Bachmann out after Iowa- but Rick Perry will carry on
Florida Republican voters who were hoping to cast a ballot for Michele Bachmann during the state's Jan. 31 primary need to start contemplating another choice. The Minnesota Congresswoman became the first casualty of the Iowa Caucus Wednesday morning, when she announced that she was dropping her bid for the GOP nomination for President. It was…
Iowa aftermath: Perry to “reassess” – Huntsman to follow?
Although Mitt Romney edged out Rick Santorum in the Iowa caucuses last night by a mere 8 votes, there's no doubt that Santorum will be considered the upset star of the first vote of the 2012 election season. Ron Paul came in about 3,700 votes behind those two top contenders, getting 21.4 percent of the…
Mitch Perry Report 1.4.11
Good morning America. Well, with Iowa now history in the GOP presidential sweepstakes, it's on to New Hampshire, where Mitt Romney is expected to win, somewhat easily. So do we still have a competitive race, or not? A month ago Newt Gingrich was supposed to be the latest Newt-killer. That didn't happen, and after a…
This week in food and drink
Celebrity cooking demonstrations, truck fiesta, food festivals, tastings and more!
The new Big Brother: Sordid tales of SOPA
coffeelovingskeptic.com Our Online Future The least popular U.S. Congress has just made itself less popular. With the passage of HR3261.IH commonly known as SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act), our representatives have managed to bring the Internet out of the Wild West, which isn't a bad thing on the face of it, but passage of the…
Concert review: Cee Lo Green at Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg
I wanted to love Cee Lo Green’s performance at Mahaffey Theater last Wednesday night because I love his work, both as a solo artist and as part of Gnarls Barkley and Goodie Mob. ’Course, greatness in the studio does not always equate to greatness in a live setting and though I was rooting for him,…
Cloris Leachman calls on Mayor Buckhorn to protect injured elephants with Barnum & Bailey Circus
Cloris Leachman An annual tradition that takes place in Tampa after the New Year is the near week-long stay of Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. And with it comes controversy, as animal rights groups such as the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for years have…
Concert review: Tedeschi Trucks Band at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
It's not hard to see why Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks are married. If the love chemistry between them is as hot as their musical chemistry, then call the fire brigade — the Jacksonville home studio where they recorded their debut effort as Tedeschi Trucks Band, Revelator, must be on fire. But seriously, when together,…
Newt calls Romney a liar, media freaks out
I always enjoy watching a political candidate criticize another when he believes he's been characterized inaccurately. Somehow it's fine to call that other candidate out for his "misstatements" — but don't you dare say what normal people would say in that situation — that somebody is lying about them. A reporter might question said candidate:…
Mitch Perry Report 1.3.12
Happy New Year, CL and MPR readers. For Tampa Bay Buc fans, the NFL season is mercifully over. Then again, I've had a bit of hard time the past two days, what with my Oakland Raiders choking on Sunday and Stanford blowing the Fiesta Bowl last night. Well, the 49ers are at least in the…
Florida activists plan rallies in Tampa, St. Pete and throughout the state on the first day of the legislative session
On this first official day back to work for most Floridians in 2012, a little heads-up. Your state Legislature will begin its regular session in exactly a week, two months earlier than its traditional March-to-May spring schedule. The reason for the earlier start is the once-in-a-decade redistricting of state and congressional seats. Ending the session…
Pear with pizzazz: Cocktails made with Spiced Pear Vodka
If you ever wanted to “drink” a sweet, juicy pear bursting with flavor and get a slight buzz at the same time, look no further than these recipes, featuring a seasonal, pear-flavored vodka. Spiced Pear, a trademark flavor in the Hangar One Vodka family, tastes like a delectable pear pastry fresh from the oven, redolent…
Will tonight be Rick Santorum’s (one and only) night to shine?
The latest major poll out of Iowa released on Monday shows a virtual three-way tie, with Public Policy Polling showing Ron Paul at 20 percent, Mitt Romney at 19 percent, and Rick Santorum at 18 percent going into tonight's Caucuses. But the sentiment among many political reporters on the ground in the Hawkeye State is…
The New Yorker vets the Marco Rubio-Univision imbroglio
Later this month the political media establishment will turn its focus to Florida, which will host a GOP presidential primary following the early voting states of Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. There will be two televised debates in the Sunshine State in the week leading up to January 31 vote (including one in Tampa…
Photo review — Museum of Fine Arts celebrates Ancient Egypt
The Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg held a gala Friday night to celebrate the opening of its newest exhibit, Ancient Egypt — Art and Magic: Treasures from the Fondation Gandur pour l’Art. The members-only event included actors portraying ancient Egyptians. The museum is calling it one of the most extraordinary exhibitions in its…
“Knock Out” your weight-loss resolutions in South Tampa
Best of the Bay trainer Esther Solano combines boxing, yoga and interval training.
The Top 10s of 2011: The good, the bad, the ugly
CL looks back at the year that was.
