- Issue Archive for
- May 20-26, 2009
- Vol. 22, No. 10
News & Views
Tampa Bay summer events listings
Your guide to attractions, beaches, summer camps, museums, parks and performances.
The family trip to California
I'm talking about the legendary, feared, dreaded and lampooned Family Vacation. This summer, my family and I are flying to California, renting a car and heading north.
You might as well jump at Rebounderz
Rebounderz, which opened July 2008 in Longwood, is an indoor jumper court open to all ages. Composed of 6,700 square feet of trampolines, it gives toddlers, teens and active adults the chance to jump around for hours.
Want cool? Want cheap? Try a weekend in Asheville, NC.
Asheville is approximately 10 hours 19 minutes driving time and 656.34 miles from St. Petersburg; 3 hours 22 minutes and 195.21 miles from Atlanta. Delta Airlines flies from Tampa to Asheville, with a layover in Atlanta and non-stop flight to Asheville.
I get the point: A summer selling knives
But let's go back to how I got there. I had just found out that my school didn't need another camp counselor and I was cruising Craigslist.org, looking for anybody (and I really mean anybody) that would hire a 17-year-old for the summer. And I stumbled upon an entry that read something along the lines of, "We're looking for energetic people who are outgoing and ready to control their own work schedule, but still make money. You don't need any experience, training provided." Thinking it would be a long shot, I set up my interview with a company about which I knew nothing and for which I couldn't find a website.
Why would anybody go to Florida beaches in July?
Anyone who has endured Tampa Bay's withering six-month summers has probably asked themselves: Why in the hell would anyone voluntarily come to the Gulf beaches in mid-July, or, perish the thought, August, or even crazier, September? Why would they schedule a vacation, pay hotel and restaurant bills, to frolic around in an inferno?
Do bras prevent saggy breasts?
Do bras keep breasts from sagging as you get older? I've heard reports that they do nothing at all. --Curious Oh, bras probably do something. It's just that nobody can agree on what it is. I won't pretend to have the definitive answer, but here's what we've established so far:
"Just like Dubai": Seeing Tampa Bay through visitors' eyes
As I write, my husband's family is in the next room, packing up bathing suits and newly found seashells, sunscreen and gifts for loved ones. Tomorrow we will be saying our sad goodbyes. Misha's relatives live in the Czech Republic, and they're preparing to endure the 10-plus-hour trip back home to their land-locked country in Eastern Europe.
Bill McCollum: A law-and-order governor?
After all, Crist was never interested in being Florida best governor, just Florida's best-liked governor. His strong populist streak kept him away from many of the bad ideas his party is behind (although he did jump on the awful tax reform bandwagon that has crippled local governments and school boards). The white-haired wonder boy even had some great ideas (clean energy initatives being at the top of that list), even if the nudniks in the Legislature all but ignored his initiatives.
Taking the kids on a summer vacation road trip
I've taken them across country by myself while my wife and at-home daughter were otherwise occupied. For approximately 36 hours -- 18 up and 18 back -- my 6-year-old never stopped asking questions. Answering machine-gunned questions from curious little boys is more exhausting than days of continuous pile-driving intercourse.
Have fun with the kids this summer
When you have kids, summer is less a vacation and more a challenge. Forget about those pastoral memories of your youth, when you and a friend jumped into the old fishing hole and caught toads for impromptu hoppin' contests -- it ain't like that around here. In fact, unless you have your very own pool, summer in the Bay area means finding ways to avoid being outside with your kids. And how many parents do you know -- these days -- who just send their kids out to entertain themselves for an eight-hour stretch? That's a surefire recipe for the kinds of kooky adventures that the DCF would frown upon, if they were competent.
Chipmunk with a basketball
David -- the husband -- is an old basketball player (whereas I'm a very old ex-basketball player), and has played for 30 years in a senior league in Indianapolis, on a team called "The Freudian Slips." During the last dozen years, at the beginning of each season, the player who's nearest to 50 reads the poem to the team; and the plaque commemorates this pleasant tradition.
Why I loved nerd camp
All I ever needed to know, I learned at nerd camp. Four glorious summers spent at Duke Young Writers' Camp taught me the fine art of friendship bracelet-making, what to avoid at a cafeteria, the fact that my hands can't handle West African drumming, and a thing or two about diction from a rapping Quaker poet. I can't narrow down what exactly made nerd camp so fantastic that I returned three times, but as one of my poetry professors there would say, "Reasoning shit out won't keep you warm at night. Just spill out those fuzzy feelings on paper."
