Nirvana’s Nevermind turns 20
Throughout the Seattle-based grunge rock band's seven-year career, Nirvana managed to produce three amazing albums before lead singer Kurt Cobain committed suicide in 1994. Their second, Nevermind, went platinum after only two months, with more than 30 million records sold worldwide. SPIN selected it as the greatest album of the 1990s and the fourth greatest…
DIY Green: Turn a plastic bottle into a unique-looking vase
Mi casa revista The inspiration for this post came from seeing this post on ReNest about creating hanging vases from plastic bottles (pictured at right). Great idea, easy to make and eco-friendly, right? Well, after a little more research, I came upon this tutorial on WikiHow for a making a unique "woven" vase from a…
ABC Charters plans to start flights from Tampa to Havana as early as September 10
It's been a long time coming but there's good news for Cuban-Americans in the Tampa Bay area who want to travel back to their home country, as officials in Tampa announced Wednesday afternoon that a charter airline company has received the first landing rights for flights from Tampa International Airport to Havana. Officials say the…
Summery strawberry-coconut martini with strawberry-infused vodka (recipe)
Seasons 52 In celebration of the season, Seasons 52 — the bar and grill chain that offers a rotating menu of seasonally-inspired dishes — has added this very summery cocktail to complement their new menu: the Strawberry-Coconut Martini. Served chilled and straight up, the Strawberry Coconut Martini is a blend of fresh strawberry-infused vodka, coconut…
Concert review: Greenhouse Lounge at Crowbar, Ybor City
The boys of Greenhouse Lounge traveled from Jacksonville to bring the Tampa Bay area some sweet dubstep-flavored grooves last Thursday night at Crowbar. [Photo courtesy of the Greenhouse Lounge's site.] Sir Charles and DJ Craig Heneveld got the ball rolling. I'm still admittedly a new fan of electronica and dubstep, but these guys didn't excite…
Pressure builds on Bondi regarding fired prosecutors
The stink around the move by Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to fire two of her foreclosure fraud investigators is not going away. The two attorneys helped expose robo-signing and helped shut down so-called “foreclosure mills," but were let go by Bondi's office in May. After laying low for a few days as this story…
Check out Mastodon’s new video and single, “Black Tongue”
The Atlanta metal behemoths release their fifth album, The Hunter, this fall.
Pedal-powered iPhone charger
Converts kinetic energy from the spinning bike wheels into electricity to power iPhone 4.
Mitch Perry Report 7.27.11
Good morning everyone. In the news this morning, we lead off with the death of former Pinellas-Pasco medical examiner Joan Wood. Don't remember her? Then please read this post. Remember Libya? Congress was really concerned about the fact that President Obama hadn't consulted them when agreeing to being a part of a NATO mission there.…
While Congress fights about the debt ceiling, whatever happened to the concerns about Libya?
Don't ever believe it when a member of Congress says that as a body they can walk and chew gum at the same time. Case in point? Libya. Members of both sides of the aisle were steaming mad at President Obama for his decision back in March to have the U.S. join in a NATO…
This week in food and drink
Bartender and chef competitions, birthday bashes, Cheesecake Day and more.
Panhandling debate rages as Tampa prepares to vote
Lydia Harvey A homeless man asks for help in Tampa. The Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce hosted a debate on the issue of panhandling today, as the City Council is set to vote on the hot topic next Thursday. Advocates on both sides agreed that panhandlers should be removed from the streets. The question is…
Jesse Jackson comes to Tampa to bash new elections bill
The controversy over the elections bill passed by the Florida Legislature and signed by Governor Rick Scott earlier this year is only getting stronger, as the Reverend Jesse Jackson came to Tampa on Tuesday afternoon to promote voter registration and denounce the legislation. HB 1355 shortens the number of early voting days, makes it harder…
‘Nesting Sea Turtles and Their Survival’ presentation in Clearwater
Wed., July 27, at the Sand Pearl Resort.
New music Tuesday! (July 26)
New albums out this week by Little Dragon, Wu-Tang, Peter Baldwin, Joss Stone & many more (w/lots of audio + video)
Mise en Place’s 25th anniversary weekend blowout: Fri.-Sun., July 29-31
Wine tastings, birthday blowout, brunch and more.
