Daily Loaf

It’s been exactly 4 weeks since Game Change: Obama and the Clinton, McCain and Palin, and the Race of a Lifetime was published. Co-written by New York magazine writer John Heilemann and Time magazine’s Mark Halperin, it’s become an instant best seller (currently #1 on NY Times list) and reviewed in such non political journals as Entertainment Weekly, so great is its gossip factor.

And it’s that gossip factor that has led commentators to blast it for being completely superficial, such as Salon.com’s Glenn Greenwald, who wrote last month that

the book is filled with the type of petty, catty, gossipy, trashy sniping that is the staple of sleazy tabloids and reality TV shows, and it has been assembled through anonymous gossip, accountability-free attributions, and contrived melodramatic dialogue masquerading as “reporting.”

Having just completed reading it over the weekend,  I would counter Greenwald on a couple of points.  For one thing, as the writers said in an inteview on BayNews 9 yesterday,  there really hasn’t been any pushback from those who are quotes in the book, though of course those quotes are attributed to any particular source.

There have been several highly publicized campaign books published about the 2008 election, and before I began reading this one I questioned how interesting the entire premise could be.  Having finished it, I’d still argue that much of this is re-hashing the (at the times) incredibly exhilarating Clinton/Obama Democratic Primary, with some John McCain stuff added on.

One thing is the absolute anger and at times loathing that Hillary and Bill Clinton had towards Barack Obama, especially in believing that his camp was absolutely playing a racial card.  Their frustrations with what they claim was the media’s (shared by many Republicans) refusal to get tough on Obama is especially illuminating.

Then there’s the sheer hell inside Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign staff, which led to the problems we all read about two years ago. The book has an extended play by play discussion of Clinton with the much hated campaign strategist Mark Penn in the summer of ‘08, after she had conceded and Obama was already working on the general election.

Clinton told Penn that she took responsibility for the dysfunctional nature of her campaign, but she said that it would have been a hard campaign anyway, because,

“We had the entire press corps against us, which usually Bill and I could care less, but this was above and beyond anything that had ever happened.  I mean, it was just a relentless, total hit job, day in and day out.  I don’t mind that, because people seem to do hit jobs on me, but with a total free ride for (Obama).  It wasn’t even a one-to-ten parity, in terms of anything that we thought would be put out there that might get traction.  And you know, it was really hard to run against an African American when the entire Democratic Establishment was scared to death.  They could not deal with it.”

On playing the so-called race card, Clinton said,

“And I would love to get all their internal documents about playing the race card, because I know it was their strategy.”

The other part of Game Change that’s illuminating is how utterly unprepared Sarah Palin was to actually become the Vice President, and how utterly irresponsible the McCain camp was for selecting her.

Although she was asked as recently as this past weekend on Fox News Sunday about her possible Presidential ambitions, after reading the chapters about her two months as a Vice Presidential candidate, one would be hard pressed to take that seriously.

John McCain comes across looking worse.  And in both Game Change and in former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson’s new book, the Arizona Republican’s attempt to try to dramatically save the economy when he announced days before the first debate between himself and Obama that he was canceling his campaign appearances to “work” on solving the financial crises, come across as a bit embarrassing.

For close observers of Heilemann and Halperin’s previous work, it’s sometimes apparent who has worked more on certain chapters.  Halperin appears to have the awesome intel in Hillaryland, while Heilemann, the far better actual writer, seems to be the one working on the Obama chapters.

On their BayNews9 interview, the two said they never would have worked on a book if it didn’t include the fascinating battle between the Clinton and Obama camps, and if that means it is the definitive tome on their epic campaign, then political junkies should be sated.

Here in the US we’ve had 0% job growth in the last 10 years.  That’s right, there’s been no net increase of jobs in 10 years.  There are multiple reasons why this is happening. Some of it is because the consumer economy is retracting and frankly needs less and less workers. Technology is also replacing millions of people and we’ve outsourced jobs overseas as a way to continue to cut labor costs out of production. Put it all together and there has been no job growth in the United States.  This is a reality that we knew was happening but we chose to ignore it during the good times. But as this recession continues, it is becoming increasing impossible to maintain our ignorance.

Even as we look forward to this recession ending, over and over again you hear the phrase ‘jobless recovery’.  And this makes a lot of sense considering we didn’t have job growth in the last 10 years when the economy looked like it was in good shape (Ha!).

So, when you mix a jobless recovery plus 10 million unemployed in the US, what are you looking at?  Well, it isn’t going to look pretty, that’s for sure. Literally  millions will remain unemployed or under-employed and that will not bode well for our future. But it is wrong to believe that we can’t create a solution to this.  We need get out heads out of the sand and recognize that the old model of the consumer economy’s measurement and monetization system no longer is sufficient to meet our needs. We have to come up with a new economic model.  It isn’t as hard as one might imagine. Frankly, it’s the strong suit of the United States—creating new solutions is what we do best!
Read more “A jobless recovery + 10 million unemployed = A wake up call and an opportunity” »

Longtime Pennsylvania Democratic Representative John Murtha died Monday afternoon due to complications from recent gallbladder surgery.

