Ask Dream Momma: the appearance of dog poop
Dear Dream Momma, Last night I dreamed my dog pooped all over the house. When I went to find him to see what was wrong I couldn’t. I’m really worried about him because he’s over 14 and in pain. Right now he’s on pain pills and I’m taking him to an acupuncturist. What do you…
Jindal, Rubio campaign in Tampa – try to assure crowd that race isn’t over yet
Feeling confident after yet another poll shows him easily winning next month's Senate race, Marco Rubio made a quick stop to Tampa on Wednesday where he was joined by Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, rumored to be a potential GOP presidential candidate in 2012. In a very hot, non-air conditioned warehouse in West Tampa, Jindal entertained…
Movie Review: Davis Guggenheim’s Waiting For “Superman” (with trailer video)
The title of Waiting for “Superman” comes from an anecdote told at the top of the film by a charismatic educator named Geoffrey Canada. Canada (shown above talking to some students) talks about growing up reading comic books in the South Bronx, and believing that Superman would one day swoop in and save his downtrodden…
Scary good cheese: Smelly washed rind cheeses that will not make you run away screaming
Our sense of smell is sensational. It sharpens our awareness, warns us of danger, influences our mood and even impacts who we are attracted to. Most importantly, smell is responsible for how we taste food. Of course our tongue experiences sweet, salty, sour, bitter and umami, but our nose takes care of the rest, like…
Poet’s Notebook: A good war novel reveals more than just the horrors of battle
Sing, goddess, the anger of Peleus’ son Achilleus and its devastation, which put pains thousandfold upon the Achaians, hurled in their multitudes to the house of Hades strong souls of heroes, but gave their bodies to be the delicate feasting of dogs… So begins The Iliad, by the blind poet Homer (c. 850 B.C.), and…
Rick Scott, Marco Rubio & Charlie Crist stiff PBS
We just got back from the Marco Rubio/Bobby Jindal rally in a sweltering West Tampa Republican Party of Florida headquarters office, where we saw PBS NewsHour anchor Gwen Ifill interviewing attendees before the Senate candidate spoke to the crowd. Ifill is working on a package on Florida's election, but she was already scheduled to be…
Administration vs environmentalists: Lifting the ban on deep-water drilling
The President Obama administration has lifted the ban on deep-water drilling on Tuesday, October 12. The moratorium, or suspension of activity, for the drilling is no longer in affect and the idle oil rigs along the Gulf of Mexico can start up again. The Interior Secretary Ken Salazar promote the decision with claims that the…
Wednesday-music.com indie music profile: Marnie Stern
NYC’s Marnie Stern is quickly becoming a hot commodity for her technical and finger-tapping (à la Eddie Van Halen) guitar skills. She released her critically acclaimed debut LP, In Advance of the Broken Arm, in early 2007 which the New York Times called "the year's most exciting rock 'n' roll album.” In 2008, Marnie was…
Photo review: The Outlaws at State Theatre
A few pics of southern-rock legends The Outlaws performing at The State Theatre in St. Petersburg. More pictures after the jump.
Tonight’s Top Chef Just Desserts preview: Soufflés and shoe fetishes
On Top Chef: Just Desserts tonight, it's all about soufflés and shoes. I tell you what, just from the looks of the preview videos below, the chef'testants moods seem infinitely lighter and a helluva lot less stressed (excluding the stress incurred during the challenges) since Seth left and Malika offed herself. For the Quickfire, the…
Brandes hits Heller for tax increases in new ad (video)
One of the fiercest races that state house races that Republicans are hoping to turn is in District 52, the St. Petersburg based seat held over the past four years by Democrat Bill Heller. But 36-year-old former Iraq vet Jeff Brandes is giving Heller a serious challenge, and his latest television has hit the airwaves…
Coalition of Immokalee Workers signs “landmark agreement” with Florida tomato industry leader
The Coalition of Immokalee Workers announced today that they have signed an agreement with Pacific Tomato Growers. Press release follows: The agreement represents a significant step forward in the CIW's decade-long campaign for labor reforms in Florida's tomato industry. Not only is it the first formal agreement between the CIW and a major tomato grower,…
Wipe without the guilt: Treeless toilet paper made from sugar cane
You no longer have to live with the guilt that your toilet paper was made by cutting down a forest full of trees thanks to SugarMade and their treeless t.p. If the company's name hadn't already tipped you off, this revolutionary paper is made from sugar cane, namely recycled sugar cane bagasse, an agricultural crop…
Crist gets a Kennedy endorsement, but he’ll need more than Camelot to beat Rubio; Rose Ferlita kicking butt in fundraising, and time to challenge 2010 theme that businesses won’t hire because of uncertainty: Mitch Perry Report 10.13.10
Good morning, and for those of you saddened by the Texas Rangers defeat of the Tampa Bay Rays last night, to quote the late Bart Giammatti, the former Commissioner of MLB, speaking about the game of baseball in general, "It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart." Words I'll no doubt be…
Last hurrah 2010: Rays cede ALDS to Rangers 1-5
So much for home field advantage, eh? Playing in front of a packed house – an electric announced crowd of 41,845 – the Tampa Bay Rays once more displayed a neutered offense and fell to Cliff Lee and the Texas Rangers 1-5. The ace lefty struck out 11 Rays batters and yielded a single earned…
Democrats lead GOP in generic Bloomberg poll – but not among “motivated” voters
A Bloomberg National poll released on Tuesday has a lot of data to comprehend, but on the biggest question asked by pollsters this year, would you support a Democrat or Republican in Congress, Democrats come out on top, 42%-40%. However, when it's broken down among "motivated" voters, the results are much more favorable for Republicans,…
CL Feature: Funk-jazz organ trio Soulive headlines Clearwater Jazz Holiday this Saturday (with complete weekend schedule)
The jazz tradition of re-interpreting the Beatles continues with Rubber Soulive, a new studio release by preeminent New York alt funk, soul and jazz trio Soulive that finds them putting their slinky groovin’ stamp on 11 songs produced by the Fab Four from 1965 to ’69. [Photo by Arthur Shim] Guitarist Eric Krasno and brothers…
Time to challenge GOP line that businesses can’t hire because of uncertainty?
