Photo review: Bane at the Local 662 in St. Petersburg
Tuesday night’s Bane show at Local 662 in St. Pete was a healthy dose of frenzied chaos in the best way possible. Facing heaps of sweat-glistened skin frantically piling and vying for a second of mic time by the hand of frontman Aaron Bedard, Bane played their brand of life-affirming hardcore punk with the conviction…
Nashville rockers Kings of Leon return to the Tampa Bay area next week
On Saturday, September 18, Kings of Leon will make their fourth appearance in the Tampa Bay area at the 1-800 Ask Gary Amphitheatre (formerly known as Ford Amp). Over the years, they've shared the stage with just about every artist you could imagine — U2, Bob Dylan, Bjork, Metallica, The Offspring, and M.I.A., among many…
CNN poll shows Meek moving on up, yet still trails by double digits
A CNN Opinion Research poll released Wednesday night shows a tight race for the U.S. Senate in Florida between Marco Rubio and Charlie Crist. And though Democrat Kendrick Meek is still mired in third place, his 24% rating of support is the highest that he's received all year long since it became a three way…
Saisons in the midst: St. Somewhere Brewing gives this old school style new life
Saison style beers are known for their crisp floral notes, fruity esters and yeasty "funk". These ales are based on a traditional style of brewing that was first used in southern Belgium. Saisons or "season" ales were brewed in winter or spring so they would be fermented and ready to drink in time for the…
Barcamp Tampa: Understanding the “un-conference” (with video)
I still have very fuzzy memories about the morning this happened. It was September 2009, and I had been wrangled into speaking at something called Barcamp at the Tampa USF campus by my friend Julia Gorzka. She'd signed me up for a panel to talk about media, marketing, changes in the industry, whatever. Another day,…
Wednesday-music.com indie music profile: Film School
San Francisco’s Film School formed in 1998 by Greg Bertens (vocals). At age 10, Greg began piano lessons, playing mostly Ragtime and Mozart; it wasn’t until years later, while listening to Nirvana that he thought he might like his own band. as soon as he got over the idea of being the next Kurt Cobain, he…
Local Tampa Muslim group tries to promote peace days before scheduled 9/11 Koran burning (video)
In Tampa this morning, members from several local groups, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) held a news conference to announce the launching of a national public service announcement campaign to challenge the growing anti-Muslim bigotry that has been building over the past month. CAIR-Tampa Communications Director Ramzy Kilic said the motivation for producing…
Concert review: Mama, don’t let your babies grow up to (try to) be rock stars … Trace Adkins and Toby Keith at the Ask-Gary Amphitheatre (with photos)
"So you want to be a rock 'n' roll star?" legendary California pop band The Byrds sang in their cynical 1967 hit single of the same name. The song, a sentiment no doubt aimed at the oodles of unworthy bands trying to scratch out a chance at success and "making it" still resonates today. The…
Guys, what does your underwear say about you?
I've removed a few pairs of men's underwear in my day. Some guys wear boxers, some wear boxer briefs, and some still wear whitey-tighties. While I've never been good at palm reading, I have a sixth-sense for predicting what kind of underwear a man wears based on his personality. Here's a brief summary of what…
Featured green site: Source 4 Style – The world’s first online sustainable textile source
For the eco-conscious consumer it's difficult to find sustainably sourced textiles in just any fabric store. Source4Style is now making it easier for designers and decorators to find these kinds of fabrics — and all it takes is the click of a mouse. Source4Style's website states: "We are creating the world's first online marketplace for…
New polls show GOP “tsunami” in Nov; Florida Democratic activists undeterred, begin their grass roots campaign, and Bush tax cuts now in play in Florida:Mitch Perry Report 9.8.10
Two major polls released yesterday show the Republicans would probably do extremely well against the Democrats in the mid-term election this November. However, Florida Democratic party activists aren't taking the hint and shutting down operations. Last night throughout the state, the Florida Democratic Party’s Campaign for Accountability got off to its official start. Download the…
Obama not budging on Bush tax cuts for the rich – but will GOP be open to his other ideas?