Music
The highlights of the summer concert season
Dozens and dozens of acts will make it onto Tampa Bay area concert stages this summer. Here's our best bets, in a wide range of genres.
Following your favorite bands on tour
My first time traveling to see music was February 2001, when A Perfect Circle's Mer de Noms tour came to Florida and the easier access Orlando show sold out before I got tickets. At the time, I was barely three months into my 21st year, recently single, and so fiercely infatuated with APC that I went ahead and planned a road trip to see them in Ft. Lauderdale, convinced I could talk a few other adventurous friends into making the overnight jaunt with me.
A&E
Picturing Eden at the Ringling Museum of Art
Given the breezy brightness of this spring's weather, you could be forgiven for imagining that west central Florida constitutes a little slice of paradise -- especially in the manicured gardens outside the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, where blissed-out tourists wander among the flora. As May progresses, of course, mid-day temperatures are taking a turn toward the infernal, but until the full heat of summer arrives a trip to the Ringling's grounds remains a heavenly option.
Romeo and Juliet at the Studio@620
Romeo and Juliet at The Studio@620 is a production full of problems, beginning with the casting of Romeo himself. By choosing T. Scott Wooten for this storied part, director Bob Devin Jones made a wager that an actor of limited range could impersonate the greatest male lover in theater history, and convince us of a trajectory leading from infatuation to suicide.
Food & Drink
What are the best wines for grilling?
This time of year, states north of Florida lead the good life. Just in time for the Memorial Day holiday, Mother Nature ushers in mild weather up there while she shoves torrid 90 degrees/80 percent humidity down my throat. But it signals the official beginning of grilling season and that's always a good thing. So grab what you got in the fridge and get cooking.
Movies & TV
Battle of the summer blockbuster movies
The summer movie season is already in full swing, with X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Star Trek racking up huge grosses. Still, the box office of those films pales in comparison to that of the biggest blockbusters of them all. But it's not all about the Benjamins, right? Some of the most financially successful films in history also happen to be some of Hollywood's most beloved.
Classic movies on display at Tampa Theatre
You have to give props to the Tampa Theatre. Their annual Summer Classic Movie Series is the best game in town for catching the greatest films in Hollywood history on the big screen. Past years have seen films as varied as Raiders of the Lost Ark, King Kong and West Side Story play to packed houses. And really, isn't a historic theater dating to the 1920s the best place to see a flick from the Golden Age of Tinseltown?
Top 10 summer vacation movies
Chevy Chase stars as suburban everyman Clark W. Griswold, who drags his family across the country in search of theme-park Nirvana. The trip is beset by all manner of disaster (detours, accidents, dead relatives strapped to the roof, etc.), each one funnier than the last. Vacation was directed by Harold Ramis from a script by John Hughes and might be the best work either man ever did.
Blogs
Obama announces plan for cleaner, more efficient vehicles
President Obama officially announces the new rules governing auto emissions and fuel economy standards, effectively bringing to a close almost a decade of debate on the topic.
Four music events worth traveling for
Best bets for music-motivated travel this summer.
Beer review: Big Sound Scotch Ale from Cigar City Brewing
Cigar City's sleeves bursting with tricks, and I want to drink them all.
Do It Today: CL Summer Guide release party, Women with Moxie, Reincarnate Metaphors
Creative Loafing celebrates the launch of its annual Summer Guide issue with a party at Fly. Also today: Events celebrating businesswomen with moxie and artwork rich in metaphor.
Can a plastic cup make wine taste better?
The well-designed Govino wine tumbler improves the outdoor wine experience.
Doctor Why: Fiesta Hats & Wedding Vows
What to do when your mother wants to throw you a bad theme party.
The roots of sprawl
Grant Rimbey CNU explores the origins of sprawl in the United States, describes the difference between sprawl and sustainability, and hints at a future strategy for moving beyond sprawl.
Nosh Pit Episode 15: Wat Tampa, Memorial Day wine, Edmeades winemaker Van Williamson
Brian is back from vacation, full of foodie energy. And zinfandel, now, thanks to Edmeades.
No Clear, No Eyes Volume 2: A local compilation release show
Live music tonight (Friday, May 22nd) to support release of compilation No Clear, No Eyes volume 2. This comp features 24 tracks and all Florida underground music.