has an extensive story out this morning about how our current "recovery" still looks, feels and smells like a recession. It rattles off some familiar but extremely relative data points about what's happening right now in the country, such as: At the current rate of job creation, the nation would need nine more years to…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Wednesday, October 13: Green Drinks Tampa Bay at Brio Tuscan Grille Every month people who work in the environmental field meet up at informal sessions known as Green Drinks. Meet a lively mixture of people from NGOs, academia, government and business. It's a great way of catching up with people you know and also for…
Catch My Disease: Viral Videos of the Week (10.12.10)
Hey everybody out there in webland. It's been a really long time since I've done one of these, but I saw this video on Youtube and I literally can't help myself any longer. If you can't remember the rules of how this works. I pick my favorite 5 videos from the week on Youtube and…
UPDATE: Latest poll on Florida Senate race has Rubio up 14% over Crist, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to endorse Crist
UPDATE: As more Democrats peel slowly off to support Charlie Crist in the U.S. Senate contest (but not nearly enough), the narrative that Kendrick Meek would drop out of the race to pave the way for Crist to go one-on-one against Republican Marco Rubio reached such levels yesterday that the state Democratic party held a…
TIGLFF Movie Review: Fascinating Howl stars James Franco as poet Allen Ginsberg, with Jon Hamm, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeff Daniels and David Strathairn
Howl, having its local premiere tonight as part of the Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, threatens at first to be a compendium of writer-movie clichés: the bespectacled poet musing over his typewriter, the closeup of keys striking paper, the singsong poetry reading in a smoke-filled club. But this exploration of Allen Ginsberg’s epic…
Ferlita takes financial lead in race for Tampa mayor
Tampa mayoral hopeful Rose Ferlita announced Tuesday that her campaign raised more than $130,000 during the past three months ending September 30, the most any candidate has done so far in the nascent race to succeed Pam Iorio. The news comes a day after Ferlita's former colleague on the Tampa City Council in the early…
Stone Temple Pilots at the St. Pete Times Forum: Yeah, they still got it (concert review with photos)
"See, I told you we'd show up" Stone Temple Pilots' lead singer Scott Weiland muttered sheepishly as he greeted the crowd at the St. Pete Times Forum last Friday night. And with those few words, a collective sigh of relief emerged from those in attendance. [All photos by Andrew Silverstein.] Plagued with nasty demons and…
Do It Today: God Grew Tired of Us, two great concerts, jazz ambassador honors and TIGLFF’s screening of Howl
If you're into celebrating great moviemaking and learning a little about Sudanese culture and injustices, participate in a foreign film study group of God Grew Tired of Us, a 2006 documentary about three of the Lost Boys of Sudan and their experiences as they move to the U.S. Eddy Burns of the Academy of Senior Professionals at Eckerd College coordinates the event, and…
Big LGBT news: FL won’t appeal gay adoption ruling; federal judge orders immediate injunction against “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
Two big wins for the LGBT community today, here in Florida and nationwide. In Florida, the Department of Children and Families announced it would not appeal last month's ruling by the 3rd District Court of Appeal that the state ban on adoption by gay parents is unconstitutional. While some observers, including the ACLU, had hoped…
Amateur food photographers, take your best shot and enter to win some sleek kitchen gadgets
Are you one of those people who is always taking pictures of your food? Then listen up, because Jordan Winery is giving amateur food photographers the chance to win a line of pretty sweet-looking kitchen gadgets just for doing what they always do — photographing their food. The Alexander Valley winery's Executive Chef, Todd Knoll,…
October is Fair Trade Month: Be a conscious consumer!
