Mitch Perry Report: Jack Welch won’t shut up
Plus: Nelson vs. Mack and more …
Music fest alerts: Guavaween, Next Big Thing 12, Sunshine Blues Festival
Check out these high-quality day-long festivals now on the horizon.
Charlie Crist to endorse another Democrat, Republican Party of Florida chairman seethes
The news that Charlie Crist will endorse another Democrat later this week — this time Sarasota Democratic congressional candidate Keith Fitzgerald — caused Republican Party Chair Lenny Curry to have another spasm of anger. The Republican Party of Florida head issued a flurry of negative press releases in recent months as the former GOP governor…
Review: Public Image Ltd. at Orpheum, Ybor City
Talk about making the best of a potentially bad situation. With a fresh U.S. tour that was plagued with glitches before it even hit our shores, Public Image Ltd. has been able rise above immigration, scheduling and venue problems, and continue with their 2012 jaunt in support of fine new 2012 album, This is PiL.…
LAWBI: In Defense of Columbus Day
Colombo, the man (not the yogurt). Yesterday was Columbus Day. As you know, Columbus Day is an arbitrarily assigned national holiday which serves as a tribute to a guy — who wasn’t American, or named Columbus in his native tongue — who accidentally “discovered” a land mass 32 times the size of his homeland while…
Connie Mack aligns himself with Rand Paul and Senate minority in cutting funds to Middle Eastern countries
Our relations with the government of Pakistan have ebbed so low that the U.S. government expressed little outrage after a Pakistani tribal court found the doctor who helped the CIA effort to locate Osama bin Laden guilty of treason, sentencing him to 33 years in prison. But the U.S. Senate continues to provide financial aid…
Rock legends Joe Cocker and Dave Mason deliver the goods at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
The prospect of seeing two Woodstock-era rock legends like Dave Mason and Joe Cocker performing under one roof can be as enticing as it is cautionary. Sure, the fact that you’re sharing the room with a living artifact of rock n’ roll’s past is, in itself, pretty great, but the reality of aging for artists…
Jessica Ehrlich airs first TV ad in her campaign against Bill Young
Not only has Pinellas County Congressman Bill Young won 21 straight elections, but only one time has his Democratic opponent been able to get more than 40 percent of the vote against him. That was in 1992, when Karen Moffitt got 43 percent of the vote against the GOP heavyweight. Coincidentally, perhaps, that was the…
On the 11th year anniversary of the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan, USF students protest U.S. foreign policy
In light of the 11th anniversary of the American invasion of Afghanistan that took place on Sunday, the Students for a Democratic Society led an action protesting U.S. foreign policy on Monday on the USF campus in Tampa. The group consisted of about 12 students, who started the demonstration at Cooper Hall addressing other students…
Mitch Perry Report 10-9-12: Oh, so NOW you believe the polls?
Plus: Today is your last chance to register to vote.
Gloria Steinem to rally with I Am Choice
Gloria Steinem is coming to the 'Burg. On Monday, I Am Choice announced that the writer and feminist will headline its Saturday, Oct. 20, Get Out The Vote Unplugged rally against Amendment 6 (read more about the amendment here). The rally takes place at Jannus Live in St. Pete and features Steinem along with Congresswoman…
Democrats say they’re doing well in Florida in new registrations as deadline looms
Tuesday marks the deadline to register to vote in the November 6 election in Florida, and Obama supporters say they're making a strong effort in the days before that deadline. Obama for American National Communications Director Brent Colburn said Monday afternoon that on one day last week the campaign registered 10,415 people to be exact.…
ACLU to host post-RNC forum in Tampa
We're not sure if anything new will be unearthed at this confab, but the American Civic Liberties Union (ACLU) of Florida announced that it will hold what its calling, “The Afterparty: Reviewing Speech and Privacy After the RNC,” Tuesday night in Tampa. The ACLU hosted several well attended forums leading up to the convention, as…
Tampa Tribune sold, new owners say they’re in it for the long haul
Nothing about this morning's announcement that the Tampa Tribune has been sold to a private-equity firm is that surprising. When parent owner Media General sold off most of its other newspaper properties except the Tribune to investor Warren Buffett earlier this year, officials said the Trib was definitely on the block. The question was never…
Hillsborough County Democrat says he’ll drop out of HD 58 race unless local party chair leaves
Jose Vasquez This fall, there are certain legislative races in Hillsborough County that are not competitive. One of them would be the House District 58 race between Plant City Republican Dan Raulerson and Brandon Democrat Jose Vasquez, in a redrawn district seat that's roughly the one held by Republican Rich Glorioso for the past eight…
The Gaily News: Record number of LGBT candidates running for Congress
Wisconsin's Tammy Baldwin is vying to become the first openly gay member of the Senate. Outside of the presidential race, this election season could see historic wins for the gay community. Eight openly LGBT candidates — a record number — are running for seats in Congress. This includes Wisconsin's Tammy Baldwin, who could become the…
Mitch Perry Report 10/8/12 — Biden buckles down
Plus: Romney in St. Pete and more …
Can Romney pull off his transition from “severe” to “compassionate” conservative?
