Kung Food: Dip-jitsu (The Artichoke Way)
Enter the Dragon. So you want to be a culinary ninja? Ah, Little-san, then you must learn, "The Art of the Appetizer."
Gamma Testing video game podcast 6: Godfather 2
In this episode, the GammaTesting.com guys make their bones while you're still going out with cheerleaders and see if this new Godfather game makes us an offer we can't refuse. Turns out, we could refuse it, but this GTA-knockoff/Mafia sim game is just fun enough to keep us taking over businesses and knockin' off made…
Steps to becoming greener: Starting a compost or worm bin
This is the 1st and 2nd things we can do to live smarter, on my list of 12. Compost – a simple process that continuously occurs in nature, often without any assistance from us. Eliminate food and yard waste with compost bins, piles and worms. The average New York City household discards two pounds of…
Yerba Mate “Rainforest” Tea – packed with health – kicks coffee addiction
Looking for a way to get off the juice but still have a small burst of caffeine to power you through your work morning? Enter Yerba Mate, a natural alternative for a severe coffee addiction. I only recently discovered this South American rain forest plant myself and now consider myself thoroughly addicted. Why? Well after…
I love myself, I love you: how I keep the spark in my relationship
There is absolutely no way I would rather wake up in the morning than with a strong cup of coffee and my beautiful boyfriend. For the past year this has become our little AM ritual when we spend the night together: coffee, cigarettes, and conversation that feeds the soul. This morning was no different. We…
No acupuncture needles needed when it comes to Meridian Therapy
An Acupuncture study conducted in Seattle, released this month by the Archives of Internal Medicine, that substituted Acupuncture needles with toothpicks to stimulate the meridian points, has Acupuncture physicians and other Natural Health practitioners scratching their heads. The study used pointed toothpicks to stimulate the body's meridian or acupuncture points and the results in pain…
Do It Today: Global lens film series, money smart class and more
A 2006 Moroccan film about a bizarre love triangle, Global Lens Film Series, part of an international initiative that works to “promote cross-cultural understanding through film.” The story follows two unlikely friends: Souad, a prostitute without a cell phone, and Kenza, a traffic cop who rents out her cell to friends and neighbors for a…
Ghetto Love Sugar reunion videos
A few Fridays ago, I had the pleasure of seeing the Ghetto Love Sugar reunion. The band — a local experimental jazz jam outfit that enjoyed its heydey several years ago and played their last show in '03 — re-banded for a single show when drummer/percussionist Jon Priest returned to town for a weekend of…
Four music events worth traveling for
As an addendum to my recent column, "Traveling to see music without losing your money (or your mind)," I've put together this small group of shows and fests that provide some good selections for music-motivated travel. If you haven't already made travel plans this summer, here are some of your best bets. Grizzly Bear and…
New Music out this Tuesday, May 26
VINYL: Brian Jonestown Massacre – Smoking Acid EP Elvis Costello – Secret Profane & Sugarcane Features a strong collection of country and bluegrass session musicians; produced by T Bone Burnett. Vinyl has two bonus tracks not on the CD. Compact Disc out NEXT week. Karen Dalton – It's So Hard To Tell Who's Going To…
An overview of Green Cities Florida in Orlando and hopes for a greener future
Green Cities™ Florida hosted in Orlando was May 20th & 21st at the Orange County Convention Center. The overall focus of the event is to bring businesses and municipalities together to achieve green goals to save the planet, increase profits, and to qualify for possible federal funding. The Green Cities™ conference will demystify ’sustainability’ and…
Must-dance show: The Juan Maclean & The Field at Crowbar tonight (with video)
What's probably the coolest electronic show of the summer is going down tonight at the Crowbar in Ybor. The Soft Rock Renegades, CL's Best of the Bay winner for Best DJ Night, are celebrating their 1 year anniversary with live performances from two well respected electronic artists – The Juan Maclean (DFA/NYC) & The Field…
First corn of the season: Roasted corn and bacon salad recipe
I love finding great produce, and was thrilled to find the first corn of the season in the market recently. The good thing about in-season produce is it is cheaper, more flavorful and usually from closer to home. Roasting the corn for this salad coaxes out all the sweetness. The soft Bibb lettuce provides nice…
Michael Vick deserves a second chance
Look, I am by no means a Michael Vick apologist(or fan for that matter). As far as I can tell, he's pompously arrogant, and his apology before entering prison last year did nothing to change that. Of course, I do not know him personally but my feeling is that he's going to come out of…
Today’s topsy-turvy world of Central Florida pro sports
Strange days, indeed. Being a fan of Central Florida sports franchises in the last week or so has been like riding on a rollercoaster inside a gyroscope inside a paint mixer. Let's set aside the Bucs — the team with more question marks than an midterm exam — and concentrate on teams that are playing.…
Video game review: Bionic Commando, or, the swinger lifestyle
A little nostalgia can buy you a lot of leeway. The new version of Capcom's Bionic Commando is the perfect example – it's a sequel to a much beloved classic from 1988. But things have changed since that glorious 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System days, and characters with names like “Rad Spencer” and “Super Joe” don't…
4 super reasons you should watch the NBA Playoffs
If you're already a basketball fan, you can stop reading now. Or you can continue on to get your fix. This post is directed toward the fringe fan. Although it may sound like it, this is not a public service announcement from the National Basketball Association. It's merely a gesture of respect and admiration from…
Gamma Testing video game podcast Ep 5: Ninja Blade
The GammaTesting.com guys slash their way through Ninja Blade, with mixed results. Do you like absurd cinematic action? How about quick-time events? Repetitive actions during boss fights? Am I losing you? Kind of like how Ninja Blade lost us. Rick's just lucky he didn't hate the game enough to throw a controller through his big…
Dial Hard with a ’60s-style vengeance
What if Die Hard With A Vengeance (you know, the one with Samuel L. Jackson and Jeremy Irons as the villian) had been made in 1960's France? The result would have looked a lot like this (my compliments to Slash Film on the excellent find):
Can a plastic cup make wine taste better?
