Pets show off their manners at yappy hour
Once a month, you can take your best friend out for a drink and support a dog rescue group at the same time. Savannah’s Café hosts a yappy hour during which well-mannered pooches are welcome to join their humans on the patio for drinks or dinner. The dogs don’t get to eat or have a…
Game review: Slug Wars for iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
What do slugs do when they're not looking for bigger shells to crawl into? No, wait. Those are snails. Apparently we don't know much about slugs, but luckily for us the guys over at Republic of Fun do. Their latest game, Slug Wars, chronicles exactly what slugs do when Homo sapiens like ourselves aren't watching;…
Do It Today: Garrison Keillor’s The Prairie Home Companion in Tampa, art lectures and guided tours of New Weather
Minne-soo-ta’s claims to fame are eclectic, to say the least: the Mall of America, Al Franken, the pseudo-electronic pop of Owl City, Jesse Ventura, that weird accent and, of course, Garrison Keillor’s The Prairie Home Companion. The public radio standard is one of the few good things that came out of the ’70s (the rest…
On the Radar: Pride and Passion: The African-American Baseball Experience
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. In honor of Black History Month, Hillsborough County’s public libraries host Pride and Passion: The African-American Baseball Experience, an exhibit of memorabilia that spans the 19th century to the present, exploring the complex links among race, sport and society…
Dreaming of falling through ice
"Dream Momma, my wife had a dream that she fell through ice (lake) & woke up just prior to drowning. Your thoughts." (sic) Here are Dream Momma's thoughts. First, this dream is highly symbolic and the primary symbol is ice. So, what does ice symbolize? Basically, something soft (water) that hardens or solidifies. That could…
CD box set review: The Doors, Live in New York
The Doors – Live in New York 6-CD Box Set A mere 40 years ago, The Doors recorded this series of four concerts in New York City. The idea was to capture enough material to edit into a live album. The resulting record, disingenuously titled Absolutely Live, was ultimately drawn from a far wider selection…
Super Bowl Eats: Game day recipes for in-home tailgating
With Super Bowl Sunday just a few days away, I thought I'd share a few great game day recipes with you. The last thing that anyone wants to do is slave over a hot stove in the kitchen while family and friends are all gathered around the TV in another room! These dishes can be…
Do It Today: Crossing the Line opens at HCC Ybor, I Am Ghost at Orpheum, Between the Buried and Me at State Theatre
is a collaborative exhibit by HCC student artists and art instructors that includes works on paper in traditional media of charcoal, pen and ink, colored pencil and graphite alongside digital drawings by Jeanne Cameron, Katherine Moyse, Yoko Nogami and Britzel Vasquez. An opening reception is held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Weds., Feb. 3; On display…
On the Radar: Hearts and Flowers: Victorian Valentines at the Plant Museum
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the Henry B. Plant Museum is getting all old-timey with the enduring lovers’ holiday through two complementary events. This weekend, see how the day was celebrated during the Victorian era at Hearts and…
Openings, groundbreakings and other reasons to be optimistic about Tampa Bay’s cultural scene
Among the many pleasures of the South Pacific revival that recently played the Straz Center was the performance of Carmen Cusack as Ensign Nellie Forbush, her forthright charm making all-too-familiar songs like “A Cockeyed Optimist” sound fresh again. Cusack’s Nellie registered more clear-eyed than cockeyed; yes, she was “stuck like a dope with a thing…
Kos GOP Poll: 39% believe Obama should be impeached. No reason why.
A Daily Kos Republican Poll released on Tuesday reveals that 58% of the GOP don't believe Barack Obama was born in the U.S. By a 39 to 32% margin, Republicans surveyed said they believe Obama should be impeached. Those are just some of the interesting figures revealed in the survey of 2,003 self identified Republicans…
Three nights in Ybor: Demo Listening Party, The Givers, Peter Baldwin and November Foxtrot Whiskey
Last week, I enjoyed a series of fun and rewarding musical experiences on three consecutive nights (January 27-29) in Ybor City. [All photos by Phil Bardi.] On Wednesday at Tre Amici, Joran Oppelt and I along with a few music interns and contributors took part in a Demo Listening Party, a soon-to-be-monthly public event staged…
A revolutionary new machine that converts office paper into toilet paper (video)
Forget the iPad, this has to be one of the coolest inventions I've seen in awhile. A Japanese company has created the "White Goat", a machine that takes unwanted office paper and transforms it into toilet paper! The machine simply requires paper, which it shreds into a pulp, and water (about 2.5-4 gallons every other…
Jim DeMint to speak at Hillsborough County GOP Dinner
Hillsborough County Republican Party Chair Deborah Cox-Roush says that South Carolina Senator Jim DeMint will headline the party's Lincoln Day dinner on March 6. Cox-Roush said she heard last week that DeMint would be in Florida early next month, and so she and one of her Committee members contacted the Senator, and he agreed to…
A tribute to my second mom
Warning. This is not a post about sports. It is, but it’s not. It's not a breakdown of the upcoming Super Bowl XLIV, a spring training preview, a mid-season NBA review or a Tiger Woods where for art thou piece. This is a post about love, life, family and passing. So please, if you’re not…
The new Tampa Museum of Art a “breathtaking success”
With the new Tampa Museum of Art slated to open to the public this weekend, local residents are anticipating its unveiling with the tentative eagerness of a post-op plastic surgery patient. What’s under the bandages, so to speak, is likely here to stay — and probably of profound import for Tampa’s civic and cultural identity…
3 Guys & Chuck The Podcast — “Chuck Vs. The Nacho Sampler”
3 Guys & Chuck are back for another entertaining episode of our podcast. This weeks Chuck episode was entitled "Chuck Vs. The Nacho Sampler," and varied greatly from a normal Chuck episode. The 3 Guys break it all down and talk about their likes and dislikes, the show's direction and deep throat … no, seriously.…
Sunlight as a natural aphrodisiac and testosterone boost
A recent study by the Austrian Medical University of Graz found that sun exposure boosts testosterone levels in men. Sunlight is responsible for 90% of the body’s supply of Vitamin D, which can be absorbed in smaller amounts through vitamins, meat, and oily fish. Graz researchers discovered that as Vitamin D increases, so does testosterone.…
New releases out this Tuesday, February 2: The Disco Biscuits, Lil Wayne, Midlake, Rob Zombie and more.