The Glee Project Recap: “Tenacity”
The Glee Project" title="Max Adler (left) guest judging on The Glee Project" width="448" height="300" /> Max Adler (left) guest judging on The Glee Project. This week’s theme was “Tenacity,” which some contenders initially had trouble grasping. The lack of understanding was highlighted when the guest judge — Max Adler, who plays the aggressively closeted Dave…
New anti-Bill Nelson ad continues GOP mantra of “no blank checks”
The one sweet sound bite from House Speaker John Boehner's line in rejecting what President Obama had said just moments before was, "No blank checks." Since Obama has already agreed (no, not in writing, but) to trillions of dollars in cuts (an agreement that Boehner said Obama broke last week), to say he wants a…
EWG’s new study: A meat eaters guide to climate change and health
Analysis of the links between meat consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Mitch Perry Report 7.26.11 – debt ceiling debacle
President Obama went directly into the living rooms of the nation last night in his 15 minute address on what's the latest on the debt-ceiling talks, urging the public to contact their representatives in Washington, and essentially hoping that they can talk Congressional Republicans can accept a deal which will make them winners, regardless of…
Enjoying the debt ceiling debate/debacle? John Boehner would like to revist the whole thing next year
House Speaker John Boehner's pre-written denunciation of President Obama's prime time speech Monday night confirms that there is not going to be any Grand Bargain in terms of dealing with the debt ceiling issue – and if Congressional Republicans get there way we'll be going through this all over again in a year's time. It's…
Tampa Housing Authority to get more than $500,000 to help out homeless vets
On Monday the Tampa Housing Authority announced that they have been awarded 75 additional vouchers from the Department of Housing and Urban Development for homeless veterans or those who have trouble paying their rent. Officials say that amounts to more than $500,000. The announcement came last week when HUD revealed that they would be distributing…
Embarrassed ABC News chief says division will not conduct checkbook journalism
Remember that whole Anthony Weiner mess a few months ago? Remember any of the women associated with the disgraced New York Democrat's down fall? I didn't think so. But actually ABC News did pay a woman by the name of Meagan Broussard, one of the women who had been texting with then-congressman Weiner, $10,000 to…
How to open a wine bottle with a shoe (videos)
And other off-the-wall (literally), corkscrew-less methods
Modern agriculture’s enormous environmental footprint
It has become overwhelmingly toxic to the atmosphere and is hastening global warming.
Emily’s List adds another Florida female Democrat”On The List”
EMILY List's Stephanie Schriock The Washington D.C. based group EMILY's List, a group that supports pro-choice Democratic women, has added former Orlando Police Chief Val Demings "On the List" designation to alert its donor community about promising candidates early in the cycle. But making the list does not amount to a full endorsement from the…
Concert review: Britney Spears with Nicki Minaj and others at Amway Center (with photos)
"It's Britney, Bitch" With those three words, the lights went up and out came America's favorite Femme Fatale, Britney Spears. Last Wednesday night, Spears hit Orlando's Amway Arena with her 2011 "Femme Fatale" tour. Joining her were Australian DJ twins Liv and Mim Nervo, LA dance band Jessie and the Toy Boys, and Miss Nicki…
Hillsborough County looks for 1st Moral Courage winner since 2008
During his prime, this perception was widely shared One of the lasting legacies of Jim Norman's 18-year reign on the Hillsborough County Commission was his call for his colleagues in 2008 to rename the county's Moral Courage Award after the late Ralph Hughes. At the time, the just deceased Hughes had contributed financially to everyone…
#MusicMonday, Vol. 42
What the CL Music Team is jamming this week, from Theophilus London to Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside (with audio)
Top Chef Just Desserts returns August 24th! (video)
14 new pastry chef’testants will duke it out (culinarily speaking).
“Free Rice”: Brainteasers to help feed the hungry
Simply answer questions correctly, and the site donates rice to families in need.
Possibly the healthiest soup in the world (recipe)
Providing you with all the right foods in one pot.
Mitch Perry Report 7.25.11 -Nothing on debt ceiling talks
We generally fill our Monday morning allotment of blog posts on national political news emanating from Washington, but after spending two hours plus watching the Sunday morning public affair shows yesterday, we don't really have much to say regarding the whole skirmish in D.C. on the debt ceiling issue. It seems to change daily, and…
As Romney hammers Obama on jobs, some contend his record isn’t the best regarding job creation
While the Washington D.C. press corps focuses obsessively on the debt ceiling issue, the fact remains that unemployment and jobs – and not concerns about how large the deficit is – remains the top issue for Americans. On Friday, while the President and House Speaker John Boehner blasted each other in dueling news conferences as…
NY Times columnist lays out a plan to tax bad food to subsidize veggies
According to a report published earlier this month, obesity rates in Florida have risen more than 80 percent in the past 15 years. A bill proposed in the California Legislature that would have have taxed sodas, energy drinks, sweet teas and other sugary beverages, with those revenues going towards toward youth education and obesity-prevention programs…
The bachelor party question
We are only 85 days away from the wedding. The cake has been ordered, the rings have been sized, and the invitations have been sent. About the only thing left on our checklist are the bachelorette and bachelor parties.
