TampaBLAB

by Elizabeth A. Leib

Columbia journalism professor Sree Sreenivasanm is hosting webcast reports by Journalists and experts in Mumbai and in the U.S. on the attack. A Jewish community center in Mamba, Nariman House, home to the Orthodox Jewish group Chabad Lubavitch, was also attacked. The identity of the attackers is unconfirmed; early reports identify one as Pakastani and possibly others may hold British passports.

It’s fascinating to watch the way technology makes it possible for journalists to collaborate from different cities and outside of news organizations to organize an internet news bureau to report on a subject in real time. The next webcast is scheduled this morning at 10AM and then again tonight at 10PM.

Interesting blogs on the attack: The Daily Beast Mambai MetBlogs Mambai Help iReport Arun Shanbhag

I wanted to read Through the Storm: A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World by Lynne Spears and Lorilee Craker precisely because it is not an expose on Lynne's daughter, Brittany (or any of her other children).

Rather it is a look at how fame affected the lives of an entire small-town family who pursued their biggest dreams only to discover some of their biggest challenges.

Thomas Nelson, one of the biggest Christian publishers, recently launched a book review program. Receive a free book from a small selection if you agree to review the book on your blog and on Amazon.

Whenever anyone says, "free "book", it gets my attention. (I'm bad that way.)

At that time, however, I was reexamining my book review commitments. I continue to review a broad selection of fiction books monthly for FreshFiction. I occasionally review fiction titles, usually but not always by African-American authors, for SORMAG. I get Christian fiction titles from the FIRST and CFBA blog alliances a couple times of month. All of this makes for a whole lot of reading when I need to spend a lot more time writing.

But the Thomas Nelson program would add some non-fiction titles to the mix, and the initial slate of titles, including Ms. Spears' book, The Faith of Barack Obama by Stephen Mansfield, and Billy by William Paul McKay and Ken Abraham suggested the titles would hold some unexpected choices.

After I read the preview chapter here, I chose Ms. Spear's book for my first title.

Lynne Spears is like millions of mothers the world round. Born and raised with small-town values and a strong faith, she simply wanted to live a happily ever after life: married to her one love, and raising and supporting her children in the pursuit of their dreams. Her HEA was not to be. The marriage, rocky very early on due to her husband's alcoholism, didn't survive. And her children? Well, she's got two very huge personalities in her daughters, Brittany Spears and Jaime Lynn Spears, who have achieved their superstar dreams but are living out their private struggles in a very public manner, with repercussions for the whole family. (Ms. Spears also has one son who works in the entertainment industry behind the scenes.)

I appreciate Lynne Spears' candor, her willingness to share her story without feeding into the insatiable appetite of the American public for every minute detail of her children's lives. The success of her children were not her dreams for them. She hardly imagined they would achieve the success that they have.

Ms. Spears comes across as genuine and constantly surprised, if not unnerved, by the challenges of the level of fame her daughters achieved--from security concerns to being minimized as a guiding voice in their professional and personal lives to the constant assault by the paparazzi. She makes it very clear that if she could do it all over, she'd have found a way to stick with her one true love: being a second-grade teacher.

With three sons who may seek any path their hearts desire, for me, Spears' story of how their lives skyrocketed to unbelievable highs and spiraled to unexpected depths is interesting, if not informative.

Find out more about Through The Storm here.

Peace & Blessings,
Patricia
Stay focused. Move Forward. Believe.

While strolling through the meadow this morning I noticed a spectacular flower. It took my breath away. I paused for a moment, inhaled the country air and wondered...should I cut this artwork of nature and take it home? Then I...

by Chuck Welch at LakelandLocal.com

As you shop today remember to be calm and carry plenty of water.

Oxford Lumber 1930s Cash Register credit: by Chuck Welch for Lakerland Local

•
Did you know that Lakeland Local maps are interactive and include information you won't find in the article?

Since Beth's mother is in town, we've been busy, hence the lack of blogging.

To make up for it, here's the last few days in brief:

Tuesday - Took my mother-in-law to the range. She shot a .22 rifle, a .38spl and a 9mm. The .38 scared her a little, but she shot it pretty well. At 12 feet, she hit COM. Good enough. She had a good time, and learned lots about guns. Before this she had only shot a shotgun.

