The skinny on fats
And why some of them shouldn’t get a bad rap.
Dems call on Vern Buchanan to resign from GOP campaign committee
Remember a few years ago, when there was all types of negative information flowing out of Sarasota regarding GOP Congressman Vern Buchanan amidst allegations of employees being forced to contribute to his campaign from his former dealerships? Well, years after those allegations of bundling surfaced, the Federal Election Commission has finally acted – and they…
Barefoot Wine hosts two Bay area beach clean-ups & after parties this week
Barefoot Wine & Bubbly's 'Beach Rescue Project' makes two more stops in the Bay area this weekend, asking for volunteers to help them beautify our beaches and giving them rockin' after parties to say "thanks". Tomorrow, Thursday, June 2nd, Barefoot will be gathering participants to help clean up Pass-a-Grille Beach. They'll be meeting up at…
A Haridopolos meltdown on talk radio
It's probably fair to say that a lot more people in Florida politics (including myself) now know who the heck Ray Junior is after the Haridopolos affair took place Tuesday afternoon. Junior is a talk show host, whose daily afternoon show at 5 p.m. is aired locally in St. Augustine. He's become famous in the…
The Bringe School of Music offers affordable summer camps
Amidst a deteriorating economy and the fast approach of summer, many parents are seeking summer programs that not only offer safe, fun and enriching activities for their children but are, most importantly, budget friendly. The Bringe School of Music (2143 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg) hosts multiple camps this summer that children of all ages…
ACLU files suit against Rick Scott regarding drug testing order
A day after Governor Rick Scott signed into law a bill that requires people applying for welfare benefits to undergo a drug test, the ACLU of Florida is fighting back, announcing this morning that they have filed a lawsuit on behalf of a research scientist, Richard Flamm, who works in Saint Petersburg, Florida, as a…
Tampa Bay eateries featured on Man vs. Food Nation tonight on the Travel Channel
Back in February, Adam Richman — the host of the Travel Channel's Man vs. Food who is known for taking on ridiculous food challenges — and his crew visited a few of our favorite eateries in Tampa Bay for the new, revamped season of his show, Man vs. Food Nation. The episode will air tonight…
Langerado lineup revealed!
Trey Anastasio Band, Death Cab for Cutie, Thievery Corporation + more hit the South Florida fest.
South Carolina’s Jim DeMint now eyeing a possible White House run?
As we enter into the final weeks of the spring, political junkies are still able to enjoy their own version of fantasy baseball, where discussion of what other possible candidate might join in on the GOP race for president is still viable. Although there's been lots of heated speculation in the last week about Texas…
Times editorial page joins with Tribune in calling for Renee Lee to be sacked
A day before the Board of Hillsborough County Commissioners are to potentially decide her fate, testimony from a recent deposition given by Kevin White has hit the local press – and the disgraced former commissioner is casting his friend and former colleague – County Attorney Renee Lee – as somewhat of a stalker. The soap…
WHO study: Dangers from cell phones?
