Dreaming of a cute little kid
“Dream Momma, I want to tell you a something about myself before I tell you the dream. I’m in sales and just got transferred here from Austin. It’s a sweet deal for me and I’m even thinking of finishing school in Tampa if I can get my credits worked out. What is bothering me is…
French Yogurt Cake recipe
Gâteau au Yaourt or French Yogurt Cake is a staple of French home baking. In fact, it is often the first cake that French children learn to bake. (Actually, it was the first cake that I learned to bake that didn't come out of a box!) A moist, light and delicious cake with a delicate…
Dreaming of a black wolf
“Dream Momma, I’ve been having some health issues and after my last medical check up… I caved, very difficult. I lost the joy the magic, the light for a few days. Then an amazing dream that night. In the dream it was snowing and in the woods. Beautiful, quiet, still and removed from everything. I was…
Do It This Weekend: Talking Animals Fest, Ybor Aficionado Days, Tampa Bay Derby Darlins expo, Festival of States, Yappy Hour and more
Duncan Strauss began broadcasting his Talking Animals radio program about animals and animal rights in Southern California back in 2003 and brought it to WMNF's airwaves a few years later. Now he’s ready to bust out of the studio and into the wild –well, sort of. This weekend, Strauss hosts the first ever Talking Animals…
Do It Today: Global Lens Film Series, The Fallen Faithful world premiere, a Russian music extravaganza and more
Tampa Bay’s got funky fresh film events coming out of its ears today (now there’s a weird image). Fresh off the success of the 2010 Gasparilla International Film Festival, the film-happy folks over at GIFF are set to launch this year’s edition of the Global Lens Film Series. As the name implies, Global Lens focuses…
Dreaming up a fantasy
“Dear Dream Momma, Dreamt I was on a beach, a little beach hut was there as was J__ (my husband). He was helping assemble, figure out a drafting table. Then I was a alone and the beach and light were beautiful. Out of the water rose some sea creature with this gorgeous hunk of a…
Concert review: El Ten Eleven at the Orpheum (with pics)
When a show is hyped up to me as being “one of the most phenomenal live acts you’ll ever see,” I usually have a degree of skepticism. Everyone’s idea of a badass live show is different, and it’s difficult to come into a show with such high expectations, especially from a band I am relatively…
Do It Today: Ybor Festival of the Moving Image, Pericles revival at Jobsite and more
The eighth annual Ybor Festival of the Moving Image celebrates the diverse, powerful work of independent artists and filmmakers. Based at HCC Ybor and organized by HCC Special Projects Manager David Audet, the five-day fest offers documentaries, personal films, live performances, workshops and lectures. Both the artists and their works run the gamut: Blake H.S.…
On the Radar: WMNF’s Talking Animals Festival
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendars for Duncan Strauss began broadcasting his Talking Animals radio program about animals and animal rights in Southern California back in 2003 and brought it to WMNF’s airwaves a few years later. Now he’s ready to bust out of the studio and…
Unprecedented: ObamaCare & the Commerce Clause
Ever since the passage of the healthcare reform bill, conservatives have been calling for a legal challenge of the bill in federal courts. Indeed, 14 state attorneys general have announced a lawsuit against the federal government over the legislation, which they claim is an unconstitutional breach of state sovereignty and an over-expansion of federal power.…
Campaign for County Mayor position in Hillsborough County begins
If, like the Hometown Democracy Amendment, it feels like the proposal to have Hillsborough County get a strong County Mayor enacted into law has seemingly taken up half of the last decade, it's because it has. Floridians will finally have their say on Amendment Four, as it will be listed on the ballot come this…
3 Guys & Chuck — The Podcast: “Chuck vs. The Other Guy”
(Editor's Note: If you're missing the 3 Guys more than you're missing Chuck during the show's three-week break, you can catch them talking up Glee during the hiatus.) This week's episode of Chuck is the climax of the 13 original episodes of Season Three that dealt with the current story arc — and what a…
The low blows of Matt Drudge
Most of Tuesday on his always popular Web site, Matt Drudge had his usual assortment of links to stories, including provocative political reports, entertainment and sport stories as well. Drudge is incredibly influential, especially for those who like to hang out in the echo chamber that is conservative talk radio. If you don't think so,…
3 Guys & Glee – The Podcast Preview Show (with video)
With Fox’s hit show Glee coming back on April 13, the 3 Guys are here to discuss what happened on Glee before it went on hiatus, what's sure to be going on as the current season picks back up, the numerous reported guest stars and so much more. So throw on your Glee hats and…
St. Petersburg College hosts a week of green-themed events in honor of Earth Day
Thursday, April 22, 2010, marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day — a day designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the environment. St. Petersburg College's four environmental clubs: The Emerging Green Builders, Honors College, Florida Engineering Society, and the SPC M.M. Bennett Libraries, have come together to plan environmentally focused events every day beginning…
Turanchik takes job with high-speed rail consulting firm
