Deb’s mom’s Amazing Apple Cake recipe
Yesterday, the temperature topped out around here at 86 degrees, F. The humidity was so high that when I stepped outside from my air conditioned digs, my sunglasses promptly fogged right up, forcing me to stumble my way to my car. That’s muggy, people! Now I ask you – is that any way for Autumn…
Do It Today: Dr. John and the Lower 911, 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T, Evenings with the Maestro, Writers at the U and more
Dr. John's stage persona, "The Night Tripper," is as big and colorful as the Big Easy — he embodies the culture and heritage of his hometown of New Orleans, and his latest project is a tribute to Duke Ellington and Johnny Mercer. Dr. John and the Lower 911 take the stage with "The Sauce Boss"…
Dreaming of a first love breakup
“Hi Dream Momma, I like your blog and was hoping you can help me as I think about this dream a lot. In the dream, I went with my family to visit my first love (of nearly a decade ago). I went in the house, and it was empty. Saw some things of his, then…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Wednesday, November 4: Snookers Grill Champagne and Sushi. It seems like the words I’m reading are too good to be true, but unless my senses are deceiving me, it appears that Snookers is offering unlimited — yes, like, all you could ever imbibe — champagne and chef-selected sushi. Those just happen to be two of…
On the Radar: Historic Roser Park Art Festival
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. We don’t need special incentives for a scenic stroll through the hills of St. Pete’s Historic Roser Park, but this weekend there’s even more reason to check out the bungalows, brick-lined streets and moss-draped, overgrown oaks that shade the…
Do It Today: Roy Johnson’s “Hollywood or Bust” comedy show, Hillsong United, Celebrity Book Signing Series and more
Comedian Roy Johnson has been beefing up his funny resume since his first-ever open mic at Tampa Improv in 2000. A year later, he headlined and produced his first homegrown showcase of local talent (eight followed) and the Improv eventually hired him on as the house MC in 2002. He continued to carve a name…
Secrets: we all have them (links NSFW)
Everyone has a secret. Some may be juicy while others may be pretty plain jane to most, but simply put everyone has something that no one else knows about them. If you are reading my blogs you know a few of my secrets. I blog mainly about my open marriage, my body and my sex life. This isn't…
The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook exclusive recipe: Thai-style Chicken Flatbread
Thai-style Chicken Flatbread (Read our profile of Steamy Kitchen’s Jaden Hair.) I make my own pizza dough from time to time, but when I want to make an impressive appetizer last minute, I buy a ball of pre-made pizza dough or, even easier, a package of naan or flatbread from the supermarket. This chicken flatbread…
Live music Tuesday in Tampa Bay: Pretty Lights, The Goddamn Gallows, and White Tie Affair (with video)
Just when you thought there was nothing to do on a Tuesday night, three quality acts make show stops right here in Tampa Bay. Derek Vincent Smith [pictured left] is the producer behind Pretty Lights, his song creations marked by hip hop high drama, pumping beats, swells of electro sonics, and layers of samples –…
Jim Harper on Kathleen Ford: I never liked her, but I’ll vote for her
[Editor's Note: Jim Harper, a former editor of the Weekly Planet (now Creative Loafing), covered St. Petersburg government, politics and racial issues from 1996 to 2000 for the St. Petersburg Times.] I've been following the St. Pete mayor's race fairly closely. Even though I don't especially like either candidate, they are who you've got. And…
Dreaming of Punky Brewster
“Dream Momma, A reoccurring dream I had as a child was that I was riding in a van (sitting on the floor) with Punky Brewster and the black guy on the? show. It was a hula-hoop van, don’t ask. We stopped at this bank, and the driver tried to catch me with a hula-hoop as…
Democrat Stacy Frank enters race for open House seat in District 57
Stacy Frank, an attorney and small business owner who has been involved in a public controversy this year over her company's involvement in developing cell towers in some Hillsborough County public schools, today announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination for District 57 in the Florida House of Representatives. The seat is open due to…
Beer Review: Scandinavia’s Mikkeller Jackie Brown
According to beer judging guidelines, brown ales should be a celebration of sweet dark grain. English style browns exhibit a heavier, dominant malt character with very little hops presence, while American browns tend to balance malt and hops flavors, sometimes with a modest degree of citrusy bitterness. Alcohol content of both types is usually moderate,…
