The quest for a Hillsborough county mayor: Mary Ann Stiles’ long strange trip
Last month, after a painfully drawn-out process, the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners — in a sort of slow-mo version of the reality show Survivor — voted to boot Administrator Pat Bean off the island that is county government. The 64-year-old Bean had alienated board members, as well as members of the public, after it…
Do It Today: An American history tour at The Battle of Antietam, Florida’s natural history in Obscured by Time, and art history at the Chihuly Collection
History buffs are in heaven: see the Battle of Antietam — the bloodiest in American history — recreated in miniature. Tonight's opening reception and gallery battlefield tour is held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Weds., July 14, and local historians lead discussions on history of Civil War battles, their significance, and favorite leaders at…
Do It Today: New-to-you clothing swap and the Stag’s Leap wine dinner
The weekly Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market also hosts a Clothing Swap today — an easy way to spruce up your wardrobe without spending a dime. Bring five or more items to exchange for clothing from other participants. Please provide hangers; only summer clothing for men, woman and children is accepted. Vouchers can be purchased for…
On the Radar: Ghost Tour of St. Pete Beach, with a special stop at the Don CeSar
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming arts events to mark your calendars for. That big, pink castle on St. Pete Beach sure knows how to attract attention. Besides being big and pink, of course. Did you know the legendary Don CeSar Hotel is also … haunted? At least that’s the conceit of…
Do It Today: Love Songs and Dirty Jokes at American Stage, and Jobsite’s got some Nerve
Love Songs and Dirty Jokes? Just add a little (eh, a lot) of wine and Bridget Jones (1 and 2) and it sounds like my post-breakup coping method. In this one-woman cabaret show, part of American Stage’s After Hours Cabaret series, local songstress Melody Delaney (pictured) woos the crowd with standard and original music of…
On the Radar: Love Songs and Dirty Jokes at American Stage
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. Love Songs and Dirty Jokes? Just add a little (eh, a lot) of wine and Bridget Jones (1 and 2) and it sounds like my post-breakup coping method. In this one-woman cabaret show, part of American Stage’s After Hours Cabaret…
Social Distortion comes to Jannus Live with Lucero! (with video)
Social Distortion visits the Tampa Bay Area about as often as they release albums. In other words, their track record over the past 18 years ain't so good. Mike Ness and his friends last rolled through behind Sex, Love and Rock 'n' Roll in 2005. I missed that show due to a work obligation. I won't make that…
On the Radar: Bob Preston: A Life in Photographs and Patricia Preston Warren: I Am my Father’s Daughter at The Studio@620
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. Beginning tomorrow, the Studio@620 offers a tale of two Prestons with exhibitions of black-and-white photography by former St. Petersburg Times shooter Bob Preston and color photography by his daughter, Patricia Preston Warren, a visual artist who works in digital imaging,…
Do It Today: Becloud (Vaho) at the Global Lens Film Series, the Slow Food Sampler at The Studio, and Without a Paddle at Inkwood Books
Is the summer Hollywood box office disappointing you? Are you tired of cliché chick flicks that end happily ever after (lucky assholes)? If you see Tom Cruise in one more film, are you tempted to jump on and then off your own couch … and over a balcony? Fear not and take no drastic actions…
Dunedin Brewery’s 14th Anniversary party this Friday, July 9
, Florida's oldest continually-run microbrewery, will be throwing a brew bash to celebrate its 14th year in business this Friday, July 9. Enjoy 21 different styles of ales and lagers on tap (all made right at the brewery), Happy Hour from 5-8 p.m., and live music by the Reid Burton Trio starting at 9 p.m.…
Straight Dope: Is “clean coal” really clean?
This week's question on Straight Dope: I've been reading about clean coal technology — in particular, coal gasification and its use in power production. Everyone touts the clean emissions consisting of CO², which gets sequestered underground, and water vapor. But what about the other by-products, such as sulfur, nitrogen oxide and ash? What about trace…
Wednesday-music.com indie music profile: Fol Chen
Other than their names: Samuel Bing, Sinosa Loa, The Booksman, GMO, Julian Wass, and Patrik-Ian Polk, very little is known about the Highland Park band Fol Chen. The cryptic band "maintained utmost secrecy from the start" said Samuel. In fact for a Morning Becomes Eclectic gig in 2009, he "drew a black mask around his…
After 20 year career, CNN Middle East correspondent canned for controversial tweet
CNN this afternoon fired their Senior Editor of Mideast Affairs, Octavia Nasr, following a controversial tweet that she posted earlier this week where she praised Hezbollah leader Sayyed Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah. Nasr had written about Fadlallah that she was "Sad to hear of the passing of Sayyed Mohammad Hussein Fadlallah.. One of Hezbollah's giants I…
Five essential food and drink smart phone applications
If you've ever been stuck in a rut on where or what to eat or drink, the following apps will surely come in handy. And the best part? They're all free. Urbanspoon- This restaurant finder application is a cross between a slot machine and an eight ball. It lists restaurants in just about every city…
The Grind podcast 7/7: Rays go for three, Trueblood drunk and disorderly and JaMarcus Russell cough-free
Welcome to the final installment of The Grind with Flip Satchel and Bill Freitas (before Flip becomes a daddy — sorry to disappoint the haters). So put the brain on neutral, grab an afternoon cup of crappy office coffee and check out what we have on this here weekly round-up. One of the few things…
WMNF radio community hopes to move forward from layoff debacle
Volunteers, board members, and listeners alike gathered as a community yesterday evening to discuss the recent layoffs of three staff positions by Tampa Bay radio station WMNF 88.5. The purpose of the meeting was to provide a forum for those involved with WMNF to discuss what had happened over the past two weeks and how…
Concert Review: Donavon Frankenreiter at Jannus Live (w/video)
I’ll be blunt – I was in a foul mood on Friday. The main culprit being that the hiring managers of a position I had been successfully interviewing for over the course of three weeks, informed me that they chose to hire the “other candidate.” Then, among other things like gray skies and rain all…
The Rabid Book Review: suck it, wonder woman! by TV and Playboy’s Olivia Munn (click to win a HOT Olivia Munn Poster!)