What is Fair Trade? If you don’t know the answer to this this right now, October is a month in which you will probably learn all about it. That is because it officially known as Fair Trade Month, and is a time when many green products as well fairtrade and handmade goods will be widely…
Harry Reid’s aide dismisses Meek dropping out rumor
Although it's doubtful any of this is actually positive for his chances, the Democratic party establishment is coming out strongly today in dismissing any suggestions that they'd prefer that Kendrick Meek drop out of the three way U.S. Senate race with Marco Rubio and Charlie Crist. The Daily Beast is reporting this afternoon that Senate…
Ask Dream Momma: dreaming of a baby hippo
“Dream Momma, I had a dream about a dolphin, out of water, floating through the sky. Then disappearing. I went looking for it and found it lying on the ground. My brother-in-law was also there and he told me not to get too close to the dolphin, lest it would bite me. I, however, felt…
Concert review: Margot and The Nuclear So and So’s and others at Crowbar (setlist included)
I went to Thursday night's show at Crowbar to see the headliner, Margot and The Nuclear So and So's, a band whose newest release Buzzard I listened to and enjoyed. I was interested how the band's line up change would affect their sound — with their addition of more guitarists and subtraction of their cellist…
Movie Review: Life As We Know It, starring Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel (with trailer video)
Ah, it's that time of year again — the humidity breaks, the temps come down, and the multiplex sees the annual release of a rom-com starring a charmingly neurotic Katherine Heigl locked into a sexually tense banter-fest with a guy she claims to hate. Since I seriously doubt anyone is heading to the theater without…
Nancy Argenziano’s powerful denunciation of Rick Scott
Deciding to hold her head high, Public Service Commission member Nancy Argenziano on Tuesday abruptly left the agency, saying she wanted to do whatever is in her power to make sure that Alex Sink, and not Rick Scott, is elected to be Florida's next Governor. The former GOP state Senator from Citrus County, who has…
New music releases out this Tuesday, October 12: Antony and the Johnsons, Belle & Sebastian, Lil Wayne, Old 97s, Railroad Earth, Sufjan Stephens, Robbie Williams, and more (with video)
More new music out today! Yay! Here’s a breakdown of the ones you might want to know about. To see last week’s releases (out Oct. 5), click here; for releases out Sept. 28, click here. Trace Adkins, The Definitive Greatest Hits: Til The Last Shot’s Fired (Capitol Nashville/EMI) All That Remains, For We Are Many…
AltDotPop: Cox & Arquette Split, Tila and Tiger’s Sex Tapes and Captain Jack Sparrow Goes Back To School
Who opens a column with a bullet point that is far too long and is basically a rant about the WB/CW and what it has become? I do. Because I think that if you know me at all you know I love teen dramas and if you don't have a soft spot for Pacey Witter…
The newest addition to the Finca Ferrer family of wines: The Finca [ñ] Malbec
The other day I had the absolute pleasure of having lunch with Miquel Salarich winemaker for Finca Ferrer in Argentina. Miquel is originally from Spain but has captured some of the Argentine gestures that only go with someone who knows and understands the country's great wine grape, Malbec. I have always had a love affair…
CD review: Sister Hazel, Heartland Highway
Gainesville's easy-going alt rock favorites Sister Hazel seems to be on cruise control when it comes to writing great songs. Their eighth and latest studio album, Heartland Highway (due out Tuesday, October 12, on Rock Ridge Music) follows in the solid footsteps of last year’s Release, which earned Sister Hazel widespread acclaim and their first…
USF Students and Community do their part for 10-10-10 Day of International Climate Action
Students from the USF St. Petersburg Student Environmental Awareness Society and Repower America Florida did their part this past Sunday, October 10th, for 350 Day, an international day of action for climate change. Ten thirty-gallon native trees were planted on campus and dedicated for 10-10-10. Five trees were sponsored by five environmental organizations in the…
Director Zack Snyder to helm new Superman movie, but where’s the script?
Fans of Superman have something to look forward to: A new Superman movie. WB is putting a rush on the property in an attempt to start production before 2011 (after which they lose the rights to the franchise), but the proposed premise and director have some wondering if it’s a smart move. The first big…
Florida Dems go into damage control as Meek quitting rumors persist
So it's come to this. With it apparent that unless somebody drops out of the three way race for the U.S. Senate seat that it's Marco Rubio's to lose, officials with the Florida Democratic party hosted a conference call to blast rumors that it would, or should, be their candidate, Kendrick Meek, who walks away,…
Television Review: Mad Men Season 4 Episode 12, “Blowing Smoke”
I know this episode was all about desperation, but I had a lot of fun watching Sunday night's "Blowing Smoke," an exciting precursor to the finale next week of what may be Mad Men's greatest season yet. It was chock full of the kinds of goodies that make Mad Men the best of the best,…
Alex Sink poll numbers rising among independents, former NAACP head comes out against amendments 5&6, and are any Florida Democrats boasting about health care bill?Mitch Perry Report:10.12.10
Alex Sink and her supporters might be feeling good this morning, after a new Quinnipiac poll shows the Democrat now down by only 1% to Rick Scott; A similar poll conducted two weeks ago had Scott up 6%. It comes a day before Sink begins running a new ad in the Tampa market that lasts…
EarthTalk: Turning dog poop into energy
The following is from the environmental themed advice column EarthTalk®, by the Editors of the non-profit publication E/The Environmental Magazine, that we’ll be regularly featuring here on CL’s Green Community. Dear EarthTalk: Is there a way to utilize the energy in my dogs’ poop? I have three dogs and lots of poop and would like…
New Quinnipiac poll shows dead heat in governors race, with independents gravitating towards Sink
The latest Quinnipiac poll on the governors race in Florida confirms what really has become the consensus over the past 10 days or so – that the Rick Scott-Alex Sink race is dead even with just three weeks to go. The new poll shows Scott up 45%-44%. That's closer than the 49%-43% Scott lead that…
A classic dessert with a twist: Carrot cake with goat cheese frosting (recipe)
I came across this recipe for "The Best Carrot Cake" at justapinch.com and decided to try it, as any recipe that claims to be the best instantly makes me skeptical. Of course, I altered it ever so slightly with the addition of sunflower seeds and goat cheese frosting. I love a sweet/savory balance in a…
Are any Democrats in Florida touting health care bill?
