Wednesday-music.com indie music profile: The Walkmen
The Walkmen, based both in Harlem and Philly, formed in 2000 with three members from Jonathan Fire*Eater: Paul Maroon (guitar, piano), Walter Martin (organ/bass), and Matt Barrick (drums); and two from The Recoys: Peter Bauer (bass/organ) and Hamilton Leithauser (vocals, guitar). All members of the band grew up in and around D.C., played in many…
The Grind podcast 9/29: Rays are in, we stick up for the fans and the F in NFL stands for Felon
It's been a fortnight since our last podcast. That's two weeks for you Florida State grads (BAM). Rays won then lost, then won again. The Bucs won then lost and lost spectacularly. Michael Vick had an orange jumpsuit two years ago and now makes more per week than you will in your whole life. Yep, lots to rap…
Oktoberfest fare: Beer braised German rouladen with spiced sour cream recipe
Oktoberfest is upon us, which means it's an excuse to drink copious amounts of beer, eat soft pretzels as big as our heads — and anything that ends in “wurst” — and wear funny looking shorts with suspenders. Definitely my kind of party. Today, Oktoberfest is celebrated around the world by people of German and…
Photo review: Nikki Yanofsky at the historic Capitol Theatre in Clearwater
Some shots of Canadian teen jazz sensation Nikki Yanofsky, who performed at Clearwater's historic Capitol Theatre this past Tuesday, September 28. Check out the complete photo gallery after the jump.
Java Planet: Tampa Bay organic coffee roasters
Owner Jennifer Simmons answered a couple questions for me about her business. What lead you to want to start your own coffee roasting company? And how long have you been in business? Both my husband and I have always loved coffee and started drinking specialty coffee over 20 years ago. I bought my husband a…
Prendergast challenges Castor to debate
As we've heard every day for approximately 8 months now, the GOP is going to do very well in November. How well? Nobody knows of course, though Fox News commentator Dick Morris, who was wildly off virtually every prediction he made in 2008 (and will be in 2012 when Hillary Clinton doesn't challenge Barack Obama)…
3 Guys & Glee — The Podcast: Season 2, Episode 2, “Britney/Brittany” (with video)
last week's lackluster season premiere, Glee returned for the first of its artist-themed episodes (guest-starring a certain "Toxic" pop-star who has a way with snakes and Catholic school girl skirts). The 3 Guys (and the live studio audience) are back to discuss the music, the guest stars, the drama and the creepiness of Mr. Schuster…
CL Feature: NYC experimental ensemble Yeasayer brings their post-global retro pop to State Theatre on Monday, October 4 (with videos)
Brooklyn avant garde ensemble Yeasayer won over critics and indie music fans alike with 2007’s All Hour Cymbals, a debut album praised far and wide for its intoxicating psyche rock drive, unexpected pop hooks and pervasive worldbeat textures. [Photo by Jason Nocito] But unlike so many other acts that get popular on a sound and…
Ride to honor slain cyclists to take place Friday night in Tampa
For years the Tampa Bay area has owned the dubious title of being the most dangerous region in the country for pedestrians. Perhaps a new category can be added to bicyclists. Over the weekend, 30-year-old Kayoko Ishizuka, working as a research associate at USF's department of molecular medicine, was killed while riding home from the…
New poll shows Tea Party gaining more acceptance in GOP; Rick Scott lays out his education plan, and Kendrick Meek takes on Charlie Crist as a conservative in new ad:Mitch Perry Report 9.29.10
President Obama lets loose in an extensive interview in the new Rolling Stone magazine. Check out some of the highlights we've excerpted here. A new WSJ/NBC News poll shows some good news for Democrats nationally this fall, but also shows how the Tea Party is gaining more support within the Republican Party, which is something…
Harnessing renewable energy from the seas with ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC)
Are you familiar with Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion? This is something essentially referred to as a heat engine, and has the capability of generating enormous quantities of energy when mastered. For example, OTEC relies on the difference in temperature between the upper layers of the ocean’s waters and the deeper layers. This hot to cold…
New Meek ad last ditch effort to persuade Dems to leave Crist (video)
Yesterday another Democrat, former party chair Charles Whitehead, endorsed Charlie Crist in his independent bid for U.S. Senate. Though not exactly a name that anybody who's lived in Florida for only the last decade would necessarily recognize, Whitehead did lead the party back in its last heyday of the 1980's. It did come two days…
Scott blasts Sink’s energy policy -but does he realize what building nuclear power plants will cost Floridians?
