The New Jersey Nets long wait for NBA free agency
Lots of things in life suck. Crime, disease, poverty and yes… the New Jersey Nets. Not necessarily in that order. Twenty-one games into this NBA season, the Nets are a lowly 2-19. That is not a misprint. The basketball season started six weeks ago and the Nets have recorded only two wins to go with…
Elegant and sumptuous holiday recipe: Cauliflower Gratin
If you're looking for a an elegant and sumptuous dish to impress your family and friends with this Holiday season, look no further. This Cauliflower Gratin is for you! The recipe is simple and straightforward. It can be made ahead and served either hot or at room temperature. And, it's rich and amazingly delicious. In…
Passage: Works by Adam Miguel Estevez at the Studio@620
Editor's Note: This show was curated by the writer’s boyfriend. Psychiatrist by day, painter by night, Adam Miguel Estevez opened his solo show, Passage: Works by Adam Miguel Estevez at the Studio @620 last Friday. Ranging in style from iconic to abstract, Estevez’s pieces were continuous in their use of perspective, all of them plunging…
Do It This Weekend: 5132, art/craft/vintage sale, The Nutcracker, Ditchfield Family Singers, Christmas Trio and more
That anyone is even having sugarplum dreams of opening a new gallery in Florida’s economic climate is a testament to Tampa Bay’s devotion to the arts. So bah humbug on ye naysayers, because this weekend, you can get a preview of the soon-to-be-a-reality Tempus Projects in Seminole Heights, which is “dedicated to bringing a variety…
Do It Today: sexy skating, Kafka’s Wonderful Life, block party with Santa, AS.I.BE party
Nothing says “sex me up” like roller skates … wait. That’s weird. Oh well, any excuse to celebrate the holidays in smutty style works for me – including tomorrow’s Santa’s Sexy Helper Adult Skate. Come (I can’t help myself) in full naughty-list seasonal garb and get free admission. Just watch where you stick those Christmas…
On the Radar: WWE’s Monday Night RAW
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. Now that Gossip Girl is on hiatus until March, what better to take its place than (definitely steroid-free) muscle men in tights beating each other up in the ring next Monday? That’s right, pull up a chair (and hold…
December Chumpservations, Vol. 1: Congress vs. the BCS, running the option in the NFL, comparing fanhood and Kentucky’s John Wall
Separation of sports and state Guess what! We’re not having a national championship game this year. Sorry Texas and Alabama fans. As the nation’s top two ranked teams, you will be playing a football game in January but it won’t be for a title. At least it won’t be recognized as such by Congress. As…
Game Report: Demon’s Souls: an experience, and not necessarily a good one
One week after starting to use starred reviews here, I'm not giving out any. Not that the PS3 game Demon's Souls doesn't deserve some number of stars (maybe only one), but because in all fairness I haven't finished the game or come even close. I have however paid full price for it and put in…
Theater Review: Christmas Trio is starkly realistic
There’s nothing more surprising, more unpredictable and more interesting than the truth. This is what the late Susan Hussey knew, and this is the main attraction of her play Christmas Trio, currently being given a first-rate production at Tampa’s Gorilla Theatre. This story of a family rent by all sorts of divisions is often bleak…
On the Radar: Celebration of Life, Music and the Arts at Beach Theatre
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. Has anyone else noticed the theme of zombie-inspired holiday events this year? Did Halloween get extended and I just missed the memo? I guess nothing says Celebration of Life, Music and the Arts like a band of brain-hungry, undead…
Do It Today: RiffTrax Live: Christmas Shorts-Stravaganza!, Kanvas hip-hop showcase and more
The holidays are a time to show good will toward your fellow man — unless said fellow man has made a terrible Christmas movie. In that case, watch them get eviscerated at RiffTrax LIVE: Christmas Shorts-Stravaganza!, a live-in-theaters broadcast of the worst holiday entertainment ever produced summarily ripped to shreds by the Rifftrax crew of…
Sexual seniors: why it makes us uncomfortable
The general population of the United States is taught to view sexual expression as an activity for celebrities, actors, newly weds and young people. If your old and single and not famous in anyway, your not suppose be sexual. This isn’t accepted cultural behavior in other countries, like it is ours. In most other cultures…
Some Hillsborough County employees play games when asked what Cone Ranch panel cost
I hope you still have your muckers on because the shit associated with the Cone Ranch Advisory Panel a.k.a. C.R.A.P. just got deeper. To review, Commissioner Ken Half Truth Hagan brought forward an idea to sell Cone Ranch (over 12,000 acres of publicly owned land) to private investors in order to "preserve" it by subdividing…
Participate in the 10th Annual Hillsborough River Boat Parade this Saturday
Be a part of Tampa's best holiday event, the 10th Annual Hillsborough River Boat Parade. This community tradition is sponsored by the volunteers of Friends of the River and is open to anyone with a boat, whether you have a canoe, kayak, or any type of power boat. Enjoy a magical evening on the beautiful…
David McKalip says Bill Nelson’s office is stiffing him
St. Petersburg neurosurgeon and anti health care reform activist David McKalip says that U.S. Senator Bill Nelson canceled a scheduled meeting with him Wednesday morning, after previously announcing that the Senator's office said they would meet with him. McKalip sent this announcement to members of the media a short time ago: Regional Director of Senator…
Movie Review: James Cameron’s Avatar, starring Sam Worthington, Sigorney Weaver and Zoe Saldana
[Editor's Note: This review is by CL Atlanta's Curt Holman, who handled reviewing duties on Avatar for the print edition of CL. (The film screened earlier for the vaunted Atlanta critics then for us after-thoughts down here in Tampa.) I'll have my own take on Avatar up at the end of the week, but for…
Hits from the Blog: Our readers’ favorite music posts of 2009
Here's a compendium of clips from our blog’s most popular music posts in 2009. Want to see the posts in their entirety? Click on the hyperlink. Top 5 Bassplayers of All Time By Ivan Pena, February 13. “…I have been a student of the Bass Guitar for around 15 years and have always fought the…
Scott Harrell – Contributor
Scott spent more than five years as an award-winning music critic, columnist and features writer at Creative Loafing before moving on to serve as Editor In Chief for Tampa-based music magazine REAX. These days he’s freelancing, and has written for RADAR, New Times, Broward County’s City Link, the Bradenton Herald and Naughty America, among others.…
Love in the time of zero privacy