Gossip Girl recap: election day scandal
"Sometimes it's hard to see the lines we've drawn until we cross them. That's when we rely on the ones we love to pull us back and give us something to hold on to. Then there are the clearly marked lines, the ones that if you cross you may never find your way back." -xoxo…
Voting begins for Largo’s Recycled Innovations Contest
The local elections will be decided Tuesday night, but voting for the City of Largo Recycled Innovations Contest has just begun. This online contest encouraged innovators of all ages to make a use-able items with the contents of their trash can. Eligible recycled innovations range from kitty litter box hanging gardens to baby food container…
Developer welfare in Hillsborough: Impact Fees (or lack of them)
You probably already know that growth does not pay for itself and taxpayers are left holding the bill for things like roads, fire safety and parks despite what politicians would like you to believe. Impact fees should be funding these things, yet they don't even come close. In fact, according to a recent audit done…
Paula’s in, and it’s Super Tuesday. Mitch Perry Report 11.3.09
Well, it's election day in St. Petersburg. Foster or Ford? Danner or Schmiege? Kornell or Rouson? We'll mercifully know by tonight who'll be governing St. Pete post Rick Baker. There are state and local elections throughout the country, some said to have national implications. I know Rush Limbaugh said the other day that Barack Obama…
The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook exclusive recipe: Three Pea Stir-fry
Three Pea Stir-fry (Read our profile of Steamy Kitchen’s Jaden Hair.) My family loves peas every which way except for canned. What better way to please all than to stir-fry a combination of sugar snap, snow peas and shelled peas? Sometimes I’ll stand in the kitchen and just eat them straight out of the wok.…
Tonight’s NJ and Virginia races a barometer on Obama? Not really, but it makes for a good storyline
In addition to tonight's election for mayor and City Council in St. Pete, there are the traditional governors race in this off year election being held in New Jersey and Virginia, and which political analysts invariably always say is a referendum in part on the leadership in Washington. I never heard that said that often…
Dance Review: USF 2009 Fall Dance Concert
The USF Fall Dance Concert lives up to its billing as a "vibrant mélange of ballet, modern, swing and flamenco-fusion." Not having seen one of the USF dance concerts for many years, I was very pleasantly surprised at the exceptional quality of dance, choreography, music and costuming. The execution of the dances demonstrated a high…
Relationship f-ups caught on Facebook (hilarious pics)
Social networking sites like Facebook have changed the face of modern dating, but this new technology isn't without its flaws. We've all had a "friend" who has been caught flirting or cheating via illicit Facebook messages. One woman even discovered her marriage was over when her spouse spontaneously changed his relationship status to single. Below…
DirecTV ads: First Chris Farley and David Spade, next Heath Ledger, JFK and Jesus Christ? (With video)
Last week I posted a column about how I thought DirecTV had taken their ad campaign a bit too far by using a scene from Tommy Boy featured dead actor Chris Farley. In the article, I had said that while I wouldn't stop using DirecTV if I had it (which I don't because satellite TV…
REO Speedwagon, Styx and Nightranger share the spotlight at Tampa’s Ford Amphitheatre
It’s depressing to think that much of the music I grew up with and love is now considered classic rock. The name "classic rock" evokes an image of elderly rockers, banging out overplayed tunes that can often be heard in the aisles of the local Publix. I suppose I take it a bit personally because…
Super Tuesday in St. Petersburg as voters choose a new mayor and city council
St. Petersburg registered voters have until 7PM tonight to cast their ballot for mayor and 5 City Council races. There will be no prediction in this space on who will be the victor tonight. All indications going into today is that it will be a close race, though we can say with certainty that as…
Paula Dockery to run for governor
The Associated Press is reporting that Lakeland State Senator Paula Dockery will file the paperwork to declare herself a candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor in 2010. Dockery said weeks ago that she would announce in November, and and been hinting for months before that that she was seriously contemplating a run. This is…
Energy systems 2.0
Until this week, I had no idea that the World Wide Web that I am accustomed to is called “Web 2.0”, a second wave in the development of our most important medium for communication. Web 2.0 can be thought of as inspiring a shift in the role of the user, from receiver to creator, allowing…
