Occupy USF to hold first major events in the coming week
Kelly Benjamin It's almost a cliche to begin a story about activism at USF by stating that there's hardly been much social protests that have occurred on the sleepy North Tampa campus. But there has never been much activism at the 40,000 member student body. But with the Occupy movement still in existence in Tampa,…
Top Chef: Texas premieres tonight! (videos)
Watch the preview videos of the biggest (and most controversial) season yet.
Hopes for Cuban art exchange grounded at USF
Even as direct flights open from Tampa to Havana, public university art programs are limited by state laws in their travels.
AWH seeks medical supplies for charitable outreach
'Tis the seasons to joyfully do unto others and the Advocates for World Health are ready for your support. AWH is a nonprofit organization that recovers surplus medical supplies from Florida health care providers and, in turn, redistributing them in developing countries that treat under-served populations with limited access to adequate health care services. In…
Tempus Projects has issued two fun and intriguing calls for submission
The mixtape and T-shirt are universal staples for anyone raised in the post-punk era. Each has expressed a special, home-spun, individual aesthetic by its creator, transcending the utilitarian to become uniquely biographical, often representing an interlude or chapter in one's life. Tempus Projects Curator Tracy Midulla Reller will be coordinating two exhibitions centered on the…
The 2011 Bear Creek Music and Arts Festival hits Live Oak next weekend.
The multi-day camping fest brings Trey Anastasio Band, Medeski Martin Scofield & Wood, Garage a Trois + many more to Spirit of Suwannee.
New poll says Obama may need Hillary to win Florida
Regular readers of this blog know that that we have always assessed the fantasies of Dick Morris and the PUMA's that Hillary Clinton would challenge Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination for President in 2012 as patently absurd – and they still are. But over the past month or so, a new Hillary-Obama rumor has…
This week in food and drink
The Mermaid Tavern grand opening, ‘Extravelganza’ benefit, ‘The Judgment of Paris’ wine tasting and more
Alex Sink shows a human side at Awake the State rally in Tampa
Alex Sink hires Felix Gonzalez on the spot in Tampa A year ago Tuesday night, it was past midnight before Rick Scott was declared the winner against Alex Sink in the Florida gubernatorial election. A year later Scott is trying to push his way out of mid 30's in public approval ratings, and Sink is…
Brian Blair won’t run for Hillsborough County Commission next year
Brian Blair Former Hillsborough County Commissioner and professional wrestler Brian Blair ended speculation this afternoon that he would attempt to revisit his 2008 race against Kevin Beckner by announcing that he will not be a candidate next year, and instead is endorsing Margaret Iucalano in the GOP district six race in 2012. In a press…
Gov. Scott now that says drug testing welfare recipients isn’t about the money, it’s about the children
Remember 7-7-7? Before Herman Cain one (or two) upped him with his 9-9-9 plan (and doesn't Herman wish people would resume debating the merits of that right now?), the Governor won office a year ago today by pushing for his 7-7-7 plan that would create 700,000 new private-sector jobs in seven years. And to help…
RNC boss trash talks on Obama 1 year before election
RNC Chair Reince Priebus job is to talk trash about Barack Obama RNC Chairman Reince Priebus is a pretty cocky character these days. National polls show that although President Obama is at best in the mid to upper 40's, he still fares relatively well in hypothetical match-ups against GOP opponents such as Mitt Romney, Herman…
Mitch Perry Report 11.1.11
Welcome to November everyone, and welcome to a brand new name for your St. Pete Times, beginning in 62 days. Today's a big day in Tampa for two other reasons. One is, red-light cameras are now fully functional in this city. Panhandling is now banned in Tampa, every day but Sunday. And you can sell…
GrillSmith’s appetizer appeal
A closer look at some of GrillSmith’s most popular appetizers and specialty drinks.
