Daily Loaf

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

Finding an emotional connection with our planet- Doing so allows us to look at what our needs are in life and what is of the highest and greatest importance to us and our environment.

Best of the Bay Readers’ Poll 2009: The race for Greenest Politician has Linda Saul-Sena in the lead- Who do you think should take the title of this year’s Greenest Politician in the Bay?

Clean energy and anti-offshore drilling rally in Ybor this Thursday- Thursday, August 27th, join Sierra Club, 1Sky Florida, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy and other environmental groups for a real grassroots rally outside Big Oil’s staged gathering.
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So you’ve installed CFL bulbs in all of your light fixtures, low-flow shower heads and toilets, and use eco-friendly paint for your walls. That’s pretty green, right? That’s just “light green” compared to this house in Venice, CA that was renovated and is now green – literally.

As more people get turned on to sustainability and try to make more environmentally responsible choices, the usual starting point from which they begin is in their own homes. To be certain, they are varying degrees of ‘green’ homes. Some people install CFLs and call it a day, while others create 100% off-the-grid earth shelters built into the ground. Unfortunately, those attempting to further embrace sustainable ideals and lifestyles usually go ‘light green’ when it comes to their own home constructions/renovations. The bamboo floors, low flow toilets and the recycled glass countertops are nice gestures at sustainability, and can be components of a sustainable design, but in the grand scheme of things these features and fixtures by themselves do little environmentally speaking.

The newly renovated and retrofitted Brooks Avenue house in Venice, CA is one example of a home addition where the only thing that is ‘light green’ is the foliage of the vegetation growing on the exterior walls and roof. Designed by Bricault Design, the 1700 square foot addition was done out of need for more space to accommodate the owners’ growing family. Attaching to the original cottage, the addition almost takes up the entire lot.
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We (CL) opened up our doors Wednesday night for about 50 potential new contributors. There was wine, beer, pizza and a micro-symposium on 21st-century community journalism. We got a chance to recruit some new voices and our guests got to feel out our site editors. Look for their contributions in the coming days.

One of our newbies, Robin Miller, captured the whole thing on video, which you can see below the jump:

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Dear Dream Momma, This little dream has been bothering me so I thought I would send it to you. In the dream my boss and his wife stopped by my house and my bed wasn’t made. (I always make my bed every day unless I’m so sick that i need to be in it.)

Hi Messy Bed Dreamer. I’m going to assume that when your boss and his wife stopped by you weren’t really sick in bed. So, what are you sick of? The dream says your job. The house is your life and the bed is your job, relationship, family, health, lifestyle, religion, social life, (Circle all that apply). Read the rest of this entry »

Soon after moving from Gainesville to Tampa only months ago, I began my search for a local poker game. Such illicit activity is not always easy to find.

My old Gainesville poker circuit was pretty robust. There was the Wednesday night game at Damion 2.0’s, Thursday nights at JD’s place and Friday’s at Brother Bill’s, not to mention Mr. C’s debaucherous, bimonthly 17-hour poker binges.

Damion 2.0 Wednesday’s were $20 buy-in cash games with re-buys allowed as long as you had money in your wallet. Things would start around 7 pm, with people coming and going all night long. It was a game characterized by über-aggressive play. With blinds holding steady at $0.25-$0.50, it was rare to see a flop for anything less than $3.25. It was not uncommon to see someone win or lose up to $400 in a single night.

Thursday nights were my original house game at JD’s place, where the liquor was always free-flowing. We’d generally start the night with quarter games, i.e., Five Card Draw, Follow the Queen, In-Between or Screw Your Neighbor. Years back, we’d play tournament style but that slowly made its way to a cash game. A lot of the old school guys dropped out when things got too cutthroat, but the game also gained people as it got more competitive.

Friday nights at Brother Bill’s were much more casual. With as many as 18 players on any given night, Bill’s game was strictly tournament play. A gracious host, Bill’s open bar always kept people animated on a Friday.

I played at all three of these venues for well over a year. The environs were comfortable. Every seat, every table, every format, every friend.

