September 3, 2006
| -ist Best of the Week
Celebrate Ben Franklin's 300th birthday with the Bikini Bandits and Phillyist! (NSFW). Speaking of Mr. Franklin, send in a picture of Ben (or Ed Rendell) with a red tongue and win a free t-shirt. And they might have the next YearlyKos in Philly.You know who's going to be upset about those Bikini Bandits? The Houston school system. Houstonist also reports on some redevelopment shenanigans over a landmark theater.
LAist's sex advice column on keeping your threeways safe. Also, some lovely photos of the Summer Junction street fair, and why reporter Daniel Hernandez left the LA Times for the LA Weekly.
Bostonist picks songs for Patriots touchdowns, plans for the next terror drill, and drinks the most out of all the -Ists! Love that dirty water!
Austinist might be getting a new MTV reality show -- about their local water park. Meet local artist Michelle O'Marah, and celebrate 20 years of the Don't Mess With Texas slogan.
Chicagoist checks out new alt-grocery store Sunflower (pictured at right), discusses Starbucks's plans to open 250 new stores in the area, and sympathizes with a guy thrown off a commuter train in Indiana 150 miles from home, just for bringing on a bike.
Speaking of Starbucks in Chicago, Seattlest notes that one is unionizing. In other Starbucks news, if you saw that notice about coupons not being honored after "email abuse" while getting your venti latte the other day too, here's the lowdown. In non-caffeine news, Seattle is proud to have punked the media with a fake EBay sale of a Britney Spears corndog.
SFist spent most of the week freaked out about the guy running over pedestrians in his SUV. In happier news, they did also go check out the penguin parade at the zoo.
Gothamist goes through the Columbia tunnels, wonders whether you'd pay $5 billion for 10 East Village city blocks, and checks in on everyone's favorite Whole Foods employee, Bill. Also -- has anyone seen Dinosaur Jr.'s stage gear? (We'd blame Lou Barlow, except his stuff was stolen too.)
Shanghaiist reports on this crazy, possibly fake Sex and Shanghai blog, which has gotten a number of Chinese men worked up about insults to their national character. And hey, Jay Z might be coming to town.
Londonist stops by the British Library, notices that the New York Times has blocked articles about the alleged London bomb plot from publication in the UK, and relates the ongoing saga of Spongebob the kidnapped monkey. So cute!
Torontoist reports on their own version of that guy on the Upper East Side who blew up his house so his wife couldn't get it, in Mississauga. Cool orange signs in Koreatown, and Absolut graffitis up the Toronto sidewalks.
and DCist finds the DC Punk Rock Tour! DC also wants another Trader Joe's. Finally, we always find the Overhead in DCs entertaining.
Your -ist compiler: SFist Rita. Pics (from top to bottom) by: Caroline Clough, Tony Pierce, SFist Emily, the BBC
August 26, 2006
-ist Best of The Week
If it weren't for our life as an -ist, we're not sure we'd ever leave our apartment. Fortunately, to fully -ist, one must seek out the new, the fresh, and the unknown. Brand new, or just new to us, that's what we're all about this week.
Phillyist keeps it fresh by getting a new motto, learning to prioritize, and taking in an experimental indie rock show.
Torontoist does their first post in franglais, gets ready for all sorts of new movies at the Toronto International Film Festival, and takes a look at Toronto's newest online lad mag.
Shanghaiist takes a little Shanghai language lesson, learns about respected sex researcher Li Yinhe, and gets LeBron James a new name.
LAist gives us a new procrastination tool, reports on a Smithers-overlooking new GLAAD study, and went to see a new movie you might have heard of.
Gothamist attends a city meeting to debate the new Atlantic Yards development project, interviews two guys attempting to set a new subway endurance record, and tries some appealing alternatives to Sauvignon Blanc.
DCist heralds the opening of the new Rock and Roll Hotel, learns how to make Kati Rolls, and posts a youth-penned opinion piece on the city's new curfew.
Houstonist checked out some teacher ratings sites, reported on the plan to turn the Astrodome into a massive new hotel, and hit a new low.
SFist tried out life as a tourist, made new friends at their second birthday party, and learned how tough it is to ride the bus with kids.
Austinist reports that Emo's, Austin's beloved rock club, is opening a new branch in Las Vegas, welcomes a new columnist, NPR's Laurie Gallardo, and tells us the tale of the man who wanted a new TV, but didn't want to pay for it.
