Open for business: Gulfport bustles its way through the down economy
The St. Petersburg restaurant scene has suffered through five of the most tumultuous years on record, thanks to the economic collapse and the oil spill. It's been bad, and even the most optimistic owners are squinting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But cruise through the restaurants and bars of Gulfport…
Bud Chiles to depart the campaign – can we miss what we never had?
Independent gubernatorial candidate Bud Chiles is scheduled to call it a day – or a campaign- with an announcement Thursday that he's dropping his bid to follow in the footsteps of his father and run the state of Florida. The former Democrat, who never quite sounded authentic when he opted to go indie, didn't get…
St. Pete College’s undeveloped Seminole site is very much alive – Nature park now open
In a small corner of Seminole, in the middle of Florida’s most heavily developed county, a tract of nearly-forgotten land plays host to a wide variety of Florida plants and animals. The land, only about 40 acres in all, is owned by the college. It is the undeveloped half of a tract that the college…
The best of both worlds: Sweet and salty chocolate-dipped caramels recipe
While many people have a sweet tooth, I seem to have a 'savory tooth' (if there is such a term). I covet buttery pastas, earthy whole grain bread, and spicy ethnic dishes like some people crave ice cream sundaes and chocolate cake. This is not to say that I don’t enjoy a sweet treat here…
St. Pete for Peace says they’ll go to Gainesville and hold vigil on same day that local church plans to burn copies of the Koran
Although the proposed Muslim cultural center called Park51 in Lower Manhattan has dropped from the front pages of the national news over the past couple of weeks, the issue of Islamaphobia is very much alive and well throughout the country. The NY Times reported Wednesday that a group of teenagers in western New York were…
Wednesday-music.com indie music profile: Jenny and Johnny
Wednesday-music favorite Jenny Lewis is back, this time with beau Johnathan Rice. In this musical incarnation, they make up her most recent band, Jenny and Johnny. i know it’s Wednesday-music’s company policy to only profile a band once, but cut me some slack, the other Jenny Lewis profiles were with her other bands: Rilo Kiley…
Going The Distance starring Drew Barrymore, Justin Long, Jason Sudeikis, Charlie Day, Kristin Schaal and Jim Gaffigan (with trailer video)
On the list of “top ten things I hate,” romantic comedies fall somewhere between gum-snapping and mushrooms. (They are a fungus; I can’t believe people consume such things.) So naturally, I jumped at the chance to review Going the Distance, the new film starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. You see, even though I hate…
Tampa audience learns details on Tampa-Orlando high speed rail line
The Florida Rail Commission, the state organization responsible for implementing the high speed rail initiative, held their first meeting that allowed for public comment at the Tampa Convention Center Tuesday night. Although there were hundreds, perhaps thousands of seats set up, there didn’t appear to be more than 100-125 people in attendance. Kevin Thibault, the…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: An ugly loss, more toys for the Rays, less toys for the Bucs
Pat Donovan talks about the awful loss suffered by the Rays last night and his belief that Jeff Niemann will be fine despite the rust he's displayed since his return from the DL. Also, hear why as much as Desmond Jennings and Brad Hawpe might help the Rays, the best call up story could be…
Tribune latest to ask who is the real Charlie Crist; Jeff Greene to sue St. Pete Times, and CONA wants St. Pete City Council to hold off on Karl Nurse map: 9.1.10
Who is the real Charlie Crist? The Tampa Tribune is the latest to ask today. Tomorrow the St. Pete City Council will discuss Karl Nurse's map that he wants to implement in anticipating of Amendment Four passing later this year. Now a neighborhood group says hold off, please. And Jeff Greene is mad as hell…
Jeff Greene suing Times & Herald, says media did him in
Vanquished Democratic Senate candidate Jeff Greene is still angry at the media, and he tells today's New York Times that he's prepared to sue the pants off of the St. Petersburg Times and Miami Herald for some of their reporting about his business and personal life. Greene says, "I want to send a message to…
St. Pete’s Calvin Royal III promoted to main company of NYC’s American Ballet Theater
Do we know how to pick 'em or what? Back in 2006, CL (then The Weekly Planet) featured young ballet dancer Calvin Royal III on our cover as one of Pinellas' young artists to watch. Since then, he's more than fulfilled the prediction of Suzanne Pomerantzeff, his teacher at Gibbs H.S./Pinellas County Center for the…
Tampa Tribune latest media organ to question who Charlie Crist truly is
This morning the Tampa Tribune's lead editorial is entitled, "Charlie, who are you now?" and reflects on the dizzying level of contradictions that Charlie Crist has made on the campaign trail within just the past week. But part of the traditionally conservative page's ardor is also a manifestation of what they see is an abdication…
Charlie Crist Romance Novel: The Governor’s Mistress Chapter 8 – The Truth Behind C.’s Engagement
One of the advantages of dating the Governor was spending the night in the Governor's Mansion. It made me feel like a princess – sleeping in a luxury bed paid for with the tax dollars of my lowly subjects. One late June morning, I woke in C.'s bed and rolled over to snuggle him. I…
Amendment 4 (Hometown Democracy) roundtable debate at SPC – Monday, September 20
Amendment 4, a topic affecting all Floridians is up for vote this November. The citizens have a huge stake in growth decisions that will influence our community’s future. St. Petersburg College‘s Clearwater Campus (2465 Drew Street, Clearwater, Florida) will host an Amendment 4 round-table debate in the Fine Arts Auditorium, Monday, September 20, 2010 beginning…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Wednesday, September 1: Cassis American Brasserie Attend Cassis American Brasserie's first monthly wine dinner to get a "taste of France" in their private dining room. The five-course dinner will include dessert and wine pairings for every course. The following wine dinners will be on the first Wednesday of every month. Call for price and to…
This is NPR: What WUSF’s all-news/talk format will mean for Tampa Bay, classical music fans and WMNF
Before moving to Sarasota, Joan McKniff lived in Paris, and before that Washington D.C. and New York City. Like many transplants from big cities, she says when she moved to West Central Florida, one of the things she had to adjust to was a dearth of interesting news and information programs on the radio. To…
Toronto tees off on Tampa Bay 13-5
Is it over yet? Wow… ouch. The "highlights" of this spanking keep playing over and over in my head and I want them to stop; I'm not sure if the Rays are still getting their asses handed to them or if I'm simply reliving the pain mentally. Allegedly around 13,000 other people were in attendance…
Do It Today: Cocktails with a Cause, Deep Carnivale auditions, Tears for Fears
Too often, careless opinions gets bandied about concerning our state's crippled health-care system. Too seldom are viable ideas proposed and discussed to solve problems. At Florida Craftsmen Gallery's Cocktails with a Cause, presented by the League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area, you can remedy the booboos of the health-care debate by hearing…
It Happened This Week-ish: John Mayer attacks the media, 50 cent tweets about his grandma, Paris gets busted in Vegas, Gary Busey saves the day and more…
Contrary to the responsible reporting of various tabloids and the Huffington Post, John Mayer and Jennifer Aniston are NOT dating again. In fact, John Mayer has finally done exactly what we all kind of want to do, except no one reads our blogs, he called them out on being gossipy pieces of crap. He may…
Making paper obsolete?: The benefits of e-paper
You might be hearing things like “print is dead”, but the plain fact of the matter is that there are around 55 million newspapers still being sold in the United States each and every day of the year. Consider the environmental impact of this “bulk” of paper being used in only one nation each day!…
CD review/Show preview: Sons of Hippies, A-Morph; the Sarasota alt rock trio stages a CD release party at New World Brewery this Thursday
Sons of Hippies visionaries Katherine Kelly (lead vocals, guitar) and Jonas Canales (drums, percs, synths, support vocals) introduced locals to their compelling, propulsive alt rock last year and even took home a 2009 Best of the Bay award for their debut album, Warriors of the Light. This week, the duo-turned-trio (which now includes bassist Ryan…
Republicans for Sink get their first recruits
Based on the fear of a Rick Scott led government and eased by Alex Sink's decidedly moderate image, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate today has released her first list of Republican elected officials who have endorsed her candidacy. In what her campaign hopes is just the beginning, Team Sink announced a list of local city council,…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Rays’ streak (and attendance) at 3, ex-Bolt gets sentenced and Jim Brown is a grumpy old turd
after an exciting and exhausting series against the Red Sux by beating Toronto 6-2 Monday night and all anybody from ESPN to TBO wants to talk about is the piss-poor attendance. Forget about the huge crowds all weekend, forget about the fact that it's an awful stadium in a crappy location and kills in TV ratings;…
Bill Keller raising money to build ground zero church
St. Petersburg Evangelist Bill Keller is one of the most controversial religious figures in Tampa Bay and the country, but he also has a big following, as the leader of the world’s largest interactive Christian websites, liveprayer.com. The Christian conservative, who has angered gays and Muslims with incendiary comments in the past, is all set…
How to look like you know what you’re doing in the kitchen
I starting learning to cook for the same reason most guys do: to impress women. The first time I brought crab legs to the table during a date in high school I was met with an, “Aww, you’re so sweet!” I couldn’t help but thinking, “Really? I didn’t even have to cook these things, I…
New vehicle fuel economy labels may also show environmental grade
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are teaming up and proposing a rule for the addition of fuel economy stickers to all new vehicles, starting with the 2012 models. Mother Nature Network writes: "The two agencies have jointly proposed that all car stickers be printed with a vehicle’s…
Concert review: Hank Williams III & Assjack at State Theatre in St. Petersburg (with photos)
Saturday night, the wife and I braved the torrential downpour and ventured out to the State Theatre to see Hank III and his traveling band. Due to some issues with openers in the past few months, Hank is currently (and for the unforeseeable future) touring without any opening acts, which would normally make me pretty…
Rick Scott comes to Tampa and feels the GOP love from those who scorned him; Obama to talk about Iraq, but how many will be listening? And Alex Sink uses the power of her office to investigate “Taj Mahal” court: Mitch Perry Report 8.31.10
Rick Scott and some state Republicans who a ago were spending millions to beat him came together in Tampa yesterday to talk party unity. Meanwhile his Democratic party opponent, Alex Sink, is using the powers of her CFO office to call for an audit of the new courthouse being derided as a "Taj Mahal." Sink…
Obama to take to the airwaves to discuss U.S. transition in Iraq, while U.S. economy stays in the doldrums
Although it's been known for months that Democrats were going to lose their majorities in both house of Congress this year, seemingly just in the past week has there been serious concerns that there will be a Speaker Boehner sitting next to Joe Biden and behind Barack Obama at next year's State of the Union…
Television Review: Mad Men, season 4, episode 6 — “Waldorf Stories”
Oh how clever you are, Matthew Weiner. Surprised to have won your third consecutive Emmy for Mad Men, you said last night? I don't think so. How strange would it have been to watch the Clio awards reward Don Draper if Mad Men had lost their own award for Best Drama? I can't be sure…
Sink uses the power of her office in calling for audit of “Taj Mahal” courthouse
Monday afternoon Chief Financial Officer and Alex Sink announced that she has directed her Bureau of Auditing to perform a comprehensive audit of the funding for the new $48 million First District Court of Appeals courthouse, dubbed immediately as the "Taj Mahal." The St. Pete Times Lucy Morgan, who broke the story earlier this month,…
Climate change and its negative effects on animal habitats and migratory patterns
When you start making a list of the effects of global warming you might automatically talk about increasing temperatures, rising seas, climate change, etc. Did you also know that it is something that is driving animals to abandon their original habitats and heading into alternative (and often higher) locations? For example, the effects of global…
Remodeled Temple Terrace Beverage Castle adds full bar and cigar lounge
I dropped by the Beverage Castle on 56th Street in the Temple Terrace area of Tampa today to pick up up some Abita Restoration Ale and Rogue Dead Guy and was surprised to see that the drive-thru section has been enclosed (not that I intended to "drive thru", but had always thought it was a…
New music releases out this Tuesday, August 31: Bobby Bare Jr., Disturbed, Jarrod Gorbel, Jenny & Johnny, Bill Frisell, MakeUpBreakUp, Jane’s Addiction, White Car, and more (with audio + video)
This week’s new music releases. To see last week’s releases (out Aug. 24), click here; for releases out Aug. 17, click here. , Feeding The Wolves (Republic) American Bang, American Bang (Reprise) Kyle Andrews, Kangaroo EP (Elephant Lady Records) Bobby Bare, Jr., A Storm – A Tree – My Mother's Head (Thirty Tigers) The story…
Do This: Black on Black Rhyme’s Pajama Poetry Nite
Their tagline: "Getcho tickets and getcho jammies!" Listen to provocative rhymes and participate in contests for funniest, sexiest and boldest bedtime wear. Or heat up the crowd at the erotic open mic. Goodness knows, the lustrous lyricists of Black on Black Rhyme sure can seduce crowds when they're not trying to be sexy — we can't imagine how…
Tampa Bay tops Toronto 6-2
Now THAT is how you start off a series! Very exciting to see the Rays take two close ones against Boston and follow that series victory up with something a little more dominating. Not to say Tampa Bay dominated the Toronto Blue Jays in the 6-2 win Monday night, but there was enough breathing room…
Activist Kelly Benjamin files to run for Tampa City Council
Kelly Benjamin, a Tampa activist who lost a previous run for office in 2003, filed today as a candidate for the Tampa City Council District 6 seat and says he will be qualifying via petition. The incumbent is Charlie Miranda. In an e-mail, Benjamin says that he's running a grassroots campaign to "add a new…
Miami lawyer Elizabeth F. Schwartz to speak on LGBT legal rights on Sept. 11 in Clearwater
Miami attorney Elizabeth F. Schwartz is to deliver a presentation on law and legal issues of the LGBT community on Saturday, Sept. 11. She will discuss current information about your legal rights and wrongs, and what you can do about them.
Bill’s Sports Binge: Bucs “D” shines in loss, Rays send Boston buttholes packing (back to their Tampa area homes), FSU tickets very available
The Buccaneers fell in the forest Saturday night and only 42,640 people heard anything as they fell to Florida's armpit, the Jacksonville Jaguars, 19-13. The loss was clinched by quarterback and ex-Buc Luke McCown's touchdown pass late in the 3rd quarter. Sure glad he's not on our team anymore, we are loaded at QB. Loaded, I…
CD review: Nirvana, Icon, a new best-of that’s better left unsaid
On August 31, Universal will release a Nirvana best-of singles collection called Icon featuring 11 songs that were all hit singles. You may wonder the point behind such a release. I do, too. To me, there isn't one discernible reason to put something out like this except for the possibility of making some extra money.…
Fig and Gorgonzola crostini with balsamic syrup recipe
Figs are in season so if you've never tried a fresh fig, now is your chance. There is a small window of opportunity each year to enjoy these unique, nutritious fruits as they are picked at the height of ripeness and are very delicate, therefore must be consumed or cooked right away. Figs are very…
Rick Scott in Tampa: Sink’s support for “Obamacare” will be an issue
What do you do if you're the anti-establishment candidate but have now become part of that establishment? If you're Rick Scott, you pivot to criticizing a government that's less popular than Tallahassee Republicans — that would be Washington Democrats. And if you're a Republican who campaigned and spent money against the person now leading your…
On Deck The podcast: A walk-off by Dan Johnson, a new guy named Brad Hawpe and a duechebag named Marc
Pat Donovan and Mike Tyree talk about the walk off home run by Dan Johnson and the importance of the Red Sox series. Also hear why Pat is optimistic about the signing of Brad Hawpe and which players Pat is excited to see called up this week. Also hear which pitchers and how many pitchers…
On the Radar: 321 starring Gavin Hawk and Ricky Wayne
Improv done wrong is a painful thing — poorly conceived situations gone awry, actors talking over one another, lingering delays, sloppy conclusions. Improv done right, on the other hand, is a wonderful thing. Think back on times you've witnessed good improvisational theater, like your favorite Who’s Line Is It Anyway episodes. (I like the one with guest star Richard Simmons…
Triclosan: Helpful antibacterial agent or harmful to people and the environment?
Used as an antibacterial agent, triclosan was once thought to be a helpful additive — until recent findings that may prove otherwise. It is currently under scrutiny by the FDA and the EU for the possible harmful side effects it can cause in human and its damaging environmental effects. Triclosan is a chemical in powder…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: Sweet Caroline, the Red Sox are finished
Pat Donovan talks about the Rays taking 2 of 3 from the Red Sox over the weekend and proclaims the Red Sox are finished for 2010. Find out if Joe Maddon agrees with him and what Pat thought about the Bucs second and final home preseason game. Also, hear which prediction Pat now believes he's…
#MusicMonday, Vol. XVIII: Caribou, Wiz Khalifa, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Good Old War, The Faint, 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. Gabe – Ryuichi Sakamoto, Moto.Tronic (2003) Career overview of the brilliant Japanese composer who'd previously fronted ground-breaking electronic act Yellow Magic Orchestra. The purpose of this…
The I Like it Hot Festival’s jalapeno eating contest and surprising winner (photos)
Every year in late August, Your Hot Sauce Company hosts the 'I Like it Hot' Festival, the largest spicy foods show in Florida at Largo's Minnreg Hall. Along with an array of vendors offering sauces, salsas, marinades, and the like — all ranging from mild to nuclear — the festival holds amateur salsa and hot…
Roxy’s Gala: pinups, pole dancers, and pitbulls (pictures)
Given a choice between aiding a person on the streets or helping a dog, most Americans will choose the dog every time. We adore our canine pets because they love us as much as we love them, despite our shortcomings. Shorty Rossi learned this lesson early in life. No matter what he was going through,…
Movies come to the iPhone via Netflix
has finally released an "official" app for the iPhone, months after a version of the service was available for those who jailbreak their phones. (Something Apple seriously frowns upon, by the way.) The official app has something the others don't, however: Free streaming of Netflix's library of movies right to your phone. Cool, eh? Sure,…
Young local country artist Suite Caroline on the fast track to stardom
For the average teenage girl, the thought of walking onto a stage to perform in front of a huge crowd of people would be terrifying. For others, like Tampa’s own Suite Caroline (real name Caroline Kudelko), performing for thousands of fans seems to come naturally. She’s comfortable on the stage with her guitar and plays…
The Emmys and host Jimmy Fallon rocked (with results and intro video)
Last night's Emmys started off with a fun, over the top performance of Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run by the cast of Glee, Tina Fey, Joel McHale and others. The light, entertaining feel continued throughout the entire night, with Jimmy Fallon a surprisingly good host who brought energy and did a great tribute to some…
Project Runway Podcast Season 8, Ep. 5: Runway Wars
Top Chef does a lot of things right and that includes the team challenges. Project Runway does a lot of things right but has never really taken advantage of the designers' evil sides by pitting them against each other in an all out, team challenge/bitch-war, until now. All you need is six people on each…
Hooking you up at couples speed dating
Friday, August 27th I hosted my first couples speed dating event at CL Space. The night started with a meet & greet as couples trickled in and hit the open bar (courtesy of iVoyeur). Even though the drinks were free, there was a lot of heavy flirting with the bartender (or maybe that was just…
Cafe Kili: A great university area alternative to Starbucks
I visited Cafe Kili mid afternoon one day on the recommendation of a friend. Located behind Applebee's on Fowler Avenue, only a few minutes from the University of South Florida. I made many visits to the plaza where Cafe Kili is situated and never noticed that such an establishment existed. One memorable visit with world-class…
Jack Johnson’s eco-friendly tour
The rain did not put a damper on the Jack Johnson show at the Amphitheater last week. With a crowd of about 17,500, Jack and his crew kept the fans standing and singing along to all of his love-the-earth and you-can-make-a-difference lyrics. He opened his set with "Banana Pancakes", which acknowledged the rainy weather and…
Charlie Crist’s busy weekend getting his positions clear
Now that he has two powerful organizations – the Democratic and Republican parties – loading up all of their resources against him, when Charlie Crist contradicts himself on a position (nothing unique throughout his last year as Governor), there is more scrutiny than ever to call attention to such flip-flops, as the Florida U.S. Senate…
Glenn Beck’s 300,000 meet-up in D.C. means something significant, but what is it?