For wine lovers the accoutrement for enjoying wine are second only to the wine itself. I don't collect gadgets just for the sake of having them. But I don't mind picking up something new when I find it really adds to my enjoyment of wine. Recently while visiting my neighborhood wine shop I discovered a…
Buttercream basics
Who says old-fashioned cake decorating basics, like the liberal use of buttercream frosting, can't hold court with the most wildly decorated concoctions of today? Not I. Buttercream basics, provided you have a ten dollar cake decorating kit, can go a long way toward producing an awesomely decorated cake.
Tampa City Council reclaimed water workshop this Thursday (5/21)
Tampa City Council Reclaimed Water Workshop Tampa City Hall Thursday, May 28, 2009 @ 9:30 a.m. (The public is welcome to participate) Tampa's water issues have been in the news a lot lately and many of you have expressed your passionate feelings on the subject. We're in the middle of a water crisis. We have…
The roots of sprawl
The term "sprawl" was coined in 1956 and is defined as unplanned greenfield (undeveloped land) development on the periphery of urban areas that is generally single-use, single-story, low density, inexpensive to build, and requires little knowledge or expertise to create. Sprawl gobbles up our farmlands and woodlands while increasing dependency on fossil fuel, fosters obesity…
Do It Today: Art by Jasper Johns, girlie guitar night and more.
It's the last week to see two great exhibits — the first, by nationally-acclaimed artist Jasper Johns, and the second by Nancy Cervenka, a darling on the local scene. Jasper Johns Prints: Things the Mind Already Knows is a 40-year retrospective of printmaking by revered pop artist Johns, who's known for his use of simple…
Charlie Crist Romance Novel: The governor’s mistress: I had an affair with Governor “C.”
I have a secret I can no longer keep. It burns my soul and pains my conscience. I had an affair. I loved a man powerful in Florida politics, and he loved me back. I cannot reveal his name. My honor and his lawyers do not permit me. I will refer to him only as…
Grizzly Bear listening party at Vinyl Fever
Vinyl Fever is not only open today, but hosts a Memorial Day listening party of Veckatimest, Grizzly Bear's third and latest album (due out tomorrow, May 26). In honor of the listening occasion, the store also offers a sale of used CDs and records, and gives away lithos with the purchase of new Green Day,…
Kama Sutra: Apadravyas
Getting into the position: The man rubs his manhood with wasp stings and then massages it with oil as it begins to swell. It is then prescribed that he let it dangle through the bed for 10 nights using a cool ointment to soothe the pain and swelling. After the 10th night, with the bonus…
Why does Florida Fish and Wildlife refuse to protect eagles and tortoises?