On September 7 in Delray Beach, Florida Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink gave a speech on energy. In it, she talked about what many have said should be the case for years; that is, that Florida can become a leader in producing new and renewable energy sources: "Florida has the opportunity to be a national…
As Tea Party gains more mainstream GOP currency, so does Rick Scott’s chances
A new Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll was published Tuesday night, and it contains all sorts of interesting morsels to digest. For Democrats, perhaps the best news is that the survey shows that the GOP holds a 46%-43% lead when the public is asked which party they would prefer to control Congress next year -…
Movie Review: David Fincher’s The Social Network, starring Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Rooney Mara, Brenda Song and Rashida Jones (with video)
The irony of David Fincher’s brilliant The Social Network is that a great tool for facilitating human interaction was created by a largely friendless dweeb with the social skills of a rock. The very first scene of the movie, an awkward bar date between future Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) and a college lady…
Life As We Blow It: Oh, The Horror
It’s not even the first of October yet, and already the universe is working diligently in an effort to ruin my Halloween. First, our DVR died, taking with it an uncut, commercial-free version of my wife’s favorite cult horror movie, Motel Hell. (If anybody out there knows where to get a DVD copy, hit me…
October-bound: Rays clinch post-season play with 5-run shutout
Savor the moment, Rays fans; your boys are in! Let the champagne – or Bud Light – rivers flow! Speaking of celebrations, check out the video footage, courtesy of CL’s own Pat Donovan. Click the pics of Matt Garza or double-fisting Sean Rodriguez (also by Pat D.) to take you to his qik.com videos. Now…
10 worst places to have sex
After exploring 20 crazy places to have sex, and then another 20 wild places to get down, I thought it only prudent to also list the 10 worst places to do the nasty. While you may sometimes find it difficult to control your sexual desires, in certain locations it's best not to even think about…
Do It Today: yappy hour art party at Decker Ross, David Clark Isele and comedian Eddie Griffin
Two of the best creations in this world: dogs and art. Experience them both at Dog Days of Summer-Gone at Decker Ross Studio. The event is a yappy hour for canines all ages and happy hour for grown-up human types with a reception featuring the artwork of Anna Hamilton, mural artist and creator of what's affectionately…
Obama in Rolling Stone: “That self-critical element of the progressive mind is probably a healthy thing, but it can also be debilitating.”
The Rolling Stone's October 15 issue will be on newsstands beginning this Friday and is available online now for your reading pleasure, featuring one of the most extensive interviews with Barack Obama since he's become President. Conducted by publisher Jann Wenner and executive editor Eric Bates, the President weighs in on a number of topics…
Greenpeace’s new “Unfriend Coal” campaign against Facebook
Greenpeace is currently campaigning to "unfriend" Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook unless the company drops its plans for using coal to power their massive new data center in Oregon. The environmental organization is urging the world's largest social network to utilize renewable energy sources, like wind or solar power, to help lighten the carbon load of…
The beer cocktail: A case study (plus recipes)
Ask most folks about beer cocktails and chances are they’ll think (hazily) back to dropping shot glasses full of hooch into mugs of beer. Depth Charges, we called ‘em. And they hit about as hard. Suds as cocktail ingredients have come a long way since then. Among my favorite beer cocktails these days are part…
CL Feature: Grammy-winning folk rock duo Indigo Girls headline the three-day FolkFest St. Petersburg this Friday
It’s not often you get to see Grammy award-winning artists for free; it’s even rarer that you get to catch them in an intimate setting, sharing the stage with some of your favorite local acts. But fans of Indigo Girls [pictured right, photo by Matt Odom] will get to do both this Friday, when the…
Indie rock has its own Milli Vanilli: a review of the Cocorosie concert at State Theatre, St. Petersburg
What promised to be a truly eccentric, unusual and unforgettable night ended up being a grave disappointment. Drawn to quirky sister act CocoRosie since the release of their bizarrely beautiful debut album, 2004's La maison de mon reve, I'd eagerly awaited a chance to see these peculiar siblings bring to life their own twisted amalgamation…
Lights on Tampa shines prestigious recognition on the bay area
If you've recently driven through downtown Tampa at night and and oohed and ahed at cool, multicolor light and video displays on buildings and sidewalks, you weren't alone in your amazement. The Americans for Arts foundation, a non-profit organization based in New York and Washington, D.C., also took notice and named Lights on Tampa to…