Ed Turanchik, whose ConnectUs group led a local effort to help Florida win federal funding for high-speed rail, is now working for a transportation consulting firm hired by the state to work on the project. The former Hillsborough County Commissioner tells CL that he began working for Wilbur Smith Associates, a transportation and infrastructure consulting…
CD review: The Dirty Heads, Any Port in a Storm Special Edition (with video)
Music compliments a summer day like safety pins do punk rock; like dreadlocks do reggae; like trendy sneakers compliment hip hop – one just adds to the overall appeal of the other. With this in mind, Any Port in a Storm (Special Edition), an extended version of the debut album from Cali-group The Dirty Heads,…
Lemon Glazed Ricotta Cake Recipe
Lemon is such a fresh and fragrant flavor that I always begin to crave when Spring rolls around. The pumpkin spice frenzy ends and bright, warm weather tastes become the seasonal special. This cake combines the citrus notes of lemon with velvety ricotta cheese, yielding a perfect addition to your brunch table or the ideal…
Jason Cook – Contributor
Jason Cook is Chief Mastermind of Ampersand Books. He's a lot more fun than he looks. email: ampersandeditor@gmail.com
This week’s new releases in music: Dr. Dog, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, The Dø (with video), Slash, Madonna, Growing (with audio), Jakob Dylan, and more
This week’s new music releases; to check out a complete breakdown of upcoming releases due out in the next several months (and a list of those ones that have dropped since the year began), click here. Alex B, Moments (Elm&Oak/Alpha Pup) Balligomingo, Under an Endless Sky (Chrysalis) Jonsi Birgisson, Go (XL) *The solo debut of…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Tuesday, April 6: Somme Wine and Martini Bar 10-10 Tuesdays. I know it’s not even the middle of the week yet, but instead of watching Jeopardy or another rerun of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, get outta the house tonight for one of the best bar deals I’ve seen, well, maybe ever: get $10 bottles…
Get up to $5,000 from SWFWMD for water conservation projects
In my unofficial survey, conducted solely by personal observation, average adults in Tampa still don’t have a clue why they need to change their behavior and save water to protect Florida’s delicate ecosystem. Now ask their school age children, and a litany of reasons will be recited. Parents, proud of their little ones, beam with…
Opening day in St. Pete, Florida teachers steaming, and Arianna Huffington rebukes Rudy Giuliani to his face for his endorsement of Marco Rubio:Mitch Perry Report 4.6.10
We have to lead off with what we just watched on MSNBC's Morning Joe this morning. That is, Arianna Huffington blasting Rudy Giuliani for his blasting of Obama, support of waterboarding, and Bernard Kerik. Read all about it; Florida school teachers – most of them anyway that are daring to speak out – aren't very…
Tampa Bay Blues Fest kicks off its 15th edition at Vinoy Park this weekend with Jimmie Vaughan, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, JJ Grey & Mofro, and many others
kicks off its 2010 waterside celebration of American blues this weekend. The fest has also expanded to encompass three nights of After Hours parties featuring various fest performers in a more intimate setting and beginning directly after each day’s music has concluded. Highlights on Friday include longtime Memphis blues guitarist and singer-songwriter Reba Russell, who…
Arianna Huffington blasts Rudy Giuliani for his endorsement of Marco Rubio
Although Rudy Guiliani ran one of the worst presidential campaigns ever in 2007-2008, you'd never know it by the fact that he still makes regular appearances on cable television to critique Barack Obama and speak about the war on terrorism. But today he got a rare dose of criticism thrown back in his face, live…
CL Feature: Lil’ Ed and the Blues Imperials, which plays Tampa Bay Blues Fest this Friday
At any given outdoor blues festival, 15.6 percent of the audience will spend 91 percent of its time watching one thing: the hands of the lead guitar player. (OK, so I made those percentages up, but I think they’re close.) Certain artists super-serve this guitar-freak minority, and that, in the most extreme cases (we won’t…
A Gay in the Life: You aren’t what you eat
I knew it was time to start working out when my friend started her diet. I don't think I'm fat or anything, but in the last few years I've gone from being a server to sitting at a desk all day — and in my friend's quest for a firmer tail, she's started eating Subway every…
Teacher merit pay plan on path to being approved by Florida House
Hundreds of teachers packed the House Education Policy Council meeting room in Tallahassee yesterday for an eight-hour hearing on HB 7189, the House companion to the John Thrasher led SB 6 that would make it easier for experienced teachers to be fired and base more of their salaries on student test scores. The bills have…
Do It Today: The Ataris’ pop-punk at the Brass Mug and This Providence at Orpheum
Indiana-based pop-punkers The Ataris have seen 15 musicians come and go from their lineup since its inception in 1995. Unsurprisingly, the foursome’s style has progressed from the snapshot-songwriting approach on their Kung Fu Record debut, …Anywhere But Here, to their most recognizable mainstream single to date, a rhythm-charged cover of “The Boys of Summer” by…
On the Radar: American Stage descends into Reefer Madness
