“I find inspiration in various forms. Through media, outdoors and through people. I see inspiration everywhere.”

One of her favorite photographers is Ludovic Taillandier, and Vazquez says of Tallandier’s work, “every time I see (it), I am always inspired.”

Vazquez graduated from International Academy of Design and Technology with an associates degree, and has been published in several magazines, including What’s Hot Tampa Bay, Artistik Magazine, and Boss Magazine.

Take a look at Vazquez’s web site for more stunning and colorful photography - www.bv-photos.com.

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As an American, its format is inherently unlikeable. Episodes are subtitled, run more than an hour long, and almost without doubt, will end in a cliffhanger. They’re celebrity, or “idol,” driven, with every lead in a series being a huge Korean star. They are full of archetypes, names you can’t remember, and formulaic plots. You would think there couldn’t be any more neurotic, ultra-rich pansies picking up poor but savvy Cinderellas off the streets. Yet, series after series, there is a new star-crossed couple destined to fall in, then out, then back in, then back out, and then back in love again.

There’s really nothing comparable.

Unlike American soaps – which take material too seriously – Korean soaps include hijinks mixed with the melodrama. One show is about a wannabe action star who is forced into a relationship with a nine-tailed fox demon or else she will eat him. Seriously. I didn’t watch that one, mostly because it’s about a wannabe action star who is forced into a relationship with a nine-tailed fox demon or else she will eat him. But I’m sure it’s off ‘da chain.

I grew up watching Spanish telenovelas with my grandmother, which may explain my enjoyment and, above all, help me understand some of the tropes found in its Korean compadre. Although they hit typical storytelling beats, they can be totally unpredictable. Part of this surely has to do with the fact that it’s a society I know nothing about. Observing through this hyperbolic artform, using my foreign lens can be quite fun. There are times when I am laughing at the program, not with it. The characters can be ridiculous, have ridiculous motives, and say (or not say) things that just makes everything more ridiculous for everyone else — which is ridiculous.

Every lead is either rich, hot, a badass, or a combination of two of these things. It isn’t until the leads unite that they become all three. For example, beautiful badass lands rich husband, making her a rich, beautiful badass. Likewise, hot rich dude finally lands badass chick, in turn making him badass just for bagging her.

It can be endearing. More than drama, consider it closer to romantic comedy. Even serious fare have their full share of laughs. They’re just so surprisingly good. They have high production value and are stylishly directed with elegant camerawork. The actors are charismatic. Episode after episode is full of genuinely funny and charming moments. And, considering each one’s length, the pace of episodes is quick.

Above all, these series speak to the lost soul. In one way or another, the main characters combat romance, tuition fees, finding a good job, and crazy relatives, often solving their problems with alcohol, usually all in the same episode.

Are there genuine moments that are shameful? Sure. I know I was uncomfortable when it seemed acceptable that one of the male characters was physically abusing his partner. Yet, while there are moments that could be a little more progressive, it’s small fry when entertainment in our country includes this.

Speaking of progressive, could someone explain to me why the villainess is always hotter than the protagonist?! Why do they always say, “Fighting!”? And WTF is a “noona?”

Dear New Roots News reader, I present some starter Korean soaps (along with their I’m-not-shitting-you plots):

“Boys Over Flowers” (2009) – 25 episodes

I decided to give this 2009 TV drama a shot when I was sick and ready to camp out to some ridiculous television. I managed a home run in my first swing. This show is equal parts sappy, funny, warm and weird. It’s about high school student Geum Jan Di, who wins an opportunity to go to the best and richest school in Korea — Shinhwa High School — after saving another student from killing himself. She soon finds out why he was so willing to jump off a building when she meets the infamous F4, each an heir to the richest families in the country. As things proceed, Jan Di falls into a love triangle with two of the members of F4. Naturally. From brave Jan Di to her money-grubbing (but charming) family to the ultra-cool F4, all of the characters in “Boys Over Flowers” are engaging. They’re pitch-perfect, so much so, it’s no surprise this show was so popular in Korea.