Summer Guide 2009: Studio 10's summer vacation
The 2009 Summer Guide hits newstands today. To whet your appetite, here are two "My Vacation" videos featuring Studio 10's Holley Sinn and Jerome Ritchey.
Dial Hard with a '60s-style vengeance
What if Die Hard With A Vengeance had been made in 1960's France?
First corn of the season: Roasted corn and bacon salad recipe
Vinegar added to heavy cream makes a surprising, and delicious, dressing for this salad.
Organic farming can be more productive than conventional
Organic farming is more efficient that many people believe.l
Gamma Testing video game podcast 6: Godfather 2
The GammaTesting.com guys plug this podcast full of hot lead.
Poop to power: Sanford's new renewable energy facility opens today (5/21)
The new renewable energy facility that turns wastewater sludge into gas, opens today (5/21) in Sanford, FL.
Goodbye Kelly's Pub, hello Karma Bar & Cafe
The last Kelly's hurrah takes place this Saturday night.
Green lodging in Tampa: local eco-friendly hotels
Many Tampa Bay area hotels are taking eco-friendly steps and implementing the Green Lodging Program.
Must-see show: Izzy Cox at The Garage
The “Murder Ballad Queen” returns to St. Petersburg.
Bashing high school graduation bashes
Recent high-school grad and CL contributor Diana Ruiz wonders what all the fuss is about.
Traveling to see music without losing your money (or your mind)
A primer for noobs.
Summer Guide 2009: Joe Bardi's summer vacation
Associate Editor Joe Bardi on what he's doing for his summer vacation.
Gamma Testing video game podcast Ep 5: Ninja Blade
The GammaTesting.com guys slash through Ninja Blade with mixed results.
Win beer fame from Schmaltz Brewing for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah pics
Have your picture featured on the label for Schmaltz's Jewbelation 13th Anniversary
Kung Food: Dip-jitsu (The Artichoke Way)
Utter your best "key-ai" as you become a culinary ninja with artichoke dip-jitsu.
"Be Remarkable"- video of Greg Koch's inspirational speech from 2009 Craft Brewer's Convention
Greg Koch, CEO of Stone Brewing, delivers a most excellent keynote speech at the 2009 Craft Brewer's Convention
Grizzly Bear listening party at Vinyl Fever
To do on Memorial Day.
Summer Guide '09: Talking with Adam Miller of Cirque du Soleil
Adam Miller, artistic director of Cirque du Soleil's "Saltimbanco," talks about touring with a complex production, what's "urban" about the show, and how he explores a city when he's on tour.
Free Concert Alert: The Hold Steady
Yep, you read right -- The Hold Steady, for FREE.
Kama Sutra: Apadravyas
Would you
The "Doctor" is in: Doctor Why makes his introduction
If sex advice writer Dan Savage won't return your phone calls, try Dr. Why.
CL's Tournament of Blockbusters + movie passes giveaway
Here's the ground rules for CL's first Tournament of Summer Blockbusters …
No acupuncture needles needed when it comes to Meridian Therapy
The results of this study are hollow and akin to discovering how the use of electric heat, as opposed to gas heat, influences the temperature at which water boils. The point of stimulation in Acupuncture is the issue, not the device that is used to stimulate the point.
PF Chang's giving away free lettuce wraps
Get yo' free lettuce wraps.
Corkscrew: Great wines for your Memorial Day barbecue
Raise a glass in honor, but make sure it's the right one.
Tampa actor Jack Holloway, TBPAC's Kilgore win national awards
Popular local actor Jack Holloway wins a national drama competition; TBPAC's Michael Kilgore is recognized for his marketing prowess.
Artsqueeze Weekend Roundup, May 22-23
Experimental Skeleton and friends take on Star Trek in 'To Boldly Go' at West Tampa Center for the Arts.
Sprint initiates new green line of products and website
Sprint introduces new eco-friendly features to their products as well as launching a new green site.
Michael Vick deserves a second chance
Michael Vick did some very bad things, but he deserves a shot at redemption.
The latest on the Swine Flu
The flu is still growing and still causing illness among us and it is in Florida.
I love myself, I love you: how I keep the spark in my relationship
I love you, I love myself: a simple secret to help keep the spark in your relationship.
Nosh Pit Episode 14: Taylor's China adventure, and the review of Ocean Prime
Taylor ate her way through China, while Brian ate his way through the martinis at Ocean Prime.