I love my boyfriend. I love our relationship. There are many things that contribute to keeping our relationship healthy and enjoyable. We share similar interests, we’re both intelligent and motivated, we make each other laugh, we do things together. We support one another, we are considerate of each other’s feelings. But most importantly, we are…
Aspenware: Environmentally friendly, biodegradable wooden cutlery
Picture the scene: You've set up a romantic picnic with your significant other, having packed a meal that consists of only locally grown organic food and drink, along with 100% organic cotton napkins (to reduce paper waste). But what about the silverware? Why not try using Aspenware's™ eco-friendly, biodegradable cutlery? Aspenware™, Inc. manufactures fully compostable,…
In Copenhagen, activists fight COP and cops
Monday marked the fourth consecutive day of mass demonstrations in Copenhagen surrounding the UN Climate Change negotiations (Conference of Parties 15). It also marked the fourth day of mass arrests under a newly passed Danish law that allows police to preemptively arrest and detain anyone for up to twelve hours who they feel is likely…
St. Pete’s Roundhouse Gallery creates a buzz with its inaugural exhibit, TYPE RIOT
Andrew and Brooke Lee opened Roundhouse Creative Studios in St. Petersburg because they knew they were tapping into a wellspring of creative energy. “It's our feeling that what makes St. Pete special is its artistic and cultural diversity,” says Andrew, noting that cities like Tampa are mostly known for their pro sports teams and condo…
Indie-rock cover of “Do They Know It’s Christmas” destroys remaining wall between irony and sincerity (with audio)
If you haven't heard the boisterous, feedback-laden cover of 1984's melodramatic, celebrity-stuffed hit single "Do They Know It's Christmas" yet, then you, my friend, are blowing it. Spearheaded by perfectly-named Canadian loud-crazy-rock ensemble Fucked Up, the new version of the tune is simply, well … it's marvelous, really. It features fellow Canadians Tegan & Sara…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Tuesday, December 15: Snookers Cigar and Wine Extravaganza. Unless my eyes are deceiving me, it appears that on a humdrum Tuesday night when the only thing going on in my life is reruns of Friends, the fabulous folks at Snookers are trying to help me get over my workweek doldrums with premium cigars accompanied by…
Showdown for Pat Bean, Cell Phone Towers back in the news, and Alan Grayson may finally have an opponent: Mitch Perry Report 12.15.09
Embattled Hillsborough County Administrator Pat Bean gets evaluated tomorrow by her bosses on the County Commission. I don't want to say it could get ugly (such a lame cliche). But it might get unpleasant, let's say; Our story last month on the cell phone tower controversy in Hillsborough County schools whetted our appetite for a…
Going green by living blue: Help the Ocean Conservancy clean up our coastline this Saturday
Saturday, December 19 is a chance to get out and enjoy our beautiful Florida beaches. The fun starts at 9 am at Blackthorn Park in St. Pete and Riverside Park in Palmetto where you can join the Ocean Conservancy to help clean up trash, fishing nets, and other dangerous trash from our coastline. Come with…
Grayson to finally get challenger in Orlando?
No Democrat has been more unsparing in blasting Republicans this year – be it for their lack of support for a health care reform bill, to the carping by Vice President Dick Cheney- than Orlando area Congressman Alan Grayson. He's also turned on the Florida NetRoots folk, who have been thrilled and inspired by his…
Hillsborough Citizens protest cell phone tower site at Buchanan Middle School opposed
Last night over a dozen people spoke out against a proposed cell phone tower that would be placed on the grounds of Buchanan Middle School in north Tampa. The issue over cell phone towers on Hillsborough County School campuses has been a hot one over the past year, and was recently documented in a story…
Judgement day awaits Pat Bean
Tomorrow, the Hillsborough County Commision will act as judge and jury as an evaluation of County Attorney Pat Bean is scheduled on the agenda at 11:30 a.m. Bean has been under fire for much of 2009, and one Commissioner – Mark Sharpe – has already called for her ouster. But he has been the only…
Do It Today: Blake: Senior Masters and the South Tampaopoly release party
Today and tomorrow are the final days to see Blake: Senior Masters, a collection of works by thirteen Blake Arts Magnet School seniors who go on to complete a four-year concentration in the visual arts in May. The exhibit includes silver jewelry, sculpture, photography, painting, ceramics and mixed media artworks. Juried award winners receive HCC…
On the Radar: Art/Craft/Vintage Holiday Show
Keep it local this holiday season and cash in on unique, handmade gifts for everyone on your “nice” list at the Art/Craft/Vintage Holiday Sale. ARTpool’s fantastically creative Marina Williams puts on this outdoor sidewalk shebang just in time for last minute holiday shopping. Browse handmade goods from all kinds of Tampa Bay artists and Etsy…
Love tourists, not drilling: Stop near shore drilling off Florida’s coast
Grass roots are growing along Tampa Bay beaches to halt off shore drilling. They “love tourists, not drilling”. If you care about our beaches and wish to protect Florida’s coast from near shore drilling, please learn more about what is being planned for February 13, 2010. Hands Across the Sand started in Destin when one…
Jewels of the Earth Quinoa Salad recipe
Tis the season of lots of scrambling around like a chicken with its head cut off! Holiday time is always stressful, no matter how much we may enjoy it. There's decorating, shopping, wrapping, baking and of course, entertaining. I don't know about you, but sometimes I feel like I can barely breathe! Wouldn't it be…
Let’s get physical: how I learned to nix old habits (like Five Guys burgers)
Contrary to popular belief, college is nothing but a four-year vacation. Where else can thousands of people in a four-year age bracket eat, sleep, drink, and socialize to excess? And please note that when I use the term “socialize,” this includes studying — because we all know the truth about those Monday evening study groups.…
Catch the screening of Fresh and get a new outlook on what you’re eating
We all eat. Be thoughtful about what you eat by attending the movie Fresh: New Thinking About What We're Eating. It may change your life about what and how you eat. Some say the movie changed their lives in small or larger ways. Julie O’Connor of Gulfport saw the film in September decided to really…
Photo review: Novalicious: Eat Your Art Out at Nova 535
The Nova 535 art lounge in downtown St. Petersburg held its Novalicious: Eat Your Art Out opening last Thursday, featuring large-scale, brightly colored works by Shaun McNicholas, Jindra Noewi, Sheri Salin, Janae Corrado, Gregory Colvin, William Howley, Bean Spence, Don Kobasky, Jon Ferrentino, Jan Fowler, Dan Lasata, and Ana Brice Bain. Personally, I found most…
It happened this week-ish: Tiger Woods’ newest porn star Joslyn James (with pics), justice for Jon Gosselin, Billy Corgan + Jessica Simpson = WTF?!