Two things hooked me early in the show. One was when Jan Di gets so mad at Goo Jun Pyo, the head of F4 and the richest family, she spinkicks him in the face. The other was a scene where Jan Di’s egged by a huge group of students at school. As if the eggs weren’t enough, some dude with a ladder appears out of nowhere and dumps a huge bucket of flour on her. It’s a level of cruelty I admire, especially for a show called “Boys Over Flowers.” I also thought it was hilarious because the dude on the ladder really does come out of nowhere. They actually go pretty far with some of the evil plotting and bullying. There’s one scene early in the series where the students not only almost kill her by pulling a chain in front of her while she’s riding her bike, sending her flying, but they set her bicycle on fire. I mean, how’s that even possible? It’s a bicycle for chrissakes, I didn’t even know they were flammable.

I think it was these extremes that helped me tolerate story re-threads, especially the heart of the story: when the leads’ knuckleheaded approach to love got in the way of their relationship, breaking them up, but eventually bringing them together again. It wasn’t until the end that it was tiresome, but by then, it’d become an old friend, a ride I was happy to go on one last time.  Of “Boys Over Flowers,” I can say this: after the hours upon hours of Korean television I witnessed, I liked it the most and would recommend this series to anyone interested in going off their own personal television preserve. As they say, there’s nothing like your first. Onto the next one!

“Bad Guy” (2010) – 17 episodes

The ending to “Bad Guy” pissed me off. I didn’t get it. It’s somehow existential and karmic at the same time. The protagonist and antagonist both win and lose — not very fulfilling.  But, I jump ahead of myself.

Up to the end, “Bad Guy” is ruthless (as ruthless as it gets in Korean idol dramas). When Geon-Ok was a child, he was taken from his family and adopted as the legitimate heir to one of the wealthiest families in Korea. When it is revealed there was a mix-up, he is dumped in the rain to wait for his parents, who never come because they die on the way to get him. Now an orphan, he swears revenge. He finds a new identity and works his way into an assistant position to the good-for-nothing son, slowly earning his trust; the hearts of the youngest, who he treats callously; the oldest, who is married; and the side of the family matriarch, who will do everything she can to get him away from her family. Every time he gets closer to the family (so you think maybe he’s ready to forgive them), he reassures you he’s still got big plans. Along the way, he falls in love with Moon Jae-In, who’s got her own eyes on Hong Tae-Sung, that good-for-nothing son.

But, that ending. It colors my feeling for the whole thing. Like an expensive restaurant that serves small portions, I was left disappointed, hungry, and wondering why I paid so much in the first place. Till then, it’s a solid series.

“Protect the Boss”  (2011) – 18 episodes

The beginning of “Protect the Boss” spoke to the period in my life when I was fresh out of college and had absolutely zero job prospects. It follows No Eun Seol, who is a reformed punk with too few credentials and needs a job. She finally lands one as the assistant to the lazy company director/son of company president, Cha Ji Heon, who is secretly agoraphobic. His agoraphobia prevents him from fulfilling his position as director, thus crushing his father’s dreams to see him inherit the company. Once the president finds out that Ji Heon has fallen in love with the low-class — and therefore incompatible — Eun Seol, he goes against expectations and encourages her to improve his son’s behavior. As he, along with his nemesis and cousin Cha Mu Won, aggressively pursue her heart, she starts to fall back on her promise to the president not to return his love.

Since this wasn’t my first rodeo and it doesn’t break any molds in terms of plot, there weren’t really any surprises in this series. “Protect the Boss” certainly is appealing, however. What I liked most were its characters, above all the rival Seo Na Yoon, who cries and cries, making her very pitiful and awkward, but still so beautiful. She’s involved in some of the funniest scenes in the series, like cozying up to Ji Heon’s roommate, who everyone affectionately calls Miss Wrestler; deathstaring Ji Heon for having the hearts of the two men she covets; and encouraging everyone else to solve their problems like her, by drinking them away. If there was any single character in all the dramas I had to pick from to fall in love, it would be her. Aw!

“Secret Garden” (2010) – 20 episodes

Speaking of crippling mental disorders, Kim Joo Won is the president of a major department store who suffers from claustrophobia.  I’m not sure what it is that attracts writers use these disorders as plot devices, but when they kick in, it turns into life or death.And all just because they switched bodies!

Yes, “Secret Garden” is, quite specifically, a slightly supernatural romantic comedy drama. Unusually, the body switch conceit isn’t introduced in the set-up of the series but several episodes in. Joo Won meets stuntwoman Gil Ra Im when he mistakes her for an actress who may have compromising photographs of his client, cousin and rival, superstar singer Oska. As a pampered, wealthy and respected executive, he’s not used to Ra Im’s brusque manner, which infatuates him. Then they switch bodies and shit gets weird.