New music Tuesday! (November 1)
The Beach Boys’ Smile Sessions, holiday albums by Justin Bieber and Carole King, DVDs from Kings of Leon and Placebo, plus new releases by Lou Reed & Metallica, Florence and The Machine, Megadeth + more (audio & video)
Those red lights you’ve been running in Tampa could now come with a financial penalty
Undoubtedly controversial, red-light cameras have been active in Tampa for the past month, and in that time city officials say nearly 4,000 (3,951 to be precise) warnings were issued to motorists who ran such red-lights at the intersections where they've assembled in the city's limits. But as Tuesday, motorists who continue to violate the law…
Florida Democrat to state leaders regarding Alan Hays’ comments on Latinos: “Your silence has been deafening”
Alan Hays Two weeks ago Florida GOP state Senator Allen Hays cautioned against the creation of a minority-majority district in Central Florida because it may benefit illegal immigrants and people who “have no business voting.” He backed up this assertion saying that “many Hispanic-speaking residents” are illegal. The remark outraged both Democrats and Republicans in…
Conservatives say “liberal media” is out to bring down Cain
Earlier today Herman Cain called the accusations of sexual harassment against him “a witch hunt” and said he had been falsely accused while the head of the National Restaurant Association in the 1990s. Speaking at the National Press Club in Washington, the GOP presidential, leading the race in several national polls, also said he was…
The Rum Diary in a glass: Three film-inspired cocktails
Channel your inner Johnny Depp and enjoy a taste of the tropics in a glass with one of these spirited sips.
As panhandling ordinance kicks in, a plan for the homeless to sell their own newspaper in Tampa
The city of Tampa's ordinance enforcing a partial ban on panhandling taxes begins Tuesday. The new law bans panhandling in the city Monday thru Saturday, with the exception of those selling newspapers or distributing political literature. But the city's 10 most dangerous intersections, like Dale Mabry Blvd. and Columbus Dr., will be closed to panhandling…
Debate over tax policy continues, income disparity grows
The Congressional Budget Office released its October report last week titled Trends in the Distribution of Household Income Between 1979 and 2007. The report cites a growing, and startling, divide of income inequality between the top income earners and everyone else. Income for the top one percent grew by 275% while income for all other…
Photo review: Little Dragon at Crowbar, Ybor City
Last Tuesday night's show headed up by Swedish electronic outfit Little Dragon at Crowbar was amazing. Tycho opened with an enlightening set, primarily drawing off his latest release, Dive. Little Dragon took it home with songs from this year's Ritual Union and 2009's Machine Dreams, with an encore of "Twice" off their 2007 debut. The…
Deposits on beverage containers and “bottle bill” legislation
The beverage industry has spent millions fighting bottle bill legislation, even though beverage containers make up 5.6 percent of the U.S. waste stream.
A HAUNTING AT THE CORNER OF GUNN & LAWLESS
There is a little known intersection deep in the swampy woods of Pasco county, it is the corner of Gunn Highway & Lawless Road, an intersection of trails worn into the night,the runways of the swamp entities that skulk below the unyielding tree canopy, the highway of the things that live,as well as die, in…
Make Italian pressed panini sandwiches at home
A step-by-step photo tutorial.
Mitch Perry Report 10.31.11
Happy Halloween everybody, as if you didn't just have a weekend to revel in such festivities associated with the secular holiday. Although there were a couple of arrests (the first ones involving felony charges) regarding the Occupy Tampa movement over the weekend, that pales in comparison with the dozens of arrests that took place at…
Brokaw, Schieffer express horror at Herman Cain’s smoking ad
Herman Cain's now infamous and surreal "smoking" web ad, (which some people interpret as a giant f*ck you to political correctness), has picked up some cachet (and funny parodies) this week, but some of the old guard establishment was pretty pretty horrified, none more so than some of network television's most senior (and respected) broaddcasters,…
Flash mob breaks out at Hyde Park Art Show
A Flash Mob broke out in Hyde Park Saturday It was pretty cool to watch. Even though I was tipped off that something might happen, I didn't really know what to expect. Organizers surreptitiously set up a small speaker for the music on the sidewalk. A couple of video cameras were also strategically placed but…
Rick Perry brings back trickle down economics
Can he or can't he? That's the question that is being asked about Rick Perry's chances of becoming a serious player in the GOP race for president. The Texas Governor's impressive fundraising totals for the quarter that ended a month ago ($17 million) would seem to make him one, since not a single vote that…
Occupy arrests over weekend include reporter in Nashville
Tampa’s 11 arrests is one of the lower figures nationally.