A World Health Organization panel is reporting that cellphones are “possibly carcinogenic,’’ a significant development in that the group has previously said there were no negative health effects. Last night on ABC News, Dr. Richard Besser broke down the study in a brief exchange with news anchor Diane Sawyer. Although the information on cell phones…
This week in food and drink
Beer fests, wine tastings & plenty of foodie events
Al Pacino charms and rambles at Ruth Eckerd
The Godfather, Serpico and company, live and in person
The Voice Recap: Battle Rounds 4
Credit: NBC The Voice's Battle Rounds are almost over, this is it… they are packing up the boxing ring til next season, or I guess it could be later this season, I mean, how do I know, this show is new, the finale could be another battle to the death… anything is possible. But for…
Donate to Treats for Troops, get free chocolate fondue at The Melting Pot
Lin pernille photography via flickr In honor of the recent Memorial Day holiday and the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, The Melting Pot has teamed up with Treats for Troops to honor (and treat) the men and women who serve our country. From May 29th until July 3rd, when guests bring in a gallon-sized bag…
Florida under water: Global warming and rising sea levels
The Florida coastline after a sea level rise of 3 meters. Almost every resident in the Tampa Bay area lives very close to sea level. This fact puts Florida and the Tampa Bay area at the front lines of the fight against global warming, whether we want to be there or not. It is unnerving…
Tampa activists protest Marco Rubio’s vote for Ryan budget plan
Although the U.S. Senate voted down the controversial budget plan outlined by House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan last week, 57-40, you can bet that action won't be the last word about the plan, not when Democrats feel they've got the Republicans on the run on trying to defend its aim to dismantle Medicare as we…
It’s the Miami Heat vs. the world in the NBA Finals
There are just a few hours before tip-off at the American Airlines Arena in Miami as I compose this preview of the NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks, a remake of the 2006 original where the Mavs were oh so close to taking a 3-0 lead, which no NBA team has…
New music Tuesday, May 31
New releases out this week by My Morning Jacket, David Byrne, Death Cab for Cutie & more (video/audio)
Lessons in life: Jackson Browne at Ruth Eckerd Hall
Dear Miss Rognes: Don't know if you remember me, but I sure remember you. You were my 8th grade English teacher and my 9th grade Drama teacher. You taught me a lot about academics, self-assurance, motivation and hell, you taught me a lot about life. You were always encouraging me and you always had something…
Review: Minus The Bear at The Ritz, Ybor
Have you ever been to a Minus The Bear concert? No, you say? Well, you just missed your latest chance to catch Seattle's propulsive electro-prog fivesome in action. I've been listening to this band for a while now and seeing them live is just as good, if not better, than listening to their albums. [Text…
Cocktail trend: Emotion-inspired drinks by local mixologists (plus recipes)
Nate Dewitt/Russian Standard Vodka "Trust" Many of us go out for cocktails to celebrate events, commiserate misfortunes, connect during a date, de-stress after a rough day or simply to enjoy the camaraderie of friends and co-workers. It's no surprise then that the newest trend to hit the world of mixology is the emotion-inspired cocktail —…
Recycle your electronics at Amazon’s new online Electronics Trade-In Store
Many of us have old cell phones, MP3 players and other electronics that we no longer use, collecting dust in some random junk drawer, due to the fact that we're often trading up for the newest gadgets on the market. Instead of throwing them away or letting them sit in that drawer for another year,…
Sex Drive: POV scenes from a porn convention
“You drove down from Tampa today and you’re driving back tonight,” Ann Marie Rios says from behind a table stacked with her X-rated DVDs. “Why?" The answer had something to do with an entirely professional need to report on this gathering of porn stars and some vague notion of alcohol and bad decisions. Of course…
Wood Fired Pizza, World of Beer plan neighboring St. Pete locations
Wood Fired Pizza of Tampa and World of Beer, the Florida chain of craft beer bars, have selected a site for neighboring locations at 4th Street South and 1st Avenue South in downtown St. Petersburg. The two businesses will complement one another and will share a large deck between the buildings.
