Antonin Scalia is a disgrace to the Supreme Court. He has the audacity to tell Leslie Stahl that torture is not cruel and unusual punishment.

"If someone's in custody, as in Abu Ghraib, and they are brutalized by a law enforcement person, if you listen to the expression 'cruel and unusual punishment,' doesn't that apply?" Stahl asks.

"No, No," Scalia replies.

"Cruel and unusual punishment?" Stahl asks.

"To the contrary," Scalia says. "Has anybody ever referred to torture as punishment? I don't think so."

"Well, I think if you are in custody, and you have a policeman who's taken you into custody…," Stahl says.

"And you say he's punishing you?" Scalia asks.

"Sure," Stahl replies.

"What's he punishing you for? You punish somebody…," Scalia says.

"Well because he assumes you, one, either committed a crime…or that you know something that he wants to know," Stahl says.

"It's the latter. And when he's hurting you in order to get information from you…you don’t say he's punishing you. What’s he punishing you for? He's trying to extract…," Scalia says.

"Because he thinks you are a terrorist and he's going to beat the you-know-what out of you…," Stahl replies.

"Anyway, that’s my view," Scalia says. "And it happens to be correct."

Sickening.

Media Matters has the web site Free Ride: John McCain and the Media. Paul Waldman is interviewed by Keith Olbermann about how the media loves the "straight talk" and "maverick" spin that comes out of the McCain campaign. McCain has flipped on sending more troops to Iraq, Jerry Falwell, and immigration, to name a few. The Senator still can't tell Shittes from Sunnis and told Wolf Blitzer "There are neighborhoods in Baghdad where you and I could walk through those neighborhoods today." It is time the free ride ends.

Change America Now will hold an event today at the Grand Hyatt, Tampa Bay. Health care advocates will discuss their problems with John McCain's positions on health care. McCain supports President Bush's veto against SCHIP.

Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, told CNN Wednesday he agrees with President Bush's veto of legislation expanding a children's health insurance program, saying the bill provided a "phony smoke and mirrors way of paying for it."

"Right call by the president," the Republican White House hopeful told CNN's John King.

That is the kind of straight talk the Maverick is now being taken to task for.

WHO: Nurses, healthcare professionals and advocates and families concerned about the healthcare mess in America

WHAT: Press Conference Responding to McCain Healthcare Remarks in Tampa and Calling on Him to Support Expanding SCHIP and overturning Bush Administration Efforts to Slash Medicaid by $13 Billion

WHEN: Tuesday, April 29th at 12:00 PM, ET

WHERE: Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay
2900 Bayport Dr.
The ‘PELICAN’ Room
Tampa FL 33607

Photo by the Orlando Sentinel

Florida Governor Charlie Crist can't seem to make up his mind about issues that might affect his approval rating.

The controversial abortion ultrasound bill? He’d wait to see how it looks when it reaches his desk, he said.

Allowing teachers to debate the basis of evolution? Ditto.

And the plan to bring commuter rail to Central Florida by giving CSX Transportation, a private company, sovereign immunity?

Déjà vu: “I’m interested in seeing the final product and look forward to reviewing it when it gets to my desk,” he said.

Crist has flip-flopped on abortion. Crist favors the current status quo on Florida abortion laws and is open to the possiblity to ultrasound screenings for abortions.


"Let's see what happens," Crist told the media.

Short answer: Crist is praying this bill dies in the legislature. Which might happen.

State senators were supposed to vote on the measure Friday after they halted an hour-and-a-half long discussion Thursday. But without discussion Friday morning, the Senate pushed back voting on the bill to next week, in the final days of the legislative session.

The bill's sponsor, Senate Majority Leader Daniel Webster, R-Winter Garden, said discussion was "not quite ready."

Crist was asked if he believes in evolution. The Governor gave a convoluted answer.

Asked if he believe in evolution, Crist said, “I believe in a lot of things. We should have the freedom to have a good exchange of ideas.”

But is legislation needed to guarantee that exchange? “I’m not so sure,” Crist said.

I'm glad the press didn't grill Crist with hard-hitting questions about his beliefs in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.

The transportation bill allows CSX to not be held liable for passenger-related injuries. Taxpayers will pay for lawsuits. Sink's letter details how the Florida legislature caved in to lobbyists.

