MyTampaLife » Retail

Anthem Games: Card and Board Game Fun on a Budget

Denis Baldwin — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 14:12:07 +0000

I recently had a chance to interview James Caudill, owner of Anthem Games (5305 Ehrlich Road, Suite 13, Tampa, FL 33625, (813) 333-5386) to discuss his boardgame and card game store and how he’s bringing a bit of low-cost fun to Tampa. He puts together programs and organized events that give local enthusiasts something to do while meeting up with others who enjoy these games.

1. With the economy taking a freefall, lots of people are looking for things to do that are low cost and still fun. How much does it cost to have fun in your facility?

It ranges from free board game nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays, to $5-12 Magic tournaments, all the way up to building a new Warhammer army, which could cost a couple hundred dollars. I think hobby gaming offers something to people with every budget.

2. Obviously there’s some startup costs to being involved in these games. What’s the minimum cost a person might have in getting started? What if they become more advanced?
A role-playing game, such as Dungeons and Dragons is pretty clear. The price is on the box or the book. D&D can scale up a bit with miniatures and tiles for the Dungeon Master, but for players it’s just a book and maybe a miniature if they choose. Board games have the price on the box, so they are clearly priced. Magic is one that can really scale, since it’s a collectible card game. I know casual players who spend very little on the game and play a lot, but I know some very competitive players who spend much more on it – it really scales to the player. Warhammer is another one, but the price of admission is higher. The upkeep is really optional. I know some people who played the same army with few additions for a decade. Then I know some folks who buy a new model or two every month.

3. Do you hold regular events and touranments?
That’s a primary part of what we do. A full calendar is available at anthem-games.com. We have 3 different kinds of Magic tournaments, 3 kinds of Warhammer tourneys, 2 board games, open play events, and special events for new games.

4. There’s a strong connotations that only nerds and the socially inept play role playing and fantasy card games. Is this stereotype true? What kinds of people play these games?
I find that stereotype useful. It keeps out those who would not mesh well into the community. I don’t see an increased percentage of difficult people in this setting. For my own time, I find it lower, in fact. I have met all kinds of people in game stores: lawyers, brilliant recluse computer programmers, socially gifted gabsters, tragically hip scenesters – the thing these people all had in common was big imagination and a passion for problem-solving.

5. How long have you been in business and how did you get started?
We’ve been here for over a year now and growing strong. We got started with a small savings and a lot of work!

6. Are there any games coming out in the next year that you’re excited about?
There are games coming out nearly every week that I get excited about! This is a growing industry that hasn’t hit mainstream yet. Like video games, it has been around since the 70s. Unlike video games, hobby gaming has been fiercely defended by those who care about it. Video gaming has sold out. It’s the new TV. There are still quality video games being made, but they are the signal in the noise, like good film. Hobby gaming has a much higher signal-to-noise ratio, in my opinion.

7. What games do you personally play and why do you play them?
I haven’t played D&D in years, but that is where it started for me. My brother got the AD&D starter for Christmas in 1982 and we dove right in, checking out books from the library to complete our imaginary worlds. That went on for years and included many friends. It was a great escape that was powered on paper and imagination. My brother told me about a hot new card game when he was an avionicist on the flight line in 1994. I had not yet joined the Air Force, so I had plenty of time to try this cool new trype of card game called “Magic: The Gathering”. That was the beginning of what has been almost two decades of a hobby I love. Magic is hands-down, one of the best games ever made, which is constantly improving. Mensa agrees that it is one of the best. It is fun for a casual player and will challenge even the strongest minds.

I’ve long played games like Settlers of Catan and other hobby board games, most of which I found out about from other MAgic players. They make a nice break from intense strategy, or offer a twist on it. They range more greatly in design and complexity than any other genre. I’d recommend talking to Russell for more board game info that I could possibly provide. Here’s his meetup: http://www.meetup.com/TampaSWEEP/

Last year, I picked up Warhammer Fantasy as a strategy game that would let me get back to art. I’ve painted a handful of miniatures when time allowed and found it to be a very fulfilling hobby. You can create an army of your own design, paint them, and play against other generals in one of the oldest hobby games. Since 1983, this British import has been a cult classic. Warhammer 40k has since eclipsed it in popularity, but we support that equally well!

8. If someone wants to learn more about the games you play before they come out, where should they look and who should they talk to?
Folks can always ask questions of our strong forum community at anthem-games.com. They should do what makes them most comfortable. Google is a great resource for any key terms seen here. Wizards of the Coast makes Magic and D&D. Their site is www.wizards.com. Games Workshop’s Warhammer games and others can be perused at games-workshop.com.

9. Other than play board and card games, what other activities go on at your facility?
There’s a small amount of video gaming and internet usage, but it’s really about face time here. You don’t need to leave the house to plug in. I think people are turning away from it, to some degree and looking for new ways to interact with other people in the classic sense.

10. Where do you see the future of games being? More online games? More advanced board games? Something else?
Someone will make it, as long as there is a market for it. I think all will continue to develop and while they aren’t adversarial, one only has so much time. I still play some video games, but I find it much less fulfilling in comparison and usually feel like I just watched TV and turned my brain off. I feel more engaged and mentally active when I’m playing a new board game with friends, dueling another planeswalker in an epic Magic battle, commanding my Bretonnian knights against a Warhammer general across the table, or dreaming up whole new worlds in a D&D campaign. To each his own!

LocalShops1: Hyperlocal shopping for the Tampa Bay Area

Denis Baldwin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:05:00 +0000

One of the things I’ve always found interesting about the web is how easy it is to get to powerful databases of information. What I’ve always found annoying is trying to find that information specific to a region.