Why does Florida Fish & Wildlife refuse to protect eagles and tortoise? Answer, it's up to you. Perhaps from the property until State Officials arrived. With the help of WARN's Colin Fiske and the Concerned Citizens of Tarpon Springs' president Dory Larson, we got FFWCC to come out, but not without a fight. The first…
Free Memorial Day entertainment for military
Memorial Day is more than an extra day off (if you’re lucky). It’s an opportunity to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for their country. At the same time, it’s a chance to show appreciation for those active and retired service personnel who make daily sacrifices as well. And one way to show appreciation…
Do It Today: Memorial Day events
It’s the first time that organizers have put together FreedomFest 2009, so no telling how good it will be, but the price is right and the occasion — Memorial Day — makes FreedomFest 2009 worth checking out. The organizers, the Friends of the Riverwalk, makes use of the southern stretch of the walkway along the…
A stranger’s gaze: coffeeshop confessions of a college freshman
I keep looking at his back. I want to leave scratches between his shoulder blades as his chest presses against mine. I want to squeeze my pale, slim legs around his waist until I can't get any closer. I never want this feeling to leave my body, or his. It's our secret—a secret only shared…
Doctor Why: Fiesta Hats & Wedding Vows
Our next patient, who I shall call, oh I don't know…. "Vikki", had an issue with her mother (and her obvious disdain of head wear) and a wedding anniversary. She came to me frantic and looking for a solution. I think my answer went down smoothly; with a spoonful of sugar, and a bit of…
Beer review: Big Sound Scotch Ale from Cigar City Brewing
Big Sound Scotch Ale, the latest seasonal release from Cigar City Brewing, can be purchased in 25 ounce bottles at Whole Foods, Leukens, Kingdom Liquors, World of Beer Clearwater, and several Total Wine locations. But get it soon; bottles are going fast, and once they're gone, there'll be no more until next year. Luckily enough,…
12 ways to start living greener and smarter
The greening of our community starts with you. Here is a brief outline of 12 things you can do immediately to live smarter: 1. Turn your food scraps and yard waste into compost to replenish your starving soil. 2. Start a worm bin, worms eat food waste (garbage) and turn it into nutrient rich, organic soil. 3. Collecting…
Drought, downpour, and the downward spiral of Tampa water management
A series on water, water resourcefulness & Tampa water problems. Don’t be fooled by the recent rains; the Tampa Bay area has serious fresh water supply problems. Tampa has had an ongoing problem of maintaining reserves of potable water to supply its growing population. Water infrastructure mismanagement, combined with the recent drought pattern, has made…
Must-see show: Izzy Cox at The Garage
I missed her the last time she came to town, but you can bet I'll make sure to catch Texas-based songstress Izzy Cox (aka the “Murder Ballad Queen”) this time around. Cox croons in a clear, honeyed soprano that slinks and slides against voodoobilly jazz, bouncy Western swing and honky tonkin’ blues. Her songs reflect…
Kreative Key – Contributors
Kreative Key Productions opens doorways to fantasy, to the inner realms of your mind, questions reality and reports on mysteries found therein. Awaken the Spirit and Senses with new material of every shape and kind. From witty blogs to radio waves, from Video Idiots to Global Warming Uranus, we are Kreative Key, here to entertain…
Week in Review: CL Food and Drink
Just in case you missed anything, here's a week of CL's food blogging in easy, clickable blurbs: Upcoming Bay area beer events "Be Remarkable"- video of Greg Koch's inspirational speech from 2009 Craft Brewer's Convention Grazing: Lunching at Cafe Hey Nosh Pit Episode 15: Wat Tampa, Memorial Day wine, Edmeades winemaker Van Williamson Organic farming…
Choice in healthcare- including alternative medicine practices
I was a surgical resident in NYC in 1974 and I had a cold. A friend, an audiologist, gave me a large green herbal capsule and told me to take it. "But, is it FDA approved?" I snorted. "Just take it!" she said. The next day my cold was gone. Incredible! "Why…
CD Review: Akron/Family, Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free, a Best of ’09 contender (with video)
Akron/Family Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free Last year, America’s indifferent masses finally acknowledged the country’s desperate need for change and elected a leader who not only represented change but inspired confidence, re-affirmed those freedoms we held so dear, and gave us back our sense of patriotism without making us feel ashamed of it. The…
Jenna Weber – Contributor
Jenna is a food blogger and freelance writer living in Tampa, Fl. She graduated from College of Charleston in 2007 with a joint degree in English and creative writing, studied writing in Paris and then graduated from Orlando Culinary Academy's Le Cordon Bleu program in 2008. Jenna's food blog, EatLiveRun.com has gained much popularity in…
Warren Clark – Contributor
Dr. Warren Clark grew up on the St. John's River in north Florida and is a Florida historian and cartoonist. He worked in a shantytown in Argentina during the "Disappearances" in the mid 1970s. Later, he started hunger/ homeless programs in Tampa including SHARE Florida, and was president the board of WMNF community radio. For…
Indie 101: Magic & Fur (with video).