New Yorker article focuses how much Obama health care bill was modeled after what Mitt Romney accomplished in Massachusetts
Mitt Romney says he has "no apologies" for his health care plan in Massachusetts Mitt Romney, who has become the favorite of the Washington Conventional Wisdom crowd as the Republican to beat for the 2012 presidential nomination, will "officially" declare his candidacy this Thursday in New Hampshire. As has been mentioned already during this campaign…
Just in case you weren’t sure, Florida Tea Party leadership says they still love Marco Rubio
Although the ascendancy of both Marco Rubio and the Tea Party's influence in Florida (and national) politics occurred nearly simultaneously, the now freshman Republican Senator has always kept his alliance with those fervent grass roots activists at a certain distance. He's never been critical of the group, but has always maintained to national political reporters…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Lightning Love
And just like a Bolt of Lightning, the season was over. Something that seemed impossible became possible, then hopeful followed by confident. Then, in an instant, all that remained was sudden shock and confusion like the final frame of The Sopranos. Lightning fans had barely enough time to blink before they realized that there would…
Refections on Memorial Day
This Memorial Day Ceremony was held at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. as it is every year. Thousands of Americans came to show their respect as well as honor the service and ultimate sacrifice of the brave men and women that rest in this peaceful place. Family members of the fallen come here…
The Gaily News: Old Navy offers t-shirts for Pride, Miley blasts Urban Outfitters
With gay Pride month upon us, clothing retailer Old Navy will start selling two new shirts in support of Dan Savage's "It Gets Better" campaign. Unfortunately, the shirt will only be available in 26 stores in 22 cities — and the Tampa Bay area is not one of them. But check out the Old Navy…
TV Review: Platinum Hit
The cast of Bravo's Platinum Hit Last night, while most folks with a real passion for music and all the things that go along with being passionate about music were shaking and sweating out a Memorial Day Weekend's worth of booze and music, Bravo debuted Platinum Hit, its new songwriting-focused reality competition. The purpose of…
CD review: White Rabbit, Egypt Central
Although Egypt Central experienced significant success with their 2007 self-titled debut, fans of the Memphis hard rock quartet were forced to wait patiently while band members John Falls, Joey Chicago, Blake Allison and Jeff James embarked on a long and arduous journey towards the completion of their sophomore follow-up. Vocalist Falls insisted that surviving this…
The Modern Virgin: Will it ever happen?
Love and sex have always been my nemeses. I am a self proclaimed control freak and perfectionist who must do everything myself. This attitude doesn't exactly work when it comes to sex and relationships. Ironically, all I have ever really wanted was to have that kind of intimacy with another person. Perhaps I need a…
The Refinery’s Greg Baker on supporting local agriculture and his food philosophies
Chip Weiner Photographic Arts "Two years ago, I was in Ashville, NC in line at the grocery store behind an 800 year old dirt farmer. I’m not going to say anything one way or another about his personality, I didn’t speak to the guy, but stereotypically these are not people that are easy to change.…
What became of the 2010 Safe Cosmetics Act?
re_ via flickr Courtesy of: EarthTalk®E — The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: Can you explain the 2010 Safe Cosmetics Act? What does it purport to do and has it been signed into law? — Megan Wilson, Austin, TX The Safe Cosmetics Act was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives in July 2010 by Democrats…
Planting seeds of creativity
Larkie Fleming and her arts camp have added creative zest to young lives for 25 years.
Game Seven in the Tweets
The Bolts came within a game of the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals. Here is the story of that game … in tweets. .bbpBox74262141368147968 {background:url(http://a2.twimg.com/profile_background_images/203732458/Doodle-2.gif) #ffffff;padding:20px;} p.bbpTweet{background:#fff;padding:10px 12px 10px 12px;margin:0;min-height:48px;color:#000;font-size:18px !important;line-height:22px;-moz-border-radius:5px;-webkit-border-radius:5px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata{display:block;width:100%;clear:both;margin-top:8px;padding-top:12px;height:40px;border-top:1px solid #fff;border-top:1px solid #e6e6e6} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author{line-height:19px} p.bbpTweet span.metadata span.author img{float:left;margin:0 7px 0 0px;width:38px;height:38px} p.bbpTweet a:hover{text-decoration:underline}p.bbpTweet span.timestamp{font-size:12px;display:block} After standing in line all day,…
Yes, this is a lecture. No, you have not won an iPad2.
screamable.com Protect yourself Stop typing, take your hands off the mouse and read. Just for a minute, and let it soak in, that you are your own worst enemy. Take a deep breath, and ask yourself did you really just win an iPad2 without even knowing there was such a contest? No. You are being…
Weekend Reading: Memorial Day Edition
Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis and Will Ferrell: Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis: Will Ferrell from Will Ferrell. New Muppets teaser parodies The Hangover and features one hilariously awesome cameo! More Hangover: Check out Anthony Salveggi's review of The Hangover Part II here. Planning to do something other than see Hangover II this…
Don’t call it a comeback: Have cassette tapes returned?