The somewhat controversial lawmaker was 77 years old.  He was first elected to Congress back in 1974.  A former Marine, he became the first Vietnam War combat Veteran elected to the Congress.

Despite that lengthy career, he received the most notoriety of his career back in 2005, when he became an outspoken and respected critic against the Iraq war.  He had supported the 2002 resolution to go to war, but he later blasted the Bush administration’s war effort, calling it a “flawed policy wrapped in illusion.” Read more “Iraq war critic Congressman John Murtha dies at 77″ »

As Valentine’s Day creeps around the corner, men and women are desperately browsing their partner’s favorite websites to find the perfect gift for the big V-day. While I was standing in the greeting card aisle, I got to thinking. Is it acceptable to keep gifts from your ex? By answering a few simple questions, you will know the proper ex-gift etiquette. Read more “Proper ex-gift etiquette” »

Arno and Irene Von Waltsleben — former owners of downtown St. Pete’s excellent Primi Urban Cafe — recently bought out an ailing sandwich shop in Pinellas and refurbished it into a casual Italian pasta and pizza joint. Georgio’s Pizza, Subs & Wings (6200 Haines Road N., Tampa), named after our their son George, will serve the usual arrays of pies and neighborhood Italian standards, as well as serving as the Von Waltsleben’s catering kitchen. For fans of their biltong — a type of South African beef jerky, kinda — they plan to make that there, as well.

So I had two songs on constant replay in my head all weekend – Prince’s “Purple Rain” and “Sacrifice” by The Expendables – one of the direct side effects of my musical adventures Friday night in Ybor.

My boyfriend (bf) and I had tickets to see The Expendables at The Ritz and doors were at 7 p.m., but I have to admit, the night got started a little late because of a surprise visit from my boyfriend’s older bro. However, we kept the party going far beyond the end of the show.

It was about 9 p.m. when the three of us stopped at The Dirty Shame to grab a beer before the show. The melodic vibes began early as the bar’s speakers blared “When You Were Young” by The Killers and “Lazy Eye” by Silversun Pickups.

My impatient pestering a little while later finally convinced the guys we needed to go, so we downed our beers and headed straight down 7th Avenue to the venue. And, perhaps we would have made it to the show by 9:30 p.m. or so, had I not heard a familiar laugh coming from The Boneyard as we strolled past. But I did, and inside having cocktails were two of my close Tampa girlfriends and their significant others, who I haven’t seen in months. Nothing makes a night on the town better than randomly running into your favorite people. Read more “Musicology: A night with The Expendables and other shenanigans (with video)” »

The parties have been great but now it’s time for the main event. There’s more cattle herd-style queueing getting into the official NFL Tailgate, but finally I make it and pounce on some wings and a tasty Blue Moon to wash it down. Daughtry is on the main stage, and while the guy sings pretty well, I find his dude-rock to be blander than the turkey sliders being served. Evander Holyfield strolls by toward the ultra-VIP “team area,” graciously posing for photos with fans, as does Tom Arnold in a pair of horn-rimmed specs. Mr. Arnold tells me he’s rooting for “the underdog” without hesitation and I give him a high five and a “who dat!” before he heads into the VIP as well.

Steve Winwood is the next (boring) pre-game performer but over in one of the side tents I find a hip-hop violin duo who are killin’ it with classical remixes of Flo Rida and Lady Gaga tunes. I get a green-screen photo of myself scoring a touchdown and am off to the stadium for the 6:30 kick off. Read more “The Scenestress at the Super Bowl: Game Day (photos)” »

B.B. King and Buddy Guy paid Ruth Eckerd Hall a visit this past Friday night and put on an epic performance for an audience of fans ranging in age from 9 to 90, all waiting in eager anticipation for the legendary blues artists to take the stage. [All photos by Fernando Garcia.]

Buddy Guy made his entrance in a shiny track suit, sneakers and leather Newsboy cap, and instantly began wailing on his electric guitar. His four-piece band backed him up on piano, drums, guitar and bass, moved side to side in unison as Guy moved and gyrated with every note played. He was extremely keyed into the crowd and their participation in and appreciation of the tunes. He was also an incredible showman, playing guitar backwards, on his shoulder, positioning it just right to hit notes with certain key body movements, and even plucked the strings with his teeth at one point.

The music was constant and fluid, like one big blues jam session. In the midst of all that crazy musicianship, he still took the time to tell a few stories, discuss a few songs and make a few jokes. He claimed blues musicians weren’t allowed to be profane until the invention of hip-hop. He also said there was no British invasion, “We had it all the time, we just didn’t know what we had.” He followed this claim with a tribute and comparison of Johnny Hooker and Cream.

Guy brought much soulful emotion to his vocals, and encouraged the audience sing to sing along to numbers like “I Just Wanna Make Love to You,” among many other. He segued smoothly from one song into the next, making it feel like one long number, seeming never really finishing any single song until he performed the title track of his last album, “Skin Deep,” seemingly one of the only songs he completed from start to finish.