Do It Today: One World / One People at LRMA, art inventory sale, Freedom Without Walls
Two nationally-acclaimed exhibits are in their final days at the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art: Epitaph / Roadside Memorials in America is a collection of 33 photographs taken on artist Angelo Mantas' travels in the United States — and a stark reminder of the frailty and transience of life. One World / One People is a …
On the Radar: Boxer Bash
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. No, a tattoo-faced, ear-chompin' Mike Tyson isn't going to guest star at this Saturday's shindig: the Boxer Bash is a fundraiser for the Florida Boxer Rescue, which has saved more than 3,000 homeless or abused pups since its inception…
Celebrity Halloween costume parade feat. Brangelina, Christina Aguilera, Gwen Stefani, James Gandolfini & more
TRICK OR TEET? From New York to L.A. and even D.C., the celebs were out in force this year to celebrate the one day that can't land them on a worst-dressed list! Here's a taste of the action, beginning with the fairest couple of them all: Brangelina: Not sure what Angelina is supposed to be,…
Porn review: ‘Not the Bradys XXX Marcia, Marcia, Marcia’ (trailer)
When approaching any piece of media, I think it's vital to engage the work on its own terms. What are the creators trying to accomplish? Do they have a a specific audience in mind or message they're trying to convey? How did they use the resources at their disposal? So it would be unfair to…
Video: “The Grinch That Stole Guavaween” (A merchant’s view)
Guavaween was by all reports kind of a bust this year — the dip in attendance due in part to the ban on motorized floats and the according lack of krewes, but also to a higher ticket price and unfortunate timing (lots of competition from Saturday night Halloween parties). One thing's for sure: Walling off…
BPA in plastics linked to aggressive behavior in children
We've all heard about the "bad" plastics- those that contain carcinogens, toxins, and BPA (Bisphenol-A). But did you know that exposure to the BPA in the "bad" plastics has been linked to aggressiveness in children, as well as other diseases in humans? A first-of-its-kind study done by the University of North Carolina linked behavioral problems in…
Spirits Review: The Dalmore, a Scotch distillery with a wide range
The Dalmore is a classic name in Scotch — located way up in north Scotland, just past Inverness and the Highlands — but one that has received little credit here in the colonies over the past decade or so. With a change from Jim Beam to a new marketing company, and an alliance with big…
Dreaming of lovers in the laundry room
“Dream Momma, I am a 45-year-old, married, black female professional living in Tampa. I have been having an online “affair,” if you will call it that, for 3 years with a white man. My husband, who is also a professional, travels a lot with his job. I have met my online lover, and although we…
Upcoming MMA on TV: Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers predictions
The upcoming mixed martial arts (MMA) event, Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers, on Nov. 7, 2009 is one of the most anticipated fights in MMA history, as it is expected to reveal whether the Russian MMA fighter, Fedor "The Last Emperor" Emelianenko is indeed the best heavyweight in the world pound-for-pound. His challenger, Brett "The Grim"…
On the Radar: art quilts at FIM and From Havana to Hell’s Kitchen: A Latin Cabaret at American Stage
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. There's nothing cozier than a handmade quilt on a cold winter night, but these blankets with humble beginnings have been elevated to the upper echelons of art at the Florida International Museum, which debuts two new quilt collections Friday.…
The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook exclusive recipe: Lettuce Cups
(Read our profile of Steamy Kitchen's Jaden Hair.) Lettuce Cups This dish is an experience in textures and sensations…the cool, crisp lettuce cups cradles the warm filling. As you take a bite, you’ll first taste the bright, sweet, juicy mandarin orange, then the savory chicken and then the crunch of water chestnuts and the mild…
Review: Star Wars In Concert, The Force was with them
It may have been the day after Halloween, but thousands of people had plenty good reason to play dress-up this past Sunday afternoon at the St. Pete Times Forum. One didn’t have to look far to find a Yoda or Princess Leia milling about the concourses. Many congregated toward a makeshift exhibit of original Star…
1890s Ybor City: Green and sustainable (plus vintage postcards)
