Do This: Belly dancers show off their hippy side in Arabian Nights’ Age of Aquarius
When the moon is in the Seventh House and Jupiter aligns with Mars, let love steer you to the St. Petersburg Nights Russian Restaurant for the hip-swaying, and body-shimmying entertainment of the Arabian Nights' Age of Aquarius belly dance show. The dancers of Hip Expressions Dance Studio celebrate the Age of Aquarius with performances to music from…
Clay around the bay: A sampling of NCECA shows
This week, you’ll see evidence of the National Council for Education in the Ceramic Arts everywhere — from bigger crowds at your favorite downtown bars to sun-starved potters combing the Bay area’s beaches. So why not get in the game and check out some NCECA-related exhibitions? The Bay area’s major art attractions — the Museum…
WWE looking to build Hall of Fame complex in Tampa (w/video)
This Saturday night in Atlanta, when professional wrestlers (nay, Superstars) are inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, remember that WWE is no longer a wrestling company. Now that might sound confusing since that middle "W" still stands for wrestling, the bread and butter of the company is wrestling, and each year the company's biggest…
As Tampa contemplates adding red light cameras, a Florida Legislator wants to ban them
Although it seems these days that all the momentum is for cities and counties in Florida to increase the use of red-light cameras, a South Florida legislator wants to ban their use. On Tuesday a bill sponsored by Hialeah Republican Renne Garcia passed out of its first Senate committee passed. It would repeal current law…
Tampa Museum of Art’s NCECA Biennial is a great kickoff to a conference that’s crazy for clay
This week through April 2, the Bay area will be beset with ceramics artists as NCECA — pronounced in-seek-a, which stands for National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts — brings its annual conference to the Tampa Convention Center. So why should you care? Well, one of the fringe benefits of NCECA’s arrival is…
With few announced candidates, first GOP presidential debate postponed — for four months (video)
When it was first announced that NBC News would team with Politico to host the first GOP presidential debate this year in May, some conservative bloggers reacted with fury, claiming that because of the network's connection with its corporate partner — the left-of-center MSNBC brand — that they should boycott the event. Some even questioned…
Learning Gate Community School’s 2nd Annual EcoFest this Saturday, April 2nd
Join Learning Gate Community School this Saturday for their second annual EcoFest celebration. This event is a "community event celebrating the many businesses, organizations, and individuals in the Tampa Bay area dedicated to the principles of sustainability — Ecology, Equity and Economy." There will be plenty of fun, eco-conscious activities for all ages, including workshops,…
Do This: Party Under the Sea and Sky at the Pier Aquarium on Sat., April 9
This April, people around the world will gather to celebrate the 50th anniversary of manned spaceflight. Yuri Gagarin was only 27 years old when he orbited around the entire earth in 108 minutes. The Pier Aquarium in St. Petersburg has joined this international celebration as the 164th registered participant in "Yuri's Night." The theme of…
Marco Rubio sounds supportive of Obama when it comes to Libya (video)
After keeping his head down for a couple of months to learn the rigors of Washington, Florida U.S. Senator Marco Rubio has opted to break out into the national spotlight this week. In addition to appearances Tuesday night on Fox News Hannity and ABC News's Nightline programs, the freshman Republican penned an op-ed in Wednesday's…
Home prices in Tampa are not even close to bottoming out (video)
In the first half of the aughts (2000-2005), home prices rose dramatically in the U.S., and few places soared higher in property values than in the Tampa Bay area. Although some real estate representatives boasted at the time that home values would only continue to rise, we all know that in fact they had peaked…
New Poll numbers out for Obama, Rick Scott and Tea Party all in the dumper; Tampa homes are becoming cheaper by the month, and Hillsborough County’s Growth Management director is history: Mitch Perry Report 3.30.11
Although conservatives love to complain about how Barack Obama isn't subject to the scrutiny that George W. Bush has been, on the issue of going to war (Libya vs. Iraq), that would be a false premise. As the country tries to get a handle on the situation in Libya, President Obama is paying a price…
Submit recycled/repurposed/upcycled projects to NBC and Etsy’s ‘The Art of ReUSE’ contest
NBC and their Green is Universal initiative — which they're now rolling out every year in honor of Earth Day — has teamed up with Etsy, the handmade online bazaar, for The Art of ReUSE competition. The contest is asking for submissions of recycled and repurposed creations made from unwanted items that might normally be…
New poll numbers some of the worst ever for both Obama and the Tea Party
According to a new Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday, American voters disapprove 48-42 percent of the job that President Barack Obama is doing, and say by a 50-41 percent margin that he does not deserve to be re-elected in 2012, both all-time lows. Independents are down on Obama by a 50-41 percent margin. The poll…
Do It Today: The highly anticipated NCECA begins, The Good, the Bad and the Filthy, and Sickly Sweet
It's here! The Tampa Bay art scene can finally put an end to its clay-achin.' The National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts presents its 45th Annual Conference, Tidal Forces: The Next Wave, at the Tampa Convention Center today through April 2. The conference is expected to draw a group of 5,000-plus artists, educators,…
Bolts crush Sens, inch closer to playoff berth