This week’s new music releases; for a complete breakdown of hot new releases due out in the next several months, click here. , A Chorus of Storytellers (Sub Pop) To read Evan's review of the album, click here. ALO, Man Of The World (Brushfire) BT, These Hopeful Machines (Nettwerk) Creature with the Atom Brain, Transylvania…
The US ranks a mediocre 61st in the Environmental Performance Index
Every other year the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is released at the World Economic Forum. It's a list of the greenest, cleanest nations (and the not-so-green) compiled by environmental experts from Yale and Columbia universities. The list indexes 163 countries and judges them on a scale of 0-100 on 25 different factors, compiled into the…
Concert review: Collective Soul closes Gasparilla at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park
Downtown Tampa’s newly completed Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park played host to its first music event on Saturday, capping the 2010 Gasparilla Festival with a concert by alternative rock band Collective Soul. Thousands packed the park, as well as the surrounding streets and sidewalks, seemingly oblivious to a constant downpour which had soaked much of the…
The envelope please: Oscar nominations announced, Avatar, The Hurt Locker leading the way — for now
[Ed.Note: Check out David Warner's Oscar post here.] The 82nd annual Oscar nominations were announced this morning, and leading the pack with nine nominations each are James Cameron's Avatar and Kathryn Bigelow's The Hurt Locker. Hot on the heels of the front-runners are Quentin Tarantino's World War II epic Inglourious Basterds with eight nods and…
Youth sports: Survival tips for parents of the athletically inclined
Catherine Durkin Robinson is a handful creating quite a scene over at Out in Left Field. These past few months have been great. I can power-walk at the local field without suffering a concussion from random fly balls. I can shop for groceries without worrying that an entire team of 10-year-olds will vote me out…
Pei Wei introduces new way to make dinner more like candy: Caramel Chicken
By this point, it's an open secret that chain restaurants use fat and sugar to tease you into liking their food — against your tastebuds' wishes — and create an almost addictive response to their Big Mac or Bang-Bang Shrimp. Most fast food or fast casual restaurants manage to inject a heapload of those two…
Stageworks Theatre breaks new ground – slowly
Stageworks’ new space in the Channel District of Tampa held its groundbreaking last week, and celebrating the moment were Mayor Pam Iorio, City Councilwoman Linda Saul-Sena, Arts Council Executive Director Art Keeble, writer/philanthropist Elaine Shimberg, developer Ken Stoltenberg and a host of other luminaries and well-wishers. Anna Brennen, long the producing director of Stageworks, gave…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Tuesday, February 2: Uncorked Fine Wine and Spirits Uncorked Wine Academy. Hit the books (and the bottle!) with a certified sommelier at this wine-centric course that covers pairing food and wine; tasting techniques; grape varietals; how wine makes it from the vineyard to the glass; and how to distinguish the flavors that make your tastebuds…
Gather.Go.Get restricts ID standards. How will this affect Florida’s homeless?
The State is calling it "Gather.Go.Get." Gather the information, Go to the DMV, and Get your new license. On January 1st, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) restricted its standards to obtain driver licenses and ID cards in an effort to provide residents with, “an even more secure identification card.” Residents…
Class size, the rise of Rubio, and silly David Brooks column: Mitch Perry Report 2.2.10
Leading off our posts this morning is a subject that we've been following closely – the move to scale back the small class size amendment; We like and respect NY Times columnist David Brooks, even though he is the embodiment of the Washington establishment. But his column today is silly; We blogged last night about…
David Brooks column today is naive
President Obama is set to appear in New Hampshire this afternoon, to tour a small business and tout his new job initiatives in a town hall meeting. It's the President's 3rd trip outside of Washington since his State of the Union address (although admittedly Baltimore isn't that far away), as he continues to try to…
Clearwater Mayor to speak at SPC on mass transit
As part of a new civic forum, "Clearwater Matters", SPC has invited Clearwater Mayor, Frank Hibbard, to speak at the SPC Clearwater campus Fine Arts Auditorium on transit issues. After his presentation, there will be a question and answer period. Discussion of the mass transit issue has even greater consequence since President Obama announced last…
The best of the best: Florida festival preview, from Harvest of Hope to Tropical Heatwave
As the cold fronts taper off and temperatures rise to a pleasant degree, Floridian music lovers and those out-of-towners looking for a reason to escape from their less temperate locales begin gearing up for another season of outdoor (or partially outdoor) music festivals. The following is a breakdown of Florida’s worthiest. Mark your calendars. 17th…
Corruption accusations and uncertainty in the fight for President Obama’s former Senate seat
On February 2, candidates from both sides of the aisle will battle in the U.S. Senate primary in Illinois. The winners from each party will run against each other in November to fill the Senate seat previously held by President Barack Obama. Democrats hope to secure a strong candidate to defeat the likely Republican winner Mark…
The Oscar nominations: It’s a tight race
[Ed. Note: Check out Joe Bardi's Oscar post here.] The nominations were announced this morning, and it's officially a horse race: Nine nominations each for Avatar and The Hurt Locker; eight for Inglourious Basterds; and five each for Precious and Up in the Air. Nominations in top categories listed below, including all ten, count 'em…
Florida legislators may try to move up constitutional amendment vote on amending class size
Last month, CL reported on a new proposal by some Florida lawmakers to try to scale back the 2002 class size amendment. The move seems to be gaining momentum. Last week Governor Charlie Crist came out in support of the proposed amendment while speaking in St. Petersburg. As we've reported, opponents of class size have…
On the Radar: Derby Girls vs. Skater Boys
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming events to mark your calendar for. This Friday, witness an all-out battle of skinned knees and bruised bodies (and egos) when the Tampa Bay Derby Darlins take on the Avatar Skateshop Skateboarders in a rough-and-tumble triathlon of Twister, leg wrestling and hula-hooping at Derby Girls vs.…
Do It Today: Spiritual Rez at Skipper’s, Rubadoux A’Deux at Clayton Galleries, and pay-what-you-can for Blithe Spirit
Boston-based sextet Spiritual Rez (pictured) took home a Boston Music Award for Best World Music Act in 2007, their brand of jam encompassing the sounds of reggae, Afro-beat, jazz, rock and funk. Spiritual Rez infuses its positive message music with spry horns by a two-horn section of trumpet and trombone, and mixes laid-back grooves with…
Concert snapshot: Richard Smith and Julie Adams at the UU Dome of Tampa
Richard Smith performs alongside Julie Adams at the UU Dome this past Friday, January 29.
