Interpreting dreams of your shadow self
"Dream Momma, I hope you can help me. Here’s my dream. I was sitting with another man outdoors somewhere. It might have been in the mountains. It was cool and dry. Suddenly I noticed a dark figure to the right in the sky in a dark circle with red eyes that was coming towards us.…
Duke Nukem lives again in 2K Games developed Duke Begins?
The game character and franchise that simply refuses to die, Duke Nukem, may be resurrected in a 2K Games developed titled called Duke Begins. Although a full fledged Duke Nukem title hasn't been released in ten years, Duke Nukem developer Apogee Software incidentally revealed the game Duke Begins in a court filing last Friday. The…
Do It Today: A Patriotic Musical, all about bats, indy biz meeting
The Secret World of Bats captures the fascinating nocturnal habits of bats in slow-motion photography — Planet Earth-style. Take a stroll across the preserve in search of bats and other nighttime creatures after the film. 7-8:30 p.m. Weds., July 1, Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, free, 727-453-6800, pinellascounty.org. SPECIAL…
Vinyl Fever’s new releases in vinyl, CD, DVD … and a Bobblehead
Vinyl: Fugazi – 3 Songs (7") Originally recorded in 1989. Levon Helm – Electric Dirt Electric Dirt again finds Levon steeped in tradition in his connection to the land and those who live by it, but this record goes deeper and wider, incorporating gospel, blues and soul elements in a bracing collection of originals and…
Man manual: the body blunder
For those who don't know me, my head is always in the gutter; hell I rent out the sewer! I'm blunt when it comes to sex and relationships! Lately I've been dealing with all my girlfriends' drama and issues, but I've become aggravated when they don't listen. To save me many hours spent half listening…
The winners of the Big Gay Honeymoon are…
John LaCapria and Ben Guthery! Close to 150 couples, groups, longtime companions, new friends, singles, marrieds, domestic partners, civil unionists, gays, straights and gays-'n-straights struck a pose at our Big Gay Wedding Photo Booth during St. Pete Pride last weekend. Out of these photos, CL chose one at random to win our prize: a Big…
New videos for new music: Moby and Bjork
It used to be that MTV would overplay videos to such a degree that it was impossible not to know the latest singles by Madonna, or Prince, or Michael Jackson (may he RIP). Those artists blew wads of cash to make miniature movies for their songs. (Michael and sister Janet's 1995 acclaimed video duet, "Scream,"…
Using chelation therapy to prevent heart attacks and strokes
We have a chance to make history. In the pursuit of scientific, rational, effective, safe and inexpensive healthcare, does it not make sense to do all we can to prevent heart attacks? A scientific trial has been underway since 2003 which is designed to test the hypothesis that chelation therapy is effective for exactly this…
Newly released: Complete Woodstock sets by Sly, Joplin, Santana, Airplane and Winter (with video)
Uh oh, the 40th anniversary of Woodstock is about a month and a half away. Did you remember? If not, it’s probably due to the distinct lack of buzz, seeing as there is no official concert scheduled, although boosters keep adding “as yet” in hopes that original co-producer Michael Lang will manage to put together…
Susan Zelenka – Contributor
Much to suprise and delight of her parents, Susan makes a living in the Arts and as Production Stage Manager for Stageworks Theater's productions of The Little Dog Laughed, Body of Water, The Chosen, and Private Lives, as well as several staged readings for Stageworks' Impromptu Players. She relocated to Florida in 2006 from Virginia,…
Theater Review: Gypsy Productions’ 3 Guys in Drag Selling Their Stuff at The Crown Theater, Club Nautico
I didn’t tell my husband where we were going. I really should have after suggesting he wear his pink polo shirt. It’s a stereotype, I know, but I couldn’t resist. I’m not saying he voted for McCain, but I’m pretty sure he voted for Reagan. Twice. I called earlier in the day and asked “Hey,…
New videos for new music: Moby and Bjork
It used to be that MTV would overplay videos to such a degree that it was impossible not to know the latest singles by Madonna, or Prince, or Michael Jackson (may he RIP). Those artists blew wads of cash to make miniature movies for their songs. (Michael and sister Janet's 1995 acclaimed video duet, "Scream,"…
Why did Michael Jackson’s greatest environmental video not reach the US? (video)
This morning I came across an amazing article by Alex Pasternack on Treehugger that was accompanied by the Michael Jackson music video "Earth Song". Another extraordinary aspect to Michael's passions. Pasternak states in the article, "Michael Jackson was famous for his socially-conscious music, but 'Earth Song', his big, bold environmental call-to-arms, is often overlooked. Still, by sheer dint of his…
Dairy Inn July 4 Hot Dog Eating Contest Announced – cue training montage
I've written about competitive eating in the past, and I've even considered entering St. Pete's home-grown version of the classic Nathan's Coney Island hot dog eating contest (especially since the competition seems a little light). Now's your chance to get in on the grotesque display of gurgitation, while supporting a good cause. Dairy Inn's (1201…
Newly released: Complete Woodstock sets by Sly, Joplin, Santana, Airplane and Winter (with video)
Uh oh, the 40th anniversary of Woodstock is about a month and a half away. Did you remember? If not, it’s probably due to the distinct lack of buzz, seeing as there is no official concert scheduled, although boosters keep adding “as yet” in hopes that original co-producer Michael Lang will manage to put together…
Free Domino’s pizza on July 4
Bay area Domino's pizza outlets will be throwing in a free 10-inch "American Legends" pizza with every purchase on Independence Day this weekend. If you've seen the commercials, you might know that these newish pies are geographically themed, resulting in unlikely pizza combinations like Buffalo Chicken or Philly Cheesesteak. That said, if you're taking the…
Michael Jackson about to dominate Billboard chart
According to industry insiders, three Michael Jackson albums — Number Ones, The Essential Michael Jackson and Thriller — each sold 100,000 copies last week. The sales tracking week ended at the close of business on Sunday (June 28) night and will be reported today. That means the bulk of the sales took place in the…
Corkscrew: Wine advice for July 4th parties
