Grandpa’s potato kugel casserole: summer zucchini fun
Grandpa Schleifer cooked like a real man. Auto mechanic, Polish immigrant, World War II veteran, speaker of seven languages, John Wayne fan… he was a hard-boiled New Yorker, who brought a gentle touch to all of his tough-guy activities. And man, could he cook. As a young boy, I always got excited when this strong-armed, tire-changing,…
NKOTB cancels Florida dates. Bummer.
Here's the release with a few minor modifications. NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK CANCELS DATES AT CRUZAN & FORD AMPHITHEATRES Due to unforeseen production delays (lack of desire of anyone in FLA wanting them to see them — what, did we suddenly develop good taste down here?), the summer New Kids On The Block tour…
Review: The bar at Restaurant BT
The fact that Restaurant BT has one of the most innovative and provocative cocktail lists in town may actually be hurting the place. Walk in and order the Cucumber Aloe, or the Dirty Dirty, and you'll need something to nosh on. Not just because of the hefty alcoholic toll they'll take on your senses, but…
The Pack A.D. answers 9 Questions
a gas station, but they are not a blues band. How do I know? Because I hear them rocking out my iPod right now. I think I am supposed to call them garage rock. I wish I had a garage and some money because they are coming to Tropical Heatwave and I would pay whatever…
Peanut butter chocolate chip cookie recipe
If you have one sure thing in your baked goods recipe arsenal, it should be this cookie. It really will never let you down, take too much of your time, or leave you less than pleased if you follow a few sound baking basics. The best part, other than eating them fresh from the oven with a…
Rockin’, Soulin’ Tuesday, May 12
New Releases on VINYL: Apostle of Hustle – Eats Darkness Bonnie Prince Billy & Cheyenne Mize 10” – Among The Gold Cheyenne Mize and Bonnie 'Prince' Billy update six classic parlor songs from 1873-1915 by the likes of Hart Pease Banks, J.L. Molloy and Stephen C. Foster, who wrote Kentucky's anthem, 'My Old Kentucky Home'.…
Heatwave Preview: stage by stage (with video)
WMNF Tropical Heatwave, Saturday, May 16, 5 p.m. $30 adv./$30 door. Cuban Club Bandshell on the Patio This is the hallowed stage where so much Heatwave history has been made — including the mammoth Sun Ra orchestra's landmark set in the late '80s. I think of singer/songwriter Chuck Prophet (10:05), a WMNF and Heatwave (this…
Green office tip of the week: reduce paper at the source
Let's continue to "green your office" with another great tip to "reduce". In my last post, I talked about the importance of starting at the source. This week, we're going to focus on reducing paper before it enters your office in the first place. Less paper in means less paper out – and less time figuring out what…
Star Wars vs. Star Trek revisited: Death Star blows up Enterprise (video)
Nicely-made fan video mashes Star Trek and Star Wars. Imperial propaganda? Lucas fans feeling a bit threatened for the first time in a while? Dorks on parade? You make the call. Watch the video below the jump:
Bacon flavored vodka is on its way
It sounds like bottled baked potato with bacon topping. It kinda skeezes me out, yet intrigues. But, given the growing fascination with all things pork and cured, we should have expected it: A potato-based vodka with a "savory bacon flavor" has been invented in Seattle. Created by Black Rock Spirits after two years of testing, Bakon Vodka celebrates…
Video game review: Velvet Assassin – take back the night from Nazis or take back the game?
You should never grocery shop when you're hungry or review a game when you've just rage quit after dying at the same spot twenty times in a row. Well, I just ate a sandwich, but I'm not going shopping. I also just boiled away most of my affection for Velvet Assassin in a frustration infused…
St. Pete’s the best but Tampa’s got the buzz. Why?
