Dream interpretation: Gun shaped keys
"I am dreaming I am knocking on the door of an apartment like mine. To my right is someone with keys shaped like a gun. To my left is someone trying to get out (possibly a cleaning person) of another apartment. When no one answers I turn as do the others when a woman in…
Dream interpretation: Envy, a normal family green thing
“Dear Dream Momma, In my dream I was walking with my little sister. She told me not to look behind me or I would get hurt. That made me feel very uncomfortable and trip out a little so I started to walk faster. I pulled hard on her arm but she pulled away and walked…
New lighting technology seeks to revamp or replace incandescent bulbs
Back in 2007, when Congress passed a law setting more stringent rules on the manufacture of light bulbs, a lot of people sounded the death knell for Thomas Edison's incandescent bulb. Australia got rid of them, along with a few other countries, and news articles and blog entries in the United States dubbed the planned…
Do It Today: ANTM Auditions, Alzheimer’s awareness forum and more
Try out to meet Tyra Bank and "noted fashion photographer" (and Hottie McHotPants) Nigel Barker at the America's Next Top Model Auditions. Oh yeah, and to win a modeling contract, lots of moolah and other fabulous prizes. ANTM hopefuls must be ages 18-27, 5'7" or taller and a US citizen. Please bring a driver's license…
Thoughts on the Michael Jackson memorial
They saved the not-a-dry-eye-in-the-house part for the very end. As the Michael Jackson memorial stretched just past two hours this afternoon, after a series of speeches and several emotional music performances, Jackson's daughter approached the microphone, aunt Janet steadying her. Choking back sobs, 11-year-old Paris said, "Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the…
Concert announcement: Allman Brothers at Ruth Eckerd Hall
The Allman Brothers Band brings their 40th Anniversary Tour to Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall on Wednesday, October 21. Because of the classic jam rockers' longtime popularity and legion of loyal fans, the show will most likely sell out. (The Allmans haven't played a headlining date in the Bay area since their 2005 stop at the…
Review: Tom Morello & Boots Riley, Street Sweeper Social Club
It was fated that one day they’d collaborate. Audioslave (and former Rage Against the Machine) guitarist Tom Morello and Boots Riley, rapper for the Coup, are two of the most stridently radical musicians to ever plug in. Get ’em together and you get Street Sweeper Social Club, 11 songs and nearly 40 minutes of unremitting…
Students, join Greenpeace’s organizing training for Fall semester
Are you looking for a way to advance your skills in organizing? Are you interested in learning how to do your part for the environmental movement? Do you want to learn how to lead your community in making real change against Global Warming? Do you know someone who wants to learn new skills, but doesn't…
Thoughts on the Michael Jackson memorial
They saved the not-a-dry-eye-in-the-house part for the very end. As the Michael Jackson memorial stretched just past two hours this afternoon, after a series of speeches and several emotional music performances, Jackson’s daughter approached the microphone, aunt Janet steadying her. Choking back sobs, 11-year-old Paris said, “Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the…
Restaurant Review: St. Petersburg’s Diner 437
Diner 437 3.5 stars 437 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-4370 I freely admit that I'm a Domenica Macchia stalker. I first encountered this former Redwoods chef at MJ's Martinis and Tapas last year, when she wowed me and the rest of the Bay area food scene with her interesting and precise take on small-plate fine…
Watch live video coverage of Michael Jackson memorial
No TV at the job? No worries. We're streaming the Michael Jackson memorial here via Hulu. The stream starts at 12:55 p.m., so leave the window open or check back with us. Comment, comment, comment. I'll be watching and weighing in.
To do this Wednesday, July 8: Left Lane Cruiser @ The Garage (with audio)
Seriously, I am not gonna fuck this post up with lots of words that cloud the point and I don't want any stupid jump cut put in to increase clicks So, here it is. Cut and Dry. Do you like Scott H. Biram? Do you like Bob Log III? Do you like The Black Diamond…
Rep. Rick Kriseman’s new green home (video)
As was widely reported, my family and I lost our home to a fire last year. In an effort to turn a bad situation into something really positive, to be environmentally conscious and energy efficient, and to save money and lead by example, we built our new home to be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified by the U.S. Green…
Photo Review: Sunbears! and Shunda K at the Hot Dog Show
In three short years, the Reax/ThxMgmt Hot Dog Show is established as a must attend event of the summer providing a great opportunity to see a diverse group of bands, catch up with old friends, make some new ones, and of course, witness a hot dog eating contest. This year the Hot Dog show took…
Vinyl Fever: New releases, CD and vinyl
VINYL: Against Me – The Original Cowboy Album comprised of demos from 2003’s As The Eternal Cowboy. Animal Collective – Summertime Clothes 12” Highlights the warm weather standout jam "Summertime Clothes," accompanied by remixes from Dam-Funk (Stones Throw), Zomby (Hyperdub), and L.D. (Hyperdub). Broken Records – Until The Earth Begins To Part Scottish seven-piece releases…
Michael Jackson memorial (live feed)
No TV at the job? No worries. We’re streaming the Michael Jackson memorial here via Hulu. The stream starts at 12:55 p.m., so leave the window open or check back with us. Comment, comment, comment. I’ll be watching and weighing in. Go to the music blog, tampacalling.com, to get the feed.
