Gamma Testing video game podcast Ep 9 – Velvet Assassin
Some reviewers gave up on Velvet Assassin before they even made it past the first half. We fought our way to the end, then gave up after our 45th attempt at completing the final level. It's an unforgiving stealth game, and we would like to return the favor by not forgiving its stupid AI, boring…
Gamma Testing video game podcast Ep 8 – X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Did you like the most recent X-Men movie? Neither did we. But never fear, the video game based on that horrendous cinematic debacle is considerably better. Mostly, thanks to the lunge tactic. Sadly, X-Men Origins: Wolverine is saddled with the movie's fundamentally flawed plot — and a few stupid boss fights — but it's easy…
Gamma Testing video game podcast Ep 7, featuring 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand
Unlike the largely derided Bulletproof (bullet-absorbent?), Mr. Cent's first video game outing, Blood on the Sand is more fun than it has any right to be. Which seems to say a lot about the appeal bigger-than-life hip hop stars hold for middle class white boys interested in living out violent adolescent fantasies Like us. It…
Video game review for Red Faction Guerrilla: Smashing the man for a better Mars
I have certain weak points – topics that just get me interested and excited without hearing more than a few words. Armed revolution against The Man is one of those. I'm a sucker for tales of bold freedom fighters living underground and facing incredible odds as they try to tear down the system. Red Faction…
Do It Today: Participatory Theater, movies galore and more
Enjoy a café au lait and a petit madeleine At the Cafe Du Dome, an evening of participatory theater set in Montparnasse, a Parisian haunt for American expatriates of the Lost Generation. The audience can observe the events as they unfold — or, come prepared to represent a 1930s cultural figure to join in the…
Vinyl Saturday and New Releases out Tuesday, June 16
VINYL SATURDAY From the folks who brought us "Record Store Day" comes "Vinyl Saturday." Once a month, we'll be waxing you poetic with special, limited releases made specially available on Vinyl Saturday. If you're interested in any of the limited editions, you may want to get to the store early — they won't last long!…
Tampa Photographer Laureate VI: Jeremy Chandler
Jeremy Chandler. Couple at the Fair. Image courtesy of the artist. First there was Beth Reynolds’ documentation of Tampa life in heterogeneous form—from the flamenco dancer to the crab fisherman. Then came Suzanne Camp Crosby’s more surreal take on the city’s character—think headless mannequins in period costume arranged on the veranda of Plant Hall. Next,…
Cafe Ponte to open casual restaurant in Hillsborough
Chris Ponte, chef-owner of Cafe Ponte in Clearwater, is opening a Tampa outpost called The Peel at an unconfirmed location near Dale Mabry and Linebaugh. He describes it as "a fast casual restaurant," similar to Wolfgang Puck Express (but hopefully better). And homegrown.
Sonic Youth debuts new video for “Sacred Trickster”
The new single from the well-reviews new Sonic Youth album, The Eternal, is Sacred Trickster, sung by Kim Gordon. The video features a trio of young girls going all commie and busting up a rooftop party. Video below the jump:
New trailer for Michael Moore’s untitled bailout movie (with video)
This is more of a teaser than a trailer, really. Just Michael Moore talking to the camera, trying to raise a few bucks for the needy. Here's hoping the doc director can work up some more Roger & Me magic.
Wall-of-sound-producer/killer Phil Spector’s mug shot: Yikes
Phil Spector was photographed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in June 2009 after his arrest on murder charges (Spector was sentenced to 19 years in prison following his conviction for murdering actress Lana Clarkson, who he shot to death in his Los Angeles home in February 2003) . And it turns out…
Concert announcement: Atmosphere at State Theatre
This just in from No Clubs Productions: ATMOSPHERE w/Special Guest TBA Saturday, August 1, 2009 THE STATE THEATRE Doors: 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $21 in advance/ $23 Day of Show ON SALE SATURDAY 6/20/09 Ticket Link Atmosphere is a hip-hop group from Minneapolis that centers around rapper Slug (aka Sean Daley). The son of a black…
Free coffee coupon at Borders
Thankfully, some stores get the fact that we're broke, unemployed or both. Borders throws a bone to those to who need a java jolt — a coupon for a free 12-ounce beverage (including coffee). But hurry, it expires 6/18. Link to printable coupon here.
