Rouson’s anti-gay flip-flop: Evolution or political expeidency?
That's the question progressive District 55 voters should think about before they vote in their August 26 primary. Human rights activists uncovered a 2-year-old video of State Rep. Darryl Rouson on a local talk show and sent it out to media this week that shows the former NAACP president making some inane comments about same-sex…
Florida Hometown Democracy still fighting for, well, democracy
The citizen's initiative to take growth decisions out of the hands of politicians and give the decisions to voters is fighting back get on the ballot this November. The group remains a few thousand verified signatures short of having enough to be on a ballot, a predicament it blames on " a hostile Legislature, well-heeled…
Five Things to Do Today
1. Pick up a copy of Phish Walnut Creek, a new two-DVD set recorded live on July 22, 1997, during the band’s raging “cow funk” era. To see clips from the DVD, click here. 2. Gainesville’s Chris McCarty plays Skipper’s Smokehouse with Mark Gaignard. 3. Free Networking International hosts yet another of its cocktail networking…
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In love with the lyrics
I'm a big lyrics guy. If a track has vocals, I want to know each word being sung. Back in the pre-Internet era that constituted my youth, the artist either included lyrics with the CD/cassette tape (yeah, I'm that old), or you had to buy books like the one pictured, which I did as a…
The return of In The Raw
Looking for something to mellow your mind? This just in from CL Promotions Manager Joran Oppelt: “‘In the Raw,’ which had a successful three year run at the State Theatre before moving to the now-defunct Bank Nightclub for its fourth season, now returns to the State Theatre for one night only,” notes Oppelt. “A Tampa…
The power of diversity, explained
New Yorker writer and author Malcolm Gladwell uses spaghetti sauce to explain the power and beauty of diversity in this worth-watching 17-minute clip. Take the time; you'll thank me later:
Talking about Hunter S. Thompson
I just got off the phone with William McKeen, author of the recently published Outlaw Journalist: The Life and Times of Hunter S. Thompson. It's an excellent biography that strips away the cartoonish facade and offers an insightful look at the gifted writer and troubled man. McKeen, who hung with HST on several occasions, had…
Baywalk 20 theaters in a world of stink.
I went to the movies at Baywalk on Saturday night — saw The Dark Knight, but there’s been enough about that — and as a loyal, long-time resident of the ’burg, I must say I was embarrassed. Muvico Baywalk 20 is going to seed. Worst of all, the hallways heading into the theaters stink —…
The ‘Ninth’ Kama Sutra Wonder
The eighth wonder of the world is mysterious enough, but the Ninth Kama Sutra Wonder is more than just a mystery, it is a gymnastics routine suitable for the Olympics. The position begins with the woman arched backwards, holding herself in a perfect arc by only her hands and feet. The man is then instructed…
Five Things to Do Today
1. The 2008 Hope for the Hopeless Tour brings electro alt rock bands Kill Hannah (pictured), The Medic Droid, Innerpartysystem and The White Tie Affair to State Theatre. 2. Tampa Theatre’s Summer Classic Movie Series continues with a screening of Casablanca. 3. The Tampa Bay Rays play the first of three games against the Cleveland…
Fleet Foxes on Letterman
My favorite new band, Fleet Foxes, just sent me a Facebook message. OK, it's the same message that any and every one who "friends" them on Facebook received, but it's still cool news. Dig: "On Monday, August 4th, Fleet Foxes will be appearing on the Late Show with David Letterman! So tune in on CBS…
Damon Fowler signs with Blind Pig
Local guitar hero Damon Fowler has inked a deal with venerable blues label Blind Pig (Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy). “Well, it’s been in the works for a long time,” Fowler says from a tour stop in Colorado. “I’ve been excited, but we’ve been in negotiations for a while. I’m just finally glad we got it…
The Dark Romantics have arrived
I just received an advance copy of the latest from brooding dance rock outfit The Dark Romantics. It’s titled Heartbreaker and will be the Lakeland quintet’s second full-length on Louisiana-based Lujo Records (The Fall of Troy, Look Mexico). The disc features 13 tracks including “Heartbreaker PT 3” (the album opener), “Heartbreaker PT 2” and “Heartbreaker,”…
AN OPEN INVITATION TO MY PANTS PARTY
I was on the phone with my interior designer about a set of stackable leather chairs when my eyes locked on my soul mate. I dropped the phone and unfurled the most glorious pair of silver pants this side of the Milky Way. I was in the middle of working “The Best Garage Sale Ever,”…
Obama in the ‘burg
In honor of Sen. Barack Obama visiting St. Pete's Gibbs High School today, here's an oldie but goodie, "I Got a Crush … On Obama." For some serious Obama reading, check out Politcal Whore.
