Creative Loafing, Feb. 27, 2008

On the day after Christmas last year, we published our annual Top 10 issue. Among the usual lists of the year's best stuff, we included an essay by our political editor, Wayne Garcia, which took a more critical tack: He proclaimed that Tampa Bay had jumped the shark. A great place with great ideas had reached a point where it was no longer coming up with good solutions, he declared, and was in danger of cresting the hill and heading downward. Here you'll find an expanded version of Garcia's original list of 10 crucial problems, this time with suggestions for first steps that can be taken to address them. And each week from now on, in print and online, we'll follow up with information, interviews and ideas aimed at making headway in the 10 problem areas. At the same time, we are launching a new blog, Fix It Now Tampa Bay, which will feature activists intimately familiar with the 10 issues we outlined, as well as information from Loaf staff. It's all part of an experiment in civic and citizen journalism, one aimed at providing solutions—and getting our government officials to take action. Go to Fix It Now Tampa Bay>>

By Karen Stephenson, business + strategy, Feb. 28, 2008

Business leaders are increasingly aware that the health of their enterprise is intimately connected with the health of the communities where they operate. As employers, they sometimes find themselves drawn in to help solve local problems. But they are also often frustrated by those efforts, and no wonder. When a community sets out to address complex problems, such as economic stagnation, sprawl, and failing schools, the effort usually ends up going nowhere. Competing agendas surface, members delegate responsibilities to staff, difficult decisions get postponed. Hopes fade and interest flags as the hidden challenges and underlying conflicts become apparent. Read more>>

By Michael Hinman, Tampa Bay Business Journal, Feb. 29, 2008

The first step to creating a vibrant downtown that appeals to the growing urbanite market is bringing the streetcar from the Channelside District into downtown, Christopher Leinberger, a visiting fellow at the Brookings Institution, told developers and others in Tampa. Leinberger addressed the future of Tampa's downtown business district at the Tampa Downtown Partnership's 12th Annual Downtown Development Forum Friday. "What you have right now is a tourist system, not an everyday system that needs to connect with where people are," said Leinberger, who authored a study that named Tampa the worst metropolitan area for pedestrians. Read more>>

By Alex Steffen, Worldchanging.com, Feb. 13, 2008

Infrastructure bores us. Most people in the developed world spend a significant portion of their incomes primarily to avoid ever having to think of the infrastructure we use, or the implications of the way we use it. Therefore, we ignore it. But like most of the ignored products of our minds, infrastructure is about to demand that pay it attention once more. Throughout the developed world, so called infrastructure deficits—large accumulated backlogs of needed work on existing infrastructural systems, and newer demands for infrastructure that go unmet—are growing rapidly. Read more>>

Feb. 21, 2008

The redevelopment of riverfronts has been one of the drivers of urban revitalization in many U.S. cities. This week's guests are working to bring new life to two of those riverfronts. Benny Lendermon is leading the effort to bring Memphians to the Mississippi River. Benny is president of the Memphis Riverfront Development Corporation, a public-private partnership charged with making the stretch of the Mississippi River at the city's front doorstep more people-friendly. Cathy Hudzik is Chicago Mayor Richard Daley's point person for building a river-walk along the sometimes-forgotten Chicago River. Her responsibilities include efforts to improve water quality, increase public access, protect wildlife habitat, and enhance neighborhood life along the Chicago River. We talk to them about their progress and the challenges they still face today, this week on Smart City. To listen, click here>>

Fast coming into its own, digital book publishing provides authors with more opportunities than ever before.

Because e-books are less expensive to produce and distribute, publishers can afford to take chances on new authors and give them more time to succeed. Large print publishers are starting to release books first in digital formats and then move them into print if they sell well. Many publishers now monitor e-book sales and pick up the best selling ones to reissue in print.

Authors typically receive much higher royalties for e-books than print. And unlike print books, e-books don’t compete for limited space on bookstore shelves, so they don’t have to sell well instantly or face going out of print, with unsold copies being subtracted from royalties.

