CD review: Parts & Labor, Constant Future
In the closing moments of “Rest,” Parts & Labor frontman Dan Friel sings, “After all these spinning clocks have come to rest/and done their best to throw us/we’re still hanging on with both our hands,” and in a way, it’s that line that perfectly sums up the feeling their latest LP – Constant Future –…
Do It Today: Strawberry Festival, Nude Nite, Disco Pigs at Silver Meteor and poet Gianna Russo at USF
It's time once again to have a berry good time in Plant City. The Strawberry Festival begins with its Ride-a-Thon Day — a $19 wristband gets you on most rides (3-11 p.m. only). Entertainers from today and yesteryear abound. At 3:30 p.m. you can roll out the barrel with Bobby Vinton, and gracing the stage…
Kiss Me, I’m Neutered: Dubliner hosts second annual St. Puppy’s Day in Citrus Park
Lá 'le Pádraig is just around the corner (or at the end of the rainbow), which means more green beer, shamrocks, kissing the Irish — and St. Patty's Day fun with our furry best friends.
Big Easy eats: Lentil gumbo even a vegan could love
It’s Mardi Gras season again and every year it stirs up fond memories of the years I lived in New Orleans. The colorful people, beautiful architecture and, of course, delicious food made a huge impression on me and changed my life forever. One whiff of a well-made roux cooking on a stove top sends me…
Panhandling not much of an issue ultimately in Tampa’s election
On a 6-1 vote, The Hillsborough County Commission on Wednesday adopted an ordinance to amend their ban on solicitation on public roads to include state roads. Commissioner Les Miller was the only dissenter. The board voted that way despite some members professing sympathy to the calls by attorneys for the Tampa Tribune and the Florida…
Code Green Community talks about peak oil and transition towns in Tampa Bay at Green World Path (video)
In the video below, Stacey and Eric from Code Green Community in Tampa Bay give a presentation about peak oil and transition towns at one of Green World Path's free monthly classes on green and sustainable living. Eric details peak oil and the consequences for the economy along with permaculture, while Stacey dives into Transition…
State Sen Jim Norman’s “Don’t Shoot or We’ll Shoot” bill – What was he thinking???
By George Niemann Daily Loaf contributor and R-LAND, UCAN, Florida Hometown Democracy believer, FSP activist The ideas expressed are my own and not necessarily those of the organizations to which I belong State Senator Jim Norman has just filed SB1246 and is calling it “Farms”. If this bill were to pass, anyone who takes photos…
From Gucci to Dunkin’ Donuts, six brands making smart use of social media
The social media landscape is not a forgiving place. Though opportunities abound, it's tough for business owners to implement a social media idea that pays off and takes root. The good news is that social media marketing platforms like Facebook and Twitter make it easy to experiment, and you can often get instant data about…
Tonight’s Top Chef All-Stars preview: Snack attack!
On tonight's episode of Top Chef: All-Stars, The five remaining chef'testants find themselves on a boat (again) for their Quickfire Challenge and must cook for family members for the Elimination. I have to say that I'm excited about tonight's challenges, as A. they're utilizing their surroundings in NYC, and B. we get to learn a…
Major protest against Rick Scott’s agenda planned in Tampa & Clearwater for March 8
is the name of the major protests being planned up and down Florida next Tuesday, March 8, the first day that the Florida Legislature convenes for their 2011 regular session. It's also when Governor Rick Scott will give his initial State of the State address, and speak about his first budget, the source of much…
Do It Today: Fragile Suburbia, West Side Story and Greek dancing lessons in Tarpon Springs
See an art show that explores the tenuous social structure of the home. Fragile Suburbia expresses the delicate balance of suburban life by way of an interesting construction and deconstruction: After meticulously constructing and hand-painting paper dioramas resembling suburban neighborhoods, artist Gabriel Ramos submerges the sculptures in water and then photographs them. Gabriel Ramos is…
USF’s Amazing Race and Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety Fair – Saturday, March 5
Since March is Bike Month in Florida, Tampa Bay Cycle and USF Tampa are teaming up to host the Amazing Race bicycle scavenger hunt this Saturday, March 5th. Along with the bicycle race/scavenger hunt, there will be a Pedestrian Safety Fair held at the campus recreation center from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The bike…
Theater Review: Gorilla’s Sweet Storm is too brief a shower
It’s not often that I find a play too short. Usually the opposite is the case: I discover that I’ve wandered into the theatrical equivalent of a long traffic jam, and while everyone around me can escape off the nearest ramp, I’m obligated to stay in the mess till the very end. After all, what…
Who will get majority of Turanchik, Scott & Greco voters in Tampa mayoral runoff? Some City Council surprises, and Rick Scott gets taken to court regarding high speed rail: Mitch Perry Report 3.2.11
Good morning, America! Okay, sorry for the feigned enthusiasm. Covering last night's municipal election here in Tampa and coming back early to the office means frankly, we're not too cogent at the moment. But we will have a Rose Ferlita- Bob Buckhorn mayoral final that we're really looking forward to, taking place on March 22.…
Tampa Bay food and drink events
Thursday, March 3: PRP Wines Warehouse Taste over 35 exclusive, small vintage international wines — that can't be found in any local stores or restaurants — at this free tasting event benefiting the Easter Seals. Light appetizers, cheese and Godiva chocolates will be served, and there will be a raffle and silent auction. Bring a…
The Gaily News: Rutgers dorms allow opposite sex roommates, California attorney general asks courts to grant gay marriages now, Maryland same-sex marriage bill’s future uncertain, anti-gay pastor arrested for public masturbation
After the tragic and much publicized suicide of college student Tyler Clementi last fall, Rutgers University plans to allow students living in campus housing to choose roommates of the opposite sex. The university hopes this option will help LGBT students feel more welcome in campus dorms.
