Undercooked steak destroys idiot woman’s ability to tolerate beef
The degree of hyperbole to which some people live their lives never ceases to amaze me. I mean, really, it must be physically exhausting. Come with me gentle reader. You're traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind. A journey into an obnoxious restaurant land where boundaries are…
New music releases Tues., Feb. 10: Lily Allen, Golem and more
These albums are out today and several are streaming right now on MySpace: Dan Auerbach, Keep It Hid (Nonesuch) Lily Allen, It's Not Me, It's You (Capitol) Beastie Boys, Paul's Boutique 20th Anniversary Edition (Capitol) Beck, Odelay 10th Anniversary Edition Box Set (Original) Golem, Citizen Boris (JDub) Buddy Holly, Memorial Collection (Geffen) Hot Panda, Volcano…
Sarasota man, tanked on Xanax, lets 8-year-old drive
From the Herald-Tribune: Authorities say a Sarasota father who admitted taking tranquilizers let his 8-year-old son drive the car in a parking lot, where the boy almost hit two people and struck two trees. Mark A. Belanger, 34, told Bradenton police officers that he had taken Xanax pills and felt "woozy" when he let the…
Live Nation, Ticketmaster plan merger
Regulators could block the proposed deal that would bring the two ticketing giants together, but AP is reporting that Live Nation and Ticketmaster want to merge. From the AP: Under the deal announced Tuesday, Ticketmaster shareholders would receive 1.384 shares of Live Nation stock for each share of Ticketmaster they hold. Ticketmaster shareholders would hold…
Sports Illustrated reveals its Swimsuit Issue cover
The model is DiCaprio-girl Bar Refaeli. The image speaks for itself.
Sneak Peak: The International
The folks at MSN have posted an exclusive preview of the upcoming Clive Owen/Naomi Watts thriller The International. The video consists of the first 5 minutes of the film, and it's a gripping tease — a tense meeting between two men, a sudden death, a minor car accident, a fun CSI-like autopsy. I would have…
Tampa beer haven Mr. Dunderbak’s opening Wednesday night in new location
Mr. Dunderbak's owner J.B. Ellis closed his doors at the dying, sad University Mall on January 26th, leaving lovers of his Germanic bar food and extensive beer selection dry and hungry for the past two weeks. Thankfully, Tampa's long beerless nightmare is almost over.
$10 bottle of wine at Ruby Tuesday
Three times wholesale cost has been the unfortunate standard for restaurant bottle pricing for years. But Fred Franzia (who vehemently denies any relation to the same-name boxed wine) and his Bronco Wine Company have worked out a deal with the Ruby Tuesday 800+ location chain to sell their Bronco Coastal Vines Chardonnay for $10 on the wine list. It's…
The Graph of Doom puts job losses and stimulus debate into focus
Take a moment and study the graphic above, showing job losses during the last three recessions, 1990, 2001 and present day (represented by the green line). The current period of job loss already exceeds by an order of magnitude anything anyone under the age of 70 has seen. No recession since the Great Depression has…
The Thermals rock The Bell House in New York
The Thermals I flew into La Guardia on Saturday January 31st at about 2pm. The temperature was in the mid to upper 20s and slowly dropping. The Thermals were playing a late show at The Bell House in Brooklyn. How cold was it going to be when the show started at 11pm? I didn't care.…
The Sopranos in 27 minutes
Thought you couldn't make it through all 86 episodes of The Sopranos without investing a serious chunk of time, huh? One clever editor has cut the whole series down to just the most interesting 27 minutes. What follows is every curse word spoken on the show assembled in chronological order. Somewhere, Christian Bale is smiling.…
Kama Sutra: The Black Bee
Getting into the position: The woman draws up her feet and sits on the man who should be on his back. Revolving her hips in a circular motion, she pushes the man's appendage deep within her "yoni." The man may arch his back to give deeper penetration. On a scale of 1 to 10 how…
An introduction to sour beer: Petrus Oud Bruin
Petrus Oud Bruin Flanders Oud Bruin (sour brown ale), 5.5% Belgium For the salt and vinegar potato chip loving, malt vinegar French fry craving, sour apple candy enthusiasts, imagine a deeper, darker version of that tart, tangy goodness, served in a tulip glass. Enter Petrus Oud Bruin, an ale crafted in the Flemish tradition by…
Trent Reznor’s Million Dollar Business Model
Finding a new and profitable business model has eluded major record labels since the decline of recorded music sales began as MP3s took hold. In his presentation at MidemNet — one of the most elite music business event in the World — Techdirt's Mike Masnick profiled Trent Reznor's recent successes selling his music without the…
Local vs. organic foods: Which is better?