This post is about one of my favorite places in Tampa Bay: Ybor City. The Ybor City I admire is the community pre “urban renewal”: that pathetic time in the 1960s when vast stretches of this remarkable multi-lingual and multi-ethnic historic district were demolished in the name of the mid-century streamlined suburban dream. I’ve written…
On the Radar: Roaring Twenties film and fundraiser
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. For one night only, the Roaring Twenties are back, so grab your flapper dresses and fedoras and head out for a night at the theater. Next weekend's event features the 1920’s silent film Souls for Sale, about an ordinary…
City of Seminole recycling and sustainability discussion
A local activist has scheduled a discussion on recycling and sustainability at the Seminole Community Library on Monday, November 9, from 10 am to 12 pm. Mary DeGeorge, coordinator of the discussion, moved from New York to Florida two years ago. While in New York, she established a paper recycling program at the 1,200 student school in which…
It Happened this Week-ish: Spencer Pratt likes me, A-Rod as a centaur, Taylor Swift + Taylor Lautner=lurve, Miley Cyrus is on the outs and more
*With the premiere of New Moon just around the corner, this Team Taylor vs Team Rob thing is heating up and Miss Swift has picked her side. The half-Asian (she is half Asian right? Whatever, I don't have time to Wikipedia it) Taylor Swift is getting cozy with Taylor Lautner. I couldn't make it through…
Theater review: The Dumb Show at American Stage is smart improv
Good improv requires a lot more than acting talent. It requires intelligence, a wide-ranging imagination, split-second decision-making and an unfailing instinct for what’s comic in the human condition. Where Gavin Hawk and Ricky Wayne of The Dumb Show (photo, L-R) are concerned, it also means the willingness to appear utterly ridiculous in front of a…
Cheap Eats: Avocado Café n’ Bakery in New Tampa
Avocado Café n’ Bakery 14941 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, 813-631-9703? Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m-7 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. As if Acropolis and Mr. Dunderbak’s weren’t big enough draws to this little North Tampa strip center, there's also tasty Venezuelan fare at Avocado Café n’ Bakery. If you have ever tasted an arepa con…
Iron Jaden: The determined rise of Jaden Hair, from home cook to the celebrated author of the new Steamy Kitchen Cookbook
(Look for three exclusive recipes from The Steamy Kitchen Cookbook to be posted on the Daily Loaf today and tomorrow: Three Pea Stir-Fry, Thai-Style Chicken Flatbread, and Lettuce Cups.) I first met Jaden Hair two years ago, in the drizzled, muddy parking lot of an organic farm stand. She came to my attention thanks to…
Dating as a dad: explaining swinging to your kids
A ‘dating’ lifestyle for a single dad can be fraught with many nightmarish consequences. For example, I cannot bring a woman home without being asked what happened to the last woman I dated. My kids usually ask for her by name. Nothing kills a mood quicker than mentioning another woman’s name to your current date—except…
Lieberman, Karzai and very interesting poll results in Florida on offshore drilling and the public option: Mitch Perry Report 11.02.09
There will be no runoff election in Afghanistan this weekend (I know, we were all looking forward to the revote between Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah). Karzai's in, but what, if anything, will this mean for the U.S. interests? Reportedly President Obama will meet at least two more times with his advisers on the strategy…
Afghanistan re-vote canceled – Karzai still the man
In Afghanistan this morning, officials have canceled the run-off election scheduled for this Saturday, declaring Hamid Karzai the winner after his opponent, Abdullah Abdullah, said he would not participate in the re-vote. What does this mean in terms of the calculation that President Obama is working with in deciding troop levels in that country? Well,…
New poll shows Floridians supporting GOP interests on 2 key issues
A year before Floridians go to the polls to vote for a new Governor and U.S. Senator, the St. Pete Times/Miami Herald released a series of polls this weekend that could have serious implications on how state policy evolves over the next year. Among the most revealing: By a 47 to 40% margin, Floridians are…
Joe Lieberman: Doing nothing beats a public option
Connecticut Independent Senator Joe Lieberman proudly displayed his free agent status on Sunday when he declared on CBS' Face The Nation program Sunday that he feels so strongly against "another government entitlement" that he will use his power as a single member of that august body to vote against any health care bill that includes…
Do It Today: Peace Couture celebrity fashion show, In My Own Words at the Palladium and more