Confessions of a Tampa Bay Call Girl Pt 1
When I ventured to Ybor City last week for The Hold Steady show at the Ritz, I had no idea I’d come face to face with my very first professional sex worker. Or in street terms, you might refer to her as a call girl. An unplanned event like this could only take place on…
The Top 100 sports towns in America
Men's Health magazine has a feature called MetroGrades, where the Top 100 cities are ranked in various categories: Noisiest, Best For Men 2009, etc. They use empirical data to draw their conclusions, although at best the science is inexact. Still, it makes for good discussion fodder. The July/August issue's MetroGrade is "America's Top Sports Towns."…
McDonald’s to have electric car charging stations?
I am still deciding whether to accuse McDonald's of blatantly pandering to the green consumer or applaud them for one of their most recent initiatives to open what it bills as the "first green restaurant" in Cary, North Carolina on July 14th. It has the potential to be industry changing, or also just another joke…
Becoming a swinger: one swinger’s story
I didn't start my marriage as a swinger. I was married for more than a decade before we first couple swapped.
This week’s new music releases, CD and vinyl
VINYL: Against Me – The Original Cowboy Album comprised of demos from 2003’s As The Eternal Cowboy. Animal Collective – Summertime Clothes 12” Highlights the warm weather standout jam “Summertime Clothes,” accompanied by remixes from Dam-Funk (Stones Throw), Zomby (Hyperdub), and L.D. (Hyperdub). Broken Records – Until The Earth Begins To Part Scottish seven-piece releases…
NY Times art critic on Simpsons stamps: “The best American stamps ever?”
As someone who happily slaps Simpsons stamps on the few bills I still pay by mail, it made me proud to read that Roberta Smith, the formidable NY Times art critic, likes them, too. "Really," she asks, "are these not among the best American stamps ever?" Then, in true NYT art-critic fashion, she talks about…
Where have the frogs gone?
Last Wednesday – which many of your remember due to the heavy rain, flooded roads and overflowing water barrels – I had the wonderful opportunity to speak at the Florida Native Plant Society’s monthly meeting held at the Pinellas Extension Center in Largo. As I left the building, an orchestra of frog calls filled the…
They said what? starring Ron Artest, Allen Iverson, Rafael Palmeiro, Bill Plaschke, Andy Roddick and Tiger Woods
The Lakers announced they were for trading Trevor Ariza to the Houston Rockets for Ron Artest. In a recent Sportscenter interview, Artest told ESPN he thinks L.A. "can definitely win a championship." Someone may want to inform Artest the Lakers just won the NBA Finals only a few weeks ago,
Do It Today: Speed Networking, Jason Ricci & New Blood
Today you can make up for the long holiday weekend by forging a few new business connections. Get ahead in the rat race at the Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce Speed Networking Breakfast. This meet and greet with local businesspeople is an opportunity to grow your business, give away those business cards you spent…
Dueling pianos at Howl at the Moon: You might be surprised how much fun it is (pics)
I had low expectations for Stump's Supper Club and Howl at the Moon at Channelside. I thought about all the half-hearted piano-based lounge acts that I saw in Vegas and New Orleans, and I wasn't exactly excited to go. After wrestling with the idea, I decided to give it a try and I'm glad I…
Maxwell releases DVD with new BLACKsummers’night album: 5DAYSofBLACK
This week, R&B artist Maxwell releases his fourth studio album and first new effort in eight years years, BLACKsummers’night, on Columbia. The release is available as a two-disc CD/DVD deluxe set that includes 5DAYSofBLACK, a film inspired by the making of the album. Maxwell recently released a series of excerpts from the film that take…
Top 10 Films about America
Editor's Note: Still nursing that post-July 4th hangover? Check out some of these fine films and let the patriotism melt the headache away. And for more news and reviews of the summer's biggest movies, be sure and check out the CL Movies & Television site.] 1) Nashville Robert Altman’s masterpiece captured America in the ’70s…
Biodynamics in winemaking: Quivira Vineyards
in Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley is not only an organic vineyard and farm, but also a biodynamic one as well, producing sustainable vineyards and crops. They specialize in varietals known to excel in the Dry Creek Valley, such as Zinfandel and Sauvignon Blanc and small lots of Rhone Varietals. Quivira also has their own farm,…
Fuck buddies or boyfriends?
I don't look at every sexual encounter as having to happen with someone I'm in love with or even dating. I'm a woman and I love to have sex with men I'm attracted to. Some call it meaningless sex. Some call it evolved sex. I just call it sex.