For us Tampa Bay residents (and those in the surrounding counties of Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk and Sarasota), you may find some help in the hyper local shopping site, LocalShops1.com. They are committed to promoting locally owned, independent shops. The mission of this site is to be a place where shoppers and business owners can come to network, on social and business levels to exchange ideas, post sales, become involved in the community. Out in the “real world,” they plan lots of fun community events, charity fundraisers and store parties.

About to celebrate their 1st anniversary, Local Shops is focused on highlighting high quality businesses in and around Tampa. This site does what other yellow-pages style sites do, but in a cleaner format and each business is hand selected and reviewed for inclusion instead of an across the board inclusion that many directories do. Signing up is FREE, and can be done here:
http://www.local-shops-1.com/LocalShops1/membership-options.html

There’s lots of good news coming out of this organization. They recently began embarking on a $250,000 advertising campaign with the Tampa Tribune, WFLA, tbo.com, Tampa Bay Magazine, Tampa Bay Business Journal and Genesis radio stations 1040 and 820. They are in the midst of a complete redesign of the website to make it easier to use. In August, they are launching “1Card”, the ultimate discount card for local business.

1st Place Engineering: Best Auto Repair place I’ve found

Denis Baldwin — Sun, 31 May 2009 14:41:00 +0000

I really have to hand it to Jeff Lloyd, the owner of 1st Place Engineering (4011 21st Avenue East #111, Tampa FL 33605, 813-333-1100). Part custom fabrication shop, part auto repair facility, this place is great.

When I came to them last week, I had two broken Miatas, not a lot of money and even less hope. One car was fixed up right away so my wife could get back to work. The second one required a whole engine transplant, but was still done in only 4 days.

When other shops quoted me thousands of dollars and several weeks, Jeff worked day and night to get my work done in less time than I could ever have imagined. The car runs great and the repair cost was very reasonable. I can’t thank Jeff enough.

What impresses me most about Jeff is how honest and helpful he is. Mechanics have always been known as shifty and deceptive, but I got none of that from Jeff. From the very beginning, he gave me optimistic expectations and fulfilled them. When a supplier gave him a bad part, he took care of it quickly. His ability to over deliver really was exception.

While auto repair is one facet of his business. Jeff also does a lot of race-specific engineering. He made an all wheel drive Ford Contour. He’s putting a new school Ford 4 cylinder engine in a Triumph convertible. He’s in the process of doing a complete rebuild and upgrade of a Mazda RX-7. I don’t think there’s anything this guy can’t do in terms of custom fabrication.

So, if you have a car in disrepair and need support, I’d highly recommend Jeff’s shop. I’ll be taking all of my cars back there from now on.

Big Top Flea Market: Dirty, Cheap and Oh So Fun

Denis Baldwin — Fri, 29 May 2009 13:26:00 +0000

Flea Markets, or “dirt malls” as they are known in my inner circle, are a veritable cornucopia of low priced trinkets, interesting one-off services, garage sale items, food stuffs, questionable taboo culture and people of the shadiest walk of life. You may look at that list and see negativity, but I see opportunity. Where else can you get a bong, legal advice, tiki bar furnishings, roasted peanuts and cheap sunglasses all at the same place? No where, and that’s why the Big Top Flea Market is awesome.

When you first pull in, you’re faced with several large barns with big letters on the front, making it easy to remember where you left your vehicle. Since there are something like a dozen of these buildings, you can get lost pretty easily.

Once inside, it’s sensory overload. As I walked into the first barn, I was surrounded by boxes of $1 this, 3/$5 that, a random assortment of tools, car itmes, housewares and other mish-mash.

This is Kara and I standing bewildered at whatever this is.

Some of the art quality is questionable, but the townies eat this stuff up.

It wouldn’t be a flea market without a bong store, or six. In fact, of all the place sin the dirt mall, I’d have to say that the head shops are amongst the best organized.

So many dark passages into the bowels of the beast. So little time.

Did someone say fried Peanuts?

I wish I had gotten this with the flash off. These things glow, thus being scary and cheery at the same time.

Racist? or just an ode to days gone past?

I’m sure there’s a bargain in here somewhere…

Like animals enough to decorate your house with their likeness?

There’s gold in them there tents!

Im not sure what these people are selling.

Would you buy a computer from a guy in a dirt mall?

Need a lawyer? Why not go to the dirt mall!

So… many… trinkets.

Hooray for the Tiki Tent! This place is actually pretty cool, like a trailer park rendition of Hawaii.

Lastly, here’s an homage to everyone’s favorite Melt In Your Mouth confection, the M&M. This was parked outside of building C.

No related posts.

FiOS Adds 6 new HD Channels, Brings total to 117

Denis Baldwin — Mon, 11 May 2009 14:15:00 +0000

Verizon and Entertainment Studios, the largest independent producer and distributor of first-run syndicated television programming for broadcast television stations announced Monday (May 11) that six new high-definition channels are joining the lineup on Verizon’s FiOS TV service, which is delivered over the nation’s most advanced fiber-optic network directly to customers’ homes and businesses.

The six new HD channels from Entertainment Studios – Comedy.TV, Recipe.TV, ES.TV, MyDestination.TV, Cars.TV and Pets.TV – will begin to launch in FiOS TV markets this week.

“The addition of these channels helps us to continue our commitment to offer FiOS TV customers the best in HD programming,” said Terry Denson, vice president – FiOS TV content and programming. “With razor-sharp picture-and-sound quality that only FiOS delivers, coupled with the delivery of six new channels only available to FiOS customers, we’re offering service and variety that cable can’t match.”