Wednesday - Went to the Magic Kingdom. Let me tell you, the Teacups and Small World are not good places to be when you have a migraine. Hell, Disney World in general is an awful place to be when your eyes hurt and your skull is throbbing. After I found some naproxen, we met Beth's sister and brother-in-law for dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe.

Today - TurDucHen is in the oven. Mashed potatoes are made. Spanikopita is nearly done. Got Rick-rolled by the damn Macy's day parade.

That's all folks. I'll probably be in a vegetative state for the next day or so. Hopefully I'll wake up in time to watch the Mountaineers slaughter the Pitt Panthers (hrggck-spit.)

Update:
After a quick nap (the Detroit/Tennessee game wasn't worth watching, but it was OK to fall asleep to) I just wanted to say the Turduchen was a huge success. Perfect in every way, except for the lack of bacon. Now we are waiting for the pumpkin pie to chill. We'll probably eat it out by the pool. ...

Since Beth's mother is in town, we've been busy, hence the lack of blogging.

To make up for it, here's the last few days in brief:

Tuesday - Took my mother-in-law to the range. She shot a .22 rifle, a .38spl and a 9mm. The .38 scared her a little, but she shot it pretty well. At 12 feet, she hit COM. Good enough. She had a good time, and learned lots about guns. Before this she had only shot a shotgun.

Wednesday - Went to the Magic Kingdom. Let me tell you, the Teacups and Small World are not good places to be when you have a migraine. Hell, Disney World in general is an awful place to be when your eyes hurt and your skull is throbbing. After I found some naproxen, we met Beth's sister and brother-in-law for dinner at the Rain Forest Cafe.

Today - TurDucHen is in the oven. Mashed potatoes are made. Spanikopita is nearly done. Got Rick-rolled by the damn Macy's day parade.

That's all folks. I'll probably be in a vegetative state for the next day or so. Hopefully I'll wake up in time to watch the Mountaineers slaughter the Pitt Panthers (hrggck-spit.)

Update:
After a quick nap (the Detroit/Tennessee game wasn't worth watching, but it was OK to fall asleep to) I just wanted to say the Turduchen was a huge success. Perfect in every way, except for the lack of bacon. Now we are waiting for the pumpkin pie to chill. We'll probably eat it out by the pool. ...

Happy Thanksgiving.   We have eaten and are readying ourselves for meal number two, which will likely be less meal and more drink. That’s just the way it probably should be. For meal number one: Boars Head Turkey sandwiches. Made with Italian rustic bread, Sharp NY cheddar, granny smith apples, and romaine lettuce. Cranberry relish. Kale mashed potatoes Cranberry-pear crumble Cranberry Champagne cocktails. All [...]

guess who?

The emphasis on sucking cunt serves to demystify cunt in a spectacular way — cunt is not dirty, not terrifying, not smelly and foul; it is a source of pleasure, a beautiful part of female physiology, to be seen, touched, and tasted.”

Sucking is an act of the same magnitude as fucking. That attitude, pictures of women sucking cock, men sucking cunt, and all the vice versas, discussions of the techniques of sucking, all break down barriers to the realization of a full sexuality.

Given the selective enforcement of the laws, the shame that attaches to forbidden acts, and the fact that acts of oral lovemaking represented in words or in pictures are generally deemed obscene, sucking must be seen in and of itself as an act of political significance (which is certainly wonderful news for the depressed revolutionaries.

no fair using google. :)

It's a tradition that dates back to -- yes! -- those glorious '80s. A Thanksgiving feast with the family, followed by a Wild Turkey feast with friends and loved ones. Back then, while I was still in college, it took me a couple months to set aside the money for this adult-flavored indulgence. And now, thanks to our current economy, it takes me twice as long!

But the Vegas Girlfriend is in town for the holiday and will definitely need some sort of luxury later this evening after meeting Momma Spearsy for the first time. So beware of odd, late night IMs from the Spears Lair, along with cries for help, stumbling onto the floor and loud '80s karaoke.

For now, VGF and I are psyching ourselves up for the trip to the "others" Spears Lair in sunny Clearwater, Florida, by watching her DVD collection of Pet Shop Boys videos. So here's your obligatory list, courtesy of my guest.

