Do It This Weekend: Dog Sees God, Classical Mystery Tour, holiday bazaars galore, A Truman Capote Christmas and more
This weekend, The Frenzie Theatre Company offers Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead, an angsty adolescent show that asks what might happen to the Peanuts gang if they ever reached teenagerhood. When CB's dog dies of rabies, it causes him to question the existence of an afterlife — but with a burnout for…
Do It Today: Thanksgiving or ThanksVegan Feast
Most of us are spending the day with family and friends (or, at any rate, spending the day trying to avoid them and spiking our cokes with rum), watching football (or catching up with what's new on the Daily Loaf), and of course, digging into a big ol' Thanksgiving feast, complete with all the fixins:…
Art Review: Rembrandt sold, half-off, with his arms akimbo
I watched an original Rembrandt painting sell for $3,000 on Sunday afternoon. Four years ago, it sold at auction for $23 million. I’ll let that sink in for a minute. You might wonder where I saw this, and the many other similar proceedings I had the privilege of witnessing yesterday. I happened to attend an…
Do It Today: last chance to see Repeat Offender in Ybor, The Color Purple in Clearwater and more
Tes One (nee Leon Bedore) returns to Tampa for Repeat Offender, his first solo show in five years — which is now entering its final week on display. The artist, whose prints are a mainstay in galleries around the Bay area (and designer of CL's own Obama-inspired cover), creates a collection that contrasts "nature with…
On the Radar: Spend Less, Give More Holiday Bazaar
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. This weekend, start your holiday shopping with a good conscience by grabbing some earth-friendly and fair trade swag from the second annual Spend Less, Give More Holiday Bazaar at the Franciscan Center. This unique marketplace offers jewelry, housewares, apparel,…
NBC refuses to run PETA’s Thanksgiving Day ad about factory farmed turkey (video)
This controversial ad by PETA (below) addresses some of the appalling living conditions and slaughtering methods of turkeys. Apparently, this ad was set to run on NBC during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade this year. NBC pulled the plug on this one and wanted statistics to back up these claims about conditions in factory farms.…
CD review: NOFX, Cokie The Clown EP
What do you do after 20 years of confounding mainstream-music expectations — during which, despite your best intentions, you've become bigger than many of the bands that personified the process and culture you so effectively eschewed? If you're NOFX bassist and singer (not to mention Fat Wreck Chords founder) "Fat" Mike Burkett, you begin to…
This holiday weekend’s best bets in Bay area music: Emilie Autumn, Gil Mantera’s Party Dream, Paul Van Dyk, The Wall re-creation, Skinny Puppy, R. Kelly and more
A quick breakdown of this weekend’s most worthy concerts beginning with Wednesday, ’cause when it's a holiday weekend, we start our partying nice and early. For a more comprehensive schedule of concerts, check out our Upcoming Events page. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Jill Andrews w/Matt Butcher/Will Quinlan Kick off your Thanksgiving weekend right with rootsy music…
Dreaming of a red leather purse
“Dream Momma, I am starting to dream about you! In my dream I was going to a place, near a lake, to receive three awards. You were there. I asked you if you were waiting for me and you replied you were. I went to pick up the three awards but the only one that…
City of Tampa to Jim Norman – Thanks but no thanks on that water deal
The Tampa Tribune is reporting that Tampa officials want no part of a proposal offered up recently by Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman to consolidate the County and City's water departments. The call by Norman at the Board's November 4th meeting caught Tampa officials completely unaware, and since according to the Trib they were expected…
In defense of fake breasts and the men who like them: MJ Morning Show’s Breast Christmas Ever (videos)
The holiday season means many things to many people: creating a small grease fire while deep frying a turkey, wearing a Santa suit at a bar in attempt to coax women onto your lap, threatening in-laws with an electric carving knife, and for 13 MJ Morning Show listeners, the holidays also mean free breast implants.…
Mammogram controversy and using safer alternatives for breast exams
So what’s this about mammograms? The iconic breast screening exam has been called into question by a stellar panel from Harvard, Stanford and other such institutions who were tasked by the federal government to determine the efficacy and safety of the test. So for decades now, the ladies have been lining up to have "the…
Lacquered lips take us back to black
Which woman hasn’t already fallen to the justifiable exigency of seizing the perfect LBD? But who among us has heeded the gothic call to snag the LBL? Lacquered black lips are the latest addition to a modern anti-beauty revolution. It’s all about daring to be different, and finding interest in a world of contouring and…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Wednesday, November 25: Vino 100 Thanksgiving Tasting. If you're anything like me, you've put off holiday preparations until the last minute. There's still cleaning to be done and meals to plan, but at least you'll know which wine will grace your holiday table after attending this tasting that pairs perfect seasonal wines with a selection…