Enter the new house game: Read the rest of this entry »

Oil slicks have been described as an unpredictable phenomenon, their direction and behavior dependent upon the weather, currents, tides, wind direction, temperatures, and whether the oil is crude or refined.

Given the allegations against our recent House Leadership and the indictment of the entire House’s conduct, the slick move by Republicans during the wee hours of the waning days of session was disappointing but much more predictable. You may remember the late-filed council amendment allowing oil drilling just a few miles off our coasts and its subsequent passage on the floor. As I noted in an April blog entry for The Political Whore, zero notice was given to the amendment’s likely opponents, yet the new language was accompanied by Powerpoint presentations delivered by oil industry representatives. It was a surreal scene for many in the room, drawing comparisons to a Carl Hiaasen novel. Fortunately, the Florida Senate, often the more mature chamber, decided against hearing the amended bill. Unfortunately, the debate isn’t going away. Read the rest of this entry »

Ocean Prime
3 and 3/4 Stars
2205 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa, 813-490-5288

Several months ago, when I first heard that Ocean Prime was opening, I wondered if Tampa could handle another high-end steakhouse — a chain, in fact — during tough economic times. Hell, considering the massive representation steakhouses have in the Bay area, I’d ask the same question in good times. Considering the crowd on a Tuesday night in April, I guess I have my answer.

The place isn’t packed, but you wouldn’t know it from the loaded parking lot. The dining room is full, happy people are lounging around the exterior bar area and the restaurant feels like it’s hopping. As the night goes on, the long patio dining area overlooking a surprisingly pastoral retention pond on the border of the International Plaza parking lot starts to fill up. Maybe Tampa isn’t ready for more of the usual luxe steakhouse clones, but it certainly seems to have accepted Ocean Prime.

The tasty and capable food is part of that, but I doubt it’s the main draw. Read the rest of this entry »

Maybe she can handle smelly men but I can't

I’ve been taking applications and conducting interviews for my new fuck-buddy now for the past month. Mainly they’ve been short interviews and no one has been called back for a follow-up.  Why waste anymore of my time or bodily fluids on a sub par applicant?  I’m tired of the anticipation, only to be let down.  Don’t men in Florida know how to fuck a woman right?  I’m not asking for a lot.  Only to be bent over and fucked hard.  My hair pulled and my ass slapped.  I want to feel a cock stroking my pussy and making me cum.

Our first encounter was mind blowing.  We left each other satisfied but wanting more.  Before he’d even cum the first time he asked when he could see me again.  His fingers were gentle but left a trail of fire blazing where he touched me.  His kiss was hard and passionate, left my lips red and my body dripping with anticipation. He was a skilled and experienced lover, taking his time, sometimes taking five, just to make sure he made me cum several times before cumming himself.

(Picture to follow; not suitable for work.) Read the rest of this entry »

Dream Momma, I dreamed I won the lottery and right afterwards met the perfect girl who was really into me. In the next part of the dream I am driving my asshole of a brother to rehab. (My last and best relationship ended because of him). I look into the rear view mirror of my new Corvette and see my parents waving good-bye from the front porch of a house I’ve never seen before. My Mom is crying and I seen her twisting a hanky in her hands. My Dads hands are clasped together like in prayer.  I’m totally confident and smile and wave out the car window, then suddenly I wake up.”

Wow, talk about a compensation dream!  I can just picture you, tossing and turning like most of us in this economic crisis, then finally falling into a fitful sleep.  Your days, when you’re not working your tail off,  are probably spent trying to keep the family together and holding Mom’s hand while cursing, pleading, cajoling and blaming your brother for everything… Read the rest of this entry »

As the inauguration craziness gets into full swing this weekend, here’s some video from Obama’s 137-mile train journey from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.

Here are some shots from the trip, below the jump: Read the rest of this entry »

Sooner Holley:  Here we are.  As I am beginning this first blog of what will be many this evening, I am filled with an anticipation that is both exhilarating and terrifying.  I have been watching the ESPN Game Day boys, and while I’m appalled at the way they seem to have written Oklahoma off already, I’m also encouraged. Oklahoma was the favorite against Boise St.  Oklahoma was the favorite against West Virginia.  Oklahoma knows what it means to be upset, and they know the power of a motivation that comes from having no one believe in you.  Florida is a tough and scary opponent – that is true without question.  But, I think this game may look a little different than many expect.  