"When you stick a song on a tape, you set it free." — Rob Sheffield The “cloud” may very well be where all music is stored in the not-too-distant future, and vinyl might be the format that never dies, but the cassette tape is making an unanticipated comeback. Or is it? The cassette — or…
Mike Bennett officially a candidate in Florida Congressional District 11 race
Bradenton area state Senator Mike Bennett is officially a candidate for the Republican nomination for Congress in Florida District 11, the seat currently held by Tampa Democrat Kathy Castor. That news was broken on Friday afternoon by Jeremy Wallace in the Sarasota Herald Tribune.
St. Pete Bagel Co. wants your ideas for new bagel flavor
woodley wonderworks via flickr St. Pete Bagel Co. has been a longtime favorite of 'Burg residents, serving New York-style bagels hot and fresh every morning as well as pastries, sandwiches and coffee drinks.
Worm’s Way Tampa’s Customer Appreciation Day: Expert advice, freebies and raffles on organic and hydroponic gardening supplies
Worm's Way Tampa Have you started that backyard garden project yet? If you're in need of organic and hydroponic gardening supplies, be sure to check out Worm's Way's Customer Appreciation Day Sale this Saturday, May 28.
Pinellas school board reduces cuts after public outcry
Superintendent Julie M. Janssen The Pinellas County School Board took some jobs off the proposed chopping block after over 50 speakers at the board’s meeting on May 26 implored the board to think before it cut. Superintendent Julie M. Janssen’s recommendation included cuts to several areas like staff, substitutes and unpaid leave, and changes to…
Popular Asian eateries in Brandon and Clearwater relocate, merge
Ocean Blue Sushi – Exterior Lee House Chinese Restaurant, a popular eatery in Brandon, has re-located from Bloomingdale Avenue to State Road 60, next to Arby's in the Publix Shopping Plaza after a lease expiration on their former location, which closed on March 31st. The old Lee House location will be replaced by Latin Cafe…
Environmentalists disgusted with Rick Scott approved budget
An assortment of groups have been condemning bills passed by the Florida Legislature over the past month, and Governor Rick Scott's bill signing on Thursday has now codified those bills into law. Amongst those grumbling the loudest are the state's environmental groups. The Director of Advocacy for Audobon of Florida, Charles Lee, blasted away at…
“Red Listed”: Dolphins considered an “at risk” species
Tom Brakefield, Thinkstock Courtesy of: EarthTalk®E — The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: How are wild dolphins faring on the high seas? Recent reports of dolphin deaths in the Gulf of Mexico may well be due to last year’s BP oil spill, but I imagine there are many threats to dolphins from pollution, human overfishing and…
Are our governments capable of doing anything to create jobs in this still struggling economy?
Today Rich Lowry of National Review Online writes on a subject that I've previously touched upon that deserves far greater scrutiny, especially with domestic political news coverage seemingly focusing exclusively on Medicare, as if that's the biggest problem this country faces. It's not. Medicare, and the other entitlement programs, do need to be addressed so…
Activists to protest at Marco Rubio’s Tampa district office for his vote to support Paul Ryan budget
Democrats have been giddy over the past 48 hours after the special election victory in the New York-26 Congressional election Tuesday night, believing that the seeds of success in 2012 lay in demonizing their opponents over the Paul Ryan plan to dismantle Medicare. But as Bill Clinton was quoted as saying on Wednesday, that would…
Great eats in St. Pete
The CL guide to the best restaurants in St. Petersburg
The Gaily News: Is it a boy or a girl?, using clownfish and geckos for a lesson in gender diversity
A Canadian couple are staying mum about the gender of their 4-month-old, Storm, hiding it even from family and close friends. The new parents decided to raise Storm as genderless, saying parents make too many choices for their children. They call the decision "a tribute to freedom and choice."
Betting on red
Santa Cristina’s Tuscan wines are a sure bet to please any crowd.
