Or news about Bubba and MJ’s lawsuit, the Lunsford situation, Opinions, Gossip, and all the other good stuff!

Well, this blog is now moving to a new home http://sexandtampabay.com It’s the guide for young professionals in the Tampa Bay area.

Update your bookmarks!

Celebrate the 1st Day of Spring with free Italian Ice at Rita’s Italian Ice.

 Here are the the participating locations in Tampa Bay:

101 Court St. in Clearwater, FL 33756, 727-446-3023.
13147 86th Ave. N. in Seminole, FL 33776, 727-393-6740.
1001 W. Bay Dr. in Largo, FL 33770, 727-581-0680.
7065 Coastal Blvd. in Spring Hill, FL 34613, 352-592-4554.
8528 Ridge Road in New Port Richey, FL 34654, 727-841-7482.

Hello to everyone who is here after searching for more info on MJ’s lawsuit against Bubba. After reading the full lawsuit and consulting with my lawyer friends, I think I have a grasp on what is going on. Not that is makes it any less retarded. But, here are the facts in a handy, dandy FAQ format.

Q: What did Bubba say that was so terrible?

A: It isn’t one big thing, but a lot of little things. Bubba called MJ a liar, a snitch, and a midget. He also told his listeners to “greaze” MJ at the Gasparilla parade. The lawsuit suggests that this was a death threat, while Bubba maintains that “greaze” meant to raz and mock him. 

Michelle’s part of the suit involves times when Bubba, either himself or an email he read on air, referred to her as a whore. He’s also called her a whiny bitch.  

This isn’t the classic defamation case where you have a clear statement (such as in the case of Larry Flynt’s famous Hustler parody that said Jerry Falwell had sex with his mother) but a number of small jabs that are taken in total.

Q: Isn’t Bubba protected by Free Speech?

A: Maybe. There are certain types of speech that are not protected under the first amendment. These include fighting words, obscene speech, libel and slander. Speech that falls under these heading are not protected by free speech laws. MJ will be trying to prove that Bubba’s statements fall under one of these heading. The court will be the one that decides in the end.

Q: What are MJ’s chances in court?

A: It depends. From an outsider (the type of person who could be on the jury) the statements that Bubba has said don’t seem to rise to the level of fighting words or defamation. They seem to be opinions which are still legally protected speech. The thing that could throw a wrench into Bubba’s defense is the fact that MJ seems to be relying on a controversial part of communication law that involves “invasion of privacy by false light”.

Q: What the hell is that?

A: Basically, it’s stating that even if the facts are true, they are put together in a way that makes the subject appear in a false light. Typically, you need to prove that there is malice and the the statements are known to be untrue before you can prove a libel or slander case. But by using the false light doctrine you just need to show that the facts, when taken in total, make you appear a way that you aren’t.

Q: That’s a stupid law!

A: That’s not a question.

Q: OK, why do they have that stupid law?

A: Ideally, it’s to prevent the media from technically true statements that sound different than they are. For example, let’s say someone was ticketed for speeding in a school zone. The news reports it by saying, “The Police interviewed Mr. X for his involvement in a crime involving children.” The fact might be true, but the way it is presented creates a false light.

It doesn’t even have to be a negative light. A court in New York allowed a baseball player to sue a biographer who stated that he (the player) had been a war hero when he hadn’t.

Q: So, you think MJ can win because of this false light thing?

A: It is really hard to say. Juries can be highly subjective in this area. One thing on Bubba’s side is that MJ has a forum to correct the false light outside of the courts. It’s one thing when an average citizen finds themselves being show in a false way, and they have no remedy to correct that image than a lawsuit. MJ has 6 hours of time on the airwaves everyday to correct Bubba’s statements that he’s a little troll or a liar. Instead he went to court. Which sort of makes him look like a little troll.

Q: Isn’t this all just a big fake publicity stunt?

