Nine signs your partner is cheating
Cheating is an arms race. While technologies like texting and Facebook have made it easier to cheat, they also leave an electronic trail that makes it easier to get caught. Women have evolved a heightened ability to read body language and facial cues as a means of mate-guarding. Men have the ability to completely dissociate…
My Blue Valentine: The god of love’s role in the discovery of blue cheese
Cheese and chocolate, cheese and champagne, cheese as an aphrodisiac and even heart-shaped cheese. All are worthy topics with Valentine’s Day upon us, but did you know that the mischievous Ancient Roman deity, Cupid, is legend to be the reason we have blue cheese? Some 2000 years ago, a young impassioned French shepherd sat down…
Must-click links: Egypt, Super Bowl bloat, Tom Cruise under FBI investigation, Kate Winslet in Mildred Pierce and more …
NPR: Wael Ghonim has 'Galvanized' Protesters In Egypt: The recent Paul Haggis New Yorker article on Scientology has opened a big can of worms: Tom Cruise and Scientology are now under FBI investigation. Vulture: The Chris Ware designed poster for last year's' Cannes Golden Palm-winner, Uncle Boonmee who can Recall his Past Lives, is absolutely stunning!! The film opens…
Turanchik at LWV Tampa mayoral forum: “I’m the white Van Jones”
It was a bit mellower mayoral forum between the five candidates running for Tampa today at the Icons room on the 4th floor of the St. Pete Times Forum on Wednesday. Coming off the most exciting exchange of the season, Tuesday night's televised debate, the scene was much more laid back at this encounter, jointly…
One (wo)man’s unwanted fashion is another’s treasure: The Swapinista lets you swap and “recycle” unwanted clothing and accessories
Many of us out there are guilty of having a mess of unworn, unwanted clothing, shoes and accessories in our closets just taking up space. You could finally get rid of them and give your stuff to Goodwill — by all means, don't just throw away perfectly good clothes. But wouldn't it just be easier…
Lowry’s call for Jeb Bush to run epitomises GOP’s blank 2012 slate of candidates
Syndicated columnist and National Review editor Rich Lowry has written an opinion piece that has some Republicans buzzing nationally and in Florida. Referring to his own magazine's cover story on the former Florida Governor and heir to the Bush dynasty, Lowry writes that now, and not 2016, is the time for Bush to make his…
Tonight’s Top Chef All-Stars preview: Disastrous deconstruction and a fondue frenzy
On tonight's episode of Top Chef: All-Stars, there's a lot of stuff and things occurring. Oh yeah, and cooking. In the beginning of this episode, it's another case of 'The Running of the Chefs'. Unfortunately, no one falls in a comical fashion this time. For the Quickfire, the chef'testants must put their own spin on…
Tampa Bay area live music weekend: Curren$y, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Food Will Win the War, Broken Social Scene, Walter Lure, Dark Star Orchestra, and more!
A breakdown of live music occurring in the Bay area this Thursday 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. Thursday, February 10 [pictured right] Mentored by Master P and Lil…
The Dan Snyder/ Washington Redskins/ Washington City Paper laughable lawsuit and subsequent legal defense fund
Chances are you've been reading about a little flap involving our Creative Loafing sister publication, the Washington City Paper. Seems that back in November, CP staff writer Dave McKenna had the temerity to itemize, in alphabetical order, in a cover story, the many questionable doings of one Dan Snyder, the very rich and, as it…
Movie review: Sylvain Chomet’s The Illusionist (with trailer video)
The latest animated film by acclaimed director Sylvain Chomet, The Illusionist can be seen as a simple eulogy for an extinct way of life. The film takes place in a melancholy Edinburgh populated by aging vaudevillian performers trying to stay alive in a fast-changing modern world that has left them behind. We center on Tatischeff,…
Tampa mayoral race heats up at St. Pete Times/Bay News 9 debate; Rick Scott apparently won’t be pushing vouchers for all in 2011 after all; and Austria’s Ambassador to US comes to UT to talk WikiLeaks: Mitch Perry Report 2.9.11
It's rare to see the executives, members of the editorial board, and a good deal of the Tampa office of the St. Petersburg Times all gathered together, but last night was a big one for Tampa Bay's leading newspaper, as they co-sponsored and co-produced the only televised debate so far in the Tampa mayor's race…
Rick Scott won’t push “vouchers for all” plan in 2011 after all
Love it or loath it, Rick Scott's budget proposals he unveiled Monday in the tiny town of Eustis is still the major buzz in Tallahassee, and will continue to be through the springtime as the Legislature convenes in a month. However, according to the always reliable Gary Fineout, one other Scott bomb that he spoke…
Tampa Bay food and drink events