"Yoda is too much of a p*ssy to restrict breathing…Yoda, sweetie, baby, love ya, but you're not actually considered a badass." With that I knew I was totally sucked into suck it, wonder woman!, the new autobiography by Playboy cover-girl and G4 Tv's resident geek, Olivia Munn. When one of the prettiest ladies of Hollywood puts out…
Tampa may not be the answer for the Rays, but St. Pete clearly isn’t
Let's put a bow on the stadium "debate" once and for all. It's a reality I've tried to convey diplomatically to a group who simply refuses to see and I'm finished worrying about offending them. Hey, St Pete. You failed. And you know it. The stadium sucks, the location sucks, and for baseball to survive in…
Navy sends in airship to assist in Gulf oil spill cleanup efforts
Last month, the Navy's enormous MZ-3A Airship slowly made its way from Yuma, Arizona, and is expected to arrive in the Gulf some time today to aid in cleanup and wildlife relief efforts. It will assist in coordinating skimming efforts and be on the lookout for injured animals along the coastline. U.S. Coast Guard Capt.…
Rose Ferlita declares she’s running for Mayor of Tampa
Announcing through Facebook, Hillsborough County Commissioner Rose Ferlita declared what is not any surprise – she's running for Mayor of Tampa in 2011. Ferlita emphasized social media in saying she had filed paperwork to run for office. Ferlita now joins Tampa City Councilman Thomas Scott, former Tampa City Councilman Bob Buckhorn and former police captain…
New regulator ruling in D.C. a death blow to PACE programs in Florida? Outside Magazine looks at SeaWorld tragedy and new high speed rail meeting set for Tampa in a few weeks: Mitch Perry Report 7.7.10
We understand advocates for trying to find funds for the High Speed Rail program to go to Tampa International Airport were surprised to learn that there will be a big regional meeting on where things stand on the Tampa-Orlando line in a few weeks. Our posting of this info yesterday apparently was news to some…
Memo to Marco – The GOP Senate Primary is over – now you need to win the middle (video)
There were several stories in the Florida political press last week about how the magic has gone out of Marco Rubio's insurgent campaign. To the extent that his meteoric rise isn't being written about as much, it's simply a matter of supply and demand. The Florida Republican Senate primary was perhaps the most interesting political…
A little history on Latin chicken and yellow rice, plus ‘Arroz con Andy’ recipe
For many Anglos in the Bay area, chicken and yellow rice was an accessible gateway into the seemingly exotic world of Latin cooking. The dish was not radically different from some Southern dishes and Midwestern casseroles, and the novelty of bright yellow rice attracted the eye as well as the palate. Back in 1899, legend…
Coffee Without Chains: The new Felicitous Coffee House in Lutz
Move Over Starbucks! In today’s economy people are looking to save money. One way they are saving is by foregoing the lattés and overpriced coffee chain specialty drinks. The good news is that smaller non-chain coffee houses are offering many craved caffeinated beverages for a fraction of the cost. One such place is Felicitous Second…
Outside Magazine weighs in on SeaWorld orca tragedy
Ever since we traveled to SeaWorld in Orlando to write about the tragedy that ensued there in February involving an orca named Tlikum ended up killing trainer Dawn Brancheau at the marine theme park, we've been interested in all things involving this story. Which is why strongly recommend a long piece in the current issue…
Buff and in the buff: Miley Cyrus’ ex-boyfriend Justin Gaston goes nude for PETA
known for their controversial ads featuring naked women protesting the wearing of fur, have managed to produce another series of racy photographs. New ads for PeTA's “Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur Campaign” feature Miley Cyrus' ex-boyfriend Justin Gaston in the buff, along side equally nude If I Can Dream co-stars Ben Elliott and Giglianne…
A Gay in the Life: With gay power comes gay responsibility
When I was younger I lived in government housing. Some call it Section 8, others call it The Point of No Return. I just called it home. As you can imagine, or at least stereotype, the inhabitants of 100 University Lane weren't always the classiest of individuals, and maybe not always the most promising. Like…
It Happened This Week-ish: Lindsay Lohan survives punches and prison sentences, we have a new Spiderman, Paris packs everything except marijuana and more…
I love a good Lindsay Lohan story, specifically one in which she gets punched by a waitress, on her birthday AND THEN runs into that waitress again at the next club. Know what I love even more than our precious Lilo getting punched in the face? Courtroom tearfests courtesy of a judge actually requiring her…
Rays hang on, win 3-2 nail-biter against Boston
The Tampa Bay Rays did just enough to pull out a win Tuesday night at Tropicana field against the Boston Red Sox. Tampa Bay scored three runs on seven hits, with the game-winning tally coming on Carl Crawford’s monster home run shot to lead off the eighth inning. In a game that was very much…
Do It Today: Jamie Cullum’s pop jazz, NYT best seller Chris Kuzneski’s book signing, Harvey Simon’s sculptures and Molotov Solution’s deathcore
I’d describe him as the UK Michael Bublé, but that’d be discounting Jamie Cullum’s own undeniable talent; yes, both are pop jazz crossover artists, but Cullum sings and plays piano, among other instruments, improvises his sets (no planning ahead of time for this guy), incorporates classic standards and modern covers into his repertoire of originals,…