Tim Pawlenty on Obama and gay marriage – he’s against both
You remember Tim Pawlenty, almost named the GOP Vice Presidential nominee by John McCain in 2008, ended his tenure as Governor of Minnesota in 2010. Right? He was supposed to be one of the serious contenders to run against Barack Obama next year. But he's doing nothing in the national polls as of mid-summer of…
Falling Skies “Sanctuary, Part 2” Preview
Let's get ready to rumble … After the bombshell Falling Skies dropped at the end of “Sanctuary, Part 1,” the 2nd Massachusetts has a lot of catching up to do if they’re going to save their kids from the traitorous 7th Mass. “Sanctuary, Part 2” opens with the kids playing soccer at the so-called sanctuary,…
So your Mom can text now …
Crazythingsparentstext.com Parents who hate thier kids One of my only fears, besides a hooker with cold hands, is imagining my parents sex life. Don't get me wrong, I'm glad they had one for obvious reasons, but I don't think I can Etch-A-Sketch an image like that out of my head. This is what the authors…
DNC’s Spanish-language ad tells Latinos/as, “In whom can you trust”
This Friday, Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla), the Democratic National Committee Chair (DNC), held a conference call to discuss the DNC’s new Spanish-language television ad, “En quien confiar (In whom can you trust).” The ad will be airing in areas of large Latino/a populations and key swing states: Tampa, Las Vegas, Orlando, Miami, Albuquerque and Washington.…
Weekend Reading: Oslo, the debt ceiling crisis and more
An epic selection of links covering news, the arts, politics and current affairs.
Meet local food & drink artisans at Whole Foods Market’s ‘Local-paloosa!’
Sat.-Sun., July 23-24
St. Petersburg property tax rate to stay the same
Tim Finch, director of Budget and Management The St. Petersburg City Council voted on July 21 to adopt proposed millage rates for the 2012 fiscal year. The council will hold public hearings about the city’s budget on September 8 and 22 at 6 p.m. The proposed millage rate for the 2012 fiscal year is 5.9125,…
Three cheers for the red, white and blue
Captain America emerges a star-spangled winner.
Kunis and Timberlake share Benefits
Friends With Benefits is a fun but forgettable romantic comedy.
Dining Guide: Frozen Treats
Beat the heat with one of these purveyors of frozen delights.
Swamplandia: a great Florida novel to treasure and to share
I'm one of those book psychos who alphabetizes everything and protects dust jackets with Mylar covers. But there are a couple books in my library that are not in such pristine condition — and I love them. I've been thinking about Kinflicks a lot lately. It was a book that made you use words like…
100 days and counting
A quiet start, a budget surprise: How Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn is doing so far, and the challenges that lie ahead.
The safety of carpets made from recycled PET plastic
No documented proof that PET carpet fibers are bad for you, so why risk it?
Rays lousy TV ratings belie fans excuse for not coming to ballpark
The Tampa Bay Rays will be playing in Tampa…..This Friday night that is, on a 16-foot television screen in Cotanchobee Park at 8:00 p.m. as the Rays visit the Kansas City Royals. The park is located in front of the Tampa Bay History Center to the west of Channelside complex in Tampa. Officials at the…
Tampa announces intersections where red light cameras will go, but questions remain
Although they've been in American cities for over a decade, the issue of whether or not cities and counties should install red light cameras at specific traffic intersections seems to becoming a bigger issue all the time in Florida. In Tampa, it took a couple of tries before a reluctant City Council voted 4-3 back…
Free donuts with support for U.S. troops
Say thanks to the troops and get your sweet tooth on today at the Lutz Dunkin Donuts on State Road 54.
Dishing on the ever-popular Indian butter chicken
Butter me up.
Solar PowerMods: The disaster relief shelter solution
Flexible solar panels that simultaneously provide shelter and energy.
Craig Miller’s gambit of re-enacting Bob Graham’s ’78 campaign act worthy of a rerun
Craig Miller As far as campaign gimmicks go to get a relatively unknown candidate publicity and media attention, nothing beats Walkin' Lawton Chiles 1970 gambit to literally walk the entire state to get to know the Florida electorate when he ran for the U.S. Senate (and won). But coming close had to be Bob Graham's…
Environmentalists protest outside Florida Rep. John Mica’s local office to protest his “dirty water” bill
Last week the GOP-led House of Representatives passed the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act on a near party line vote, a vote that opponents say they were outspent 23 to 1 in contesting. The bill would amend the Clean Water Act by restricting the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to issue a revised or new water…
Review: Rise of Saturn, Sex, Drugs and Comic Books
Bay area quintet Rise of Saturn presents a sonically adventurous, well-arranged and overall cohesive debut full-length that's also one of several local LPs successfully funded via a Kickstarter.com campaign. The band took the earnings from their 89 backers and hit Zen Studios early this year to record Sex, Drugs and Comic Books with producer/musician Steve…
The birth of Bern’s Steak House
Humble beginnings and a not-so-secret steak sandwich.
