Tampa & Hillsborough county officials discuss possible pandhandling ordinance
City of Tampa and Hillsborough County officials spent nearly two hours on Wednesday discussing a proposed ban on panhandling in the county, and in the process were lectured by some homeless advocates who claimed nobody on the adhoc committee "got it" when it comes to addressing the homeless issue. Tampa and Hillsborough elected officials have…
Cigar City Brewing’s Tasting Room threatened by Tampa City Council
Politics in Florida are a tricky thing. From hanging chads to the election of questionable candidates, just when we seem to think we are gaining a little respect again in the country, something ridiculous happens. This is true even down to the local governments. Like Tampa, home of Cigar City Brewing. Cigar City opened a…
Not drinking destroys my gay love life
For the thousandth time a boy I just met looked at me like I was a fucking alien. Discouraged and deflated, I trudged out of the building head lowered and spirit sunken. I’m almost certain if I had a mouth full of meth teeth or a bottle of gin in my murse, I wouldn’t be…
Jim Davis announces that he’s testing the waters for a potential Tampa mayoral candidacy
After giving himself a week to decompress after the end of a campaign season that saw him on the losing end of the Hillsborough transit tax referendum, Jim Davis told CL early this afternoon that he is in fact "seriously considering," a run for Tampa Mayor in 2011. Davis spoke individually on Wednesday with several…
What’s happening with your favorite shows? Spoiler Alert!
Curious about your favorite shows? Is someone going to die? Is your favorite couple getting engaged? Hook ups? Break ups? Well here you will find all the answers to your burning questions! Community All of you who are looking for more from Jeff-Annie: Looks like you are getting exactly what you are looking for and…
‘Evening for the Bay’ fundraiser event for the Tampa Bay Watch – Saturday, November 13
Put on your flip flops, get out your tacky Hawaiian print shirts and your grass skirts (weather permitting) for Tampa Bay Watch's 4th Annual Evening for the Bay fundraiser. This event will feature great food, live music and complimentary beer and wine, as well as a silent auction — all benefiting the Tampa Bay Watch’s…
Movie & TV links for today, Nov. 10, 2010: Cee-Lo Green, Night of the Hunter, Spalding Grey, a new Jane Eyre and more …
Slate's Elbert Ventura discusses "The Greatest One-Off in Movie History," Charles Laughton's The Night of the Hunter (out on DVD and Blu-Ray November 16th). The Harry Ransom Center in Austin, Texas has acquired Spalding Grey's archive: sample it here … Last night, Colbert had Cee-Lo Green change the lyrics to his song "Fuck You" to "Fox News"…
Tonight’s Top Chef Just Desserts preview: Truffle therapy
It's another dose of whining and drama on Top Chef: Just Desserts tonight. In the first preview video, we get an insight into Morgan's feelings. He's sad because his "friends" (what friends?) are gone. He thinks the other three chefs are against him, which I don't doubt, and that they're plotting against him. Hey, Morgan,…
New Tron: Legacy trailer delivers (with video)
Despite it's dated graphics, the original Tron is still one of the more beloved nerd films of all time. When Disney announced they would be making a sequel, there were some people questioning whether they could pull it off. It's pretty obvious by the most recent trailer that they can. The new trailer for Tron:…
More on Jim Norman’s “resignation” from Salvation Army, Latino vote goes big for Dems everywhere but in Florida, and local environmental group to host “Snake Oil” awards next week:Mitch Perry Report 11.10.10
The big local news that dominates the front pages this morning in Tampa Bay is Jim Norman ending his work relationship with the Salvation Army after a 31-year career. We blogged about this the moment we heard about it nearly 24 hours ago, but just wanted to take a few paragraphs to ruminate further on…
EarthTalk: What on Earth is “global dimming?”
The following is from the environmental themed advice column EarthTalk®, by the Editors of the non-profit publication E/The Environmental Magazine, that we’ll be regularly featuring here on CL’s Green Community. Dear EarthTalk: I’ve heard of global warming, of course, but what on Earth is “global dimming?” — Max S., Seattle, WA Global dimming is a…
St. Pete environmental organization to host “Snake Oil” awards next Monday
Two years ago the environmental group the Alliance for Climate Protection launched the Repower America campaign to attempt to advocate for a climate change bill in Congress and create momentum around a new clean energy economy. In Tallahassee and in Miami next week, the group will host what they are calling "Climate Project Presentations," to…
Latino vote goes big for Democrats nationally, but not in Florida
Everybody was seemingly voting for Republicans in Florida in last week's midterm election, and Hispanic voters were no exception. As Beth Reinhard in Tuesday's Miami Herald Naked Politics blog reports, Marco Rubio took home 55% of the Hispanic vote in the U.S. Senate race, with Charlie Crist at 23% and Kendrick Meek getting 21%. In…
Movie Review: Roger Michell’s Morning Glory, starring Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton, Patrick Wilson and Jeff Goldblum (with trailer video)
Hollywood loves the newsroom. Well, the romanticized version we’re familiar with, at least. In movies like Morning Glory, the TV news station is an incubator of drama — a hothouse of barely organized chaos, where potential on-air disasters meet nick-of-time judgments that usually conclude with a collective exhale by everyone off-camera. In this latest fairy…
Is your ass shaped like a vegetable or fruit?