Buckhorn, Ferlita headed to run-off for Tampa Mayor
Buckhorn has vision and temperament to be a great mayor By Chris Ingram The first round of balloting in the Tampa mayoral race is over. Much to everyone’s surprise, Dick Greco the presumed front runner not only didn’t finish first, he didn’t finish second either. Note to future candidates for any public office: leave Greg…
It’s Ferlita vs. Buckhorn in the Tampa mayoral race — Greco out
In an extremely tight election in which only 1,368 votes separated first place victor Rose Ferlita and the vanquished third place candidate Dick Greco, it will be Ferlita vs. Bob Buckhorn in the March 22 Tampa mayoral run-off election. Ferlita, as many suspected she would, took home the most votes in tonight's election, but it…
Suarez-Stokes in a run-off for District 1 City Council race
The Tampa City Council race's District 1 has several talented candidates in the race, and even though Mike Suarez swept many of the newspaper endorsements and is leading in the race at 9:00 p.m.- but not by much over Tampa City Council District 3 interim member Curtis Stokes. With 90% of the votes in, Suarez…
Hart-Capin run-off in District 3 Tampa City Council race shows power of name recognition
It's becoming apparent that the two candidates who will be in a run-off election in the Tampa City Council District 3 race will be former Hillsborough County Commissioner Chris Hart and current District 4 interim Council member Yolie Capin. With 90 of 121 precincts in, Hart has 28% and Capin 24%, well ahead of the…
Buckhorn clinging to 2nd — barely ahead of Greco
This Tampa mayoral race is turning out exactly as we saw it happening: Rose Ferlita leads all of the candidates for mayor of Tampa, but there is a furious battle between Bob Buckhorn & Dick Greco for 2nd place, and a chance to get into the March 22 runoff. As of 8:38 p.m. Rose Ferlita…
Timeless Gent: Franz Nicolay headlines New World March 8 (with video)
Don’t let the curly mustache fool you. Singer-songwriter Franz Nicolay is no out-of-touch throwback. The former keyboardist of the Hold Steady — whose second album Luck and Courage was released in October 2010 (on Team Science Records) — looks to the past, but his tinkering with the old-timey has less to do with nostalgia. It’s…
“Well that’s like, your opinion man” : Lebowski Fest rolls into Tampa for a weekend of bowling, costumes, and carpet peeing (w/video)
I suppose you came here lookin' for a story, so I best be presentin' you with one. A smarter fella than me likely could have, but since you're here, why don't we take a load off and converse awhile. The Dude certainly does abide, of that I can promise ya. And this past weekend he…
On the Radar: tons o’ fun(draising) and good causes to support in the coming week …
From cornhole to masquerades to music benefits, there's loads of fun for a good cause this week. Check here for some events that help you get out and meet people get some exercise, help others and boost your karma all at the same. Andrea's Sip for Life Nosh on tapas and drink wine while helping…
Local chefs whip up Girl Scout cookie desserts to celebrate Girl Scout Week, March 6-12
Forget the holiday season, my favorite time of the year is now Girl Scout cookie season. Unless you live under a rock, you're probably aware that Girl Scout cookie season is in full swing. If you haven't ordered your boxes yet, the little gals are now hawking their wares in front of your local grocery…
Orlando Sentinel slams Jim Norman bill ; calls him “chump” of the week
Despite the heavy negative publicity emanating from the revelations about receiving a financial gift from developer Ralph Hughes, Hillsborough area Republican Jim Norman survived last fall, winning the state Senate District 12 race. Then again, he faced no major party opposition once he dispatched rival Kevin Ambler in the GOP primary, as the Democrats could…
Concert Review: The Get Up Kids at State Theatre, St. Petersburg (with pics)
What do you get when a recently re-united, mid-1990’s emo band plays State Theatre with an album's worth of new tracks? [All photos by Mike Wilson.] Ehh, not much. And that hurts to say, especially in regard to one of the first indie bands I avidly listened to. It wasn’t completely unexpected. Any group kicking…
Arthenia Joyner & Thad Altman sue Rick Scott over his rejection of high speed rail funds after Scott rejects Iorio & other mayors appeal
Tampa Democratic state Senator Arthenia Joyner has teamed up with Melbourne Republican Senator Thad Altman in filing a lawsuit against Governor Rick Scott over his rejection of $2.4 billion in federal stimulus money for a high-speed rail project. The senators want the Florida Supreme Court to compel Scott to accept the money, saying to reject…
New music releases out this Tuesday, March 1: Dropkick Murphys, Harry Connick Jr., Lucinda Williams, Lykke Li, Gold Panda, Papercuts, and more! (with video)
This week's new music … Check out all of the ones you want to know about (some with audio, some with video) below. Click here to check out new music releases that dropped last week and here for new releases that have come out in the past several months… Acrylics, Lives and Treasure (Friendly Fire)…
The Hyde Park Village Fresh Market begins Sunday, March 6, in Tampa
This Sunday, March 6th, marks the inaugural Hyde Park Village Fresh Market — a monthly event giving the people of Tampa Bay yet another opportunity to buy a variety of locally-produced products. Modeled after the Tampa Downtown Market and the Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market, this market will feature over 70 vendors offering fresh produce,…
League of Conservation Voters on House environmental cuts – “disgrace of epic proportions”
The House of Representatives is expected on Tuesday to pass a measure that would extend funding for the government through March 18. The measure includes about $4 billion in spending cuts – it's being labeled as a down payment of sorts for the larger deal on appropriations that Speaker of the House John Boehner and…
Do It Today: Vote, Tampa! Plus election parties and Weeki Wachee on the History Channel