Local vs. Organic – what’s better? Hello Locavores! Almost 2 years ago, as I was reading more and more about eating habits, I was handed the Time Magazine article titled 'Local vs. Organic' (March 7, 2007) http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1595245,00.html) by a fellow Florida Association of Community Farmers' Markets Board member (Thanks TA!). This well-written article told of the…
Brandal 2007 Albarino
Mmm… white wine in the winter. Might seem counter-intuitive but you you'll be surprised how a little crisp tongue tingle can revive a dull day. Albarino, a grape from a cold, rainy region in northwest Spain called Rias Baixas, delivers the energy. This Brandal version is similar to sauvignon blanc in texture, light-hearted with tart lime and grapefruit…
The Short List: Obama makes his case
Obama stumped for the stimulus package during last night's prime-time press conference, the first of his administration. In case you missed it: Obama in Ft. Myers: At least now we know the epicenter of Florida's economic meltdown isn't Tampa Bay. From the stimulus frying pan to the bailout fryer. More news after the break …
Welcome to the upside down world of dreams
It's a new day and the upside down world of dreaming is heating up. Getting a lot of Obama dreams from fans and foes alike. One dreamer was deep in a vast ocean and looking up saw Obama treading water at first, then swimming like Phelps passing all the others by. Dreamer tried to call…
What’s your music personality? Signal Patterns has an answer.
According to a new music personality test from Signal Patterns, they can codify your taste in music, give you music options to listen to and even connect you to people with similar music tastes by taking a five-dynamic music taste test from their Website. Signal Patterns is a team of scientists that are "developing a…
Do It Today: Socially conscious films, and a night at the symphony
WMNF hosts two film screenings featuring two environmental films: Kilowatt Ours, about practical ways to save energy, and Mountain Top Removal, which looks at the destructive effect the coal industry’s practice of blowing up the tops of mountains in Appalachia is having on communities and the rivers of the Eastern U.S. Both screenings are followed…
Sensory Overload 4.0 is coming!
Creative Loafing's annual arts, music, film, etc. event goes digital this year. It will be held on Saturday, March 28 at the Honey Pot in Ybor City and will feature interactive installations by Santiago Echeverry, Giancarlo Giusti and Deon Blackwell. Music (*subject to change) will be some heavies in electronic/IDM (*intelligent dance music): Eliot Lipp, Michna, Daedalus and…
Iron Maiden comes to Florida!
I was still discovering Iron Maiden when they last visited Florida – 13 years ago. Needless to say, my fifteen-year-old self didn't even know about the show, much less see it. Plus, it was during the Blaze Bayley years. Even in hindsight, I don't think I'd waste my time. But once classic-era frontman Bruce Dickinson and…
Get your zombie on with Dead Rising 2
Not content to rest on their hot-frying-pan-to-the-face laurels, Capcom has announced today that brains, blood, guts, and more are coming to the Xbox 360, PS3, and PC with an all-new sequel to their 2006 zombie-stomping favorite, Dead Rising with Dead Rising 2. Now it may just be because I’m reading through World War Z at…
The Florida Orchestra reveals its 2009-2010 season
The Florida Orchestra has divulged its 2009-2010 programming schedule. According to TFO Music Director and Conductor Stefan Sanderling, the selections are meant to provide locals with an uplifting experience — "something that symphonic music does so well," he wrote in his release — during a difficult time. Among the Masterworks highlights are a personal favorite,…
Bad Brains documentary teaser
Here's a little one-minute snippet of clips from an upcoming Bad Brains doc. No word yet on a release date. Apparently, they'e still seeking submissions of any and all Bad Brains related material (film/video, photo, audio, flyers, etc.), which means they may have a long way to go before we see this out. If you've…
Wii rockers finally get Moving Pictures
For a while now the Wii living room rockers have been left behind the Xbox 360 and PS3 crowd in terms of extra downloadable tracks for Rock Band and Rock Band 2. If you're one of the people who have bemoaned your lack of classic Canadian rock versus the other versions, today heralds the release…
Harvest of Hope Fest set for March 6-8 in St. Augustine
This might make for a nice road trip in early March. Harvest of Hope, a non-profit organization that provides financial, educational, and service oriented aid to migrant farm workers all over the country, has organized a three-day alternative music festival on the St. John's County Fairgrounds, a short distance from St. Augustine, Fri.-Sun., March 6-8.…
Free beer or sangria at Tijuana Flats
This Valentine's weekend, singles get some love too. Tijuana Flats gives strokes to all 21+, date-less diners with a "Smack My Ass and Show Me You're Single" giveaway that offers a free beer or glass of sangria with the purchase of an entree. Couple welcome too. Tijuana Flats locations.
Stephen Malkmus talks Pavement reissues/reunion in new Pitchfork interview
In a new, thorough interview with Pitchfork, Stephen Malkmus talks about his memories of albums past and about the possibility of a Pavement reunion. SM: Well, I don't think about it too much. It's sort of an out-of-sight, out-of-mind type thing. It's just standard question #10 on the interview circuit for Real Emotional Trash. It's…
Remember last night’s mysterious Rihanna/Chris Brown absence from the Grammys? Heard the crazy stories yet?
Brown got caught up in an domestic violence episode involving an unidentified woman (possibly Rihanna, his girlfriend). The two may or may not have gotten into an argument in their car, she got out, and things escalated from there.
