Backstage with Paper Zoo at Ruth Eckerd Hall
Interview with Paper Zoo after a 11/30/09 show with Roger Daltrey at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, Florida. Paper Zoo is Allister Izen on guitar and vocals, William (Billy) Thomas Wesley III on bass, Martin Lopez on keyboards and Monte Dyaami Najera on drums I caught up with Paper Zoo backstage after their set, eating…
Do It This Weekend: Lingerie football, Wonderland, Jobsite Rocks, GIFF Children’s Film Fest, CharliePalooza and more
Really hot women wearing next to nothing playing full-contact tackle football. The concept sells itself, folks. And the dream is a reality this Friday night when the Lingerie Football League’s Tampa Breeze play their inaugural game against the Chicago Bliss in the first of only two games at the St. Pete Times Forum. Arrive early…
Do It Tonight: Glenn Beck’s The Christmas Sweater in theaters
The oft-celebrated (and as oft maligned) politico presents the latest installment of The Christmas Sweater, his “personal story of love, faith and family,” subtitled “a return to redemption.”
Do It Today: Bill Maher, Pee Wee’s Christmas Special, Dave Koz Christmas, 99 Bottles of Beer, Artlink and more
In the aftermath of last year's presidential election, some cultural critics wondered if political humor might suffer in the Age of Obama. Regular viewers of HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher know that hasn't been an issue with this cable talk show host/comic — but fans of Sarah Palin, George W. Bush, and other GOP…
Give Thanks 4 the Rice and Tomato Stuffing Recipe (perfect for fish, not turkey)
A golden pauper's sunrise. Magnificent with stored caloric energy from a never-dying universe. Infernos of heat, boiling over, in stovepots, on stovetops, without interference or grammatical conventions. So sayeth the spoon-stirrer, as he watcheth a pan that never boils over, prepared warmly, and lovingly, just 4 u. EXTREME SOLAR THANKS 4 THE STUFFING RICE
On the Radar: Jobsite Rocks VI: A Zombie Christmas
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. It doesn't get much more cheerful than hanging with the walking dead who lust for human brains, so raise a glass and toast a season well-done with the Jobsite Theater folks this weekend (whose Night of the Living Dead…
Do It Today: Get Fully Committed at American Stage, see Psychedelic Visions
At a recent show, American Stage Producing Artistic Director Todd Olson admitted that when an enormous chunk was hacked from the theater’s state and county-bolstered budget this summer, the company had to start thinking "creatively." And thus was born the After Hours Series, which draws in audiences with alternative theater options (and lower ticket prices)…
Wrapsacks: Stylish, eco-friendly reusable gift bags
The holiday season is full of giving and cheer. The downside is, it can also be a very wasteful and excessive time of year in terms of all the trash created during it. Did you ever think about all of the trees that are cut down to produce wrapping paper and gift bags – the…
CL Feature: Jay Reatard, who plays Crowbar this Saturday (with video)
A mere three weeks before his 17-date European tour, Jay Reatard (real name Jay Lindsay) found himself without a band. [Photo credit Rob Walbers.] His tersely-worded, spelling-grammar-error hilarious Twitter response read: “Band quit ! Fuck them ! They are boring rich kids who can’t play for ahit anyways .. Say hello to your ugly and…
World AIDS Day observance: A free 3-day filmfest featuring Rent, Jeffrey and more
Today, Dec. 1, is World AIDS Day, an occasion to reflect both on the progress that has been made in the fight against HIV/AIDS and on the work that still needs to be done. Yesterday's St. Pete Times report on Florida AIDS statistics was a sobering reminder of the latter — especially of the disproportionate…
Dreaming of an inner vampire
“Dream Momma, Saw your blogs at Creative Loafing and hope you can help me. For as long as I can remember I've been having dreams about vampires. In my earlier years, they've been horrible, mindless creatures that I desperately ran from — not in fear of death, but in fear of being turned into a…
Pam Bondi running for GOP nomination for Attorney General
Longtime Hillsborough County Assistant State Attorney Pam Bondi officially announced today that she is a candidate for the Republican nomination for Attorney General. Bondi joins Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottcamp and former health administrator Holly Benson in the race. For months, the telegenic Bondi, frequently seen on cable television as a commentator on the legal issues…
Concert review: Paper Zoo at Ruth Eckerd Hall (in support of Roger Daltrey)