A: I doubt it. MJ and Bubba have a history of highly contentious behavior. Not only that but they work for rival companies. MJ is at Clear Channel and Bubba is on Cox. It is doubtful that they would work together on anything. It would be like Coke and Pepsi joining forces. It just doesn’t happen.

Q: I hate Bubba. I love MJ. I love Bubba.. I hate MJ. What do I do to help my side?

A: The best thing you can do is nothing. Things like going to the other guys message board and trolling will just make your guy look worse. Keep listening to your favorite show and let the courts settle this.

In December.

It’s going to be a long year.

I’ve been crazy busy this week as I look to take this blog to bigger and better things. Trust Me — It is exciting! But when I heard that MJ (the MJ Morning Show) is suing Bubba (Bubba the Love Sponge Show) for defamation I had to talk about it.

For those who don’t know the background it is a little complicated. It really starts back in the 90’s when Bubba and MJ both had radio shows on Clear Channel. MJ on 93.3 and Bubba on 98 Rock. Bubba was a shock jock who was known for outrageous stunts. But the one that got him into trouble involved killing and roasting a boar on the air. He also played audio clips of cartoon characters talking about sex. He was fined by the FCC, investigated for animal cruelty and, eventually, run out of local radio.

Since then The MJ Morning Show has dominated the ratings and the brand has grown. The entire FLZ  AM lineup is fresh episodes of the show and “MJ Remix” that takes clips of the show and play it in between top 40 hits. MJ has gone on to get an afternoon radio show on the AM clear channel station and is also on XM radio. Much of this was based on his #1 rating in the Tampa Bay radio market for his morning show.

3 months ago Bubba came back to town with a new, toned down, show on 102.5 The Bone. Even though he isn’t pushing the taste envelope anymore, he still is mixing things up. His focus is off sex and shock, and more on mixing things up in the community. Poking a stick at those he feels are in power unjustly.

That includes MJ.

He’s taken a lot of time to talk about his goal to “take MJ out”, referring to taking over the #1 spot in the ratings. He has played parody songs that make fun of the MJ show and have claimed that parts of his show (like the prank calls) are actually fake.

Last week the new radio ratings came out and, in just a couple of weeks, Bubba is #1 and MJ is down to #3.

MJ’s response is a law suit saying that Bubba has defamed MJ by calling him a liar and mocking his show. His wife is also named as a plaintiff in the lawsuit because of things Bubba has said about her.

Talk about sour grapes.

It is especially ironic that this comes from MJ, a guy who has been the target of legal threats from Britney Spears for defamation. The same thing he is accusing Bubba of. And at the time MJ was complaining that Brit’s lawsuit was baseless because she was a public figure, and could expect a certain amount of commentary to be made about her.

Here’s the thing MJ, you’re a public figure also. And so is your wife, who is a regular part of your morning show, is also a public figure. That doesn’t mean that people can say outright lies about you, but they can offer up their opinion.

And that’s exactly what Bubba has done.

At this point MJ is just sort of sad. The place to deal with these types of issues would be on the air, not in the courtroom. The only thing it has really done is cause more people to tune into Bubba, just to see what the hype is. That’s much more damaging to MJ’s rep than anything Bubba could have done.

Read the full lawsuit at btls.com

5 Days and $50 is your guide to fun things going on in Tampa Bay during the week that will cost you less than $50, if you were to do one each day. These are the best free and cheap events in the Tampa By area, picked especially for young professionals. Think of it as Tampa Bay on $10 a day!

Monday 3/17

Stay Safe on St. Patrick’s Day

I’m not stupid. I know that most of you are going to be going out and getting your Irish up on Monday. But for those people who have to work Tuesday, or just aren’t into the drinking thing, it’s probably best to stay off the roads and stay safe. So, head on over to Blockbuster and rent a movie that fits your mood.

Looking for something sexy but classy? Lust/Caution is a foreign film (classy) about a female spy who must seduce a government official (sexy) who’s sexual needs cross over into the kinky (kinky!). Rated NC-17 because of the graphic sex scenes, but directed by Brokeback auteur Ang Lee. Porn with a plot!

Want a romantic comedy without the romance? Modern Romance was made in 1981 but it still rings completely true. Albert Brooks plays a neurotic man who is dating a woman who may be his soulmate, or someone totally wrong for him. Perfectly captures the mess that is dating, love, and romance.

Need an suspense film that doesn’t seem totally fake? Michael Clayton was nominated for Best Picture and it was well deserved. This corporate thriller doesn’t have car chase or action scenes, but focuses on the high drama of real life. Where people can destroy one another far better with exposed secrets than with karate chops. Bonus: George Clooney is so sexy you want to put the dvd on pause and make out with the tv screen.

Looking for a feel good comedy? Dan in Real Life is like hot cocoa. Warm and sweet! Steve Carell plays a father of 3 girls who writes an advice column but could use some help in his personal life. His kids don’t respect him. He has given u on love after the death of his wife. At least until a chance meeting with a woman gives him hope… and huge complications. Just a very sweet, very realistic movie.

But whatever you choose to do Monday, stay safe. The rest of this week’s 5 Days and $50 is after the cut.

Tuesday 3/18

Night Hike at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve

$3. A special guided tour of St. Petersburg’s Boyd Hill Naure Preserve where you’ll be able to catch nocturnal creatures in their natural environment.  Limited to 15 people. 7pm.

 Science Fiction Symposium at Mosi

FREE! Scholars discuss the work of sci-fi author Brian Aldiss (Frankenstein Unbound, Brother’s of the Head, the Helliconia Trilogy). Aldiss will also be there to sign books. 7PM in the MOSI auditorium.

The Eyes Have It (Dali in Film lecture) at Studio@620

Free! This lecture (complimenting the Dali in Film exhibit at the Salvador Dali Museum) talks about Dali’s impact in Hollywood where he worked with Hitchcock and Walt Disney. 7:30pm. Studio@620 is located at 620 1st Ave. S., St. Pete.

Wednesday 3/19

Broke Sky at the Sunscreen Film Festival

$9.19. Tonight kicks off the start of the Sunscreen film Festival in St. Pete with a great little modern noir film, Broke Sky. After the film will be the opening night party for the festival (you can get tickets to both events for around $25). 7pm at Muvico 20 Baywalk.

5 Years of War Protest

Free! Come out to protest the 5th Anniversary of the invasion of Iraq (and still no WMD’s Found). Protests being held in Tampa and Brooksville.

 Thursday 3/20

Sunscreen Film Festival: The Art of Pain

$9.19. This is the premier of this movie, so there isn’t any reviews I can point you to. All I can say is that it involves a guy who learns to appreciate life more after being attacked by Ninjas. So, I’m totally there. 8pm at the Vinoy Resort Majestic (501 Seventh Ave. N.E., St. Pete).

Adventures in Archeology at the Wheedon Island Preserve

Free!  Nancy M. White, Ph.D., a research archaeologist from USF, will be talking about the history of Florida, and the archaeological treasures found in this area.  7pm-8pm, Wheedon Island Preserve in St. Pete.

The Vagina Monologues to benefit  The Spring

$15. This local performance of Eve Ensler’s phenomenal play helps empower, explain, and illuminate the feelings of women everywhere. The performance will help support the work of The Spring of Tampa Bay. 7pm, Unitarian Universalist Church at 11400 Morris Bridge Rd., Tampa.

Friday 3/21

Sunscreen Film Festival Block Party 

Free! Come out and mingle and meet with local film fans, leaders, and film professionals from around the world. 9:30pm in Downtown St. Pete (Central Avenue between 1st and 4th Street)

Mr.FunnyBlackMan (Ranney) at theStudio@620

$12. Comedian, poet, actor, and all around cool guy Ranney will be doing a rare Tampa Bay performance tonight.  Comedy with a brain. 8pm at theStudio@620 (620 1st Ave. S., St. Pete).