The Tampa Bay Lightning had three goals on Tuesday night. First, beat an Ottawa team that had gotten the best of them in their last two games. Second, find a way to score on Ottawa goaltender Curtis McElhinney, and finally, with a bit of help, punch their ticket to the postseason for the first time…
Freebies of the month: events to ease the pain of recession drain
Times are tough, but you don’t have to sit like a lump on the couch. Here are events that offer free admission to help ease the pain of today’s financial stresses. St. Pete for Peace Movie Night: Freakonomics Every Wednesday evening, Café Bohemia in St. Pete screens a free political documentary or simply thought-provoking film…
Oh, so NOW you want a re-vote? Florida voters say they now would prefer Alex Sink over Rick Scott by 19%
As Florida Governor Rick Scott approaches his 100th day in office next month, to call the first time politician "controversial" would be something of an understatement, if accurate. So would the term "unpopular." In the first major poll since he rejected (again and again) $2.4 billion in federal stimulus money to construct a high speed…
See and savor Seminole Heights during the 2nd Annual Hub Grub Bike Ride – Saturday, April 2nd
Whether you're a longtime resident of Seminole Heights or want to see the area from a local's perspective, grab your bike and bring your appetite for the second annual Hub Grub Bicycle Ride this Saturday. The Hub Grub Bicycle Ride is a fun, casual bike ride stopping at various Seminole Heights restaurants and businesses while…
Ask Dream Momma: boyfriend blow-off
“Dear Dream Momma, I can only remember the tail-end of this dream. I am in a bar or club setting while outdoors with my boyfriend who, in the dream, is actually played by one of his friends that I am ambivalent towards, and not attracted to in any way in real life. A couple of…
Secret Life of the Not So Real American Teenager
Last night the Secret Life of the American Teenager has it's spring premier which was filled with teenage pregnancies, lots of discussion about STI's and of course plenty of story lines about marriage and sex – not necessarily in that order. I must embarrassingly admit I have been a fan of Secret Life since it…
Pinellas County Fair finally back for more cheap family fun
Haven't had your fill of fair food yet this season? The Pinellas County Fair is back after a temporary hiatus to provide Bay area families with recession-proof, affordable entertainment. The fair will feature live entertainment, concessions and business exhibits, and over 30 rides and attractions including a petting zoo, a local battle of the bands,…
Tampa Bay Living Green Expo at the St. Pete Coliseum – Sat. and Sun., April 2-3
The Tampa Bay Living Green Expo is back in St. Pete once again, educating people through a variety of presentations and live panel discussions about green jobs, Florida native plant landscaping, local food, energy efficiency, and home energy retro-fitting. Held this Saturday and Sunday, April 2-3, the expo is region’s best and largest showcase of…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Another Buc makes off-season news, CSI: Port Charlotte and dead man cheerin’
Have you ripped up your brackets yet? Aqib Muttaqi Talib (POP! Jesus! Excuse me, my spell-check just exploded) is an extremely interesting person (or person of interest if you must get technical) according to Garland, Texas police as they investigate a "family dispute" where shots were fired. Talib allegedly attempted to pistol-whip his sister's boyfriend who…
New music releases out this Tuesday, March 29: Peter Bjorn and John, The Sounds, Royal Bangs, Broken Bells, Britney Spears, Sum 41, Wiz Khalifa, and many more! (with audio & video)
Tons of tasty new music this week (and a few stinkers too — but we can't blame Britney for sucking, society did that to her…). Check out all of the ones you want to know about (some with audio, some with video) below. Click here to check out new music releases that dropped last week…
Tampa City Council votes to approve changes to wet zoning laws
During the course of the just concluded Tampa election campaign, one of the dominant themes by many of those running for mayor and city council was that Tampa had become a bad place to do business, with regulations running amok. Vanquished mayoral candidate Rose Ferlita frequently said that she was asked all the time where…
Spring awakening: Gin cocktails to put the ‘spring’ in your step
Ah, spring. The time of rebirth and of new romance. For me, spring also screams gin! That’s because when the mercury starts climbing, I hanker for the starched, thirst-quenching taste of this curiously unsung spirit. Now before you say you don’t drink gin “because it makes me act crazy,” or you, “can’t stand the taste,”…
Hillsborough Growth Management Director Aluotto Gets Canned
By George Niemann Daily Loaf contributor, R-LAND, UCAN, FSP activist, Florida Hometown Democracy believer. The views expressed are my own and not necessarily the same as the organizations to which I belong. Peter Aluotto, Director of Planning and Growth Management for Hillsborough County has been suddenly let go effective Friday, March 25, 2011. Here is…
DVD Review: Sam Seder’s Who’s The Caboose? starring Sarah Silverman, Sam Seder, H. Jon Benjamin, Andy Dick and David Cross
Who’s the Caboose? is finally being released on DVD in the U.S. a mere 16 years after its creation. Written and starring Sam Seder, as well as Sarah Silverman before she was a star, this 1995 mockumentary is as low budget as they come. The film begins with a brief introduction about some New York…
Rick Scott to meet with Muslim group? Marco starts talking to everybody, and Fox News exec calls his lying on air “mischevious speculation”: Mitch Perry Report 3.29.11
The 3rd annual Muslim Day in Tallahassee is taking place today, and there is a good chance that Florida Governor Rick Scott will take time out of his busy day to address the group. One of the group's goals today is to lobby against legislation that would insure that sharia law is not used in…
Rubio’s “big week” of media appearances presumably includes a discussion on Libya?