Last chance to visit Zoo Boo is this weekend
Lowry Park Zoo becomes a Halloween-themed destination during Zoo Boo. You'll find plenty of spooky destinations this weekend, but only one of them is a fund-raiser for one of the top zoos in the country. Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., has been rated Best Zoo in the U.S. by Parents Magazine, and their…
A good Halloween read: Bedbugs
Bedbugs will draw you in with psychological terror …
Try these scary good Maple pumpkin cheesecake bars
Try these scary good Maple pumpkin cheesecake bars
No Margin for error
Margin Call seems ridiculous in a post-Occupy Wall Street world.
Celebrate Halloween in LGBT style
Some last-minute inspiration for LGBT costumes.
In Time is for the times
Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried occupy the future.
What’s cooking in Pinellas?
The latest scoop on new and soon-to-be-new eateries.
The (screen)play is the thing
Anonymous is far too complicated to be compelling.
Which light bulbs are the greenest?
Compact fluorescents (CFLs) are falling out of favor due to their toxic mercury component.
Greatest baseball game ever? and other sports notes for the weekend
Game Six of the 2011 World Series between the Texas Rangers and the St. Louis Cardinals officially will go down as one of the greats ever, regardless of what happens in tonight's climactic game in St.Louis, following last night's incredible 11th inning victory by the Cards, 10-9, on the walk-off homer by local hero David…
Strategy, Discipline, the Right to Assemble, and Occupy Tampa
The Occupy Wall Street phenomenon spreading across the US is both a continuation of a long tradition of civil resistance movements and something totally unprecedented. Its viral diaspora is evidence that it hits at the core of what many Americans feel is wrong with our system. But where it goes from here and if it…
Mitch Perry Report 10.28.11
We're a bit bleary eyed (a bit?) staying up last night to watch what some folks (okay, ESPN's Buster Olney, at least) are calling the greatest baseball game, ever. But there's news to report. Three more members of the Occupy Tampa movement were arrested</strong> in the middle of the night, with the police pouncing as…
Legal observer among the 3 people arrested at Occupy Tampa this morning
Three more Occupy Tampa protesters were arrested at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park during the middle of the night, charged with battery on a law enforcement officer and interfering with an investigation.. According to police, two protesters pushed an officer who was checking on a report that demonstrators had set up and were sleeping inside tents…
Connie Mack back in U.S. Senate race
Connie Mack It's been the perception among some Florida political analysts that the four major candidates vying for the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate next year have not exactly distinguished themselves, and if the election were next week instead of next year, Bill Nelson would probably be re-elected. Apparently, Connie Mack IV has been having…
On Pearl Jam, REM and U2
Pearl Jam and U2 are the stars of the biographies in their still ongoing careers.
Tampa Bay Fresh Markets
Neighborhood Dining Guide
Occupy Tampa: we’re gonna stay right here
Some people deride the Occupiers for not clearly articulating their grievances and reasons for protesting. In this video, a few of them tell you… (Editor's Note: Kelly Benjamin reported on Occupy Wall Street for the first two weeks of it's existence and assisted with creating a dialogue with Occupy Tampa and the City of Tampa…
Frescobaldi’s bold wines pair perfectly with the changing seasons
Frescobaldi’s bold wines pair perfectly with the changing seasons
Attack of cuteness: Busch Gardens’ cheetah/puppy duo get their first Halloween pumpkins
Though cheetahs are strict carnivores, the residents of Busch Gardens’ Cheetah Run were curious to explore the new smells and textures that three oversized pumpkins provided. Busch Gardens’ zookeepers introduced the pumpkins to the cheetah habitat on Tuesday for some special Halloween-themed enrichment for Kasi and Mtani, and Cheetah Run’s adolescent female cheetahs. (Information provided…
Under fire, Rubio meets the press in Tampa
Marco Rubio & Tampa Chamber of Commerce President Bob Rohrlack Marco Rubio hasn't been to Tampa much since being elected as the state's junior U.S. Senator nearly a year ago, so members of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce had lots of issues to discuss with him at a business lunch this afternoon at the…
Artisanal butters prove that butter really is better
Homespun goodness.
