Willard’s Tap House in Largo: Crafting a great hangout for beer lovers
Further proving that Florida – and specifically Tampa Bay – is coming into its own as a craft beer community, Willard’s Tap House opened in January in Largo. Owned and operated by husband and wife team Blaine and Chrissy Smith, Willard’s is the latest craft beer bar to open offering an impressive selection of brews…
Do it Today: Hamlet at Eckerd College
Now you don't have to wait until spring to see Shakespeare plays in a park. Enter stage right, the newly-formed St. Petersburg Shakespeare Company turns the Bininger Theater at Eckerd College into its very own Globe Theatre. For its inaugural production, they'll be performing Hamlet, one of the most well-known tragedies ever penned by…
Comeback comes up short, Rays fall to Detroit 2-3
It was a disappointing afternoon for Rays fans, as their favorite team lost to the Detroit Tigers while they were at work, coming up short in a ninth-inning comeback attempt with the final score of 2-3. Rays starter Matt Garza took the loss, his record going to 11-7 on the year. He was tagged for…
Greenpeace launches ship expedition from St. Petersburg to study Gulf oil spill
SAINT PETERSBURG Port of St. Petersburg Six days ago, President Barack Obama said the fight to stop the oil leak is "finally close to coming to an end." Six days ago, BP announced a "significant milestone" after drilling mud into the well that held back the flow of crude oil, a process called "static kill".…
Kriseman upset about what’s happening with Florida Mainstream Democrats and Dave Aronberg
The Florida Democratic Attorney General's race is tight, and so are tensions within the two campaigns. Earlier Wednesday, the Gelber campaign conducted a conference call for reporters featured St. Petersburg House Democrat Rick Kriseman. We weren't on the call, but Kriseman informed CL this afternoon at the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club that he has a…
Jam on it: Savory jam recipes
I’ve had a long-term love affair with condiments, starting with mayonnaise as a child. I can eat it on almost anything and in copius amounts. To me, a great condiment should compliment a meat, vegetable or bread without overpowering it, making the overall dish much more interesting. Savory jams (as opposed to sweet, fruit-based jams)…
Jannus Live spotlights local talent during its free Friday night live music series
In a city reluctant to see its nightlife modernized, Jannus Live’s ongoing series of free concerts offer downtown regulars a familiar alternative to St. Pete’s trite club scene. This Friday the 13th's "Voodoo Ball and Downtown Bar Crawl" is next up on Jannus’ slate of free shows. The Mardi Gras-themed event begins with a round-up…
McCollum introduces illegal immigration bill that he says will be the envy of Arizona
Proving that Florida Republicans can continue to hammer on illegal immigration this election season, Attorney General and GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum led the way at a press conference/conference call this morning, introducing a tough new law that will be presented during next spring's regular legislative session that McCollum hinted will be tougher than Arizona's…
CL on the Road: Lollapalooza 2010 brings three days of hot music to Grant Park in Chicago (with lots of photos)
Beautiful weather, a hygienically-sound populace, and a smattering of eye- and ear- grabbing acts infiltrated all corners of Grant Park during Lollapalooza 2010. The three-day Chicago music fest is, putting it lightly, quite different than stay-and-camp fests like Bonnaroo or Coachella, the dirty, red-eyed and spaced-out denizen replaced by an odd smattering of grown adults…
Sweetwater Organic Community Farm and CSA open house event, this Saturday
If you're interested in joining Sweetwater Organic Community Farm's CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program or just want to learn how a CSA works, then be sure to attend their open house event this Saturday, August 14th, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be a farm tour from 10:30-11:30 a.m. and again from 12:00-1:00…
Surfrider Foundation partners with Planet Green to speak out for the world’s oceans during Blue August (video)
The Surfrider Foundation and Planet Green are partnering to bring viewers the second installment of Blue August. If you are not in the know, Blue August is a month long programming event focusing on the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves and beaches, and waterways. The goal: educate the world on the necessity of…
Meek & Greene get negative (again) in a debate, Hillsborough County School District really doesn’t want class size amendment to take full effect and:Mitch Perry Report 8.11.10
Kendrick Meek & Jeff Greene got it on in Orlando in a debate seen in all of the major markets in Florida last night. It wasn't edifying or satisfying, except maybe you're Charlie Crist looking to grab Democratic general election votes wherever you can find them. The Hillsborough County School District discussed "early release" yesterday…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Wednesday, August 11: Bella Vino Wine and Cheese Market Bella Vinoversity Wednesday Wine Classes: This week, taste and learn many different styles of sparkling wines including Prosecco, Cava, Blanc de Noirs, Tete de Cuvee, and more. Register here. $39. 6:30-8:30 p.m., Belleair Country Club- 1 Country Club Lane, Belleair. (727-584-5552) Friday, August 13: Downtown Dunedin…
Meek & Greene display their anger towards each other, but Democratic primary voters few reasons to want to vote for them
Last week, Democrats mocked the Rick Scott-Bill McCollum GOP gubernatorial debate, saying its negativity made their candidate, Alex Sink, the true winner. Does that mean Charlie Crist won Tuesday's match-up? The Orlando debate, sponsored by Leadership Florida and The Florida Press Association, started off promisingly, when the candidates were asked what type of legislation would…
Full Metal Corset: Artist Frank Strunk III takes a final bow at Wearable Art 6 in Dunedin
Artist Frank Strunk III drops a tiny, stainless steel object into the palm of my hand. “Just look at that,” he says admiringly. I look down. I’m hardly a hardware expert — whenever something in my apartment breaks, I just call my ex-boyfriend — but I’m pretty sure the shiny doodad in my hand is…
Movie Review: Edgar Wright’s Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, starring Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Jason Schwartzman, Chris Evans, Kieran Culkin and Ellen Wong (with trailer video)
[Editor's Note: For more reviews of the biggest movies of the summer, check out the Daily Loaf Movie Review Index.] What to make of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, the latest from Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright? On the one hand, Pilgrim is an audio/visual feast drawing vast inspiration from…
Faking it: does everyone really do it?