Florida political blogs are atwitter this morning about how Florida's junior U.S. Senator, Marco Rubio, will be staging a mainstream media offensive this week, beginning with what ABC News is hyping as his "first live national television interview" tomorrow morning on ABC's Good Morning America with George Stephanopoulos. But that's preceded by his appearance tonight…
Breakfast Bowl Round 4: Announcing the Final… Five!
After three weeks, 64 competing restaurants and 60 polls, the Final Four in the Breakfast Bowl has been chosen. Wait, make that the Final Five — we'll explain in a minute. When time was up and the polls were closed on Monday, Three Coins Diner had taken the win for North Hillsborough/Ybor, sweeping Tre Amici…
DIY Green: Upcycled bookshelf made from used wooden chopsticks (video)
Many of us are guilty of going to an Asian restaurant (or getting take away), using the disposable wooden chopsticks and then just throwing them away. Come on, who really carries their own reusable chopsticks around with them? (If you do, though, kudos to you!) Here's some inspiration to keep those chopsticks; an interesting upcycling…
Fox News’ Bill Sammon calls his on-air commentary that Barack Obama was a socialist in 2008 “mischievous speculation” (audio)
On Fox News Sunday this past weekend, host Chris Wallace complained live on air about the fact that though the Obama administration was making available Secretaries of State and Defense Hillary Clinton and Bob Gates, respectively, for interviews on the competing news shows on ABC, CBS, and NBC, they were not being available to him…
How online profiles can go wrong
How many online profiles do you have? I admit that I am an online profile junky and I probably have an excess of 25 profiles on various websites. While my reasons may be different than yours, I bet most internet savvy individuals sport multiple profiles in a variety of social networking arenas. As a sex blogger and…
AltDotPop: Lindsay drops the Lohan, William-and-Kate commemorative refrigerator, Tiger Woods’ new girlfriend likes to color and more…
Vanessa Hudgens celebrated the opening of Suckerpunch by dressing like a slithering hippie. Seriously, what is wrong with this girl? In the spirit of Madonna, Oprah, Bono and of course, Tiffany, Lindsay Lohan is said to be changing her name to simply, Lindsay. Her mother claims that LiLo will be reinventing herself with this new…
The Gaily News: New book alleges Gandhi had male lover, support group launches magazine for gay troops, scientists study sexual preference in mice
Was Gandhi gay? A new book about his life alleges that Gandhi left his wife for a man — Hermann Kallenbach, a German architect and bodybuilder. The couple reportedly lived together for two years in South Africa, before separating in 1914, though they kept in touch writing letters and professing their undying love.
Do It Today: NCECA exhibition shuttle tour, famous National Geographic photographer at Straz
It's a big deal for art lovers and Tampa Bay, period. The National Council on Education of the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) presents its first national conference in Tampa at the Convention Center March 30-April 2. A multitude of galleries are showing exhibitions in conjunction with the conference. Even spaces you might regard as mediocre and old-farty…
Pinellas County activists to rally for trade relations with Cuba
In the recently concluded Tampa mayoral election campaign, the candidates were frequently asked about Cuba, and whether they would encourage relations with the communist island that are currently legally allowed. It's an item that several members of Tampa City Council have been pushing for several years now; Mayor-elect Bob Buckhorn frequently said that with his…
Concert review: Avett Brothers with Langhorne Slim
It was worth the hassle of spring break gridlock to attend the Avetts Brothers' concert at Clearwater's oyster shell on Friday, March 25. They didn't necessarily rumble the rafters but performed with majestic sophistication and all-grown-up confidence to a sold-out Ruth Eckerd Hall audience. The performers were Seth and Scott Avett (pronounced Ay-vett), bassist Bob…
Spirits review: Wódka Vodka, “Hamptons quality, Newark pricing”
Wódka is one of the newest vodka brands on the spirits scene, but you're not going to find a super celebrity hawking it in ads or a hefty price tag on it for that matter. Their brand slogan, "Hamptons Quality, Newark Pricing," sums it up the product quite well as it retails at only $8.99…
‘Local Motive’: Local business fair at USF Tampa with live music, free food and more – Wednesday, March 30
Local Motive is a local, independent business fair that has become an annual event at USF Tampa. The event aims to introduce people to some of the wonderful restaurants, businesses, nonprofit organizations and more that we have here in Tampa Bay. There will be free food served, a stellar lineup of live bands playing and…
3rd Annual Muslim Day to take place in Tallahassee Tuesday
As the Legislature winds through its fourth week of the regular session, they are to be greeted on Tuesday by several hundred members of the Muslim community. It's the third annual Florida Muslim Capitol Day, being organized by the group United Voices of America in Tallahassee. Ahmed Bedier is with United Voices. He says that…
Avocado-grapefruit salad with “mojito” vinaigrette (recipe)
Here's a quick, easy and healthy salad recipe that's great for the warmer days to come. The lime and fresh mint in the vinaigrette add a nice kick of tangy flavor to the creamy avocado and sweet grapefruit. If grapefruit aren't in season, almost any form of citrus can be substituted for it: oranges, tangerines,…
Do It Today: Music from Morning Teleportation and The Material and NCECA exhibitions
A couple of noteworthy concerts are happening on both sides of the bay. In Tampa, see Morning Teleportation w/Nicos Gun/Sleepy Vikings. The most recent signee to Glacial Pace Recordings – the label headed up by Modest Mouse’s Isaac Brock – is Morning Teleportation, a Portland-based electro-psyche rock four-piece that just dropped their first album, Expanding…
Bob Herbert latest columnist to leave New York Times
