Quick and comforting: Pasta con broccoli recipe
Summer is almost over. Though it's hard to believe, the kids have traded in their beach towels for backpacks and headed back to school. If you're anything like me, sliding back into school mode is not a seamless process. That first few weeks of transition into our new routine is a bitch, so I'm always…
Safety Harbor’s Taste Cafe serves its neighborhood three meals a day
Eclectic. Yes, let's call Taste Cafe — located in the three quaint downtown blocks of Safety Harbor — eclectic. You could also call this restaurant, which has received a surprising amount of buzz for a neighborhood spot in northern Pinellas, muddled, chaotic or unfocused, depending on your mood. Taste serves three meals a day, starting…
Fallen Angels resurrect, go biblical on Rays 12-3
Ouch. The day after the Tampa Bay Rays doled out a convincing ass-kicking to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Halos returned the favor to the tune of 12-3. It was a day of mostly flat bats and worse pitching for the Bay area boys, which saw them fall half a game back of…
The Water Cooler: Sam’s pal Kevin White; 11th Dist. love fest; mending fences X2
The Water Cooler is a snapshot view of some of the things people are talking about in politics By Chris Ingram Sam Rashid: the gift that keeps on giving (in more ways than one) I felt a little sadness last night now that the Primary Election is over and Sam Rashid’s Hillsborough County Commission candidate…
Craft beer and great food under one roof? Datz what I’m talking about!
The Florida craft beer scene is definitely in full swing these days. From your novice home brewer to your friendly neighborhood Ale House carrying Shipyard and Stone amongst the persistent A-B products, one could say that the Benjamin Franklin quote, "There can’t be good living where there is not good drinking," sums up the mentality…
Team Rubio lays down their strategy for the general (video)
On a conference call Wednesday afternoon, key advisers for Marco Rubio's Senate campaign discussed their strategy for the general election. In short, they intend to depict Charlie Crist as a serial flip-flopper, and expect Crist's Democratic support whither as enthusiasm for Kendrick Meek inevitably rises. Strategist Todd Harris said that they believe that at least…
Is the giant oil plume in the Gulf really gone? Scientists claim hungry microbes ate it
Remember the giant plume of oil lingering in the Gulf that was left in the aftermath of the BP spill? Some reports are saying that the Manhattan-sized plume isn't going anywhere for awhile, while others are claiming that it's been eaten away by giant microbes. Huh? In the latest issue of the journal Science, scientists…
Original Further Seems Forever lineup reunites and plans spring 2011 project
The original line up of the influential group Further Seems Forever has announced a reunion “activity” for Spring 2011. Featuring Dashboard Confessional heartthrob Chris Carraba on vocals, guitarists Josh Colbert and Nick Dominguez, bassist Chad Neptune and drummer Steve Kleisath, the original lineup is rumored to be planning a tour and possible a new album.…
Benefit for David Muse (Firefall, Marshall Tucker Band) to be held this Sunday, August 29 in Clearwater
Recently diagnosed with a form of cancer called Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, local musician David Muse is currently undergoing medical treatment for the disease. Many of David's friends, both personal and from the music business, will stage a day-long concert this upcoming Sunday to help with medical bills and living expenses during his recovery. All donations and…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: Rays to head back, Longo’s stroke back, Davis and Niemann both back
Pat Donovan talks about Wade Davis' return to the mound and the Rays offense making sure he would pick up his 10th victory regardless of his performance. Pat also talks about Evan Longoria's hot bat and how it effects the Rays offense, and used the not so hot bat of Dan Johnson to point out…
Concert review: Natalie Merchant sings poetry, charms crowd, disses Columbia Restaurant at Ruth Eckerd Hall (with photos)
An evening of obscure poetry set to music by Natalie Merchant might sound like an endurance test, but never underestimate Natalie. She not only possesses one of the most distinctive voices in rock — and at 46, she still shifts effortlessly from rich, cottony croon to soulful wail — she's also one of pop music's most…
St. Pete Brasserie opening second location — La Petite Brasserie in Clearwater
Just talked to Wilko (Andrew Wilkins, owner of St. Pete Brasserie) and he had some exciting news that's a tad different than the news he called me about a couple months back. Then, Wilko was on the verge of closing St. Pete Brasserie, or selling it off to some investors who wanted to transform it…
Meek’s post victory euphoria interrupted – local teamster groups announce their support for Charlie Crist
As Kendrick Meek begins the serious work he needs to do to peel off Florida Democrats who have announced their betrothal to Charlie Crist, it wasn't exactly the news he wanted to hear Wednesday morning, but that's life. A group of five Teamsters locals have announced that they are endorsing the independent in the U.S.…
Sara Lee latest food company to nix high fructose corn syrup
has announced that the company will remove high fructose corn syrup from their two most popular breads, Sara Lee Soft & Smooth Made with Whole Grain White bread and Sara Lee Soft & Smooth 100% Whole Wheat bread. Sara Lee joins a long list of companies removing high fructose corn syrup from their products, including Gatorade,…
Study: the pill increases brain size
A new study published in the scientific journal Brain Research found that oral contraceptives increase the size of specific areas of women's brains. While the study only examined a small sample (14 men and 28 women), the results were conclusive. The women's brains were scanned at various times during a one month period to account…
Movie Review: Flipped starring Madeline Carroll, Callan McAuliffe and John Mahoney (with trailer video)
It's pretty difficult to create a fresh take on the coming-of-age story. We all know that boy meets girl, boy loses girl, and then boy gets girl back again. Along the way, boy comes into his own and takes that first necessary step toward adulthood. We've seen it. Lots. So, how is it possible that…
Post Primary Recap in today’s Mitch Perry Report 8.25.10