Health care advocacy group says nearly 2 million Floridians will get tax credit when health care law goes into affect
This morning Families USA, a progressive health care advocacy group out of Washington, issued a report called, "Lower Taxes, Lower Premiums: The New Health Insurance Tax Credit in Florida," which says that 1,962,600 people will be eligible for new tax cuts beginning in 2014 that will significantly reduce the cost of private health insurance for…
New music releases out this Tuesday, September 28: Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Twin Shadow, Deerhunter, John Zorn, Jimmy Eat World, Owen Pallett, Mark Ronson, Pete Yorn, Neil Young, and more (with audio & video)
Tons of new music out today. Here's a breakdown of the ones you might want to know about. To see last week’s releases (out Sept. 21), click here; for releases out Sept. 14, click here. , The 88 (88 Records/Rocket Science) Abe Vigoda, Crush (PPM) King Sunny Ade, Baba Mo Tunde (Mesa/Blue Moon) Coffey Anderson,…
Veggie lovers unite at the Tampa Bay Veg Fest this Saturday, October 2
This Saturday at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in Downtown Tampa, celebrate with fellow vegetarians, vegans, foodies and animal lovers at the First Annual Tampa Bay Veg Fest in honor of World Farm Animals Day. Whether you're a strict vegetarian or just love your veggies, this event will have something for everyone. This free event will…
Television review: Mad Men, “Hands and Knees”
Poor Roger. First, mistress/love of his life/secretary extraordinaire Joan turns out to be pregnant after their passionate rendezvous last week. Then, slimy Lee Garner Jr. inexplicably pulls the Lucky Strike account (he mumbles something about his incapacitated father) from SCDP, leaving the company soon without their biggest client. And to top it off, Roger loses…
Rays fail to clinch with no one in stands, new study says amendments 5&6 may not be all that for Dems, and progressive group wants to appeal to voters that they can vote in their jammies:Mitch Perry Report 9.28.10
A paltry crowd of only 12,466, the 4th smallest of the year came out to Tropicana Field last night as the Rays lost to the Orioles, 4-0. That low attendance wouldn't be shocking against a no name team on a Monday night in late September, but it could have been the game that clinched a…
Alcohol, inhibitions, and casual sex outside of marriage
As I walked through Caliente's parking lot a few weeks ago to a swingers party, I noticed a couple in their car. The guy patiently waited for the woman to down a beer. She was obviously using some liquid courage to either parade around naked or join in on a tryst with a group of swingers at the…
Roasted rainbow carrots with maple-mustard glaze (recipe)
I was blessed with two bunches of beautiful rainbow carrots in my basket from Suncoast Organics this week. The last time I had some, I pickled them with some daikon radish and made a lovely and colorful Vietnamese Do Chua. This time, I wanted to show the carrots off in a more “autumn-like” way. Few…
Longoria & Price complaints about fans shows they’re all too human
The world that lives and breaths Tampa Bay Rays baseball has been shook up over the past 24 hours. That's because of comments made by two of their biggest stars, third baseman Evan Longoria and starting pitcher David Price yesterday, lamenting the continuing weak attendance at home games at Tropicana Field this year. Price simply…
Theater Review: The Mystery of Irma Vep at American Stage
The American Stage production of The Mystery of Irma Vep is such good-natured, silly fun for most of its length, you can almost forget that its last quarter or so is redundant and a trifle tedious. Still, this is a case of too much of a good thing: Matthew McGee and Brian Webb Russell are…
Progressive group tries to appeal to uninspired Dems by telling them they can vote in their PJ’s
In the past few weeks we've written (and written) about the obvious discrepancy in voter enthusiasm between the "R's" and "D's" in 2010, so we've got to give it up to Progressive Florida as it tries to find an original niche to inspire Democrats to go to the polls. The plan? Don't have them go…
AltDotPop: Paris and Lindsay avoid jail, Katy and Nicole celebrate their singledom, Gossip Girl meets the undead and a Jersey Shore farewell
It's been a doublemint week in pop culture land. Two "celebs" are out of jail when they should be in. Lindsay Lohan was released after less than 24hours and Paris Hilton pled guilty on her possession charge and got probation. Two celebs (only one deserving of the quotation marks on celebs, so I opted not…
Rickrolling gay-hating Christians In Ybor
I am kicking around Brooklyn this week playing shows and being awesome. I have limited computer access so I would like to share the video where my friends and I punked the gay-hating Christians in front of G Bar in Tampa. Many of my friends were hoping to "kick their asses" or throw things at…
Do It Today: Ice Fest, volunteer for SPCA Pet Walk
