Green Community Calendar weekend events
Gulfport Growing Greener Gathering, fresh markets, guided hikes and more!
The expectations game helps Bachmann, hurts Cain
Have you seen the new hyped film of the summer, Super 8? The J.J. Abrams directed, Steven Spielberg produced Hollywood confection that has some folks – like Time magazine film critic Richard Corliss exclaiming that it's "the year's most thrilling and feeling mainstream movie." Couple that with a friend's tweet over the weekend that not…
Job creation a big question at Tiger Bay Pinellas Delegation Legislative Wrap-Up
State Sen. Jack Latvala, delegation vice chair Job creation was a top concern during the Suncoast Tiger Bay Club Pinellas Delegation Legislative Wrap-Up, held in St. Petersburg on Wednesday, June 15. Tiger Bay members met with members of the Pinellas County Legislative Delegation over lunch to question them on what they’ve been doing in Tallahassee.…
Hillsborough Commissioners approve electric vehicle charging stations
Advocates for electric cars say that an obstacle to having more models on the market in 2011 is the short range that many such EV models can travel without needing a recharge, and a lack of charging infrastructure. So as a way to encourage more usage, the U.S. Department of Energy has distributed grants for…
New beer commercials roundup (videos)
An amusing, 5-minute time waster that’ll surely make you thirsty.
Time for a hurricane reality check
Whether you are native Floridian or fresh bait awaiting the sweltering Florida summer ahead, being aware and prepared for hurricane season shouldn’t be a task overlooked on your summer checklist. The last few years the Tampa Bay area has had a relatively care-free hurricane season. A few tropical storms brought in rain, wind and surf…
Looking at the highlights of the Kevin White indictment
photo by Rebecca Wainright Kevin White at a Tampa Tiger Bay meeting, August 2010 The indictment handed down Wednesday morning against former Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White and George Hondrellis, the owner of Tampa City Towing, is now available for public consumption. The two have been busted for taking bribes – specifically, the indictment accuses…
Afternoon Links: Conan, White and more …
Conan O'Brien delivers the Dartmouth College commencement speech: Former Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White arrested by the FBI. Mitt Romney gets goosed. The Academy alters the number of Best Picture nominees … again. Paul McCartney joins the cloud. The Daily Beast: Andrew Sullivan on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's "trap for America." Fandor.com: Jim McBride's…
Top Chef Masters preview: Finale!
Check out the preview videos of Top Chef Masters!
LeMieux to Haridopolos & Hasner: Meet me in Orlando
Although the Republican race for president in 2012 is just now starting to jell, things have been intense for awhile already between the three biggest names in the sweepstakes for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate next year. George LeMieux is anxious to engage between opponents Mike Haridopolos and Adam Hasner, and has sent a…
Gulfport ‘Growing Greener Gathering’: Saturday, June 18
Head down to the Gulfport Casino for the "Gulfport Growing Greener! Gathering", a free family-friendly, community building event focused on growing food sustainably this Saturday, June 18th. Peruse the healthy living marketplace and informative displays, attend the various free seminars on permaculture and organic gardening, grab some good eats at the vegan food court, catch…
Obama campaign’s 1st day of action set for this Saturday in Ybor City
The Obama campaign’s first 2012 "national day of action" is set for this Saturday at various locations throughout the state and country. In Tampa, campaign activists are calling on all those who want in on working to get the Democrat re-elected to meet up this Saturday afternoon in Ybor City, at the Organizing for America…
This week in food and drink
IPA Fest, Caribbean eats, Restaurant Week and more
Kevin White arrested by FBI on charges related to his leadership at Hillsborough Public Transportation Committee
Critics have called the Hillsborough Public Transportation Commission corrupt for a long time.
New poll shows Tampa citizens want panhandling ban, but are skeptical city council will address the issue
This Thursday the Tampa City Council will hold a workshop on the issue of panhandling in Tampa. The discussion comes as a new poll conducted of Tampa citizens by the national firm Survey USA says that 70 percent of those polled believe the city should not allow such activities (only 25 percent support the status…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Red Sux redux
And reduced, too, thanks to the Rays and James Shields.
Love springs paternal: Father’s Day events
From beer to barbecue to sports: a bevy of dad-friendly events this weekend.
Art Across America stops in St. Pete
In a down economy, it’s easy to overlook beauty. When we’re preoccupied with making sure that the bills are paid and our jobs are secure, who can really blame us for forgetting to stop and smell the roses every once in a while? Thank goodness for Nieght Adamson, publisher of FIND Art Magazine, who is…
The Voice Recap: Live Show, Quarter Finals 2
Simplicity vs. flash: Team Adam takes on Team Cee Lo.