If I hadn’t chosen to Google the plot, I would have thought the body switch was one of the quirkiest jump-the-shark moments I’d ever seen. But, since I knew it was coming, it was just par for the course alongside flowers that magically re-grow petals and wine-serving, shapeshifting ghosts.” Secret Garden” offers an angle unlike the other series, a true role reversal in the middle of a burgeoning relationship. It is interesting watching the couple switch bodies and have to survive such alien experiences.

One problem I had with the series was the characters’ lack of charm. Ra Im is bland and Joo Won is annoying, even more than usual, which can make warming up to them difficult. The best character is the Korean wave star Oska, who while still a huge star, is admittedly goofy, getting old, and losing his talent. It was actually a shock learning their ages. These people are in their 30s and don’t have their shit together.  They’re immature, which I’m cool with, but this, directly or indirectly, leads to problems in their lives, which I’m not cool with. Lesson learned, K-Drama! NEXT!

“City Hunter” (2011) – 20 Episodes
“City Hunter” appeared to be the most manly K-drama I could find.

From the beginning, it’s bruising. The opening includes explosions, an undercover military operation, and betrayal. Lee Yoon-sung, played by “Boys Over Flower’s” F4 leader Lee Min-ho, seeks revenge against the five men responsible for his father’s betrayal and death — a conspiracy that goes to the very top of the government. He pursues his plan as the vigilante City Hunter, who reveals the crimes of his targets. This non-lethal approach is in stark contrast to his adoptive father, who kidnapped him from his mother when he was an infant to raise him in the Golden Triangle and groom him for revenge. Meanwhile, he’s also fulfilling his promise to watch Kim Nana, a parentless woman who is looking for work. Lucky for him, they both land at the Blue House, the Korean equivalent to the White House. Here he plots to get back at the five men responsible for his father’s death and his, admittedly, kind of crappy life.

You can have any amount of martial arts, no matter how bad, and I’m happy. “City Hunter” is equal parts soap and superhero drama. It was fun to watch and if you can ignore how a person raised entirely in one of the heroin capitals of the world was able to forge an identity to sneak into the Korean White House using that very same drug money to take out some of the richest and most powerful men in Korea, you’re golden.

This is the wonder of the K-drama.

Fighting!

If you haven’t been keeping track, this year marks the 22nd annual Best of the Bay (let’s hear it for the dub deuce!). To celebrate, CL is hosting a beer fest on Sept. 22 at the Tampa Museum of Art. Guests can sample more than 75 beers, celebrate the Best of the Bay winners, munch on treats from Mise en Place, and listen to live tunes. Click here for more information and to buy tickets!

AnnaStella features authentic French beignets and chicory coffee inspired from the original Café Du Monde in New Orleans, La. Guests can also delight on traditional Cajun style dishes like jambalaya and gumbo, or choose from popular breakfast items like their burritos and omelets.

At first glance, AnnaStella is charming with giant orange umbrellas and outside sidewalk seating. It feels slightly warm upon entry, so I order a refreshing mimosa to cool down the moment. The inside is quaint with modern tables and booths, and various musical instrument sculptures on the walls. Boxes of beignet ingredients and cans of coffee from Café Du Monde are intricately placed throughout the bistro.

I meet with Ivan Ropov, who shares a dual ownership of the bistro with my server, Rumen Gavrilov. Both originally from Bulgaria, the men met and worked together at the nearby Vinoy Renaissance Hotel about ten years ago. They dreamt of opening something unique along the street of Beach Drive, as it was in its initial process of development.

“I wondered why there is not something like this here? We heard there was an opportunity, and it was the right time,” Ropov said.

Named after their two daughters Anna and Stella, the bistro started as a simple idea to showcase a little piece of New Orleans, similar to the Nola Café in Tampa. Both men agree that this business is not just a partnership, but a friendship.

“We wanted it to be a franchise, but it wasn’t the right timing with the economy,” Gavrilov said.

Initially, the establishment was under other ownership.  Ropov and Gavrilov joined the owners, and with the advisory of a few downtown executive chefs, they pursued their French bistro idea, eventually gaining full ownership. Initially, the restaurant only featured breakfast, but the owners were able to add lunch, dinner and catering menus that include classics like Cajun jambalaya, seafood gumbo and a variety of Po-Boys. They also feature soups, salads and sandwiches with plenty of seafood options.