Seattlest rounds out our parade of the new info and fresh experiences with a god-fearin' story so old it's new again. They also unveil a new eBay scam, and try taking the train from Seattle to Portland.
Soul Bar photo by Phillyist Star Foster, Quackers photo by SFist Jessica Longo
Links compiled by SFist Eve "I don't like it unless it's (brand new)" Batey
August 20, 2006
-ist Best of The Week
Breaking the law, breaking the law We -ist folks love us some crime, and no misdemeanor is too petty for a post on any of our sites. This week, join us for a rogues' gallery of miscreants major, minor, and alleged.
Gothamist gets us started with "Law & Order", muppet style. Oh, you know what isn't a crime? Taking pictures on the MTA. So, why are cops stopping photographers? In other Gotham crime, a group of Asian men was attacked by a group of white guys in Queens. Finally, Boy George reports for his court mandated community service. Sweet.
Londonist brings us the tale of poor Bob Hoskins, shaken at his near-miss with terrorists. Meanwhile, Interpol sweeps in to reclaim a lost Peruvian artifact. Then, there's the slasher who claims he got his weapon from President Bush. Ouch!
Phillyist's bus system, SEPTA, is fighting crime in a whole new way, and it would be a crime in and of itself for you not to read this story about Oreo the cat. Oh, and can we agree that requesting "Piano Man" at a piano bar should be illegal?
Torontoist's thorough coverage of the XVI International AIDS Conference, doesn't fit into the "crime" theme, but it's too great to pass up. But we're back on track with their post on bike rack vulnerability and an interview with a controversial crime fighter.
DCist brings us a murder that gets more mysterious by the day, and we're considering a life of crime ourselves, if it'll allow us to dine out like DCist. And if it's not illegal to sell soiled mattresses, it should be.
SFist muses on the negligent behavior of a public transit employee, covered the questionable confession of a man arrested for the murder of JonBenet Ramsey, and delineated the highway robbery that is the Bay Area real estate market.
Shanghaiist brings us this video of "one of the worst cover bands we have seen in China", which isn't illegal, but should be. We're unclear on the legal status of an "invisible monster cock", and we'd prefer to stay that way. Price gouging on drinks is a criminal act, in our opinion.
Chicagoist gets thrown in the hoosgow by readers who hate the Annual Air & Water Show. Should bottle service be illegal? Chicagoist's commenters debate that, too. And the criminally overdiscussed (and we say this even as we trotted this out as a theme last week) SOAP gets the Chicagoist commenter treatment, as well.
LAist exposes the questionable ethics of Accepted's marketing, tells us how to make the criminally tasty Moscow mule, and creates a criminal amount of garbage.
Houstonist blows us away with the announcement that they wear pantyhose. Someone call the fashion police! Houston's city council takes a bite out of shoddy newspaper rack crime. The only real criminals in Houston seem to be flying roaches. (No, not those kind.)
Those miscreants at Bostonist take their shot at our newest public enemy number one, Mel Gibson. Public enemy number two? Gold bricking spammers. Number three? Bad mergers.
Seattlest gets a photo of missing person Bettie Page, breaks some laws of their own by getting "drunk on clandestine vodka, and yell(ing) at passing cars." When is domestic violence kinda understandable? Now.
Austinist's lovable rogues tell us about issues in their state's gubernatorial race, eagerly anticipate the arrival of the criminally hilarious Onion, and bemoan the firing of a teacher who committed the crime of (gasp!) partial nudity.
Links compiled by SFist Eve "Diversion Program Success Story" Batey
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August 15, 2006
Willie Williams Headed to- Where?
Former UM Linebacker Willie Williams is transferring to Pearl River Community College in Mississippi. If you are scratching your head, join the crowd. Willie Williams who left the team in July expected to get some attention from powerhouse programs, but his troubled past (11 arrests before UM) may have played a role in the lack of commitment from a major program. Pearl River a perennial powerhouse among junior colleges, won the 2004 NJCAA championship and is the number one ranked team in this year's preseason polls.
Photo Credit: Pearl River Comm. College
August 13, 2006
-Ist Best of the Week
God, we're so sick of Snakes on a Plane that we want to kill anyone and everyone that makes a "something on a something" joke. But then we realized that there was no way we could ever win this fight, and, hell, if you can't beat them, we might as well join them. And with that, you have the theme of this weeks' Gothamist network post.