The sales potential is also much higher for e-books. First, because e-books are less expensive, readers are more willing to try an unknown author. Second, e-books have a much longer shelf-life and are instantly available around the world, not just in bookstores that choose the carry them. Many e-book publishers occupy specific niches and have a customer base that gives new authors an initial sales boost.

Authors looking to get e-books published still have to work at finding the right publisher, but many e-publishers make it easier by accepting unagented submissions and posting submission guidelines on their websites.

Lara Diamond is the author of Man Overboard (www.manoverboard.us) an e-novel set in 1920s Tampa, published by Cerridwen Press (www.cerridwenpress.com).

Good e-book resources:
List of ebook publishers:
http://www.dmoz.org/Business/Publishing_and_Printing/Publishing/Electronic/E-Books/
Publishers Weekly ebook blog:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/blog/760000476.html

TBARTA seeks public participation in its master plan

As the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority (TBARTA) begins the task of developing a transportation “master plan” for the region, it is asking the public to share their ideas and concerns at a series of Community Workshops that will be held from March 10-20, 2008 at locations throughout the seven-county region. Community Workshops will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the following locations. The workshops will be held “open house” style and members of the public are invited to stop by any time.

• Hillsborough County – Monday, March 10
• Hilton Garden Inn (I-75 & Fletcher), 13305 Tampa Oaks Blvd, Temple Terrace
• Hernando County – Tuesday, March 11
• Hernando County Courthouse, 20 N. Main St., Brooksville
• Citrus County – Wednesday, March 12
• Lecanto Government Building, Room 166, 3600 W. Sovereign Path, Lecanto
• Pinellas County – Thursday, March 13
• Holiday Inn Select (Ulmerton & Roosevelt), 3535 Ulmerton Rd., Clearwater
• Manatee County – Monday, March 17
• Bradenton Auditorium, 1005 Barcarrota Blvd., Bradenton
• Pasco County – Tuesday, March 18
• West Pasco Government Center, 7530 Little Road, New Port Richey
• Sarasota County – Thursday, March 20
• Twin Lakes Park (I-75 & Clark), 6700 Clark Rd., Sarasota

TBARTA has been tasked with creating a transportation “master plan” that will connect the seven counties of our region and improve mobility for people and goods. Stage one in the master planning process focuses on important regional transportation corridors, areas where the majority of people are currently traveling back and forth across our region. In each of a dozen areas, community workshop participants will be asked to consider possible locations for transportation improvements. For example, I-75 today carries a significant amount of regional traffic between Sarasota, Manatee, Hillsborough and Pasco Counties, and sometimes breakdowns occur. Other parallel corridors in this area include US 41, US 301, and a rail corridor owned by CSX Corporation. Would any of these four corridors be a good location for a major transportation project to carry regional trips? The Community Workshops will allow TBARTA to ask the public directly for their suggestions and recommendations in each of the twelve areas.

The Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority was created by the Florida Legislature in 2007 to plan and develop a multimodal transportation system that will connect the seven counties of the Tampa Bay region. These counties include Citrus, Hernando, Pasco, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee and Sarasota. TBARTA’s mission is to improve mobility and expand multimodal transportation options for passengers and freight throughout the seven-county region. The legislature has mandated that TBARTA must create a Regional Transportation Master Plan for the Tampa Bay region by July 2009. The goal of this Master Plan is to engage the public in developing a vision for regional integration of transportation systems and foster partnerships with government agencies and business entities.

As the master planning process moves into stages two and three, additional workshops will be held for public input as well. For more information on TBARTA and the master planning process, visit www.TBARTA.com or call 813-217-4048.

Save Money & Gas with EZ-Ride

Ez-Ride Online Matching, from Bay Area Commuter Services (BACS), helps identify potential carpool partners with whom you can share your daily commute. Ez-Ride is easy to use and takes only a few minutes to complete. You provide your home information, work information and an e-mail address. If there are commuters who match your commute profile, you will receive an immediate list of potential carpool partners who can be contacted to make arrangements to carpool. At any time, you can go to Ez-Ride and run your commute profile again to receive an update. Once you are carpooling, be sure to enroll in the Emergency Ride Home Program (ERH). For more about BACS programs and services go to www.TampaBayRideshare.org or call 800-998-RIDE.