Buddy Guy is a true bluesman and his set was amazing. He performed all his solos with incredible precision, demonstrated great control of his voice, closed everything out with a big finale, and got the crowed amped up and ready for more blues from co-headliner B.B King. [More pics + photo gallery after the jump.] Read more “Concert review: B.B. King and Buddy Guy at Ruth Eckerd Hall (with pics)” »

For a great green date, spend a day volunteering or enjoying the Sunday market at Sweetwater Organic Community Farm. The six-acre urban, organic farm in Town n’ Country provides our community with fresh organic foods to enjoy and help grow.

From 12 noon until 4pm on Sundays, Sweetwater opens to the public to host a lively farmers market. The farm bustles on Sundays as it becomes a place to shop for incredibly fresh organic foods, to meet friends, to listen and dance to music, and enjoy nature. Dozens of local green vendors join the marketplace to offer a big selection of organic veggies, dairy, sauces, herbs, lotions, crafts, and even smoothies. The Sweetwater Music Series ensures that toe-tapping music adds to the upbeat, bucolic atmosphere every weekend. The dirt paths, shady trees, rustic barn and bandstand make for a camp-like setting infused with the enthusiasm and cheerfulness of a friendly marketplace. Really, it’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Enjoy it this weekend with your date.

The market is great, but for a really memorable way to spend a day at Sweetwater—volunteer. The farm depends on community members to help, so volunteers are always warmly welcomed. During the growing season, volunteers help plant, maintain, and harvest all the goodness growing on Sweetwater’s land. You’ll learn sustainable farming techniques and discover natural wonders. All the planting, learning, and discovering fosters conversation and friendships with the other volunteers and staff that you farm with. Enjoying the elements of the farm while patting soil over freshly planted vegetables makes for an incredibly pleasant day. Share the volunteer experience with the one you care about (and the inevitable nap time that follows) for a really wonderful and green date.

Sweetwater Organic Farm produces delicious organic foods and it cultivates a community. Sweetwater’s Sunday Market brings that community together to enjoy the farm, the food, and each other. Community support, especially through volunteering, makes it all happen. Indulging in either of these activities for a date nourishes this incredibly community and gives you and your date an unparalleled green experience.

Sweetwater Organic Farm is located on 6942 West Comanche Ave in Tampa. More on the farm, volunteering, and Sunday market at their website.

Be sure to check out the many programs and workshops that Sweetwater Farm offers each month, like solar power and permaculture workshops to yoga classes. See our Green Community Calendar for these events and more!

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. A heart pierced by Cupid’s arrow is a traditional symbol of this special holiday honoring love and lovers, and giving someone a heart signifies bestowing your love on that person.

Each year at this time, the stores brim with red and pink heart-shaped boxes filled with all manner and form of chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. I admit, I’m not above enjoying one, two or ten of these edible tokens of affection. After all, chocolate is even said to be an aphrodisiac. However, I’m married to a man who doesn’t like chocolate. Can you imagine anyone not liking chocolate!?!? Not only that, he doesn’t really care for sweets at all. (Someone tell me again why I married this man?) So, coming up with an sweet treat on Valentine’s Day that he might actually eat is a challenge all on its own.

Lucky for me, I have lots of friends. Some of these friends actually write bestselling cookbooks, like Read more “Five Minute (Almost) Almond Brioche For Your Valentine” »

Catherine Durkin Robinson is a handful, creating quite a scene over at Out in Left Field.

Conservatives like to talk of the need for more religion and less government in our communities. They long to live in a world where their brand of Christianity is represented on every street corner. They refer to taxes as if paying anything for streets and schools is an act worse than women in the workforce and homosexuality combined. Fundamentalists preach a gospel that combines the sweet mixture of Jesus, intolerance, salvation and a guaranteed tax-exempt status.

“It will save the world,” they say.

Sometimes you want to tell them to fly to the moon, right?

Now you can suggest a more fitting destination.

Tell them to move to Colorado Springs.

Read more “Colorado Springs: What happens to a city when religion trumps government” »

Leave it to [5]art’s creative director to choose a funky locale for her latest project.

Since [5]art moved out of its warehouse late last year, Tracy Midulla Reller has joined up with two other [5]art affiliates, Lisa Harasuik and Ashley Nevin, and a third artist, Michael Marcotte, to found a literal hole-in-the-wall gallery behind Ink Tank Studios in South Seminole Heights. Dubbed Tempus Projects, the gallery occupies the converted garage at the back of the lot, complete with two roller doors and distinctly Florida-shotgun architecture.

“It was just a big, ugly, nasty garage,” Tracy coos, gazing across Tempus’ minimalist landscape. Barely big enough to house three sedans, the gallery has an irresistible underdog appeal, with its cracked concrete floors and whitewashed drywall. It still smells faintly of motor oil. Read more “[5]art associates launch funky new gallery, Tempus Projects, in South Seminole Heights” »

It’s Valentine’s Day again and you’re wondering what you can do with your honey.  Chocolates and flowers are good, but you want to do something different.  Break out the point-and-shoot and take some nude photos!

