Tampa Food Truck Rally 2.0: Sat., Oct. 22
More trucks, more space and cooler weather this go-round.
DIY Green: Make your own Halloween costume from recycled, reused and found items
Save resources and your hard earned cash.
Concert review: Peter Frampton comes alive again at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
It's been 35 years since Peter Frampton set the world on fire with a now legendary live concert album. In 1976, no one was more surprised than the young British guitarist himself when his double LP, Frampton Comes Alive!, took off with such force that he was transformed into a mega rock star virtually overnight.…
Tonight’s Top Chef Just Desserts preview: One-armed men (and woman)
Check out the preview videos for tonight’s episode of Top Chef Just Desserts!
Tampa gets greener with new electric car chargers
Today in the Jackson Street surface lot, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn revealed one of the ten electric car charging stations that have been installed in several perking locations in the City of Tampa. The Mayor said that these stations are one more step that are "Turning Tampa towards the future!"
Weird Al summoned the geek gods with his Alpocalypse spectacle at Ruth Eckerd Oct. 6 (photos by Mike Wilson)
Photos by Mike Wilson You gotta hand it to Alfred "Weird Al" Yankovic. He tapped into the zeitgeist of nerd culture before it became cool. Maybe that's why so many geeks and closet geek wannabes worship him with an OCD reverence. It's a weirdly messianic role he fortified to the max during the encore of…
Florida legislator wants to bring back the firing squad
Electric chairs, too: “I don’t give a damn” about protecting those convicted of murder in Florida.
Mitch Perry Report 10.12.11
Well, we trust you're all well versed on Herman Cain's "9-9-9" plan (no, it's not the price of a Godfather's Pizza, though I suppose it could be). We watched last night's GOP debate and will write more about it in the following days. But what grabbed our interest was the development before the forum, when…
Chris Christie’s defense of Romneycare is less than overwhelming
We won't bother to get into the minutiae of last night's Bloomberg/Washington Post debate, other than to affirm the consensus that front-runner Mitt Romney did nothing to diminish his standings atop all the polls. Earlier in the day Romney received a boost when New Jersey Governor Christ Christie endorsed him, and make a big spectacle…
Live review: Friendly Fires at The Social, Orlando
I have never seen so much passion on the dance floor. And I've seen my share of public sex. [review by Mike, photos by Drunkcameraguy.] Friendly Fires stormed The Social this past Saturday night and proved themselves worthy of attention in a city filled with shows; next door at Becham Theatre, Thrice was performing while…
This week in food and drink
Veg Fest, Cajun Cafe Wine Fest, plenty of German revelry and more.
Huntsman strategy of ditching Florida for NH not paying off yet
Virtually every political analyst (including CL) before Tuesday night's Bloomberg/Washington Post debate wrote about Rick Perry's viability as a serious candidate was on the line. But what about Jon Huntsman? Don't say Jon who? Huntsman left his ambassadorship role in China earlier this year to run, but his lack of having an impact on the…
Then and now: What I’m learning from my kids’ new school
We’re in a period of adjustment, and that’s putting it nicely.
Bokuchoi Ramen restaurateur brings first Japanese ramen restaurant to Tampa
Restaurateur Chung moon opened Tampa’s first Japanese ramen restaurant at the University Mall.
Pinellas County Commissioners reaffirms removing fluoride from drinking water supply
A week after Pinellas County Commissioners stunned the Tampa Bay area by voting to eliminate adding fluoride to the drinking supply in the county, the issue was back up for a lengthy discussion today in Clearwater – but the final result remained the same. Commissioners on both sides of the argument said that the reaction…
St. Pete’s Anderson-McQueen Funeral Home first in the world to offer eco-friendly “bio-cremation” (video)
Creates about 75% less carbon output than standard cremations.
Live review: k.d. Lang and the Siss Boom Bang at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
Undoubtedly one of the finest vocalists alive, k.d. Lang sings with a clarity and dominance that is extremely rare. The Canadian-born singer has toyed with various genres throughout her long illustrious career and regardless of the results, her dynamic voice has always been at the helm of any project she's undertaken. The sheer range of…
New Music Tuesday! (October 11)
New releases by Bjork, Peter Gabriel, Casiokids, Mayer Hawthorne, Rachael Yamagata + more (w/audio & video).