Glenn Beck is a conservative talk show host who has seen his heady career ascend to a plateau few media figures ever achieve in the 17 months since he began his daily Fox News show, which coincided with Barack Obama being inaugurated as the nation's 44th president. The fact that he was able to generate…
Do this: Columbia Flamenco Show
Whether or not you have visitors in from out of town – especially if you have visitors in from out of town – plan to attend the flamenco show at our Cubano-centric metropolis’ premier Cuban restaurant, the original Columbia. The colorful, feisty dance cabaret is a must-do event at least once in a lifetime. The…
The Green Community week in review: Public transit use can mean a healthier lifestyle, scientists give opposing reports on Gulf oil plume, and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed last week: Eco-friendly car, the "Bio-Bug", runs on poo. This car is a viable alternative to the electric car, and will allow consumers to stop flushing away their money at the gas station. Report: Using public transportation…
Next Generation Ballet: New ballet company at the Straz Center
It’s indeed a bold move to start a new ballet company in this economy in which funding for the arts has been, for the most part, slashed to pieces. That’s why it’s so amazing and wonderful that Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory is now home to a brand new ballet company — Next Generation Ballet (NGB).…
GOP Unity rally scheduled two days after Dems hold their own; Crist and Meek all over Sunday talk; and the meaning behind Glenn Beck’s huge DC rally: Mitch Perry Report
This afternoon in Tampa the much anticipated "Unity" event with the Florida Republicans will take place. It comes two days after the entire Democratic slate of state wide candidates held three big rallies of a similar nature, including one that was pretty successful in Tampa. Will we see the same love shared on the stage…
Theme at Dems Unity rally in Tampa: Throw the GOP bums out of Tallahassee
Saturday afternoon at a building inside the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, the second of three scheduled "Unity" events designed to kickstart the general election campaign for the Democratic party's slate of statewide candidates was held. The overriding theme was simple and to the point. As Florida's senior U.S. Senator Bill Nelson said succinctly, "When…
Bisexuality: Why are we so questioned, and where are all the bi men?
I wander through Google searches, trying to crack my writer's block. I want to find something exciting and inspiring about bisexuality, but article after article disappoints or annoys me, at least at first glance. One of my first searches was "bisexuality articles." My lips press together and my eyebrows furrow involuntarily. The very first hit…
Cynical and Southern: Why am I not attracted to black men?
I have two cats. One has light fur and the other dark. I love both cats equally. A slur has never unwittingly crossed my mind inferring that the cat with dark fur is any better or worse than the cat with light fur. And so I ask myself this — if cats can just be…
Burlesque movie trailer w. Cher and Christina Aguilera: “Run, don’t walk, to the Internet, you homos!”
That's a quote from the ever-quotable Derek Hartley, co-host of The Derek and Romaine Show on Sirius OutQ, the LGBT satellite radio station. Since he's a pretty reliable source on all things homo, I took him up on his recommendation and ran, did not walk, to check out the trailer for the upcoming flim Burlesque.…
Rays conquered by Crimson Stockings, 3-1
This battle of the fiery lefties saw David Price trying to improve on his franchise-best 15 wins for the Tampa Bay Rays and Jon Lester trying to improve upon his second-half performance; Lester had gone 2-5 in the latter half of the season coming into Friday night’s game for the Boston Red Sox. Price had…
It’s not too late to still enjoy summer seasonal brews like Magic Hat’s ‘Wacko’
The heat continues with no respite in sight. We beer lovers are a tenacious bunch, so it is never a question of whether or not to drink beer, just what beer to drink. During the dog days of summer, few are looking to the heavier brews like stouts or porters, so many reach for the…
Stacy Frank emphasizes local roots as she begins campaign against Dana Young
On Tuesday night, Dana Young won a solid victory in her Republican House District 57 election, more than doubling the amount of votes of her second place opponent, Todd Marks. Now she goes on to face a novice candidate but someone who is certainly no newcomer to politics, Democrat Stacy Frank, the daughter of the…
Concert announcement: Sublime with Rome to play Jannus Live this fall
This just in from Jannus Live: will play Jannus Live on Monday, October 25. The band performs at the downtown St. Petersburg courtyard on the heels of a blockbuster summer tour, preceded by a sold-out spring theater tour run. It was Sublime’s first trek in 14 years, after officially announcing their return to the stage…
Operation Free: Protecting the US with clean American energy; Tuesday, August 31
Repower America is honored today to have a guest blogger, Dan Nolan. Dan is a 26 year veteran of the U.S. Army and current resident of Tampa. During his military career, Colonel Nolan commanded the 1st Armored Division Artillery in Germany and Kosovo as well as served as principal advisor to General Tommy Franks at…
Dining Guide: Carrollwood
CL regularly presents focused listings of the best dining options in Tampa Bay’s neighborhoods. With a little help from some of our Food and Drink section contributors, we’re giving you a guide to dining and drinking in the Carrollwood area of Tampa. ALEX'S SOUTHERN STYLE BAR-B-Q 5362 West Village Dr., Tampa; 813-269-0050 Nothing fancy here,…
Pimpin Commish gets the boot, Rashid’s stable founders, and power broker wannabe is good for a laugh!