I can't image why anyone would want to describe their body shape in terms of fruits or vegetables, but people do just that. It all started with apples and pears. An apple shaped woman has a round middle and less of an ass; whereas the pear shaped woman has a slimmer waistline and round ass. …
Lightning shut out Maple Leafs 4-0
The Tampa bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs both entered Tuesday night's game at the St. Pete Times Forum in desperate need of a win. The home team jumped out to an early lead and set the pace for the rest of the night, beating the Leafs by a final score of 4-0. The Lightning…
Do It Today: Viva Cuba at Tampa Theatre, David Kushner at the Jewish Book Festival and Peelander-Z at the Orpheum
Cuba: It's an island nation so close … yet so far away. Experience the parallels and disconnects cinematically by way of Viva Cuba tonight at Tampa Theatre. The theater presents a special one-time-only screening of the 2005 film as part of the statewide Arte Latin culture festival. The critically acclaimed, coming-of-age road movie centers on…
C.C. and Longo bring home the Gold
Even if they didn’t do much in the 2010 postseason, the Tampa Bay Rays still brought home some bling this year, as the annual American League Gold Glove awards were announced today. At long last, Rays left fielder Carl Crawford was rewarded for his stellar defensive play with a Glove; it’s a pity the now-free…
The Rabid One goes one on one with Kevin Nealon, talking comedy, drugs and dick … lots of Andy Dick
When you're The Rabid One, the perks they come a plenty. There are the women and the thrills, the parties and the pills (Flintstones vitamins for me thanks). But most of all, when Oscar winners, hot young bands, and comedic giants want to talk, it's Rabid Nick they come to. Kevin Nealon is a name…
Open casting call: Food Network’s ’24 Hour Restaurant Battle’ auditions in Orlando – Sunday, November 14th
If it has always been your dream to be on a reality cooking show to cook your heart out (among other things) for millions of TV viewers, then now may be the chance you've been waiting for. The Food Network is currently holding open casting calls for the second season of their show 24 Hour…
What you can do at work to promote a greener workplace
As a college student that has just begun volunteering actively in environmental work in the community I started to wonder what my place of employment could do in order to go green. I have been to multiple seminars where businesses are all about saving the Earth. This, to me, shows that America is working towards…
Lesbian love: Why do we lose all sense of boundaries?
What is it about lesbian relationships that seem to make most of us lose all sense of boundaries? Each time, it’s as if we’ve never done it before. That tingly excitement of falling into a new person just takes over, and we are left to helplessly watch ourselves repeat the same pattern. Perhaps women are…
No joke: Veteran columnist Mary Jo Melone looks back despairingly at the Florida election
[Editor's Note: The following column is by Mary Jo Melone. It was posted to Daily Loaf by Joe Bardi, but the text is all Mary.] The silly season. That’s what some people call the months-long ritual of politics that just ended. So why am I not laughing? Is it because Allen West, the new South…
Poet’s Notebook: The War to End All Wars — didn’t.
Who, if I cried out, would hear me among the angels’ hierarchies?… Oh, to whom can we turn for help? Not angels, not humans… On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, the horrific slaughter of World War I came to a stop, 92 years ago today. We like…
Dissecting Dexter: Season 5, episode 7 “Circle Us”
You know who I don't miss? Rita. The poor, deceased thing. Dexter has unloaded such a complicated and character-heavy plot this season that it's hard to dwell too much on Dexter's past if you want to get on board with where he is now. And where he is now is far more exciting than a…
Dick Morris gets called out on his lame predictions (video)
Bill O'Reilly garners the largest ratings in cable news prime time, and we have to admit we've been known to flip back and forth between the now elder statesman at Fox and Keith Olbermann at CNN (with an occasional view of Eliot Spitzer over at CNN). But we long ago stopped counting on the bad…
Movie & TV links for today, Nov. 9, 2010: Michael Powell, The Social Network, Dick Cavett, W on Today and more …
Time Out London finds a long lost unpublished interview with legendary filmmaker Michael Powell (The Red Shoes, Peeping Tom). Zadie Smith gives a brilliant profile of David Fincher's The Social Network.