I try the Seafood Lover Omelet ($9.95), cooked with crawfish, shrimp and cheddar cheese with slices of tomato on the side, and an actual crawfish in its shell looking back at you on the plate! The eggs are light and mild balanced with the succulent, flavorful seafood. I also bite into the Smoked Salmon Breakfast Platter ($11.95), which includes scrambled eggs, slices of savory smoked salmon with capers, hash browns, and toast. The salmon is fresh and delicious, and the capers are pungent. The hash browns are also light, as the potato pieces are cubed. The plate satisfies my desire for a delightful brunch.

I wait for an order of sweet beignets. They come out hot and fresh with powdered-sugar coating and are almost too hot to touch. The pastry bread is soft, decadent, and to my pleasure, less greasy than a doughnut.

“I believe our dough is better. We make them slightly different, it’s fluffier,” Ropov said.

Ropov hears people say that their food is truly authentic to the Cajun style, and I agree. There are so many alluring items on the menu that intrigue my taste buds, igniting my desire to revisit the restaurant again and again. People in St. Petersburg are falling love with AnnaStella’s truly authentic Cajun flare … perhaps it’s time you give it a try.

To see their menu online, check their website at http://www.annastellacajunbistro.com.

Hours: Sunday – Thursday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday – Saturday 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

AnnaStella Cajun Bistro

300 Beach Drive NE #128

St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Phone: 727-49-8978, Fax: 727-498-8981

“This shoot is an homage to my city, and the clothing is very reflective of the current trends right now for this summer.”

Cancelino spends a lot of his time in Chicago as well, and says in reference to the wardrobe in the shoot, “you will see lots of this on the street, at the lake (Michigan) and out at night. I really wanted to bridge some of the style up in Chicago with the location down here in Tampa.”

Cancelino and his crew shot everywhere from north downtown Tampa to Harbor and Davis Islands, and south to Bayshore.

Nicole Hughes is a close friend of Cancelino, and they work together often. “She has an incredible eye for color, and when I come up with a concept she always sends me the most amazing looks for the models.” A good wardrobe stylist is essential for a great shoot, so Cancelino hit the jackpot with Hughes.

Katlyn, the model, “showed up for the shoot with a ton of great energy and looked fantastic in every single outfit we had her in.” She is an emerging talent whom we should all pay attention to!

Laura, the hair stylist and makeup artist, “is also very inspiring and kept getting more creative with every look we shot that day.”

Says Cancelino of the shoot, “overall it was just a refreshing shoot in Tampa and such a great success, we decided to expand the production and have a second round of photographs with another model to pair up with this one!”

We look forward to seeing Part II of this fabulous fashion story!

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Romney has earned more campaign cash than President Obama for the second month in a row, raising $106 million during June. Throughout his campaign, Romney has relied on high rolling donors to give the maximum federal contribution permissible. A third of the money raised last month, however, came from individuals donating $250 or less. Obama, whose re-election campaign has thrived on small donations, respectively raised $71 million in June.

Both Democratic and Republican strategists agree: Romney’s personal wealth and his relationship with private equity firm Bain Capital are preventing him from connecting with “average” middle class voters. Negative campaign ads, along with calls for Romney to release more tax returns and explain a now-closed Swiss bank account, has only added fuel to the fire.

In a recent Los Angeles Times article by Paul West, a former Romney aid noted that he’s baffled the presidential hopeful has yet to reveal more of his personal biography. “I get it that the objective of the Romney campaign is to make this a referendum on Obama, but at some point you have to say something about your guy. People develop a personal relationship with their president. You have to know something about the guy you’re making president” … “I don’t know if people see Romney as president.”

Romney himself has said the Republican nomination depends on connecting with voters, not the amount of cash raised. In June, Romney took a three-day fundraising trip through Florida, and met with eight Floridians — who have struggled to find jobs — at Buddy Brew Coffee in South Tampa. According to a Tampa Bay Times article by Adam C. Smith, while speaking with the Florida citizens, Romney said “I should also tell my story. I’m also unemployed” …  “I’m networking. But I have my sight on a particular job. I know exactly what I’m aiming for.” No surprise that the comments later received flak.

Romney’s personal wealth—estimated to be about $200 million—continues to be a troubling issue for voters. A Gallup poll released earlier this week revealed that one in five people are less likely to vote for Romney because of his money (and how he earned it) — a majority of those people being Democrats and Independents.