I am not talking about sexting….no standing in front of the mirror to iPhone camera your junk.  This is about capturing some artistic nude photos of each other.  You may have thought about asking your lover to try it, but were afraid he or she would object.  You’d be surprised how many people appreciate nude photos of themselves if they are tasteful and private.  Most people just want some assurance that the photos will be anonymous (no faces) and to know what they will be used for.  Trust is everything if you’re going to photograph anyone naked!

Is your valentine not magazine-cover material?  That’s even better!  Learn to take flattering and sexy pictures showing his or her best qualities.  Capture curves and sexy spots instead of pooches and imperfections.  Here is how to do it:

Read more “Valentine’s Day is coming! Here’s how to photograph your lover naked.” »

Saturday night’s sink or swim at Orpheum (2-6-10):

 

and from Saturday night’s sink or swim at Orpheum (1-30-10): Read more “CL’s Party Pics from Orpheum (2-6-10)” »

With two nights of celebrity parties under my belt it’s a bit tough to rally for more on Saturday, but I somehow manage to get dressed and get my ass to Mansion for the CBS party where LL Cool J is performing for an intimate crowd. Let me just say one thing: white people can’t dance. And these middle-aged CBS execs are so very white! LL takes it in stride though, putting on a great show with hits from “Going back to Cali,” to the ever popular “Doin’ it” and newer joints like “Headsprung.” I also find myself wondering if he’s been put up to saying the phrase “CBS” a certain number of times, but hey, the network just gave him his own show, so I think he’s cool.

I can’t wait to get back over to the Bud Light Hotel, though, where Usher and Jamie Foxx are scheduled to take the stage. All over the party people are shakin’ it — surely a by-product of Usher’s performance (which I missed while I was watching LL). Mr. Foxx soon emerges from the crowd with a microphone and acts as MC, knocking back Bud Light Limes and informing the crowd that he is going to take a lady home with him tonight. I imagine he’ll have no trouble finding one as a very leggy girl and a bootylicious babe jostle to get closer to the star. When the DJ puts on “Blame It,” we all go crazy and Foxx and his boys do a little synchronized two-step (as opposed to any actual singing). Photos after the jump! Read more “The Scenestress’ Super Bowl party report, cont’d: LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx and more evidence white men can’t dance (photos)” »

While you were hopefully enjoying your Saturday night, Mr. Sometimes Doesn’t Have A Life was watching Sarah Palin address over 1,000 Tea Party Baggers in Nashville.  A full report;

It’s becoming more obvious that as much as Republicans and centrist Democrats insist that Barack Obama is spending the nation into oblivion, they’re equally disinterested in making hard choices for our future, economically speaking.  Or so says Alan Greenspan;

And of course the New Orleans Saints defeated the Indianapolis Colts 31-17, in Miami in Super Bowl XLIV last night.  Now what will football fans do for the next half year plus?

Download
the report here.

One of the surest ways to slow the rapid progress of climate change and global warming is to consider how we use energy in our homes. Sure, the major sources of greenhouse gases and emissions are industrial facilities, but right on their heels is the energy industry – and that means the rest of us.

When we take a look around the home it is really easy to see where some money saving and Earth friendly changes can occur. For example, have you considered swapping out a few incandescent bulbs with those known as CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs)? While many people frown on the difference in price between the older (cheaper) models and the newer CFLs, the fact of the matter is that the old 60-Watt bulb is going to use 75% more electricity during its relatively short life span. This translates to higher energy costs and the need to replace the bulb sooner. A 20-Watt CFL is going last around ten times longer than its incandescent cousin and save tons of money.
Read more “Easy energy saving ideas (that are great for your wallet too)” »

When the late gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson killed himself almost exactly five years ago (February 20, 2005), he entitled his suicide note, “Football Season is Over.”   Although the famed writer was obviously in an extremely depressed state that led him to end his life at the age of 67, the fact that the hardcore football enthusiast had mentioned in his last written statement that there would be no more games for 8 more months was not insignificant, as Rolling Stone magazine noted when they published the note later that year:

February was always the cruelest month for Hunter S. Thompson. An avid NFL fan, Hunter traditionally embraced the Super Bowl in January as the high-water mark of his year. February, by contrast, was doldrums time. Nothing but monstrous blizzards, bad colds and the lackluster Denver Nuggets. This past February, with his health failing, Hunter was even more glum than usual. “This child’s getting old,” he muttered with stark regularity, an old-timey refrain that mountainmen used to utter when their trailblazing days were over. Depressed and in physical pain from hip-replacement surgery, he started talking openly about suicide, polishing his .45-caliber pistol, his weapon of choice. He was trying to muster the courage to end it all.

Then, on February 16th, Hunter decided to leave a goodbye note. Scrawled in black marker, it was appropriately titled “Football Season Is Over.” Read more “Football season is over” »

On NBC’s Meet The Press Sunday morning, former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson discussed the current economic morass and what exactly might help change the situation.