TOP 5 PET SHOP BOYS VIDEOS:
(And VGF's arguments verbatim)

5. SO HARD: "I like it because it has normal people in it. Gritty, industrial London."

4. GO WEST: "Highly computerized Soviet imagery. Half-naked guys. What's not to like?"

3. IT'S A SIN: "Directed Derek Jarman, with manifestations of the seven deadly sins."

2. WHAT HAVE I DONE TO DESERVE THIS: "Las Vegas showgirls -- one with glasses -- and Dusty Springfield!"

1. NEW YORK CITY BOY: "Studio 54 on Halloween night. Amazingly fabulous."

     First of all, don’t get trapped into thinking the Saints offense is now the “greatest show on turf.”   The 51 points they laid on the Packers Monday night was impressive, but consider who they played.  The NFC North Division is weak.  Last time I looked, the Bucs went 4 and oh against that division this season. 

 

     Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is coming in with plenty of confidence, but even he knows, this Bucs defense is not one you’re going to fool all the time.  Oh yes, in week one, he hit two big plays against the secondary.  The Bucs were still in that game, but didn’t have the finish on offense to get it done.   This time, they have a healthy Jeff Garcia.  He told me flat out Wednesday that having that comeback ability is one of their strengths right now.  It’s getting off to a quick start early, and in the second half that’s no there.

 

     This is the first of three defining division games for the Bucs.  Carolina follows, Atlanta the following week.  A win Sunday would eliminate NO.  Frankly, with the talent NO has, they’ve underachieved this season.

 

     Not to say this game is slam dunk for the Bucs.  Not by any means.  History tells us this game will be decided by less than a TD, likely less than five points.  Can you spell Matt Bryant?  The sure Pro-Bowler, according to Head Coach Jon Gruden, will be called upon.  He may not win it at the end, but he will make a difference.

 

     Bucs are 3 ½ point favorites over New Orleans.  Hate those half points, but we’ll deal with it.  The Bucs are riding their second three game win streak.  Their last one ended on the road at Denver.  This time, they push it to four in a row, but I’m going to take the 3 ½ points.

 

                                  TK’s PICK: Saints +3 ½

                                  TK vs. Spread  7-2-1

 

      Tom Korun

HEAD COACH JON GRUDEN

(On Thursday’s practice)
“We’ve got the same injury report as we did yesterday, but I’ll answer any questions that I can.”

(On TE Alex Smith’s injury status)
“He did a little bit more, but we still have to call him limited because he wasn’t full-go. But he has a chance, both he and Jermaine [Phillips]. We’re excited about Jermaine. It looks like he’ll be able to go and Alex looks better and better.”

(On Jermaine Phillips’ impact against the run)
“He’s a really good player. Any time you lose one, the next guy has to step up. Sabby clearly did that. That’s been our mantra around here. If you go in, if you’ve got to replace somebody, you’ve got to play as good or better. Not comparing the two, but we need Jermaine Phillips. He’s one of our leaders and one of our best players.”

(On winning at home and what the difference has been)
“We’ve been in a lot of tight football games since I’ve been here, in the good seasons and in the not-so-good seasons. I think our placekicker has a lot to do with that. You guys that have covered the team know we have areas where we have really not done well in that phase of the game. Our special teams is making a big difference, scoring on special teams. We’ve blocked a punt, returned a kick, returned a punt, making our field goals, [Josh] Bidwell is a Pro Bowler in my opinion and our quarterback play has been steady. That makes a big difference in tight games.”

(On Clifton Smith overcoming the odds)
“It really is amazing. We took a guy in the second round to do just what he’s doing. The guy has come in here exploding onto the scene. We’ve got to get him to take care of the ball better, but Donald Penn, a lot of these guys, Earnest Graham, we’ve had a lot of guys come out of total obscurity and play very well here. That’s something we’re excited about.”

(On Cadillac Williams getting an increased workload)
“I think so. If we have the ball and we’re able to possess it, he’s a guy that we need. We’re running out of backs. We’re going to need him.”

(On Aqib Talib’s play since the season opener)
“If you go back and look at that play, he just mistimed his jump. I don’t know if he was a basket case. He’s going to intercept that every time, I think, he just mistimed his jump. Hopefully he times his jump this week.”