Although Rick Scott's victory over Bill McCollum undoubtedly ranks as an upset, it's not completely shocking. That's because there was one polling firm – Public Policy Polling, who Monday morning predicted Scott up 47%-40%. He ended up winning the GOP gubernatorial primary 47%-43%, with Mike McCalister taking a stunningly large third place finish at 10%.…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Wednesday, August 25: Bella Vino Wine & Cheese Market Taste some of California's most popular red and white varietals — without seeing their labels, then take a guess at their grapes and makers. Call to RSVP or email Brian@BellaVinoWineMarket.com. $39; 6:30 p.m. 100 Indian Rocks Rd., Belleair Bluffs. (717-584-5552) Thursday, August 26: Mise en Place…
Bill McCollum picks up his marbles and goes home – by Chris Ingram
(Editor's Note: GOP political consultant and Bay News 9 commentator Chris Ingram was too weary to send his post to us through his own ID, but asked us to post this early this morning). Chris Ingram In his loss last night Bill McCollum showed why he is a three-time loser in statewide elections. He doesn’t…
Rays give Angels hell, win 10-3
Ah, so much better to get a decisive, convincing and ass-whupping victory instead of a nail-biter after one in the morning. The Rays rocked the Halos big time Tuesday night/ Wednesday morning in contrast to the down-to-the-wire outing the game prior. Wade Davis got the start for Tampa Bay, looking to improve upon his 9-9…
On the Radar: Vital Vitale show this Saturday
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming cool events to mark on your calendar. If you’ve attended your fair share of openings and festivals in the past decade, you might be worn out from pop-art clichés, flashy pretension and minimalist mediocrity. Well, we can tell you, without the tiniest flinch of doubt,…
Do It Today: Pink Slip Party
Attention all you unemployed folks out there, and we know there are a lot of you. There's a fun, new opportunity for you to get your name out there. First, some background: Corporate recruiter Cara Christopherson, too, found herself out of work for a year. She ran out of money from benefits and other sources and had to…
Associated Press calls Republican Governor’s race for Rick Scott -McCollum refuses to concede
We did predict that the Bill McCollum-Rick Scott would go deep into the night, but all signs are that Rick Scott is going to pull it off. Don't tell the GOP establishment, however. State Senator Adam Hasner is clearly in denial, introducing McCollum at McCollum's party celebration event moments ago as "the next Governor of…
CL on the Road: The Solid Sound Festival in Massachusetts with Wilco and many others
In an earlier CL post, we welcomed WMNF radio programmer Amy Snider, a guest blogger preparing to head up to the Solid Sound Festival in North Adams, Mass. to interview her favorite band, Wilco, and enjoy the weekend's festivities with her 15-year-old daughter, Josie, who had inherited her mother’s passionate hero worship for Wilco. This…
Kevin White concedes in Hillsborough Disrict 3 race :”The people have spoken”
Make no doubt about what people will say in hindsight, Les Miller's victory over Kevin White in Hillsborough County's District 3 Democratic primary is definitely an upset. When CL covered the race in the pages of our paper earlier this month, we keyed in on upstart Valerie Goddard, who some thought might be the fresh…
Gelber smashes Aronberg – looks to face Pam Bondi in what could be an epic Attorney General race
At the beginning there was much mutual respect between South Florida state Senate Democrats Dan Gelber and Dave Aronberg and their supporters. But that changed in late June when Aronberg decided to go for broke and make a campaign issue out of the fact that Gelber's law firm, Akerman Senterfitt, opted to do claims work…
Faliero concedes in Hillsborough School board race – Terry Kemple fighting to get in runoff
Though the race is far from decided, in the Hillsborough County School Board race in District 4, it looks like there will be a run-off between two newcomers – Stacy White and Richard Bartels. White is leading at this time, with 36% to Bartels 30%, and 8-year incumbent Jennifer Faliero is looking like the odd…
Jamie Grant wins HD 47 GOP primary – Brian Blair’s last hurrah?
One of the most crowded Republican primary races in the Tampa Bay area was the House District 47 seat, and it appears that Jamie Grant, son of former state legislator John Grant, looks as if he will take the race, and face Democrat Michael Steinberg in November. With 43 of the 47 precincts reporting, the…
Prendergast victory proves newspaper editorials mean little for Hillsborough voters
We have taken particular interest in the Republican Congressional race in Florida's District 11, the seat that has been held seemingly forever by Democrats – the last four years by Kathy Castor. Castor will face former military man Mike Prendergast, who as we write with 153 of 203 precincts reporting, has a 20% lead over…
Dana Young looks like she’ll win in HD 57, to face Democrat Stacy Frank in the fall
In the Florida House District 57 GOP primary, Dana Young looks like she will be the victory in her contest against Todd Marks and Dan Malloy. With 28 of 42 precincts reporting, Young has a solid 55%-26% lead over Marks, with Malloy, the moderate in the race, a distant third. You might remember that Marks…
First returns statewide shows Meek winning easily, Scott-McCollum extremely close
As of 8 p.m., all polls are now closed in Florida. As we predicted, the Rick Scott-Bill McCollum race will be neck and neck throughout the night. Right now with 25% of the entire vote in, Scott has a small, 46%-44% lead. In the U.S. Senate race, also as predicted, Kendrick Meek is blowing Jeff…
Les Miller takes early lead in Hillsborough District 3 race
The vote tallies being reported right now are mostly absentee and early voting, but the first numbers reporting in the Hillsborough County Commission District 3 race are very interesting. Former state Senator Les Miller has started out with a solid lead, with 52% of the vote (2,811 votes), upstart Valerie Goddard is a distant second…
Sink : My strategy doesn’t change if it’s McCollum or Scott I’m running against
The soon to be Democratic nominee for Governor in Florida, Alex Sink, spoke to members of the media tonight, a couple of hours before she was to officially be declared the winner at her victory party celebration at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel. Try as we might, we really couldn't crack the veneer of platitudes…
Get your gluten-free (beer) on with Bard’s
Oaked aged, coffee fermented, chai tea infused — let’s face it, nowadays craft beers are catering to every palate and preference. I personally enjoy a nice, big bodied, Imperial brew with a hint of figs or currant. The new brew on the block is not so much made for taste, but for people with Celiac…
Blu-ray Review: Lost: The Complete Sixth Season, starring Matthew Fox, Terry O’Quinn, Evangeline Lilly, Josh Holloway, Jorge Garcia and Michael Emerson (with video)