The Tampa Bay Lightning Ice Fest kicks off the 2010-11 hockey season with action on and off the rink at the St. Pete Times Forum. The celebration dedicated to local hockey fans includes a charity hockey game played by Tampa Bay Lightning alumni, a Q&A with Lightning players and Head Coach Guy Boucher, a firsthand glimpse…
Celebration postponed: Rays shut out, fail to clinch
Hey, your mom(s) called, you left your bat(s) at home! Here’s some new magic numbers for you, Rays fans: 0, 3. Those are the stats for runs scored and hits, respectively, for the Tampa Bay Rays in Monday night’s shutout embarrassment at the hands of the Baltimore Orioles. Another game with nothing doing until the…
Energy discussion this Saturday in St. Pete
Ian MacDonald, professor oceanography at Florida State University, testified yesterday in Washington that more than 50 percent of the oil that spilled from the Deepwater Horizon incident is still in the Gulf, with much of it buried in marine and coastal sediments. As the NY Times reports: He said the remaining oil was likely to…
New study affirms that Amendments 5&6 may not be elixir Florida Dems are hoping for
Last December, CL published a story on what we dubbed at the time one of the "loneliest jobs in the world." That being a House Democrat in Tallahassee. Currently there are only 44 such creatures in Florida, compared to 76 Republicans. But hope is on the way, many Democrats believe, if only the Legislative Districts…
Lady Gaga makes a triumphant return to Tampa with her “Monster Ball” tour in 2011
Last April when she was in town, Lady Gaga played the 1,100-seat The Ritz. This time around, she enjoys an arena-size upgrade when her tour stops at the St. Pete Times Forum. While the show doesn't actually take place until April 16, 2011, it has definite sell-out potential, so get your tickets early; sales starts…
American-brewed Oktoberfest beers: Four different interpretations of the Marzen style
Oktoberfest. The very word evokes images of men in lederhosen and fraulein in dirndls, not to mention bratwurst, pretzels, sauerkraut and, of course, beer. But few people actually know what Oktoberfest is, or the history behind this holiday. Oktoberfest is a multi-week festival held each year in Munich, Germany (or Bavaria, for those so inclined), running…
A review of Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s runway show: Sexy sequins and lots of skin
It’s safe to say that Tampa got a little bit more fashionable last Friday night at The Armature in Tampa Heights, where Fashion Week Tampa Bay hosted its third annual runway show featuring established and emerging local designers. Filled with flashy Audis and all of Tampa’s well-dressed, The Armature building, a large vacant brick structure formerly…
Concert review: Drake at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa (with setlist and photos)
Friday night’s sold out Drake show at the USF Sun Dome in Tampa should serve as required viewing for any aspiring MC trying to make it in this day and age. [All photos by Darryl Richardson.] I was hit with the crescendo-ing, banshee-shrill screams of a thousand adolescent girls upon entering the dome, a sure…
Bill’s Sports Binge: Bucs feel the cold steel of reality, Rays need just one game and slaves apparently were millionaires
Bucs blackout spares bay area a bloodbath. The Steeler faithful showed up by the bus-load. The Bucs delivered a pant-load. I was there. I saw the terrible horrible awful towels. Raymond James handed out towels of their own to Buc fans in an attempt to counter the black and gold dominated atmosphere. White towels. In…
#MusicMonday, Vol. 16: Nevermore, John Legend & The Roots, Janis Ian, Maximum Balloon, Doobie Brothers, Will Johnson, and more (with video)
What the Creative Loafing music team is jamming to break through the Monday malaise and rocket launch the week… Click here to check out previous entries. – Nevermore, The Obsidian Conspiracy (2010) Waiting seven albums to drop a snoozer is pretty admirable – and for that, Seattle prog-thrash legends Nevermore deserve credit. The ingredients for…
Behind the scenes of an FDA recall: Political and corporate interference can hinder food regulation
Sure, we all hear that unclean, unlabeled and contaminated food can possibly lead to serious health problems or, in worst case scenario, death. And as we all make our weekly grocery store trips, we also realize America is fortunate enough to enjoy a vast variety of foods that are cleaner and safer than in many…
Dissecting Dexter: Season 5, Episode 1 “My Bad”
Seldom have I been legitimately creeped out by Dexter. Having caught up with the show in season 2 and watched the rest of it live, I have come to know and love Dexter, both as a serial killer and as a family man. I give lots of credit to Michael C. Hall, who brings the…
3X 3D: inside The Virtual Reality Stimulator 3D (NSFW)
Ever since I got a projector, it's been my dream to screen 3D porn in my living room for a crowd of women, then revel in the impending orgy. This weekend I realized this fantasy when I received an advanced copy of The Virtual Reality Stimulator 3D. Unfortunately the copy only came with two 3D…