After my annual July 4th party, the recycling bin brims with a mountainous pile of wine bottles. I imagine the recycling guy considers me a lapsed Friend of Bill, but hell, our nation's birthday is the day to enjoy everything. In honor of our America's independence, here are some creative tips to prepare for the…
Vanilla parties aren’t so vanilla anymore
Parties aren't like they used to be. This weekend my husband and I attended a party with a mixed crowd: swingers (me and soccer dad), voyeurs (one couple), and non-swingers (everyone else). We've seen the voyeur couple a few times at local swinger clubs and actually know them from our vanilla life. They like dressing…
Michael Jackson about to dominate Billboard chart
According to industry insiders, three Michael Jackson albums — Number Ones, The Essential Michael Jackson and Thriller — each sold 100,000 copies last week. The sales tracking week ended at the close of business on Sunday (June 28) night and will be reported today. That means the bulk of the sales took place in the…
Moving through life’s challenges: using meditation and other techniques to face your fears
The current state of the world has brought many of us into fear over a variety of life's challenges, fear of terrorist attacks, natural disasters, losing our jobs, etc. Everyone has a story and has had a variety of challenges throughout their lives. These are a part of life. Without life's polarities we would not continue to learn,…
Do It Today: Tuesdays with Morrie, Cirque du Soleil
Today being Tuesday and all (and the ever-popular and much-needed "pay-what-you can night"), it's only appropriate to see Tuesdays with Morrie before it ends this weekend. American Stage makes a triumphant return with a new performance space and production, Mitch Albom’s tear-jerker, Tuesdays With Morrie. The much-loved local theater company gives a nod to “celebrating…
God complex: a poem (audio)
I can see the four glass walls because they're dirty. Filthy really, and in need of a razor blade or a molten purification process. But I like the dirty glass. The dirt makes it real and muddies the view of the miniature naked people staring at me from the inside, oblivious to their recent trip…
Movie review: Johnny Depp and Christian Bale in Public Enemies
For more news on the summer’s biggest releases, please check out CL's Movies & Television site. You have to hand it to the producers of Public Enemies; their timing is impeccable. After months of watching the banks loot the nation’s treasury of billions under the guise of the TARP bailout, the public is bound to…
Architects, architecture and the 2009 AIA Tampa Bay Design Awards
What architecture is and what an architect does seem largely unknown to most folks. Tampa often seems strangely ambivalent toward good architecture and design; for instance, it's nicknamed one of its finest newer downtown buildings the "beer can building" a.k.a. Rivergate Tower (see photo). This exquisite neoclassical building was designed by architect Harry Wolf, who based…
Poet’s Notebook: Let’s give everyone a gun
Oddly enough, Americans were rocked and shocked by three recent shootings — at the military recruitment center in Little Rock, the abortion clinic in Wichita and the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. I write "oddly" because these are little red droplets in the bucket of American society. We've lost our way in some violent wilderness,…
Review: Levon Helm, Electric Dirt
First Levon Helm survived throat cancer, then, improbably, he started singing again. And then, astonishingly, he returned to form. While his voice is thinner than during his days with The Band — he is 69, after all — Helm still brings the grit, that marvelous blend of Ozark country, blues and gospel. His first album…
Pride pics: Photos of St. Pete Pride by Samantha Goresh
On Saturday I joined the Creative Loafing staff at their booth at St. Pete's annual Pride Festival. I was there as a photographer for their Big Gay Wedding/Honeymoon contest, but I also had time to view and photograph the crowd as well as the parade. The weather that day was everything from breezy to rainy,…
Live Nation continues “No Service Fee Wednesdays”
If you and three to five of your friends plan on attending a Live Nation show this summer at Ford Amphitheatre, the company waves the service fees this Wednesday, July 1. So, basically, you save money on four- and six-packs of tickets for the following shows: blink-182, Coldplay, Crue Fest 2, Def Leppard with Poison…
Homemade Music Symposium photo review
by Denis Baldwin This year's Homemade Music Symposium played out over the weekend at the Ybor HCC campus, bringing together musicians, singer-songwriters, music industry professionals, entertainers, writers, photographers and most every other aspect of the music industry to discuss the state of music, the nature of creating and marketing musicians and give a taste of…
Free Ben and Jerry’s ice cream sundae every Monday this summer
Every Monday through the end of August, Ben and Jerry's Scoop Shops will be giving away a free sundae with the purchase of one (larger-than-life Vermonster Sundae not included). From the press release: "Going out for summer ice cream sundaes has been an American tradition for decades," said Walt Freese, Chief Euphoria Officer of Ben…
Genetically engineering cows that will produce less methane, reducing greenhouse gases
This post is partially a retraction and a correction. I have reported previously on how cow farts are filling up the atmosphere with greenhouse gas emissions in the form of methane. Apparently, its not the gas from the tail end of the cow that's the problem. Its the belching. My bad. Either way, it sounds like a premise for…
Review: Levon Helm, Electric Dirt
First Levon Helm survived throat cancer, then, improbably, he started singing again. And then, astonishingly, he returned to form. While his voice is thinner than during his days with The Band — he is 69, after all — Helm still brings the grit, that marvelous blend of Ozark country, blues and gospel. His first album…
Medical examiner says heart disease, not head injury, more likely as Billy Mays cause of death
The Hillsborough medical examiner told a group of reporters outside his Temple Terrace offices that he found no evidence of trauma or head injury that would have caused the sudden death of TV pitchman Billy Mays. Instead, he found evidence of heart disease, including an enlarged left ventricle and an oversized heart weighing in excess…
Review: Citrus Circuit Feat. Have Gun, Will Travel, Takers, Truckstop Coffee & Lauris Vidal