Gasparilla Film Fest expanding to 10 days this year
The organizers of the Gasparilla International Film Festival announced their 2009 lineup today, and the big news is three more days of programming have been added beyond the normal week that the festival used to run. Opening night starts with a Kate Beckinsale-Matt Dillon feature, Nothing But the Truth. The full GIFF news release today…
St. Petersburg’s The Table loses chef Pedro Flores, drama ensues
Aaahh, the drama. Once, there was The Table, a Sarasota restaurant that I named Best Restaurant of 2006. When chef/owners Pedro Flores and Rafael Manzano opened a second location in downtown St. Petersburg, things started to go downhill. Both locations were forced to close last year, on the day the new location was named Best…
Spring Film Festival review
Spring brings wondrous things, of course, but its also high season for local film festivals in the Bay area. Here's a rundown (in order of calendar date): 1. Environmental Film Festival – Eckerd College (11th year) Dates: Saturday, Feb. 21th- Saturday, Feb. 28th Locations: Dan + Mary Miller Auditorium, Eckerd College The skinny: Free admission to all screenings! Named CL's…
Alex Rodriguez admits to steroid use in ESPN interview today (Video)
This is just coming down the pipe: New York Yankees' third baseman Alex Rodriguez sat down for an interview with Peter Gammons of ESPN this afternoon when he admitted to using steroids between 2001-2003. The interview will air on Sportscenter at 6 p.m. tonight. Here's an exerpt: His voice shaking at times, Alex Rodriguez met…
Going the distance for Spanish love at B-21
Sunday was a day that reminds us all why we live in Florida. The slight breeze and bountiful sunshine motivated me to endure a very lengthy drive to Tarpon Springs where the large wine retailer B-21 hosted a seminar on Spanish wines. I had never been to B-21 (queue appalled gasps from my fellow wine enthusiasts), but…
Blog crush: This is why you’re fat
Is it so wrong that a website that displays pictures of "deliciously gross food," just gives me ideas for my next meal? Grab your Lipitor and check out This is why you're fat.
Forget booty. Give me beer
“Let me show you my new implants,” announced a half-drunk wench Saturday at Tampa’s annual “Alright,” I said. It was the only logical response. From my limited experience with breasts, I’d guess that she was lying about her healthy knockers being artificially enhanced, but I didn’t care. Her boobs could have looked like a dog’s…
Audra Chapman – Contributor
A native and sincere admirer of the Tampa Bay area, I've actively indulged in nearly all its fine, and not-so-fine, dining. My years of involvement in the restaurant industry have afforded me the opportunity to become familiar with so many things that allow this scene to thrive, including the wonderment that is wine. My love…
Robert Plant/Alison Krauss nab five Grammys
Besting the likes of Lil Wayne and Coldplay, the tandem of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss surprisingly won five statuettes at the 51st annual Grammy Awards last night. Their country-esque Raising Sand took Album of the Year and "Please Read the Letter" bagged Record of the Year. Lil Wayne took home three awards. Here's a…
My Apartment Hunt: Nightmare on Craigslist
[Editor's Note: Arielle Stevenson (left) is on the hunt for the perfect apartment, or at least something she can afford without having to live with someone weird. Follow her hunt on The Daily Loaf.] I am not one to bash Craigslist. Sure, it may have vastly ruined the print industry's main source of income —…
The Thirsty Marlin: A touch of Key West in Palm Harbor
When I think of Key West I think of tin roofs. I think of pink and green pastels dotting white sandy beaches. I see palm trees and blue water. I think of restaurants with white-washed wood paneling and creaky floors. Big fish that once majestically patrolled local waters are now preserved indefinitely on the wall…
Does anyone, anywhere, care about the Grammys?
A simple poll today. Do you care about the Grammys, which aired last night? For an event whose most-cited moments include Milli Vanilli's 1990 Grammy for Best New Artist and the Bob Dylan soy bomb dancer, We're guessing probably not. Vote below the jump.
The Short List: Please, just pass the damn stimulus already!
A lot of good Gasparilla video on YouTube. I enjoyed this one, a floats-eye-view of the parade. Keeping tabs on the never-ending stimulus debate. Republican leader Michael Steele almost went one whole week before having to clear his "good name." More news after the break …
The Grammys: Play-by-Play
In answer to Stephen's earlier question, no, I don't really care about the Grammys. I probably haven't watched that particular music awards show (or really, any of the current music awards shows) in who knows how long. But I figure this year, I'll tune in just to see if I actually know or care about…
Do It Today: Peters, Meaney and NAACP
In the ’70s, Bernadette Peters carved out a niche as a pouty, girlishly sexy, mouse-voiced comedic actress who could sing some. Now 60, she concentrates on the singing, mostly lush ballads and arms-outstretched, old-style pop numbers. She’s the kind of performer who falls under the rubric “multi-talented.” 8 p.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, $49-$100. —Eric…
Concert announcements: Coldplay, Seal, Kings of Leon and the return of Beanstalk
Friday, Feb. 27 Malcolm Holcombe (Dave's Aqua Lounge, St. Petersburg) Saturday, Feb. 28 The Farewell Tour featuring T.I. and Friends (St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa) Saturday, March 07 Snoop Dogg *CANCELLED* (Jannus Landing, St. Petersburg) Saturday, March 07 K'Naan (Jannus Landing, St. Petersburg) Saturday, March 07 William Elliot Whitmore (pictured at right, State Theatre, St.…
Does anyone, anywhere, care about the Grammys?
A simple poll today. Do you care about the Grammys, airing tonight? For an event whose most-cited moments include Milli Vanilli's 1990 Grammy for Best New Artist and the Bob Dylan soy bomb dancer, We're guessing probably not. Vote below the jump.