Magic & Fur is a London-based sextet made up of Chris Wilde, Gary Legend, Gavin Ellis, Julian Simon, Artur Dyjecinski, and Dom Ryan. This week, the band launched their debut single, "Christine," and in the midst of the celebration madness, Chris found some time to talk with me about who in the heck Christine is,…
Grant Rimbey – Contributor
Sustainable and New Urban project manager and activist Grant Rimbey believes that the human environment and the natural environment can co-exist without mutual degradation. Raised in historic Temple Terrace, he's lived in Vicenza, Italy and progressive Austin, Texas. Since 2001 he's been assisting Temple Terrace as they redevelop their blighted center into a mixed-use, medium-density,…
A story of a lady and her well groomed kitty….sorta
I don't know what it is about the fur that surrounds a woman's vagina, but some how it still fascinates me…even at age 28. I have to admit, when I see a good looking girl, I wonder if she is well-kempt down below. A lot can be said about how well a woman grooms around…
Mia Molotov – Contributor
Mia Molotov has entertained friends and acquaintances for years with her taste for adventure and the ability to make shockingly poor romantic decisions. Doing practically anything to turn a buck, she earned a degree in psychology which somehow segued into a career in molecular biology. She recently returned to college, and hopes that now the…
Katie Herzfeld – Contributor
I am currently a student at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA, double majoring in Biology and Art and starting my second year in the fall. Working in almost any medium, I've proven myself an accomplished artist in both my local circle here in Florida and with critics (mostly professors) back in…
No Clear, No Eyes Volume 2: A local compilation release show
New from No Clear Records: a schizophrenic compilation colliding different genres of the underground and crapping them together in one easy to swallow CD-R. No Clear, No Eyes volume 2 spirals around themes of frustration, loneliness and salvation through the lenses of punk, no wave, garage, folk, experimental, noise, comedy, avant garde, rock n roll…
Willie Heath Answers 9 Questions at Crowbar on a Tuesday Night)
Willie Heath Neal plays country music. That’s what I’d call it, that’s what he calls it. If you listen to popular country radio than you will disagree. You will call his songs “alt-country rockabilly” or “cowpunk” or “outlaw country” or “hillbilly” or “psycobilly.” Really, there seem to be endless ways to describe him by tacking…
Obama announces plan for cleaner, more efficient vehicles
On Tuesday, President Obama officially announced the new rules governing auto emissions and fuel economy standards, effectively bringing to a close almost a decade of debate on the topic. For years, California has been petitioning the Federal Government to increase the mileage standards and reduce emissions. Meanwhile, the auto industry has fought back saying that…
Upcoming bay area beer events
May 22 – Free craft beer tasting at Mazzaro's Italian Market in St. Petersburg. Craft brew specialists will be sampling beers from upstart sensation Cigar City Brewery, as well as the new Levitation (a sessionable brew) from Stone Brewing, and a selection of beers by Southampton Publick House. Event runs from 1-5pm. Free Southampton glassware…
Artsqueeze Weekend Roundup, May 22-23
Friday 6-10 p.m. – Opening reception for Experimental Skeleton’s To Boldly Go at West Tampa Center for the Arts, gallery 209. From the release>> ‘To Boldly Go’ will explore the utopian ideas, visual flavor, pop culture influence, imagined technologies, flora and fauna, and virtually any aspect of the original Star Trek series that invited artists…
Summer Guide ’09: Talking with Adam Miller of Cirque du Soleil
So you think you've got a lot of luggage to cart around this summer vacation? Imagine the burden of the Cirque du Soleil crew, who bring the wondrous Saltimbanco to the St. Pete Times Forum June 25-July 5. I spoke with Adam Miller, the show's artistic director, during the company's earlier visit to the Tampa…
Bashing high school graduation bashes
Not graduating high school has never been an option for me. After a lucky fifteen years of tough love via scholarship-backed private school education (pre-school through senior year plus an extra year of pre-k thanks to failing at coloring), the thought of dropping out never came to mind. The same goes for my peers at…
Terminator Salvation video game review: Slightly longer than the movie
I normally don't like trashing games because of length. I think if a game is fun and well-made and sucks you in, it almost doesn't matter how long it takes to play it. I love my scores of hours spent on Fallout 3, but I also love the condensed fun of a well-constructed shooter or…
GaYbor Karaoke Idol: We were all Paula Abdul
Paula, I feel your pain. The "nice" American Idol judge (AKA the "nutso" American Idol judge) gets lots of flak for being overly kind to even the most unlistenable contestants. But as one of three judges last night for GaYbor Karaoke Idol II, the entertaining weekly competition at Streetcar Charlie's in Ybor, I now realize…
Summer Guide 2009: Green contributor Carrie Webb’s San Francisco vacation
What's Green Community contributor Carrie Webb doing this summer? She gets to vacation in San Francisco and on someone else's dime! She also talks about her fond summer memories of playing on the beach at Fort Desoto as a kid. Hear her story and more on our Summer Guide. (Video after the jump)
Be a credit to your kink take 2: Fox news (video)
Disclaimer: Each self-identifying poly person has their own take on these matters. This is just one of them. Not too long ago, I wrote about being a credit to one’s kink and the problems I have with mainstream media covering my “kinks” in particular. Sure enough, an article on The Daily Beast about triads who…
Tampa actor Jack Holloway, TBPAC’s Kilgore win national awards
Local arts centers are crowing about two major wins for their people. Jack Holloway, an actor with Ruth Eckerd Hall's Eckerd Theater Company, took first place (and $10,000) in a drama competition earlier this month sponsored by the National Society of Arts and Letters (NSAL). And Michael Kilgore, vice president of marketing and customer experiences…
Green lodging in Tampa: local eco-friendly hotels
What the heck is "green lodging"? That might be the first question someone asks when clicking on this post. In a nutshell, green lodging are hotels that are making a conscious effort to lower their water and energy uses, reducing waste and promoting various other green efforts that work specifically for their hotel. Some of…
Do It This Weekend: Movies in the park, musical swap meet, Shaolin kung fu club and more
Here are the best free and cheap events of the weekend, hand-picked with our loyal, low-budget readership in mind: It's the last weekend to catch the modern-day fairy tale about a princess whose ideas about romance and love are shattered by the reality of today's not-so-charming princes. A kid movie that adults will enjoy, Enchanted is…
Sex Bites: better late than never
Looks like W.J. L'amour had a little too much fun this weekend. Sex Bites: better late than never. arning tool, saying "Sex is a taboo subject in China, but people really need to have more access to information about it.” Bummer. Hope no one out there bought their plane tickets to China yet. Kenyan man…
Band Alert: The Silent Years.
