Movie Review: Sean McNamara’s Soul Surfer
It’s probably impossible to walk away from Sean McNamara’s Soul Surfer without feeling inspired. Based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton (Charlie and the Chocolate factory's Annasophia Robb), a brave girl who overcame the loss of her left arm in a shark attack at the age of 13 to go on to become a…
New health report on Tampa Bay area shows higher than national levels when it comes to suicides, diabetes and motor vehicle deaths
A comprehensive report on the general physical health in the Tampa Bay area released on Wednesday shows that while on some key indexes, the region is doing okay, but on several other benchmarks, the area lags seriously behind the rest of the state and the country. The study was produced by ONE BAY, and their…
New photos: Square One lands another successful night with Man on the Moon show
Some 75 visual artists and 100 musicians, dancers, models and performers entertained crowds at Square One's biannual event Man on the Moon last Saturday. Artists explored the theme “history vs. fiction,” referencing conspiracy theories around the lunar landing. In addition, attendees and performers incorporated the theme into their attire by wearing black and white. Featured…
Why we celebrate National Beer Day/New Beer’s Eve on April 7th
Since we here in the states have to make every little holiday or day of importance an occasion to drink, what better excuse to down some delicious beer than to celebrate New Beer's Eve (a.k.a.: National Beer Day) on April 7th? And why is New Beer's Eve important? In March of 1933, President FDR signed…
AFL-CIO’s Rich Templin Calls for Floridians to Fight Back
On Tuesday night, Florida progressive bloggers were invited to participate in a conference call with a new group called Fight For Florida. The group is dedicated to fighting against the state legislature and the governor on behalf of Floridians and is made up of activists from the labor movement and other groups. On the call…
Concert review: All Time Low and Yellowcard at House of Blues, Orlando (with photos)
Review by Libby Smith; photos by Tracy May. The day I was due to check out All Time Low and Yellowcard as part of their "The Dirty Work Tour" in Orlando dawned crisp and clear with nary a cloud in the sky, a big difference from the previous day’s nasty weather. Good thing, too, since…
Interview: Bethany Hamilton
[Editor's Note: Click here for more on Bethany Hamilton.] Photo by www.noahhamiltonphoto.com. CL: What was the whole experience of having a film made about you like? Bethany Hamilton: It was exciting and we — my family and I — all learned a lot, but it was kind of stressful at the same time because we’re…
A Q & A with Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath
I met Underoath frontman Spencer Chamberlain about a month ago when I was DJ'ing at a bar in downtown St. Pete and we struck up a conversation after I played a song by Helmet. Since then, every once in a while we'd see each other out, make friendly small talk and carry on with our…
Soul survivor: Bethany Hamilton, subject of the new film Soul Surfer, has ridden a wave of tragedy to personal triumph
It’s been almost eight years since Bethany Hamilton (above, left) overcame the life-threatening shark attack that claimed her left arm. Over that time, Hamilton has told her death-defying tale in the media, established (with family and friends) the Friends of Bethany Foundation to help shark-attack victims and amputees, and seen her inspiring true story adapted…
Tonight’s Top Chef All-Stars reunion and Masters premiere previews
Tonight's Top Chef doubleheader brings us the "controversial" Top Chef All-Stars reunion episode at 10 p.m. (ET) followed by the premiere of Top Chef Masters season 3 at 11 p.m. As for the All-Stars reunion, the previews (below) are making it out to be pretty escandalo — but i'm sure it's a lot of hype…
Marco Rubio gets more hawkish on Libya
As regular readers of this blog are aware, we've taken particular note of Florida freshman U.S. Senator Marco Rubio's stance on the U.S. actions in Libya, which is not an especially popular war, and will probably become less popular as time goes by. Wednesday marks the 19th day that the U.S. has been part of…
PETA’s Dan Matthews takes on Jim Norman’s bill that would ban animal videos
Story written by Brittney Bagiardi Dan Matthews, Senior Vice President for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), spoke out Tuesday night against Hillsborough Republican state Senator Jim Norman's bill known as SB 1246 Tuesday night at the University of South Florida's Marshall Student Center. If passed, the bill would make taking photographs…
Shrooms to replace Styrofoam?: New mushroom-based material could replace petroleum-based foams
Sure, mushrooms are great on a pizza, but how do they hold up when used as packaging material? Gavin McIntyre and Eben Bayer, founders of Ecovative Design in Green Island, NY, did their fair share of studying and testing out fungi (for scientific purposes, that is) as a natural and biodegradable binding agent. They found…
New poll reflects Florida’s growing disapproval of Rick Scott; Paul Ryan’s big proposal would end Medicare as we know it, and a PETA rep comes to USF to chastise Jim Norman’s bill to ban animal videos: Mitch Perry Report 4.6.11
The first Quinnipiac poll published two months ago had Rick Scott at 35 percent support – but the vast majority (over 40 percent) said it was too early to form an opinion. Nearly 100 days into his administration, the public feels like they now do have an idea of what Scott is up to, and…
No surprise – Rick Scott’s latest public approval ratings plummet