I’m not a drinker. I come from a family of alcoholics (our family tree is watered with Vodka) and so I just don’t get the excitement around St. Patrick’s Day. So, me writing up a list of events for it would be like the Pope writing a sex advice guide. We could do the job, but it probably woudn’t be very accurate.

So, I’ll hand things off to the people at City Guide to give you the goods on the green for that day.

Just don’t drink and drive. Try not to be out on the roads too much, because you can bet that there will be some people out there who don’t take that advice.

In the meantime, enjoy this St. Patrick’s themed music video I made last year for a contest.

P.S. I didn’t win. I know, you’re shocked!

The Sunscreen Film Festival is being held next week in St. Petersburg. This festival features a number of locally made films as well as indies and shorts. Here are the ones that look most interesting.

Action! Horror! Science Fiction!
A number of short films in the genre tradition including “The Seed” about a homeless veteran who looks crazy on the outside, but is really fighting a war against invisible enemies.

The Art of Pain
A man lacking inspiration in his life after experiencing a lesson in pain at the hands of Ninjas. I’m always a sucker for absurd ideas that set themselves in the real world and this seems to fit the bill.

Broke Sky
This moody Texas tale is a Southwest Noir featuring two animal disposal workers who find a dead body. It looks like it captures the modern morality tale of No Country for Old Men or A Simple Plan.

Raiders of the Lost Arc: The Adaptation
Three boys spent seven years (from 1982-1989) making their own version of Raiders of the Lost Arc. An example of homemade moviemaking at it’s best, the result is pretty much everything “Be Kind, Rewind” promised in the trailer and didn’t deliver.

Screw Cupid
Bad dates, broken hearts, and the hope of romance… this world premier by Florida Native Sanjeev Sirpal seems like the perfect companion for our sucky dating life.

Fema City
A documentary about the people left in FEMA camps after Hurricane Charley. Considering that the storm was on track to hit Tampa Bay before that last minute swerve, this could very easily have been a story about us. And it still could as we enter another Hurricane Season.

Strong Women and Why They Matter
This block of short films and documentaries focus on women who never give up, don’t listen to society, and make their own path. One quibble: why is this only being shown at noon on Friday? That when most modern women are still at work!

Get the full scoop on the Sunscreen Film Festival (and buy your tickets) at the official website.

• Another pretty young teacher got caught having sex with a student. Is she too pretty for jail too?
• Pinellas Bayway Tolls will be going up to $3.75 starting July 1st. What a great way to keep people away from this beautiful beach and park!
• Florida is having a budget crisis. So I’m so glad the legislature is taking time to outlaw baggy pants, create backdoor plans to outlaw abortion, and teach creationism in schools. In a time of high unemployment, a housing crisis, and the start of a recession it is good to know that you have your priorities straight.
• Hillsborough County Code Enforcement says that “Airstream Ranch” a kitchy display of half buried RV’s near Dover, needs to be removed. Florida is supposed to be tourist traps and roadside attractions. “Airstream Ranch” had that old-school Florida camp value going for it.

When I was a child I remember being fascinated by the khaki clad people that crowded the sidewalks down Ft. Harrison. “The Scientologists,” I’d hear them called in hushed whispers, while people carped about them taking over the town.

Honestly, as a kid, I thought Scientologists were the people who studied earthquakes.

Of course now I’m older and know better. They are people who believe that an evil alien named Xenu sent a bunch of souls to Earth and then put them in a Volcano. So, if you have physical or mental problems they are caused by the dead alien souls that are inhabiting your body.

No, really, that’s what they believe.

There’s nothing wrong with believing crazy shit. I believe that I’ve lived millions of past lives, mostly as an animal or insect. Some people believe that God knocked up a virgin. Some think that eating pork is a sin.

It’s isn’t the fact the believe something is crazy that makes the Scientologists dnagerous. It’s that they don’t tell people about the crazy stuff until they have already investing hundreds of thousands of dollars into “auditing”, a process that is nothing more than brainwashing and places people in highly suggestible states.