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming arts events to mark your calendars for. In preparation for its upcoming string of performances at the Orlando International Fringe Festival, American Stage hosts four nights of Reefer Madness, based on the 1936 film cult classic. T. Scott Wooten (pictured) wrote, directed and stars in the…
As opening day approaches, great expectations for Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays begin their 13th year in existence Tuesday night against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field at 7:10 p.m., and there are great expectations that the Rays, owners of the best record in spring training, will be able to duplicate, if not exceed their sensational American League championship season of 2008. But…
Castor writes to Obama about offshore drilling
Tampa area Congresswoman Kathy Castor has had a few days to stew on President Obama's announcement last Wednesday that he wants to explore drilling for oil and natural gas off of Florida's Gulf Coast. She spoke out critically against his plan, one of the few times she's voiced a negative tone when it comes to…
Help the SPC environmental clubs clean up Clearwater Beach, April 17
The St Petersburg College environmental clubs and SPC chapter of the US Green Building Council Students (you don't have to be a member of either to participate) adopted a mile of beach (Lot 36) on North Shore Clearwater Beach, running from Rockaway St. to 880 Mandalay. They have scheduled their next beach clean-up Saturday April…
Party Pics: Red Square Saturdays at Orpheum (4-3-10)
What can I say, I love this place! The people are awesome, the drinks are awesome and the music is awesome…. it's Orpheum all the way. The Party: Same time, same place, same party. It's Red Square Saturdays at Orpheum. $12 all you can drink, sink or swim wells and draft PBR and dancing with…
Embattled RNC Chair Michael Steele speaks (finally) of bondage club and other adventures
Readers might recall how we were eagerly looking forward to hearing Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele speak last Tuesday at the Vinoy in St. Pete on the reports about some free wheeling spending habits by some RNC members and himself. The Chairman was in the Bay area with the Site Selection Task Force that…
Green your sex life and help the planet in honor of Earth Day
In case you haven't heard, the majority of sex toys on the market contain ingredients that aren't that great for you or the environment. Who wants to get cancer from phthalate-laden vibrator or release toxins into the air by using sex toys with PVC in them? Babeland, one of the top adult products companies, not…
It’s flea and tick season: How to protect your pet from parasites
As the weather warms up (finally) we all get to spend more time outdoors. Along with all the benefits of great weather, though, comes flea and tick season. People often ask me how I protect my pets or what they should do if they don’t want to use chemicals. I use FrontLine Plus on Jana.…
Concert review: Arctic Monkeys at The Ritz Ybor (with pics)
"Are you in a good mood? It's F-F-F-Friday after all!" Why yes, Arctic Monkeys frontman Alex Turner (pictured right), I am! After a thorough ass-kicking at the hands of my day job and a futile four hours spent at a title company attempting to close on a house, a night of manic, hipster dance-rock sounds…
Foursquare Day Tampa: Join the swarm on 4/16
Oh Tampa, you’ve been there with me through it all — except more like the kind friend who will party with me but if I need help moving you’ll find a reason not to be there. It’s not that you aren’t a good friend, we just don’t get to see each other much anymore and…
Concert announcements: Robert Plant and the Band of Joy at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Jack Johnson at Ford Amphitheatre
Two big name acts have announced shows in the Bay area and you definitely want to know about them. Robert Plant has confirmed a 12-city North American tour that begins in July and includes a stop on Friday, July 30, at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Plant tours with Band of Joy (active from 1966 to 1968),…
Last week in music: Mos Def, Crystal Castles, Lil Wayne, Metric, The Black Keys and more (with video)
The week in music news. Mos Def sports a perm and some super fly threads as Mr. Superhero in a recent episode of Nick Jr.'s Yo Gabba Gabba. After some impromptu ditties and lots of vacant smiling, the costumed crew bids Mos farewell as he rockets into the sky with Starsky the monster. Don't be…
RIB-OFF! And the winner is …
64 rib joints. Four weeks. And you. For our 2010 Tournament of Ribs, we put our faithful readers in charge of finding the best ribs in the Bay area. Baby back or spare, fine-dining or smokehouse, it was in your hands the entire way. And boy howdy did you pick up the gauntlet we threw…
RIB-OFF! Critic’s tasting of the Pinellas eight from the Savory Sixteen
(Read all about the Rib-Off here.) After tasting through the Savory Sixteen rib joints — chosen by voters in our Tournament of Ribs Readers' Poll — I can only come to two possible conclusions. Either the east side of the Bay has a significantly better barbecue scene, or the Pinellas voters have no idea what…
Tampa Bay Derby Darlins Franky Panky roller derby weekend at USF
Your favorite rollergirls in fishnets are back for more action in Franky Panky: two days of girl-on-girl roller derby fun. The event will feature fellow WFTDA teams — the Dallas Derby Devils, Tallahassee Rollergirls, Cincinnati Rollergirls, and our own Tampa Tantrums — going head-to-head in five fierce bouts each day. Be sure to grab some…
Saving gas, stopping Obama’s offshore oil drills? There’s an iPhone app for that