For regular New York Times readers, Sunday mornings haven't been the same the past couple of weeks now that its longtime columnist in the Week in Review section, Frank Rich, has departed from the paper of record after 30 years to begin working at New York magazine. Now the twice-weekly columns of Bob Herbert in…
President Obama to get around addressing the public about why we have troops attacking in Libya; Latest foreign policy move is too much for NYTimes Columnist Bob Herbert, and Newt Gingrich’s lame answers on Fox News Sunday:Mitch Perry Report 3.28.11
Today begins the 10th day of military action by the U.S., some European countries, and even the occasional Arab contributor to enforce a no-fly zone in Libya. But only this evening at 7:30 p.m. EDT will Barack Obama finally sit down with the American public to inform them about why this is happening. Yesterday top…
Despite his skills, Fox News Sunday interview exposes why Newt Gingrich won’t be a serious nominee for President (video)
Because he toyed with the media about running for President four years ago, there has been a lot of deserved skepticism about how serious Newt Gingrich is about running for the Republican nomination for President in 2012 – and he didn't really clarify the issue this weekend. There's no doubt that the 67 year old…
Sensory Overload 2011 in photos: Music, art, roller derby, cereal and nuns!
Creative Loafing's sixth annual Sensory Overload took place Saturday night at the Glazer Children's Museum in downtown Tampa. The three-story event transformed the normally childs'-play areas into a multi-stage showcase for music, theater, interactive soundscapes, digital video installations, performance art, dance, food and beverages. The winner of CL's Show Us Your Neighborhood" Photo Contest was also announced.…
Concert review: Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks take us back to the 1970’s at the St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa (with photos)
In the recent tradition of impressive package tours that have been making their way across the globe, one with plenty of star power just swept through our hometown. The Rod Stewart/Stevie Nicks "Heart & Soul" tour kicked off Wednesday night at the St. Pete Times Forum in downtown Tampa on Wednesday night and gave all…
Obama to (finally) address the American public about the Libyan crisis
President Obama has been criticized on a variety of fronts 9 days into the U.S. leading an international coalition commiting to an air war in Libya. One absolutely legitimate complaint is that Obama has not articulated the U.S. participation in the effort to the American public. Because it started when he had just began a…
The Green Community week in review: Solar PV screen for smart phones, Royal Wedding charity fund, breaking our oil addiction and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed last week: Scientists use banana peels as filters to remove heavy metal contaminants from water – Believe it or not, banana peels have been found to remove heavy metal contaminants from river water. Many various forms of…
Creative Loafing Photo Contest: And the winners are…
Last night, during Creative Loafing's sixth annual Sensory Overload event, we announced the winners in our Photo Contest. The photos by all ten finalists and the Readers' Choice winner were displayed gallery-style at the Glazer Children's Museum, the site of this year's bash, during which hundreds of grownups got in touch with their inner child,…
NASCAR on two wheels: Photos of the Cigar City Brewing Criterium Race and Festival
Promoted as "NASCAR on Two Wheels," the 2011 Cigar City Brewing Criterium Race zoomed through the streets of downtown Tampa on Saturday. Over 600 athletes were scheduled to race, reaching speeds of up to 35 miles an hour on their racing bikes. Racers stage themselves on the track just prior to the start The course included…
Lightning end losing streak, blow by Hurricanes 4-2
The Tampa Bay Lightning took off for Raleigh late last night a discouraged, aggravated group. The return flight to Tampa tonight has the promise to have a lot more optimism and confidence on board. Those emotions from the results of a much needed 4-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes after being mostly dominated on home…
Theater Review: Sex and class rule in freeFall’s Miss Julie
Miss Julie (first produced in 1889) is an important play in the history of modern theater, one that demonstrated a thoroughgoing naturalism when such a thing was still controversial, and that also brought to the stage a daring degree of sexual candor. In its tale of a young aristocratic woman who lusts after her father’s…
Comeback falls short, Lightning losing streak rolls on
For the Tampa Bay Lightning, Friday was getting close to must-win territory. Unfortunately, they didn't play like it for the first 55 minutes of the game, falling to the Carolina Hurricanes 4-3 in a game that was not nearly as close or competitive for a majority of the game as the final score indicated. "This…
Concert review: Lauryn Hill lets it bleed, gives The Ritz Ybor a peek at her rebirth (setlist included)
Not even $65 tickets could keep a healthy crowd away from The Ritz Ybor this past Wednesday night; and while rumors of a disheveled, ultra-tardy, and washed-up Lauryn Hill have been swirling around the worldwide web as of late, the show that L-Boogie put on here was mostly devoid of the drama and nonsense that’s been…
Reuse-A-Palooza and Recycle Regatta at Lowry Park – Saturday, March 26
Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful and Tampa Bay Beautification are partnering to host Tampa’s first Reuse-A-Palooza this Saturday at Lowry Park. The purpose of this event is to heighten awareness about recycling through unique and interesting outlets and to provide recycling education to Hillsborough County residents. This entertaining and educational event will include activities for all…
![This weekend in Tampa Bay area live music: Starfucker [Strfkr], Modern Skirts, Sensory Overload, !!! [Chk Chk Chk], Scythian, Peter Murphy, and more!](https://i0.wp.com/www.cltampa.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/2a2a0_sunshinef.png?resize=1200%2C900&ssl=1)
This weekend in Tampa Bay area live music: Starfucker [Strfkr], Modern Skirts, Sensory Overload, !!! [Chk Chk Chk], Scythian, Peter Murphy, and more!