Byron Allen, founder, chairman and CEO of Entertainment Studios, added: “Our goal and commitment is to make our networks the very best in their categories, and our launch on the Verizon FiOS TV platform gives us a great start. All content will be originally produced in HD to ensure the highest level of quality, and will be distributed globally on all platforms.”

The six new channels cover a variety of topics, including:

· Cars.TV – a network that showcases the collectors, designers, innovators and ultimate-car enthusiasts (www.Cars.tv).

· Pets.TV – a network dedicated to pet lovers that offers pet news, pet care, pet health and pet lifestyles (www.Pets.tv).

· Comedy.TV – features today’s funniest comedians, with a mix of live concert performances, talk and variety shows, sitcoms and movies (www.Comedy.tv).

· MyDestination.TV – offers the best in travel, featuring exciting, exotic must-see destinations around the world (www.MyDestination.tv).

· ES.TV – dedicated to entertainment news, variety shows, celebrity profiles and today’s hottest superstars (www.es.tv).

· Recipe.TV – features famous chefs, amazing recipes, wonderful food and delicious cuisine from around the world (www.Recipe.tv).

These six new channels join the more than 100 HD channels already offered by FiOS TV, which provides a broad collection of programming, with more than 500 all-digital channels and 14,000 video-on-demand (VOD) titles each month – 70 percent of which are free. Verizon’s VOD library also includes more than 1,300 HD titles. FiOS TV also offers an innovative Interactive Media Guide that provides next-generation, personalized interactive services, including news and entertainment widgets, fantasy football applications, casual games, and many other features. FiOS TV is currently available to more than 9.7 million homes in 14 states.

For more information on FiOS TV, consumers can visit www.verizon.com/fiostv or call their local Verizon sales office or 888-438-3467.

IKEA Tampa opens this morning to the public

Denis Baldwin — Wed, 06 May 2009 13:12:00 +0000

IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, opened the doors of its Tampa store – the company’s 1st store on the west coast of Florida – to customers at 9 a.m. this morning. The 353,000-square-foot IKEA Tampa is located on 29 acres along Adamo Drive at 22nd Street and the Crosstown Expressway, adjacent to the Ybor City historic business district. It is the Swedish company’s 3rd store and restaurant destination in Florida, 6th in the Southeast, 37th in the United States, and 297th worldwide. The store employs more than 400 coworkers and features 10,000 exclusively-designed items, a 350-seat IKEA Restaurant, 49 inspirational room settings, three model home interiors, a supervised children’s play area and approximately 1,600 parking spaces. Other IKEA stores in the Southeast are in Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Orlando, FL; Sunrise, FL; and Woodbridge, VA.

“We are excited to bring the unique IKEA family-friendly shopping experience to the Tampa Bay area and beyond,” said Monica Varela, IKEA Tampa store manager. “The enthusiasm the IKEA Tampa coworker family felt about this big day and about opening the store translated into excitement and a great shopping experience for customers.”

Before the doors opened, Varela welcomed the community with a traditional Swedish log-sawing ceremony, bringing good luck to the new home and its guests. In addition to brief remarks by Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, Varela was joined by Tampa Council Chairman Thomas Scott who raised the U.S. flag; Honorary Swedish Consul B-G Holmberg who raised the Swedish flag; and Special Assistant to the Governor Michelle Todd who raised the Florida flag. Also, IKEA Tampa coworker Jenn Esteves and Carol Downing from Blossom Montessori School for the Deaf in Clearwater served as sign language interpreters of the flag anthems and speakers’ remarks.

Beginning grand opening day and lasting through Sunday, May 10, IKEA Tampa will recognize loyal, enthusiastic customers by giving away thousands of dollars in gift cards and merchandise.

Take a Seat (And We Mean Take It!) – The first 100 adults (18 and over) in line at the IKEA Tampa grand opening on May 6, 2009 will receive a free POÄNG armchair.

Pick a Card, Any Card – The first 2,500 people to visit IKEA Tampa on May 6, 2009 will receive a random prize envelope with IKEA Gift Cards ranging from $10 to $250, or a “Buy One, Get One Free” cinnamon bun, hotdog or frozen yogurt voucher.

You Say It’s Your Birthday – Visitors who bring proof to IKEA Tampa on May 6 that it is their birthday will receive a $10 gift card.

For the (Truly) Young at Heart – The first 100 children (under 18) in line at IKEA Tampa’s grand opening on May 6, 2009 will receive a free FAMNIG heart-shaped cushion.

Enter to Win When Entering our Home – From May 6 through May 10, 2009, visitors to IKEA Tampa may enter a drawing to win one of ten $1,000 IKEA Gift Cards. IKEA will match the prizes (a total of $10,000) with a home furnishings donation to Child Abuse Council of Hillsborough County, a local agency aimed at helping children and strengthening families.

It’s Easy Being Green – On Thursday, May 7, IKEA will distribute to customers 500 three-inch tropical plants, representing IKEA roots planted in Tampa.

Play Big and Eat Big (If You’re Little!) – Entertainment for kids, such as balloon artists, will take place at IKEA Tampa from May 6 through May 10. Kids also can enjoy macaroni-and-cheese as well as other meals, starting at 99¢.

Interview with Jen from GoGreenItems.com

Denis Baldwin — Wed, 06 May 2009 12:37:00 +0000

Everyone knows how important that Green Living is, especially today. Saving energy, minimizing waste and becoming sustainable are goals we can all live with, and a lot of vendors are stepping up to the plate to help us do this. Tampa’s own Jennifer Meier started GoGreenItems.com, a bay area online store that sells recycled handbags, eco-friendly gifts, organic clothing and recycled jewelry, organic personal care products, green gadgets, organic baby products and other green items for your home. Jen agreed to some question and answer about her store.