"Much of the initial negative reaction to the Department of Transportation's proposal is a direct result of the lack of full public disclosure on this several hundred-million-dollar deal," she wrote.

"DOT has claimed they were successful during negotiations with CSX, but Floridians have been given a take-it-or-leave-it plan at the 11th hour."

Crist refused to say where he stood on the CSX liability issue. A true profile in courage.

I may be way off on this, but I don't remember Wonder Woman looking like Sheryl Lee Ralph. That may be just be me being bitter and clinging to Lynda Carter. An appreciative nod to Katherine....

"Elizabeth Edwards has a bushelful of chutzpah chastising the mainstream campaign press for its 'shallow news coverage' after the mainstream campaign press cut her and her husband** a huge break on one of the great shallow stories of 2008--the mysterious Edwards Campaign Love Child."

Mickey Kaus, going off the deep end by running a National Enquirer article against John Edwards.

It is hard to believe that Kaus used to once be an editor at Newsweek. Even Fox News has the sense to avoid a fantasy piece from a tabloid rag. Someone is always having a love child in the pages of The Enquirer. We might read about Ann Coulter having Kaus's love child. Although, I would rather not think about the possibility.

Hat tip to Kathy G.

Of awl the dwamatic things...
Rohjah Clemens is in McCready's box!

Suck it, Trekbek....

The front doors of Carol Morsani Hall were just gussied up in anticipation of the arrival of THE LION KING.

Click the thumbnails below to see the larger versions!



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If you were looking for the ninth Big Brother on CBS this July...well, it already has begun and has already concluded.  Because of the writers strike that took place at the end of 2007 and the start of 2008, CBS decided to do a late winter to early spring version of the show.

Did you miss it?  Well, don't worry...I missed the last six episodes completely myself.  Adam Jasinski was the grand prize winner, outlasting Ohio State student Ryan Quicksall in the finale between the last two housguests.

The summer Big Brother starts in mid July...so let the speculation begin on what the casting twist will be.

For coming out and supporting Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead with so much force! Your patronage made this show the second-highest attended and grossing show of anything we've solely produced in our now 9.5 year history.

As a matter of fact, both the #1 and #2 positions on our list are now held by shows from this season, #1 being Gorey Stories. The last #1 show was last seasons The Pillowman.

We're extremely encouraged by these trends, and by the substantial growth we continue to see from year to year. Further proof of that evolution and growth is that we're less than $3.5k in total sales this season from topping last season's record-setting totals with two productions remaining (A Dream Play, Embedded)

With all the talk about the lack of supports for the arts - particularly in this area - and the downturn in the economy we're thrilled to continue to post such great numbers. It's days like today that affirm we're all doing the right thing with Jobsite.

And of course, none of this is possible without your support. So thank you for coming out to see us, thank you for telling your friends about us, and thanks for giving where you can.

To Babylon!

One of my online buddies recently posted about his own quandary and it hit home. Like me, Dave's trying to decide between public and private school for his kids. For the last five years, I've taught in public schools and so I've listened to arguments for and against all the different choices regarding how to educate one's children.

Everyone has an opinion, but none matter and here's why. When deciding which school to send your kids, only you can know for sure what your children need. And to hell with what everyone else thinks.

What are the arguments for a public school education? Several people, teachers and parents alike, say that those educated in public schools are more well-rounded and learn better how to tackle problems independently.

What a load of rubbish.

Do these people actually know anyone educated in a private school setting? I know a few and they are delightful, smart, and tolerant. Some are self-important, but let's face it, snobs can be found anywhere - from prep schools to the AP classes at your local high school. Let's not pretend otherwise.

I went to public schools my entire life, but the reason I am strong and independent has to do with my DNA (Nana's in there somewhere) and the women in my life (Mom's strength, Aunt Mimi's mouthiness, and the hurricane-force that is Aunt Jeanne). I am the way I am because of those influences, not because of anything a teacher or bully ever taught me.

Not to diminish the importance of a good education, I just learned more about how to deal with differences and life's difficulties around the kitchen table every night, not behind a desk during the day.

I'm also not convinced that public schools offer real life experiences. I've worked full-time since the age of sixteen. Never have I been made to endure sexual harrassment, bullies, or physical assault in the workplace. I would never, ever put up with such nonsense. How can I ask my children to put up with it?