Happy National Coming Out Day — or is it?
It’s a nice holiday — but I wish it weren’t necessary.
New analysis shows Tampa’s credit rating 92nd in the nation
According to an analysis published in USA Today, Tampa ranks 92 out of 143 U.S. cities in terms of its average credit score. The analysis comes from the credit bureau Experian. It's the agency's second annual State of Credit list of cities. determined by using the VantageScore credit ranking system. The scores range from 501…
Sarasota calling: Ringling Int’l Arts Festival
A must for fans of cutting-edge theater, art, music and dance.
Mitch Perry Report 10.11.11
Welcome to the Post Columbus Day edition of MPR. Tonight I know you're psyched – another GOP Presidential debate, this time being broadcast on Bloomberg TV. In Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties, that means Channel 127 on Bright House, and Channel 104 on Verizon. And forgive us for stating the obvious, but this debate is huge…
Buckhorn exhorts USF students to get involved
Janelle Irwin WMNF radio Bob Buckhorn at USF Bob Buckhorn frequently talks about making Tampa a destination place, not only for aspiring young people across the country, but more importantly, for local residents who frequently leave the area after graduating from college. His message during the campaign is that he wants to be the change…
2nd Annual Bluz and BBQ at Curtis Hixon Park: Sat., Oct. 15
Blues, mouthwatering barbecue and great locally brewed beer!
Perry under pressure before N.H. debate
It's been 18 days since Rick Perry's coronation to becoming the Republican nominee for President took a serious detour. That's when he turned in a horrific debate performance in Orlando at the Fox/Google debate, followed up two days later with a stunning loss in the Florida straw poll. Now all eyes, or at least a…
Leading Congressional Democrat to speak in Tampa in November
James Clyburn South Carolina Democratic Representative James Clyburn, the highest ranking black member in Congress, will be coming to Tampa next month to speak. Clyburn will be coming to town to speak at the 8th Annual Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award Luncheon, hosted by the Gulf Ridge Council and the Boy Scouts of America…
Creative Loafing Tampa has a new owner
This just in: We've got a new owner. That would be "we," as in Creative Loafing Tampa and Creative Loafing Charlotte. After the jump, read the text of today's memo from CL, Inc., our soon-to-be-former owners, and the press release from SouthComm, our soon-to-be-new owners (and parent company to three other alternative newsweeklies, the Nashville…
#MusicMonday, Vol. 50
What the CL Music Team is jamming this fine Monday – Sharks, Peter Frampton, Body Language + more
Green cleaning: Alternatives to bleach and ammonia cleaners
Check out cleaning formulations that are safer for your health and the environment.
Mitch Perry Report 10.10.11
Happy Columbus Day…..and as a SF 49er fan, I promise not to say about yesterday's effort against your Tampa Bay Bucs. So, back to the working week (does anybody other than schools get this day off?), where the Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Tampa demonstrations continue. Yesterday on the Sunday morning shows, pundits and some…
Al Davis was complex
Davis was a larger-than-life character. But in 1982, he broke a lot of hearts in Oakland.
The less popular meat cuts: A guide to butcher favorites
A butcher gives his top 5 picks and cooking tips.
Live review: Das Racist with Danny Brown and Despot at State Theatre, St. Petersburg
A look back on Thursday night’s show, with photos.
Pundits, pols weigh in on Occupy Wall Street movement
Although the mainstream media is now particularly fascinated with the Occupy Wall Street movement happening in their backyard in Zuccotti Park in Manhattan, the demonstrations have become a nationwide event over the past week, with similar rallies held in Tampa, Sarasota and in most other states of our union (those demonstrations continued in Tampa over…
TIGLFF Reviews 10/10: Romeos and Hollywood to Dollywood
Maximilian Befort and Rick Okon in Romeos. Today is the fifth day of the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, and the offerings include two of the festival's best, the suspenseful, romantic Romeos and the rollicking road trip Hollywood to Dollywood — see CL's reviews below. Also on tap: Women's Shorts at Tampa Theatre…
A flash mob occupies downtown Tampa
Dancers perform a flash mob in Barcelona. A similar phenomenon, on a smaller scale, took over downtown Tampa. We are always occupying space. We occupy space in check-out lines, in restaurant booths, and in dressing rooms. We are comfortable with those spaces and share a covenant to follow accepted social conduct within those spaces. We…
Rick Santorum is nostalgic for the late “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy on gays in the miiltary
Unlike some other candidates in the GOP race for President (such as Michelle Bachmann and now Hermain Cain), Rick Santorum has yet to have a breakthrough moment, either from a debate or straw poll performance that would give his shoestring budgeted campaign a boost in the media or among grass roots Republicans. Yet he slogs…
TIGLFF Reviews 10/9: ECupid, So Hard to Forget, Gen Silent
Continuing our daily update of the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, here are reviews of three films screening today, Oct. 9. Read more CL reviews of festival films here. So Hard to Forget (Como Esquecer) This Brazilian drama is more accurately conveyed through the title's literal translation, "How can we forget" — or,…
!!! FLUGTAG !!!
Those magnificent semi-flying machines make a triumphant return to Tampa.
Live review: Lindsey Buckingham at the Capitol Theatre, Clearwater
The Fleetwood Mac singer-guitarist woos an appreciative crowd with tasteful ease.
Live review: Murs at Crowbar, Ybor City
Murs and company rolled through Crowbar this past Wednesday and casually brought the house down with an unexpectedly great hip hop show. With legendary producer Ski Beatz as well as a full band in tow, Murs spit lines with a sense of unbridled enthusiasm and energy it was hard not to smile at. Hard to…
Ant Farm and Architecture + Film
See Space, Land and Time: Underground Adventures With Ant Farm this Thursday.
Democrats try to fix the economy, but Republicans get to frame the debate
The Labor department reported that job growth was stronger than expected as employers added 103,000 net new jobs in September. The news of added jobs comes amidst growing fears of an economy inching closer to a double dip recession. However, a rehiring of 45,000 striking Verizon workers accounted for nearly half of the added jobs.…
TIGLFF Reviews: The Green, Hit So Hard, Kink Crusaders, Going Down in La-La Land and Codependent Lesbian Space Alien
Today's a good day in the 2011 Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, with forays into rock, leather, outer space and Casper Andreas' L.A. (perhaps not too far apart, those last two). And the day starts out with The Green, featuring a remarkably strong cast of well-known indie, TV and Broadway actors, including Cheyenne…
Cynical and Southern: Are gay men required to wear Diesel underwear?
My friends like to make fun of me. I don’t mind. I’m a laidback fella and if being the butt of the joke puts a smile on my friends’ faces, I’m game. I love laughing. Wit and good-natured sarcasm are two of my closest associates. I probably can find a good guffaw even in my…
Rick Scott tries to set the record straight on job creation, but kinda doesn’t
RIck Scott was busted earlier this week by the good folks over at PoliFact regarding where the derivation of the 700,000 jobs that he promised during the campaign a year ago. You remember of course that one of the Governor's signature campaign statements in 2010 was about how he was going to improve Florida's economy…
Remade with love: Swede Fest Tampa Bay is coming Oct. 21
I have to admit that I was skeptical when I first heard about Swede Fest Tampa Bay, the Oct. 21 film festival highlighting the best in Bay area Swedes. For the uninitiated, a "Swede" is a movie shot by an amateur filmmaker who takes a successful or beloved film (like Dumbo, seen above) and remakes…
TIGLFF reviews, Oct. 7: How Are You and Jamie & Jessie Are Not Together
Four films are on the docket at the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival tonight, including Dirty Girl (with Juno Temple, Mary Steenburgen and William H. Macy), the replacement for the previously scheduled The Perfect Family. CL pre-screened two of the four. Here are our reviews. Also, check out the other TIGLFF movies we've…
Be afraid … again! The Reel Terror Film Fest returns to Ybor City Oct. 22
On Sat., Oct. 22, prepare to have your soiled pants scared right off when Creative Loafing Presents: Reel Terror 2011. A one-day film festival celebrating the local horror scene and the many brave souls who risk life and financial ruin in pursuit of their dreams, Reel Terror will include panel discussions with area filmmakers, celebrity…
Sip these classy cognac cocktails
Classics in a glass.
Machine Gun Preacher hits and misses
Gerard Butler is good in a so-so true-life tale.