I’ll admit it, my iPhone has taken over my life and I’m not complaining. I may have spent more time searching through the staggering number of amazing applications for it than actually using them. My recent search for apps to help keep me green-minded yielded so many results that I decided to cruise some of…
Bad news for those on unemployment, Giuliani to endorse Rubio and get back at Crist, and March Madness: never the same? Mitch Perry Report 4-5-10
The White House's top economic advisers were all over the telly yesterday boasting the number of new jobs announced from last month; Larry Summers also discussed why unemployment checks won't be sent out this week; Rudy Giuliani will be endorsing Marco Rubio in Miami today, and it's fun to revisit the Rudy-Charlie Crist relationship; Big…
Note to NCAA Basketball: Greed is not good
The sporting gods have aligned on this Monday in America, as Major League Baseball has its true opening day, with President Obama helping to open the Washington Nationals home opener by throwing out the first pitch in D.C. (let's hope it's with a little more authority than his toss at last summer's All-Star game. Then…
More than 200,000 Americans to lose unemployment check today
Lawmakers on capital hill won't return for another week, which means some people reading this post right now realize they won't be collecting an unemployment check for awhile. Before they broke for Easter a week and a half ago, Congress was at an impasse on a $9.3 billion, 30-day extension that Democrats supported, but Republicans…
3-D display units hit phones; 3-D porn will soon follow
The Sharp Corporation just produced a 3-D screen that doesn’t require 3-D glasses. The only problem is it only works for 3-inch screens that must be held a foot from your face. As reported by the Associated Press, these screens include 3-D animation, touch screens, and a 3-D video camera. The technology works by presenting…
Do It Today: Guy Davis sings at the Straz and the Darfur/Darfur video installation in St. Pete
The son of actors Ruby Dee and the late Ossie Davis, Guy Davis is a self-taught acoustic bluesman with finger-picking skills who also plays five-string banjo and harmonica, sings in a soulful, velvety tone, and writes songs inspired by his grandparents’ stories of the rural South. Davis is constantly looking for ways to combine his…
It Happened This Week-ish: LiLo’s covered in baby powder, James Franco has more in common with G.W. Bush than we ever imagined, Ricky Martin’s officially into dudes, April Fool’s Day is awesome, and more…
I would make a deal with the devil to look like Scarlett Johansson. Lindsay Lohan is going more and more D-List as the hours pass, this time getting in a fight with late-night talk show host George Lopez (didn't know he had a talk show? yeah, I wish I didn't know that). After pictures of…
Concert review: A Day To Remember and August Burns Red at The Ritz Ybor (with pics)
I arrived at The Ritz later than expected and found a venue jam-packed with underage kiddies who'd gotten the memo that I missed about the earlier door time. Every show's the same — they get younger, I get older and more intolerant. By the time I made my way inside, Canadian post-hardcore five-piece Silverstein was…
Giuliani to endorse Rubio
Rudy Giuliani is scheduled to make a campaign appearance with Marco Rubio Monday in Miami, and Twitter was running wild on Friday that this means the former New York City Mayor will endorse the former House Speaker in the Republican U.S. Senate race. No doubt it will be a blow to Charlie Crist if this…
Joe Bardi talks Clash of the Titans 3D, North Face and Lost on The Grind with Flip and Bill
If you're in the Tampa Bay area, you can catch The Grind weekdays from 10-3 p.m. on 1010 AM radio. If you're outside the broadcast area or just prefer listening online, you can check out the show at WQYK AM's website. For this week's show, the guys and I discussed the 3D remake of Clash…
ninebullets.net March podcast: Ha-Ha Tonka, The Black Keys, Two Cow Garage, Ponderosa and more
Another month, another podcast. This time around, I started the show sort of recapping my experiences in Austin for SXSW and tried to transition away from the subject as the show wore on, but as it turns out, damned near every band featured on this podcast was either a band I saw in Austin or…
Week in review: Most Americans still against health care “reform”, Dems continue to self-destruct, and plenty of reasons to support Florida Hometown Democracy
Photo credit: ingridtaylar @Flickr.com 1. Just in case you were not one of the many Americans upset over Obama's health care takeover, he is now proposing offshore drilling in Florida. How's that sitting with ya? According to this article Marco Rubio supports the President's proposal. Great, one of the few things there is bipartisanship on…
U.S. issues new rules on greenhouse gas emissions standards for vehicles
The U.S. government is taking its first step toward regulating global warming when they announced the first ever greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and light trucks yesterday. These new rules, written by the Transportation Department and the Environmental Protection Agency, will now require all new vehicles — starting with model years 2012 through 2016…
Project Runway recap Ep. 11: We’re playing musical designers
Well, this was one helluva Runway episode. We knew from the previews that a designer was willingly walking off the show and someone was coming back…but who??? Well, I made my predictions and, hey there, oh look at that, I was right (insert arrogant look here). But seriously guys, this was pretty crazy. I won't…
Reel Projections podcast: Clash of the Titans 3D, North Face, nymphoid cavewomen and more …