Such daily drama encourages bitterness, not strength.

What do your children need? That's the question to be answered.

If they benefit from a strong religious household with dedicated and self-motivated parents, perhaps homeschooling is the way to go. I've seen it work wonders with kids who have a habit of hanging with the wrong crowd. There are also dozens of activities homeschooled kids can attend at the local public school or YMCA to encourage good social skills.

Are your family's morals and values represented in a nearby school that is a comfortable and safe haven in which to learn? Then that parochial school would be the best choice.

If your kids are shy, closed-off, in need of special attention, or easy-going and relaxed or gifted and talented (God help you) - perhaps a public school is best.

Since my kids were two and a half years old, they've needed structure, organization, and discipline. They are the types of kids who respond well to order and supervision, an environment that calls for academic and athletic excellence.

Plus I like uniforms. Zero tolerance policy for behavior issues that get in the way of learning. That sort of thing.

I know, gulp. A Catholic or Jewish day school is looking like the best option for the Robinson boys. Public school fanatics? Your answer simply doesn't work for everyone.

Handle it.

City of Tampa logo CITY OF TAMPA

Pam Iorio, Mayor
Art Programs Division Public Art Program

Request for Qualifications

Seminole Garden Center

Art Allocation: $10,000

Application deadline (postmarked or hand-delivered):
Friday, May 16, 2008 at 5 p.m.


The City of Tampa Public Art Program is seeking artwork for the grounds of the Seminole Garden Center. This artwork can be existing or it can be a commissioned work. The intent of this project is to recognize the richness of the Seminole Heights identity and culture and to fulfill Mayor Iorio's initiatives that include focusing on investing in neighborhoods and recognizing the City As Art.


Site Description and Background:
Seminole Garden Center is located at 5800 Central Avenue in the neighborhood of Old Seminole Heights in Tampa. Old Seminole Heights is Tampa's first suburb which was developed in 1911 three miles north of downtown and encompasses all of the property north of Hillsborough Avenue to the Hillsborough River; east of the river to 22nd Street and south of Hillsborough Avenue to Martin Luther King Boulevard between Florida Avenue and I-275. Old Seminole Heights is a tree-shaded community, with stately bungalows maintained and restored from their origin in the early 1900's. Some of the homes are included in the National Register and local Historic Districts to ensure their preservation for generations to come. The neighborhood attracts residents of all ages and diverse cultural backgrounds. For more information on the neighborhood, please visit www.oldseminoleheights.com


The Seminole Garden Center is operated by the City of Tampa Parks & Recreation Department. Originally built in 1939, the Garden Club and the grounds of the Seminole Garden Center are being renovated by the city beginning April 2008. The renovations are projected to be complete by spring of 2009.

Project Description:

The Art Selection Committee is seeking artwork for the grounds of the Seminole Garden Center. This artwork can be existing or it can be a commissioned work. Commissioned or existing, the committee has expressed interest that the work be site-sensitive to the Old Seminole Heights neighborhood. The Committee is seeking to select an artist to work with the neighborhood through at least one community workshop. Because of its historic nature, the artwork cannot be a permanent fixture in or on the facility itself.



Eligibility:

Open to visual artists with experience executing their ideas from concept to completion and working in the public realm with public agencies. Regional artists encouraged to apply. The artist will be working closely with the City's Public Art Program and the Parks & Recreation Department to determine the best opportunity for the public art installation.



Budget:

The amount of the commission is $10,000. This is to include all expenses such as materials, travel, accommodations, insurance, equipment, etc.

Insurance Requirements:

General Liability Insurance for the Artist and the Artist's subcontractors (if any) shall be provided with a limit of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence with a general aggregate of $2,000,000.The policy shall provide that the City is an additional insured as to the activities of the Artist under this Contract, and also shall provide the severability of interest provision.

Submissions:
To be considered, a complete application, consisting of the following, must be submitted. Incomplete submissions cannot be considered.

Ö Six (6) copies of written statement regarding how you envision approaching the project. Length should be no less than one paragraph, no more than one page.

Ö Six copies of a current professional resume, emphasizing Public Art experience.