Two months ago Quinnipiac University released a poll on Rick Scott just weeks after he took office. Although he had only a 35 percent approval, only 22 percent disapproved, with the vast majority (over 40 percent) saying it was too early too have much of an opinion. Now approximately 100 days into his tenure, the…
Artists give relief to Japan via music (and music-related gear)
Music is the sound of love, and artists are giving it out by the songful or more in the wake of last month’s back-to-back Japanese disasters, otherwise known as the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Here are some of the ones you want to know about — and might want to own. >>A fundraisier…
Glenn Beck to leave Fox News Channel later this year
As rumored, Glenn Beck is now officially saying he will be leaving the Fox News Channel at some point this year. The New York Times Brian Stelter reports:. His departure was jointly announced in a statement on Wednesday by Fox and Mr. Beck’s company, Mercury Radio Arts. The statement did not specify an end date…
Do It Today: Tornado Rider, Al Jackson and more
Fronted by unruly and flamboyantly-dressed electric cellist/vocalist Rushad Eggleston — who wears his instrument like a guitar and gets down and dirty when he solos — Tornado Rider is an Oakland, Calif. three-piece that mixes pure punk rock with fantasy lyrics and attire. High-octane, interactive live sets are fueled by the energetic antics of Eggleston.…
Fourth time not the charm: Rays hit and score more but still fall to Halos 5-3
Is the starting pitching in which Rays manager Joe Maddon was so confident in CL’s shamelessly-self-promoted Q&A officially suspect? The people present Exhibit A: Jeff Niemann’s night at Tropicana Field in game 4 against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, hereinafter referred to as the Team With Too Many Words In Its Name. After Maicer…
Lightning fall to Sabres 4-2
It was a battle of two teams needing the same result for two entirely different reasons. The Tampa Bay Lightning were looking to get one step closer to securing home ice in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs; the Sabres were just looking to get an invite to the party. It was Buffalo…
On the Radar: Hip to Be Square Fri., April 8; Saints and Sinners Sat., April 9
Two art parties will appeal to cool kids and discerning grown-ups this weekend. On Friday, April 8, at 9 p.m., the Bricks in Ybor puts on Hip to be Square. If you haven’t been to an art show at the Bricks, the Skatepark-owned eatery-drinkery fills up wall-to-wall with fashionistas and artsy folks. A fun sampling…
The FDA makes food recalls and alerts more accessible with new archive
In order to satisfy the food safety law that President Obama signed in January, the FDA launched its newly renovated website devoted to archiving the history of food recalls. The home page sites all recalls for food, drugs, animal health, biologics, and medical devices within the last 60 days, all recalls prior to that, going…
Paul Ryan gets props for boldness in releasing 2012 budget, but drags the conversation further right by failing to include ANY tax increases to cure the budget deficit
Republican Congressman Paul Ryan's 2012 budget proposal to tackle the escalating federal debt is receiving plaudits for doing something that Barack Obama and most others in Washington are afraid to do: attempt to tackle entitlement spending. Interestingly, however, Ryan's budget doesn't touch Social Security, perhaps showing that he agrees with Democrats that of the three…
Bill’s Sports Binge: 0 for opening days, wrist-slap for Geno Hayes and a severe Michael Jackson phase
And the University of Connecticut Huskies are your 2011 NCAA Basketball National Champions after a game with enough bricks to build Derek Jeter another house. But when all is said and done, there's only one thing that matters: I'll always think Huskies are pants for fat kids. After three games against the Baltimore Orioles at home over…
Law requires companies to disclose the purchase of conflict materials from the Congo; Apple and Intel vow to be “conflict-free”
Last summer, President Obama signed the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act which will require companies to disclose the purchase of materials sourced from war-torn Central Africa. Electronics companies purchase rare minerals, like tungsten, tin and tantalum, every year from the Congo to use in their products. Buying or importing these items is not…
Spoiler Corner: Gossip Girl, House, Vampire Diaries, and more!
Curious about your favorite shows? Is someone dying? If your favorite couple getting engaged? Hook-ups? Break-ups? Well, here you will find the answers to your burning questions! Enjoy television lovers! Gossip Girl There are still two more weeks until our favorite Upper East Siders return but the wait will definitely be worthwhile. There seems to…
Same sex attraction: what my readers look for in the same sex
I describe myself as a heterosexual woman with bisexual tendencies. I've been called a pillow princess and passively bi, but neither description is accurate. I'm just picky. I'm attracted to a particular look and touch. Without both of those qualities I'm simply not going to give anything in return. Call me selfish, but what is the…
Attention USF students, faculty and assorted others: Produce a video on how you’ve saved money and you might be running with the bulls in Spain
Although the unemployment rate in the U.S. has finally dropped below 9 percent (according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor as of last Friday), you don't have to convince anybody in the Tampa Bay area that the economy is still in dire straits. One relatively good thing about the great recession is that it has…
New music releases out this Tuesday, April 5: Hot Tuna, The Kills, Ray Davies, Ha Ha Tonka, Jim Jones, The Raveonettes, Robbie Robertson, Kool Keith, and more! (with video!)