On the Radar: Bluelucy’s MUG show debuts at Kahwa Coffee
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. I’ve always seen mugs as sweet and comfy: they remind me of my mom and the holidays, they warm up hands, they hold yummy liquids. So naturally, I think Bluelucy's upcoming exhibit, MUG, is pretty neat-o. Collaborative art partners Chad…
South African MMA fighter Jeremy Smith trains in Tampa for U.S. debut at XFC 11
The quality of mixed martial arts training in Tampa, Fla. has not only produced several UFC fighters, but also attracted world class fighters who held their training camps at local schools in preparation for upcoming bouts. The most recent example is South African MMA fighter, Jeremy "The Pitbull" Smith, who will make his U.S. debut…
More locations added to Florida E-Waste Recycling’s drop-off sites
Budget Self Storage and Florida's Storage Solution have joined Florida E-Waste Recycling's GreenSite Network of e-waste drop-off locations. Budget Self Storage wil now offer drop-off sites in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Valrico, Bradenton and Sarasota. 10 of those 14 facilities have become authorized drop off locations for computers, monitors, cell phones, toner cartridges, and other…
CD Review: Stars, The Five Ghosts
Oh, Stars, you pretentious bastards, how I love you. You're like that strange 21-century Americano who loves berets and baguettes and spells color colour. Who loves Morrissey to a pathological extent, who says film and never movie. I humored you, Stars, because you could write pop songs that smacked around all indie-pop competitors. But, Stars,…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Wednesday, July 7: The NoHo Bistro Wine Wednesdays. The wine and tapas change weekly, so come back regularly and bring your BFFs, blind dates, co-workers, boy/girlfriends or, hell, someone else’s boyfriend. $15 for two glasses of wine paired with two tapas. 1714 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa (813-514-0691) Thursday, July 8: The Studio@620 Slow Food Sampler.The…
McCollum says he wants state to use E-Verify program to vet undocumented immigrants working in state agencies
We don't know if he got Florida House Republican candidate Todd Marks' memo, but Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum today, in a tight race for the GOP nomination for governor, called on Governor Charlie Crist to begin using the Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program to verify the legal status of all employees working in…
New Of Montreal: “Hydra Fancies” and “Coquet Coquette” from upcoming False Priest LP
Kevin Barnes is back at it again with a new slew of O.M. tracks entitled False Priest (pictured) to be released on September 14th. Last week they released (what we're assuming to be) the leadoff single from the album, "Coquet Coquette", on their website, and today they've brought us a second track, "Hydra Fancies" featured…
Next High Speed Rail regional meeting to take place in Tampa July 19
The Tampa Bay Business Journal's Alexis Muellner's is the first to report that the next Regional meeting regarding High Speed Rail will take place in Tampa on Monday, July 19 at 9:00 a.m. The focus of the meeting scheduled for July 19 at 9 a.m. at the Tampa Convention Center is “our ‘Federal Partners.’” It…
New music releases out this Tuesday, July 6: Big Boi, Enrique Iglesias, Kelis, Juvenile and more (with video)
This week's new music releases. To see last week's releases (June 29), click here; for June 22 releases, click here. Big Boi, Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty (Def Jam) The other rapping half of OutKast (i.e., not Andre 3000) presents his solo debut. Check out the video for his single "Shutterbugg"…
Brian Blair’s son arrested on drug charges in Tampa
The son of former Hillsborough County Commissioner Brian Blair, 18-year-old Brett Leslie Blair, was arrested this morning on drug charges. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Department lists Brett Blair as being busted on charges of possession of Oxycodone and marijuana, as well as drug paraphernalia. A little over a year ago, Brian Blair was arrested on…
Plant this box: How the Life Box gives back to the planet
Paul Stamets, known for his work in mycology (the study of fungi) and for his donations of mushrooms to help clean the oil-soaked hair mats from the San Francisco Bay spill in 2007, has come up with another genius eco-friendly invention. Have you ever wondered how many trees are cut down in order to make…
Gretchen Cothron – Contributor
Foodie fanatic Gretchen Cothron is a Tampa native whose family moved to a five-acre farm in Shady Hills when she was in the 5th grade. She grew to love gardening with her father and caring for the animals they would use for food. After high school, she moved to Manhattan to attend AADA, and then spent years traveling as…
Concert Review: Thrice at St. Petersburg’s State Theatre
Saturday night’s Thrice concert at the State Theater in St. Petersburg was a near perfect rock concert that highlighted their ever-evolving sound. The crowd, although subdued early by a trio of opening acts which didn’t seem to complement the band’s style, was energized once lead singer Dustin Kensrue took the mic. The fiery set began…
Strawberry cucumber tea sandwiches recipe: A fresh take on the standard finger sandwich
As a self-proclaimed girly girl, I love getting dressed up and going to have high tea. I am not sure what I love more, the soothing tea served, the tacky floral decorations that usually go hand in hand with tea houses, or the delicious platter of bite-sized goodies that are served. On the pretty platter…