Hillsborough state legislators rally behind BAM, while more cyclists are killed over Christmas
There is some good news and bad news for local bicycling advocates going into 2012. On the positive side, activist Alan Snel reports that Hillsborough area state lawmakers Janet Cruz and Shawn Harrison intend to pen a letter showing support for the concept of a Bicycle Area Mobility (BAM) network, and have every member of…
Restaurant news from The ‘Burg
Openings and departures
Home energy audits: Worth the costs?
Companies offering energy audits are generally reputable and legitimate and will help you both save money and reduce your carbon footprint if you follow their advice.
Top 10 most provocative interviews on sex of 2011
As a married man who writes about sex, most of my ideas on the endless variations of human intimacy come from books and interviews with authors, psychologists, researchers, and sex entertainers. What follows are excerpts from ten of the most intriguing conversations I had in 2011 that shifted how I think about sex, the human…
The latest polls out of Iowa show Newt Gingrich won’t be a factor there
With all the polls coming out recently re the all (too) important first vote of the year, next Tuesday's Iowa Caucuses, one thing is certain. The relentless television ad campaigns waged by Mitt Romney, Rick Perry and Ron Paul (or their surrogates, now known as Super PACS) have eroded the momentum that Newt Gingrich was…
These homemade chocolate peanut butter cups are even better than the ‘R’ brand
Choc full of delicious.
Florida GOP Primary results to be challenged?
As the intensity builds toward the Iowa caucus in just a few days, it feels appropriate to question why this Midwestern state has such a disproportionate control over who our next president will be every election cycle. As New York Times columnist Gail Collins wrote on Thursday, the contest will be decided by a "small…
Mitch Perry Report 12.30.11
Happy New Year to CL readers everywhere! It's good to be back in the saddle. In the political world, it's all about Iowa. You can get our take here on the latest ups and down in that Midwestern state that every four years gets to have a disproportionate influence on who our candidates for president…
Want to vote in Florida’s Prez primary next month? You’ve got just days to register
Remember Rush Limbaugh's Operation Chaos? The famed conservative blowhard announced that, as a way to aid Hillary Clinton in her losing battle against Barack Obama for the Democratic party nomination in early 2008, Republicans should switch party allegiance and become Democrats so they could vote for the former First Lady, making the Democratic nomination more…
Queened Out: Another year and another lonely night
As the year comes to an end and New Year's Eve begins approaches, I can’t help but think about the tradition every year. The tradition to have that first kiss by someone on the new year right at midnight. As the countdown begins we all start looking around to see who is close by that…
Eating 2011: 10 meals I can’t forget
The dishes restaurant critic Brian Ries is still dreaming about.
Tampa’s top 10 sandwiches of 2011
A sandwich connoisseur picks his favorites of the year.
Care for a Smoker? Give Them an eSmoke
americasbestbuys.com An eCigarette's Guts So your new beau is hot. But he's a smoker, and therefore stinks, and has a smile the color of an overripe lemon. That, and you don't want to watch him die of cancer or emphysema decades after he pops the question. Well, obviously getting him to quit is the best…
Top 10 things to remember next December
What you need to keep reminding yourself about in 2012.
The heartening protests of 2011
The young are protesting again, and that’s good.
Tasty events to try on New Year’s Eve in Tampa Bay
The final countdown.
The Gaily News: Did Nixon have a gay affair?
New book alleges that Richard Nixon, right, had a gay affair with best friend Bebe Rebozo, left. Turns out Watergate might not have been his biggest scandal. A new book by a former White House correspondent alleges that former President Richard Nixon had a long-term gay affair with his best friend, Bebe Rebozo, a Mafia-connected…
Green Community Calendar weekend events
Last Harvest at Sweetwater Organic Farm: Thursday, December 29, 8:30 a.m.Gather at the Sweetwater barn to help bring in the last harvest of the season. It's a great way to meet wonderful people, learn about how your food is grown and get some productive exercise. Bring the kids along, too! Free; 6942 W. Comanche Ave.,…
Acting authorities: The top 10 performances of 2011
The best of local stages, from a mad Marquis to a wounded wife.
The top 10 movie moments of 2011
Memorable scenes from Bridesmaids, Captain America and more.
The top 10 political developments of 2011
Vocal protests, voter apathy and other Tampa Bay phenomena.
Top 10 of ’11 — some of the year’s coolest events
Celebs popped in, and a few locals had their own big doin’s.
Photo review: All that (free) jazz by Nate Najar Trio at The Ale & the Witch
The downtown St. Pete watering hole presents free shows by great local jazz, blues, rock and folk artists; upcoming concerts included.
CL Tampa Music Team’s Best Albums of 2011
A breakdown of our favorite albums of the year, with lots of video & audio.
Classy Champagne cocktails (recipes)
…make your night bubbly and bright.
Daisy Danger on true sex stories, getting fired and becoming a bestseller
DaisyDanger.com Ever wonder what women are thinking when they stare at the ceiling during sex, or when they talk dirty? Daisy Danger describes these moments in intimate detail on her blog, Daisydanger.com, and in her new book, The True Sex Stories of Daisy Danger. Like a modern Anais Nin, Danger writes about the good, the…
This week in food and drink
NYE shindigs, MacDinton’s St. Pete opens, tastings and more!