LEED for New Construction Tech Review Workshop
Wed., Mar. 12, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Are you ready to enter the rapidly growing greeen building market? Attend LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations Technical Review Workshop presented by the U.S. Green Building Council. Gain the knowledge needed to maximize commercial building performance, achieve LEED certification and take the LEED Professional Accreditation Exam. To register www.usgbc.org/workshops/register.

Celebrating 2015
Four Suggestions for the Creative "Young & Restless" From a Boomer Who Cares About You
By Bob Barancik

What's the big deal about 2015?
Is a comet going to scorch our collective heads?
Will the Rays win the World Series?

I suspect not…on either count.

The answer to the 2015 riddle is the baby boomers' steadily advancing age. In that calendar year, Americans born between 1946 and 1960 will be between the ages of 55 and 69. They will be voluntarily or involuntarily winding down their primary careers as the senior managers, executives and administrators of our nation’s businesses and institutions.

While tens of millions of boomers will be looking for their “encore careers,” you will be in your late 20s to early 40s.

Your creative cohort will be managing advertising and architectural firms, design studios, TV and radio stations—and starting many innovative new businesses. You will be the gatekeepers of the emerging digital culture, and you will increasingly command and control the workplace.

This is pretty heady stuff, and it's going to happen in the historical blink of an eye. So be prepared. Here are four suggestions:

1. Connect with nonprofit and professional organizations and position yourself for membership on their boards.

The United States has the world's most advanced, pervasive and inclusive "third sector" of volunteer organizations, charities, foundations and civic groups. This is where you will develop your network of face-to-face personal connections and friendships that are essential to a prosperous and influential career in any creative domain. And, on a deeper level, your participation and commitment to these nonprofit organizations creates a vibrant and sustainable civic culture for everyone.

2. Get a graduate degree or professional certificate online or on weekends.

Some attractive options might include an M.B.A. (with a concentration in international trade, organizational development or marketing); an M.S. in electronic publishing or public policy; or certificates in statistics, Spanish or various software programs.

Unless an employer chooses to pay your tuition for a full-time graduate program or you get accepted to an ultra-elite school such as MIT or Stanford, it's hard to justify the time and expense of a two-year academic hiatus (especially at a second- or third-tier school).

If you insist on getting a Master of Fine Arts, consider earning it in interactive Web design or digital animation. But be advised: this degree track is the most expensive way to learn those skills.

3. Figure out what you want to do and become.

At some point, you have to sit down in a quiet place and figure out exactly what you want to accomplish in life and where you want to live. Then translate your musings into a series of goals that you put in writing. When you get confused or scattered (as we all do), go back to your core priorities. This is a lot cheaper than hiring a "life coach" or a shrink.

4. Take accomplished baby boomers to lunch.

Find those who are good listeners but willing to engage you in a real dialogue. Their personal experiences during the tumultuous social transformations of the 1960s and 70s will provide valuable insights into society's current situations and dilemmas. Please note your relatively narrow window of opportunity—many of these people will not be key institutional players in seven years because of illness, retirement or the like.

Successful boomers can offer perspective on negotiating the whitewater rapids of change. They can help open doors for you that were previously closed or that were invisible to the untrained eye. Because we live in a world of increasingly "flat" and "downsized" organizations, such mentors are increasingly hard to come by, especially if you are a freelancer or working in a small business.

