DVD Review: Psych: The Complete Fifth Season
As far as DVD releases go, Psych: The Complete Fifth Season (out May 31st, $59.98 MSRP) may not be the most highly anticipated. Cruising somewhat under the radar, "the quick witted, quirky and intelligent" USA network original series has attracted a loyal, niche audience that will surely enjoy the extras that the DVD set offers.…
HCC partners with ZimRide to reduce greenhouse emissions and relieve parking issues
Hillsborough Community College has taken a big step towards its goal of sustainability. As a direct result of a comprehensive study done by the HCC Sustainability Council, it was determined that over 70% of the greenhouse gasses generated by the college (including all facilities, employees, and students) came directly from transportation. Coupled with the need…
George LeMieux attempts to spin NY special election upset on “shadowy campaign tricks” and also to help him raise funds
Democrats scored an upset in one of New York’s most conservative Congressional districts last night in a special election that was considered by many to be a referendum on Congressman Paul Ryan's plan to dismantle Medicare. Although some analysts are hesitate to point out that the issue alone was the only one that mattered in…
Rick Scott only getting less popular, according to new poll
Well, at least the stories promoted by some newspaper reporters about a possible presidential candidacy may safely be put away, never to return in our lifetimes. A new poll released Wednesday morning shows Florida Governor Rick Scott gaining in unpopularity in the state, with his disapproval ranking now at 57 percent, and only 29 percent…
As debt ceiling vote approaches, Kathy Castor says she wants to link to vote to major spending cut
House Republicans announced Tuesday that they will hold a vote next week on a bill to raise the debt ceiling without other measures to bring down the overall debt, a bill that is certain to fail, as GOP leaders say they don't think any of their members will support it. The White House has called…
This week in food and drink
From Whole Foods to happy hours: Culinary doings all over.
Rays blameless in 6-5 loss to Tigers
Kevin Tall Stock photo Every once in a while, a fan has nothing to bitch about. Their team did everything right and just got outplayed. Tampa Bay Rays fans found themselves in such a situation Tuesday night, as their team lost to the Detroit Tigers 7-6. The Rays hit the ball well. It just wasn’t…
The Voice Recap: Battle Rounds 3
Credit: NBC I am high on life right now, with the season finale of Glee having been amazingness, and The Voice back for another night of battles. I am probably going to need to finish this bottle of wine to get some sleep tonight, oh well. Anyhow, this week's episode is chock-full-o amazing duos and…
Coming soon: New music by Paramore
Michael Dubin It's hard to believe that Paramore's Brand New Eyes came out almost two years ago. The band has definitely been going through their fair share of hardships, among them, frontwoman Hayley Williams' revealing Twitter pic, and the loss of co-founding members Josh and Zac Farro. But Williams has kept her chin up and…
Greening your summer grilling
Eco- and health-conscious outdoor cooking
An “Ugly” act of good
13 Ugly Men, a Tampa Bay-based philanthropic group made up of professional guys who throw unique-themed party fundraisers, presented Starting Right, Now — a non-profit that helps homeless families find new beginnings — a check for $30,000 from the White Party 2011 event earlier this year. Lance Ponton, Lee Mezrah, Roof Douglas, Ean Mendelson and…
Hillsborough Commissioners agree on new redistricting map
Sounding slightly frustrated with the process, the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved the idea of posting the latest of seven drawn maps of proposed new district lines in newspaper ads. The ads will inform citizens about the possible changes to those voting districts. Hillsborough County’s Charter requires reapportionment of the County…
New Music Tuesday, May 24
Guess what? The world didn't end last weekend! The bad news: you had to return to work on Monday. The good news: there's plenty of new music out today to keep you occupied until the next possible apocalypse. Check it below; click here to check out last week's (May 17) releases. Big ups to Adam…
The season is hot for Villa Maria’s Sauvignon Blancs
Villa Maria Cellar Selection Marlborough 2010 Sauvignon Blanc In case you haven’t heard it enough, it’s hot outside. It’s hot, it’s humid, the car is stifling when you get in it, and it’s time for the air conditioning balancing act — save money and set the air higher or work overtime and live in comfort?…
Spoiler Corner: Glee, Modern Family, United States of Tara 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! Glee Finally the New Directions have made it to nationals in the Big Apple, and this trip is not all business for the Glee club…