It’s been three months since Lost’s May 23 finale, which should have been plenty of time for me to sort out my feelings on that last episode and the series in general. Instead, I find myself still twisted by the epic tale of plane crash survivors, warring deities and a mystical island where very little…
CD review: Starfucker, B-Sides
Starfucker is such a tease. The Portland ensemble’s eponymous debut was one of the stickiest electro pop albums to come out in 2008. While its 2009 follow-up, Jupiter, possessed the same adorable charm, it was far too short, clocking in at a mere 26 minutes that included a cover, a remix and only six “new”…
Watch UFC 118: Edgar vs. Penn 2 at a movie theater in Tampa
The Ultimate Fighting Championship once again offers fans the opportunity to watch mixed martial arts fights on the big movie screen with UFC 118: Edgar vs. Penn 2 which will be shown at select movie theaters in the Tampa Bay area as live broadcast from TD Garden in Boston, Mass. Aug. 28 at 10 p.m.…
Crist dismisses Meek before he’s even the nominee (video)
Good afternoon, political junkies. We've been out and about today, and absolutely stunned at the lack of excitement at a few of the polling stations we've traveled through in Tampa. Speculation is that more people may have voted before today than will vote today, which frankly, isn't surprising. Anyway, a new poll out today from…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: Good old Scotty, good old first place and a word with Brian Price
Pat Donovan talks about the Tampa Bay Rays getting back into a first place tie with the New York Yankees and the Red Sox putting in a wavers claim on Johnny Damon. Pat wonders aloud if the Red Sox put in the claim to try to actually acquire Damon or if it was just a…
Eco chic: Stripper stilettos upcycled into planters and bookends
I am a big fan of crafty projects that repurpose things others would normally throw away: old t-shirts, jeans, light bulbs, etc., and turn them into eclectic, 'upcycled' home decor or wearable pieces of art. So, of course, the following project caught my eye (well, the shoes did first, then the actual project). Who would…
Concert review: Candy Bars, Morningbell, and Cure for Caska at New World Brewery (with video)
Three indie acts braved the life-questioning humidity last Friday night to play at Ybor's New World Brewery. Here's a breakdown of what happened: Cure for Caska Although a younger friend of mine couldn't go to this show because it was held at a 21-plus venue, it was the kind of music best appreciated by an…
One man’s trash is another man’s treasure: Pasta con le Regaglie is ‘offaly’ good eats
My Uncle Vinnie was one of the coolest guys I ever knew. He worked for the New York City Department of Sanitation. He was a “garbage man”, and when I was a little girl, I wanted to be just like him. He got to ride up and down the streets all day, hanging onto the…
UPDATE: Jeff Greene decides to campaign on election day, after all
UPDATE: Apparently Jeff Greene didn't like the tone of our post, as well as other questions from political reporters today about his original light schedule for Election Day, which consistently previously of getting up and voting, and then coming back at the end of the night to host an election party. Other candidates planned to…
Study: smoking and impotence
A study out of The University of Hong Kong discovered that around 54% of smokers with erectile dysfunction significantly reduced their symptoms within half a year by quitting smoking. Of the patients who maintained their habit, only 28% reported better sexual performance within a six month period. Based on these findings, giving up nicotine gives…
![Lots of new releases out this Tuesday, August 24: !!! [Chk Chk Chk], Dead Confederate, JJ Grey & Mofro, Katy Perry, Ra Ra Riot, John Scofield, Usher + more! (with video)](https://i0.wp.com/www.cltampa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/1802e_mofro.png?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
Lots of new releases out this Tuesday, August 24: !!! [Chk Chk Chk], Dead Confederate, JJ Grey & Mofro, Katy Perry, Ra Ra Riot, John Scofield, Usher + more! (with video)
This week’s new music releases. To see last week’s releases (out Aug. 17), click here; for releases out out Aug. 10, click here. !!! [Chk Chk Chk], Strange Weather Isn’t It (Warp) The dance punk group from Sacramento, California releases their first album in three years. Check out the video for "AM/FM" — which is…
Stop throwing out your coffee grounds and give them back to the Earth
If you're a coffee addict like me, you probably go through a good amount of coffee grounds each month. Once you've steeped the hell out of them for your caffeine fix you throw them away, thinking they've done their job and are no longer of use to you. They'd make a weak second brew, so…
Would Rick Scott upset shake state GOP foundations? Jeff Greene’s lighter election day schedule, and some state legislators say they’ll fight Arizona style illegal immigration bill:Mitch Perry report 8.24.10
It's finally here. August 24 has been a date marked for months by many in Florida's political establishment, and let's hope that a little rain doesn't deter people from weighing in on some interesting races. Though there will be some interesting local contests to watch, in our big heavyweight elections, the one to watch for…
Tonight in live music: Deftones, Natalie Merchant, Shane Meade & the Sound
Three noteworthy shows take place in Tampa tonight: w/Baronness Much has happened in the four years since the release of the Deftones’ 2006 fifth album, Saturday Night Wrist. By 2008, the California alt metal quintet had finished a sixth LP with longtime producer Terry Date, titled it Eros, and planned for an '09 release. But…
A Rick Scott upset would shake the foundations of the Florida Republican Party
Although it's rainy in the Tampa Bay area and much of Florida, South Florida this morning isn't expected to see rain until a little later in the day. The weather can always be a factor on election day, and since Rick Scott's camp believes the more turnout the better, well, we'll see how motivated his…
Beer Review: The very versatile Cigar City Jai Alai IPA
Local brewery Cigar City Brewing has received rave reviews for many of their beers. From the highly coveted Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout to the gold medal-winning Humidor Series IPA, the creativity and quality of their specialty beers has garnered a dedicated following quickly. Barrel-aged and limited production brews only available at the tasting room and beer…
Movie Review: Get Low, starring Robert Duvall, Bill Murray, Sissy Spacek and Lucas Black (with trailer video)
It’s hard to talk about Aaron Schneider’s Get Low without considering the long career of Robert Duvall. The film is being hyped as a rejuvenation for the actor (much like Jeff Bridges’ Oscar win earlier this year), but that’s all advertisement. The real draw is seeing Duvall in a lead role like this again, one…