A band of Florida traveling bards and minstrels aka the Citrus Circuit Tour made a stop at New World Brewery on Saturday, June 27, 2009 featuring Lake Worth's Truckstop Coffee, Daytona's own Lauris Vidal, Gainesville's The Takers and Bradenton based Have Gun, Will Travel. Have Gun, Will Travel With three new songs and a Tom…
Dream interpretation: There’s danger everywhere
"Hi Dream Momma, This is my dream…it was night and I was crossing the street away from where I live to the other side. As I was crossing a man started yelling that I was about to be hit by a car. I looked and could see cars in the distance but didn't feel they…
Restaurant Week – Photo contest winner announced
This year, as part of our 2009 Restaurant Week, we not only offered a $25 prix fixe menu at great Bay Area restaurants, but we also added a new "server photo contest." We asked everyone participating in Restaurant Week to take a photo of themselves with their menu and their server to be entered to…
Billy Mays: You don’t need a damned cabinet full of cleaners (video)
RIP, sweet pitch…
ZeniMax Media buys id Software, Bethesda becomes its publisher
Parent company of Bethesda Softworks, ZeniMax Media Inc. announced today that it has acquired (ie gave large sums of money to) id Software. What does this mean for id Software and Bethesda? All id Software titles already committed to a publisher will continue down that path, but all forthcoming id Software titles will be published…
Video game review: Prototype – Oh, the inhumanity!
It's hard to feel guilty when people don't even bother to move out of the way of your tank when it's about to run them over. That's good, because Prototype is a game that clearly doesn't want you to be thinking too much about innocent bystanders, especially if doing so would get in the way…
Breakfast Week: Wake up happy with this baked french toast recipe
When you take the flavors of classic french toast and marry them with the techniques used to make bread pudding, the result is quite magical. It’s also super convenient, as you can prepare it the night before then bake and serve hot from the oven in the morning without any fuss. All you need alongside…
Steps to becoming greener: Reducing your waste, reusing and recycling
Here are numbers 5 and 6 from my list of 12 ways to start living greener and smarter. Picking up trash on the ground is part of living green, if we all took 10 minutes a day and cleaned up the waste and trash we walk over, everyday, it would make a difference, not only…
“DEATH HERE FOR BILLY MAYS…” as TV’s top pitchman dies in his sleep in Tampa
The list of recent celebrity deaths continued over the weekend as one of Tampa's celebs, TV infomercial pitchman Billy Mays, was found dead in his condo bedroom Sunday morning after he didn't wake up. The New York Times reports: The Tampa Police Department said Mr. Mays was unresponsive when discovered by his wife on Sunday…
Photo review: Cory Branan, Joey Cape & Jon Snodgrass at New World Brewery
A delightful and talented band of troubadours, Cory Branan, Jon Snodgrass (of Drag the River/Armchair Martian) and Joey Cape (of Lagwagon), stopped in at New World Brewery on a balmy Thursday evening, June 25, 2009. The concept behind this tour was to get these three alt-country musicians together on a stage and see what happens…
A phone sex operator’s fantasy
On the phone, most men are interested in their fantasies, what they want done to them. In most of these fantasies, the woman do all the work. From getting down on my knees to make them rock hard, to jumping on their cocks and riding them so hard their balls needed to be iced down.…
Do It Today: 3 Guys in Drag Selling Their Stuff, video art at USF
The descriptively titled raise money for a Faberge egg in which to inter the ashes of Diva's dead hubby. Then, miscommunications abound, leading to dire consequences for the trio of misfits—including causing a friend to be run over by a truck and a police shoot out. 3 Guys promises to be even better than season…
Janet, The Jacksons considering tribute tour for Michael
Billboard reports: On the table for consideration is a Janet Jackson/Jackson Brothers tribute tour to celebrate the life of Michael Jackson, according to sources. The proposal is either that the Jacksons fulfill some of Michael's London shows, or do a U.S. tour where they would perform his hits and theirs with him. Janet would be…
Commercials we’re tired of, Vol. 1: Castrol’s “Think with your dipstick” campaign (video)
For those of us whose channel never leaves the Worldwide Leader in Sports (unless it’s to see what’s on ESPNews or ESPN Classic), I think I speak for all of us when I earnestly request removal of that ridiculously annoying Castrol Oil commercial. For those of you who haven’t yet had the displeasure of seeing…
Pictures from the St. Pete Tweetup
Last night, Dereck and I went to the St. Petersburg Tweetup, held at Savannah's Cafe (1113 Central Ave, St Petersburg, FL 33705-1650, (727) 388-4371). This was a much different crowd and vibe than any Tweetup I'd been too before. The crowd was more mature, more segmented and a bit frazzled. That said, I did shake…
Supernova Sundays at NOVA535 in pictures
Last night, Dereck and I attended the SuperNova Sunday event at NOVA 535 (535 Dr. M. L. King Jr Street N, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701, (727) 821-6682). I've been spending a lot of time at NOVA lately, and when I heard they were putting on a weekly party that was part Gong Show and part…
WFLA’s Speechless broadcast draws flood of emails, phone calls
As The Daily Loaf reported yesterday, WFLA/NewsChannel 8 broadcast the American Family Association's anti-gay infomercial Speechless last night in the middle of St. Pete Pride weekend on the eve of the 40th anniversary of Stonewall. TBO.com reports that the broadcast drew "a flood" of emails and phone calls starting in the afternoon during Pride and…
CL at St. Pete Pride: What a day for a gay wedding photo
St. Pete Pride was big and beautiful, with an estimated attendance of 80,000 and weather that cooperated quite nicely, including some welcome (and brief) showers. In keeping with the cover story of this year's Gay Issue (which even the St. Pete Times noticed — check what the marcher is holding in this photo), CL went…
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: The Derby Darlins have a successful first green event with T.R.E.E. at Little Bayou Park- Michelle Schenck reports on the roller girls from the Tampa Bay Derby Darlins' tree planting event last Saturday in St.…
New Ascending to Avalon EP “Wake the Sleeping Sun” out today!