Paulson and Greenspan agreed that the single factor that could jump-start the economy is unknown, since it will probably come from “innovation,” defined by Greenspan as:

Innovation by definition is not forecastable, so we don’t know where the jobs are coming from.  We don’t know how this market is exactly in terms of dynamics going to move forward.  But we know that this process is under way, and there’s every reason to believe that it will continue to do so.

Both men also were asked by host David Gregory about the situation with the U.S.’s escalating debt, and what problems might ensue from that.  Both said Washington was essentially dysfunctional, or more accurately, irresponsible, in not doing anything serious to begin addressing the problem.

MR. PAULSON:  Oh, I, I just have no doubt that it is by far the most serious long-term challenge we, as a nation, face.  All these other issues are–economic issues are minor compared to that, that the, that–and it’s a generational issue, because it, it’s–there’s no way we’re going to, to deal effectively with, with the deficit without reforming the entitlement programs–Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security.  And it, it doesn’t have to be a, a crisis.  This is something that can be handled.  But one of the things I, I, I talk about in my book and one of the lessons that just hit me right between the eyes, being in Washington, is it’s very, very difficult to get Congress to act on anything that’s big and difficult and controversial if there’s not an immediate crisis.  And so this–so what it’s going to take to, to, to get leaders on both sides to come together and deal with this, I, I think is a huge question.

Greenspan then said that taxes need to be raised (something that seems both Republicans and President Obama are obviously reluctant to do). Can Obama begin to seriously balance the budget without raising taxes, even on people making less than $250,000 a year?  We’ll write more about this tomorrow. Read more “Alan Greenspan says nobody in Congress (or at least the Senate) is serious about deficit reduction” »

In her single most high-profile speech since her national debut at the Republican National Convention, Sarah Palin blasted President Obama and gave homage to the Tea Party movement on Saturday night at their first national forum in Nashville.

Palin scored a direct shot 30 seconds in when she welcomed the C-SPAN television audience, saying at least they hadn’t been denied access to this event vs coverage of any health care negotiations, a slam at what Obama has admitted in recent weeks has been a less than successful attempt at transparency.

For 40 minutes, Palin delivered a folksy, sassy, snarky attack, lightened on occasion to pay homage to the Tea Party movement  (by which she was paid $100,000).  Attempting to take the attention off herself and onto the nascent political force (and as well as deliver another shiv to Obama), Palin said:

“This is about the people, and it’s bigger than any one king or queen of a tea party, and it’s a lot bigger than any charismatic guy with a teleprompter.” Read more “Sarah Palin rips Obama in Tea Party speech: “How’s that hope-y, change-y thing workin’ out for ya?”” »

By George Niemann
PoHo contributor and R-LAND, UCAN, FSP, FHD/Amendment 4 activist
The views expressed are my own and may not be the same as the organizations to which I am a member

The controversial Lithia Pinecrest Road Widening Project in east Hillsborough is generating a lot of energy as it makes its way toward a review by the Board of County Commissioners. And now that we’re getting close to the review, the Brandon Chamber is generating enough spin to light Raymond James Stadium. They are hoping to ram the widening project through approval, no matter what concerns the local residents may have. And when the Brandon Chamber speaks, everyone downtown listens and falls in line.

What kind of spin are they using?

Here’s an example. Countywide Commissioner Kevin Beckner is holding citizen outreach meetings around the county. They are calling them Coffee with Kevin meetings. Citizens are invited to attend and let Beckner know what matters to them. A Coffee with Kevin meeting was held at the Bloomingdale Library on Saturday, February 6, 2010. One of the attendees was George May, the former chairman of the Brandon Chamber of Commerce. Even though he’s no longer chair, he’s actively implementing their agenda by attending public meetings and making sure that elected officials get etched in their brains what the chamber wants.

At this meeting both myself and another resident expressed our concerns regarding the Lithia Pinecrest Road Widening Project. The project, if approved, will widen Lithia Pinecrest from 2 lanes to 4 lanes between Lumsden Rd. and Fishhawk Blvd. We tried to impress upon Beckner that the Lithia widening is a bad idea. It will not solve the traffic problem and is not the best solution for the congestion that occurs during peak periods. The majority of traffic is originating and terminating from points south of Bloomingdale, but primarily from Fishhawk. The culprit is the lack of capacity for the heavy east/west traffic. Lithia is used primarily to access alternate east/west routes (the ultimate destinations being downtown Tampa and I-75). It would make more sense to widen Bloomingdale which, by the way, is not a constrained road and could be considered for widening. We wanted Beckner to realize that area residents are concerned about the commercialization and more intensive growth that will come with the approval of the widening project. They want their strictly residential neighborhoods to remain rural in nature and not become another SR60 or Fowler Ave. And they know that studies show that new and expanded roads actually draw additional traffic (called “induced demand”). Adding commercial development just makes it that much worse. After all, speculators have already started applying to build strip malls along Lithia Pinecrest, anticipating the widening will be approved. The Board of County Commissioners shot down the latest one, but it’s just a matter of time before they start rubber-stamping approvals for more strip malls and more intensive home development (apartments etc) to make use of the increased road capacity. Beckner is not a rubber-stamper by any means, but the Team Sprawl caucus certainly is. And they’ve got their rubber stamps inked and ready to begin stamping as soon as they get passed the 2010 elections.