1. Why your interest in green products?
I wanted to develop a business where I would be able to give back and make a difference. Being a green company inspires me every day to seek out new products and speak with others that share my same passion.

2. How long have you had your store open?
Our vision for the company was developed a few years ago. We officially launched the site in November 2008.

3. Do you have any stories about how you or your store really helped someone change their world for the greener?
For the month of April I sent out information about Earth Day to all my customers. I had a customer that is a Middle school teacher. She read the information to her entire middle school, also her girlfriend used it at her church high school youth group retreat. That information was able to be shared with hundreds of students. With educating our youth about Earth Day it creates a greener world. That was really a nice way to show me that people do appreciate the work that our company is doing.

4. With Earth Day come and gone, what are you hoping the world has learned or will do to be greener?
That we can all make the world greener, it just takes one item at a time.

5. What’s the plan for your store long term?
I would love to see both the store and green practices go global.

6. Are there any green resources, forums or blogs that you read and can recommend?
Green Maven and Eco Seek are great green product resources. For blogs WordPress, BlogCatalog, and Creative Loafing has a great green blog forum.

7. What are your greatest green sellers?
The recycled juice box hand bags are really popular right now. The Chili pepper, it is a hot water pump. We can’t seem to keep them in stock. Another great product is the Klean Kanteen it is a reusable bottle.

8. Anything else your future customers should know?
Please visit the site often, we are always updating with new innovate green products.

There you have it, another Bay Area Green personality promoting ways to help the environment. I’m always looking to cover more environmental stories, so please feel free to submit yourself or others who do something substantial to improve the quality of eco-life here in the Tampa Bay area.

IKEA Tampa Photo Preview

Denis Baldwin — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:34:00 +0000

Yesterday, I was allowed into an exclusive photo preview of the new Tampa IKEA. I’m really impressed with this store, and it’s grand opening next week is likely to be a cultural event.

A few things about this IKEA make it different than many other retails, including other IKEA stores. Firstly, this is the biggest IKEA in Florida. The walking tour we took, which lasted almost 3 hours, didn’t even cover the guts of the store. We literally danced from section to section and I ended up doing a lot of “walk and snap” photography, just trying to get it all in.

On top of the sheer magnitude of this store, trying to wrap your head around what IKEA “is” will likely make your head pop. On the surface, it’s a retail outlet for inexpensive and trendy housewares, furniture and other fun stuff. The top level features dozens of rooms filled with furniture and accessories to compliment each lifestyle. Some are formal, some are fun and some are wacky. There really is something for everyone.

As you make your way downstairs, you’re surrounded by every odd and end you could imagine for your kitchen, bath or the rest of your home. The prices are amazing as well. $8 for a wok? $4 for a box of candles? Cooking utensils under $5? Large area rugs under $50? It’s truly amazing some of the bargains you will find. The secret, as I’m told, is volume. They make and sell millions of pieces of inventory every month.

Thoughout the facility, you find little pencils and pieces of paper to make a list of what you want as you go. It’s all stored downstairs for easy retrieval later. This keeps carts on the main floor and the upstairs free of boxes. Speaking of boxes, everything is flat-packed. This means it’s easy to store, easy to ship and easy for you to carry home. I looked at the boxes for the dresser and bed I want to buy. They’ll fit on the trunk of my Miata, no problem.

Beyond shopping, IKEA is a living community. It’s a place to drop your kids off while you shop (Smaland), a cafeteria-style restaurant with lots of choices (all of which were delicious, mind you) and a cult of personality. The people who work here are the You and Me of retail, the hipster in all of us that enjoys the brand and works there because it is IKEA. I met a number of them yesterday, and I felt right at home. Infact, my wife works at this IKEA at night and on weekends. She continually dotes on how amazing her co-workers are. If you’re fearful of young people who are all smiling, you may want to avoid this place.

Even before the store opens, their scratch-n-dent AS-IS section is full. You’ll want to be there opening day to snatch up many of these bargains before they’re gone.

For the rest of the photos, see my photo set:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/denisbaldwin/sets/72157617424695925/

Habibi Hookah Bar

Denis Baldwin — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:47:00 +0000

I love relaxing with a hookah. I have one here at home which I stuff with wet tobacco on the weekends and veg out in front of my television. If you’ve never done it, I highly recommend it. It’s a relaxing social smoking event, not harsh on your lungs or overly smokey. The flavors are soothing and calming and the whole experience is akin to having a beer after work, leaving you awash in relaxation.

It’s that reason that Habibi Hookah Bar (habibihookahbar.com, 1632 E. 7th Ave, Ybor City/Tampa FL 33605, 813-230-0911) is a growing success. Located next to Phat Katz Tattoo in Ybor, Habibi gets a lot of things right. The hookahs you rent are large and have long hoses, making them centerpieces for your experience without getting in your way. The selection of flavors, some 20 plus of them, can be mixed as you see fit to compliment your mood. Hookahs can be, and are supposed to be, shared amongst friends and this is a social atmosphere to encourages these kind of interactions.

For the hookah enthusiast, comfortable couch seating allows you to look out at the passing car and walking traffic on 7th Avenue. The cool open air lounge brings in the food smells of Ybor and an ambient atmosphere where you watch the crowds as they watch you back. Several people stopped to take our picture with the hookah, as it’s a real draw for those who have never experienced it.

Pricing is reasonable for what you get. For two of us smoking for over an hour, the price was $18, including a Diet Coke we purchased there. Traditional middle eastern music plays in the background, just loud enough to hear but not so loud that it disrupts conversation. On Saturdays, Belly Dancers take over the bar and you’re treated to a show with your smoke. You are encouraged to stay and enjoy and relax, as the manager comes by to change the coal on your hookah regularly and to make sure you are comfortable.