Obama to announce Afghanistan troop increase, Charlie Crist and Lou Dobbs. Mitch Perry Report: 11.24.09
The waiting is the hardest part, Tom Petty sang exactly 30 years ago. And that's what critics of President Obama's strategy on Afghanistan have been complaining about. Well, no more. The President goes before the country next week to talk about his plans; You knew it was coming: Charlie Crist slowly begins to take the…
Is Lou Dobbs thinking of running for President? “Yes is the answer”
In the wake of radio and cable conservative commentator Glenn Beck's announcement of a "100 year plan for America" comes another bloviator who is taking his ratings perhaps a bit too much for granted as a mandate. Yesterday, former CNN personality Lou Dobbs, newly free after reportedly negotiating an $8 million settlement with the cable…
Cornbread, Sausage and Apple Stuffing recipe
Everybody loves stuffing on Thanksgiving. Even though, most people rarely eat it on the other 364 days of the year, they’ve got to have it on Turkey Day. To many, the stuffing is even more important than the bird. It certainly is more versatile. If you do a Google search for stuffing recipes, you will…
Obama to address the nation on Afghanistan next Tuesday
After months of deliberation, President Obama is prepared to address the nation on his new strategy in Afghanistan. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said this morning, "“After completing a rigorous final meeting, President Obama has the information he wants and needs to make his decision and he will announce that decision within days.” The…
Smart girl Nicole Fox wins America’s Next Top Model
So, yeah, the finale for The CW's 13th cycle of America's Next Top Model — they can't really call 'em seasons, because they come out every 30 seconds or so — aired last Wednesday night, and shy, quirky Nicole (read: she wears glasses and doesn't pronounce it "supposably") beat out southern belle and fellow finalist…
Cook up energy savings this Thanksgiving
Thoughts of Thanksgiving often conjure up sights, smells and tastes reminiscent of a holiday meal like no other. While you’re working up a sweat in the kitchen this November, take a few simple steps to make sure the only thing that’s sizzling is your roasting turkey. Consider these valuable, energy-saving tips from Progress Energy: Shut…
Charlie Crist begins to fight back
After getting pounded by Marco Rubio and his supporters throughout the Florida GOP for the past few months, Governor Charlie Crist is beginning the counter-attack. Speaking to the St. Pete Times editorial board yesterday, the guv defended the questions about his conservative bona fides, saying, "It's hard to be more concervative than I am on…
Do It Today: Garrison Keillor, ‘Til Death Do Us Part, or Lease A Wall
As a kid, my parents made me listen to every installment of Garrison Keillor's A Prairie Home Companion on NPR (much to my chagrin). But despite by early disdain, the salt of the earth American poet, music lover, and captivating storyteller won me over in the end (along with a few millions other folks, too).…
On the Radar: The Beatles Classical Mystery Tour
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. Last season, The Florida Orchestra performed the music of Pink Floyd with a full band and psychedelic lights. This weekend, conveniently close to the release of the re-masters and a resurgence of interest in the Fab Four, TFO pays…
Random Chumpservations featuring Ron Artest, Bill Belichick, Mark Mangino and Premature Bracketology
Premature Ebrackulation I’m as big a college basketball fan as the next guy. When March rolls around, I’m glued to the television set, incorrect brackets strewn across my living room. I yearn for the analysis of Clark Kellogg and the soothing sounds of Verne Lundquist and Bill Raftery. But is it really necessary for ESPN…
A safe and eco-friendly alternative to plastic tableware: TerraWare™
A few weeks ago, I posted a few articles on the effects of BPA found in plastics and canned foods on humans and early child development. I recently came upon this safe and earth friendly, plastic alternative tableware to using plastic plates and utensils. TerraWare™ is a line of plastic alternative tableware that is made…
Game Review: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – war made fun
Modern Warfare 2 launched with the biggest one-day revenues in media history – nearly 5 million copies sold in just 24 hours sending well over $300 million flowing through the cash registers of Game Stops and Best Buys across the land. This game's already a hit. I know I was there on release day, waiting…
Thanks for the music: A Top 10 playlist of songs for the Thanksgiving holiday (Sly & the Family Stone, Phish, Yeasayer, Ween, Bette Midler and more, with video)
With the Thanksgiving holiday looming ahead in all its turkeylicious, cranberry sauce-drenched glory, I’ve decided to go obvious and give thanks for great music with a playlist of 10 of my favorite songs expressing gratitude, whether it’s for friendship, love, a great party or the gift of a fiber optic Jesus. 1. “Thank You for…
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup recipe, for Thanksgiving and beyond
In my family, Thanksgiving dinner always begins with the primi piatti, or first course. It’s the Italian way. Don’t even try to slap a turkey, stuffing and some sides on the table without first serving some type of soup, pasta or risotto dish! But, let’s face it. Who could possibly ingest, much less savor, turkey…
Dreaming with a cool head under water