I told Beckner that the Brandon Chamber is pushing this because they want to extend the commercialization beyond SR60 and replicate it along Lithia Pinecrest.

At that point, George May interrupts and starts yelling that I’m a liar.”

Get ready, here comes that spin I told you about -
In an agitated manner, he rambles that the chamber is pushing this project because they are interested in safety and the quality of life…it’s got nothing to do with commercialization or business development.

Oh, sweet mother, now I’ve heard everything!!!!

Safety???
Oh, so let me understand this – a four lane road carrying more traffic is a lot safer than a two lane road carrying less traffic???

The quality of life???
I suppose their quality of life will improve if they get another 5 or 10 strip malls??? Maybe George May should run for office. And maybe his first campaign promise will be, “A chicken in every pot, and a strip mall on every block!!!

Not about business development???
That’s like a car dealer telling you you’re getting the car at below cost. If you believe that one, you’ll probably order the undercoating, as well.

I’ve heard spin before but this one should get an award for hilarity.

The next public meeting will be on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at the Bell Shoals Baptist Church in Brandon. If you live in the Bloomingdale, Brandon, Valrico areas and think we’ve got enough strip malls to hold us for a while, you may want to attend this public meeting and let the county know what you’re thinking. The chamber already has and Team Sprawl is mesmerized.

*Can’t decide between Team Edward and Team Jacob? You love the mysterious and dangerous vampire-type but then there are those abs and that bod. I give you the perfect compromise: “How you doin’,  Kellan Lutz in undies?” This blood-sucker is packing some serious… um… abs. All I can say is, RPatz who?

*Lost MEGOs?! When’s the next holiday? Valentine’s Day? OK, yeah, show me that you love me. I would like the Jack one. Kthanx.

*US Weekly, a beacon of hope in the world of gossip with the most responsible reporting this side of the National Enquirer are shocked that Brittany Murphy weighed an “emaciated” 115 pounds at the time of her death. At 5′3″, that puts her in the healthy range for her height… so it was probably the reason she died. At least if we say that, we can still blame her wackjob hubby for her death. I am sure her weight was more of a factor than some silly thing like pneumonia or the insane amount of prescription drugs that were in her home. Yep, healthy weight is the real murderer here.

*Thanks for the memories, Fall Out Boy. (See what I did there? Cuz that is a Fall Out Boy song. Get it?)

After the jump, Kelly Clarkson takes on Tay-Swift’s management, the other Spears sister is single, Jared Leto bomb threat and more…

Read more “It happened this week-ish: Twilight Vampire in his undies, Lost action figures, RIP FOB, Jordan Catalano can’t read” »

West Coast rap artist and producer Snoop Dogg is nearing 40 and has changed some since his in-your-face pot-smoking, women-grubbing, gin-and-juicing days of the 1990s, when he rose to fame with his ’93 debut, Doggystyle. He’s still puffing blunts and spouting his drawling brand of gangsta rap in his 10th studio album, Malice n Wonderland, though he seems to have adopted a cooler, more laid-back style and he gets groovier with guests like R. Kelly, The-Dream, Jazmine Marie Sullivan, Brandy and Pharrell, who bring an R&B vibe to his funky hip hop. This show will likely sell out. Groove Stone and DJ Winn open. 8 p.m. Mon., Feb. 8, State Theatre, 687 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, $37-$42, statetheatreconcerts.com. – Leilani Polk Read more “Do It Today: Snoop Dogg at the State, Central Cigars’ hospitality night and “Afro-Cubans in Baseball” at the library” »

While none of the banned Super Bowl XLIV TV ads featured sex with vegetables like last year’s notorious PETA ad, two of the commercials prohibited in 2010 featured homosexual-themed content, which still apparently doesn’t mix with football. The below videos are safe for work, unless you work for CBS, in which case you may be fired for watching two men make out. Read more “Banned Super Bowl 2010 commercials you didn’t see (videos)” »

[All photos by Mike Wilson.]

There is something that comes over women as soon as John Mayer straps on a guitar. I have no idea what it is, as I am not a scientist or a psychiatrist, but I do know that it is nothing short of magical. When my mother realized she was not able to attend the concert she literally almost burst into tears. John Mayer’s voice knows no bounds when it comes to captivating the female eardrums. Personally, I have been mesmerized by John Mayer and his musical stylings for the better part of my adult life (minus that whole Trio B.S. he pulled a few years back), so to say that I was excited to see the “Battle Studies Tour” at the St. Pete Times Forum this past Friday night, is an understatement of epic proportions. Let’s talk about it, shall we?