New music this week. 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 and here for new releases that have come out in the past several months… , Reckless & Relentless (Sumerian Records) Jeff…
The cheeses of Bern’s Winefest: Four days of wine and cheese delights
Having helped many talented co-workers organize and execute Bern’s Annual Winefest for the last seven years I feel privileged to let you in on the secret that this event has so much more than just wine. Of course, wine brings it all together and the culinary treats that span the globe in origin perfectly complement…
MFA graduates’ Starting Fires heats up USF’s Contemporary Art Museum
University of South Florida’s Contemporary Art Museum was packed Friday night as they held the opening reception for their new exhibition Starting Fires. Every year at around this time, CAM features the Master’s Final Project works of Masters of Fine Arts candidates within the USF School of Art and Art History. The annual show is…
Celebrities and golf pros tee off in Tampa’s Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am
Outback Steakhouse, along with several other sponsors, is pleased to offer yet another tasty treat to all Bay area golf enthusiasts. The 2011 Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am will be hosted April 11-17 at TPC Tampa Bay in Lutz, Fla., considered to be one of the best TPC courses in the nation. The tournament is one of…
Tampa Tea Partiers getting fired up for Tax Day
The first Tea Party event in Tampa took place on April 15, 2009, and featured former Hillsborough County Commissioner Brian Blair, among its notables. That's when they were just a small fringe, with nobody thinking at the time that they could possibly have a major impact on the political dialogue. Flash forward to 2011, and…
Everyone assumes Barack Obama will raise close to a billion dollars in 2012: But is that realistic? (video)
President Obama officially announced he is a candidate for President early Monday by sending a video via e-mail to over 14 million people, and naturally, Republicans objected. Yes, it did come just four days before a possible government shutdown, but if press reports are to be believed, yet another continuing resolution may be approved, meaning…
Another continuing resolution for Congress? Tampa Tea partiers get set for big day next week, and Barack Obama announces his candidacy for re-election: but has he lost that lovin’ feeling? Mitch Perry Report 4.5.11
As we await to hear Wisconsin Republican Congressman Paul Ryan's budget proposal for 2012 that essentially eliminates Medicare as we know it, what's going on with the battle to get a final budget passed in fiscal year 2011? All reports are that House Speaker John Boehner was set to make a deal, but he continues…
DIY Green: Use a citrus rind as a seedling planter
The folks at My Roman Apartment blog vowed to "Buy Nothing New For One Calendar Year," but were stuck when they realized that they didn't have any containers in which to plant new seedlings for their garden. The solution? Hulled out citrus rinds. Since they live in California, citrus is quite plentiful thorughout most of…
Recipe inspiration for sweet corn season
If you've been grocery shopping recently, you may have noticed an abundance of corn wrapped in their green husks (or cellophane and Styrofoam) in large piles in the produce section. That's right, it's sweet corn season! Lucky for us here in Florida and for those who live in California, we can purchase sweet corn when…
Florida House Democrat Scott Randolph talks about Legislature’s anti-abortion agenda (video)
Even though Republicans have controlled all branches of state government in Florida since 1998, ascendant Republicans campaigning in 2010 argued to a barely aware electorate that they were needed to be elected to "change" state government – and that they are doing after just a month's work in Tallahasssee. Though the emphasis last fall was…
AltDotPop: K-Fed is a daddy again, Adam Lambert is kicked out by Lady Gaga, Charlie Sheen loses then wins, Disney starlet denies cocaine use and more…
Teresa Giudice was involved in a bar fight in the Dominican Republic recently. She was punched in the face, but due to the amount of botox it's debatable whether any damage would be noticeable. I, like Eonline.com, often ask myself, "Can Jaden and Will Smith Save M. Night Shyamalan's Career?" My answer is always no,…
Story: The 2011 Tampa Bay Blues Fest hits the waterfront this weekend with Robert Cray Band, Trombone Shorty, James Hunter, Tab Benoit & the Voice of the Wetlands Allstars, and many others!