Late night music: Feb. 9-13
A regular weekly bulletin on musical guests playing the five-nights-a-week late night talk shows (and SNL); set your TIVOs or DVRs. The Late Show with David Letterman, CBS Wednesday, February 11: Anthony Hamilton Thursday, February 12: TBA Friday, February 13: Matt Nathanson The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, NBC Monday, February 9: Duffy (pictured) Tuesday,…
Alex Rodriguez: From A-Rod to A-Fraud to A-Roid
It didn't take long for the nickname to change, reports CBC Sports. After SI.com revealed Saturday morning that Alex Rodriguez had tested positive for steroids in 2003, the Yankee third baseman was almost immediately re-christened A-Roid by the New York Daily News — and also by the Dallas Morning News, the Seattle Weekly and the…
5 pirate games for your Gasparilla enjoyment
Okay, so maybe heading out for all the craziness going on at Gasparilla isn't really your cup of rum. Or perhaps you'd just like to relive our yearly invasion from the comfort of your own home – you know, once that rum-soaked hangover wears off. Whatever your reason may be, if you're in the mood…
Free bread at the chains: The reason we eat out?
The free bread at restaurants is one of the great joys in life. I often find myself making a decision on where to go to eat based on the free bread they offer. It's just so good. Most decent restaurants will bring you free bread at some point during the dining experience, and it's usually…
Brunch on this: Southwestern Shrimp and Grits
Brunch is my favorite part of the weekend — I love making it and I especially love eating it (also because it gives me an excuse to drink a Bloody Mary before noon). Combining two meals into one is a genius idea because you can have your breakfast-type items (eggs, waffles, etc.) and more substantial lunch-…
Playing Starcraft for college credit
, In a book every gamer and every anti-gamer should read, author Brian Johnson argues that in fact, Everything Bad Is Good For You. It's a good book, and he makes the case for the internet, television, movies, and video games and how they've grown more intelligent and thought provoking in recent years, offering interesting…
30 years later, did Sid Vicious really kill Nancy?
Thirty years after the death of Sex Pistols bassist Sid Vicious, a new documentary called Who Killed Nancy? argues Vicious was not responsible for death of girlfriend/groupie/heroin addict Nancy Spungen. Former Sex Pistols manager Malcolm McLaren says the idea was bollocks in the first place, according to a new article he penned, called Sid Didn't…
A week in the life of CL food and drink blogs
We were busy this week. Check out what the CL food and wine blogs served up. James raved about BJ's Alabama Barbecue. Taylor's got the goods on a prix-fixe deal at Gallagher's Steakhouse and how to win dinner for two at Toasted Pheasant, reveals the demise on A&L Fine Wines in Palm Harbor, and talks about…
Deep South (Tampa): BJ’s Alabama BBQ
The only thing better than eating good barbecue is scouting for new and interesting restaurants. Lucky for me to stumble across BJ's Alabama BBQ this morning. The plume of white smoke coming from the chimney caught my eye as I headed north on S. Dale Mabry. When a buddy called to tell me he was…
Tonight at Crowbar: Round two of Perpetual Groove
Contrary to rumors that've been circulating the past few days, tonight's Perpetual Groove show at Crowbar in Ybor has not sold out — only pre-sale tickets are no longer available. If you haven't seen the Athens rocktronica foursome yet, I suggest you drop in. P-groove plays an energetic blend of trance-laden electronica, heavy-hitting rock 'n'…
John Wesley: From Porcupine Tree to the Green Iguana — and back.
John Wesley darts into his rehearsal room at a warehouse in an industrial section of Ybor City hunting for one of his $3,000 Paul Reed Smith guitars. “Ugh,” he groans. “I thought it was in here. I guess it must be at home.” Most guitarists fortunate enough to own a PRS might be panicked if…
Kings of Leon spring tour date include stop in Tampa
This just in from our friends at Big Hassle Media: Kings of Leon tour dates, including a stop in Tampa at the Sun Dome on Fri., May 8. Tickets go on sale Fri., Feb. 13. The band's latest album, Only By The Night, was released on September 23, 2008 and debuted in the top five…
Fuck and Run, Nebraska and other Valentine’s Day classics
Traditionalists, romantics and cynics who would like to get laid next Saturday night, order your roses now! Valentine's Day is a mere 8 days away. If you wait much longer you'll be sporting a pot of mums on the big night and, trust me, mums will get you nowhere. In honor of our annual celebration of…
Sims 3 release date pushed back to June
If you've been looking forward to getting your Sim on later this month, I'm afraid EA has some bad news for you. The February 20th release date originally announced last year at the Leipzig Games Convention has now been pushed back to June 2nd. Several interesting changes are coming to Sims 3, evolving the game…
President Obama due in Fort Myers on Tuesday
He'll be pitching his economic stimulus plan in town with 10-percent unemployment. For more click here.