Familiar foe: Rays face former ace Kazmir, beat Angels 4-3
When a Tampa Bay Rays game starts with B.J. Upton homering off the first pitch from former teammate and good buddy Scott Kazmir, you know it’s going to be worth staying up late for every bit of it. The former TB ace showed all the old problems he had when wearing the blue and gray,…
On the Radar: WMNF Peace Awards
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview cool upcoming events to mark on your calendar. Reserve your spot at the WMNF Peace Awards. We don't need to tell you why, but for starters … The hard-working volunteers and employees at WMNF-88.5 FM go above and beyond their routine programming to present off-the-radar cultural events and…
Do It Today: Behind the scenes at Tampa Theatre; A Couple of Blaguards at American Stage
Go behind the scenes at Tampa Theatre: Enjoy theater from the vantage point of both audience member and director. At 3:3o p.m., you can attend a tour of Tampa Theatre, our area's most opulent and cherished cinema house. Presented by TBBCA's Cultural Encounters program, the tour takes you backstage and provides fascinating historical tidbits about…
Television Review: Mad Men, season 4, episode 5 — “The Chrysanthemum and the Sword”
Hooray! The bitch is back. After a few great episodes centering on the happenings in and around the SCDP offices, we finally get a glimpse of life back in good old Ossining, NY, land of the repressed housewife. Betty and the former Draper clan take center stage this week to deal with one major, fairly…
SeaWorld says it will contest OSHA’s $75,000 fine for deadly orca attack on trainer
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is fining SeaWorld $75,000 for the deadly February attack by the orca Tilikum that left one of their trainers dead. OSHA said today that Dawn Brancheau's death by the whale known as Tilikum could have been prevented if SeaWorld had not exposed its employees to potentially dangerous marine mammals,…
Vote for Tampa Bay’s best eco-friendly store in the Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll!
Whether it be repurposed furniture, eco-friendly gifts and clothing, or even organic, local foods and products, the Bay area has some diverse spots for 'green' shopping. Which store deserves the title of 'Best Eco-Friendly Store' in Tampa Bay? Vote for your pick in the Best of the Bay Readers' Poll!
What’s your pick for Tampa Bay’s best new restaurant? Vote in the Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll!
What eatery in Tampa Bay deserves the title of 'Best New Restaurant'? Maybe there's a certain newer spot in town you adore that has a mouthwatering menu, a great atmosphere, stellar service or all of the above — well, speak up for them and vote in our Best of the Bay Readers' Poll!
Bill’s Sports Binge: Rays split with A’s, Bucs start the other Josh and Storm season passes
Thumbs down! Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman will be spending the remainder of the preseason with his thumb in a cast. But all things considered, it's still better than this time last year when it was up his butt. So Josh-number-two (Johnson) will be under center as the starter for Game 3 this weekend against the…
Handful of Florida legislators blast attempts for an Arizona like illegal immigration bill
With either Bill McCollum or Rick Scott soon to be the GOP nominee for governor, no doubt illegal immigration-bashing will remain a focal point of either candidate in their race against Democrat Alex Sink, regardless of its true relevance to the various ailments that afflict Florida at this moment in its history. However, a few…
#MusicMonday, Vol. XVII: of Montreal, The Weakerthans, Sufjan Stevens, Bob Dylan & the Band, Radoiohead, and more (with video)
What the Creative Loafing music team is listening to this Monday to get us through the day and rocket launch the week… Click here to check out previous entries. Scott – The Weakerthans, Reconstruction Site (2003) John K. Sampson's eloquent, compelling pop-rock paeans to history, life in Winnipeg and listening to your cat when your…
On Deck the podcast: Rays out west, a new rule and Freeman down
Pat Donovan and Mike Tyree talk about the Rays trip to the west coast and their upcoming homestand. Hear why they want to tell Red Sox fans to shut up, and why they belive the Rays head-to-head match ups with Boston and New York will determine how the season ends for Tampa Bay. They also discuss when teams…
On the Radar: Dog Swim Day
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview cool, upcoming events to mark on your calendar. Dog Swim Day: Been feeling guilty about leaving your best friend at home to attend to human activities? Here's a refreshingly wonderful way to make it up to your furry pal. Bring your dog for a day of leash-free…
Creamy corn chowder with bacon recipe
I always rejoice when corn is in season because it is hands down my favorite vegetable. I can nibble on row after sweet row of snappy kernels, packing my cheeks full like a hamster. If you can get your hands on it, try Zellwood corn. It is grown in Zellwood, Florida, by Long and Scott…
Report: Using public transportation can keep you fit and possibly lengthen your lifespan
The use of public transportation could have more positive aspects than we may think. Besides abating carbon emissions in the atmosphere and reducing the use of gasoline, utilizing public transportation can benefit people themselves by keeping them healthier and decreasing mortality rates. The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) recently released a new report, "Evaluating Public…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: Josh Freeman’s fractured thumb, a bold prediction and Garza shines out west
Pat Donovan talks about the Buccaneers preseason home opener Saturday night. The worst news is Josh Freeman will miss the remainder of the preseason. Hear what other aspect of the Bucs didn't impress Pat Saturday night and hear his bold prediction about Bucs rookie wide reciever Mike Williams. Pat also talks about the Rays series…
Do It Tonight: Open Mic Nights
Alas, it's Monday. The dreaded day inevitably arrives and smacks upside the face with the "not again" blues. Let this moaned-about, cheesy-office-poster-and-mug-sloganized chunk of 24 hours symbolize something great. Let it further your emancipation from mediocrity by trying out that comedy routine you wrote a while back, you know the one that is infinitely funnier…
4 oral sex toys you didn’t know you needed
While you may think you've perfected the ancient art of oral sex, there are a few oral aids you might want to try to take your tongue twisting talents to the next level. The ladies might be going wild over your tantalizing tongue tricks, sending woman after woman into orgasmic heaven, but if you haven't…
What else is Jim Norman hiding? Well, we can’t find evidence of his degree.
