JACKSONVILLE NING! OPE temples & tombs new exhibit at the cummer start planning for new year’s

entertaining u newspaper INSIDE: fun events to fi nish the year free weekly guide to entertainment and more | december 21-27, 2006 | www.eujacksonville.com 2 december 21-27, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper table of contents feature New Years/Gator Bowl ...... PAGES 16-19 Last Minute Gifts ...... PAGE 21 movies The History Boys (movie review) ...... PAGE 6 Rocky Balboa (movie review) ...... PAGE 8 Movies In Theatres This Week ...... PAGES 8-12 The Good Shepherd (movie review) ...... PAGE 9 Seen, Heard, Noted & Quoted ...... PAGE 9 Charlotte’s Web (movie review) ...... PAGE 10 Dreamgirls (movie review)...... PAGE 11 Night At The Museum (movie review) ...... PAGE 12 Southeastern Film Critics Awards ...... PAGE 14 at home My Boys & 10 Items Or Less (TV preview) ...... PAGE 15 All A-Twitter (Wild Birds Unlimited)...... PAGE 29 food New Years Snacks & Drinks ...... PAGE 20 music Pop Goes The Symphony ...... PAGE 22 Music Calendar ...... PAGES 22-26 Freeze Frame (Cliff’s At The Beach) ...... PAGE 23 Derek Trucks (interview) ...... PAGE 24 Julius Airwave (interview) ...... PAGE 25 Jay-Z ( review) ...... PAGE 25 January At The ...... PAGE 26 arts / theatre / on stage Greetings (Limelight Theatre) ...... PAGE 26 Temples & Tombs (Cummer) ...... PAGE 27 Arts Calendar ...... PAGES 27-28 columns and stuff All A-Twitter ...... PAGE 29 The Jock ...... PAGE 29 NASCAR news & notes ...... PAGE 30

eujacksonville.com | december 21-27, 2006 3 thisweek Orange Park with Sensei, Matlock, thursday DECEMBER 21 Parade the City Jack Rabbits - 8:00pm, Christmas With Clay Aiken and the Jacksonville Price: $8.00, Info: 398- Symphony Orchestra 7496 American Idol star, Clay Aiken joins the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra for an all-holiday program of timeless favorites like ‘Have DECEMBER 22 - 23 Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ and ‘Sleigh Ride’. Moran Theater at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. The SantaLand Info: 354-5547 or jaxsymphony.org. Ticket Prices: $25, $35, $45, $55 and $75 Diaries Ian Mairs stars in DEREK TRUCKS SUSAN TEDESCHI this delightful, annual The Smile Rays production by writer, 4th Annual Hip Hop Hell Winter Freestyle The local hip-hop, funk, rap trio is a collision of talents from two David Sedaris, about a Christmas elf at Macy’s Department different projects -- Therapy, of the AB’s (formerly known as store. The Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre – 8:15 pm. Massacre. Loosen up your tongue to show your stuff. Asamov), Daisey & Batsauce, of Heavenly Noise -- each having Tickets: $10 Info: 249-7177 their own appeal to the underground urban music scene. Thee Imperial, downtown on Forsyth St. Also performing: Tough Junkie & Robin Banks Club TSI, 333 E. Bay St. at 10:00 PM DECEMBER 23 DECEMBER 21 - 23 saturday sunday DECEMBER 24 Julie Scoggins w/ Joel Stice Land Bros. Show Julie spent 12 years of her life as a truck driver. After trading her Jacksonville native, Atlanta artist, R. Jacksonville Jaguars vs. New CDL for a mic, Julie has found success combining her Tom-boyish Land, presents some new work. His demeanor with stories from her far traveled past. Be cautioned, brother Robbie Land will show some England Patriots This is the last regular season game at Alltell. Do however, that while Julie may be a female, she has the licker of a of his fi lms, and the youngest Land, you believe in Christmas miracles? Let’s hope the sailor, err... truck driver rather. This show is rated ‘HR’. (She has a Joel, performs standup comedy. Big Cats have been good this year and that Santa video on her Myspace if you wanna check her out.) Fuel Coffeehouse in 5 Points from 2 will deliver a magical set of circumstances that Atlantic Theatres, 751 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach pm until “late” would lead to the post season. Info: 249.PLAY (7529) or [email protected] Alltell Stadium at 1:00pm Skateboard Art Show Limelight’s Holiday Production Greetings! This art show consists of artwork Limelight Theatre presents the holiday comedy Greetings! by Tom on skateboard decks. This might Dudzick. Described by the Los Angeles Times as “a wonderful, make a great gift for the hard-to- wacky look at how cleverly a mixture of Christmas, Hanukkah, and buy for person on your list. TSI, monday New Age philosophy can...fl ick on the electricity.” This miraculous 333 E. Bay St. Info: myspace.com/ comedy is fast becoming an alternative to the traditional A Christmas jaxdeckartshow. DECEMBER 25 Carol in theaters across the country. The production will run through January 7 with performances on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30, selected Saturday Matinees at 2pm and all Sundays at 2pm THE except Christmas eve. EMBRACED Limelight Theatre, Joukowsky Family Foundation Center for the Performing Arts, 11 Old Mission Avenue, St. Augustine. Info: Call (904) 825-1164 friday DECEMBER 22 Sexy Santa Party Tres Bien Club Paris - Sexy and scantily clad “Santa’s Helpers” will be TSI will be having a Vintage Christmas with musical guests Tres everywhere, and they’ll be watching you to decide if you’ve Bien and Airport Factory. Très Bien is described on their My Space been naughty or nice this year. You can drink your troubles page as a garage, power-pop, soul band from Clearwater. It’s a bit away with holiday drink specials like ‘Under the Mistletoe’ of British invasion crossed with The Strokes. That’s a pretty good and ‘Naughty Little Elf’ drinks and ‘Sex on the Sleigh’ cocktails served up by naughty elves. You can also get ½ Acoustic XMAS I combo. So break out your smartest, swankiest, sweetest vintage featuring: The Embraced, Gunwitch, Christina Wagner, Bobby Amaru price Martini’s from 9-11 and FREE admission before 11. Christmas clothes; scarves, sweaters, ascots, jumpers, overcoats, Jack Rabbit’s in San Marco - 8:00 PM , Info: 918-3999 and hats and come downtown to TSI, 333 E. Bay Street. Price: $8, Info: 398-7496

4 december 21-27, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper A FAMILY FESTIVAL Adams and Anderson, LLC Present: SHERRY BOYD, M.C.