Ö Visual examples of past work on CD-ROM.

o CD-Rom: 20 images of completed art works or projects. Images can be displayed as a Microsoft power point presentation, or just as JPG files. Must be compatible with Windows XP. CD must be labeled with artist's name. Images must be 1920 pixels on the longest side and "high quality" JPG file format. Do not submit TIFFs, PDFs, Word or any other non-JPG formats.

o Please save your image to be no more than 1.5 MB in file size. On average, your image will fall below the maximum requirement of 1.5MB.

Ö ID Sheet: An identification sheet that includes:

o The name of the project for which you are applying, the artist's name, address, email, website (if applicable) and phone number. Also, for each image include: the corresponding number, a thumbnail image (if digital submission), title of work, medium, dimensions, date of work, and budget of project or price of work. You may choose the option of adding a sentence or two of additional explanatory text about specific artworks.

Ö SASE: A self-addressed, stamped envelope for the return of slides. Resumes will be kept on file. Please note on your application if you are requesting that all of your materials (slides, etc.) be retained in the City of Tampa's Artists Registry. This registry serves as a frequent resource for potential Public Art projects within the City of Tampa (this includes local separate authorities).



NOTE: Artists already on file in the City of Tampa Artists Registry are requested to update their file according to the above stated criteria. It is the artist's responsibility to make sure their file is updated.

Artist Selection Process:
The Art Selection Committee, comprised of Public Art Committee representatives, and stakeholders relevant to the project (community representative, parks representative, visual arts representative, etc.) will conduct a blind review of the images submitted. The Committee will then review artist resumes, their statements regarding how they would approach this project, and what would be their preferred design. The Committee may opt to choose a finalist, or select multiple finalists to submit refined proposals. The artist/s will work with the Committee if any adjustments to the concept/proposal are needed.

Working Project Schedule:

Call to Artists deadline: Friday, May 16, 2008

(postmarked or hand-delivered)

Artist selected / design concepts finalized: Summer 2008

Fabrication: Fall 2008

Target Installation date: January 2009
Questions? Email: publicart@tampagov.net


Mail/Deliver Submissions to:

Public Art Program:

Seminole Garden Center project

City of Tampa, Art Programs Division

306 East Jackson Street, 7N

Tampa, Florida 33602

The City of Tampa's Public Art Program promotes the involvement of artists in projects throughout the city that enhance the physical environment and celebrate Tampa's unique character and identity.


Doreen Di Bona, Trustee
OSHNA

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I spent an inordinate amount of time outdoors this past week.

I do not enjoy outdoor activity of any kind. My skin, hair, and temperment are better suited for temperature-controlled rooms adorned with artwork and interesting people who buy me drinks while we discuss the ways in which George W. Bush has destroyed the middle class.

Nevertheless, my children went on a field trip Thursday to Colorado Springs' idea of a zoo and they needed parent volunteers to supervise. I'm sure I was not their first choice, since Youngest's teacher ignored me and talked through my children instead.

Example: "You can tell your mother that the bus will be leaving at 1pm."

I know. Ridiculous.

At some point, though, they realized beggars can't be choosers. And so I rode on a bus with about 30 second graders and tried not to gouge my own eyes out. Upside: I got to meet Larry, Curly, and Moe for myself.

One of them wore this t-shirt: "I Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time."

Well. Doesn't that just about sum it up?

Actually, the kids in question weren't so bad. They were loud. Obnoxious. They got into trouble and were reprimanded by Miss Blah Blah several times. And one of them had his mom with him. Decked out in biker clothing, she looked like Cher from Mask. The kids reminded me of my own special needs students who've learned long ago that being yelled at is better than being ignored. Larry, Curly, and Moe simply seek out negative attention because it's better than nothing.

Halfway through the day, Youngest remarked, "Now I know why Larry yells at everyone. I just heard his mom yelling at him. She's kind of mean."

Plus we saw a monkey eat its own fecal matter. All in all, my children learned a lot that day.

On Friday, I chaperoned my own students on their Community Service Day, last one of the year (thank God), where they planted seedlings at Bear Creek Park. I supervised the teenagers, but did not participate.

"Ms. Robinson," one of my students said, "why don't you plant trees with us?"

"I didn't break the law and therefore am not required to complete community service hours."

"Don't you want to get your hands dirty?"

"I do not."

"You could contribute to the community."

"My entire teaching career has been a contribution to the community. Now get to work."