Carrie West announces Tampa City Council candidacy for District 5
The elections for Tampa City Council are less than four months away, and today another new candidate put his proverbial hat into the ring — a cowboy hat at that. It's Carrie West, the co-owner of the MC Film Festival store in the heart of Ybor City, who today announced his candidacy for District 5. …
Why’d the Hillsborough chicken cross the road?
By George Niemann CL/Daily Loaf contributor and UCAN, RLAND, FSP activist, eternal Florida Hometown Democracy believer The views expressed are my own and not necessarily the same as the organizations to which I belong “Why’d the chicken cross the road?” is an interesting and thought provoking riddle. Ever wonder how our politicians and politically connected…
Yet another egg recall
Yep, you read correctly, there is yet another recall in place for eggs contaminated with salmonella. The perp this time: the nation's largest egg producer and distributor, Cal-Maine Foods Inc., though the actual contaminated eggs came from their supplier, Ohio Fresh Eggs, who recently tested positive for the bacteria. Ohio Fresh Eggs officials stated that…
Former WMNF Women’s Show co-host Arlene Engelhardt in middle of full blown controversy at Pacifica radio in Berkeley
Friends of Arlene Engelhardt, a longtime presence at WMNF radio in Tampa, warned her a year ago when she took on the job as Executive Director of Pacifica Radio that it could be a volatile experience. She's definitely in the thick of it now, after she opted to terminate the hosts and producers of KPFA…
Jim Norman quits controversial Salvation Army job
Newly elected GOP state Senator Jim Norman, who is still being investigated by the FBI for his receiving a campaign cash gift from the late Ralph Hughes that allowed him and his wife to purchase a home in Arkansas, today announced that he has resigned from the Salvation Army, his job that he did in…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Bucs fail the best-test, Gators make it Rainey and the NFL fine whine
The Bucs failed their 3rd real test of the year. The first one was the Steelers (fail) and the second one was the Saints (fail). The rest were doo-doo wins. Yes, I went there. I'm speaking up for the fans who have every right to call ugly football what it is, win or lose. Coach Morris said…
Anger at health care law affects Florida Supreme Court Justices; Rick Perry & Rick Scott take their contempt for the media to new heights and Bill Nelson and 2012-expect him to stay right of center: Mitch Perry Report 11.9.10
Last week two of the four recent additions to the Florida Supreme Court were up for a retention vote, and though retained, received some of the lowest support from Floridians since they've had the opportunity to weigh in on what they think of the Justices. Alex Sink's boasts that she received endorsements from every major…
With re-election coming up in two years, expect moderate Bill Nelson to lean right
Florida U.S. Senator Bill Nelson is a moderate Democrat, practicing the type of politics that most Florida voters like for the most part. His center-left stances on issues are similar to those of former Senator and Governor Bob Graham, and consistent in tone with center-right elected officials that have enjoyed popular support in Florida over…
AltDotPop: Bret Michaels the homewrecker, Charlie Sheen’s bad night, David Cassidy’s DUI and the dangers of Slut-O-Ween
I go to New York for one week, don't bring my laptop and suddenly the pop culture world is abuzz with the biggest affair-news since Tiger and Elin. Bret Michaels finally found his "rock of love" and her name is Tish Cyrus, better known as Miley's mom and Billy Ray's wife. Welp, I guess every…
Local artist Dan Lasata breaks out with a showing at Kahwa Coffee South
Viewing a show in its entirety, one may notice certain holes in the work, a lack of fluidity. With Dan Lasata’s opening at Kahwa Coffee every piece is solid, as a whole or on their own.