Austinist makes it easy for us, with Candidate on a Civic Building, Blank on a Blank, and Penguins on a Freeway (warning: sad).
Can we force SFist into our Noun in a Noun box? Hell, yeah! We got us a Geek on a Laptop, Tomatoes on a Plate, and the A's on a Tear.
Phillyist brings us Rocky on a Set of Stairs (or not), Cold Towels on a Phillyist and NOLA Benefit on a Thursday.
We always look forward to Shanghaiist's links, and this week is no exception as one of our favorite -ist columnists, Shanghai Fag Hag Tiffany, tells us about Pandas on a Night Out. Stick around for Wild Animals on a Limited Lease, an Ass-Kicking on a Shanghai Street and a Vandal on a Rampage.
Oh, no! It's Weed on a Listserv! DCist also features Logo on a Boob, Left Side Standers on a S**tlist, Jonathan R. Rees on a Furlough From The Nuthouse, Commenters on a Break, and Threats on a Sign.
What does LAist have for us? Oh, there's Dogg on a Mike, a Novel on a Generation, Animal Style on a Double Double, and Crazy Boots on a Bunch of People.
Houstonist is full of Houstonny goodness, what with Questionable Sentiments on a Wall, Metro Plans on a Table (from which they can, apparently, never be removed), Penguins on a Freeway Again (warning: still sad), and Dixie Chicks on a Shortened Tour.
Seattlest does a public service by pointing out some Confusion on a Child Molester's Identity, rocks out to Pirates on a Stage, sees Beckham on a US Tour, and folks flying out of Sea-Tac (hahahahaha) Wait on a Plane.
Oh, Torontoist, why so cranky? They Hate on a Lame Movie, and it's pretty damn funny. Also: George Bush on a Billboard, Bike Theft on a Guarded Block, and Wolf Parade on a Deadline.
Chicagoist is having the the best time as they Muse on a Fest. Oh, god, it's Joe Francis (allegedly non-consensually) on a Drunk Woman. How about Beloved DJ Not on a Radio? Finally, look at Fashion on a City-Wide Scale.
We round out our week of Something on a Something with some links from Gothamist. They bring us a nightmarish tale of Gaps on a Train Platform. Easier to take are Hipsters on a Crime Wave, Corpse Flower on a Web Cam, a Snow Leopard on a Mission (thankfully, NOT sad), and, last but certainly not least, Movable Hype on a September Evening.
Tomato photo by Melissa Schneider, Pink boots photo by LAist Sarah
Links compiled by SFist Eve Batey
August 11, 2006
Emotional Manny Asks For Dolphins Release
Manny Wright, 22, is supposed to be the Dolphins backup nose tackle this year, but last week he left camp and now he is asking to leave the team. His agent, Peter Schaffer offered a sympathec explanation to the Sun-Sentinel:
The only reason he wants (his release) is because I just think with regard to the depression issue, being in Miami seems to set him back," Schaffer said. "Maybe it's the memories from last year or whatever. I just think that he thinks not only for his pro career but his mental health that he would be better off somewhere else.
Despite Wrights diagnosis of clinical depression, Coach Saban is not about to lend any compassion or attempt to let him just leave the team.
"We don't have any of this stuff, 'When it doesn't work here, let me go someplace else.' That's not how it is. This is the real world. It's business. You have a job and a responsibility. If you're not capable, we'll certainly support you and help you. But if you're not interested in doing that, then we determine your fate. You don't."
This situation may get resolved, however, should Wright regain his footing in Dolphins camp, his teammates will likely question is desire to be with the team. If Wright cried after Saban yelled at him last year, it seems plausible that a trash-talking opponent could easily gain in edge on Wright at any point during the game. Wright's family is moving to South Florida to provide some support, but they can do nothing for him when he lines up between the dashes.