Should Hillsborough spend $35M on a safety center?
Despite the hefty price, its supporters say such a new facility is essential.
Simple raspberry swirl brownies
For those of you who enjoy baking but are more comfortable with a basic recipe that can be whipped up in minutes with a few basic ingredients, this one's for you. I am an avid baker but have made it my mission to make recipes a tad healthier, without sacrificing flavor and texture. Recipe modification…
Parabens are the pits: Natural alternatives to standard deodorants
Try these toxin-free alternatives to stay fresh!
Leftover chicken recipes: 5 easy ways to give it a tasty makeover
richard cocks via flickr If you're like many people, you just can't help but pass the rotisserie chicken section at your local supermarket without sticking one of those juicy, crispy, perfectly machine-roasted birds in your cart. But after a couple of days it just sits in your fridge with parts missing, looking kind of like…
Fair District officials ask: Where are the maps?
In August 2012, will you know where your district is?
All or nothing for fickle Luongo in Stanley Cup Game Seven
Matt Boulton At the far end of the Vancouver Canucks bench sits Roberto Luongo, finalist for the Vezina Trophy, with mocking sing-songy chants of “Looooou-Onnnnnn-Goooo” raining down on him from the Boston faithful in TD Garden. It’s the third period, Luongo hasn’t been in the game since the 11-minute mark of the first, but the…
10/100/1000 Challenge winner “swings” onto TV
Swings, the community-building project that won this year's 10/100/1000 Challenge from Creative Tampa Bay and Creative Loafing, was cited by Fox13 last night in one of its "What's Right with Tampa Bay" segments. The report showed how USF St. Pete entrepreneurial whizzes Reuben Pressman and Hunter Payne are using artful homemade swings to break through…
“Green” grilling with the Hot-Pot BBQ grill/planter
Black + Blum It's a terra cotta planter! It's a grill! It's a space-saving planter-grill! The Hot-Pot BBQ, created by Black + Blum, is made of heat resistant ceramic coated stainless steel and disguised as a terra cotta pot. It also cleverly hides a charcoal barbecue grill underneath. Grow vegetables and herbs on top to…
CL grades the GOP NH presidential debate: Bachmann surprises
Like a broken clock, Fox News political analyst Dick Morris is occasionally – only occasionally – accurate in his predictions, but last week the conservative pundit said he felt that Mitt Romney and Michelle Bachmann would be the two GOP candidates who will battle it down to the wire for the chance to go up…
Morean Arts Center goes crazy for color
The downtown St. Pete art facility gears up for Colorpalooza!
New Music Tuesday
New this week from Black Veil Brides, Junior Boys, Ziggy Marley + more (audio, video)
Rays robbed 2-1 in Detroit
Kevin Tall Stock photo Good teams play well enough to overcome bad officiating. That mantra could not have come from anyone associated with the American League East division. It works right up to the point that it doesn't. It didn't work for the Tampa Bay Rays in their one-off in the home of the Detroit…
Libraries and free music: the good, the bad and the ugly (sort of)
Public library systems have long been famous for utilizing the lending system, but what happens when these communal forts of knowledge start giving things away? St. Pete Beach Public Library and many other libraries across the U.S. have been slowly adding Freegal Music Service, a free-use music download website, to their possibilities of music choices.…
A classy cocktail just for Dad: The Whiskey Pop
A spin on the classic Americano: angostura aromatic bitters, bourbon whiskey and bubbly.
Back Talk: Body issues — Is there really an Adonis factor?
"I'm pretty sure there's a lot more to life than being really, really, ridiculously good looking. And I plan on finding out what that is.” — Zoolander, (2001) I recently watched The Adonis Factor, a documentary about body image in the gay male community. The documentary, which aired on LOGO, allowed access into different sub…
What happens to those plastic bottles after you put them into the recycling bin (video)
Have you ever wondered what happens to those plastic bottles you throw into the recycling bin? The video below shows exactly what they go through at a plastic recycling facility — from the cleaning process all the way through to the process of forming them into something new. The video was recorded at Marglen Industries…
The Glee Project recap
Every Gleek out there has undoubtedly fantasized about starring on the Fox hit. What mega-fan wouldn’t want to sing along with McKinley High’s New Directions? Now 12 talented young people have the chance to do just that. Last night on Oxygen the producers of Glee premiered their new competition series, The Glee Project, which will…
And now for the latest ad bemoaning Rick Scott’s Florida
The progressive group The Campaign for America's Future has just released this two minute video on the web that is an ode to how odious things are in the Sunshine State:
Romancing Israel and its wines
A new-found love for Israeli wine
DVD Review: James Cameron’s Sanctum
When I sat down to watch the James Cameron-produced Sanctum, a film based on real events, I wasn’t expecting much. Unfortunately, my expectations were met. The film — a survival story about a cave diving expedition gone tragically wrong — is definitely in the style of a James Cameron film, despite not having been written…
Judy Moody is NOT a Bummer for Kids
Based on Megan McDonald's popular children's book series, Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer documents the efforts of Judy Moody (Jordana Beatty) as she tries to have the most exciting summer ever. Judy’s efforts are stifled, however, when two of her best friends leave for the summer — bound for fun, exotic locations of…
Former GOP state Senator rips Haridopolos – and the rest of the Republican Party in Florida
Former Crystal River GOP state Senator Nancy Argenziano has never been shy about criticizing members of her own party, and with more ammo in her quiver, why stop now? Disaffected by a lot of things inside the Florida Republican party, Argenziano did not go silently last year last year after the legislatively controlled Public Service…
Lead in reusable grocery bags
Plastic reusable shopping bags are petroleum-derived and may contain other contaminants, including lead.