For additional resources, check out these books and Web sites for perspectives and advice from some of the best establishment thinkers and visionaries:

www.theedge.org
www.ted.com
www.worldbusiness.org

"The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable" by Nassim Taleb
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Swan-Impact-Highly-

"The Creative Economy: How People Make Money from Ideas" by John Howkins
http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Economy-People-Money-

"The Flight of the Creative Class: The New Global Competition for Talent"
by Richard Florida.
http://www.amazon.com/Flight-Creative-Class-Global-

12th Annual Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival
Mar. 4-19

The 12th Annual Tampa Bay Jewish Film Festival, presented by the Tampa Jewish Community Center, in partnership with the Golda Meir/Kent Jewish Center in Clearwater, will show 12 feature length films and two short films about the Jewish experience from countries around the world including, Israel, France, Germany, England and the United States. The festival will take place from March 4th through March 19th at venues in Tampa and St. Petersburg. The festival features an Opening Night Celebration on March 6th at 7:00 pm at the Tampa Theatre with a program about “Jewish Women and Comedy” with comedienne Cory Kahaney and a screening of the film “Making Trouble”. The film screenings are Tuesday March 4th through Wednesday, March 19th at venues around the Bay Area including the Tampa Theatre, Baywalk Muvico in St. Petersburg, and at the University of South Florida Health Sciences Auditorium. Full film descriptions, directions and advance purchase tickets are available online at the Tampa JCC website at www.jewishtampa.com or the Golda Meir/Kent Jewish Center website at www.gmkjc.org.

Interfaith Panel Discussion
Tues., Mar. 4, 7 p.m.

Pope John Paul II was an advocate for people of all religions to work together toward world peace and he is credited with creating the most dialogue among religions. An interfaith panel discussion on March 4th at 7pm at the Palladium Theater is aimed at increasing inter-religious dialogue. The panel will feature moderator Dr. Michael Tkacik, director of the Center for Catholic Jewish studies at Saint Leo University along with panelists Rabbi James Rudin, Bishop Robert Lynch and Dr. Philip Cunningham. The event is sponsored by the Florida Holocaust Museum, which is currently featuring “A Blessing to One Another: Pope John Paul II & The Jewish People,” the Florida International Museum, which is currently featuring “Vatican Splendors,” and St. Leo University’s Center for Catholic Jewish Studies. Admission is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and reservations are required. Call 727-820-0100 ext. 234.

Lectures on Dali & Avant-Film: Surrealist Shenanigans & Freudian Follies
Tues., Mar. 4, 7:30 p.m.

The Studio@620 presents "Lectures on Dali & Avant-Film", a lecture series focusing on Salvador Dali's work in relation to film as well as an exploration into various historical strands of surrealist and experimental film. "Surrealist Shenanigans & Freudian Follies: Salvador Dali and the Marx Brothers" will be presented by speaker Peter Tush. To initiate the "Dali & Film" series, Tush will explore the role of comedy and humor in Dali's work, arguing that the worlds of shtick and Freudian analysis merge in Dali's meeting with Harpo Marx. This lecture explores how Dali's humor was derived from Hollywood, which in turn allowed him to challenge traditional notions of identity. Parody and satire became Dali's weapons against the prudish art world. Lectures will run March-April, 2008. This lecture will be March 4, 2008 at 7:30 pm. The location is 620 First Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida. Learn More: http://www.thestudioat620.org/p_tflac.htm.

Connecting Tech Start Ups with Venture Capitalists
Wed., Mar. 5, 12–1 p.m.

Join Jeff Bleil, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer of UTEK Corp., to learn how to successfully navigate relationships with venture capitalists. USF Connect and BioFlorida, 3802 Spectrum Blvd, Tampa. RSVP to Matthew Lowell at hmlowell@research.usf.edu.

Tampa History Dinner with Dr. Gary Mormino
Wed., Mar. 5, 6 p.m.

The Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (FMOPA) and The Tampa Club are proud to host a special evening of Tampa history Wednesday, March 5, featuring well-known historian and author, Dr. Gary Mormino. Dr. Mormino will present “When Pictures Talked: Tampa Unveiled” as part of a full evening’s dinner program beginning at 6 pm at the museum, 200 North Tampa Street (corner of Ashley Drive and Jackson Street). The Tampa Club will cater a wine reception with hors d’oeuvres and a four-course dinner with wine in the museum. The evening includes a gallery tour of the museum’s exhibitions. The highlight of the event is Dr. Mormino’s after-dinner talk on the Burgert Brothers’ Cirkut photographs on view in the museum through March 15. Reservations are required and space is limited. The cost of the evening is $71 per person. Reservations can be made by calling the museum at (813) 221-2222 (www.fmopa.org) or The Tampa Club at (813) 229-6028 (www.thetampaclub.com).