Kottcamp’s first TV ad a paean to 2nd Amendment? (video)
Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottcamp is the first Attorney General candidate in either party who is now going to the airwaves. Locked in a primary battle with Pam Bondi and Holly Benson, Kottcamp is emphasizing his cred with the law and order communities in Florida with this 30-second ad that features a whole lotta guns:…
Concert Review: Sting featuring the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra
Scoring a ticket to experience Sting with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra was one of those wonderful perks of my occupation, the kind that makes the bad parts disappear. It was, however, an event I anticipated with some hesitation and fear. I’d seen this before; the early '90s, Johnny Cash, Chastain Amphitheater and the Atlanta…
The Rays stadium talk/debate/war continues
Creative Loafing's Patrick Donovan and his Jack Sports TV co-host Damian Bell talk about the Rays pursuit of a new place to play. Find out why Damian thinks the Rays should remodel Tropicana Field and remain not only in St. Pete, but in the same building. Also find out why Patrick Donovan agrees with Stu…
Lightning extend Marty St. Louis as NHL free agency kicks off with a bang
Marty St. Louis will retire in a Lightning uniform. The Tampa Bay Lightning announced today that it extended the star forward to a 4 year deal worth 22.5 million. Here is the release from the team: The Tampa Bay Lightning signed right wing Martin St. Louis to a four-year contract extension today, Vice President and…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Rays halfway there, Storm on a tear and Chris Simms impaired
How many fingers am I holding up? Six? Shit, there should be 10. Damn you, M-80s and Mai-Tais. Hope everyone had a very safe and successful July 4th celebration. I'm sure Patrick Henry would be proud of my puffy-face, pounding headache and random apologies. Back to it, then. Rays take Red Sux down a peg.…
Kendrick Meek thinks he’ll start getting more media coverage; NY Times David Brooks takes on his fellow columnist, and Florida Republicans may need to check themselves when discussing how much illegal immigration is costing the Sunshine State: Mitch Per
Happy 6th of July to everyone. I hope you all had a great weekend, though it'd be nice if we might get some precipitation in the Tampa Bay area. The third quarter of 2010 has begun, and Senate Democratic candidate Kendrick Meek thinks it will now be his time in the spotlight; The St. Pete…
Sex and shoes: two peas in a pod?
Have you ever put on a pair of heels and felt that those shoes made you sexy? I wear high heels almost every day. I torture myself with three to four inches of height to overcome my irrational notion that I must be taller to be sexy. The other day I put on a pair…
Can Kendrick Meek afford NOT to air a TV ad soon?
Democratic Senate candidate Kendrick Meek is still sanguine about his low general election poll numbers, seven weeks before his August 24 primary election against Palm Beach billionaire Jeff Greene. In a column written by Steve Benen in the Washington Monthly, the Miami Congressman, who is getting pummeled in three way match up scenarios against Charlie…
One NY Times columnist chastises another on how to pay to extend unemployment benefits
NY Times columnist David Brooks today takes on his colleague Paul Krugman in his column today on whether its wiser to to continue to spend money to stimulate the economy, vs. pulling back to make a stand against the escalating federal deficit. The issue has become very real over the past few weeks, as the…
PolitiFact to Florida Republicans: You’re $3.8 billion figure that illegal immigration is costing Florida is bogus
Florida GOP lawmakers are talking about introducing an Arizona like tough bill on illegal immigration later this year. House Republicans William Snyder from Stuart and Ritch Workman from Brevard County say they'll introduce a bill in the Legislature this November that will deal with what they say is the $3 biilion plus costs that undocumented…
Greasy spoon goodness at Mom’s Place in Tampa
Searching for a local spot that was open and serving breakfast or brunch on Monday, July 5th, at 11 a.m. turned into more of an endeavor than we first thought. Our decision came down to a few mom and pop type places, almost all that we had visited before, or box standards. We chose Mom's…
Free rain harvesting workshop this Saturday
Take advantage of this excess rain water from the recent periods of precipitation we've been experiencing and save it for those drier days to water your plants. Join the Pinellas County Extension's rain harvesting workshop this Saturday to learn how to save that water in a recycled plastic "rain barrel" for later use on your…
Three successful social media marketing case studies
Developing social strategy in a business takes skill and creativity. The goal of networking is to provide a unique way to connect to the users and consumers, while capturing their attention and increasing their loyalty to your business. I've decided to showcase three case studies of businesses that achieved this goal, creating life-long customers and a…
Fangoria FrightFest: Cult, Click, Kill
For more than three decades, diehard fans of celluloid horror and dark fantasy have turned to Fangoria Magazine for their industry info. What started out in ’79 as a glorified love letter to Conan-style fantasy has weathered the digital media boom — and the emergence of innumerable similar Internet sites — to become a venerable…
My poly adventure: Polyamory, bisexuality and me