Michael Franti  and Spearhead opened the show, and I apologize in advance to all you hackey-sacking hippies, but I missed his set… a little due to rain-delay on the roads and a little due to personal choice. After hearing what a mess his collaboration with the Counting Crows was on their last tour (I know that this CL contributor liked it, but I didn’t hear many/any other good things about that circus, sorry guys), I felt that the 10 minutes I could have spent watching him play that one song I kinda know*, would be better spent consuming overpriced beer. I cannot say whether or not I made the right decision but I am certain that there is a rabid Franti fan just waiting to tear me apart in the comments.**

The arena was a abuzz with estrogen and excitement. Some of these estrogen-having people brought signs, like posterboard, homemade, outside the TRL studios back in 1999 kind of signs. Some of them dragged their poor, sad and out-of-place, testosterone-filled significant others. Others just put on their best heels and sequined tops, got their sangria on pre-show and were ready to do some sca-ream-ing.

Read more “Concert review: John Mayer at the St. Pete Times Forum (with pics)” »

On his new album, There Is Love in You, Kieran Hebden (the artist otherwise known as Four Tet) incorporates electro melodies and samples into a sound very similar to the free-form yet structured vibe of jazz.

Rather than a tenor sax or trumpet, Hebden’s instrument of choice is his computer. The overall effect of There is Love in You’s looped soundbites is hypnotic and intriguing, though it can also can be a bit too much on the tracks that stretch longer than seven minutes.

“Sing” is one of the shorter, more mesmerizing numbers. What gives this particular song and most of the album its appeal is the array of intriguing sounds. Pings and dings and the clink of a quarter into a slot are scattered throughout the danceable track. The overall effect of the sonic arrangement is like a rave going on inside a pinball machine. Read more “CD review: Four Tet, There Is Love in You” »

After experiencing T-Pain’s superb spinning the previous night, Friday I hop a cab to Fontainebleau Resort for ESPN The Magazine’s NEXT event. Despite the cool weather, skin is in on South Beach — was it ever not? — as sparkling stilettos and lengthy legs vie for attention outside the party. The line seems to snake for miles but I finally make it to the red carpet just as Josh Duhamel flashes a charming smile at the many photogs (no sign of wifey Fergie in site).

The party tent is probably a football field long and is wall-to-wall revelers, packed all the way up to the front stage where dime-diva Keri Hilson is performing. She is one hot mama in a lace bodysuit unzipped almost to the navel and engages the crowd in some casual banter until the sound guys fix the terrible feedback and she can bust out her hits “Turnin’ Me On” and “The Way I Are.” I spot former ‘N Sync-er Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo enjoying the show and a few cocktails each and, as she is wont to do, Audrina Partridge of The Hills talking to a greasy-lookin’ dude when Ne-Yo hits the stage. Photos after the jump! Read more “Scenestress at the Super Bowl parties, cont’d: Josh Duhamel (but no Fergie), Keri Hilson, Nick Lachey, Audrina Partridge” »

I may have mentioned previously that my dear and gracious husband went shopping with me this week in pursuit of a new interview suit. The one I had in the closet was a bit on the shabby side and kind of thrown together — you know, two blacks (of different shades) don’t always make a right. We embarked on a slightly time-crunched outing as my interview was taking place at 8:15 the next morning. We headed to International Mall and the search was on.

I will say this first just to put it out there: I love my husband, I really, really, do. He is one of the few straight men  I know of who loves to shop. The frustration lies in our differences in taste. Sometimes we can agree on many of the items I pick out; however, most of the time he picks out something black, lacy and extremely skin-tight — and as we all know, I am no size 0, or 8, or even 12 for that matter. This is generally how it goes: “You look great!” he says as I’m gaping at the nightmare reflecting back at me in the mirror. “Really, which part of me would that be? My high foot arches or my earlobes? Because this is doing absolutely nothing for the rest of my body.” Read more “Diary of the Unemployed Housewife: Shopping for the interview suit” »

It was a cool and crisp night for the 2010 Sant’ Yago Knight parade.  The crowds seemed calmer, the police reported fewer arrests — and it was a target-rich environment for street photography.

Fake boobs worked well as a bead-getter.

Bigger is…uhmmm

See lots more… Read more “Sant’ Yago Illuminated Knight Parade 2010: Photos by Chip Weiner” »

What’s the buzz on the latest issues in the Green Community? Check out what you may have missed this last week:

Building a ‘Triple Bottom Line’ economy with full spectrum employment – Consumption is down and so is the economy. Is the solution to get consumption back up? No, the solution is to move towards building a Triple Bottom Line economy with full spectrum employment.

Photo review: “Re:Create: The Art of Upcycle” at The Roosevelt Art Gallery – The Roosevelt Art Gallery hosted its grand opening exhibition, “Re:Create: The Art of Upcycle” this past Saturday, January 30th, beginning a series of public exhibitions demonstrating the process of converting their antique building into a sustainable art gallery and performance space under the heading “Project 3.0”.

Clearwater Mayor to speak at SPC on mass transit – Discussion of the mass transit issue has even greater consequence since President Obama announced last week that Florida would be the recipient of more than a billion dollars in federal funds to support the construction of a high speed rail line from Tampa to Orlando.

The US ranks a mediocre 61st in the Environmental Performance Index – Every other year the Environmental Performance Index (EPI) is released at the World Economic Forum. It’s a list of the greenest, cleanest nations (and the not-so-green) compiled by environmental experts from Yale and Columbia universities.