Volunteers needed for Sanding Ovations, Master’s Cup Sand Sculpting Competition and Music Festival, Nov. 17-20
Volunteers are needed for the Sanding Ovations, Master’s Cup Sand Sculpting Competition and Music Festival, Nov. 17-20, for three 3-hour shifts to assist with the beer truck, T-shirt sales, VIP tent and the Jazz Brunch. Volunteers will receive an event T-shirt, free parking, food and soft drinks and water for their contribution. The following number…
Green Community Calendar weekend events
Green After Dark, Sierra Club ‘Spookfest’, workshops and more.
Mitch Perry Report 10.27.11
Busy day in the blogosphere. As the growing size and raucousness of some Occupy rallies are breaking out across the country, Occupy Tampa says their goals are modest: they just want a park to protest in full time. But one City Councilman says he doesn't believe that should happen. Some people aren't certain if Herman…
What the …? Herman Cain announces campaign stop in ….Alabama?
For those of you who believe that GOP voters are enjoying dating Herman Cain right now but will ultimately marry Mitt Romney (excuse the metaphor), that belief might have been cemented Wednesday when a new CNN/Time/ORC poll revealed that the former Massachusetts Governor leads Cain in all four of the early primary states, with double…
Have an affair to remember at Tryst
Dinner at the St. Pete newcomer is more inviting than exclusive.
Rumblings
Wall Street protesters and the fall of the Bastille.
Poetry n’ Lotion rocks the Horror
The Bay area group tackles cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Hop aboard the Bluebird Book Bus
The beauties of book art, inside Studio@620 and a bright blue bus.
The Meatmen, Ted Leo and The Pharmacists, Fitz & the Tantrums + more of the week’s best upcoming concerts.
THURS 27 The Drums Portamento, The Drums' 2011 sophomore LP, is a sweetly sparkling and buoyant slice of indie pop with dark lyrical overtones that reflect on the realities of life, love and loss all recorded as a three-piece after the exit of guitarist Adam Kessler. This tour finds the remaining three members (singer Jonny…
Panhandling = banned
Plus more Shit Happened for the week of Oct. 24.
Happy Ybor-ween!
Scary shenanigans happening in and around Ybor this weekend.
Striking out
All I want is a good flogging, but my boyfriend says no.
Capable of anything
An extraordinary cast in a superb slugfest of an American play. Go!
Occupy this
Why the Tea Party and Occupy movements are not alike.
BEST PLAY
Yellowman
The bop goes on
A Midtown institution reopens with the sounds of jazz and a sense of history.
Live & Local Spotlight: Nightmare at the Museum Bash with The Hip Abduction
"On the highway now, driving for the sun, so happy life just begun," David New sings sweetly in the opening track off The Hip Abduction's One Less Sound, ushering in the bright and buoyant vibe of the entire 11-song LP. Produced by Jim DeVito (Donavon Frankenreiter), One Less Sound draws more heavily on their South…
Occupy Tampa wants a park to protest in, but one Council member says that’s not the city’s job
While there was mayhem in the streets of Oakland with the Occupy movement, in Tampa, police removed several tables that the group Occupy Tampa had assembled along the sidewalk on North Ashley Drive in Tampa next to Curtis Hixon Park, and told organizers they would be allowed to have just one table on the site.…
Karen Jaroch latest Tampa Bay official to join Herman Cain Express
Karen Jaroch It would be stating the obvious to say that Mitt Romney is the favorite of the GOP establishment and in the past month Herman Cain has become the Tea Party/anti-establishment candidate. But if you didn't know that already, you would be by seeing all of the Florida Republican legislators who are flocking to…
Beyond Sustainability Conference at Hillsborough Community College: Nov. 3-4
Panels on green jobs, socially responsible investing and social justice, showcasing the latest in research, policy and grassroots actions.
Look who’s running
There’s an election today in St. Petersburg. Or hadn’t you heard?