Many are confused when it comes to the ethics of faking an orgasm. When I recently asked hundreds of people if it's ok to fake an orgasm, I got a barrage of ugly messages and emails claiming the act of faking it is completely wrong. Yet when I asked if it was alright to fake…
Do It Today: The Wiggles and St. Somewhere Night at Dunedin House of Beer
Today, we have a a double-header hump-day special for readers with rugrats — or those who have loved ones with kids — and our beloved childless peeps. Call it a guilty pleasure, but I heart The Wiggles. I don't have kids of my own but I have a close friend/ex with an awesomely adorable son who…
Ringing Hell’s bells: Rays rookie rocks in 8-0 shutout against Detroit
Hats off to the farm boys up in North Carolina, as players recently called up from the Durham Bulls – the Tampa Bay Rays’ Triple-A affiliate – made the evening in the shutout win against the Detroit Tigers 8-0. Rays Rookie Jeremy Hellickson looked even better than his debut last Monday, which was incredible by…
Weezer titles new album Hurley, puts the Lost actor’s big smiling mug on the cover
Perennially-odd pop-rockers Weezer continue their tradition of unrelenting irony with their forthcoming eighth release, Hurley. Named after Jorge Garcia from the hit ABC show Lost, the band proves once again that no one ever knows what the hell they’re going to pull next. Not to be out-done by their last album’s collaboration with Jermaine Dupri…
Hillsborough County School Board worries about class size law
Florida voters will decide this November on Amendment 8, which would scale back the original 2002 class-size amendment. Advocates say the measure would keep class sizes essentially where they are now, but get rid of what they term the law's costly and inflexible final requirements, which go into effect late this month, on the first…
The Tampa Hillsborough County Expressway Authority and HART awarded $800,000 grant to conduct a study assessing the benefits and costs of a Bus Toll Lane Network in the Tampa region
According to the Brookings Institute, congestion prices on our roads would help reduce economic costs and guide transportation investment resources, because they reflect the economic costs of congestion, including productivity losses from traffic delays, increased accidents, higher emissions, and more. That's where the concept of managed lanes come into play, and this morning, the Tampa/Hillsborough…
Sidebern’s chef suite: Tampa culinary extravagance at its best
My love of food, science, and all things quirky took me to Chefs on the Loose for a cooking class on molecular gastronomy taught by Asbel Reyes and Allison Beasman, both chefs at Sidebern’s. Their class was amazingly fun, and during our few hours together we'd become foodie friends. Almost a year later, my boyfriend…
Television Review: Mad Men, season 4, episode 3 — “The Good News”
What exactly was the good news in Sunday night's episode? Was it that Joan wants to start a family before Dr. Husband ships out to Vietnam who-knows-when? Or perhaps that the most good person in Don's life, Anna Draper, is dying of cancer and no one will tell her about it? That the ad agency…
Informative meeting on using naturally occuring microbes to clean up the oil spill, tonight in Clearwater (8/10)
The Renaissance Toastmasters of Clearwater are holding an information session about the use of the technology of bioremediation to help clean up the remaining oil in the Gulf before it gets into the Gulf stream. Bioremediation uses naturally occurring microbes that eat the oil and neutralize it. This could be used by BP and the…
Beer Club is back! ‘Back to (Beer) School’ at The Dubliner South Tampa, August 24
Tampa Bay beer lovers rejoice: Beer Club is back in action for another season and doing the rounds at Tampa Bay area bars every month, from August through December. Blue Moon is the new sponsor and will be providing a variety of different craft brews to sample. This season's inaugural Beer Club event, "Back to…
Movie review: Alain Resnais’ Wild Grass, starring Sabine Azéma, André Dussollier and more (with trailer video)
[Editor's Note: Wild Grass opens Fri., Aug 13 at Muvico Baywalk in St. Pete and Centro Ybor in Tampa.] Wild Grass, the latest from director Alain Resnais’ (Last Year at Merienbad, Hiroshima Mon Amour), has elicited some passionate debate among critics and cinephiles. Some see the film as a return to form for the veteran…
UPDATE: Former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens dies in plane crash in Alaska
Former Alaska Republican Senator Ted Stevens, 86, and former former NASA administrator Sean O'Keefe, 54, were two of eight people on a plane that crashed in Southern Alaska last night. The New York Times reports that five people are believed to have died, but no names have been announced yet. The Stevens family released a…
Do It Today 2: Cuban food and good critter karma
Dine at Pollo Tropical at 6276 W Waters Ave., Tampa, from 5 to 8 p.m. and Lost Angels Animal Rescue, a non-profit organization that supports no-kill animal rescue policy, will receive 20 percent of the sales during that time. The organization depends on a small group of volunteers to operate the organization and care for…
The evolutionary psychology behind booty calls
If you're the type of person who believes in true love, fate, monogamy, or free will, this post will piss you off. Salon.com recently interviewed the psychology professor Peter K. Jonason on his latest publication, "Positioning the Booty-Call Relationship on the Spectrum of Relationships," in which be breaks sex down to basic economics. Below are…
On the Radar: Matt Braunger
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark on your calendar. Comedian Matt Braunger comes off like that misfit, slacker cousin who crashes at your place for an undetermined amount of time. You know, the type: slightly imbalanced, might be wearing a ketchup-stained shirt and can’t hold down a job, but…
CL Feature: The Grecian Urns, a local folk pop ensemble that concludes another summer of performing over the next two weekends (with video)
On a late Sunday afternoon at Ella’s Americana Folk Art Café, local folk pop ensemble The Grecian Urns captured and held rapt a room packed with people chowing down on soul food and barbecue, the musicians charming and captivating with their infectious feel-good energy and youthful exuberance. The music — sometimes quiet and pastoral and…
Does Tomas Kaberle make sense for the Tampa Bay Lightning?