“Dream Momma, i sent you a dream with a car in it about my son and I trying to climb a mountain. i read your reply and it made sense to me. I had another dream 2 nights ago…………me and my sons father are in a car……..a car again……this time the person driving crashes into a…
Concert review: Just Surrender at UCF’s ATO Fraternity House in Orlando
Never in a million years would I picture myself on the front lawn of the famous ATO Fraternity house on the beautiful campus of University of Central Florida. However, their annual Rock the Reef concert featured my all time favorite band, Just Surrender, so I put my differences aside and gave the frat bro's a…
How to Survive the Holiday Meal
Every year families gather together to celebrate the season, renew connections, and berate each other’s life choices. For decades the traditional feast was a fairly simple and predictable custom. Then someone went and invented tofurkey. Now older folks all over the country are confused by gluten-free grandchildren, nephews’ embarrassing body piercings and daughters who no…
The Vegan Thanksgiving, part 3: Dessert – Vegan Thumbprint Cookies
(Check out Vegan Thanksgiving part 1 and part 2.) Follow this link in a separate window and come right back: Best. Cookies. Ever. We need to talk about vegan almond-raspberry thumbprint cookies. This is an amazing recipe. I found it two Thanksgivings ago, the first time I had to cook for myself as a vegan.…
Al Gore speaks out about climate change action on SNL: “I’m going to start acting crazy”
As part of 'Green Week' on NBC, Al Gore was a special guest on Weekend Update on Saturday Night Live this past weekend. He spoke out about the issue of global warming and that nothing is being done by our government to start making changes to solve the global climate problems. He also spoke about…
Glenn Beck’s 100-Year Plan
There is no denying that Glenn Beck is a divisive figure. Conservatives love his personality and common sense approach to the issues. Liberals work themselves into a fury just thinking about him. With five national bestsellers in bookstores, one of the country's most popular radio shows, and a hit television program on Fox News, Beck…
Concert review: Deadmau5 and Burns at the Ritz Ybor (with pics)
Text and photos by Mike Wilson As I began my journey to the entrance of the Ritz Theatre for Deadmau5 and Burnz, I honestly had no idea what to expect. I’ve been to Bonnaroo the past two years and I witnessed the dance tents that turn techno and house by midnight. When Tiesto was in…
Changing downtown St. Petersburg: Williams Park bus exodus?
Have you ever wondered what Williams Park would look like if it were actually green space? You’re in for some exciting news. According to a report by the Transportation and Parking Department, presented on November 10th at a public meeting at the Sunshine Center, the City of St. Petersburg has hired the private firm PB…
Art Review: photographers Pendygraft and Zambon at The Studio@620
Acclaimed St. Petersburg Times photographer John Pendygraft and local events photographer James Zambon hosted a joint gallery opening last Tuesday at The Studio@620 in downtown St. Petersburg. Pendygraft’s work filled the front gallery, and Zambon’s the David and Astrid Ellis gallery in back; the work is on display at the Studio through Dec. 5. Pendygraft’s…
What wine to serve with Thanksgiving dinner? Here are a lot of options tailored to your sides.
This time of year one of the most common questions in wine shops across the United States is what wine goes with turkey? Answers range from full-bodied whites, to light Pinot Noirs, to the just released Beaujolais Nouveau. But instead of trying to come up with a universal answer, the response should be another question:…
Wasserman Schultz accuses the GOP of playing politics with breast cancer, unemployment continues to rise, and more Glenn Beck: Mitch Perry Report 11.23.09
As the battle for health care reform continues, discussions on where we are with the legislation after Saturday night's vote to continue debate in the Senate was fodder on all of the talk shows yesterday. On ABC, South Florida Democrat Debbie Wasserman Schultz got into a dispute with Tennessee's Marsha Blackwell on the politics of…
Love in the time of texting 2: Does your partner initiate text?
My guy friend is having serious girl trouble. His lady friend doesn’t want to have…text. “It makes me feel needy,” he moans, “and I’m not a needy person. It’s just that she doesn’t initiate texting.” Laugh all you want, but this is a real problem. He complains of feeling inadequate, undesirable, unimportant, marginalized. “I feel…
Glenn Beck now wants to be a community organizer
As we reported over the weekend, conservative media maven Glenn Beck came to Tampa on Saturday, the 2nd of 3 stops across the Sunshine State on behalf of his promoting his new tome, Arguing With Idiots. It was in the Villages that he made his much hyped announcement – that he would, in his own…
Earth friendly handbags and accessories that make unique holiday gifts
During the holiday season people look for all kinds of ways to find unique, memorable, and innovative gifts. Because the modern world seems to be flooded in a sea of consumable products it isn’t often easy to find things that are unusual, earth-friendly, and affordable. At GoGreenItems.com, however, a shopper can get their hands on…
On the Radar: Stories Across the Miles
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. This weekend brings the opportunity to create a gift that can keep on giving in the digital age: The Youth Services Department of Palm Harbor Library is inviting Grandmas and Grandpas from throughout the Bay area to record themselves…
Health care bill passes first test in Senate. Now what?
