Mitch Perry Report 7.11.12- 33rd time the charm for House to repeal “ObamaCare”?
Later today the House of Representatives will vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act (a/k/a/ "ObamaCare), the 33rd time they've voted on a part or all of the controversial legislation. While being derided by the mainstream media for what ultimately will be a fruitless vote (the measure will lose if Senate Democrats even vote on…
Choosing and pairing wines
Wine choosing and pairing can be a tedious and overwhelming task. It can also be intimidating if you don’t know a lot about them. At some point, our society entered into a tacit agreement that knowing your wines elevates you into a higher class of refinement and taste. And if you don’t know your wines,…
Lawsuit seeks to limit county commissioners to two terms
Pinellas County Commissioner Ken Welch The November Pinellas County elections could feature some brand new faces running for county commission if a term-limiting lawsuit passes. County commission candidate Maria Scruggs, former Tarpon Springs Mayor Beverley Billiris and H. Patrick Wheeler have filed a joint lawsuit that would limit the number of terms county commissioners could…
Antiwarpt III Must-See Video Spotlight: Permanent Make Up
In the weeks leading up to Antiwarpt III, Creative Loafing has teamed up with fest organizers and St. Pete Beat to produce a series of videos spotlighting CL's favorite must-see acts playing the third edition of the downtown St. Petersburg alternative-to-Warped Tour festival. This year's edition brings more than 99 indie performers to town, with…
Big Storm rising
Local homebrewers turn a passion for beer into Tampa Bay’s newest brewery.
Around the World with Beer
I spent three weeks from mid May-early June 2012 on a volcanic, tropical (mostly) business trip that spanned Hawaii, Korea, Spain, Denmark and Iceland. As is my practice, I sampled the locals brews in the hopes of finding my one true brew love…Hawaii: Kona Brewing Company Carol Dekkers Kona Brewing at Honolulu airport Kona Brewing…
GOP pounces on WaPo story and claims Obama is the “outsourcer-in-chief”
(UPDATE )Campaigning in Grand Junction, Colorado on Tuesday, Mitt Romney seized on a Washington Post report that said that liberal critics charge President Obama has failed to protect American jobs from being moved overseas, saying he has failed to confront China, rein in unfettered trade nor reworked a U.S. visa program that sends high-tech jobs…
Sarasota GOP Congressman Vern Buchanan cleared by House Ethics Committee
Vern Buchanan (UPDATE: See below). It appears that Vern Buchanan has, at least for today, stopped the flood of bad news that had been coming his way as he attempts to win his fourth term in Congress representing Sarasota and part of Manatee County. The Republican Representative today received the news that the House Ethics…
In D.C., Buckhorn says of Occupy Tampa: “I didn’t let them occupy much of anything.”
In Washington today, Bob Buckhorn was asked the existential question about the Republican National Convention coming to Tampa this August, a question that could also be posed in Charlotte, host of this year's Democratic Convention. Is it worth $50 million of taxpayer money (for security) for an event that benefits a political party and which…
Mitch Perry Report 7.10.12 – All Star (ballot) Stuffing
You can only vote once, right? That was my reaction upon hearing how the Supreme Court's ruling on President Obama's health care plan was going to fire up the conservative base in November. Now, I have written how the ruling can aid Senate candidates like Connie Mack, with the premise that he could be the…
New music Tuesday! (July 10): Jimi Hendrix, Aesop Rock, Zac Brown Band, Dirty Projectors & more
This week’s new releases, with lots of audio & video.
Jessica Ehrlich, Pepe Kovanis both call on Bill Young to apologize for “get a job” retort
Jessica Ehrlich When you're running a congressional race against a local legend who has several buildings named after him, any break will do. This afternoon, Pinellas Congressman Bill Young's presumptive Democratic challenger this fall, Jessica Ehrlich, issued off a pres release calling on her opponent to apologize for his remarks to a constituent on the…
Perception is 9/10 of the law
TNT’s hit-to-be takes a different look at the procedural crime drama.