This is one of my favorite places to be in Ybor. It’s good after a long work day or just to relax before going out for the night to the clubs and bars all around the Hookah Bar.

HYNCA Neighborhood Yard Sale, April 4, 2009

Denis Baldwin — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:26:00 +0000

HYNCA is inviting residents of Ybor City to participate (sellers and buyers) in the HYNCA Neighborhood Yard Sale, April 4, 2009 from 9:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Centennial Park in Ybor City. Tables are available for a $10 donation.

It’s a good old fashion yard sale for residents that live the Urban life and have no yard. There will also be a few local retail folks presenting. This is the first year, though it could become an annual event if it does well.

In addition to the HYNCA sale, the market is open in the same park and the Art Walk will be going on the same time. I hope the event will bring those to Ybor who have never been, or never seen the beauty of the city beyond 7th Avenue.

Dale Mabry Walmart’s propane policy is crap

Denis Baldwin — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:44:00 +0000

When it comes to doing propane swaps on Blue Rhino tanks, Walmart seems to have the best deal in town. Their price can’t be beat (at less than $18/swap). They have two whole cages full, so they’re not likely to run out. Sounds like a good deal, right?

It’s too bad their employees manage to screw up any good will that might be created by careful planning of the corporation.

Yesterday, I went in to do a propane swap. I went in the front door, tank in cart, and asked the door person how to proceed. “Just take the tank with you. When you’re ready to check out, do so in the garden center and they will swap it for you on the spot.” Sounds easy enough.

I proceed to do about 10 minutes worth of quick shopping and ended up in the garden center. When I got to the register, an asian woman started screaming at me, “YOU TAKE THAT OUTSIDE! THAT DON’T BELONG HERE! YOU GO OUTSIDE! TANK GO OUTSIDE!”

I pull the tank from the cart, bring it outside and come back in. I explain to her that I wanted to do an exchange, and what the front door person said. She retorted, “NO! That not how it work! You leave outside! You pay here! I send someone to you!”

I paid for my supplies and my tank and went outside, per her instruction. The tank holding pen is about 50 feet from the garden door, so I went directly there, and waited. After 10 minutes, no one came for me. I ran my other purchases to the car and pulled the car up to the tank reservoir (where there’s a FIRE LANE: DO NOT PARK warning). I waited another 5 minutes before marching back into the garden center, tank in hand.

“You can’t have that in here! I call someone for you! Please wait outside!” She said, with an angry scowl on her face. I went back outside. No one came after another 10 minutes. I march back in the front door this time, demanding a manager. A half-asleep-looking guy comes to me, “Yeah, uh, the person who normally does this is at lunch. I’ll have to find the other key holder.”

I’m growing more furious now, as it’s been a half hour since I paid for the propane exchange. I hear them calling for the person who had the key while waiting at the front door. The entire time, I’m watching my car to make sure it doesn’t get towed. 10 more minutes pass and no one comes.

At this point, at 40 plus minutes with no service, I walk up to customer service and ask who has the key. “Oh, she is on a smoke break…” I cut her off angrily, “WHAT? Where? This needs to happen NOW! I’ve been here 40 minutes.” The woman at customer service rolls her eyes and proceeds to help the next customer. I grow more and more furious, still lugging around the empty tank.

As I walk back outside, I see the person who is supposed to have the key. Her name tag and the cigarette give her away. I lift the tank up and present it to her, “PROPANE. NOW. HERE’S THE RECEIPT. PROPANE NOW.”

She lets out a defiant gasp and begins the march to the propane cylinders. It’s now been 52 minutes from the time I purchased my propane to the time we’re back at the cage. As she does the swap, she is talking shit about me under her breath and scowls at me, “Here. I’m on break.” I stop the clock at 54 minutes.

What have we learned here?

Firstly, I can pay $5 more and get a quick exchange at a number of gas stations. Next time, I’m going to do that.

Secondly, much like George Bush doesn’t care about Black People, Walmart doesn’t care about it’s propane customers. Whether Walmart Corporate does or not, it’s employees at the Dale Mabry store make it quite obvious that they have no interest in serving the customer.

I will not be taking my propane business back to Walmart.

Salon Lofts: A collection of services grows in St. Petersburg

Denis Baldwin — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 13:54:00 +0000

While salons all over the country are failing as the depression continues to loom, there is a silver lining in the industry. Salon Lofts, a Columbus, Ohio-based company that provides independent salon ownership to beauty care professionals, has opened its third Tampa bay location in the Tyrone Square area at 7145 22nd Avenue.

Salon Lofts offers an upscale salon space and business services to established professionals who have the desire to be self-employed, and no longer want to work for a salon owner, or rent a booth in a salon on a commission basis. The new St. Petersburg Salon Lofts community of business owners has 22 individual lofts with stylist/Loft Owners providing hair, nail, and massage and esthetician services.

In addition to a private loft, Salon Lofts provides the Loft Owners with value-added services such as web based merchant account services, on-line scheduling, wireless internet, personalized web site, e-marketing services, business and marketing tools, and an on-line facility issue/resolution system.

“Tampa-bay is a very exciting market for Salon Lofts. The experience and caliber of the stylists that have embraced Salon Lofts solidifies our aggressive local expansion goals. The stylists have a skill and service that is second to none. Salon Lofts provides a great location, high-end facilities, and expert marketing and technical support services. Our success is cooperatively linked,” said Daniel Sadd, President and founder of Salon Lofts.

Founded in 2003, Salon Lofts is a unique, turnkey solution that offers upscale salon space and business and marketing tools for experienced beauty care specialists who desire professional and financial freedom. Since its inception, the privately owned chain has grown to 15 locations, including 3 in Florida and 12 in Ohio, with more than 350 hairstylists, nail technicians, massage therapists and aesthetician loft owners. Expansion plans call for 100 Salon Lofts in eight to twelve markets by 2010.