A breakdown of live music taking place in the Tampa Bay area beginning tonight through Sunday, with featured highlights at the top and the rest of the week’s schedule at the bottom. For a complete list of concerts, click here to visit our Upcoming Concerts page. Friday, March 25 [pictured right] w/Casiokids/BLORR/Easybreezy Two synth pop…
St Pete Grand Prix off to a fast start
Car Speeds by in the IZOD IndyCar Series practice run The 2011 Honda Grand Prix of St Petersburg kicked in to gear this morning on the 1.8 mile 14-turn track carved out of streets of downtown and the runways of Albert Whitted Airport. Today's schedule is packed with practice runs, qualifying races and other entertainment…
How ex-army journalist, Charlie Maib, is leading the Western invasion of erotic Japanese gravure films (pics NSFW)
Established in 2009, Studio Happy Chicken Pink's goal was to produce videos of gravure idols (bikini models who tease viewers by appearing in various states of undress) and present them in a more imaginative and visually stimulating way than other films produced by Japanese companies. Studio Happy Chicken Pink is the only gravure studio in…
The Gaily News: Gay Republican announces presidential run, Target sues a San Diego pro-gay marriage group, judges say gay marriages on hold during Prop. 8 appeals
While a gay Republican might sound a bit like an oxymoron, Fred Karger has thrown his hat into the ring for the 2012 Republican nomination for president, making him the first-ever openly gay presidential candidate.
Photo review: Murs with Whole Wheat Bread at Crowbar, Ybor City
Some shots from Tuesday night's incredible show by West Coast rapper Murs, who's got some serious skills on the mic. It was nice to hear another side of hip hop, one that diverged from street heavy gangsta rhymes. I mean, the dude is a vegan… And he performed some songs with Jacksonville rap-rock outfit and…
NIMBY Week in Review: From Mr. Mom to Mayor, from family values to wrapped in rainbows, from raw sewage to your sink. Good Luck Tampa!
Did this shop owner not see Buckhorn pushing family values Ronda Storms style at every opportunity or was Buckhorn just on the down-low with gay voters? What would Terry Kemple say? What a week to get back to doing a week in review post. 1. Tampa elects former lobbyist turned evidently stay at home Mom…
It’s Friday, which means its another day in Florida to protest Rick Scott; Latino activist throws race into the mix of the David Armijo HART suspension, and GE made $14 billion last year, and paid NO taxes: Mitch Perry Report 3.25.11
Happy Friday to you all. The week began with the stunning decision by the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit agency to suspend with pay their CEO, David Armijo for 2 weeks, as a labor attorney investigates charges of wrongdoing. Now a Latino activist says race is an issue in the suspension. There will be a brand…
G.E. brings good things to their shareholders: NY Times story details how the company made over $5 billion in revenues in 2010 in U.S. and paid NO taxes
It may not be everyday, but aren't theresome days when you want to do spit take with your coffee or whatever your ingesting in your system while reading the morning paper? That moment came this morning for this reporter upon reading the New York Times story G.E.'s Strategies Let It Avoid Taxes Altogether. Just check…
EarthTalk: Mining and water pollution
Courtesy of: EarthTalk® E – The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: I understand that, among mining’s other problems, like providing climate-warming coal and endangering miners’ lives, it is also a serious water polluter. Can you enlighten? — Richard Moeller, Salt Lake City, UT Mining disasters have grabbed a lot of headlines of late, but mines pose…
New anti-tethering law in Hillsborough would prevent dog owners from tying up their dogs for more than 30 minutes
Ever since CL wrote about Hillsborough County animal rights activist Barbara LaPresti's last August, we've received updates from her over the past few months about the efforts to have the County enact an anti-tethering law regarding dogs. Such legislation has taken off in local governments in the Bay area, throughout Florida, and across the country…
Breakfast Bowl Round 4 Voting, Pinellas: Banyan Coffee and Tea vs Cafe Alma
In the CL Breakfast Bowl, Tampa Bay's best breakfast eateries are pitted against one another bracket-style, with reader votes determining the winner of each matchup until the Final Four. Follow the tournament, see the competitors and brackets, and vote in head-to-head matches at cltampa.com/breakfastbowl. But first: Vote in this matchup!