Concert review: Paul Anka at Ruth Eckerd Hall
If not for my years working as a nanny, an amazing singer and songwriter like Paul Anka may have slipped under my radar. But thanks to my former employer, Jim, I was exposed to Paul Anka’s Rock Swings album one morning upon arriving to work. As I heard Van Halen's “Jump” being delivered in a…
My vagina is happy to see you (NSFW)
Day after day my vagina is tortured by the fact that it belongs to a 30-something woman. I am that 30-something woman in the midst of my sexual peak, which my vagina constantly reminds me about—-like at this very moment. My vagina is an innie so I don't really need to protect my precious lips…
CL’s Party Pics from Orpheum 1-30-10
From Saturday night's sink or swim at Orpheum (1-30-10) [nggallery id=87]
Rubio mania showing no sign of peaking
The first day of February brought more good news for the Marco Rubio for Senate team. First was a new and stunning Rasmussen Poll that shows the former House Speaker kicking Charlie Crist's rear, 49 to 37%. Rubio followed that up later in the day by calling for another so called fundraising bomb – with…
The libertine’s guide to gallantry: selective self control
After you’ve supercharged your confidence, or at least learned to fake it, and you’ve abolished all fear of rejection, it's time to master the subtle art of libido-control. And don't worry, no harnesses, duct tape, or sharp implements are required. To women, desperation reeks like the cheap cologne of high school boys at prom hiding…
Breakroom heroes: Foodzie.com makes it easier for small food producers to make a living
At church socials and in office breakrooms, we've all tasted it: food, made by someone you know, that you'd actually pay money for. You tell the creator of the secret recipe cookies or spice-blasted nuts how good they are and they nod, knowingly. They've been told before. In the midst of daily problems and the…
Photo review: “Re:Create: The Art of Upcycle” at The Roosevelt Art Gallery
The Roosevelt Art Gallery hosted its grand opening exhibition, "Re:Create: The Art of Upcycle" this past Saturday, January 30th, beginning a series of public exhibitions demonstrating the process of converting their antique building into a sustainable art gallery and performance space under the heading “Project 3.0”. The event featured “Upcycled” artwork by Carlos Pons Paz,…
Beer review: High and Mighty Two Headed Beast
With a few short sentences on their website, High and Mighty Beer Co. captures the full attention of anyone interested in beer and clever writing. “We're not just brewers – we're beer-evangelists. We're the Clergy of Zymurgy, the Priests of Yeasts, the Joyful Congregation of High Fermentation.” Amen, man. High and Mighty Beer Co. begins…
Obama/Iorio photo more fodder for Obama haters
I admit that when I saw the photo of Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio meeting President Obama on the tarmac at MacDill Air Force Base last week, I thought that critics of the President might seize upon the shot as seemingly another example of him bowing to another official (albeit not a foreign official, which really…
Tampa one step closer to being rejected by the RNC?
Both local dailies are informing the world that Tampa has been named by the Republican National Committee as one of its 4 finalists to host the 2012 Republican National Convention. Other reports indicate that Pheonix and Salt Lake City are two of the other semi finalists. But no word on that fourth city as of…
Concert review: Vince Gill at Ruth Eckerd Hall (with photo gallery)
In the sport of Baseball, there's what's known as a "utility player"; a rare athlete who can fit many different roles in a pinch. A player who has the speed to play in the outfield, the agility and instincts to play the infield, the bat strength to knock one out of the park occasionally and…
Rainy day remedy: Vegetarian French Onion Soup recipe
There is some undetectable connection between dreary weather and the stomach. Last Saturday, the sun forgot to come out in Sarasota, and after a lazy afternoon indoors, I knew that homemade french onion soup was the dinner meal that would perfectly fit my mood. Vegetarians always get the short end of the stick when it…
Photo review: Coffee Project at New World Brewery
Here we have Coffee Project members Jake Crown on guitar and Buddy Schuab on Trombone performing at New World Brewery in Ybor City on Thursday January 21.