Matchstylist.com
Unique to Salon Lofts is www.matchstylist.com—a proprietary database-driven Web site that enables consumers to research and select a stylist based on the customer’s specific requirements. Customer preferences such as desired hairstyle, salon location, price, or type of service can each be evaluated in searching for a stylist.

Matchstylist.com attracts hundreds of new customers per month, and directs qualified clients to the best matched stylist.

Additional Information

• There are approximately 350 Loft Owners at Salon Lofts
• There are 12 Salon Lofts sites in Columbus, OH
• Salon Lofts has expanded into the Florida west coast market with three locations: Tampa (1) and St. Petersburg (2)
• Salon Lofts plans to expand to 10-15 locations in Tampa Bay over the next three years
• Salon Loft plans to grow to 100 stores in 8-12 markets by 2012

We had a Q&A with the owners of the Salon Lofts to find out more about their business.

1. What makes Salon Lofts different than other salons out there? For a stylist, they get to own their own business, run their own salon within a community of other independent business owners. Salon Lofts provides common area services and business and marketing support. Customers are able to support their stylist as an independent business owner while receiving very personal attention and one-on-one service from their stylist. And what’s so unique for the customer is the opportunity to choose a stylist that best suits that individual’s style and taste, rather than based on availability. Stylists and clients come together by compatibility rather than availability.

2. What are your services? Full service salon (hair, nails, massage, esthetics/skin care) at each location. Each loft owner determines which unique services they will provide. Customers can view online.

3. What are your price levels? Each loft owner determines their price levels at any range. The customer is given the ability (via salonlofts.com) to view all owners’ services and prices online and to select a stylist that meets their needs and budget.

4. How do you see Salon Lofts expanding in the future? By the end of 2009 there will be two additional Salon Lofts locations in the Tampa Bay area. Within the next three years, there will be approximately 15 locations in the Tampa Bay/St. Pete area in every large community.

5. Who are you ideal clients? Salon Lofts attracts a clientele from a broad range of lifestyles and income levels, however the trait they all share is a standard of high-quality in the cosmetic industry. Clients require the best service professionals using the best salon products with the most up-to-date knowledge of their industry.

6. What benefits does a person have coming to your Salon? One-on-one interaction and attention from their stylist. Customers are continuously commenting on how much they love the privacy in each loft. No other guests waiting or sharing their time. Another positive attribute is that most stylists come to Salon Lofts from small, intimate shops. Salon Lofts is a one-stop shop for a vast array of services, but still maintains that small salon feel.

7. Are there any future expansions for salon lofts in the tampa area? The third Florida location opened in February 2009 and the fourth location is set to open later this year in Clearwater.

IKEA Tampa Set to Open May 6th, 2009

Denis Baldwin — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 17:46:00 +0000

For Immediate Release

IKEA ANNOUNCES ITS TAMPA BAY STORE WILL OPEN MAY 6

TAMPA, FL – IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, today announced that its future Tampa store will open at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 . It will be the Swedish company’s 3rd store and restaurant destination in Florida, 6th in the Southeast, and 37th in the United States. Until the 353,000 square-foot IKEA Tampa opens, customers can shop at stores in Orlando, FL and Sunrise, FL or at www.IKEA-USA.com.

“We are thrilled at the excellent construction progress made in the summer and fall, and believe the remaining construction milestones and interior build-up process will be complete by May – much earlier than originally envisioned,” noted Monica Varela, store manager of the future IKEA Tampa. “Now our primary goal is hiring and training the 400 local hires who will be joining the IKEA coworker family before we open.”

IKEA Tampa will present 10,000 exclusively-designed items, 49 room settings, 3 model home interiors, a supervised children’s play area, and a 350-seat restaurant serving Swedish specialties such as meatballs with lingonberries or salmon plates, as well as American dishes. Family-friendly features include a ‘Children’s IKEA’ area in the showroom, baby care rooms, preferred parking and play areas in the store.

The 353,000-square-foot future IKEA Tampa, with 1,700 parking spaces, will be built on 29 acres along Adamo Drive at 22nd Street and the Crosstown Expressway, and will reflect the same unique architectural design for which IKEA stores are known worldwide.

This new IKEA store created 500 construction jobs and, on May 6, it will welcome 400 new coworkers into the IKEA family of more than 11,000 coworkers across the U.S. and 120,000 globally. Although IKEA Tampa is progressing through outfitting phases, prospective coworkers still can apply for diverse positions available in home furnishings sales, customer service, cashiers, receiving, warehouse and stock replenishment. IKEA Tampa also offers food service opportunities in its Restaurant, Swedish Foodmarket, Bistro and staff cafeteria.

There currently are more than 290 IKEA stores in 36 countries, including 36 in the U.S. , where other new stores will open in: Centennial, CO and Somerville , MA . Since its 1943 founding in Sweden, IKEA has offered a wide range of home furnishings and accessories of good design and function, at low prices so the majority of the people can afford them. IKEA has been ranked in FORTUNE’s annual “100 Best Companies to Work For” list (three years in a row), Working Mother magazine’s annual list of “100 Best Companies for Working Mothers” (four years in a row) and Training magazine’s annual “Top 100” ranking of companies that excel at human capital development (five years in a row). IKEA incorporates environmentally friendly and socially responsible efforts into day-to-day business, and continually supports initiatives that benefit causes such as children and the environment. For more information about IKEA, and about working at IKEA, please go to www.IKEA-USA.com

3 Mile Sauce and Salsa

Denis Baldwin — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 03:55:00 +0000

While walking around the Ybor Saturday Market the other day, I ran across a booth selling one of my favorite things: hot sauces! It’s no secret that I’m a saucehound and a real spice nerd, considering my kleptomaniacal hoarding of hot sauces at every restaurant I can swipe them from. It’s also no secret that I’ll go out of my way to mail order or drive to places that have spices and sauces you can’t get anywhere else. It’s my inner foodie forcing my outer foodie to do whatever it takes to get the most flavor into everything I eat.