– 31st Annual – Sound by GENE DANIELL New Year’s NO VIDEO OR AUDIO RECORDING BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL GEORGIA’S JEWEL JEKYLL ISLAND, GA

RALPH STANLEY & THE Thursday, Friday & Saturday CHERRYHOLMES CLINCH MTN. BOYS “IBMA Entertainer of the Year” (Saturday, 30th) “Grand Ole Opry” DECEMBER 28, 29 & 30, 2006 (Saturday, 30th) CRASH THE SATELLITES

The Julius Airwave with Crash The Satellites and Christian Mendez spinning for the Eclipse Annual Christmas Show. Read interview with Julius Airwave on page 25. Eclipse, 4219 St. Johns Ave., Info: 387-3582

THE LEWIS FAMILY DAVID PETERSON LARRY SPARKS & THE DOYLE LAWSON & “America’s First Family of & 1946 LONESOME RAMBLERS QUICKSILVER Bluegrass Gospel Music” (Friday, 29th) “IBMA Vocal Group & Gospel THE GRASCALS “IBMA Vocalist of the Year” Recorded Performance of the Year” wednesday DECEMBER 27 (Friday, 29th) (Saturday, 30th) (Thursday, 28th) (Friday, 29th) Derek Trucks Band & Susan Tedeschi Jacksonville native, Derek Trucks, began playing guitar at age 9, by age 11 had his fi rst paying gig and by the age 12 he had his own band. What had begun THE ISAACS JESSE McREYNOLDS & THE GARY WALDREP THE LOST & FOUND THE LARRY THE VA BOYS STEPHENSON BAND as a weekend activity quickly became (Friday, 29th) BAND (Thursday, 28th) “Grand Ole Opry” (Friday, 29th) (Thursday, 28th) a life’s pursuit, and would eventually (Thursday, 28th) result in Derek being the youngest player to make Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” list. He is married to the multiple Grammy nominated blues singer, Susan Tedeschi and they have two children together. Read interview with LOU REID & CAROLINA DAVID PARMLEY & THE JAMES KING BAND THE CAROLINA ROAD BAND THE COUNTRY Derek Trucks on page 24. CONTINENTAL DIVIDE (Saturday, 30th) (Friday, 29th) (Saturday, 30th) GENTLEMAN Florida Theatre - 8:00pm Price: $35.00 (Saturday, 30th) (Thursday, 28th) - 45.00

SHOWTIMES: RESERVED: GEN. ADMISSION: All Vehicles Chris McCarty Band, No More THURSDAY, 12 Noon – 11 p.m...... Adult $30.00 ...... Adult $25.00 $3.00 Parking FRIDAY, 12 Noon – 11 p.m...... Adult $30.00 ...... Adult $25.00 Fee to Enter SATURDAY, 12 Noon – 11 p.m...... Adult $30.00 ...... Adult $25.00 Island Kings, Yancy Clegg, Caution 3 Day Ticket* ...... Adult $80.00 ...... Adult $70.00 3 Day Ticket* (Children 6 - 13) ...... $40.00 ...... $30.00 Children Security Guards On Duty THE GILLIS BROTHERS 1 Day Ticket (Children 6 - 13) ...... $15.00 ...... $12.00 NO Alcoholic Beverages or (Thursday, 28th) Jack Rabbit’s - 8:00 PM, Children Under 6 ...... FREE with Parent Pets Allowed in Concert Area CHRIS McCARTY BAND – Stricly Enforced – Tickets: $8, Info: 398-7496 *Weekend Ticket Special WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ADMISSION PLEASE SEND LARGE STAMPED, SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE TO ANYONE next thursday DECEMBER 28 NAME For tickets, complete details and free mailing list, contact: ADDRESS Adams and Anderson, LLC The AB’s with Astronautalis, Swordz, and Rob Roy P.O. Box 98 CITY STATE ZIP Jack Rabbit’s - 8:00 PM Tickets: $8, Info: 398-7496 Dahlonega, GA 30533 Phone: (706) 864-7203 Please reserve tickets at $ each for The Wailers $ JI The Wailers, the most recognized ‘reggae’ group in the world, now consist of original members who recorded and/or toured with Bob Marley and the Wailers. Also playing: ***** SPECIAL RATES***** Jacksonville’s own Aerial Tribe. - 8:00pm, Tickets: $18, for Bluegrass Fans at JEKYLL OCEANFRONT RESORT $23 Show Day 246-BIRD (2473) Rates $50+ tax for Islandside & Oceanview Visit our website! rooms, $55 for Oceanfront rooms, 1 BR Villa – $75, 2 BR Villa – $85. Phone 1-800-736-1046 or (912) 635-2531. Ask for Special “Bluegrass Rate”. ALSO large www.aandabluegrass.com Doodlebops room for Jam Session after festival. The Doodlebops are a group of colorful, face-painted and wigged characters that sing and dance, rhyme and joke and even give lessons to entertain your preschooler. The Doodlebops are defi nitely the hot group in the preschooler set right now! Much like the Wiggles, they have taken over many households temporarily. If you have not seen them yet, check them out. You will be singing their theme song all day long. Times Union Center, Moran Theater - 10:30 am Info: 633-6110

eujacksonville.com | december 21-27, 2006 5 brit preppies History Boys movie review BY RICK GRANT [email protected] B- Rated R 109 min learn poetry, history, and commune with nature. And This very British prep-school dramedy was yes, he’s openly gay, but one must realize that in adapted from Alan Bennett’s play by Damian Jones Britain, even in 1983, there was a greater tolerance and directed by Nicholas Hytner. The verbose script for homosexuality than in the States. features clever dialogue that tends to lean to the Perhaps Damian Jones’ adaptation from play erudite side of the humor scale with its sardonic wit to fi lm lost something in translation. At times the and smartaleck young male characters. dialogue seems too rehearsed to ring true. Of course The story showcases of cadre of bright prep- these boys have way above average intelligence, but school boys studying to get into Oxford or Cam- their high level of verbal satire seems forced and not bridge. Set in the early 1980s, the scenario orbits natural. To be fair, though, it’s clever and funny. around the students and teachers who have leeway These boys seem to be living back in the to improvise their classes as long as they are prepar- 1950s era of British prep-school fi lms. Their formal- ing the boys for the rigors of the privileged British ity and lack of scheming to get over on the staff ivy-league higher education. leaves the viewer cold. In other words, they seem Staged at Cutler’s Grammar School in Shef- like created characters rather than real adolescent fi eld in the Northern County of Yorkshire. (“Grammar boys, who in reality, would be mischievous and more School” has a different connotation in England.) into sexual escapades than this gaggle of asexual Eight boys are showcased. They are: Dakin (Dominic stiffs. Cooper), the fat clown, Posner (Samuel Barnett) who Still, this fi lm’s in packed with a treasure trove is gay and Jewish, Christian Scripps (Jamie Parker), of snappy dialogue, much of which is dripping with the class ladies man, Timms (James Corden), the biting satire of Britain’s privileged class. The char- witty Rudge (Russell Covey), the military man Rock- acters are Alan Bennett’s vessels to utter his views wood (Andrew Knott), Crowder (Samuel Anderson) on the British educational system, and education in who is the racially mixed person of the group, and general. Viewers know that these boys are bright Athar (Sacha Dhawan)–an Indian immigrant who has enough, and rich enough, to make it into the major transcended his humble roots. leagues of Britain’s higher education. It’s just a for- The school is lorded over by a sanctimonious mality to offi cially say they got there fair and square, headmaster, played by Clive Morrison, who has no when in fact, their affl uent station in life has already sense of humor. In response to an older teacher, given them an unfair advantage. Hector (Richard Griffi ths), fondling one of the boys Anglophiles will like this fi lm, but they will who rode home on the back of his motorcycle, also see its fl aws. Bennett’s dialogue rips into the the headmaster says to retire early. He then hires privileged class with cutting satire. These boys were a young Oxford history graduate, Irwin (Stephen born into wealth and their higher intelligence has Campbell Moore), to prepare the boys for their elite taken them far. But bright students who come from higher education by using new methods–essentially the lower classes never get the opportunity to get teaching the test. into the better universities. It’s a closed shop for the Irwin’s sole purpose is to prepare the boys kids of the affl uent ruling class. This injustice is at for the diffi cult entrance exam for Oxford and Cam- the core of Bennett’s dialogue creating these snobby bridge, rather than fi lling their heads with broader teenage characters to speak his mind. At fi rst, it’s (continued on pg 8) humanities studies. Irwin takes the boys outside to engaging, but it gets tedious toward the end.