Concert Review: Jonathan Tyler & the Northern Lights at New World Brewery (photo gallery added)
Jonathan Tyler and the Norther Lights can rock. And not only that, they're also super down to earth. [Photo by Fernando Garcia; complete gallery after the jump] Sitting at the bar with them before the show, enjoying the wide selection of beer that New World offers, we discussed their influences (Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones) and…
Can the GOP say yes to Obama, and pressure begins on AG Holder as the politics of terror intensify: Mitch Perry Report 2.1.10
With President Obama making overtures to Republicans as the second year of his administration kicks, and with Republicans feeling ascendant after Scott Brown's victory in the Massachusetts Senate seat, people are now looking to see if the GOP is ready to do anything other than continue to oppose Obama. That was the theme of some…
Michael Vick’s trumped-up remorse on BET: Could it do some good? (Video)
There's a new "documentary series" debuting February 2 on BET: it's called The Michael Vick Project. During the series, Vick revisits Bad Newz Kennels, his now defunct, gruesome dogfighting operation, and gives us a personal glimpse of his trumped-up sorrow. The cameras follow him as he visits what used to be his property in Surry County, VA.,…
GOP ready to play politics of terror card in 2010 elections
Yesterday in the Washington Post, former CIA director Michael Hayden blasted the Obama administration for its handling of several cases over the past year in fighting terrorism and Al-Qaeda. Hayden (who served under George W. Bush from 20006-2008) writes that "we got it wrong in Detroit on Christmas Day", regarding the interrogation of underwear bomber…
Building a ‘Triple Bottom Line’ economy with full spectrum employment
We've done it before and it's time to do it again. From the agricultural to the industrial and now the knowledge/service, it's time to transition to a Triple Bottom Line Economy with full spectrum employment. Remember when 80% of Americans worked on small farms? Of course you don’t. But if the date was 1898, you’d…
It Happened This Week-ish: Kirstie Alley fat jokes, assault by Swiss Miss, Saved by the Bell scandal, Free Rip Torn, NEW sneak peek of Lost and more.
*The tweets are a-fueding this week, as Kirstie Alley and Joy Behar have taken to their keyboards to tear each other apart, 140 characters at a time. Obligatory Kirstie Alley joke: "This gives a whole new meaning to Fail Whale." Ba-zing! Damn, I could not be any funnier! *There is a reason we all live…
Will the Party of No say “yes” to any of President Obama’s proposals?
Following the major events of the past two weeks – Republican Scott Brown’s victory removing a Democratic filibuster proof majority in the Senate; The President’s State of the Union address and his extraordinary televised exchange with House Republicans on Friday, how can Washington address the major problems of jobs – and Washington itself, was the…
Grammys’ oddest couples
Beginning with a duet (or what is it a duel?) between the god and goddess of glitter, Elton John and Lady Gaga, this year's interminable Grammy show was a parade of arranged marriages, most of them doomed. (Photos from grammy.com/Wireimage.com) Gaga and John. Actually, this pair played nicely off each other's piano stylings and histrionic…
Do It Today: The Big Bang! at American Stage, Gasparilla at the Plant Museum and more
Sometimes, off-Broadway producers get a little, well, ambitious, and the musical comedy The Big Bang! follows two such fellows. In this case, the duo aims to create an epic extravaganza spanning the history of the world from the big bang to the present. The budget is $83.5 million; the cast numbers 318; the costumes exceed…
On the Radar: The Vagina Monologues at The Studio@620
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner (dude-bro’s, I hope you’ve already made reservations at Bern’s; single ladies, buy stock in Ben & Jerry’s), but there’s another V-Day coming up that’s less about forced signs of affection and more…
What is it about the taste of my cherry chapstick that makes girls like me?
“It felt so wrong / It felt so right / Don't mean I'm in love tonight/ I kissed a girl and I liked it / I liked it …” Girls like me. I mean, they like me, like me. It’s an awkward thing to admit, and you have to understand, I’m not a conceited person.…
The Green Community week in review: Permaculture in Haiti, “toilet to tap”, Seminole Heights’ new green market and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week: The young and the "green": Educating our youth about sustainable living – Can you make a point that we, the humans, are just one part of this equation and must remain in balance with…
Photo essay: Pinellas Project Homeless Connect
Pinellas County Coalition for the Homeless hosted their annual Pinellas Project Homeless Connect at The Coliseum in downtown St. Petersburg this past Saturday, January 30th, linking approximately 1,200 area homeless to much-needed services including medical and dental screenings and other personal care, H1N1 vaccinations, legal services, job and housing assistance, social and transportation services, and…
This isn’t your daddy’s Pro Bowl…It’s worse
Conventional wisdom tells you, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Apparently, the NFL has a version that says, “If it is broke, see if you can break it even more." As you may have heard, the NFL has a game this weekend called the Pro Bowl. It is the equivalent of the all-star game…
Diary of the unemployed housewife: Washing rocks, really?
I apologize for lying low lately, I have been studying like crazy for a big exam I have coming up. I will feel SOOOOOO much better once it is over with, I have come to the conclusion that stress totally squashes creative juices, which led me to conclude that I have been pretty stressed out…
Top 10 revenge movies
As an audience, we sometimes love to see movies that show the badassery that can result when normal human beings are pushed past their breaking point. With yesterday's release of Mel Gibson's Edge of Darkness, I got to thinking about some of the other revenge movies out there. Here is my list of the Top…
Hot trailer: Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (with video)
Just saw this. Have no idea how long this video will stay up. (If it's down, click here.) Otherwise, here's your first look at the trailer for Oliver Stone's Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps. The original is a classic; can the sequel possibly be as good? We'll find out on April 23.