President Obama is poised to deliver his major address on rebooting the economy in Cleveland at 2:10 EST today, but despite the fact that some of the provisions have been desired by Republicans for a long time, there's no incentive for them to support them now, and thus analysts believe they will die on the…
Despite some polls, hope is very much alive for Florida Democratic activists this year
Although two major polls released on Tuesday show that Republicans have the edge over Democrats in terms of the intensity of their supporters in Congressional races, a crucial benchmark that generally is an accurate prediction of election results, the good news (if you can call it that) for Democrats is that they still have plenty…
Tampa Bay food, wine and beer events
Wednesday, September 8: Brio Tuscan Grille Meet fellow green-minded folks at this monthly networking event hosted by Green Drinks Tampa Bay, a non-profit group aimed at bringing together folks who work in the environmental field (though anyone is welcome to attend). Free event; 6 p.m. Brio Tuscan Grille- International Plaza Mall on Bay Street, Tampa.…
Theater Review: All Out Rep’s Case Number 346: Sarah Mayes charms and mystifies
Case Number 346: Sarah Mayes, an All Out Rep production at Gorilla Theatre, is an intriguing, at times beautiful murder mystery/dance event that finally is missing too many key elements to be fully satisfying. This is a play that asks us to wonder if the people convicted of its title character’s murder are really innocent;…
Life As We Blow It: Tossing Out The (Face)book
There’s been a lot of talk over the last few months about cutting back on the amount of time we spend in online social networks — or even disengaging from them completely. Tech blogs like Lifehacker.com and even The Consumerist have posted detailed instructions for deleting one’s Facebook account (a harder thing to do than…
Do It Today: ‘El Lector’ opening reception and more
Here’s a thoroughly Tampa event for you: an opening reception and exhibition of artist Elio Lopez’s latest major work, “El Lector (The Lector)" at the Louise and Arnold Kotler Art Gallery of the John F. Germany Library in downtown Tampa.
Reality bites for Democrats in newly released poll numbers
Both NBC News/Wall Street Journal and ABC/Washington Post have released new polls on the state of the American electorate, eight weeks before the mid-term elections. To nobody's surprise, the survey results are alarming for Congressional Democrats. Both surveys indicate that among likely voters, the GOP has over a 10% point (at least) lead in the…
Sink’s new ad blasts Rick Scott for being obsessed about Barack Obama (video)
In the two weeks since he's realized that he's part of the GOP establishment since becoming their gubernatorial nominee, Rick Scott no longer goes off on all what's wrong with Tallahassee, even though that would be his charge if elected in November. No, he reads the polls like the rest of us, and figures anyway…
TAPS Beer and Wine Merchants in Tampa now serving liquor
Taps Wine and Beer Merchants in Downtown Tampa now offers cocktails in addition to craft beers and wine. Taps now serves top shelf liquors along with 25 craft beers on draft, over 200 bottled beers and wines dispensed from Enomatic machines — a debit card system for dispensing wine by the ounce.
Join the Sierra Club’s National Day of Service beach cleanup at Ft. Desoto, Saturday (9/11)
is proud to join Americans across the country volunteering on September 11 in honor and remembrance of those who bravely serve the country. The great outdoors are part of America's heritage and protecting our lands is a way to honor the National Day of Service. On September 11, we will be cleaning up one of…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: Niemann struggles again, a new sparring partner for Talib and a new holiday
Pat Donovan talks about the Rays losing three in a row and tells you why he thinks Jeff Niemann may see another stint on the DL. Also hear why Pat Donovan thinks the return of Grant Balfour is so important to the Rays success and why he thinks the Rays bullpen can help weather the…
Bill’s Sports Binge: College football begins, Rays lose again, Bucs make cuts and college football begins
If you're like me, the montage of bone-jarring awesomeness set to Coming to your City that signifies the beginning of ESPN's College Game Day is God's way of saying, "Everything is going to be all right." Thank you, God! As the first week of college football came to an exciting close Monday night, there were…
Iorio issues proclamation on bike and pedestrian safety in Tampa
In St. Petersburg, Mayor Bill Foster has alienated some members of the cycling community by having the police cite them for ignoring stop signs or riding two abreast. It's all about combating recent concerns about motorists and bike riders alike about public safety. Although undoubtedly there is tension between some motorists and cyclists in Tampa,…
