Move to Amend leaders thrilled with bill to overturn Citizens United
Minnesota Democratic Congressman Rick Nolan Earlier this week, two freshmen Democrats in the House, Minnesota's Rick Nolan and Wisconsin's Mark Pocan, announced legislation calling for a constitutional amendment to overturn the Citizens United Supreme Court decision that freed up corporations to give money in elections. In Washington, Nolan said, "It's time to take the shaping…
Mitch Perry Report 2.13.12 – SOTU Hangover
Obama speaks, Rubio drinks and more …
Bill Nelson chastises Ted Cruz for going too far in Hagel hearing
Predictably, the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday approved along party lines the nomination of former Nebraska GOP Senator Chuck Hagel as President Obama's defense secretary, sending it to the full Senate on a 14-11 vote. But there was bad blood in the air, as several Republicans cracked on Hagel for various transgressions. Texas's new…
Rubio one of just 22 GOP senators to vote against the Violence Against Women Act
Marco Rubio rehearsing to give his rebuttal to the SOTU In between practicing for his speech that will follow President Obama's State of the Union Address, Marco Rubio went on the floor of the Senate to join 21 of his GOP colleagues — all men — in voting against the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA),…
Bill Nelson joins Barbara Boxer for electoral reform
Ever since the state of Florida suffered another electoral breakdown last November, everyone in state government — from Gov. Rick Scott down to House Democrats — have talked about some sort of reform to ensure that such a debacle doesn't happen again. Sure, we heard the same thing after the infamous 2000 recount election, but…
Pinellas County Commission moves ahead on transit tax
Janet Long said she was elected in part to move the transportation issue in Pinellas forward There's been a lot of discussion and debate about Pinellas County placing a transit tax on the ballot next year, which would go toward the construction of a light rail system between St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Most of the…
New Music Tuesday! (February 12): Foals, Day Joy, Matt Hires, Matt Costa & more
Releases out this week; video included.
Mitch Perry Report 2.12.13 – State of the Union edition
Obama speaks, Jim Greer pleads guilty and more …
Bar hop
In the words of Betty Crocker, “Above all, think chocolate.”
Angela Sommers: glamour model, porn star, vampire, nerd
Penthouse.com Thin, busty, blonde — Angela Sommers is a life-size Barbie Doll, albeit an x-rated Barbie. But, this Playboy model and May 2012 Penthouse Pet has a dark secret: she's a nerd. Actually, she's several nerds rolled into one flawless beauty. She's a webmaster geek, a Star Wars freak, and a vampire chick who wears…
Rand Paul to rebut President Obama and Marco Rubio after tomorrow’s State of the Union address
For once, there's legitimate excitement about the response speech that follows a president's State of The Union (SOTU) address. Tomorrow night's Republican rebuttal to President Obama's first SOTU of his second term will be delivered by Marco "I'm not a Savior" Rubio. The freshman Senator from Florida has reportedly been studying tapes of past SOTU…
Misery Bear’s memoir is perfect for Valentine’s Day — if you’re alone
Face it, guys: Valentine’s Day is a holiday that exists for the glorification of women. Don’t get your Beloved a raunchy card and a Whitman sampler. Go all the way — nice dinner, wine, fine chocolates, declarations of love . . . perhaps even a book. Whatever you do, don’t get her Misery Bear’s Guide…
Pushing immigration reform, Kathy Castor invites Jose Godinez-Samperio to the State of the Union address
Mitch Perry Congresswoman Kathy Castor with Jose Godinez-Samperio, her guest for next week's State of the Union address. When it comes to advocating for comprehensive immigration reform, Tampa-area Democratic Congresswoman Kathy Castor is all in. Today she continued her strong push for a measure to be passed this year by announcing that 26-year-old Florida State…
Because we heart you: Things to do with (or without) your valentine
Kopeikin Gallery SEDUCTION EN ESPAÑOL: Marta Soul’s “Idillo en apartamento II” ruminates on a consumer-influenced romantic ideal, in Post Coital at Mindy Solomon Gallery. Valentine’s week isn’t just for lovers. Get in the mood or vent your disgust at all things ooey-gooey romantic with art, storytelling, poetry, music, comedy and even burlesque to remind you…
Rick Kriseman officially announces candidacy for Mayor of St. Petersburg
The former City Council member plans to be more proactive than incumbent Bill Foster.
Ex wife new life: unpacking kid-baggage on the first date
Midlife dating is different than "dating" in our 20s. Back then I did not need such accessories as long sleeved Spanx. Nor did I break a sweat trying to cram my ass into skinny jeans while battling through a hot flash. These are big changes for sure, but the biggest change midlifers face when it…
Mitch Perry Report 2.11.13 – Will Jim Greer trial be as interesting as advertised?
I'd love to give you my take on the Grammy's last night, but unfortunately I passed out relatively early in the proceedings. I could go on about the wonders of Gotye, but really, the news that Pope Benedict XVI — aka Joseph Ratzinger — will be "stepping down" later this month transcends that, no? The…
Valentine’s Day dining guide
Kick the romance up to 11 with these very fancy-schmancy dining options.