Upon meeting most people i can't help but exclaim how much i love St.Pete, and i try to convince them that their lives will be better if they move here… I have traveled and lived around, but i believe that St.Pete has been the place where i have found my peace and place the most.…
Mayor Baker explains why St. Pete has no curbside recycling
St. Petersburg, charming and picturesque as the city is, has suffered one consistant complaint from its residents: the lack of a city curbside recycling program. I've even made this complaint from myself, finding it odd that North Pinellas would have curbside recycling, while a more progressive and environmentally aware area of the same county would…
Free Shit: Haagen-Dazs Bee-built Flavor Day (5/12 4-8pm)
In an effort to draw attention to the plight of the honey bee, Haagen-Dazs is having a Bee-built Flavor Day on Tuesday May 12th. From 4pm – 8pm (at participating locations) you can get a free single scoop of any of the Haagen-Dazs Bee-built flavors. The only locations in the area are International Plaza and…
Do It Today: Alkaline Trio, Radio Ball, and green Florida
Chicago punk rockers The band is supported by Saves the Day. 7 p.m., Jannus Landing, St. Petersburg, $21. Stageworks presents a staged reading of Radio Ball, the most recent winner of the company's coveted Longjohns Florida Playwright Award, an initiative that seeks out and recognizes emerging Florida playwrights. The story follows a college baseball pitcher…
Modern-day Hollywood actresses (including Scarlett Johansson, Christina Aguilera and Hayden Panettiere) pose as famous pin-up girls
In celebration of J. J. Abrams' bold decision to bring back the boots and mini skirts in the new Star Trek film, here's a collection of retro pin-up-girl photos featuring current Hollywood actresses. Enjoy: Scarlett Johansson: Alexis Bledel: More pics below the jump:
Do you care where your American Idol’s tongue has been? Adam Lambert and the not so gay agenda (Video)
Sex and American Idol may not be synonymous, but this year things are a little different. Enigmatic performer Adam Lambert is very close to taking the crown. But sadly it seems many people aren't as focused on his talent as they are on whether he’ll wear it as king…or queen. (Video and intrigue after the…
Is Greek yogurt worth the price?
So if you have shopped at any grocery store in the past year (and I'm sure you have), you must have noticed the complete take-over of the dairy aisle by Greek yogurt. The brands are different; there's Chobani, Fage, Oikos and Voskos, but the idea is the same. Basically, all Greek yogurt is strained plain…
The Rays baffling season (thus far)
One of the keys to the Rays’ surprise success last year was how frequently they won close games. That trend not only contributed to a winning season, but made it an exciting season as well. This year, the St. Pete ball club is trending the opposite. The Rays have lost six games by one run,…
Concert Review: NIN/Jane’s Addiction at Ford Amphitheatre
Photos by Phil Bardi. Let's put this in perspective: when Jane's Addiction and Nine Inch Nails toured together for the first Lollapalooza in 1991, current high-school seniors were just being born, crying for their momma's milk. Now NIN and Jane's have returned to milk the cash cow one more time. Though never officially declared a…
The coolest wine job ever: Available at Murphy Goode Winery
It's quite possibly the most inventive, most outrageous PR stunt ever in California's painfully conservative wine history. And you may have heard of it or maybe a blogger friend already applied for it. Murphy Goode Winery is looking to fill an actual full-time, six-month position through word-of-mouth and the blogosphere. The deal: $10,000/month, a free house,…
Holistic treatment of stress
So now that the "novel H1N1 swine flu" has been proven to be a dud, what shall we be afraid of now. Actually, fear is a downer, a harmful, immune suppressant emotion that is "the only thing we have to fear". When fear strikes, the adrenal glands go into overdrive, pouring out stress hormones: cortisol,…
Justin Timberlake, Andy Samberg (“Dick in a Box”) reunite for “Motherlover” on SNL (VIDEO)
"It would be my honor to be your new step-father." Sure, Saturday Night Live has been in the doldrums longer than most of us can remember, but Justin Timberlake's guest-host appearances have served up some comedic gems over the past six years. As a sequel to the insanely viral "Dick in a Box" music video…
Spring concert picnic: apple-fennel salad recipe plus wine pairings
There is something so perfect about a warm spring evening spent under the stars listening to good music and eating good food. It gets even better when you have the happy accident of discovering an unexpected and unconventional food and wine pairing. The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation kicked off its 8-week Concerts in the Park series…
Do It Today: Children’s books, Amy Grant, Heroes Golf
Children's Book Week (May 11-17), a national celebration since 1919 now administered by the Children's Book Council, kicks off in Tampa Bay with a number of bookish events, including: Spaghetti Dinner at the Library Inspire a love of learning and celebrate Children's Book Week with Mayor Rick Baker at the 11th annual event. Mayor Baker…
Hard times ahead: a discussion on the post-oil world
It would be interesting to see the readership poll results concerning where we think this country will be 15 to 20 years from now. Perhaps it should include some reference to where we stand with regard to the rest of the world. As you know, just a few of the factors that would influence our…
Late night music, May 11-16: The Decemberists, Eminem and more.