In Tampa, a lot is on the line for citizens — issues from public transportation to homelessness to incentives for small businesses. If you live in the city, please come out and vote for Tampa Mayor and City Council seats 1-7. To learn more about the candidates, click here. Tonight, candidates will be celebrating at…
Frank Rich leaves NY Times after more than 30 years there – moves to New York Magazine
Frank Rich, who over the years has become one of the leading liberal opinion writers in the country with his essays in the Sunday New York Times Week in Review section, is leaving the newspaper that has been his home for more than 30 years to now write and edit for New York Magazine. In…
Election day beckons in Tampa; Karl Rove is relentless, and will a ban on texting while driving happen in Florida in 2011? Mitch Perry Report 3.1.11
As I write this at 9:15 a.m, it's raining pretty hard in Ybor City and throughout Tampa, not a good sign for the candidates who must get their voters out to the polls today, which would be Bob Buckhorn and Ed Turanchik predominantly. We've got our last post on the election here, where you can…
Karl Rove is relentless and will be a force in 2012
During the George W. Bush years, probably the most loathed official in BushWorld outside of the former President had to be the man known as his consigliere, or simply as his brain, was Karl Rove. There are many qualities that made Rove such an instantly unappealing character, with his arrogance perhaps being the top one. …
The Magic (Hat) of Spring: Magic Hat Brewery’s Spring Fever seasonal offerings
With Spring nearly upon us comes the next wave of seasonal craft beer offerings that are typically lighter, crisper and more refreshing than their winter counterparts. The Magic Hat Brewing Company in South Burlington, Vermont, releases variety packs every season, showcasing their limited release beers. The spring selection is called the Spring Fever Mix variety…
Ask Dream Momma: Feeding off yourself
“Hi Dream Momma, I had this dream last night. I dreamt I was overweight, wearing edible nacho overalls with cheese leggings, and that I was in my elementary school gym. Even though there was an all-you-can-eat buffet right next to me, I instead nibbled on the chest of my nacho clothes. There was an Asian…
ROOTS seed and plant swap/live artist and music showcase – Saturday, March 5 in St. Pete
You've heard of roots music, but how about some roots and music — and visual art, too. This Saturday, March 5, marks the 10th ROOTS event in St. Pete — and for the first time ever — a plant and seed swap. Started more than five years ago by local musician and community activist Jun…
Bolts stay quiet on deadline day
The trade deadline. To Mike, it’s Christmas. To me, it’s reason for day-long anxiety (What can I say? I get attached easily). So after a day of pacing and frantically monitoring Twitter, we are finally able to rest again with a secured Lightning roster, knowing the final options of who the Lightning are going to…
The Gaily News: Gingrich slams Obama’s DOMA decision, the White House’s new gay Social Secretary, a Catholic college fires a gay priest and a Texas school district opposes GSAs
As former House Speaker Newt Gingrich prepares for a likely 2012 presidential bid, he's slammed Pres. Obama's recent decision instructing the Justice Department to discontinue enforcement of the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Gingrich said Obama's decision is unconstitutional and suggested he could be…
Charlie Crist repays Dick Greco with a robocall, and Ed Turanchik now blasts the “Greco-Ferlita-Buckhorn” years at City Hall
In his time of need last spring when he made the dramatic switch to running as an independent in the race for U.S. Senate, Charlie Crist was looking for some friends, and Dick Greco came through for him. At Crist's news conference in St. Petersburg announcing that he was leaving the Republican Party, one of…
Must-click links: Oscar post mortem, Lady Gaga, Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair, Meek’s Cutoff and much more …
In case you missed last night's widely panned Oscar ceremony (ask Roger Ebert), the video below is an accurate recap. Kirk Douglas steals the entire show (I know there's a petition somewhere for him to host SNL). Not even Melissa Leo's craziness and F-bomb dropping could out-do him. Salon.com: Matt Zoller Seitz on James Franco's Oscars of apathy.
Datz adds classy, Tampa-themed cocktails to bar menu
To keep up with the recent cocktail/mixology craze we're experiencing here in the Tampa Bay area, Datz is now offering some specialty drinks of their own. Since they now have a liquor license, they figured: Why not offer some classy cocktails, too? With the help of superstar mixologist Somer Perez, Datz has created a list…
Start your own organic garden with a little help from the groOrganic experts
Patricia Pardo and William Mosley are looking forward assisting people and communities to meet their nutritional and environmental needs through organic gardening. Their endeavor is to help people in their organic gardening efforts by bringing groOrganic™ to Tampa Bay and South Florida. groOrganic is a family of companies committed to cultivating healthy lifestyles in every…
Fresh from Social Fresh: Social Media Hospitality
The 9th Social Fresh social media conference made its way to Tampa last week, and filled the DoubleTree Westshore with hundreds of social media geeks. Marketers, PR specialists, small business owners, and agency consultants spent two days exploring the latest trends and industry best practices in the realm of social media marketing. In addition to…
Concert review: Tim Barry at the Orpheum, Ybor City (with photos)
“Most were once really punk/ and now wear flannel/ and scream over bar chords on acoustic guitars,” Tim Barry lamented during the song “Making Fun of Tim Barry” amidst his set at the Orpheum Thursday night. This is indicative of an peculiar trend Barry himself is very much apart of; mid-90’s to early 2000’s players,…
Will the Florida Legislature pass a bill banning texting while driving this year?