Mohawk Bomb Records announced today the release of the debut EP from Ascending to Avalon, whose Soundgarden-meets-Minus-the-Bear throwback riff rock and psychedelic sensibility make them a prime choice to fans of Led Zeppelin, Black Crowes, Foo Fighters and Open Hand. "Wake the Sleeping Sun" is a 7-song eclectic blend of styles that shows the band's…
WFLA/NewsChannel 8 slated to air anti-gay infomercial tonight after St. Pete Pride
Both Equality Florida and St. Pete Pride are asking supporters to call WFLA/NewsChannel 8 and protest the airing at 7 p.m. tonight of the hour-long anti-gay infomercial Speechless: Silencing the Christians. Sponsored by the American Family Association, it trots out AFA's usual lies about "special rights" and "the radical homosexual activist agenda," and has already…
How mushrooms can save the world
You may only have thought of mushrooms you buy at the supermarket, "psychedelic mushrooms", or maybe even wild gourmet mushrooms, but have you thought about how they grow and what benefits mushrooms contain, not only nutritionally, but environmentally? Mushrooms can save the world, I think they can, and so does author Paul Stamets, who has dedicated…
Dreaming of meeting a prophet, or Satan
"Dream Momma, I had this dream more than once. In the dream I am high on a mountaintop sitting above the clouds with a man who had long white hair, long yellow fingernails, black eyes and long jagged teeth. I could smell his breath and sense his immense knowledge. The man looked down at the…
CL’s Gay Wedding Planner: How to get married in Canada, Europe and more
Don't feel like getting married in one of the six U.S. states that allow same-sex marriages? Never fear! America isn't the only place same-sex couples can marry. Gay marriage is legal in seven other countries. However, six of those countries have strict residency requirements that make it difficult for non-citizens to obtain a marriage license.…
The iPhone is my new best friend with this stimulating application
I know I am not a tech guru and I am the basic of most girls when it comes to technology, but sometimes technological things will peak my interest. Let preface this by saying I have been out and about in many sexual situations. I have seen women bring personal vibrators with them to clubs…
Review: Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse, Dark Night of the Soul
Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse Dark Night of the Soul From the first reports of a new project by artist/producer Danger Mouse and singer/multi-instrumentalist Sparklehorse (Mark Linkous), to the freaky 16-second video revealing filmmaker David Lynch’s hand in its artistic direction, to its Internet leak after the dispute with EMI turned into a permanently unresolved issue,…
CL Interview: Sunbears! (the impressive Jax duo plays Crowbar next Friday) (with video)
Two years ago, Jonathan Berlin was in a bad place. He was the lead singer and songwriter for a band called Bernard that had a distribution deal through East/West, a division of Warner Bros. The trio, whose drummer was his longtime collaborator and best friend Jared Bowser, had played 300 shows on tour. So what…
Cirque du Soleil Saltimbanco opening night pics.
All photos by Phil Bardi. Here are a series of pics from the first set of the opening night presentation of Cirque du Soleil's Saltimbanco. Cirque presents its 5000th performance of Saltimbanco this Tues., June 30, at 7:30 p.m. The Cirque staple, which first premiered in Montreal in 1992, is more simplistic than later productions,…
Review: Incubus, Monuments and Melodies
It's about time Incubus graced us with their musical presence again. For the past three years we have been burdened with listening to their 2006 album Light Grenades. Don't get me wrong — my ears thoroughly enjoyed it (It was, after all, No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200), but after a good week of…
Do It Tonight: John Hemingway and Friends at Karma Bar
Just got a last minute email about an event that takes place tonight in Tampa: John Hemingway and Friends, an evening of Florida arts featuring works by Florida artist Kumpa Tawornprom, live music by Florida musicians Ben Plott, Brahm Bones and boon, and readings by Florida authors John Hemingway (who celebrates the release of his…
The absolute worst idea I heard this week: A sequel to Raging Bull?!!?
