP meeting in Orlando this weekend?
An open letter to Charlie Crist Dear Governor: As you are no doubt busy traveling the state putting on this charade that you are going to appoint someone as a caretaker to Mel Martinez’ Senate seat (you and I both know you will appoint yourself), I would like to remind you you will be in…
It’s a house concert! In Tampa at Heights Atelier! With Rebecca Loebe!
We don't see many house concerts around here, those musical events hosted by some brave soul with a big enough living space for performers and an audience, and just enough trust to open up their home to the public and invite them to enjoy an intimate evening of live acoustic music. Heights Atelier welcomes the…
Congressman Vern Buchanan’s Bradenton town hall meeting on health care reform (video)
"I'm not interested in taking it from the seniors and giving it to somebody else." That is Sarasota Congressman Vern Buchanan's statement about health care coverage from his town hall meeting on Thursday night at Braden River High School in Bradenton. Of course, Vern doesn't tell them that they are ALREADY paying for other people,…
When life’s a drag… find a queen!
For some time now, I've had a rather insatiable obsession with Drag Queens. Luckily this area has quite a range of these a-typical performers. We have respected queens like Apple Love, we have seasoned bawdy queens like and then we have innovative new queens like Gianna Love and Lennox Liemont. Now the later mentioned are…
Greening Fido: the eco-friendly Orbee-Tuff dog toy
Play time with your dog is a special time. It’s when the two of you get to spend quality time together doing the things that you love. All dogs have a special toy that they play with the most such as a bone or a Frisbee. Many dogs enjoy playing ball with their owners. If…
Domestic violence upswing: Recession is making folks smack their spouses up
It’s the stupid economy. Apparently the dour economy is to blame for the revolting headlines inviting readers to delve into the details of men killing babies, beating and raping women and murdering their families. That's according to the U.S. Department of Justice report, "When Violence Hits Home: How Economics and Neighborhood Play a Role." And…
The Kevin White Sex Trial: Day 4, his past comes back to haunt him
By George Niemann PoHo contributor and R-LAND and UCAN activist The 4th day of this trial had all of the elements of a good Perry Mason episode: legal maneuvering, drama, suspense, a no-nonsense judge and surprise testimony. Here are today’s highlights: • White’s moral character gets reamed over previous admission of 8 campaign violations •…
Anyone can run a marathon (Oprah and P. Diddy did it – so can you!)
Wikipedia describes a marathon as "a long-distance foot race with an official distance of 42,195 kilometers (26 miles, 385 yards, or exactly 26 7/32 miles) that is usually a road race." I would describe it as 26.2 miles of sheer determination, dedication, and a touch of insanity. The marathon is not something everyone has on…
Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll 2009: The race for Best Local Troublemaker has Joe Redner leading
Click on the chart to make it larger As we report on tight and interesting races in the Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll, this category is always popular. Some view it as a good thing to be named a troublemaker; others vote it as a pejorative. We don't care how you vote/view it as…
Do It This Weekend: Mike Epps, Some Like It Hot at NOVA, Grease and more
Hollywood hopefuls are expected to be a quintuple-threat these days: reality stars spawn their own shows, actors become singers and vice versa, pro wrestlers star on the silver screen, and robots from the future become Governators. So it’s no surprise that stand-up comedian and Def Comedy Jam host Mike Epps (pictured) has parlayed his “it’s…
Year of the porn parody (previews NSFW)
With the economy in the crapper and sites like RedTube, YouPorn, and PornHub making free porn readily available, the adult industry has been forced to find new ways to get folks to pay for jack-off material. In the long term, the answer seems to be 3-D or virtual porn, but for now adult companies like…
Michael Vick, society’s debt, and the “right” to work in the NFL
Michael Vick (perhaps you've heard of him) has been officially reinstated by the NFL and is now currently a proud member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Reactions from the sporting community have ranged from “Congratulations!” to “Throw him in a cage full of pit bulls with Steakum-scented Underoos." Ah, freedom of expression. As a half-assed journalist…