A plethora of Congressmen and women bombarded the television airwaves on Sunday to dissect the $848 billion health care reform legislation that (barely) passed the Senate Saturday night. The challenges facing Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid are formidable. They were leading up to this past weekend's vote, which was simply to allow debate to continue…
Drop In and Decorate for the Holidays: Baking cookies for charity
Each year around this time we're inundated with requests for help or financial support from almost every nonprofit organization under the sun. While most, if not all, are very worthy causes, it can still be a bit daunting. This year, perhaps more than ever, the needs of our community are great while our resources are…
Adam Lambert’s racy AMA performance (video)
The Twitterverse is atwitter with American Idol runner up Adam Lambert's eye popping American Music Awards performance Sunday.Teasers throughout the show kept promoting how fantastic the Out Magazine cover model's performance would be. It even held the closing spot, after Taylor Swift was awarded Artist of the Year. Although exotic, racy, and controversial, our favorite…
As Florida’s unemployment rate goes over 11% , and critics continue to circle, national economists say stimulus package is working
There was more negative news on the job front on Friday: It was announced that Florida's unemployment rate was at 11.2% in October, the highest level in 34 years. According to the Labor Department, 29 states recorded unemployment rising last month, with Michigan over 15%, and California at 12.5%. Despite all the conversation about health…
Do It Today: A Truman Capote Christmas in St. Pete or Bedazzled at DFAC
Nothing says holiday cheer like spending time with the author of In Cold Blood (about the brutal murder of an entire family) and Breakfast At Tiffany’s (about a high-class hooker). But sometimes, Christmas traditions are re-imagined — like in A Truman Capote Christmas, which opens tonight at American Stage. This autobiographical story details the author’s…
Concert review: Jackson Browne at Ruth Eckerd Hall (with pics + setlist)
When I was much younger, I wasn't much of a Jackson Browne fan. As a pre-teen growing up in Providence, Rhode Island it was common to hear Browne's many hit singles on the radio. I enjoyed some of them but was never drawn to buy any of them on my weekly jaunts with the family…
Is pretty better for love and life?
Swingers are very superficial people. This statement will probably have some swingers coming out swinging, but in all honesty you are shopping for a sex partner based on looks. Attractiveness is very important to swingers. If you're average looking you might label yourself as 'NOT Ken and Barbie' in your online profile, but this doesn't mean…
Concert review: Tech N9ne and Slaughterhouse at State Theatre (with pics)
Tech N9ne’s K.O.D. tour rolled through State Theatre this past Monday night, turning St. Petersburg’s reputation as a sleepy little city on its ear both figuratively and literally. The undercard lineup included Tech’s Strange Music label mates Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun, and Big Scoob as well as Glasses Malone. BC performed joints from his new…
Music news links: Green Day, J. Lo, Eminem, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Bonnaroo and more (with video)
Stay updated this weekend on your music news. Happy Friday! Green Day has hit the studio to re-record 21 Guns with the cast of the American Idiot musical, and also plan to shoot a new video to accompany it. This could be the next big hit on Glee. Jennifer Lopez has released her new single,…
More than 1000 people come out in Tampa to greet Glenn Beck
A crowd estimated to be at least a thousand strong came out to Borders bookstore on South Dale Mabry in Tampa this morning to meet and greet (quickly) conservative icon Glenn Beck. The radio and cable television personality sandwiched Tampa in between two other Florida stops on Saturday. He began the day in Lee County,…
Does the road to rationing start with women?
For those of you that think we are not on a road to rationing with a government run health care program then please explain this recent study on breast cancer screenings (done by a government task force) uh-huh. What, no Boob Czar yet? The government group recommends waiting longer to start getting mammograms and more…
3 Guys & Glee Podcast – Ep. 10, “Ballads”
Welcome back to another edition of 3 Guys and Glee. This week’s episode is entitled “Ballads,” not to be confused with mallards, and was appropriately named due to the number of songs sung in the episode. So, let’s get into the songs, the drama, the ultrasounds and, of course, the Glee. Download the podcast here.