Review: Jeremy Gloff, THIS
"My name's Jeremy Gloff, bitch!" the local pop staple declares scornfully, introducing himself, the first song, and title track off his 17th and latest album, THIS, before guest singer Anye' Cole launches into the hook with throaty vivacity: "Got style, you know I'm independent / Got cash, you know I'm gonna spend it / Glamorous…
Review: Matt Butcher, Ghostwriting
Who knew that so much substance could come from such a small guy? Those familiar with Matt Butcher's 2008 debut LP – Me and My Friends – know very well, but newbies should still check out his latest full-length, Ghostwriting, to get acquainted. The funding for recording of the 10-track effort came from countless hours…
Mark your calendars: Upcoming LGBT events in Tampa Bay
As usual, there's lots to keep you busy in Tampa Bay this weekend and beyond. No matter what your interests are — the arts, the bar scene or supporting our great local organizations — there's something for everyone. Check out some of the fabulous and (mostly) gay things that are going on in and around…
First Orlando Calling festival announces lineup
The Killers’ first U.S. show in a few years, Pixies, Kid Rock & many more this fall.
Tampa Bay Church of Scientology responds to explosive new book
Cl has certainly published a lot of words in the past couple of weeks on the release of Janet Reitman's Inside Scientology, including getting the first official reaction from Church of Scientology officials in Los Angeles on their take on the book (which you can read here). Initially we asked COS local chief spokesperson, Pat…
Hillsborough County & Tampa to consolidate on Section 8 housing?
With Hillsborough County's government looking to cut hundreds of millions of dollars from their budget, and the city of Tampa looking to reduce over $30 million, the issue of consolidating some services between the two local governments is a natural place to look for some savings. Although neither County Administrator Mike Merrill nor Tampa Mayor…
Conservative womens group airs new ad in Florida attacking “reckless spending”
12 days and counting before armageddon, otherwise known as August 2, when the Treasury Department says the debt ceiling must be raised. While the Gang of Six takes the spotlight on the issue now, a conservative Washington D.C. backed group is spending $1.2 million in a humorous take on the reckless spending they contend is…
Florida 1 of only 3 battleground states where Obama not out fundraising GOP opponents
Mitt Romney is looking very competitive in Florida It's not a surprise that Barack Obama has outraised all of the men and woman who want to take his job next year. His campaign team announced last week that he had taken in $46 million so far this year, in their goal to surpass the $740…
Viet-French cuisine at Alésia: A winning combo
Great food, lovely atmosphere and low prices in St. Pete.
Live and Local Spotlight: We the Kings
Brandenton emo punk-pop foursome We the Kings have enjoyed a steady rise in popularity since signing to S-Curve records and releasing their debut in 2007. A few collabs with Disney Channel star Demi Lovato ("We'll Be a Dream" on 2009's Smile Kid), coveted spots on Warped Tour in 2009 and 2010, a headlining slot on…
The pleasures of patterns at Florida Craftsmen
PatternPlay: Having fun with a seemingly simple idea.
Page One: What’s in store for the New York Times?
A smart, watchable look at the future of journalism.
Only the needy
How do I deal with my clingy boyfriend?
North vs. South: A tale of two Tampas
She’s seen the city from both sides now.
Tin Armor skates into Tampa
Plus: All the best upcoming concerts for July 21-27, 2011.
Community action takes root at Contribute
New Roots News and The Studio@620 are inviting us to get involved.
5 things to do this weekend
Transvestite nuns and hot dogs, a national roller derby bout, Grex Farewell Show, Dick Gregory and the PBR Pub Bike Ride
On the Radar: new exhibits at DFAC lead up to the sixth annual Wearable Art show in August
Carolina Cleere's "State of Mine" Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for. The wearable art experience comes back to the Bay in three related exhibitions, all in preparation for the sixth installment of the Dunedin Fine Art Center’s Wearable Art fashion show in August. Mixed media artist…
Picnicking with porn stars: Paul Allen’s adults-only family business
Paul Allen leans over his immense desk discussing the family business. Fingers weighted with gold rings, goatee trimmed, his dark hair slicked back, he speaks in a raspy voice not unlike Brando’s in The Godfather, though given to bursts of impromptu songs like, “I kissed a girl and I liked it.” A large man sits…