It was nearly a year ago when David Plouffe, a senior adviser to President Obama, said Mitt Romney "has no core." He was referring to the former Massachusetts governor's legendary flip-flops on issues like abortion and climate change. The charge was hardly an original one, as similar criticisms were voiced about Romney by Republicans when…
Gail Gottlieb says Florida is too important to be left in complete control of Republicans
Although one doesn't automatically think of Brandon being ripe territory for a Democrat to succeed, Gail Gottlieb thinks she's got a good chance this fall — and that was before she was endorsed by the Tampa Tribune on Saturday. The 52-year-old Brandon native served in the Peace Corps and worked at a number of public…
Riding a post-debate wave of support, Romney fires up voters in St. Petersburg
Coming off a post-debate buzz in popularity, Mitt Romney spoke to thousands of supporters Friday night outside of the St. Petersburg Pier. Turnout for the event seemed to be much higher than planned, as the line for entry stretched far past the St. Petersburg History Museum as the Romney faithful waited at least a half…
Prost!
Oktoberfest is the real most wonderful time of the year.
Curious crowd
Dan answers an overflow of questions from a recent live event.
Tim Burton resurrects Frankenweenie
A short film from 1984 gets new life as a spirited 3D animated feature.
The Perks of adapting it yourself
Writer/Director Stephen Chbosky successfully turns his own hit novel into a film.
Neighborhood Dining Guide: Farmers’ Markets
Seasonal markets are officially reopening for business.
Bringing up baby: David Frankel, Tampa Repertory Theatre
The USF professor, actor and director leads his new, acclaimed company into its second season.
Pitch Perfect is way off key
Good comic performances are wasted on a terrible story.
Don’t get Taken 2
Liam Neeson disappoints in an unispired rehash of a surprise hit.
East meets west
West Indian flavors made fresh daily at Randy’s.
Should LGBT voters choose Obama?
There’s at least nine good reasons.
Mitch Perry Report 10.5.12: Rays attendance in the tank
St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster has sent a letter to Tampa Bay Rays owner Stuart Sternberg, inviting him to get together and talk about the proposal for a new ballpark in the Carillon area that was presented last Friday by CityScape. The presentation impressed most observers, though lots of questions remain unanswered (such as how…
Not by bread alone
Cafe de Paris may serve the area’s best baguette, but the menu offers other temptations, too.
The eloquent listener
Howard Baker was a man for all seasons — except this one.
Two Big Mouths #115 Now Live
[audio-path:http://archive.org/download/TwoBigMouths115/Tbm10-04.mp3] Welcome back friends. It's a doozy of a show….and here we go! One billion people worldwide are now using Facebook.Finally, the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Nominating Committee gets it right. And since the economy is eeking out at least a little bit of a sustained turnaround, American's are off the wagon again.…
Two Big Mouths #115 Now Live
[audio-path:http://archive.org/download/TwoBigMouths115/Tbm10-04.mp3] Welcome back friends. It's a doozy of a show….and here we go! One billion people worldwide are now using Facebook.Finally, the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Nominating Committee gets it right. And since the economy is eeking out at least a little bit of a sustained turnaround, American's are off the wagon again.…
Paula Poundstone: She’s every woman
The comic has made a career out of relating to people.
Sticker shock
A campaign to label genetically engineered produce starts in Tampa.
New poll shows two Pinellas County Commission races in statistical tie
Charlie Justice According to a new poll published Thursday by StPetePolls.org, two of the three races for Pinellas County Commissioner are in a statistical tie, 33 days before the election. Republicans Neil Brickfield and Nancy Bostock are both running for re-election this fall. They are two of the four members of the board who voted…
Tampa City Council talks for hours about surveillance cameras, but not much happens
On Thursday, Tampa City Council members spent more than two hours discussing whether or not the leftover RNC security cameras should stay in downtown. By the end of the meeting, the only conclusion was to have the Council's attorney sit down with the city attorney to craft a potential ordinance for how the cameras will…
Review: Metric delivers the goods at The Ritz Ybor, Ybor City
With lots of photos.
Live and Local Spotlight: FolkFest St. Pete 2012
The sixth annual family-friendly arts and music fundraiser to support Creative Clay’s outreach programs and gallery exhibitions for adults with disabilities has moved from the streets in front of the Creative Clay to Albert Witted Park. The day-into-evening festivities of FolkFest St. Pete is spread over two days and features a nice lineup of folk-rooted…
Tampa City Council members not satisfied with explanations for Ybor City tree cutting incident
Thursday morning — 13 days after residents and business owners were stunned to see more than 100 trees chopped down in Ybor City with no notice — Tampa's Parks and Recreation Director Greg Bayor went before the City Council with a report to address questions that angry council members asked more than a week ago.…
Reel Love
TIGLFF 2012 is a filmfest for lovers of women, men, and — most of all — movies.