The Peace Couture celebrity fashion show — with catwalk sashays by Pat Burrell of the Rays, Miss Florida Rachael Todd, Wendy Ryan of ABC Action News, Ryan Nece (pictured left), Olympic gold medalist Brooke Bennett and more — also includes red carpet interviews by ABC Action News, in-house spa treatments and haute cuisine from Ruth's…
Former WEC champion Miguel Torres to teach MMA seminar in Tampa on Nov.12
Former World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) bantamweight champion, Miguel Torres, will host a mixed martial arts (MMA) seminar at World Class Martial Arts in Tampa on Nov. 12, 2009 from 8-10 p.m. Cost is $50 per person. The seminar is open to anyone regardless of gym affiliation and experience. Torres, who is one of the best…
Internet dating: new sites to check out
Internet dating has fast become a popular means to meet others. Sites exist for singles, couples, swingers, cheaters, gay, lesbien, bisexual; I'm sure you have heard of them all. Or so you thought. I have found a few interesting dating sites that are reaching out to a particular population. Maybe you have missed something in…
Dreaming of ghost heads
“Last night I dreamt of shelves of plaster molds of Ghost heads. I was near a shelf full of glowing heads, (just casts) and then we’d meet a ghost, he would show is to the grave, we’d pull out the body, make a plaster cast of the head, and return the body to the ground.…
Hate to say I told you so: Scozzafava drops out of NY-23 special election
Republican nominee Dede Scozzafava has officially dropped out of the race for New York's 23rd Congressional district. Earlier this week, I reported that Conservative Party challenger Doug Hoffman was becoming increasingly popular due to his strong conservative values, especially against Scozzafava, whose record in the New York Assembly has been consistantly liberal. Now, it appears…
County furlough days….they have to pay for Kevin White and Pat Bean somehow!
According to this article many residents were surprised at the furlough days implemented because of the recent budget cuts down at the county. Hey, they have to pay for Commissioner White's $500,000 sex trial and Pat Bean's let's give ourselves a raise award somehow, right? The additional upcoming furlough days are Jan 15th, April 2nd,…
Cone Ranch panelist calls bullshit on private meetings Chair had with investors
You might remember in my latest post on Cone Ranch I thought it smelled kinda fishy that the Chair (along with our highly paid lobbyist) would have a private meeting with the campaign donors brokers, FCEG, who are pushing the sale of publicly owned land to private investors. A review of prior panelist meetings revealed…
How to become a professional MMA fighter—Part Two
Caroline Portugal has exactly four more months to make her dream of becoming a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter a reality as she is getting ready for her professional debut at the Real Fighting Championships (RFC) event in February 2010. Needless to say, her almost daily training is no walk in the park. Aside…
WMNF Radio holds emergency meeting to discuss controversy over Buju Banton concert
Late this afternoon, just hours before controversial reggae singer Buju Banton's concert at the Cuban Club in Ybor City was to take place, an emergency meeting was held inside radio station WMNF. Banton's song "Boom Bye Bye" advocates gay-bashing and murder, and has led to a letter writing campaign by the LGBT group Equality Florida…
Halloween Velvet Sessions at the Hard Rock Hotel
The last time that I saw Dee Snider was during breakfast at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando. While I was forced to make small talk with some Backstreet Boy (don’t ask me which one), Dee discussed high finance with my wife, who is a bank vice-president. Lacking Dee’s usual makeup and rampant abuse of…
Music links for Friday, Oct. 30: The Killers, Jack Johnson, Britney Spears, The Who, Lady GaGa and more (with videos)
A few music-themed conversation pieces to use during this weekend's Halloween festivities. Photo by Tracy May. The Killers are releasing a CD and DVD of Live at Royal Albert Hall on Nov. 10, and the performance will also be in select movie theaters for one night only, Nov. 5. Is it a coincidence that the…
Movie Review: Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant Starring John C. Reilly, Salma Hayek and Willem Defoe
[Editor's Note: This is the first post by new CL film contributor Daphne Hernandez. For reasons unknown, Wordpress swallowed this post last week and I was only able to track it down today. But hey, it's Halloween weekend, and this is flick you might want to see this holiday weekend. So please, check out the…
A cultured Halloween: weekend’s best bets in spooky art and theater