Vinoy Park has served as the scenic waterside setting of innumerable festivals over the years and among its longer-lived ones is the Tampa Bay Blues Fest, a spring music tradition since 1995. Organizers of the 2011 edition are testing out a few fresh themes, the first represented in the “Best of the Fest” lineups on…
Do It Today: Free movie party with Visual Acoustics at FMoPA and Visions of Ancient Florida at UT
AIA Tampa Bay teams up with the Florida Museum of Photographic Art to present an Architecture and Film Night featuring Visual Acoustics, a documentary about acclaimed architectural photographer Julius Shulman. Attend a free Reception from 6 to 7 p.m., which includes hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Movie starts at 7 p.m. and is 83 minutes long.…
The movement, We are One, honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and fights for the rights of the middle class
Today, on the 43th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., people across the nation are joining together with the movement, We are One, to take a stand against “well-funded, right-wing corporate politicians who are trying to take away the rights of the middle class.” In a conference call,Wade Henderson, president and…
Out in Left Field: Going nuts about peanut allergies in Edgewood, Florida
Arcadia, a small, rural town in south Florida, had some trouble back in 1987. A group of concerned parents gathered together to protest the presence of the Ray children in their elementary school. Richard, Robert and Randy Ray were brothers, hemophiliacs and AIDS patients. By the mid-1980s, most of us knew that AIDS couldn’t be…
Pam Iorio, Ronde Barber and Coach Raheem Morris to celebrate ChairScholars Sat., April 9
A college education can provide hope, encouragement and new possibilities for young people facing physical challenges. It's in this spirit that ChairScholars Foundation Inc. provides college and vocational school scholarships to young people with physical disabilities. The organization awards 34 scholarships to Florida students this Sat., April 9, at the 15th Annual ChairScholars Festival, its…
As HART board agrees to another two-week paid suspension of its CEO – David Armijo says he’s being railroaded
After nearly two hours of discussion, the executive board for HART voted 7-3 Monday morning to continue to keep CEO David Armijo on paid suspension for two more weeks. That theoretically should give the board time to fully review the charges against him — and allow Armijo to meet individually with board members about the…
Explore the Nature’s Classroom outdoor “learning laboratory” at ‘Woods, Water, and Wildlife’ open house event: Sat.-Sun., April 9-10
Nature’s Classroom has been educating sixth grade students in Hillsborough County since 1969 at their 365-acre environmental studies program learning laboratory in Thonotosassa, FL. This weekend they're giving people the chance to see the grounds and get a peek at their programs firsthand at their annual 'Woods, Water, and Wildlife' open house event. The event…
Enjoy free beer and a movie at the Ren Fest’s “Brew & View” event – April 7, 14 & 21
The folks at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival want to share a beer and a few laughs with the good people of Tampa Bay. For the first time ever on the Renaissance Festival grounds, they're presenting the "Brew & View" events, where guests can watch a movie and enjoy a cold beer for free! The…
#MusicMonday, Vol. 33: Charlie Pickett, Fleet Foxes, Rusko & more!
The CL Music Team kicks off some jams to rocket launch us into the work week! Here’s what we’re spinning now; to check out previous entries, click here. – Charlie Pickett, Bar Band Americanus: The Best of Charlie Pickett And… (2008) Does your favorite so-called Americana band rock as hard as Charlie Pickett? If not…
Do It Today: First Monday Movie Night at the Independent (with video)
First Monday Movie Night at the Independent returns to the Seminole Heights Independent. Tonight you can see for free a deliciously over-the-top classic about restless adolescents living in a creepy suburban dystopia. Over the Edge stars Matt Dillon in his screen debut. Jonathan Kaplan's 1979 film also includes Italian-American teen dream, Vincent Spano, Dillon's future…
The Rabid Movie Review: Hop , starring Russell Brand, Hugh Laurie, James Marsden and Kaley Cuoco (w/sugar sweet trailer)
A film hit theaters Friday starring former vagabond Russell Brand (well, his voice at least) as the Easter Bunny. Though it was April Fools Day, it's no joke when I say that Brand not only makes the transition to family film star, he does so convincingly. Hop shares the legend of the Easter Bunny, an…
DIY drink projects: From making your own bitters to homebrewing
With the rise in popularity of the art of mixology and homebrewing, many cocktail and beer enthusiasts are wanting to concoct their own spirits and craft beers. But where and how does one begin? Luckily, The Daily Meal has put together this list of seven do-it-yourself drink projects — including bitters, infused liquors, barrel-aging, homebrewing,…
Bill Foster is dead on in saying he’s prepared for Bud Selig’s “tricks”
It was a rough weekend for Tampa Bay Ray fans. In addition to being swept at home by the underrated Balitmore Orioles, their best everyday player, Evan Longoria, has been placed on the 15-day disabled list for a strained left oblique, which is a muscle I wasn't that aware of until the other day. Meanwhile,…
GOP’s Paul Ryan wants to phase out Medicare entirely; Rubio talking tough on the debt ceiling, and Bill Foster calls out Bud Selig in a premptive move: Mitch Perry Report 4.4.11
It certainly felt like spring this weekend, but for some of the most hyped baseball teams in the country, it was not a good weekend. Not for the local Tampa Bay Rays, who were swept by the up and coming Buck Showalter led Baltimore Orioles. At the opening night affair in St.Pete (where Rick Scott…
Paul Ryan previews GOP budget proposal for next year – says his budget will cut $4 trillion over next decade