The Tampa Bay Lightning just cant seem to get away from this rumor: Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle may be available, then again, he may not be. We have been down this road before. He has "almost" been traded probably more then any other current player. His no-movement clause has gone on a summer vacation,…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Rays end losing skid, injuries promote new kid, and Raheem Morris really said that? Yes he did
It's barely mid-August and pitcher David Price knotched another victory last night making him the first 15-game winner in franchise history (boy, this club was bad for a long time), Evan Longoria seems to have gotten his groove back, and the Rays are out of the loss column after five straight, beating the Tigers in…
Bill McCollum wants to ban gays from being foster parents, Jeff Greene’s got more problems, and as the world endures record heat and floods, climate change legislation is further away than ever: Mitch Perry Report 8.10.10
Bill McCollum is now in the home stretch of his campaign. In Temple Terrace yesterday, CL asked him about comments he made to a religious website about gays not being able to become foster parents, though that's the current law. Read his response. Speaking of going to the right, we couldn't help but realize today…
As the world’s weather gets more radical, combating climate change seems further away than ever in U.S.
Pick up the international section of your newspaper today and read about how extreme weather is playing havoc with much of the world. In Russia, the radically hot weather is killing people, on average 700 a day in the past week(wildfires are also playing a big part in the carnage). In Pakistan, record floods have…
“Why does traveling make the world a better place?” Answer and enter to win a carbon-free trip to Machu Picchu
Eco-conscious folks who love to travel, this giveaway is for you: Enter Your Daily Thread's contest to win a chance at a carbon-free trip to Peru to see Machu Picchu by answering the question, "Why does traveling make the world a better place?" Get the chance to travel along the Inca Trail and marvel at…
Running in a Florida GOP Primary means never having to say you’re too conservative
William "Windy" March has an interesting story on the website of the Tampa Tribune this morning. It's regarding a letter that Orlando attorney John Stemberger wrote recently slamming Florida GOP Attorney General Pam Bondi for the fact that she's not married, among other so called faults. Stemberger, one of the leading Christian conservatives in Florida,…
Craveable Southwest egg rolls and sidekick dipping sauces (plus step-by-step photos)
It seems like every restaurant you go to these days, there is some take on the classic Chinese egg roll, and oftentimes they're seen with a Southwestern twist. And I will gladly admit that I love them. Yes, they are fried, and yes, they may make my ass larger, but indulging in them every once…
New music releases out this Tuesday, August 10: Animal Collective, Sarah Blasko, The Budos Band, Street Sweeper Social Club, and more (with video)
This week’s new music releases. To see last week’s releases (out Aug. 3), click here; for releases out out July 27, click here. Animal Collective, ODDSAC (Swiss Dots) A feature film collaboration between Animal Collective and debut filmmaker/visual artist Danny Perez described as "a dense and surreal layering of audio and visual elements that eschews…
Rays stop skid, beat Tigers 6-3
Ah, the typical pissing, moaning, and crying of fans who wants it all, all the time. Because that's realistic; sorry you missed the lesson on reality at the school of life, all you armchair quarterbacking malcontents. Acting like you have a reason to jump ship, complaining ad nauseum to the point where I'm not sure…
Do It Today: St. Petersburg Nights’ Neo-Burlesque
You like party? Have some silly and salacious fun with an Eastern-European accent at St. Petersburg Nights' Neo-Burlesque Night. The dining and entertainment establishment has hosted Borat parties, belly dancers, Russian buffet dinners and all sorts of kitschy and ethnic fun stuff. Described as a "PG-13 show," the night includes chorus girl, strip-tease and comedic dance acts. Burlesque troupes Scarlett Vendetta and Meow Factor…
Forbes reports on allegations of Jeff Greene’s “rude” and “abusive” behavior
A week ago Sunday, the St. Pete Times' Adam Smith wrote one of the defining articles on the Florida Democratic Senate campaign, when he reported on Jeff Greene being a man "widely disparaged by current and former employees, former tenants and political consultants as a self-absorbed cheapskate." Now Forbes is weighing in, with a story…
McCollum in Tampa: I’d like to ban gays from being foster parents in Florida
On the first day of early voting, GOP gubernatorial candidate Bill McCollum brought out the ultimate in star power in the world of Florida GOP politics, former Governor Jeb Bush, to aid his campaign. Bush joined McCollum at events today in Jacksonville, Miami, and this afternoon in Temple Terrace, in front of a jam-packed room…