For more movie news and reviews, check out the CL index of movie posts. Click here to listen to Reel Projections — Episode 15: Release the Kraken-good audio! And we're back for another installment of the Reel Projections podcast, the only CL podcast detailing the week's biggest theatrical movie releases, DVD and Blu-ray offerings and…
Cartoon Network’s April Fools Joke: Broadcast The Room and have Tommy Wiseau appear on Space Ghost Coast to Coast (with hilarious video)
Cartoon Network once again ran their favorite April Fools joke and played Tommy Wiseau's The Room in the middle of the night. In between commercial breaks, Tommy was part of a now classic, insanely out there interview, even crazier than the one he had with me… Laugh out loud video after the jump …
Alex Sink calls on her opponent to name independent prosecutor in GOP growing scandal
Florida Chief Financial Officer and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink is taking advantage of the growing Florida Republican Party scandal, and calling on Attorney General Bill McCollum to name a special prosecutor to investigate what really went down with former party chair Jim Greer and his severance deal with the party. In a statement released,…
Torta di Riso recipe, an Easter tradition
The Easter season is one of my favorite times of the year. It's about reflection, quiet joy and renewal, the promise of rebirth and hope. No coincidence that Easter usually falls in the early spring. To me, spring is also about rebirth, renewal and hope. One of the things that my family looks forward to…
Featured green site: Earth 911 – Your one stop recycling resource
Have you ever ever had an item that you wanted to get rid of, and didn't want to just throw it away, but weren't sure where or how to recycle it? Earth911.com is your one-stop site for everything you'd ever want to know about recycling, not to mention it is a wealth of information on…
Wine: Don’t cup the bowl
I’m no Miss Manners. Goodness knows that “faux pas” is my middle name. And I usually don’t like to read about other people giving me advice on manners unless it is the likes of Miss Manners, or some other well-versed person studied on the subject. Yet, every once in a while someone writes or says…
State GOP implodes, a prominent Republican reacts, and TECO directors tell shareholders to reject anti-discrimination protections for transgender people
The stories out of the Jim Greer/Republican Party of Florida divorce are getting messier by the day, and more elected officials are getting hit in the cross fire; CL contributing blogger Chris Ingram got a lot of ink when he returned a campaign contribution to Marco Rubio last week. The GOP political consultant is worked…
Can Florida Dems exploit “culture of corruption” as Florida GOP implodes?
Yesterday former state Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer filed suit against the Florida Republican Party in a Seminole county circuit courtroom. Greer, who served as party chair from 2007 until earlier this year, is accusing the party, his replacement John Thrasher, House Speaker-designate Dean Cannon, and others of cheating him out of $123,000 in severance…
When you “Lie” with the Dogs, Expect to get Fleas
Greer lawsuit sheds light on inner-workings of endemic corruption within Fla. G.O.P. By Chris Ingram You can’t write fiction this well. Disgraced former RPOF Chairman Jim “I can’t find a job making six figures at a bowling alley” Greer has filed a ridiculous lawsuit against the state party and its Chairman John “double-talk” Thrasher. I…
Tampa’s vintage shops get some love from the New York Times
Three of Tampa's top vintage boutiques — Sherry's YesterDaze Vintage in Seminole Heights, Squaresville Vintage Clothing and Retro Home Decor in SoHo and the godmother of them all, Ybor City's La France — get major play today in a highly complimentary story in the New York Times' travel pages. So does Tampa itself, for that…
Movie Review: Philipp Stölzl’s North Face, starring Benno Fürmann, Florian Lukas, Ulrich Tukur and Johanna Wokalek (with trailer video)
[Editor's Note: North Face opens Fri., April 2 at the Tampa Theatre. (Check showtimes here.) For more reviews of the biggest new releases, check out the Daily Loaf Movie Review Index.] There are only two kinds of mountain climbing movies: The ones where a bunch of people die before the triumphant survivors make it to…
On the Radar: Ybor Festival of the Moving Image
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendar for. Next week's eighth annual Ybor Festival of the Moving Image celebrates the diverse, powerful work of independent artists and filmmakers. Based at HCC Ybor and organized by HCC Special Projects Manager David Audet, the five-day fest offers documentaries, personal films,…
Do It This Weekend: Easter fun for kids and adults, Snap, Crackle & Pop at the Studio, Big Brother casting call, Art of Fighting, Stars on Ice, Black Maria Film Fest and more
A few of our fave Easter activities (the first two are family affairs, but the third is all grown-up fun): Inspired by MOSI's current exhibit, Da Vinci: The Genius, and Leo's fascination with natural design (like the incredible, edible egg), Saturday's Eggspo offers the perfect hunt for junior eggheads (sorry, we couldn't resist). The science-y…
RIB-OFF! Readers’ Poll Championship voting: Jaymer Que BBQ versus Spoto’s Steak Joint
This is it, the culmination of four weeks of voting in CL's 2010 Tournament of Ribs. Now we're calling upon you to put forth one more serious effort, and tell us who you think has the best ribs in all of Tampa Bay. Voting will cease at Noon on Monday, April 5.