Wisconsin Republican Congressman Paul Ryan, chairman of the House Budget Committee, has been given carte blanche by his fellow GOP House Republicans to singlehandedly propose their budget recommendations for the fiscal year 2012 that will begin this fall. On Fox News Sunday, he said his proposal would cut $4 trillion over the next decade, and…
One and done: Meager Rays offense brings Baltimore brooms
It was another one of those games Sunday afternoon at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, as the Tampa Bay Rays looked to avoid a sweep at the hands of the visiting Baltimore Orioles. This game wasn’t as close as starting pitcher Wade Davis’ new haircut; he was charged with four earned runs on eight hits…
Rubio keeps talking tough on not voting to raise federal debt ceiling (video)
Marco Rubio ended his week-long media offensive with an appearance on Fox News Sunday, where in addition to weighing in on the situation in Libya, he was questioned extensively about his op-ed in the Wall Street Journal entitled, "Why I Won't Vote to Raise the Debt Level," which he said would be the case unless…
Rays drop game 2 to Orioles 3-1
In search of a little redemption for their opening-night loss at the hands of the visiting Baltimore Orioles, the Tampa Bay Rays got more of the same Saturday. They were out-pitched for the second night in a row, this time at the hands of Chris Tillman, who had moved up a day in the rotation…
Lightning keep rolling, beat Wild 3-1 for 4th straight win
When the Tampa Bay Lightning took the ice against the Minnesota Wild Saturday afternoon, it probably would not have surprised many if it took them some time to get going. After all, they had just wrapped up a playoff spot less than 48 hours before, and played an emotional game against who many believe to…
Cuts to those who help the disabled a new source for protests of Rick Scott (video)
Written by Janelle Irwin Although public education and public unions have been the main focus of protests that have dogged Florida Governor Rick Scott in recent weeks, it was cuts to those who help the disabled that brought out more critics Friday afternoon in front of Tropicana Field, where the governor was slated to throw…
A celebration of baseball, a celebration of life
Just fewer than 40,000 people came to Tropicana Field Friday night to celebrate baseball, but for a handful of Rays fans the night had a deeper meaning behind it, as they gathered together to celebrate the life of one of the biggest Rays fans ever. The late Donna Salvatore was such a fan that when…
Flat Rays drop ugly opener to O’s 4-1
Baseball is back! The sound, the flavors, the Americana. The roar of the crowd. Biting into the first hot dog of the year. The smell of freshly… swept Astroturf. I haven’t been this excited since the regular season started last year, to be honest. At least the 34,078 Tampa Bay Rays fans in attendance had…
The Bob Buckhorn era begins in Tampa
In what one long-term observer of city politics said was the most diverse inauguration ceremony ever, Bob Buckhorn today was officially sworn in as the next mayor of Tampa. Speaking to an overflow crowd at the Tampa Convention Center, Buckhorn was sworn in by former Hillsborough County Judge and prosecutor E.J. Salcines, with wife Cathy…
By a 4-3 vote, Charlie Miranda becomes new Tampa City Council Chair
Going into Friday afternoon's vote for Tampa City Council, it was obvious there were only two choices to become the next Chairman of the council – Charlie Miranda or Mary Mulhern, both returning back for a 2nd four year term after easily winning re-election a month ago. And by a 4-3 vote, it was Miranda…
Harnessing the power of pee: Researchers develop technology to turn urine into hydrogen fuel
No, this isn't an April Fool's joke or a reference to the opening scene in Waterworld. Ohio University professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering Gerardine Botte has developed a technology to produce hydrogen fuel from urine. Botte realized that if an electrode is placed into wastewater and a current is applied, the ammonia and urea…
Local artist explores all things great and small in art show Fri., April 8
Marina Di Carlo has always been a travel bug. Coincidentally, during a visit to her family home, she happened on material ? things that can give you the bug? that has inspired her recent work. In her father's cramped upstairs office, piled high with files, she found page after page of scientific research photos – tissues,…
Attention, Gleeks! Glee star Matthew Morrison to headline Straz on July 10
Glee star and Mercury Records artist Matthew Morrison announced today a major summer tour with a stop at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts on July 10. The show will feature songs from his forthcoming album along with many of the Glee fan favorites. In tribute to the great glee clubs across the country,…
Thin Mint truffles (recipe)
Girl Scout Cookies are evil. Well, I should rephrase that and say, "Girl Scouts are evil". They set up shop at the grocery store, right at the entrance. They know we are starving when we go to the store. They know our weaknesses, they know we are vulnerable.
The Gaily News: British woman pays to look like drag queen, cross-dressing Panamanian diplomat resigns, Archie’s gay character gets a spin-off, He-Man and Skeletor go gay
A British woman has spent thousands of dollars on plastic surgery in order to intentionally look like a drag queen. Collagen Westwood — yes, that's really her name — says she's always admired drag queens and loves being mistaken for one.
Capitol Muslim Day Balances Concern and Hope
A group of Muslim activists from across the state is working very hard to help bring Florida's Islamic community into the political process by educating young people and teaching all Muslims how the political process works and giving them opportunities to directly engage in state and local government. No one plays a bigger part in…
A gift of a gold-encrusted diaper pail? April Fools!