Real religions don’t hide their crazy shit until you’re too far in to turn back. We tell you the crazy stuff up front. Heck, we are proud of our crazy stuff because it is what we really and truly believe!

Being secretly crazy is one problem with Scientology. The fact that they charge so much money for their classes are another flaw. The fact that they take weak and highly suggestible people and force them to work, unpaid, for the church, is another. Their attempt to take over downtown Clearwater pisses me off. The fact that in the 1970’s they made an attempt to secretly take over the city council is a negative. Oh, let’s not forget the death of Lisa McPhereson.

Of course, the biggest criticism of Scientology is their policy of doing anything to silence their critics. This has included buying up the Cult Awareness Network after the non-profit group called Scientology a cult. They filed lawsuits to shut down people who spoke out against it. They hired PI’s to get dirt on its critics. It was understood that those who dared to cross the CoS would be decimated.

What happened?

On Thursday the CoS filed for a restraining order against 21 members of a group called Anonymous who has been staging protests outside the Clearwater HQ as part of the groups worldwide organized protests on Scientology.

Not only was the restraining order denied, it turned out that some of the people they named as members of Anonymous were not part of the group at all.

As if that wasn’t D’oh worthy enough, after the restraining order was denied a “bomb” was found at the CoS’ St. Pete offices. Of course it was a dud, probably because it was planted by Scientologists in an attempt to make Anonymous look bad. I don’t have proof they planted the fake bomb themselves, but it is my opinion. And I have the right to state it.

More Anonymous protests are planned tonight and Saturday at the Ft. Harrison Hotel. I won’t be able to make it because of family stuff. But I urge others to come out. Anonymous is suggesting that you wear masks to cover your identity so that the group doesn’t try to go after you with it’s “fair game” policy.

I’m not so sure. Maybe I would have wanted to hide my identity from the Church of Scientology I grew up around, but the current CoS seems pretty hapless. Can’t even get a fake bomb threat timed correctly!

I’m still playing around with the perfect format. I’m not going to do price anymore, but by date. Also, I’ll be writing shorter descriptions and featuring more events. Like it? hate it? leave a comment!

Sip for Life Wine Tasting Benefit for Moffitt Cancer Center

Corey Avenue Progressive Taste

$25. 6pm-9pm. Corey Avenue in St. Pete Beach. Fundraiser for the Corey Avenue Business Association featuring food tasting and tour. And while you’re down there, head over to the Beach Theater for the next event.

Dave Celestian’s THE WAR ON COMEDY

$10. 9:30 at the Beach Theater (315 Corey Ave. St. Pete Beach). Stand-up comedy tour. Beer and wine available.

  Barrenspace: One Night Stand

Free. 5pm-10pm at 1211 N Franklin Street in Tampa. Art exhibit using abandoned downtown buildings as canvases.

Urinetown: The Musical

 $18. 8pm at the Carrolwood Players Theater (4335 Gunn Highway, Tampa). Comedy/Musical about a dystopian future where only the rich can afford to pee. I loved it when I saw the National tour in Atlanta, and I’m sure it will stay witty and smart in the hands of the Carrolwood players.

Saturday March 15th, 2008

 $20. 8pm at Fiesta Nightclub in the Caliente Nudist Resort. Clothing optional party that includes an all you can eat buffet. But you might not want to eat. It goes straight to your hips and everyone can see it.

Tampa Museum of Art Open House.

Free. 10am-3pm at 2306 N. Howard Ave., Tampa. Check out the museums new interim location wth free food and beverages.

Tampa Bay Tango at Librero’s

$10. 8pm Dance Lessons. 9pm-midnight Dancing. 150 E Davis Blvd., Tampa (Davis Island). Learn to dance the tango and salsa and enjoy food and drink.

$75. Treasure Island Yacht and Tennis Club. Music, great food, and an amazing causes. Music Sweet Music uses music therapy to help children will illness and disabilities.