Concert announcement: Frightened Rabbit at The Social, Orlando
Scotland's indie rock foursome Frightened Rabbit, fronted by brothers Scott and Grant Hutchison, hits several festivals (including Pitchfork) and makes a few solo stops this July. The band (pictured at left, photo by Dave Gourley at Kelvingrove Museum) has just announced that it will return to the states for a late summer-early fall tour that…
Join the cast of Bravo’s contemporary art reality show
Rumors of a Sarah Jessica Parker-produced reality TV show – think Project Runway for visual artists – have finally been confirmed, and a round of regional casting calls held over the next two weeks will determine the series' first round of participants. Aspiring Tampa-based contenders can head to Miami for next Tuesday's try-outs at Fredric…
Pepsi’s 1984 ad featuring Michael Jackson, Carlton Banks and the Jackson Five (video)
I actually remember seeing this commercial on the air as a six-year-old boy in 1984. It sparked my desire and my need to own one of those red jackets. Also appearing in the commercial is Alfonso Ribeiro, Carlton Banks from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. If "Michael Jackson" and "Pepsi ad" sound like something you've…
Oregon Wine launches video and photo contest – win cash or trip
Are you a fan a Oregon wine country? Now's your chance to tell the world why their wine rocks your world, publicly. Oregon Wine Board launched their Capture the Spirit of Oregon Wine Country online video and photo contest on Facebook. To enter, you'll need to share your experiences via "creative and memorable" photo essays…
Concert announcement: Frightened Rabbit at The Social, Orlando
Scotland's indie rock foursome Frightened Rabbit, fronted by brothers Scott and Grant Hutchison, hits several festivals (including Pitchfork) and makes a few solo stops this July. The band (pictured at left, photo by Dave Gourley at Kelvingrove Museum) has just announced that it will return to the states for a late summer-early fall tour that…
Lady Gaga goes topless for photo shoot (NSFW)
Eccentric performer Lady Gaga bares all in the new issue of V magazine, posing for the images at a seaside shoot in Malibu on May 7th with Sebastian Faena. “Sebastian is incredible. He’s so amazingly talented,” Lady Gaga said. “Very kind. He likes it when my nipples fall out. It’s all of the things I look…
Free craft beer tasting tonight in Dunedin
Stop by Dunedin House of Beer tonight between 7 and 9 pm to try free samples of Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, Bell's Oberon, and Abita Purple Haze. House of Beer, Dunedin's newest beer bar, will also be celebrating their grand opening next weekend, with beer specials, funky kegs, and the mayor of Dunedin as…
Theater Review: Respect is terrific at TBPAC
Respect: A Musical Journey of Women (****1/2) is a lot of fun. Thanks to four terrific performers — Alison Burns, Ashley Blake Fisher, Nadeen Holloway and Heather Krueger — it's a delightful tour of the songs women have been singing for the last century or so, and a welcome reminder that there's nothing innocent about…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Wednesday, July 8: Datz Deli Que Syrah, Shiraz. What's the difference between the two, anyway? Wine expert Patti Kuhl shares her secrets at this informal class and tasting session. Free. 6 p.m., 2616 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa (813-831-7000) Wednesday, July 8: Cafe Dufrain Summer Series Wine Tasting. Try a new variety of wines every Wednesday.…
Fourth of July puts US Soccer in perspective
I spent one glorious summer in Rio de Janeiro many years ago. While still in graduate school, I was fortunate enough to have been awarded a scholarship to study Portuguese overseas. Mine was the typical exchange program where you live with a host family and take classes at a local university. Technically, I was there…
Local Food: Dinner in, and from, the garden at Gateway Organic Farm
On Sunday, October 18 at 4:00 pm, Gateway Organic Farm will present its 2nd Dinner in the Garden. It's difficult to find true farm-to-table experiences in Tampa Bay, despite the growing interest in local food. Note that Gateway Organic Farm is the only organic farm in hyper-developed Pinellas County and one of two (count'em!) organic farms…
Red Band trailer for Megan Fox’s Jennifer’s Body released (video, NSFW)
For news and reviews of all the summer's biggest movies, check out CL's Movies & Television site. The trailer everyone has been waiting for has hit the Internet. By now, you've seen the pictures of Megan Fox sans apparel on the set of Jennifer's Body, and heard about the movie's nude scenes. From the looks…
Gamma Testing video game podcast Ep 10 – UFC: Undisputed
We reminisce about the early days of the UFC, and how incredibly dull it was compared to this game. Think of UFC: Undisputed as a typical fighter and you'll have some fun. Delve into the combat system — which is vastly deeper than any other out there — and the game is a long-term keeper.…
Douche fest 2009: Jager bombing my bachelor party (sweet ass video and pics)
(Warning: while the below events are basically true, the story is told through the voice of a supreme douche in need of a good bitch slap) My main BITCH was having a bachelorette party at my pad, complete with rubber dongs and ding-a-ling cakes and shit, so I decided to go COCK OUT with DOUCHE…
Tampa’s Lush Progress presents a new (nice-looking) video.
If you recall, Tampa area art rockers Lush Progress held a video release party back in May. If you missed that show, and the premiere of their new tasteful and rather well-made video for "Even Now" (produced by frontman Drew Cutler and directed by Jesse Newman, still at left), check it out here:
Sweetbreads: My life as a Slovakian Pig Farmer
I tear the wrapper off a 3-Euro bottle of Cotes du Rhone with my teeth and push the cork inside with my guitar capo. It's midnight here in Nice, and the fireworks are blazing out of a lighthouse in celebration of our American Independence Day. In the States it's still the third, but this is…
Celebrating Independence Day or creating environmental disaster?