(On how much Talib has improved)
“He’s going to be a great player. He’s got everything you’re looking for. He’s a great kid, he’s a great talent and he’s really helped us in our nickel package. I think he’s elevated the play of everybody. [Phillip] Buchanon is playing well, Ronde [Barber] is playing really well, and that’s a good sign as we get ready for a team like this.”

“I hope that everyone has a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.”

running down my list of feeds in Sage Too it looks like every single blog I follow has a new entry entitled "Happy Thanksgiving!" It reminds me of those PSA station-id things on TV, Season's Best From All Your Friends...

Happy Thanksgiving!

We here at sticks are thankful for living right here in Tampa Bay.  For all we find to complain about, there’s nowhere in the world I’d rather be.

We are thankful for local heroes that can be found all over Tampa Bay.  The St. Pete Times has an example of one such hero - April Eastman helped a confused woman get back where she belongs.  Hey April!  Thanks for making Tampa Bay a great place to live!

We are thankful for local artists in all mediums, along with their supporters, promoters, and those who employ them.  All of you do a large part to make Tampa Bay a more interesting and fun place.

Thanks goes to local entrepreneurs, too.  Your passions and expertise bring all sorts of wonderful goods and services right to our doorsteps.  You also keep many of us employed, so that we can enjoy those goods.

A small bit of thanks to the athletes that make up the Tampa Bay Rays, the Bucs, and the Lightning.  You guys all do your part to provide an escape from the day-to-day nonsense, and it’s nice to have local pro teams to help the greater Tampa Bay community join together now and again.

Thanks also to local journalists at both dailies, the neighborhood and alternative weeklies, and all of the television and radio stations, who do the real job of digging up local news.

Thanks too, to the politicians in Tampa Bay, who really put up with a bunch of nonsense in the name of public service.  All of you do so much that the public never hears about, and we thank you.

Thanks goes out to all the independent bloggers in Tampa Bay.  They unearth great stories that we would never otherwise know about.

A big heap of thanks to all of our contributors here in the Sticks.  They certainly increase the quality of stuff found around here, and their time and effort has been invaluable.  A special shout-out to contributor and pal John Fontana.  He has done a wonderful job in making Sticks of Fire look the way it does. My sincerest thanks to you for taking your valuable time and talent to make this spot on the web look great.

I also want to thank all of the readers here. That people come and read about what we find out about Tampa Bay is still nothing short of amazing to me.  I hope all of you have a great day, every day.

Finally, we are thankful for all of our friends and family.  My wife and her daughter have made my life everything that it is, and my little girl is the love of my life.  Both kids’ other parents are wonderful, too.  All of them, along with our moms, dads, grands, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and sisters and all of our many friends certainly continue to make our life an interesting path.

We wish each an every one of you a happy Thanksgiving, and hope your day is full of smiles.

If there is something you are thankful for, and would like to share it with us, please let us know about it in the comments.

Ah, the Whizzo Chocolate Assortment sketch--one of my favorite food-related Python bits. I almost posted the vomiting-and-exploding gourmand scene from The Meaning of Life, but thought better of it when Sons Two and Three ran from the room shrieking Ewwwwwww. Hey, we're a pretty tough-tummied crowd around here, but even so, that sketch hit a little too close to home, shall we say, on a feasting day like today. And I wouldn't want to be responsible for dampening anyone's appetite.

Crunchy frog it is, then.

And as for me, I'm thankful for the mushroom shepherd's pie--with no lark's vomit and no anthrax--that I'll be making this afternoon; for the crisp, holiday-appropriate temperatures despite the brilliant sun pouring down on the garden where the boys are shooting hoops right now; and for family and friends far and near, there and here. I hope you all enjoy a peaceful, warm, and delicious day, too.

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to you and yours,

Deborah

This is a great idea -

“…offer a 50 percent rebate check to every purchaser of a new, American-made car produced by any auto company that signs up for a voluntary restructuring program with the federal government. The rebate would be paid by the Treasury Department, and then exchanged for preferred stock in the company that produced the car.”

We’ll probably be in the market for a car in 2009. With a deal like this I might even buy an American car, instead of going with the high quality/low cost strategy I usually adopt.

Mad Irish.net - Creating a Robots.txt Honeypot.

Nifty how-to on short term blacklisting of IP’s that hit a honeypot to thwart attackers.

This year, I am thankful for -

The ability to breathe through my mouth while a dead turkey neck boils over on the stove.