Upset about health care ruling, some Florida conservatives now want to throw 2 Supreme Court Justices off the bench
On August 31 on a 5-2 vote, the Florida Supreme Court rejected a ballot initiative that sought to amend the state's constitution to establish that Florida residents have a right to refuse to purchase mandatory health insurance, the mandated requirement in the new federal health care reform law that became the law of the land…
Pat Donovan’s Deep Fried Sports: Back in the saddle as Rays and Bucs both fall
Pat Donovan talks about the Bucs huge wake up call courtesy of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Also hear why it didn't take long to feel the impact of Tanard Jackson's suspension and hear Pat's question to Mike Williams about learning from the loss. You can see everything Mike Williams had to say as well as all…
Rubio denies using party credit card for personal expenses, House Dems to wait until after election to vote on Bush era tax cuts, and Alan Grayson calls his GOP opponent a member of the Taliban:Mitch Perry 9.27.10
Welcome to the working week as Elvis Costello once sang. Did you get a chance to see Marco Rubio on CBS yesterday morning? The former House Speaker was pretty slick in his responses on Face the Nation, including a denial that he's ever used his RPOF credit card on personal expenses. Meanwhile, his lead is…
House Democrats opt not to vote on Bush tax cuts until November
Congressional Democrats and the White House said Sunday that they probably will wait to vote until after the November 2 midterm election on the Bush-era tax cuts which are scheduled to expire on December 31. Those comments on the various Sunday morning public affairs programs led to predictable outrage from House Republicans, who accused the…
Butternut squash ravioli with cashew brown butter (recipe)
Autumn brings us a bounty of lovely fall produce including a wide variety of squash. Hard squash comes in all shapes, sizes and textures. The butternut variety is low in calories and high in vitamins A, C and E. This recipe for butternut squash ravioli is easy to make and very economical – when in…
Gulf oil crisis forum at St. Petersburg College – Saturday, October 2
Three panels of experts will discuss the "Pathways to Policy: The Future of Energy" at a community forum at 9:30am., Saturday, October 2, 2010. The forum, Impact of the Gulf Oil Crisis on Tampa Bay, will be at the Digitoirum on SPC’s Seminole Campus, 9200 113th Street North, Seminole. The Gulf oil spill crisis is…
Alan Grayson’s uses war chest to continue to blast GOP opponent as out of the mainstream (video)
Some of the House seats very much in play in Florida are seats that Republican party officials in Florida considered to be safely protected by gerrymandering, but were taken from them in the Democratic party resurgence in 2006 and 2008. This year, the GOP wants some payback. One of the most interesting races is taking…
Do It Today: Dignan, Craig’s Knight, and Soul!
It's an unusually exciting Monday in our music scene tonight. DVR The Event, or whatever show you watch this evening, and attend one of the following concerts recommended by our music critic Leilani Polk on her Upcoming Concerts Page:
Two out of 3 aint bad: Rays lose to Mariners 2-6
With a big Saturday night win, 9-1 over the Seattle Mariners, the Tampa Bay Rays reduced their magic number to 2 to make the playoffs. With the Boston Red Sox taking two from the New York Yankees, the Rays’ magic number to clinch the division is 6. But enough good news. All was quiet in…
Is David Beckham the cure for the Buccaneers television blackout?
Following in the embarrassing footsteps of Eugene Robinson, Eddie Murphy and Hugh Grant, David Beckham has become the most recent star to be accused of attaining, ahem… “hired help.” In response to an In Touch Weekly article, which accuses one of the world’s most recognizable athletes of sexual infidelity, Mr. Beckham has allegedly given his…
Marco Rubio dances around question of hypocrisy as he continues to zoom up the polls
Marco Rubio appeared on CBS' Face The Nation for all of six and a half minutes Sunday morning, part of three different guests devoted to the rise of the Tea Party in several key states this fall. Host Bob Schieffer did get around to asking the question that those closely following the U.S. Senate race…
The Green Community week in review: Gulf oil spill is “largest marine oil accident ever”, why high speed rail is needed and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed last week: Green DIY: Using the sun and hula hoops to naturally heat your pool (video) – These "lily pad pool warmers" float on the surface of the water and attract heat from the sun, thus heating…
Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 – Photos by Chip Weiner
The runway fashion show, grand finale of the three-day Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010, was held on Friday at the Armature (old Trolley Barn) in Tampa. The third annual community-wide event featured seven established and emerging designers. Proceeds benefit PACE Center for Girls.