A weekly bulletin on musical guests playing late night TV; set your TIVOs or DVRs if you've got an early bedtime. The Late Show with David Letterman, CBS Monday, May 11: The Killers Tuesday, May 12: Wednesday, May 13: Wynton Marsalis Thursday, May 14: Rick Ross with Magazeen (Do I not get "Yacht Club" or…
Concert review: Unwigged & Unplugged @ Mahaffey Theater
I wasn't really sure what to expect going into Friday's concert at Mahaffey Theater featuring an un-costumed, un-amplified-to-11 Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer. Maybe I was thinking too hard about it? After all, when you go see a band, they play their songs. When you go see a comedian, he does his material.…
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit with Red Cortez
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit played the Crowbar with Red Cortez on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 – another fine show hosted by Thx Mgmt. One thing is certain… Americana fans are definitely a committed group. From the moment the music started, the outside patio emptied with people practically sprinting inside. The audience actually watched Red Cortez which…
Coming out soundtrack
A dear friend of mine is in the midst of the arduous, exhilerating, terrifying and liberating process of coming out. She recently wrote to me about the central role certain music has played in helping her to interpret and cope with her whirlwind emotions. I've combined her suggestions with a few of my own favorites to create a soundtrack that is…
Sex Bites: this week’s sex and love news in review
Exhibition,” opened this week in Berlin. "The Cycle of Life" uses the same materials of skinned and preserved human remains, but this time the bodies are placed in sexual positions. Von Hagens says his exhibition shows “the biology of reproduction and the nature of sexuality,” while his critics say he showcases "tastelessness." Roman Polanski, still…
Tampa mom asks cosmetics victims, “WTF?” (audio interview)
Tara Lee (above left) is a Tampa mom who dared to ask the question, "If my children's toys were recalled because of lead contamination in paint, why has lead not yet been banned from lipstick?" The question led Lee to co-found Best in Beauty, a company that informs consumers about the hazardous, and sometimes toxic,…
Music and arousal: a tantalizing combination (video)
Everyone has their jam, right? That song that comes on and you just have to hit the dance floor. With some of my friends, I wonder if they actually mean “song that makes my panties wet.” One minute mi niñas and I are in a closed off circle, dancing amongst ourselves. That song comes on,…
Women and masturbation: one man’s ignorance! (Poll)
I don't know why, but I always assumed that women masturbated as frequently as men. Call me ignorant, but I even recall thinking that it would be easier for a girl to double click her mouse at almost any time of the day without anyone really noticing….I mean, the clitoris seems to be sensitive enough…
Ford retools S.U.V. factory for smaller, greener cars
At a time when many American companies are cutting back, Ford Motor Company is investing 550 million dollars retooling one of it’s Michigan based truck factories to manufacture smaller, fuel efficient cars and an electric version of the Focus sedan. The question is whether consumers will make the investment return if financial and political tides…
Mmmmm….. Simpsons stamps
If you are among the few remaining humans who still use postage stamps, then this is a no-brainer (d'oh!). I mean, why wouldn't you want stamps commemorating America's First Family? No, not the Obamas, whose turn will undoubtedly come, but Homer, Marge, Maggie, Bart and Lisa. The U.S. Postal Service officially released the new stamp…
Star Trek reviews: They like it, they really like it
"Likely to be the movie of the summer." "A hard act to follow." "A satisfying summer blockbuster." And that's just the Tampa Bay critics (the Tribune's Kevin Walker, the Times' Steve Persall, and CL's own Joe Bardi, respectively). Star Trek's status as this summer's movie to beat has been confirmed with surprising unanimity across the…
Indie 101: Aubrey Debauchery.