6 december 21-27, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper a solid sports fl ick We Are Marshall movie review BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] Grade B- PG 127 min. take the job as head coach. Lengyel, played with an off-beat weirdness by Matthew McConaughey, helps In 1970, almost all of the Marshall football get the team back on track. McConaughey’s Lengyel team, along with the majority of the coaching staff is strangely cheerful in the face of grieving players and many of fi nancial boosters died in a plane crash. and a grieving town. I wondered why more characters The movie portrays the true story of how those who weren’t put off by his strange manner and seeming were left behind struggled to rebuild the team and disrespect. His intentions are good, but he comes cope with the horrifi c loss. I couldn’t help but feel across at times as someone with very little emotional that they could have done a better job with this story understanding, despite his skills at infl uencing people than they did, especially measuring it up against this to get what he wants. He’s an outsider trying to get year’s Invincible. Maybe it’s the fact that the fi lm is the job done and looking for the most practical way to spread too thin, with too many characters to cover do it. and not enough of a focus on a single character. We When Lengyel takes the job, he gives Dedmon are Marshall just isn’t a great fi lm. It would like to be, the task of asking the NCAA to grant Marshall an but it isn’t. Ambition isn’t a bad thing, and this fi lm exception, allowing them to let freshman play. Without has plenty of it. Most audience members will come this exception, building any kind of team may well away feeling they got their money’s worth. The plane be impossible. After many, many letters of rejection accident comes pretty quickly in the story. There’s and unreturned phone calls President Dedmon no gruesome rendering of the player’s last moments, tells Lengyel that he’s done everything he can. just a sudden darkness and the aftermath. The historic McConaughey questions him, with a sideways smile, incident devastated the small town of Huntington, asking if Dedmon proposed to his wife in person or by West Virginia. letter. Dedmon takes the hint and returns from Philly Nate Ruffi n, played by Anthony Mackie, was with an exception in hand. Suddenly, the Marshall left behind because of a shoulder injury. The team team has a recruiting edge no other team has: they was about to be shelved because of the crash when can offer playing time on the fi eld for freshman. he decides to organize the student body to protest Nevertheless, they are desperate for players and soon the impending decision. Mackie plays the part with a get creative in recruiting them. They recruit a soccer sense of responsibility and weight. His portrayal is the player as a kicker and look in other unlikely sports, standout performance of the movie. such as baseball, to build their team. Lengyel soon Ian McShane plays a college school board realizes that the weak offense and defense needs a member whose son (also the star quarterback) dies different strategy. He decides to adopt “the veer,” a in the crash. He struggles through losing his son and play that West Virginia had often used in the past. He fi ghts the reinstatement of the team. By the end of the and the assistant coach, played by Matthew Fox, go movie, it’s he who urges his son’s grieving fi ancé to to UWV to ask to view their play fi lms, something that move on with her life. would normally be ridiculous request, but the coach The rather stiff but likable President Donald of UWV says yes. Later they see that the UWV football Dedmon (David Strathairn) doesn’t seem to know helmets of the players have a small cross with the much about footfall, but he understands how much Marshall colors and letters. it means to people. Once the decision is made to Football fans, Marshall alumni and people who move forward with the team, he has the unenviable enjoy crying to Lifetime Movies will be among those task of calling to fi nd a coach for a team that only who should see this fi lm in theaters. The action on the had three varsity players left. He’s disheartened as playing fi eld isn’t all that compelling, but it’s a good, he crosses name after name on the list, until he gets solid, heartrending sports fl ick with a gripping real-life a phone call from Jack Lengyel, who is willing to story as a backbone.