Photo review: Bandwagon Roadshow with Snoop Dogg, Reverend Horton Heat, Sublime with Rome, and others at the Citrus Bowl, Orlando
This past Saturday, September 4, I high-tailed it over to Orlando's Citrus Bowl along with several thousand car and music lovers for the Bandwagon Roadshow. The event kicked off at 10 a.m. and featured dozens of classic automobiles on display, everything from the classic '57 Chevy to a tricked-out mini clown car. Beautiful. And then…
Television Review: Mad Men, season 4, episode 7 — “The Suitcase”
Despite its ability to create exquisite and largely self-contained hours of entertainment, Mad Men is a show you need to watch consistently to love. Otherwise you wouldn't appreciate the subtleties; in the character traits, in the props, in the acting. But more so, you wouldn't appreciate when the show isn't subtle. The rare occasions that,…
Enter the ‘Industrial Strength’ chili cook-off in Gulfport, taking place September 25
Is your bowl o' red so tasty that it has what it takes to win some competitions? Then take a crack at the blue ribbon in the Industrial Arts Center's Industrial Strength chili cook-off on Saturday, September 25th in Gulfport. The event will showcase kicked up chilis from 20 different entrants, event guests getting to…
Take in the natural beauty along the Hillsborough River on a leisurely canoeing trip
I am not really the "outdoorsy" type, preferring climate control whenever possible. However I have discovered one activity that gets me back in touch with nature, while not being too strenuous: canoeing. A leisurely boat ride down the Hillsborough River does wonders for one's disposition while reminding us that we don't have to go far…
Sink’s stance on extending all of the Bush tax cuts demonstrates fissure within Democratic party
Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink made news Tuesday when she said that she favors extending all of what are known as the "Bush tax cuts," a major issue heading into the fall elections, as currently those tax cuts are set to expire at the end of this year. Sink joins most of the Republican…
Girls gone wild: what happens on the bus happens all across America
“We completely forgot about the girls in the shower,” yelled the DJ at Platinum Showgirls. The three naked women in the glass shower were still using each others' breasts as loofahs even though the crowd was concentrated on the drama unfolding on the main stage. Would the petite blonde give in to the DJ's coaxing…
AltDotPop: Kanye apologizes to Taylor Swift, Taylor Lautner is the sweetest, celebrity sex tapes and Lohans in the news
Despite Paris Hilton lying about that whole "it isn't my purse" thing, her hairdresser says that Paris doesn't have time for cocaine. Correct me if I'm wrong, because I don't know much about drugs, but doesn't cocaine make you like super-productive? Also, her hairstylists name is Michael Boychuck and he looks like Jason Sudekis in…
Charlie Crist and labor look comfortable with each other; Crist and Meek unveil news ads, and Petraeus warns Gainesville pastor not to burn Korans: Mitch Perry Report 9.7.10
Welcome to the official fall season. Everybody's back to school, college football is back, the NFL is almost here, it's still ridiculously hot and humid, and the general election campaign is officially on. That's shown in the new television ads by U.S. Senate candidates Kendrick Meek and Charlie Crist, both entertaining and positive. We hope…
Project Runway Podcast Season 8, Ep. 6: Always a Bridesmaid
After Runway Wars, where do you go? The only place more insane, a wedding, obviously. This week's challenge was to take the ugliest bridesmaids dresses they could find and ask the designers to make something wearable. With Casanova's immunity, an overwhelming hatred for Michael C, Gretchen still reeling from Tim's verbal beat-down we were guaranteed…
Sustainable Interconnected Business Alliance’s (SIBA) ‘Local First’ campaign launch today (9/7)
The Sustainable Interconnected Business Alliance (SIBA) will be unveiling its planned launch of a Local First Campaign for the greater Tampa Bay area, Tuesday, September 7, 6:30 p.m. at Gateway Organic Farm. SIBA is a new and growing association of businesses and individuals who are transforming the way business is done in the greater Tampa…
Crist and Meek unveil first ads of the U.S. Senate general election campaign (videos)
It's the day after Labor Day, time as Rick Scott would say to "get back to work." In the case of the U.S. Senate race, both Charlie Crist and Kendrick Meek are getting busy (Marco Rubio will join them on the trail, but he is still laying low after the sad news of his father's…
Where’s the love? Are women outgrowing romance?