Thus, when I find a local spice, sauce and salsa shop like 3 Mile Sauce and Salsa, I’m always pleasantly surprised.

Owned and operated by husband and wife team Jerry and Arlene Gamache, everything is made here in Florida. This isn’t your grandma’s kitchen, but a full production specialty saucery that puts out jar-by-jar to specialty food stores and direct to guys like me who find them at shows like the Ybor Market. All production is labeled and monitored by the FDA, so you know you’re receiving top quality products.

Set up at their tent were a collection of salsas and sauces to try with chips, from their green apple salsa to their hot Habanero Carrot Sauce. Covering the complete spectrum from mild to wild, these sauces would go good with a variety of dishes.

The one that stood out the most to me was the Pineapple Serrano Glaze. When tried on a piece of chicken, it brought out a flavor combination I had never expected. You get hit with the pineapple sweetness immediately. It’s so sweet that your tongue curls around the chicken, soaking in as much of the sweetness as it can handle. Then the slow heat of the Serrano kicks in. By no means “hot”, the serrano only burns enough to remind you that it’s there. The combination is other-worldly. Easily the best glaze I’d had on chicken in a long, long time.

Aside from selling single bottles, they also offer case pricing. To get a taste of these wonderful sauces, check out their calendar to see where they’ll be next: http://www.3milesauceandsalsa.com/calendar1.html

Gameworks? More like LAME-works

Denis Baldwin — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:16:00 +0000

While killing time in Ybor on Saturday before the jalapeno eating contest, Kara and I decided to head into Gameworks (1600 E 8th Ave # A147, Tampa, FL 33605, (813-241-9675). I’d been in both this and other Gameworks before and recall it being a lot of fun. It’s amazing how things change.

Perhaps I’m spoiled from having an XBOX360 at home, but I really expect more out of one of the most well known arcade franchises on the planet. Their slogan is, “Eat, Drink, Party and Play.” While I can’t attest to either the eating or drinking, the Party and Play portion of their marketing is over-hyped garbage. Where are all the good games? Where’s the variety of games? Why aren’t the games all working? Why aren’t there any newer titles?

There’s a few specific complaints I’d like to address.

We spent over half an hour in there and saw everything there was to see. It’s a much smaller place than what you’d expect, especially considering the size of the building it sits in.
They get you with the Gamer Card. You pay $20 for a card. $2 of it goes to “Activation”. The other $18 goes to your games. But what games? Not every game takes the card. Infact, just over half of them did. The rest take tokens. How half assed is that?
If you don’t want to buy a Gamer Card, there is no way to use tokens in the card-only machines. Thus, if you want to play any of the newer games, you’re forced to buy a card.
Several of the games were broken down. House of the Dead was missing a gun. An air fighting game was broken and sealed off. Another racing game I went to wouldn’t respond. It looks like these haven’t been maintained very well.
Speaking of racing games, why is more than half the floor filled with them and they are all incredibly low quality? The staples of the racing world, such as the Cruisin’USA/Cruisin’ World series are no where to be found. They have one Need For Speed game and it’s horrible. It’s more bumper-cars than tactical Need for Speed racing, such as Carbon or Hot Pursuit.
Why is there only one pinball machine? and why do you only get one credit at a time? Seems like both a waste of money and a lack of options for those of us who love pinball.
I didn’t see a single game in there newer than 2007. There have been dozens if not hundreds of games released since then. Why hasn’t Gameworks adopted them?
While I’m examining their business model, why haven’t they adopted the “rent-a-console” idea? The Hip Hop Soda Shop does it. A lot of other arcades do it. You go in and pay-per-time to play the newest console games. They can lock down the consoles and each console has a different game. Why isn’t this something Gameworks does? It’d be a cashcow and a good draw, but that’s not how Gameworks wants to roll.
There’s no rockband/guitar-hero style game. This is the most popular game genre right now. Why not cater to it?
There’s no classics either. No Pacman. No Joust. No early arcade games that draw in the nostalgia factor.
There’s only one fighting game, Tekken, and it’s one joystick felt really loose. Where’s Mortal Kombat? Soul Calibre? These are first rate titles with many sequels. Why not offer them?

My frustrations with LameWorks could go on and on. I’m avoiding this place until they update their games and their policies.

Valentine’s Day in Tampa

Denis Baldwin — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 15:33:00 +0000

With Valentine’s Day only four short days ahead, I wanted to compile a list of things to do to make sure your loved one feels all the love you have to give. While I personally have never been an advocate for Hallmark Holidays, this one seems important to my wife and thus I’m going to accommodate her.

Things to Buy – Chocolates

If you’re looking for sweets for your sweet, I highly recommend one of the many local confectionaries who cater to your sweet tooth.

Schakolad Chocolate Factory
408 S Howard Ave, Tampa – (813) 259-1099

Choxotica Chocolate
3802 Ehrlich Rd Ste 103, Tampa – (813) 264-8000

Debbie’s Chocolate Delight
2086 W Busch Blvd, Tampa – (813) 933-7377

Things to Buy – Flowers

Nothing captures the symbolism of love more than roses, and there’s one name in Tampa Bay that sticks out as having some of the most beautiful roses I’ve ever seen. Prices starting at $29.99 and going up to $399, Jennie’s Flowers on Columbus is the go-to shop for your botanical gift.