Val Kilmer contemplating run for governor of New Mexico
Think Val Kilmer is kind of a weird dude? How much fun would it be to have him as governor? This just in: Having variously portrayed God, Moses and Philip II of Macedon in his unpredictable career, Val Kilmer may be contemplating a role that would carry more real-world authority. In an interview with The…
Tonight at Dave’s: Reverend Deadeye
Last October, Ninebullets.net contributor Autopsy IV interviewed "no man gospel band" Reverend Deadeye, a blues howlin' troubadour who just so happens to be playing Dave's Aqua Lounge in St. Petersburg tonight. Here's the write up and interview Autopsy IV has graciously allowed us to re-post here on Tampa Calling. Enjoy. Some people pursue music for…
Gallagher Steakhouse prix-fixe deal
High-end steakhouses (hell, even low-end) are clamoring for business these days, desperately trying to get their share of ever-shrinking dining budgets (and shriveling expense accounts). But if you've got $45 to spare, check out this three-course, prix-fixe menu at Gallagher's in Tampa's Channelside complex. You'll have to eat early with the old folks, but the meal's worth around…
Vladimir Putin orders a private concert by an ABBA tribute band
Is Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin the complete hard-ass prick he seems to be? Does he occasionally like to tap his inner dancing queen? This just came over the wires: MOSCOW – An ABBA tribute band says the Kremlin whisked it away to perform a private concert for Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Rod Stephen,…
Do It This Weekend: Time and Eric, Mosaic, Gasparilla and more
Among Cartoon Network’s diversity of Adult Swim programming is Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!. The 11-minute program created by and co-starring actor/comics Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim (pictured, photo by Pamela Littky) takes the live-action material from their animated show, Tom Goes to the Mayor, and expands upon it with sketches, songs, and…
Shawn Alff – Contributor
Shawn Alff is a freelance writer currently residing in San Diego. Stories of his misadventures in the world of adult entertainment have appeared in print and online for websites like huffingtonpost.com, LAweekly.com, fleshbot.com, cltampa.com, clclt.com, modelsandmma.com, and aan.xxx. He is the author of Ode to a Great American Failure, Haole: A Summer Homeless in Hawaii,…
Disney Eggs: Would you pay a premium for a little Goofy on your shell?
Apparently, Japan has been stamping Disney logos onto eggs for years, but it's a relatively new phenomena here in the states. Truth is, this is a simple marketing ploy by an egg manufacturing company, who paid a premium to Disney for the rights to emblazon its packages with Disney stuff. No big deal. What we…
Labor Department reports biggest job loss since 1974
This morning's report in the New York Times is full of good news: Worse-than expected job loss: The country moved into its second year of uninterrupted job losses last month, with companies shedding another 598,000 jobs — the most since December 1974… Economists had forecast a loss of 540,000 jobs.. Worse than-expected unemployment: 7.6 percent…
Reliving the Chinese Communist Invasion of Alaska in 2077, thanks to Fallout 3 expansion packs
Fallout 3 is probably my favorite game of the past few months. I devoted hours and hours to exploring its version of post-nuclear war Washington DC, and am more than ready to spend hours more, so I was excited when Bethesda announced that they'd be releasing three downloadable expansion packs over the next three months.…
Too cold for a sundae? Try a Banana Split Salad
Too cold outside to run and get ice cream? In Florida, it is never too cold for ice cream. But I am sure that when you are freezing your ass off, the last thing on your mind is a big ol' bowl of Rocky Road. So I present you an alternative, Banana Split Salad. I…
R.I.P. Lux Interior, legendary voice of The Cramps
The Cramps crapped the punk of The Sonics/Ramones continuum and Hasil Adkins/Link Wray rockabilly together in the late 70s by extolling the virtues of simple, high velocity disorted music and inescapable in your face attitude (dubbing a new subgenre called "psychobilly"). Best described as a psychotic crooner, Lux Interior sang and contorted for the band…
The Short List: Can anyone pass this stimulus package?
What better way to end this week than with this Colbert clip where Stephen sends up the Christian Bale meltdown with a little help from fellow Stephen, Steve Martin? Have a good weekend! Obama shoots back at Republicans, says time is of the essence on stimulus bill. But can they pass it today? More news…
Pato Banton warms up Skipper’s
All photos by Phil Bardi. Despite temperatures that dipped below 30 Wednesday night, a few hundred bundled-up locals managed to make it out to Skipper’s Smokehouse Wednesday night to see British reggae toaster/singer Pato Banton (pictured) perform with LA hip-hop-meets-reggae rock outfit Mystic Roots, a tight little sextet with a two-piece horn section (sax and…
A community garden network in Tampa
Last year, Andrea Hildebran told Creative Loafing that she hoped the seeds she helped plant in St. Pete's Best of the Bay-winning Bartlett Park Community Garden would lead to more than just some beautiful green vegetables. She envisioned similar urban community gardens flourishing all over Tampa Bay. That movement seems to be taking root. Earlier…
Former Trib employee charged with embezzling more than a million
Charles Wilson was a credit manager at the Trib; according to a federal complaint, it seems Wilson and his wife Lynda may have been improving their own credit. They've been charged with paying off mortage and car payments, a golf club membership and private Christian school tuition with more than $1 million in checks intended…
USA Swimming suspends Phelps
He inhaled. On camera. So now USA Swimming has to save face by kicking him out for a while. And Kellogg's is not renewing his contract. Anyone else think this is bullshit?
U.S. theater’s hurting. Tampa Bay theater? Booming.
