It’s hard to imagine them wild, these dogs that gingerly take treats from human fingers. Sometimes, a kind of 
From left: Fana and Dina, with Ali in the background. Photo by Emily Young.emptiness in their eyes reminds us they were once strangers to our world. Less than a year ago, these basenjis lived as a feral pack. Today, after months of rehabilitation, they sit on command.
“This is all starting right here in St. Petersburg,” said Barry Torman, board member of Casey’s Cookies, a St. Petersburg 501c(3) not-for-profit corporation.
Casey’s Cookies was formed out of a need that St. Petersburg entrepreneurs Barry and Lori Torman saw developing right in their own home.
Friday, Dec. 10, was International Human Rights Day. And for some advocates, it was the ideal time to insist that the city acknowledge how homeless, poor and unemployed citizens fare in the current economic crisis.
Photo by Emily Young. Dark clouds snake around a full moon. Inside a tiny caravan decorated with blinking Christmas lights, a medium predicts the future. She wears a turban adorned with glittery peacock feathers.
“I see nothing but yellow light surrounding you,” she tells her client.
“We’re not just creating a classroom, we’re creating a tighter community,” said Eckerd College environmental studies professor Kent Curtis.
Since January 2009, Curtis has dilligently worked with his Eckerd students to create an interactive sustainable garden at Lakewood Elementary. Together they have developed an organic edible garden, as well as a working classroom. Curtis hopes to see programs that teach the basic skills of where food comes from and how it is produced implemented in schools everywhere. His teaching methods and the success of his students continue to inspire members of the St. Petesrburg community.
I have always felt December is the strongest month in terms of film quality. Not only are studios looking to set up a tentpole movie to earn big bucks during the holiday season, but they are also trying to drop in Oscar contenders before the December 31 deadline. Thankfully, this year proves my point that December is still the best month to watch great film. What follows is a list of particularly noteworthy movies.
It was a perfect combination of hot sounds, St. Pete chic and sex appeal, presented in a classy urban venue for an 
The Helio Jazz Orchestra. Photo by Rob La Rocca. appre
ciative audience.
The Helios Jazz Orchestra, featuring Sasha Tuck on guest vocals, gave a crisp and exciting performance on Tuesday, Nov. 23 at downtown St. Pete’s Nova 535 Art Lounge and Event Space. Admission was $5 and included food and desserts.
The slumping economy hasn’t stopped the giving spirit of local charitable organizations. St. Petersburg residents who need assistance at this time of year can go to Daystar Life Center Inc., The Salvation Army and Metropolitan Charities – amongst other places – for financial, food and gift assistance.
Jeff and Stephanie Schorr run the Craftsman House, a gallery-café-pottery studio located on Central Avenue in 
Stephanie Schorr working in the studio. Photo by Nick Nicks.St. Petersburg. I spoke with the couple over the phone as they discussed the renovations they’ve made to their converted 1918 bungalow, the success of their award-winning cafe, and how their gallery of American craftwork fulfills the common needs of people.