The Silent Years are releasing a new EP, Let Go, on July 14 and it's a must have. Check out the first single from Let Go, "Madame Shocking" here. Click here to read the Merry Andrews review of the album. To purchase Let Go from iTunes, click here. To purchase it from Amazon, click here.…
Gruden goes prime time in Monday Night Football deal: Censors get ready
Richard Pryor hosted Saturday Night Live in its flagship season of 1975. The interesting thing about that broadcast is that it wasn't actually live. Pryor's comedy was so cutting edge and profane at the time that NBC used a delay, as they were uncertain what he might say next. ESPN may want to consider borrowing…
Gamma Testing video game podcast Ep 4 – Prince of Persia
GammaTesting.com's fourth episode is a classic romance: boy loses donkey, meets girl, fights demons, releases evil god. All for love. We also love – mostly — Prince of Persia's seamless gameplay, capable writing and gorgeous Disney atmosphere. Almost enough to marry it. But is there enough going on to resurrect the game after the first…
“Be Remarkable”- video of Greg Koch’s inspirational speech from 2009 Craft Brewer’s Convention
Behold! Greg Koch's 45 minute "Be Remarkable: Ethics, Camaraderie, Passion" keynote speech from the 2009 Craft Brewer's Convention. With inspiring ideas in regard to industry practices, plenty of beer geek humor, and "I Am Craft Brewer" intro montage goodness.
Street Sweeper Social Club and Trent Reznor cover MC5’s “Kick Out the Jams”
For those as far out of the loop as myself, Street Sweeper Social Club is The Coup's Boots Riley and RATM/AudioSlave guitarist/Nightwatchman, Tom Morello. They're currently filling the opening slot on the Jane's Addiction / NIN tour. (Pictured below playing the May 9 show at Ford Amphitheatre; photo taken by Phil Bardi.) I saw Boots…
Grazing: Lunching at Cafe Hey
Today I ate lunch at Cafe Hey, a small hole-in-the-wall cafe downtown. My first thought was I can't believe I'd never heard of this place before! Vegetarian and vegan options, free trade coffee and tea, house-made baked goods — it had my name all over it. Plus, the price is right. Most sandwiches range around…
Sunday night @ The Garage, Bob Log III: It’s a Bob Log-apalooza!
BOB LOG III PLAYS THE GARAGE IN DOWNTOWN ST. PETERSBURG ON SUNDAY, MAY 24. A lot of people don't know who Bob Log III is. Those that have seen him will never forget him. My first Bob Log III experience came at the Deep Blues Festival '08. He played with Possessed By Paul James and…
Nosh Pit Episode 15: Wat Tampa, Memorial Day wine, Edmeades winemaker Van Williamson
Brian was on vacation last week, and returns with tips for eating cheap with kids at Disney World. Plus, we talk Wat Mongkolratanaram and Memorial Day wines, and invite Van "The Vanimal" Williamson — winemaker at Edmeades Winery — into the studio to taste some Zin and talk about hunting boar in the vineyards. Listen…
Road-tripping with Harry Truman, some Commie bastards, the Bat Boy and Dead Elvis
Time to get caught up. As the T-shirt reminds us, “So many books, so little time.” Let’s hit the road. AMERICA THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD: We’re all about road trips here at Creative Loafing and so imagine this: The dude who pulls up next to you at the Tastee Freeze parks a little too close. You…
Summer Guide 2009: Katie Machol’s revealing cruise
The first cruise I ever went on, about two years ago, turned out to be an unofficial swingers’ cruise… They had their own events in different parts of the ship (away from us monogamists) but they wore next to nothing at dinner, topless sunbathed on the Lido deck and nude sunbathed on the topless deck.…
Poop to power: Sanford’s new renewable energy facility opens today (5/21)
MaxWest Environmental Systems announces the grand opening of their gasification facility today in Sanford, Florida, at Sanford's South Water Resource Center. This innovative system was designed to provide renewable 'green' thermal energy to replace energy from natural gas for the City's sludge dryer by turning Sanford's treated wastewater sludge into gas. The energy in the…
Doctor Why: what’s wrong with being nice?