Be sure to check out our Valentine's Day/Weekend Dining Guide to see what some Tampa Bay area restaurants are offering for the occasion. Wednesday, February 9: Cru Cellars Offering a Valentine's inspired wine tasting complete with gourmet chocolates from local chocolatier Viktoria Richards. Taste through six wines and enjoy a glass of your favorite. Featuring…
Bipartisan press event in Tallahassee calls for ban on near shore drilling
Republicans and Democrats alike are invited to attend a press event Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 12:30 p.m. at the Old Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. The Florida Wildlife Federation will host the event to call for the amendment of the Florida Constitution to incorporate a ban on drilling in near shore waters. This includes three miles…
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz speaks about why Floridians need the Affordable Care Act
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz joined with Organizing for America, a grassroots project of the Democratic National Committee, to speak against U.S. District Court Judge Roger Vinson’s ruling on the health care reform legislation. Last week, Vinson overturned the Affordable Care Act, a federal statue signed into law by Obama in 2010. The ACA provides a…
Sparks fly at Tampa mayoral debate televised on Bay News 9
With just three weeks left before the March 1 election for mayor in Tampa, rarely have we had the opportunity to really see the five candidates actively think in real time and eschew the talking points that have defined them so far. That ended Tuesday night as expected in the only candidate forum so far…
Theater Review: Joy and unexpected resonance in Billy Elliot: The Musical at the Straz Center
I didn’t know quite what to expect from Billy Elliot: The Musical. I hadn’t seen the much-beloved 2000 film on which it’s based, and all I knew of the stage adaptation was the frenetic excerpt performed at the 2009 Tonys, during which Billy hauled in 10 awards, including Best Musical (though not one for Elton…
AltDotPop: Miley Cyrus is turning into Amy Winehouse, Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber are totally doing it, Joss Stone goes naked for PETA and more
Miley Cyrus is following in the footsteps of Amy Winehouse, dating Amy's ex, Josh Bowman. Between that, the smoking, tattoos and drug use, it's only a matter of time before she ends up like this. Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber were spotted holding hands on Sunday. Previously, Selena had claimed that Justin is "one of…
The Gaily News: Palin supports GOProud at CPAC, child donates to gay organizations, possible .gay network of websites, Glee tour dates
Despite prominent Republicans and conservative organizations pulling out of the upcoming Conservative Political Action Conference because of GOProud's sponsorship of the event, Sarah Palin has said that she supports the group's presence there.
Lightning fall to Sabres in controversial 7-4 loss
Tuesday night was a tale of two games at the St. Pete Times Forum when the Lightning took on the Buffalo Sabres. The first two periods went entirely in the Lightning's favor. The wheels fell off in the third period behind some creative officiating and multiple breakdowns, with the Bolts ultimately falling to Buffalo 7-4.…
Do It Today: Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival and Career Fair
Hey film geeks, can I get an Oy vey! The Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival — international in scope with high-quality offerings — returns to various cinemas around Tampa Bay and opens today. Films screen at Tampa Theatre, Channelside Cinemas, Eckerd College, USF and Sun City Center. The great fest begins 7:30 p.m. tonight at Tampa…
Observations of a former Super Bowl virgin
Twenty-one years had come and gone, and my aural, optical and emotional senses had remained Super Bowl-free. In fact, most sports have slipped under my radar until I decided to try understanding this American tradition by enrolling in a sports history course at USF St. Petersburg. Televised football games? I can't say that I've watched…
On the Radar: Florida State Fair gets loopy again Feb. 10-21
It’s that time of year again — to get woozy on fast rides, swoon with your Valentine on the Ferris wheel and grab a deep-fried [insert odd food choice here] on a stick. Or just check out exhibits and contests, stroll through Cracker Country and two-step-it to country tunes. It's all amid the uniquely rural-urban…
Concert review: Yonder Mountain String Band at Jannus Live, St. Petersburg (with photos & setlist)
The air was cool, the post-rain fog weed smoke hung thick in the air, and an abundance of dready white kids wandered amidst the crowd this past Saturday as they waited for Yonder Mountain String Band to hit the Jannus Live stage. [All photos by Mike Wilson.] While it’s easy to rib on these hippies,…
Great storytelling in Keith’s memoir should be no surprise
Think about it: why should we be surprised that Keith Richards would write such a wonderful book? The man has sustained a five-decade career as a great rock ’n’ roll storyteller and performer, so he knows a lot about economy of language and pacing and all of those other things that propel us through the…
Spoiler Corner: Glee, House, Vampire Diaries and more!