When I introduced myself to Aubrey Debauchery she was just… Aubrey Debauchery and she won my heart with the lyrics “Cause two months is too long for anyone to keep strong so I'm gonna jump your bones the second I get home, and love you through and through.” Since October, little miss Aubrey has become…
Unearthed: A full Stevie Wonder concert from 1974
I’ve struck gold. Well actually my friend and colleague Wayne Garcia struck gold and passed it along to me. It’s a full concert by Stevie Wonder — easily downloadable online — from Jan. 31, 1974 at the Rainbow Theatre in London, recorded after Inner Visions came out, but before Fulfillingness’ First Finale. Allegedly, the show…
Iced coffee granita recipe: A summer pick-me-up
Looking for a quick pick-me-up on a flatteningly hot Florida day? Why not combine the best of both worlds: cold and caffeinated? Sure, you could go to your neighborhood coffee shop and enjoy a nice, iced beverage. I do that all the time. The drinks are good, the barista's friendly (or entertainingly sullen), the view…
New Wilco Album Cover Revealed (Photo)
Attention Wilco fans! The cover art for Wilco's forthcoming new album, Wilco (The Album), was unveiled today. Wilco (The Album) is out June 30 on Nonesuch Records. See the album art below:
Epidemic brings about the next American Revolution
Perhaps you, like me have wondered what a revolution might look like in today's America. Would it be a blood bath, like something out of the movie Or perhaps a Guy Fawkes masked hero would present the path, like the film V for Vendetta? Well, first we must talk about the epidemic. The impetus for…
Do it for your Muddah
Looking for some way to celebrate your mom, with your mom, but don't want to deal with the traditional flowers-dinner-kiss on the cheek? Here are a trio of events taking place this weekend that are sure to be a treat for your dear old muddah. Pinkie-lifting, tea-sipping local ladies can enjoy the MOSI Butterfly Garden…
Batboy the Musical: Video interviews with the cast and director
The Carrollwood Players do a killer job performing Batboy the Musical, a campy musical comedy/horror show in the vein of Rocky Horror. See Baldwin's Daily Loaf review here. Read on for my interviews with the cast and director. Wayne Gresham plays Ms. Taylor, the mother of the young girl “attacked” in the cave.
Mother’s Day: Cheap, free and fun
Some people think it’s a bad idea to hunt for Mother’s Day bargains. After all, if there’s anyone who should get an expensive outing, it’s mom, right? Wrong. Didn’t you learn anything from your mom– the one who told you to be smart with your money? Doing something with your mother—within the constraints of a…
Do It This Weekend: Multicultural celebration, free Florida Orchestra, Van Gogh, and more
The Florida Institute for Community Studies is well-known for the excellent services it provides to Latino and immigrant populations, its lively center in Town N' Country a hive of creativity and youthful energy. Case in point: today's FICS Multicultural Food and Art Show. Adult artists Joanne Osborn, Vivian Fisk, Guillermo Portieles, Aldo Gamez and Tamara…
Eco-friendlier computer monitors for a greener office
The EIZO Nano Corporation recently announced two new models of their FlexScan series of LCD monitors. The new monitors are part of Eizo's EcoView products, touting ergonomic, environmental, and economic improvements and features. Additionally, these are some of the world's first products to receive TCO Displays 5.0 certification and the first Eizo products given EPEAT…
RE: Do girls have dirty minds?
Yes, -ons or try to fuck men the instant we meet them. This stems from the fact that when we're young, we're expected to control our desires much more so than men. I think of dirty things all the time no matter where I am. I'll see a good looking guy and almost instantly wonder…
Indie music stores band together, share ideas, encourage travel
Vinyl Fever is part of a coalition of about 30 other stores like ours around the country. It has improved the kind of attention we get from record labels (like getting all the free samplers and 7"ers we get on such a regular basis, and having more access to bands for in-stores). The best part…
CLs Lost Podcast, Season 5, Ep 15 “Follow the Leader”
On this week's edition of the Lost podcast, we discuss Jack's crazy plan to to nuke the island, John Locke's Jacob-quest, and why PoHo hates episodes devoted to nothing but plot advancement. Click below to download the podcast or listen right now by hitting the play button on the media player below. Namaste! Download.
Adele, “Chasing Pavements” acoustic raw (video)
I can't help liking Adele, the darkhorse Grammy-winning soul songstress with a loverly husky and powerful voice. A friend sent this video to me a little while back and it made it to the bottom of my Inbox before I'd even registered I received it. Here, she performs a Virgin Radio in-studio of her now…
Must-sees in music May 8-9: Unwigged & Unplugged, MC Chris, DeadNet Jam, NIN/Jane’s and more.