*Let's kick this off with some good news… Judge Orders Jon Gosselin to Stop Making Media Appearances!!!! Dear Your Honor, On behalf of America, I just want to say thank you, for all you do to bring justice and peace to our great nation. Now, let's talk about Sarah Palin… *The classiest show on TV (closely…
Holiday gifts for super music fans only: NYE with the Flaming Lips, Pixies Minotaur box set, Vincent Gallo’s sperm and more!
So you’ve been dating this person, or you have a friend, or a relative, and they really enjoy the music of [insert artist name here], and you know said person owns all the artist's albums, t-shirts, lithographs, blacklight posters, lunch boxes, key chains, pillowcases, limited edition neckties, candybars, an imponderable number of memorabilia-related knickknacks… But…
Spitzer’s escort, Ashley Dupree, nails job at New York Post (video)
Journalism majors take note: landing a high profile writing gig might be easier than you think. Sure your years of schooling and all that interning might get you where you want to go, but did you ever think about a part-time gig in prostitution? Alexandra Ashley Dupre, the call girl who brought down NY Governor Elliot Spitzer,…
The economy, health care , and some Tampa Bay area citizens help elect Houston’s new gay mayor: Mitch Perry Report 12.14.09
Are we still in a recession? When's unemployment going to start dropping? And how will President Obama handle some of the "fat cat bankers" he denounced last night while meeting with them in the White House today?; Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is desperately trying to get a health care bill passed before the Senate…
Lieberman again threatens to derail health care bill
It is being reported today that today Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman told Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid yesterday that he can't support a new Medicare proposal floated as a compromise to the public option, which is not good news for Reid trying to get 60 votes on the bill before Christmas. There have been a…
Annise Parker’s historic victory aided by Tampa Bay area supporters
Annise Parker was elected Mayor of Houston on Saturday, making the city the largest in the country to elect an openly gay person. Yesterday she acknowledged the historic significance of her victory, saying, ""Clearly that has a lot of symbolic importance. I didn't run to be a symbolic mayor, I ran to be mayor of…
Greenspan: Unemployment will be decrease – by next Christmas
The nation’s continuing negative economic environment will be the topic of discussion on Monday when President Obama meets with executives with 12 banks to discuss his proposals to boost small business lending. Presumably, those execs are some of the same "fat cat bankers" that POTUS mentioned during his conversation with CBS' 60 Minutes last night. …
On the Radar: 5132: Tempus Projects
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. That anyone is even having sugarplum dreams of opening a new gallery in Florida’s economic climate is a testament to Tampa Bay’s devotion to the arts. So bah humbug on ye naysayers, because this weekend, you can get a…
Do It Today: True Stories of Doctors Without Borders and Hot Off the Press
Get a rare glimpse inside Doctors Without Borders, the Nobel-winning indie humanitarian aid organization, at the screening of Living in Emergency: True Stories of Doctors Without Borders a documentary series of stories about real field situations. The screening is succeeded by live interviews by 20/20 anchor Elizabeth Vargas with Dr. Tom Krueger (the film's featured…
Axis of Evil 2: Electric Boogaloo
It seems North Korea's Bond-villain dictator, Kim Jong-Il, is starting the holiday season early – by attempting to deliver guns and explosives via cargo plane to the Pakistani tribal region. Yes, the one-and-only Pakistani tribal region that is ground-zero for the Taliban and Al-Qaeda militants. A spokesman for the Thai Air Force, Capt. Montol Suchookorn,…
Buju Banton arrested on drug charges – and he’s coming back to Tampa
The controversial gay-bashing reggae artist Buju Banton (right) has been stirring up controversy throughout his U.S. tour, and Tampa Bay was no different: The Cuban Club drew heavy criticism in October for hosting his show after two other local venues bowed out. Now Banton is coming back to Tampa — but this time at the…
Vandana Shiva speaks at Climate Summit Protest
Protests rocked Copenhagen on Saturday as anywhere from 30,000 to 100,000 people (depending on who you talk to) marched to the UN Climate Change Summit in Copenhagen to demand a strong climate treaty to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. Indian physicist, author, and activist Vandana Shiva spoke to the crowd before the march: More updates,…
Best sexy stocking stuffers for the holiday
If you are a little lost for what to put in your best girls stocking (besides your sexy self) I have found a few fun things (and where to get them) that will spice up any girls holiday! 1. I heart sex. What every girl needs is a velvet choker with her favorite sexy saying. …
Crist and Atwater both full of…
Two empty suits with no sense of shame By Chris Ingram In what has to be the most jaw-dropping and shameless statement since he denied knowledge of Barack Obama’s recent visit to Florida, and denying having supported the stimulus package before that, Governor Charlie Crist had the audacity to say he likely would not debate…
Photo review: Zen Glass Festival of Light 2009
Zen Glass Studio in St. Petersburg held its annual Festival of Light holiday gala this past Friday, December 11, with performances by spoken word artists Pedro Jarquin and Michelle Brule and live music from Jun Bustamante and Nathalia Roustabout. There was live glass-blowing by Zen Glass artists, homemade refreshments and a raffle to benefit Claire Poll…
Why it sucks to be a Democrat in the Florida House
Last week Hillsborough area Democratic Representative Mike Scionti announced he had been appointed to a position in the Department of Defense and would be leaving his state House seat. Immediately, speculation centered around which local Democrats would run to replace him in a special election that will be held early next year. In his new…
Linzer Sables Cookies recipe: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, Ev’rywhere you go; Take a look in the five-and-ten, glistening once again With candy canes and silver lanes aglow. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, Toys in ev’ry store, But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be On your own front…
Drive-By Truckers sign to ATO Records, announce new LP The Big To-Do + track listing
From Thirty Tigers: New York, NY—ATO Records is pleased to announce the signing of Drive-By Truckers and their label debut, The Big To-Do. The album, which will be the band’s tenth in their thirteen-year career, is scheduled to be released March 16, 2010. The Big To-Do features thirteen new tracks from the Drive-By Truckers and…
Forgotten (for some inexplicable reason) Albums of the Decade
A slew of tastemaker blogs and magazines have unfurled their "Best of Decade" lists, and after checking out a dozen or so, I found that many albums of merit had fallen through the cracks, seemingly glaring omissions on hindsight. There are plenty of other forgotten albums above and beyond the ones I mention in this…
