Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog

Bark Bark Woof Woof turned me on to Rhino Love. I became intrigued. Actually, the story is boring to me, but because of the long tail, some will find it interesting. But here’s what got to me: The entire blogspot website looks very similar to the Miami Herald’s online pages. Each link in the blog points to the Herald as well, so it’s just a vehicle to get online readership. But why would the Herald use the free blogspot website when presumably they have enough space?

Here’s another thing: In Rhino Love, you can clearly see the concept: A news worthy event occurs, the Main Stream Media reports that news, and someone close to the action blogs the event from start to finish, attracting those readers acutely interested in that event (or its players), unlimited by newsprint space constraints. Advertising on the site is directed at those in the long tail, and the original MSM report links to the blog. The blog ends when the story is finished, and remains on the web as a history. Blogging an event will end up being a part of someone’s job. I know this is overly simplistic, and problems with this scenario only begin with the fact that if the original news event shows any of the parties in a negative light, none of the players will pay someone a full time wage to keep digging, except maybe the media.

But I’m confused by what the newspaper is doing here. In this case, the Rhino Love posts are made by Elaine De Valle, who works for the Herald, and wrote the original article. Is it worth it to pay Ms. De Valle to keep on top of this story? Furthermore, the original piece doesn’t link to the blog, so what’s the point of creating it? All of which leads me back to my original question: Why would the Herald use the free blogger website when they have the capability of hosting it? blogging

Unique visitor number 15,000 came upon this humble Tampa blog at 1:04 yesterday afternoon. The anonymous visitor showed up because Sticks of Fire was listed fifth at Yahoo! Search results for: fire safety regulations at House of Blues. That led him to the March 2004 archive which includes a rumor about House of Blues coming to Ybor (that rumor has since been shot down). Thank you all for checking in. blog stats

The company who is working on the elevated highway will remain to fix it. Yes, the same construction company that is to blame for the toll road’s current problems is being asked to finish the Selmon Expressway. In addition, the URS Corporation has also been selected to design Mayor Pam’s Riverwalk. As Justin notes, it doesn’t really make for high public confidence. Here’s the Riverwalk vision (pdf). riverwalk

Tampa will be invaded this morning by Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla. Mayor Pam Iorio will surrender the key to the City of Tampa around 11:30. Don’t be alarmed when you hear the gunshots and fireworks, it’s only make-believe. I’ve gone to see this ceremony in years past, and it’s fairly boring, but Monique & Co. will be playing directly afterward, and that will be entertaining. Plus Red Baron and Coca Cola will be tossing out giveaways. If you can’t make it to Lykes/Gaslight Park downtown, the Tampa Downtown Partnership website promises to broadcast it live. gasparilla

The annual flight patterns are well under way, and this week is a good time to see all manner of snowbirds. The greatest opportunity to see a preponderance of ‘em will be in Polk County. At the Snowbird Extravaganza, the Canadian Snowbirds will be out and about. If you’d like to be a snowbird, the CSA has some tips on how to become a snowbird. Although if you complain about paying the taxes, have six months of clothes in your car, and leave paltry tips, you’re halfway there. Anyway, the Extravaganza is Tuesday and Wednesday at the Lakeland Civic Center. For driving directions: Get in the far left lane, drive as slow as possible, and leave either turn signal on.

I’m kidding! Welcome to Florida, folks. snowbirds

Tart Magazine got a nice writeup in the Tribune on Sunday. Tart (Tampa ART) wants to promote art in Tampa. Sign up for a free subscription. art

Our own Tampa Theatre was chosen by Cinema Treasures as one of ten great theaters nationwide to enjoy a film. Technorati tag ranks

I’ll be all over Tampa this weekend, starting this evening at Whiskey Park in SoHo for a late happy hour, then heading over to Goodfella’s for the evening. Tomorrow may be spent at the Children’s Gasparilla Parade in the afternoon, and then Saturday night I’ll be in Ybor City at the Blue Shark. If you see me out and about, make sure to say hello! Technorati tag tampa

Don’t you just wish they would come out and say someone got caught f*cking at the fire station? Or I guess it could have been a hose job. Possible headline: Fireman Rolls Up Ho’s. Yeah, I know, that’s pretty lame. Make up your own headline and put it in the comments.

UPDATE 21 jan 6:09pm: Rumor has it that the “Inappropriate Activities” include a local stripper.