Curious about your favorite shows? Is someone dying? If your favorite couple getting engaged? Hook-ups? Break-ups? Well, here you will find the answers to your burning questions! Enjoy television lovers! Glee Puck and Lauren fans stay tuned because this weeks valentines day episode is going to tug at your heart strings. It looks like their…
Austrian Ambassador to U.S. at University of Tampa on WikiLeaks:”Not the first leak…and will not be the last one”
Christian Prosi, the Austrian Ambassador to the United States, spoke about the virtues of modern diplomacy and the WikiLeaks controversy in an address at the University of Tampa Tuesday afternoon. "WikiLeaks is not the first leak, and it will definitely not be the last one," he said shortly into his formal remarks at the Vaughn…
Beef O’ Brady’s hosting fundraiser to benefit fallen St. Pete officers and their families – Wednesday, February 9th
Participating Tampa Bay area Beef O’ Brady’s restaurants will be hosting in an all-day fundraising event on Wednesday, February 9, in honor of Sergeant Thomas Baitinger and Officer Jeffrey Yaslowitz, who were tragically gunned down in the line of duty in St. Petersburg, FL, on January 24, 2011. A portion of all sales proceeds (dine-in…
Free screenings of eco-film “Home” showing throughout Tampa Bay, February 11-17
During the week surrounding Valentine's Day, organizations across the Tampa bay area will show the eco-film Home to create awareness about building a higher level of social consciousness of our interconnected relationship with the environment. Eco-conscious organizations from all over Tampa Bay are joining together in solidarity to show their love for the Earth. Be…
Egyptian protest results in skyrocketing food prices
The Egyptian protest has left the streets of Cairo in utter turmoil. Banks and government building are closed and guarded by military tanks from unruly protesters and looters alike. Those who have money, flood the remaining open store doors, in hopes of stocking up for future unrest in the city. According to Bloomberg, many store…
Theater Review: freeFall’s Frogs doesn’t take off till the second act, but the company’s new space is a hit all the way
About a third of the way into Act II of The Frogs, Matthew McGee makes his first appearance, and the evening’s comedy finally blossoms. Up until that moment, this freeFall Theatre production — the first in its new permanent home — has been pleasant and mildly funny, but not otherwise very remarkable. Then McGee appears…
Dick Greco gets down and very funky in Tampa Bay & Company video
Last fall Tampa Bay & Company, which represents more than 700 businesses in promoting tourism and economic development in the region, celebrated its 25th anniversary. To mark that celebration, the group hired Doreen Collier Event Show Productions to produce an in-house video production that they also placed on their YouTube channel. Performed with a Tampa…
Must-click links: R.I.P. Tura Satana, AOL buys Huffington Post, Paul Haggis vs. Scientology, Super 8 trailer and much more …
Legendary cult actress Tura Satana (Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!) has passed away at age 72. AOL is set to buy The Huffington Post for $315 million. Hey, look how well they did with Time Warner … The New Yorker: Paul Haggis vs. The Church of Scientology. Great interview: Francis Ford Coppola on risk, money, craft…
The Gaily News: SF’s Rainbow Honor Walk, the world’s largest gay cruise sets sail, fight for hormone treatment for transgendered prisoners in Wisconsin, gay men arrested in Bahrain
Putting a twist on a famous Hollywood tourist hotspot, San Francisco will get its own Walk of Fame — the Rainbow Honor Walk in the infamous Castro District. The blocks-long project will honor influential gays and lesbians. The first round of honorees includes Allen Ginsberg, Frida Kahlo and Oscare Wilde.
On The Scene: Monster Jam at Raymond James Stadium on Feb. 5, 2011 (with photo gallery)
Monster truck enthusiasts surely got their fill on Saturday night, when Monster Jam rolled into Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Photographer Terrence Duncan (you'll remember his photographs of the Jeff Lacy-Dhafir Smith fight at Jannus Landing in December) was there, and he brought back the following photo collection …
New music releases out this Tuesday, February 8: Akron/Family, Cut Copy, Miles Davis, Motorhead, and more (with video!)
The last series of new music releases for January. Click here to check out new music releases that dropped last week (February 1) and here for new releases in the past several months… Akron/Family, S/T II:The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT (Dead Oceans) The sixth and latest fabulous record from the freak-folk-experimental trio.…
Dance Review: Gaspar – A Pirate Fantasy hopes to become an annual favorite
You gotta love it when the main dancer flies in on a rope. Being a real Tampa advocate, I love the fact that Tampa has a ballet that features one of its own legends, Jose Gaspar. This ballet was first created sixteen years ago and was revived for one day of performances on Jan. 30. …
Call to Artists: FMoPA International Photo Competition
The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts is currently accepting entries from everyone around the world for their International Photography Competition. Entries will be accepted until March 31, 2011. Entry fee is $10 per image with no limit to the number of images that may be entered. The final selection of images will be judged by Julie…
Rick Scott wants to bleed state govt., but will his fellow Republicans let him? Brian Blair makes things worse, and big Tampa mayoral debate: Mitch Perry Report 2.8.11
Rick Scott had his biggest day since being inaugurated as the Governor of Florida on Monday, unveiling his budget in Eustis, and alienating a whole lotta folks – some of them Republicans, as you can learn from our post this morning. Tonight's a big night in the race for mayor in Tampa; What may be…
Brian Blair’s attempt to spin his campaign spending violation just makes things worse
Eastern Hillsborough County community activist and occasional CL blogger George Niemann was the first to report the fact that former County Commissioner Brian Blair had agreed to accept the charge of accepting illegal campaign contributions in 2008 by signing a consent order and paying a fine of $750. That came after Niemann himself filed the…
Rick Scott wants to cut billions out of the state’s education system and dismantle the DCA – will GOP Legislators let him?