CL readers may recall our story we published back in January regarding the fact that Florida is in the minority of states in the union that has no restrictions whatsoever on using cellphones while driving. Part of our interest stemmed from the fact that we had just returned from holiday break in California, where one…
With nothing to lose, Castor invokes Warren Buffett in latest missive to Rick Scott on benefits of high speed rail (video)
You will recall that late Friday afternoon a story made the rounds (and was repeated on this blog) that Florida had been given one more week to come up with a proposal to acquire the $2.4 billion in federal funds to begin a high speed rail line from Tampa to Orlando. The way the story…
#MusicMonday, Vol. 29: Rachel Goodrich, Cheap Trick, Middle Brother, and more
The CL Music Team kicks off the week with some new jams (or old) to launch us into a new work week! Here's what we're spinning now Leilani – Rachel Goodrich, Rachel Goodrich (2011) Ms. Goodrich is one of my favorite Miami exports. She worked with Grammy-nominated music producer Greg Wells (Katy Perry, Rufus Wainwright)…
EarthTalk: Are natural gas’s eco-benefits overstated?
The following is from the environmental themed advice column EarthTalk®, by the Editors of the non-profit publication E/The Environmental Magazine, that we’ll be regularly featuring here on CL’s Green Community. Dear EarthTalk: I heard someone say that the environmental benefits of natural gas for electricity generation were overstated and that it is not as green-friendly…
Taco Bell defends their ground beef with new commercial, lawsuit threat and limited-time Crunchwrap Supreme deal
In an effort to defend their recently questioned and litigated ground beef ingredients, Taco Bell has released a new commercial to back up claims of the quality of their product and is backing up those claims with a beefy deal. David Ovens, Chief Marketing Officer of Taco Bell, stated, "…there are still many people who…
Do It Today: Unity Art, a visual homage to 9/11
2011 marks the decade anniversary of 9/11. Though it's a difficult memory for us all and unpleasant to think about, it's important to pay tribute to the people who lost their lives and to the brave souls who saved lives. Local philanthropist/artist Richard Sean Manning is a prolific painter who has used his talents toward…
Rebecca Ammon recovers from two nights at the swingers club, Miami Velvet
Whether you've been swinging for a month or 10 years, you haven't experienced the full potential of the lifestyle until you've partied at Miami Velvet. Far more risque than any Tampa area swingers club, Miami Velvet knows how to get down and dirty porn star style. When I arrived this past Friday Miami Velvet's parking lot was…
Tampa candidates make last effort to reach voters; nearly 15,000 have already cast a ballot in Tuesday’s election, and GOP Governors invade Washington D.C.: Mitch Perry Report 2.28.11
Good morning, everyone. So how 'bout that Oscar telecast? Hey, it came in under 3 1/2 hours. Too bad I didn't take the under in the Oscar pool I was participating in last night in Tampa. Tampa's political version of the Academy Awards takes place tomorrow night, where 33 candidates, 28 for City Council and…
El Chuzo BBQ: Late-night Colombian eats in Carrollwood
El Chuzo BBQ is a late-night Colombian restaurant that has been in Tampa since 2008. The restaurant is open until 2 a.m. during weeknights, until 4:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and until 11 p.m. on Sundays. The owners had their start with nothing more than a mobile cooker and tent, but have now…
Nearly 15,000 Tampa residents have already voted in March 1 election
Time is literally running out on the Tampa mayoral and city council elections, as all of the 33 men and women on Tuesday's ballot will be racing around town over the next 24 hours, trying to compel as many people to vote for them, and to actually get out of the house and cast a…
The next big step: Moving in
As my fiancé and I prepare for the wedding, our next big step is moving in together. We decided it would be better to get comfortable with the whole “living situation” before we get married; that and we just wanted to get more acquainted with each other. While moving in with your significant other is…
Wilderness explorer and writer John Davis lands in Tampa to promote TrekEast
On Friday, wilderness explorer and writer John Davis came “out of the woods” in Tampa for the first time to talk about his 4,500-mile journey through the Eastern United States, TrekEast. Davis is the co-founder of Wildlands Network, which is hosting the TrekEast journey that started off on February 3 in Key Largo, Florida. He…
AltDotPop: John Travolta is bald, Justin Bieber gets a haircut, Charlie Sheen gets crazier and Michael Lohan confirms that Lindsay and Dina did coke together
Beiber's New Haircut Courtesy of CBS/INF Breaking News: Justin Bieber gets a new haircut, still looks like a lesbian. The David Arquette and Courteney Cox split is still hard for me to deal with, deep in my heart. Sure, he acted like a douche but he went to rehab and then he did what everyone…
My first year of gaydom: The last chapter (Part 5)
Author’s note: This is the final installment, after a long hiatus, of a series of pieces that reflect the first year that I realized I like women. I was married when I first made this realization, and my husband and I explored both my sexuality and polyamory. The first part begins here. Part two is…
Lightning hang on to beat Rangers 2-1
The Tampa Bay Lightning finally took their show on the road Sunday for the first time in close to six weeks, traveling to New York to take on the Rangers in a huge game for both teams. The Lightning were looking to expand their lead in the Southeast Division to 5 points, while the Rangers…
Mitch Daniels, Chris Christie and Mike Huckabee talk about 2012 politics (video)
Republican Governors are all the rage in national politics these days, and some of them are being seriously discussed as contenders for President next year. On Sunday morning, a plethora of such leaders, like Chris Christie, Mitch Daniels, Scott Walker, Haley Barbour and our own Rick Scott took to the national airwaves, many of them…
Collective anger at anonymously produced anti-Greco mailer – but it’s not like the candidates haven’t been saying the same thing