Found this randomly when poking around the Internet Movie Database: Raging Bull II. Per the proposed synopsis: A unique combination prequel and sequel that explores "before the rage" and "after the rage" of world middleweight boxing champ Jake LaMotta's tumultuous life and times. Raging Bull II is currently aiming for a 2010 release date. Hopefully,…
Artsqueeze Weekend Roundup, June 26-28
Fuzión Dance Artists performing “Just Girls.” Image courtesy fuziondance.com. Friday 6-9 p.m. – Closing reception for Reincarnate Metaphors: Girard Louis Drouillard at Salt Creek Artworks Galleries. 6-9 p.m. – Summer Jazz Series with Orlando Stewart Trio at the MFA; $15 for non-members, $10 for members, includes admission to Hazel Hough Wing galleries (currently on view:…
Art-O-Mat dispenses affordable collectibles at Polk Museum of Art
Image courtesy Polk Museum of Art This weekend, the Polk Museum of Art celebrates the debut of its recently acquired Art-O-Mat with an interactive talk by Art-O-Mat founder and creator Clark Whittington. Whittington, a conceptual artist based in Winston-Salem, NC, first hatched the Art-O-Mat idea for an exhibition in 1997, when he transformed a dilapidated…
Review: Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse, Dark Night of the Soul
Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse Dark Night of the Soul From the first reports of a new project by artist/producer Danger Mouse and singer/multi-instrumentalist Sparklehorse (Mark Linkous), to the freaky 16-second video revealing filmmaker David Lynch’s hand in its artistic direction, to its Internet leak after the dispute with EMI turned into a permanently unresolved issue,…
More links about Michael Jackson
Police tow doctor's car, hope to find clues about Jackson's death. ABC: Michael Jackson's death caps years of ill health. ABC: Who will get custody of Jackson's kids? Phoenix New Times: 10 random thoughts about Michael Jackson's death. Newsday: Comparing Michael Jackson and Elvis Presley.
Kirby Dick’s film Outrage, featuring Florida Governor Charlie Crist, to play Tampa Pitcher Show on July 15
Director Kirby Dick is best known for his Academy-Award nominated documentary Twist of Faith and for This Film Has Is Not Yet Rated, an expose of the M.P.A.A. film-rating system and the M.P.A.A.'s employees. In the film, Dick goes P.I. on the censors, figuring out who the "secret" members of the ratings board are and…
CL Interview: Lauris Vidal, the Citrus Circuit Tour (Saturday at New World).
Musicians tend to disparage their local music scenes, but when it comes to Florida, neo-folk troubadour Lauris Vidal (pictured, photo by Charles Brewer III) says they likely don’t know how good they’ve got it. He didn’t. The 31-year-old Daytona-based musician (who plays guitar, tenor banjo, lap steel and a ukulele he crafted from a banjo…
CL Interview: Sunbears! (the impressive Jax duo plays Crowbar next Friday) (with video)
Two years ago, Jonathan Berlin was in a bad place. He was the lead singer and songwriter for a band called Bernard that had a distribution deal through East/West, a division of Warner Bros. The trio, whose drummer was his longtime collaborator and best friend Jared Bowser, had played 300 shows on tour. So what…
How to stay green on the road this summer
I am jumping in the car this weekend and hitting the road with some friends to do some white water rafting in Tennessee. This got me thinking about ways to conserve and stay green while I am in the car for upwards of 10 hours. Some people think of vacation and their normal routine might…
Quincy Jones remembers his first encounter with Michael Jackson (video)
Quincy recalls his first encounters with Michael Jackson and their work on the best-selling records Off the Wall and Thriller, as well as the birth of MTV and how they broke through the "no black artists" mandate. This exclusive CL TV video was shot in March at Jones' 2009 South by Southwest keynote address.
Taking care of your kitchen gear
You shelled out a car payment for those high-end pots and pans I talk about in 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 or…
Michael Jackson dead: an overview of news coverage
Here are some links to various stories about Michael Jackson's death and its aftermath: Jermaine Jackson explains details. A look back at Michael Jackson's life in photos. Reactions from friends and stars: Britney Spears, Diddy Combs, Quincy Jones and more. AP: "World Mourns King of Pop" Jackson's scheduled London concerts leave a tangled business mess.…
CL’s Gay Wedding Planner: How to get married in 6 states
Say you’re a gay or lesbian couple looking to get hitched — legally. You can’t do it in Florida, of course. Or in the 28 other states where citizens — influenced by religious belief, right-wing propaganda, homophobia, ignorance or all of the above — have opted for a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. But increasing…
Kama Sutra: Love’s Noose
Name of Kama Sutra Position: Love's Noose Getting into the position: The woman is lying flat on her back with her legs spread. The man approaches her from above and straddles her in such a way that he can encircle and entrap her thighs with his own. Now the man is instructed to "enjoy the…
Michael Jackson dead: an overview of news coverage
Here are some links to various stories about Michael Jackson’s death and its aftermath: Jermaine Jackson explains details. A look back at Michael Jackson’s life in photos. Reactions from friends and stars: Britney Spears, Diddy Combs, Quincy Jones and more. AP: “World Mourns King of Pop” Jackson’s scheduled London concerts leave a tangled business mess.…
Florida’s water is on the web
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection has put our state's water on the web at ceived notification from the DEP last week that their new water website, and all its tools, was "designed to serve as an educational tool for the public about the water resources in Florida and to promote awareness of the various restoration activities and opportunities…
Michael Jackson dead: a remembrance from a critic and fan
Never has so much triumph dissolved into so much tragedy. From kid star to King of Pop to punchline. And now dead. Michael Jackson was 50 when he died earlier today of a heart attack. A shock — but, then again, when it came to Michael Jackson, nothing was. Some people will dismiss Jackson's death…
Do It This Weekend: Hogs ‘n’ Dogs, Hello, Dali, NBA VIP bash and more
Get your Fourth of July party started early at Hogs 'n' Dogs, where you'll find a hot dog eating contest, a bike show by the retired firemen of the Red Knights Motorcycle Club, and a red carpet dog show — with prizes for the peppiest pups. Try a cold glass of lemonade to wash down…
Michael Jackson dead: a remembrance from a critic and fan
Never has so much triumph dissolved into so much tragedy. From kid star to King of Pop to punchline. And now dead. Michael Jackson was 50 when he died earlier today of a heart attack. A shock — but, then again, when it came to Michael Jackson, nothing was. Some people will dismiss Jackson's death…
Pop star Michael Jackson dead at 50?