The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that of the 219 U.S. Representatives who voted for the final health care reform legislation earlier this year, only 3 of them – Democrats Earl Pomeroy of North Dakota, Steve Israel of New York and Dina Titus in Nevada, are running ads boasting of their support of such…
Former NAACP head comes out against Amendments 5&6
Amendments 5 and 6 on next month's ballot in Florida would attempt to reform how the state's voting districts are drawn. Although it's backers say they are bi-partisan, most Democrats support the measures and most Republicans don't, essentially because the intention is to create voting districts that might end up changing the status quo, which…
Do It Today: Under the Big Top at St. Petersburg Nights, virtual job fair for new Hard Rock Cafe Tampa
The sexy, swivelicious Hip Expressions Dance Studio presents Under the Big Top show, a zany and festive performance at the kitschy-elegant St Petersburg Nights Russian Restaurant. H.E.'s annual showcase of circus-themed dance acts is shaping up to be a thoroughly entertaining event: It includes dancing clowns, spirited gypsies, can-can girls and other burlesque-style acts. Doors open…
Eating with the seasons: Florida fall produce guide and recipes to try
With the fall season comes cooler weather (by just a bit) for us here in Florida, as well as a bounty of fruits and vegetables to eat. Here's a list of the produce in season in the Sunshine State followed by some great recipes written by our food contributors from the CL Cookbook to use…
Buckhorn bouyant with 3rd quarter fundraising totals in race for Tampa mayor
Although it's still five months away, Tampa political observers will soon pivot quickly after next month's election towards the municipal elections that will take place next March. Making news on Monday was mayoral candidate Bob Buckhorn, who is slowly and methodically making himself a serious player in the 2011 race, after announcing that he raised…
DIY Halloween: Create ghoulish wreaths from inexpensive and found items
I love to decorate for Halloween. I am at Halloween what Clark Griswold is at Christmastime. There are never too many purple string lights, cobwebs, flashing pumpkins or skeletons for me to display. This year my "punk rock Martha Stewart" crafty side came out in full effect. Using some supplies I had on hand and…
ALDS Game 5 preview: Rays vs. Rangers, winner take all
It's a delightful surprise to even have the opportunity to talk about an American League Division Series Game 5, after the Tampa Bay Rays dropped the first two games at home to the Texas Rangers. With a non-existent offense in the first two outings, Tampa Bay took to the road and took it to Texas,…
Raw milk vs the FDA: Stephen Colbert investigates the unpasteurized milk debate (video)
Stephen Colbert recently reported about a raid on the raw food co-op, Rawesome, in Venice, California, over their selling raw milk. He compares them to the Tea Partiers who just want the government to let them do (and eat) as they please. Colbert interviewed the owners of Rawesome (see video below) about the unpasteurized, or…
For a change of pace, Rubio campaign attacks Kendrick Meek (audio)
The Kendrick Meek campaign today released a radio ad featuring President Obama extolling the virtues of why Floridians should vote for the Democrat in next month's U.S. Senate race (You can here the ad here). Perhaps looking for a little variety in their attack message mode, the Marco Rubio forces, in a rare exchange where…
TIGLFF Film Review: Eyes Wide Open tackles the subject of homosexuality in an orthodox Jewish community
Review by Rona Wiener Eyes Wide Open follows the struggles of Aaron, a devout family man in the orthodox Jewish community. After he hires Ezri to help at his butcher shop in Jerusalem, Aaron risks everything and allows a relationship to develop. The conflict between religion, temptation, faithfulness, love, and the threat of being ostracized should…
Concert review: The National at House of Blues, Orlando, October 6, 2010 (with setlist and photos)
A person can gain a lot of insight into a band by how said band choses to begin their concerts. Some musicians explode onstage with a crowd-pleaser, using flashing lights and intense screams from the audience to fuel their egos for the evening ahead. The National made a quiet, no-fuss entrance onto the stage at…
Alex Sink formally introduces her two minute ad attacking Rick Scott (video)
Speaking from her campaign headquarters in Ybor City, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink today officially introduced what she described as an "unprecedented" two minute campaign ad that takes down Rick Scott over his previous business scandals at HCA/Columbia and Solantic. The ad will begin airing on three Tampa Bay television stations beginning Wednesday night. "It…
Yes we can: The canned craft beer movement
There are some beliefs that have always been accepted in the adult beverage world. "Wine should never come from a bottle with a screw cap." Except now many good wines do. In fact, screw caps are better for the storage and protection of the wine. "Good beer does not come in cans." Well, now it…
Charlie Crist appearance a highlight at major Tampa political forum, Alex Sink tears Rick Scott up in debate, and transit tax issue winning in Hillsborough? Mitch Perry Report 10.11.10
Happy Columbus Day to you all. Is anyone outside of government and academia actually taking the day off? Politicians aren't, not with just 22 days to go before this fall's midterm election. Democrat Alex Sink is going for the jugular in her battle against Rick Scott. The gubernatorial candidate has called for a news conference…