WaPo busts Gingrich on his comment re: no interest charge account at Tiffany’s
If you saw Newt Gingrich on CBS's Face the Nation last Sunday, you observed that his biggest confrontation with host Bob Schieffer had nothing to do with any critical remarks about Paul Ryan's plan for Medicare- no, it was about the report that the former House Speaker at one point a few years ago owed…
Girl Talk mashes it up at Jannus Live, St. Pete
I'm not going to lie; it feels a little weird writing a critical review of a Girl Talk show. [Text by Andrew, photos by Mike.] Not that it shouldn't be done every once in a while, but come on, you pretty much know what you're getting into when you go to one of these things;…
Pro business group lists over $200 million of waste in Florida budget
Governor Rick Scott has only until Thursday to sign or line-item veto portions of the $69.7 billion Florida budget passed by lawmakers earlier this month. On Tuesday he received a list of what one pro business group says he should cut out of that budget – $203 million worth from Florida Tax Watch, who annually…
Recycle old credit cards into guitar picks
Musicians can now kill two birds with one stone: Save money on guitar picks and keep those plastic credit cards, spent gift cards, obsolete Blockbuster member cards, etc., out of landfills with these handy devices. Give any sheet of plastic new life as unique guitar picks with the Pickmaster Punch and the Pick Punch. Like…
Post-Rapture dining: What to cook if you were left behind
Plus, post-Apocalyptic grouper and blue crab ceviche recipe
Giuliani seriously considering another run for the White House?
With Mitch Daniels departure from the 2012 presidential sweepstakes over the weekend, Republicans and analysts say the field is pretty well set, though there's still time in the next month or two for another big name to get in the race: the fantasy is that it will be a Chris Christie, a Paul Ryan, Rick…
Here we go again? Hillsborough Commissioners reportedly angry with Renee Lee over communications with Kevin White
Although his lawyer would like for the community to believe this, the fact that Kevin White no longer holds office in Hillsborough County does not mean that his actions are no longer newsworthy, not when the county is still trying to collect on the hundreds of thousands of dollars they paid for his own legal…
Bolts drop game 5 to Bruins 3-1
Dwayne Roloson or Mike Smith? It was the question of the past 48 hours that was not answered until thirty minutes before game time. After Monday night’s result, it will most likely not be answered for another 48 hours, through no fault of anyone involved. Tonight’s answer, Mike Smith, played a great game in a…
Scenes from a Bolts viewing party
Justin Megahan Lightning fans celebrate Simon Gagne's early goal As the Lightning took to the ice at TD Bank Garden for game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals, 1,336 miles away on the concourse outside the St. Pete Times Forum sat a sea of lawn chairs, all pointed towards the parking garage wall. Projected onto…
Have Vagina, Will Travel: Relationship fallout — repent, the end is nigh
"What did I tell you a few days ago?" N demanded. It was only 11 a.m., but it was looking to be another long, hot summer day in the Hamptons. We'd been on the phone until 5 a.m. — my time zone — the night before and this was our first call of the next…
Rays come up short in Detroit
Kevin Tall Stock photo Gather ye RBI while ye may,With scoring changes for the choosing.Leave ‘em loaded and rue the day,This game you will be losing. The lack of fire in the bats of the Tampa Bay Rays proved to be their undoing Monday night in Detroit, as they fell 6-3 to the Tigers. Rays…
AltDotPop: Sexiest Gleek, Menage-a-Gaga and Muppets
Credit: GQ Darren Criss has officially won the "cutest guy on Glee" award. The Candyland movie seemed amazing based purely on principle. Cupcake forests and gumdrop pathways? Count this girl in! But then they tell me it's like Lord of the Rings covered in sugary goodness! I would like to buy a ticket now and…
La Gaceta’s editor rips BOCC & state legislature over Brandon Regent funding
The controversy over the Brandon based community center named the Regent has been all over the local media since WFLA television's Steve Andrews broke the story for News Channel 8 and the Tampa Tribune. In a nutshell, the nonprofit facility, which is supposed to be for the community and a hurricane shelter, has instead been…
The lost drawings of M. Leo Elliott
“The Built, The Lost, The Dream: The Architecture of M. Leo Elliott” is a special upcoming exhibit of the architectural drawings of M. Leo Elliott (1886-1967), arguably Tampa’s finest architect to date. This will be the first time that drawings from this extensive recently discovered archive, now housed in the Tampa Bay History Center, will…
Best lunch buffets in Tampa Bay?
You tell us!