While it may seem like winning the lottery to land an opening gig for rock legend Roger Daltrey, the boys in Paper Zoo might tell a different story. Playing to a nearly empty house last night, the L.A.-based band poured out blood, sweat and feedback to win over an audience that seemed somewhat indifferent to…
Upcoming concerts alert: Tori Sparks, RJD2, Gov’t Mule, Paul Anka, John Mayer, Black Eyed Peas, Mike Doughty, Taylor Swift, Arlo Guthrie, Pat Metheny + many more
I've just spent the past few days updating CL’s concert listings and in case you missed 'em (it happens), here’s the latest batch of additions for your concert planning convenience. For a complete breakdown of area shows, visit our Upcoming Concerts page. DECEMBER Friday, Dec. 11 Tigercity w/French Horn Rebellion/Ryan Wendell Bauer (New World Brewery,…
Gossip Girl recap: What I’m thankful for: affairs, scandal and secrets
"Another Thanksgiving has come and gone and what am I most thankful for? The truth. Sometimes, it's the truth you've been trying not to face or the truth that will change your life. Sometimes it's the truth that's a long time coming or the truth you pray would never see the light of day. Some…
Give yourself the gift of holiday energy savings
It’s time to string the lights, deck the halls, tie the bows – and save energy. Put energy savings at the top of your wish list for a generous gift that will keep on giving. It’s easy to ensure there’s more "green" in your home than what you see on your Christmas tree. For example,…
Game Review: Assassin’s Creed 2 – a tour of Italy worth killing for
You don't need to play the first Assassin's Creed. It's a very mediocre game that has some high points and a lot of repetitive drudgery. You absolutely do have to play Assassin's Creed 2, which is one of the best games of the year. So go here or somewhere else on-line to get the basics…
Charlie Weis is fired and Tim Tebow is God: A contrast in circumstance
I don’t know Charlie Weis. I’ve never met the guy and likely never will. All I know of Coach Weis is what I’ve seen on television or heard in interviews, but he seems like a nice enough guy. I’ve never had any allegiance to either him or Notre Dame, the school that just fired him.…
Obama’s Afghan surge, big promotion for WMNF board member, and who’s afraid of Sam Rashid? : Mitch Perry Report 12.01.09
Barack Obama announces his new strategy on Afghanistan tonight, and it seems like nobody is too thrilled with it. Republicans should be, but Dick Cheney simply doesn't like that it took so long; liberals are aghast; Hillsborough Conuty Commissioners will have another vote tomorrow that would ultimately place a referendum before voters next November asking…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Tuesday, December 1: Whole Foods The College Cafe. Bulls Radio DJ Mike Ranon is on hand to rock while you learn to roll sushi. Today’s Sushi 101 class is all about California dreamin’: create the perfect California roll. Register in store lobby or by contacting Sherell White at sherell.white@wholefoods.com. Free. 6:30-8 p.m., 1548 North Dale…
Sugar daddy wanted: part 3 ‘Dr. Florida and the Shitter’
If you've read about Julia in "Sugar daddy wanted" parts 1 and 2, you know Julia, an attractive divorcee, is searching for a job, love, and an easy way out. She recently updated me on all the juicy details of her latest conquests and sorted dates, which I'll now pass along to you. In her…
Obama’s Afghanistan plan doesn’t seem to please anybody
You know you've been waiting for this: After months of deliberations, Barack Obama will go before the world tonight to deliver his speech on his new Afghanistan strategy going forward, and a review of this morning's papers find very little encouraging words for the President. First up has to be the irrepressible Dick Cheney, who…
Gaia theorist James Lovelock advises: Forget recycling and renewables, we’re doomed anyway (videos)
, is best remembered as the NASA scientist who came up with the Gaia hypothesis in the '60s — that Earth is like other self-regulating living systems, just bigger. But Lovelock’s new book, The Vanishing Face of Gaia: The Final Warning, sounds the alarm. Humans have kickstarted a natural process that is now irreversible, he…
WMNF Board member and “Women Show” co-host Arlene Englehardt takes over at Pacifica Radio
Today WMNF radio's Arlene Englehardt officially becomes the new Executive Director of the Pacifica Radio Foundation, the oldest radio network in the country and the distributor of Democracy Now! with Amy Goodman and Free Speech Radio News. Englehardt has been involved with WMNF for 20 years, most recently as a board member. She was president…
Are Hillsborough Commissioners intimidated by Sam Rashid?