Greenpeace ship expedition investigating Gulf oil disaster to launch from Port of St. Petersburg this Wednesday, August 11
Greenpeace will be launching their ship, The Arctic Sunrise, that is going on a three-month expedition to investigate the impacts of the Gulf oil disaster from the Port of St. Petersburg, this Wednesday, August 11, at 10 a.m. Joe Smyth, Greenpeace Media Officer, stated, "Upon departing St. Petersburg, the ship will visit the Florida Keys…
Review of the innovative “Salsabol,” plus spicy melon salsa recipe
A few weeks ago, I got an email from Tom and Michael, two recent college grads with a passion for design, business and salsa. They asked me if I would be interested in trying out their new invention – the Salsabol. Salsabol? It sounded pretty interesting, so of course, I said yes. It seems that…
On Deck The Podcast: Rays bats slumping again, pitchers on the mend and a couple Bucs predictions
Pat Donovan and Mike Tyree talk say you should step away from the panic button even after witnessing the Rays 5 game slide. Also hear why Pat Donovan doesn't think James Shields fits in the starting rotation in 2011, just how inconsistent the Rays offense has been this season and the guys take a shot at…
Red Square Party Pics (8-7-10)
Yet another hot, sweaty Saturday night at Orpheum. Once again orpheum goers packed into the small venue to get their fix of Indie Rock, Brit Pop, Hip-Hop, ’80s and anything else DJs Rig and Noi find dance worthy. The Party: $12 all you can drink, sink or swim wells, PBR drafts at Orpheum, 1902 Republica…
Bill’s Sports Binge: A fan’s right to bitch, Emmitt Smith rights a glitch and Olbermann gets ditched
When the Rays are on a hot streak, people tell us not to get too excited. It's a long season. When they're on a losing streak, those same condescending folks tell us not to get too upset. It's a long season. Well, I'm done being told how to feel. What's the point of a 162 game…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: The Rays struggling and hurting and a deep fried fan poll
Pat Donovan talks about the Rays being nearly no hit again yesterday by Brandon Morrow. Also, hear if he prefers Andy Sonnanstine or Jeremy Hellickson if either Wade Davis or Jeff Niemann end up on the DL, and why Pat thinks Armando Galaraga's stolen perfect game is better than perfect. Pat took the time to…
Health care organizations and others call on Charlie Crist and Legislature to begin implementing federal health care bill
Although the federal health care reform legislation is now a reality, there are over 20 states, including Florida, who are challenging the law in the courts. But many of those other states are still enacting measures to prepare for the law to actually take affect (scheduled for 2014). According to the National Council for State…
Wilco presents the Solid Sound Festival, a three-day arts and music fest in North Adams, Massachusetts (with audio)
WMNF's Tuesday Sonic Detour host Amy Snider is headed up to the Solid Sound Festival this upcoming weekend and will be reporting back as a guest contributor for CL-Tampa. The following is her preview of the fest … Solid Sound Got Soul I spent a couple of years schlepping 60 pounds of gear through Western…
Canine Studies: Go to college, play with dogs
I recently received an unusual academic degree: a Master of Science in Human-Canine Life Sciences. There is only one accredited university that offers such a degree: Bergin University of Canine Studies in Santa Rosa, California. The university also offers bachelor and associate of science degrees. What does one learn in a dog-focused university? Well, in…
Anti rail group says they have $75,000 to spend to try to defeat Hillsborough transit tax
UPDATE: (Doug Guetzloe responds. Please read below). Doug Guetzloe is the Orlando man behind Ax the Tax, a Florida political action committee that has fought rail initiatives throughout Florida over the years — and he boasts that they've yet to lose such a campaign. This weekend the group began airing ads targeting Hillsborough GOP Commissioner…
#MusicMonday, Vol. XV: Cure for Caska, Frank Turner, The Rosebuds, and more
What the Creative Loafing music team is listening to this Monday to get us through the day and rocket launch the week… – The Grecian Urns, Lovedream (2010) This week's music feature spotlights summertime local ensemble Grecian Urns, and I've been spinning their new disc since I snagged a copy after our interview last week.…
On the Radar: Creative Clay’s Artlink at Florida International Museum
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview events to mark on your calendar. Creative Clay’s amazing Artlink program — an annual collaboration between professional Bay area artists and artists with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities — unveils its latest results at Florida International Museum at St. Petersburg College this week. Conceived by Creative…
Sharpe vs. Burgin in Hillsborough County Commission GOP primary: A preview of the transit tax vote?
Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe has undoubtedly alienated a segment of the local Republican Party for his unabashed leadership role in crafting the referendum on a one-cent sales tax for transit and road improvements that county voters will weigh in on in November. So for much of this year it was something of a surprise…
Using salt as a natural, versatile cleaning aid
Salt. You use it for seasoning your food, but did you know that it is also makes a great cleaning and scrubbing agent as well? I came across this article from Re-nest that has some great tips on cleaning with salt and wanted to share a few of those with you. The next time you…
The Kevin White re-election question: The candidates for Hillsborough County Commission’s long-suffering District 3
At a recent candidates’ forum in Progress Village, the first time the three Democrats running for the Hillsborough County Commission District 3 seat had gathered together this campaign season, not a word was uttered about incumbent Commissioner Kevin White’s troubles from a year ago. That’s when White, 45, lost a sexual harassment lawsuit filed by…
Victor Crist called out in Times investigative story on ‘Taj Mahal’ court building; new anti-transit ad targets Mark Sharpe; Charlie Rangel now an issue in Florida Dem Senate campaign: Mitch Perry Report 8.9.10
All readers should check out St. Pete Times investigative reporter Lucy Morgan's story today about the 1st District Court of Appeals in Tallahassee, which is building a "Taj Mahal"-like $48 million court that will open this fall. That's happening at the same time that courts throughout the state are laying off staff left and right.…
Charles Rangel now an issue in Florida elections
s reported Sunday that embattled Harlem Democrat Charles Rangel said that he signed a plea deal on ethics charges but that Republicans pushed for a trial. The New York city Congressman faces 13 ethics violations, but said last week that he wouldn't settle to make others in Congress "comfortable." The House Ethics Committee has also…
Vegan delight: Brown rice and black bean lettuce wraps with spiced tofu cream recipe
I have many friends and acquaintances who are vegetarian and often ask me for ideas on how to make their herbivore meals more interesting. I myself was a lacto-ovo vegetarian for several years, for vaguely ethical but mostly health reasons — I just feel better when I consume more veggies than meat. To this day…
New ad takes on Mark Sharpe and the transit tax (video)
Over the weekend, a new television ad that targets Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe for his support of the penny sales tax referendum for transportation hit local television stations. Watch below: The ad is produced by the Orlando-based anti-tax group Ax The Tax, led by its chairman, Doug Guetzloe. Guetzloe will be holding a news…
David Boies on California same-sex marriage ruling: “We put fear and prejudice on trial, and fear and prejudice lost”
Last week a federal judge in California struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage, ruling that voter-approved Proposition 8 violates the U.S. Constitution — handing supporters of gay rights a major victory, at least in the short term. The legal odd couple who was successful in the California case, the liberal David Boies and…
How to be a swinger: it’s not the way, it’s my way!
"I want to be a swinger!" people tell me constantly. They all want to know how to get into the lifestyle, as if it was like joining a secret league of ninjas. After reading about my more adventurous exploits, many want to step into my high heels and fuck like bunnies every weekend. But, the…
Do It Today: Staged reading of Chapel Perilous
Saucy bartender and accomplished Jobsite Theater actor Christen Pettit has tried out playwrighting, and tonight she stages a reading of her of her play, Chapel Perilous, which sounds promising — the plot summary reads like Carl Hiaason and David Lynch's bastard lovechild. In the play, fraternal-twins "dodgy beach bar" owners deal with an impending storm by hosting a karaoke night. "It's a disaster comedy," Petitt says, "featuring sex, drugs, rock…
Concert review: Aerosmith lets the music do the talking at the Ask-Gary Amphitheatre in Tampa (with pics + setlist)
Before the advent of MTV and the internet, before bands could be seen and heard instantly with the click of a button from any corner of the globe, there was one skill that needed honing and perfecting in order to ensure success: the art of live performance. Veteran hard rock outfit Aerosmith learned this early…
The Green Community week in review: Town hall meeting on oil spill, unique recycled e-waste accessories, green DIY projects and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed last week: How about some fish with your Kool-aid? – The government opened fishing grounds in the Gulf last Friday, saying the fish passed the "smell test" but did not do any actual chemical testing on the…
Toronto tramples Tampa Bay 17-11
Oops! Looks like I overslept. What happened in the game? Well, no kidding they lost, my question was more to how many digits were in the opposing team’s score. So I took a nap. Big deal. There’s something so bitterly disappointing and at the same time exhaustively boring about watching your favorite team get the…
Artist Andréa Keys Connell explores family trauma at Florida Holocaust Museum
If you’ve ever seen a Hummel figurine, it’s hard to forget the sickeningly sweet ideal of childhood that they promulgate. The collectible ceramic knickknacks — which depict rosy-cheeked, blond children wearing vapid expressions of mild surprise — would make any postmodernist cringe. They’re the kind of kitschy, pop cultural curiosity Roland Barthes would have deconstructed…
On the radar: Dunedin Fine Art Center’s Wearable Art Show
Welcome to on the radar, where we preview events to mark on your calendar. Imagine RuPaul and Lady Gaga playing dress up at a slumber party and you still won’t come anywhere near the out-there fabulousness of Dunedin Fine Art Center's Wearable Art Show. In its sixth season, the pret-a-partay cleverly pushes the limits…
The Prop 8 debate: Should we really care if “marriage” is unconstitutional?