Congressman Dennis Ross and State Representative Jamie Grant speak to inspire Young Republicans
At the 2013 Winter Quarterly meeting of the Florida Federation of Young Republicans on Saturday, Congressman Dennis Ross and State Representative Jamie Grant urged Young Republicans to go out into their communities and win back the voters by acting on their Republican values and connecting with the people through digital media and technology. It was…
A night of Knights: Photos of the 2013 Sant’ Yago Knight Parade
The float from the Gauchos is designed to look like a cigar-smoking Argentinian cowboy. It was one of the dozens of floats, bands and krewes in the 2013 Krewe of Sant' Yago Knight Parade. It's a parade, it's a street party, and it's a drink fest. The 2013 crew of Sant' Yago Knight Parade rumbled…
Lindsey Graham can’t quit Benghazi
As per usual on the Sunday morning public affairs, there were a lot of middle-aged U.S. Senators discussing the news of the week today, but the only thing that really pricked our ears up was South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham's call on CBS' Face The Nation that he'll do whatever he can to block Chuck…
Fairly great fun: photos from the Florida State Fair
The 109th Florida State Fair kicked off in Tampa at 6:30 a.m. on Friday, February 7 with the flip of a switch from Gov. Rick Scott, lighting the midway and signaling the official start of the 12-day event. The theme of this year's fair is built around the 500th anniversary of Spanish explorer Ponce de…
Florida Young Republicans gather in Tampa to pick up the pieces
Florida Young Republicans gathered Saturday at the Tampa Museum of Art President Obama crushed Mitt Romney among young voters last year, beating the former Massachusetts governor 67-30 percent in the 18-29 demographic. According to one analysis, that huge margin made a decisive difference in Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio. An analysis by the Center for…
Internet dating for queer ladies
Several months ago, not long after ending my most longterm relationship to date, I decided to reenter the world of online dating. It seemed like as good a hobby as any, especially when I felt like making out with someone would be a fun thing to do. It's not like I had much else going…
Rowdies kick grass at Disney Classic
The Rowdies are beginning their 2013 campaign this weekend as the NASL representative in the Disney Pro Soccer Classic at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex in Orlando.
Identity Thief stole my will to live
Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy go for laughs and fail miserably.
Rapp Brewing voted best new brewery in Florida
Arielle Stevenson Tasting room at Rapp Brewing. Greg Rapp opened his brewery and tasting room in an industrial park in Seminole only a few months ago. Everyday he goes in around nine and leaves around five, solo brewing 4-6 barrels a week, packing his tasting room with 20 taps of Rapp originals.
Vinoy, vino, va-voom!
There was no proposal or wedding or honeymoon. Seems I just woke up one day with this little kid pulling one of my eyelids open asking “Mama, ¿tu ta spiértate? ¿Que ta pa sayuno?” In Spanish toddler-talk this means, “Mom, are you awake? What’s for breakfast?” A Twilight Zone kind of experience: one day young…
Mitch Perry Report 2.8.13 – More thoughts on the GOP and their place in the culture
New York Times liberal columnist Thomas Edsall has a particularly interesting column online published yesterday called "The Persistence of Racial Resentment." In it, he examines the white vote in presidential and congressional elections going back to 60 years, demonstrating that other other than LBJ back in 1964, the Democrats have failed to win that demographic.…
Editor’s Note: The Sex & Love Issue
Sex and love get their due in this Valentine’s Day-themed edition.
The Dirty Sex Primer
Just in time for V-Day: It’s our online Dirty Sex Dictionary, abridged.
Elizabeth
A lost love, and the friend who keeps her memory alive.
Ain’t talkin’ ’bout love: a Valentine’s Day mixtape for the cynical and cantankerous.
Spotify playlist included.
Toward a better-looking bordello
Do houses of ill repute have to be so darn homely?
Cupid Central
A look inside The Pink Petticoat.
Cuck you
One reader’s cuckolding fantasy becomes reality.
Amorous ales
Say “I love you” with beer.
The power of No
Will Hillsborough commissioners who voted against the domestic partner registry feel the heat from voters?
Side Effects is a bitter pill
Soderbergh’s latest may cause severe irritation and involuntary rolling of the eyes.
Good news for Rick Kriseman and anyone else contemplating a run against Bill Foster in St Pete
Bill Foster StPetePolls has a new survey out today, and the big news is there are now slightly more people who disapprove of the job Mayor Bill Foster is doing than those who say they approve. (Foster comes out at 49-51 percent in public approval.) It hasn't been a great 2013 for Foster. The recent…
Rays still can’t talk to Tampa officials about a new stadium
Charlie Gerdes Today, the St. Petersburg City Council deadlocked on a 4-4 vote to have their attorney study a proposal that would allow the Rays permission to speak to officials in Tampa about a possible new ballpark. Because it needed a majority, the measure failed. The proposal was offered by Councilman Charlie Gerdes, who said…
Sierra Club blasts Marco Rubio’s stance on climate change
Florida Senator Marco Rubio may be the most-watched member of that august body right now. He's this week's Time magazine cover boy (on which he's dubbed "The Republican Savior") and figures to be frequently in the news as the GOP's lead voice in trying to pass some form of comprehensive immigration reform. Rubio's high-profile stature…
UPDATE: Dr. Dog & Corey Harris join The Meter Men with Page McConnell, Best Coast and others at Gasparilla Music Fest 2013
More additions to the March 9 fest.