In addition to lengthy recaps of the mayoral candidates before Tuesday's election, both the Tampa Tribune and St. Pete Times published short stories on Sunday morning about the outrage that Dick Greco and Pam Iorio share about a mailer being distributed to Tampa households from an anonymous 527 group. The mailer attacks Greco on some…
Led by The Dude, Lebowski Fest hits the Ritz Ybor (photos)
Lebowki Fest Tampa came to town this weekend. Held at the Ritz Ybor and University Bowling Lanes in Temple Terrace, the two-day event drew hundreds of fans of the cult movie The Big Lebowski. Jeff "The Dude" Dowd, the man whom the movie was based on, was there to party with the crowd of "Achievers." …
Rays win Spring Training opener 9-5 over Pirates
The Tampa Bay Rays started Spring Training off right with a 9-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in Port Charlotte. Ace David Price started the game on the hill for the Rays, striking out Jose Tabata to officially start the 2011 Rays campaign. In his one inning pitched, DP yielded a base hit and walked…
Thomas Scott gets endorsement from Jesse Jackson during live radio debate amongst Tampa mayoral candidates
Saturday morning's 90-minute live radio debate broadcast from WTMP AM 1150 radio in Tampa had a little bit of everything, including a phone in appearance by the Reverend Jesse Jackson, who called in and endorsed Thomas Scott for mayor, just days ahead of Tuesday's election. After a few awkward seconds, Jackson said "Tom Scott is…
Lightning win 2-1, end Devils hot streak
Just call them the streak busters. That is the most appropriate term that can be used to describe this Tampa Bay Lightning team, as they broke an opponents 8-game win streak for the second time in less then 48 hours, this time at the hands of the New Jersey Devils, 2-1. “We prepared real hard…
Despite the signs, you can’t vote for Degas
A new name has been popping up amidst the glut of campaign signs on Tampa street corners: Degas. Elegantly simple, with black lettering against a white background, Mr. Degas' signs stand out among all the noisy orange Grecos and green Turanchiks. Don't look for his name on the ballot on March 1, though: Edgar Degas,…
NYC restaurant takes farm-to-table dining one step further, selling products made directly from the locally-raised animals served on their menu
Marlow & Sons restaurant offers locally grown menu and accessory options Plenty of New York restaurants house adjoining gift shops stocked with souvenirs and postcards, but Brooklyn's Marlow & Sons offers much more authentic mementos of their meals. After dining in the restaurant, customers can visit the adjoining butcher shop, Marlow & Daughters, to purchase leather products…
Florida high speed rail advocates ready to be disappointed once again? Officials get one more week to convince a skeptical Governor
In a press release, Florida U.S. Senator Bill Nelson is waxing about being "grateful" to both Governor Rick Scott and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, after it was announced that LaHood is giving the state one more week (again) to present a package to his department to receive the $2.4 billion in federal financing for…
Must-click links: Charlie Sheen, Obama in 2007, Climate-gate, new Kanye West, Gervais helps out Franco and Hathaway and much more …
Slate.com: Why domestic violence charges didn't sink Charlie Sheen, but recorded bigotry did. The Oscar-snubbed Of Gods and Men opens in select theaters this Friday. Xavier Beauvois film tells the story of Trappist monks living and working in a small impoverished community in Algeria. When under the threat of a group of Islamic fundamentalist terrorists,…
Rick Scott: Florida would be better off if public employees could not form unions
Rick Scott is in Washington D.C. this weekend, where he'll join his gubernatorial colleagues for the National Governors' Association Winter meeting. The 58-year-old newbie chief executive of Florida didn't make the cut for the Sunday morning programs (losing out to Chris Christie, Scott Walker, Mitch Daniels, and apparently other "hot" GOP governors), but he did…
Awards-worthy celebrations for your Oscar party
[Note: I'll be live-tweet the Oscar telecast on the CL Movies twitter feed. Not following us yet? Jump aboard @cl_movies on Twitter.] It seems as though Oscar parties come in only two varieties: The ones where everyone dresses up, and the ones where you're in your PJs alone on the couch eating ice cream. This…
Local album review: Marksmen, Sister of Mine (available for free download, link included!)
At first, I was disappointed that Marksmen's full-length debut lacked the propulsive percussion that made their lone prior release, The Blue And Grey EP, sound so fresh. However, the traditional drum mix allows the other ingredients of this incredible local band to shine. Their more-polished sound covers a broad swath of musical territory: rockin' alt-country raw enough for a…
Code Green Community’s Blog Talk Radio show: Peak oil in 2011 and a permaculture vision
Engaging in conversations about interesting, environment-related topics in the Tampa Bay area. This week's topics: Peak oil in 2011 and permaculture practices. Tune in every Wednesday at 7 p.m. to listen to Code Green Community's Blog Talk Radio live. Listen after the break:
Cheese secrets you mite not want to know: The crawly critters that influence cheese
Remember the novel James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl? Magical green crocodile tongues spill on a peach tree, causing a giant peach to grow. This peach is home to Centipede, Earthworm, Grasshopper, Ladybug, Miss Spider, Glowworm and Silkworm. The giant insects befriend a boy named James who lost his parents. The motley crew…
Shoot! Final weekend to enter CL Photo Contest, win $1,000
You've only got a few days to Show Us Your Neighborhood. That's the theme of the Creative Loafing Photo Contest, and the deadline to enter — with a chance to win the top $1,000 prize — is Tuesday, Mar. 1 at 5 p.m. We've already received close to 300 entries, but who knows? The winner…
This weekend in Tampa Bay area music: The Get Up Kids, Keller Williams, Crooked Fingers, BAAMO’s One for the Road SXSW-bound Bandango Fundraiser, Ira Sullivan, and more!