Great green showering tips to save water and energy (Video)
Here's your amusing, green-related video fix for today. I stumbled across the video (below) from this article from the Huffington Post's green site. It gave me a good little chuckle while educating me on different ways to save both water and energy (and on my utility bills). It lists a number of ways to reduce your shower…
Photo review: Pontiak, History (R.I.P.), King of Spain and Glasgow
Pontiak galloped into New World Brewery this past Thursday, June 11, the exceptional headliner of History's last show in Tampa supported by King of Spain and Glasgow. Another splendid Thx Mgmt show – thanks Joe. Pontiak To get the downlow on Pontiak, check out Eric Snider's interview with the brothers who make up this band.…
Frank Black of the Pixies sees a world of $5 albums and downloads
"Doing a Radiohead." Big-box exclusivity deals. "360" contracts. These and other new business models are side effects of the digital media revolution — a paradigm shift caused by the MP3. The days of $15 CDs are all but dead. Long live the $10 digital album and the 99-cent single, both still dwarfed by everyone's favorite method of acquiring…
Swinger lingo defined: “Soccer Mom’s” perspective
Here are some commonly used terms in the swinger culture, as defined by our resident swinging correspondent, Rebecca (a.k.a.: Soccer Mom): Unicorn: Single female. This person will always be in great demand and rarely seen. Bisexual: A male or female who enjoys being with someone of the same sex. This will include oral sex, mutual…
CL Interview: The Spam Allstars (with audio + video)
It’s midnight at a hole-in-the-wall club in the heart of Little Havana, Miami. The place is pumpin’, the dance floor jammed with a multicultural mass of bodies writhing and grooving and ducking and swaying and shaking asses to the pulsing beats. The music is a breathing, heaving, horn-saturated slice of Miami fusion, the native flavors…
Sonic Youth debuts new video for “Sacred Trickster”
The new single from the well-reviews new Sonic Youth album, The Eternal, is Sacred Trickster, sung by Kim Gordon. The video features a trio of young girls going all commie and busting up a rooftop party. Video below the jump:
Wall-of-sound-producer/killer Phil Spector’s mug shot: Yikes
Phil Spector was photographed by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in June 2009 after his arrest on murder charges (Spector was sentenced to 19 years in prison following his conviction for murdering actress Lana Clarkson, whom he shot to death in his Los Angeles home in February 2003) . And it turns out…
10 things chefs won’t tell you
Obviously, a top 10 list is by definition a big generalization. But it is fair to say that the following is pretty accurate in the restaurant industry. And of course, the assumptions in the following list vary with the kind, location and standards of the restaurants, as well as the level of professionalism of the chef. …
Ashley Grant – Contributor
I have been a professional writer and photographer since 2007. I went to the University of South Florida and majored in Mass Communications with a specialization in Magazine Journalism. I focus mainly on Tampa Bay area lifestyle topics such as charity events, trends, restaurant and bar reviews, movie reviews and much more. I like to…
USF Polytechnic commissions a starchitect, Santiago Calatrava
Renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava — the man behind perhaps the most controversial yet-to-be-built building in America — has been commissioned to design the first building on the new Lakeland campus of USF Polytechnic. With Lakeland's Florida Southern College already renowned for its unique collection of Frank Lloyd Wrights, the city stands to burnish its…
Rabid Satirica: Exactly what does Sarah Palin have in store for David Letterman?
“I am here to wash those dirty words straight out of your mouth sir,” she lashed out. After their war in the media Governor Sarah Palin had come to surprise David Letterman and get her sweet revenge. She showed up, unannounced, in a move to shock her prey. Her victim had no alternative but to…
Organics: How to eat well without breaking your budget
With the increase of demand over wide range of these products would be easily accessible to most Americans, but this unfortunately is not the case yet. Many of the large companies are beginning to see the need for organic products and are beginning to expand their offerings in an effort to appease these needs. In the mean…
Corkscrew: Why rose wine should be in your shopping cart
Despite a weakening economy, the Nielson Company revealed an almost 25 percent jump in U.S. rosé wine sales in 2008. Since I've harped on the greatness of pink for the past five years, I'll take at least a sliver of that celebratory pie, thank you very much. Finally, I can rejoice that Americans have begun…
Do It Today: Gulfport Fresh Market, grow fresh herbs and more
If you missed the weekend markets but don't want to shell out high prices for the chemically-enhanced "fresh fruit" at the big box grocers, head to the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market for your locally-grown fruits and veggies, fresh seafood, and even local arts and crafts, along with live entertainment. The market runs year-round from 9…
Summer Solstice: A brief history
Along with Father’s Day we will honor the Summer Solstice on June 21 – precisely at 1:46 AM. How appropriate, as many native cultures respected Mother Moon and Father Sun. "Sol" and "stice" derives from a combination of Latin words meaning “sun” and “to stand still”.