My next patient is Kelley. She has size 7.5 shoes, lives in Tampa, and enjoys Frigidaire! She sounds like a lovely person, but I fear may have included a bit too much information for you inter-hooligans. I will happily censor it to protect the innocent. Dear Doctor Why, What is so WRONG with being nice…
Organic farming can be more productive than conventional
I just read a blog arguing the problems versus benefits of organic food. Though it covered the issue from different angles and had some interesting points, one part that I want to address is the idea that organic fields are 40% less productive than fields that use a bunch of chemicals. That isn't true of…
Antonio’s top 10 female celebs I’d….roger?
I was at a loss for this week's top 10 list. A friend of mine suggested a 'top 10 top 10 lists.' My wife suggested 'top 10 local celebrities I'd fuck'. I liked that idea, but could only think of three locals I'd do (see 1-3 on my list). With that in mind, I…
Win beer fame from Schmaltz Brewing for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah pics
Not only will they feature your unfortunate photos on their website, you also have a chance to be on Schmaltz's Jewbelation 13 label! That's worth embarrassment, right?
Fox’s Glee delivers in every way possible
I always wished I was born with a spectacular voice. Instead, I ended up being the tone-deaf one in the family. I would give anything to belt show tunes in the right key, be the lead singer in a kick-ass punk-rock band, or even sing karaoke without sounding like Patty and Selma from the Simpsons.…
Summer ’09: A trip to Mexico? Or how about selling CUTCO?
CL interns Diana Ruiz and Hannah Walk, both seniors at Tampa Prep, are pondering two quite different paths this summer. We asked them to talk about their plans for our special Summer Guide issue. Video after the jump.
The latest on the Swine Flu
Since the mainstream media has shoved off to cover the last moments of America's Next Top Model and the finals of the American Idol competitions, I want to bring you up to date on the Swine Flu. First of all it is important to understand that in the USA's rush to make the naming of…
Do It Today: Salsa dancing, alternative career seminar and Taste of Brandon
Now that Dancing with the Stars is over and Shawn Johnson has taken home the coveted mirror ball trophy, it's time to break out the Spandex, sequins and high high high heels of your own and bust a move at Salsa Dance Night at the Gulfport Casino. Every Thursday, Carol Rivera teaches the wannabe ballroom-dancers…
Getting down to business: the reality behind going green in the bedroom
Sex sells, so it makes sense that sex appeal is often used to market the green movement. Several magazines have recently come out with "sexy" ways to go green that are as impractical and as much of an ego stroke as buying a Mini Cooper. While I'm also jumping on the "green sex" bandwagon, I…
Three classic reissues from “Jazz’s Greatest Year,” 1959 (with video)
Having proclaimed 1959 "Jazz's Greatest Year," Sony Legacy will release three multi-disc, expanded-edition sets marking 50th anniversaries next Tuesday, May 26: Dave Brubeck's Time Out, Charles Mingus' Ah Um/Mingus Dynasty and Miles Davis' Sketches of Spain. The label stole some of its own thunder by last year releasing the landmark album of '59, Miles' Kind…
Work promotes confidence
More after the jump.
Goodbye Kelly’s Pub, hello Karma Bar & Cafe
This Saturday, Kelly's Pub celebrates its final night as Kelly's Pub. The downtown Tampa watering hole — which has been serving a wide range of brewskies and hosting original live music (local and otherwise) for the past two-and-a-half years — re-launches on Sunday as the Karma Bar & Cafe. But before then, this Saturday, May…
Traveling to see music without losing your money (or your mind)
For more Summer Guide stories about how to spend your summer vacation (or to read about the memorable summer-related experiences of other CL staffers, freelancers and interns), click here; picture below of me by Phil Bardi, taken at Langerado 2008. My first time traveling to see music was February 2001, when A Perfect Circle’s Mer…
Summer Guide 2009: Green contributor Lisa Assetta’s summer plans
Going along with our Summer Guide 2009 (that was just released today), we've interviewed some of the contributors of our Green Community as to what their plans are this summer and of fond summer vacation memories. Here's Lisa Assetta on her busy summer (working) and on her favorite place to vacation. (Video after the jump.)