Jennie’s Flowers
2730 W Columbus Drive
Tampa FL
813-872-8441
http://www.jenniesflorist.com/tampa-florist/valentines-day-flowers-94c.asp

Things to Do

Gasparilla Knight Parade – The roughest and most crazy part of the Gasparilla may not be for the faint of heart, but my wife and I are going to brave it anyway. If you’re looking for something with less romance and more… well.. boobs and debotchery, this might be your ticket. Here’s the parade route:

Lavish Love Feast Wine Tasting – Whole Foods on Dale Mabry (1548 North Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa FL 33607) is offering a free wine tasting event for lovers on Valentine’s Day. The event runs 1PM-4PM.

Places to Eat

High End: The Melting Pot – Fondue Lovers Rejoice! Three Bay Area Locations are here to serve you. For around $100, you and your partner can enjoy a course of cheese and chocolate.

13164 N. Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa, FL
(813) 962-6936

3689 Tampa Road
Oldsmar, FL
(813) 854-4691

2221 4th St. N
St. Petersburg, FL
(727) 895-6358

The Columbia Restaurant (2117 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, 813-248-4961) – Florida’s Oldest Spanish Restaurant. Fine dining, one of a kind columbian style. Dinner for two should run about $100-130.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House ( 1700 N. Westshore Boulevard, Tampa, 813-282-1118) – My favorite Steakhouse. Tampa’s branch does not disappoint. Whether you want Steak or Lobster or other high end items, Ruth’s Chris is a good bet. Dinner for two should run about $100-130.

Mid End: StreetCar Charlies. This is where me and my wife are going to go, as we’ll already be in Ybor for the Gasparilla Knight Parade. This place looks to be a lot of fun, they have a pretty diverse menu and they cater to the gay community, so no matter what kind of relationship you have, you’ll feel comfortable in StreetCar Charlies. Dinner for two should run about $50-60.

After The Night Out

Todd’s Couples Store (13417 N Nebraska Ave; Tampa, FL 33612 (813) 971-0007) – Everything you need for “after hours adults-only” home entertainment to finish off a great Valentine’s Day.

Site-To-Store Once again, this time with Best Buy

Denis Baldwin — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:04:00 +0000

After the last site to store experience I had at Sears, I had high hopes for a similar experience at Best Buy. While this wasn’t as good, as quick or as friendly, it went off without a hitch.

Yesterday at noon, I saw an ad online for Western Digital Raptor 300GB Sata drives for $199 at Best Buy (1725 N Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, FL 33607 (813) 874-8814? (813) 350-8100?), with local pickup available. This is about $80-100 cheaper than I’ve seen at other places and I really missed having a Raptor after my last one went south, so I bought it online and selected site to store. I was a little worried because of bad reviews I had read of this particular Best Buy, but decided to try it anyway.

About 2 hours later, I got the note saying it was good for pickup. The sheet said the same thing that sears said, “Bring your license, credit card and this piece of paper to the checkout. Park in Site-to-Store Parking”.

So, I headed off to Best Buy. I get there and find no site-to-store parking. Apparently, that’s in “participating stores only”. No big deal. I park in the back of the lot (as they were really busy at 5:30 on a Wednesday night) and walk in. They have a section by customer service labeled “Internet Pickup”, but it’s intermingled with the rest of customer service.

I stand in line for about 6 minutes. They call me up, I hand them what they needed and the service guy walked 10 feet and retrieved my package. He looked at my license, scanned my credit card and I was out the door in less than 10 minutes. Over all, not a bad experience.

I’m hoping these situations become even easier with time, though I admit I was spoiled after the Sears incident.

Site-to-Store at the Westshore Sears

Denis Baldwin — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:17:00 +0000

I love the Site to Store concept. Online prices, in store pickup, no shipping costs. When Walmart did it, it was cool. Place your order, wait 10-14 days, get an email, pick it up. Sears in Tampa brought it to a whole new level.

Placed an order for my mom’s belated Christmas Present today. Placed the order at 9:18 this morning, thinking I could pick it up in a couple of weeks. At 10:23, I get a note saying, “Your order is ready to pick up.” That fast? Really? Wow.

I called Sears, thinking there’s now way this could be. Apparently, they keep some inventory on special hold in their site to store, not for retail floor sales. They do this for about a hundred items that are popular, making it a very quick turnaround. He says that even for non-inventory items, delivery to the store is usually 1-2 days at most.

So, I’m impressed. I go to get my drill, and what I find when I get there is even more impressive. Special parking for pickup orders. No walking through the store. No lines. No bullshit. You just pull your car up to the door and that’s that.

This is the store I’m talking about, if any of you want to see this process in action:
Sears & Westshore Plaza
347 Westshore Plaza
Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 288-6000

I walk inside and I’m greeted by a computer. I’m expecting the worst. “Please scan your printed receipt from the email.” OK, easy enough. Hold it there, it scans. “Mr. Baldwin, thank you for your order. Please slide your credit card to login.” OK, seems easy enough. Sure enough, it was easy. “Mr. Baldwin, please wait. Our employee will be there in a moment. Please look at the screen to check progress of your order.”

I look up and associate CHARLES had already picked the order and was walking with it. Total transaction time from the time I put my credit card in until the box was in my hand was only 19 seconds. NINETEEN SECONDS.

I’m really impressed. I never gave Sears a lot of credit because I always found their stores to be crowded, overpriced and generally distracting. In the last couple of years though, that image has really turned around.

I’m so blown away by both the good deal I got and the great customer experience that I’m going to order one of these drills for myself next week.