Top Chef Masters Podcast, Episode 10: Orgasmic mole, Tom and Padma return, and the Top Chef Master
This is it – the final episode and where we learn who is the Master of the Top Chefs. I was quite impressed with this episode because they did away with the drama and really focused on the food (well, there was some nail-biting drama at the final judging). The chefs had to cook a…
St. Petersburg Times endorses an anti-evolution, anti-gay candidate for mayor (yes, it’s Bill Foster)
The drumbeat that the St. Petersburg Times was considering an endorsement (errr, recommendation, as the Times will always let a candidate know its preferred term) of Bill Foster. On its surface, it seems ludicrous. After all, Foster is the same guy who wrote to the school board a few years back making a strong pitch…
Jannus Landing loses another string of shows
Everything seems hunky-dory over at the Jannus Landing website — shows are still booked and no notices of any cancellations have actually been posted. But things aren't looking so great for the beloved venue, which has seen several shows pull out since the man who runs it, John C. "Jack" Bodziak, had a run-in with…
Let the Countdown Begin: Project Runway Season 6 in T-6 hours
Waiting for tonight's 10 p.m. debut of Project Runway: Season 6 has caused almost as much "drama, drama, drama" as Christian Siriano's sketch of his wedding dress for Uma Thurman. First, we thought the show had been auf'd. Then, we heard it was moving to Lifetime. Then, Bravo pitched a fit and the whole shebang…
CD Review: Our Lady Peace, Burn, Burn
After four years, Our Lady Peace is finally back with its seventh studio album, Burn Burn. While the songs are technically perfect — glossy, melodic, radio-worthy — compared to the band's earlier albums, Burn Burn seems more concerned with marketability than with cleverness and originality, a surprise considering the album's an entirely independent release with…
Baking Week: A tour of Tampa cupcake spots, like The Cupcake Spot
Tampa has seen a couple of cupcake bakeries pop up in the last couple of years, so I set out to compare their products; specifically, the simplest of all these sweets: a vanilla cupcake. In Westchase, there are now two places that offer cupcakes. When Swirls on Race Track Road first opened, they had multiple…
First solar-powered city in the world will be in Southwest Florida
It has been recently announced that the first city in the world to be powered by the sun will be constructed right here in Florida. Babcock Ranch has made an agreement with electric utility company, Florida Power & Light to build the world's largest photovoltaic power plant. This stepping stone for the green community which…
MMA World Title bout at USF Saturday; other fights include Seth “The Silverback” Petruzelli vs. Tampa police officer Chris Baten
The Sarasota-based mixed martial arts (MMA) promoter Art of Fighting (AOF) will host an exciting 11-bout fight card at the USF Sun Dome on Saturday, Aug.22. As main event the two MMA veterans Marcio "Pe de Pano" Cruz vs. Tom "Trauma" Sauer will slug it out for the first ever World Title of the new…
Jenkins and Jobsite: Tenth anniversary season wraps with Pericles
Last December, just a few months into Jobsite's 10th anniversary season, I wrote this blog for Creative Loafing about lessons learned trying to run a theater for an entire decade. We're now just a few days away from the end of this 10th season, and I've had time for further reflection. We finish the final…
Don’t be a high maintenace fuck buddy
It occured to me recently that fuck buddies are high maintenance. A fuck buddy can be someone you sleep with on occassion with no attachment or could be a couple you and your partner swap with now and again. I have met a few people who seem to be out fucking others purely for the psychological boost -…
Cocktail Review: Sake Mojito at Bamboozle Cafe
Sake was an acquired taste for me, mainly because most of what I tried sucked. But that opinion changed as I expanded my horizons into sparkling sakes and smoother, more approachable versions (and spent some money – cheap ones are the nastiest). Sake is often described as "rice wine," but it's actually a grain-fermented beverage…
This weekend’s best bets in Bay area music, August 21-23: Geri X, Last Waltz Ensemble, White Rabbits and more.