Pixie Gas, the “green gas company”, is spreading the word on the benefits of liquefied petroleum gas
The Green Education Classes are back at Gas is a green gas company that offers liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for industrial, residential and vehicular use in the United States. His company is currently the only certified U.S. D.O.T. installer in the country. John spoke about everything from Wind and Solar Power to Nuclear Power and…
Local and statewide candidates — including Charlie Crist — convene under the banner of inclusive government
More than 50 local and statewide candidates, including Governor Charlie Crist, came to Tampa Sunday for a political forum its organizers called the largest in Tampa Bay. United Voices for America hosted the event, which featured candidates in races for about every position from school board to U.S. Senate. Held in the spirit of inclusive…
Sink savages Scott in first debate
Alex Sink and Rick Scott are going to debate only three times this year. Now only two more times. The first was one very few people saw. That would be the Univision debate that was taped Friday afternoon and broadcast (in the Tampa Bay area) at the very non prime time hour of 11 p.m. …
CD review: Mogul Street Reserve, Salutations EP; the prog-pop trio plays a CD release show at New World on Saturday
A battle of the bands-style competition that won Tampa prog-pop power trio Mogul Street Reserve studio time at Morrisound comes to fruition in Salutations, their third EP. The three-song recording is as well-produced as you’d expect and showcases Mogul’s instrumental chops, tight interplay, keen sense of melody and infectious energy. “For Seasons” kicks-starts Salutations with…
Do It Tonight: Duck Down 15th Anniversary Show and Jeremy Gloff at Sacred Grounds
Local DJ/godfather of hip-hop Sandman (95.7 the Beat, Tampahiphop.com) has connections beyond the Tampa scene, and one tie that binds includes Duck Down, an independent NYC label. In the early-to-mid-’90s, Duck Down backed performers with videos on MTV and BET and hits on the Billboard Top 200. Sandman revisits this collaboration by presenting the Duck…
The Green Community week in review: Oil on the Gulf sea floor, The Permaculture Guild’s newest project, green decor tips and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed last week: Energy-saving home design and décor tips – According to Progress Energy Florida, some decorating changes can also help trim your electric bill and make your home feel more comfortable all year round. New Yorker's Ryan…
Photo review: Rock the Park 3 with Have Gun Will Travel, Poetry ‘n Lotion, and Acho Brother
A cool October breeze graced the Bay area this Thursday evening, and paired with great live local music and a scenic environment, it made for a high-quality evening out. The Thursday evening Rock the Park outdoor concert series had been from Curtis Hixon Park to the directly-adjacent Kiley Park. The small grass-and-concrete-checkered expanse provided a…
TIGLFF: Lesbian dystopia in Cheryl Dunye’s The OWLS
Cheryl Dunye's The OWLS is a portrait of liberal lesbian dystopia, set on an isolated estate in the desert. At its worst it's a shabby indie-flick that has been spiced up with a good dose of masturbation scenes and implications of violence. At its best it is a discussion about the possible meanings and repercussions…
Concert review: LCD Soundsystem inspires dancing, nostalgic waxing while Sleigh Bells opens pop noisy at Hard Rock Live, Orlando (photos included)
My first introduction to LCD Soundsystem was at the tail end of a New Orleans Jazz Fest all-nighter, one of those stretches that begins with live music and segues into some post-show bar shenanigans followed by the inevitable retreat to a hotel room to listen to more music and talk about it and other things…
Lightning open season with victory over Atlanta
After all the change, the Tampa Bay Lightning finally took to the ice against the Atlanta Thrashers in front of a sellout crowd Saturday night at the St. Pete Times forum to open up their 2010-11 campaign. While there were a few bumps along the way, they did not disappoint, beating Atlanta 5-3. The Lightning…
The It Gets Better Project: Videos with hopeful messages for LGBT youth from Dan Savage, Tim Gunn, Kathy Griffin and hundreds more
As if we needed more reasons to love Tim Gunn — and for that matter, Dan Savage. The Project Runway guru's heartfelt, candid video message to gay youth, in which he talks about surviving a suicide attempt as a teenager, is just one among hundreds of powerful videos in the It Gets Better Project, a…
New poll shows transit tax in Hillsborough winning
The first high-profile public poll on the 1 cent sales tax for transportation in Hillsborough County was published Saturday morning, and it shows the controversial measure winning, 51%-39%, with 10% still undecided. The poll was was produced for the St. Petersburg Times/Bay News 9. and conducted by American Directions Group, a research company out of…
TIGLFF Review: Riot Acts: Flaunting Gender Deviance in Music a must-see doc
Madsen Minax's Riot Acts: Flaunting Gender Deviance in Music is a music documentary for everyone. From the first moments of this film you know that you are about to discover something great. The music featured is as dynamic as the musicians presented. The protagonists of this film bravely share their experiences as musicians who are…
Life As We Blow It: You didn’t have to be so nice… or did you?