Hillsborough County black Democrats highlight registration deadline for Aug. 14 primary
Arthenia Joyner, Plant City Vice-Mayor Mary Mathis, Hillsborough County Commissioner Les Miller, School Board member Dorothea Edgecomb, Tampa City Councilman Frank Reddick A tsunami of Republicans won state level elections in 2010, with a top priority for many of the victors the passage of election laws in 2011 that the GOP claims will cut down…
#MusicMonday Vol. 73: Adam Ant, Paper Diamond & more
What the CL Music Team is spinning this week.
Weeki Wachee celebrates 65 years of sirens
Take part in a fin-tastic milestone this weekend at an old Florida favorite.
Nina Hayden out of CD-13 Dem race – endorses Jessica Ehrlich
Nina Hayden Nina Hayden is out of the race for the Democratic nomination for Congress in District 13. Initially ruled ineligible because a notary failed to his sign his name on her qualifying form, Hayden sued and was placed back on the ballot. But the Division of Elections office never attempted to cash the $10,440…
Mitch Perry Report 7.9.12 – Welcome back, America
With last week's national holiday placed in the middle of the week, it was inarguably the slowest time for news this summer. Cheers for those of you who were out of the office enjoying yourself; though we were tethered for the most part to our laptop, we did get out and enjoy some new Hollywood…
Romney seriously considering Condi Rice for VP?
In an interview recorded by CBS on the 4th of July, Ann Romney said her husband has “been looking at” the possibility of picking a woman as his vice presidential candidate. That's not that surprising, since New Hampshire U.S. Senator Kelly Ayotte has appeared with Mitt in several campaign appearances – as has Rob Portman,…
My dinner with Snoopy
Bring your pooch to these dog-friendly establishments.
The Romney campaign gets busy trying to win Hillsborough County
A sign at the Hillsborough County GOP office Hillsborough County as a whole is a socially conservative region. Five of the seven member Board of County Commissioners are Republican, and the vast majority of legislative seats (particularly outside of Tampa) are all possessed by GOP members. But the county went Blue in '08, supporting both…
Gary Johnson does not want to be ignored in his race for president
Gary Johnson in Ybor City Libertarian Presidential candidate Gary Johnson believes right now he's getting approximately 10 percent support in his quixotic run for the White House. That might be news to you, since there haven't been many polling firms of any national note including his name when they survey registered and/or likely voters (Though…
Recession Buster: dark chocolate flavored brussel sprouts
Bacon-flavored broccoli isn't a madman's fantasy anymore. It's America's ticket to reasserting herself as one of the world's top scientific super powers while at the same time allowing her to make a quantum leap out of a crippling recession. In order to climb back into the saddle Americans needs to tap back into what has…
Laureates
Two exciting writers who never ignore their audience.
The ball boy
Why must my great pleasure always lead to pain?
Gin and juice
A chilly take on a classic cocktail.
Condiments to the chef
Make your own ketchup and mustard for summer fêtes.
Neighborhood Dining Guide: Barbecue
Smoked, charred and ready to feast on.
Savages: paradise lost
Oliver Stone, the sensitive tough guy.
A cluttered Rome
Woody Allen’s latest anthology underwhelms.
A spirited win, record home crowd
rowdiessoccer.com YOSHI BATTLES THE STRIKERS: Forward and July 4 scorer Tsuyoshi Yoshitake received the NASL Offensive Player of the Week two weeks in a row after his return from a chest injury. Rowdies 3, Fort Lauderdale 1: Playing in front of a record home crowd of 4,710 at Al Lang Stadium, the Rowdies came out…
Banned in California
Is foie gras a duck-licious dish or just cruel?
The Kitchen comes to you
Trying out a new downtown delivery system.
Bedeviling details
“Time plus energy”: Painstaking artistry at Mindy Solomon.