As I went out along the beach this morning for my morning walk, I was quickly reminded why I avoided the beach yesterday. Many people who do not regularly visit this stretch of beach came to visit for the day or the holiday weekend. Instead of giving back in celebration of their freedom they decided to light…
Paddling through life, or not
Hi Dream Momma. I'm female and live in Chicago. Here's my dream. I was out on Lake Michigan canoeing and a lot of other people were canoeing too. Here and there people started getting out of their canoes and into the water and I was wondering how they were going to get back into their…
Remembering Karl Malden (1912-2009)
Academy Award winner and Hollywood legend Karl Malden died last week of natural causes at the age of 97. He has had one of the longest and most successful careers of any American actor and starred in some of the most Iconic films of all time (On the Waterfront, A Streetcar Named Desire, The Birdman…
Do It Today: Free Screening of Charade, free yoga
After playing Katharine Hepburn’s love interest in countless screwball comedies, Cary Grant went on to fulfill every man’s dream by starring opposite the younger, more attractive Audrey, in the 1963 murder mystery, Charade. Audrey stars as Regina, who returns from a Swiss holiday to find that her husband has been murdered — and the business…
The Green Community: Week in review
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week: Steps to becoming greener: Reducing your waste, reusing and recycling: Joshua Poll gives some useful tips for ways to start reducing, reusing, and recycling things you thought you could just throw away. Genetically engineering…
Photo review: Mike Dunn, Will Quinlan, Kings of Spain @ New World Brewery
Down the street from The Hold Steady at The Ritz on July 2, 2009, New Granada presented a night of local Florida musicians at New World Brewery including King of Spain, Will Quinlan & The Diviners, and Mike Dunn & The Kings of New England. King of Spain Alas, I only caught the last two…
Photo review: The Hold Steady at The Ritz, Ybor City
"There's so much joy in what we do up here…" Craig Finn of The Hold Steady exclaimed to fans near the end of their set at The Ritz on July 2, 2009, "…we are all the Hold Steady!" The joy rang loud and proud throughout their set. Fans of The Hold Steady don't just come…
Michael Jackson: a news roundup 10 days after his death at 50 (with video of his last rehearsal)
Ten days after his death, Michael Jackson is the biggest story in the entertainment world. Some of you may be crying overkill, but I'm still keeping tabs. Here's a series of the latest links I've come across. Video of Jackson at his last rehearsals. Jackson's public memorial confirmed for L.A.'s Staples Center on Tuesday, July…
Michael Jackson: a news roundup 10 days after his death at 50 (with video of his last rehearsal)
Ten days after his death, Michael Jackson is the biggest story in the entertainment world. Some of you may be crying overkill, but I’m still keeping tabs. Here’s a series of the latest links I’ve come across. Video of Jackson at his last rehearsals. Jackson’s public memorial confirmed for L.A.’s Staples Center on Tuesday, July…
Photo review: Light Yourself on Fire and Wetnurse @ Brass Mug
A rainy evening in Tampa couldn't put out the metal fire at the Brass Mug on July 1, 2009. I caught the last two bands of the evening, Seventh Rule Records labelmates Light Yourself on Fire (Tampa) and Wetnurse (NYC). Light Yourself on Fire Sadly Scrog decided not to play a reunion show this evening.…
The Crash Course: issues affecting America’s energy, economy, and environment (Video)
This is the playlist for Chris Martenson's "The Crash Course". It is a brief rundown of the number of simultaneous issues affecting America in its energy, economy, and environmental areas. The road map that Chris Marteson presents is one that I will refer back to in coming blog posts. He does a wonderful job of…
Searching for my niche in the adult industry (video and pics)
Warning: (insert obligatory warnings about nudity, fetishes, and over weight people). We were shooting the tenth clip of the night. At least I think it was the tenth. Don’t quote me on that. I do know that it was late enough that The Puppy called to ask if everything was okay. Now naked and lying…
Concert review: Boz Scaggs @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Thurs., July 2
Most pop singers from the '60s and '70s who are fortunate enough to still be touring resort to what I call vocal cheats. That's when they get to a point in an old hit that has a particularly high note they can't hit — a note that usually happens to really resonate with the baby-boomer…
Breakfast Week: Frittata — What a Dish
She was a smokin' hot babe. Er… dish. Savory egg filling. Legs a mile long. A real hot potato. Er … filled with potato. And herbs, cheese. A melt in your mouth kind of beauty. She got me fueled up for the day, and we had that long, slow burn that just sticks with you.…
Concert review: Boz Scaggs @ Ruth Eckerd Hall, Thurs., July 2
Most pop singers from the ’60s and ’70s who are fortunate enough to still be touring resort to what I call vocal cheats. That’s when they get to a point in an old hit that has a particularly high note they can’t hit — a note that especially resonates with the baby-boomer audience — so…
Beer Review: Boon Gueuze, a wild beer with untamed sourness
Boon Gueuze, 6% Brouwerij Boon, Lembeek, Belgium In the Senne Valley region of Belgium, there's a town called Lembeek where wild yeasts blow around in the evening breezes. They drift in through the open windows of local breweries, landing in uncovered vats, magically transforming wheat grain, aged hops, and water into a beer that explodes…
New eco-friendly “green” fireworks may brighten our future Fourth of July celebrations
As you've probably read recently on our site, fireworks aren't so eco-friendly. According to this article from the Mother Nature Network I recently posted on the Green site, "fireworks often contain radioactive, carcinogenic or endocrine-disrupting substances that seep into soil and water, potentially threatening animals throughout the food chain." Luckily, new efforts have been made…
Leepa-Rattner Museum founder dies
Allen Leepa (American, b. 1919). Homage to Tarpon Springs, 1998. Acrylic on canvas, 5 x 12 feet (2 panels). Courtesy Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art. Earlier this week, Allen Leepa— abstract painter and founder of the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art at St. Petersburg College— died at age 90. In celebration of his legacy, the museum will…
This week in death: Rating the obits for Michael Jackson, Billy Mays, Karl Malden and more
If you love a good celebrity death, you've been in heaven the last several days. And if you're a connoisseur of a good celebrity obit, you need to be reading obit-mag.com. Obit is a brilliantly edited online magazine that makes for great reading anytime, with all kinds of features that lend themselves to discussion over…
ArtPool’s TRA’shion Fashion runway show: Kreative Content talks to Marina Williams
Kreative Key sits down with photographer and gallery owner Marina Williams to discuss TRA'shion Fashion, coming to ARTPool Gallery July 11th… KK – So Marina, ARTPool gallery is gearing up for another TRA'shion Fashion Show. If you've never been to TRA'shion Fashion, what is it and what's it like? MW – TRA'shion Fashion is one…
Kama Sutra: the green thorn apple
Getting into the position: Crush milky chunks of cactus with sulfur and realgar. Dry this mixture seven times until it can be easily turned into powder. Add in a monkey turd and sprinkle mixture over your lover's head.