The headlines throughout the state focus on the numbers: a $1.6 billion combined proposal to cut property and corporate income taxes in one year. 8,700 state jobs cut. $703 million less for K-12 education (and over $3 billion overall to education). $668 million cut from the Department of Community Affairs (where the staffing would go…
Gift ideas for an eco-friendlier Valentine’s Day
Valentine's Day is all about chocolates, flowers and cards with sweet nothings scribbled in them. It also means a huge amount of energy and carbon output from the production and transportation of all of that stuff. Why not make your gifts a little greener this year this year by purchasing more sustainable treats for your…
Do It Today: Young Frankenstein: The Musical and lecture on consequences of WikiLeaks at UT
The New York Times panned the Broadway production of Young Frankenstein: The Musical — but others dug it. Critic Jeffrey Lyons said it was “utter genius.” Perhaps we should approach it with a beaker-half-full attitude. After all, Mel Brooks co-wrote the book, and those of us who fondly remember the 1974 film — the best…
The Breakfast Bowl: What are the best breakfast/brunch spots in Tampa Bay?
Four years ago, we began our March Madness-style restaurant battles with the PZZA Tournament of Slices. The following year, the best burger joints in Tampa Bay duked it out in the Tournament of Burgers. Tacos were the theme of the next bout, and last year, the Rib-Off allowed readers to pick the best barbecued ribs…
TEDx comes to USF St. Pete: “Changing the Way We Eat” webcast Saturday, February 12
The live TEDx talk "Changing the Way We Eat" is an all-day event taking place this Saturday, February 12, that "will highlight several aspects of the sustainable food movement and the work being done to shift our food system from industrially-based agriculture to one in which healthy, nutritious food is accessible to all." Locally, a…
Tampa mayoral campaign to crank up this week
There are several mayoral forums scheduled this week that should be amongst the very best of the campaign season in Tampa. Leading off the way on Tuesday night is the big production sponsored by the St. Petersburg Times and Bay News 9, that will be quite possibly the only televised debate of the campaign, making…
Tampa Budget Director Bonnie Wise to move to Hillsborough County and work under Mike Merrill
Unquestionably, Chief Financial Officer Bonnie Wise has been one of Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio's most valuable players, and there had been some discussion about whether the new administration that will soon take over at City Hall might want to retain her. That question is academic now that Wise announced today that she will be leaving…
#MusicMonday, Vol. 27: Damian Marley & Nas, Elk, Tristen, The Crown, and more (with audio & video)
What the Creative Loafing music team is rocking out to this Monday to get us through the day and rocket launch the week… – Damian Marley & Nas, Distant Relatives (2010) I spent last week looking back at some album’s I may have missed in 2010 and ended up spinning Nas & Damian Marley’s Distant…
EarthTalk: The EPA’s first 40 years – How effective has the EPA been and what are its biggest challenges 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: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency had its 40th anniversary in 2010. How effective has the EPA been and what are its biggest challenges…
Dining Guide: Valentine’s Day/Weekend offerings at Tampa Bay area restaurants
If you're choosing to dine out to celebrate Valentine's Day with your special someone, have a gander at this list to see what some Tampa Bay area restaurants are offering for the occasion. For some spots, there will be weekend-long offerings and for others, the special menus will only be offered on the 14th. My…
Going on a date with Tampa matchmaker Dr. Nancy Wall
In the last five minutes I've switched tables in Panera three times, upgrading to a better spot based on size, light, and noise level. I flip through my notes and remind myself to sit up straight, display a confident yet relaxed body posture, smile, maintain eye contact, and nod no matter what she says. In…
Photo review: Wolfgang Gartner at The Ritz Ybor
Some shots from the "Road to Ultra" show featuring SJ/producer Wolfgang Gartner at The Ritz Ybor this past Friday, February 4. Check out the complete photo gallery after the jump.