I think this is an April Fool's joke. … It's gotta be. My first reaction before realizing that this is most likely a hoax was the usual shudder I feel at the lopsided balance of fortune in our world, how ridiculous excesses and displays of wealth continue to be flaunted like a painted-up hooker in…
New political era begins in Tampa; Florida Republicans acting arrogant about presidential primary date, and it’s Opening Night at the Trop: Mitch Perry Report: 4.1.11
The morning after he was elected Mayor of Tampa, Bob Buckhorn was asked by a reporter what he thought about the fact that he would be inaugurated on April Fools Day. The (three quarters) Irishman replied that he wished it were on St. Patrick's Day, but had to accept the fact that according to the…
Baseball is back: Sports Illustrated calls for Giants-Red Sox World Series
Opening Day was held in six cities across the country last night, including in Los Angeles, where the world champion San Francisco Giants — behind noted stoner Timmy Lincecum — fell to Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers, 2-1. Tonight an additional nine cities host home openers, including St. Petersburg, where Tropicana Field will be the…
EarthTalk: Water fluoridation – Safe or not?
Courtesy of: EarthTalk® E – The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: So, what’s the story: Is it good that we have fluoride in our tap water or not? I’ve heard so many conflicting opinions over the years. — Benjamin P., Mission, KS The debate over whether we should add fluoride to public drinking water has raged…
George LeMieux on the “liberal” Bill Nelson: “He’s going to be exposed” (video)
The St. Pete Times' Alex Leary is reporting on what has been heavily rumored for months, if not more than a year; that Florida's" accidental Senator" in 2009-2010, George LeMieux, will officially announce next week that he will be a candidate for the Republican nomination for Senate in 2012. Earlier this week, LeMieux sounded like…
A refreshing twist on the classic Belgian whitbier: Southampton’s delicious Double White
As the cold subsides and we embrace the new spring season it's time to start losing the layers, go outside and start working on those beach abs (what are beach abs anyway?) Along with the warmer months we see the imperial stouts, porters and Scotch ales start to retreat back into the brewers logs to…
A CL interview with Joe Maddon on the Rays’ chances, Manny & Johnny, “defensive-ectomy,” the bullpen and skinny jeans
The ever-amiable manager of the Tampa Bay Rays sat down with Creative Loafing’s Kevin Tall to talk about the season ahead, team chemistry and the latest in men’s fashion crimes. Kevin Tall: Good morning, skip. Joe Maddon: How are you doing, man? Good to see you. KT: Good. Let’s dive right in. What are your…
Lightning beat Penguins, clinch playoff berth
Last summer, amid all the change with new management, the rallying cry for the Tampa Bay Lightning was “Bring It Back.” Thursday night, the Bolts delivered on that promise, clinching their first playoff spot in four years when they defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins 2-1 in front of a sold out St. Pete Times Forum. For…
Do It This Weekend: Square One’s Man on the Moon, Hub Grub Bike Ride, WMNF’s Talking Animals Festival, Cheapskate’s Ball and more
Dance by the light of the moon, and see why Square One’s events fly in the face of apathy and recession. Some 1,500 earthlings are expected to attend the group’s next big biannual blowout, The Man on the Moon, with 75 visual artists and 100 musicians, dancers, models and performers, who – in keeping with…
Column: The ever-evolving world of music consumption, or Where do local music fans go to buy new, hard-copy CDs in the Tampa Bay area?
“Where the hell do I have to go in Tampa to buy a new CD, anyway?” The question is flung my way by News and Politics Editor Mitch Perry as he strides purposefully over to my desk. At first, I take it as a hypothetical since it’s followed by a tirade on the demise of…
Top Chef Podcast – All-Stars Ep. 16: Finale Extravaganza! (Now with video!)