When I was in the sixth grade, the first love of my life surprised me at lunch time. He sat down at the desk across from me, pulled out a CD player (remember those?) and speakers, put in his Tyrese CD, jumped up on my desk and serenaded me with the chorus of "Sweet Lady."…
Petraeus to Gainesville pastor: burning korans could endanger the troops
The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, General David Petraeus, says the planned burning of Koran's this Saturday by Gainesville pastor Terry Jones could "endanger troops and it could endanger the overall effort." He added that: "It is precisely the kind of action the Taliban uses and could cause significant problems. Not just here, but everywhere…
Egg white cocktails that go over easy (recipes)
The recall of half a billion eggs for possible salmonella infection has a lot of us understandably whipped up with worry. Cocktail geeks are fearful, too, that bartenders will start cracking down (okay, even I’m cringing at these puns) on the use of eggs in drinks. Now, I come across plenty of folks who, when…
Charlie Crist finds love at Labor Day union event in Eastern Hillsborough County
It's a tradition for organized labor to hold public events on Labor Day. And it's a tradition that Democratic candidates attend such events. Republicans? It's not really their thing. Which is why Charlie Crist's appearance at the Florida Pipe Trades Labor Day picnic in Dover on Monday felt so unusual. The Governor is a man…
Some conservative bloggers go nuts over “Machete”
Over the Labor Day weekend, the new Robert Rodriguez B-movie illegal immigration satire, Machete, reached the #3 spot on the box office charts in the U.S. The film, dubbed as a 70's era "Mexploitation" flick, carries a very deliberate pro Latino stance as the topic of illegal immigration continues to stay in the headlines. If…
Breakdown: Red Sox rout Rays 12-5
The Tampa Bay Rays were on the end of another ugly loss, falling 12-5 to the Bahstahn Rehd Sahks at Fenway Park. Starting pitcher Jeff Niemann had another poor start since returning from the Disabled List and the Rays failed to capitalize on a few chances to rally back after the damage was done. The…
New music releases out this Tuesday, September 7: The Acorn, Interpol, Robyn, Anberlin, Hot Chip, Jerry Lee Lewis, Megadeth, Winter Gloves, and more (with lots of video included)
This week’s new music releases. To see last week’s releases (out Aug. 31), click here; for releases out Aug. 24, click here. The Acorn, No Ghost (Bella Union) Check out the Ottawa pastoral folk ensemble's new stop motion video for the song "Restoration" below. Anberlin, Dark Is the Way: Light Is a Place (Republic) Sara…
Do It Today: Meet Buccaneer Stylez G. White and see Artefacto Cultural
Not all pro athletes abuse dogs, date rape and get busted for drugs. Take Stylez G. White, for instance. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end started The Better Us Foundation to improve the quality of life for underprivileged children, having endured adversity and homelessness and gone through the foster care system himself. At the Stylez…
TIGLFF at 21: Tampa’s LGBT filmfest features films with James Franco, Rufus Wainwright, Mindy Cohn, Benjamin Bratt, Oct. 7-17
The Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is all grown up, celebrating its 21st birthday this year with a lineup featuring 37 screening events over 11 days and, of course, plenty of parties. The estimable programming director Margaret Murray is back (and back in Tampa — she's returned to us from Washington, D.C.!) with,…
Cynical and southern: barebacking – are you f-ing stupid?
Let’s walk straight into rush hour traffic with our eyes closed. Let’s drink a gallon of bleach. Let’s have sex without a condom. Why not? All the kids are doing it these days. My most sexually active years were from 1996-2006. In 1995 a penis simply did not exist in my sexual world without some…
Muslim hating pastor Bill Keller’s first service near Ground Zero is a bust
Last we reported on St. Pete evangelist Bill Keller, who decided recently that he'd add a some more kindling to the burning fire that is the "ground zero" saga in New York City, by launching his plan for a "9-11 Christian Center at Ground Zero." On Sunday, Bill Keller launched his 9-11 Christian Center at…
Green DIY: Transform Chinese takeout boxes into pretty paper lanterns (video)
With about 41,000 Chinese restaurants in the U.S., that means a lot of takeout Chinese food and tons of those paper containers ending up in the trash every year. Here's a crafty way to recycle those used (washed) Chinese takeout containers and turn them into stylish paper lanterns. They'd make great accents on a dining…
This one’s for ewe: The many merits of sheep’s milk cheeses
"Sheep’s milk makes the best cheese," states Max McCalman in his book, Mastering Cheese, and I would have to agree. With the fall season just around the corner, it is the perfect time to talk up the rich, gamey milk that creates so many wonderful fresh and aged cheeses. During a staff-training course, a server…
On the radar: Patriotic 9/11 events
The following events commemorate the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the U.S. or have a patriotic theme. If you are familiar with other 9/11-patriotic events, please add pertinent details about them to our comment board below. 9/11 Memorial with Photos by Alex Contreras: Features TPD and MacDill honor guards, a moment of silence observing time…
The Green Community week in review: Curbside recycling in St. Pete, Champagne bottles get a green makeover, the benefits of e-paper and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed last week: Jack Johnson's eco-friendly tour – With a crowd of about 17,500, Jack and his crew kept the fans standing and singing along to all of his love-the-earth and you-can-make-a-difference lyrics. Triclosan: Helpful antibacterial agent or…