Don’t do this in bed: Annoying sexual habits
You might think that swingers are probably the best lovers. Most have a ton of sexual experience and therefore must know how to please. The fact is that there are a lot of lousy swingers. The problem is no one tells them that they suck in bed. I'm guilty of this myself. I'm not out…
Craft beer goes green: Environmentally conscious brewing companies
How green is your beer? No, I am not talking about the dyed swill forced upon the masses on St. Patrick's Day, nor am I referring to the several "lime" varieties of the light American lagers that shall remain nameless. I am talking about sustainability. The eco-friendly and environmentally conscious brewers. Does your beer stack up?…
Conservative activist group boasts low retention votes for Florida Supreme Court Justices who threw out health care amendment
The federal health care law that has been a root source of so much voter angst not only threw a lot of Democrats out of office (or didn't give them the chance to serve) last week, it also gave two Florida Supreme Court Justices a relative scare as they were targeted by conservative activists for…
Like Rick Scott, Texas GOP governor’s aversion to editorial boards only seemed to help him with voters
The Judith Miller and Jayson Blair scandals at the New York Times are just a couple of reasons that the mainstream news media have lost credibility with the American public. A year ago, the Pew Research Center for the People & The Press reported that just 29% of the public believed that news organizations always…
Pressured to be “glam”: A gay male musician’s lament
Can we agree for a moment to make generalizations? May I have the liberty to typecast, stereotype, and to do all the things that would get me run out of a bar in Portland, Oregon? Humor me. My gut feeling is talking to me. I am quite certain that gay men are not all vapid.…
Do It Today: Wolf Parade in O-Town, artist Dan Namingha at HCC-Ybor, Becoming Family at the Palladium
In this writer's humble opinion, Wolf Parade is one of the most unique and appealing bands to emerge in the past decade. Sadly, the Montreal band is not making it to our neck o' the peninsula, but if you're feeling frisky, it'd well your worth your while to head out to Orlando's Social to catch…
Life As We Blow It: The Unburdening, Pt. 1
For me, the arrival of true autumn weather is always accompanied by a somewhat reflective state of mind. Maybe it's just the sense that another year is coming to a close, but I always do a little philosophical stock-taking this time of year. (Also, there might finally be enough conservative Christians in political power to…
Theater Review: Sex, violence and beautiful music in the gripping Opus at American Stage
You’ve got to hand it to playwright Michael Hollinger. At a time when classical CD sales are minuscule and shrinking, when most Americans couldn’t tell you the difference between a violin and a viola, when once-famous names like Heifetz, Menuhin and Stern are virtually unknown except to music students, he writes a play about a…
Global behemoth goes hyperlocal: Patch AOL is coming to a Tampa Bay neighborhood near you
Within the next month, a new source of online news and information covering local neighborhoods in the Bay area will be available to readers. Say hello to Patch AOL, which since its inception a year ago has quickly spread to over 300 local markets across the country, providing what is referred to as hyper-local online…
Fall into a super autumn with a Super Tuscan and Cannellini al Fiasco (recipe)
Fall. Is there a reason why it’s called “fall”? There’s already autumn; isn’t that enough to denote the season? Perhaps it’s called “fall” because it’s a time when we all “fall” back into a routine. With the kids back in school and vacations long past, our days, nights and weekends are overtaken by the steady hum…
Curtis Stokes officially running in District One Tampa City Council race
Even though he said when he applied to become an interim member of the Tampa City Council in the summertime to succeed Linda Saul-Sena in Tampa's District 3 seat that he did not intend to run again this March, Curtis Stokes has changed his mind, and announced to his friends and supporters via Facebook earlier…
Movie & TV links for today, Nov. 8, 2010: Conan O’Brien returns, Back to the Future II, election wrap and more …
Conan O'Brian journeys to India for an awesome American Express Commercial (check it out below), while Funny or Die lists the Best Pieces of Conan Fan Art. And remember, Conan's new show premieres tonight at 11 p.m. on TBS. Very funny? Time will tell … Matt Zoller Seitz weighs in on the evolution of Robert Zemeckis. Meanwhile, IFC's…
“Tie dye” cookie icing tutorial
When I asked my daughter what theme she wanted for her birthday party back in June, she said tie dye and peace signs. Huh? She was turning 5. Maybe she was a hippie in a former life, who knows. I suppose princesses and anything 5 year old-ish were out of the question. Kids, they grow…
Under pressure: How a car’s tire pressure can affect gas mileage and carbon emissions