August 10, 2006
South Florida Airports Open Under Increased Security
Travelers going to and from South Florida airports, especially MIA, should expect delays for the next couple days. In light of the thwarted terrorist plot in Great Britain, airports both domestic and international have beefed up security. The national threat level has been raised to Red, the highest level, for flights scheduled between the U.K. and U.S. As was common practice with many airlines after the TSA took over for private screenners, airlines will likely do additional screening prior to boarding. CBS4's Gary Nelson offered the following information in his broadcast:
Officials at South Florida airports echoed warnings from US Homeland Security to leave such items out of your carry-on baggage before leaving home. Necessary liquids, such as medicine and baby formula, will be examined at checkpoints and may be allowed, but the extra checking will delay the security process.Concourses C and D at Miami International are reporting check-in delays, as is Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. TSA officials say flights will be traveling as scheduled, but they are urging flyers to allow extra time when arriving at airports.
Photo Credit: Gabriel
August 9, 2006
Miami Man Steals 1.5 Million in Cigarettes
Jerry Manuel was hauling $1.5 million worth of cigarettes before deciding to pull off at a Georgia truck stop for a quick break. He was not inside for long, but enough time for another man to steal his truck and trailer. According to Local10.com, Orestes Miribal, 43, stole Manuel's semi and started heading south. Authorities used a tracking device to lead them to Miribal but all they found was a truck. Miribal was later caught with the trailer and a different truck. He was charged with grand theft.
Photo Credit: First Coast News
Celebrity Fantasy League, Now That is Creative
We have received some quality press releases in the last eight months, but few top the press release/e-mail we received yesterday afternoon. Todd Galloway has created a Fantasy Celebrity League on Fafarazzi.com which is simply the most bizarre but clever idea we have seen in awhile. The headline for the site is the best part:
Fafarazzi.com is a Fantasy Celebrity League. Instead of points being scored for homeruns and touchdowns they're scored for divorces and catfights!
So far today "Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn are engaged" scored 6 points in relationships. What will they think of next?
August 8, 2006
Peruvian Bliss
Red wood chairs, bamboo placemats and smaller tables tempt diners to enjoy a leisurely meal outdoors, while elegant masks, jugs and other artifacts reminiscent of the ancient Inca Empire, a vital part of Peruvian ancestry, sit in pyramid style nooks inside the restaurant.
El Gran Inka, 606 Crandon Blvd., is one of six franchised restaurants in Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador and most recently, Key Biscayne. The Peruvian grill is owned and run by husband and wife team Claudia Carrillo and Jorge Vega.
“In Peru, it is very important the food,” says Peru born Vega. “It’s like a ceremony, if you ask a Peruvian ‘what do you miss the most?’ he will say the food.”
While Peruvian food is no new comer to Miami, much of what is available is Peruvian inspired or fusions of several types of South American cuisines. El Gran Inka brings its chefs from Le Cordon Bleu, the top culinary school in Peru, making this hot spot as authentic as it can get.
The menu is extensive and offers everything from the popular Ceviche de Mariscos, seabass, octopus, shrimp and squid marinated in lemon juice and garlic, to filet mignon to Aji de Gallina, slices of chicken prepared with a creamy sauce of nuts and parmesan cheese. There is also a small section with Chino Peruana, or Peruvian Chinese food due to the large Asian population of Peru.
Prices are reasonable especially for a seafood heavy menu. Appetizers range from $5.95 to $13.95 and the average entrée is less than $16. The Parrilla Gran Inca is the priciest option on the menu, but feeds two and includes beef, chicken, and seafood including fresh lobster and jumbo shrimp for $69.95.
El Gran Inka doesn’t have a liquor license, but the wine list offers two Peruvian wines and several other South American wines from Chile and Argentina. Bottle prices range from $25 to $320 for a Bordeaux, Chateau Mouton Rothschild. Cusquena, Peruvian beer is also available, but be sure not to miss the non alcoholic Peruvian drink specialties; Inca Cola and Chicha Morada.
The fluorescent yellow Inca Cola tastes like bubble gum and is more popular than Coca Cola in Peru. Chicha Morada is a refreshing deep purple colored juice made from purple corn, pineapple water, cinnamon, lemon and apple chunks that tastes like a combination of pomegranate juice and licorice.
The presentation is picture perfect almost making the fare too charming to eat.
Each element of the Piqueo Marino, a seafood dish with several types of ceviche meant to be shared, is arranged in individual shells placed delicately next to each other and garnished with subtly marinated red onions which compliment the cuisine.
The octopus in the Piqueo Marino is served with a delicate olive cream sauce, which matches the texture of the octopus and is not to be missed. The queen seabass ceviche is cured in lime and cilantro making it tender and delicate; a great choice for a light lunch.