The Obama campaign continues to portray Romney’s wealth in a negative light, most likely trying to convince voters that the Republican hopeful is out of touch and doesn’t understand the needs of lower and middle class Americans.

The RNC starts in Tampa on August 27. Romney currently holds 1,522 delegate votes — more than the 1,144 votes required for nomination.

Comedians love podcasts because they’re easy to make. They don’t have to worry about satisfying advertisers or any FCC guidelines. Their own judgment is the only filter. For most podcast comedians, you’ll find that line is far far away, so be warned that these are for adults. Comedy podcasts are also easy for listeners, and that’s a large part of their beauty. You’re literally an Internet connection and the ability to use a browser away from busting guts. They’re perfect for the car, gym, long walks on the beach, fighting extraterrestrials, or cooking gazpacho. What’s best is listening to them at your leisure.

The problem myself and friends encountered when producing our own comedy podcast was we didn’t have that je ne sais quoi. The guys and gals starring in the podcasts featured in this article know what they’re doing. Me, I’m sticking to what I do best: listening to the damn things.

For your pleasure, dear New Roots readers, here is a list of some of the finest comedy podcasts and networks on these here Interwebs.

“Jordan Jesse Go!” (Maximum Fun)
“Bullseye with Jesse Thorn” might be more popular, but my buddy Ren’s favorite podcast is “Jordan, Jesse, Go!,” both which can be found at Maximum Fun. I’ll admit, I’ve never listened, but Ren swears by its brilliance. So you, through me, will have to take his word for it. Jesse Thorn, “America’s Radio Sweetheart,” is the founder of Maximum Fun and a radio host who teamed up with his college buddy —  comedy writer Jordan Morris — “Boy Detective,” to tackle everything from Katy Perry to Comic-Con, the subject of the two latest posts. A new podcast with a new guest is posted every Monday at www.maximumfun.org.

“The Adam Carolla Show” (Ace Broadcasting)
When his L.A.-based radio station changed formats, Adam Carolla and his radio show were dropped from the airwaves. He moved to the Internet and his brilliant rants earned him plenty of listeners, a thousands of dollars per month bandwidth bill, and a concrete grip of the top spot of comedy podcasts on iTunes. He’s since added a few shows to his network, like “Penn’s Sunday School” with Penn Jillette, and “This Week with Larry Miller” — and probably thousands of dollars more to his bill. His flagship show remains “The Adam Carolla Show,” which he co-hosts with Allison Rosen and Bald Bryan. He follows more of a radio format with defined segments and promos strewn throughout. Updated every weekday, you can find the podcast at www.adamcarolla.com.

“Doug Loves Movies”
Standup comic Doug Benson, probably best known for his love of pot (he typically performs standup across the country at 4:20 p.m. local time), also really really loves movies. The “Doug Loves Movies” podcast begins with Benson and his wide circle of comedy, film, and entertainment friends — including guests like Amy Poehler, David Cross, and Simon Pegg — joking around for a bit. This is followed by a fun-filled round of the Leonard Maltin game, where guests bet how few actors they need — starting with the bottom-billed — before they can name the movie. It’s much less complicated than it sounds. And when professional funny-people play, it is also hilarious. The show is posted every Friday at www.douglovesmovies.com.

“The Joe Rogan Experience” (Deathsquad)
This podcast, run by Fear Factor host and UFC commentator Joe Rogan, is usually three-hours long, and only because of time limitations. Rogan, another pot advocate, is also a fan of psychedelics, which have had an interesting effect on his world view. He’s a bit of a philosopher and a bit of a crackpot conspiracy theorist; add a fervent fascination with the Internet, and you get an idea of what he’s all about. It leads him to pursue extremely interesting guests. This includes people you would expect, like fellow comics Jim Gaffigan and Bill Burr, and MMA fighters Mayhem Miller and Urijah Faber. He also gets guys as diverse as chef and travel show host Anthony Bourdain; New York Times bestselling author Sam Harris; the Ancient Alien guy Giorgio Tsoukalos (click on the hot link, do it); and Egyptologist John Anthony West, who believes the pyramids were created by an ancient civilization older than the Egyptians. With Rogan as one of the top standups, his curiosity-driven mining for material leads to intriguing and hilarious conversations. It’s also spawned a network of shows, the best being “The Icehouse Chronicles,” where all the comics performing that night at the Icehouse Comedy Club in Pasadena, California, sit in on a podcast. “The Joe Rogan Experience” is updated a few times a week, and can be found at www.joerogan.net. Its spinoff network can be found at www.deathsquad.tv.