Tampa Bay gets the best of Baltimore 4-1
The baseball gods have apparently listened to my prayers about more offense earlier in the game by the Tampa Bay Rays. They managed to score four runs by the end of the fourth inning, in contrast to the relatively slow starts they’ve had in close games recently. It allowed me to enjoy relatively low blood…
Report: The U.S. and China working together for clean energy research
The world's leaders in energy and oil consumption have come together and announced their partnership to find greener, cleaner energy sources. The United States and China will be giving a total of $100 million in funding to research for cleaner vehicles and clean coal technologies. The U.S. Department of Energy reports: "Secretary Chu announced that…
CD review: of Montreal, False Priest (with video)
Kevin Barnes is a lyrical savant who’s capable of weaving together seemingly disparate topics into a colorful narrative of thoughts and feelings and ideas and observations he expels in streams of inspired brilliance too clever and literary and pop art appealing for their own good. He makes you laugh, he makes you think, he makes…
Sexcast #12: Natasha Kizmet on belly dancing, training to play a stripper, and her new film
Natasha Kizmet's life has unfolded like a female version of Sacha Baron Cohen's Borat and Bruno, though with more topless scenes. Natasha came to America with a thick Uzbekistan accent, a dream of making it in show business, and a bombshell figure—-all of which got her into some precarious situations. Along the way she produced…
It’s football season!: Finger foods for all of your tailgating needs (recipes)
Beer, food and football — three things that go great together and are essentials for a successful tailgating party. Here are some easy suggestions and recipes to keep your football fanatics happy and well-fed. Baked Chicken Wings Try marinating you wings in beer. Douse the wings in your ale of choice and marinate for 24…
Concert review: Tears For Fears give locals something to shout about at Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater (complete setlist and photos included)
It's hard for me to think of the music of the 1980's in nostalgic terms. I often hear the term "classic 80's" thrown around as a legitimate genre. Part of my inability to embrace that concept lies in the fact that I am still so enthralled with so much of the true cutting edge music…
Queer Profile: Trans artist/writer/dancer Jai Arun Ravine (video)
Jai Arun Ravine is the author of the chapbook Is This January (Corollary Press, 2010), creator of the choose-your-own-gender adventure graphic novel The Spiderboi Files and a Kundiman fellow. A trans-identified, multi-disciplinary writer, dancer, visual and performing artist of mixed Thai and white American heritage, Jai received an M.F.A. in Writing & Poetics from Naropa University and…
On Deck The podcast: Vote for Rafeal Soriano, give Niemann a chance
Pat Donovan and Mike Tyree talk about how crazy they think it is that some Rays fans want to send Jeff Niemann to the bullpen. Also hear why Pat doesn't want jump on the panic button even if Brad Hawpe did have a golden sombrero in his Rays debut. Pat and Mike also talk about…
Preview of coming attractions: The 2010 Clearwater Film Festival
Bay area film fans are blessed with a wealth of festivals at which they can hob-nob with industry professionals and take in multiple under-the-radar movies long before they appear in theaters or on DVD. 2010 will see the launch of the Clearwater Film Festival, which will take over multiple locations around Clearwater from September 29…
Diehard Hillary supporters refuse to give up the ghost – new ad promotes Clinton for 2012 (video)
In the near year I've been at this job, at least three times in the past I've addressed the fantasies of diehard Hillary Clinton supporters who have never gotten over the fact that Barack Obama ran a smarter campaign and ultimately won more delegates in their spirited 2008 run for the Democratic nomination. It's also…
The Tampa Bay Living Green Expo to hold second event this October in Dunedin
With the success of the last event in June at the St. Petersburg Coliseum, the Tampa Bay Living Green Expo will be hosting a second event this year that will take place at the Dunedin Community Center. Mark your calendars for October 16-17 for another chance to learn about living a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle…
Movie Review: Robert Rodriguez’s Machete, starring Danny Trejo, Jessica Alba, Robert DeNiro, Steven Seagal, Cheech Marin, Lindsey Lohan and Michelle Rodriguez (with trailer video)
Danny Trejo is back as Machete, the character first seen in a mock trailer between the two flicks that made up Grindhouse. The Machete trailer was so popular, the producers decided to turn it into a real film. As far as movie production stories go, this isn't the most bizarre I've ever heard (remember: they…
Father’s deteriorating health means Rubio now out of Meet The Press debate this Sunday
The first of what Marco Rubio had proposed to be seven debates between himself and his two opponents for the U.S. Senate race was to be this Sunday on NBC's Meet The Press, but first Charlie Crist canceled, and now Rubio himself will not be able to attend in Washington. A press released issued this…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: The last pretend Bucs game, a Rays night off, and a new day for On Deck
Pat Donovan talks about the Bucs preseason being over and assumes Michael Clayton's days as a Buccaneer are numbered. Also hear why Pat thinks the Orioles line up is no match for Matt Garza the way he's been pitching lately and why Pat thinks you will see Brad Hawpe in tonight's Rays line up. Also…
Scott runs as if he’s going to Washington, USF students protest hazing, and what does a Jim Norman investigation mean in real time?