eujacksonville.com | december 21-27, 2006 7 movies opening this week dealt him, his wife’s death. The world changes and Rocky hasn’t exactly been in the current world for a long time. He spends BLACK CHRISTMAS Bad taste or not, horror stalks all his time focused on his yesterdays and doesn’t Yuletide. A sorority house is terrorized by a serial killer live in the present. Rocky drags Paulie with him to who makes frightening phone calls and then murders all the places that resonate with memories of Adrian. the sorority sisters one by one during Christmas. But Paulie can no longer “live backwards” as he (Opens Christmas Day) believes Rocky is doing. Paulie’s plea to Rocky, as Paulie abandons him to the vacant lots of old memo- ries, seems to have some effect as Rocky slowly begins to live in the present. Rocky starts living in the present by befriend- ing “Little Marie,” (Geraldine Hughes) who’s all grown up with a kid of her own. Marie appeared as a delinquent girl in the fi rst movie who cursed Rocky out after he walked her home. She thanks him for his intervention thirty years ago. Rocky looks to be a part of her and her son’s life. The relationship between the two isn’t sexual. Most movies ignore the fact that the leading man is at least twenty years older than the leading lady. In this case, Rocky’s age DREAMGIRLS This fabulous fi lm adaptation of the is the focus. A romance between the two would have Broadway musical is based on Tom Eyen’s book–a been disingenuous. thinly veiled biography of the rise of the Supremes Rocky owns a restaurant, where he regales as the fi rst black/white crossover singing group in patrons with old stories of his fi ghts. In the kitchen, the 1960s. It’s the best adaptation of a Broadway Mexicans fi x Italian meals. Rocky lets Spider Rico musical to fi lm ever. Ex-American Idol reject, Jennifer (Pedro Lovell), a man he once KO’ed eat for free in Hudson steals he movie as the Dreams original lead the restaurant. When he befriends Marie and her son, singer Effi e White who is dumped in favor of Deena Steps, he gives them jobs to help them. (Beyonce’ Knowles) who represents Diana Ross. This Meanwhile, Mason “The Line” Dixon (Antonio movie could dominate the Academy Awards. Hudson the best ending Tarver) is at the top of the heavyweight food chain, is a shoe-in for a nomination for Best Supporting but he’s dissatisfi ed because his journey to the top Actress. Prated PG-13 (Opens Christmas Day) has been so easy. Apparently, none of the opponents he’s faced have ever really challenged him. Because Matt Damon stars as Edward Rocky Balboa movie review THE GOOD SHEPHERD of his perfect record, fans aren’t eager to watch him Wilson, one of the creators of the CIA back in 1945. fi ght. The outcome is already a given. Sportscasters, The fi lm chronicles how Wilson’s contacts at Yale’s BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] looking for a new angle in the heavy-weight boxing secret society called the Skull & Bones helped him build a power base as a stern, patriotic, and driven A- Rated PG13 103 min. has always felt the need to prove himself to the world, show a clip of a virtual fi ght, in which Rocky workaholic. Directed by Robert De Niro with an all-star Grief, loss and aging add new layers to the world. This time he wants to prove to himself that (at his prime) is pitted against Dixon. The skills and cast, it’s the best spy fi lm in many years. Rated R Rocky franchise. It’s a welcome jumble of nostalgia, his heart and his identity are still intact. As always, it moves of each boxer are entered into the simulation. with old themes made new by means of the issue of leads to the ring. For the fi rst time in his career, albeit in a virtual ring, THE HISTORY BOYS A privileged and bright group age thrown into the mix. Adrian, that muse of the boxing ring, has died, Dixon loses. The virtual fi ght sparks such an interest of British prep school boys pursue higher education, What affect does age have on our identity? Are leaving Rocky grief-stricken and living with the past. that Dixon’s promoters decide that they can make an girls, and frivolity while trying to get into Oxford or we defi ned by the skin we’re in, or the stories we tell Rocky steps back into the ring to prove to himself enormous profi t by pitting the two against each other Cambridge. Call it a British version of the Dead Poets about our younger selves? The character of Rocky that he can get up again from the worst blow life has in real life. Dixon is less than enthusiastic about the Society. Rated R idea. If he wins against Rocky, he’ll be seen as a heartless boxer beating on an icon who just doesn’t “NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM A hapless security guard, “ “ have it anymore. If Dixon loses, he’s lost against a Larry Daley (Be Stiller) accidently invokes an ancient You will FALL IN LOVE has-been. The promoters push and Dixon gives in. curse that causes the animals and insects on display ” He doesn’t expect the fi ght he’s been looking for, the to come to life. Rated PG with this movie.” fi ght that challenges him, that pushes his limits. Mark S. Allen, CBS/CW TELEVISION GROUP Rocky’s son, Robert (Milo Ventimiglia) has ROCKY BALBOA If Sylvester Stallone lives to a his own problems and angst, living in his father’s hundred, he could make Rocky in a walker. Stallone shadow even though he’s gone into a profession as as Rocky is now 60, but he feels like he can fi ght one far away from boxing as possible: he’s an accoun- more time. Ah the magic of special effects. Stallone tant. Robert comes across as less of a man than his wanted to make a fi lm, and he couldn’t think of father, not because he’s an accountant, but because anything else to make. Ah, but he can rest assured he has less heart than his father. Robert hates liv- that he’ll never run out of Rocky sequels. Rated PG ing in his father’s shadow and gets angry when his father decides to do an exhibition bout with Mason A tragic plane crash claims WE ARE MARSHALL Dixon. Robert and Rocky do reconcile, but only after the lives of the Marshall Football team, some fans, and its new coach. Matthew McConaughey plays Rocky tells him he hasn’t been living a genuine life Jack Lengyel a charismatic coach who rebuilds the (with fewer vocabulary words, of course). Marshall football team so the kids and parents can What would a Rocky movie be without the move beyond the grief of the tragedy. Rated R obligatory training montage? Rocky runs up the steps again, this time with his adopted dog, Punchy, who is also dressed in matching grey sweats. A dog now showing in a matching outfi t is generally smarmy, but with a guy as big as Stallone, the effect is endearing be- APOCALYPTO Forget The Passion of The Christ, cause of the contrast. Smartly, they keep the score this is Mel Gibson’s like portrayal of the Braveheart- of the old movies, going with what works. downfall of the Mayan kingdom. During the Mayan’s Rocky remains the great American hero, sym- decline, the ruthless king decided that to make things NOW PLAYING REGAL CINEMAS REGAL CINEMAS AMC AMC PLAYTIME DRIVE-IN 3 bolizing what we value most in our heroes: he’s better and appease the gods, he would engage in ◆AVENUES CINEMA 20 ◆BEACH BLVD. 18 ✽ORANGE PARK 24 ✽REGENCY SQUARE 24 6300 BLANDING BLVD. PHILLIPS HWY., 14051 BEACH BLVD. BLANDING BLVD. & 9451 REGENCY SQ. BLVD. (904) 771-2300 wise, not intelligent, looking at life’s problems with massive human sacrifi ces. Jaguar Paw (Rudy Young OUTSIDE THE MALL N. OF I-95, EXIT 98 992-4398 WELLS RD. HOLLYWOOD THEATERS the logic of the heart rather than the logic of the blood) is a young man chosen for sacrifi ce. Ah, but 800-FANDANGO #680 800-FANDANGO #188 264-3888 264-3888 ● RIVER CITY he has other ideas and fl ees the kingdom to organize ✽ ◆ CINEMARK’S MARKETPLACE 14 mind. If this is the end of the Rocky franchise, then it ◆TINSELTOWN 1-95 TO CHECK DIRECTORIES OR CALL THEATERS FOR INFORMATION. SOUTHSIDE BLVD. & DUVAL RD. EAST EXIT ended on the best note possible. (continued on pg 10) GATE PKWY. • 998-2020 757-9880

8 december 21-27, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper seen. heard. noted. and quoted.

MONEY FOR NOTHING AND THE BOYS FOR FREE Michael Jackson postponed his appearance at a Tokyo Christmas event on Dec. 19 until March 8, so that he could add an additional date to meet fans on the day following the event, organizers said. Tickets for the Pre- mium VIP Party, where fans will have the chance to meet Jackson and pose for a photo with him, are selling for the bargain price of $3,428. The self-styled King of Pop will not perform at the event. Incredibly, Michael is still under the delusion that he is marketable. Get real!