There's a lot being made about the state of professional theater in America these days. You see theater closings almost daily, arts organization bailout packages are a hot topic, calls are being made for President Obama to create a Secretary of the Arts, layoffs are ubiquitous and now even the Kennedy Center is pitching in…
San Francisco’s leading indie music festival, Noise Pop, finalizes its 2009 lineup.
The 17th annual fest takes place Feb. 24-March 1 and will feature Antony & the Johnsons, Deerhunter, Stephen Malkmus, Josh Ritter (solo with a string quartet), A.C. Newman, French Kicks, Matt Costa, Thao Nguyen, Martha Wainwright, From Monument to Masses, Kool Keith, Mike Relm, The Morning Benders, The Submarines, Ra Ra Riot, Dear And The…
CL Sounds 2.5: Plants and Animals, Buddy Holly, Little Joy and others.
A new weekly roundup of what the CL team is listening to right now. Wild Sweet Orange We Have Cause To Be Uneasy (2008) This is one the most well-rounded albums I've heard in a long time. It came in a press packet to me last year, and my loyalty and love for this album…
Aretha Franklin records a do-over of her inauguration performance
The Queen of Soul claims she couldn't give her best at the too-cold ceremony, and is releasing her "preferred version" of "My Country 'Tis of Thee" as a single on iTunes, Rhapsody and various other outlets this week. Why not make some money off your mistake, right?
Advice from the Dildo Whisperer
Yes, the Dildo Whisperer. She gives candid LGBT sex advice on my new favorite radio show, The Derek and Romaine Show, aka DNR. I stumbled onto DNR while flipping through the channels on XM Satellite Radio, whose recent merger with Sirius has yielded up cool stuff like SiriusOutQ, the radio-station equivalent of TV's Here! or…
Extreme Super Bowl Tailgating (Video)
Watch the CL Street Team snuggle, drink and "sausage" their way through the tailgating parties at Super Bowl XLIII. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gDmsNxbjb4[/youtube] More CL TV
Recessionomics tip: How to replace a lost cell phone charger
I left the charger to my cheapo cell phone in a Jacksonville motel room a two weekends ago, and when I went to the AT&T store to replace it, the fuckers wanted THIRTY BUCKS for a new one. I walked. When I went to Radio Shack, they had adapter plugs for $10, but then you…
Looks like a book, smells like a book . . .
Let’s talk about some books that don’t look like books – at least not like the books they really are. These are stealth books. Flip through It has comic-like drawing, none of the dark stuff that infuses graphic novels. But once you get into it, you see it’s a genius way to to teach science.…
Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg hospitalized
Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is undergoing surgery today for what is reported to be early-stage pancreatic cancer. The New York Times reports that the 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer is low, due to the difficulties in early detection, but in Ginsburg's case the cancer was discovered early so her prognosis may be…
Indie 101: Unkle Bob
This is only my second week at this underground music column and I'm already feeling a bit restless. Narrowing it down to only one artist a week seems a little bit like Chinese water torture, doesn't it? This week I am representin' Unkle Bob. Unkle Bob is made up of Rick Webster (vocals, guitar), Stuart…
Kevin Bacon, Sandy Koufax on Madoff’s client list
The Bernie Madoff body count keeps on rising. Earlier reports had named Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick as victims of the world's biggest Ponzi scheme. Now his client list has been made public, revealing more famous patsies, including Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax and the developer behind the World Trade Center. Read more here.
Digital pirates winning battle with movie studios?
NYTimes says movie studies are losing ground in their battle with pirates: Hollywood may at last be having its Napster moment — struggling against the video version of the digital looting that capsized the music business. Media companies say that piracy — some prefer to call it “digital theft” to emphasize the criminal nature of…
Eric Leech – Contributor
Tragically born into this world without a GI Joe (with Kung Fu grip) or silver spoon, Eric compensated with degrees in English, Psychology, Social Sciences and Theater. Confucius say, “Young dung beetle who does not look before leap, land in crap pile without napkin to wipe mouth,” and Eric has recently found himself quite the…
Springsteen accuses Ticketmaster of fan “abuse”
Here at CL, we've done our share of ragging on Ticketmaster. Over the years a few major stars have had the balls to step up and rise against the agency's monopoly (Pearl Jam comes to mind). The latest naysayer is Bruce Springsteen, who caught wind that Ticketmaster was redirecting customers to its secondary site, TicketsNow,…
Free Game Downloads From Amazon.com
Amazon.com lurks on the Web, ever dreaming of conquest. Their latest gambit is trying to sell you inexpensive, casual games for your PC, and wouldn't you know it, the first hit is free. I have to admit that Build-a-Lot, Jewel Quest II, and The Scruffs aren't exactly the titles I've been waiting for with baited…
Soup and Sandwiches: the perfect remedy to beat the winter blues
This current frigid weather calls for some serious action: soup and sandwiches. There's nothing like a warm, comforting soup and a toasty sandwich alongside it to chase away the chills. Here are some recipes to mix and match for a cozy winter meal: Chicken Noodle Soup Tomato Soup with Roasted Garlic and Herbs Chipotle Black Bean…