At least I hope so.  Gator fans, I fully respect the power of your defense and the sheer mass of your quarterback, but you may not want to turn your nose up at the Oklahoma defense, nor should you believe that you will easily stop the Sooner offense.  

At last announcement, Vegas likes the Gators by 5.  That news is like putting on warm fuzzy slippers like I just did a few minutes ago.  (did I mention I have a mini-plague which I believe to be the flu?)  That lack of faith is actually comforting.  

Both Lou Holtz and Mark Mays just picked Florida because of Tim Tebow, and Mark Mays just spouted some ridiculous garbage about Bob Stoops being an inadequate coach in bowl situations.

Keep talking boys….

8:04 pm Sooner Holley:  We’re now minutes from kick-off, and so far, I’ve seen one media member pick Oklahoma, and it was Barry Switzer.  I suppose we’ll just see what happens.  This game is going to be decided on the gridiron, not in the press box, and that’s the way it should be.

I’m looking for score predictions.  Gimme whatever you got, even if you’re predicting a Gator blow-out.  I’m curious.

8:27 Sooner Holley:  Okay, one drive down, and the blitz backed the Sooners up and out of scoring range.  It should be noted, however, that the two plays previous, the blitz was blocked effectively, and I’m pretty sure there was a pass interference call that was missed.  Blatantly.

However, the Sooners will persevere.  Let’s see now what happens with the Gators offense.  Is Tim Tebow all he’s been made out to be?  

8:48 Sooner Holley:  Well, it’s as I predicted.  Oklahoma is keeping it in the air, and doing well with it.  Too bad they are making petty mistakes, and also being jobbed by ACC refs.  Even Florida fans can relate to the misery of ACC refs.  I can remember a UF/FSU game just a few years back when the game’s outcome came down to some pretty terrible calls.  Throwing a flag for nothing with no explanation is nothing if not a maneuver to break the momentum of a driving team.

Roughly 4:40 left in the 1st quarter, and we’re still scoreless.  Both teams.

9:07 Sooner Holley: 7-0 Gators, and the commentary color guy would give the trophy to the Gators right now if he could.  Second quarter.  13:34 to the half.  Drive, OU, drive!

9:12 Sooner Holley:  Sorry color commentary guy…can’t give that trophy away just yet.  This is the speed of football that Oklahoma plays well.  Quick to the line, quick execution.  The Gators executed their scoring drive in true Gator style as well – do what it takes to make it happen.  Pound the rock.  Both teams are now playing their own styles of football.  This game starts now.

9:47 Sooner Holley:  It’s half time, and I don’t think ANYONE could have predicted this game.  Oklahoma’s total offense as compared to the score is going to look ridiculous at the end of this game.  We’ve had an interception leading to a 4th and goal gamble and a good old fashioned drive foiled by a receiver who clearly doesn’t know that if you can’t catch it KNOCK IT DOWN!  The Gators have played strange defense, but clearly it’s been effective.  Oklahoma’s offense looks stellar.  Florida did what they needed to in order to put points on the board.  It was messy, but a touchdown is a touchdown.  

I’m not sure what either locker room conversation will be like.  I have no idea what either coach will say to his players.  Personally, I’m a little dumbfounded, but I will say this.  I don’t want to hear anyone say anything again about Oklahoma having an inferior defense.  I think their defense has actually looked better than Florida’s so far, except as it pertains to the goal line, I guess.

All that said, I’m now going to go and have a spot of tea to soothe my throat whose terrible pain has been exacerbated by the frequency of my verbal outbursts.  I’m not sure what Gator Matty is up to right now, but I bet he is as baffled as I am.

10:20 Sooner Holley:  These are the two best teams in the country.  It’s pretty clear now, isn’t it?  There are so many penalties in this game, and so many of them seem unjustified.  I could yell, but my throat says, “please don’t!”  A drive a piece down and nothing really happening.