While being bisexual, lesbian or gay seem to be slowly gaining acceptance in "mainstream" America, there is one part of my life that still begets misunderstanding or hostility from even those within the LGBT community. Yes, not only am I bisexual, I choose to be polyamorous as well. Some people don't understand it at all.…
Bats come alive, relievers thrive, Rays survive, beat Boston 6-5
Wow, where to start? Every member of the Tampa Bay Rays played incredibly Monday night, the exception being starting pitcher Matt Garza, as the Boston Red Sox proved that a wounded animal is still to be feared and respected. The Rays took an early one-run lead until a third inning implosion by Garza allowed four…
On the Radar: score a free Chik-fil-A meal on Cow Appreciation Day
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. This Friday is the only other day of the year you can get away with dressing like a bovine: Chik-fil-A is giving away free combo meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner to anyone who comes "fully dressed in cow attire,"…
Do It Today: Authority Zero rocks the State, MOSI investigates CSI: The Experience
The 16-years-strong Mesa, Ariz. four-piece Authority Zero is currently on the road in support of the freshly-released Stories of Survival, their fourth full-length of vigorous reggae-fused skate punk. Jacksonville born n' bred punk rockers Whole Wheat Bread open, along with Lionize and Chase Long Beach. 6:30 p.m. Tues., July 6, State Theatre, St. Petersburg, $13,…
Theater Profile: Tampa Actor Meg Heimstead is at the top of her game
Meg Heimstead gets around. In the last eight months or so she’s starred in Christmas Trio at Gorilla Theatre, Hate Mail at The Studio@620, and Dead Man’s Cell Phone at Jobsite Theater. In each, she was superb, effortlessly creating characters torn by deep psychological ambivalence, animated by wonderfully funny narcissism, or driven by obsession and…
20 Writers Worth Watching: The indie lit response to the New Yorker “20 Under 40” list of promising authors
Now don't get me wrong; I love The New Yorker as much as anyone. Insightful book reviews, 20-page articles in a sound-bite society, and a healthy skepticism that keeps them from swallowing too much of anyone's bullshit. There is, however, one organization whose bullshit The New Yorker will serve up for themselves by the plateful:…
Party Pics: Red Square celebrates Fourth of July
This weekend Orpheum celebrated our nation's independence by drinking, dancing and doing some good ol' flag-waving. The Party: Saturday nights at Orpheum, 1902 Republica Da Cuba (14th Street) Ybor City. Hotties of the Night: Hotties Ashley Taylor and John Rodriguez pose for a quick photo Saturday night. It's obvious why these two are my hotties of…
Beer review: Holy Mackerel Special Golden Ale
According to the bottle (and subsequent research), Holy Mackerel was originally founded and brewed in Fort Lauderdale. Their beers are now brewed by two small batch breweries in Melbourne, Florida (Florida Beer Company) and Greenville, South Carolina (Thomas Creek Brewery). The company is now known legally as Gordash Brewing. Also according to the bottle, this…
Ride carbon-free and get biking directions on Google Maps
Want to ride your bicycle somewhere but don't know the best bike route? Google maps will show you! It lists color-coded routes depending on if it's directing you to a bike path, a street with bike lanes, etc. Just go to maps.google.com, click on 'Get Directions', enter your start address and destination address, then click…
Do It Today: Relax with Friends, Redefining Landscape at USF, or a class on crepes
I'll tell you what I'll be doing on my day off today: a whole lotta nothing. If I'm feeling ambitious, maybe I'll pack up a bottle o' wine and head to the beach; more likely, I'll head to my biffle's backyard pool, slather on some sunscreen (still gotta maintain that vamp-like pallor), tip back a…
Rays win 7-4, take series 3-1 from Twins
It was another game decided by an offensive explosion – this one lacking the come-from-behind heroics – as the Tampa Bay Rays lead the Minnesota Twins for most of the game and held on to win 7-4, taking three out of four games in the series. The Rays started chipping away early, with Sean Rodriguez…
Aronberg tries to keep focus on Dan Gelber and BP
As we reported last week, the tranquility in the Democratic race for Attorney General broke suddenly and furiously last week after Dave Aronberg called on Dan Gelber to leave his law firm – Akerman Senterfitt – because the firm is working on behalf of disgraced oil giant BP here in Florida. That was last Monday…
Rays come back in a big way, win 8-6 against Twins
It was a historic day Saturday afternoon at Target field in Minnesota, as the Tampa Bay Rays took on the Twins. The Twins’ Jim Thome took possession of the 10th spot on the all-time home runs list and the Rays’ Matt Joyce hit his first career major-league grand slam in front of the largest ever…
Rays fail to finish, fall to Twins 2-1
In a game reminiscent of Thursday night’s come-from-behind win, the Tampa Bay Rays didn’t manage to get it done this time, as the ninth inning heroics did not show up in the 2-1 loss at Minnesota. The Rays once more entered the final frame down a run and a two-out single ignited hope in the…
Preview of the food-themed horror flick Bitter Feast, with cameo by Mario Batali (video)
is independent new horror film that tells the tale of a chef gone mad due to his career being ruined by a lone food critic. It seems that food critics can sometimes give 'make or break' reviews — which can be horrific to a chef's career — and this film ponders what a chef might…