CL Interview: The Spam Allstars (with audio + video)
It’s midnight at a hole-in-the-wall club in the heart of Little Havana, Miami. The place is pumpin’, the dance floor jammed with a multicultural mass of bodies writhing and grooving and ducking and swaying and shaking asses to the pulsing beats. The music is a breathing, heaving, horn-saturated slice of Miami fusion, the native flavors…
CD Review: Taking Back Sunday, New Again
Taking Back Sunday return with New Again, the follow-up to 2006's Louder Now and they are, in fact, new again. Following the departure of guitarist/vocalist Fred Mascherino in October of 2007, TBS found a new guitarist named Matt Fazzi to fill his shoes, leading the band in a new direction. On New Again, TBS moves…
Elvis Perkins in Dearland at State Theatre (in 300 words or less)
Okay, Elvis Perkins in Dearland is probably a good choice musically to open for Bon Iver. The band is low key, but not low energy, and they built the show up well, especially having Bon Iver come on stage for the last song. That really hyped up the crowd. They started off slowly, though, and…
Tampa Bay’s Top 50 Restaurants: Top Five Reader’s Poll Winners
Yet again, you've spoken. And yet again, some restaurants are more popular than others. Or are better at getting out the vote. We asked you to vote for the best restaurant in each of our five regional categories, to winnow CL's list of Tampa Bay's Top 50 Restaurants down to a mere five, the best…
Beer and food pairings at Mr. Dunderbaks
I'll go ahead and say it — Mr. Dunderbak's pretty much owns the draught beer game in the Tampa Bay area. It takes me forever to choose a beer from among the 50 options. Rare brews, classic brews, hometown brews, casks, a Guinness surger. Every style is represented, and the finest examples of those styles…
Charlie Crist Romance Novel: The Governor’s Mistress – Chapter 2 – How I met Governor “C”
I did not go seeking my scandalous affair with The first time I met C. was on a freezing cold February evening. The temperature had fallen to an unbelievably low 68 degrees, and I was forced to wear a t-shirt due to the extreme temperature. Fate, my older sister, had dragged me, reluctantly, along with…
Photos: Hoop Dancing with the Hoola Monsters
Since I was a kid I’ve always had a weakness for hula-hooping; I even bought my own a few years ago. Little did I know that hooping is more that just rolling the hoop hula-style around your waist. I started noticing hoop dancers at shows and festivals. These girls could wind the hoops over their…
Theater review: Tuesdays with Morrie a production to cherish at the new American Stage
Tuesdays with Morrie is a lovely play about dying and living, about making the most of one's life and learning the importance of expressing love. In Jeffrey Hatcher's intelligent adaptation of Mitch Albom's bestselling book, all the drama in Albom's story is gently brought to life, and Albom's message to the planet — you'd better…
Grill your fruit for a yummy treat — Grilled Peaches with Mascarpone and Agave Nectar recipe
First, stop looking at my bruised basil. I had a few things around the house that were reaching their death point: peaches, mascarpone and basil. So I decided to make a yummy treat. And let me tell you how good these bad boys were — after I finished my peach, I stood over the sink…
Why Dwight Howard should take the blame for the Magic’s loss
Congratulations to the Los Angeles Lakers on their 15th NBA championship. They remain the winningest professional sports franchise by percentage over the last 40 years. If you don't believe me, look it up. Despite what might be remembered as a competitive series, the Lakers were simply better than Orlando. In the end, inconsistent shooting and…
TJ Cook wins MMA Florida State light heavyweight title vs. Arriell Gandulla
SARASOTA, Fla., June 13, 2009 – The Florida State light heavy weight title bout between TJ Cook and Arriell Gandulla was the perfect climax to a night full of exciting mixed martial arts (MMA) action hosted by the Sarasota based promotion company Art of Fighting (AOF) at the Robarts Arena. There is no doubt that…
20 questions for a sandwich?!