Blu-ray review: Taylor Hackford’s Ray, starring Jamie Foxx, Kerry Washington and Regina King (with trailer video)
In a film about the life and career of a musical icon that is blind, there is perhaps no aspect more important than sound quality. That’s why the new Blu-ray version of Taylor Hackford’s film, Ray, starring Jamie Foxx, is a must-see. The life of music icon Ray Charles is brought to life in magnificent…
Rick Scott’s big day; Brian Blair cops to campaign election violations; and AOL keeps on spending, this time for HuffPo for $315 million: Mitch Perry Report 2.7.11
Congragulations to those "Cheese-heads" in the Tampa Bay area who were rooting for the Green Bay Packers in last night's Super Bowl. Today's Rick Scott's tiny version of a Super Bowl: Our guv is unveiling his first budget as the top elected official of Florida, and doing so in the small town of Eustis before…
AOL continues spending spree by purchasing HuffPo for $315 million
The major media news of this morning is AOL's purchase of the Huffington Post. This will make HuffPo founder and owner Arianna Huffington an even bigger player in the national media landscape, as she will now take control of all of AOL's editorial content as President and Editor in chief of the just created Huffington…
For craft beer lovers, Brooklyn Brewery is mecca: Brewery expansion, upcoming releases and photos
On a trip to the Big Apple, there are certain things I simply must do, like catch a Broadway show or grab a bite at Sammy's Noodle Shop. Growing up in Brooklyn, but leaving before my 17th birthday, afforded me a glimpse of all Gotham had to offer, but not a taste. All I knew…
How to collect rain water for your lawn using a cistern (video)
Watch Bryan Gregson from Rainwater Services as he discusses the benefits of building a cistern to collect rainwater for your home. In addition, it may even help you save money on your water bill as you'll be able to use rain water on your plants and lawn. Watch the video below.
Florida Legislature inexorably moves towards bill targeting illegal immigrants – even though the number of them in Florida is down
The third and last of three fact-finding hearings convened by the Florida Senate Judiciary Committee on proposed crackdown legislation on illegal immigration takes place Monday afternoon in Tallahassee. To say that the proposed legislation, sponsored in the House by Republican Will Snyder and in the Senate by Bradenton's Mike Bennett, is controversial in the Sunshine…
The Gaily News: NOM tricked into posting pro-gay message, Iowa gov says gay marriage a mistake, Shia LeBeouf’s bar fight, all-gay Jersey Shore auditions
The National Organization for Marriage's website inadvertently posted a pro-gay message before crashing last Friday. NOM posted a link to a comic by cartoonist Zach Weiner, who changed the image on his site to a rainbow flag and a Thomas Jefferson quote about equality for all when he found out the organization used his work…
Do It Today: Florida Folk and Their Tales: Zora Neale Hurston, discusson on architecture with Dick Greco
Here's a great way to celebrate Black History Month: Florida Folk and Their Tales: Zora Neale Hurston. Professor and local African-American literary maven Phyllis McEwen brings to life the folklore, work songs, creation myths, spirituals and comedy that inspired the famed Florida writer, collected in the turpentine camps and jook joints of Florida during her…
Bolts bounce back, beat Blues 4-3 in OT
The Tampa Bay Lightning were hoping that Super Sunday would bring a rebound. The Bolts needed to turn the page on an ugly game against the Washington Capitals two nights ago, and they looked to their superstar to lead the way. Steven Stamkos did his part, hitting multiple milestones along the way. With Stamkos leading…
Weird cheerleader wagers for Super Bowl XLV
In light of there being no cheerleaders in Super Bowl XLV (which is just weird in and of itself), many sites have been having some fun of their own to keep the cheerleader spirit alive this year. The infographic after the break from betting site bodog.com shows some bets, odds and stats revolving around the…
Amanpour soars again in providing best Sunday morning coverage of events in Egypt
There was a huge breakthrough in Egypt on Sunday when the new Vice President, Omar Suleimant met with a wide representation of major opposition groups for the first time, and agreed to allow freedom of the press, to release those detained since anti-government protests began nearly two weeks and ago and to lift the country's…
Ex-Hillsborough Commissioner Brian Blair agrees to pay fine on election campaign violations
George Niemann is a Daily Loaf contributor and UCAN, R-LAND, FSP activist and supporter of Florida Hometown Democracy principles. The views expressed are my own and may not be the same as the organizations to which I belong. Ex-Hillsborough Commissioner Brian Blair has agreed to settle the charge of accepting illegal campaign contributions in 2008…
CD review: Shunda K, The Most Wanted (with audio)