California's Prop 8, an amendment to restrictively define marriage between a man and a woman, has been declared unconstitutional. Yay us, but… The obvious face of this is the definition of the word, and how the individual and society perceives it. The hidden face is that one side doesn't want to afford the other side a…
Prop 8 is dead: one gay man’s hope
Finally. For once, we’ve made some headway in this battle. The rights we have been denied are numerous. When gay marriage became legal in California, we rejoiced. When Proposition 8 passed, we groaned. It’s been back and forth. Florida’s been touched in the same way, with a constitutional amendment glaring us in the face, taunting us…
Plenty of blame to go around, Jays faze Rays 2-1
Ah, the blame game. Whose fault is it? Regardless of whom you decide is your sacrificial lamb, it doesn’t change the fact that the Tampa Bay Rays have just lost their third straight winnable game, falling Friday night to the Toronto Blue Jays 1-2. Do you blame starting pitcher Matt Garza for his atrocious toss…
You are the cheese to my macaroni: A lifetime love affair with mac and cheese (plus recipe)
How do I love macaroni and cheese? Let me count the wheys. Most people don’t understand my love for macaroni and cheese. It’s a comfort food. The first thing my mother taught me how to cook was mac and cheese. Eating mac and cheese reminds me of Saturday nights with Katie, the babysitter and of…
From e-waste to wearable art: Geekware’s recycled electronics accessories and home decor
I've written about recycling electronics at designated disposal sites to keep e-waste out of our landfills. Well here's a company that also rescues e-waste from landfills, but what they end up doing with it is just plain cool. Geekware is a company out of Edmonton, Canada, that recycles obsolete electronics found in landfills, and turns…
Kyle Dunlap – Contributor
I’m your average twenty-something malcontent. I’ve been out of the United States once. I like to eat random and fun foods. My idea of a fantastic time is either playing board games with my best friends or shopping at extremely campy stores (such as the World of Disney) with aforementioned friends. I have a birthmark…
Jeremy Gloff – Contributor
Jeremy Gloff is a musician/writer/artist who currently operates out of Tampa. Gloff has self-released 16 albums on Riotboy Records, his latest release being the contemplative 21st Century Love Songs. Gloff achieved YouTube notoriety in 2008 for his "Rick Roll The Chistians" video. Later that year Jeremy was featured on the "The Good Old Days" episode…
The Libertine’s Guide to Gallantry: the science of instant connections – touch
Ori and Rom Brafman recently published, Click: the Magic of Instant Connections, which breaks down the science of why and how people form quick-set intimacies. This series of entries for The Libertine's Guide to Gallantry re-frames their principles in terms of strategies for making instant love connections. Many people describe clicking with strangers in the…
McCollum thinks he’s got his groove back
CL spoke briefly with Bill McCollum last night after his combative debate with his GOP gubernatorial challenger Rick Scott at WTVT-Fox 13's studios in Tampa. Perhaps buoyed by a Mason-Dixon poll released earlier Thursday that showed him down by only 6% to Scott, 37%-31%, and the fact that as a lifelong politico he's skilled at…
Cynical and Southern: Why do I text assholes after midnight?
In fairy tales at the stroke of midnight, Cinderella’s carriage turns into a pumpkin. In Tampa, Florida, at the stroke of midnight, Jeremy Gloff’s integrity turns into a big pile of smelly shit. There is a duality to my existence. When the sun is shining I feel fulfilled and well adjusted. I enjoy my job…
The Men of Las Vegas male revue will work Tampa’s poles
While Tampa may be known for its strip clubs, the city offers surprisingly few venues for male strippers to strut their goods. Maybe that's why when a male revue does come to town, many women start frothing at the mouth like their tween daughters at a Justin Bieber concert. Sunday, August 15, the topless gentlemen's…
Can adopting a greener lifestyle help aid in conception? One woman’s personal success story
A few years ago, I was told by a world-renowned doctor that I would not get pregnant without the use of fertility drugs because I had been diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I did take his opinion to heart and tried the drugs, but they made me feel terrible. Birth control pills have always…
The reward is in the journey: The three chefs who shaped my culinary skills and understanding of food
I often reflect on the winding path of my cooking career because I seem to regularly ask myself, for better or worse, “How did I get here?”. You see, I didn’t really choose to be a chef, it sort of just happened. It was never a dream of mine, an aspiration as a child, to…
Movie Review: Adam McKay’s The Other Guys, starring Mark Wahlberg, Will Ferrell, Michael Keaton & Eva Mendes (with trailer video)
You've seen plenty of movies about cops who shoot up the city, blowing up bad guys and laying it all on on the line in the name of justice. The Other Guys, starring Mark Wahlberg, Will Ferrell, Michael Keaton and Eva Mendes is not one of those movie. Instead, the focus is on the cops…
Democratic AG candidates start airing TV ads (video)
A day after Dave Aronberg aired his first television ad of the Democratic Attorney General primary, Dan Gelber followed suit today. It also comes after the first polls in a long time have come out in this fascinating race (please read our feature article on the campaign in the current CL). We would have posted…
Celebrate a milestone of winning photography
Life's greatest scenes can't be Photoshopped or embellished otherwise. So, maybe a true-to-life photographic exhibit is the proper remedy for our collective CGI hangover. Head over to the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts, where 146 of the Tampa Bay area's most gifted photographers exhibit their work in the 10th annual Members' Show at the museum through Sept. 4. In the…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: Enough about the catwalk, impressions of, and impersonations at, Bucs camp
Pat Donovan talks about the Rays loss yesterday and why you probably shouldn't be complaining about it. Also hear what position battles Pat is excited about at Bucs camp. Pat also tells you how you can see the Bucs scrimmage Saturday night, and gives you a glimpse into one of his favorite things at Bucs…
New fresh market opens this weekend at Seminole Mall
The Seminole Mall will be introducing their new Fresh Markets & More with a grand opening this Saturday, August 7, at 9 a.m. Fresh Markets & More will feature fresh produce, prepared foods, specialty foods and drinks, gourmet baked goods, plants, unique arts and crafts, and live music — all within the air conditioned corridors…
Easy potato and veggie frittata recipe
Who doesn’t love a frittata? They are tasty, fun and very easy to prepare. Being an extremely busy and poor, law student, I love them because they are inexpensive to make, and I can make a large one Sundays that will last me through the week. After cooking it, I allow the frittata to cool…
A Gay in the Life: How a proposition ate my cynicism
I'm not political. I can't cite court cases; I can't argue about the judicial system or discuss the left and right. (I couldn't even tie my shoes until I was nine. I was lucky to know my right foot from my left.) But I can tell you what the Proposition 8 ruling means to me.…
Another victory in our fight for equal rights
Allow me to add one more voice cheering California for overturning Proposition 8. While those who defend Prop 8 vow to keep battling, possibly even taking it as far as the US Supreme Court, this is certainly a celebratory day for the LGBT community and gives us more weight for our argument on marriage equality. Despite the…
Charlie Crist Romance Novel: The Governor’s Mistress – Chapter 7 – C. Loves John McCain
Not long ago, while Governor C. was still seeking his senate seat as a Republican, I saw him trying to distance himself from John McCain, claiming his conservative beliefs and record made him nothing like the other moderate silver fox. Since C. outed himself as an independent, John McCain has been returning the favor.