A quick breakdown of this weekend’s most worthy concerts. For a more comprehensive schedule, check out our Upcoming Events page. Friday, Aug. 21 Sick Puppies / drama, heavier washes of sound with symphonic flourishes, and a lead singer who delivers lyrics in soft pained pleas or shrieks that come straight from the pit of his…
You should sleep with Dave, seriously
As long as you’re not some dude, you should sleep with me. Now, I’m not talking about cuddling up and taking a nap together. No, I’m talking about full-fledged, steamy-hot, I-Can’t-Believe-It’s-Not-Butter sex! (Minus the butter substitute.) You may be asking “why?” Well the answer is simple: why not? I’m a healthy, 25-year old business owner…
Unplug your clothes dryer: Save energy, reduce carbon emissions
Last month, I decided to unplug my clothes dryer and line dry – or over a rack, chair, or railing. Every few years, the Pew Research Center asks about 1,000 Americans what they think about various appliances. Three years ago, 83 percent responded that a clothes dryer was a necessity. Now one in every three…
The ego-driven athlete: A top five list
Narcissism is defined as having an excessive love or admiration for oneself. The word comes from the mythological Narcissus who fell in love with his own reflection in a pool of water and then drowned after staring at it so much. Good lesson to be learned, huh? The modern, professional athlete is a special breed,…
Do It Today: Mystery Science Theater 3K, Doubt, ‘MNF visits Beach Theatre
In the ’90s, cult-TV show Mystery Science Theater 3000 turned trashing a flick into an art form. Despite the show’s cancellation, former host Michael J. Nelson just can’t leave the bad movies of the world alone. Nelson is the driving force behind Rifftrax.com, a variation on MST3K’s shtick, only now you download the audio commentary…
On the Radar: Global Lens Film Series
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. Today’s edition is next week's one-night-only screening by the Gasparilla Film Festival. The 2009 Global Lens Film Series continues with a screening of the Ecuadorian drama My Time Will Come. The film, a dark tale of a morgue physician…
Rape fantasy: the ultimate taboo
“To be violated is perhaps a need in women, a secret erotic need.” – Anais Nin I am an incredibly dominant woman – a dominatrix, if you will. I frequent fetish parties and take pleasure in enacting people’s fantasy scenarios. Some of my slaves like pain, others humiliation, and some just enjoy doing as they’re…
Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll 2009: The battle for the title of Worst Local Politician
Ronda Storms is putting the same kind of hurting on Brian Blair in our Worst Local Politician category that his kids put on him during that infamous "domestic dispute." Ronda Storms has owned this Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll category for as long as I've been at CL, but if ever there was a…
A strange caller becomes my gentleman caller
What I am about to share with you are actual events. These event say a lot about the type of sexual adventures I'm up for and just how easy it is for me to meet men, which I'm thankful for. My friends think I'm crazy. I just think I'm a adventurous, confident woman, ready to…
Baking Week: Traditional Challah — a bread of transition
The aroma of yeast fills the house. It is Friday afternoon. The children drop their backpacks near the door, heaven forbid that they put them away, and quickly make their way to the kitchen. "Is it time yet?" they ask in unison. They want to make sure that they haven't missed braiding the challah. Sometimes…
Wednesday-music.com review: Art Brut
Eccentric and uber-funny English and German art punk/wave band Art Brut are named after French painter Jean Dubuffet's definition of outsider art: art made without thought to imitation or presentation by prisoners, loners, the mentally ill, and other marginalized citizens. Art brut is fronted by "Top of the Pops" fan Eddie Argos (vocals), and is…
Restaurant Review: Jackson Street Bistro in downtown Tampa
Jackson Street Bistro 2.5 stars 401 E. Jackson St., Tampa, 813-412-5777 People have long lamented downtown Tampa's forlorn nighttime dining scene, but now that dinner is on a comeback thanks to places like Rawbar, what's next for urban dining? Jackson Street Bistro — a new spot recently opened in the SunTrust building by the owners…
Photo review: The Jonas Brothers at St. Pete Times Forum
Some shots from last night's Tuesday, August 18 show at the St. Pete Times Forum featuring The Jonas Brothers and support acts Jordin Sparks (who won the sixth season of American Idol) and South Korean girl group the Wonder Girls. The Jonas Brothers (See more pics plus my complete gallery from the evening after the…
Climate change, apathy, and a call to act
Since 2006, one book has held a prominent position in my library, as well as my nightstand because of its eloquence and forthrightness. That book is E. O. Wilson’s The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth. Environmental books have become as ubiquitous as Florida strip malls, so its position at the top of my…
A “spaghetti war” film classic: Sarasota’s Peter Hooten on his role in the original Inglorious Bastards
Be sure to check out Curt Holman's review of QT's updated Inglourious Basterds, and CL's Movies & Television site for all the latest movie news and reviews. Peter Hooten's current résumé lists a project titled Voices From Sandover at the very top of the section titled "Film." A verse-video collaboration between Hooten and influential American…
Movie Review: Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, starring Brad Pitt
[Editor's Note: This review is by CL Atlanta's Curt Holman. Also check out Cooper Levey-Baker's interview with one of the stars of the original Inglorious Bastards. And for news and reviews of all the summer's biggest movies, go to CL's Movies & Television site.] Hipster filmmaker Quentin Tarantino refuses to explain the intentional misspelling in…
More concert announcements: Junior Boys, Alice Cooper, Smokey Robinson, Skinny Puppy and many others!