When you hop into your car every day, is your first thought about the rubber underneath you? This thought should be high up on your list of concerns when you get in your car every day. Not just for the factor of safety (which is very important) but also because the incorrect tire pressure can…
On the Radar: Kevin Nealon at the Tampa Improv this weekend
The affable actor-comedian known for his dry wit and modest persona makes an appearance in hectic Ybor. Kevin Nealon first got attention back in the ’80s as a cast member of Saturday Night Live. His recurring role as Mr. Subliminal provided hilariously out-loud subtext to weekly news blurbs, but his most recent stint on Weeds,…
The Menglish and mental pickle tickling in The Big Black Book of Very Dirty Words (NSFW)
Anything FedExed to me with “Big” and “Black” printed on the package automatically sparks a certain amount of fear and curiosity. The eight inch promo product that flopped out of the box didn't disappoint, offering as much novelty pleasure as practical application. The Big Black Book of Very Dirty Words is an essential tool for…
Beach Boys surf into Ruth Eckerd April 15
Ruth Eckerd Hall announced today that it scored an exclusive Tampa Bay area concert with The Beach Boys on Fri., April 15 , at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale this Friday, Nov. 12, at noon. Beloved by audiophiles for their groundbreaking Pet Sounds album and everyone else for classics Surfin' USA, California Girls and…
A tough lesson learned young: Fired for being gay
I moved to Florida from Georgia when I was 19, and a few months later started working as a CNA at a nursing home. I learned lot of life lessons at that nursing home. One of the most important lessons: Florida is a right-to-work state. Which means that an employee can be terminated at will. Being…
CL Feature: British downtempo trip hop jazzy producer/DJ/musician Bonobo, who brings his full band to Tampa on Sunday (with video)
In the current electronic music environment, virtually anyone with a laptop and the right software can try their hand at being a “musician.” The growing trend of modern innovators is, ironically, artists who aren’t afraid to go old school with live instrumentation. Hailed as a downtempo pioneers, British producer/DJ/musician Bonobo (real name Simon Green) has…
Concert Review: Wiz Khalifa, Yelawolf at the Ritz, Ybor
Sometimes it feels like Pittsburgh’s Wiz Khalifa is more brand name than rapper. Not a knock on the dude, it’s almost the opposite; a testament to the magnetism and presence he exudes from, well, being a rapper in the first place. [All pictures by Darryl Richardson] More review and pics after the jump…
Alex Sink blasts Obama and the White House on her defeat, Nancy Pelosi defies establishment in sticking around, and Ronald Reagan’s former budget director thinks the current GOP is clueless regarding tax cuts: Mitch Perry Report 11.8.10
Good morning to everyone. Hope you enjoyed your cooler temperatures, since apparently it's only transitory and you have to turn on the a/c again later this week. In any event, as the Florida 2010 midterm election slowly fades into the past, lots of Democrats here in Florida we've heard from are blaming their loss, even…
EarthTalk: The story behind Meatless Monday
The following is from the environmental themed advice column EarthTalk®, by the Editors of the non-profit publication E/The Environmental Magazine, that we’ll be regularly featuring here on CL’s Green Community. Dear EarthTalk: I know that some people abstain from meat on Fridays for religious reasons, but what’s the story behind “Meatless Mondays?” — Sasha Burger,…
Democratic left debates the wisdom of Nancy Pelosi sticking around
In the weeks leading up to last Tuesday's Republican onslaught in the midterm elections, several articles were written speculating on the future of the now soon to be ex-Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. Would she quit as the leader of the House Dems? Might she leave Washington overall? You rarely heard that if the…
Former Reagan budget director insists raising taxes is a necessity
David Stockman, President Reagan's former budget director, has been getting prominent play on the broadcast and cable networks over the past week, as a voice cautioning the ascendant House GOP that their plans to reduce federal spending but at the same time maintain the Bush tax cuts will not help stop the decline of the…
Book review: Yale University Press presents The Anthology of Rap
If there’s any hope of tearing highfalutin rap music exclusionaries away from their clouded spheres of organic espresso steam and yoga sweat, it’s probably in the form of The Anthology of Rap, a new 920-page tome edited by Adam Bradley and Andrew DuBois. Like many other comprehensive and well-written music books, the anthology exposes the…
Do It Tonight: The Cult at Jannus and Denise Moore at the Independent
The Cult holds special memories for us aging Gen Xers. In the '80s, we would flock to the dance floor when She Sells Sanctuary and Fire Woman were played at now-defunct alternative teen establishments as Skyfeathers, Faces and Off Limits. (Excuse me while I adjust my dentures.) According to Mistress Music Editor Leilani Polk, England’s iconic…
A tale of two owners: Will the Rays and Stu Sternberg go the way of the Brooklyn Dodgers and Walter O’Malley?