City of Seminole recycling and sustainability discussion group meeting focusing on Aquaponics (2/1)
Local recycling activist Mary DeGeorge-Hampton has scheduled a discussion on recycling and sustainability at the Seminole Community Library (Program room A) on Monday, February 1, from 10 am to 12 pm. As an activist, while Mary feels that our community is making strides in terms of resource conservation, she believes that increased community participation will result…
First regional energy forum, E3: Energy, Environment and Economics
The E3: Energy, Environment and Economics forum took place today at the St. Pete Times Forum in downtown Tampa. The regional forum, which is the first of its kind, was headed by Hillsborough County Commissioner Rose Ferlita, who is also the mastermind behind the event. Festivities started at 8 a.m. and lasted until 1:30 p.m.,…
Famous indie studio Miramax is dead (with video)
R.I.P. Miramax Many feared the demise of Miramax after the great indie was purchase by Disney way back in 1993. As the 2010 Sundance Film Festival (of which Miramax was a mainstay) comes to a close, the fears have finally been realized. As of this week, Miramax's New York and Los Angeles offices will be…
Recycled chic: DIY shoulder bag from an old pair of jeans
The next time you have an old pair of jeans you're about to throw into the trash, think twice and turn them into a handy shoulder bag or purse. This was the case a few weeks ago when my boyfriend wanted to get rid of a worn out pair of jeans. I quickly intervened and…
ninebullets.net January podcast: Drive-By Truckers, Black Diamond Heavies, The Fox Hunt and more (with audio)
I wasn't too sure this podcast was even gonna happen in the middle of the month. The beginning of the month was all holidays, the middle was spent in the mountains on vacation and the end was spent prepping for, and then undergoing, some medical tests. All of this failed to allow me to do…
Project Runway podcast ep.3: the odd couples
I have said it before and I will say it again, I heart team challenges. I have been eagerly awaiting this hour of television for a week, I am not even kidding. I considered making a full-on advent calendar for the occasion but I think that may look a tad bit crazytown, sooooo, I just…
Musicology: Reggae rocks The Ritz this February with The Expendables, Rebelution and others (with video)
Alright ganja lovers, grab your rolling papers and Bob Marley t-shirts because several reggae rock outfits will soon be bringing their funky beats to The Ritz Ybor in the months to come. First up are The Expendables, a California-based band that mixes laid back reggae with punk rock aggression and heavy metal guitar riffs to…
CD review: The Album Leaf, A Chorus of Storytellers
Some music listeners complain about bands that rehash the same style over and over again on their releases. The Album Leaf is guilty of this, granted, but in their case it's not an issue since the songs all sound similarly fantastic. So, thankfully, instead of trying their hand at East European folk music or a…
On the Radar: Garrison Keillor’s The Prairie Home Companion visits Tampa — sorta
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming events to mark your calendar for. Right now, I'm excited for next week's chance to see Garrison Keillor's onstage antics in The Prairie Home Companion — live. Minne-soo-ta’s claims to fame are eclectic, to say the least: the Mall of America, Al Franken, the pseudo-electronic pop…
More on yesterday’s visit by Obama, and Bill O’Reilly and Glenn Beck are here to entertain you: Mitch Perry Report 1.29.10
We've got more on President Obama's trip to Tampa yesterday; And it's your lucky day if you're a fan of Bill O'Reilly and/or Glenn Beck. The Fox twins are in town today at USF with their Bold, Fresh Tour. Download the report here.
iGroundhog? PETA wants Punxsutawney Phil replaced with a robot
With Groundhog day just a few days away (Feb. 2), PETA has stepped in on behalf of Punxsutawney Phil, claiming that the furry guy isn't being treated so well by the throngs of noisy spectators that gather to see him every year. The Animals in Entertainment specialist for PETA, Gemma Vaughan, wrote a letter to…
Perky Jerky: Caffeinated truck stop beef
In a world where even plain water is infused with teeth-chattering quantities of caffeine and sold in stores, is anything left for budding entrepreneurs eager to cram more jittery energy into our diet? Is anything sacrosanct? Not meat. Not anymore. Perky Jerky has crossed that particular food science frontier with its new line of beef…
Bold Fresh Fox News guys invade Tampa
Scott Roeder is the man in Kansas charged with murdering late-term abortion provider Dr. George Tiller last year. In a courtroom yesterday, he took the stand and admitted that he did kill Tiller. But he also told the judge and jury that he's not sorry about it. From the NY Times: Lawyers for Mr. Roeder,…
More on President Obama’s visit to Tampa
President Obama goes to Baltimore today, where among his activities on his taking-it-to-the-streets post-SOTU tour is to deliver remarks on a jobs tax credit, and then he goes to the GOP House Issues Conference, where he will spend some quality time with John Boehner, Eric Cantor, and presumably local Congressmembers like Bill Young and Adam…
Sundance 2010: James Franco amazing in Howl, 3-D “Avatoad”
Sundance is in full swing and we are seeing as many films as possible. We take a bus to the Temple Theatre, located on the outskirts of Park City, to catch Jean-Michel Basquiat: The Radiant Child. This film features footage (supposedly the only known to exist) of the artist taken by his friend, filmmaker Tamra…
Kama Sutra: leaning tower of clitoris
The man lies on his back with his legs together and straight out in front while the woman straddles him. The woman leans back until she is lying on top of his legs. To ease the strain on her knees, she may stretch her legs out on either side of the man's shoulders. This position…
Movie review: Martin Campbell’s Edge of Darkness, starring Mel Gibson
It's hard to believe, but Mel Gibson hasn't starred in a movie since 2003's The Singing Detective, a flick I'll cop to having no recollection of at all. (Robert Downey Jr. co-starred!) It's not that he disappeared: In 2004 Gibson directed The Passion of the Christ, bludgeoning religious moviegoers into grizzly submission at the box…