Maj. Margaret Witt, Air Force nurse who was dismissed under DADT, reinstated by judge’s order
"Another blow to DADT," declares the headline on the Rachel Maddow segment about Witt's reinstatement (video after break). And despite the recent setback in the Senate, the decision Friday by U.S. District Judge Ronald Leighton is indeed a milestone in the fight to let gay men and lesbians serve openly in the armed services. This…
Tres mas: With 5-3 win over Mariners, Rays’ magic number shrinks to 3
The Tampa bay Rays headed into Friday night’s game against the Seattle Mariners – the first of an entire series without All-Star 3B Evan Longoria, out with strained quad – with a magic number of four: a combination of Rays wins or losses by the Boston Red Sox would clinch a spot in American League…
Open house to brainstorm ways to improve Clearwater’s sustainability, Sept. 28
The City of Clearwater invites residents, businesses, and interested stakeholders to generate ideas and provide input on ways to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases citywide. The Clearwater Greenprint Open House will be held Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Aging Well Center at the Long Center, 1501 N. Belcher…
Dead man dining: Infamous last meals (fried foods top the list)
On Thursday September 23rd, 2010 Teresa Lewis (the first woman on Virgina's death row in 100 years) was administered a lethal injection for her role in the murders of her husband and stepson. Reportedly her requested last meal consisted of two fried chicken breasts, sweet peas with butter, German chocolate cake, apple pie and a…
American democracy jumps the shark: Stephen Colbert testifies before Congress (with video)
Not sure who thought this was a good idea, but Comedy Central star (and future March to Keep Fear Alive host) Stephen Colbert testified before congress today to detail his one-day experience as a migrant farm worker. To be clear: the fictional character Stephen Colbert testified, not the actor who plays him. As such, it's…
Bill’s Sports Binge fast Friday edition: Buc d-back a d-bag, Rays take the better half of series, and blackout blues
Welcome to the Friday freeway. The column that matches your Friday attitude. "Hurry the f*** up so I can log out, clock out, get out and black out." I hear you, my cubicle comrades. Today's Binge comes with a beer-bong for extra gluttony goodness. Open up. Okay not so wide, Bowser. I can smell breakfast. Rays…
Tampa to honor environmental activist next Monday
This Monday, September 27, Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio and the city council will honor environmental activist Alan Wright by renaming Spring Park after him at a ceremony taking place at 2 p.m. Wright, known as "Mr. River" for his advocacy for the Hillsborough River died back in December of 2007 after a long battle of…
Hangin’ with the Supremes: Thoughts on “activist judges” and cash-strapped courts from the FL Supreme Court
Here are a few of the fun facts you can learn from hanging out with the judges in Florida’s highest court: Florida ranks 45th in the nation in the number of trial court judges per 100,000 population. We’re the only state in the country that does not require a unanimous verdict when a prosecutor asks…
Ingram makes offer to Rubio
Stop lying about my record, and I’ll stop telling the truth about yours By Chris Ingram In an attempt to obfuscate the issue surrounding his improper use of RPOF credit cards for personal gain, Marco Rubio’s campaign has engaged in a smear tactic by suggesting my motivations in exposing him were motivated by selfish reasons. Specifically,…
This weekend in Tampa Bay area live music: Skipper’s 30th Anniversary Shows, Drake, Josh Roberts & The Hinges, Los Amigos Invisibles, Bret Michaels, and 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. Wanna take a look beyond this weekend? Check out our Upcoming Concerts page. Friday, September 24 [pictured right] Canadian rap artist Drake (nee Aubrey Drake Graham) spent his…
Reel Projections Podcast: The Clearwater Film Festival Preview Edition, featuring an interview with Executive Director Mike Rembis
For more movie news and reviews, check out the CL index of movie posts. We're back for another installment of the Reel Projections podcast, this time with a very special preview of The Clearwater Film Festival. For this week's podcast, I journeyed deep into the heart of downtown Clearwater for a conversation with CFF's Executive…
Why high speed rail is needed
After listening to the debate on WMNF last week over High Speed rail and light rail I decided to write a message regarding the 9/12 forums. For the past two years I've been traveling around the Tampa bay area involved in the growing green movement. On the internet, you can find lots of "information" on…
Green tea “Fauxito”: A healthier take on the classic mojito (recipe)
There are an infinite number flavored liquors on the market nowadays to suit every palate: from your run-of-the-mill berry and vanilla flavors to the more exotic, like acai and pomegranate, and even ones that are disguised as non-alcoholic beverages many of us consume regularly, like coffee and tea. But why mask the taste of the…
Report: Gulf oil well leaked 56,000 to 68,000 barrels daily – Largest marine oil accident ever
The oil well in the Gulf of Mexico was sealed earlier this week — for good this time. The amount of oil that it spewed forth between the initial explosion until it was finally stopped has been under much scrutiny. After studying the data and watching video footage of the leaking well, scientists at at…
GOP’s new Pledge with America” getting poor reviews from conservatives, Marco Rubio to go on Face the Nation Sunday, and transit tax critics bash light rail in Tampa: Mitch Perry Report 9.23.10
Happy first day of fall to you. Perhaps we'll feel a change in the weather in a month's time? Or is that too optimistic? Big weekend of NFL games, with the 2-0 Pittsburgh Steelers coming to town to face the 2-0 Tampa Bay Bucs. Too bad you can't watch it (Not sure why this game…
Rare Hillsborough Democrat joins up with transit critics
There were over 100 people in attendance this past Wednesday night at the Alfano Center in north Tampa as a coalition of critics of the penny transit tax gathered for a night of good old fashioned light rail bashing. Randal O'Toole from the Cato Institute and Wendell Cox, a fellow at the Heritage Foundation, were…
Will Bob Schieffer stick it to Marco Rubio this Sunday on Face The Nation?