Rick Scott and his new running mate, Jennifer Carroll, visited Brandon late yesterday afternoon. A recent charge by Scott that Alex Sink supports cutting Medicare caused us to weigh in again and call attention to the fact that it seems like the GOP gubernatorial candidate perhaps has forget who's been running the state for the…
Media must press Scott that he’s running to lead Florida, not Washington
Rick Scott and his new Lieutenant Governor nominee, Jennifer Carroll, campaigned in Brandon late Thursday afternoon after earlier romps around the state touting the newly minted GOP gubernatorial ticket. Their appearances come as the Florida Republican party is slated to start spending cash on behalf of Scott on the television airwaves beginning this weekend. The…
Oral Sex: what is your style?
When asked what your oral sex style is, everyone claims they're a giver. This can't be true. Besides there are far more options to oral sex than just being a giver and none are mutually exclusive. I've even met a few admitted 'non-givers' in my time. While oral sex is no simple act, it's not rocket…
Dining Guide: Happy hour (and after hours) food and drink deals
On a budget or just plain cheap? Here are some great happy hour (and after hours) food and drink deals around the Bay area. CAFE ALMA 260 1st Ave. S., St. Pete; 727-502-5002. cafealma.com Two-for-one drinks and half price tapas every day from 4:30-6:30 p.m. On Tuesdays, happy hour starts at 4:30 and lasts until…
How gasoline could jeopardize our nation’s safety
Did you know that one billion dollars a day are sent overseas to pay for oil used in the United States? The people of Operation Free, a group of military leaders and local veterans that focus on the connection between climate change and national security, held a town meeting in Tampa last Tuesday, August 31.…
Do It This Labor Day Weekend: Florida’s Largest Home Show, Look Tonight, Gecko Fest and much more
When it comes to the depressing real estate market, you gotta think like Crosby, Stills and Nash: If you can’t live in the house you love, honey, love the house you’re in. Take some of that cash you’ve got socked away (people do still save money, we hear) or take out a loan if your…
Recent USF frat hazing prompts students to rally
The recent suspension of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity chapter at University of South Florida has spurred one student to take action with an awareness rally at the university Thursday afternoon. Nicole Garcia, 22, coordinated and organized the event in which approximately 20 students came in support of the cause. Garcia is also a member…
Norman reportedly under investigation – but forgive us if we won’t hold our breath waiting for an indictment
Both local dailies on Thursday reported that the Republican nominee for Florida State Senate in District 12, Hillsborough County Commissioner Jim Norman, is being investigated by the FBI regarding that $435,000 Arkansas home that Norman's wife, Mearline, purchased in 2006. Both the St. Pete Times and the Tampa Tribune reported on those details, though only…
Beer and film pairing: Night Stalker Imperial Stout and The Road
“It’s the end of the world as we know it and I feel fine.” — REM, "It’s the End of the World As We Know It" Today's society is becoming slowly more infatuated with the end of the world. The fear of the unknown has presented itself in human culture through different mediums throughout time.…
Curbside recycling comes to St. Pete – finally!