You could easily argue that technical proficiency is becoming more and more irrelevant when it comes to being a chart topping mc these days. Scanning the local hip hop stations for any decent amount of time will make one realize that, yeah, elements likes cadence, annunciation, and speed are still valued in the hip hop…
Calling all dog lovers! Gulfport’s Get Rescued fair and Humane Society’s Mutt Strut
Two upcoming events give Pinellas County dog lovers the chance to put their money where their hearts are — and have a great time doing so. On February 26, head to Gulfport for the seventh annual Get Rescued event. An all-day fair is followed by a festive, fun evening. Bring your furry friends along to…
Winning streak snapped; Lightning fall to Capitals 5-2
For the Tampa Bay Lightning, Friday night presented the opportunity to make history, both on and off the ice when the Washington Capitals came to town. After a pre-game ceremony introducing the the upcoming changes, some visible on the ice and around the St. Pete Times forum already, the Lightning went for their 7th straight…
Last-minute Super Bowl party recipes and tips (plus drinking game rules)
With about 48 hours until kickoff, if you're hosting or attending a Super Bowl soiree, you'd better have your game plan together (pardon the pun) by now. If you're the procrastinating kind — like myself — and haven't a clue yet as to what you'll be serving, fear not. Check out the recipe ideas and…
If your kids are mouthy, here are 9 things you can do besides shoot them
According to police reports, Julie Powers Schenecker, a 50-year-old Tampa mom, shot and killed her two teenage children because they were “mouthy” and talked back. Most moms are familiar with the frustration brought on by disrespectful children. But clearly, killing kids before they get to that wonderful age where they realize you were right about…
Concert review: Jimmy Eat World at The Ritz Ybor, Ybor City (with photos)
Like most teenagers in 2001, I, too, was obsessed with Jimmy Eat World’s breakout hit, "The Middle." The song is what initially drew me to the band, but over the years, I came to realize it was just as addictive and catchy as the rest of their music. Ten years later, JEW is still going…
Tampa City Council candidates talk about their ideas and what they’d call “progress” at Tiger Bay Forum
You have to sympathize with the organizers of City Council forums in Tampa this election cycle. With so many candidates running (28 in all), these forums can be frustrating to both the candidate and the audience in terms of fairly sizing up the competition in individual races. The organizers at today's Tampa Tiger Bay Forum…
Must-click links: Banksy’s Oscar campaign, On the Road, Super Bowl commercials, Onion sports, Egypt, McBain: the Movie and much more …
Sound On Sight: Banksy begins a street art Oscar campaign. NPR: Religious groups tackle an X-rated secret. Planet Money: Adam Smith, Mamma's Boy. NY Daily News: Battle to be best Super Bowl commercial 2011 already raging — meet the contenders.
EarthTalk: Are antibiotics being over- and misused in raising farm animals?
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 understand that the use of antibiotics in raising farm animals is threatening to make bacteria overall more resistant to antibiotics, which has…
Tampa City Council rejects partial panhandling ban, DC official talks about Tampa’s trolley, and Super Bowl 45 is set for Sunday night. But will labor issues doom the sport at the zenith of its popularity? Mitch Perry Report 2.4.11
As we posted the other day, Tampa City Council candidate Kelly Benjamin says he's sick of discussing panhandling in Tampa. But while the District 6 candidate supports a total ban on soliciting in the streets of Tampa (while his opponent, Charlie Miranda, does not), the issue isn't going away anytime soon, not after the council…
ECHO Farm field trip with the Permaculture Guild (video)
Recently, I became certified as a Permaculture Designer through the Permaculture Guild at Sacred Lands in St. Petersburg. My fellow Permaculture Design Certification graduates and I took a field trip to the Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization (ECHO) Farm to learn more about their urban farming practices. ECHO teaches third world countries how to develop…
Pénedes and Priorat: A Spanish wine journey at the foothills of the Pyrenees (Part III)
Today we will take a two-hour ride to the precipitous hillsides of Priorat. As the minibus winds its way out of Barcelona and into the vast countryside, I am reminded of the old tune written by J.F. Coots and H. Gillespie: “You go to my head, like a sip of Pénedes* brew, and I find…
CL speaks to the FTA’s Peter Rogoff as TECO Line Streetcar System extends to downtown Tampa
Peter M. Rogoff has served as Federal Transit Administrator since May of 2009. Previously, he served for 22 years on the staff of the Senate Appropriations Committee, including 14 years as the Democratic Staff Director of its Transportation Subcommittee. Rogoff was in Tampa this past Monday, where he gave the keynote address at the official…
Super Bowl to be last NFL game until August. Unless…..