He might not actually be dead yet, but TMZ is reporting that pop master Michael Jackson, who suffered a cardiac arrest earlier this afternoon at his Holmby Hills home, has passed away at age 50. According to them, the paramedics said that they were unable to revive him. (Other publications, like ABC News, MTV.com, NPR…
20 laid off at Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center
The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center laid off 20 of its 140 full-time employees today, said TBPAC Vice President of Marketing Michael Kilgore. The layoffs occurred "in various departments at various levels," he said, emphasizing that the cuts were a business decision and not related to performance. The Center has experienced declines in ticket revenues,…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: June 26-28
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. "Break Out of Your Mold" Cheese Tasting at Greenwise Market- Fri., June 26. Different molds can create distinct flavors in cheeses. Don't be afraid to try one- it may surprise you! Free. June 26, 4-7 pm; 2403 W.…
Review: The Mars Volta, Octahedron
After repeatedly hearing this new disc hyped by The Mars Volta leader Omar Rodriguez-Lopez in recent interviews as their "acoustic record," TMV fans might be a bit surprised when they finally get to hear Octahedron. Acoustic guitars highlight only a couple of the tracks on the new album, primarily the single "Since We've Been Wrong,"…
Farrah dies, as does her amazing hair
The tributes are pouring in for Farrah Fawcett. Friends and celebrities are remembering her wit, her warmth, her talent. And her hair. The award for awkward juxtaposition goes to this pair of quotes from people.com: Fawcett's former husband, Lee Majors, says, "She fought a tremendous battle against a terrible disease. She was an angel on…
The Rock Report: Grayson Capps @ The Ritz Ybor (with pics!)
All photos by Tracy May. The last time I was at The Ritz was for the fateful Corrosion of Conformity show where (4) people were stabbed with (1) ultimately dying. I'd heard a lot about the near million dollar renovation the venue had gone through prior to reopening a year (really? it's been a whole…
Summer says “cool” – Quinoa tabouli says “hot”
We keeps it cool. Summer says "hot." Some like it hot. We like it hot. Summer says "fun." Fun in the sun. For max fun in the sun, you want a meal that will keep you on the run. Quinoa Tabouli.
Could someone you know secretly be a swinger?
How many swingers are there in the Tampa Bay area? Do you work, go to school, or workout at the gym with a swinger? Truth is, everyone probably does. I have encountered many people at swinger clubs that I have known from other parts of my life, my "vanilla" life. Sometimes these encounters are uncomfortable,…
Healthcare vs. illness care
So while everyone is arguing about who pays for “healthcare”, let’s explore a more basic question: what is healthcare? Is it antibiotics? No, because that’s a treatment for an infection. Is it heart bypass surgery? No, because that’s an end run around a clogged and diseased artery. Is it anti-depressants, pain medicine or anti-inflammatories? No,…
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen sets box office records, is completely savaged by the critics (including me)
[Ed. Note: We've got plenty of Transformers stuff going on on Daily Loaf. In addition to my review of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, we've got more posts about Megan Fox than you can shake your wank at. Enjoy.] My worst fears have come to pass. The God-awful Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen has opened…
New Ad for Burger King’s Super Seven Incher “overtly blow-jobby”
Although Burger King's new Super Seven Incher is only available in Singapore, and let's pray that the misshapen patty doused in A-1 Sauce never makes it here, the company is taking heat for its new ad poster promoting the girthy sandwich. Copyranter called it "most overtly blow-jobby ad I've ever seen." Since when does a…
Charlie Crist Romance Novel: The Governor’s Mistress – Chapter 3 – My date with Governor C.
After my brief, stolen moment with Governor C. at the charity fashion show, my life returned to its usual mundane routine. I was a nobody. Why would C. even remember me? So when I answered my cell phone after class Monday afternoon, I was astonished to find myself on the line with C.'s assistant. Apparently,…
Ways to make your wedding “green”
As we look back on the traditional wedding month of June, many couples are extending their lifestyle commitment of sustainability to their day of exchanging vows. As we know from experience, weddings can be an extremely wasteful event. There are certainly different shades of green but here are some wonderful ways committed partners are lessening…
Do It Today: Pablo Francisco, surrealism chat, pilates and pinot
He's an impressionist, but not like Monet. See, Pablo Francisco does vocal impressions of people, and he brings his imitation tricks to Tampa Improv this weekend. Francisco has starred in seven comedy specials dating back to 1994 and has appeared on numerous shows — MADtv, FrankTV and Comedy Central’s Mind of Mencia as "the Voiceover…
Less Than Jake drummer Vinnie Fiorello offers the Paper + Plastick Records digital catalog — for free!
For those of you who like free music and indie bands repped by Paper + Plastick Records (Foundation, Farewell Continental, Gatorface, We Are The Union, Assassinate The Scientist, Protagonist, Blacklist Royals, Landmines, Coffee Project and Andrew Dost), label founder/owner Vinnie Fiorello (also of Less Than Jake) is offering the label catalog, for free, in honor…
Green office tip: clean the air in your office and remove pollutants with a plant
You spend a lot of time in your home or business office and you can clean the air you breathe as you work just by adding a plant to your workspace! Plants are the quickest, most efficient filters of the most common air pollutants, such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene and ammonia (source: longtime NASA researcher Dr. B.C. "Bill" Wolverton in his book How to…
Did Megan Fox make my Top 5 ‘Celebrities I’d like to have sex with’ list?