Trent Reznor records soundtrack for “really f@cking good” Facebook film The Social Network
Trent Reznor; Always keeping us on our toes. He quits Twitter, comes back, quits again, we stop caring somewhere in there, then disbands Nine Inch Nails, then starts a band, How to Destroy Angels, with his wife, and shortly thereafter signs on to record the soundtrack for Fight Club director David Fincher's latest film The…
A Muggle in Hogsmeade: CL intern Hannah Walk reviews The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
It would be a cliché to say that stepping into The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando is a magical experience, but in many ways it was. Visiting this recreation of Hogsmeade and Hogwarts is like walking through the movie screen into the world of the Harry Potter movies. It's no wonder: Universal…
Wonder Woman turns 600, finally starts wearing pants
Joan Rivers, eat your mechanical heart out. A woman's never looked so good at 600. DC Comics released Wonder Woman #600 this week, but it wasn't the landmark issue that took fanboys and the 'net by storm. It was her new look, seen below. Since her first appearance in 1941, Wonder Woman's look has been…
Interview with HumanWear, a Tampa-based eco-friendly clothing company
These days it is getting easier to find stylish and affordable eco-friendly clothing. HumanWear is a Tampa-based company that offer some great choices for men, women and kids. They officially opened April of this year. I recently asked the owner, Jellie, of HumanWear a couple questions about why she wanted to startup a "clothing line…
10 Lilith Fair dates canceled; Tampa, sadly, one of them
Organizers of the hyper-feminine traveling music festival Lilith Fair have canceled 10 tour dates due to—surprise, surprise—slumping summer ticket sales. Amongst the canceled shows are the August 11th stop at the 1-800-ASK-GARY Ampitheatre, the previous day's show in West Palm Beach, and various other dates throughout the South. Poised to be a comeback tour of…
Fourth of July Weekend is here: Recipes and ideas for your holiday weekend
Fourth of July weekend is upon us and for most of us that mean grillin' and chillin' with family and friends. Still have no clue what to make for a party you're hosting or attending this weekend? Do yourself and your friends a favor by ditching the boring burgers, hot dogs, potato and pasta salads…
CL style guide: How to stay stylish this Fourth of July weekend
Everyone wants to be patriotic for the Fourth of July, but you don't have to wear that flag t-shirt from your middle school years to show it. Here are three simple tips for staying stylish this weekend: 1. Wear that fedora hat. Don't worry about feeling silly or if everyone is looking at you, because…
CL comedy interview: local jokester “ranney” teaches the art of stand-up
It's Tuesday night and I'm at a funeral. Whose funeral? I have no idea. A woman I've never seen in my life is gripping me around the waist as she mimes hysterical crying. I attempt to comfort her while avoiding the flailing arms of someone else, who throws herself over the space we are assuming is the coffin. Welcome to…
CD Review: People Eating People, People Eating People
Seattle is one lucky city. Not only do they get coffee and rain and Tom and Meg and the Space Needle, but they also boast one of the most interesting pianists/songwriters hovering around the indie circuit: Nouela Johnston. Known these days under the moniker People Eating People (chosen from a friendly contest for the worst…
Catch my disease: viral videos of the week (7.2.10)
[Editor's Note: Hannah Walk, a CL college intern, is obsessed with YouTube. We're enabling her addiction, weekly.] It's been a slow week out there on the tube of you. I have, however, pressed onward through all of the muck in order to pick out the five best new videos you should at least think about…
Not a girl, not quite a man yet: After puberty, the boys wouldn’t Stand by Me
If you ask me how I see myself during my childhood, I would say like River Phoenix in Stand By Me. I was kind and sensitive, but with a tough exterior. I had learned to keep a brave face from all of the doctor appointments I was forced to endure — appointments for the countless…
Unemployment numbers (barely) down, new talk about rail to Tampa International, and Florida Tea Party members disassociate from the Florida Tea Party:Mitch Perry Report 7.2.10
Happy Independence Day weekend to all of you out there. In news about the American economy, the unemployment numbers are in for June, and they're lower than in May, but just barely. Now officially 9.5% of the workforce still can't get a job. Speaking of Americana, who represents that more in so many ways than…
Unemployment drops ever so slightly to 9.5%
With so much bad economic news coming out just in the past week, the political and business elite was prepared to comment today that with Census jobs drying up the unemployment rate would rise, but that is not the case today, as the Labor department has just reported a slight dip, from 9.7% in May…
The CL Reader Recipe Contest: And the winner is…
At the beginning of May, we asked our readers to submit their best recipes for our Reader Recipe Contest for the chance to get their recipe published on CL Food and in our Food Issue on June 17, and the opportunity to become a recipe columnist for CL Food. We received over 30 recipes for…
Somber but tense mood at Tampa Police Memorial
Two crosses stand in memory of fallen officers Dave Curtis and Jeff Kocab at the Tampa Police Headquarters Memorial, where families, businesspeople, journalists and uniformed police officers gathered yesterday to pay their respects. The mood was somber but tense as police continued their manhunt for Dontae Morris, the chief suspect in the shooting of the two…