I think I know what the main cultural difference between French and American people really is: It’s the sandwich. Being brought up in France, a country with strong culinary roots, I’ve always known that a sandwich for lunch isn’t a meal; it’s a snack. When you’re in a hurry, in Paris or elsewhere, you grab…
Progression of a swinger’s “date”: strangers, friends, sex partners
It’s a simple progression: strangers, friends, sex partners. We went out the other night to meet a new couple (the Smiths) whom we met on a swingers dating website. The selection process on this type of website is similar to other online regular dating services. Couples or singles complete a profile, provide pictures, and commence…
Reconstructing a historic bat tower in Temple Terrace and how to build your own bat roost
This post is about bat conservation: efforts in Temple Terrace to reconstruct an historic tower for bats, a large community bat roost I designed for the Florida Bat Conservancy, and how you can purchase (or build) your own bat roost. Folks have long thought that installing birdhouses is beneficial, but the idea of placing roosts…
Late Night Music, June 15-20
A weekly bulletin on musical guests playing late night TV; set your TIVOs or DVRs if you’ve got an early bedtime. The Late Show with David Letterman, CBS Tuesday, June 16: Ian McLagan & the Bump Band Thursday, June 18: Phoenix Friday, June 19: the Sounds The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien, NBC Monday, June…
Do It Today: Six short plays at Jobsite, Water Way Challenge and more
Six directors direct six short plays for an evening of theatrical tastiness in Short Comings: Over the Edge. Material includes original scripts by up-and-comers along with new works from old friends. (Pictured: Summer Bohnenkamp-Jenkins and Amy E. Gray in Short Comings: Over the Edge) 7 p.m. Mon., June 15. Shimberg Playhouse, Tampa Bay Performing Arts…
Concert Review: Steely Dan at Ruth Eckerd Hall
This weekend, I determined that the quality of your back-up singers determines the cheese factor of your show. hair and fashion, and badly choreographed dance hands. Yes, I said it — dance hands, those theatric gestures all the drama club kids make when singing in musicals, the ones that don't really express anything but keep…
Concert Review: Bon Iver at State Theatre, or, Making the Case for Hermitage (with pics)
All photos by Sam Goresh. To be totally honest, I went to this showing knowing only one about a guy who went into a cabin for the winter with a broken heart and came out in the spring as a rock star — kind of an indie Eric Carle tale. Maybe I was showing bad…
Summer Classic Movie Series at Tampa Theatre
I'm going to let you in on a secret: I've never seen "To Kill A Mockingbird." I know; it's a classic with a compelling message and memorable characters. I know it's supposed to be great. I just never got around to seeing it. I could just go rent it and watch it, of course. But…
Confirmed: Black Moth Super Rainbow at Crowbar
Was just updating the concert listings when I came upon this listing on the Crowbar website: Friday July 31 BLACK MOTH SUPER RAINBOW 9 pm TBA » 18 and Up More info » WWW.AESPRESENTS.COM Not much info, but dates on the band's own MySpace page confirm this show is really happening and I am totally…
Reasons why you didn’t get that second date: rules to date (or not) by
You thought the first date went off well, but for some reason you are now suffering “Mr. Telephone Man” syndrome. Below are ten reasons (five general and five of my own) that might explain why you are striking out. Note: These are meant to apply to men and women because we’re all guilty of striking…
The Green Community: Week in review
What's the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this past week: Cool-N-Save: An eco-friendly energy saver for your air conditioning unit (Video): Jennifer Meier writes about how the Cool-n-SaveTM system affixes to the top of most home air conditioning units, resulting in a substantial drop…
Give us clean renewable energy, not fossil fuels
Oil slicks have been described as an unpredictable phenomenon, their direction and behavior dependent upon the weather, currents, tides, wind direction, temperatures, and whether the oil is crude or refined. Given the allegations against our recent House Leadership and the indictment of the entire House's conduct, the slick move by Republicans during the wee hours…
Hot dogs, pizza and bagels: Food worth hauling home in a suitcase
There is only one place to get a New York hot dog. In New York. This presents a serious problem because I don't live in New York. The hot dogs from the stands on the street aren't the only amazing thing, there is also Ray's Pizza, NYC Bagels and amazing desserts from Roxy's in Times…
Eric Stewart – Contributor