CL's choice picks for this weekend in music. Friday, May 08 file:///Users/dwarner/Desktop/Untitled%20clipping.textClippingWhat was it that Deiter said on Sprockets? Oh yeah … “Your story has grown tiresome.” I can see this gimmicky show — Unwigged & Unplugged: An evening with Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry Shearer, which features the three now-silver-haired comedians who made…
Chill out on Mother’s Day with this tomato soup
Let’s face it, folks—- mothers do not get their due respect. Most of us could never do enough for our mothers to pay off our debts to them. The first mature goal I’ve ever had was to stop causing my mother grief. The second was to make her proud. These days, I try to feed…
Artsqueeze Weekend Roundup, May 7-10
A 2007 work by Sabrina Small (Out Of The Trenches And Into The Fire, watercolor and ink on paper 8” x 11.5”), one of the artists featured in Zero Modern Arts Directory. See Saturday for more information. Thursday 6-8 p.m. – Closing party for Contemporary Chinese Photography with a performance by Paul Wilborn and the…
Burning Fight fest: Unbroken reunite, Split Lip and others play, and more (with pics!)
Nostalgia is a powerful emotion that drives you to do things like spend hours looking up people you haven't spoken to for 20 years on Facebook, or periodically dust off your yearbook to page through notations ranging from sentimental to inane. For those of us growing up in the hardcore straightedge music scene, nostalgia makes…
This week @ the movies: Star Trek
[Ed. note: Each week I'll be breaking down the big summer blockbuster movie releases. If you're curious about what's coming out in future weeks, be sure to check out the Summer Movie Preview.] FRIDAY, MAY 8TH Box Office Gold: Star Trek Worth Seeing? Check out my full review of Star Trek here. (But in a…
Just a boy: my first run-in with a transsexual
(Names and some descriptions changed to protect the innocent… or not-so-innocent) My mother raised me to live a very vanilla lifestyle. We went to church each Sunday, had dinner at six o'clock, and I wasn't supposed to have sex until I was married. I was happy with that lifestyle because I was sheltered and had…
Join in on the IKEA craze: an eco-friendly contest with the famous IKEA blue bag
Between free chicken at KFC and IKEA's new grand opening near Ybor City, a lot of people are getting fried (no pun intended!) by all the line waiting and excitement overload in Tampa this week. Well, IKEA is having a fun, eco-friendly contest that you can create in the comfort of your own home but…
Guilty Pleasures: McDonald’s Apple Pie
I tend to seek out food made from good quality ingredients that haven’t been manipulated too much. I love to cook, and take pride in making things from scratch. I try to eat local, and like to know where my food comes from. That means that fast food and junk food are not everyday choices. …
Do It Today: Shining City, Sunken Gardens
Shining City. Stageworks Theatre brings Conor McPherson's Tony-nominated drama Shining City to Tampa. This modern “ghost story” is an intimate portrayal of the fight against inner demons that follows a guilt-ridden husband who is haunted by the ghost of his wife, and a former priest who has lost his calling. May 7-24, 8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat.,…
What produce to buy organic: the “dirty dozen” and the “clean 15”
Confused on which fruits and vegetables should you be buying organic? Yes, it can be expensive, but studies by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) studies show that there are some produce items that you should always be buying organic because of the amount of pesticides used on the non-organic kind and the porousness of their skins in…
H1N1? Swine flu? Is the media’s new menace keeping you from squealing in the bedroom? (Poll)
The media is having a field day hypnotizing Americans with fear over the impending Porkacolypse, but is this newest incarnation of doomsday actually keeping us from getting laid? I realize everyone is tired of the Swine Flu. All my friends roll their eyes at its mere mention. I get it. But trends around my college…
May 9: Something Planet Birthday Extravagganza @ Gasoline Alley
What: The First Ever Something Planet Birthday Extravagganza When: Saturday, May 9 @ 7pm Where: Gasoline Alley, 14042 66th St., Largo FL 33771 Who: Rise of Saturn, Badda Skat w/ Tribal Style and Geri X Why: The podcasting comedy troupe is turning one-year old and celebrating with a concert, Rock Band 2 tournament, beer chugging…