Budding bards: Enter the Tampa Bay Estuary Program’s Invasive Species Poetry Contest
If you're a budding bard with a passion for environmental and wildlife issues , then the Tampa Bay Estuary Program's new contest may be right up your alley. The TBEP contest site states, "Florida is being overrun by invaders. From voracious Burmese pythons, Bufo toads and lionfish to creeping air potatoes and Brazilian pepper, non-native…
Melvins new live CD, Sugar Daddy Live, a snapshot of sludge
The Melvins' new live record, Sugar Daddy Live, marks their 41st release (give or take a few) and the fourth effort from the "Big Melvins" lineup. For more on the "Big Melvins" era, see my previous post. Sugar Daddy Live captures the band during a performance at the "Busta-Guts Club" in Downey, CA, which I'm…
Scott vetoes $615 million out of state budget while GOP officials kick out people with “Democratic-leaning signs” at budget signing ceremony
Under a sign that read "Promises Made, Promises Kept," Governor Rick Scott signed the 2011-2012 State Budget at the Villages, but not before he made $615 million worth of vetoes. Among the cuts include $4,799,710 for public radio and television, $12 million for the National Veteran's Homeless Support Group, and $400,000 for a contract related…
Photo review: Manchester Orchestra and Cage the Elephant at The Ritz Ybor
Some shots from Tuesday night's show at The Ritz co-headlined by Atlanta alt rock outfit Manchester Orchestra and Kentucky melodic rock five-piece Cage the Elephant. Tracy May Cage the Elephant Tracy May Cage the Elephant Tracy May Cage the Elephant More photos after the jump
Back Talk: How safe is it to be out?
"Do you think you would be in a situation where you would want to rent to own?" asked the man on the other end of the telephone. He had a whiskey-tinged voice that made me think he was somewhere in his sixties. "The rent-to-own situation is something you would have to talk to my roommate…
Summer melters
Don’t ruin your burger with the wrong cheese.
The Modern Virgin: Parking lot pickups and bootylicious sexting
When considering where I might meet the man who will eventually take my virginity, the tradition pickup spots come to mind: bars, clubs and coffee shops. However, in keeping with my untraditional love life I got a very nice surprise when I was recently picked up in a parking lot by a sexy black man.…
Green Community Calendar weekend events
Last weekend for some of your favorite farmers’ markets!
Streetcar Charlie’s ignominious ending
Streetcar Charlie's, the gay owned and operated bar and grille located at Eighth Avenue and 15th Street in Ybor City, has gone out of business as of this past Monday. Opening in early 2008, the establishment became part of the emerging GaYBOR business district, and was immensely popular for its first few years in operation.…
Times columnist Howard Troxler bids farewell with rousing speech
St. Petersburg Times metro columnist extraordinaire Howard Troxler took on Florida politicians Wednesday in a farewell speech at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Troxler, who will end his 20-year run at the Times in June, was sent off with a standing ovation and thunderous applause by the non-partisan Suncoast Tiger Bay Club. The ballroom luncheon's…
Brandes unbowed as new poll shows GOP led Legislature in low standing
photo by Rebecca Wainright Jeff Brandes (center) Republicans in the Florida Legislature applauded themselves at the end of the session earlier this month, proud that they made fundamental changes to the state government as they made spending cuts to alleviate a $3.8 billion budget deficit, all done without raising taxes or fees on the citizenry.…
Morgan Spurlock makes “The Iron Man of documentaries”
From Morgan Spurlock, the inquisitive director of the 2004 documentary Super Size Me, comes a film about, and made possible by, product placement.POM Wonderful Presents: The Greatest Movie Ever Sold exposes and illuminates the extensive advertising and branding industry, even as Spurlock makes use of said industry in the making of the film. Product placement,…
A weekend to remember: Memorial Day events
Where to go for fun and tributes this Memorial Day Weekend
Say goodnight, Mickey
The sad demise of a hallowed Disney tradition: Grad Nite.
Lost veterans
Thousands of U.S. vets wind up on the streets. Tampa is part of a program that’s trying to help.
Oh, the humanity
A pleasurable show at the MFA centers on the human figure in a variety of guises.
High-speed rail in Tampa!
The new Cheetah Hunt debuts at Busch Gardens.
Face to Face
Laugh Now, Laugh LaterScott Harrell
Back in the game
My husband seems eager to resume our swinging lifestyle.