Beware of artists…they're out in droves for ARTGORE, armed with paintbrushes, pencils, paper and canvas, and there’s no telling whether they’re going to draw you or draw blood. More than a dozen artists from the ARTCORE collective have works on display — among them Cheeta, Chainsaw Chuck, Casey Ryan Hall, Ben Apple, Bean Spence (work…
What NCAA and NFL games to watch this weekend (Oct. 31 – Nov. 2)
With college football’s home stretch slowly coming into view, this Saturday offers fans another batch of important games that will lead us closer to clarity. Two national championship contenders hit the road against ranked teams while several other hopefuls remain locked outside the top of the BCS like single guys waiting fruitlessly to get into…
Kevin’s Kreepy Korner: The Halloween edition
Welcome to a very special, spook-tacular edition of Kevin’s Korner. This week, as we get our costumes ready, our tricks perfected and our tolerance for candy pushed to its peak. Plus, I have some great movie news, including scary tale involving a Spider-Man villain, the newest film from the Broken Lizard crew, and so much…
Project Runway recap: invasion of the idea thieves
It's getting down to the wire now, with six designers left to duke it out for a spot at Bryant Park. They started the episode by facing away from the runway to get their challenge info, which kinda sorta makes them all look like they are in time out and Heidi is their disappointed teacher.…
Vintage footage of Chad Smith from Red Hot Chili Peppers (video)
My friend Renee recently told me about a band she used to follow (sometimes literally — oh, Renee!) during her heyday in Detroit in the '80s called Toby Redd. I was interested to learn that the band's drummer, Chad Smith (third from left), went on to become a member of megaband Red Hot Chili Peppers…
Scott Wagman sounds off on St Pete mayor’s race
Former St. Pete mayoral candidate Scott Wagman insists his $250 contribution to Bill Foster's campaign isn't an full fledged endorsement, but does say that he thinks Foster is the right choice in next Tuesday's election. When asked by CL why he opted to contribute to Foster's campaign, Wagman said he feels that if elected, Foster…
Do It This Weekend, Part Deux: Star Wars In Concert, Pontypool, pig roast, In the Heights and more
If you're already worn out on Halloween, check out our picks for non-ghoul-related weekend events. (But if you're still looking for something to do for Halloween, check out our comprehensive listings here) At Star Wars: In Concert, you can hear all six of John Williams' epic soundtracks played by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, narrated live…
Glenn Beck’s beef with vegetarians (video)
Earlier this week, the UK's climate chief and leading authority on global warming, Lord Stern of Brentford, released a report on the raising of cattle and pigs, and how its production greatly affects greenhouse gases and climate change. Bentford said that, "Meat is a wasteful use of water and creates a lot of greenhouse gases. It puts…
On the Radar: Vicky Colombet: Terres de Brume / A New Geography at Bleu Acier
Welcome to On the Radar, where we preview up-and-coming arts events to mark your calendar for. As tempting as it is to place labels like ‘minimalist’ or ‘landscape’ on Vicky Colombet’s work, such qualifiers don’t do justice to the profound mysteries the French artist creates with a stroke of the pen or brush, which you…
Sex toys: my top 10 list
Sex toys used to be thought of as kinky, perverted, and taboo, but things have changed. When I first got married I thought I'd never need to masturbate or use a vibrator. This was in the mid 80’s when you couldn't anonymously shop for sex toys online. Now it's easier than ever to search for…
Sileo sidelined, Nelson & Bilirakis targeted on health care, and Bob Butterworth working for FPL?: Mitch Perry Report 10.30.2009
The House Democrats dropped a bomb on D.C. yesterday – 1900 pages of health reform legislation that Republicans hate and even some progressive Democrats aren't pleased with. Meanwhile, activists will target local politicos Gus Bilirakis and Bill Nelson today. Sports talk show host Dan Sileo has been sidelined by his Clear Channel bosses for his…
Pick an Ybor hangout bar for Creative Loafing’s staff — Vote Now!
If you didn't know, Creative Loafing recently relocated its offices from Howard Ave. to Ybor, and staffers are psyched. No disrespect intended to SoHo, but our new digs are an easy walk from coffee, alcohol, food and music, not to mention the ample natural light and old-Florida brick architecture. It's like waking up from a…
Theater review: In the Heights at TBPAC
In the Heights — now onstage at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center for the first stop on its inaugural national tour — has non-stop energy. The most remarkable thing about this play is the driving beat of the music and dance numbers in many Latino styles from salsa to hip-hop. The vigorous ensemble cast…
What’s up with Bob Butterworth helping FPL?