In the wake of three powerful stories that have been published this week that have dented Marco Rubio's reputation as a fiscal hawk, the man called by the New York Times Magazine this past January as "The First Senator from the Tea Party," will be one of several people affiliated with that upstart movement this…
’Cue-ing up: Two new barbecue joints display a wide range of savory smoked meat
Barbecue is an American pastime, still the purview of homemade smokers and patented techniques that vary from backyard to backyard. And because smoked meat is more art than science — with as many styles and variations as there are Big Green Eggs — it's often difficult to translate the glory of barbecue into a restaurant…
House Republicans release their “Pledge With America” but hard line conservatives aren’t impressed
Appearing sans neckties, House Republicans showed up at a lumber company in Sterling, Virgnia, where they released their 21 item agenda if they were to take over the House in November, in an attempt to rebuke complaints from Democrats and others that they are simply of the Party of No. The big sexy features include…
Joaquin Phoenix apologizes to David Letterman for his previous interview (with video)
About 18 months ago, Joaquin Phoenix appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman disheveled, bearded and completely out of it. Phoenix mumbled on how he wanted to become a rapper somewhere between sticking his gum underneath Letterman’s desk and saying he quit acting. The video became a Youtube sensation, but there was plenty of…
Photo review: Neil Young at Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater
Some shots from the Neil Young concert this past Wednesday, September 22, at Clearwater's Ruth Eckerd Hall with opening act, Allen Toussaint. Complete photo gallery after the jump…
Do It This Weekend: USF’s The Waiting Room, Tampa Theatre’s big wine shindig, Education Channel’s Animation Celebration and more
Hospital waiting rooms bring up a bevy of frustrations. (Cue Fugazi: I wait, I wait, I wait, I wait.) The Waiting Room by Lisa Loomer deals with a specific set of challenges: the pursuit of feminine beauty through the ages. The season opener for the USF School of Theatre and Dance 2010-11 season delivers dark…
Season series secured: Rays pound Yankees 10-3
Sorry for the lapse in coverage, sports fans; I had a bamboo oar stuck up my Ganges (name that sophomoric comedy!). Since last I told you fine folks about the State of the Rays – almost a week ago, damn me – the Bay Area boys won one against the Lost Angels of Anaheim, lost…
3 Guys & Glee — The Podcast: Season 2, Episode 1, “Audition”
is back! The FOX TV hit returned for its second season, and while the first episode may not have been the best, the 3 Guys still dig deep into it, along with a short recap of last season and a look of what’s in store for the students in the new school year. We had…
BMW unveils new retro-inspired electric scooters
Now you can look hip and be eco-conscious while getting around town. BMW unveiled the new Mini Scooter E line in London today, which “meets the needs of the young urban generation” because “it’s spontaneous, flexible and CO2-free.” The retro-looking, plug-in scooters come with a lithium ion-power source and were inspired by classic Vespas and…
As Charlie Crist contemplates accepting 3rd DCA ruling on gay adoption, Rick Scott says he wants to keep the ban
When asked about Wednesday's ruled by the 3rd District Court of Appeals affirming a lower court's ruling that Florida's gay adoption ban is unconstitutional, Governor Charlie Crist has yet to clarify whether he will challenge the ruling to the state's Supreme Court. Crist, who in his battle to sway Democrats in the U.S. Senate race…
Concert review: Bullet For My Valentine with Escape The Fate and Black Tide at The Ritz Ybor City
Before my daughter was born, I liked going to concerts. Sometimes even on weeknights. I attempted to recapture that carefree time on Tuesday night, but some essential errands prevented me from getting to the Ritz on time. (My kid can't drive herself home from day care, and I'm still unable to materialize food out of thin…
Numbers game: Rough transition hampers new FDA-mandated calorie count listings
Throughout this year, the FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has been complying with the health conscious population of today and mandating some chain restaurants to update their menus with a calorie count per item. The initial thought was that this would work as a partial solution to America's ever increasing obesity rates, the calorie…
Lightning beat Blackhawks, move to 2-0 in preseason play