You know, now that I’m on the other side of the stadium, those “Gator Bait” signs are pretty darn annoying. I’ll admit, I’ve chanted that on behalf of my husband’s team plenty of times, but now I’m kind of sorry.  Plus, it’s just two nouns strung together with no verb.  It’s not “You are Gator Bait” or “We want to eat some Gator Bait” or “Run you stupid Gator Bait”.  It’s just “Gator Bait”…period.  Plus, if you don’t know what’s being said, and you hear it you could totally mistake that chant for any number of similar sounding words.  ”Gator Wait”…”Gator Hate”…”Wait, my mate!”  Granted, those are pretty ridiculous too, but…well…you get the idea.  

Gators are driving.  Ugh.

10:59 Sooner Holley: 4th quarter, Sooners driving, 14-7 Gators.  It occurred to me that if it weren’t for certain bad calls (or lack there of) and some dumb mistakes, the Sooners would be leading by 14 by now, even with the most recent Gator touchdown.  

11:15 Sooner Holley:  Gators up now 17-14 in the 4th.  Percy Harvin appeared to have been injured but was back in the game a play later, so it looks like he’s okay.  Sooners will get the ball now.  

11:33 Sooner Holley: 2:09 left in the game, 24-14 Gators  My faith is starting to waiver.  I don’t think my Sooners can pull out a win.  I believe in them, but I am afraid their confidence might be down.  I will say this, thanks to the overt bias of the commentary team in this game, I will, regardless of any agreements made between the Sinns, never ever declare Tim Tebow the best quarterback in the country.  Never.  It’s not his fault – the fault belongs to the people who have elevated him to god-like status.  He’s a kid like any other who has been afforded some incredible opportunities to be able to travel to other countries with his missionary family.  He has done some really wonderful things, but it isn’t fair to turn a blind eye to the life accomplishments of other more understated players simply because they are not as outspoken.  This game may well be over, and I hope you will all forgive me if I retire from this blog a little early.  I’m afraid, with my adrenaline spent, my flu has really started to overtake me, much like the Gators have overtaken my Sooners to this point.  

This game was personal for me, but tomorrow, I’ll have to get out of bed and remind myself of one very important fact:  it’s just a game.

Goodnight, and might I say once more:  ”I’m Sooner born, and Sooner bred, and when I die, I’ll be Sooner dead.  Rah Oklahoma, Rah Oklahoma, Rah Oklahoma…O-K-U!” 

Gator Matty and Sooner Holley

UPDATE!! Join Sooner Holley and Gator Matt as they live blog the Championship Game here!

Gator Matty: After weeks of droning on about statistics, schedules, and Superman (had to get a Tebow reference into the first sentence of the blog), game week is finally here.  The wife and I have argued over everything game-related to argue about, but in what may be the final post, what does the outcome of this game really mean to our relationship?

Actually, let me rephrase.  What is the better outcome for me?  These are going to be tough choices.  No sex for a week or the image of Tebow hoisting the BCS Trophy ingrained in my memory forever?  An achy back from sleeping on the couch or bragging rights to two national titles in three years (or four in five years if you’re counting basketball)?  Yes, Gainesville would officially become the all-time college Title Town, and ironically, Superman would turn my house into the Fortress of Solitude.

But these can’t be real choices, you’re saying.  She’s not that serious.  My friends, hell hath no fury like a Sooner woman scorned.  Let’s just say we would have never gotten married if I had attended the University of Texas.  Trust me.  Mack Brown should probably be thankful that Lorena Bobbitt wasn’t a Sooner.

After much deliberation, I have sent an email to Florida head coach Urban Meyer, instructing him to make sure the game is a close one for the sake of my sex life… Read the rest of this entry »

Last week, State Rep. Darryl Rouson filed his first bill for the 2009 session. His focus: drug paraphernalia.

HB 99 would charge a 5 percent tax on any items listed as drug paraphernalia in Florida statutes, regardless of whether the paraphernalia was sold for legal purposes or not. (Hmmm…that sounds a lot like the federal drug stamp tax.)

That last line is a key part — Rouson is also going after so-called “headshops.”

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Watch the video now: