

Kitchen Bar 3 at Restaurant BT
A taste of KB3@BT’s inaugural week.
Rubio defends Congress taking off August as economy melts down
If you read this blog at all, you know one of our pet peeves is the absurdly light schedule that Congress – especially this House of Representatives, led by Speaker John Boehner. As we wrote late last year, South Florida freshman Republican lawmaker Allen West also objected to the number of days off his new…
MoveOn calls for rallies against GOP Congress on lack of jobs
How does it feel these days as a progressive? When even former supporters like Drew Weston are raking the President over the coals in a New York TImes op-ed, where do liberals go to express their frustration over say, the debt ceiling debate, which nobody, I mean nobody, thinks was a good deal from a…
New Music Tuesday! (August 9)
New releases by Pepper Rabbit, Jay-Z & Kanye West, Trivium, Dom + more (audio & video included).
New health care clinic opens in South Tampa
Even though the Florida has the second-highest rate of uninsured citizens, it has turned away millions of dollars in grants that would go toward initiatives like moving long-term care patients back into their homes and improving state regulation of health premiums – all because it's part of that icky health care plan that President Obama…
Star Trek theme park to run on alternative energy sources
Going where no amusement park has gone before.
Wingfest at The Dunedin House of Beer: Sat. 8/13
All-you-can-eat wings from Dunedin restaurants.
Mitch Perry Report 8.9.11
Good morning everyone. In the news today, we don't have anything profound to say about the fear and panic spreading on Wall Street – just a couple of humble reports on policy stuff happening in Florida. Leading off today is a report on what happened yesterday in Tallahassee as a special task force set up…
Ronda Storms doesn’t want to hear excuses regarding Assisted living facilities
Ronda Storms Back in May, the Miami Herald ran a series of articles (at least one that was reprinted in the St. Pete Times) called "Neglected to Death," an amazing (and sad) depiction of sweeping failures in state oversight of Florida’s Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) that have left thousands of elderly and mentally ill residents…
5 fashion finds I wish I hadn’t lost
It's weird and wonderful how some articles of clothing come to mean so much to us. Not because of what they are, but because of what they represent – because of who gave them to us, because of what happened while we were wearing them, because of the emotions and memories that color them so…
Tampa Bay Rays to film an “It Gets Better” video
They’re joining Dan Savage’s campaign against anti-gay bullying.
Mars Needs Moms lands on Blu-ray
Disney's Mars Needs Moms, out on Blu-Ray and DVD on Aug. 9, follows the journey of Milo (Seth Green, Chris on Family Guy), a boy who's at the age when listening to your parents is not high on the list of priorities. One day Milo wishes he didn’t have a mother, and soon enough he…
Derby Darlins: Pics from the Tantrums win
Tampa roller derby action captured by photographers Kevin and Lisa Tighe.
Falling Skies recap: Season One Finale
The two-hour season finale of Falling Skies picked up with Tom (Noah Wyle) returning from scouting the alien structure in downtown Boston. Last week, Anne (Moon Bloodgood) and Lourdes (Seychelle Gabriel) found a harness inside their dead Skitter POW, and now the good doctor filled Tom in on his formerly harnessed son's potential future. Tom…
Ask Dream Momma: Transvestite midget clowns … stealing underwear?
Dream Momma, been trying to figure out the meaning of this nightmare I had about midget transvestite clowns hiding my shoes and stealing my underwear, and … well I got nothing … anyone else?
FMA to feds on Medicaid waiver: please reject this proposal
South Florida Democrat Nan Rich Among the many achievements that Republicans in Tallahassee have boasted about after this year's Legislative session ended in May was that they achieved Medicaid reform. In fact, they still haven't achieved that goal of reducing long-term costs by turning over nearly all of the management of the system to HMOs…
Corn makes the US economy go ’round
And it’s in everything.
The Glee Project recap: “Believability”
Glee" width="223" height="320" /> Jenna Ushkowitz as Tina on Glee This week on The Glee Project the contenders faced their toughest acting challenge yet: believability. Each had to perform Cyndi Lauper’s “True Colors” in its entirety for guest judge Jenna Ushkowitz, who plays Tina on Glee. The song seemed to be a challenge for some…
A review in photos: Lil Wayne at 1-800-Ask-Gary Amphitheatre, Tampa
Some shots from last Wednesday night's show at Ask-Gary Amp featuring rap superstar Lil Wayne, with support by Rick Ross, Keri Hilson, Far East Movement and Lloyd. Tracy May Lil Wayne More photos after the jump.
Pulled pork Benedict (recipe)
A delectable Southern spin on the traditional brunch dish.
#MusicMonday, Vol. 44
What the CL Music Team is jamming this fine Monday, from Mat Kearney to White Denim to Handsome Furs (audio & video included!)
The dangers of cyanide fishing
Harmful to marine environments as well as to those who ingest large amounts of these fish.
The self-serve frozen yogurt revolution
Plus, where to find it in Tampa Bay and a free fro-yo event.
Mitch Perry Report 8.8.11
It was a rough weekend for this country on a certain level, as we learned Saturday morning that 30 Americans died in the shooting down of a helicopter in Afghanistan Friday night. That was followed at the same time with the news that Standard & Poor's had downgraded America's credit rating, a downgrade that John…
RNC officials confident about their 2012 chances as they leave Tampa
RNC Co-Chair Sharon Day The Republican National Committee concluded its 3 day summer meeting Friday night in Tampa – with a visit to the Tampa Museum of Art, which included getting treated to a speech from controversial freshman Allen West, who has become a big favorite of Tea Party types. Late Friday afternoon, RNC Chair…
We now return to the GOP presidential race, already in progress
Quick question: What ever happened to the GOP Presidential contest of 2012? Yes, I know candidates are out campaigning and fundraising. In fact CL saw Tim Pawlenty with our own eyes and ears last Tuesday at the Buddy Brew coffee house. But the fact is the best way to check out the whole slate of…
Kerry calls S&P’s move on U.S. credit rating the “Tea Party downgrade”
With an agreement on the debt ceiling being extended, a massive sell-down on Wall Street, and Standard & Poor's downgrading of America's triple A rating status, it's not a surprise that Americans are more down on their political leaders than seemingly ever. But if you were wondering whether Congress' record low ratings means they're ready…
Rick Scott admits he didn’t know dialing for dollars was part of the job description
Rick Scott with reporters at the Tampa Marriott Waterside hotel Never having ran for public office before and being independently wealthy , Governor Rick Scott understandably was not familiar with some of the attendant duties that come with being the leading Republican in the state – like having to getting on the telephone and raise…
Antiwarpt in Review, Part 2: Pre-party, Main Event, After Parties
CL’s re-cap of last weekend’s second annual Antiwarpt fest, with photos & video.
Carne Guisada is a carne-val for the taste buds
Tex-Mex comfort food.
Does the Dow’s drop say anything about America’s recent policy decisions?
Photo: Yahoo Finances Thursday presented itself as perfect storm of uncertainty as the Dow plunged 521 points amidst fears of an anemic global economy and the spread of Europe's debt contagion. This was the worst day for the Dow since the U.S. slid into recession in 2008. Overall, the three major indexes, the Dow, the…
From the ashes: Why ash is used in cheesemaking
Cheesemakers continue to use an ancient ingredient.
Stock exchange
The Change-Up flips the switch, but not the script.
The Green Cafe Network: Greening the coffeehouse industry
And harnessing cafe culture for community environmental awareness.
Sniffing the fumes of latex and desire at FetishCon 2011 (NSFW)
“Are you okay with wearing heels and crushing a guy’s balls?” Brandon asks Brooklyn Dayne, a platinum blonde porn performer. Looking dumbfounded, she shakes her head, "no." Brooklyn recently flew in from Dallas to shoot a series of porn scenes around Florida. FetishCon is the first time she has been exposed to the fetish world.…
Help local rockers Marksmen go on a U.S. tour via Kickstarter.com
Marksmen seek funding from fans to support Eisley this fall.
Mitch Perry Report 8.5.11 – Rick on a roll?
Happy Friday to all the readers out there. We begin today with a hot new Quinnipiac poll released for your consumption this morning, with the survey showing Rick Scott has rebounded from a 29 percent rating up to a 35 percent approval ranking. The poll shows that Scott remains incredibly unpopular personally, and also that…
Rick on a roll? New poll shows him shooting up in popularity – to 35 percent
Governor Rick Scott continues his stay in Tampa as the Republican National Committee conducts its last full day of business in its summer meeting, and that smile you saw at that doughnut shop on Wednesday morning? It might just be a little broader today. That's because he's shot up in the newest Quinnipiac Poll, out…
Farmageddon: Documentary shocker
It’s small farmers vs. big gov’t. in a doc that you will leave you looking for someone to blame.
5 Things To Do This Weekend
Dragon boat races, Wazoo, ranney, Sri-Lankan dance and Pabst Bowl-a-rama
Lollapalooza at 20: A look back
This weekend’s event in Chicago contains 132 more bands than played in ’91.
Rayland Baxter: Feathers, Fishhooks and Folksongs
The singer-songwriter returns to Ybor City August 26.
A review in photos: Vans Warped Tour 2011 at Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg
Some shots from the Vans Warped Tour stop at Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg this past Sunday, July 31. AUGUST BURNS RED
Cigar City Brewing’s first Russian beer dinner, held in their 40 degree cooler (photos)
The Order of the Red Banner Cigar City Brewing dinner was a feast to behold.
Jindal blasts Obama at RNC meeting in Tampa
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal entertained a couple of hundred Republicans at the Republican National Committee Summer meeting with at the Marriot Waterside Hotel in Tampa today. Jindal, who just turned 40 earlier this summer, has been considered a fresh new face for the national GOP when he became the governor in 2007 (He faces re-election…
Barbie’s new ‘green’ Dream House revealed
Complete with solar panels and landscaped rooftop.
The Glee Project Recap: “Sexuality”
Mark Saling and Ashley Fink judge this week's HW challenge on sexuality This week on The Glee Project, the top six contenders had to turn on their sexuality for guest judges Mark Saling and Ashley Fink, who play Puck and Lauren on Glee. The contenders performed Madonna’s “Like a Virgin,” in what ended up looking…
Buckhorn on Williams Pool: comparison to South Tampa pool situation incorrect
Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn says that the comparison that some made between InterBay Pool in South Tampa and Williams pool in east Tampa are not legitimate. The mayor made many people in east Tampa happy when he told the St. Pete Times Wednesday evening that now that he knows the exact amount that it will…
BOCC gets heated with approval of ordinances and consolidation of Section 8 housing
This Wednesday, the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) debated topics ranging from the consolidation of recreations centers to the consolidation of public housing. After a heated debate, the BOCC voted 5-2 to transfer housing voucher assistance to the Tampa Housing Authority. Lawmakers also unanimously approved commissioner Les Miller’s plan to explore the creation of…
Mitch Perry Report 8.4.11 – the donut report
Leading off the news this morning is Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn's announcement to the St. Pete Times that he'll use CIT funds to pay to repair Williams Pool in the predominantly African-American east Tampa section of the city. The mayor, who has always had strong support in that part of the community, appeared to have…
New poll on Florida GOP Senate candidates shows majority want someone else in race
Sofia Vergara & Nick Loeb, possible GOP Senate candidate In a certain way, you could call the release of a new Quinnipiac poll on the Florida GOP Senate race a shock poll, as retired military colonel Mike McCalister has taken the lead, and Adam Hasner is in 4th place. The poll shows: Mike McCalister 15…
Better late than never? Bob Buckhorn now says he’ll find money to repair east Tampa pool
Six days after Bob Buckhorn responded aggressively when challenged to find money in his proposed budget to repair a closed down swimming pool in east Tampa, the Mayor now says there are funds available from community tax revenue to repair the structure. In exclusive comments given to the St. Pete Times Elisabeth Parker, the mayor…
Farmageddon helps launch a local movement
The food network.
The myth buster: Debunking popular cooking fallacies
No, coffee cannot sober up a drunk.
Snow Flower fails to bloom on the big screen
Director Wayne Wang botches the adaptation of Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.
Barefoot in the Park at American Stage: Blast from the past
A fluffy entertainment recalls Broadway’s not-so-golden years.
Once more, with oomph
An unexpected revival of my brief Polish film career.
Bryan Adams hits Ruth Eckerd Hall
Plus: Rod Picott, Hot Tuna and more of the week’s best concerts.
New directions at Leepa-Rattner
Fresh ideas help Tarpon Springs’ unique art museum connect past and future.
Who I did on my summer vacation
Dan’s readers write in with their most sordid vacation tales.
St. Pete City Council: A primary primer
Meet the candidates competing Aug. 30 in the city’s sole primary race.
Shit Happened for July 27-August 3, 2011
Debt ceiling raised, Rick Scott puts himself back to work and more …
Awesome jams at Turntable.fm
Music-sharing site offers fans a new way to listen (and rate each other’s tastes).
Don’t Cross Conquistadora: a historical novel in review
“Epic” and “sweeping” are often used to describe historical novels. It’s a genre that sometimes features history-altering wars and famous figures with an innocent bystander caught between the two, and forced into the role of reluctant hero. There is little mystery from the historical aspect; the fiction provides all of the tension via the individual…
Using molecular gastronomy for an “avant-garde” pot luck (recipes)
Balsamic beads and powdered peanut butter for a South Florida Foodies group pot luck luncheon.
RNC Chair Reince Priebus on Florida primary: The rules will be enforced
Reince Priebus meets the press in Tampa The Republican National Committee Summer Meeting in Tampa officially kicked off with a news conference this morning, during which chairman Reince Priebus weighed in on the recently enacted debt ceiling deal, the possibility of penalizing the Florida delegation for moving up its primary date, and other items related…
Why are some gays so proud of being bitchy?
I’ve met "the biggest bitch in the world" at least 30 times. It’s a line that’s been used more times than "I’ll call you tomorrow." "I’m the biggest bitch in the world." Tony in Jamestown insisted to me that he is indeed the biggest bitch in the world. He then proceeded to spend a half…
Mixed Messages: I-75 South
Kevin Tighe July 12, 2011: Tampa, FL I-75 South "Mixed messages" will be an ongoing photographic feature that captures intriguing, and often contradictory, communications throughout Tampa Bay.
Zucchini “pasta” salad
Zucchini makes a fantastic side dish and is great for summer picnics.
Simply delish: Ham, Swiss and kale quiche (recipe)
This ham, Swiss and kale quiche is a nice and simple meal that can be made ahead and refrigerated for several days. The addition of kale, instead of the typical spinach, adds texture and depth to the dish. The allspice and chili flakes go very well with the greens and eggs, nicely complementing the quiche…
Tasting some of Tampa’s food history: The devil crab crawl
Recently, myself and a group of eight local epicurean adventurers headed out around Tampa in search of devil crabs. Tampa was the birthplace of this snack in the early 1920s — a croquette made from seasoned, cooked crab meat which is breaded, fried and traditionally eaten with hot sauce. We tasted this indigenous dish from…
Culinary adventure: Miami foodie meetup at Sugarcane Raw Bar and Grill
Editor's Note: Recently, one of our beloved CL Tampa Food and Drink contributors, Gretchen Cothron, moved off to Miami. Luckily, she'll still be checking in, keeping us abreast on the foodie scene down south. Check out her posts if you're ever making a trip to Miami for some great dining ideas! Everything is changing around…