3 ways Muslims can improve their image
By Catherine Durkin Robinson PoHo contributor Catherine Durkin Robinson is a handful creating quite a scene over at Out in Left Field. A local show, True Talk on WMNF 88.5, is hosted by Ahmed Bedier (one of my Facebook friends. Represent!) and Samar Jarrah. I’ve been a huge fan of WMNF since its Radical Noise…
Theater Review: Bad Dates covers old ground with charm
Jessica Rothert is a charming and exceedingly talented actress, and Bad Dates is a charming and exceedingly insignificant play. As it escorts us through the dating jungle, Theresa Rebeck’s one-woman show has nothing new or important to say about love, sex, men, women, shoes, blouses or any of the other subjects that come up over…
Project Runway recap: the big finale, with no lack of tears, furs and shocking plot twists…kinda
It's a big week for me, with the premiere of New Moon and the season finale of Project Runway, so despite my sudden fever and inability to breathe through my nose, I am excited and ready for some recapping! To catch you all up, we are in New York and it's just a couple days…
What NCAA and NFL games to watch this weekend (Nov 21-22)
This weekend is college football’s calm before the storm, so if you need to get some yard work done, this is the weekend to do it. Unless of course, you’re a Michigan or Ohio State fan. The three kings, Florida, Alabama and Texas, all have two regular season games, then a conference championship to determine…
Pimps, get your lazy asses out of my club
Over the past 15 years, I've seen some crazy shit. These days, nothing really surprises me, with the exception of PIMPS. How do these guys operate? What the hell do they say to get girls willingly to hand over their hard-earned money every night?! I asked a few girls who had been in the lifestyle…
David Caton on Tampa City Council transgender vote : I thought Scott would vote against it, Caetano told me he didn’t want to be only no vote
Yesterday's 5-1 vote by the Tampa City Council to add transgender people to its human rights ordinance included plenty of drama – mostly in the form of the public comments made by those in support and against the resolution. But that was nothing compared to what was going on behind closed doors, apparently. David Caton,…
Greening Thanksgiving
So it’s a week out and you haven’t shopped, planned a menu or sent invitations. Good. There’s hope for you, unlike those annoying 'plan ahead' types. Here’s your task list for a green, somewhat sustainable Thanksgiving Day. 1. Send email invitations – granted it’s too late for real paper ones sent snail mail, so your fail…
How game developers drive iPhone’s app store growth
You only need $100 and a Mac to develop apps for the iPhone. If it’s Twitter, games, email, GPS navigation or Facebook, “theres an app for that” on the iTunes App Store. The iPhone’s success is largely owed to the developers, ranging from big name studios to a few guys in a garage, ala Steve…
How a band named Harry Dash changed my life
If Radiohead and the Beatles had a lovechild that grew up to kick your ass and take your girlfriend, it would be Harry Dash. Everyone can remember one moment that he/she felt alive, where that one spark fueled a true passion. My personal catalyst was an oddly named band called Harry Dash. Harry Dash is…
Big vote in Senate, Tampa City Council ignores the hate, and Florida’s DCA Secretary rips on state lawmakers: Mitch Perry Report 10.20.09
Tomorrow night at 8 p.m. comes round two in the great Saturday night votes on health care reform. Unlike Nancy Pelosi's effort, even if Harry Reid wins tomorrow, it still ain't over. Florida's Department of Community Affairs Secretary is sounding mighty upset about the controversial growth management bill S.B. 360 that passed the legislature and…
Sportschump.net presents Dunk you, very much! starring Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Ty Lawson (video)
Sport has its array of thrilling moments.
Florida Legislature’s refusal to take $444 million in stimulus money for unemployment benefits looking worse
Reports surfaced yesterday that Florida's trust fund for unemployment benefits is depleted, and employers will have to now pay much higher taxes to refill it. As the Times reports: The minimum annual rate — charged to an employer with a solid history of retaining employees — will jump almost twelvefold, from $8.40 per employee to…
A case study in east Hillsborough – can a community’s self-determination trump a developer’s connections?
By George Niemann PoHo contributor, R-LAND, UCAN & Amendment 4 activist Views expressed are my own & might not be shared by the organizations of which I am a member A rezoning request from a developer in Valrico that is moving quickly through the process begs the question above. If you want to understand why…
The Vegan Thanksgiving, Part 2: But what about dessert?
desserts are perhaps the most daunting undertaking of any new- or non-vegan, inspiring such questions as… What should I use to replace eggs/milk/butter? Can I bake for the same amount of time? How do I make cookies that don’t taste like cardboard? How do I know if my sugar is vegan? I hear that some…
Florida DCA Secretary Pelham comes out swinging against SB 360
During this year's legislative session there were many concerns expressed before and after the passage of Senate Bill 360, the growth management bill sponsored in the state senate by Bradenton's Mike Bennett. The bill exempts many areas from a requirement that says builders must pay for road improvements if traffic generated by their projects exceeds…
Senate Democrats vote to bring health care bill to floor for debate
Whether it's chancing luck or not, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid tomorrow night will attempt to replicate what his equal in the House, Nancy Pelosi was able to do two Saturday nights ago : That is, get the minimum number of members of Congress to shut off the first Republican efforts to block action on…
Concert Review: AC/DC at Amway Arena in Orlando
If AC/DC has fired its last cannon in Florida, the fans at Amway Arena in Orlando enjoyed a raucous final salute on November 19.