Residents of St. Petersburg who are tired of making trips to the recycling centers, rejoice: the St. Petersburg City Council has unanimously approved curbside recycling. Today, city officials met and accepted the bid for a voluntary curbside recycling program by Waste Services of Florida. The service, which will begin in October, will cost residents $2.75…
The Grind Podcast 9/2: Rays on Yankees’ heals, Bucs head coach still thinks he’s a coordinator and Tampa Bay purges host
This week the two Jack-off all trades, Flip and Bill, strap you in, hold your nose and cram a beer bong full of sports, "sports related" and way the hell off-road topics down your gullet faster than you can text OMG WTF to your BFF. Just think of it as a books-on-tape version of what…
Studs VS Sluts: the myth of the slut double standard
In the hundreds of articles I've read as a Sex & Love editor, I've come across some ideas about sex and sexuality that many writers, even of the scientific variety, assume to be common knowledge: most adult entertainers have suffered abuse, your sex life declines with age and the length of your marriage, men have…
This weekend in Tampa Bay area live music: John Digweed, Tinsley Ellis, Guiltmaker, The Strange Boys, Boombox, Xavier Rudd, Naughty by Nature, Uproar Fest with Disturbed and Avenged Sevenfold, and more
It's a holiday weekend, lots of music going on all over town, and you're wondering what to do. 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, September 2 John Digweed [pictured right] w/Three/John Busto Hallucination…
Cynical and Southern: Removing the straight boy from my life
He may have had the most gorgeous lips I’ve ever seen. They were moist and bright red. His skin was pasty white and soft. He was a phantom off a movie poster. He was celluloid and cellophane. And he was the cutest boy I’d seen in years. Tropical heat has never been a match for my…
Champagne bottles trimmed down in an effort to cut carbon emissions
In an effort reduce their carbon footprint, the Champagne industry is working on making their bottles a deeper shade of "green" by slimming them down and reducing their weight. In turn, this will not only reduce resources used to make the bottles, but it will also cut carbon emissions from the transportation process. The Champagne…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: David Price finally reaches a sweet 16, a rough Rays debut and the end of NFL preseason
Pat Donovan talks about the Rays 2-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays last night. Find out which players made a couple amazing defensive plays and which player had a most dissapointing Rays debut. Also hear why Pat admits to being wrong about the Rays trade for Sean Rodriguez, and why he thinks Rodriguez should…
A Scott-Carroll GOP ticket? Bud Chiles calls it quits, and don’t tell Fla. GOP lawmakers, but illegal immigration is actually down in Florida and across the country: Mitch Perry Report.9.02.10
We're very disdainful of people tooting their own horn, but if you're in the Tampa Bay area and have access to picking up Creative Loafing to do so this week, and check out the paper, as it's been redesigned and just seems like a whole new experience in reading through it. Okay, back to the…
Not to rain on Rick Scott’s pick, but why does Florida need a Lieutenant Governor?
If Rick Scott does not pick Jacksonville House Republican Jennifer Carroll as his running mate as Lieutenant Governor today, it'd be the greatest rope-a-dope since Muhammed Ali in the mid 1970's. Every news agency in Florida is reporting that Carroll, who made history when she became the first black GOP female representative ever in Florida…
Gavin Hawk: Improv innovator (321, The Dumb Show) at American Stage — and future hump-backed king?
Gavin Hawk is about to take improvisation to a new level. The talented actor, who together with the equally skillful Ricky Wayne has been delighting audiences with the improv hit The Dumb Show over the last year, will present, again with Wayne, 321 this Sunday at American Stage. If it works, it should be stunning.…
New stats show recession is the best way to slow illegal immigration
Although the issue of illegal immigration has always been a hot button topic in America, frankly, it had slipped from the consciousness of the political landscape over the past few years, as the financial crises and two wars in the Middle East have rightly risen to the top in terms of the country’s priorities. But…
Spreading the words: The IV Poets are keeping spoken word alive in St. Pete (when they’re not giving each other shit)
The IV Poets like to talk. They talk a lot: to each other, to themselves, to anyone willing to listen, and quite eloquently at that. Brian Duncan, Dave Durney, Jason Bruzzichesi and Khomeni Hopkins look and sound like any ordinary group of 20-to-30something guys: two black, two white, dapper, idealistic, aware. All work at the…
Listen up! From sticky electro-pop to Southern Gothic psychedelia: three just-released albums you need to know about
Sons of Hippies visionaries Katherine Kelly (lead vocals, guitar) and Jonas Canales (drums, percs, synths, support vocals) introduced locals to their compelling, propulsive alt-rock last year and even took home a 2009 Best of the Bay award for their debut album, Warriors of the Light. This week, the duo-turned-trio (which now includes bassist Ryan O'Neill)…