You know my mind got to thinking the other day when the heavens opened and Emmalee posted those lovely topless pictures of Megan Fox on the set of her new flick. We certainly are a society transfixed on celebrities, aren’t we? I can hear my boy, Hopp, now: “I’d let her do me.” Hell wouldn’t…
Alexis Santos – Contributor
An avid player ever since he was introduced to classic Pac-Man, Alexis Santos has been gaming nearly all of his life. Now a student at New College of Florida, he continues to enjoy gaming while striving to provide gamers with the news they're looking for, no details left behind. In June of 2008 he created…
He’s a rocket man: Moon astronaut Buzz Aldrin raps on new Snoop Dogg song (video)
The second man to walk on the surface of the moon meets the first man of bud in this Funny or Die clip. Making of Buzz Aldrin's Rocket Experience w/ Snoop Dogg and Talib Kweli from Buzz Aldrin
And the Academy Award nominees for Best Picture are …
It was announced today that instead of the normal five nominations for best picture, the biggest award ceremony in all of cinema, the Academy Awards, will now feature 10 nominees for the highest honor. The awards, which will take place on March 7th, will now offer double the choices, apparently due to the number of…
Beer Review: Keeping it local with Dunedin Brewery Biere de Cafe
Since I've been all over Cigar City Brewing's happenings over the past few weeks, it seemed appropriate to broaden my local beer love and highlight another hometown superstar in the tiny Scottish heritage town of Dunedin. With almost 13 years of local beer-making under their kilt, Dunedin Brewery consistently crafts award winning gems. In 2003,…
New trailer for Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds with Brad Pitt
Here's the second trailer for Quentin Tarantino's World-War-II-As-A-Spaghetti-Western offering Inglourious Basterds, and it's far superior to the original teaser trailer. Inglourious Basterds opens August 21.
Dreaming of Megan Fox
Dream Momma, My boyfriend has a reocurring dream of being a successful lawyer, married to Megan Fox, living in a nice home with children. He wakes up from this dream and his reality seems like a nightmare. (he is 35 unemployed and is back living with his parents). I try to be supportive but I'm…
Your weekly sports Chumpdate featuring Lucas Glover, Donald Fehr, James Blake, Wladimir Klitschko, Blake Griffin and US Soccer
After a rain-delayed tournament, Lucas Glover of Clemson University held on to win golf's U.S. Open Monday afternoon. It was the first major victory of his career. Glover, who landed a $1,350,000 paycheck, had only one previous tour win since turning pro in 2005. Phil Mickelson, and the resurgent David Duval, both placed second while…
Movie review: John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph in Sam Mendes’ Away We Go
For more news on the summer's biggest releases, please check out CL's Movies & Television site. Early in Away We Go, Verona (Maya Rudolph) looks at longtime love Burt (John Krasinski) and asks, “Are we fuck ups?” The pair will spend the film attempting to figure that out, along the way meeting couples raising children…
CL Interview: Lauris Vidal, the Citrus Circuit Tour.
Musicians tend to disparage their local music scenes, but when it comes to Florida, neo-folk troubadour Lauris Vidal (pictured, photo by Charles Brewer III) says they likely don’t know how good they’ve got it. He didn’t. The 31-year-old Daytona-based musician (who plays guitar, tenor banjo, lap steel and a ukulele he crafted from a banjo…
Ax·il·li·sm defined
Axillism: n.Sexual climax achieved by masturbating the penis in the armpit of a partner. Etymology: From axilla, armpit, and ism , act. Synonyms: axillary intercourse; bagpipe (or bagpiping); Coitus in axilla; huffle (or huffling); maschalation; penis-to-armpit Intercourse; pit job. See also: hircusophilism (preference for underarm hair); masehalophilous (arousal from armpits). Use: Jimmy didn't have to…
Movie review: Shia LeBeouf and Megan Fox in Michael Bay’s Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
This weekend, Hollywood will ask moviegoers to spend their disposable income on the latest whiz-bang summer blockbuster, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. It's a given that the movie will own the top spot at the box office (early tracking indicates huge fan interest), but does it have to be a record-breaking opening weekend? Ladies and…
A weekend of Pride in St. Pete, then more in GaYbor
Fri., June 26Sat., June 27Sun., June 28Mon.-Sun., June 29-July 5
Did astronauts train in ecological wastelands on Earth to get used to the barren moon?
In his book Collapse, Jared Diamond claims, "When NASA wanted to find some place on Earth resembling the surface of the Moon, so that our astronauts preparing for the first moon landing could practice in an environment similar to what they would encounter, NASA picked a formerly green area of Iceland that is now utterly…
Gay Politics 3.0
LGBT politicians sharpen their message and appeal to broader issues.By Wayne Garcia
Savage Love: Equal opportunity escorts
Man needs to place himself in girlfriend’s position
Remembering Hillsborough County Elections Supervisor Phyllis Busansky
And wondering who runs the Elections Office next.
Your big fat gay wedding: The how, what and where of gay marriage
Wanna get married? Here’s the how, what, when and where.