Halfway through the day, Lou, a supervisor of parks and recreation, offered me a bottle of water. I politely declined.

"You need water here, ma'am."

I could barely hear him because my ears were covered with a wool cap and hoodie to block out the forty degree weather and 45 mile per hour winds. In April.

"I'm aware it's dry," I said, after he repeated himself. "But due to budget cuts thanks to a Republican-run town, there aren't any bathrooms except that blue port-o-potty about a mile across the tundra. Since I don't feel like dodging snakes and branches falling from dead trees, I'm going to go with 'no thank you.' At least until I can get back to civilization again. Lou."

He just stared at me.

As a rule, Parks Department people do not get me.

But I bet if I were in a temperature-controlled room sipping a cosmopolitan and talking with fabulous people, they would have laughed their asses off.

A gallon of gas: $3.48-$3.55, depending on where you are in Pinellas County.
A gallon of milk: between $4-$5, depending where you go.
Can you get rice?: If you go to Sam's Club here, no...but just go to a local grocery store if you really need it.

More updates as things progress..

A link to WMNF's radio interview with Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio wherein she goes into great detail on her feelings about mass transit and light rail in Tampa.

Our production of Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead now ranks #2 in all-time box office grosses for any show Jobsite has produced entirely on our own. It just clipped off our blockbuster run of The Pillowman this morning and is gaining ground on our all-time best-seller in terms of grosses - Gorey Stories. It's certainly not a sure thing that we'll overtake that mark, but it's certainly possible.

So, does this just mean Tampa can't get enough death? Interesting ... Well, we have plenty more in store for you then ...

We're also less than 90 tickets away from becoming the best-attended Jobsite show we've produced on our own. Jobsite also currently maintains all sales records for any production at any time in the Shimberg Playhouse, going back to when it was still called the Off Center Theater.

Who says the theater is dead and Tampa can't support the arts? All three of those shows mentioned above have been produced in the past 18 months. You go, Tampa Bay! You go, Jobsite!

There are only 3 more performances, and we hope to go our with a big bang. There's good availability for all shows this weekend, but we anticipate strong walk-up so encourage patrons to try to arrive early or buy in advance so they can ensure their seats.

I took a few snaps this morning of my healthiest rose bush (click for full-size v.'s). All the black spot is gone, it's about the right height and totally full of leaves and buds. 9 right now, to be exact. The best part of this shot is that my dog is taking a whizz right behind the plant. This is why they are all staying in the large pots, because the boys would use these suckers as target

Last night Oldest got on the phone with my brother to complain about a tummy ache.

"It's the matzoh, Uncle Mike. I'm all bound up."

Husband suggested we stop the whole "kosher for Passover nonsense before someone busts a colon."

Brother concurred.

"What kind of religion makes you eat stale cardboard for eight days straight?" he asked. "As if living where it snows in April isn't hardship enough. Give the kid some carbs for Christ's sake."

Well. For somebody's sake anyway.

Well, it wasn’t all that dramatic. But I did drive to Tampa the other day to have lunch with sticks of fire guru Tommy Duncan.

We ate at Kojaks, one of Tampa’s most renown eateries.
It’s funky, fun. The food is good, too.
Most of all, it was delightful seeing Tommy.

The drive there was not without reverie and more than a little irritation, however.

The reverie was fun. Now that I don’t have to make the drive from Northeast St. Petersburg to downtown Tampa unless I want to, I can enjoy the view. Even at noon on a Thursday, Brown Water Beach along the west side of Gandy Bridge was a popular spot. Lots of people and their dogs. I particularly love watching the dogs chase around in the water.

Note to beach-goers: Watch your step.

The irritation comes on the east side of Gandy. 

If you haven’t been on Gandy Boulevard in Tampa recently – particularly the area west of Lois – avoid it. Road construction makes the route no damn fun.

I did see a bumper sticker while stopped in traffic that made me laugh: “Smile,” it commanded. “It confuses people.”

Anyway, Tommy is great. A kind, funny, wise guy.

We talked about this and that and I promised, PROMISED to renew my contributions to sticks.

Now that I’ve taken the year off that I should have committed to in the first place, I’m feeling a little more “talkative” again.

So maybe I’ll see you on sticks of fire.

TBARTA's regular meeting is today. Last time, they had a speaker from DART.