A stranger's gaze: coffeeshop confessions of a college freshman
I want to leave scratches between his shoulder blades as his chest presses against mine.
Fox's Glee delivers in every way possible
Like many people in America, I am intrigued by young, talented singers — kids whose sweet voices cause the hair on my arms to raise. Naturally, I fell in love with Tuesday night's premiere of Fox's Glee.
Sunday night @ The Garage, Bob Log III: It's a Bob Log-apalooza!
The infamous Bob Log III plays The Garage this Sunday night. Autopsy IV explains why this is a "must-see" show.
Releases to look forward to in 2009
With help from Pitchfork, I bring you the upcoming music releases of 2009.
Indie 101: Magic & Fur (with video).
Aly Carr presents a new emerging band from London.
Tampa City Council reclaimed water workshop this Thursday (5/21)
This Thursday, Council hopes to "turn the page" towards a new era of common sense water conservation with their reclaimed water workshop.
Using Twitter to expand your green network
Twitter can be a great resource to network with other "greenies" from all over the web.
Video game review: Bionic Commando, or, the swinger lifestyle
The 1983 Nintendo title gets an extreme makeover.
Be a credit to your kink take 2: Fox news (video)
The Slippery Slope arguments are alive and well with Fox News. If only they had done their homework.
Street Sweeper Social Club and Trent Reznor cover MC5's "Kick Out the Jams"
Boots Riley and Trent Reznor shared the stage and mic duties on a cover of MC5’s “Kick Out the Jams”
Summer Guide 2009: Katie Machol's revealing cruise
More of our Summer Guide 2009 vacation memories …
Upcoming bay area beer events
Open up those calendars, and prepare to plan out your personal beer destiny.
Drought, downpour, and the downward spiral of Tampa water management
Don’t be fooled by the recent rains, the Tampa Bay area has serious fresh water supply problems.
An overview of Green Cities Florida in Orlando and hopes for a greener future
But as I rolled by Sea World, Disney World, and all of the hotels on i4, I could not help to think about all of the energy, waste and water that is being produced to sustain them. All of that aside, way to go Orlando! Solar power and green initiatives, are we not speaking loud enough in the Bay area?
Steps to becoming greener: Starting a compost or worm bin
you will be reducing waste you have bagged, picked up and incinerated, while adding essential enzymes, nutrients and minerals back to our starving soil. You will notice seeds sprouting up all over, tomatoes, eggplant and squash from your compost. I plant and grow these “volunteers” with good results.
Grazing: Lunching at Cafe Hey
What? How did I not know of this place before?
Gamma Testing video game podcast Ep 4 - Prince of Persia
GammaTesting.com goes in-depth into the resurrected Prince of Persia franchise.
Band Alert: The Silent Years.
Another indie artist gets the spotlight.
Summer Guide 2009: Green contributor Carrie Webb's San Francisco vacation
Carrie Webb dishes about her San Francisco vacation plans and her childhood memories on Fort Desoto Beach.
CD Review: Akron/Family, Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free, a Best of '09 contender (with video)
The New York and Pennsylvania-based foursome-turned-trio releases its best album to date.
12 ways to start living greener and smarter
Live more consciously aligned with the natural world by following some of these easy tips. All of these recommendations cost us little to no money at all.
Big error in the book Artisan Bread in Five Minutes A Day
Public (Food) Service Announcement!
Buttercream basics
Buttercream basics beam big when used liberally on gorgeous cakes.
Summer Guide 2009: St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Baker's vacation plans
Baker: "I go to a place that’s kind of like a summer camp for families (in North Carolina). Every night they have either square dancing or some sort of music or karaoke in the big pavilion."
Today's topsy-turvy world of Central Florida pro sports
Buckle the seatbelt on the Barcalounger and pass the Maalox.
Summer '09: A trip to Mexico? Or how about selling CUTCO?
CL interns Hannah Walk and Diana Ruiz discuss their vacation plans. One itinerary involves Mexico; the other requires knives.
GaYbor Karaoke Idol: We were all Paula Abdul
Don't judge poor Paula till you've sat in the judge's seat yourself: A report from the GaYbor Karaoke Idol competition at Streetcar Charlie's, plus a few afterthoughts on why we shouldn't be surprised about Adam Lambert's loss.
Charlie Crist Romance Novel: The governor's mistress: I had an affair with Governor "C."
The first chapter of Destiny St. Clair's affair with Governor C.