Embattled County Commissioner Jim Norman a.k.a. The New Johnson has been in the news quite a bit lately for his wife's expensive vacation house, his vague details on his Salvation Army gig that pays him $95,000 as a lobbyist "legislative analyst" (because he actually isn't registered as a lobbyist) and most recently an ethics complaint…
Last day polls show Meek in command, Scott ready to pull off upset; Maurice Ferre blasts Jeff Greene’s Israel mailer, and Ax the Tax again goes off on Mark Sharpe: Mitch Perry Report 8.23.10
Happy Monday to you all. One more day and counting before……we then have two more months before another election! But let's talk about polls. The St. Pete Times today has an article that indirectly tries to explain why their last, biggest poll showed results that nobody else has been showing. But hey, a new poll…
New poll has Rick Scott up with day to go before primary
I was all set to take the St. Pete Times to task today for Alex Leary's article explaining essentially why the Times' own poll from 8 days ago — you know, the only one published over the past couple of weeks that showed Rick Scott and Jeff Greene winning their respective races? — was so…
It Happened This Week-ish: True Blood cast gets naked and bloody, Robsten caught kissing, a Heidi and Spencer sex tape, Mel Gibson crashes his Maserati and more
Bloody naked people. Do they make you feel sexy or queasy? I am about to throw up, and not in a sexy way. Discuss in the comments. Speaking of True Blood, Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer are officially married. I really hope they didn't bring that blood on their honeymoon. Hold on, hold on, hold…
Maurice Ferre bashes Jeff Greene on Israel flyer as Meek soars to highest lead ever in polls
On Friday, Jeff Greene mailed out a flyer that boasted of his bona fides in supporting Israel while criticizing Kendrick Meek on the always sensitive issue, leading members of Meek's camp to deride it as "unseemly, almost disgusting." In the mailer, Greene calls himself "a champion for Israel" and criticizes President Obama for his "diplomatic…
In remembrance of Avery Brewing Company’s RedPoint Amber Ale
"For everything you have missed you have gained something else, and for everything you gain, you lose something else" –Emerson Though Ralph Waldo Emerson was not referring to the loss of something immense as the best reliable craft brew created, his quote still rings true in this case. The Avery Brewing Company out of Boulder,…
Eco-friendly car, the “Bio-Bug”, runs on poo
No, this is not a bunch of crap. British scientists have come out with a new invention, the Bio-Bug, a VW bug convertible which has been modified to run on both human waste and gas. (To clarify, gas as in car gas, not gas as in farts).
Debate about proposed Muslim cultural center near Ground Zero not going away
Time magazine this week has encapsulated what seems to be behind the raging debate over the proposed mosque/cultural center called Park51 in New York City. As Time and other media organizations have reported over the past week, there are similarly heated debates about mosques in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and Temecula, California. A certain segment of the…
Pornstar Sunny Leone on thriving in the wild, wild west of the adult industry (NSFW)
Sunny Leone is the kind of sexy that makes you completely forget about the parade of naked women dancing on stage behind her, the $40 steak waiting to be eaten in front of you, or her heavily tattooed partner sitting beside you. The non-nude pictures of Sunny you'll find online don't do her justice—-they make…
Concert review: Interpol with Twin Tigers at House of Blues, Orlando (with photos)
OK, Interpol, you’re cool. You packed House of Blues with a seeming wave of your sun-malnourished hands, your casually dressy threads draped tight and angular over your wiry bodies, and aside from, like, three somber "thank yous," you didn’t bother with between-song banter. No, that’s just not your style. Your swag is a darker sort,…
Tampa Bay tops Oakland 3-2 in series finale
The Tampa Bay Rays stayed within a game of the division-leading New York Yankees by beating the Oakland A’s 3-2 Sunday afternoon. They managed to salvage a series split with consecutive wins after dropping the first two of the four-game set. This outing saw Matt Garza starting on the hill matched up against Dallas Braden…
Concert review: Memoryhouse, Twin Sister, Millionyoung, and King of Spain at Crowbar, Ybor City
The world moves so fast these days, every new technology pushing people to save time by being more efficient, and more concise. So, in the interest of the zeitgeist, I've confined each band's sound to a single-word description before offering up a deeper and more thoughtful analysis. King of Spain – Promising Millionyoung – Misleading…
A jerk Sam Rashid would be proud of
David Campo demonstrates what’s wrong with politics in America: his inflated sense of self-importance. By Chris Ingram After a morning of swimming in the pool with my three girls followed by lunch sans mom, I put my girls down for a nap and went and checked my e-mail. I had an email from one David…
Wolfe Video celebrates 25 years distributing LGBT films
Line up all the movies that Wolfe Video has sold over the past 25 years from end to end and they’d go all the way around the world. And though company president Maria Lynn doesn’t know the exact figure off the top of her head, rest assured, the math has been done to figure this…
Doug Guetzloe says his group will spend over $17,000 in ads in final days of campaign to bring down Mark Sharpe
To say that anti-tax activist Doug Guetzloe is controversial in his home base of Orlando would be a severe understatement, as the fiscal conservative has had been mired in several lawsuits on different fronts over the years. Recently the Florida Republican Party filed lawsuits against several Tea Party candidates running for state house and Congressional…
Gay Muslims exist, and they need solidarity too