NOT THE TROP: Stu Sternberg telling the press in June that “baseball will not work long-term in downtown St. Petersburg.” By Peter Golenbock (author of The Bronx Zoo and George: The Poor Little Rich Boy Who Built the Yankee Empire) The Brooklyn Dodgers won their one and only World Championship in 1955. The joy of…
How two split-second decisions changed my life
It's easy to pick out the moments in our life where seemingly harmless decisions greatly change the course of our lives. For me, the first of those decisions happened in a girls' bathroom when I was 13. I can see it clear as day: I am standing in the girls' john on the first day…
CLGBT Profile: St. Pete gay artist John Kohlburn
John Kohlburn is an openly gay St. Pete-based artist and teacher. His work is sunny, provocative and erotic all at the same time. After visiting John's web gallery, I had the opportunity to interview him, and met the refreshingly grounded, intimate and thoughtful character behind those wonderful paintings: Creative Loafing: What is your passion? John…
Make a dent in pet overpopulation: Spay or neuter your pet
Often, I see people camped out by the side of a busy road with a tent or sun umbrella, a big box or wire pen, and a sign advertising puppies for sale. I wonder, why don’t they spay their pets? Cindy Evers, founder of Planned Pethood in Zephyrhills, believes that the biggest obstacle for many…
Analyzing why Alex Sink came up 61,966 votes of being the next Governor of Florida
There have been recriminations galore in the days since Alex Sink fell just 1.16% short of beating Rick Scott in Tuesday's Florida gubernatorial election. On Saturday we were treated to Sink's own criticism of the White House (getting in line with the hundreds of other Democrats across the country who lost last week who blamed…
Movie Review: Todd Phillips’ Due Date, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis (with trailer video)
Due Date takes two very popular actors and puts them together for a standard take on the road trip movie. If you have seen the trailer, you were probably reminded of The Hangover, which featured the same director (Todd Phillips) and star Zach Galifianakis, and seemingly something of the same archaic spirit. But is Due…
Participate in America Recycles Day on November 15th
involves communities hosting educational activities as well as actual efforts at recycling. For instance, thousands of communities host an array of different events at which recycling occurs or people are educated about the many ways in which they can enhance their personal recycling programs. Some communities host events at schools in order to teach parents…
The Rabid Film Review: Paul Haggis’ The Next Three Days, starring Russell Crowe, Elizabeth Banks and Liam Neeson (with trailer video)
Imagine one day you wake up and find a giant maze filled with abrupt twists and turns sitting in front of your peaceful home. You have no choice but to confront its mystery, and immediately become captivated by the search for its conclusion. Along your way you look back, retracing the steps that led you…
An artist breaks his Promise? A review of Bruce Springsteen’s latest, The Promise, and of the accompanying movie, The Promise: The Darkness on the Edge of Town Story (with video)
“You Criticize About Me Endlessly, Like It Defies, How You Got Stuck With Me " Where is the exact spot on the map at which fandom becomes unhealthy for an individual? Furthermore, when that line is unfortunately crossed, is the “hardcore” fan providing a disservice to the artist they have laid claim to adoring? Exactly…
Movie & TV Links for Nov. 5, 2010: Tilda Swinton, Zac Efron in Akira, Guy and Madeline on a Park Bench and more …
Happy 50th birthday to Tilda Swinton! Zack Efron to star in a live-action Akira?!!?
EarthTalk: Can the military go green?
The following is from the environmental themed advice column EarthTalk®, by the Editors of the non-profit publication E/The Environmental Magazine, that we’ll be regularly featuring here on CL’s Green Community. Dear EarthTalk: What is the U.S. military doing to reduce its carbon footprint and generally green its operations? — Anthony Gomez, New York, NY As…
Neighborhood Dining Guide: The Grand Central District in St. Petersburg
CL regularly presents focused listings of the best dining options in Tampa Bay's neighborhoods. This week we're giving you an updated guide to restaurants and bars in the Grand Central District of St. Petersburg. ANGELO'S BRICK OVEN PIZZERIA 3002 Central Ave., St. Pete. 727-289-7198 As their name states, they serve up huge slices of New…
Katie Summers: a rising pornstar with an ass that goes BAM! (NSFW)
"I'll beat your ass if you write that I was raised by circus midgets," Katie Summers warned me over the phone. So maybe Summers wasn't raised by a troupe of gypsy dwarfs. Still, there's something equally as unique about a rising pornstar who's willing to chat with me for nearly an hour about everything from…
Local Band Photo Spotlight – Sledgegrinder
Up-and-coming local death metal rockers Sledgegrinder hit the State Theatre stage recently as a support act for fellow death metal band The Absence. While still working to cement a line-up and find their groove, Sledgegrinder seems poised to make an impact in their chosen genre. (pic by Jeff O'Kelley) Sledgegrinder is Alex Gallego (vocals), Brad…
Photo review: Shinedown at the Straz
Platinum recording artists Shinedown kicked off their Anything & Everything – An Acoustic Evening with Shinedown tour with a Thursday night show at Tampa's David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts. Along with opening act Will Hoge, Shinedown brought along a few guests, a little audience interaction and some surprisingly frank chat. (pic by…
Theater Review: Conspiracy Productions’ Extremities
Last night, I had the pleasure of seeing the well-paced production of Extremities on the first night of its final run at Silver Meteor. The play has three performances left — at 8 p.m. tonight and tomorrow, and 3 p.m. Sunday. My first brush with the drama by William Mastrosimone was the Farrah Fawcett movie adaptation,…
Theater Review: freeFall’s Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
I’ve been reading Martin Gilbert’s mammoth history of the Holocaust, and after more than 700 pages, one thing is clear: the atrocities of 1939-45 weren’t the work of just a few twisted individuals. For the widespread torture and murder of those years to have taken place, not scores but thousands of willing perpetrators were necessary,…
Mica no fan of high-speed rail to Tampa, Fire Karen Thurman website up, and why California is different (politically) than Florida: Mitch Perry Report 11.5.10
Say goodbye this weekend to Daylight Savings Time, and not a day too soon. Speaking for those of us who have activities in the morning, I for one will be thankful it won't be dark until 7:20 a.m. You may recall Congress changed the law in 2005 to give us four more weeks of daylight…
“Fire Karen Thurman now” website up and running
A new website called "Fire Karen Thurman now" has been created by Saint Petersblog 2.0 blogger Peter Schorsch. We're not surprised that in the aftermath of the electoral white-out that state Democrats suffered through on Tuesday night that dissatisfaction with party leaders is growing, and Thurman, as the literal head of the party, is the…
This weekend in Tampa Bay area live music: Levon Helm & Ray LaMontagne, Tornado Rider, Southern Culture on the Skids, Neglected Superhero, Maps + Atlases, Robyn, The Acacia Strain, and more!