Unless you live under a rock, you were fully aware that the Top Chef All-Stars finale was last night — and if you were a loyal fan, you were watching it live. We were lucky enough to have Joe Yonan from the Washington Post (better known as @WaPoFoodLive) as our special guest for this podcast.…
Get a great haircut and donate to a good cause during Aveda’s Earth Month ‘Cut-a-thon’ this Sunday, April 3rd
Do something good for yourself and for the environment! In honor of Earth Month, the Aveda Institutes of Florida are holding a 'Cut-a-thon' this Sunday, April 3, to benefit local clean water foundations. The five Aveda Institute Florida locations — Jacksonville, Orlando, South Florida, St. Petersburg and Tallahassee — are offering haircuts by professional Aveda…
PETA’s Senior VP to come to USF to denounce Jim Norman’s bill on making it illegal to take photos or video footage of farms
As we've previously written in this space, we're not exactly certain what Hillsborough/Pasco County state Senator Jim Norman was thinking about when his very first bill he introduced in Tallahassee (SB 1246) would make it a felony to take photos of video footage of farms. Already under a serious ethics cloud with a reported FBI…
Savor the flavor: Flavor-enhanced cheeses are making a new name for themselves
Flavored cheeses have not always had the best reputation, but they are covering new ground in a powerful way. Adding gourmet ingredients to sound, quality milk can lead to a masterful product. Thoughtfully considering the milk's characteristics and origin is another crucial element to incorporating culinary zing into a cheese’s paste. The Italian Rosso family…
Battle over who goes 1st in primary voting in 2012 is oh so predictable
Do any of you recall when Florida Senator Bill Nelson in 2008 proposed an election reform package, including abolishing the Electoral College and setting up a rotating series of regional primary elections? Maybe not, since it got absolutely zero traction and died on the vine. We bring that up today upon learning of a letter…
Movie Review: Duncan Jones’ Source Code, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga and Jeffrey Wright (with trailer video)
According to programming lingo, “source code” is the underlying language that establishes the rules that govern a computer system. In Source Code, a cerebral and engrossing sci-fi mystery, the titular “code” is a top-secret government project that promises to send the consciousness of one person (say, a soldier played by Jake Gyllenhaal) into the body…
Can yoga help combat eating disorders? Some practitioners think it can
Elizabeth Pope was an 11-year-old living in Tokyo when she realized she had an eating disorder. Her symptoms included not just vomiting, but also going for periods without eating and restricting herself from certain foods and then bingeing on them. But it wasn’t until she went through a traumatic divorce at the age of 26…
Movie Review: James Wan’s Insidious, starring Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne and Lin Shaye (with trailer video)
Good horror films succeed at making subtle things in life horrifying — a swirling ceiling fan, a ticking clock, the sounds of a baby monitor. We must be doomed if we live in a world where even baby monitors can be scary. Containing shades of The Amityville Horror and 1408, Insidious mixes in some original…
Buy me some pulled pork and Jai Alai: New food and drink options to try on Opening Day at Tropicana Field
"Take Me out to the Ball Game" is still a great song, but if you're heading to a ballpark in 2011 you can do a hell of a lot better than peanuts and Cracker Jacks. This Friday, Opening Day of the Major league Baseball season, Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL, will feature a line-up that…
The Gaily News: US will continue denying green cards to same-sex couples, Malaysian gay-themed movie surprises at the box office, Indiana state senate votes against gay marriage, Perez Hilton writes his first children’s book
Despite announcing earlier in the week that there would be a hold on denying green cards to bi-national same-sex married couples, immigration officials announced they would lift the hold after receiving legal guidance on the issue.
Florida Green Party says no nukes for Sunshine State; as more cities (like Tampa) look at installing red-light cameras, one legislator wants to ban them; and is anyone going to declare for the Republican nomination for president? Mitch Perry Report: 3.31
Happy….end of the first quarter of 2011, anyone? It's certainly been a huge three months of news, mostly internationally, but governors like Scott Walker and Rick Scott are certainly keeping their end of the bargain to change things up. But starting overseas, as the situation continues to be scary regarding the nuclear power plant in…
Florida Green Party calls for state to shut down and phase out nuclear power plants
Friday will mark three weeks since the horrific earthquake/tsunami devastated Japan's northeast and knocked out the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant reactor's cooling system. ABC News reports that Japanese officials are testing the soil contaminated by radiation from the crippled plant to try to determine whether spring farming can begin, as "alarmingly high radiation levels"…
Restaurant Review: The new Restaurant BT is better than ever
Restaurant BT 4 stars 2507 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-258-1916, restaurantbt.com Restaurant BT owner/chef BT Nguyen has had a hell of a year. Last April, the restaurant in Tampa’s Hyde Park Village — which she owns with former husband Norman Batley — filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in order to find relief from a…
Labor Rally in Tally Shows Unity, Purpose
I didn't really know much about the labor rally that was held at the capitol Tuesday before I attended. It wasn't widely advertised or promoted on new media sites or in the traditional media. I think the idea was to have it fly under the radar so that no one could plan a counter-protest. But…
2011 Breakfast Bowl: Introducing 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…
Why I’m glad my kids aren’t normal
I remember when it first hit me that my little boys weren't like other kids. We were enjoying a picnic lunch with one of those "Let's Compare and Complain" mommy groups I joined in order to get away from Oprah. I noticed, with a healthy dose of fear and pride, that my sons were the…
Can yoga help combat eating disorders?
Elizabeth Pope was an 11-year-old living in Tokyo when she realized she had an eating disorder. Her symptoms included not just vomiting, but also going for periods without eating and restricting herself from certain foods and then bingeing on them. But it wasn't until she went through a traumatic divorce at the age of 26…
Music week: concerts around the bay area from march 31-april 6
All Time Low, Grant Peeples, House of Pain and more …
Freebie events for the the Week of April 2-9, 2011
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 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 a thought-provoking film courtesy of…
Sensory Overload 2011
MARCH 26: CREATIVE LOAFING'S SENSORY OVERLOAD (Glazer Children's Museum, Downtown Tampa): Close to 700 grownups sans kids discovered the wonders of the Children's Museum and lots of other surprises at CL's sixth annual multi-disciplinary arts-and-music bash.