“Comedy Bang Bang” (Earwolf)
Think sketch comedy in podcast form. That’s “Comedy Bang Bang” (formerly “Comedy Death Ray”), which recently became a show on IFC. Host Scott Aukerman talks to any number of guests, including folks like Zach Galifianakis, Sarah Silverman and Patton Oswalt. They’ll riff on just about anything, while also playing games and getting into funny debates. An “open-door policy” at the show leads to random appearances from wacky characters. With plenty of talented improv actors behind these characters, including guys like Thomas Lennon and Andrew Daly, things can get outrageous. There’s often a feeling that many of these characters are being created on the fly, which leads to plenty of “Oh, they went there” moments, as well as listeners getting to laugh their asses off. Earwolf, the network behind “Comedy Bang Bang,” has other great podcasts, like “Who Charted” where Howard Kremer, Kulap Vilaysack, and that week’s guest go through the pop charts; and “How Did This Get Made?,” where Paul Scheer (“The League”), his wife, comedy writer June Diane Raphael (“Bride Wars”), their friend Jason Mantzoukas (the hairy scientist from “The Dictator”), and some random, usually famous guest skewer terrible movies. “Comedy Bang Bang” and most of the other shows are updated weekly at www.earwolf.com.

“Smodcast” (The Smodcast)
While Kevin Smith was off debating whether he wanted to still make films, he discovered that he’s a pretty good live performer. He’s gone on tour with a Q&A and filmed a special of his one-man show. He also hosts “Smodcast” with co-host — and the producer of most of his films — Scott Mosier. While my appreciation of the humor found in films like “Mallrats” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” peaked when I was in middle school, Smith is a genuinely funny person with a nice balance of ego and self-deprecation. Cool fact: “Mohr Stories” with Jay Mohr started on The Smodcast. Listen to Smith & Co. and their shenanigans over at www.smodcast.com.

“The Todd Glass Show” (Nerdist)
The Nerdist Podcast is one show I’m not familiar with, but I mention it for another show on its eponymous network, “The Todd Glass Show.” Standup comic Todd Glass is a bit neurotic. He often muses on the reasons behind people’s actions, and he analyzes comedy bits he’s doing with his guests as they perform them. He’s also a very talented comic with funny friends. The Nerdist Podcast hosted by Chris Hardwick, however, is a heavyhitter on the iTunes charts. With guests like Fred Armisen, Epic Meal Time, and the fat guy from “Lost,” you are talking some serious nerd power.  Find them all at www.nerdist.com.

“WTF” with Marc Maron
Marc Maron is cranky, self-loathing, and egotistical. He also has one of the most interesting comedy podcasts. He uses the podcast to get to the motives behind his guests’ humor and why they chose comedy. He relates by speaking of his own demons, too. This podcast gets away from the sillier aspects found in other comedy podcasts. Often snarky, a bit dark, and always funny, “WTF” can feel like sitting in on a session with a therapist. Lucky for us listeners, the patients are some big names in comedy, including Danny McBride, Jimmy Kimmel and Chelsea Handler. Find it over at www.wtfpod.com.

Special mention: Spill.com
Spill.com is a site based in Austin, Texas, mostly known for its shorts starring four animated characters who review new releases. They also have a few podcasts, including “A Couple of Cold Ones” where they review the Top 5 box office films, and post the full-length audio versions of their reviews. Spill.com very neatly fills a niche for film geeks looking for a funny podcast. Reviews and episodes of all shows are updated weekly at www.spill.com.

The Green Anole is a native resident to Florida that has been disappearing in recent past, mostly due to the cannibalistic nature of their cousins, the Brown Anole. On top of actually eating Green Anoles, the Brown Anole is a much heartier species, out competing the green guys on a regular basis. Keep an eye out for them – they’re the only native species of anole to Florida.

2) The Florida Scrub-Jay

The Florida Scrub-Jay is one of the most sought after species for U.S. bird watchers. Appropriately, they get their name from their habitat, the Florida Scrub. They’re the only bird native to Florida, and are listed as a vulnerable species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN)  list of threatened species. If you want to see one, head toward the scrubs of Central Florida and keep an ear out for a squawking type of call.