In Louisiana, Governor Jindal vetoes bill to open oil to reveal BP secrets
Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has rejected a bill on Friday June 25, 2010, that would have required him to make public and to preserve all his office’s documents involving the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The wrote in his veto letter that, “This bill would allow BP and other parties with potential liability to the state…
Rays return to form, grind out 5-4 win in Minnesota
The Tampa Bay Rays started the month of July with a trip to the Minnesota Twins’ new ballpark, Target Field, looking very different from the team that fans saw for much of a lamentable June. The Rays won 5-4 while making a return to clutch hitting and signaling a return to the team that started…
On the Radar: Stageworks Theatre does Douglas Carter Beane’s As Bees in Honey Drown
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. Looking for a laughter buzz? Or maybe you’re hoping to take in a play with your honey? Alright, that’s all I have for bee-related jokes. Stageworks Theatre announces its upcoming production of Douglas Carter Beane’s comedy, As Bees in Honey…
Do It This Weekend: CL’s guide to Fourth of July fireworks, Flick-N-Float movies, Save Our Shores benefit concert, Dreams in Motion at The Studio, Monkey Soup in Carrollwood and more
Fourth of July weekend brings the usual explosion of live music and entertainment, fireworks displays, and, of course, modern patriots drunk on the exhilaration of emancipation (and Bud Light). But some local venues remember what today is really all about: freedom. As in, that most American of ideals, a day off of work and free…
In praise of Larry King – before the fall
Longtime CNN talk show host and legendary broadcaster Larry King announced earlier this week that he'd be unplugging his microphone this fall, ending an era for the 76-year-old's Larry King Live show after 25 years, so he can find "more time for my wife and I to get to the kids little league games." Many…
Concert Review: Ted Nugent with Pat Travers at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater
I’ve been to several Ted Nugent concerts over the years, going back to my first experience in about 1979. Nugent headlined an outdoor stadium concert in Charlotte, North Carolina with opening acts Foreigner, Mother’s Finest and Black Oak Arkansas. It was an awesome concert and Ted stole the show with lots of onstage antics and…
You don’t bring sand to the beach: BP’s newest cover-up (video)
BP’s new cover up is literally covering up the beaches. I am getting reports from Grand Isle, Louisiana, from C.S. Muncy, a freelance photojournalist for the New York Times, that BP is now trucking in sand to cover up the Gulf beaches instead of cleaning up the oil that spreading on our shores. When asked…
Mulhern: We can and should support light AND high speed rail going to Tampa airport
Not that long ago, critics of the penny transportation tax referendum in Hillsborough County brought up the fact that there was no leg currently scheduled to stop at Tampa International Airport as a(nother) reason to vote against the transit measure come this fall. But suddenly there are now serious plans for both light and high…
Hot trailer: Paranormal Activity 2 (with video)
The first Paranormal Activity was one of the better horror movies I've seen lately. It was scary, suspenseful and quite chilling. And P.A. was the only movie in recent memory that made me go home and turn on the lights in my house — all of the lights. The second movie is coming out in…
Tampa Tea Partiers gather to denounce Florida Tea Party political party as unaffiliated in Tea Party movement
Around noon today outside of the Hillsborough County Center in downtown Tampa, a handful of Tampa Tea Party members gathered to denounce the Florida Tea Party political party as unaffiliated with the Tea Party movement. According to a handout given by John Hendrix, a Tampa Tea Party founder, “the members of the Tea Party groups,…
Black people love Ken Apperson: How a skinny white boy gets down
If I know anything as an honorary black person, I know that black people don't fake feeling music. There's no such thing as a polite head-bob; something has to seep inside of them [us] and make them [us] move. And the crowd at Green Iguana in Ybor last Thursday…they [we] were feelin' it. Ken Apperson.…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Rays notch a win, Buc fans can’t come in and $750 million
"We won a ballgame yesterday. We win one today, that's two in a row. We win one tomorrow, that's called a winning streak. It has happened before." -Lou Brown, Major League Doesn't Ben Zobrist look sharp out there in center field? Just breathtaking. Yes, the bats came alive when they absolutely had to against a…
Keeping in consideration how our actions today will affect our future generations
Anyone who is familiar with the classic holiday story of “A Christmas Carol” will know that the story concludes with the statement that the character Scrooge would keep the “spirit” of the day in his heart all year long. This is a lesson most people could benefit from, and is especially true where a “holiday”…
CD Review: Travie McCoy, Lazarus
Since it dropped in early June, I’ve been randomly and regularly jamming the solo debut from Gym Class Heroes’ frontman/MC Travie McCoy. And like so many other reviews of the hip-hop and pop infused Lazarus, as I soak up its summertime sonics, I too find the overall vibe is, in a word, positive.