Kama Sutra: the ostrich’s tail
The woman begins on her back with her legs comfortably in front of her. The man kneels at her feet, raises her legs in the air, and pulls her all the way up until only her head and shoulders remain on the bed or floor. The woman may want to hook her feet around his…
The Twilight Saga: New Moon – The Amandas report from the preview screening
Going to see The Twilight Saga: New Moon tonight? If you aren't already jumping out of your chair kind of excited, you should be, because we thought it was pretty much amazing…we being me, Nice Amanda and my BFF Mean Amanda. I mean, sure, we might be in our 20s and maybe this isn't the…
After two hours of ignorance and prejudice, Tampa City Council appproves transgendered people to human rights ordinance
On Thursday the Tampa City Council voted to expand anti-discrimination laws to include transgender individuals. The 5-1 vote came after two hours and more than 60 speakers spoke expressed their thoughts and feelings on the issue in what at times seemed to be a festival of hate and ignorance. Before the meeting, the only drama…
The Rock Report, Ybor City: Lucero at Czar and Have Gun, Will Travel at New World Brewery
This weekend proved to me once again that I am getting too old to party like a rock star two nights in a row. [All photos by Nicole Kibert.] The self-abuse began this past Friday night, when I set out to, and I quote myself here, "get Lucero drunk." [Frontman Ben Nichols pictured at left.]…
CD review: Devendra Banhart, What Will We Be (with video)
Formerly bearded weirdo Devendra Banhart releases another album of strange folk with What Will We Be (Reprise). Problem is, his major-label debut sounds overproduced and commercialized, with none of the organic charm of previous albums like Rejoicing in the Hands. It’s an unfocused grab bag of tracks ranging from Banhart as R&B crooner on “Baby”…
Please….. not 12 years of Senator Mike Bennett!
Senator Mike Bennett-R of Bradenton, the politician that brought us SB360 [the bill that reversed what little growth management Florida did have] wants to increase term limits for state and local politicians to 12years. Aghhhhh……Nooooooooooo! I don't think we can't afford more time with State Senator Mike Bennett (or local officials like County Commissioner Ken…
Brendan Schaub defeats Jon Madsen, advances to TUF 10 semifinals
The mixed martial arts (MMA) heavyweight fighter, Brendan Schaub, is now one step closer to winning a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) as he advances to the semifinals after defeating his team mate, Jon Madsen, last night on episode ten of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season ten. Madsen put his wrestling skills on…
The Twilight Saga: New Moon: one Twifan’s stream-of-consciousness review
I'd like to begin by saying that when it comes to Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Saga, all faculties go down the drain. I like to consider myself a reasonably intelligent, slightly nerdy and only rarely socially inept twenty-something, which, to my mind, means that my obsessive — nay, rabid — devotion to a mediocre teen romance…
Give the gift of energy savings with the Eco Button
Are you a technology obsessed person? Are you someone who has a lot of interest in reducing energy consumption and shrinking your carbon footprint? Perhaps you surround yourself with like-minded people and are hoping to find some cool, earth-friendly, and technology savvy gifts for your friends for the coming the holidays? Well, there are a…
Senate Health Care bill, Florida Dems blast GOP on not going after stimulus funds for unemployment benefits, and a new online mag on Tampa Bay is up: Mitch Perry Report 11.19.09
Some Florida Democrats are blasting state Republicans over their failure to pass legislation this year that would given the state $444 million in stimulus funds for unemployment insurance. The issue's relevant again after the tax that businesses will pay for the trust fund is sky-rocketing; We have a health care bill in the Senate! It's…
Senate health care plan to cost $848 billion
Late last night the Congressional Budget Office released their scorecard on the Senate health care bill. As the NY Times reports: The official cost analysis released by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office shortly after 11 p.m. showed that Mr. Reid’s bill came in under the $900 billion goal suggested by Mr. Obama. But 24 million…
Movie Review: The Blind Side, starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw and Quinton Aaron
I’m a sports snob. I strongly believe there’s only a handful of truly great sports movies. It’s just too difficult for filmmakers to recreate the drama that takes place on the field. So when the Creative Loafers asked me to review The Blind Side, a sports movie I would never see starring an actress I…
Phish Saves America: Looking back at Phish 8 in Indio, looking forward to Phish New Year’s in Miami
It's been a little while since I've written one of these, I know. I blame the relentless daily grind and its effect on my creative juices, which used to flow in a healthy torrent and now trickle in erratic drips and bursts. Phish has helped me through it, and I've hopscotched my way from one…
CD Review: Tom Waits, Glitter and Doom Live
Tom Waits concerts are real events: phantasmic orgies of twisted, postmodern vaudeville and rag-and-bone blues. Unfortunately, his last world tour does not translate all that well to a strictly audio format. Sans visuals — the weird, low-tech theatrics, Waits' demented carnival-barker stage persona — the music on Glitter and Doom Live comes off as strident…
Game Review: Dragon Age: Origins – a week’s vacation of epic adventure
I'm exhausted. It's the good kind of exhausted though, like finally lying down in your bed after weeks of traveling on vacation. Dragon Age: Origins, the new high-fantasy role-playing game from Bioware really is an epic journey to a far off land, and like anyone whose traveled abroad knows, there are plenty of rough spots…
The CL Holiday Movie Preview, featuring The Twilight Saga: New Moon, Avatar, Up In The Air and more
Hard to believe, but the holiday season is in full swing at the multiplex. The last few weeks have already seen the release of some big blockbusters (2012, A Christmas Carol) and at least one surefire Oscar contender (Precious, which had a smash limited release last weekend and was just announced for a Fri., Nov.…
Global carbon emissions up 29% since 2000 and still rising
Yesterday, the Nature Geoscience Journal released a report saying that global carbon emission levels are still rising – 29% since 2000 – and they continue to rise 2-3% each year. These findings that come from the researchers at the Global Carbon Project who report that the cause of the steadily rising carbon levels is due to…
Sacre bleu! Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrive!