“The Green Police” PSAs (spoofs): Protecting and conserving the Earth (videos)
There's a new crew hitting the streets on February 7th, fighting the good fight for Mother Earth by keeping citizens in line when it comes to showing her some respect. That's right, The Green Police are on their way and on the lookout for anyone disturbing the eco-friendly peace, "protecting and conserving the Earth". Check…
Interview with “The Weasel” Pauly Shore — uncut
After the disappointing straight-to-DVD release of Pauly Shore is Dead, many people thought that Pauly Shore (aka “The Weasel”) had little more to offer Hollywood in the way of movie releases. (To be sure, a lot of people probably lost faith somewhere back in the '90s, but let’s be nice and say it that happened…
Obama, Biden speak in Tampa for 90 minutes on rail and assorted subjects
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden spoke at the University of Tampa before approximately 2, 600 people this afternoon, including a healthy chunk of UT students. Looking for some love after a brutal couple of weeks of criticism, starting with the failed Christmas Day terrorist attack, and then the gut punch for Democrats…
Featured green site: ‘Ecopolitology’- The politics of energy and the environment
is an informative site that focuses on the politics of energy and the environment and gives readers acute and in-depth analysis on a wide range of current issues. They keep you up-to-date with the latest news in green policy regarding climate issues, clean energy, genetically engineered food, the environment and the economy. The site was…
Obama in Tampa: The president is in the building
Shaking hands on his way in with St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster and giving a big shout-out to "Mayor Pam Iori-o!" (with the emphasis on the "o"), President Barack Obama entered the Bob Martinez Sports Center at UT to a huge cheering crowd estimated to be about 3,000 strong. The president began by acknowledging the…
Game Review: Dark Void — high-flying disappointment
It's the constant lament of the 21st Century geek: where's my jet pack (or flying car, or house on the moon)? 2010 offers no personal flying devices, but it does offer games like Dark Void, where you can at least pretend to have a jet pack. Sadly, this game's solution to my high-flying backpacking dreams…
Charlotte Gainsbourg and Beck perform at KCRW studios (with video)
Anglo-French actress/chanteuse Charlotte Gainsbourg — who recruited idiosyncratic musical genius and good friend Beck to produce and appear on her third and latest album, IRM — made a special appearance with Beck at KCRW studios' Morning Becomes Eclectic program this week. Check out the video from their performance after the jump.
This weekend’s best bets in Bay area music: The Givers, Paul Anka, John Lindberg, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Thomas Function and more!
A quick breakdown of this weekend’s most worthy concerts beginning with Thursday, ’cause that’s when the weekend really starts, right? For a more comprehensive schedule, check out our Upcoming Concerts page. THURSDAY, JANUARY 28 [pictured] w/The Semi's Fresh Louisiana five-piece The Givers bring a genuine sense of happiness to their music, sticky electro pop with…
Project Runway ep. 3 sneak peak (spoilerish but not really)
My most favorite challenges on Project Runway are the group challenges. Wait, redacted…my favorite challenges on any reality show ever in the history of reality shows being a thing, are the group challenges. Yep, that is more accurate. Fighting, drama, back-stabbing, crying and throwing of others under proverbial buses, what more could you want?! When…
Plating food: Techniques for cooking vegetables to retain color
This post is about the technique of cooking vegetables so they keep their natural, vibrant colors. In culinary arts, the importance of color is easy to grasp. One must see a black & white photo of a dish and compare it with a nicely colored one to realize that color is essential to bring unity.…
It’s Obama day in Tampa, also legendary historian Howard Zinn dies at 87: Mitch Perry Report 1.28.10
Lots of things to discuss in today's report. First of all, Barack Obama is in Tampa to announce that Florida will receive over a billion dollars in high-speed rail funding. We've got some thoughts on the President's State of the Union address last night. Alex Sink is down 10% to Bill McCollum. But it is…
Obama appeals to the GOP in SOTU. Will they reciprocate?
In an hour plus long speech like President Obama's State of the Union, there are all types of segments can pick out and discuss. (Our Blaire Yancy chose some favorite selections for you to look at if you missed the speech). There are a thousand takes one can read and absorb on the blogosphere this…
Dems fighting words
A new Quinnipiac poll released on Wednesday shows Republican Bill McCollum leading Democrat Alex Sink by 10% in a potential head-to-head gubernatorial election in Florida this November. The poll shows McCollum dominating State Senator Paula Dockery in their race for GOP nomination, 44-6%. In a would-be matchup, Sink leads the Lakeland based legislator, 35-29%. A…
Obama to announce Florida will get half a loaf of the funding they desire for high-speed rail
President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden come to Tampa this morning for a town hall meeting at the University of Tampa. As we all learned yesterday (and the President reiterated last night) Florida will be receive of the 13 grants being announced today for high-speed rail across the country. Officials here in Florida had…
12 Quotes from The State of the Union, Tampa Shout-Out Included
President Obama delivered a comprehensive, practical, and often light-hearted State of the Union Address on Wednesday night. For those of you who missed it, who needed to work, sleep, or otherwise fill your time, here’s an easy breakdown in the President’s words. On BANKS: “If there's one thing that has unified Democrats and Republicans, it's…
Watch your wallet, Barack Obama is in the room
Republicans will steal from you too, so don’t feel too confident around GOPers either By Chris Ingram Facing dwindling poll numbers following the Obama-care fiasco, President Obama is now attempting to fool Americans into believing his Number One concern is jobs and the economy – as opposed to socialism and a government take-over of 1/5th of…