A breakdown of live music occurring in the Bay area this Friday through Sunday, with featured highlights at the top and the rest of the week’s schedule at the bottom. For a complete list of concerts, click here to visit our Upcoming Concerts page. Friday, February 25 The Get Up Kids [pictured left] w/Miniature Tigers/Brian…
Do it This Weekend: Lebowski Fest, Cigar City Tattoo Convention, PBR Bike Ride, Nuclear Cowboyz and more
Hey, a lot of what you're going to read below is not by me. I got some help writing from CL staffers about this week's events while working on the Dude cover feature for the exciting, fun Lebowski Fest this weekend. Thanks to all who pitched in.
Does being a dominatrix mean you have to be an obnoxious b——?
I saw this promotional message on twitter recently: "Mean girls like me don't date losers like you." The message was accompanied by a phone sex number. Advertising like this always makes me wonder – is an unfounded sense of superiority and a willingness to be verbally abusive to strangers equivalent to being dominant? The answer among BDSM "lifestylers" is…
Rick Scott upsets people in Tampa all over again on hsr; interesting mailers being sent out days before Tampa City Council races, and why should you care about the Oscars? Mitch Perry Report 2.25.11
Good morning, and welcome to the last weekend of the 2011 Tampa election season in full – though of course it will continue for three more weeks with the runoff election scheduled for March 22. If you haven't had a chance to see our final print story of the mayoral campaign, please do so here.…
Can The Fighter pull off the upset at Sunday night’s Academy Awards?
Please indulge me for a a bit here while I take a break from writing about politics to talk about Sunday night's Oscar Awards ceremony. Actually, I don't think I'm dropping politics, since being a political animal, it's this space's contention that everything is political, and that includes what the country deems as its Best…
Movie review: The Farrelly Bros.’ Hall Pass, starring Owen Wilson, Jenna Fischer, Jason Sudeikis and Christina Applegate (with trailer video)
It’s pretty well established what can be expected from a movie by the Farrelly Brothers. Moments of romantic tenderness are employed to provide emotional ballast to nonsensical plots marked by a series of raunchy episodes memorable — or reviled — for their outrageous physical-based comedy. Efforts like Dumb & Dumber and There’s Something About Mary…
26 years since the Union Carbide disaster in Bhopal, India: Are chemical plants any safer today?
The following is from the environmental themed advice column EarthTalk®, by the Editors of the non-profit publication E/The Environmental Magazine, that we’ll be regularly featuring here on CL’s Green Community. Dear EarthTalk: December 2010 marked the 26th anniversary of the infamous Bhopal disaster in India when chemical company Union Carbide leaked deadly gases, killing thousands…
Dining Guide: The SoHo district of Tampa
CL regularly presents focused listings of the best dining options in Tampa Bay’s neighborhoods. This week, we’re giving you a guide to dining and drinking in the South Howard Avenue district of South Tampa. 717 SOUTH 717 S Howard Ave, Tampa. 813-250-1661, 717south.com. A classy eatery on the SoHo strip, serving Italian and Pacific Rim…
Have Vagina, Will Travel: Lines that shouldn’t have worked on women (but did)
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the most suave person around when it comes to women. Or am I? Because I have said some completely ridiculous and inappropriate things that shouldn’t have gotten anyone in this world laid, but certainly — and inexplicably — led to salacious encounters for me. Here are…
Bolts bits: new unis and a new goalie
A bit of off-day news for hockey fans in Tampa Bay. First and foremost, the Lightning swapped goalies with Disney on Ice the Anaheim Ducks. Dan Ellis has been shipped to sunny California in exchange for backup goalie Curtis McElhinney. According to the team's official Web release, the Bolts’ newest netminder had played in 21…
Democratic Leadership Conference no longer in existence – but centrism still in the Democratic party
The news barely created a ripple in the U.S. political world, but it was still significant: Earlier this month the Democratic Leadership Council (DLC) had died after 26 years in existence. The National Journal's Ron Brownstein reported on its demise nearly two weeks ago. The DLC was formed shortly after Ronald Reagan demolished Walter Mondale…
A letter from the publisher of Washington City Paper explains why the Dan Snyder libel suit is a crock
If you haven't been following the Dan Snyder/Washington Redskins/Washington City Paper laughable lawsuit and subsequent legal defense fund, here's a letter to readers (and Snyder) from the City Paper publisher, Amy Austin, that sums it up nicely. (City Paper is part of the Creative Loafing chain of newsweeklies.) Austin's letter doesn't just demolish the premises…
UPDATE: Kathy Castor says she has NOT endorsed Yolie Capin for Tampa City Council’s District 3 race
UPDATE: Congresswoman Castor has responded to our question about whether she is endorsing Yolie Capin in the Tampa City Council District 3 race, as Capin is distributing a mailer showing the two in a photograph. In a statement sent to CL, Congresswoman Castor says: "Tampa residents are fortunate that we have so many good candidates…
Conservative 527 group goes after Mary Mulhern on water rates – Mulhern calls the attack “typical lies”
A 527 group called the Florida Future Leaders Fund based out of Miami is listed as being the organization responsible for mailers attacking Tampa City Councilwoman Mary Mulhern regarding water rates in the city. The mailer quotes Mulhern in 2007 as advocating for higher water rates because Tampa citizens need to be charged more for…
Iorio throws in the towel on bid to save high-speed rail
Like all good politicians, Pam Iorio is pragmatic. So the Tampa Mayor isn't even waiting until Rick Scott prepares an official press release rejecting the federal government's $2.4 billion in funds to create a Tampa to Orlando high speed rail line before issuing her own release expressing her disappointment that the Governor will not allow…
Must-click links: Leonard Maltin and Mike Tyson on the Oscars, the economy, health care, another new Malick film and much more …
Leonard Maltin and Mike Tyson have a charming discussion about Oscar season: Economix blog: Simon Johnson wonders if the U.S. really has a fiscal crisis? New York Times' Gail Collins on the increasing possibility of a government shutdown. A clip of Best Supporting Actress nominee Melissa Leo in her soap opera days (All my Children)…
Homelessness – and not panhandling – is the subject of a workshop discussion at Tampa City Council
For months the Tampa City Council has discussed a possible legal remedy to address the increase in panhandling that has broken out in the city over the past year, but ultimately hasn't ever received seven votes to change the status quo. Though that's led to anger and hurt feelings among some members of the public…
Books: The saga of Queen, a Fran Lebowitz anthology, and a zombie bunny
Few genres of books are as delectable and tasty as the good books on rock 'n' roll, and the best publisher of the form is DaCapo Press. DaCapo is so good at producing entertaining and informative tomes on music, you could just order everything in the catalog and be a satisfied customer. Take Is This…
2010: Power plant CO2 emissions up 5.6% and hottest year on record. Coincidence?