Sylvia at Stageworks: The bitch is back
One of Tampa Bay’s best actresses shows us fun on all fours.
Mitch Perry Report 7.6.12- 8.2 % unemployment forever?
The news that the U.S. unemployment rate for June remained at 8.2 percent was expected by most economic analysts, with the new jobs added in the private sector less than expected (84,000 vs. the 100,000 promoted). So does this add anything to the presidential race that takes place exactly four months from today? Hard to…
RESTORE act will send millions towards Gulf Coast restoration
Almost two years after the 2010 BP oil spill sent millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, research efforts into the fallout will be getting substantial funding from the recently passed Restore act, Florida U.S. Senator Bill Nelson said at a press conference at USF St. Petersburg's campus Thursday morning. “This is…
Kids can get high and fat at MOSI this weekend
Celebrate Zip Lines and National Ice Cream Day at the Museum of Science and Industry this weekend.
This week in food and drink
Photo by Tina Bucuvalas FRIDAY, JULY 6: HAVE A GOUDA TIMELearn about wine, beer, and cheese pairings at this laid back sampling party. Upgrade that cheese whiz to a fine Gouda, paired with some bubbly. Sparkling wine and several different cheeses will be available for your tasting pleasure. $25, reservations required. 7-9 p.m. Cheese Please,…
Hot dog hero
Jessica Moore Tampa's Keegan Maloney won free shows for a year at the Crowbar after winning the sixth annual hot dog eating contest. What would it take to voluntarily consume as many hot dogs as possible in a matter of seven minutes?A year's worth of free shows at the Crowbar and a $50 bar tab…
After complaints, Occupy Tampa invites West Tampa residents to a barbeque
Nearly two weeks ago, The Tampa Tribune's Kathy Steele reported on some West Tampa residents objecting to Occupy Tampa's presence there. The protest group had taken over Voice of Freedom Park late last year with the consent of its owner, Joe Redner. Criticisms detailed in Steele's original article, that the park was an eyesore and…
Who owns the beach?
A dispute over a slice of Sunset Beach could have implications for the entire state.
When asked about raising the minimum wage, Congressman Bill Young tells questioner to “Get a job.”
The Florida Consumer Action Network (FCAN) aren't exactly big supporters of Pinellas County Congressman Bill Young. Lately they've held demonstrations with members in his district who have castigated the long-time Representative for not being responsive to their concerns, or even to agreeing to ever meet with them. Being a conservative Republican, obviously there's a fair…
Special discount on special new TIGLFF Crown Circle pass
One of the Tampa Bay area's most anticipated film fests is letting you in its inner circle. The 2012 Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is a few months away, but early-bird discounts on festival passes. The pass includes the Crown Circle pass benefits: admission to all 30-plus films, access to the green room…
Summer Beers
Summer is here and there is nothing better on a hot day than a good, crisp craft beer.
Don’t fear summer beer
Arielle Stevenson Summer beer selection from my diy six-pack. I love beer but fear that I've fallen into a beer-rut. Too afraid to stray from my classic Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, I've created a cocoon of safety in the hoppy froth. Beer can be intimidating, there are so many genres and flavors. Summer is officially…
Mitch Perry Report 7.5.12 – CL’s corporate parent gets bigger
Late Tuesday afternoon came news that CL's corporate daddy for the past year, Nashville based Southcomm, Inc., had just acquired two additional alt-newsweeklies that used to be part of CL's former corporate family, the Washington D.C. City Paper and the Atlanta Creative Loafing paper. We won't get into all of the details of what's happened…
Italian intrigue at Massimo’s
A fine-dining hideaway in a Palm Harbor shopping plaza.