Great music is happening all over town this weekend, and you’re wondering, “What should I choose?” Look no further. Everything you need to know is right here beginning with Thursday. Wanna take a look beyond this weekend? Check out our Upcoming Concerts page. Friday, November 5 w/Ray LaMontagne and The Pariah Dogs [Pictured right] Rock…
New York University named an “eco-enlightened university” by the Sierra Club
The color of my alma mater may be violet, but New York University is going green. NYU has been named as one of the United State's eco-enlightened universities (a.k.a: "Cool Schools") by the Sierra Club for the second year in a row. Since it launched it's Sustainability Initiative in 2006, NYU's efforts in reducing carbon…
GOP tsunami dies out in California
It's been a tough three days for Democrats, especially in Florida, but throughout much of the country as well in the aftermath of the Republican Party comeback not only in the House and Senate in Washington, but in governorships and state legislatures across the land. Well, across most of the land. My home state of…
The new GOP House shows its muscle early: Rep. John Mica says he’s not into funding high-speed rail to Tampa
It's not the first time he's made such remarks, but now when Orlando Republican Congressman John Mica speaks, people listen closer. Tuesday night's elections transferred power to Republicans in the House of Representatives, and could return the Representative back as Chairman of the House Transportation Committee, which he previously was until 2007, where he has…
ShadoCon offers gaming, dancing and anime this weekend
If you’re a fan of anime, video games or comic books (or all three), you might already know about the convention this weekend. But in case you weren’t aware, ShadoCon will take over the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 10221 Princess Palm Ave., today through Sunday with an assortment of exhibitions, art, panels and contests.
Tampa Bay Lightning fall to Kings 1-0
The Tampa Bay Lightning continued their western road swing Thursday night when they traveled to Los Angeles to take on the Kings. It was a matchup that saw the two best teams in the NHL face off against each other. The Lightning were hoping to get off to a quick start after a sluggish start…
Local artist to be chosen for community project in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County’s Public Art Committee met Wednesday, Nov. 3, to discuss the installation of new artwork at the University Community Social Services Center. According to Human Services Supervisor Nancy Luath, the new art pieces will provide a better feel for visitors in the Social Services Center, who may have fallen under hard times. The Public…
Do It This Weekend: Party in the Parks, Independents Film Fest and lots more
The nation’s top amateur pool players converge in Tampa for the U.S. Amateur Championship Tournament, presented by the American Poolplayers Association (APA). For the second consecutive year, Strokers in Tampa was selected to host the annual event. The championship will feature both a Men’s and Women’s Division, with the winner of each division advancing to…
Kevin White says goodbye to Hillsborough County Commission by publicly thanking his wife
With a new County Commission about to over after Tuesday night's election, the departing Hillsborough Commissioners, Jim Norman, Rose Ferlita and Kevin White were given time to express themselves on Thursday as they depart from their positions on the board. Norman (and Chairman Ken Hagan) blew off the meeting. After 18 years serving Hillsborough residents,…
Barleywine bliss: Rich, complex beers to savor
During the colder months more and more breweries are going to be putting out darker, more complex brews, that tend to have a higher ABV to them. The style that tends to dominate this time is the Barleywine. This type of brew is fairly thick. Tons of complexity goes along way in these ales, from…
Pecha Kucha presentation: “Making Tampa Bay a better place” – Friday, November 5
Pecha Kucha showcases some of Tampa Bay's most creative minds in a format designed to spur innovation and collaboration. This version of Pecha Kucha is the first incarnation to focus on a particular theme. Presenters will address the topic 'Big Ideas' and talk about their plans for making Tampa Bay a better place. Doors open…
Movie & TV Links for today, Nov. 4, 2010: Malick’s Tree of Life, Opus Jazz, Waiting for “Superman” and more (with video)
The Playlist finds an early poster for Terrence Malick's The Tree Of Life, as well as a teaser poster for the Mel Gibson "comeback" vehicle The Beaver. Diane Ravitch gives a devastating critique of Davis Guggenheim's doc Waiting for "Superman" in her piece The Myth of Charter Schools. Then the New York Times discovered that one of the pivotal scenes…