Gavin Hawk’s agenda: Improve improv, start a theater company, play Richard III
Gavin Hawk is about to take improvisation to a new level. The talented actor, who together with the equally skillful Ricky Wayne has been delighting audiences with the improv hit The Dumb Show over the last year, will present, again with Wayne, 321 this Sunday at American Stage. If it works, it should be stunning.…
This is NPR: WUSF’s switch to news/talk and what it means for Tampa Bay, classical music fans and WMNF
Before moving to Sarasota, Joan McKniff lived in Paris, and before that Washington D.C. and New York City. Like many transplants from big cities, she says when she moved to West Central Florida, one of the things she had to adjust to was a dearth of interesting news and information programs on the radio. To…
More Cowbell: Why the Rays ring those bells, and other lore of local baseball fandom
On a Thursday night in early July, a crowd of 36,970 packed the Trop for the game against the despised Boston Red Sox. There wasn't a space to be had in the official Rays parking lots. A majority of customers, young and old, male and female, were literally displaying their fandom on their sleeves. Their…
Open for business: Gulfport bustles its way through the down economy
The St. Petersburg restaurant scene has suffered through five of the most tumultuous years on record, thanks to the economic collapse and the oil spill. It's been bad, and even the most optimistic owners are squinting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But cruise through the restaurants and bars of Gulfport…
Far from heaven: The idea of an afterlife isn’t silly, it’s scary
Ye Angells bright, pluck from your Wings a Quill. Make me a pen thereof that best will write. Lend me your fancy, and Angellick skill To treat this Theme, more rich than Rubies bright. —from "And All Drunk the Same Spirituall Drinke," by Edward Taylor Heading north to our house in south St. Pete, you…
The long-distance relationship gets charmingly reworked in Going the Distance
On the list of "top ten things I hate," romantic comedies fall somewhere between gum-snapping and mushrooms. (They are a fungus; I can't believe people consume such things.) So naturally, I jumped at the chance to review Going the Distance, the new film starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long. You see, even though I hate…
Paralyzed by the opposite sex, a 30-year-old virgin looks for answers
Here's my problem: I love women. I love the way they look, I love the way they move, I love the way they sound. I like to see them naked. But the idea of actually interacting with women — trying to engage them in intelligent conversation without coming off as absolutely leotarded — absolutely fucking…
Do It Today: Big Bang Show, Sons of Hippies and Bruce Mau
Who’s got talent? … Really, we want to know. If you think you’ve got it, do your thang at the Big Bang Show, a monthly variety show that combines America's Got Talent with improv. Hosted by Daniel "Motown Pride" Jefferson and Donalee Curtis (pictured), the lineup includes comedian Q. Greene, rapper Mike Mass, rock band…
Rays grab gutsy 2-1 win from Blue Jays
More anxiety! Just what I need. The day after getting walloped by this Toronto team, Tampa Bay held on for a 2-1 victory, with David Price getting the W and Evan Longoria driving in the game-winning run in the home half of the eighth frame. Things were quiet through four innings with no real scoring…
The IV Poets, keeping spoken word alive in St. Pete (audio)
The IV Poets like to talk. They talk a lot: to each other, to themselves, to anyone willing to listen, and quite eloquently at that. Brian Duncan, Dave Durney, Jason Bruzzichesi and Khomeni Hopkins look and sound like any ordinary group of 20-to-30something guys: two black, two white, dapper, idealistic, aware. All work at the…
Tonight’s Top Chef D.C. episode preview: Wine pairings, space food and Anthony Bourdain returns
This is it, the episode of Top Chef: D.C. that will determine which chef'testants go on to part one of the finale in Singapore. For their last high stakes Quickfire Challenge, it looks like the chefs must choose a wine (locally sourced, I'm assuming) and then create a dish to pair with it. This is…
CONA asks St. Pete City Council to delay implementation of land use map until after the election
On Thursday, the St. Petersburg City Council will vote on a second reading on a proposal brought forth by Councilman Karl Nurse. He says the proposal would prevent any deleterious effects if Amendment 4, also known as the Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment, is approved by voters and becomes state law in November. To quote from…
Top Chef D.C. Podcast, Ep. 11: Cleaver Pitch
During last night's episode of Top Chef: D.C., baseball and idiots idioms were the challenge themes and Top Chef Masters' contestant Rick Moonen popped by to play guest judge. It was idioms (not adages — my bad) that served as inspiration for the Quickfire dishes. I was saddened by the fact that no one chose…