BRITNEY CROWNED WORST DOG OWNER Britney Spears topped an online poll of readers of New York Dog and Hollywood Dog magazines as the Worst Celebrity Dog Owner of 2006, a title that may be somewhat inaccurate since, according to her estranged husband, Kevin Federline, the pop star no longer has any dogs. “We gave all the dogs to friends of ours…it just really wasn’t working,” Federline told Teen People in September, before the couple split. In con- trast, Oprah Winfrey was voted the Best Celebrity Dog Owner. Britney’s status as a shedevil is now confi rmed.

LIMO DRIVER SHAKE DOWN Immigration offi cials issued a warrant to detain Yoko Ono’s driver, currently jailed on $250,000 bail on charges of trying the good shepherd to blackmail her, while they decide if the Turkish native is in the country legally. Koral Karsan was arrested Wednesday for allegedly trying to extort $2 million from the Beatle widow. Scumbag! movie review MICHAEL RICHARDS’ NEW GAL PAL Publisher Judith Regan allegedly made anti-Semitic remarks about a “Jewish cabal” against her in a heated BY RICK GRANT [email protected] phone conversation last week that supposedly led to her fi ring, a News Corp spokesman said. Regan’s attorney, Bert Fields denied the allegations and is planning a lawsuit against Harper Collins for breach of B+ Rated R 160 min up the CIA and FBI was only partially successful. Then In regard to Robert De Niro’s direction of this he was dead and business as usual continued at the contract, per the New York Times. Regan’s illconceived book and interview with O.J.Simpson was enough fi lm, there are two factors that viewers need to be Agency and FBI to skirt the Constitution, which Roth’s to get her fi red, never mind the anti-Semitic tirade. aware of going into the theater. First, De Niro purpose- script exposes. ly uses slow pacing as a cinematic tool to bring out A central theme of the movie is the CIA’s and NO ANOREXIC TWITS ALLOWED the stark realism of Eric Roth’s well researched origi- Kennedy’s colossal screw up, the Bay of Pigs—a Milan banned underage and underweight models from its fashion week in February in an attempt to promote nal screenplay. Second, the scenario jumps around in poorly planned, funded, and executed invasion of a healthier body image. Under the terms of the ban, only models 16 and over and with a body mass index time form 1945 to 1961, which can be confusing. Cuba by anti-Castro Cuban forces supported by the of at least 18.5 will be allowed to strut the catwalk. The story is really a detailed biopic of Edward CIA. The coup de grace to the ill-fated mission was Wilson’s (Matt Damon) rise to power co-creating the not providing the invasion force close air support. The NEW DIET GURU CIA after WWII, which came at a heavy cost—his ragtag Anti-Castro army was easily defeated and the Ruben Studdard agreed to serve as an inspiration coach for marriage to Margaret Russell (Angelina Jolie). Clearly, CIA was humiliated. Roth’s script shows that the Bay overweight Alabamians looking to shed some pounds. Stud- Damon’s characterization of Wilson is Oscar-worthy. of Pigs defeat gave Castro his juiciest propaganda dard, who has dropped more than 100 pounds since start- Damon’s icy stare of determination and dedication is victory. The CIA operatives who bungled this mission ing his diet last summer, asked obese Alabama residents to chilling as he maneuvers himself into a top position in began to cover their asses and distance themselves lose 10 pounds in eight weeks. No one can call him lard-ass the emerging Agency. When Wilson entered a room, from the operation. An Agency-wide cover-up ensued. anymore. he carried himself as a man of importance, rarely Wilson was secure in his job, as the CIA took over saying anything, yet provoking others to speculate as its new headquarters in Langley, Virginia. Wilson had SECOND CHANCE FOR TARA to his VIP status. weathered many storms to emerge unscathed by Donald Trump held a press conference Tuesday morning to Indeed, one could say Wilson was the archetypal scandal. discuss the fate of Miss USA Tara Conner, at which he an- stuffed-suit bureaucrat with a brilliant analytical mind. In a fl ashback, Wilson had made a name for nounced that Conner would be allowed to keep her crown His ability to remember volumes of intelligence was himself by exposing a Yale professor (Michael Gam- after agreeing to enter a rehab program. Trump claimed that perfect for his job overseeing the early intelligence bon) with Nazi connections to an FBI agent played by many of the allegations about Conner’s behavioral issues and service. The key to Wilson’s rise to power was his Alec Baldwin. This act of betrayal demonstrated his personal life were false and that the beauty queen deserves association with Yale’s secret society, Skull & Bones. patriotism and willingness to back stab his way to the a second chance. The question is–what did Tara have to do Trust among these Yale S&B members was never top. Ironically, later Wilson learns that the Nazi profes- to get Donald to change his mind? One can only imagine. Oh questioned. Yet as time went on, Wilson became para- sor is a double agent working for the CIA. Yes, in this well, rehab should be fun! noid based on all the secrets he kept bottled up inside world Wilson learned he couldn’t trust anyone. While and his workaholic personality. still in Yale, Wilson got the sister of one of his S&B’s THE PURSUIT OF BOX OFFICE BONANZA De Niro’s plodding pacing serves to underscore colleagues pregnant, Margaret Russell. So he did the Will Smith’s feel-good drama The Pursuit of Happyness Wilson’s deeply repressed psyche, as his secrets right thing and married her. It was a loveless union topped the box offi ce with an estimated $27 million in ticket corrupt his mind like a growing brain tumor. Roth’s and Wilson was away in Europe for the fi rst six years sales. Sci-fi tale Eragon placed in second with $12.5 million screenplay shows how secret societies like S&B form of their marriage. His only true love was a deaf girl and Charlotte’s Web placing third with $12 million. special interest groups who circumvent the Constitu- with whom he parted ways to pursue his demanding tion by becoming closed shops of power, operating in career as a rising CIA power broker. His wife had re- EX-BOY BAND MEMBER A DANCER? secrecy to push their own agendas. signed herself to living alone and keeping up appear- Former boy-bander Joey Fatone hoping to get in sync with Dancing with the Stars, he said during a radio In the early 1960s the CIA and the FBI, under ances for the sake of her high social position. interview last week. Probably a good idea, since it doesn’t look like Justin Timberlake is planning on an ‘N the tyrannical leadership of J. Edgar Hoover, wielded De Niro’s cinematic method creates an old- Sync reunion anytime in the near future. Hey, they are not boys anymore. absolute power. When JFK was elected, he vowed fashioned intrigue movie that is well worth viewing, to greatly reduce the CIA’s power base and rein in so have patience with his slow rhythm. It does require 50 CENT NOT WORTH $10 MILLION Hoover. One branch of the Kennedy assassination the viewer’s full attention to stay with the vacillat- 50 Cent’s insurance company refused to cover the rapper for damages in a $10 million lawsuit stemming conspiracy theorists speculate that JFK was murdered ing time frames and fl ashbacks. Matt Damon draws from a brawl that broke out during a radio interview with his G-Unit posse in Washington, D.C. last year. by black operatives of the CIA and FBI to protect their the viewer into his dark world of quiet discipline and autonomy. Nonetheless, Kennedy’s campaign to clean power with a riveting performance.