Dueling pianos at Howl at the Moon: You might be surprised how much fun it is (photos)
I had low expectations for Stump's Supper Club and Howl at the Moon at Channelside. I thought about all the half-hearted piano-based lounge acts that I saw in Vegas and New Orleans, and I wasn't exactly excited to go. After wrestling with the idea, I decided to give it a try and I'm glad I…
Do It This Weekend: Tampa Bay Celebrates the Fourth, SoHo beach party, art independence and more
Bust out the sparklers, wear red, white and blue, and celebrate Independence Day in the good ol’ U.S. of A. Aside from the usual parties and explosions in the sky at Channelside in Tampa and around The Pier in downtown St. Petersburg, several other locales host events in honor of the holiday this weekend: The…
Homemade Music Symposium 2009: Conference Wrap-Up
Five years ago, any music industry conference would feature hours of discussion about how to get your compact disc into the hands of DJs on FM radio, or tips on how to press and package a CD that wouldn’t get buried on the desk of an A&R executive at some major label. A lot has…
CL Sound Bites: Regina Spektor, Alice in Chains, Wilco, The Dodos and more!
Random news bites from the last several days (excluding anything about Michael Jackson … well, mostly). Regina Spektor's new album, far, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 this week and the lovely Russian-born songstress is scheduled to perform on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on Thursday, July 30. Slipping to the No. 2…
Review, Wilco, Wilco (with audio)
Jeff Tweedy doesn’t sound any happier. I’ve always found the On “Solitaire,” one of the many somber, introspective tunes on Wilco’s self-titled seventh studio album, Tweedy sings in his trademark laconic style, “Once I thought without a doubt/ I had it all figured out/ The universe with hands unseen/ I was cold as gasoline/ Took…
Douglas Armour’s new and baffling Daft Punk-produced video
So, I got this email about this "spellbinding" (PR agent's words, not mine) Daft Punk-produced video for Douglas Armour's song, "Flushed & Flamelike, Themselves." While the video looks real good, there's not much to it. In sum, a crazy-eyed dude runs through the forest, stopping to do some slow-mo thrashing of his long stringy hair…
Top Chef Podcast, Episode 3: “Offal Tasty”
This week, we chat about Top Chef Masters, episode 3: "Offal Tasty". Again, we were graced with the presence and wit of Jeff Houck (The Tampa Tribune, The Stew), as well as the usual suspects: Taylor Eason, Stephen Hammill, and Katie Machol. Highlights include: the power of Rick Bayless' soul patch, Katie impersonating Ludo's French…
Red, white and green: how to have an eco-friendly Fourth of July
A lot of people get excited for the fourth of July celebrations. Hot dogs, fireworks, a possible day off, friends and family are all fun associations that come with the celebration of America's Independence. Here are some tips to stay green while letting loose and having a good holiday weekend. Bring your own: If you…
Seminole Heights makes This Old House’s “Best Old House Neighborhoods” list
Bay area folks aren't the only ones who consider Old Seminole Heights a favorable neighborhood. This Old House, the home improvement rag and PBS TV series, has selected 51 neighborhoods across the country that "have promising futures and homes that truly deserve a long-term commitment," and Seminole Heights made the cut. In fact, the historic…
Bruce Marsh’s Riverwall pays homage to the Hillsborough
Bruce Marsh, Riverwall (detail). Photo by Megan Voeller. Downtown Tampa's Riverwalk gained a public art cornerstone recently with the installation of Bruce Marsh's Riverwall— a 40-foot long mural composed of photographic images of the Hillsborough River. Fired into porcelain enamel on steel plates, the images show the river— a 54-mile long waterway integral to the…
CL Sound Bites: Regina Spektor, Alice in Chains, Wilco, The Dodos and more!