This Sunday's Super Bowl features the team of the 1960's, the Green Bay Packers, vs. the team of the 70's, the Pittsburgh Steelers. But if Pittsburgh takes home the Vince Lombardi trophy come Sunday night, they need to be recognized as the most powerful NFL franchise going, since it would their third championship in the…
Do It This Weekend: Repo! The Genetic Opera!, The Odd Couple, Fashion and Arts Week and more
If you like the interactive "midnight movie" experience, the Degenerates Shadowcast of Repo! The Genetic Opera provides a crazy pulp-horror movie/show at the Beach Theatre. (Read Ernestina Xavier's Q&A with shadowcast co-director Matthew Stiles here.) The live event is reportedly unlike any other, including pre-show entertainment, short films and interaction with cast members inside and…
Candidate forums for Tampa mayor & city council will air throughout February
The League of Women Voters of HIllsborough County announced on Thursday that they have collaborate with City of Tampa Television (CTTV) to air and run candidates forums for those running for Mayor and City Council throughout the month of February, in anticipation of the March 1 election. The forums will be aired on CCTV, Bright…
A short Q&A with Repo! The Genetic Opera shadowcast co-director Matthew Stiles
Blood, guts and opera? It appears Matthew Stiles, co-director of the Degenerates shadowcast of Repo! The Genetic Opera, plans to bring all of those elements front stage on Fri., Feb. 4, to the Beach Theatre. The group's original intention was just to shadowcast the movie (a la Rocky Horror Picture Show), a favorite form of…
Concert review: Joan of Arc at New World Brewery, Ybor City (with photos)
I can think of very few instances when a band I am inexplicably dedicated to with feverish passion spends a majority of the set playing new material without finding the whole thing frustratingly boring. In the preceding days, I had watched footage of a Philly show from the previous week and spoken to a friend…
Save some trees: Log on to Yellow Pages opt-out site to halt phone book deliveries
Good news: There's now a way to halt phone book deliveries to your home! So, instead of letting them sit on your porch for a few weeks and then just chucking them in the trash, you can save a few trees by visiting the Yellow Pages Association's National Yellow Pages Consumer Choice & Opt-Out Site…
Movie review: Alister Grierson’s Sanctum, starring Richard Roxburgh, Rhys Wakefield and Ioan Gruffudd (with trailer video)
With James Cameron listed as executive producer, the square-jawed, cartoonish machismo and casual sadism of Sanctum comes as little surprise. What is a surprise is that this lazily written, lifeless film was deemed worthy of theatrical release. The movie’s failure is no small accomplishment considering its premise: a cyclone traps a small group of underwater…
Dick Greco’s “Gimme 5” signs get creative makeover
So far in this Tampa mayoral campaign, Dick Greco's "Gimme 5" black and orange signs have become the most iconic campaign symbols seen throughout Tampa. We've seen one parody version of it, and also seen District 6 city council candidate Kelly Benjamin spoof it with his "boot" sign advocating his own campaign. Now there's this,…
A coalition files suit against Rick Scott & Sec. of State Kurt Browning to stop using Voting Rights Act to “advance their own political agenda”
State Democrats looking to pick a fight with new Governor Rick Scott have found a goldmine in the revelation reported last week that he has withdrawn former Governor Charlie Crist's request to the Department of Justice for approval of Florida's two newest constitutional amendments, Amendments 5 & 6. That request must be submitted before the…
Tampa City Council rejects partial panhandling ordinance
Two weeks after the Tampa City Council passed on first hearing a ban on banning panhandling on major arterial roads in the city (known as a "partial" ban), they reversed themselves today, voting 5-2 to reject such a ban, and leaving everything status quo in the city for the time being on the contentious issue.…
Young farmers of Gambia taught sustainable living practices through Home Farm Project to increase profits (video)
Farmers in The Gambia are taught improved methods of farming If you know anything about the nation of The Gambia, you may know about the beautiful West African coast that has become a thriving tourist destination for European vacationers. Several people, however, are not aware of the struggles The Gambia’s inhabitants face when trying to…
Must-click links: R.I.P. Maria Schneider, best of Sundance, Win Win, Egypt, SXSW, Midnight in Paris and much more …
In tragic news, French actress Maria Schneider (Last Tango in Paris, The Passenger) has died at age 58. Too big to stop? President Barack Obama's health care law has too much momentum for one judge to kill it. Vulture.com gives us its favorite films from this years Sundance Film Festival. Sill confused about Egypt? Noor…
Frequent Fryer: Frying stuff is awesome (and easier than you think)
Confession: I never fried anything until about a year ago. It’s true. Up to that point, I thought that if you wanted to fry, you needed one of those big ol‘ Fry-Daddy contraptions like my uncle used to have. That and, like, 10 gallons of oil. While you still need a whole bunch of oil,…
New movie theater opening at Westfield Countryside spring 2012
When I was a kid — and this will age me, for sure — I saw my first movie alone at AMC Countryside 6: Star Wars. Back in the day, Countryside was the nice, shiny mall in town, where your rich friends bought all their school clothes and you could ice skate on a rink…
The Gaily News: Arrest made in death of David Kato, beer for the LGBT community, Utah’s LaVar Christensen, Kristen Stewart plays transgendered, UK police fly rainbow flag and more
An arrest has been made in the murder of Ugandan gay rights activist David Kato. Nsubuga Enock confessed to the murder and said he did it because of a "personal disagreement."
More panhandling news (sorry, Kelly Benjamin); Jon Huntsman for President?; And Bill Nelson’s poll #’s not too shabby :Mitch Perry Report 2.3.11
I was looking forward to reporting on last night's Tampa Mayoral debate hosted by the great Mike Deeson on WTSP-Channel 10, which was to be the first televised debate of the season. Shunning the short drive to the Tampa Bay History Center, I dined early and turned on the laptop and Channel 10 at 7:00…
For a Florida Democrat who voted FOR health care reform, Bill Nelson’s poll numbers are looking good
Let's stipulate that looking at any poll some 21 months away from an election doesn't mean that much in the long term. But we live day to day – all of us – and for those who toil in Florida politics, a new Quinnipiac results gauging the Florida electorate's feelings towards incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator…
Pearl in the Grove: Is it worth a trip to Dade City just to eat at a restaurant?