Never before have I heard so much advocacy for gay rights from weird sources as I have while listening to arguments about the Muslim cultural center/mosque planned near ground zero in Manhattan. I heard a woman call a local radio show arguing that if gay folks (and women with uncovered heads and prostitutes) wouldn't be…
Book Review: Now Playing, by Shellie Zacharia
Some of you might have read one of Shellie Zacharia's trademark pieces of short-short fiction in the debut issue of The Studio Review — a tiny story, a little odd, but approachable. The kind of story that invites you in, offers you a cup of coffee or a Bed, Bath, & Beyond gift card, and suggests…
Dr. Laura and the “N” word: Tolerating hate, as long as there are no curse words
“You know how hard it is for me to shake the disease that takes hold of my tongue in situations like these.” The language we use when framing a debate, or our response to one, is important. If you don’t believe me, ask Dr. Laura. She recently resigned in disgrace because she said the N…
The Green Community week in review: Almost 80% of oil spill remains in the Gulf, giving new life to vintage furniture, eco-friendly birth control and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed last week: With 78 days before Hillsborough transit (light rail) tax goes before voters, questions remain – HART's CEO David Armijo added that currently there are "only a dozen transit agencies gobbling up New Start money" (New…
Rays rally past A’s 5-4
Saturday night the Tampa Bay Rays finally remembered that they're the best come-from-behind team in Major League Baseball, not the Oakland A’s. After trailing for most of the game, they pulled ahead 5-4 with 3 runs in the top of the eighth inning for the win; you can thank Willy Aybar for his two-out RBI-double…
A’s slip by Rays 5-4
Hakuna Matata. No Worries. You’ve gotta put your behind in the past, er, uh, put the past behind you. An all too appropriate Disney moment when contemplating a Tampa Bay Rays game I’d love to forget, one that smelled of ass. The Bay area boys lost their second game in a row to the Oakland…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: Rays fall back, Clemens indicted, you’re invited
Pat Donovan talks about the Rays loss to the Oakland A's and why it's not that surprising to him. Also hear why Pat doesn't feel bad for Roger Clemens for being indicted on charges that he lied to congress. Pat also talks about Tomorrow night's blacked out Buccaneer game against the Kansas City Chiefs and…
Showing some love for legumes: A trio of bean dips (recipes)
I am a hard core "snacker" and have a great fondness for salsas, dips and fondues — just about anything I can plunge a chip, a piece of bread or a carrot stick in. The popularity of hummus is inarguable, but there are other humble legumes out there that can be made into tasty appetizers.…
Irreverent View exclusive: Ethics complaint filed against Jim Norman
Complainant alleges money for lake house came from Ralph Hughes By Chris Ingram Tampa attorney and local Republican Paul Phillips has filed a wide-ranging ethics complaint against eighteen-year incumbent Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman who is currently seeking a seat in the Florida Senate. Norman is term limited from seeking the county commission job again.…
Hillsborough Congressional candidates use debate to bash Washington, but go easy on Kathy Castor
It's been a spirited summer campaign for the four Republican men who want to have the opportunity to face Democrat Kathy Castor in the heavily Democratic Congressional District 11 race come this November. Although it's been little reported, Castor herself faces a Democratic primary next Tuesday in the person of the Tea Party inspired candidacy…
Project Runway Podcast Season 8, Ep. 4: They gave Ivy an I.V. and then there were some hats…
Hats are the new scarves which were the new hats two years ago. Right? Sure. So here we are, a hat challenge with no lack of drama in between. A hospital visit (which inspired fabric choices, oddly enough), more language barriers, a Father's day tearjerker and a few twists and turns along the way. The…
Everybody loves Raymond: Rays mascot uses Silly String to wake up an over-indulged fan at the Trop
First saw this item over on Huff Post and had to re-post it here: The Rays mascot Raymond took it upon himself to help security roust a passed out fan at Wednesday's Rays-Rangers throw-down. Little more needs to be said. Just check out the video below and enjoy …
Les Miller goes nuclear as he slams Kevin White in new 2 mailers
Going back to when he first got into the Hillsborough County Commission District 3 race against Kevin White over a year ago, former state Senator Les Miller has said that he wouldn't make White's embarrassing legal troubles an issue in the campaign, unless White "invited" such attacks. Now with just four days to go before…
Bill’s Sports Binge Freaky-fast Friday edition: Roger Clemens indicted, Rays fall into 2nd place and wrestling BJ’s
I had a job once. I know what you're thinking. "Can this wait until Monday?" "Okay, I've already said 'hi' to her in passing so now I need to come up with a joke." "I can't believe that asshole called a meeting on a Friday. Ever heard of email?" "Ugh, here comes the douche again. Pick up…
Greening your birth control: From vegan condoms to the IUD
Using contraceptives is green in itself because it helps to stave off overcrowding on this planet. But how 'green' is your birth control? Huffington Post reports: "Condom rubber is harvested in the Amazon. Synthetic estrogen, progestin and other hormones are released into the world's waterways, in concentrated form or through urine expulsion, affecting water safety,…
Kevin White thinks luxury suites are free, political correctness metastasized and Sheriff Grady Judd for everything
Photo credit: the Superstar@Flickr.com 1. Looks like the Pimpin Commish stepped in it again, this time with a late claim regarding some Bucs luxury suite tickets that he accepted as a gift. White told the St. Pete Times that there was no price on the tickets ( I wonder if Norman ever saw a price…
CL Sound Bites: Weezer Pinkerton tour? Smell like Sex Pistols, and a free Primus EP!