In the earlier part of this decade, fairly or unfairly it was thought that much of the Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners was controlled in part by two influential Republicans – Ralph Hughes and Sam Rashid. But Hughes died last year, and his reputation has taken a bit of a hit after it was reported…
So you think you can dance—-pole dance that is?
Today is one of those days. We don't get a single customer in for the first three hours—not even a cheap bastard sitting at the stage clutching singles like a fistful of lottery tickets. The day starts as usual, in my corner spot of the dressing room. A couple girlfriends are putting on makeup, blow-drying…
Do It Today: Love! Valour! Compassion! for World AIDS day, This Wonderful Life and more
In honor of World AIDS Day, the Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project offers this staged reading of Love! Valour! Compassion!, Terrance McNally’s haunting comedy about "eight gay men who hash out their passions, resentments and fears over the course of three summer weekends." Proceeds benefit Metro Charities and Suncoast AIDS Theatre Project, which both provide services…
On the Radar: Lingerie Football League
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. This Friday, see really hot women wearing next to nothing playing full-contact tackle football. The concept sells itself, folks. And the dream is a reality this Friday night when the Lingerie Football League’s Tampa Breeze play their inaugural game…
Insecticides linked to increased risk of lupus and rheumatoid arthritis in women
A recent study on the link between pesticide usage and autoimmune diseases in women showed that, of the 75,000 women studied, those who use insecticides six or more times a year had almost two-and-a-half times the risk of contracting lupus and rheumatoid arthritis – compared to those who didn't use bug spray in their households.…
Photo review: Rusted Root at State Theatre in St. Petersburg
A look back via photos at the Friday, November 27 show featuring Pittsburgh folk world jam rockers Rusted Root at State Theatre. [Complete photo gallery after the jump.]
Dreaming of being adrift at sea
“Dream Momma, I dream I wake up adrift in the ocean. I am drowsy and floating (in a standing position) in softly, undulating water. It is dark and the water is very cold. I have on clothing and what seems to be a down vest, or maybe even a life jacket type thing. By all…
Book review: Michael Crichton, Pirate Latitudes
When cancer took Michael Crichton last November, pop lit lost one of its most original and thought-provoking multi-hyphenates. The "master of the techno thriller" wove complicated technical details (not to mention hot-button social issues and contemporary ethical conundrums) so seamlessly into his deceptively straightforward narratives that many supermarket-rack readers were unaware they were getting schooled…
The Urban Land Institute’s upcoming Tampa Bay Trends Conference
In case the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and its role in the future of Tampa Bay are new to you, find out if these real estate professionals reflect your views. They are among the players plotting the future for Tampa Bay’s seven county’s growth and build out for the next fifty years. They are open…
Theater Review: Wonderful Life affirms life – again
Christopher Swan has been much in evidence at American Stage over the last ten years, and his marvelous performance in This Wonderful Life makes it abundantly clear why. Playing all the main characters in this theatrical adaptation of the Frank Capra Christmas favorite It’s a Wonderful Life, Swan expertly exhibits everything from George Bailey’s down-home…
Expectations of the Copenhagen international climate change conference
The long-awaited United Nations international climate change summit in Copenhagen is set to begin next week (Dec. 7) and will last until the end of the following week (Dec. 18). As we now know, over 70 countries will be represented and our own President will be in attendance (at least for the first part of…
It happened this week-ish: Bye bye Oprah, John Mayer is my new babydaddy, Joanna Krupa topless, Levi Johnston in the shower and the best Adam Lambert interview ever
Did you miss me? I am sure you did (I was absent last week for those of you who don't follow my blogging religiously and failed to notice**), but fear not friends, I am back and better than ever with the best and worst in pop culture from this and last week-ish. *Oprah is saying…
Concert review: Underoath at The Ritz Ybor
This past Wednesday, November 25, I kick-started my Thanksgiving break with a little Underoath at The Ritz in Ybor. [Photo by Mike Wilson.] If you've ever worried about the number of calories you consume on Turkey Day, try going out to a hardcore show the night before your holiday gorge and jumping in the pit.…
Top chef and Diet Coke pairing
Look, I really like chef Colicchio. I think he's talented, has a great personality and I also like his approach to giving back. This week I posted his top 5 tips on Holiday cooking. They all make a lot of sense and you can watch them right here: Now, as much as I like Chef…
Big Obama speech, silly Trib editorial, and free health care for Florida politicos and some state employees: Mitch Perry Report 11.30.09
This is a big week for President Obama. In addition to debate continuing in the U.S. Senate on health care, the President gives his much anticipated address to the nation tomorrow on the Afghanistan situation. There are many great reporters and editors at the Tampa Tribune. Which is why it pains me to be critical,…
Herald Report: Governor, legislature, and top state employees have received health-insurance perks costing taxpayers $45 million a year
The Miami Herald's Beth Reinhard and Marc Caputo have an excellent story published today about the fact that at the same time that many of Florida's lawmakers are vehemently protesting about expanding health care coverage to insure those who have none, they themselves are the recipients of free insurance premiums. As the story indicates, not…
Absurd Tribune editorial on anti car-texting legislation
Earlier this decade when cell phones being used by motorists were found to be responsible for a number of auto crashes, wireless companies pushed back against attempts to ban their usage to only hands free devices. They argued that using a phone was no more or less distracting than changing the stations on one's radio…
Momentous week for Obama
On the public affairs shows yesterday the main topic was Afghanistan, which the President will address tomorrow night in a prime time address from West Point. Although the emphasis in the media has been on how many additional troops the President will call for (with published reports indicating somewhere between 30,000 to 35,000), the question…
On the Radar: 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall at SPoT
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. This Thursday, SPoT’s second annual art show, 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall, also includes a "raging bowl jam" (they mean skating, not other, ahem, recreational bowl activities) and benefits Boards for Bros. Local artists use bottles as…
Do It Today: Spend Less, Give More Holiday Bazaar, Three Alumni
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, foods and coffees from Beads for Life, Women’s Bean Project, MayaWorks, The Enterprising Kitchen, Catholic Relief Services, Partners…
On and off premise swinger clubs in Tampa
I used to think swinger clubs were just huge sex parties: people half dressed in crazy outfits, men and women grinding on each other on the dance floor, faces pressed into crotches in booths, and people having sex in the bathrooms. While some of these things do happen, a swingers club is basically the same as…
Sex Bites: black friday goes down under
While I'm not sure that Black Friday exists in Australia, this couple undoubtedly needed to release the seasonal tension as soon as possible. This past weekend, The Mirror published a picture of a scantily clad couple having sex in a clock tower in the middle of a busy shopping center in Sydney, Australia. The amorous…
Vampires have better sex than you
“Take the best sex you’ve ever had in your life and multiply it by 100, and that’s vampire sex,” says Ashley Greene. The 22 year old star of Twilight and New Moon recently talked to Maxim about martial arts, landing the part of Alice and the virtues of having sex with the undead. Photos from…
Ex-Commissioner Blair campaign violation trial still on hold
By George Niemann PoHo contributor and R-LAND, UCAN, Amendment 4, FSP activist Views expressed are my own & not necessarily those of the organizations to which I belong Remember how the king of pragmatic linguistics, Bill Clinton, asked the question during his deposition, “It depends upon what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is”? We all…
Green Visions series: Transitioning communities
The following is a video of Rob Hopkins, founder of the Transition movement, speaking at TED about transitioning communities. "Rob Hopkins reminds us that the oil our world depends on is steadily running out. He proposes a unique solution to this problem — the Transition response, where we prepare ourselves for life without oil and…
Kama Sutra: the cross
The Cross could be said to be a variation of the Missionary position. The easiest way to achieve this position is through the missionary. The woman is instructed to lay on her back with her legs spread, while the man enters her in typical missionary fashion. Once in, the man then carefully spins his body…
3 Guys & Glee – The Podcast Ep. 11 “Hairography”
Welcome one and all to the next episode of 3 Guys and Glee. This week was an interesting episode, and it definitely reflects that in the podcast. So, tune in and enjoy other cheeky shenanigans. Just click below and be prepared to be entertained — and possible offended. Download the podcast now
Wild hog recipes: Stuffing sausage in the home