Beer Store Roundup: Craft beer at Total Wine on Dale Mabry
Here's the scoop on craft beer available at Total Wine on Dale Mabry. This location has the Dogfish Head seasonal and rarity motherload — Palo Santo Marron, Raison D'Extra, Red & White, Fort, Chicory Stout, Aprihop, World Wide Stout, and multiple cases of 120 Minute IPA priced at only $8.99 a bottle. For an intensely…
Macaroni and cheese rice cooker recipe (video tutorial)
Your Creative Loafing food contributors, GNATV and Katie Machol, joined forces to bring you this entertaining video tutorial on how to prepare "Fiesta Mac n' Cheese" in a rice cooker. This easy recipe can be prepared in a jiffy just using a rice cooker. A little late for Cinco de Mayo, but a fun and tasty…
Why Orlando Has Florida’s Best Local Scene: MayDay Festival
MayDay Festival was conceived a few years ago by Ted Morgan and Ben Wavel in Houston, TX, with the hopes of creating an exposure outlet for their favorite local bands. On May 23, they will bring the rock to Orlando. Through the festival, they have helped many bands get bigger following and gotten the local…
Bands: Win a Spot at the Mohawk Bomb Records Showcase in Tampa on June 13
From today until the end of May, bands can submit their EPKs through Sonicbids for a slot to play the Mohawk Bomb Records showcase during the 2nd Annual Homemade Music Symposium in Tampa, FL on June 13. The showcase will take place at The Crowbar starting at 8pm and will feature Rise of Saturn and…
Why housewives know more about sex than you do
The obvious advantage of not having to go to work is the ability to watch TV for many, many more hours than your breadwinning counterpart. But, there are other advantages. Ever slept with a housewife and wondered why she's better in bed than your working wife? It's because housewives know how sex works—because they are…
Food, wine and beer events
Thursday, May 7: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits This weekly tasting features wines and cigars. $10 (includes glass and $5 coupon). 6943 W Hillsborough Ave, Tampa (813-884-3792) Thursday, May 7: Carrollwood Cultural Center Wine guide Charles Visalli will cover the ins and outs of wine in this six week series of classes. This week —…
Game Review – X-Men Origins: Wolverine is better than the crappy movie of the same name
Here's a sentence you don't see very often: “The video game is better than the movie.” Most of the time movie-based games are rush jobs, made to cash in on whatever success the movie might have at the box office. They have a low shelf-life and even lower expectations among gamers. Most of the time,…
Images from the Treasure Island Drum Circle
I headed there almost as an afterthought. The sun was sinking in the sky, and I had the night off from work. It was such beautiful evening that the last thing I wanted to do was to go home and work on the computer. So, I grabbed my camera and headed Treasure Island's drum circle.It…
Green 100 Party in pictures
On Earth Day 2009, Creative Loafing debuted its Green 100 list, choosing 95 people and organizations leading the way toward a greener Tampa Bay, and asking readers to nominate the final five. On May 5 — 50 nominations and 6,180 votes later — we celebrated the winners and nominees with a party at Creative Loafing's…
Acing Cakes: Tips to using fondant to create a masterpiece
Fondant, or rolled icing, is largely responsible for the "can-do" in the wild world of cake decorating. No longer limited to a whipped, or fluffy buttercream frosting, cake decorators now use a rolled icing similar to regular flour dough, which can be kneaded, colored, formed, and pressed onto a cake which has had a light…
Planting green while staying mean: plant some trees with the Roller Derby Darlins
The Tampa Bay Derby Darlins new green team is already on the move. To offset carbon gas emissions from their out of town traveling, the girls are going to plant trees to produce more oxygenation to reduce the effects of global warming. What better way to kick off the summertime then to plant a few…
The new Star Trek Re-boots and prospers
Director J.J. Abrams scores with Star Trek.
Ripped from the tabloids: Betty’s Summer Vacation at Hat Trick Theatre
After a weak Act 1, Betty’s Summer Vacation has plenty to say.
The high priest of percussion: Drummer Jonathan Priest
A drummer returns to Tampa Bay for a whirwind of gigs.