I just spend the past few hours updating CL's concert listings and in case you missed them, here’s the latest batch of additions from the past week for your concert planning convenience. For a complete breakdown of area shows, visit our Upcoming Concerts page; for last week's most worthy additions, click here. Friday, Sept. 04…
Brook Rushing – Contributor
I graduated with a BA in Communications from the University of Louisiana and immediately fled my small town to pursue a bigger life. I began climbing the corporate ladder, got hitched, got a dog, and bought a home. Life was cooperating with my "plan." In April of 2008 I became a victim of the suffering…
Add “Reuse, Reduce, Recycle” to the original three R’s (reading, ‘riting, ‘rithmetic)
The Issue: -During the school year, each student will create 240 pounds of waste. -The average family with school age children will spend $594.24 on back-to-school purchases this year! -During the school year, the average school throws away 38 tons of paper, the equivalent of 644 trees! -Each year, six billion pens are thrown away…
The Rock Report: Counting Crows, Michael Franti & Spearhead and Augustana at Ruth Eckerd Hall (with pics)
As much as the Violent Femmes spoke to me as an angst/hormone riddled teenager, August And Everything After spoke to me as a 20-year-old manchild struggling to find my way in an adult's world. Over the years, Counting Crows and I have grown and matured together, and as a result I've never been ashamed to…
Baking Week: Farmer’s market inspires a Fresh Peach Shortcake recipe
My Saturday habit is to start the day at a farmer's market. Instead of going with a menu and specific ingredients in mind, I choose what looks best and design my menu around what I buy. This week the stars of the show were the peaches. They are in season within 100 miles of my…
On the Radar: Chromatophore: A Mail Art Exhibit at the Studio@620
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. Today’s edition is art for the people, by the people — and you can ship it across the country for just 42 cents a pop. If the typical trappings of visual art — white-box exhibitions, snooty gallery assistants and…
Jackson Street Bistro brings a chic spot for breakfast and lunch to downtown Tampa
People have long lamented downtown Tampa's forlorn nighttime dining scene, but now that dinner is on a comeback thanks to places like Rawbar, what's next for urban dining? Jackson Street Bistro — a new spot recently opened in the SunTrust building by the owners of East Lake Cafe in Palm Harbor — might hold the…
The Fiery Furnaces keep on innovating, often taking inspiration from their fans
The Fiery Furnaces have been lauded for their ingenuity and ambitiousness, for breaking the indie rock mold and becoming true sonic adventurers. Conversely, they've have been criticized for being too prolific, for producing music too challenging or unfocused or overindulgent for a good sit-down-and-get-to-know-ya. Darlings or misfits, one thing is certain: The Fiery Furnaces are…
Free rides short-circuited as Tampa kills green downtown shuttle service
The PTC tramples energy efficiency and downtown development in favor of political connections.
CD Review: Little Dragon, Machine Dreams
Electronica, ’80s pop, hip-hop, traditional Japanese music, jazz, salsa — Sweden’s Little Dragon draws from this mishmash of influences to create their own uniquely individual sound. The foursome’s self-titled debut garnered them much praise and attention, and their follow-up, Machine Dreams (Peacefrog Records), is sure to extend their reach even further. A Japanese lead singer…
CD Review: Our Lady Peace, Burn, Burn
Four years after Healthy in Paranoid Times, Our Lady Peace finally returns with its follow-up and seventh studio album, Burn Burn. While the songs are technically perfect — glossy, melodic, radio-worthy — compared to the band’s earlier albums, Burn Burn seems more concerned with marketability than with cleverness and originality, a surprise considering the album’s…
Hate to see you go, local actress Julie Rowe
A much-acclaimed local actor says she’s not leaving — “just expanding.”