Gleek Out with The Glee Project
Even though season two of Glee is wrapping up, Gleeks need not fear The Glee Project is here! Premiering at 9 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, on Oxygen, the new reality singing competition is sure to bring the Gleek out in all of us. The prize for this new show is priceless — wining a…
Indoor plants that act as natural air filters
Believe it or not, the air indoors can be more polluted than the air outside. The solution? Keeping indoor plants that filter the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in your home and office. "Indoor ozone", as it is formally called, is created by, "copy machines, laser printers, ultraviolet lights, and some electrostatic air purification systems, all…
T-Paw heads to Tampa Bay as full-fledged candidate
He’s vowing to offer an alternative to the Ryan Medicare plan.
Must-Click Links: Gay Monday Edition
The most fabulous collection of links ever!
Whipped cream vodka: A surprisingly tasty trend (for girlie drink enthusiasts)
Whipped cream. It's great on desserts, but what about as a cocktail mixer? Just add it to the ever-growing list of flavored liquors on the markets (and in the clubs) these days. Upon first hearing about the whipped cream vodka, I scoffed at it, thinking it would be as vile as many of the cherry,…
Alternative Summer Movie Preview — Part 1
Forget the empty blockbusters and feast on these upcoming summer indies.
HART board compromises on A.A. study – will finish out in two months
With pressure building to wrap up the alternative analysis (AA) six months after Hillsborough County voters rejected a penny transit tax to fund light rail, the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit agency (HART) voted Monday morning to conclude the study in a couple of months, but not before they complete a couple of actions that preserve…
Coming to America: Tar sands oil from Canada?
Rainforest Action Network A Rainforest Action Network protest against the project in front of the Canadian Consulate in Chicago. Courtesy of: EarthTalk®E — The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: What is “tar sands oil” and what is the controversy over possibly building a pipeline for it from Canada into the United States? — Bill Berkley, Omaha,…
Taste of Pinellas: One delicious weekend
Mexican corn, watermelon queens and Bonnie Raitt were among the highlights.
Ryan disputes contention that his Medicare plan is unpopular
Paul Ryan Wisconsin Republican Paul Ryan's plan to dismantle Medicare as we know that House Republicans passed earlier this year is by far the domestic political idea of the year, regardless of whether you loath it or love it. It's unquestionably moved President Obama and Congressional Democrats to come back with their own ideas on…
Daniels out – Cain in, but needs a refresher course on foreign policy
For policy-wonk minded Republicans such as Paul Ryan and Jeb Bush, Mitch Daniels was one of the Great Hopes to raise the gravitas level for the 2012 Republican field of candidate for president. So undoubtedly they and a lot of others were undoubtedly bummed Sunday when the Indiana Governor announced via email that he would…
Tampa Bay Lightning rocks and Cheap Trick rolls
The sun is out and summer has definitely arrived although on the calendar, it's still spring. Our local hockey team, the Tampa Bay Lightning, are deep in the throes of a tight playoff race. In keeping with the recent tradition of providing live music out in the Plaza area of the St Pete Times Forum…
Shields spears Marlins with another CG shutout
Kevin Tall Stock photo In the Sunshine State, visiting the city that plays host to the Heat, James Shields was on fire. Big Game James threw his third complete game of the year for the Tampa Bay Rays Sunday afternoon, this one a three-hit shutout of the Florida Marlins, salvaging the last outing of a…
Comeback completed: Bolts even up conference finals
It was a tale of two different games. The first 20 minutes saw the Tampa Bay Lightning play tentative, turn the puck over, and pull the puck out of its own net on three separate occasions. The remaining 40 minutes saw a Lightning team that was all over the Bruins, played their game, created turnovers…
Castor on Libya: Obama needs to come to Congress for vote
When the U.S. began military actions as part of a NATO led force into Libya on March 19, President Obama cited the 1973 War Powers Act as the legal basis of his ability to conduct military activities for 60 days without first seeking a declaration of war from Congress. The military intervention started on March…
freeFall’s Midsummer Night’s Dream is first-class Shakespeare
The Bard is back in an entirely expert production.
Weekend reading: End of the world edition
If you can read this, the earth is still here.
Summer grilling tips: Charcoal vs propane, plus marinade recipes
It's that time of year again! That means shopping for the most flattering bathing suit and flip-flops, inviting friends over to the pool, and loading up on bug spray and sunblock. But ask any Floridian what plans will definitely be included summer, and you will inevitably hear a triumphant cheer for grilling.