V.Y.B. prepares for next week’s Kanvas hip-hop showcase
“And swerve and cat cat. Do your own swag here. One, two, three, hold, step. Boom.” These are some of the dance commands I heard as I had the pleasure of watching the V.Y.B. (Voice Your Body) Dance Company rehearse for the Kanvas Holiday Showcase, a huge hip-hop event at The RITZ Ybor next Wednesday.…
Tampa airport meeting gets unusually tense, Marco Rubio’s been caught flip flopping again, and Congressional Black Caucus wants Obama to do more on minority unemployment: Mitch Perry Report 12.11.09
There was quite a contentious meeting at the Hillsborough Aviation Authority yesterday. Read more here: We think not every charge against Marco Rubio about changing his positions is fair. But on cap-and-trade? It's pretty apparent that his rhetoric on the issue was much different in 2007 and 2008 than in 2009; And members of the…
War hero’s home safe from the Brandon Chamber (for now)
Mr. Bruce Rooney's home was spared from the county's wrecking ball at Wednesday's Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) meeting, at least for now. You can read more about Mr Rooney, a WWII hero now in his eighties fighting for his land and home to be spared in an effort to accommodate more sprawl in this recent…
Congressional Black Caucus calls on Obama to address minority unemployment
The Congressional Black Caucus, which includes 3 Florida House Democrats (Kendrick Meek, Corrine Brown and Alcee Hastings) has been at odds with President Obama over several issues in recent weeks, but they got what they wanted in Congress this week after boycotting a House committee vote and threatening to abandon support for banking regulations. What…
How love sucks, let me count the ways: Love Stinks Radio
We need love. We also need to bitch about it and listen to other people’s relationship horror stories. We need to know we’re not alone in our lonely quests to find a partner, that others have worse relationship issues than our own. Ella Moni and Pete Caruana have been capitalizing on this compulsion to gab…
Rubio accused of another flip-flop – this time on cap-and-trade
Florida GOP Senate hopeful Marco Rubio has been accused of flip-flopping on several issues this week, but the latest charge – that he's changed his tune on cap and trade – seems pretty evident. The Times/Herald reports today that as leader of the Florida House in 2008, Rubio led the House to vote unanimously in…
There’s still time left to bid on CL’s ‘Green’ Holiday Auction items
You've got less than a week to bid on these fantastic green auction items for Creative Loafing's Holiday Auction! Why not bid on the Green Power Lunch? It's a chance to break bread with two of Tampa Bay’s greenest politicians at a restaurant known for its emphasis on sustainable, locally produced foods. Tampa City Councilman…
Tampa Airport Exec gets defensive on issue of international flights
There was apparently quite a little dust-up at Thursday's Hillsborough County Aviation Authority meeting. But why? Steve Burton is a managing partner of the Tampa law firm of Broad & Cassel. He was appointed to the agency by Governor Charlie Crist earlier this year. Burton apparently raised the ire of Tampa International director Louis Miller…
Is Marco Rubio just another typical politician?
Does any politician “get it?” By Chris Ingram Having been a political professional almost all of my adult life, I shouldn’t be surprised by anything any politician says or does. I’ve been disappointed in a lot of candidates in the past. Even the few truly good people who get into the political arena with noble…
On the Radar: Santa’s Sexy Helper adult skate and Franz Kafka’s It’s A Wonderful Life
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. Nothing says “sex me up” like roller skates … wait. That’s weird. Oh well, any excuse to celebrate the holidays in smutty style works for me – including next Thursday's Santa’s Sexy Helper Adult Skate. Come (I can’t help…
Holiday Auction update: Friday is closing day for Cigar City, Skipper’s, MFA and the sex editor’s undies
It's Friday Dec. 11 and the bids keep rolling in for the Creative Loafing Holiday Auction. Bid on the items below before the designated closing times today, or you'll miss out. Remember, all proceeds go to The Children's Home. 1:30: Item #10: Family passes to the Museum of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg 2:00: Item…
‘Vigil for the future of the Earth’ in Tampa on Friday (12/11)
A "Vigil for the Future of the Earth" will be held Friday evening outside Senator Bill Nelson’s office at the U.S. Federal Courthouse in Tampa. The goal of this event is to raise awareness of the changes that need to be made to climate policies in Copenhagen during the current UN Climate Summit. Vigil participants…
3 Guys & Glee – The Podcast Ep. 13 “Sectionals”
Welcome everyone to the podcast covering the fall finale episode of Glee. The episode, "Sectionals," saw the leak of another big secret, a huge kiss, crazy competition and some amazing singing. If that isn't enough to entice you, the 3 Guys talk about where the show ended up after13 episodes and where it will be…
To do in Tampa/St. Petersburg on Friday night: Have Gun Will Travel, Nessie and The Semis at The Emerald
One of the best things about the holidays is holiday partys and college bowl games. Fortunately there will be no football to distract you from the awesomeness coming to The Emerald tomorrow night. The Semis seem sort of like the odd band out on this bill, soundwise. I've made a pass through their new cd…
Kendrick Meek seizes on GOP Senate hopefuls contortions on the stimulus bill
The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009, a/k/a the stimulus bill, was the most expensive domestic piece of legislation ever passed, and the ramifications of its success or failure are still not clearly known yet. It's been a pinata for virtually every Republican save a couple of Senators from Maine to whack away at,…
Voting rights advocacy group says a series of issues in Florida led to “untold number” of disenfranchised voters
Today the voting rights activist group the Advancement Project released a new report on what they say are significant electoral problems and voting barriers in Florida that disenfranchised "an untold" number of voters in last year's election, and could lead to further problems in 2010. The Washington-based group is still involved in a legal challenge…
Some of the grossest things you can recycle
Forget the creepy green inventions post I wrote around Halloween because this article is sure to turn your stomach just a wee bit more. (Warning: You may not want to read this right before or while you're eating.) It's great to see people getting creative to recycle and upcycle items that would have otherwise landed…
Think Ybor sucks? No, you suck, a-hole
"Ybor’s dangerous. Ybor’s dirty." Well guess what, fuckface, I think you’re dirty. And when you’re texting on your iPhone while driving your Beamer around Hyde Park, you’re pretty dangerous yourself. I’m not gonna lie: I was out at Gbar one night many months ago, and my best friend – who is a heterosexual male, by…
This weekend’s best bets in Bay area music: Grand Buffet, Crystal Antlers, Geri X, Toubab Krewe, 93.3 FLZ Jingle Ball with The Fray, Jordin Sparks and others, and more!
