Published April 21, 2010
TERRY “T-BONE†RHODES: “I’m going to get behind [the scene] one way or anotherâ€
For the past year Music Scene and Be Seen — broadcast on WSLR 96.5 LPFM — has been Sarasota’s only radio show focused wholly on local original music. Terry “T-Bone†Rhodes started the project with that goal in mind, but he also wanted to bring attention to Sarasota’s much-hated noise and entertainment ordinances. He took full advantage of his mouthpiece, playing local records, mentioning local concerts and hammering on the noise restrictions every time he took the air.
FCC regulations stipulate that since WSLR is a nonprofit, non-commercial station, its programmers cannot promote events they are directly involved with. WSLR had reprimanded Rhodes for pushing the limits of those rules in the past — and two Mondays ago, the station went one step further. WSLR manager Arlene Sweeting informed Rhodes that he would be suspended from the station for six months, effectively canceling Music Scene and Be Seen. (more…)
Published April 14, 2010
LIFE
Now, we all know how life begins. When mommy and daddy love each other very much they get it on and make a baby. But if mommy and daddy want to be green about their naughty escapades, there are a surprising number of ways to be sexually sustainable.
If sex toys are your bag you should keep the environment in mind when shopping around for your dildos and vibrators. Stick with toys made from silicone, glass, metal or hard plastics, while avoiding toys containing plastic-softening chemicals like phthalates. If your toys are power tools, buy models that are rechargeable, or use rechargeable batteries to keep your little bedroom buddies humming. (more…)
Published April 14, 2010
With the amount of greenhouse gases emitted from planes, trains and automobiles, the decisions you make about your method of travel have the most significant impact on your green lifestyle. As a general rule, the greenest transport is always foot power. But when walking or biking won’t cut it there are plenty of other ways to green it up.
For longer trips try to take a shuttle bus, train or light rail for anything under 1,000 miles. Planes are the environment’s worst enemy. If you’re driving it yourself, it’s best not to be a speed demon. You reduce your fuel efficiency by 10 percent for every five miles per hour you drive above 55. (Yes, Mr. Sammy Hagar, that applies to you as well.) Try keeping your engine between 1,200 and 3,000 RPMs and between 2,000-2,500 when up-shifting. Avoiding sudden starts and stops not only saves gas but also extends the life of your engine. (more…)
Captain Tom Stephens with Redfish and J.P.A.Published March 24, 2010
A day on the high seas with Sarasota artist and fishing captain Tom Stephens
Process: S/ART/Q Art Exhibit Opening reception 5-11 p.m. Fri., March 26, exhibition runs through April 25, G.WIZ Science Museum, 1001 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, topnotchfishing.com, tomstephensfineart.com, sartq.com, free.
As he does on most days during the summer months, Captain Tom Stephens Jr. paces the deck of his 23-foot Dorado fishing boat docked behind New Pass Grill. He checks the rods, stocks bait and frees a pelican caught in a line. I probably resemble most of Stephens’ clients as I board the vessel with an itch to get fishing. The breeze is brisk as we make our way along south Longboat Key into Big Sarasota Bay. Stephens ascends to his perch to survey the shallow waters and soon locates a swirling school shimmering in the grassy flats. Anchor down — this is where his process begins. (more…)
Published March 17, 2010
FISHING
Saprito Pier at Ringling Bridge Causeway Park, 420 John Ringling Causeway, Sarasota, 365-2200 or sarasotagov.com
A great spot to cast a line is the Saprito fishing pier under the east end of Ringling Bridge. Hart Landing, just south of the pier, offers a bait shop, gazebo, picnic tables, concessions and restrooms, providing everything you need for a day of fishing bliss. Show up around sunset for some killer views of Sarasota Bay.
KAYAKING
Jim Neville Marine Preserve: Little Sarasota Bay, Sarasota, 861-5000 or scgov.net; Ted Sperling Park at South Lido Beach: northern entrance, 190 Taft Drive, Lido Key
Some of the area’s natural gems are accessible only by boat, like the 35-acre Jim Neville Preserve in Little Sarasota Bay with its maze of waterways and top-notch bird watching. Ted Sperling Park features a kayak launch leading to South Lido’s famous mangrove tunnels, giving paddlers an intimate view of mangrove wildlife with frequent dolphin and manatee sightings. (more…)
Published March 17, 2010
DISC GOLF
Lakeview Park: 7150 Lago St., Sarasota, 316-1172 or scgov.net; North Water Tower Park: 4700 Rilma Ave., Sarasota
There are two disc golf courses in the area with distinctly different levels of difficulty. Beginners should definitely stick to North Water Tower Park till they get good at long distance drives. Many a disc lay at the bottom of Lakeview’s, uh, lakes.
PUTT-PUTT
Smugglers Cove Adventure Golf: 3815 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 351-6620 and 2000 Cortez Road W., Bradenton, 756-0043, smugglersgolf.com; Evie’s Miniature Golf: 4715 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, 377-2399 or eviesonline.com/range
Both Smuggler’s Cove locations feature a seafaring theme with caves, shipwrecks and rushing waterfalls to play through. You can even feed live alligators! Evie’s offers more of an old western feel to complement their, you guessed it, waterfall. (more…)