On the Radar: Far Away at Gorilla Theatre
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark on your calendars. Gorilla Theater's dystopian drama Far Away, co-produced with Revolve Theatre, delves into human nature, paranoia and the predisposition for murder, destruction and conflict – not light fare by any means, but definitely a meatier option on the summer entertainment…
Do it this weekend: Jim Norton, Carrollwood Idol, GeckoFest Pub Crawl, Vino-Java-Jazz and Derby Darlins have a heart for foster kids
Easily offended? Step away from this item. If not, comedian Jim Norton knows exactly how to produce that simultaneous cringe and chuckle, and he has a unique appreciation of female anatomy large and small. That's all I'm going to say about it. For more about Norton, read Andrew Silverstein's enlightening interview. Tampa Improv, 1600 E.…
McCollum and Scott engage in brutal debate, while Jeb Bush tries to get McCollum over the finish line: Mitch Perry Report 8.6.10
The one and possibly only prime time debate between Bill McCollum and Rick Scott took place last night in Tampa. Read our analysis here. And Jeb Bush will be working the campaign trail beginning next week for McCollum, who needs everything in his bag of tricks to stop what could be one of the most…
McCollum goes hard on the attack in Tampa debate
Knowing that he's down in his race against Rick Scott for the race for the GOP nomination for governor, Bill McCollum knew he had to go for broke Thursday night in what could be the last debate between the two candidates before the August 24 primary. McCollum was relentless in trying to bring up the…
Can Jeb Bush get McCollum over the finish line?
Amongst Florida Republicans, Jeb Bush stands as their modern day Ronald Reagan. And though so called "Reagan conservatives" sometimes behave in ways today that the Gipper never did (such as the current GOP obsession with never raising taxes, despite the fact that Reagan did so both as Governor of California and as President), the powers…
Dream Momma to return Friday, Aug. 27
Dream Momma has taken a month off to hunker down in a remote corner of the Heartland to finish her book, The Dream belongs to the Dreamer. Her blog will return on Friday, August 27th. She needs more dreams. Send them to dreammomma@gmail.com
Concert review: Cyndi Lauper brings the blues to Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater
Eighties pop icon Cyndi Lauper returned to Clearwater’s Ruth Eckerd Hall two years after introducing a new sound, new hit album and new hair, too. This past Wednesday August 4, the hall was packed with Lauper fans, some decked out in ensembles that rivaled Lauper’s own flamboyant fashion sense. [All photos by Tracy May.] Singer-songwriter…
Top Chef D.C. Podcast, Ep. 8: Global cuisine, Marcus Samuelsson, and petty pranks
As painfuly snoozeworthy as last night's episode of Top Chef: D.C. was, at least they're utilizing more locations and themes in D.C. for the challenges. The Quickfire Challenge focused on Ethiopian cuisine, because many restaurants in D.C. make up a fair amount of the numerous ethnic eateries in the city. And, who else would they…
Carol Browner to come to St. Petersburg and talk about what happens next in relation to the oil spill
Carol Browner, President Obama's Assistant for Energy and Climate Change, will be speaking in St. Petersburg Friday morning at a Community Roundtable on the BP oil disaster. Browner, a Florida native who previously worked under Governor Lawton Chiles and headed the EPA under President Bill Clinton, will be appearing at the Enoch Davis Center at…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Rays title brief, Viking fan relief and a parent story beyond belief
If it had gone 14 innings I would have had to get my ass out of bed and head to the Trop to pitch. The Rays finally made the game watchable when Evan Longoria scored the only run in the 9th to end the 1-0 shut-out threat. But in the end, the only difference it made was fans got one less…
Green DIY: Give old markers new life as dyes and stains for craft projects
As many parents and teachers know, kids can go through markers as fast as they go through clothing sizes. Here's a clever way to reuse the dried up ink in the markers, extracting the color that's still in them and using them as dyes — it also makes a great lesson for kids about repurposing…
Dining Guide: Late night eats
CL regularly presents focused listings of the best dining options in Tampa Bay’s neighborhoods. This week we’re giving you a guide to the spots in Tampa Bay that are best known for their late night dining hours and pre-hangover fare. ANGIE'S CAFE 200 1st Ave N., St. Pete; 727-823-6437. The gyros and Philly cheese steaks…
State Dems silent on gay marriage ruling, Haridopolos Medicaid Tour comes to Tampa, And WUSF (finally!) switches to all news & info format:Mitch Perry Report 8.5.10
After major (even not so major) news goes through the transom these days, most political reporters and bloggers in Florida get, well, if not flooded, at least a fair number of e-mails in their boxes from candidates opining on various issues. But strangely, after a California Judge ruled yesterday that the Golden State's ban on…
Jeff Greene denies going shopping in Cuba: “What would I buy there, bags of rice?”