Lots of music going on this weekend. Here's a breakdown of the most worthy concerts beginning with Thursday, 'cause that's when the weekend really begins, right? Get the good music while you still can; things getting pretty sparse the closer we get to Christmas… For a more comprehensive schedule, check out our Upcoming Concerts page.…
Charliepalooza, Marshall Tucker Band, and an unexpectedly intimate snapshot of emotion
Nearly every time I come home from shooting a concert, my wife asks if I got any good pictures. My standard response is that I won’t know until I have a chance to look at them. Like many people, she doesn’t always understand how I can go to a concert, take 300 or 400 pictures…
Obama gets his Nobel,Tampa Police Chief handles uncomfortable exchange, and organized labor isn’t dead just yet in Florida: Mitch Perry Report 12.10.09
President Obama accepted his Nobel Peace Prize in Norway this morning with a little in your face to the Committee who's taken some hits for awarding him, saying, "there is evil in the world"; Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor addressed a local Democratic gay rights organization last night; And as the rail vote in the…
Tampa Police Chief handles uncomfortable verbal complaint about recent wave of police officers being shot
Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor appeared last night at the Hillsborough County LGBTA Democratic Caucus December meeting at Perkins restaurant off of South Dale Mabry. The newly appointed top cop in Tampa, who is in just her 3rd month on the job after being selected to replace Steven Hogue in September, gave a short speech…
Bid now! ARTpool, Tampa Theatre, Tampa Bay Brewing Company and lots more great Holiday Auction items closing TODAY
It's Thurs., Dec 10: Do you know where your bid is? Today is closing day for nine more coveted items in the Creative Loafing Holiday Auction. (Remember, all proceeds go to The Children's Home.) Follow the links to place your bids before the designated closing times listed below. 1:00: Item #20: The music editor's schwag…
Obama accepts Nobel Peace Prize- says “evil does exist in the world”
President Barack Obama accepted the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway this morning. He confronted the elephant in the room early in his acceptance speech, saying, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the considerable controversy that your generous decision has generated. In part, this isbecause I am at the beginning, and not…
Organized labor in Florida shows it still has some clout
This morning the St. Pete Times/Miami Herald hybrid team of Steve Bosquet and Marc Caputo add details in the machinations behind the scenes between Senate President Jeff Atwater and the AFL-CIO, which ultimately broke the logjam that allowed labor to endorse the rail proposal that the legislature approved earlier this week. Their story- based on…
Booty calls not bad for emotional health study says
Religious nuts, helicopter parents, sexually frustrated health teachers, educators, and generally anyone who doesn't have casual sex often references the convenient wisdom that casual sex is detrimental to your emotional well-being (read soul for the religious minded). While causal sex isn’t for everyone, a good portion of young people have already discovered what researchers just…
My dark-horse nominee for book of the year
We live in a very weird world. If you’re in front of me in line at Publix and I commit the offense of talking to you (“Hey, that wheat germ looks right tasty”), you’re likely to call the cops. But if I go online and friend you on Facebook, you’ll tell me all about yourself –…
Karl “Rove you long time” sex scandal breaks
In the wake of Tiger Woods’ epic sex scandal involving nearly a dozen extramarital affairs, mistresses of high profile public figures everywhere have begun to come forth with revelations of their flings. Karl Rove, Republican political strategist and Senior Advisor to former President George W. Bush, is just the latest among those to be exposed.…
Chris Mitchell calls out Michael Steinberg for inauguration lawsuit
You may recall that at the inauguration of Barack Obama in January, there were thousands who had tickets to the event who never got to see the historic moment. Tampa Democrat Michael Steinberg was one of them. The local attorney received two tickets to the event, but was denied entrance. Two days after the inauguration,…
Botanical garden to be planted at SPC’s Clearwater Campus
St. Petersburg College’s Natural Science Department announced that it will plant a teaching botanical garden, consisting only of native Florida plants, on the Clearwater campus on Jan. 11. “Bio-diverse native gardens typically require less maintenance, water and herbicide, pesticide and fertilizer treatment,” said Jason Green, the college’s Sustainability Coordinator. “Because of that, in Florida we…
Love in the time of Fuckbook
If you know anything about Facebook.com, you can probably guess what Fuckbook is. Not to be confused with Sexbook or the one-time Assbook, or the imitation porn sites, Gofuckbook or Hotfuckbook, Fuckbook strikes a balance between social networking and dating, with a heavy emphasis on sex/fetish, and an open invitation to screw who you meet…
That’s a nice economy… it’d be a shame if something were to happen to it
The EPA has officially taken the U.S. economy hostage. With a recent upgrade of carbon dioxide to pollutant status, the federal agency now has the ability to regulate, via command and control, all CO2 emissions in the United States. This declaration happens to coincide with the debate over Cap & Trade, which seeks to put…
Debunking ‘Climategate’ with actual science (video)
The Climategate scandal has been a hot topic recently, even more so because of the current UN Climate Summit occuring in Copenhagen. I'd like to take on this particular issue because, for the most part, my posts have been about sustainable living and peak oil. (Below is a fantastic video that debunks the scandal, by…
DIY Christmas: Short recipes for the recipe challenged, including Fudge, Brittle, Meringue Cookies and Bacon Candy
(See the rest of our DIY Christmas advice and recipes.) Scared of long recipes? Try these relaxing shorties on for size. Bacon Candy Slice one pound of bacon into 1 inch strips and dredge in brown sugar. Bake at 350 degrees on a broiler pan for approximately 15 minutes, turning once if you want. Cool…
Holiday Auction: Bids closing on 9 great items TODAY
Today's your last chance to bid on the following items in the Creative Loafing Holiday Auction. (Remember, all proceeds go to The Children's Home). Follow the links to place your bids before the designated closing times listed below. 1:00 Item #12: Get dressed at the Dunedin Fine Art Center 1:30: Item #13: A month of…
Steve Hirst – Contributor
Steve Hirst is a freelance journalist who lives in Dunedin. He received his BA from the University of Central Florida, and his MFA from Eastern Washington University. He was also miraculously born of a virgin, on the 17th day of August, 1980. Do not taunt Steve Hirst. email: shirst_75@hotmail.com
Wednesday-music.com profile: Choir of Young Believers
Relying on rotating band mates, multi-talented, multi-cultural Jannis Noya Makrigiannis (his family history includes Danish, Greek and Indonesian influence) formed Choir of Young Believers as a solo project in 2006: sometimes the band performs as a duo, sometimes there are seven people on stage (he recently performed with a 50-piece symphony orchestra). “I’ve always been…
More on Senate rail vote, Wagman on Google ads ruling, and will a black Florida football coach finally get a head coaching job?: Mitch Perry Report 12.09.09
This has been a big week of news in Tallahassee, with the Senate joining the House yesterday in approving the big rail bill; Former Bucs head coach Tony Dungy called the lack of black head coaches in college football a "disgrace" recently. Perhaps one deserving coach from UF may get his opportunity today; Remember that…
Copenhagen heats up
As politicians, delegates, and activists arrived in Copenhagen yesterday, they were greeted with melting polar bear ice sculptures, giant spinning globes highlighting recent climate disasters, and large billboards of an unflatteringly digitally aged Obama from the year 2020 that reads: "We could have stopped catastrophic climate change…we didn't." While many in the US still doubt…
Scott Wagman reacts to FEC ruling on his Google ads
The Florida Election Commission has ruled that St. Petersburg mayoral candidate Scott Wagman was not in violation of election laws when he ran advertisements on Google this summer. The Commission informed Wagman in July that they had received a complaint that the ads violated state election law, because they didn’t include a disclaimer that indicates…
Could longtime Gator assistant coach finally be getting his just opportunity?