Michael Graves coffee maker from Target and Eight O’ Clock Columbian coffee rated best by Consumer Reports
Everyone in the Bay area needs to pay attention to this if we're going to win Most Caffeinated again this year: Need to curb your $5 daily coffee habit, or need a desk-top alternative to crappy office Joe? After testing 34 different coffee makers, Consumer Reports has picked the unlikely, curvy, blue-adorned coffee maker from…
Inaugural Fritatta: Less struggle, more achievement and lots of popularity
How are you at making omelets? The folding part specifically. Well if you answered, “Not so good”, then I have a technique for you. It’s no secret and it’s well publicized but I think there is some confusion. You see, frittata is a fancy word for an omelet that never gets folded. It begins on the…
Obama’s prayer: Religion as uniter, not divider
It's old news that Barack Obama (and/or his speechwriters) has a way with words. But his remarks today about religion strike me as among his most moving to date. The speech, in its embrace of difference and its vision of faith as uniter rather than divider, signifies a profound paradigm shift from the previous administration.…
Still my favorite Gasparilla photo of all time
Jimmy the Superstar managed to capture the essence of what Gasparilla is all about in this classic shot (found on flickr.com) from the 2005 parade. So much to take in, but I guess I love the one dude's leg in mid-kick. And it reminds me to remind you that CL's new Gasparilla uide page is…
The Short List: Good times/ bad times for Obama
Poor Alberto Gonzalez. He can't seem to find a job. What a shocker after the bang-up job he did as Attorney General. You win some: Obama signs SCHIP expansion into law. You lose some: The stimulus package wrangling continues … Jesus Christ Cheney, you just can't stay quiet in your new undisclosed location, can you?…
Do It Today: Scythian, Diversity and Zebras
DC’s Scythian (named for antiquity-era nomadic herders) is among the resurgence of old-timey music makers, an acoustic quartet that fuses Americana with Celtic, klezmer, Irish, and Eastern gypsy influences. Poetry n' Lotion opens the band's Tampa show. 8 p.m., New World Brewery, Ybor City, $8. Last chance to see A Celebration of Diversity at Studio@620.…
What is Grimace?
The question is pretty short and to the point. What exactly is Grimace, the McDonald's character? I mean Ronald McDonald is a clown, that's pretty clear. And the majority of the remaining McDonald's characters seem to have at least a passing resemblance or relation to McDonald's food. The Hamburglar is a thief that steals hamburgers.…
Apartment hunt: My search for the perfect place, Part 1
Each of us reaches a point in our young adult lives when the home we grew up in is no longer our home. I reached this turning point last year, before my second year at USF St. Petersburg. I was hungry for my own space, no matter how tiny, decrepit, filthy or funky it may…
Amy Cairns & John Kimball – Contributors
Both of us are foodies, winos, and believers in the idea that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to eat healthy, sustainable, mostly local, and most importantly ethical and honest food. We are two poor epicures forever in search of our next delectable meal on a really tight budget. Our blog explores…
Free films from around the world! Does it get better than that?
Every year for the past several, Eckerd College's "International Cinema" series has been offering up exciting and innovative films from around the world to anyone who wants to show up, most Fridays (7pm) during the regular school year. Mind Game (plays THIS Friday, Feb. 6, 7pm) Maybe this is shameless self-promotion, since I run the…
Win dinner for two at Toasted Pheasant
Toasted Pheasant in Carrollwood is giving away a dinner for two if you can guess the actual date of their first year anniversary. We don't know… do you? Check it out.
Tonight at Skipper’s: Pato Banton
Skipper's Smokehouse hosts Island Night every Wednesday. This evening's edition features Birmingham, England reggae singer/toaster Pato Banton with California's Mystic Roots backing him up. Yes, it's supposed to get pretty chilly tonight. No, that shouldn't deter from going to the show. Here's some stuff about him you probably don't know: 1. Last year, Banton released…
Gasparilla Photos
See all Gasparilla 2009 pics here. Upload your Gasparilla photos now!
The Tutored Chef: Student run restaurant at the Art Institute of Tampa
Looking for somewhere new to grab lunch on your break from work? Then be sure to check out The Tutored Chef at The Art Institute of Tampa. It is a student run restaurant by a class of some of their talented culinary students. Almost all of their delicious creations are made from scratch and each week the students…
P. Diddy’s Pants-Less Super Bowl Blowout Party
The Super Bowl is not a game. It’s a national holiday from moderation, offering sanctuary from dieting, sobriety, and sense. It’s a celebration of all the things foreigners despise, and secretly envy, about Americans: extravagance, overindulgence, consumerism, and idiocy. So, when you hoist your Natural Ice and Stuffed Jalapeno popper as a reality star sings…
O’Reilly/Bale mashup: It had to happen
Admit it: the first time you heard the Christian Bale on-set freakout you thought to yourself, "If only someone would cut this together with Bill "Fuck it! I'll do it live!" O'Reilly's Inside Edition rant, we might have something here." Good news folks, if you can dream it, the Internet can do it. Enjoy!