So the wife and I headed over to Orlando this week for a rock show (The National: Best. Set. Ever.) and overnight daycation. We didn't do much besides eat, see the concert and pass out in a room in a painfully brightly painted hotel with a relentless pineapple motif, but we did patronize a few…
TIGLFF Movie Review: Showbiz meets gay history in entertaining documentary Making the Boys
Part Hollywood gossip-fest, part gay history primer, Making the Boys is an entertaining documentary that makes a good case for the significance of The Boys in the Band, the first mainstream drama to take as its subject the everyday existence of gay men. The play was hailed as a breakthrough when it premiered in NYC…
Top Chef Podcast Doubleheader: Just Desserts Ep. 3-4, Pastry with a side of utter insanity
What else can I say about the last two episodes of Top Chef: Just Desserts other than they were complete madness? I felt like I was going crazy just watching Seth lose his marbles, Malika whine and Heather C.'s all-around lack of self confidence. The show has become somewhat of a train wreck because part…
Following Pam Bondi, Dan Gelber releases his first ad in the AG race (video)
UPDATE:With just 3 1/2 weeks to go before the election (and absentee voting taking place right now), the Attorney General candidates are now finally spending some money on television. On Wednesday, Republican Pam Bondi began the TV aspect of her campaign(which you can access by clicking here), and today, Democrat Dan Gelber followed suit. Brett…
The Grind podcast 10/8: Rays hangover continues, Maddon’s maddening philosophy, and deep-fried chilidogs
Fridays, typically awesome, don't quite have the same pep this time around. Flip is full of piss and vinegar, Bill has an epic Ferg's hangover and the Rays went from playoff party-crashers in 2008 simply to uninvited guests double-dipping at the loser buffet. Over at the bar, the Texas Rangers are whispering to the Yankees…
Scott Weiland interview on The Cowhead Show gets awkward, goes viral
The last would-be Stone Temple Pilots show in Tampa in 2008 was well-documented. The opening band was here. Kretz and the DeLeo brothers were here. Scott Weiland wasn't. Yesterday afternoon, Tampa Bay's own 102-5 The Bone afternoon jock Cowhead dared to ask Scott Weiland what happened. Enough awkardness followed that Cowhead bet Weiland $10,000 that tonight's…
TIGLFF Movie Review: A Marine Story is a poignant take on one woman’s struggle with “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”
Review by Rona Wiener A candid and touching portrayal of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell experience, this film stays away from the politics and instead shares a very personal perspective. Through a kaleidoscope of intermingled memories and interactions, we slowly get to see the lesbian military life through the eyes of Alex (Dreya Weber) as…
Bill Clinton to campaign for Kendrick Meek in St. Petersburg October 19
The Big Dog, Bill Clinton, is one Democrat who isn't bailing out in supporting the party's nominee for the U.S. Senate in Florida. It was announced today that the former President will make come to Florida one more time for Kendrick Meek, appearing in St. Petersburg on Tuesday October 19, and Wednesday, October 20 in…
B movie and brew pairing: Machete and an ice cold Tecate
Guilty pleasures for some can range from a hidden candy bar at work, listening to the Backstreet Boys or using a Snuggie. For me it usually involves cheap beer and a good 'B' movie. From old sci-fi movies to shoot 'em up gore flicks both hold a special place in my heart. Usually, I am…
EarthTalk: Gulf oil lingering on the sea floor and the long-term effects
The following is from the environmental themed advice column EarthTalk®, by the Editors of the non-profit publication E/The Environmental Magazine, that we’ll be regularly featuring here on CL’s Green Community. Dear EarthTalk: A friend of mine working on the Gulf Coast oil cleanup says that at least 50 percent of the loose oil is laying…
Working their way up: Three experienced candidates — Saul-Sena, Hagan and Hosler — vie for Hillsborough’s District 5 seat
Linda Saul-Sena’s public persona is that of a sunny optimist. Serving on Tampa’s City Council for 19 out of the last 23 years, she’s been blessed with never having had to sweat out a serious challenge in any of her five runs for office in Tampa. But facing a well-financed incumbent in Hillsborough County Commission…
Different strokes: Two very different candidates — Dingfelder and Murman — are vying for Hillsborough’s District 1 seat
Sandy Murman can't suppress her exuberance. We’re sitting across from each other at Zudar’s Deli off of Platt Street in Tampa, discussing a poll she recently commissioned that shows her with a stunning 20-point lead over her Democratic Party challenger, former Tampa City Councilman John Dingfelder, in the race for Hillsborough County Commission in District…
Eckerd College to host Haiti Presidential debate October 16
Next Saturday, October 16, at Eckerd College's Fox Hall in St. Petersburg, there will be a Presidential Candidates Forum for the candidates running to become the next President of Haiti, who will hold an election on November 28. The debate is scheduled to run from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. (Eckerd is located at 4200 54th…
TIGLFF Movie Review: The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister powerful, beautifully made
Lovers Mariana Belcombe and Anne Lister have a quiet moment together The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister originally aired in May 2010 on the BBC. This beautiful story of a strong-willed, independent lesbian of 19th-century England who is unafraid to follow her heart is even more powerful because it is a true story. Anne…
Kendrick Meek denies he’s dropping out of Senate race, though he does reject the Sierra Club; Florida Dems say “enthusiasm gap” is on the other side, and Ed Turanchik the latest entrant in Tampa mayor race: Mitch Perry Report 10.8.10
First and foremost, my condolences to Tampa Bay Rays fans, after that club's second consecutive whipping by the hands of the Texas Rangers. Do have to admire the Tampa Tribune's Martin Fennelly for his quip that "dead men do wear plaid," however. Speaking of the Rays game, how about a little humor to begin this…