The Hangover Part 2 battles a Kung Fu Panda
Plus: Morgan Spurlock’s latest and more of what’s playing at the multiplex.
Lightning win 5-4, force game seven
Resiliency. The rallying cry of the Tampa Bay Lightning once again came to the forefront in a game six that was both wildly unpredictable and wildly exciting. The Lightning hung on to win, 5-4, forcing a game seven Friday night in Boston. The Lightning’s biggest stars were their best players on this night; Marty St.…
Mojo Books & Music stages its grand re-opening this weekend
Few independent businesses in the Tampa Bay area can sell Pink Floyd records and the assorted works of F. Scott Fitzgerald in the same store and stay out of the red. Mojo Books & Music is an exception. Mojo is not only doing well, but has expanded, moving a few doors down to a bigger…
97x Backyard BBQ with Sick Puppies, Hymn for Her, and more
A full rundown of this week’s best concerts.
Free Prince Billy!
Catch one of America’s most evocative songwriters in an unbeatably intimate environment.
Hasner standing strongly in support of Ryan plan
In the wake of the upset victory in the New York District 26 Congressional election Tuesday night by Democrat Kathy Hochul, there is no question that the very young Paul Ryan led plan to dismantle Medicare is the political issue of the spring of 2011. Democrats have rejoiced over the election, while some Republicans are…
Must-click links: Oprah Edition
AP/Huffington Post Today is the final episode of the Oprah Winfrey show after 25 years on television. CBSnews.com has complied a list of her most memorable TV moments. The Oprah Effect on user search behavior. Oprah's legacy, for better or worse. And, of course: Oprah Jokes.
The Gleek in Me
Glee. Did you see the Season Two finale last night? Since you’re reading this I’ll assume you did, or will in the near future. What did you think? Are you the loyally obsessed fangirl type or one of the many whose fervor for the show has waned? The category you fall in will probably determine…
Private funding for health council decreased in recent years
David McKalip, Suncoast Health Council board member Pinellas County spent $265,000 to help fund the efforts of the Suncoast Health Council, it was revealed during Tuesday's Pinellas County Commission meeting. The money was used to fund staff support, according to David McKalip, a St. Petersburg-based neurosurgeon appointed to the Suncoast Health Council board in 2009…
Hillsborough Commissioners to investigate Renee Lee-Kevin White lunch
Former Hillsborough County Commissioner Kevin White can't seem to stay out of the news Reacting to media reports that have surfaced over the past 48 hours, the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners on Wednesday agreed to begin a fact finding investigation regarding County Attorney Renee Lee's recent lunch with former County Commissioner Kevin White at…
RIP Macho Man and Oprah’s show — are the Lightning next?
Plus more of the week’s biggest news.
Top Chef Masters preview: They blinded me with (food) science
On the next episode of Top Chef Masters: For the Quickfire the chefs must cook a dish only using the microwave. Most of them go on and on about how they never use a microwave — blah, blah, blah, who cares. We know very well that they don't use them, at least not in their…
One night in Bangkok
The wolfpack is back for The Hangover Part II.
Live and Local Spotlight: Not Tonight Josephine
Not Tonight Josephine earned a CL Best of the Bay award in 2009 for "Most Buzz-worthy Rock Band," and the quintet has proven deserving of the accolades over the past few years with opening spots for the likes of Sick Puppies and Drowning Pool, and a much-coveted spot on 97X's Next Big Thing stage. In…
Tracy Morgan’s June 4 appearance at Straz canceled
Tracy Morgan will no longer be appearing at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts on Sat., June 4, as scheduled. Morgan's publicist said in an e-mail earlier that the date had been "moved," but Straz's news release did not mention a future date and simply announced the engagement as canceled due to a scheduling…
At 18, I thought there was a cure for gay
I didn’t realize I was gay until I was 19. I was never in the closet. I just didn't get it. I dated women and fantasized about men. In my mind, I compartmentalized relationships in a different box than sex. It never occurred to me as a teenager that dating the people you have sex…