There are published reports this morning indicating that Charlie Strong, the defensive coordinator for the University of Florida's football team (currently 5th ranked nationally after their loss to Alabama last weekend), will be hired by the University of Louisville to be its next head coach. Why is this college football news one of my main…
More on yesterday’s Florida Senate vote for rail
We blogged several times yesterday on the goings on in Tallahassee, regarding the rail proposal which ended up passing in the Senate surprisingly easily, 27-10. Here's our wrap up from last night. Two of the dissenting votes belonged to local Democrats Arthenia Joyner from Tampa, and Hillsborough/Pinellas's Charlie Justice, who actually didn't vote at all,…
‘Twilight: New Moon’—a heroic account of schizophrenia and delusional narcissism
Twilight: New Moon tells the story of a teenage narcissist whose schizophrenic tendencies kick in when she moves to the perpetually overcast Forks, Washington. Bella becomes infatuated with Edward, a sickly student who suffers from multiple afflictions, including a sexually transmittable blood disease, insomnia, and Xeroderma pigmentosa (XP), which makes his skin extremely sensitive to…
Let the voters decide on light rail
Why not have a referendum on light rail? say Hillsborough Commissioners — including some of the Republicans.
The wonders never cease in Wonderland
The Straz Center conjures up a spectacular trip down the rabbit hole.
Did George Washington and Thomas Jefferson grow marijuana?
I have heard Thomas Jefferson traded marijuana blends with George Washington and the other founding fathers. I find this hard to believe, but the rumor is ubiquitous. Can anyone verify if it is true or false? I e-mailed the famous Jefferson scholar Clay Jenkins but got no response. However, on his podcast, The Thomas Jefferson…
Satellites, sculpture and sex at Art Basel
A first-timer dives into the contemporary art-stravaganza of Miami’s Art Basel.
Ex-Florida band New Roman Times enjoys a re-launch of sorts with New Granada Records
"New Roman Times…Sweet Florida sunshine…Soon!" reads the latest blog entry on the Austin-by-way-of-Orlando band New Roman Times' Myspace page. While the band has returned to Florida numerous times since they left for greener pastures nearly three years ago, this visit they arrive with a new album and the support of a new label, Tampa's own…
Will medical marijuana ever be legal in Florida?
Don’t hold your breath.
What the soldier saw
St. Pete Times and UF alum David Finkel has written the best book on war in a quarter century.
Homeless, Inc.
Social ill or marketing opportunity?
George Clooney leads a crackerjack cast in Up In the Air, a film that’s fresh, funny and Oscar-bound
After watching Jason Reitman's wonderful Up In The Air, I kept trying to put a label on the movie. Is UITA the first post-post-9/11 movie? Or maybe it's a charming end-cap on the less-than-sweet aughts decade? Then again, perhaps it's the first real film of the economically depressed Age of Obama? Any way you tag…
Get the season’s hottest fashion gift: Bidding closes Dec. 9 on VIP tickets to Wearable Art
If you're looking for a stylish gift, or you just want tickets to the most buzzed-about fashion event of the year, then get busy right now: Bidding closes Wed. Dec. 9 at 1 p.m. for CL Holiday Auction Item #12: Get Dressed at the Dunedin Fine Art Center. This item includes two VIP tickets to…
Recipe Rewind: Pep up your holidays with this take on Williams-Sonoma’s Peppermint Bark recipe
(This recipe was originally posted 1 year ago. See the rest of our DIY Christmas advice and recipes.) While a LARGE amount of my money is funneled into Williams-Sonoma's glorious pockets, it will not be going to the purchase of their ridiculously expensive Peppermint Bark. Yes it is heavenly, but come on — us food…
The Vegan gift dilemma: What not to give
Ah, the holidays! That time of good cheer: All the family together, the smell of cinnamon brooms wafting through the grocery stores, gifts under the tannenbaum, and everyone anticipating Christmas morning when they can kneel before the twinkling tree and open that perfect gift, the one they’ve been waiting for all year. Everyone – except…
CL Holiday Auction Item #59: Learn to be a photographer
Whether you fancy yourself the next Annie Leibovitz or just want to learn how to get better shots of the family dog, this auction item is for you. The fine folks at International Academy of Design & Technology are offering a three-hour consultation given at IADT's Tampa campus, to be conducted by staff professionals on…
CL Holiday Auction Item #58: Ybor City Explorer’s Package
You may have heard that CL has moved back to Ybor City after a 5-plus-year stand in a warehouse on N. Howard Avenue. It's great to be back in the neighborhood after all that time, so to celebrate we've put together a little sampler package of some of the great businesses that make Ybor City…
Top Chef Las Vegas Podcast, Ep. 13: Chiarello returns, the Voltaggio sibling rivalry, and Gail Simmons’ boobs
After their 3 month hiatus, the final four Top Chef contestants and judges arrived in Napa, complete with their (not-so) fabulous makeovers. It seems Ceveech (Jen) used her Macy's gift card and got herself a fancy perm, Redbeard (Kevin) now looks like Friar Tuck with his long beard and shiny bald patch, and Padma was…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Global sustainability discussion with Edgar Mitchell, holistic pet fair, green markets, and more
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. Dunedin Green Market- Every Friday; 8 am- 1 pm. The Dunedin Green Market is located in Pioneer Park at the cross streets of Douglas Avenue and Main Street in Downtown Dunedin and runs every Friday. Tampa Downtown Market-…
Tonight’s Top Chef preview: The fantastic four duke it out in Napa
Well, Top Chef fans, we've left Vegas and are now in the final stretch of this competition in Napa. What does that mean for the final four? I'm betting on some wine-themed challenges. It also means that we're getting rid of one cheftestant in tonight's episode. (Because there couldn't be four in the finale, that'd…
CL Holiday Auction Item #53: VIP Avatar Party
Director James Cameron’s first film since his little production of Titanic made him King of the World, Avatar is the easily the biggest movie of the year. (Suck it Transformers 2!) For a movie this huge, you want to roll VIP style. The winner of this auction will get 10 tickets to see Avatar at…
CL Holiday Auction Item #56: Pre-Teen Girl Movie Gift Pack
This item is sure to secure you a place in the heart of any 8- to 12-year-old girl on your holiday shopping list. Included with your purchase is a DVD/Blu-Ray combo pack of the Miley Cyrus smash hit Hannah Montana The Movie, DVDs of Barbie and the Three Musketeers and Barbie Presents Thumbelina, two passes…