Another Friday, another day of activism against the Rick Scott administration in Tampa Bay and across Florida
This Friday afternoon at 4:30 p.m. Democratic party activists say they intend to march in front of freshman GOP Representative Dana Young's South Tampa district office. This follows a similar protest in front of fellow Hillsborough Republican Representative Rachel Burgin's office last week. Organizer Tim Heberlein writes in a Facebook message to supporters that: Dana…
Breakfast Bowl Round 4 Voting, Pinellas: Bowled vs. Lenny’s
In the CL Breakfast Bowl, Tampa Bay's best breakfast eateries are pitted against one another bracket-style, with reader votes determining the winner of each matchup until the Final Four. Follow the tournament, see the competitors and brackets, and vote in head-to-head matches at cltampa.com/breakfastbowl. But first: Vote in this matchup!
Breakfast Bowl Round 4 Voting, Hillsborough: Moxie’s Cafe vs. Pinky’s
In the CL Breakfast Bowl, Tampa Bay's best breakfast eateries are pitted against one another bracket-style, with reader votes determining the winner of each matchup until the Final Four. Follow the tournament, see the competitors and brackets, and vote in head-to-head matches at cltampa.com/breakfastbowl. But first: Vote in this matchup!
Breakfast Bowl Round 4 Voting, Hillsborough: Three Coins Diner vs. Tre Amici @ The Bunker
In the CL Breakfast Bowl, Tampa Bay's best breakfast eateries are pitted against one another bracket-style, with reader votes determining the winner of each matchup until the Final Four. Follow the tournament, see the competitors and brackets, and vote in head-to-head matches at cltampa.com/breakfastbowl. But first: Vote in this matchup!
CL’s Breakfast Bowl: The ‘Eggscellent 8’; Round 4 voting begins today!
Here are the 'Eggscellent 8' Breakfast Bowl finalists who are still in the running to be named Tampa Bay's Breakfast Bowl champion. Now's your chance to determine the Final Flippin' Four; voting begins today, Friday Mar. 25, and ends on Monday, March 28, between 5 and 6 p.m. We here at CL will be judging…
Do It This Weekend: Sensory Overload, filmfests, bike and racecar action (and more)
It's an unusually jam-packed weekend. Hold onto your helmets for racing action on both two and four wheels and both sides of the bay, plus movies, movies and more movies (and some other stuff, too.) The sixth annual Sensory Overload takes over the new kids' museum. Creative Loafing’s annual bash indulges all five senses and…
Top Chef Podcast – All-Stars Ep. 15: The pre-finale finale
Three chefs remained at the beginning last night's episode of Top Chef All-Stars and The Quickfire was an interesting twist on Top Chef challenge twists: each chef choose the other's challenge (i.e.: one-pot meal, canned food, etc.), then chose the second round of twists which were revealed halfway through the challenge (cook with one arm,…
Latino business official says David Armijo’s suspension reeks of a “race war” by Tampa black leaders against Hispanics
On Monday CL reported on HART CEO David Armijo being put on a two-week paid suspension by the HART board after reports surfaced of wrongdoing, as a labor attorney hired by the transit agency said it would be impossible to conduct an investigation into those allegations with Armijo still in control because employees feared retaliation.…
‘Wells 4 Wells’ event at Whiskey North tonight to raise money for clean water wells in Africa; 4-for-1 drink specials – Thurs., March 24
Along with 14 other U.S. cities, Tampa is participating in 'Wells 4 Wells' this evening to benefit the Drop in the Bucket foundation which builds clean water wells in African schools. Whiskey North will be the W4W headquarters tonight, offering 4-for-1 drink specials during Happy Hour (3-6 p.m.), with all proceeds from tonight's Happy Hour…
A classic night with the Bandit himself, Burt Reynolds
An appearance from the now 75-year-old Burt Reynolds, a sweet surprise for a child and a near-brawl highlighted a crowded and festive Smokey and the Bandit screening at Tampa Theatre on March 23. Why did I go to the screening? Burt Reynolds is an icon from my childhood. He's the first male sex symbol I…
Tampa City Council deadlocks on red light cameras – issue will come back before new City Council in 2 weeks
Red light cameras still might be coming to Tampa, but it will take a new City Council to make that decision. The current council today deadlocked 3-3 on a proposal to approve a three-year contract with a private vendor to operate red-light cameras to at least 20 intersections that the TPD have determined are where…
Make ’em drool: Andrea Acailawen takes food photos that look good enough to eat
Local freelance food stylist and photographer Andrea Acailawen has learned to blend her love of photography and passion for food into a successful career, bringing food to life through her camera lens. Working for a Northern California ad agency, she styled products and food for a variety of clients: home goods and kitchenware companies, department…
Photo review: CL’s favorite live music shots
In honor of CL's 2011 Photo Contest, I compiled a collection of some of my favorite live music shots as taken by CL’s team of freelance music photographers over the past 18 months or so. Check them out below; links to the original reviews (and complete photo galleries) included in the cutlines… Billie Joe Armstrong…
New photovoltaic touchscreen can charge any smart phone with the power of the sun (video)
Solar power for all smart phones? This ingenious idea could soon become a reality for all smart phone users who would no longer have to rely on constantly plugging in to charge up. Wysips, a French technology company has recently created a thin, transparent, photovoltaic film that fits on top of a smart phone's screen…
The Cliks’ frontman Lucas Silveira performs solo at the Orpheum tonight; Hunter Valentine and Sick of Sarah open
With a solo album set to drop in April, Lucas Silveira, lead singer for Canada's The Cliks, is eschewing the group's swaggering rock 'n' roll for a more stripped down sound with tonight's acoustic performance at the Orpheum in Ybor City.