Seconds after the stroke of midnight on the third Thursday of each November, men wearing berets begin driving trucks filled with heavy crates through darkened streets of France. Their mission: To deliver more than a million cases of their cargo to all parts of the globe. Welcome to one of the most anticipated – and…
Concert review: Say Anything at State Theatre (with pics)
A sold out show full of high school kids was not what I expected to see Friday night at the State Theater for Say Anything. It’s what I got, so I went with it. With barely any room to walk around, I decided to just walk around to the back of the theater and work…
New Tampa Bay publication goes online
On Tuesday, a new Tampa Bay online magazine was unveiled on the Internet: 83 Degrees. The paper is being published by the Detroit based Issue Media and is being locally published and edited by Diane Egner, formerly with WUSF 89.7 and the Tampa Tribune. Among the paid staff include former Trib reporter and editor Dave…
Wednesday-music.com profile: Islands
In 2005, vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Nick Thornburn and drummer Jamie Thompson’s band, Islands, was born upon the demise of The Unicorns, their previous group, very successful project. Since then, the Canadian band has featured a regularly changing lineup of contributing members: Alex and Sebastian Chow, the 1993 and 1994 World Super N.E.S. Fest champions (I’m not really…
Tonight’s Top Chef preview: Protein explosions and Thomas Keller guest judges (videos)
On this week's episode of Top Chef Las Vegas we're down to the Final Five: Hot Bro (Bryan), Angry Bro (Mike), Redbeard (Kevin), Eli "Bonaduce", and Ceveech (Jen). (Even though I finally learned their real names a few weeks ago, I still like to refer to them as the nicknames we made up for them…
TV Review: V, ”A Bright New Day”
Mystery and intrigue were dripping from the alien's mothership in the third episode of ABC TV's V reboot. Well, not literally, but follow me: Last week's episode had an overall them of "you can't trust anyone." This week's installment not only continued that theme, but offered some surprising examples of it in action.
CL Feature: Eilen Jewell, who co-headlines with Sarah Borges at Skipper’s on Friday night (with video)
The inspiration for the title track off Eilen Jewell’s 2009 album, Sea of Tears, came to the alt-country songstress while she was sleeping. [Photo of Jewell and her band at right by Jennifer Lucey-Brzoza.] “I had this dream about these two people in a marketplace, an open air space, and for some reason, they happened…
Dockery not backing down, new wiki for Hillsborough homeless, and a breakdown of New York Times op-ed columnists: Mitch Perry Report 11.18.09
Yesterday Governor Charlie Crist called for a special session to be held soon – with action to be conducted to impress upon Washington about the state's sincerity in wanting high-speed rail. One problem: Lakeland State Senator Paula Dockery. She's been a force for two years now in holding up a plan for rail in Central…
Marriage for love or faith?
I'm still amazed when I hear about someone getting married because of faith and not love. Take Alex for instance. Alex is a friend of a friend who reminded me how some people still hide who they are in order to be accepted by church or family. Alex is gay, yet he lives the life…
CL Holiday Auction Item #5: Buy a band profile and a photo shoot
Are you a local musician who feels like your band hasn’t gotten the break it deserves? Music Editor Leilani Polk has just the solution: a band profile tailored to your specifications along with a photo (like this one of Geri X) taken by professional photographer James Ostrand. Suggested opening bid: $75 Place your bid below:
Paula Dockery not backing down on SunRail CSX deal
The Lakeland Ledger reports this morning that Lakeland GOP State Senator (and now gubernatorial candidate) Paula Dockery is not backing down at all after Governor Charlie Crist and Senate President Jeff Atwater said they want a special session to reconsider the SunRail commuter train deal with CSX. As Dockery told CL two weeks ago, she…
Tampa speech looks at how NY Times columnists shape Jewish opinion
Despite claims (or hopes) by critics on the right and the left, the New York Times continues to remain one of the most (if not the most) powerful media organizations in the U.S. And their op-ed columnists continue to have a major influence on political opinion and on our culture. According to Andrew Silow-Carroll, the…
New online resource for homeless in Hillsborough County to come online
According to the Hillsborough County Homeless Coalition, as there are over 9,000 homeless people in the County Attempts by the Board of County Commissioners to address the problem foundered earlier this fall, after they rejected a proposed tent-city plan that would have housed up to 250 people on East Hillsborough Avenue. A subsequent attempt to…
Chairman Thomas Scott’s brave stand for transgendered people
Tampa City Council votes to expand protections for the transgendered.
Is my boyfriend sleeping with his best friend?
Are these guys more than just best friends?By Dan Savage
Why will women sleep with me if they think I’m cheating but not if I’m a swinger
There’s a reason she wants to cheat with married man.