Standing proud
Jazz bassist Jennifer née John Leitham is the subject of the powerful doc I Stand Corrected.
TIGLFF Movie Review: The Joshua Tree, 1951: A Portrait of James Dean
What if James Dean had been bisexual?
TIGLFF Movie Review: Keep the Lights On
An intimate, at times exasperating look at a troubled relationship.
TIGLFF Movie Review: Mosquita Y Mari
An intimate, tender coming-of-age tale.
TIGLFF Movie Review: Love Free or Die
A compelling documentary about the first openly gay Episcopal bishop in the U.S.
TIGLFF Movie Review: Elliot Loves
A charming coming-of-age film opens the festival.
TIGLFF Movie Review: I Want Your Love
Revelatory sex scenes in a ground-breaking film about a circle of gay friends in San Francisco.
The urge to purge
Hillsborough’s Supervisor of Elections race is a microcosm of the national battle over voters’ rights.
Movements in the key of Slim
Philly-area singer-songwriter Langhorne Slim hits town behind triumphant fifth album, The Way We Move.
TIGLFF Movie Review: Cloudburst
Olympia Dukakis and Brenda Fricker star as a long-time couple on the run.
TIGLFF Movie Review: Gaybe
He’s gay, she’s straight — why not try to have a baby together?
TIGLFF Movie Review: Unfit: Ward vs. Ward
A documentary that will make your head explode.
TIGLFF Movie Review: Lesbiana: A Parallel Revolution
The important and engaging story of the lesbian separatist movement of the ’70s.
Happy national taco day!
TACO BUS It's true, there is a national taco day and it is Thursday, October 4. There are several area locations celebrating that goodness-filled tortilla.
Mitch Perry Report 10.4.12 – Mitt’s game changer?
Debating the debate …
Do we need a crystal ball to run Hillsborough County?
Apparently one of the candidates running for Hillsborough County Commission thinks so. Margaret Iuculano is running against incumbent Kevin Beckner for the Countywide Commission/District 6 seat. She is selling herself as a successful business person with the skills and business acumen necessary to manage the county’s multi-billion dollar budget. Recent articles have shed a sobering…
Romney to do the Pier in St. Pete at happy hour on Friday
Mitt Romney at the Tampa Port in November of 2011 Mitt Romney hasn't been in the Tampa Bay area for a few weeks now, so you knew he was due for a visit. The GOP presidential contender, fresh off his debate performance in Denver on Wednesday night, we'll be making a campaign swing in downtown…
Activist groups rally to get tens of thousands registered to vote before Florida deadline
With less than a week to go until the deadline to register to vote in Florida, a handful of activist groups announced that they signed up nearly 50,000 new voters, which they said almost makes up for an earlier deficit in registrations. They said the deficit occurred because of a provision in the elections reform…
Cigar City announces brewpub
facebook.com The Facebook page for Cigar City's Brewpub went live at about 1 p.m. and already has more than 700 likes (right now). There's not much information except "Coming soon: Cigar City Brewpub. Expect delicious beer, delicious food, and more to be announced soon!"
Erotic art of ancient Rome (photo gallery)
Modern art, architecture, politics, science, philosophy, literature — virtually ever aspect of western civilization has its roots in the Roman empire. An argument can even be made that our current understanding of beauty can be traced to nude forms chipped into marble by Roman artists. However, for as much as our society has been influenced…
Opponents of Florida’s nuclear cost recovery plan call it an unconstitutional tax as it goes to Florida Supreme Court
Oral arguments are scheduled for this Thursday morning at the Florida Supreme Court in the legal challenge of the "nuclear cost recovery" payment plan for proposed new reactors, which has angered consumer advocate groups since the Florida Legislature passed the Florida Energy Act in 2006. The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy is challenging the constitutionality…
Gin up!
Mandarin Hide takes tipplers on a tour of gin’s past and present.
Trying Cigar City’s Good Gourd Imperial Ale
cigarcitybrewing.com The leaves haven't started changing in the Sunshine State, but that doesn't mean you can't pour autumn out of the bottle. Tampa-based Cigar City Brewing's Good Gourd is one great brew for the cooler months. The pumpkin-style ale is only around once a year in CCB's 750mL bottle. Get one at the brewery or…
Gin drinking songs
The juniper-accented and grain-derived liquor has inspired quite a few ditties over the years. Here is a smattering of songs about loving/hating gin. Tom Waits-Gin Soaked Boy
Florida presidential ballot update: Roseanne Barr is on it, Socialist Workers Party nominee is not
(Update)Before life became extremely loud and incredibly close when the Republicans invaded Tampa last month, CL reported on the push to get the Peace and Freedom Party presidential ticket on the November ballot. Though we're slightly behind the curve, we can report that it was a success and Floridians will now have the option of…