CL Holiday Auction Item #55: Immature Dude Movie Gift Pack
No matter if your man is 17 or 70, he relates to the world on the emotional level of child — a child with a deep love of dick and fart jokes. To help ladies of a higher maturity level shop for their Cro-Magnon mates, we’ve assembled this movie gift pack sure to amuse the…
CL Holiday Auction Item #54: Dinner and a Movie Package
The classic dinner/movie pairing has long been the go-to option for newbie daters, film geeks and parents just looking for a break from the kids. We’ll set the winner of this auction up with dinner at The Belleair Grill and Wine Bar, downtown Clearwater’s home of new American favorites with a touch of of European…
CL Holiday Auction Item #40: Dinner for four from Chavez at Home
Got an important dinner party on tap? Or looking for a nice relaxing evening with the family? Either way, you’ll be set when Chavez at Home, one of the most beloved of local restaurateur/caterers, prepares you a take-home gourmet dinner for four. You don’t have to do anything but pick it up, set the table…
CL Auction Item #49: Wag your dog with training, sitting and treats
Wag, the Davis Islands pet boutique that specializes in natural and organic products, is offering an ideal package for your resident canine, especially if he or she needs his manners brushed up. Included: a six-week training class for one dog (value $150) at the Wag School of Canine Etiquette, taught by experienced trainer Jacqui Silla…
CL Holiday Auction Item #18: Music critic for a night
Were you appalled by CL’s review of the Steely Dan show a few months back? Want to write a review that does justice to your favorite band? Or do you just want to get into a show for free and write about it afterwards? If so, CL has a nice little live music package for…
CL Holiday Auction Item #37: CL bake sale
Get the best of Creative Loafing’s home bakers: the nationally recognized Hamburger Cake by Kristina Woo (it only looks like a hamburger); the prize-winning Chocolate Chip Cookies of Luis Perez; Brian Ries’ addictive Bacon Brittle; and the baked good of your choice from CL Cookbook star Susan Filson, whose irresistible recipes include Pumpkin Cheese Pie…
CL Holiday Auction Item #13: A month of acting classes from Venue Actors Studio
Got the acting bug? Want to test the theatrical waters in a welcoming, professional environment? How about a month of classes at Venue Actors Studio in Pinellas Park? You can apply this prize to classes for adults (led by Best of the Bay-winning acting coach Corinne Broskette, left) or kids. Or, if you prefer, apply…
CL Holiday Auction Item #14: A studio class at Morean Arts Center
This busy hub of creative expression in downtown St. Pete offers a mind-boggling array of studio classes, with something for everyone from rank amateur to accomplished artisan. If you place the winning bid, you get your pick of any class in the medium of your choice, whether it be ceramics, photography, silk-screen, jewelry-making, painting —…
CL Holiday Auction Item #31: Chef for a day with Zack Gross of Z Grille
Spend a day toiling as a lowly drone in the harrowing kitchen of almost-James Beard-nominated chef Zack Gross. The burly, tattooed owner of Z Grille may burn your ears with his scathing, profanity-laced criticism as you ham-handedly chop onions or ruin the soup, but think of the experience. Includes dinner for four of your friends…
CL Holiday Auction Item #48: A day in Dunedin
Who hasn’t wanted to spend the whole day in Dunedin (other than the folks who are already lucky enough to live there)? This package offers a mix of food, funkiness and fine art, all the flavors that make Dunedin everyone’s favorite small town. First, it’s breakfast at Kelly’s For Just About… Anything! (maybe the most…
CL Holiday Auction Item #10: Take the family to the MFA
If you have an art-loving family, this one’s for you: two family passes to St. Petersburg’s beloved Museum of Fine Arts. The first pass is good through Dec. 31, and provides free entry to the museum and to events like Lesley Dill Family Day on Nov 21. The second admits your family to one of…
CL Holiday Auction Item #39: Be a big shot for a night at Hooters and The Rack
Looking to hang with celebrities, or just act like one yourself? This is the package for you. Start out at Hooters in Channelside, with a $100 party tab and plenty of Hooter schwag thrown in for yuks. Then head over to The Rack in SoHo, where you’ll have another $100 to spend. Dinner? A game…
CL Holiday Auction Item #12: Get dressed at the Dunedin Fine Art Center
A perfect gift for the arty extrovert (or artful exhibitionist). Head to DFAC next summer and prepare to get dressed up — as a model in DFAC’s Wearable Art fashion show. The prize comes with two VIP tickets to Wearable Art, one of the Bay area’s most buzzed-about arts events. Estimated value: $200 This auction…
CL Holiday Auction Item #20: The music editor’s schwag bag
Ever wonder what a music editor does with all those CDs? Most of them are stacked in teetering piles until they collapse in a spectacular crash of clattering plastic jewel cases. The Schwag Bag package includes a few dozen mystery CDs straight from the teetering collection of the music editor, many unopened and ready to…
CL Auction Item #47: Get away from it all at Postcard Inn on the Beach
Your chance to take in the newest, hippest little boutique hotel in St. Pete Beach. The Postcard Inn took an old Travelodge and updated it completely, but maintained the period beachy feel, including the bar formerly known as Swigwam (now the PCI Beach Bar). It’s a great new addition for beachgoing locals and tourists alike,…
CL Holiday Auction Item #36: Uncork an adventure at Datz
Datz Deli, the hot new spot on MacDill, won Best Wines-By-The-Glass in CL’s Best of the Bay 2009. Now’s your chance to see what all the buzz is about with a wine, cheese and charcuterie tasting for 8. How many times do you get to do a tasting with not just a sommelier but a…
CL Holiday Auction Item #33: Taste the best of Cigar City Brewing
Join CL’s beer maven Bethany Sherwin at Best of the Bay-winning Cigar City Brewing, where Brewmaster Wayne Wambles will pour you and three friends through the entire Cigar City line, including some very rare and limited stuff Wayne will pull from the hidden vault. Afterwards, head home with your very own care package of Cigar…
CL Holiday Auction Item #34: Brew your own at Tampa Bay Brewing Company
Have you ever wanted to experience the glory of brewing your own batch of beer? Well, now you can! Join forces with Tampa Bay Brewing Company Head Brewer David Doble to become a brewing apprentice for a day. You will assist David as he brews one of the house beers (and he might even let…
CL Holiday Auction Item #41: Be a movie critic!