David Schauer’s top GLBT stories of 2011
Now that we are in the last week of December, every one has their list of tops out for the year. I feel obligated to set them straight on a few of the top GLBT stories of the year.
Review: John Legend uplifts at Mahaffey Theater, St. Petersburg
Legend’s recent appearance was a combination speaking engagement/mini-concert that packed a heartfelt wallop.
Safe and green-friendly hair care
Many mass-market hair care products rely on harsh chemicals that can cause follicle, skin and eye irritation.
MacDinton’s St. Pete to open Friday, Dec. 30th
Offering an all-you-can-drink Happy Hour on opening night.
The Artist’s sound of silence
The silent movie with awards buzz hits Tampa Theatre this week.
freeFall’s musical Christmas Carol
The tuneful classic uplifts without the shadows of Dickensian darkness.
Pinellas Dining Guide: Cheap Eats
Stretch your food dollar across the Bay area.
Three boredom-busting books for the holiday gathering
An Onion Xmas exposé, fantasy beatdowns and more read-aloud fun.
CL Fiction Contest: Vote for your favorite
The judges have made their choices; now it’s the readers’ turn to weigh in.
Shuffle on down to the Holiday Mixtape Show
Prominent local musicians play For the Kids tonight at the St. Pete Shuffle.
Punch: It’s not just for pirates and frat parties
Recipes that’ll really punch up your holiday festivities.
The fugliest political happenings of 2011
A Hillsborough government watchdog looks back at a year of bad politics and bad decisions.
Neighborhood Dining Guide: Post-Holiday Dining
Where to eat when you’re tapped out from giving.
Eye on the sky: a new view from James Turrell at Ringling
A rare James Turrell installation at the Ringling may change the way you look at things.
The Globe Coffee Lounge goes out with a big bang — and a few whimpers
Inside the former St. Pete mainstay on its last night.
Vermont’s Magic Hat Brewing Co. offers three winning, limited release brews.
Grab your winter Hat
Photo Review: Good cheer, beer & blues in Ybor City
Great music and lots of good will was on display last night at Gaspar's Grotto when several Bay area bands got together to raise money for a friend and fellow musician in need. The Janis Joplin cover act Kozmic Pearl opened followed by two of my favorite blues groups: Josh Lamkin and Automatic Heat and…
Who’s the daddy?
Things get complicated after some condomless fun.
Baked blizzards are a sweet study in contrasts
Running hot and cold
A fine dusting of faith
Religion worn lightly is a beautiful thing.
Editor’s Note: CL Holiday Auction raises estimated $17,000 for Children’s Home
Plus: Left-out librarians react to “The Best Book I Read This Year.”
The Gaily News: Gingrich tells the gays — vote for Obama (video)
Newt Gingrich certainly doesn't beat around the bush when it comes to his views on gay rights. When a voter recently asked the GOP presidential hopeful how he plans to engage the gay community during his campaign, Gingrich more or less said the LGBT vote means nothing to him. If LGBT issues are your biggest…
Green Community Calendar weekend events
Shop local farmers’ markets for great, last-minute gifts!
St. Pete Pier review: How the finalists fared
A breakdown of the pros and cons in the visions for a future landmark.
The family that plays together … Tedeschi Trucks Band hits Ruth Eckerd Hall on Thursday
After a decade of marriage, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi finally share the same band.
Cee Lo Green stops in St. Pete, Fubar Festivus, Legendary JCs & more of the week’s best concerts.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22 Julia Stewart's Bad Ass Going Away Party w/DJ Craig Heneveld/Alien House/Maximino/Wilt Chamberlain Top Tampa DJ Craig Heneveld dishes out the deep house jams on a show that also includes sets by Alien House, a Tampa guitar/sampler duo that makes hazy ambient jams, and Maximino, with its thick, dreamy electronic sound. DJ/producer/remixer Heneveld…
Why the UN Climate Summit was a flop
How a shrewd propaganda campaign has stymied progress on global warming.
War Horse, The Artist, Tintin and more …
2011 concludes with a cinematic flood at the multiplex.
Top 10 signs the visual arts are thriving in Tampa Bay
Make that 10, plus 1/11/11.
Ten reasons 2011 tested my faith in law enforcement
If just one cop abuses his authority, that’s one too many.
The top 10 ugliest Florida sports moments of 2011
When the wrong team wins, and other disasters.
Apple Almost Scores Big Against HTC
A big win in court, but don’t expect it to change anything.
Queened Out: Cheers to the holiday weekend, but be careful out there
Liquor, booze, wine, beer, alcohol. Whatever you want to call it, we've all had it at some point in our lives. Throughout the holiday season, the alcohol levels always seems more prevalent. Working in the bar scene, we call this season amateur night, because it’s like everyone seems to be drinking for the very first…
From Barbarella to Black Sabbath: NYE Tampa Bay
The mother lode of New Year’s Eve events.