My family - who love me even though I won't eat their dairy desserts.

Forgiveness.

Best friends - who hold me up and keep me strong.

My liberal agenda.

Amazing brown eyes.

Stabilizing platelet counts. Even if they are still lower than George Bush's approval ratings.

Love.

A Florida address.

Fermenting grapes.

My children's giggles.

A President we can all be proud of.

The kindness of strangers.

My mom's patience.

Those times you make me laugh.

Health, happiness, and more of the same.

Happy Thanksgiving~!

This article (Tampa police use Taser to subdue agitated lawyer by Rebecca Catalanello and Janet Zink, Times staff writers) has two things I hate - Taser abuse and historic preservation codes.

First, as City Council member Joseph Caetano notes at the end of the article, “You can die from being Tasered.” That’s right! And, this guy should never have been Tasered in the first place, even if he did slap an officer. I’m deeply sympathetic to cops that have to deal with unruly citizens, but there’s got to be a better method than endangering this man’s life because he was in the middle of an emotional outburst.

What prompted the emotional outburst? The historic preservation codes of Seminole Heights. This guy, a professional who lost a lot of income after he had brain surgery earlier this year, is replacing the windows on the rear addition of his Seminole Heights bungalow. Unfortunately, he’s using aluminum window frames instead of the expensive wooden frames mandated by the preservation codes. Some nosy neighbor complained, and now he’s racking up substantial fines with every day that passes. He went to the board to ask for a waiver, was denied, became emotional/frustrated, objected to being escorted out of the meeting room, and, according to a cop, slapped the escorting officer in the face.

Tasers can be a valuable tool, but the use of a Taser in this situation was completely uncalled for, and unnecessary. It’s an embarrassment.

The preservation codes are equally embarrassing. A fine for window frames on the back of the house? That’s why people hate the historic preservation codes. They’re capricious. If we really want to keep these homes as museum pieces then a house built in 1913 shouldn’t be allowed to have television antennas, or cable television wires, or electric refrigerators. You should be allowed to keep your home alive, and that means having the ability to change it. We’re not really trying to create a museum neighborhood (or at least I hope we’re not) so the historic preservation codes shouldn’t address anything more substantive than a few cosmetic elements of the neighborhood. Windows in the backyard are really no one’s business.

Good luck, Mr. Hayes. I hope the Code Enforcement Board comes to its senses, allows you to install your windows, and you find some reason to be thankful this Thanksgiving.

Living in the neighborhood I do affords all sorts of interesting interactions and observances.

Equal parts ghetto and thriving renaissance, I'm always on my toes. I feel like any day I could see a clown car filled with nazis handing out cigars to old women, or perhaps even a donk dressed out as a cartoon character from the late 90s.

Enter Exhibit B:


This photo taken by my wife out our bedroom window. It's a Johnny Bravo Car!

Man, I'm confused.

Together, Stuck in the 80s co-host Sean Daly and I weigh a Thanksgiving Day combined 780 pounds, give or take a bag of Munchos or yesterday's "Sexy Suzy." You don't want to mess with us in a barfight. And yet, we aren't afraid to show off our sensitive sides. Or our silky skinned, hairless man-backs.

As Barry Manilow releases a tribute to the hits of our fave decade, we daydreamed about '80s stars turning the tables and covering Barry's greatest hits. Here's how we see it playing out.

MANDY - Phil Collins: No one knows bitter love better than the Philster.

COPACABANA (At the Copa), Culture Club: His name was Boy George, he was a showgirl...

WEEKEND IN NEW ENGLAND, Journey: When will Steve Perry's strong yearning end?

CAN'T SMILE WITHOUT YOU, the Smiths: This song is way too happy. Take it away, Morrissey.

I WRITE THE SONGS, George Michael: He makes the young girls cry. And cops. And Andrew Ridgeley.

LOOKS LIKE WE MADE IT, Air Supply: Uplifting lyrics, soaring vocals. Admit it, you thought this WAS an Air Supply song.

TRYIN' THE GET THAT FEELING AGAIN, Ozzy Osbourne: No punch line necessary.

DAYBREAK, the Cure: "Let it shine, shine, shine, all around the world!" After singing this perkfest, even gloom merchant Robert Smith would ride off on his unicorn into a rainbow sunset.

[Columbia photo]