Are you a film fanatic who’s always dreamed of writing your own review of a big Hollywood release? If so, we’ve got just the offer for you: The winning bidder will accompany Associate Editor Joe Bardi (left) to a special preview screening of a major upcoming release. (That’s “preview,” as in “see it before it…
CL Holiday Auction Item #25: The Whole Family Makeover
If your family (like the one in the photo) is suffering from a severe style deficit — more Beverly Hillbillies than Beverly Hills — then this is the auction item for you. The Whole Aveda Salon Spa in Oldsmar is offering to spruce up the entire clan (up to 4 people) with a Whole Family…
CL Holiday Auction Item #08: Let your Hair down at American Stage
The perennial Best of the Bay-winning American Stage Theatre Company is offering a fantastic package for the theater fan: A subscription/Flex Pass good for six admissions to their 2009-2010 season. Choose from among This Wonderful Life, Blithe Spirit, Driving Miss Daisy, Seafarer and David Mamet’s political comedy November. And then the piéce de resistance: two…
CL Holiday Auction Item #30: Dinner with the food critic
Join CL Food Critic Brian Ries (with three of your friends) as he reviews a new restaurant. He’ll listen to your undoubtedly informed commentary on the food and atmosphere and pretend to agree, regale you with harrowing tales of his reviewing career and ultimately ignore your opinions when he writes up his review. For security…
CL Holiday Auction Item #43: Tweener Movie Gift Pack
Your little girl is growing up right before your eyes. It seems like only yesterday she was singing along with Hannah Montana, but now she’s dreaming of junior high school pep rallies and cramming for her PSATs. After exhaustive research, we have put together the perfect gift pack for the tweenage girl on your list.…
CL Holiday Auction Item #11: A photographic portrait by ARTpool’s Marina Williams
Need a portrait of yourself, your family, your pet dachsund? Want a photo for your holiday cards that’ll dazzle the ornaments off the tree? Photographer and trend-setter Marina Williams invites you to ARTpool, her St. Pete gallery/boutique at 919 First Ave. N, for a professional, studio-lit photo session. If you like, you can wear items…
CL Holiday Auction Item #42: The Complete Vampire Package: From Twilight to True Blood
With this weekend’s release of Twilight: New Moon, the superfans’ ravenous appetite for handsomely brooding bloodhounds will be temporarily satiated. But it won’t be long before they’re craving more, more, more! So what better way to suck up than the ultimate vampire gift-pack: a New Moon reusable, aluminum water bottle (BPA-free!), two different New Moon…
CL Holiday Auction Item #32: Learn how to make Tampa’s best pizza from the pros
Peter Taylor of Wood Fired Pizza Wine Bar and Dan Bavaro of Pizzaiolo Bavaro are on the cutting edge of pizza in the Bay area. You could learn at the elbow of just one of them, but why limit yourself? Join Wood Fired’s owner and pizza fanatic Taylor (pictured) for a day-long pizza-torial, from dough-making…
CL Holiday Auction Item #45: The ultimate Bucs party package
Things are looking up for the Bucs and their new quarterback, so what better way to celebrate than with this kickin’ good item from the team and Miller Lite? The prize includes: four tickets on the Miller Lite Party Deck to the Jan. 3, 2010, game against the hated Atlanta Falcons; three complimentary Miller Lites…
CL Holiday Auction Item #17: Co-host a radio show for a day with Cowhead
Football punches? Retarded News? Porn stars? Celebrity guests? You never know what’ll happen on The Cowhead Show on 102.5 The Bone. But now’s your chance to experience the chaos that is Cowhead up close and personal — as co-host for a day. This auction item closes Tuesday, Dec. 15 @ 5 p.m. EST. Current High…
Concert Review: Steely Dan at Ruth Eckerd Hall
This weekend, I determined that the quality of your back-up singers determines the cheese factor of your show. hair and fashion, and badly choreographed dance hands. Yes, I said it — dance hands, those theatric gestures all the drama club kids make when singing in musicals, the ones that don't really express anything but keep…
It’s 420, time for another Top 10 list! Sorry, it’s late — what’d you expect?
It's 420. Another chance for a songlist. This one I think should be kinda special, since there's been 420 songlists since the dawn of mankind. Or since people started making lists and smoking pot and using "420" as code for pot-smoking. Ironic that by the time I get this thing up, it will actually be…
Top 3 reasons why a dead Biggie Smalls is better than a living Lil Wayne
In the hip-hop community, no one really wants to be labeled a hater. While I don’t hate Lil Wayne, I am far from a fan. I respect the fact that he has put out more music than any other major hip-hop artist in the last five years and probably has the best work ethic of…
Top 5 Bass Players of All Time
Version 1.1 – WITH MORE BASSISTS! – I've always wanted to write a post like this. I have been a student of the Bass Guitar for around 15 years and have always fought the "apparent unimportance" of bass players in contemporary music. Through this post I hope to once and for all assert the position…