Social historian Howard Zinn dies at 87
Howard Zinn, the author of "A People's History of the United States" and other books, has died today in Santa Monica. He was The Boston Globe has a thorough obituary of the legendary progressive. It includes this quote from Noam Chomsky: "He's made an amazing contribution to American intellectual and moral culture," Noam Chomsky, the…
How to host a successful Super Bowl party your friends will actually enjoy
You and your buddies have been planning a Super Bowl party for months. Deep down inside, you know the party with its canned beer, half-eaten bag of stale chips and couch that seats three will suck, but at least you’ll be with your boys for the most hallowed of all sports days. Then your girlfriend…
Roger Breit – Contributor
Although I am an attorney by profession, I love movies, great ones, bad ones, new ones, old ones, you name it. When I was in high school I think my best friend and I saw every release Summer release that came out. That is why he won CL's 2009 Holiday Auction "Be a Movie Critic" for me…
Steve Seachrist – Contributor
Steve Seachrist was born in Miami and raised in New England. His older siblings exposed him to massive doses of the Beatles and Led Zeppelin in his formative years and at age 8, took him on his first trip to the record store, where he selected two 7" singles — the Rolling Stones’ “Can’t Always…
The Apple iPad: Swallow this tablet
So, the new Apple tablet — the iPad — is seen. It's not available yet, obviously, but after months of rumors, hoaxes and extra-viscous tech-fanboy drool, we know what we're getting. Check it out: If you're in one room and your iPad is in another, all you have to do is think of your iPad…
Updated Swinger Wars: Nudists and the swingers who infiltrate nude resorts
On the radio this morning, 97X attempted to broach the long running feud between nudists and swingers at Caliente (a clothing optional resort). Although Fisher and Seth were only able to pull in one caller who would talk about her nudist parents and grandparents, the issue is an ongoing issue for many in the nudist…
A local gal’s love and know-how for natural remedies
Twenty-four year old Kristal Roberts is quite the health guru when it comes to ailments and natural remedies. Born in New York and raised in Florida, Roberts was brought up by Jamaican parents who used natural remedies to cure simple illnesses. Her mother, Gretel Roberts, was raised in "the bush" countryside of Jamaica. "She came…
HitRECord.org gives aspiring filmmakers a shot at success (with video)
This is an exciting time to be an aspiring filmmaker as technology has made it easier than ever to get your work and your name out to the people. One new site has popped up that promises to be quite exciting: It’s called HitRECord.org, and it’s backed by Joseph Gordon Levitt, or “Average Joe” as…
Follow CL’s live blog of the Obama State of the Union address
10:20 p.m. – "I don't quit." No he doesn't, but I am at this point. Gotta get the beauty sleep to see Barack in person tomorrow. Enjoy Bob McConnell. And thanks for participating. We're out. 10:18 p.m. – Here's the inspirational tone of the address. The best part of the speech.
CL’s Lost Podcast: Season 6 preview
With less than one week to go before the premiere (Tues., Feb. 2 at 9 p.m.), anticipation for the final season of ABC's Lost has been blowing up bigger than a merc-filled freighter. ABC has a new preview — WITH NEW FOOTAGE!!!! — up online (check it below), lists of fan-demanded answers are being generated…
National, state and local roundup: Listening to shit, drinking shit and paying for shit!
This recent report shows home prices fell the most in Chicago and New York. Obama and Hillary must be so proud. Harry Reid now says no rush on health care. Really? Wonder what made him change his mind? Rubio pulls ahead of Crist in this poll. I would love to blame this on our Governor…
Gasparilla Pirate Fest 2010: How to enjoy the beads, booty and booze
Each year the notorious pirate ship, The Jose Gasparilla, is received into Tampa Bay by fleets of boaters and land lovers who go bat-shit crazy over beads, booty, brawls and booze. Overthrowing local laws, the mythic pirate, Jose Gaspar, inspires what looks to some like a riot. To others, this pirate festival is a vicious…
Wednesday-music.com looks back at indie darlings Yeah Yeah Yeahs
In the famous year 2000, Karen O (vocals, piano), Nick Zinner (guitars, keyboard) and Brian Chase (drums) formed Yeah Yeah Yeahs in NYC. Karen and Brian originally met at Ohio's Oberlin College; she met nick at a bar after transferring to NYU. Originally, Karen O and Nick were a folk duo called Unitard, but were…
Photo review: White Wizzard at Czar
Here 's a shot of White Wizzard at Czar Bar on Tuesday January 19th.
3 Guys & Chuck The Podcast – “Chuck Vs. First Class”
3 Guys and Chuck is back, this time reviewing the Superman-filled episode entitled "Chuck Vs. First Class." This week, we talk about the new guest stars — Agent Shaw, played by Brandon Routh, and Hannah, played by Kristin Kreuk — and whether they are good or bad. (In the spy world, you never can tell.)…
Mark your calendar: Gasparilla International Film Festival announces dates
One of Tampa's finest film shindigs, The Gasparilla International Film Festival, has planted its flag on the weekend of March 18-21. The fest will kick off on Thurs., March 18 with a gala opening at downtown Tampa's gorgeous Tampa Theatre before moving to Hyde Park's new (and swank) CinéBistro for screenings all weekend. Closing ceremonies…
Apple iPad vs. Obama: Which State of the Union interests you more?
President Obama is having a bad run. Word is he's about to ask for a mulligan on his first year in office during tonight's State of the Union speech*. Obama is supposed to be the country's first pop culture and tech-savvy president, so why did the White House already re-schedule his speech not to interfere…
CD review/show preview: Colleen Hart, The Rest of Me, which is presented at a release party this Saturday
While many first-time indie releases by local artists are pedestrian at best, Tampa songwriter Colleen Hart’s debut, The Rest of Me, isn’t one of them. This CD contains 12 well-written and extremely well-produced tracks delicately presented via Hart’s smooth, soulful voice. Stand out tracks include the flowing jazz number, "I’ll Wait" and the stripped-down "Overflow."