eujacksonville.com | december 21-27, 2006 9 Anderson) sets out to do away with the runt of the a rebel army to defeat the demented king. Bloody litter, thinking a swift death by axe would be more violence ensues. Rated R humane than the poor little thing starving to death, but Fern will have none of it, insisting upon caring for A large priceless diamond BLOOD DIAMOND the creature on her own. Mr. Arable agrees and Fern becomes the center of a struggle between a farmer, a smuggler, and a syndicate of businessmen trying to names her new pet Wilbur. Despite the protestations lay their hands on it. Leonardo DiCaprio co-stars with of her mother (Essie Davis), Fern treats the wee pig- Daimon Hounsou and Jennifer Connelly in this action let like a member of the family, feeding him bottles, adventure story. Rated R taking him for strolls in a baby carriage and allowing the lovable little guy to sleep in her bed with her. BORAT Shot as a mockumentary, Sacha Baron Cohen Once Wilbur (Dominic Scott Kay) is strong assumes the character of a journalist from Kazakhstan enough to fend for himself, he’s sent to live in Mr. who is dispatched to the United states to report on Zuckerman’s (Gary Basaraba) barn with the rest of the greatest country in the world. Halfway into his the livestock. There he meets a group of disinterest- travels, Borat becomes more interested in locating and ed animals, leaving Wilbur with no one to talk to but marrying Pamela Anderson. Rated R an outcast spider named Charlotte (Julia Roberts). As time passes the two form a powerful friendship that changes life in the barn. Things seem wonderful for Wilbur for a while, but when he fi nds out that his kind rarely make it to winter alive, his arachnid friend must do everything in her power to save the little guy from becoming Christmas dinner. Using her webs, Charlotte decides to communicate with the humans, letting them know how great this seemingly ordinary pig truly is. Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Oprah Win- frey, Kathy Bates, Robert Redford and Andre Benja- min all lend their voices to characters in the fi lm. Personally, I vividly remember reading E.B. White’s best selling children’s book in middle school and fi nding the sweet story of unrelenting friendship highly entertaining. The book, which cemented the CASINO ROYALE There’s a new Bond –Daniel Craig. squeal appeal greeting “salutations” in my brain, is one of the very Yes, fi lmmaker Martin Campbell began this new Bond picture like the last 20 movies had never been made. few that I can honestly say I remember well from He set out to reinvent the franchise. It worked! Craig that time period. The idea of a new fi lm using com- is the best Bond yet–chiseled, powerful, and sexy. He Charlotte’s Web movie review puter-animated animals did concern me, since the kills without hesitation, teams with the beautiful Vesper story relies heavily on suspension of disbelief to be Lynd (Eva Green) and wears today’s fashions. In this effective. Luckily, my fears proved to be unfounded. scenario, Bond is tasked with his fi rst mission from BY KELLIE ABRAHAMSON [email protected] For the most part, the computer animation in M (Judi Dench). He must stop a fi nancial backer of Charlotte’s Web is fl awless. You quickly forget that terrorism from winning a high stakes poker game in A Rated G 98 min. Web, today the best selling children’s book of all the majority of the characters with major screen the Bahamas. Rated PG-13 American author E.B. White wrote many things time, can now been seen on the big screen in a new time aren’t, in fact, real. Watching Charlotte create during his lifetime, but he’s most famous for his fi rst fi lm that uses both live-action and computer anima- her pig-saving web for the fi rst time is breathtak- CHARLOTTE’S WEB Wilbur the pig dreads the end of two children’s books Stuart Little and Charlotte’s tion. ing, fi lling the viewer with wonder no matter what the season because he knows that pigs go to heaven Web. The two highly popular tales have sold millions One damp spring morning young Fern Arable their age. The tour through Templeton the rat’s hole and end up on the dinner table. So he hatches a plan of copies and have been immortalized on the large (Dakota Fanning) wakes to fi nd that a litter of piglets is incredibly entertaining and detailed, giving the with a spider that lives in his pen to prevent his demise and small screens since their conception. Charlotte’s has been born on her family farm. Her father (Kevin viewer a unique look at the feisty rodent’s heavily from happening. Starring Dakota Fanning as Fern and stocked digs. Chances are you’ll discover something Julia Roberts as the voice of Charlotte. Rated G ® new down there with each viewing. The amazing GOLDEN GLOBE NOMINATIONS advances in CGI technology are showcased here, DECK THE HALLS This mediocre holiday fi lm and with the exception of a few corny scenes (and involves two feuding neighbors. When Steve Finch BEST ACTOR WILL SMITH certainly these are not the fault of the animators but (Matthew Broderick) fi nds out that Buddy Hall (Danny 2 (DRAMA) of the story itself), the animation is some of the best DeVito) is building the mother of all light displays on BEST ORIGINAL SONG we’ve seen yet. his house, he goes ballistic. Buddy is stealing Steve’s Of course, most people have read Charlotte’s thunder as Mr. Christmas. Buddy keeps adding more “ and more lights so his display can be seen from a ★★★★! ONE OF THE BEST FILMS Web, or has at least seen the animated fi lm version satellite orbiting in space. Comedic situations ensue. of the tale at some point or another. The new fi lm Rated PG OF THE YEAR. WILL SMITH GIVES stays quite true to the literary classic, a relief to THE PERFORMANCE OF HIS CAREER.” those who may have been expecting a bastardized DÉJÀ VU Denzel Washington stars as an ATF agent Steve Oldfield, FOX-TV version of E.B. White’s charming story. The material who travels back in time to save a woman from being translates well on the big screen, allowing those who murdered. While accomplishing his mission, he falls loved the unforgettable characters a chance to revisit in love with his target, which greatly complicates his some old friends. Those new to the story, like my 4- mission. Rated PG-13 year-old daughter who sat entranced the entire time, get a chance to explore a brand new place, perhaps ERAGON A farm boy in his homeland of Alagasia one that they will visit again in book form. While fi nds a dragon egg that leads him on a predestined the fi lm did entertain and impress on many levels, journey. Eventually, he fi nds out he is the one person some minor potty humor fell a bit fl at with me and who can defend his homeland against an evil king by the majority of the older audience at the screening I learning to ride a fi re breathing dragon. This fantasy attended. Of course, most of the youngest viewers redefi nes “air power,” as the dragon is used as a found the fart jokes hilarious, so what do we old folk tactical weapon. Rated PG-13 know anyway? NOW PLAYING All in all, this latest version of Charlotte’s Web FLUSHED AWAY This animated fi lm is about an is a keeper. I hesitate to call anything a modern day uptown rat Roddy (voiced by Huge Jackman) who gets REGAL CINEMAS REGAL CINEMAS AMC AMC PLAYTIME DRIVE-IN 3 ◆ ◆ ✽ ✽ classic, but in this case I will make an exception. fl ushed down the toilet from his penthouse apartment, AVENUES CINEMA 20 BEACH BLVD. 18 ORANGE PARK 24 REGENCY SQUARE 24 6300 BLANDING BLVD. PHILLIPS HWY., 14051 BEACH BLVD. BLANDING BLVD. & 9451 REGENCY SQ. BLVD. (904) 771-2300 This charming fi lm is sure to delight the entire family OUTSIDE THE MALL ending up in the sewers of London, where he has to N. OF I-95, EXIT 98 992-4398 WELLS RD. HOLLYWOOD THEATERS 800-FANDANGO #680 800-FANDANGO #188 264-3888 264-3888 with its adorable animals, amazing visual effects and learn a whole new and different way of life. Rated PG ● RIVER CITY CINEMARK’S SORRY, NO PASSES ACCEPTED FOR THIS ENGAGEMENT. MARKETPLACE 14 uplifting message about the miracle of friendship. ◆TINSELTOWN 1-95 TO ✽ SOUTHSIDE BLVD. & DUVAL RD. EAST EXIT Charlotte’s Web is one that is not to be missed. CHECK DIRECTORIES OR CALL THEATERS FOR INFORMATION. ◆ GATE PKWY. • 998-2020 (continued on pg 11) 757-9880