Comedian Bill Maher shakes up modern American culture
Bill Maher is many things to many people. The L.A.-based comedian and talk show host is a committed vegetarian, an animal rights supporter and an outspoken advocate for the legalization of marijuana. Although he still calls himself a Libertarian, and is as critical of Democrats as he is of Republicans on some issues, he's surpassed…
Thanks for the music
A playlist for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Hog wild: Eating wild pig meat and loving it
Coming face to face with my future meal.
The acceleration of age during Thanksgiving
Time is passing. Stop and taste the celery.
The power of cell phone towers in Florida politics
South Tampa’s “desperate housewives” are worried about cell phone towers — and their concerns may impact an election.
How can racing yachts sail faster than the wind?
How can those America's Cup yachts sail faster than the wind? Here's what the San Francisco Chronicle has to say: "It's physics." Come on, Cecil, I know you can do better. —P. McCartney, Oak Harbor, Washington I should hope. To give the Chronicle some credit, though, "it's physics" was preceded by an accurate if somewhat…
Alex Sink speaks out on gay adoption
Florida is the only state in the country with a blanket ban on gay adoptions. That's been the law of the land in the Sunshine State since 1977, despite legal and legislative attempts to remedy the restrictive policy. This past Sunday in Fort Lauderdale, Chief Financial Officer and Democratic candidate for Governor Alex Sink said…
CinéBistro offers holiday programming for the kids
I spent an enormous amount of time at the Old Hyde Park 7, the defunct movie palace that Cobb Theater recently remodeled into CinéBistro. I saw Pulp Fiction there on opening night, Schindler's List, too. I fondly recall sneaking into a screening of the Bruce Willis soft-core thriller Color of Night before I was of…
The 12 films of Christmas
Hot prospects and smart alternatives for the holiday movie season.
Is ‘roid rage real?
Following the 2007 murder-suicide involving pro wrestler Chris Benoit and his family, many asked if this was a case of 'roid rage. However, nobody seems to question whether 'roid rage actually exists. What's the straight dope? —Bart Zimmer You know, there was a time, back when Cadillacs had fins and people sang along to Burma-Shave…
Dinner and a movie at CinéBistro
But do these two great tastes taste great together?
George Clooney stars in Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, a kids’ movie for adults
Fantastic Mr. Fox certainly looks the part of a kids' movie. It's based on a children's book (by the beloved Roald Dahl, no less), and tells a vivid and entertaining story about a cast of wild critters brought to life through a combination of stop-motion animation and computer wizardry. There's no profanity or heavy on-screen…
The Jewell of Alt Country
Eilen Jewell talks about her evocative roots music, her buskering background, and her latest album, Sea of Tears.
Jessica Rothert shines in the charming but insignificant Bad Dates
Jessica Rothert is a charming and exceedingly talented actress, and Bad Dates is a charming and exceedingly insignificant play. As it escorts us through the dating jungle, Theresa Rebeck's one-woman show has nothing new or important to say about love, sex, men, women, shoes, blouses or any of the other subjects that come up over…
The Tampa Jewish Federation presents a look at four influential New York Times columnists
Despite protestations to the contrary, the New York Times remains the most influential and important source of news in the U.S. Sure, The Jayson Blair and Judith Miller scandals left scars on the paper's reputation that may never completely heal, and drops in advertising revenue and circulation continue to be major concerns for the paper.…
Don’t screw your best friend
Don't fuck your best friend. This rule seems obvious enough, and yet I couldn't help testing it. We've have been friends since high school, but since we had sex, we barely talk anymore. I’m uncomfortable around him, and being around me hurts him. I don’t want to have sex with him and he still wants…
The Green Community week in review: Farmers’ markets guide, oil supplies lower than reported, profit from recycling, and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week: The Temple Terrace Preservation Society's next meeting to feature local author Dr. John Henry Fleming and his book Fearsome Creatures of Florida – Dr. Fleming will do a reading and signing of his latest…
November Chumpservations, Part Two: Tim Lincecum, Las Vegas, the NFL and Hall & Oates
Wanna bet? Las Vegas sports books have been taking a bath lately and I don’t mean comfortably inside a lavish Bellagio hot tub. Weeks ago, Vegas reported its biggest losses in years. The reason? The disparity between the haves and the have-nots in the NFL is so broad that when these teams play each other,…
Top Chef Las Vegas Podcast, Ep. 11: Workin’ The Strip, Ceveech gives her S.O.S., and Nigella Lawson makes us drool
At the beginning of this episode, we were pleasantly surprised to find Padma and Nigella Lawson in bed (not together, but one can dream) wanting a hot breakfast served to their room from the cheftestants. Eli gave us a great background on Nigella, saying, "She's like a less French version of Julia Child; she's kinda…
Tonight’s Top Chef preview: Scrambling to make breakfast in bed and the casino challenge (videos)
As most of you have seen from last week's preview and from the pictures being passed around the 'net, Padma and Nigella Lawson (popular English cookboook author and TV chef) are in bed together for this week's Quickfire Challenge. Okay, maybe not in bed together, but in beds that are right next to each other…