Concert review: Bassnectar at Jannus Live, St. Petersburg
What happened in the past year? Electronic dance music is at a juncture where Korn and dustup poster boy Skrillex have an amazingly terrible hybrid of a single on the airwaves, Diplo's producing tracks for the likes of Chris Brown and Beyonce, and Bassnectar sells out Jannus Live … on a Sunday night. [Text by…
Demonstrators criticize Rick Perry’s stance on Social Security outside heavily-guarded Saint Pete Beach fundraiser
A critic of Rick Perry's stance on Social Security Getting arrested in Tampa Bay has never been easier. First, you need to become a member of an alternative media outlet. Then, get yourself assigned to cover a protest outside an eye-poppingly high-priced fundraiser for a flailing GOP presidential contender; one that's got a line of…
Tonight’s Top Chef Just Desserts preview: Who wants to be a hundred-thousandaire?
Check out the preview videos for tonight’s episode of Top Chef Just Desserts!
Rubio to meet for 1st time with Tampa Chamber of Commerce
Marco Rubio Marco Rubio will meet with members of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce on Thursday. Such an announcement would generally be no big deal, but not when it comes to Rubio and this particular chamber, who have been at odds in the past. Earlier this year, the Chamber called on the Florida GOP…
Penn and Teller bring their act to the Mahaffey on Feb. 10
Magicians often fit into two categories. Ones that drunkenly perform card tricks to unwilling party guests, making only the fun disappear. Or ones like Penn and Teller, entertaining masses with television specials and award show appearances; even being on The Simpsons — twice.
The Gaily News: LGBT families more likely to live in poverty
Children growing up in LGBT families are twice as likely to live in poverty as those being raised in a home with heterosexual parents, says a study released earlier this week. The comprehensive report also analyzes the effects of legal and social inequalities on LGBT families while suggesting policy changes that would strengthen these family…
Mitch Perry Report 10.26.11
Texas Governor Rick Perry is in St. Pete Beach this morning, where he's being met with protesters at a fundraiser. Though it's not garnering headlines,CL thinks the fact that Florida's GOP Presidential Primary next January will remain 'winner-take-all' in terms of delegates, is significant. While another Republican has now entered the race for the GOP…
Add environmentalists to the list of ’08 Obama supporters whose enthusiasm is lacking
In San Francisco on Tuesday, President Obama was met with protesters unhappy about his administration's refusal to commit one way or another on the controversial Keystone XL pipeline – which would transport tar-sands oil from Canada to refineries in Illinois, Oklahoma and the Gulf of Mexico. On Sunday, more than 400 activists organized by the…
Kathy Castor says critics of health care reform plan are misinformed
A new report by the pro health care reform organization Famiiles USA says that when fully implemented, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will not only slow down escalating health care costs, but will actually put money in people'spockets. How is that, you might ask, considering the national conversation about the legislation since it was passed…
Puss in Boots does the Humpty
The Shrek spinoff has pussies galore.
Tampa Bay spots featured on upcoming episode of “Drinking Made Easy” with Zane Lamprey
Play the official drinking game while watching along!
Stageworks delves into the grotesque beauty of true love with Gruesome Playground Injuries
Gruesome Playground Injuries reveals the scars and healing power of love.
August: Osage County a superbly acted slugfest
American Stage assembles a brilliant cast for a hilarious, devastating play.
A pool party, porn stars, and the proverbial hand-job (NSFW)
Shawn Alff, Ron Jeremy, Christy Wild, and Grace Evangeline “Hand-jobs aren’t cheating,” my wife informed me a few weeks ago. My immediate impulse was to go on Twitter and ask, “1. Who has been getting hand-jobs from my wife? and 2. Who wants to give me a hand-job?” As much as I was tempted, I…
The perils of partying with porn stars (pics NSFW)
Priya Rai dancing at Bliss Cabaret “Where's my phone?” asks Filipino porn star Annie Cruz as she leans in to kiss Sarah Vandella. “You probably left it in your pants.” Cruz looks down at her black and white striped panties. “Where are my pants?” Cruz asks as a devious grin spreads across her pierced lips.…