CL’s Tournament of Blockbusters + movie passes giveaway
The summer movie season is already in full swing, with X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Star Trek racking up huge grosses. Still, the box office of those films pales in comparison to that of the biggest summer blockbusters of them all. But it's not all about the Benjamins, right? Some of the most financially successful films…
Free Concert Alert: The Hold Steady
Just got a release announcing that The Hold Steady will return to the Bay area, this time playing a special, last minute show at Jannus Landing on Thursday, June 4. This one's on Jim Beam's tab, which means that the show is FREE. You hear that folks — a FREE Hold Steady show! Not a…
Summer Guide ’09: Eric Snider’s misadventure
When I was a freshman in college, my parents went on a vacation to Cape Cod, but I had to stay home and work. That left the house to me …
Summer Guide 2009: St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker’s vacation plans
As part of our upcoming Summer Guide issue (on newsstands throughout Tampa Bay on Wednesday), we asked a lot of people in Tampa Bay about their vacation plans and memories. I'm going to run the political vacation videos here on PoHo, starting with St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker, who said: I go to a place…
Summer Guide 2009: Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio needs to plan a family vacation
Continuing in our series of summer vacation videos, shot for our Summer Guide 2009 being released on newsstands today, here is Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio on her plans, or more accurately, lack of plans: “Unfortunately, I don’t have a summer vacation planned for ‘09, I think based on your question I’m going to go home…
Heatwave: One last look (in pictures)
WMNF's 2009 Tropical Heatwave managed to be a scorcher in spite of torrential downpours. The best thing about Heatwave is the ability to see a wide variety of genres in one evening in close proximity. I managed to catch 10 bands this year on 5 stages: The Beauvilles, David Dondero, James Intveld, Johnny Cakes &…
Summer Guide 2009: Joe Bardi’s summer vacation
Here's Joe Bardi (handsome devil, ain't he?) talking about what I'm he's doing on his summer vacation. (Getting married on top of a mountain? High times, indeed!) And be sure to check out the rest of our Summer Guide content (including Joe's Top 10 summer vacation movies) when making plans for your own summer holiday.
Using Twitter to expand your green network
With this post, I make a strong case for the use of the social-media, micro-blogging tool Twitter as an extremely useful resource for staying connected to and up-to-the-minute with the green community, or any other community, for that matter. More on that later. The case for Twitter requires use of the many and ever-growing list of applications…
PF Chang’s giving away free lettuce wraps
For a limited time, PF Chang's will email you a coupon for a free order of their uber-popular, meat-filled iceberg Lettuce Wraps appetizer (with a purchase of an entree). The promotion celebrates the golfing skills of PGA tour pro Briny Baird, who "teed off… from 375 feet in the air atop the Omni Hotel and…
Summer Guide 2009: Studio 10’s summer vacation
Our 2009 Summer Guide will be hitting newstands today, chock full of ideas on ways you can spend your summer vacation. If you don't want to hunt down the print edition in the physical world (it's hot outside!), you can stay cool and find all the Summer Guide content online here. As part of putting…
The “Doctor” is in: Doctor Why makes his introduction
Hello internetians! I've come from far, far away in time and space, oh wait…. that's the other Doctor. Well actually I'm just from Earth, like you. You may call me "Doctor Why". I've come to offer my advice—advice on relationships, friendships, and love. Why should you ask me, you may be asking yourself? Well… why…
Do It Today: CL Summer Guide release party, Women with Moxie, Reincarnate Metaphors
The Creative Loafing Summer Guide Release Party at Fly Bar promises to start the sultry season with a bang. The DJ duo Soft Rock Renegades spin a summer-rific playlist and take song requests via Twitter. Fly Bar provides hors d'oeuvres and drink specials, and there's an exclusive "Meet the Winemaker" session with Van "The Vanimal"…
Sprint initiates new green line of products and website
With cell phone providers trying to one-up each other anyway they can these days, it seems Sprint has taken a higher road of one upping by launching a new green line of products and also an additional green website in conjunction with their traditional website. (All jokes aside, Sprint has been promoting cell phone recycling…
Taking the kids on a summer vacation road trip
The best of trips and the worst of trips.