According to a recently released report by The Environmental Integrity Project, carbon dioxide emissions from power plants in the U.S. rose by 5.56% in 2010 over the previous year — the biggest annual increase since 1995. Using data gathered by the EPA, Environmental Integrity released this study that names the top 10 offenders. Florida's power…
Nothing short of delicious: Feast on these Southwestern braised beef short ribs
Braised beef short ribs are the epitome of "high end" comfort food. They can often be found on restaurant menus, cooked with classical French or Asian flavors and bearing a somewhat hefty price tag. I think many people have the misconception that they're pricey because they're technically difficult or labor-intensive to prepare, but those preconceived…
As Government shutdown looms, Congress plays; Rick Scott poised to disappoint high speed rail supporters again, and will Florida Leg. attempt to put TABOR on the ballot? Mitch Perry Report 2.24.11
You're not hearing about this much, what with the news filled with stories about Libya, Wisconsin and locally, the death of a St. Petersburg Police Officer, but the fact of the matter is the government may shut down in 9 days. Which had us wondering what the heck was freshman U.S. Senator Marco Rubio doing…
Despite strenous efforts, all indications are Rick Scott will reject high speed rail for the 2nd time in 2 weeks
Late yesterday afternoon in downtown Orlando, a crowd estimated at around 75 people held a rally on behalf of high-speed rail, whose future is in serious doubt following Governor Rick Scott's rejection of $2.4 billion in federal funds for a Tampa-Orlando route 8 days ago. On Monday, supporters of the project held a rally in…
Restaurant Review: Post-Schenardi, Pelagia Trattoria is wonderfully the same
Pelagia Trattoria 3.5 stars Renaissance Plaza International Plaza, 4200 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa, 813-313-3235, pelagiatrattoria.com Pelagia Trattoria was the first restaurant I reviewed for CL, almost six years ago. At the time, the restaurant — in the bottom floor of the Renaissance Hotel International Plaza — had been revitalized under chef (and then food and…
Obama’s “tightrope”: What led up to the decision to stop defending the anti-gay-marriage DOMA act
It had to happen sometime: the acknowledgment that the Defense of Marriage Act — the 1996 law barring federal recognition of same-sex marriage — was indefensible. Like the now-repealed Don't Ask/Don't Tell policy for the military, DOMA was a Bill Clinton sop to conservatives, an act whose inherent unfairness would inevitably face legal challenge. But…
The Gaily News: Obama declares DOMA unconstitutional, Hawaii welcomes civil unions, gay Polish soccer fans, and Bieber gives Ellen a lock of his hair for charity
In a major advancement for the LGBT community and gay rights activists, President Obama determined that a key section of the Defense of Marriage Act — Section 3, which defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman — is unconstitutional. He's also instructed the Justice Department to stop defending the law in…
A growing problem down below
I am 50 and a lesbian. I have had a pretty active sex life for the last 30 years, including a couple of long-term relationships. For the last three years, I've been with a woman I love very much. We have amazing sexual chemistry — by far the best I have experienced. For the last…
Awards-worthy celebrations for your Oscar party
It seems as though Oscar parties come in only two varieties: The ones where everyone dresses up, and the ones where you're in your PJs alone on the couch eating ice cream. This year, spice up your Oscar night with these festive party ideas, each based on a nominee for Best Picture. Movie: InceptionParty favor:…
Cheese secrets you mite not want to know
Remember the novel James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl? Magical green crocodile tongues spill on a peach tree causing a giant peach to grow. This peach is home to Centipede, Earthworm, Grasshopper, Ladybug, Miss Spider, Glowworm and Silkworm. The giant insects befriend a boy named James who lost his parents. The motley crew…
Poli want a cookie?
It's cookie season! No, I'm not referring to the overpriced ones sold by uniformed little girls — this cookie campaign is a little more political. I first spotted them at the Tampa mayoral debate we hosted here at CL Space a few weeks ago: large cookies with candidates' names on them, each frosted with the…
How Lebowski Fest got Big
The soiree got hopping some time after sundown. The White Russians were flowing; Creedence was blaring. It was my job to answer the door. Wearing thrift store stilettos and a cheap white nightie, I intoned, "You must be here to fix the cable" to all who arrived. Many were bathrobe-clad. The more savvy of the…
Neighborhood dining guide: South Tampa
The best places to eat and drink in SoHo.