Random news bites from the last several days (excluding anything about Michael Jackson … well, mostly). Regina Spektor's new album, far, debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 this week and the lovely Russian-born songstress is scheduled to perform on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on Thursday, July 30. Slipping to the No. 2…
Review: Ghosbusters: The Video Game – The sequel we’ve been waiting 20 years for
Remember 1989? Remember the disappointment? How exciting the mere prospect was, the idea that we'd get more of that magical, hilarious madness. Another two hours worth of memorable quotes – what would replace “When someone asks you if you're a God, you say yes!” or “Listen; Do you smell something?” But then we got Ghostbusters…
Review: the new Wilco (with audio)
Jeff Tweedy doesn’t sound any happier. I’ve always found the On “Solitaire,” one of the many somber, introspective tunes on Wilco’s self-titled seventh studio album, Tweedy sings in his trademark laconic style, “Once I thought without a doubt/ I had it all figured out/ The universe with hands unseen/ I was cold as gasoline/ Took…
DVD Pick of the Week: The Criterion Collection’s Last Year at Marienbad
For news and reviews of this summers biggest releases, be sure to check out CL's Movies & Television site. The central mysteries of Alain Resnais’ Last Year at Marienbad still baffle critics and audiences to this day. The film is a fixture on most critics’ greatest-movies lists and maintains a strong cult status among cinephiles.…
Breakfast Week: Peanut Butter-Banana Bread
There's nothing better than a warm slice of banana bread for breakfast slathered with some butter and maybe even jam, too. But what about the peanut butter and banana combination? I love the two tastes together in a sandwich, so why not put them in bread form? I decided to go a little nutty (ha ha) and…
Going to the movies this summer for a cause
Going to the movies is a fun activity for kids during the summer. However, with high prices, many parents might be debating whether or not to catch a flick on the big screen. The good news is that there are a few theaters offering free and discounted movies for kids. On Tuesdays and Wednesdays Muvico…
Top “Priceless” Mastercard sex jokes of all time (NSFW)
Time for a little comic relief after a long ass day of menial work. A co-worker sent me one of those emails with a lame Mastercard priceless picture joke attached to it. Like I give two shits about a kitten on a ledge! It got me thinking about the extremely hilarious and shocking ones I've…
Breakfast Week: Tips for creating a quintessential Bloody Mary
The Bloody Mary is one of the few acceptable — or even desirable — morning cocktails, perfect as a hair-of-the-dog hangover tonic, or as a way to get the day started off right. Better yet, done right this pungent example of savory mixology is almost a meal in a glass, loaded with the vital nutrients,…
Sexy green lingerie will tickle you pink and help clean up the environment
This article started out as a way to explore pollution caused by the fashion and textile industry, but quickly became focused um, er…elsewhere… TheDailyGreen is (gratuitously, fortunately) rounding up a list of designers and companies that are using sustainable business models and practices to help reduce the very large impact the textile industry has on…
Review: Mos Def, The Ecstatic
Hip-hop seems adrift, with no particular faction dominating the pop psyche (or the charts). Bling-rap isn’t resonating as much lately, these being trying times and all. The current landscape is perfect for a multi-facted, thinking artist such as body of musical work. The 35-year-old Brooklyn native — who has, perhaps more than any other rapper,…
Review: Mos Def, The Ecstatic
Hip-hop seems adrift, with no particular faction dominating the pop psyche (or the charts). Bling-rap isn’t resonating as much lately, these being trying times and all. The current landscape is perfect for a multi-facted, thinking artist such as Mos Def, whose fourth studio album, The Ecstatic, continues his impressive body of musical work. The 35-year-old…
Attention Unsigned Bands: July 5 is Deadline for No Lip Vol. 3 Compilation
Attention Unsigned Bands: July 5 is Deadline for Mohawk Bomb Records' No Lip Vol. 3 Compilation. Please submit your best song through Sonicbids. Time Left to Submit: 4d , 3h, 25m Based in Clearwater, Mohawk Bomb Records is a new kind of records music label, focused on sharing all music with the World using online…
Do It Today: Mike Dunn’s Americana show, wine etiquette class
Winter Park singer/songwriter Mike Dunn makes music that evokes freedom and wind in your face. His grabby, anthemic tunes send out a whiff of Americana, but at core they are pure, pop-infused rock ’n’ roll. Dunn pulls from a list of 11 confederates to make up his backing band, the Kings of New England, on…
30 and horny: the high point of the female sex drive
What does it mean to be a 30 something female at her sexual peak? This is my situation. I have been on a continuous hormonal roller coaster during this decade of my life (which is still not quite complete I might add). This ride has been full of sexual peaks and valleys. I believe the…
This weekend’s best bets in Tampa Bay area music, July 2-5.
It's a holiday weekend, which means one extra day of partying down and supporting the local music scene without fear of a hangover-filled workday to follow. Here's a quick breakdown of your best live music bets. For a more comprehensive schedule of concerts, check out our Upcoming Events page. Thursday, July 2 Mike Dunn &…
Natural alternatives to acetaminophen for pain relief
Once again the news headlines are full of the risks of pharmaceutical drugs. This time it’s that old staple, acetaminophen, the principle ingredient of Tylenol. Seems that every year 56,000 people are running to the ER with overdoses, some intentional, many accidental. This is a liver toxin with the power to kill. At least 200…
Vibe folds, but Quincy Jones plans to bring it back
The hip-hop bible Vibe magazine, founded by uber-producer Quincy Jones in 1993, has folded. Jones, who sold the publication in 2006 and was unaware of its dire situation, has vowed to bring it back. Jones said: "[Owner Wicks Media Group] just messed my magazine all up, but I'm gonna get it back. You better believe…
Nosh Pit Episode 20: Craig Dean, Rawbar, July 4th Wines
Brian and Taylor chat with Craig Dean, wine director at Hyde Park's Wine Exchange, discuss Brian's review of new downtown spot Rawbar, and discuss what we'll be drinking on July 4th. Listen up!