Bob Graham, novelist, coming to CL Space
The former FL governor and US Senator will talk about his new book.
Wasserman Schultz squares off with RNC chair in their first televised debate
South Florida Democrat Debbie Wasserman Schultz was knocked around last week for some hyperbolic comments she's made since becoming chair of the Democratic National Committee (Politico called her first month as chair as "rocky"). But she more than held her own in the first of what will be many televised battles with her GOP counterpart,…
Mark Feldstein on his new book Poisoning the Press
Former Tampa investigative reporter Mark Feldstein, now a University of Maryland professor, was back in town last week to discuss his book Poisoning the Press: Richard Nixon, Jack Anderson, and the Rise of Washington's Scandal Culture at Inkwood Books. He met with me to talk about the book and its focus: journalist Jack Anderson, whose…
Bet you can’t eat just one
Kale chips are crispy, crunchy and highly addictive.
Rays hold on for 9-6 win over Orioles
Kevin Tall Stock photo Ah, more back-and-forth in Baltimore. Q: What do you get when two teams in the American League East division face off on a Sunday afternoon and both clubs refuse to die? A: A hell of a baseball game. The Tampa Bay Rays knocked Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Brian Matusz from the…
Pawlenty gives the country a little “Minnesota nice”
Monday night in New Hampshire brings all of the major Republican candidates for president under one roof for the first time this campaign season, in a debate to be televised by CNN at 8 p.m. This includes four candidates who we haven't seen under the klieg lights this year -Mitt Romney, Michele Bachmann, Newt Gingrich…
Rays 7-5 win over Orioles worth the wait
Tampa Bay Rays/Skip Milos Stock photo For the second night in a row, the Tampa bay Rays played the waiting game in Baltimore. The Rays had a poor showing the evening prior in a rain-delayed 5-0 loss to the Orioles. But, after the West Coast sweep of the L.A. Angels of Anaheim, the Rays once…
Katherine McPhee is Coming Back to Television!
Big news reality show nerds who also love musicals, one of my favorite "Idol"s is back on TV!!! The adorable, Katherine McPhee, who totally should have won the fifth season of American Idol, will be starring in the new NBC series, Smash. So here was my big question, will she be singing?
After the rain, Rays lose 7-0
The team was shut out for the fourth time this year.
CL on the Road: Bonnaroo 2011, in sum (with photos!)
Concluding our on-site coverage of the Manchester, Tenn. fest.
Hispanic Redistricting Initiative proposes map to county commissioners
County Commissioner Kevin Beckner The Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners met Thursday, June 9 to hear public comment on redistricting of the county’s single-member districts, done after the U.S. Census every 10 years to make sure districts have equal numbers of residents. Thursday’s meeting was the final public hearing before the board will vote to…
Wolf protection in the Northern Rocky Mountains
Thinkstock Today upwards of 1,600 gray wolves roam the Northern Rocky Mountains, following the re-introduction of 66 animals in 1995 after their forebears were wiped out by hunters and ranchers. Environmental groups recently won a suit to keep Endangered Species Act protections for the wolves in place. Courtesy of: EarthTalk®E — The Environmental Magazine Dear…
Top Chef Podcast – Masters Ep. 4-9: Ketchup!
We're back! After broken mixing boards, illness, natural disasters, etc., the powers that be finally decided that we can commence with the Top Chef Masters Podcast. And though we only have one week left of this season, we heard your cries of despair and decided that the show must go on (if only for two…
What makes cheese truly vegetarian?
Wet your thistle!
“Clean” water in St. Petersburg?