A green solution to reduce wasted water and energy when you need hot water
Hate running out of hot water during a shower? Maybe your kitchen sink doesn’t seem to get enough of the hot water supply when you need it? If that is the case you should check out the Most hot water systems operate on a continuous cycle, monitoring the temperature and constantly heating and reheating the…
Chinese dissident wins Nobel Peace Prize, rebuffing Chinese government
Early this morning in Norway, the Nobel committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to pro democracy advocate Liu Xiaobo, a Chinese dissident imprisoned last year for subversion, for helping to spearhead a campaign for more freedom in China. In a statement, the Nobel Committee said Liu, 54, deserved the prize "for his long and non-violent…
The CEO of eFlirt Expert VIP: a personal trainer for your online dating life
Laurie Davis, founder and CEO of eFlirt Expert VIP, was an early adopter of online dating; she wrote her first profile ten years ago when she was 18. Davis soon pushed her friends to try online flirting but quickly discovered that many needed a virtual dating coach. Davis didn't see the business potential of helping…
Meek beats back rumors of him dropping out of campaign
Kendrick Meek had an interesting Thursday. Fresh off a feisty performance in Wednesday night's debate, which might have brought more Democratic voters back home to him in contrast to Charlie Crist's uneven performance, the Miami Democrat was insulted when the Sierra Club announced that they were endorsing both him and Charlie Crist, though there is…
Dining Guide: Eating (and drinking) Ybor
CL regularly presents focused listings of the best dining options in Tampa Bay’s neighborhoods. This week, we’re giving you a guide to dining and drinking in Ybor City. ACROPOLIS GREEK TAVERNA 1833 E. 7th Ave., 813-242-4545, acropolistaverna.com. Tampa's Greek mini-chain serves big salads and hearty entrees in a chic dining room, loft and sidewalk space,…
Charlie Crist’s errant toss (video)
Governor Charlie Crist is a St. Pete resident and avowed sports fan, so it certainly seemed appropriate that he'd be asked to throw out the first ball at one of the Tampa Bay Rays playoff games this week. Being in a heated Senate contest, the Governor certainly didn't mind the face time that such an…
Wasserman Schultz on (say what?) Florida Republicans’ enthusiasm gap
Thursday morning South Florida Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Florida Democratic party spokesman Eric Jotkoff hosted a conference call during which they discussed their get-out-the-vote strategy, which they're dubbing the Campaign for Accountability. That campaign will focus on informing Florida voters about what Jotkoff calls the "culture of corruption" that has pervaded the Republican…
Cynical and Southern: Why don’t my gay friends defend their rights like they do Gaga?
Things were heating up on Facebook. Within minutes the thread had grown to include the opinions of over 30 different people. The language being used was a clear indication that tempers were flaring. As a gay male living in the year 2010, I had committed the ultimate sin: I said something negative about Lady Gaga.…
Do It This Weekend: Julie Weitz, St. Pete Oktoberfest, Zombie Night, SASS Bash and more
First things first, check our site for Mark E. Leib's review of Gorilla Theatre's Shipwrecked! and Tiffany Razzano's overview of the Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival — both highly recommended — and don't forget Leilani Polk's Upcoming Concerts for info on the John Lennon tribute concert and free Geri X show. Oh, and…
Bike ride on Sunday in Tampa will honor USF cancer researcher killed on bike last month
Six bicyclists have been killed in the Tampa Bay area within the past 10 weeks, an alarming phenomenon that led both the Hillsborough County Commission and the Tampa City Council to discuss the issue this week. The BOCC discussed a countywide program to make Bay area roads safer for those who experience them by bike.…
Pacific Grill: Brandon’s Asian bistro experience
Pacific Grill sits deep inside Riverview; blink once while on the road it's on and you could miss out on a great adventure into Asian cuisine. Offering Japanese, Chinese, Korean (perhaps the only restaurant in this area to provide Korean cuisine), and Thai cuisine is quite a bold thing to do, but Pacific Grill does…
TIGLFF Opening Night Film Review: Violet Tendencies starring Mindy (Facts of Life) Cohn
The quirky appeal and sharp comic timing of Facts of Life alum Mindy Cohn is the best thing about Violet Tendencies, the opening-night attraction in this year's Tampa International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. Cohn plays Violet, who at 40 describes herself as the “oldest living fag hag." Violet fears that all the time she…
Ed Turanchik on running for mayor of Tampa: “I think it will be fun.”
Saying he didn't intend on making an issue out of it just now, Ed Turanchik acknowledged Thursday afternoon that he is in fact, the latest Tampa resident to declare his candidacy for mayor in 2011. Turanchik sent a letter to supporters earlier in the day writing that he has found "sincere, genuine and enthusiastic support"…
Sierra Club gives co-endorsement to Crist and Meek in Florida Senate race- but Meek rejects it
The Sierra Club announced Thursday that it was endorsing both Charlie Crist and Kendrick Meek in next month's U.S. Senate election in Florida. The co-endorsement is not as unique as it might be in any other election cycle, as Charlie Crist's run as an independent has split progressives throughout Florida. Earlier this year the Florida…
Delicious new discoveries at the 2010 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival
This past weekend kicked off the six-week Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, an annual event celebrating global cuisine in Central Florida. Now in its 15th year, the festival has grown to include 28 different "Marketplaces," each furnishing food and drink from around the globe, demos by celebrity chefs and world-renowned winemakers, performances by throwback…
This week in live music: Rock the Park, Bob Dylan, Nappy Roots, Margot & The Nuclear So and So’s, GWAR, WMNF John Lennon tribute, Geri X, Born Ruffians, and much more!