3) The Gopher Tortoise

You’ve probably seen these fellas cruising around. They seem like any other turtle, until you know their role in Florida. Listed as vulnerable by the IUCN, and located throughout the state, the Gopher Tortoise is considered a keystone Florida species. Their burrows, which have been found to be 50 feet long, are a vital habitat for more than 300 other species in Florida (many of them endemic themselves).

4) The Florida Panther

Perhaps one of the most iconic Florida creatures, our Panthers have been fighting for their lives for quite some time now. While they’ve made a comeback in the past 50 years, their numbers are still counted somewhere below 200 (as of last year). A rare sight to see, but more than a treat, Panthers can be found in and around the Everglades.

5) The American Crocodile

Often overlooked because of the heavy presence of the American Alligator, the American Crocodile is native to Southern Florida. Not only are they native, but Florida is the only place in the world where both alligators and crocodiles share the same habitat. If you want to see them, head to Lake Okeechobee and look anywhere south (all the way down to Key West). In 2007, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission removed the American Crocodile from the list of endangered species, and listed it as “threatened.”  Keep a good distance though, you can still be charged $500 with possible jail time for harassing any alligator or crocodile.

6) Southern Red Cedar

The Southern Red Cedar, also known as the Sand Cedar, can be found throughout Central Florida up to the panhandle. They are easy to identify as they look like large Christmas trees, and can be up to 50 feet tall. Southern Red Cedars are a natural insect repellant  – they are also resistant to salt spray  – and in past times, were often used to make furniture. Cedar Key on the Gulf side of Florida was named after the extensive red cedar stands, before the lumber industry discovered the value in cedar wood.

7) Florida Soft Shell Turtle

If you’ve ever seen a snout sticking out of freshwater and worried about what monster was lurking in there, have no worries. It was probably just one of these cute little guys. The Florida Soft Shell Turtle is found throughout the state, and also ventures into surrounding states. It’s one of the fastest turtles to move on land, but curiously enough is almost entirely aquatic. They’re also the largest Soft Shell Turtle in North America (females can be up 20 lbs) and are carnivorous … keep an eye on your toes!

8) Sand Skink

The Sand Skink is perhaps one of the most endemic organisms on our list. It is found in only six counties on the Central Sand Ridge of Florida. This is a reptile whose body is specifically adapted to “swim” beneath the loose sand predominant in this region of Florida. If you’re starting to think “Tremors,” don’t worry. They reach a maximum length of 6 inches or so, and have a diet that mainly features tiny bugs.  Listed as “threatened” by the IUCN, these guys are rather rare. If you get the chance to see one, make sure you have your camera ready.

9) Hercules’ Club

The Hercules’ Club, found in Central Florida to the Panhandle and down the East Coast, is a tree that is hard to miss. The bark’s exterior is covered with spiny protrusions that serve as a self-preservation technique. This is not a tree you should try to climb! The Hercules’ Club is also known as the Toothache Tree. When the leaves of the tree are chewed, it causes a numbness of the mouth. Native Americans used it when, you guessed it, they had a toothache!

10) Coontie

The Coontie (pronounced coon-tee) is a Cycad native to Florida, parts of Georgia, and some islands in the Caribbean. The Coontie’s storage root can be processed and an edible starch can be extracted. This was commonly done by the Seminole Indians, and thus gave the plant the name of “Seminole Bread” back in the day (don’t experiment with this, if done incorrectly, the product can be toxic). The Atala Butterfly, found only in Southeastern Florida and the Keys and thought extinct until recently, is entirely dependent on Coontie for its survival, due to the fact that in larval stages, it eats solely Coontie leaves.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in five of the 1.2 million Americans living with HIV don’t know they have the virus. OraSure Technologies President and CEO Douglas Michels said test users will be “empowered” by being able to determine their HIV status “in the comfort of their own home.” Michels said the home kit encourages individuals who might not otherwise schedule a doctor’s visit to get tested.

The test performed 99.98 percent effective during clinical trials, with one false positive result reported out of 5,000 tests. OraSure plans to have a customer support phone line open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide proper test instruction, more information on HIV/AIDS and advice on seeking further medical care.

Previously, the FDA approved an at-home HIV test in 1996, but users had to mail their sample to a lab for results.

Read more here.

Here they are in particular order:

Desmond Jennings  C-

The speedy leadoff man was injured during both spring training and the season, and he just hasn’t gotten on base enough. So much so that Joe Maddon moved him down to seventh in the lineup. Dude needs to pick it up in the second half.