Kama Sutra: the ninth wonder
The eighth wonder of the world is mysterious enough, but the Ninth Kama Sutra Wonder is more than just a mystery, it's a gymnastics routine suitable for the Olympics. The position begins with the woman arched backwards, holding herself in a perfect arc by only her hands and feet. The man then steps in, offering…
AOF 7 to host MMA world title bout at USF Sun Dome
The Tampa-based mixed martial arts promotion, Art of Fighting, will feature eleven professional MMA fights including a world title bout between defending WFO champion Marcio Cruz and Dave “Pay Me” Yost on the Payday card on April 3, 2010 at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa, Fla. AOF 7 tickets are available online at Ticketmaster…
Friday night music dilemma: Arctic Monkeys vs. El Ten Eleven (with video)
Every so often, Bay area music lovers are treated to a night where there are two equally good concerts taking place at the same time. This means making a choice between two bands you’ve waited to see live and that you admire equally. Part of me hates the feeling; I mean, we get relatively few…
TECO directors tell shareholders to reject anti-discrimination protection for transgender people
New York City, a large shareholder of TECO Energy (Tampa Electric Company), has proposed that TECO amend its equal opportunity policy to protect its employees from discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The proposal is set to be voted on by shareholders at their annual meeting on May 5. In February, after this…
Kevin Smith goes after critics on Twitter after Cop Out gets savaged
Kevin Smith, the director of such acclaimed movies as Clerks, Dogma and Chasing Amy, is once again in the spotlight for a rant on his Twitter account (now apparently referred to as a "twrant") regarding the harsh criticism of his latest movie, Cop Out received. Just recently, he turned to Twitter to vent his frustrations…
CD review: Joe Bonamassa, Black Rock
With the release of Black Rock, guitar virtuoso and general six-string badass Joe Bonamassa offers fans an eclectic collection of original songs and several Bonamassa-branded cover tunes. Although the mix of heavy, blues music with cover renditions of John Hiatt, Leonard Cohen and Willie Nelson tunes may seem a bit odd at first listen, it…
R.P.O.F. Saga Engulfs G.O.P. “Leaders”
Greer makes Charlie Crist squirm By Chris Ingram Much to Charlie Crist’s chagrin, Jim Greer reared his ugly head again this week with revelations (surprise!) that secret deals covering up the secret deals existed within the Republican Party of Florida. This is bad news for Governor U.V. Rays as he just began his attacks on Marco…
‘Paint the Town Green’ bar/restaurant hop: Rediscovering Tampa’s nightlife through transit
Join the Urban Charrette for a carbon-friendly night on the town during their third annual Paint the Town Green event on Friday, April 2. Paint the Town Green is a restaurant and bar hop taking place in Ybor and Downtown Tampa where you'll get to use Tampa’s public transit system (instead of driving you car…
Movie review: Clash of the Titans, starring Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes (with trailer video)
[Editor's Note: Clash of the Titans opens Fri., April 2 at area theaters. (Check showtimes here.) For more reviews of the biggest new releases, check out the Daily Loaf Movie Review Index.] The summer movie season has officially kicked off with the remake of the 1981 classic, Clash of the Titans. I was a big…
Previously on Lost: “The Package”
[Editor's Note: For more on ABC's Lost, check out the CL Lost Podcast.] Shortly after Lost last night, my brother (whom I must credit with bringing me into the Lost world) summed up his thoughts on the hour in a text: "boring, filler episode." And while I disagree with the boring part, "The Package" did…
3 Guys & Chuck — The Podcast: “Chuck vs. The American Hero”
As Chuck reaches the climax of the current story arc, the show has gotten amazing — which only pumps up the 3 Guys even more. This week’s episode, entitled "Chuck vs. The American Hero," was incredible, and the 3 Guys are here to break it all down, including what's going on with Sarah and Chuck,…
Pretzel Sugar Cookies “recipe”
Is that …? Did she really …? Oh, no she didn't! OH, YES I DID!! My mind works in funny little ways. Funny, funny little ways. I was making sugar cookies from the box. Yep, you heard me correctly, from the box. I was out of flour and sugar, and you can't really make sugar…
This weekend’s best bets in Bay area music: August Burns Red, Arctic Monkeys, el ten eleven, Ted Lukas and the Misled, The Sky Drops, Bonerama, and more
The following is a quick breakdown of shows that are most worthy of your attention this weekend beginning with Thursday, ’cause that’s when the weekend really starts, right? For a more comprehensive schedule, check out our Upcoming Concerts page THURSDAY, APRIL 1 August Burns Red w/A Day to Remember/Silverstein/Enter Shikari The prog metal of Pennsylvania…
What to do with your iPad: Thinkgeek.com’s iPad Arcade Cabinet
Concerned that your early-adopting pre-order of the iPad will inevitably disappoint thanks to the lack of killer apps available on release weekend? You can't write on it with a stylus, television programming isn't cheap and easy through the iStore, there's no Flash and your friends and family are all preparing to mock you for your…
On the Radar: Harvey’s 5K Run and the Festival of States
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview upcoming events to mark your calendar for. The view, the exercise and the chance to do some real good in the community: What’s not to like about next weekend's Harvey’s 5k Run in downtown St. Pete? This year’s race, which is a part of St. Petersburg’s annual…
New poll shows Hometown Democracy has majority support, but not enough to pass in November
One of the most interesting state wide races this year will Amendment Four, the Hometown Democracy Amendment. The Leadership Florida 2010 Sunshine State survey, conducted by The Nielson Company shows 51% of those polled support the controversial initiative, which would require local voter approval on all land-use development plans. For those who support the initiative,…
Sex addiction is the new excuse for cheating?