will reissue their once-underappreciated-but-now-beloved second album Pinkerton this fall. Guitarist Brian Bell is "praying [for] a Pinkerton tour," which would probably be the most well-received Weezer happening since, er, probably the Blue Album since no one appreciated Pinkerton at the time. As for current music, Weezer has gone indie with Epitaph Records for their latest meme album…
Giving the daiquiri its due: There’s nothing girlie about this classic cocktail
Being a geek about anything means you get The Question: “What’s your favorite (music, manga, fill in your particular passion here)?” As a guy who writes about all sorts of cocktails, I hate to admit bibulous bias. “Depends,” I’ll lie, followed by some qualifying crap about the season, the occasion, the company I’m with. But…
Sign the Weekend Without Oil pledge and go petroleum-free
With the U.S. being the largest consumer of oil, we go through the stuff like water. Besides the obvious things, like driving a car, we don't even realize how many things we use that contain petroleum: plastic bags and water bottles, makeup products, CDs and DVDs, as well as the gas used to transport our…
A few sparks fly at Hillsborough NAACP debate, GOP AG race gets really interesting, and the NFL Pre-Season: 18 regular season games can’t come soon enough: Mitch Perry Report 8.20.10
My life has pretty much centered on one date — August 24 — for the past six weeks or so, and after attending a three-hour-plus debate in Temple Terrace last night and about to cover another forum in a few hours, I have to admit that Tuesday night can't come quick enough. But there will…
NAACP candidates forum: Jim Norman’s name comes up in Hillsborough District 3 debate
It was inside a house of God, at the Bible-Based Fellowship Church of Temple Terrace last night, where the NAACP hosted a candidates forum with one batch of Hillsborough County School Board candidates, as well as the Democrats running for state Senate in Districts 58 & 60, and Hillsborough County Commission in Districts 3 &…
The anti-tethering campaign: One Hillsborough County woman’s mission to protect dogs
Every day, Barbara LaPresti saw the same heart-wrenching sight: her neighbor's pit bull in Riverview, tethered outdoors to a short chain come hellish heat or driving thunderstorms. She finally couldn't take anymore, and last summer contacted Hillsborough Animal Services on four different occasions. But, according to an e-mail from Hillsborough County Animal Services Department Director…
Rays robbed by the Crispy One, fall 3-4 to A’s
Paging Jonny Gomes: the Rays need someone to dive-bomb Coco Crisp. The Oakland A’s center fielder, infamous for his role in the fabled Rays-Sox brawl in 2008, was quite the handful as Tampa Bay lost to Oakland 3-4. The Crispy One scored the first run of the game for the A’s and made a helluva…
Do It Today: An Evening with Duane and Pip Brant
Ever heard of a sew organ or blood veil? Not as creepy as they sound. Duane and Pip Brant tell you what they are at a speaking engagement in conjunction with their current exhibition, Threading the Needle, at 6 p.m. Duane will perform a musical composition on his Sew Organ with the help of the audience. Pip…
Bucs TV blackout a mixed blessing
For NFL fans, the televised blackout of Saturday's night's game Tampa Bay Bucs vs. the Kansas City Chiefs is a disappointment on a number of levels. It interrupts what would have been 5 consecutive nights of televised professional football (beginning last night with the New England-Atlanta game on Fox, picked up tonight by a Cincinnati-Philly…
Sandy Murman the sheep
(Editors note: Chris Ingram is working on Trey Rustmann's Hillsborough County Commission race). Another one of Sam Rashid’s flock being lead out to pasture By Chris Ingram Conservative Hillsborough County Commission candidate Trey Rustmann’s (R) opponent Sandra Murman (R or D – depending on the wind) who has run for, considered running for, or otherwise…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Rays on a roll, USF player jailed, and you too can get a celebrity endorsement
Rollercoaster Rays rolling again. The question marks are becoming cautiously optimistic exclamation points as the Rays sweep the Rangers with a total of 22 where-have-you-been-all-my-life runs, they're now (broken record alert) tied with the damn Yankees with the best record in the division, the league, and the whole sport, and we're gay for Evan Longoria again.…
How to be a greener wedding guest (video)
We've preached about ways to 'green' your wedding before, but it's never occurred to us before that people can (and should) be greener wedding guests. Luckily, Grist's Ask Umbra has had this predicament and thought up ways to be eco- and carbon-friendlier on someone else's special day. Umbra asks, "Other than convincing your friends to…
GOP race for Attorney General starts to get interesting
Okay, for those paying attention, the battle between Pam Bondi, Jeff Kottkamp and Holly Benson has always been provocative, but now n the stretch run, it's really starting to get fun. For some political analysts, Tampa's Bondi has always been the candidate to beat. And perhaps she still is, though all previous polls have show…
A punk rock night of comedy (or vice versa) this Saturday
If you ever hang out at the Hub, New World Brewery, Fuma, Corner Club, the Emerald or other counter-culture-trendy spots in the Tampa Bay area, you might have rubbed elbows with the ubiquitous John Kennedy, Stephanie Powers (a.k.a. DJ Stephmoney) and Steve Miller. Never mind that are all three names are jokes in themselves – a…
Top Chef D.C. Podcast, Ep. 10: The spy who fed me
For this episode of Top Chef: D.C., the themes throughout the show were spies, deception and mystery — leaving many of us viewers just plain mystified as to what was going on. The Quickfire started out with a challenge we've seen before, the mystery box of ingredients, but then took a crazy turn when a…
Rabid Nick survives a fight to the death with Darth Vader: His Star Wars Celebration V Recap (with video and photo gallery)
Star Wars Fandom is a curious beast: A passionate throng of franchise faithful, much like a brotherhood only with more Cheetos. This past weekend in steamy Orlando, Star Wars Celebration V touched down in Mickey's backyard to spread the Force on the East Coast for the first time. Masses of nerds, women in slutty "Slave…
Do It This Weekend: St. Pete Shuffle, Demetri Martin, Brokenmold Music and Art Show and more
Motivation can run low on Friday evenings. How's about a chillaxed event with great music — stuff that's mellow but not at all boring — and a fun, light sport like shuffleboard to pass the time. If that sounds ideal, then head to the St. Pete Shuffle to catch Rebekah Pulley and the Reluctant Prophets, St.…
‘Green’ job opportunity in Tampa Bay with Aubrey Organics