Do It Today: Opening party for the Gasparilla International Film Fest, Dozier reform school book discussion, Hispanic Coalition exhibition, musical enchantress Rachel Goodrich and the Ybor Festival of the Moving Image
The Gasparilla International Film Festival is a big deal for both the local arts community and Tampa Bay at large, so if you like movies at all, head to downtown Tampa to kick off GIFF's Opening Night in style at the lavish and historic Tampa Theatre. Beginning with a VIP reception at 6, the celebration…
Tonight’s best bets in live music: Rachel Goodrich, Superhumanoids, Paul Barrere & Fred Tackett, and more
There's lots of live music happening this Thursday, March 24. Here's our breakdown of the shows that matter the most… [pictured right] w/Sons of Hippies/Drake and Sofia/Alien House A singer-songwriter with a natural knack for charming the pants off her fans, Miami native-turned-LA dweller Rachel Goodrich is among my favorite purveyors of quirky, infectious folk…
Countdown to inauguration begins for Bob Buckhorn; Health care law celebrates 1 year anniversary and Rick Scott’s coming to Tampa :Mitch Perry Report 3.24.11
14 1/2 hours after he became the next mayor of Tampa, Bob Buckhorn began his first of what will be several meetings with outgoing Mayor Pam Iorio yesterday at City Hall, as the new chief executive for the city realizes that, unlike Barack Obama or Rick Scott, he isn't being given several months to transition…
Rick Scott to visit Tampa hours after signing SB 736 on Thursday
Florid Governor Rick Scott this morning was scheduled to sign the teacher reform bill known as SB 736 in Jacksonville. It's believed to be the first piece of legislation approved this session that the Governor will put his John Hancock to. As you've read here and everywhere else, the bill is strongly opposed by many…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Reuse-A-Palooza, Tampa Criterium, Dunedin Community Garden fundraiser and more
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. Fresh Markets and More at Seminole Mall- Every Thursday-Sunday; 9 am-3 pm. Fresh Markets and More is a fun-filled celebration of the world’s most popular culinary ingredients along with a selection of unique arts and crafts all located…
Restaurant Review: Texas de Brazil’s protein parade
Texas De Brazil 3.5 stars 4112 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa 813-871-1400, texasdebrazil.com Photos by James Ostrand You have to hand it to the upscale chains like Ocean Prime, Roy’s and Texas De Brazil, newly opened near International Plaza in Tampa. They really know how to set a mood. It helps that they start with…
Photo Issue 2011: Picturing dessert
Editor's Note: Susan Filson always provides tasty visuals to go with her irresistible recipes. For this week's issue we've tried to include even more of her instructional photographs. Buttery Lemon Bars Adapted from Rose Levy Beranbaum. Makes 24 bars. Ingredients: 2 tablespoons granulated sugar 2 tablespoons powdered sugar 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 1 1/4…
Andrea Acailawen’s food photos look good enough to eat
Local freelance food stylist and photographer Andrea Acailawen has learned to blend her love of photography and passion for food into a successful career, bringing food to life through her camera lens. Working for a Northern California ad agency, she styled products and food for a variety of clients: home goods and kitchenware companies, department…
Savage Love: At your service
My husband and I hired an electrician, whom I will call "Sparky." We hired Sparky once before, and he was completely professional. One quirk: He would call me "Ma'am" instead of my name. Halfway through Sparky's four-hour rewiring marathon in our kitchen, he handed me an envelope and asked me to fill out a survey…
Music Week: The best concerts for the week of March 24-March 30
Featuring The Avett Brothers, Rachel Goodrich, Starfucker and more …
Photo Issue 2011: Picture-perfect dishes
In keeping with our Photo Issue, see the gallery below for a visual taste of artfully plated dishes at local restaurants that look too pretty to eat — almost.