Report shows 50 percent decrease in homeless in downtown St. Pete
Consultant Robert Marbut St. Petersburg needs to be part of a countywide solution to homelessness, according to Robert Murbat, a consultant contracted by the city to assess how St. Petersburg can better address the issue. Murbat presented his report at the City Council meeting on May 19. He began in October 2010 by taking stock…
Kornell proposes conflict-free minerals resolution in St. Pete
Council member Steve Kornell St. Petersburg City Council member Steve Kornell introduced a resolution at the May 19 council meeting that would call on the city to use products made with conflict-free minerals. Four of the minerals used to make electronics like cellphones and laptops—tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold—are mined in the Congo. Similar to…
Would legalizing pot be good for the environment?
Courtesy of: EarthTalk®E — The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: I heard someone say that legalizing pot—as Californians considered doing last year—would benefit the environment. How would that be? — William T., Portland, OR It is well known that legalizing pot could have great economic benefits in California and elsewhere by allowing the government to tax…
Local lawmakers attend ribbon cutting for new HCC Workforce and Public Safety Training Center
Aspiring mechanics work at HCC-Ybor campus' new training facility In today's still struggling economy, job training is considered a crucial element in getting Americans back to work, and the opportunity for more of that was announced Friday morning with the official unveiling of the 22 acre Hillsborough Community College Workforce and Public Safety Training Center…
Kevin’s Korner: Tarantino to cast Lady Gaga?
Quentin Tarantino to cast Lady Gaga? Will it be a bad cinematic romance? You think it's something seriously wrong with the space-time continuum — but it's actually Kevin's Korner, your weekly dose of the seriously geeky. This week, we're having a religious debate, talking Mortal Kombat and Terminator, and highlighting a very interesting trailer of…
So long, Randy “Macho Man” Savage
RIP Randy "Macho Man" Savage Randy "Macho Man" Savage, 58, the flashy, spazzy and beloved professional wrestler, died in a car accident in Seminole this morning. The former sunglasses-wearing spokesman for one of America's most well-known cured meat products, famous for his explosive TV commercials, mandates to "Snap into a Slim Jim!" and his "Oh,…
Depp and Cruz entertain in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
New director Rob Marshall simplifes the Pirates formula — and it works.
Sinless sensation
Try this rich strawberry smoothie the next time you’re craving a calorie-laden shake.
Explosion at Chinese iPad 2 factory to cause supply disruptions? *UPDATED*
Apple manufacturing partner Foxconn's burning iPad 2 factory Reports are just starting to emerge regarding an explosion and fire at a Chinese factory built expressly for manufacturing the iPad 2. Per Macrumors:
‘James Bond’ automaker goes green: Aston Martin to release electric vehicle
FaceMePls via Flickr The luxury automaker Aston Martin has jumped on the carbon-friendly bandwagon and announced that they'll be producing a zero emissions, electric vehicle in 2013. But before you get all hyped up about being able to get a gas-free James Bond car, take a look at the prototype: it's a subcompact (as in,…
Council votes to make Volusia County latest Florida community to make it illegal to discriminate against gays
The Volusia County Council on Thursday passed a measure that makes it illegal to discriminate against people based on their sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing, or places of public accommodation like restaurants or bars. Volusia – which encompasses Daytona Beach and Nascar's Daytona 500 race, now becomes the latest Florida county to…
Mixology madness: Where to get shaken and stirred in Tampa Bay
Cocktail bars in Tampa Bay
Lightning shut out in game three
Just a step behind. That is the best way to describe the effort put forth by the Tampa Bay Lightning in game three of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Bruins. For every play the Lightning tried to attempt, the Bruins were right there with an answer. They controlled the pace of play throughout,…
Rays drop dinger duel to Blue Jays
Kevin Tall Stock photo In a game ruled by the long ball, the Tampa Bay Rays came up short. On the first leg of a ridiculous north-south-north-again road trip, the boys from the Bay area dropped the second half of a double-shot in Toronto. Having barely hung on the night prior, the Rays fell to…
Florida reacts to Governor Scott signing elections bill
Governor RIck Scott's signing of SB 1355, the election reform bill, is being decried by Democrats and applauded by most Republicans — or at least the ones who sponsored it in the Legislature. Miami's Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, who sponsored it in the state Senate, applauded Governor Scott, saying (presumably with a straight face)…
Design Architect Barbie’s green Dream House in new AIA competition
You may have played with Barbie and her Dream House years ago, now get the chance to design her dwelling — with a green twist. With the release of the new Architect Barbie doll this summer, the the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Mattel have just announced the Architect Barbie Dream House Design Competition.…
What’s in a sandwich?