Gloria Steinem and Friends at Eckerd College
Wed., Mar. 5, 7:00 pm (doors open at 5:30 p.m.)

Feminist icon Gloria Steinem, along with activist friends Dorothy Pitman Hughes, Amy Richards and Jennifer Baumgardner, will celebrate Women's History Month. Ms. Steinem and friends will engage in a conversation entitled, "This Is What a Feminist Looks Like: The True Diversity of Feminism," moderated by Gretchen Letterman, Director of the St. Petersburg Times Newspaper in Education program. From 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m., participants will have the opportunity to network and peruse informational tables from over a dozen area women's / community organizations. Tickets are required. General admission, $10: www.eckerd.edu/gloriasteinem.

Pure & Shameless Technology Social
Thurs., Mar. 6, 5:30-8 p.m.

No boring booths, presentations or PowerPoints! Network with the local tech community at Bleu Martini, International Plaza Mall. This social is usually attended by all levels of IT: developers, QA, managers, CIOs, etc. This is not an unemployment event—most attendees are very happy (well, mostly happy) with current companies!! Find out who is launching new products, why is the .Net market still hot & infrastructure demand heating up, what is going on with the recent rise in local outsourcing, why internet marketing is ultra white-hot, who is starting local IT projects, hiring or maybe find a peer to network with. There are no fees. Everyone just pays for their own drinks & food! To register, go to www.hotspaces.net.

A Bench in the Sun
Mar. 6-16

Venue Ensemble Theatre (VET) will present “A Bench in the Sun” by Ron Clark, March 6-16, 2008 at Venue Theatre, 9125 US 19 N, Pinellas Park. When a once famous actress moves into the retirement home, two long time friends compete for her attention. Think the Odd Couple + Sunshine Boys + Grumpy Old Men. “Very wise, very moving, and most of all, very funny!” - Mel Brooks. A Bench in the Sun is directed by Mary Kay Cyrus and stars Walter Raine, Rob Sakoff, and Francine Wolf. Evening Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, March 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15 at 8:00 p.m. Sunday matinees on March 9 and 16 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors/students. Group Discounts available. Seating is limited. For reservations, call 727-822-6194. Email VenueActorStudio@gmail.com or visit the website at www.VenueActorStudio.org.

Alejandro Escovedo: WMNF 88.5 Concert Series at The Palladium
Fri., Mar. 7, 8 p.m.

Escovedo’s 14-year career has inspired critical praise, thanks to the stunning breadth of his musical vision, depth of his emotional expression and the sheer quality and musicality of his work. The artistry of Alejandro Escovedo is as good as contemporary music gets. For more information about the artist, go to www.alejandroescovedo.com. To purchase tickets, go to www.mypalladium.org.

Hat Trick Theatre presents Funny Money
Mar. 7-23

What would you do right now if you found a briefcase with a million dollars in it? What if that million dollars belonged to a foreign mob boss who would stop at nothing to get it back? Come follow Henry Perkins as he desperately tries to make a break with the cash, only to have his family and friends hopelessly, and hilariously, stand in his way. Mad dashes, gunshots, bribing police officers, hanky-panky under a blanket, Australian fetishes, and lots of spit-takes, all for this one money filled “Brerfcurse”? OPENING NIGHT PARTY! Free food and drink after the show to all those who attend the March 7th premier! INDUSTRY NIGHT is on Monday, March 17th @ 8pm. All working artists in the area can get into the show on a “pay-what-you-can” pricing. For more information, go to www.hattricktheatre.org.

Kaleidoscope Community Festival
Sat., Mar. 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

March 8, 2008 is the date for the sixth annual Kaleidoscope Festival, Tampa Bay’s premier, free, arts and cultural family event. Held at Ballast Point Elementary School, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., the Kaleidoscope Festival is a free event that offers hands-on educational and artistic experiences to area kids and their families. This year, a large mainstage and many interactive stations around the school grounds will play host to Bits N Pieces Puppet Theatre; Croc Encounters; Rubix Cubed, a band whose music is played on Radio Disney; Florida Orchestra Guild Musical Petting Zoo; Coleman Middle School sings High School Musical, and many others. Plus, the festival will introduce all kinds of extraordinary activities that are designed to bring out the inner artist and musician that lives in every child. For more information, visit www.kaleidoscopefestival.com or call 813-361-4667.