A revolutionary new machine that converts office paper into toilet paper (video) – A Japanese company has created the “White Goat”, a machine that takes unwanted office paper and transforms it into toilet paper!
Read more “The Green Community week in review: USF’s new School of Global Sustainability, building a ‘Triple Bottom Line’ economy, turning office paper into toilet paper and more” »

Years in the making (and weeks and days in the hyping) the new Tampa Museum of Art opened its doors on Saturday morning, after a half hour of speeches by luminaries who had been instrumental in helping to create the $34 million waterfront structure, near where its previous incarnation was based.

However, there is much more than just a new museum for city dwellers now.  There is the revamped Curtis Hixon Park, which was filled with parents and their young children playing,  as well as joggers, and just curious citizens checking out what Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio hopes will become a destination point for residents and visitors alike for decades to come. Read more “Can Tampa’s new art museum transform downtown?” »

Faced with a jam-packed, sold-out venue this past Wednesday night at the Owl City show, I had no other choice but to tunnel through the crowd of milling teeny-boppers, some accompanied by their long-suffering parents. It was a virtual underage circus.

[Pictured: Adam Young of Owl City]

This is how my night started.

First up was Deas Vail. A few years ago I fell in love with their first album, All The Houses Look The Same, when a couple of hot girls came over to my house and gave me the group’s disc. I figured they’d play the majority of songs from their new album, White Lights, but I wasn’t anticipating an entire sets-worth. I have nothing against a band promoting their new album, but I was let down that none of the earlier songs got a nod.

An entertaining incident in the crowd caught my eye just before the second act was getting ready to start. The boiling intensity of the underagers who love Owl City had reached a bottleneck and right at the stage, a young guy was pushing back a younger girl because he wanted a front-row spot. I mean, come on dude, Owl City is like Kid’s Bop on crack … but I guess everyone has their own guilty pleasure. Anyway, there was another girl in the front who kept trying to get the security guard’s attention because she claimed said dude was “abusing” women. Read more “Concert review: Owl City with Lights and Deas Vail at The Ritz Ybor (with pics)” »

President Obama visited Maryland today to speak on proposals to help small businesses prosper, and in turn creating job opportunities to help alleviate the current unemployment concerns.

Later during a conference call, chief economic advisor Christina Romer and Small Business Business Administrator Karen Mills discussed the President’s plans to excite growth within small businesses and decrease unemployment.

The unemployment rate has come down 3/10 of a percentage point from 10.0 percent to 9.7 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor in an announcement this morning.

“The president’s focus now is giving small firms incentive to continue to hire now and not later,” Romer (pictured above) said, “one way of doing this is lending.”

Mills said there are banks who have been lenders to small businesses, but now they don’t have enough capital and they don’t want to take on the risk of lending at this time, despite the economy’s progress. Read more “As unemployment dips, the Obama economic team discusses small business initiatives” »

With the Super Bowl just a few days away, the temptation is to write a story explaining why the Saints will dominate the Colts, or vice versa. Those stories, like most Super Bowls, are boring. So to help liven things up, here’s a game to help the big game a little bit more fun.

Assuming you attend some sort of Super Bowl party, the first thing you’ll want to do is to divide yourselves into two teams. Any method is fine, whether you have a draft, or stack your team with the hotties your best friend brought over. However you do it, make sure to designate which team will represent the Colts and which will be the Saints.

Throughout the game, take one drink for every touchdown by your team, and drink twice every time the opponent scores. For variation, you can drink per point — three for a field goal, seven on the touchdowns. Take a drink for every turnover by your team and every sack.

Beware of flags in this game. Penalty flags equal one drink, which likely won’t be too bad, since these teams have been well-disciplined all year. What you’ll want to beware of, though, are the challenges. Any time a coach throws out the red flag, drink for five seconds. If somehow the coach throws the flag and it hits either a player or official, just drain your whole drink.

When it comes to commercials, take one drink apiece for the following: a cartoon character interacting with a live person, a talking animal, a talking baby, a human dressed as an animal, a horse, a reptile, and anything GoDaddy. Abstain from drinking for the duration of the Tim Tebow commercial. It shouldn’t be too hard with the debate likely to break out. Read more “The (un)Official CL Super Bowl drinking game” »

The red band trailer for Kevin Smith’s Cop Out is up, and unlike the previous trailer, this one’s really funny!

The first trailer showed no resemblance to director Kevin Smith’s previous work, famous throughout movie-geek land for the arch wit of the screenplays and low-fi look of the films. You know, like Clerks and Chasing Amy. This new trailer brings more of the jokes that we’ve come to expect from a Kevin Smith flick.

Plus, Bruce Willis and Tracey Morgan look really funny, making me (finally) look forward to the movie. Check it out, but because it’s a red band trailer, there are some things that aren’t family friendly. Be careful where you click!

Full trailer after the jump …

Read more “Kevin Smith’s Cop Out red band trailer is out and it’s funny! (NSFW)” »