Twitter with CL for Gasparilla and win dinner on us
Going to the parade, concerts, parties or anything connected to Gasparilla? Have a Twitter account? Then you are all set to join CL's Parade of Tweeters, covering all the festivities of Tampa Bay's pre-eminent annual buccaneer bacchanalia for those of us who ar going to be stuck at work or at home in front of…
Food and wine events
Wednesday, Feb. 4: ABC Fine Wines and Spirits Largo Sample from dozens of wine selections, with free hors d'oeuvres. $10. 1603 N. Missouri Ave., Largo (727-581-4642) Thursday, Feb. 5: Belleair Grill and Wine Bar 4 course Spanish wine dinner featuring importer David Bernard of Vinamericas. $49. 6:30-9 p.m., 1575 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater (727-449-2988…
Datz Deli: First look
With cool, high-end joints like Ocean Prime and Aquaknox opening in recent weeks, it seems a little strange that a place like Datz Deli is consuming the attention of many Bay area foodies. Actually, considering the economy — and Tampa's distinct lack of big-time New York-style delis — maybe that's not so surprising after all.…
P. Diddy’s Pants-Less Super Bowl Blowout
The Super Bowl is not a game. It’s a national holiday from moderation, offering sanctuary from dieting, sobriety, and sense. It’s a celebration of all the things foreigners despise, and secretly envy, about Americans: extravagance, overindulgence, consumerism, and idiocy. So, when you hoist your Natural Ice and Stuffed Jalapeno popper as a reality star sings…
Denny’s breakfast giveaway exceeds expectations
Denny's spent over $5 million dollars serving up over 2 million Grand Slam breakfasts yesterday, in what the company is calling "an awesome day." John Dillon, VP of Marketing at Denny's, said, "The response from customers both existing and new guests, as well as our staff and the restaurants… we couldn't have asked for more." Read…
Hard Rock will rock a ‘massive expansion’ of Tampa hotel, casino
10 Connects reports: The Seminole Tribe of Florida is betting that business at its Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa will continue to grow. So the Seminoles are preparing for a massive expansion that will cost between $600 and 800-million. "We're moving forward with design and getting some of the design work as far…
Twitter all the Gasparilla madness with CL — and win a free dinner
Going to the parade, concerts, parties or anything connected to Gasparilla? Have a Twitter account? Then you are all set to join CL’s Parade of Tweeters, covering all the festivities of Tampa Bay’s pre-eminent annual buccaneer bacchanalia for those of us who ar going to be stuck at work or at home in front of…
The Short List: Obama caps exec pay at $500,000
Lost tonight, and here's a sneak peak at tonight's episode. Don't tell me what happens in it. I'll wait until tonight to find out. Obama caps executive pay at $500,000. Let the cries of the apocalypse begin. The President continues his bipartisanship attack by appointing a Republican as Secretary of Commerce post. California's Prop. 8…
Fareed Haque + the Flat Earth Ensemble: Flat Planet
By and large, Flat Planet is a sublime melding of jam-jazz, R&B and Indian/Pakistani music. It’s the kind of musical convergence that’s not easy to pull off, but Haque — a guitarist of Pakistani and Chilean descent probably best known for his membership in Garaj Mahal — and his group manage it organically. Most of…
Bin there, ate that: Bin 27 Bistro
Despite a few problems, Tampa’s Bin 27 Bistro shows promise.
Week that was: In and out of the mayor’s race
While we were all busy making onion dip, icing down beers and filling out squares for the office pool, here are a few non-Super Bowl developments you might have missed last week: St. Pete mayor's race less murky: Two big names lurking around the race to succeed Mayor Rick Baker said this week that they…
Review: Thom Pain (based on nothing)
American Stage’s latest After Hours production is a winner.Performance
Saddleback: The winners are in
Saddlebacking defined
Pam Iorio for Senate? No-brainer
It's funny how quickly things change in politics. Three weeks ago, it made almost no sense for Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio to think about running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Republican Mel Martinez in 2010. Today, it makes almost no sense for her not to run. "It was not something I was…
Going the distance for Spanish love at B-21
Sunday was a day that reminds us all why we live in Florida. The slight breeze and bountiful sunshine motivated me to endure a very lengthy drive to Tarpon Springs where the large wine retailer B-21 hosted a seminar on Spanish wines. I had never been to B-21 (queue appalled gasps from my fellow wine enthusiasts), but…
Can hermaphrodites get themselves pregnant?
Is there such a thing as a true intersex person? If so, could they get themselves pregnant? Would their baby be a clone? —Atrehyeu, via e-mail I'll give you credit for one thing, Atrehyeu. You used intersex, the term for those with genital anomalies that many prefer to hermaphrodite, which is a bit too redolent…
No wine gimmicks, please
What makes a good wine bar?
I’ve Loved You So Long
Philippe Claudel is a successful French novelist, so it's odd that his filmmaking debut suffers more from narrative than cinematic flaws. Kristin Scott Thomas plays a husk of a woman who's just been paroled after serving 15 years for a heinous murder; with nowhere else to go, she moves in with the younger sister she…
Coraline
Scintillating Coraline opens a case of curious buttons
Southside Johnny: Grapefruit Moon — The Songs of Tom Waits
Turns out that road-dog R&B singer Southside Johnny Lyon has long had a soft spot for the music of Tom Waits. Instead of trying to cop Waits’ avant-gardisms, though, Southside put his own stamp the material by singing over big band arrangements by Richie “La Bamba” Rosenberg. Southside’s gravelly, lived-in pipes prove to be the…