-College Student, Director of Code Green Community, Steward of the Earth. email: zetazhan@gmail.com
Suzanne Grant – Contributor
Suzanne Grant is a communications specialist with Progress Energy Florida. She is interested in sharing the company's balanced solution approach to meeting Florida's energy needs. Progress Energy seeks to implement state and federal energy policy and meet the electricity needs of our more than 1.6 million customers in Florida in an environmentally-responsible way. The company's…
CL NBA Finals report: Winners (Lakers) never quit and losers (Magic) struggle from the free throw line
Putting Game 1 aside for a moment, you can say what you want about Courtney Lee making that inbound layup from (essentially) behind the backboard in Game 2, or Kobe Bryant's field shooting woes in Game 3, or Jameer Nelson not meeting Derek Fisher outside of the three point line and forcing him to drive…
Buccaneers Fan Fest on Saturday
Okay, it’s been awhile since the Buccaneers’ Super Bowl victory in early 2003. But if you’ve spent a long time in Tampa, you remember all the years before that—orange uniforms, jokes and double-digit years of double-digit losses. Right now the team is competitive and missing the playoffs last year was a disappointment. I remember when…
The sports world hinges on Brett Favre’s return (video)
An old high school buddy of mine recently e-mailed me and asked that I "please write something about what a prick Brett Favre is and why he needs to go away." So Kid Sheraton, this one's for you:
All-America City projects: Belton, Mo.’s Indoor Aquatic Center
Photo: Belton Parks Department Ed's. note: For the past week, our Political Whore blog has been running previews of the best civic projects in the U.S. in advance of the National Civic League's All-America City Awards conference coming to Tampa June 16-19. Thirty cities, including Tampa, will vie for the award. Here's one city's nominated…
Black Box Wines launches $10,000 video contest
Jumping on the video promo bandwagon, Black Box — Blackstone Winery's 3-liter cask wine — has announced a "You Got Boxed" contest. To win, consumers have to secretly serve wine-in-a-box to unsuspecting drinkers, and film the reaction when the wine's packaging is revealed. Once you've captured the moment, submit the video for a chance to win $10,000.…
Artsqueeze Weekend Roundup, June 12-13
Arlene Lueck’s quilt, Mom's Hair Tools, is included in EXPLORATIONS: An Exhibition of Journal Quilts at the Dunedin Fine Art Center. Special shout-out: The weekend's art offerings include an unusual performance to held in conjunction with Homemade: A Music Symposium on Saturday. At HCC Ybor's art gallery, co-collaborators John Russell and Kurt Piazza, aka AVAACC,…
Charles Busch comedy at American Stage to raise money for HIV and AIDS services
The Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project is proud to announce its 5th Annual Night of Alternative Theatre, Prelude to Pride, Monday, June 15, at the American Stage Theatre Company. What better way to celebrate this night than putting on a play by Charles Busch, who wrote the campy classics Psycho Beach Party and Vampire Lesbians of…
Theatre 620: Plays and readings by Lane DeGregory, Bill Maxwell, Mark Medoff and more
I had the pleasure of attending the "Theatre 620: Sweets and Shorts" fundraiser Monday night at the gorgeous new American Stage site on 3rd Ave. N. in St. Petersburg. Over 100 people showed up for this Studio@620 event, drank and ate to the accompaniment of Paul Wilborn on piano and Eugenie Bondurant on vocals. I had…
Land of the Lost: Rabid advice on pleasing your lady properly
“I once dated a guy who brushed his teeth in between giving me oral and us having sex,“ she told me. As a sex and love writer extraordinaire it has become natural for my female gal pals to come to me with their sexual frustrations. I appreciate that, though it does annoy me how little effort my…
The Florida Aquarium teams up with Mise en Place to introduce a sustainable seafood menu (Pictures)
The Florida Aquarium and Mise en Place are partnering up to raise awareness for World Ocean Day by offering a special sustainable seafood menu for two weeks at the restaurant. Beginning the week of June 8th, Mise will donate $3 for each sustainable seafood three-course dinner or $5 for each dinner with a wine purchase…
Do It This Weekend: Annie, Caribbean carnival, Tony Gaud and more
It’s a hard-knock life for everyone but Daddy Warbucks right now, but little orphan Annie is here to remind us that maybe tomorrow we’ll find a new job, or move out of our parent’s house, or … well, at least there’ll be a sun. Everyone’s favorite plucky redhead is currently celebrating her 30th anniversary tour…
Bay Area green events this weekend