At the turn of this century (almost a decade ago), Attorney Generals from around the country were using the bully pulpit of their offices to make some major changes and reforms throughout the states. I'm talking about Eliot Spitzer in New York, Michael Moore in Mississippi, Bill Lockyer in California, and our own Bob Butterworth…
Local activists for health care reform to target Bill Nelson & Gus Bilirakis today
House Democrats unveiled their 1,990 page health care reform bill in Washington yesterday, and the entire House may vote on it within the next 1o days. The Dems are already playing some fiscal tricks in stating its costs, saying it will cost "only" $894 billion. That does not include provisions to increase Medicare payments to…
Killing your lawn (the eco-friendly way)
I've decided for a greener landscape and to kill my yard. I will not waste water trying to keep the grass green. I will not use chemicals to kill the weeds. I don't want to pollute the air any further with a gas-powered lawn mower and I've tried an electric one but it is not powerful enough…
Do It This Weekend: Guavaween, costume parties, Witchstock, trick or treat, haunted tours and more
Here are this weekend's cream of the crop in Halloween events, but if you can't find something frightening enough for you here, chances are you'll find it in our comprehensive listings. If you have the kids in tow, Guavaween is an oversized, daytime block party where kids can safely trick-or-treat, compete in costume contests, win pumpkins,…
Marijuana and the male orgasm
"Oh yeah, oh yeah… omigod, I'm so close. I wish I had some beer, but I wanna come. Ooo, I want a burrito. Why can't I come?!" Sound familiar? An Australian study has found that men who smoke marijuana on a regular basis are four times more likely to have difficulty reaching orgasm than men…
Fall into fitness and enjoy Mother Nature while you’re at it
Fall is the time of the year when we begin to prepare for Winter and the many holidays to come over the next several months. Take time for yourself this fall and step up your fitness program in preparation for the upcoming holiday season. Whether you are beginning your fitness program or stepping up your program, additional…
Dreaming of an unknown guy
“Dream Momma, I’m a senior at a college in Tampa. We check out your blog once in a while so I thought I would write. In my dream I was taking a really hard test but i showed up late. No one seemed to care. Just about everyone was finished and walking out of this…
Tampa MSM wildly goes off the tracks in reporting Buc rumor
Joel Glazer, the co-chairman of the Tampa Bay Bucaneers, has released a statement blasting WDAE radio host Dan Sileo today for his wild speculation that "massive losses" due to investments with disgraced fraudster Bernie Madoff are forcing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to run their team on a lean budget. Glazer called the report, "s baseless,…
Best of the Bay Winner Holly Benson now running for the GOP nomination for Attorney General
The race for the Republican nomination for Attorney General just got potentially more interesting today with the announcement that Holly Benson, until recently the Secretary of Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration, announced her candidacy today. She now joins Lieutenant Governor Jeff Kottcamp in that race. Kottcamp took the high road today, issuing a press…
Marriage, year one: what I’ve learned about love
Our marriage began with a hurricane (the storm, not the drink). The morning after our wedding we were forced to evacuate Louisiana. We drove for 14 hours and after no luck finding a hotel, we ended up spending the first night of our honeymoon sleeping in our Jeep in a Cracker Barrel parking lot. While…
My First Marathon: Chicago Marathon 2009
520+ – Miles Ran 16+ – Weeks of Training 10+ – lbs lost 8 – Toenails Lost 2 – Pairs of Shoes 1 – Bra Size 1 – Officially diagnosed reoccurring injury ( All this to run 26.2. Leaving my hotel race morning, I stepped out onto an all but deserted street and began my lone…
Brussels Sprouts Saute with Bacon, Pecans and Red Grapes
Whenever I talk to someone not originally from Florida, especially a recent transplant, one of the first complaints I'm likely to hear is that they miss the change of seasons. Well, guess what? The seasons change here in Florida, too. The signs are just a lot more subtle, so you have to pay closer attention.…
Offshore drilling, red light cameras, and no homeless shelter in Hillsborough County: Mitch Perry Report 10.29.09
