Wednesday, August 9, 2023 by @matt

August 9, 2023

Wednesday

Laid Back Gene Shalit

We're having breakfast at one of our favorite spots this morning — The Seahorse in Pass-a-Grille, St. Pete Beach. Great diner food. The tables have postcards, news clippings, and other items under a layer of epoxy. I noticed this gem, which was right in front of me, after reading an article about [Gene Shalit](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Shalit "Gene Shalit") getting [hit by a car](https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1994/03/19/car-clips-tv-critic-in-st-pete-beach/ "Car clips TV critic in St. Pete Beach") down the street...in 1994.

The [Aquatarium](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquatarium_(Florida) "Aquatarium of St. Pete Beach, Florida") was an [aquarium and performance center](https://daystream.com/matt/2021/03/29#19dc9c20-55f0-4425-8a4a-3c53e7470607) that [literally occupied the ground on which our condo stands now](https://daystream.com/matt/2021/03/29#3fb6c060-d520-40e9-96fb-20e8f223f132). I went there as a kid with my grandparents.

Gene Shalit was ok, btw. Broken leg.

photo published in /2023/08/09

tags: stpetebeach passagrille aquatarium

Here's the Aquatarium sticker with the [Gene Shalit article](https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1994/03/19/car-clips-tv-critic-in-st-pete-beach/ "Car clips TV critic in St. Pete Beach") for reference. And Renee's hand and phone.

photo published in /2023/08/09

Pass-a-Grille – Laid back since way back.

photo published in /2023/08/09

Smart's Folly (elevenwarriors.com)

I used to be a Big Ten traditionalist. Easy to do, as an Ohio State fan. Weirdly, though, as I get older I'm ok with all of this change. Let's see where it takes the game.

And, besides, killing the PAC-10 is like the ultimate Rose Bowl victory.

link published in /2023/08/09

I'm torn, honestly.

I love Florida. I always have. I've visited regularly since I was probably four. St. Pete Beach is a second home (literally and figuratively) for me. I love the beach and the ocean, the sunsets, the food and shopping. Even the baseball. I love the whole vibe.

But I hate the politics. The DeSantis culture war is nothing short of insanity. But, sadly, it seems to be sticking a bit, which makes me worry that the sarcasm of this shirt will soon be unnecessary.

For now, I'll say it sarcastically, in the spirit of this shirt.

Florida sucks; stay away.

photo published in /2023/08/09

Hillsborough schools cut back on Shakespeare, citing new Florida rules (tampabay.com)

Shakespearean sex is still allowed in Florida schools, apparently.

link published in /2023/08/09