The top 10 adult (sex) summer events
SPRING Florida's Fetish Weekend. Itching to break in a whip or have your nipples electrocuted? Toss your best fetish gear in the Honda and head over to Fort Lauderdale for the 14th annual Fetish Weekend. The largest fetish event in North America, this 3-day fiesta attracts 2,000 enthusiasts to its main ball and themed socials:…
Tampa’s Wat Buddhist Temple market: Thankfully, a poorly kept secret
Some have described the scene as jarring — a beautiful, colorful Thai temple standing near the shore of Hillsborough County's industrial Palm River — but it seems so natural to me. Having studied immigrants for many years, especially their food and restaurants, I'm filled with admiration for the enterprising Thais who built Wat Mongkolratanaram and,…
The highlights of the summer concert season
Dozens and dozens of acts will make it onto Tampa Bay area concert stages this summer. Here's our best bets, in a wide range of genres: Stanton Moore The bespectacled founder of NOLA funk purveyors Galactic is widely regarded as one of the best drummers currently drawing air. This show has him in a trio…
Battle of the summer blockbuster movies
The summer movie season is already in full swing, with X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Star Trek racking up huge grosses. Still, the box office of those films pales in comparison to that of the biggest blockbusters of them all. But it's not all about the Benjamins, right? Some of the most financially successful films in…
Savage Love: Open relationship vs. a breakup
Close-minded therapist is a problem, not a solution
Picturing Eden at the Ringling Museum of Art
A flowery Ringing photo exhibit ponders Eden
Have fun with the kids this summer
Four ideal destinations to keep you and your kids happily distracted this summer.
The family trip to California
Contemplating the much-lampooned Family Vacation, for real.
Following your favorite bands on tour
Traveling to see music without losing your money (or your mind).
Do bras prevent saggy breasts?
Do bras keep breasts from sagging as you get older? I've heard reports that they do nothing at all. —Curious Oh, bras probably do something. It's just that nobody can agree on what it is. I won't pretend to have the definitive answer, but here's what we've established so far: 1. The medical term for…
Classic movies on display at Tampa Theatre
You have to give props to the Tampa Theatre. Their annual Summer Classic Movie Series is the best game in town for catching the greatest films in Hollywood history on the big screen. Past years have seen films as varied as Raiders of the Lost Ark, King Kong and West Side Story play to packed…
Want cool? Want cheap? Try a weekend in Asheville, NC.
The end of my first year of grad school was in sight and all I could think about was immediately getting out of Florida, even if it was only for a few days. I called my older sister and suggested we take a much-needed vacation. We considered our options: the West Coast, New York, Tennessee.…
Why I loved nerd camp
Screeching monkeys, sock puppets, geniuses and me.
Why would anybody go to Florida beaches in July?
Yes, people do vacation on the Gulf beaches in the summer.
Chipmunk with a basketball
I never made the NBA, but I played hard.
“Just like Dubai”: Seeing Tampa Bay through visitors’ eyes
Sometimes it takes a foreign visitor to open your eyes to Tampa Bay.
What are the best wines for grilling?
Pairing wines with backyard barbeque
CD Review: Akron/Family, Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free
Last year, America’s indifferent masses finally acknowledged the country’s desperate need for change and elected a leader who not only represented change but inspired confidence, re-affirmed those freedoms we held so dear, and gave us back our sense of patriotism without making us feel ashamed of it. The dark times aren’t over, but we’ve filled…
Bill McCollum: A law-and-order governor?
You can say what you want about Charlie Crist's short (and ultimately unremarkable) tenure as Florida governor, but you have to agree that he largely did no harm — for a Republican. After all, Crist was never interested in being Florida best governor, just Florida's best-liked governor. His strong populist streak kept him away from…
Tampa Bay summer events listings
Your guide to attractions, beaches, summer camps, museums, parks and performances.
I get the point: A summer selling knives
My summer job turned out to be a pretty sharp deal.
You might as well jump at Rebounderz
Kids bouncing off the walls this summer? Send them to Rebounderz.
Romeo and Juliet at the Studio@620
An ambitious but problematic staging of Shakespeare’s most famous love story.
Top 10 summer vacation movies
Stuck at home? Hollywood will have the fun for you.
Big error in the book Artisan Bread in Five Minutes A Day
I finally broke down and bought the book Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day. It is wonderful and I highly recommend it. No more buying packaged bread for me. And my house smells like a bakery. However, it is a bit dangerous because bread makes my butt big and the fact that I slather…
Corkscrew: Great wines for your Memorial Day barbecue
This time of year, states north of Florida lead the good life. Just in time for the Memorial Day holiday, Mother Nature ushers in mild weather up there while she shoves torrid 90 degrees/80 percent humidity down my throat. But it signals the official beginning of grilling season and that’s always a good thing. So…
Nosh Pit Episode 14: Taylor’s China adventure, and the review of Ocean Prime
Taylor went to China and all she brought back was this lousy podcast! We dissect her culinary travels, and discuss Brian's review of Ocean Prime. Download
Releases to look forward to in 2009
Pitchfork recently ran a comprehensive guide to releases coming up in 2009. I’ve scaled it down to the highlights (no box sets, re-issues, vinyl, 7" or overseas releases) and added a few as well. Click here to see Pitchfork's complete guide. JANUARY 06 *The Brighton Port Authority, I Think We're Gonna Need a Bigger Boat…