There was a civilized, at times dare we say entertaining debate last night in Tallahassee on the proposal to repeal Florida's ban on offshore drilling. Tampa officials are studying the possibility of bringing red light cameras to certain intersections in the city. Hillsborough County officials already agreed on doing so, with the first cameras going…
Draper Laboratory opens shop at USF Tampa
Complemented by a hearty round of applause, “Welcome Draper to the University of South Florida“ were among the first words USF’s President Judy Genshaft spoke in warmly receiving Draper Laboratories as new residents on the Tampa campus. With some of Hillsborough County’s elite in attendance, including Mayor Pam Iorio, a red ribbon ceremony was held…
Red light cameras could be coming to Tampa
Both local dailies report today that city of Tampa officials are studying the effectiveness of using red light cameras at certain intersections. Hillsborough County Commissioners approved the concept a year and a half ago, and according to the Tampa Tribune, the first ones are set to be turned on this Friday at the corner of…
Hillsborough County Commissioners strike out on proposed homeless shelter
Well, it was a good idea. Or maybe not. Yesterday a spokesman for the owners of the Floriland Mall in Tampa, which last week Hillsborough County Commissioners voted to investigate the possibility of using as a homeless shelter, struck the idea down cold. As reported in today's St. Petersburg Times, George Heaton, the manager of…
Supporters for offshore drilling in Florida still hiding
Last night in Tallahassee, proponents and opponents of offshore drilling debated for two hours in a debate sponsored by Florida State University and Gannett Florida, the owner of the Tallahassee Democrat newspaper, and broadcast over the internet from the Florida State University web site (which is how I viewed it). Speaking against the proposal was…
Kinky pictures from Taboo 3 at the Castle (NSFW)
Halloween came early Saturday at The Castle with Taboo 3. If you couldn't make it, check out the photo gallery below for a taste of what you missed. Performances by Angela Ryan, Idelsy, Oni & Jody, Evelyn Rose, Victoria Sapphire, Aerial Eye Burlesque, Curse Mackey, DJ Tom Gold, DJ Sean, DJ Nemesis, and DJ Rob…
Jobsite’s usually nimble troupe sucks the life out of Night of the Living Dead.
There were arguably two ways to go with a stage version of the 1968 cult-film classic Night of the Living Dead: play it straight, for chills and thrills, or play it for laughs, as a sort of inspired Charles Ludlam-like parody. Jobsite tries for both, and succeeds at neither. There are a few good moments…
Review of The New Century at St. Petersburg’s American Stage
A brilliant start but a tepid finish to an “After Hours” comedy.
A fitness freak who makes her boyfriend eat junk food
Fitness nut weighs consequences of unhealthy kink.
Kathleen Ford vs. Bill Foster: The next St. Pete mayor
Who are the candidates behind the caricatures, and who’s got the edge?
CL Sound Bites, Reunion edition! Stone Temple Pilots, Faith No More, Pavement, The Smiths, and more)
* The reunited Stone Temple Pilots (who still owe Tampa a show, by the way) spent the last few months working on a new album. They're breaking to tour but will return to the studio afterwards to shoot for a spring/summer 2010 release. Simply recording and releasing a new STP album may not be all that simple,…
Carson Frame – Contributor
Carson Frame is an Honors student at the University of South Florida where she is working towards a dual degree in English Literature and International Studies. With the help of Mitch Perry, she joined CL in 2009 as a News and Politics contributor. In her spare time, Carson also covers stories for the Evening News…
The Green Community week in review: Green Halloween, organic food labels, sustainable living and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week: Tampa joins International Day of Climate Action to take a stand for a safe climate future- On October 24, people from Tampa Bay joined Greenpeace to hear the importance of acting now for the climate…
CT Turner defeats Tampa police officer Chris Baten at AOF 5
Tampa police officer, Chris Baten, delivered an almost hulk-like performance while trying to thwart CT Turner's powerful and relentless attacks during the main bout of the mixed martial arts (MMA) event, Rumble at Robarts 4, which was hosted by the Sarasota based promoter, Art of Fighting (AOF) on Oct. 23, 2009. But ultimately, his opponent…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Green Halloween, climate action rally, green expo 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. Dialogue on Climate…