Several other dishes are also great for sharing. The Ronda Criolla platter combines tenderloin, beef heart brochettes, deep fried chicken, pork and Peruvian corn called Tamalitos, a mealy, less structured version of polenta.
Even with the large portion size, you will want to save room for dessert.
The Suspiro a la Limena, reduction of milk, with a touch of port wine and meringue arrives in a parfait dish filled with a yellow custard topped with miniature white peaks and sprinkled cinnamon; a surprisingly light and creamy dessert which coats taste buds in a sweet/tart blanket.
While El Gran Inka isn’t a great choice if you are looking for a quick bite, the service is friendly, but the wait staff is still trying to work out the kinks, overall the eatery brings a very authentic slice of Peru to Key Biscayne.
El Gran Inka offers one menu for both lunch and dinner and is open Sunday through Wednesday from 12-10 p.m. and Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 12-11 p.m. Reservations are accepted, but are not typically necessary. Take out is also available.
Photo Credit: Flickr.com
Movie Review: The Painful Talladega Nights
If you are a fan of Will Ferrell, name brands, NASCAR and rednecks this is the must see film of the summer. After a $47 million dollar opening weekend, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby became the largest opening weekend for Ferrell and blew away "Pirates 2" and "Miami Vice." Talladega nights rides on the same Anchorman/ Wedding Crashers comedy that Ferrell has perfected and made profitable since his days on Saturday Night Life. More TV 32 of all the reviews we have seen does the best job of attempting to explain this film:
"Talladega Nights" tells the tale of Ricky Bobby, a man who was born when his Daddy was racing his Ma to the hospital and got so carried away by speed that a quick slam on the brakes is all it took to pop little Ricky out. His Daddy takes a powder shortly after he is born, and as a result Ricky grows up with a hero worship complex and the need for speed.An emergency at a racetrack where he works pushes Ricky behind the wheel of a NASCAR vehicle in the middle of a race and everything just clicks, including a phrase his drunken Daddy once said to him -- If you ain't first, you're last. So begins the raucous rise and fall of Ricky Bobby.
Talladega nights is a painful Will Ferrell stream of consciousness, void of intrigue and character development, littered with product placements and a commercial for Applebee's. The thrice repeated scene of Will Ferrell escaping from his race car in tighty whities, sent us into a stream of consciousness spiral of outbursts all pertaining to our desire to recoup two hours of our lives and $9.
Rick Ross Releases 'Port of Miami'
'Hustlin' put rapper Rick Ross (he is named after an infamous drug dealer) on the map, now the release of Port of Miami could launch him into rap superstardom. Every year, a hard core lyricist emerges from the mediocrity masses. It just so happens that Miami's Kris Ross, better known for his hooks than his rhymes, could become this year's hottest rap act. In his new album, 'Port of Miami, Ross backed by Def Jam/Slip N Slide, teams up with an array of artists who help him depict the mean streets of Miami and further emphasize his thug persona. His physical stature and persona are emblemattic of Biggy, but his methodical rhymes and exaggerated cocaine stories might alienate him from a broader group of hip hop fans. Of all the reviews out there today, we are in agreement with the Sun-Sentinel's break down:
Port of Miami becomes a taxing listen over 75 minutes of coke-slinging and gang-banging, the action served up at a deliberate pace that sounds designed not to disturb Ross' stoic narration.Ross is presenting himself as the kind of Miami businessman who will never get a Rotary Club invitation, but no matter: He can look forward to decorating his pad with at least one gold or platinum record.
August 7, 2006
Castro's Daughter Starts with CNN
Last week Fidel went in for surgery, exiles in Little Havana started dancing, his sister made a few comments and his daughter found a new gig with CNN. CNN hired Castro’s daughter Alina Fernandez (50) as a contributor from Miami. She will assist as an analyst of sorts with news developments related to Cuba and more specifically the status of her father and uncle. In an article we found at donga.com the following excerpt was included along with some information about the rest of the Castro Family.
My uncle Raul is different from my father Fidel, but he has a strong hold on the military forces.” Fernandez further stated, “My father had surgery to stop intestinal bleeding in the 1960s,” and recalled that her father was an attentive person, playing games with her but that their relationship changed as she grew older. Fernandez added, “I decided to seek asylum for my daughter because I couldn’t stand daily life in Cuba.”