(Check out Brian Ries' story of hunting wild pig in the Florida badlands.) After reading through Michael Ruhlman and Brian Polcyn's Charcuterie a couple years back, I've ached to try the complicated task of stuffing meat, fat and seasonings into hog intestines. The book is not only a how-to guide, it's a love poem to…
Dreaming of an emotional vampire
“Hi Dream Momma, I’m a female and live in St. Pete. I’ve been reading your dream stuff. I need to know why I'm dreaming of fighting and defeating vampires all the time. I think it has something to do with my relationship but not sure. After waking up from these dreams I'm really tired. Please…
Hillsborough’s Rail Referendum – It looks like we’ll still be stuck with the same bad growth habits
By George Niemann PoHo contributor and R-LAND, UCAN, Amendment 4 activist Views expressed are my own and not necessarily those of the organizations to which I belong Hillsborough Commissioner Mark Sharpe, the county’s leading proponent of the pending 2010 rail referendum, has written an opinion piece in the Tampa Tribune that really needs a response…
Wild hog recipes: Penne rigate with wild hog country rib ragù
(Check out Brian Ries' story of hunting wild pig in the Florida badlands.) SERVES 4 Wild hog country rib ragù 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 6 wild hog country ribs 1 medium yellow onion, diced 1 medium carrot, diced 1 rib celery, diced 4 cloves garlic, sliced paper-thin 1 tablespoon freshly chopped rosemary 2…
Black Friday edition of the Mitch Perry Report: 11.27.09
Happy day after Thanksgiving to all of you out there. Perhaps you're reading this blog post on the laptop computer that some people have apparently waited days in line for. I always thought it was somewhat garish to go to the stores at 5 a.m. on "Black Friday" in the 80's and 90's when my…
Global warming skeptics thrilled by email leak
China announced yesterday that it had set a target to slow the growth of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, but according to environmentalists, it's nothing to cheer about. From today's NY Times: The Chinese propose, by 2020, to reduce so-called carbon intensity — or the amount of carbon dioxide emitted per unit of economic…
Open your eyes to green fashion
While Kermit the Frog pulled off his own trademark shade of green, people interested in wearing “green” fashion will have the colors of the rainbow to choose from. When we talk about eco-friendly clothing we tend to refer to organic materials and Fair Trade merchandise, but there is so much more to it than that.…
Cheap Eats: Thai Terrace
Being from Tampa, I am not completely privy to what outsiders think of when our city is mentioned. However, based on overheard airplane conversations and comments from distant Facebook friends, I would guess three things: Bern’s Steakhouse, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Mons Venus. So if I were to tell you about a restaurant that…
Skipper’s concert/fundraiser to aid hurricane victims in El Salvador
This Sunday afternoon at Skipper's Smokehouse in Tampa, seven different bands of various musical pedigrees will be performing in a benefit concert for the people of El Salvador impacted by Hurricane Ida. Mud slides and flooding earlier this month from the storm has left about 200 dead and 15,000 displaced in the Central American nation.…
Rest of the country to NFL: Please remove Detroit from Thanksgiving menu
On this Friday after Thanksgiving, I suspect a huge percentage of Americans are enjoying the second of their four day weekend. And bravo to those doing just that. Because the domestic news is rather slow today, I'm going to use the story about the fame seeking duo who crashed the White House state dinner on…
On the Radar: Fully Committed at American Stage
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. At a recent show, American Stage Producing Artistic Director Todd Olson admitted that when an enormous chunk was hacked from the theater’s state and county-bolstered budget this summer, the company had to start thinking "creatively." And thus was born…
Weddings, anniversaries, handheld TVs and national championships: A Thanksgiving tale
I’ve always hated going to weddings on important football weekends. Chalk it up to a conflict of interest. It’s bad enough most weddings already ridicule us single guys by gathering us into a circle of losers and making us pretend to want to catch a garter hurled into the crowd by the bride. While women…
Florida Legislature’s special session to begin next Thursday
Florida House Speaker Larry Cretul has sent this message out to his members this afternoon: This is to provide each of you with the best information I have available about the possibility of a special session in December. Constructive conversations in recent days have encouraged the hope that a special session on passenger rail may…
Obama to attend Copenhagen climate summit with a plan on cutting emissions
So it looks like President Obama will be making an appearance at the UN international climate summit in December in Copenhagen. This news comes just a week after Obama and other world leaders admitted that they didn't believe major progress concerning climate change could be achieved by the end of the year.