Great music is happening all over town this weekend, and you’re wondering, “What should I choose?” Look no further. Everything you need to know is right here beginning with Thursday. Wanna take a look beyond this weekend? Check out our Upcoming Concerts page. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7 Depending on the night you see him, legendary troubadour…
Theater Review: Shipwrecked! at Gorilla is fine theatrical fun
There are at least four heroes at Gorilla Theater these days, though only one of them dares to assume that title; two of them play 20 or more parts, and the last is never visible. That last one is Bridget Bean, who as director of Donald Margulies’ Shipwrecked! comes up with 120 minutes of ingenious…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: 10-10-10 initiatives, Seminole Heights Sunday Market, Herb Day and more
Looking for something green-related to do this weekend? Look no further than our own Green Community Calendar. Fresh Markets and More at Seminole Mall- Every Thursday-Sunday; 9 am-3 pm. Fresh Markets and More is a fun-filled celebration of the world’s most popular culinary ingredients along with a selection of unique arts and crafts all located…
Meek & Crist beat up on Rubio in Senate debate, new study says Floridians would be in favor of a certain tax, and a Florida AG candidate supports legalizing pot: Mitch Perry Report 10.7.10
For those of us tuned into last night's Senate debate who are also into baseball, we missed a rare event in Roy Halladay's no hitter for the (extremely impressive) Philadelphia Phillies over the Cincinnati Reds in the 1st day of the Major League Baseball playoffs. Hey, at least it wasn't the Rays getting no-hit (again). …
Florida AG candidate comes out for legalizing pot
Although the headlines and the spotlight are focused on Democrat Dan Gelber and Republican Pam Bondi in the race for Florida Attorney General, there is a third independent candidate in the race. That's Jim Lewis, who was running originally as a Republican in the primary but gained little traction before dropping out of that contest…
New survey says Floridians would support higher corporate taxes to pay for education
According to a new report published Wednesday by the Pew Center on the States, Floridians would in one case actual support paying higher taxes – to pay for K-12 education. The report looks at five states: Florida, California, Arizona, Illinois and New York, and finds that only in the Sunshine State do less than a…
Cries of passion: How to politely stifle your lover’s ear-piercing screams
I am a 23-year-old lesbian with a beautiful girlfriend whom I met a month ago. Here's the problem: She screams so loudly throughout sex that I am concerned for my roommate and other people who live in our building, as well as the entire neighborhood. I would know how to handle this situation if she…
Joe-bama: Is Joe Maddon the Obama of Baseball?
The blogosphere is rife with sarcasm as soon as Rays Manager Joe Maddon's lineup is posted on the Internet for a game against the listless Seattle Mariners. Maddon is resting Carl Crawford and Evan Longoria, both All-Star players, even though the team hasn't quite clinched a playoff spot yet. In their place come Willie Aybar…
Summer redux: It’s blockbuster season all over again on Blu-ray.
The window between a film's theatrical release and its arrival on Blu-ray and DVD continues to slam shut, with a bumper crop of would-be blockbusters from all the way back in May hitting store shelves in the next few weeks. It used to be you had to wait months and years for your favorite film…
Concert review: Yeasayer makes a dazzling Florida debut while Washed out underwhelms at State Theatre in St. Petersburg
I was in a quitting-smoking-again foul mood when I arrived at State Theatre on Monday night for the Yeasayer show, and the worldish dance meh-ness of opening act Washed Out didn’t make it any better. [Yeasayer pictured below; all pics by Tracy May.] Granted, the experimental project of Atlanta-based Ernest Greene (vox, keys, synths, laptop,…
Do It Today: Read for the Record and Stageworks’ War of the Worlds
Visit the Glazer Children's Museum with your child today to read Ezra Jack Keats’ The Snowy Day as part of Read for the Record, a nationwide event to set a new world record for the greatest number of people reading the same book on the same day. Local celebrity readers include Mayor Pam Iorio, Stacie Schaible and Leigh…
Crist, Meek take major shots at front running Rubio in 1st prime time Senate debate
If one had to issue out a quick description to describe the message that each of the candidates pounded home in the first prime time debate of the 2010 U.S. Senate race, it would be this: Marco Rubio: I'm running because I'm against the stimulus and the health care reform bill. If you want more…
A clown, a crook, and a corrupt Congressman
Live from Florida, the U.S. Senate debate By Chris Ingram How do you know when the three main Florida Senate candidates are lying? That’s an easy one, their lips are moving. Charlie talking about being honest. What a joke! Marco talking about fiscal restraint and responsibility. Who is paying your Amex bill Marco? Meek defending…
Tonight’s Top Chef Just Desserts preview: Things that melt down easily – ice cream and Seth
Tonight's Top Chef: Just Desserts will give us two things that melt down quickly and easily when the heat is on: ice cream and Seth. For the Quickfire, Gale Gand is the guest judge who gives the chef'testants their challenge of creating badass ice cream sundaes. Remember that show Gale had on Food Network, Sweet…
The Green Community week in review: Political and corporate interference in FDA recalls, green investing resources, fresh markets reopen and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed last week: Behind the scenes of an FDA recall: Political and corporate interference can hinder food regulation – Political interference is highly prevalent in the science aspect of food regulation. Although America is among the top countries…
Roastmaster General Jeff Ross brings speed roasting to the Tampa Improv (Video)
If you've caught any of the celebrity roasts on Comedy Central, you know exactly who comedian Jeff Ross is. And if not, his performances at The Tampa Improv October 8 through 10th (get your tickets here) will appropriately introduce you to the "Roastmaster General". Rabid Nick Refer had the opportunity to go one on one…
Top Chef Podcast: Just Desserts Ep. 2, D.C. reunion and All-Stars lineup
I'll start this off with a quick recap of the Top Chef: D.C. reunion special. The only thing "special" about it was Ed and his pea puree scandal shirt. I will say that my favorite moments from the entire season were the outtakes from the stew room foolery and of the judges. Otherwise, like the…