Mercury and other toxins in tattoo inks
Some inks contain many heavy metals, including lead and arsenic, the ingredients have been linked to cancer and birth defects.
Mitch Perry Report 10.7.11
Happy Friday to you all. And welcome back humidity. We didn't miss you, and we're not pleased you're back. But hey, the New York Yankees are out of the hunt for a championship. Actually that probably does bum out some folks in Tampa, but hey, there's enough baseball pain to go around still in the…
Occupy Tampa 10.6.11: Interviews, photos, video
The "Occupy" movement — with protests now spreading from Wall Street to Main Streets all over the country — made its biggest local impact yet with yesterday's Occupy Tampa action in and around Lykes Gaslight Park in downtown Tampa. We'll have more to come from yesterday as well as continued coverage today and through the…
Nelson supports millionaire tax? Makes sense, since so does a great majority of the public
Bill Nelson supports the surtax- Marco Rubio doesn't The Palm Beach Post is reporting that Florida U.S. Senator Bill Nelson is "inclined to support" Senate Majority Harry Reid's proposal announced earlier this week that would impose a 5.6 percent surtax on people earning more than $1 million a year. Spokesman Dan McLaughlin told the Post:…
Fitzgerald’s in it to win it in Florida’s 13th Congressional District
Keith Fitzgerald Former Sarasota House Democrat declared on Thursday that he will run for the Democratic nomination for Congress in Florida's 13th District, where he hopes to knock off Republican Vern Buchanan in November 2012. Fitzgerald served in the Florida House from 2006-2010, and has worked as a political science professor at New College in…
Occupy Tampa Returns to Lykes Gaslight Park
Occupy Tampa, the sunshine state`s version of occupy wall st. returned to downtown Tampa on Thursday. By noon there were a couple hundred folks gathered in groups around the park, some making signs,some making sandwiches,and some making speeches. As a group they were peaceful, a mantra that was promised and accomplished.There were a few people…
Neighborhood Dining Guide: Seasonal eats
In honor of the transitioning seasons, why not visit a restaurant whose menu transitions along with them? These restaurants boast high-quality seasonal ingredients, many of them offering locally grown produce, and great dining experiences. BERN'S STEAK HOUSE 1208 S Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-251-2421, bernssteakhouse.com. In addition to top-notch cuts of steak, Bern's offers a seasonal…
Obama, GOP candidates weigh in on Occupy Wall Street Movement
Today in Tampa, approximately 300 people gathered for the 2nd (or 3rd) Occupy Tampa event, held at Lykes Gaslight Park downtown. CL will have a full report from Arielle Stevenson on this blog soon. This reporter wandered across the street from Kennedy Boulevard after leaving today's City Council meeting and spoke to a handful of…
Tampa City Council a step closer to enacting partial panhandling ban (really)
Charlie Miranda takes over You didn't really think the Tampa City Council would come to a smooth conclusion about their year long debate about panhandling today, did you? It wasn't smooth, and it took a dramatic appearance by ailing Council Chair Charlie Miranda to show up in person (or maybe it didn't), but the Council…
Purée genius: Kabocha squash and apple soup
There’s more to squash than butternut.
Is Medicaid reform good for Florida taxpayers ?
Atecia Robinson Members from Florida PIRG, Organize Now, and the Florida Consumer Action Network in front of WellCare headquarters This year lawmakers in Florida passed House Bill 7107 and House Bill 7109 that would change Medicaid Services or (CMS). Florida PIRG, Organize Now, and the Florida Consumer Action Network are calling on federal agencies to…
Real Steel is all heart
Emotions, not the robots, give this story punch.
From Pasco to New York City: USF grad Heather Kemp returns with KDNY this weekend
It’s always inspiring when a local artist leaves for the Big Apple and manages to carve out a successful career. Photo Credit: Lois Greenfield A photo from "Navigating the Hallway" with KDNY Dancers; from left, Carrie Malernee, Lauren Jaynes, Leslie Simpson, Theresa Duhon and Heather Kemp. Welcome back professional dancer Heather Kemp, a Pasco gal…
Green Community Calendar weekend events
Native plant fest, outdoor activities, even more farmers markets reopening and more.