Dali Fest

 Free-$7. 11am-8pm at the Salvador Dali Museum ( St. Pete). Music, exhibits, food, and reduced admission to the museum. Current Exhibit is Dali and Film.

Lock and Key Singles Party

 $30 at door.$25 in advance. $20 advance with code CRAIG. 6:30pm-9pm at The Rare Olive (300 Central Ave., St. Pete). Singles meetup/dating event.

Market in the Park

Free. 8am-1pm at the Pinellas County Extension (12520 Ulmerton Rd.) in Largo. Weekly Farmers Market.

Walk for MS

 Free (Donations appreciated). 5:30pm (check-in) at Lowry Park Zoo. Come out and walk 3k or 5k to show support for findins a cure for MS (Multiple Sclerosis). There is no registering fee, but this is a fundraiser so donations are greatly appreciated.

Martin Short- Direct From Broadway

 $40-$75. 8pm at Ruth Eckerd Hall (1111 N McMullen Booth Rd., Clearwater). One Night Only Show with the award winning comedian.

 Free. 8pm-3am down 7th Ave in Ybor City. Green Beer, floats and parade fun in Ybor.

 $200. 6pm-11pm at 900 Park St. in St. Petersburg. Black Tie Optional event with food and open bar to support the work of the Tampa Bay SPCA. This is one of the big fundraisers to prevent cruelty to animals in Tampa Bay.

Gift of Life Gala, Mad Hatters Ball

 $200. 6:30pm-11pm at the Sandpearl Resort (500 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach). Fundraiser for Florida Blood Services with an Alice in Wonderland Theme and a formal dinner.

Pinellas County Cleanup

 Free. Locations throughout Pinellas County. Annual cleanup of greenways and parks in Pinellas County. A good way to meet new people, get in a workout and help keep the area beautiful.

Sunday March 16, 2008

St. Puppies Day

 4pm-7pm at O’Brians Pub (701 W. Lumsden Rd., Brandon). Bring your dog out for a yappy hour to socialize with other dogs and their owners in the Irish Pub.

Wine and Chocolate Bash Fundraiser for the Animal Coalition of Tampa

$25 ($20 in advance). 2pm-5pm at the ACT Clinic (1719 W Lemon St., Tampa). This fundraiser features fine chocolate, great wine, and helps the Animal Coalition of Tampa’s mission to offer low cost spay and neuter procedures to pet owners.

Ongoing Events throughout the Weekend:

Donate Blood

A-, B-, O-, and AB- are all in critical need. Donors get a free wellness checkup, t-shirt, and a coupon for a free oil change. And that whole save a life thing.

Hamlet at American Stage

Modern update of the Bard’s classic has been getting rave reviews and plays through the end of the month.

 Renaissance Festival

This weekend includes Highland Games, Scottish and Irish Heritage festivals. Dogs allowed!

5 Best Movies in Theater

Funny Games

Thriller that features two cunning killers who torture a family.

Doomsday

Yes, it’s a Mad Max ripoff but it features my girl crust Rhona Mitra (Nip/Tuck, The Practice) so I’ll watch.

There Will Be Blood

This movie should have won best picture. A crazy ride through a man who sells his soul until there is nothing left.

Persepolis

Stark and amazing animated film about growing up under the Iranian Revolution.

Cloverfield

This will be out of theaters soon, so catch it on the big screen. This genre busting monster movie got bashed for being too confusing and not featuring a happy ending. That’s the point. This movie is shot from the ground as average Joe’s deal with the end of the world.

Best Bets on DVD

Dan in Real Life

Cute movie about the randomness of love. I hate chick flicks, but I loved this charming little movie.

No County For Old Men

The movie that DID win the Oscar for Best Picture. A gritty face off between good and evil in a small town.

Hitman

Action Movie that knows what it is. No real plot, lots of cool set pieces and fight scenes.

Sleuth

This cat and mouse game pits a man against his wife’s new lover. The original is better, but the new one features cutie Jude Law.