The preseason tour of Canada rolls on and the momentum continues to grow. The Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-2 in Winnipeg Wednesday night. With the win, the Lightning move to 2-0 in preseason play. Steven Stamkos opened up the scoring for the Lightning on a feed in front from Simon Gagne, the…
Rubio labeled a “pathological liar” by CL contributor, gay adoption law ruled unconstitutional (again) and Fla. Dems say their GOP opponents don’t want to come out and play: Mitch Perry Report 9.23.10
Although the news broke during the middle of the day yesterday, the fact that the 3rd DCA of Florida affirmed the earlier Miami Dade County ruling that Florida's law against gay adoption – the only such law in the country -is unconstitutional, needs to be front page news across the Sunshine State today. Most officials…
Dining Guide: Splurge restaurants, or Where to dine when someone else is footing the bill
CL regularly presents focused listings of the best dining options in Tampa Bay. This week, we’re giving you a guide to restaurants worth splurging on. BERN'S STEAK HOUSE 1208 S Howard Ave., Tampa, bernssteakhouse.com. Despite the outdated interior that is reminiscent of Disney's Haunted Mansion, Bern's is a Tampa Bay classic and not to be…
New articles in the Times and Trib corrode Marco Rubio’s image further
If the election for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by George LeMieux was to be voted on today, based on every poll, Marco Rubio would be going to Washington in January. The election is not for 40 more days, and it remains to be seen whether Charlie Crist or Kendrick Meek will be able…
CL Feature: Two Man Gentlemen Band, a Tin Pan Alley/R&B/hot jazz/Western swing neo-revivalist duo from NYC who play New Word Brewery on Thursday, Sept. 30 (audio included)
A pair of blithe and dapper chaps in vintage suits and hats sing in robust two-part harmonies, the one named Andy Bean (below right) taking lead vox and playing guitar and occasionally banjo, the other, Fuller Condon (aka “The Councilman,” left) plucking away on upright bass, both delivering performances with charismatic finesse and trading quickfire,…
Rubio: 2010’s Katherine Harris – another pathological liar for U.S. Senate
Establishment Republicans so against Rubio a year ago will now defend him. The problem is Washington is full of pathological liars. By Chris Ingram There is an article in today’s Tampa Tribune about my concerns with Marco Rubio’s trustworthiness as it relates to his much-talked-about RPOF American Express card charges. It is important to note…
CD review: Maroon 5, Hands All Over
My relationship with pop music is pretty much the same as my appetite for candy – it's more of a guilty pleasure I sometimes indulge in than something I regularly ingest, and there are only a few kinds I actually like; all the rest could disappear and I would hardly be affected. Maybe it’s because…
Tonight’s Top Chef: Just Desserts and D.C. reunion previews
This week on Top Chef: Just Desserts, we see that Morgan and Dexter (Seth) have bonded because they have "a lot in common" and also because both are "heterosexual males" (*cough*yeah right*cough*). I also think the fact they they could both pass as charming, seemingly "normal" serial killers ( a la Patrick Bateman or Ted…
The Green Community week in review: Greenpeace Gulf investigation continues, using social media for your cause, reuses for old iMacs and more
What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed last week: Let the sun shine in: Advances in solar power technologies – Researchers have discovered systems that have a great deal more potential than the plates and panels already widely in use. Leveraging social media for…
David Cobb rallies Tampa crowd against corporate personhood
Earlier this week, Mitch Perry posted a Q&A with MoveToAmend.org spokesperson and 2004 Green Party presidential nominee David Cobb in anticipation of Cobb’s weekend appearances throughout Tampa Bay. The following is an account of Cobb’s stop in Tampa. They could have been anywhere, doing anything, on such a beautiful afternoon. But there they were, a…
Green Community Calendar weekend events: Oyster dome project, intro to permaculture class, markets 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…
Pinellas County Commission candidates talk issues, among them rail and Rays
If the Pinellas County Commission candidates agree on one thing it’s this: Voters have clear choices come November 2. With election day creeping up, the candidates distinguished themselves on issues such as high-speed rail, the Rays and development Tuesday night at a forum organized by the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce. To the few dozen in…