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. Guided Canoe Trip at Weedon Island Preserve- Friday, June 12. Take this opportunity to explore a portion of the south canoe trail at Weedon Island Preserve. This trail offers a rare look at some of the aquatic ecosystems that…
Let’s Go Crazy: Spin mag goes big on 25th anniversay of Prince’s Purple Rain
For its July issue, Spin is pulling out all the stops celebrating the silver anniversary of Prince's landmark Purple Rain, and count me as among those who are stoked. Spin will have a comprehensive oral history of the album and film. Prince and Morris Day declined to be interviewed, but that's no surprise. As a…
Trent Reznor disillusioned with Twitter
Twitter may be the hottest thing in social networking at the moment, but count NIN mastermind Trent Reznor as a recent convert to the naysayers. According to Rolling Stone, Reznor "recently contributed a post to the official NIN.com message board in which he confesses his disappointment in the overall negativity of online communities, writing, 'We’re…
Sex and love adult events this weekend: June 12-14
Fri. June 12. Clothing optional foam party. Pool and hot tub. Potluck dinner. Bands and Djs. Foam on the dance floor. DJ Robert Vanwest VS DJ Zoe Vanwest and bands Unit Shifters and The Aristocracy. $10 Camping. 6pm-12am. The Riverboat Club. 6901 Caliente Blvd., Land O Lakes, FL 34637. Sat. June 13. Celebrate Father's Day…
The Patriotic Banh Mi
We Americans love sandwiches. Forget the melting pot or the mixing bowl, nothing more epitomizes America’s indulgent appetite or desire for mobility than the sandwich. They are more than the sum of their parts. They are instantly recognizable and are infinitely variable. Our most famous sandwiches have international roots. Hamburgers and hot dogs are from…
New TMA a work in progress
Photos by Megan Voeller The new Tampa Museum of Art, now slated to open to the public in early 2010, inches closer toward completion each day on downtown Tampa’s riverfront. Close observers will note that the building’s distinctive cladding—a double layer of perforated metal sheets offset to create a moiré pattern on the structure’s surface—has…
Nosh Pit Episode 17: Top 50 restaurants, Saigon Deli and chef gossip
Brian raves about Saigon Deli and the Top 50 Restaurants for the upcoming Food Issue. Taylor talks about her application for the Murphy Goode wine blogger position, chef changes at local restaurants and they review Zipang Sparkling Sake. Listen up!
Ladies, get out your daisy dukes for The Dallas Bull’s 2010 calendar auditions
Press Release: (Tampa, FL) Calling all country gals! The Dallas Bull is looking for thirteen lovely ladies to be featured in their 2010 calendar. With all of the attention gained from the 2009 calendar, the upcoming year is sure to be a success.
Transitioning Tampa Bay into sustainable communities and creating a new culture
As a young man growing up in this wonderful state I've seen the growth of the local area around me. I still recall the farmlands when I first moved to Pasco county nearly 10 years ago. Now they are all gone, replaced by rolled out lawns of Bermuda grass, cul de sacs, and neat rows…
Rant: Cheap Trick is not only good for nostalgia … and other stuff
Rant by Gabe MOTOWN JUNK …is the title of one of the earliest releases by Manic Street Preachers. That single was released way before the angry young Welsh band were even close to ever releasing a full-length album. The song is basically an observation of how obsessed we as a culture are with nostalgia. We…
CL Sound Bites: Oasis vs. Blur, Reznor vs. Manson, and more!
The mid-90's Britpop feud between Oasis and Blur has become the stuff of legend. Noel Gallagher once famously hoped Blur frontman Damon Albarn would "catch AIDS and die" (he since recanted, blaming drugs for the outburst). Surprisingly, he's 100% behind the current Blur reunion: "I'm right into the Blur reunion, 'cause it'll finish off the Kaiser…
When near perfection is barely enough: Magic top Lakers in Game 3
The Louvre and Smithsonian both feature priceless works of art. After last night, so does my DVR.
Tales of fathers, psycho killers, bulimic swimmers and non-believers
FATHER ALONG: Nobody knows how to be a parent. When people enter adulthood and see the rest of life yawning ahead, they look at this parenthood thing and cringe. How the fuck am I supposed to do that? A young friend once said he thought he might not be a good parent because wasn’t very…
Shuffleboard benefit party this Saturday for Bay area community gardens
Community gardeners and their supporters have a lot to celebrate in the Tampa Bay area this year: ordinances allowing community gardens in St. Pete, Tarpon Springs, Safety Harbor, Seminole Heights, Ybor, and Holiday (among others). Don't miss Green Florida's 2nd Annual Summer Shuffle Event this Saturday June 13th, from 7:00 – 11:00 pm at the Mirror…
CL Sound Bites: Oasis vs. Blur, Reznor vs. Manson, and more!