Live and Local Spotlight: Failure Face Reunion & Record Release Show
"Every day that I don't succumb/I won/I won!" Led by legendary Brandon record store Sound Idea's proprietor Bob Suren, Failure Face carried the torch for seminal American hardcore sounds well past the mid-'90s. The band’s style was a powerful blend of West Coast tropes and adventurous Florida blast/grind that influenced many of the Tampa musicians…
Around the World in 9 Mental Illnesses
Well, Summer is upon us and that means vacation season. Whether we choose to travel to a far flung destination or we opt for a two-week stint in The Republic of Backyardia; ultimately, we all enjoy a change of pace once and a while. Some of us suffer from dromomania which makes us compulsively need…
Have a cigar (box) with Steve Cinnamon
The Venice-based craftsmen turns old cigar boxes into new (and sought-after) guitars.
SouthComm, CL’s corporate parent, purchases Washington City Paper and Creative Loafing Atlanta
Last year the Nashville-based media company SouthComm, Inc. purchased Creative Loafing in Tampa, as well as the CL publication in Charlotte. Today they announced they're getting bigger, with the acquisition of two more papers — the Atlanta Creative Loafing and the Washington City Paper, both of whom were in the CL family a year ago.…
Rowdies prepare for fireworks against Fort Lauderdale
Tampa’s soccer squad looks to extend a streak and its fan club is celebrating well in advance Wed., July 4th.
What will GOP Platform Committee propose on immigration at RNC?
On Monday, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus announced the leadership of the Platform Committee at this summer's Republican Convention in Tampa, which will be headed by Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell. Although crafting a platform can be a dry, wonky exercise, plenty of Republicans care about what will be written in that document, which affirms…
Patriotic Pudding Pops
Arielle Stevenson Patriotic Pudding Pops representing that red, white, and blue. Why production on pudding pops ever stopped is still a mystery. Luckily pudding pops are exceedingly easy to make. For Independence Day, these vanilla pudding pops include red and blue berries for additional holiday-ish. Vanilla Instant PuddingMilkFresh blueberriesFresh strawberries or raspberriesSpiced Rum or Vodka…
Get your half-glass wine tasting at Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill Bonefish Grill started in 2000 with a restaurant in St. Petersburg. Twelve years later, things are going pretty well. Locations have expanded out across the state, region, and now country. Bonefish is not the average corporate dinner fare. The menu is constantly expanding, and now they are testing the wine waters. As someone…
Tampa City Council members not about to allow single RNC protest group to take over Public Viewing Zone
The ResistRNC letter was addressed to City Councilwoman Yolie Capin. Nobody has been more outspoken about the security measures being put in place in Tampa before the Republican Convention than Mary Mulhern. But the Tampa City Councilwoman says she has no intention of allowing a single protest group to control the public demonstration areas near…
New music Tuesday (July 3): Flo Rida, Chris Brown, Teenage Bottlerocket, Dub Pistols & more
Releases out this week, with video.
Pass it on: a Gator Grad’s memoir
A University of Florida alum looks back on teachers, rugby and the art of friendship.
Mitch Perry Report 7.3 & 7.4. 12 – Rick Scott gets schooled by PolitiFact on ACA
Have you had a chance to see any of Aaron Sorkin's new HBO series The Newsroom? The reviews have been withering, a bit too much so for our tastes. But the reason I bring this up this morning is because of one of the signature lines of the show: "Speaking truth to stupid." That, my…
Red Bull takes over local wakeboard cable park
A preview of the “world’s best wakeboarders” competing July 13-14 for the first Red Bull Wake Open in Tampa.
Spider-Man’s tangled web
Marvel’s reboot has more angst but less heart than the original.
Carnivale: Photos of the 10th annual St. Pete Pride Fest
St. Pete Pride celebrated its 10th anniversary yesterday in the streets of St. Petersburg. The Carnivale-themed celebration included a parade at 9 a.m. and a street festival late into the afternoon. One of the first couples to register as domestic partners in Tampa, Jay Hoff and John Huls, throw beads to paradegoers. The Righteously Outrageous…