Ninebullets.net November Podcast: The Flori-gasm (all-Florida) Edition (with prizes!)
Welcome to the November version of the ninebullets.net podcast. This month, since it's Thanksgiving, I decided to do an all Florida version as an homage to the bands that play week in and week out in my home state. You know, the bands we can see so often we take them for granted. Passing up…
Tampa Health Clinic Serves the Working Poor
Her hair was short, clean cut and stylish for a woman in her early 60‘s. A silvery gray, it complemented her crisp, watery blue eyes. Those same eyes flickered with excitement when she was asked to do an interview and quickly filled with tears when she began to tell her story. “ I always worked…
Democrats unhappy about Afghanistan & Palin’s crowd is much smaller than Beck’s at the Villages: Mitch Perry Report 11.25.09
Happy Thanksgiving to all you loyal readers out there. Today on the menu we have the criticism from the political left (and from one of our closest foreign allies) about President Obama's decision to send a reported 30,000 or so troops to Afghanistan; Over at the Villages retirement center, some Sarah Palin supporters camped out…
The Muppets perform Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” (with video — and you gotta see this!)
One night, several years ago, after enjoying a few pitchers of beer at The Brass Mug during karaoke night, my friends and I thought it'd be a good idea to do our own fabulous take on Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," which also happens to be one of the few times I voluntarily performed karaoke. My then-boyfriend,…
Fighting global warming could reduce disease and save millions of lives (as well as the planet)
According to recent research published in the British medical journal The Lancet Wednesday (November 25), cutting greenhouse pollutants could not only save the planet from drastic climate change but could also greatly affect our health in a positive way. The studies linking climate change and health show that reducing carbon dioxide emissions from our atmosphere…
Wyzard’s Primal Incantation: An album for funk rock enthusiasts
When it comes to music, I’m a creature of habit. My record collection, and by record I mean vinyl, is still organized neatly in a cabinet waiting for the day I can find a stylus for my antique Technics turntable. Until then, I have learned to live with an iPod, which I own only because…
Alternative Thanksgiving: Last minute recipes to enliven your turkey day, thanks to the CL Cookbook!