10 december 21-27, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper artists. The movie shows this injustice when one of HAPPY FEET In the close-knit world of Emperor Effi e’s hits is buried by radio DJs in favor of the pay- Penguins, they fi nd their mates through singing. Ah but a penguin is born who can’t sing a note. So, the misfi t ola paid out by Taylor and his ilk stealing her hits. Mumbles takes up tap dancing, and soon is banished Later in the fi lm, Deena, then estranged from for their community. He meets a posse of outcasts Taylor, steals his books and threatens to expose his and soon the whole penguin nation is dancing to the illegal activities if he doesn’t release Effi e’s original oldies. The animated fi lm is voiced by Robin Williams, hit, compensating her for his greedy exploitation of Hugh Jackman, Elijah Wood, Nicole Kidman, and her career using the Dreams as his vehicle. Before Brittany Murphy. Rated PG that, Effi e goes through many years of hard times raising her daughter Magic, who is Taylor’s child. THE HOLIDAY Two women, played by Cameron Diaz She was treated abysmally by Taylor who dumped and Kate Winslet who suffer from romantic diffi culties, her as too ugly for him or his Dreams group. swap homes in each other’s countries. There, each Taylor was a used Cadillac salesmen before woman meets the man of their dreams. La de da. Co- rising to the status as . His fi rst stu- starring Jude Law and Jack Black as the women’s love dio was located in the Cadillac dealership’s garage interests. Typical holiday fare. Rated PG-13 with milk cartons on the wall to suppress the echo. Effi e’s character was based on the Supremes original PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS Will Smith stars in this front-person Florence Ballard, who died broke at age true story of a precocious child and his father, who 32. Clearly, Diana Ross was the least talented singer through circumstances beyond his control, drfi ts into of the Supremes but, like in the Dreams, she was a downward spiral and ends up homeless but working promoted as the lead because of her looks. However, in a Dean Witter internship. Later he becomes a top a supreme movie Wall Street broker. Smith’s real life son Jaden Smith her distinctive subdued voice became a trademark of the group and her milk chocolate looks helped her plays his son in this engrossing docudrama. It’s heart crossover into the white mainstream. warming. Rated PG-13 Dreamgirls movie review The fi lm borders on cinematic perfection but it’s wildly entertaining at the same time. The sce- SAW III It’s that voodoo that he do so well. Jigsaw kidnaps a doctor to keep him alive as he directs his nario’s undercurrent depicts the black performer’s apprentice to torture a new subject by solving riddles BY RICK GRANT [email protected] struggles against racism and the white curtain. that keep the poor captive alive. It’s the ultimate torture A Rated PG-13 131 min the archetype sleazeball record producer, Curtis When Early performs like a black man in front of endurance test. Rated R Somewhere, Simon Cowell is eating crow for Taylor Jr. who has mob ties and a cruel heart. Music a white audience in Miami, they walk out because he’s gyrating his hips. Elvis gyrated his hips and the dissing Jennifer Hudson. His snitty put-downs of biz insiders are debating on which one of the black THE NATIVITY STORY This docudrama, directed by American Idol contestants now serve as a reverse producers this character was based. Taylor’s main white girls went crazy but the uptight white establish- Catherine Hardwicke, focuses on the life of Mary and ringing endorsement. Hudson steals the movie as goal was to crossover The Dreams (sounds like Su- ment wanted to ban his sexually suggestive act. To Joseph before the birth of Christ. The screenwriter the rejected Dreamgirl, Effi e White. The reason, (in premes) into the white market to make more money. his credit, Taylor did maneuver the Dreams into the endeavored to be Biblically correct, with fi ctionalized the script) she wasn’t pretty enough. Ironically, that’s There is a funny scene that was obviously supposed mainstream, but his only motivation was money and dialogue. The couple eventually journeys to Bethlehem what Simon said, in so many words. Yes, it’s a sure to represent Pat Boone’s sappy white covers of the not the best interest of his performers. This is an under diffi cult circumstances where Mary gives birth. bet Hudson will receive an Oscar nomination for her Motown sound, which whited-up the music for the awe inspiring movie to see Christmas day. Rated PG incredibly savvy performance as Effi e. Not only is soul-less mainstream white record buyers of the her voice an exceptionally fi ne instrument, but she time, covered in petticoats and pabulum. THE SANTA CLAUSE: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE is a naturally talented actress. If she wins an Oscar Eddie Murphy steals his scenes as the James “THIS HOLIDAY SEASON’S Tim Allen will be able to retire on these goofy Santa maybe Simon can present it to her while eating Brown-like singer James Thunder Early, who refused Clause fi lms. This third movie in the series features humble pie. to white-up his music which is what Taylor was ‘DON’T-MISS MOVIE.’ ” Santa a.k.a. Scott Calvin (Tim Allen) who is faced with Unquestionably, this is the best fi lm adapta- striving for to break him into the big rooms in Vegas Sarah Zapp, THE COMCAST NETWORK double-duty: First, how to keep his new family happy, tion of a Broadway musical ever fi lmed. Brilliantly and Miami Beach. This is Murphy’s best and funniest and second, how to stop Jack Frost from taking over directed by Bill Condon, this is a rare bird in Hol- performance to date. There is a loud Oscar buzz on Christmas. Rated G lywood–a quality production that will have mass Murphy’s memorable role as Early. In one key scene A gaggle of appeal. Even with the operetta style singing the lines Early starts his concert as the lily white black singer, UNACCOMPANIED MINORS unaccompanied minors are snowed in at Chicago’s in some scenes, miraculously it doesn’t ruin the then reverts back to himself and ends up dropping Airport during the holiday season. To amuse dramatic pace or elements of the fi lm. Hudson has a his pants on national television. It was fall-down themselves, they create a makeshift holiday that’s sure funny. key singing scene when Taylor dumps her for Deena to make sure-fi re holiday havoc. Rated PG (Beyonce Knowles) who Taylor marries and makes The fi lm underscores how white cover artists her the lead singer of the Dreams. Beyonce’ is ex- ripped off the black singers like Big Mamma Thorton ceptionally beautiful and turned in an Oscar worthy who originally recorded Hound Dog. Of course, Elvis special showings performance as a composite of Diana Ross. made it a hit and Thorton was denied her royalties. The Broadway musical was based on Tom Later when the computerized reporting system for AMERICAN HARDCORE This gritty documentary Eyen’s book, which is a thinly veiled biography of the ASCAP and BSI was established in the late 1980s, directed and produced by Paul Rachman, chronicles rise of the Supremes as a supergroup white/black and Bonnie Raitt founded the Blues Foundation, the history of American punk rock from 1980 to 1986. crossover trio. They were the fi rst black singing many of the original artists were fi nally compensated It was written by Steven Blush and stars the real players in this rock’n’roll saga. Rated R. San Marco group to break the color barrier. Jamie Foxx plays for making the original hits that were stolen by white Theatre, Dec. Dec 29th, 30th Midnight 31st at 1 pm. Info: 396-4845. STAGE TO SCREEN You I’m Not Going,” sung by Holliday, reached the HAPPY FEET at IMAX Happy Feet will be shown at The movie Dreamgirls began as a musical, a Top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1982. Phylicia the World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX® Theater through project for Nell Carter, who never took the role be- Rashad, who later played Bill Cosby’s wife in The January. Tickets are $10.50 for adults with discounts cause she became busy on the soap opera Ryan’s Cosby Show was a member of the musical’s com- for seniors, students, military, children and groups. Hope in 1978. Originally the production was pany. The 2D World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX® Theater, staged at the Imperial Theatre on Broadway, star- DreamWorks Pictures and the licensee of the located at in St. Augustine, Fla., ring Sheryl Lee Ralph as Deena Jones, Jennifer original play, The Tams-Witmark Music Library, offers state-of-the-art, specially-designed cinematic Holliday as Effi e White, Loretta Devine as Lorrell announced that they would pay the licensing fees technology. The only IMAX® Theater in Northeast Robinson, Ben Harney as Curtis Taylor, Jr., Cleav- for all non-professional stage performances of Florida, the Hall of Fame’s 300-seat IMAX® Theater ant Derricks as James “Thunder” Early, and Obba Dreamgirls for the calendar year of 2006 in order houses an 80-foot-wide by six-story-high. The World Babatunde as C. C. White. It was a star-making Golf Hall of Fame IMAX® Theater is open every day to give the story more exposure for the upcoming , vehicle for many of its performers, especially fi lm release. DreamWorks spent up to $250,000 STARTS FRIDAY DECEMBER 22 of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. For Regal Cinemas DIGITAL AMC ORANGE PARK 24 Hollywood Theaters DIGITAL Holliday, whose performance as Effi e was widely subsidizing the licensing. More than fi fty high AVENUES STADIUM 20 Blanding Blvd & Wells Rd 14 tickets and showtimes, call 904-940-IMAX or visit Phillips Hwy N off I-95 904/264-3888 I-95 to Duval Rd East Exit 904/757-9880 lauded. With 13 Tony Award Nominations and 6 schools, colleges, community theatres, and other 800/FANDANGO #680 AMC REGENCY SQUARE 24 Cinemark TINSELTOWN www.wgv.com. Holiday Favorites “The Polar Express” Regal Cinemas DIGITAL Outside Regency Mall Southside Blvd & Gate Pkwy and “ ” are also showing at the Tony Awards, it was a success both commercially non-commerical theatre entities staged produc- BEACH BOULEVARD 18 904/264-3888 904/998-2020 Santa vs. the Snowman 14051 Beach Boulevard CHECK THEATRE DIRECTORIES OR CALL FOR SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS NO PASSES OR World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX® Theater. and artistically. One of the solos “And I Am telling tions of Dreamgirls in 2006. 800/FANDANGO #188 SOUND INFORMATION AND SHOWTIMES DISCOUNT COUPONS ACCEPTED