Pearl in the Grove 3.5 stars 31936 St. Joe Road, Dade City, 352-588-0008, pearlinthegrove.com On the face of it, a trip to Dade City just to eat at a restaurant seems like a tough sell to most Tampa residents, let alone people on the other side of the Bay. Forget about the fact that many…
Tips to make this Valentine’s Day memorable
It's nearly Valentine's Day, a day to celebrate love, to OD on chocolate, and to show appreciation to your friends, family, and your significant other. I try to remind my new Fiancé how much I appreciate him year round, but since V-Day is the official day of love, why not pull out all the stops…
Slow journey, slow food
On the face of it, a trip to Dade City just to eat at a restaurant seems like a tough sell to most Tampa residents, let alone people on the other side of the Bay. But I guarantee that a journey out north and east to the hinterlands, to Pearl in the Grove, will be…
Try to remember
The fig was blooming The orange blossoms rose aloud from every orchard The din of death did not calm down… In 1979, when Saddam Hussein was the new president of Iraq and a friend of the United States, Jeanne and I met an Iraqi poet named Yaseen at the International Poetry Festival near Lake Ohrid,…
Playing with clothes: Closet Artists: Art to Wear at Florida Craftsmen
Most people who play with Legos (and by "people," I mean pre-adolescent boys) use them to build fortresses and spaceships. When San Francisco-based artist Emiko Oye brings her hand to bear on the plastic blocks, the results look like something from the jewelry box of a futuristic fashionista: chunky necklaces and bracelets made of Legos…
Pause and effect
The Revolve Theatre Company, which premiered in Tampa a few months ago with Caryl Churchill's tantalizing Far Away, has now moved to St. Petersburg with an evening of Harold Pinter one-acts called Here's to You, Harold Pinter! The good news is, each of the three plays currently on stage at The Studio@620 is provocative and…
New grooves
"I think we can all say in our own perfect musical setting, we would all write really challenging music for each other, and then play it because we love to play it, and that would be awesome for us," keyboardist John Richardson told me last week when I met with the members of local space…
Four for 5
Ybor City: It's a Monday night in mid-December as Carrie West takes the microphone to address dozens of supporters crammed into Hamburger Mary's in Centro Ybor. It's his first official campaign event in his quest to win a seat on the Tampa City Council, and the setting is appropriate. The colorful bar and grill is…
Type A(sexual)
I read your column every week, mostly out of abstract interest. In reading you, I came to the conclusion that I was asexual. I liked this conclusion, as it was a sexual identity that made sense for me Then I joined an asexual community. I soon realized that I was unlike those people, too. It…
Do It Today: Michel Delgado: Prescriptions, John Witherspoon, The Ale and The Witch grand opening and more
First off, I hope you're reading this early because FICS is serving up a Free Cuban Breakfast at 8 a.m. Florida Institute for Community Studies is a local non-profit that helps immigrant families be educated, feel celebrated and integrated — and above all receive aid and support. Handypersons, plumbers, construction workers, fundraisers and others are…
Must-click links: Mega-storm U.S.A., Amazon takes on Netflix, Anderson Cooper attacked in Egypt, Bridesmaids, R.I.P. The White Stripes and much more …
Wired.com: Satellite shows winter mega-storm over U.S. Frank Buckles, the last surviving U.S. WWI veteran, turns 110. Amazon to launch online movie service to rival Netflix. Hundreds injured, at least three reported killed, as Mubarak supporters attack protesters seeking president's ouster in Cairo. Even Anderson Cooper was attacked!
Tonight’s Top Chef All-Stars preview: Mambo Italiano
After an unannounced hiatus, Top Chef: All-Stars is back for another episode of culinary badassery. Tonight, the chefs are cooking Italian cuisine for the Elimination Challenge and it looks like different teams are responsible for the different courses. They also seem to be cooking for some well-known chefs, as well as actors who have been…
The Green Community week in review: SOTU clean energy goals, cigarette butt recycling program, energy efficiency tax credits and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed last week: EarthTalk: Energy efficiency tax incentives for 2011 – It is true that some federal tax credits for energy efficiency upgrades expired at the end of 2010, but there is legislative effort afoot to extend some…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: “Climate Refugees” screening, Slow Food meeting, composting workshop 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…
Patrice Murphy – Contributor
I am originally from Michigan and I started my cooking career in New Orleans. I moved to Florida in 2002 and have worked at some of Tampa's finest restaurants (and some not-so-fine ones). I am currently a freelance chef and caterer. email: zippy2692@myway.com
Wine review: Fortitude 2006 Rose
I tried an interesting wine the other day, the 2006 Fortitude Rose from Napa Valley. Fortitude is a project developed from the winemaking team at Etude and since I’m a big fan of Etude, I just had to try it. According to their website, the project is about “celebrating the hard work of independent family grape…