From the Street with Alfie: An open invitation to my pants party
I was on the phone with my interior designer about a set of stackable leather chairs when my eyes locked on my soul mate. I dropped the phone and unfurled the most glorious pair of silver pants this side of the Milky Way. I was in the middle of working “The Best Garage Sale Ever,”…
Five Things to Do This Weekend
1. British soul-pop superstar George Michael (pictured) plays the St. Pete Times Forum on Saturday night. 2. Beach Theatre hosts Friday evening WMNF fundraiser screenings of CSNY: Déjà Vu, an unconventional concert doc that follows the "Freedom of Speech Tour" with Neil Young, David Crosby, Stephen Stills and Graham Nash, and focuses more on the fans than…
Drink local, act global
Around the world in one night. Here's a sip of my latest Bar Tab column, which is part of our home issue: My ideal vacation would be spent imbibing internationally: guzzling wine, beer and spirits in different corners of the globe, traveling in a well-stocked private jet, staying at four-star hotels, sleeping with new, sexy,…
The Hiss, George Michael, Music Week and more
It's Thursday, which means time to start the weekend or at least begin planning the debauchery. In addition to my Amos Lee smackdown, I write about Atlanta rock quartet The Hiss and Snider does briefs on George Michael and Return to Forever. In Music Week, I have advances running on Lush Progress, Rock the Bells,…
How noble: Gatorade promotes hydration
Bucs cornerback Ronde Barber did a phone interview with sports radio host Jim Rome this afternoon, and after the amiable Q&A about training camp and the obligatory Brett Favre question, it was time for the plug. Ronde and Romey commiserated for a few minutes on the “Beat the Heat” campaign, which aims to educate coaches and…
Today’s pop culture detritus
Queen of Grunge: Just close your eyes and try to imagine Chris Cornell singing “Fat-Bottomed Girls.” Venomous: As if Spider-Man 3 weren’t bad enough. Does this mean the next Austin Powers won't be shag-a-delic? Mighty shield, yeah, sure: But who will wear that ridiculous costume? The votes are in: Dark Knight is the greatest movie…
Idolator on my Ann Powers/American Idol rebuttal
OK, I'm going to milk this Ann Powers/American Idol debate for all I can, and then maybe even some more. Quick recap: It started with my July 27 post "Debating Ann Powers, poptimism and American Idol." The Toronto Globe and Mail's music critic commented, prompting "Response to American Idol post." My pal at the St.…
A little sun shines on the Rays.
Uh oh, I’m now doing what I warned the Rays against: watching the standings. It started two nights ago when the Rays beat the Blue Jays while the Red Sox and Yankees lost. I thought, “Hmmm, they gained a game. Good.” I peeked this morning and saw that that Sox lost again, and the Yanks…
Sparring with Amos Lee
The male Norah Jones plays it close to the vest. Neo-soul singer/songwriter Amos Lee records for Blue Note, one of the most venerable jazz labels in music history. He's shared a stage with Bob Dylan and Elvis Costello. Don Was, who has produced such titans as the Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt, Brian Wilson and…
Five Things to Do Today
1. Three Bay area movie theaters present single-night screenings of Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman's latest motorcycle-riding documentary, Long Way Down. Pictured: McGregor looking cool in Africa. 2. After 25 years of doing their own thangs, keyboardist Chick Corea, bassist Stanley Clarke, drummer Lenny White and guitarist Al Di Mieola have reunited as Return to…
Discover Timi Yuro
Isn’t this the way the Internet works: Without even trying, you occasionally stumble upon something wonderful. I’d never heard of or even heard Timi Yuro before today. But as I was perusing a Beatles set list from 1963 that had been posted online, I noticed a song titled “If You Gotta Make a Fool of…
Taking Care of Your Gear
You shelled out a car payment for those high-end pots and pans I talk about in today's Essential Kitchen Gear, so you better take steps to protect your investment. Although you might be tempted to grab the steel wool or belt sander the next time you have to remove a layer of solidified bacon grease…
Five Things to Do Today
1. Illusionist Criss Angel (pictured) brings his Houdini-style antics to Clearwater Beach. His latest stunt – escaping from the Spyglass Hotel, 215 S. Gulfview Blvd., before it is impoloded – will be broadcast live on tonight's epssode of Criss Angel Mindfreak on A&E at 10 p.m. For those who want to witness the spectacle in person,…
Jack White teams with Alicia Keys for new Bond song
This might be the coolest duet of my lifetime. Or at least of recent memory. Jack White and Alicia Keys are teaming up for the theme song to the upcoming James Bond flick Quantum of Solace, reports Billboard.com. White wrote, produced and will play drums on the song (which kinda makes you wonder how much…
Dubconscious, L.L. Cool J
Plus Projekt Revolution
Home is where the art is
For these couples, decorating isn’t work — it’s artwork.