Savor the flavor of cheese
Flavored cheeses have not always had the best reputation, but they are covering new ground in a powerful way. Adding gourmet ingredients to sound, quality milk can lead to a masterful product. Thoughtfully considering the milk's characteristics and origin is another crucial element to incorporating culinary zing into a cheese's paste. The Italian Rosso family…
Local Spotlight: Empire Cinema
After playing impressive support slots for Cursive and Superhumanoids, fresh Tampa-based five-piece Empire Cinema performs its first headlining gig, throwing covers like Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" into a repertoire of dark, post-punk and New Wave-flavored originals. The band is currently in the studio recording its first EP, so you can likely expect…
A selection of NCECA-related shows on both sides of the bay
This week, you'll see evidence of NCECA's annual conference 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 of Fine Arts and Morean…
Where does a Bay area music fan go to buy new music on CD?
"Where the hell do I have to go in Tampa to buy a new CD, anyway?" The question is flung my way by News and Politics Editor Mitch Perry as he strides purposefully over to my desk. At first, I take it as a hypothetical, since his question is followed by a tirade on the…
Sex and class rule in Strindberg’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…
Source Code is excellent science fiction
According to programming lingo, "source code" is the underlying language that establishes the rules that govern a computer system. In Source Code, a cerebral and engrossing sci-fi mystery starring Jake Gyllenhaal, the titular "code" is a top-secret government project that promises to send the consciousness of one person (say, the soldier played by Gyllenhaal) into…
The 4th annual NCECA conference is crazy for clay
From March 30-April 2, the Bay area will be beset with ceramics artists when 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 that…
Mini movie reviews
What’s new at the multiplex this week. Plus: interesting films still in theaters.
Cocktails that will inspire a spring awakening
Ah, spring. The time of rebirth. 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," let…
Letter of the Day
Dear readers: Folks who have the Savage Love app get the Savage Love Letter of the Day (SLLOTD) delivered to their iPhones or Androids. This week, I'm running a recent SLLOTD to give my print-only readers a taste of what they're missing. I'm also giving myself a bit of a break: I'm currently dashing around…
The new Restaurant BT is better than ever
Restaurant BT owner/chef BT Nguyen has had a hell of a year. Last April, the restaurant in Tampa's Hyde Park Village — which she owns with former husband Norman Batley — filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in order to find relief from a backlog of unpaid rent. The 200-seat Hyde Park space was big,…
Do It Today: Carol Burnett, Pinellas County Fair, Tornado Alley, NCECA events and more
The always-funny, generous, lovable and versatile six-time Emmy Award-winner Carol Burnett graces Ruth Eckerd Hall with an impromptu talk and conversation before a live audience. Attend the show prepared with questions about her sketch variety show and costars Carol Lawrence, Tim Conway and the late-great Harvey Korman, her revamp of Auntie Mame, her recent portrayal of a…
The white whale of imperialism in Unfamiliar Fishes
1776 was not only the year a bunch of white sons of religious refugees declared independence from England while simultaneously dispossessing what remained of native Americans. It was also the year Captain Cook set sail on a voyage that would lead to the “discovery” of the U.S.’s final and perhaps most American of states: Hawaii.…
Ybor Aficionado Days: Tapas Trail progressive dinner, tapas cooking challenge, Spanish brunch and more – April 9-10
Here’s a chance to dine your way across Ybor City in the ultimate progressive dinner. The upcoming Tapas Trail will include an array of restaurants — from classics like Bernini, the Columbia, and Carmine’s to Ybor newbies such as The Bricks of Ybor, Stone Soup Co., Hamburger Mary’s, and Beaune’s. On April 9-10, Ybor Aficionado…
Concert review: Double-shot Friday in Ybor City with The Pauses at New World Brewery and Starfucker (Strfkr) at Crowbar
I headed out to Ybor City last Thursday expecting to be delighted by shake-a-billy songstress Rachel Goodrich, but I managed to miss more than half the set she performed with her stripped-down three-piece … or she just played a really short set and I caught the last four songs (no encore included). I enjoyed the…
Tampa Bay food and drink events
Wednesday, March 30: USF Tampa Local Motive is a local, independent business fair taking place at the MLK Lawns at the USF Tampa Campus. Come out and see local independent restaurants, businesses, nonprofits and much more! Find a new interesting place to eat, fix your bike, or get involved in the Tampa culture. Put your…
EarthTalk: Our broken global food system
Courtesy of: EarthTalk® E – The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: I understand a recent government report concluded that our global food system is in deep trouble, that roughly two billion people are hungry or undernourished while another billion are over consuming to the point of obesity. What’s going on? — Ellie Francoeur, Baton Rouge, LA…
This weekend at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival: Scottish Highland Fling games, Celtic Village, free beer tastings and more
This weekend at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival it’s the Highland Fling Festival taking place on the fairgrounds in Piper’s Valley. The top amateurs from across the nation will be competing for the Florida State Highland Heavy Games Championship and their opportunity to earn their professional status in the sport on Saturday and Sunday. In…