The Future of Music event to be held at Tampa’s Audio Vision’s South
Audio Visions South, the Tampa Bay area's premiere, locally owned, high-end stereo and video store, will throw the second edition of its two-part event called "The Future of Music All Age Access Audio" on Sat., July 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store's acoustically exquisite listening rooms will buzz with activities. The gathering will…
Adjusting to a home poker game in an unfamiliar environment
Soon after moving from Gainesville to Tampa only months ago, I began my search for a local poker game. Such illicit activity is not always easy to find.
Concert announcement: Brad Paisley @ Ford Amp
This just in from our pal Woody at Live Nation: Brad Paisley brings his “American Saturday Night Tour 2009” to the Ford Amphitheatre on Friday, October 16. Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne will round out the bill. Tickets are $57.75 and $47.75* for Reserved Seats and $29.75* for the Festival Lawn. There is also a…
Breakfast Week: Eggs fried in olive oil, with parmesan grits
I was so thrilled when I got the email that Creative Loafing was dedicating this week to breakfast. It is my favorite meal. I love everything about it. First of all, I am the oft underappreciated morning person. Frankly, I just don't understand people who aren't morning people. A true optimist HAS to be a…
Hamlet in NYC: A Nude Jude Law?
Nah. That's just what one Shakespearean wag mused about in regards to the (mostly) critically acclaimed production of Hamlet that's headed to Broadway from London this fall: Rosalind emailed me this morning, wondering if I wanted to go to London to see Jude Law in Hamlet. That reminded me of feature we long ago joked…
Get off the grid and build your own DIY wind turbine or solar oven (video)
Okay, so this might be a little daunting for some. But what does it really take to generate homebrew electricity? If you are a little handy, have a few power tools, and really want to get off the grid, check out the videos husband and wife team Dan and Denise Rojas have put together at…
Do critics matter? Not to fans of Transformers
As Joe Bardi pointed out last week: The critics really, really hated Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Even Peter Travers hated it — the same Peter Travers whose effusively positive blurbage from Rolling Stone is a staple of movie ads. The avuncular Roger Ebert didn't pull any punches, either: "A horrible experience of unbearable length,"…
Michael Jackson sets Billboard chart records
It's just like the old days. Michael Jackson is ruling the charts. According to Nielsen SoundScan, which tracks record sales, Jackson's solo albums sold 415,000 units last week, mostly in the time between the Friday after his death and Sunday night, when scanning for the week closed. 58 percent of the sales were digital downloads.…
Time to pay attention to the Tampa Bay Rays again
For all you casual Rays fans, and for those of you who witnessed the early part of this season and figured last year's World Series run was a fluke, it's time to start paying attention again. • The Rays beat the Toronto Blue Jays last night 4-1, and now have a season-long seven-game winning streak.…
Five Questions for RENT’s Adam Pascal
"One song…glory." In RENT, HIV-positive rocker Roger Davis struggles to create the consummate song to carry on his legacy "before the virus takes hold." Adam Pascal, who brought the character to life in the original production and on-screen, also experiences life through his music. After quitting his band and moving to NYC to make his…
“Future of music” hi-fi event set for Tampa’s Audio Visions South
Audio Visions South, the Tampa Bay area’s premiere, locally owned, high-end stereo and video store, will throw the second edition of its two-part event called “The Future of Music All Age Access Audio” on Sat., July 25, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The store’s acoustically exquisite listening rooms will buzz with activities. The gathering will…
Restaurant Review: Rawbar in downtown Tampa
Rawbar 3.5 Stars 777 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, 813-422-5220 It's interesting to see Taps and Rawbar anchoring adjacent corners of downtown Tampa's Skypoint building. Both are owned by the same man — James DeVito — and both are attempts to fill niches in downtown Tampa nightlife. The jury's still out as to whether DeVito is…
Are we at the peak of oil production?