Skypoint’s new Rawbar restaurant has food to recall commuters to downtown Tampa after hours
It's interesting to see Taps and Rawbar anchoring adjacent corners of downtown Tampa's Skypoint building. Both are owned by the same man — James DeVito — and both are attempts to fill niches in downtown Tampa nightlife. The jury's still out as to whether DeVito is meeting a need, or creating one in a "build…
Sangria and boxed wines help conserve cash
After my annual July 4th party, the recycling bin brims with a mountainous pile of wine bottles. I imagine the recycling guy considers me a lapsed Friend of Bill, but it doesn't matter — our nation's birthday is the day to enjoy everything. In honor of our America's independence, here are some creative tips to…
Paci’s Pizza in south Tampa has made us a convert
Here at CL, we're very happy that the Web allows us to give readers a lot more say than in the past. Sometimes, we go to you directly and ask for suggestions or input on stories we're working on. But often, just to make it easier for everyone involved, we ask you to check a…
Thirty-somethings John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph prepare for parenthood in new movie Away We Go
Early in Away We Go, Verona (Maya Rudolph) looks at longtime love Burt (John Krasinski) and asks, "Are we fuck-ups?" The pair will spend the film attempting to find out, along the way meeting couples raising children and screwing it up in unique and interesting ways. That they confront this question with wit and intelligence…
Professional wine writer seeks Goode job
The six-month dream job of Wine Country Lifestyle Correspondent at Murphy-Goode Winery has been blowing up the blogosphere. $10,000 per month to live at the winery in Sonoma Valley, write and ride the social media wave. It's a sweet gig for whoever gets it. And I threw my glass into the ring. Initially, I learned…
Review: The Mars Volta, Octahedron
After repeatedly hearing this new disc hyped by The Mars Volta leader Omar Rodriguez-Lopez in recent interviews as their “acoustic record,” TMV fans might be a bit surprised when they finally get to hear Octahedron. Acoustic guitars highlight only a couple of the tracks on the new album, primarily the single “Since We’ve Been Wrong,”…
Johnny Depp is a dead-on Dillinger in new movie Public Enemies
You have to hand it to the producers of Public Enemies; their timing is impeccable. After months of watching the banks loot the nation's treasury of billions under the guise of the TARP bailout, the public is bound to be receptive to heartthrob Johnny Depp as charismatic bank robber John Dillinger. It helps that Depp…
Robert Geller’s Outings & Adventures takes gay social life beyond the bars
For a long time, the nexus of gay male culture was, for better or worse, the bar. Modern gay history arguably began 40 years ago at a bar (Stonewall), and before liberation a tavern was the only public place where men could meet discreetly and in relative safety. The bar scene is still important to…
Review: Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse, Dark Night of the Soul
From the first reports of a new project by artist/producer Danger Mouse and singer/multi-instrumentalist Sparklehorse (Mark Linkous), to the freaky 16-second video revealing filmmaker David Lynch’s hand in its artistic direction, to its Internet leak after the dispute with EMI turned into a permanently unresolved issue, Dark Night of the Soul has been generating a…
Did soldiers really frag officers in Vietnam?
I recently read a speech by Noam Chomsky in which he says that during the Vietnam war "soldiers were fragging officers." I, a man too young to have served in that conflict, have heard this before but thought it was just a rumor. Can you shed some light on this dark matter? —Tom, Chicago I…
Bathhouse: The Musical is soft gay porn masquerading as theater
Arts on 9th is a new facility in Ybor City, featuring a theater, art gallery, photography studio and shop. It's a welcome addition to the Bay area scene, which ought to have 20 such spaces. But the first play offered there — Bathhouse: The Musical by Tim Evanicki and Esther Daack — is far from…
DIY bacon: How to make your own bacon
It took two days to thaw in the refrigerator (two days longer than my excitement wanted to allow) but when I slapped the 9-pound pork belly on my kitchen counter, it kind of freaked me out. One side was beautiful, a mélange of deep, brick-red meat laced with a profound amount of milky-white pork fat.…
Where to go in Tampa Bay if you’re gay
Last year, in CL's [Openly] Gay Issue, we introduced Za-Gay Guide, a complete list of LGBT bars and clubs in Tampa Bay. With the ever-evolving bar scene in GaYbor and new additions in other parts of Tampa Bay, it's time for an update. Here's a breakdown of new and renewed (or renamed) spots, plus all…
Living together, but waiting until marriage for sex
Advice from a sleep-deprived columnist
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Thursday, June 25: Kuba Cigars Summer Sizzler Wine Tasting. Cool off with a selection of whites (with a few reds thrown in for good measure), along with appetizers and prizes. Proceeds benefit the Tampa General Hospital Foundation. $10. 7-9 p.m., 243 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa (813-258-8191) Thursday, June 25: Mise En Place This monthly cocktail…
Late Night Music, June 8-13: Mos Def, Green Day, and more
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 Monday, June 8: Mos Def (Performing something off his fourth and latest solo album, The Ecstatic, out June 9. Maybe "Supermagic"?) Tuesday, June 9: Black Eyed Peas…
Rabid erotica: The Wedding Date Part II
His nerves danced like flames. “Where was she?” he thought. It had been quite a few minutes since she excused herself to the bathroom to put some clothes on before they….well before they whatever. He had no idea what to expect and questioned himself whether he was dong the right thing at all. “What the…
Remembering Cannes: Martin Scorsese, Roger Ebert, Francis Ford Coppola and Nic Cage in a bear suit
Editor's Note: The Cannes Film Festival 2009 may be just a memory, but our man (mannes?) in Cannes, Clint Hanaway, wanted to send along an anecdote, with video, about his encounter with movie giants. Plus, he seems to have a thing for Nicolas Cage. He's in Europe looking for WiFi at the moment, which is…
Rabid erotica: The Wedding date
She may have seen his face a million times, but standing there in the mobbed airport terminal, her nerves were getting to her. She was anxious to see the man for whom she'd shared so many amazing words, so much friendship. "What the hell are you afraid of?" she kept repeating in her head, not that…
Late night music, May 25-30
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 Wednesday, May 27: The Dead (rerun, April 23) Thursday, May 28: The Killers (May 11) Friday, May 29: Wynton Marsalis (May 13) The Tonight Show with Jay…
Taking Care of Your Gear
You shelled out a car payment for those high-end pots and pans I talk about in 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 or…