Emotiv EPOC lets you control your computer with brainwaves: Play Pong with your mind! Kinda!
CL video game reviewer and contributing writer Rick Dakan wrote a review of the new Emotiv EPOC Brain-Computer Interface tool over at Joystiq.com. It's a $300 electrode skullcap that — ostensibly — will read your brainwaves and translate that into movement on the computer screen. Move the mouse cursor, click on objects, control games —…
Buy healthy, local fare and wares at the forthcoming Seminole Heights Sunday Morning Market
The historic neighborhood of Seminole Heights in Tampa is proud to present their answer to the fresh markets now offered by a number of areas in Tampa Bay. Their Sunday Morning Market will debut on Valentine's Day (Feb. 14th, in case you forgot) this year, providing only healthy, local foods and wares, as well as…
On the Radar: Bold and Fresh: Bill O’Reilly and Glenn Beck at a theater near you
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming events to mark your calendar for. For Bold and Fresh: Bill O’Reilly and Glenn Beck, Tweedledee and Tweedledum take a road tour for the ages, leaving in their wake either a manic renewed faith in Amurrica or a sour taste in your mouth, depending on who…
A.P: Obama to announce high-speed rail plan on Thursday
As people waited in the dark this morning to get free tickets (and not that many available) for Barack Obama and Joe Biden's mid-day appearance Thursday on the University of Tampa campus, rumors have been strong since the announcement was made that the President would anounce that Florida would get at least some share of…
Close Hillsborough election, anticipation on Obama’s SOTU, and David Caton calls local voters “stupid”:Mitch Perry Report 1.27.10
We were bouncing between Janet Cruz and Pat Kemp's election night party events last night. Although not official yet, it appears Cruz took the Democratic Primary in House District 58 last night, while there was a stunning development in the GOP Primary; CL also took in a bit of a Tea Party sponsored debated on…
Bizzaro Planning & Accounting – Hillsborough is letting developers decide what fees to charge themselves
By George Niemann PoHo contributor and R-LAND, UCAN, FSP, & Amendment 4 activist Views expressed are my own and may not be the same as the organizations to which I belong If you owned a department store in Tampa and needed to make sure that your prices were enough to keep your business viable, would…
History shows that Obama’s latest “speech of his career” won’t move the meter much
Tonight of course is President Obama's first official State of the Union Address at 9 p.m. (and we plan on blogging about it live here on Daily Loaf). And though there's lots of interest, history says it won't change his poll ratings much. More on that in a moment. There are tons of articles spread…
Caton to Tea-Baggers: Lots of stupid voters in Hillsborough County
Last night CL attended the first half hour of a debate between Hillsborough County Commissioner Mark Sharpe and noted conservative activist David Caton on the proposed one cent sales tax referendum for transportation slated to be voted on by County voters this November. The event, held at the Alfano Conference Center, was sponsored by the…
Janet Cruz, Hunter Chamberlin leading in House District 58 Primary with provisional votes still to be counted
Janet Cruz last night narrowly defeated Pat Kemp in the House District 58 Democratic Primary. At approximately 9:40 p.m., the Supervisor of Elections office in Hillsborough County announced that Cruz had taken 58 more votes than Kemp, and won by 2%, 47-45. Gil Sanchez finished in 3rd place with 8% of the vote. Stunningly, Hunter…
Peter Baldwin’s got soul
Orlando musician Peter Baldwin discusses his upbringing, style and future plans on the eve of his meeting with Universal.
Babs Reingold’s unsettling vision of lives traumatized by poverty
You might say artist Babs Reingold has been cursed with an interesting life. In her young teenage years, tragic circumstances led her family to move to a public housing complex in Cleveland. Her experience of the universal misery of high school involved riding three buses across town to a school where she was a fish…
Blithe Spirit is a Cowardly treat from American Stage
Nobody writes marital spats better than Noel Coward. A typical Cowardian dust-up begins with the spouses sounding friendly and respectful. Then someone slips a criticism into the cheerful banter. The victim objects, defends him or herself, and finally parries with a cutting word that's supposed to keep things balanced. But it doesn't: it just makes…
Followup: Did Cecil exaggerate the decline of the world fish supply?
(An abridged version of this column appeared in the print edition of the Straight Dope.) I am writing to bring to your attention several errors contained in the recent edition of the Straight Dope titled "Farm-Raised vs. Wild Fish: The Facts" [December 25]. You begin your column by reminding readers of the collapse of Atlantic…
Mexi-Thai genius at St. Petersburg’s Nitally’s Thai-Mex Cuisine
Nitally’s has advanced portable cuisine by decades.
Bending the rules by bending over
Fantasy is doable, but play it safe
Will Tampa water run from “toilet to tap?”
Experts see a water crisis in our future. Is “toilet to tap” the answer?
Joe Bardi talking American Idol, ass slaps and the latest movie releases on The Grind with Flip and Bill (with audio)
If you're in the Tampa Bay area, you can catch The Grind weekdays from 10-3 p.m. on 1010 AM radio. If you're outside the broadcast area or just prefer listening online, you can check out the show at WQYK AM's website. I made my weekly pilgrimage to The Grind with Flip and Bill on Thursday…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Free yoga classes, ‘Water-wise’ workshop, screening of Fresh, and more
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. Dunedin Green Market- Every Friday (through April); 8 am- 1 pm. 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 Market is…
CL’s Lost podcast: Season 5, Ep. 16 “The Incident Part 2”
No new Lost tonight (I can hear you wimpering), but that doesn't mean you have to go completely cold turkey. Here's part two of our season-ending podcast covering "The Incident Part 1 & 2." If you missed part one, check it out here. In this second part, we finally get to David Warner's statement (full…