George Michael keeps the “Faith” at the Forum
He hasn't released a new album since 2004, doesn't currently have a hit single, and still George Michael is playing the Big Room. His 25Live Tour supports the double greatest-hits CD, Twentyfive, which came out in April. The British soul-pop artist has long been taken lightly by critics, but his career has endured. He has…
The Straight Dope
I've read that elephants are now exhibiting aggression previously unseen — including raping rhinos on the African savannah. Have we truly screwed up the elephants that much, or is this merely one of those myths that is now perpetuated in the media? —K. Honey, Georgetown, Ontario As far as I've seen, the most unambiguous published…
Savage Love
A fetish for superhero costumes
Ana Cruz: “The climate is about change”
Who? Ana Cruz, a Tampa-based Democratic political consultant. Sphere of influence: Cruz is influential in statewide Democratic politics, as a past executive director of the state party. She was also an adviser and point person to the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign. How she makes a difference: Cruz is a tireless networker and booster of Democratic…
I in the sky
Testing the condo waters in downtown Tampa.
Conor Oberst delivers his solo debut
The Bright Eyes artist finds his rock soul
Benji Hughes’ debut: sweet melodies and vivid narratives
A Love Extreme, plus new releases by Willie Nelson & Wynton Marsalis, and Motown’s pop machine
The Wackness arrives Sundance-certified
Ben Kingsley hams it up in this coming-of-age tale.
Privilege: The link between Elvis and Britney
’60s classic speaks to manufactured pop stardom.
Bowie before the big crash
A live document from the Ziggy Stardust tour
The politics of owning a home in Florida
Is there a solution to the mortage lending and insurance crisis?
Carried away
Falling into the arms of imagination.
Sparring with Amos Lee
The male Norah Jones plays it close to the vest.
Film/Fundraiser:CSNY: Déjà Vu
Friday, August 1
Trying to buy
A first-timer confronts the “best” buyer’s market in a generation.
Now you’re cooking!
Stocking the barebones kitchen arsenal
Taming your tannins
Decanting — step by step.
Art:Square One Rocks!
Saturday, August 2
Eureka! And then what?
They found the perfect house, but that was only the beginning. (Can you say “paperwork”?)
Why will it cost so much to bail out the mortgage banks?
Why will it cost so much to bail out Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae?
Literature/Talk: Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev
Sunday, August 3
Savage Love
A fetish for superhero costumes
The Beach Theatre is a homegrown treasure
Catch Indie Fest and more at the venerable cinema.
Brooke-ing it
"You know what? I am actually not that much into voting. I think it's kinda crazy that a woman is running, because I think that women deal with a lot of emotions and menopause and PMS and stuff. Like, I'm so moody all the time, I know I couldn't be able to run a country,…
The Home Issue
Can’t afford to flee? Stay home.
Why is Afghanistan suddenly in the news again?
Don’t Panic! … Your war questions answered
Amanda Shaw, Hippiefest
Plus Kenny Chesney
Film: Casablanca
Monday, August 4
Stocking the kitchen bookshelf
Three cooking bibles for the well-stocked kitchen
Return to Forever at Ruth Eckerd
They haven't toured together in, um, forever. Actually 25 years. Keyboardist Chick Corea, bassist Stanley Clarke, drummer Lenny White and guitarist Al Di Mieola comprised the definitive lineup of Return to Forever, one of the top bands of the fusion movement of the 1970s. From 1974 to 1976, the quartet made three albums of powerful…
Concert:Catch 22 w/The Supervillains
Tuesday, August 5
Speakers of the house
Make your home sound system boom without going bust.
Special Events: Conversations & Cocktails
Wednesday, August 6
Hear The Hiss at New World Brewery
The Hiss hits all the right notes in re-creating the cocksure sounds of 1960s blooze, garage and mod-rock. The Atlanta quartet (formerly of Florida), being brought to town by New Granada Presents, delivers hot licks from the Keith Richards playbook, goosed by barroom piano and sold with appropriate sass by raspy-voiced lead singer/guitarist Adrian Barrera…
Film: Long Way Down
Thursday, July 31
American Stage hits a high note
Souvenir is a scream — er, screech.
Hostel territory in Tampa Heights
Can’t afford to backpack Europe? Spend a night at Gram’s Place.
Baye Kouyaté lets his drum do the talking
Danama offers a hypnotic set of folk sounds
Wine List
Got an upcoming or ongoing wine event? Send information to: The Wine List, 810 N. Howard Ave., Tampa, FL 33606, fax 813-739-4801 or e-mail brian.ries@creativeloafing.com. 13TH ANNUAL WAZOO USA Today picked Lowry Park Zoo's annual beer festival as one of the 10 best in the country. Here's your chance to experience the joy of sipping…
Fundraiser/fashion:(818)RED
Friday, August 1
Get us out of here
Why we knew it was time to move.
Charlie Crist: From Russia, with love
Plus Nick Bollea and Steven Spielberg
Drink local, act global
Around the world in a night.
Costner delivers his Swing Vote
Plus reviews of other new and recent releases