Still need a side dish for you mondo bird? Never made stuffing before? No worries, CL has your back thanks to our extensive online cookbook (bookmark it, baby). And instead of the same old casseroles and starch bombs, we'd like to acquaint you with a more interesting selection of Thanksgiving options. Start your own traditions!…
Wednesday-music.com profile: Antony and the Johnsons
Throughout his California childhood, while trying to come to terms with his sexual identity, Antony Hegarty, the "Antony" of Antony and the Johnsons, believed he was the ultimate "odd egg" until he first saw Boy George on the cover of Culture Club's 1982 debut. Eight years later, Antony moved to New York, where he was…
Fairytale fantasies: comics superstar sexes up Disney
It wasn't until my sophomore year of high school that I met my first, honest-to-God(dess?), self-declared feminist. Now, by no means had I lived a particularly sheltered life. I grew up with Showtime and HBO. My step-dad did (and does) tattoos for a living, so a man named Pig used to babysit me. (When Greasy Jack…
Movie Review: Wes Anderson’s Fantastic Mr. Fox, starring George Clooney and Meryl Streep
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…
Hog Wild: Coming face-to-face with my future meal while hunting wild pig
Walking into a brand-new gas station/convenience store off of State Road 70 in Manatee County near the entrance to the chic suburban community of Lakewood Ranch, just as most folks are stopping for a fill-up and snack after a workday, I feel self-conscious. I'm decked from head to — almost — toe in mottled brown…
Palin doesn’t bring in a Glenn Beck type crowd at the Villages
Less than a thousand people greeted former Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin at the Villages Retirement community north of Orlando yesterday. The AP quotes USF Poli Sci Professor Dr. Susan McManus as wandering through the crowd in the piece, describing what the Palin faithful are all about: "They're just angry at government and Sarah Palin…
Start some planet friendly holiday traditions
Here are some wonderful ways to green your festivities by starting a few planet friendly holiday traditions this year. Here are five ideas to get you started: 1. Wrap it up. Think outside the wrapping paper aisle! Reuse old paper or make your own keepsake pieces with stamps and other art supplies. Borrow from Japanese…
Anti-war activists disappointed in Obama
Late last week the group Voters For Peace targeted their followers to take the first three days of this working week to call the White House to oppose sending more troops to Afghanistan, because "there is still time for the American people to influence this decision!" Not anymore. Yesterday White House officials told members of…
CL Holiday Auction Item #15: A week of after-school art classes at Pink Cricket
You’re raising a pint-sized Picasso or a miniature Meryl, but school isn’t providing your whiz kid enough creative outlets? Time to visit the Pink Cricket Center for Arts Education, a wonderful new resource in downtown St. Pete. Your winning bid will allow you to enroll your child for a week’s worth of classes ($75 value)…
My Saturday with Glenn Beck
CL has published several pieces over the past couple of days on Glenn Beck's appearance in Tampa. Here's another one, written by activist and former Tampa City Council candidate Kelly Benjamin. My Saturday with Glenn Beck – by Kelly Benjamin I knew attending an event that subjects one to being surrounded by hundreds of half-witted,…
CL Holiday Auction Item #28: Shopping for jewelry? Take your pick.
The smart shoppers at one for you… two for me carry jewelry that’s variously “old, funky, natural, elegant or just fun” — in other words, something for just about everyone. All of their pieces are handmade with natural components, including wood, coconut, resin, stone and glass, and everything in the collection coordinates so you can…
CL Holiday Auction Item #21: The Ditchflowers write a song for you
Brian Merrill and Ed Woltil of The Ditchflowers — the Best of the Bay-winning group praised in a CL cover story for their catchy hooks and intelligent lyrics — will write and record a song just for you. The subject? You tell the Ditchflowers, and that’s what they’ll write about. This auction item closes Wednesday,…
The Green Community week in review: Solar PV in Florida, green your Thanksgiving, CL Green Holiday Auction items, and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week: Is solar PV dead in Florida? – In an important proceeding at the Florida Public Service Commission in Tallahassee, approval of large-scale solar projects is in doubt. Obama and other world leaders fess up:…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Hillsborough River cleanup, Sustainable Living Conference, Indian vegetarian cooking class and more
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. Dunedin Green Market- Every Friday; 8 am- 1 pm. The Dunedin Green Market is located in Pioneer Park at the cross streets of Douglas Avenue and Main Street in Downtown Dunedin and runs every Friday. Tampa Downtown Market-…
CL Auction Item #44: Tampa Theatre Membership
As Telly Savalas used to say: Membership has its privileges. The winner of this auction item gets an annual membership for two at Tampa Bay’s favorite old-time movie palace, the Tampa Theatre. The membership includes 12 free movie tickets; $2 off Tampa Theatre-sponsored screenings; free refills on popcorn, soda and coffee from the concession stand;…
CL Holiday Auction Item #24: The Green Power Lunch
Are you a devoted environmentalist? Do you recycle, compost, conserve and sustain, and admire the leaders who encourage the rest of us to do the same? Then you’ll want to bid on The Green Power Lunch, a chance to break bread with two of Tampa Bay’s greenest politicians at a restaurant known for its emphasis…