Restaurant Review: Taqueria Monterrey – A tale of two tacos
Rene Valenzuela is a smart restaurant owner. His Taco Bus is still the toast of Tampa taco fans, drawing crowds to the restaurant's funky, formerly portable atmosphere and well-executed takes on tortilla and fillings. He expanded his empire into Plant City a few years back with the first Taqueria Monterrey, and followed up with another…
Tiffany Razzano – Contributor
Born and raised in New York – and she will gladly remind you of this any chance she gets – Tiffany is a recent transplant to the Tampa Bay area. Graduating in 2004 with a degree in creative writing and no real ambitions other than to become the female Augusten Burroughs, she accidentally fell into…
Sierra Club gets a win in Pasco County; Rolling Stone article on Afghanistan still reverberates, and Hillsborough Dems mix it up: Mitch Perry Report 7.1.10
59 American troops died in Afghanistan last month, while counterterrorism officials say there are less than 500 Al Qaeda in either that country or in the Pakistan tribal areas. And Rolling Stone's Matt Taibbi takes on CBS's Lara Logan. Read about it here. The Sierra Club is hailing a decision made by a Federal judge…
Sierra Club wins lawsuit against Army Corps of Engineers over permit for Cypress Creek Mall development
Environmental activists are cheering this morning after a Federal Judge ruled in their favor and against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers yesterday for issuing a permit to allow for a 1 million-square foot mall called the Cypress Creek Town Center in Pasco County. The proposed mall is being developed by the Richard E. Jacobs…
Hillsborough Dems quickly re-nominate Dingfelder for County Commission seat – but tension follows that vote
The Hillsborough County Democratic Executive Party met briefly Wednesday night to re-nominate John Dingfelder to be their candidate for the District one County Commission race. The former Tampa City Councilman, who resigned a week ago from the council because of his failure to submit paperwork informing the supervisor of elections in sufficient time that he…
A week after Rolling Stone article led to the sacking of a general, the story still haunts the Afghanistan mission
Coalition forces killed in Afghanistan topped 100 in June, the war's highest monthly toll ever, which included 59 Americans. New General in charge David Petraeus said yesterday (the same day the Senate confirmed his appointment 99-0) that "It may get more intense in the next few months." Petraeus' confirmation comes on the same day that…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Save Our Shores benefit, Dirty Energy Independence Day, Treasure Island post-fireworks beach cleanup and more
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. World Cafe Discussions- Every Friday; 7:30-9:30 pm. Awakening and engaging collective intelligence through conversations about questions that matter. RSVP to Pat at 727.421.2746 or goodpat@tampabay.rr.com. Starbucks Cafe- 4th St N and 89th Ave N, St. Pete. www.theworldcafe.com. Dunedin…
Taqueria Monterrey: A tale of two tacos
What’s a Taco Bus fan to do?
Hot Summer Show I at Clayton Galleries in South Tampa
An annual ritual at Clayton Galleries in South Tampa, Hot Summer Show I (followed by Hot Summer Shows II and III in July and August) showcases works by the gallery's stable of artists, who also happen to be some of the Bay area's finest talents. While much of the works are paintings, a few folk…
Len Prince’s photographic muse is a woman who grew up before the camera
Venus on the half shell. Chances are, I need say no more to call up in your mind an image of Botticelli's famous goddess — her flowing blond mane strategically clutched in her left hand to conceal her pubes, her right hand obscuring one nipple in a gesture of half-hearted modesty. She's so well-known that,…
Not horny = not happy
The case of the vanishing libido.By Dan Savage
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse — Twi-hard with a vengeance
The latest entry in the Twilight series is also the best.
Will working the graveyard shift put you in one sooner?
I've been working third shift for approximately four years now. On my days off, despite my three children, I try to maintain somewhat the same schedule (easier since they reached school age). I've heard all kinds of horror stories about people working third shift living shorter lives, women being more prone to breast cancer, and…
Who the hell is Jeff Greene?
And why’s he giving some Florida Democrats the jitters?
Jamie Cullum’s crossing over
UK pop-jazz crossover artist Jamie Cullum brings an edgy appeal to a clean cut genre.
P-town & P-burg
A tale of two arts towns.
Beantown beatdown: Rays bash BoSox 9-4
The Tampa Bay Rays ended a miserable June on a high note, roughing up the rival Red Sox in their own house by the score of 9-4. Tampa’s team came into this outing with some momentum, with Matt Garza winning in his last start and the late-game hitting surge in the previous night’s loss. They…
DC’s lesbian Batwoman wows with Batwoman: Elegy
When I first learned DC Comics had plans to introduce a lesbian Batwoman into its mix of superheroes and heroines, I was skeptical. The original Batwoman existed only to prove to the world and Comics Code Authority that Batman and Robin were heterosexual, despite the bare thighs and underoos — and she wasn't nearly as popular…
CD Review: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Mojo
Closing in on 60, Tom Petty has delivered a new studio album that effectively reshapes his sound in a fashion that has invigorated both him and his Heartbreakers band. The 15-song opus is just a few less-than-stellar songs away from being a masterpiece along the lines of Damn the Torpedoes. Mojo has been characterized elsewhere…
Hands unite across Clearwater Beach for Hands Across the Sand
This past Saturday, June 26, I joined hands with so many other sad but determined coast lovers. My beloved sand is Clearwater Beach, although I was represented by my family on Wildwood Crest on the Jersey Shore. When I arrived at my designated meeting place in front of Frenchy's Rockaway and The Palm Pavilion, I was…
Pics from Olivia Munn’s Playboy shoot. plus Playboy’s top babes to follow on Twitter (NSFW)
Nerds rejoice! Finally geekdom is not only cool, it's kind of hot. I present to you, courtesy of our good friends at Playboy, G4TV's resident temptress Olivia Munn from Attack of the Show. The geeky goddess is the magazine's latest cover girl and here is proof that playing video games all day can be sexy…