The Pier Aquarium's Spa Beach Splash
Sat., Mar. 8, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

A family day at the beach and a water education day mixes up for fun at Spa Beach Splash lots of activities and sea and land critters. Activities will be directed by staffers from The Pier Aquarium, Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD), Chep's Wild World, City of St. Petersburg Water Resources, Green Armada, Keep Pinellas Beautiful, Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary, Sierra Club, Tampa Bay Watch, University of South Florida College of Marine Science and U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Sponsors include SWFWMD, the Pinellas County Cultural Affairs Department and the City of St. Petersburg. Information: (727) 895-7437.

Fused Glass Sun-Catcher Classes
Sun., Mar. 9, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Michele Palenik of Purple Cloud Studio, a locally and nationally known Glass Fusing Artist, announces she will be offering a beginner’s glass fusing class at the Jacey Gallery located at 4802 Gunn Highway, Suite 114 in Tampa on Sunday, March 9th, 12:30 p.m to 2:30 p.m. Students will learn glass handling and design techniques while being given the freedom to explore their own creativity while making a unique sun-catcher. Michele offers instruction on safe handling of glass and basics of glass fusing; this class is an introduction to glass fusing so no previous glass working experience is required. Students who wish to continue on will have the opportunity to sign up for advanced classes after completing the introductory class. This is an adult class, students must be 18 years or older. The cost is $40 per student and all materials are provided to make one colorful and dazzling sun-catcher. Classes fill up quickly so pre-registration is required. Students my register by emailing Michele at info@purplecloudstudio.com or calling 813-731-3825.

Tampa 3ds Max/Maya User Group
Thurs., Mar. 13, 6-8 p.m.

Presentations: Particle Systems in 3ds max and Maya; latest Information on 3ds Max 2009 and 3ds Max Design 2009. If you would like to give a presentation at the meeting (any topic is welcome!) or show off your demo reel, please contact Tod Stephens at tstephens@inbox.com or call 727-430-9287. Meeting Location: M.I.A. Training Center, 905 North Tampa Street, Tampa, 33602. Take I-275, exit at Tampa Street. The first light is Tyler St. MIA is the first building to the left past Tyler. Parking on the street is free after 6 p.m. The Tampa 3ds Max/Maya User group is part of the Autodesk Animation User Group Association. For more information, go to www.mayatraining.com.

ULI Tampa Bay Trends Conference
Wed., Mar. 12, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

As the spotlight on real estate shines on the Tampa Bay area, you can’t afford to miss this annual industry event. Featuring leading experts from around the country, the ULI Tampa Bay Trends Conference provides the insight, knowledge, and focus to convene the ideas that transform a marketplace. Share the opportunity to learn, dialogue, network and capture the upcoming trends throughout our Tampa Bay region. Wed., Mar. 12, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Ferguson Hall, 1010 North W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa. For more information or call 1-800-321-5011 or 813-839-9231 or click here.

BayCycle Photo Contest

Tampa BayCycle announces a photo competition leading up to the second annual Tampa BayCycle campaign, to be held May 2008. Winners of the competition will have their images on display throughout May at the Florida Museum of Photographic Arts (200 N. Tampa St., downtown Tampa). The photography contest is open to everyone, from the amateur photographer to cyclists living in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Citrus, Pasco and Hernando counties. For a complete list of rules, please visit www.tampabaycycle.com.

You may subscribe/unsubscribe to this newsletter by clicking here. Email Megan Voeller voeller@gmail.com with questions, comments, etc.

Special thanks to this week’s BUZZ volunteers:
Editor: Megan Voeller
Creative Contributors: Donna Manion and Deanne Roberts.
Design and Distribution: Sean Kelly