It has been quite an interesting week. 1. We learned that outgoing Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman is really a college dropout (are you shocked?) The MSM still give him credit for "attending' though. I sure hope they don't pick their doctors based on attending vs graduating! Voters didn't appear to care or notice Norman's…
Study: monogamous marriage devastates your sex life
If you don't have sex before marriage, then making your relationship legal will definitely improve your sex life, at least for a few years, and assuming you're sexually compatible. Otherwise putting that wedding ring on is pretty much like strapping on a metal chastity belt. One recent British poll discovered that unwed couples had sex…
New poll has Scott up by 5% over Sink; What will Charlie do about a judge declaring SB 360 unconstitutional, and can we have some understanding for Bill McCollum? Mitch Perry Report 8.27.10
A New Rasmussen poll shows Rick Scott with a slight lead over Alex Sink, with Bud Chiles still getting a nice 8% of the vote. Meanwhile, Scott and RPOF chair John Thrasher got together, and Thrasher said essentially it was a beautiful thing. Remember when Charlie Crist was declared by the media as an exemplar…
1st Rasmussen poll shows Scott over Sink 41%-36%, but nearly half of Scott voters uncertain if they’ll stay with him
The first Rasmussen poll for the Florida gubernatorial election has just been released, and it shows Republican Rick Scott with a 5% lead over Democrat Alex Sink, 41%-36%, with independent Bud Chiles getting 8%. To say it's early in the race would be an understatement, and frankly, can't we just chill for at least the…
Judge’s rejection of SB 360 is a reminder when Charlie Crist lost his zest on environmental issues
Yesterday a circuit judge threw out the 2009 developer-backed law known as SB 360 that relaxed transportation and other requirements in targeted, high-density districts around the state. In his summary judgment that rules in favor of cities and counties, 2nd Circuit Judge Charles Frances called the law unconstitutional. Critics had charged that the measure would…
Prevent future egg recalls by supporting local farmers; upcoming screening of Fresh at HCC
The following is a piece by Gail Eggeman, chapter leader of the Slow Food Tampa Bay organization and founder of the St. Petersburg Saturday Morning Market. There's been a lot of news about the current egg recall. It is no surprise that industrially grown chickens/eggs are creating sickness. Eggs bought locally from a farmer don't…
Ken Mehlman comes out, but Stephen Colbert and Bill Maher knew it all along
The altogether unwelcome gayness of former Republican shill Ken "Bud" Mehlman is allegedly big news this week. Members of the gay community (including famous ex-straights like David Brock) are either offering Ken advice on how to handle the Big Reveal, or stifling their yawns/homicidal impulses. Gee, Ken, great to see you out, thanks for all…
Dog-friendly vacation spots in Tampa Bay
Hmph. Dogfriendly.com recently released a list of its top ten dog-friendly vacation spots. We didn’t make the list. I don’t understand. St. Petersburg — indeed, the whole Tampa Bay area — is a paradise for dog lovers. Don’t they know about our many, many dog-friendly dining options? Here’s just a small sampling. What about the…
Ausley gets aggressive in CFO race
Although Lorrane Ausley got into the race for Chief Financial Officer relatively late, now that the general election campaign has now begun she's wasting no time in taking it to her Republican opponent, state Senate President Jeff Atwater, and begin accused of going negative early. In a web ad produced today, Ausley blasts Atwater for…
Pickled to perfection: Sweet and spicy “Wickled” okra
I’ve been having lots of fun thinking of different ways to use up the fruits and veggies in my weekly produce basket from Suncoast Organics. Each week they offer several interesting and unusual picks that I rarely, if ever, see at the supermarket. Last week, I got some organic red okra. I didn’t even know…
Fall Arts: What to watch for in Tampa Bay area music and beyond
Florida is flush with live music offerings this fall, and the Bay area is reaping the benefits. Arena rock stars, the hottest indie buzz bands, a bounty of music fests brimming with first-rate talent, and plenty else. Here’s the music you need to have on your radar. FESTIVAL EXPRESS Florida’s fall festival season begins even…
James Cameron compares BP to antagonists in Avatar
With the re-release of James Cameron's Oscar nominated blockbuster Avatar this weekend, he gives audiences nine more minutes of footage and his two cents on the BP oil spill disaster. Cameron recently told the Daily News, "The BP mess is a classic example of how our energy policies, or lack thereof, are going to hurt…
And we’re back: Tampa Pride reemerges with a fresh perspective
“Honey, who puts together a Pride event in 60 days?” This was the question a friend posed to Jorge Alvarado just a few days ago, as he prepared for the reemergence of Tampa’s Pride celebration with this Saturday’s Pride on 7th event. Despite the short turnaround time he’s had, the day-long event has come together…
Two meetings on High Speed Rail scheduled this Tuesday in Tampa