…despite occasionally coming to maximum contaminant levels
Pasco County Attorney says Commission wanted a way to have a panhandling ban that would make exception for newspaper hawkers
As the economy continues to flounder, panhandling continues to be an issue in the Tampa Bay area. Officials in Pasco County say there has been a noticeable influx of those soliciting for money on city streets since the winter of 2009, and on Tuesday, the Pasco County Commission gave preliminary approval to an ordinance banning…
CL’s semi-extensive guide to the best dining options in Seminole Heights
AVLIJA GRILL 4105 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-231-7952, avlijagrill.com. Sandwiches, salads and more with a Bosnian flair. The menu is small, but the portions are large and the prices are low. Also serving espresso drinks and veg-friendly fare. BLUE SEA FISH MARKET 7110 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-234-5085. This simple and inexpensive fish shack serves…
Romney’s decision to blow off Florida straw poll no big deal- except for state’s economy
Mitt Romney's decision to bow out of the Florida presidential straw poll known as "Presidency 5" is being taken personally by a lot of political bloggers on both sides of the aisle in the Sunshine State. But should they take it so strongly? A spokesman for the the candidate who rides as the early front…
Primus turns up the loud at Ruth Eckerd Hall
A review, photos and video from Tuesday night’s show in Clearwater
Back from the ’90s: Urge Overkill’s Rock & Roll Submarine
A review of the latest by prodigal Chicago rockers Urge Overkill.
In hot dogs we trust
The summer staple takes on a different flavor depending on where you order it.
Looking for LGBT events this weekend?
Happy Pride Month! With Pride month upon us, there are tons of LGBT-oriented activities in the Tampa Bay area to choose from. Here are a few highlights taking place over the next few days.
Glazer Children’s Museum in Tampa makes the Top 10
Woman’s Day magazine names it one of the 10 best children’s museums.
Hillsborough County League of Women Voters to hold annual breakfast meeting next week
Earl Lennard Before Governor Rick Scott signed the elections bill HB 1355, officials with the Florida League of Women Voters said that they were prepared after 72 years to cease doing voter registration in the state of Florida. That's because of one provision under that law that says that volunteers must return any voter registration…
Tampa City Council looking at potentially hundreds of layoffs of city staffers
Officials said that Police and firefighters could lose their jobs.
The Gaily News: Tracy Morgan’s homophobic rant, anti-gay group warns Disney visitors of Gay Day
30 Rock star and SNL alum Tracy Morgan made anti-gay remarks during a recent stand-up routine. Known for making homophobic comments in the past, Morgan said that being gay is a choice and suggested that he'd stab his son for being gay.
Bold flavors at Sunday’s Fine Dining
A welcome addition to Ybor’s restaurant scene
Andrew Breitbart gets the mainstream media acceptance he so desparately craves
The Anthony Weiner sexting scandal has brought conservative blogger Andrew Breitbart out of the catacombs of the conservative media, and into the mainstream. Breitbart broke the original story about the tweet that got the Brooklyn-Queens based Democrat in so much trouble over the Memorial Day weekend, leading to the NYC Congressman's tearful admission on Monday…
Longtime GOP insider Ed Rollins learns you’re not allowed to criticize Sarah Palin
Ed Rollins Ronald Reagan's famous 11th amendment dictum – Thou Shall Not Speak Ill of a Fellow Republican – has fallen out of favor over the years, but it seems to be in classic form these days inside the GOP. Who could forget the opprobrium that Newt Gingrich received for having the temerity to cast…
How’s the booze ban working on Sunset Beach?
Good for residents or bad for business?
Frankie and Johnny at American Stage
Two characters look for love in a play looking for meaning.
This week: Peter Baldwin Farewell Party, Junip + more
The best in live music, June 9-15, 2011
Florida progressives get fired up
Can their efforts reverse the political tide?
J.J. Abrams’ Super 8 isn’t Spielberg but it’s good
A loving homage that never lives up to its inspiration.
Live and Local Spotlight: The Groves tonight at Skipper’s
Tampa-based four-piece The Groves burst onto the local scene a little under a year ago and are celebrating the release of a new LP, In Season, released March 19 via Gnomic Records. Travis Bourguignon and lyricist/lead vocalist Justin Brown share in the guitar duties, one doling out searing solos, wailing slide and a touch of…
Long, complex American Duet at Studio@620
Tracing a couple — and a country — through a century’s final decades.
Woody Allen’s light, elegant Midnight in Paris
A beautifully cast comedy-fantasy starring Owen Wilson.
Book Review: Some Girls: My Life in a Harem
Almost all American girls have played at being ballerinas while dreaming of becoming princesses like Grace Kelly. Unfortunately, life distorts these fantasies. These same girls settle for being treated like a princess on anniversaries or having fairy-tale affairs with members of the country club. Some girls, like Jillian Lauren, realize these fantasies in entirely different…