The Encyclopedia of Sandwiches serves up history, trivia and tasty-looking food porn.
Willie Nelson rescinds endorsement of Gary Johnson for president
Apparently, Willie Nelson was just blowing smoke last week when he gave a quick hit to the budding campaign of former New Mexico Gary Johnson, who is, to say the least, a long shot for the Republican nomination for president in 2012. Perhaps best known for his outspoken comments that pot should be legalized, Johnson's…
St. Pete smorgasbord
A Taste of Pinellas is part restaurant sampler, part music fest and part fundraiser.
Tampa facing budget deficit between $25-$30 million
During the recent campaign for mayor, Bob Buckhorn and his opponents all acknowledged that the days of spending on big projects was over in Tampa for the short term, at least. That reality was brought home on Thursday as officials with Buckhorn's economic staff gave a sobering presentation of what the budget will look like…
Tampa’s Automatic Loveletter premiere new video at MTV.com
Tampa homegirl Juliet Simms and her band, Automatic Loveletter, just premiered their new video "Story of My Life," over at MTV.com. It's described as "an emotionally honest song, detailing the flip side of fame and success." Also in the video are our boys Tommy Sims (her brother) and drummer Ryan Metcalf, who also perform locally…
President Obama and the Jewish vote
There is much anticipation internationally on President Obama's speech on the Mideast, scheduled for 12 noon eastern time Thursday. But this just in: Since Obama has become President, his speeches are frequently received with reservations, if not downright dismissals from the U.S. media after sometimes substantial build-ups, so don't say I didn't warn you. Regardless,…
UPDATE: Rick Scott signs election bill HB 1355
Rick Scott has until Saturday to sign, veto, or ignore HB 1355, better known as the elections reform bill that state Democrats and editorial writers are aghast at, referring to it as a voter suppression bill (the legislation would also pass if Scott opts to be passive and not sign or veto it). UPDATE:Rick Scott…
Restaurant Review: Lively metro, bland Metro
You’ve come a long way, downtown Tampa!
The end is here
The world’s supposed to end on May 21. Unless…
The end is why?
Just when I got used to the idea of the world ending on Dec. 21, 2012 because some Mayan calendar-makers ran out of space on the ledger, overenthusiastic sign-wavers are insisting the date be moved up more than a year, to May 21, 2011. What gives? It turns out that competing groups of true believers…
Old fart, great art
The witty, profound paintings of the venerable Arnold Mesches.
Shit Happened
Ah-nold, Newt, The Donald and other people with questionable futures.
Legacies
Truths about life’s accomplishments in a sappy poem even Hillary Clinton swears by.
Congrats!
Two CL writers are finalists for SPJ awards
Transplant rejection
You’re a Florida resident but still stuck on Boston or NY teams? This one’s for you.
The long and the short of it
The bigger they are … the bigger they are.
Totally bitchin’
Two awesome throwbacks this weekend: The Florida Orchestra’s Totally Awesome ’80s and Dinner and Drinks with Morrissey
Golden Gardens brings dreamy swoon to Cafe Hey
Plus: A Taste of Pinellas, Amos Lee, Raekwon. and all the best in local music, May 19-25.
Friends of Giants at New World this Friday
Tampa-based six-piece Friends of Giants purvey guitar-driven alt rock with intimate revealing lyrics ("Can we start this all over? I was wrong, we were wrong"), folk acoustic moments, appealing melodic breakdowns and a tasteful way of incorporating lush texture via violin, banjo, lap harp, xylophone, chord organ and keys. Joining them on the bill is…
Parallels triggers a Sunday dance party at Crowbar
The 1980s-inspired electro dance music of Toronto twosome Parallels spurred the crowd at Crowbar to get down as if it was the end of the work week and not the tail end of a Sunday night. Singer and keyboardist Holly Dodson demonstrated why she's drawn comparisons to Madonna and Kylie Minogue — her voice rang…
Review: Uh Huh Her at the State Theatre
A few hundred screaming fans lured the electro-indie rock group Uh Huh Her back on stage for a three-song encore at the State Theatre in St. Petersburg this past Saturday, May 14. Camila Grey, Leisha Hailey and their band played songs from both their debut full-length album, Common Reaction, and their newest EP, Black and…
Movie openings: The Beaver, Pirates 4 and more
The best of what’s now playing at a multiplex near you.