I am a sex addict and I cheat. At least that is what Jesse James could be saying this week at sex rehab (creatively named a treatment facility). It seems the theory these days in Hollywood is that you can cheat, you can even get caught, but as long as you go to sex rehab,…
Hands Across the Sand protests at Newt Gingrich’s Town Hall
On March 31, Hands Across the Sand — a Florida anti-offshore drilling movement — staged a protest in front of Newt Gingrich’s American Solutions town hall meeting at the Vinoy in Downtown St. Petersburg. Protesters dressed in black to symbolize how beaches would look if there was an oil spill, and carried signs bearing anti-drilling…
Photos from offshore drilling protest outside the St. Pete Town Hall meeting
Check out these photos from Wednesday evening of people gathering to protest offshore drilling outside of the Town Hall meeting (featuring Newt Gingrich) at the Vinoy Hotel in Downtown St. Petersburg. The event was organized by Love Tourists Not Drilling and Hands Across the Sand, with representatives from Greenpeace, The Suncoast Sierra Club, St. Petersburg…
Rabid Nick and the diabolical dynamics of dating
Somehow the Rabid One is always either totally single, or quickly rushed into a relationship—-the kind of relationship where you move in together way too fast. I’ve never really been tempted by the dating demon. However, last week I received quite a shock when I dove head first into the shallow puddle that is the…
Offshore drilling is the story as protesters descend in St Pete, and Florida Dems react somewhat tepidly :Mitch Perry Report 4-1-10
President Obama's announcement yesterday that he wants to open up the Eastern Gulf of Mexico to offshore drilling presented plenty of fodder for news yesterday. Bill Nelson and Carol Browning are for it, but not Kathy Castor. And the new head of the Sierra Club is also displeased. Last night in downtown St. Pete, several…
Human Rights Campaign tour to rid “don’t ask, don’t tell” comes to Tampa
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), in partnership with Servicemembers United, will visit Streetcar Charlie's in Tampa on Tuesday, April 6 at 7:00 p.m. as part of "Voices of Honor: A Generation Under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell." The national tour highlights the discriminatory law that critics say hurts military readiness and national security while putting American…
New study shows BPA exposure is widespread
A new study on bisphenol A (BPA) is showing a global snapshot of exposure to it and its possible harmful effects on humans, even in developing countries. Laura Vandenberg, Ph.D., of Tufts University’s Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, has released a global study on exposure to BPA. The report, published this week in the…
Sierra Club on Obama offshore drilling proposal – “Very disappointed”
Hours after President Obama announced this morning his proposal allow for drilling along the eastern Gulf of Mexico as part of his plan to open up a total of 167 million along the Atlantic coastline, one of the preiminent environmental groups in the country, and the state, the Sierra Club, is weighing in. And they're…
Florida Democrats opinions mixed in on President Obama’s proposal to open eastern Gulf for oil and gas exploration
Environmental activists are angry, while Florida Democrats more mixed in discussing President Obama's announcement today to allow for drilling along the eastern Gulf of Mexico as part of his plan to open up a total of 167 million along the Atlantic coastline and the north coast of Alaska. In his speech this morning, Obama said…
Why Tampa businesses should celebrate FourSquare Day on April 16 (with video)
If there's anything we know about marketing, it's that it's much easier to keep customers than it is the gain new customers. Social media has been a huge boon for businesses who know how to use it to build and maintain relationships with their fans. Rewarding loyalty isn't a new concept – but there are…
Wednesday-music.com indie music profile: Bonnie “Prince” Billy
Hillbilly hipster and Louisville born Will Oldham, also known as Bonnie “Prince” Billy, with a voice that has been described as "a fragile sort-of warble frittering around haunted melodies in the American folk or country tradition" is know for his punk/folk/roots/indie aesthetic. Throughout the mid to late 1990’s, Will performed and released albums under various…
Learn the latest on SEO and internet marketing strategies at the Search and Social Spring Summit in Tampa
Are you interested in getting in on internet search marketing for your business or just want to learn the latest SEO trends and tips? Learn just about everything you ever wanted to know to about the ins and outs of search marketing at the upcoming 2010 Search and Social Spring Summit in Tampa on May…
The Tampa Bay Derby Darlins breathe new life into roller derby (with gallery)
When Creative Loafing asked me to pay a visit to the Tampa Bay Derby Darlins for their season opener, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. It had been years since I had seen roller derby firsthand. What I remembered from my childhood were scantily clad women on roller skates — some foxy, some bruisers…
Seminole Heights’ The Refinery to feature adult egg hunt on Easter
Just heard from Michelle Baker that The Refinery (5137 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-237-2000 or thetamparefinery.com) will be running with normal hours and the same brunch as usual this Sunday — Easter, if you forgot — but there will be an added bonus for diners. "We're gonna have an easter egg hunt because kids shouldn't be…
A Gay in the Life: Livin’ la vida obvious, Ricky Martin comes out
I remember watching the TRL premiere of Livin' La Vida Loca next to my first "real" girlfriend and trying not to sweat. I'd caught Latin fever. And yes, I said girlfriend. It happens to the best of us. It was the summer I transitioned from having a "butt cut" to highlighted (would-be) spikes. I was…