Are you unemployed or looking to change careers? There is a great eco-friendly company in the Tampa area that is currently hiring! Aubrey Organics, a big name in the natural cosmetics scene, makes 100% natural hair, skin and body care products and is based right here in Tampa Bay. "We use only the finest herbal,…
Restaurant review: The Independent — Seminole Height’s new beer bar is one of the best new restaurants of 2010
The Independent 4 stars 5016 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-341-4884. When the folks behind St. Pete’s iconic beer bar — The Independent — announced they’d be opening up an outpost in Seminole Heights, a lot of locals felt that it was about time. Not for the place to expand, per se, but just that Tampa’s…
Kama Sutra: the bamboo shoot
Here's a very advanced (oral) Kama Sutra position that will take balance and dexterity. It begins with the man performing a headstand against a wall, holding his weight by his arms. He can then carefully lower himself down to where he's supporting part of his weight with his head and neck muscles. The woman slides…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: Rays hitting bombs, Bucs attendance bombs, Rex Ryan’s F-bombs
Pat Donovan talks about the Rays sweeping the Texas Rangers and his prediction about Texas being overrated coming true. Also, hear which new Rays wardrobe piece makes Pat a bit jealous and which Rays pitcher Pat would rather only see in blowouts. Pat also talks about why you should love preseason football and why you…
Sink avoids Obama in Miami, more concerns about lack of specifics for Hillsborough rail project, and a less combative Rick Scott is a duller Rick Scott:Mitch Perry Report 8.19.10
With just 5 days to go before voters will go to the polls (actually, that's a tired cliche, as tens of thousands have already participated in the electoral process via early voting over the past two weeks), there's only limited time for interested citizens to learn about the candidates. The Tampa Bay TIger Bay Club…
Concern about lack of specifics in Hillsborough light rail measure intensifies
When Hillsborough County voters go to the polls on November 2 to vote on the transit tax referendum, the specifics of where the first rail line routes would go will not be known. That has been known for a while now, but only apparently after the St. Pete Times' Janet Zink crystallized that fact last…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Raw foods class, shoreline cleanup, markets and more
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. Fresh Markets and More at Seminole Mall- Every Thursday-Sunday; 9 am-3 pm. Fresh Markets and More is a fun-filled celebration of the world’s most popular culinary ingredients along with a selection of unique arts and crafts all located…
Meek not afraid to embrace President Obama in Miami – not so for Alex Sink
Kendrick Meek has had somewhat of a surge in taking the lead over his Democratic Senate opponent, Jeff Greene, in the past week, and after having the last two Democratic Presidents stump for him in the past three days, it would be a shocking rebuke if he was now rejected by primary voters next week.…
Got boba? Where the bubble tea is brewing in Tampa Bay
The Taiwanese tapioca pearl drink called bubble tea, or "boba", has become a popular drink around Tampa Bay in the last few years. New places serving various forms of this drink have been sprouting up around town from Brandon to Clearwater and, although many people are still unaware of what the drink is, a number…
Mixed signals, or, putting a finger in my butt
What if it hurts and I like it?
Meek vs. Greene: Two angry men
The name-calling never stops in the Dems’ nasty Senate race.
Will alcohol in cupcakes make you drunk?
I read a letter to Dear Abby from someone who had served cupcakes made with Kahlua liqueur. A coworker claimed she'd gotten drunk from one cupcake, and the writer wondered whether this was possible. Abby said enough alcohol remained to affect someone with alcohol sensitivity. In my opinion, the woman claiming to be drunk from…
Scott vs. McCollum: The GOP race to the bottom
It’s unlikely vs. unlikable in the tightening GOP gubernatorial battle.
The man in the stands: Todd Kalas is the smiling face of the Tampa Bay Rays
Todd Kalas, the smiling face of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Eat, Pray, Love: A new kind of chick trip
I’m a feminist. I liked Eat, Pray, Love. Suck it.
South Florida glumshine with electronica group Millionyoung
Miami’s Millionyoung brings his happy-go-glummy sound back to town.
Catching up with Candy Bars
Tampa’s buzzworthy experimental indie trio rocks out a middle school and preps a new album.
Taking on Kevin White
In Hillsborough’s poorest district, a beleaguered but popular incumbent faces two opponents.
Rays rock Rangers 8-6, sweep series
Hey Qualls, you missed a spot. Oh wait, Choate’s got it. Cormier, you’re looking sloppy. OK, Soriano is cleaning it all up. Phew! I love broom jokes. I love series sweeps even more, and that’s what the Tampa Bay Rays gave us Wednesday afternoon at Tropicana Field, taking the third and final outing of the…
Photo Review: Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker at the Ask-Gary Amphitheatre
Some shots from the Friday, August 13 show featuring country music sensation Brad Paisley [pictured below] and former Hootie and the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker at the Ask-Gary Amphitheatre in Tampa. Check out the complete photo gallery after the jump.
The Grind podcast 8/18: Flip and Bill’s final visit to Bucs training camp and more
It's our last day at Bucs training camp. On the agenda: talent show, tent olympics, a round of "guess the rash" and hopefully a kiss from our camp crush (we're trying French-style this year). Also? We give our first-hand analysis of the atmosphere, attitude and execution of the 2010 Buccaneers to date, and maybe a…
Red Square Party Pics (8-14-10)
The summer might be coming to an end, but the party is just heating up at the Orpheum. Every Saturday night this club is packed for a $12 sink or swim, dance party. Hotties of the Night: DJ Rig and wife Mollie Gondi are the sexiest couple I've ever seen. Just check out their hot…
Tonight’s Top Chef D.C. episode preview: Mystery boxes and secret agents
For tonight's Quickfire Challenge on Top Chef: D.C., Wylie Dufresne is guest judging, so I'm automatically thinking the chef'testants are going to have to do something crazy — and I'm right. It's a mystery box challenge (which we gather from the black boxes with large question marks on them) where they all get the same…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Rain barrel workshop, Sweetwater Organic Farm CSA open house, markets and more
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. Fresh Markets and More at Seminole Mall- Every Thursday-Sunday; 9 am-3 pm. Fresh Markets and More is a fun-filled celebration of the world’s most popular culinary ingredients along with a selection of unique arts and crafts all located…