Rays regress in 6-2 loss to Yanks
Kevin Tall Stock photo Tuesday night Tampa Bay took a shorter trip back in time; 2008? Try games 1-8. In related news, the New York Yankees showed the world once again why they have the highest paid most popular sports franchise, taking the second half of a two-shot from the TBay. This one started off…
Rays return to form in 6-5 comeback over Yanks
Kevin Tall Stock photo The Tampa Bay Rays took a trip to the past Monday night, becoming once more the Comeback Kids of 2008. OK, so maybe they didn’t actually go back in time. Monday’s first half of two against the New York Yankees did see the return of timely hitting and the never-say-die attitude…
Rays have no answers for Baltimore’s bats
Kevin Tall Stock photo Tit for tat. That’s been the story of the Tampa Bay Rays and the Baltimore Orioles in 2011. Whether swapping sweeps in the first two series or back-to-back, complete-game shutouts over the weekend, these two clubs have played by the mantra that turnabout is fair play. That ended Sunday afternoon with…
Baltimore blanks Rays in role reversal
Kevin Tall Stock photo Sometimes you’re the bat. Sometimes you’re the ball. The Tampa Bay Rays, a day removed from smacking the Baltimore Orioles around, traded roles with the visiting team in Saturday afternoon’s 6-0 setback. Like Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson the evening prior, Baltimore’s Brad Bergesen threw a four-hit, complete-game shutout in the matinee.…
Hellickson blanks Baltimore
Kevin Tall Was it really hot Friday night under the climate-controlled dome of Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg? No, it was just Jeremy Hellickson. The Tampa Bay Rays took the series opener Friday night 3-0 against the visiting Baltimore Orioles on the strength of a career-first complete game shutout from the right-handed rookie. Holy Hell.…
Busch Gardens to open a guest-friendly Animal Care & Nutrition Center
Photo provided by Busch Gardens. Interior image of guest view toward surgery procedures. This winter, the Busch Gardens park in Tampa will be opening a new Animal Care & Nutrition Center that will welcome guests to closely observe and even participate in the animal care experience. Much of the park’s animal care, including nutrition, treatments,…
Rays on warpath in 8-2 win over Indians
Kevin Tall Stock photo The evening after dropping a rain-delayed game to the Cleveland Indians, the Tampa Bay Rays shone through Wednesday night, smashing Chief Wahoo upside the head to the tune of 8-2. David Price was scalping Indians hitters all night. The lefty had Cleveland batters recreating the Trail of Tears back to the…
The waiting game
Good things come to those who wait. Trite and true, it applies to baseball as well. Well, sometimes. Whether it meant waiting on that perfect pitch, waiting out the rain in the stands or sitting through whatever the hell was on Sun Sports during the weather delay Tuesday night in Cleveland, delayed gratification paid dividends.…
Kings of the road
Bats? Got ‘em. Pitching? Yup. Swagger? Check. So goes the packing list when the Tampa Bay Rays get ready for a road trip this season. With the 5-3, series-sweeping win Sunday afternoon in Baltimore, the Rays set a franchise record with eight consecutive road wins. The team is 11-4 away from Tropicana Field in 2011.…
Longoria is back
Tampa Bay Rays/Skip Milos Courtesy photo And so it begins. In his first at-bat in Saturday’s matinee, Evan Longoria cracked a double and picked up his first RBI of the year. His second at-bat? Having sat a few weeks with a strained left oblique, the Rays’ recently-returned third baseman drove the 1-1 pitch deep to…
A hero’s welcome
Greetings. Farewell. Lefty Zach Britton—starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles—welcomed Brandon Guyer—Triple-A call-up for the Tampa Bay Rays—to the big show for his first major-league at-bat. Guyer said hello and then bid a quick goodbye to Britton’s 3-1 pitch, homering to left-center field in his first at-bat in his major-league debut Friday night in Oriole…
Angry Rays drop 3-2 setback to Jays
Mathias Jones It was abundantly clear early on: this game was going to be nothing like the one last night. The Toronto Bule Jays came out storming in the top of the first inning. With two outs and Rajai Davis aboard after a leadoff single, Adam Lind took one deep into the seats in right…
Quiet Rays get loud in walk-off vs. Jays