Italian bubblies can be just as delightful and complex as Champagnes
For an activity that brings so much pleasure, drinking wine has an awful lot of rules. White wine with fish, red wine with beef or pork, no white wine after Labor Day. OK, I made that last one up, but you know what I mean. One of the goofier wine "guidelines" is drinking Champagne only…
The Tampa mayor’s race: With Election Day March 1, who’s got the momentum?
There haven't been too many questioners at Tampa mayoral forums older than Dick Greco. But last Friday, the 77-year-old former mayor snapped to attention at a Tiger Bay debate at the Straz Center as Sydney Potter, 92, took the mic to ask a question. The longtime Hills-borough River advocate began by saying, "I've lived in…
Feast on these Southwestern braised beef short ribs
Braised beef short ribs are the epitome of "high end" comfort food. They can often be found on restaurant menus, cooked with classical French or Asian flavors and bearing a somewhat hefty price tag. I think many people have the misconception that they're pricey because they're technically difficult or labor-intensive to prepare, but those preconceived…
Pelagia Trattoria remains a worthy culinary destination
Pelagia Trattoria was the first restaurant I reviewed for CL, almost six years ago. At the time, the restaurant — in the bottom floor of the Renaissance Hotel International Plaza — had been revitalized under chef (and then food and beverage director) Fabrizio Schenardi. The food was very good, the place looked interesting, and it…
The mom in the mirror: The Momologues at Stageworks
Hearing the audience roar with laughter at The MOMologues on the evening I saw the performance, you might have thought that the play must be brilliantly witty. But you'd be wrong: what the (mostly) women watching this Stageworks show were clearly laughing at was the accuracy of its many descriptions of the motherhood experience, from…
Gan-Bei!
At night Chinamen jump on Asia with a thump while in our willful way we, in secret, play affectionate games and bruise our knees on China's shoes… from "Poem," by Frank O'Hara (1957) Today, these Dalíesque lines almost make sense. China's closer now, but we're like the band of blind men inspecting an elephant: it's…
Those Darlins gear up to release a second studio LP
Jessi, Kelley and Nikki "Darlin" have covered some rather impressive ground in the four years they've been active as Those Darlins, from jamming retro country tunes on the front porch of a shack they once shared, to premiering a video for their own twang-punk number on Spin.com earlier this month. The Murfreesboro, Tenn. musicians/friends started…
Do It Today: Antarctica art, Tim Barry at the Orpheum, Comedy Fest and more
It's been hot outside. Cool off with the Autonomous Art of Antarctica exhibition opening at the Studio@620, where scientist and photographer Paul Suprenand displays a series of photographs taken while on expedition in Antarctica. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Exhibit on display Tuesdays-Saturdays noon-4 p.m. Admission is free. Feb. 24-March 5. The Studio@620 is at 620 First Ave. S., St.…
Bolts crush Coyotes 8-3
The Tampa Bay Lightning was hoping a couple days on the road would recharge the batteries and get the team through the last week of a never-ending home stand. If the first period of Wednesday’s game against the Phoenix Coyotes was any the test, the Bolts passed with flying colors and then some. “We kind…
Tampa mayoral race in its final days: Which candidates have the momentum to win on March 1st?
There haven’t been too many questioners at Tampa mayoral forums older than Dick Greco. But last Friday, the 77-year-old former mayor snapped to attention at a Tiger Bay debate at the Straz Center as Sydney Potter, 92, took the mic to ask a question. The longtime Hillsborough River advocate began by saying, “I’ve lived in…
Tonight’s Top Chef All-Stars preview: Deep-fried deliciousness (or disaster?)
We're now down to 6 remaining chef'testants on Top Chef: All-Stars and they're all close enough to the finale to start getting the wafting smell of success (or utter failure). If you hadn't yet heard Paula Deen is the guest judge for the Quickfire tonight and challenges the chefs to create a deep-fried masterpiece in…
Concert review: Chiodos with Emarosa, Go Radio and Decoder at Orpheum, Ybor City
—Review and photos by CL intern Valerie Quintana The 2010 ejection of Chiodos lead singer Craig Owens was a permanent one as fans of the post-hardcore outfit have come to realize. The main questions of the evening seemed to be, Can newbie vocalist Brandon Bolmer reach the high notes of “Baby, You Wouldn't Last A…
Top Chef Podcast – All-Stars Ep. 10: Right on Target
It was a very zany episode of Top Chef All-Stars last night, between the loud, crazy antics of the Sesame Street characters during the Quickfire and then the madness that ensued at the Target lock-in challenge. I was mentally exhausted after watching, to say the least. The Cookie Quickfire with the Sesame Street characters as…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Picnic for the Planet, rain harvesting workshop, TEDx live webcast and more
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. Dunedin Green Market- Fridays: 8 am-1 pm, Saturdays: 9 am-2 pm (through April). Featuring fresh, local produced goods such as baked good, ready-to-eat-foods, organic plants and herbs, coffee, honey, seafood, clothing, and so much more. The Dunedin Green…
Touchdown, curtain up: On being a sports mom turned stage mother
Youngest was cast in a local musical, Camelot, and thus began our family’s journey into the world of community theater. Much to his credit, my 10-year-old actually enjoyed four weeks of rehearsals, seven performances, and two rather uncomfortable fittings, all while wearing jazz shoes and tights. He was one of only two kids in the…