George Sodini’s chronic sexual rejection results in mass killings
There’s a reason women avoided Pittsburgh killerBy Dan Savage
Is the arsenic in treated wood dangerous?
I've noticed a lot of my neighbors have built elevated gardening beds in their yards using wood that's marked as treated with arsenic. Will the arsenic get into the vegetables and fruits these people are growing? If so, is that a health concern? —Ray Charlton, Corvallis, Oregon Hard to say. Were these vegetables and fruits…
The wondrous graphite creations of artist Teresita Fernandez
It's one of visual art's under-sung merits that its practitioners often begin any significant endeavor with an inquiry. (That's why almost nothing interesting ever comes from a decision to adopt another artist's style or iconography; one person's "truth" can't be identical to another's.) Great artists like to ask — no, must ask — "Why?" or…
Do It Today: Black and White Party, Hair Color Runway, Chalk Talk with the Bucs
The annual (we think) means dress in those colors, not as MJ. Visit nova535.com or djfreshevents.com for more info. (Pictured: a piece from the Size Matters collection, on display through Aug. 21 at NOVA 535) Wed., Aug. 19, 9 p.m., NOVA 535 Art Lounge, 535 Ninth Ave. N., St. Petersburg, $10. Tonight's Hair Color Runway…
Recommended new album releases out Tuesday, August 18 (w/ Joe Henry, The Flaming Lips, Spoon, The Popes)
CDs: Joe Henry – Blood From Stars With his work as both producer and a songwriter overlapping and informing one another, it's only natural that the blues found their way onto Henry's latest album after he most recently produced albums for Allen Toussaint and Ramblin' Jack Elliott. The album features veteran musicians including guitarist Marc…
Kama Sutra: the medusa
This position offers a lesson on both love and balance. The man squats on the floor, balancing on only his feet. The woman then straddles him, allowing penetration. The movement is described as a back and forth rocking motion, similar to that of a hammock. There's also a variation on the movement, where the motion…
Tampa Bay Green Drinks event for green business networking: Wednesday, August 19
is relaunching and their first networking event is being held Wednesday, August 19 in Ybor at 6 pm. Tampa Bay Green Drinks is relaunching! Join us on August 19, 2009 at 6:00pm at the Roosevelt, a green building in Ybor City located at 1812 N. 15th St. The Roosevelt showcases a multitude of environmentally sustainable…
The Green Community week in review: Greenwashed bamboo textile claims, best green trend in the Bay, and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week: Sustainable beer 101: A guide to growlers- Benefits of refillable beer jugs far exceed the lure of fresh tap beer. Refresh your mind, body and spirit by reconnecting with nature- Living in such a…
It happened this week-ish: Adam Lambert is happy, Paula is out of Idol, Heidi Montag is naked, Jake Ryan is dead to me, a Kardashian is breeding
As Creative Loafing's foremost authority on pop culture (I decided that myself and it does not represent the opinion of anyone who works for Creative Loafing), I will be doing a weekly-ish entertainment wrap-up. Round One: Let's do this. * Adam Lambert told E! that he is very happy with his boyfriend. In other news,…
DMB in Concert: Photo show review from the Dave Matthews Band show in Tampa, 8/12/09
The Dave Matthews Band played the Ford Amphitheatre on Wednesday night and CL has all the best photos. See the full gallery of shots after the jump:
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Free movie at Weedon Island, World Cafe discussion, raw foods class and more
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. World Cafe- Fridays, 7:30-9:30 pm. This week's question: "How has being the change I want to see in the world changed me?" For more info, visit the World Cafe website. Starbucks Cafe- 4th St. N. and 89th Ave…
Late night music, August 10-15 (with video of Regina Spektor on Conan)
A weekly bulletin about who's playing on late night TV; set your TIVOs or DVRs if you’ve got an early bedtime. See a day missing? No musical guest that night… The Late Show with David Letterman, CBS Tuesday, August 11: Elvis Costello (pictured) (rerun, June 4) Wednesday, August 12: Rob Thomas (July 7) Thursday, August…
Smore Lessons
During a Memorial Day weekend packed with wholesome family activities, most taking place in the great outdoors, I reconnected with smores, that gooey fireside treat. Problem is, we were hanging out at the cabins in Myakka Park, where the AC blasts in the bedroom and the only fire comes from the charcoal grill cemented into…