The Miss Pole Champ USA competition sees entrants in interesting positions
The art of pole dancing has started to command mainstream respect, at least from women looking for a sexy, total body workout. Franchise gyms are increasingly offering "vertical fitness" classes, and pole dancing studios have sprung up with more frequency than mixed martial arts gyms. At its best, pole dancing is gymnastics on a vertical…
Photo Issue 2011: Studio portraits
Whether housed in an empty storefront, a spare room or a rehabbed historic building, artists' studios generate a creative undercurrent that courses through their neighborhoods. Meet three Bay area artists whose studios lend their 'hoods distinctive flair. Susan GottSusan Gott operates Phoenix Glass Studio out of a warehouse adjacent to her home, a 1912 Sears…
Creative Loafing’s 2011 Photo Contest
"Show Us Your Neighborhood," we demanded, and close to 250 photographers did just that, sending 475 photos to the Creative Loafing Photo Contest for examination by our distinguished panel of judges: Todd Bates, CL creative director; Jeremy Chandler, 2008 Tampa Photographer Laureate; Joanne Milani, curator of the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts; Paul Pelak, director…
Restaurant review: It’s a protein parade at Tampa’s Texas De Brazil
You have to hand it to the upscale chains like Ocean Prime, Roy's and Texas De Brazil, newly opened near International Plaza in Tampa. They really know how to set a mood. It helps that they start with bigger budgets than most independent restaurants, along with dedicated designers and plenty of practice, but the effect…
Photo Issue 2011: Moving pictures at GIFF
Donald Thoms-Capello stars with Lee Perkins in The Red Machine, a throwback to '40s crime movies that promises clever plotting and a twisty ending. Fri., March 25 at 7:30 at CinéBistro in Hyde Park. Brook McCarter hosts the goriest game show ever in The Uh-Oh Show, a horror-comedy from director Herschell Gordon Lewis that screens…
The Scientologists next door
Curiosity about the Church of Scientology's new Ybor City digs has been running rampant around here since the church took over Ybor Square. And by "around here," I mean specifically in the offices of Creative Loafing. Along with our downstairs neighbors, the Spaghetti Warehouse restaurant, we were the only two tenants remaining after COS purchased…
Theater review: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
Several years ago, the Polish critic Jan Kott published a book called The Theatre of Essence, and ever since then that provocative title has affected how I think of a whole class of modern play. Waiting for Godot is a play of essence, I think — the tramps Didi and Gogo represent not real hobos…
Tampa Mayoral Election 2011: How Bob Buckhorn won
Going into Tuesday's Tampa mayoral election, the strong consensus among political observers was that Bob Buckhorn would beat Rose Ferlita. But absolutely nobody predicted it would be a blowout, which it was, with Buckhorn crushing his former Tampa City Council colleague by nearly 26 percentage points and nearly 11,000 votes. Although he'd finished nearly a…
Poet’s Notebook: The tender trap
Old houses are best they have secrets shadows trembling everywhere their weaknesses secret cracks in the blocks corroded pipes the termites' patient gnawing… As you turn south on First Street off 22nd Avenue South in St. Petersburg, you soon go under a large arch mysteriously proclaiming DRIFTWOO. This isn't a comment on modern love, but…
Photo Issue 2011: Family pictures
Editor's Note: We asked our columnists to take their own approach to The Photo Issue. Catherine combed through Robinson family snapshots to illustrate one of her favorite subjects: her now-11-year-old twin sons. The captions are her own.
Photo Issue 2011: Snapshots from the pit
A collection of some of my favorite concert shots as taken by CL's freelance music photographers over the past year or so; see more at cltampa.com/concertshots.
Tonight’s Top Chef All-Stars preview: Keep it simple, stupid
It's the second to last episode of Top Chef: All-Stars tonight! For the Quickfire, the remaining chefs have a pretty easy challenge: prepare a one-pot meal. But, as we've seen in the past, there's the potential to over-think a dish and it turn out to be a mucky mess. In the Elimination Challenge, it looks…
Tampa Bay food and drink events
Wednesday, March 23: Cru Cellars Come sample some excellent Oregon and Washington wines. Taste all five and enjoy a glass of your favorite on the house. Cheeses will be served as well. $15; 6-8 p.m. 2506 S. MacDill Ave, Tampa. 813-831-1117, crucellarstampa.com Wednesday, March 23: Whole Foods Market Tampa The Mediterranean diet is a way…
Stand-up choices for comedy this week: Steve Harvey, Larry Miller lead the pack
If you're looking for something to tickle the ol' funny bone this weekend, you're in luck. Famous, award-winning stand-up comics headline venues on both sides of the bay. Greg Fitzimmons The comic, writer and producer is a regular on the talk show circuit and cable TV shows. He's won four Daytime Emmys for his writing…
Breakfast Bowl Round 3 Voting, Hillsborough: Brunchery vs Pinky’s
In the CL Breakfast Bowl, Tampa Bay's best breakfast eateries are pitted against one another bracket-style, with reader votes determining the winner of each matchup until the Final Four. Follow the tournament, see the competitors and brackets, and vote in head-to-head matches at cltampa.com/breakfastbowl. But first: Vote in this matchup!
EarthTalk: What’s being done to protect deep-sea habitats and species from ocean floor trawling?
Courtesy of: EarthTalk® E – The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: Recent news reports have revealed the discovery of previously unknown species inhabiting the deepest parts of our oceans. Is anything being done to protect this habitat before humans have a chance to fish it to death or otherwise destroy it? — Matthew Polk, Gary, IN…
This weekend at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival: Wine, Chocolate and Romance Festival
This weekend at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival it’s the Wine, Chocolate, and Romance Festival taking place on the fairgrounds in Piper’s Valley. Chocolate shops and wineries from around Florida will be serving free samples and taking orders for future delivery.
Green Community Calendar weekend events: COTI School Greenfest, permaculture workshops, markets and more
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. Dunedin Green Market- Fridays: 8 am-1 pm, Saturdays: 9 am-2 pm (through April). Featuring fresh, local produced goods such as baked good, ready-to-eat-foods, organic plants and herbs, coffee, honey, seafood, clothing, and so much more. The Dunedin Green…
The anniversary of the President’s signing of the heatlh care bill has settled nothing
Well, y'all remember where you were a year ago Wednesday, the one year anniversary of President Obama signing the Affordable Care Act, a/k/a "ObamaCare" as its known here in Florida and other hostile parts. Most polls show the legislation slightly underwater, though it's opposition has at times been overrated. But as we all know, there…