The Florida Rail Enterprise, the state agency responsible for constructing high speed rail in the Sunshine State, will hold its next public information meeting on the Tampa-Orlando line this Tuesday, August 31 at 6:30 p.m. at the Tampa Convention Center. Earlier in the day, at 2:30 p.m., there will be a meeting designed for disadvantaged…
Do It This Weekend: Jaws 35th Anniversary Event, I Like It Hot Festival, William Packer’s Takers takeover party and much more
Whew! This weekend is jam-packed. You're gonna need a bigger boat … dudum, dudum, dudum. If you're feeling nostalgic about the movie that made you afraid to go in the water or just didn't get enough finny fun by way of Discovery Channel's recent Shark Week, then wade over to to the Capitol Theatre in downtown…
Concert review: Jack Johnson brings a ray of mellow Hawaiian sunshine to the Ask-Gary Amphitheatre in Tampa (with photos + complete setlist)
“Can’t you see that it’s just raining …” Jack Johnson crooned, opening his Tampa show with fan favorite “Banana Pancakes” while playfully addressing the inclement weather that had soaked the 1-800-Ask-Gary-Amphitheatre and continued in sporadic bursts of wet throughout most of the night. [All photos by Phil Bardi.] The rain may have tested the loyalty…
Movie Review: Christian Carion’s Farewell, starring Emir Kusturica and Guillaume Canet (with trailer video)
[Editor's Note: Farewell opens this Friday, Aug. 27, exclusively at the Tampa Theatre.] Lack of combat never kept the Cold War from fascinating us. The space race, the nuclear rivalry, and by God, the espionage held us enraptured for decades. There's something sexy about trading secrets with foreign operatives that the literal gore of a battlefield…
48 hours later, McCollum still boasting about his endorsements (video)
John Frank of the St. Pete Times has posted a video of an interview that Bill McCollum gave this morning to reporters in Tallahassee after a Cabinet meeting, and it's very interesting. McCollum does say that he called and congratulated Rick Scott yesterday, but that's the extent of what he was willing to say about…
Movie Review: The Last Exorcism, starring Patrick Fabian (with trailer video)
There's nothing like a quality horror movie. Only a good horror flick can scare the bejeezus out of you despite your foreknowledge that a shock is on the way. That said, I don't care for the gross factor that seems to be mistaken for scary these days. As a result, most modern horror movies don't…
Rolling Stone be damned: The real top 10 Beatles songs of all time
Magazines love lists, and Rolling Stone is no exception. As a teaser for their special issue cataloging the greatest 100 songs by arguably the greatest popular music act of all time, the Beatles, they've leaked their top 10 online. Here's their list. In parentheses are the album name and chief composer of the song: 10: "While My…
All about the Vanderbilts: Biltmore Estate has put this North Carolina winery on the map
Most kids fantasize about cool jobs they’ll do as grownups. Few of us ever become astronauts or artists. Sharon Fenchak is doing today just what she told her parents she’d be doing when she was nine. More unusual still was her childhood career pick: Winemaker. “I announced at a holiday dinner that I was going…
Green beauty: How to make your own three-ingredient natural lip balm
Lip balm is an item many of us use every day. But did you know that the ingredients in many different brands of lip balm can actually dry out your lips? These ingredients, which include aluminum salts, preservatives, artificial flavors and petroleum-based products, can also be toxic and experts advise that they shouldn't be used…
Rick Scott and FLA GOP establishment go on first date; Will Alex Sink be eager to discuss health care in campaign? And Team Rubio lays out its strategy to win in November: Mitch Perry Report 8.26.10
Rick Scott and Florida Republican party chair John Thrasher are scheduled to meet in Fort Lauderdale today to discuss the relationship of the Naples outsider who stunned the establishment that Thrasher represents on Tuesday night. Should be fun to see how magnanimous Scott chooses to be. Health care is one of the biggest issues (still)…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Faith House permaculture project, Habitat for Humanity’s green home 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…
Florida GOP insiders hope Rick Scott has amnesia
The new king of the Florida Republican Party, Rick Scott, is scheduled to meet today with party chairman John Thrasher, to begin what some might call the "healing" process after Scott stuck it in the faces of the entire Florida GOP establishment by beating their anointed choice, Bill McCollum, on Tuesday night. It won't be…
Health care will be major issue in Florida 2010 general election (video)
Floridians who will be engaged in deciding who should succeed Bill McCollum as Attorney General will have two stark choices in November, particularly on what do about one of the single biggest pieces of domestic legislation ever – the health care reform act that was passed earlier this year. McCollum has led the way in…
Stage three: A trio of new theater companies take root in St. Pete
A trio of new theater companies takes root in St. Pete.