Saying sorry for doubting Rah
I feel an apology is necessary. I was pretty rough on the Rah last week. For those of you who don’t know, Raheem Morris is the second-year head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last season, his team went 3-13. This season, they’re 5-2. Surprising isn’t a strong enough word. Between work and the NFL’s…
The Holy Grail of custard: Pumpkin flan (recipe)
I’ve eaten a lot of flan in my day, maybe hundreds of pounds. I’ve eaten it in Mexico, Puerto Rico and in numerous other Caribbean locales. I’ve also eaten it Cuban-style, thanks to an old college roommate whose family was from Cuba. I’ve ordered it in every Latin restaurant I’ve ever dined in. I’ve experienced…
Architectural designer Jimmy Brattain constructs one of Florida’s “greenest” homes in St. Petersburg
What started as a two goal process — building a 9,000 square foot house and meeting a federal LEED certification — for Jimmy Brattain’s first “green” residential project, located in Snell Isle neighborhood of St. Petersburg, ended as the first waterfront home to receive the highest environmental rating in Pinellas County. Not only is the…
St. Pete Times Janet Zink leaving Tampa to cover Tallahasee for paper
In a move that some local politicians may be happy to hear about, but many readers concerned about keeping government in check surely won't be, the St. Pete Times Tampa City Hall and political reporter, Janet Zink, is getting a promotion, leaving the Times' Ashley Avenue offices later this month to cover state government in…
The Gaily News, Election 2010: Bad omens in Iowa, bright spots in Colorado, Vermont, Rhode Island — and Florida?
Among the more disturbing headlines from Tuesday's elections was the Iowa vote to toss out three of the state Supreme Court judges who'd ruled in favor of legalizing same-sex marriage. As the New York Times points out, this could be a harbinger of a national trend endangering the concept of an independent judiciary. However, there's…
Tampa’s adult events: swingers, nudists, and fetish parties
Nov. 5. SDC's Micro-Mini Party for Swingers. Eyz Wide Shut. 8504 Adamo Dr., Suite 155 Tampa, 33619. 813.620.1234. Nov. 5. Sexy in Stilettos Office Party for Nudists. 8pm. Caliente Resort 21240 Gran Via Blvd. Land O Lakes, FL 34637. Nov. 5-7. Naked Swingers Boating Regatta. Every month a floating city known as the Bella-Vita-Ville hits…
Bay area officials try to regroup after transit tax goes down; Hillsborough County to say goodbye to 3 Commissioners, and some USF students discuss 2010 election:Mitch Perry Report 11.4.10
We're slightly more rested than at this time 24 hours ago, as we now deal with the ramifications of the 2010 vote. Of immediate concern for many local lawmakers and a whole of other folks is the state of transportation in the Tampa Bay area, in the aftermath of the Hillsborough County transit tax electoral…
Glory to the grape: At Beaune’s, the food is fine but the wine is amazing
There’s a casual feeling to Beaune’s Wine Bar that belies the upscale décor and fancy food. Partly, that’s due to the fact that — at least on a Thursday night — the place is nigh empty. Just my table, and a couple of regulars at the bar, all served by owner Jim Sirna with the…
Hillsborough officials to revisit transit tax in 2012? The odds would say no.
The St. Pete Times David DeCamp and Curtis Krueger have a well balanced story looking today at what the heck Pinellas County is planning on doing regarding transportation, in the midst of the "shellacking"(to borrow President Obama's term) that the transit tax received in Hillsborough County Tuesday night (And can we call into account the…
Lightning fall to Ducks in overtime
The Tampa Bay Lightning continued their western road swing on Wednesday night, as they took to the ice against the Anaheim Ducks, looking to extend their winning streak to three games. With three days off since the shutout defeat in Phoenix, there was some potential for a let down. After a sluggish first period, which…
Do It Today: USF Fall Dance Concert, Rock in the Park
The USF School of Theatre & Dance presents the 2010 Fall Dance Concert in Theatre 1 on the USF Tampa campus tonight, Fri. and Sat. All performances are at 8 p.m. For information, call 813-974-2323, or visit http://www.arts.usf.edu/. Read Sally Bosco's review of the performance here.
The Green Community week in review: Urban permaculture courses in St. Pete, recycling kitty litter, high fructose corn syrup name change debate and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed last week: EarthTalk: What are the benefits of "hydroponic" growing of lettuce and other crops? – Besides not needing chemical fertilizers or pesticides (most of which are toxic as well as derived from petroleum), hydroponics also take…