For the next century, my generation's greatest challenge will be dealing with our energy sources. Energy is what drives everything in our society. The food we eat, the gas we put in our cars, as well as the electricity we use to turn on our lights – all originating from fossil fuels that were created from…
Michael Jackson sets Billboard chart records
It’s just like the old days. Michael Jackson is ruling the charts. According to Nielsen SoundScan, which tracks record sales, Jackson’s solo albums sold 415,000 units last week, mostly in the time between the Friday after his death and Sunday night, when scanning for the week closed. 58 percent of the sales were digital downloads.…
Jacksonville’s Sunbears! make music that lives up to their name
Two years ago, Jonathan Berlin was in a bad place. He was the lead singer and songwriter for a band called Bernard that had a distribution deal through East/West, a division of Warner Bros. The trio, whose drummer was his longtime collaborator and best friend Jared Bowser, had played 300 shows on tour. So what…
George: The Poor Little Rich Boy Who Built The Yankee Empire is a funny, revealing biography of George Steinbrenner
Abusive, cruel, philanthropist, loyal, disloyal, good samaritan, phony, vengeful, manipulative, vindictive, delusional, a guy with a heart of gold, a real giver, financial deadbeat, bully, kind-hearted… Tampa Bay's most famous resident, George Steinbrenner, has probably been called all these things and more at one time or another, but rarely have so many conflicting characterizations appeared…
Respect: The Musical brims with pop songs that have defined women through the decades
Respect: A Musical Journey of Women is a lot of fun. Thanks to four terrific performers — Alison Burns, Ashley Blake Fisher, Nadeen Holloway, and Heather Krueger — it's a delightful tour of the songs women have been singing for the last century or so, and a welcome reminder that there's nothing innocent about Top…
Review: Tom Morello & Boots Riley, Street Sweeper Social Club
It was fated that one day they’d collaborate. Audioslave (and former Rage Against the Machine) guitarist Tom Morello and Boots Riley, rapper for the Coup, are two of the most stridently radical musicians to ever plug in. Get ’em together and you get Street Sweeper Social Club, 11 songs and nearly 40 minutes of unremitting…
Reunion ’08 Red Rye Ale special release beer benefits a good cause
For the past few years, Pete Slosberg of Pete's Brewing Company (as in Pete's Wicked this-and-that) has teamed up with Alan Shapiro, president of SBS Imports, and Bison Brewing's Daniel Del Grande to craft a limited, special release beer that benefits a good cause. The Reunion collaboration was inspired by the late Virginia McLean, a…
Review: Mos Def, The Ecstatic
Hip-hop seems adrift, with no particular faction dominating the pop psyche (or the charts). Bling-rap isn’t resonating as much lately, these being trying times and all. The current landscape is perfect for a multi-facted, thinking artist such as Mos Def, whose fourth studio album, The Ecstatic, continues his impressive body of musical work. The 35-year-old…
Review: Wilco, Wilco
Jeff Tweedy doesn’t sound any happier. I’ve always found the Wilco leader’s apparent discomfort in his own skin to be one of the reasons the band was capable of compelling music (although by no means always). On “Solitaire,” one of the many somber, introspective tunes on Wilco’s self-titled seventh studio album, Tweedy sings in his…
A modest proposal for dealing with gun violence
Arm everyone.
InnocentUWish – Contributor
I'm the social butterfly who loves controlling the action. I get off on watching my man writhe with pleasure. Spanking, sushi, sexting, passionate kisses, traveling, phone sex, and shaking my milkshake are all a must in my world. My friends tease me that I'm a girlie girl who thinks like a perverted guy. Most say…
The Top 15 Sci-Fi movies of all time
Be sure to check CL's Movies & Television site for reviews of this summer's biggest movies. There is only one genre that is able to entertain us, capture our imagination and provide a glimpse of the world after the machines take over and enslave mankind. Of course, I'm talking about Sci-Fi. The genre has many…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Tuesday, June 30: A Taste for Wine Wine doesn't have to bear a hefty price tag to please your palate. Sample a tasty selection of quality wines that only taste like a splurge. $10. 6 p.m., 241 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727-895-1623) Wednesday, July 1: CL Wine Club Happy Hour at Datz Deli BBQ Wines.…
Late night music, June 29-July 4: The rerun edition, Vol. III (with video)
A weekly bulletin on musical guests playing late night TV; set your TIVOs or DVRs if you’ve got an early bedtime and you haven't already caught these appearances (or want to see them again). The Late Show with David Letterman, CBS Monday, June 29: Steve Earle (June 3, pictured; photo by Ted Barron) Tuesday, June…
Noshpit Episode #19: Interview with Jenna Weber, Paci’s Pizza and homemade bacon
Brian and Taylor chat with CL food contributor and successful blogger for EatLiveRun.com, Jenna Weber; discuss Brian's love affair with Paci Pizza; Jenna and Taylor's quest for the Murphy-Goode Dream Job; Brian's homemade smoky pork product and CL's new food contributor, Chef Gui.
Concert announcements: Maxwell and the Airborne Toxic Event
Two concert announcements came through while I was on vacation these past few days. The artists are as disparate as you can possibly get without being of entirely different species. Neo-soul singer Maxwell, the Grammy-nominee with the passionate pipes who produces some pretty seductive, made-for-making-looove R&B serenades, will stop at Ruth Eckerd Hall on Thursday,…
This week @ the movies: The Taking of Pelham 123
[Ed. note: Each week I'll be breaking down the big summer blockbuster movie releases. If you're curious about what's coming out in future weeks, be sure to check out the Summer Movie Preview. For more info on this week's releases, please check out my full length review of The Taking of Pelham 123 or visit…
Joshua Michael Poll – Contributor
When Joshua Michael was young his folks took him camping; they were off the “grid” for a week or two at a time, cooking from the camp stove, fishing for dinner. He remembers the way his mom washed the dishes with only a little water, those experiences have made him who he is today. He…
Leilani Polk — Music and Events Editor
Leilani’s been writing for CL since she was an intern back in ’03, before she earned her Mass Communications degree at USF and used it and her wits to get a full-time position at the paper. She is quiet and unassuming, except when it comes to food (chocolate and sushi), travel (the farther the better),…