Florida business owners take on DC to demand clean energy independence
Earlier this month, thousands of Floridians picked up the phone and called Senator George LeMieux to show their support for comprehensive energy legislation. I want to thank all of you who “answered the call” to have your voices heard by your Senators. Momentum is building. I had the honor last week of accompanying a group…
Obama to announce proposal for drilling off Florida coast, Tampa lays off employees and Jack Latvala wants back in Florida Senate: Mitch Perry Report 3.31.10
It was a busy day yesterday. We sped down the Howard Franklin yesterday when we learned the RNC site committee for the 2012 Republican Convention was earlier than expected. Unfortunately, RNC Chair Michael Steele was MIA regarding the recent scandal under his watch; There seems to be a discrepancy about the numbers, but not the…
Obama to announce major offshore drilling proposal that includes Florida
President Obama and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar are set to announce today at 11 a.m. the opening of coastal waters for offshore drilling at Andrews Air Force base. The New York Times broke the story overnight. Here's a crucial excerpt: Drilling there has been strongly opposed by officials from both political parties in Alabama and…
GOP State Senate hopeful Jack Latvala has concerns about SB 6
Former State Senator (1994-2002) Jack Latvala is hoping to make a little history, as the first senator term limited out in Florida who returns to his former job. The Pinellas Repubican is running for the District 16 senate seat Charlie Justice that is leaving at the end of this term to run for Congress. The…
Thrashing Florida’s teachers
John Thrasher’s teacher-phobic Senate bill vs. Bill Gates’ Hillsborough experiment.
Sometimes I fantasize about having sex with my twin sister
He’s terrified about his fantasies becoming public.
Forget their poverty
As Easter approaches, thoughts on why the health care bill is a good American thing.
He ain’t heavy, he’s my chauffeur: Review of Driving Miss Daisy at American Stage
An ideal cast brings a lovely if lightweight Daisy to life.
Do U.S. leaders perform satanic rituals at Bohemian Grove?
A friend recently told me about something called the Bohemian Grove where supposedly the leaders of our country meet annually to hold bizarre satanic rituals including burning things in front of a 40-foot statue of an owl. As proof she had me examine a dollar bill where in the corner there appears to be a…
German mountaineers battle the elements in North Face
There are only two kinds of mountain climbing movies: The ones where a bunch of people die before the triumphant survivors make it to the summit, and the ones where everybody dies — the end. I won't tell you which category North Face belongs in, but you can be sure that the German import opening…
Rib-off: An expert ribbing
Our food critic picks the best rib joints in Hillsborough.
Do It Today: Dixie’s Tupperware Party, 100 Monkeys onstage at Orpheum and more
If you’re like me and Tupperware® reminds you of childhood lunches, leftovers and innocence … think again. In the one-man-as-one-woman Dixie’s Tupperware Party, the outlandish Dixie Longate (say it aloud and you’ll start to understand the kind of show this is) uses the beloved plastic containers to perform, tell stories and elicit laughs — and…
Latex goddess, RubberDoll, bares all on the woman behind the fetish gear (pics NSFW)
If you’re into latex and rubber outfits, if you appreciate impossibly seductive women toying with each other in chic yet twisted sex scenes, if you’ve spent any time at all in the fetish world, you’ve heard of RubberDoll—-or you at least instinctively recognize her: a dark-haired vixen bursting out of x-rated latex gear that makes…
Skatepark of Tampa’s new mixed-use space, The Bricks of Ybor, due to open in May
The scent of sawdust fills the air and the noisy buzz of activity is set against a soundtrack of high octane rock n’ roll blasting from the boombox in the corner. This is Skatepark of Tampa’s new mixed-use space, The Bricks. For the past several months, SPoT principal owner Brian Schaefer and a crew of…
New music releases out this Tuesday, March 30: Erykah Badu (with video), Black Francis, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Meth Ghost and Rae (with video), Slow Club, Usher and more
This week’s new music releases; to check out a complete breakdown of upcoming releases due out in the next several months (and a list of those ones that have dropped since the year began), click here. Annuals, Sweet Sister EP (Banter) Erykah Badu, New Amerykah, Part II: Return Of The Ankh (Universal Motown) Oh, my,…
The Green Community week in review: Energy efficient appliance rebates, permaculture workshops, Eco.lution events and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week: Urban Charrette's Eco.lution: the Eco.expo, Eco.festival, and Paint the Town Green – Get ready for Earth Day a month early by going green with the Urban Charrette for their Eco.lution events. New Florida rebates…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Eco.Festival, Tampa GreenFest, sustainable seafood workshop and more
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. Dunedin Green Market- Every Friday (through April); 8 am- 1 pm. 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 Market is…
Tampa bands and shows hosted by locals at SXSW in Austin this week
This year, the Bay area makes its presence known in Austin with a variety of official (and not-so-official) SXSW events featuring and/or thrown by locals. The festivities kick into high gear tomorrow. Here's a breakdown for those of you who have made the trek out west. Special thanks to BAAMO for their helpful guide. Nervous…