Campaigning in South Florida yesterday, Democratic Senate candidate Jeff Greene tried to clear up his 2007 trip to Cuba on his yacht Summerwind. To WPLG television last night, the man who according to polls is leading Kendrick Meek for the Senate nomination, maintained the line uttered by spokesman Luis Vizcaino from the day before that…
Maple-mustard glazed salmon with mango-peach salsa recipe
Don’t you hate those crazy days when your feet hit the ground running in the morning and just never seem to be able to stop until the rest of you crumples in a sweaty, exhausted, glassy-eyed heap on the floor about twelve hours later? I’ll bet those of you that have already waved goodbye to…
Hard currency: If the root of all evil is money, the root of all good is education
It’s dangerous to be dumb about money.
At St. Pete’s Twisted Cork, it’s all about the fries
Twisted Cork Grille transcends its downscale St. Pete location.
Kickstarter offers crowd-funding for local bands
Rise of Saturn celebrates a successful fundraiser on Kickstarter.com while Auto?Automatic?? kicks off a new one.
My boyfriend fantasizes about little girls
When does a porn habit indicate an inclination toward pedophilia?
Andréa Keys Connell: Ceramic Sculptures
The granddaughter of Holocaust survivors confronts a legacy of pain and silence.
Did the Australian army once wage war on emus?
Recently my roommate, an unusually trustworthy fellow, told me about the 1932 "emu war" in Australia. He said 1932 was a dry year that made 20,000 emus restless, causing them to invade a residential neighborhood en masse. The Australian military had to take them out with heavy artillery. Is this true? —Evan, Greensboro, North Carolina…
The Primaries: Dems Dave Aronberg vs. Dan Gelber for FL Attorney General
Two strong Dems are running for AG. They used to like each other.
Long hard road: The evolution of Tampa’s Franklin Street
Josh Dohring remembers when the residential population in downtown Tampa was mostly made up of people who were forced to live there: the inmates of the Morgan Street Jail. Much has changed since his family began brokering real estate in downtown more than 25 years ago. “We were here before downtown was hip,” said Dohring,…
A high-octane Hamlet at Eckerd College
A flawed but promising debut by St. Pete’s new Shakespeare company.
On the Radar: Tampa Comic Book and Toy Convention
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark on your calendar. They're morality tales, fantasies, explorations of extremities — often to the absurd degree — and some of the most visually engaging masterpieces to reach mass audiences. Celebrate comic culture and all its nifty playthings at the Tampa Comic Book and Toy Convention this Sunday in Largo.…
WUSF 89.7 to go (finally) to all news & information
With the announcement today that Tampa's National Public Radio affiliate, WUSF-FM, had purchased a second station — WSMR, 89.1 — that means 89.7 will now go the way of most of its brethren and exclusively air news and information programming, with its second station to go to an all-classical format. Currently, news junkies in the…
Tonight’s Top Chef D.C. episode preview: International delight
Forget the patriotic themes of the past few episodes, tonight's installment of Top Chef: D.C. is all about global cuisine. For the Quickfire Challenge, Marcus Samuelsson, the winner of last season's Top Chef Masters, plays guest judge and puts it to the chef'testants to prepare Ethiopian cuisine. Is that really fair? It's probably about as…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: The Rays on fire, the best Shields ever and an improved Bucs pass rush
Pat Donovan talks about the Rays great weekend against the Yankees and his small dissapointment the Rays weren't more active at Saturday's trade deadline. Also, hear Pat's exchange with Joe Maddon about why yesterday was the best Maddon has ever seen James Shields pitch. Plus, hear Kyle Moore talk about why he thinks the Buccaneers defense will…
The Green Community week in review: Local pro surfers speak out against offshore drilling, Porsche’s hybrid and electric sports cars, Chelsea Clinton’s vegan wedding and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed last week: The Suncoast Surfrider Foundation builds a 'Wave of Plastic' to be unveiled at Jack Johnson's upcoming concert – The Suncoast Surfrider Foundation is building a wave of plastic to promote the discontinuance of single use…
Top Chef D.C. Podcast, Ep. 7: The proof is in the pea puree (and the Top Chef Cookbook giveaway contest)
This week on Top Chef: D.C., the challenges were actually very fitting and appropriate for the host city. Toothpicks, politicians, White House correspondents, The Palm D.C., and power lunches — what could be more demonstrative of D.C.? For the Quickfire, the chef'testants were constructing mini meals — or amuse bouches, if you will — skewered…
“Tough guy” Urban Meyer threatens reporter for accurately quoting Florida Gator (video)
Urban Meyer has gone through an interesting winter. Weeks after his Florida Gators lost their bid for the national championship by losing to Alabama in early December, he stunningly announced the day after Christmas that a health scare meant he was stepping down from his lucrative gig with a school that he has made a…
Dan Sileo sidelined after false report on Buccaneers
On the "Sideline" section of your St. Petersburg Times sports section this morning you will find a piece on Tampa sports radio station WDAE-AM 620 suspending morning show host Dan Sileo. His Clear Channel bosses did so after his on-air comments yesterday about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers being in financial trouble because of massive financial…