TIGLFF opens strong with Gun Hill Road
Harmony Santana in 'Gun Hill Road.' The 22nd Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival kicks off tonight at Tampa Theatre with one of its strongest opening-night films in years, Gun Hill Road. A finalist for the Sundance 2011 Jury Award, Gun Hill Road is a compelling portrait of a Latino teenager in the Bronx…
Mitch Perry Report 10.7.11
Not more can be said than you're reading or hearing everywhere about the late Steve Jobs, so as we compose this post on a MacBook, we just say, rest in peace. Today the mainstream media will descend upon downtown Tampa to check out the Occupy Tampa and their third rally they've held in recent weeks,…
Herman Cain remains hot
Herman Cain last month in Tampa A funny thing happened to CL on our way to check out the latest supernova in the GOP presidential sweepstakes, Herman Cain, who was in St. Petersburg on Wednesday afternoon signing copies of his just released book, This is Herman Cain. Actually it was more scary than funny. Our…
TIA’s new director: Int’l flights, local flak
Joe Lopano’s first nine months at Tampa International Airport: How’s he doing?
The Bucs win! The Rays lose!
Plus: Occupy Tampa, Chris Christie, Anwar al-Awlaki and more …
TIGLFF 2011: Enlightening for gay and straight alike
The Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival explores the changing landscapes of gender and sexuality.
More at the Morean
Shadows and Reflection related events. Info at moreanartscenter.org. Family Day at the Morean (with interactive community mound-building project) Sat., Oct. 8, 12-3 p.m. Panel Discussion: Meaning, History and Legacy Thurs., Oct. 27, 6-7:30 p.m. Portfolio Review for Photographers with Suzanne Williamson Sat., Nov. 12, 1-4 p.m. Photography Field Trip: Sacred Lands with Suzanne Williamson Sat.,…
Das Racist rhymes at the State Theatre + Gaby Moreno, Mates of State & more of the week’s best upcoming concerts.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 06 Das Racist w/ Danny Brown/Despot Rappers Heems and Kool A.D. of Das Racist first met while attending a liberal arts college in upstate Connecticut. The duo, along with hype-man Dap, exploded on the web in 2010 with their infectious/ridiculous track, "Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell," and acclaimed mixtapes Shut Up, Dude…
Your future, adjusted
Exciting job opportunities in the New Global Economy.
TIGLFF Picks
Short reviews of movies playing the 2011 Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film festival.
Live and Local: Easybreezy CD Release Party
Blowing Up takes the band’s sonic game of Twister to a whole new level.
Penis problems
Being different doesn’t have to mean being alone.
Feedback
Occupy Tampa, News of the Weird (Al) and more …
The mysteries of Florida’s Indian mounds
Photographer Suzanne Williamson and writer John Capouya explore the state’s sacred landscapes.
Artsy Spice: Spice Routes at the Morean Arts Center
St. Pete’s latest museum cafe is comfortable, tasty and pleasant.
Snazzy new vid of Colors show at Bluelucy
Hue the hell do they think they are with their ultra-hip and colorful art show?! Colors, which has 12 artists creating works based on randomly assigned colors, includes Phillip Clark (half of the Bluelucy duo, who takes purple), John Vitale (red), Daniel Mrgan (yes, that’s how he spells it; orange), Chris Parks (black; pictured), Allen…
Dr. Helen Caldicott to speak at USF this Thursday
Dr. Helen Caldicott For decades, Dr. Helen Caldicott has been one of the leading voices in the world regarding the dangers of nuclear power, nuclear weapons and nuclear war. In 1977, she helped lead the group Physicians for Social Responsibility. That group is sponsoring a talk by Dr. Caldicott this Thursday evening on the USF…
Be There: The Ides of March
Honorable men Clooney, Gosling and Hoffman kick off the campaign for Oscar.
Infographic: The Truth About Plastic
Its impact on our planet.
If Fitzgerald runs, he should have rich target in opposing Vern Buchanan
Vern Buchanan Former Sarasota House Democrat Keith Fitzgerald says he will announce on Thursday whether or not he'll run for the nomination to oppose Republican incumbent Vern Buchanan in the Florida Congressional District 13 race next year (the district encompasses all of Sarasota, DeSoto, and Hardee counties and most of Manatee County). If he can…