Wake, rattle and roll: After a lull, the St. Pete music scene has revved right back up
After a lull, the St. Pete live music scene has revved right back up.
Post-primary disorder
After Scott’s victory, can the GOP all get along? And who’s Mike McC?
Unchain the dogs: The Tampa Bay tethering debate
One woman’s mission to bring an anti-tethering ordinance to Hillsborough.
Not-so-true colors on Amendment 4?
Is St. Pete’s new land-use map a needed simplification — or a ploy to avoid the will of the voters?
Fall Arts 2010: All sizes welcome in St. Pete
New developments both big and small in St. Pete’s burgeoning visual arts scene.
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…
Fall Arts 2010: Future film
The most anticipated movies of the fall are right here.
Einstein and Alice, maestros and masterminds come to area stages
Here are the shows you won't want to miss in the coming months. Rooms: a rock romance. This rousing rock musical follows singer Monica and guitarist Ian from Glasgow to London and New York, from young love and obscurity to maturity and success. freeFall Theatre at Studio@620, Sept. 8-26, 620 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg,…
From Neil Young to Vampire Weekend, there’s lots of music worth waiting for this fall
Florida is flush with live music offerings this fall, and the Bay area is reaping the benefits. Arena rock stars, the hottest indie buzz bands, a bounty of music fests brimming with first-rate talent, and plenty else. Here's the music you need to have on your radar. FESTIVAL EXPRESS: Florida's fall festival season begins even…
Can a nuclear plant withstand a direct hit by a tornado?
Recently an outbuilding at a nuclear power plant received a glancing blow from a tornado. Fortunately no real harm was done, but it started me wondering: are nuclear power plants built to withstand a direct hit from a tornado? —Dee Barnett, Fort Worth There's a range of possible answers to this question: 1. Yup, 100…
Labauvie, Wujcik and American ImpressIonists are among the season’s big shows
Dominique Labauvie. The Tampa-based sculptor, who hammers steel into improbably graceful forms, is the man of the moment this fall, with three shows on view: Musical Lines in My Hands: The Work of Dominique Labauvie at the Tampa Museum of Art through January 16, plus a show at the Morean and one at Bleu Acier,…
I lost my virginity last night
But way more critical than I should be.
Women of mystery
The bedtime allure of Miss Marple and Lisbeth Salander.
Do It Today: John Heffron gets ‘Tickled Pink’
Mon dieu, it's pinkness, part deux! Yesterday, we brought you the Pink Slip Party. Tonight, it's a whole different batch of chablis-tinted wonderfulness: the Tickled Pink Fundraiser featuring comedian John Heffron at the Tampa Improv. The event benefits My Hope Chest Foundation, an organization that assists uninsured women who've survived the fight against breast cancer and, as a result, endured life-altering mastectomies. My Hope Chest…
Tonight’s Top Chef D.C. episode preview: Too many cooks spoil the broth
In this week's Top Chef: D.C. preview videos, we get to see how badly some of the chefs behave — even when they're in public in front of hundreds of diners. From the looks of the preview video below, it looks like the chef'testants must cook ingredients inspired by common food-themed adages, i.e.: "hot potato",…
CD review: Dead Confederate, Sugar
For its second album, Athens, Ga. quintet Dead Confederate wields its hipster- and alt-country-scene-approved Southern psychedelia like a sawed-off shotgun — it's got an instantly familiar profile, it's sort of classic in a very dark way, and what comes out of it is both powerful as hell and bound to scatter off in unexpected directions.…
#MusicMonday, Vol. XVI: Imperial Drag, Bonobo, MTVU, Micah P. Hinson, Rage Against the Machine, The Roots, and more (with lots of video)
What the Creative Loafing music team is listening to this Monday to get us through the day and rocket launch the week… Gabe – Imperial Drag, Imperial Drag (1996) Not long after the demise of superior pop band Jellyfish, the band’s keyboardist and co-songwriter Roger Manning formed a new group and most of the core…
Dining (or drinking) guide: The Bay area’s best beer bars
Brew Garden 904 N McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, 727-797-6622 or thebrewgarden.com Brew Garden sets itself apart from many of the local beer bars by specializing in European imports. You’ll still find some American craft-brews on tap and in bottles, but the focus is definitely on Belgian classics. Cider House 1752 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-7400…