Fear and lusting in Las Vegas
Meditations on love and marriage in the heart of the 2013 AVN Awards
Mickett/Stackhouse: satellites of love
The married artistic duo are caught between the moon and a sense of identity.
Check, please!
An Empty Plate at the Cafe du Grand Boeuf remains lacking until the final course.
Dick Morris gets a (sort of) sympathetic hearing with Piers Morgan
You might recall that during the 2012 election I took tabs on some of the bold predictions made by certain pundits (mostly on the the political right) about the election. Well, nobody looked worse after it was all said and done than Fox News' Dick Morris. Or ex-Fox News pundit Dick Morris, I should say.…
Mitch Perry Report 2.7.13- Bass Pro’s PR woes
The Hillsborough County Commission may or may not approve an incentive package that would lure Bass Pro Shop to Brandon later this month, but it might be wise for supporters of the plan to bring in some members of the public who actually think this is a good idea. On Wednesday a number of members…
Mighty Aphrodite: MFA goes Greek and gets sexy
Daniel Veintimilla ANCIENT GREECE MEETS MAD MAX: Models by Spathose. St. Pete art scene regulars, fashionistas, musicians and business owners gathered for the event Aphrodite at Museum of Fine Arts Tuesday night for an ancient art-erotica-themed soiree fitting for St. Valentine’s week. Considering last year’s ancient erotica Valentine's night with an Egyptian theme, the tastefully…
Inside the photo booth: Jazz bassist John Lamb
Kevin Tighe John Lamb, St. Petersburg, FL 1.23.13 (click on image to enlarge)
You control the music – a test run on the new 97X App
The innovators at 97X have done it. The Tampa Bay radio station has produced the first interactive app allowing listeners to determine just what's played on air — and because it's free, there's nothing stopping you from casting your vote. But beware — battling other app users to hear your favorite song can become extremely…
John Brennan hearing to become CIA director could be forum on U.S. use of drones overseas
On Thursday, Oregon U.S. Senator Ron Wyden will be among several Democrats and Republicans poised to challenge John Brennan during his Senate confirmation hearings to become the country's new CIA director. Wyden intends to question Brennan about the U.S. government's policy on drone warfare, particularly the targeted killing of U.S. citizens who are suspected terrorists.…
Tampa named a top romantic city in U.S.
BRIAN RIES Ciro's Speakeasy and Supper Club topped the list of dining destinations in Tampa by reviewers at OpenTable.com. Wednesday, Tampa was named the 15th most romantic city in America by OpenTable.
Integrity Florida defends its financial support from Koch Brothers-funded group
Ben Wilcox and Dan Krassner with Integrity Florida In less than a year, Integrity Florida proved that there's a crying need for a good-government, nonpartisan organization in the Sunshine State. Although a damning grand jury report published in December of 2010 revealed a wide scope of public corruption in Florida, it took Integrity Florida —…
William Dean caramels are downright sexy
Shannagillette.com Here in the Tampa bay area, we already know the gospel of William Dean Chocolates. CL's food critic, Jon Palmer Claridge, gave them a rare five star rating in his July review. We also know that the Hunger Games took note of William Dean's chocolatey talents, with hundreds of their delectable bites appearing in…
Isn’t it romantic?
Marchand’s delivers an unforgettable dining experience.
Swoon-worthy ‘shrooms
A vegan take on the classic French dish, Beef Bourguignon.
The eclipsing effect of porn star, Adrianna Luna
Miles Long If you heard Adrianna Luna's high-pitched voice, you might presume that she has a certain innocent charm about her. You might even guess that this petite beauty was a cheerleader in some California high school. However, you probably wouldn't guess that she trains in MMA and has a Muay Thai record of 3-1,…
The roots of redheaded porn star, Marie McCray
An interview with the number one redhead in porn on stripping, why redheads are evil, and open relationships.
The Amazon Trail: Handy? Man?
I’ve never had much use for straight men other than my big brother, but I’m learning they have their uses. My friend the handydyke turned 80 and gave away her tools. She has a contractor now, but he’s much too busy to work at odd jobs. So the manager of our development recommended a guy…
2013 AVN award winners and red carpet stunners (photo gallery)
Stormy Daniels, Alektra Blue, Samantha Saint, jessica drake, & Kaylani Lei Two adult films dominated the 30th annual AVNs. Wasteland walked away with Best Actress (Lily Carter), Best Cinematography, Best Director-Feature, Best Drama, Best Editing, Best Screenplay, and Movie of the Year. Matching the success of its mainstream counterpart, Star Wars XXX took home Best…