B.J. Upton  C

What are we going to do with you B.J.??? Every year you tantalize us with your talent and potential, and every year you leave us wanting more. Upton still swings at too many first pitches while not swinging at third strikes. If that doesn’t drive Rays fans batty enough, he is also making bonehead decisions on the field, as well as on the base paths. UGH!

Matt Joyce  B

Since Evan Longoria got hurt, Matt the Bat has been the Rays most consistent hitter. Maddon still doesn’t use him much versus lefties, but lately that hasn’t mattered as he, like Longoria, is hurt. The good news is that Joyce will be back after the All Star Break.

Luke Scott  D

Heading into this season, the Rays opened up their wallets when they signed Luke Scott and Carlos Peña with hopes of bolstering their run production. So far things haven’t worked out for either player. Scott even went through a horrendous 0-41 slump. While Rays fans might like his sideburns, I like hits and RBI’s. Pick it up Wolverine!

Hideki Matsui  F

If I knew what the Japanese F looked like I would write it. He sucks in English and Japanese and he has no business being in the Major Leagues anymore.

Carlos Peña  D

This guy strikes out more than guys at bars wearing Ed Hardy shirts. He hasn’t been too good at first base either. Bust.

Ben Zobrist  C

Zorilla got off to a bad start in 2012 but has picked it up as of late. He has been good in the field, on a team that has been uncharacteristically bad. If they want to make the playoffs, the Rays will need his glove and his bat.

Elliot Johnson  C+

Believe it or not, Elliot Johnson has been one of the Rays’ best hitters this year. Considering the Rays lineup, that’s kind of like being the skinniest kid at fat camp – so take it for what it’s worth. He is also horrible in the field.

Sean Rodriguez  D+

Unlike Johnson, Sean Rodriguez’ glove is amazing. His arm … not so much. His hitting isn’t much to sneeze about either.

Will Rhymes  D-

He seems like a nice kid. He’s got some good hair, but the dude is not a Major League Baseball player.

Jeff Keppinger  B+

Keppinger when healthy has been one of the Rays’ biggest surprises this year. Now he just needs to stay healthy.

Jose Molina/Jose Lobaton  D-

I thought Shoppach and Jaso sucked last year. Yeesh!

Evan Longoria  I

The only fair grade you can give Longoria at this point is an Incomplete. He tore his hamstring at the end of April, re-aggravated it a few weeks ago, and now it looks like we might not see him until mid-August. Missing their best player has had a seismic impact on the Rays 2012 season.

James Shields  C

Big Game James had his best season in 2011, but 2012 has not been as kind to the Rays’ ace. He has an ERA over four and hasn’t been going deep into games. He has also given up a lot of home runs. If anybody can turn things around though, it’s Shields.

David Price  A

Price has been straight up dealing this year. He has been, by far, the Rays most dominating starting pitcher and will represent his team in the All Star Game. He even hit 100 mph on the radar gun and has a chance at the Cy Young Award if he keeps it up in the second half.

Jeremy Hellickson  B

For the most part, Hellboy has been pretty solid this year. Nothing flashy; he’s just been getting it done. Just like last year.

Matt Moore  C+

The ultra-talented rookie really struggled through the beginning of the season but has rebounded nicely. The kid’s legit.

Jeff Niemann/Alex Cobb  B

Niemann was pitching well before he got hurt and Cobb has filled in admirably since. You can’t ask for more from your fifth starter. Well done boys.

Wade Davis/J.P. Howell/Jake McGee/Burke Badenhop  B+

The Rays’ bullpen has been very good this year for the most part. Well, except for this guy …

Joel Peralta  D-

… since he got caught cheating, he’s pretty much sucked.

Fernando Rodney  A+

Nothing sucks about this cat. Rodney has been without question the Rays’ MVP this season. He, like Price, has hit 100 mph on the gun and has been lights out in the closer role. He will also join Price on the All Star team.

Well, there it is folks. I took my grades that I gave each player and calculated them to come up with my very own Tampa Bay Rays midseason grade point average. After crunching the numbers my Rays’ GPA is 2.03. That’s definitely not good enough to get into Harvard and right now, it’s not good enough to get into the playoffs. With a 45-41 record and a 2.03 Pantridge GPA, the Rays are what the numbers say. They’re an average baseball team. It’s time to start cramming for those finals boys.