The mid-90’s Britpop feud between Oasis and Blur has become the stuff of legend. Noel Gallagher once famously hoped Blur frontman Damon Albarn would “catch AIDS and die” (he since recanted, blaming drugs for the outburst). Surprisingly, he’s 100% behind the current Blur reunion: “I’m right into the Blur reunion, ’cause it’ll finish off the Kaiser…
Soccer mom confidential: I’m a swinger
I am just your average, quintessential soccer mom for the most part. I drive my kids to school, go to football games and band concerts, and work in a normal professional office environment. The difference between me and most other "typical" moms: I am a swinger. What exactly does that mean? My husband and I partner swap,…
Do It Today: collaborative theater, a genocide survivor speaks out and more
why future generations turned out the way they did. The show's choreographer, Shana Perkins, provided the inspiration for this collaborative theatrical performance: It's based on her mother's book The Complete Book of Etiquette, a hand guide to proper manners (pronounced pro-pah mah-nahs). The show features artistic endeavors including theater, dance, art, music, recorded video and…
Tampa Bay’s Top 50 Restaurants: Greater Pinellas Top Ten
Clearwater features two of the Bay area's finest chefs — Chris Ponte of Cafe Ponte and David Miller of Savant — while the beaches and islands have some incredible seafood spots. Which restaurant is the best of the bunch? That's for you to decide. Scroll past the list to the poll and cast your vote!…
Tampa Bay’s Top 50 Restaurants: Central Tampa’s Top Ten
Central Tampa is the only region where two chains made the list — Ocean Prime and Roy's. But there are also restaurants that touch upon numerous nationalities and styles of cuisine. Which one is the best of the bunch? That's for you to decide. Scroll past the list to the poll and cast your vote!…
Tampa Bay’s Top 50 Restaurants: Greater Tampa’s Top Ten
It's a huge area to cover, and there are a lot of fine restaurants from Carrolwood to Brandon. Well, maybe not Brandon. But only ten could make this list, and two of restaurants are the dynamic duo of Chinese cuisine in the Bay area — Yummy House and China Yuan. Which restaurant is the best…
Tampa Bay’s Top 50 Restaurants: South Tampa’s Top Ten
South Tampa is known as a big party spot, but it's also home to some interesting restaurants — including the only two Ethiopian joints in town. And then there's Bern's, of course. Which restaurant deserves to be at the top of this list? That's for you to decide. Scroll past the list to the poll…
Tampa Bay’s Top 50 Restaurants: St. Petersburg’s Top Ten
St. Petersburg is home to some of the Bay area's best mid-range and cheap eats, along with a few stars like Z Grille's Zack Gross. Which restaurant is the best of the bunch? That's for you to decide. Scroll past the list to the poll and cast your vote! (And don't forget to vote in…
Concert Review: New York Dolls at the State Theatre
For nearly an hour last night, the New York Dolls played to type as an aging, reunited rock 'n' roll band living off their legacy: solid but not inspired, willing but a little fatigued. Then something kicked in. "Muddy Bones," from their new album Cause I Sez So, a song pulled from the early Stones…
AMC’s Mad Men announces season premiere
Finally! After much mystery, the much-adored AMC series Mad Men has announced the date of its third-season premiere: Sunday August 16 at 10 p.m. Was the delay in setting a premiere date something to do with this controversy, which may wreak havoc with your DVR? Or was it manufactured to work up anticipation among fans?…
St. Pete Times’ Laura Reiley laughs at CL readers
In general, I like St. Pete Times restaurant critic Laura Reiley. She's rarely negative, has a bigger dining budget than me, and gets to jet off to Beard dinners in NY, but despite that I've found her to be a very nice person. Until now. She just posted a tidbit on her blog called "I'm…
Which Bay area arts venue has America’s best public restroom?
Restrooms at Nova 535, left, and Tampa Theatre. (Via Tampa Downtown Partnership) Strange but true: two Tampa Bay area arts venues – downtown Tampa's iconic Tampa Theatre and downtown St. Petersburg's Nova 535 – are in the running for Cintas Corporation's annual America's Best Restroom contest.