Spring concert picnic: apple-fennel salad recipe plus wine pairings
There is something so perfect about a warm spring evening spent under the stars listening to good music and eating good food. It gets even better when you have the happy accident of discovering an unexpected and unconventional food and wine pairing. The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation kicked off its 8-week Concerts in the Park series…
This party is beat: The GOP’s tea party was full of dispirited whiners.
The cargo came! And who could blameIf Indians seized the tea,And, chest by chest, let down the sameInto the laughing sea?For what avail the plough or sailOr land or life, if freedom fail?—from "Boston" (1873) Ralph Waldo Emerson's stirring poem about the colonists, who in 1773 threw chests of English tea into Boston Harbor, sharpens…
Review: Neil Young, Fork in the Road
Neil YoungFork in the Road (Reprise) Neil Young seems to toss off discs these days like a bad blogger: quick and topical, without much depth or time to think deeper thoughts. That’s a shame, because Young still sounds great, still has a fire in the belly to make hard-grungey music and now has the wisdom…
Straight Dope: How dangerous are Tasers?
How lethal are Tasers? I know there's talk about police being Taser-happy and torturing people with these devices, but has anyone been Tasered to death? —Dugie C., Calgary News a little slow getting up to Calgary, Dugie? Lots of people have died after being Tasered — which is not to say they were necessarily Tasered…
Beer Store Roundup: Craft beer at Total Wine on Dale Mabry
Continuing Bethany Sherwin’s roundup of local beer store selection, we present Total Wine on Dale Mabry: This location has the Dogfish Head seasonal and rarity motherload — Palo Santo Marron, Raison D’Extra, Red & White, Fort, Chicory Stout, Aprihop, World Wide Stout, and multiple cases of 120 Minute IPA priced at only $8.99 a bottle.…
The 2009 Creative Loafing Summer movie preview
Sure bests and dark horses in the summer movie race
Iced coffee granita recipe: A summer pick-me-up
Looking for a quick pick-me-up on a flatteningly hot Florida day? Why not combine the best of both worlds: cold and caffeinated? Sure, you could go to your neighborhood coffee shop and enjoy a nice, iced beverage. I do that all the time. The drinks are good, the barista’s friendly (or entertainingly sullen), the view…
West Tampa’s Ocean Prime restaurant is fine dining
The restaurant carves an island of luxurious calm out of commercial Tampa.
Savage Love: Is it wrong to use the word “retarded?”
Don't be 'leotarded,' Dan Please stop using the word "retarded" as an insult, Dan. I know it can be hard to break a verbal habit, but please make an effort. Try to remember that you have lots of listeners and readers who have loved ones with mental disabilities, and we don't want to hear you…
Tampa Theatre tour May 6
Tampa Theatre, located at 711 Franklin Street in downtown Tampa, is the kind of place you visit while focusing on something else— a movie or a concert or whatever. But this historic landmark could be a destination in its own right. The architecture alone makes it special, and it would be interesting just to check…
Do It Today: Mayors face off, The Biggest Loser visits, IKEA opens
Go Red for Women Luncheon This American Heart Association-sponsored event features three women who receive a Go Red makeover and the first female winner of NBC's The Biggest Loser, Ali Vincent (above), as the keynote speaker. 11 a.m. Wed., May 6, A La Carte Event Pavilion, Tampa, $125, 813-831-5190. Tale of Two Cities: Tampa and…
Antonio’s top 10: great places to screw that might get you arrested
To appease my fans (yes, all 7 of you), I've decided that every Wednesday I'll do a Top 10 list. To make it even more interesting, I'll take comments from the previous week and incorporate it into the following week's countdown. Pretty freakin' sweet, right? So, here goes….
Movie review: J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek
A long time ago in a galaxy, wait — wrong space opera. Star Trek is that other massively successful sci-fi saga that spawned 10 feature films, four TV series and all the related toys/games/fetish-wear that goes with it. Trek inspired the adoration of millions of our more interesting citizens and enjoyed a string of big-time…
Corkscrew: Seeing double in Montepulciano
I have adorable twin nieces. As they've gotten older, I can tell them apart by personality (and each helpfully favors either purple or pink), but when they were tiny tots, it wasn't as easy. One birthmark differentiated them and served as my twin detector for many years. If only Italian wines were as easy. They…