Kevin Tall B.J. and the bat; stock photo Tuesday was a dramatic night of comeback wins for sports fans in Tampa Bay. First the Tampa Bay Lightning took a commanding three-game lead in the Eastern Conference semi-finals, beating the Washington Capitals 4-3 at the St. Pete Times Forum. Minutes later, the Tampa Bay Rays went…
Hot early, Rays fizzle out in loss to Angels
Kevin Tall What gives? stock photo What looked like a scorcher from the get-go burned out quickly, the barn-burner turned into a weenie roast. Unlike the matinee the day prior, the Tampa Bay Rays started layin’ the lumber early and often on LA Angels’ starting pitcher Tyler Chatwood. With Jered Weaver missing his scheduled start…
With Shields held high, Rays get it done in extras
Kevin Tall Stock photo Lacking much in the way of offensive weapons, the Tampa Bay Rays had Shields raised in defense, holding strong against the avenging Angels of Anaheim. Big Game James settled into his start against the Halos seamlessly, picking up his incredible performance of late that led to two consecutive, complete-game wins. This…
Rays roughed up 8-5 in Angels opener
Kevin Tall The face of a bad day at the office; stock photo They say ya can’t win ‘em all. They reek of triteness, no matter how accurate. Sigh. The Tampa Bay Rays’ world of late has been ruled by big arms and thunderous bats. They remembered to bring one of those home from the…
Zobrist, Niemann help Rays sweep Twins
Kevin Tall Zobrist swinging a hot bat; stock photo Earlier in the day, Ben Zobrist led the Rays to a demoralizing 15-3 conquest of the Minnesota Twins with eight RBI in the first half of a day-night double-header. Four hours later, he was at it again. Picking up right where he left off, Zobrist victimized…
Delayed gratification: Tampa Bay tops Twins 8-2
Kevin Tall Johny Damon; stock photo The evening after rain delayed the first game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Minnesota Twins, the boys from the Bay-area let out a deluge of the offensive variety. On a snowy night at Minnesota’s Target Field, the Rays were dead-on, cruising to an 8-2 victory. The Rays…
Bombs away: Rays over Blue Jays 6-4 with home run heroics
Kevin Tall Damon on deck; stock photo After a tough, walk-off loss in extras the night before, the Tampa Bay Rays looked to take one back from the Toronto Blue Jays Saturday afternoon. They turned to ace lefty David Price, who threw eight impressive innings in the 6-4 win. Dangerous right-hander Brandon Morrow took the…
North of the border, short on runs, Rays lose 6-4 in Toronto
Kevin Tall Jeremy Hellickson; stock photo A loss is a loss, so any of them is tough to take. Playing well in defeat is a concept seemingly lost—see what I did there?—on some fans, so while people around baseball might not fault the Tampa Bay Rays for their 11th-inning setback Friday night at the home…
White Sox cruise while Rays’ bats snooze: Chicago 9-2 over Tampa Bay
Kevin Tall Stock photo The Chicago White Sox would play the doormat no longer at Tropicana Field in this series; they avoided a sweep at the hands of the Tampa Bay Rays by jumping on starting RHP Jeff Niemann. Game four of the Chicago series didn’t start off the way the Rays would have liked.…
D’s nuts: Rays’ crazy defense feeds hitting, pitching in 4-1 win over White Sox
Kevin Tall Stock photo Powered by fielding that’s providing nightly highlight-reel fodder, the Tampa Bay Rays captured another win against the Chicago White Sox Wednesday night at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. Of course, game-winning home runs in the second inning never hurt either, right? Once again, the Rays got aboard early. Casey Kotchman’s two-out…
Complete dominance: Rays’ Shields throws 9 innings in 2-1 win over ChiSox
For the second time in as many evenings, Tampa Bay Rays fans witnessed an impressive win based on masterful starting pitching. In the case of Tuesday night’s 2-1 triumph over the Chicago White Sox, it wasn’t just limited to starting pitching; James Shields took the hill and served as his own closer, pitching his first…
DVD Review: Peter Miller’s Jews and Baseball: An American Love Story
Baseball in the United States has long served as a primary instrument in promoting cultural diversity. When open racism was extremely prevalent, especially during the 1920s and 1930s, baseball was one of the few outlets that caused people to have a more open mind. Fans were often hateful toward Jewish players, but when they performed…