Paris Gardens to be built in memory of Paris Whitehead-Hamilton, recently killed by gun violence
This past Saturday more than 30 volunteers from Green Florida came together to install front yard gardens at two homes in the community. But these weren't just any gardens and they weren't just any homes. The gardens are in memory of 8-year old Paris Whitehead-Hamilton, a Bartlett Park, St Petersburg resident who was killed by…
Video game review – UFC: Undisputed, as good as MMA gets
Most of the time I like my fighting games fast, furious, and full of fireballs (like, say, Street Fighter 4). But when it comes to watching fights, I've lost some interest in the artfully choreographed wire work of kung fu flicks. These days I prefer my bloodsport to be less Bloodsport and more Mixed Martial…
Restaurant Review: Saigon Deli’s incredible banh mi sandwiches
Saigon Deli 4 stars 3962 W. Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-932-0300 I have a friend who is, to say the least, an adventurous eater. He’s my go-to guy for pickled meat and brown Scandinavian cheese tastings. But when it comes to actually sitting down for an extended meal from some of the more mundane ethnic cuisines,…
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch: The world’s largest dump (Video)
The trash mix up of what was thought to have been debris from the missing Air France plane last week, but was just a garbage patch in the Atlantic Ocean, has brought more even attention to the world's oceanic trash dumps. The largest one is called The Great Pacific Garbage Patch and is made up…
Concert Review: New York Dolls at the State Theatre
For nearly an hour last night, the “Muddy Bones,” from their new album Cause I Sez So, a song pulled from the early Stones playbook, seemed to energize David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain and the other, newer, Dolls. The shoulder-to-shoulder crowd on the floor of the State Theatre picked up on it. For the show’s remaining…
Taking vaginal intercourse off the menu
Gay rights are within reach
Review of Pulitzer Prize-winning play Rabbit Hole at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
Rabbit Hole at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is grim but beautiful
Tampa’s Saigon Deli serves excellent Banh Mi Mesandwiches
But Can a Southeast Asian sandwich beat the best of the West? I have a friend who is, to say the least, an adventurous eater. He's my go-to guy for pickled meat and brown Scandinavian cheese tastings. But when it comes to actually sitting down for an extended meal from some of the more mundane…
Interview with Virgina rockers Pontiak
The three brothers in Pontiak log heavy miles, play heavy music.
CL’s movie review of The Taking of Pelham 123
John Travolta & Denzel Washington shine in The Taking of Pelham 123.
Who made money during the 1929 stock market crash?
I recently discovered your site/column, and after spending days and nights reading, I'm convinced you are indeed the world's smartest person and so best qualified to answer my question: Who made money during the 1929 stock market crash? I know being so smart, you're probably laughing all the way to the bank during this one.…
Great wine requires practice
Like the violin I misused as a tot, wine requires practice. I don't read many books about it, although I definitely should; I don't study it much anymore, although that might make me sound smarter. But I drink. A lot. Not to alcoholic levels — though the thought has fluttered across my throbbing, hungover mind…
With owner Jack Bodziak in tax trouble, what will happen Jannus Landing?
Insiders consider the fate of St. Pete’s Jannus Landing
Paper: Off and On the Wall, a wallpaper-inspired exhibit at Florida Craftsmen
Florida Craftsmen unveils Paper, an exhibit of new wallpaper art.
Studio@620 celebrates five years with art auction
Neverne Covington's drawing, Portrait of Bob Devin Jones (detail), 2005. (Pictured below left: Covington's Portrait of Dave Ellis. Pictured below right: the complete portrait of Jones, which measures 45" x 88".) Since April, St. Petersburg's Studio@620 has been unfurling a series of events designed to celebrate the multidisciplinary arts venue's fifth birthday. Following a gospel…
Practice makes perfect: Tasting wine trains your palate
Like the violin I misused as a tot, wine requires practice. I don’t read many books about it, although I definitely should; I don’t study it much anymore, although that might make me sound smarter. But I drink. A lot. Not to alcoholic levels – though the thought has fluttered in my throbbing, hungover head…
From Twilight to True Blood: What is it about Vampires that makes ladies’ hearts pound?
What is it about immortal blood sucking broodaholics that makes women swoon? Is it the danger? Is it the biting? Because trust me girls, I can nibble your neck and I’ve been known to walk fast with a pair of scissors in my hand. Or perhaps it’s something unattainable to us, the meek mortal man. Vampire stories…