eujacksonville.com | december 21-27, 2006 11 night creatures Night at the Museum movie review BY KELLIE ABRAHAMSON [email protected] my little guys so I decided they should probably sit this one out. After seeing the fi lm, however, I now know the fi lm is not nearly as scary as it seemed. In fact, if your kids can tolerate the trailer without being scared, then they should be fi ne. I won’t give too much away but the terrifying T-Rex is anything but. The story itself is a lot of fun. Granted, there are plot holes the size of an Easter Island Head, but if you can allow yourself to let those slide you may be pleasantly surprised by what the fl ick has to offer. It’s got plenty of action to keep older kids and adults entertained and a handful of goofy slapstick gags that will have younger kids rolling in the aisles. Admittedly, Ben Stiller’s acting can get a little grating but here he dials it back a bit, giving parents a chance to enjoy his antics without the need of an aspirin midway through. Still, those who dislike the comedic stylings of Mr. Stiller, who does do a couple of his patented angry man freak outs, may want to skip this one in theaters (perhaps having access to rity cameos the fi lm offered. Mickey Rooney, Dick history are both nice bonuses that may actually have a mute button will be enough to garner a rental when Van Dyke, Ricky Gervais, Steve Coogan, Paul Rudd your kids interested in visiting MOSH once the movie the time comes). That said, because I am a fan of and Owen Wilson all make appearances and are is over. That alone is well worth the cost of admis- the “Frat Pack,” I was not once bothered by the act- quite funny. It’s also important to note that the fi lm’s sion! ing in the fi lm and was quite pleased with the celeb- setting and message of embracing and learning from Between this and the delightful Charlotte’s B+ Rated PG 108 min. Web, families have a nice selection of quality fi lms An interesting question is posed in Ben Stiller’s to choose from this week. Night at the Museum is new fi lm Night at the Museum: what happens when not nearly as heartwarming as the fuzzy piggy tale, the museum is closed for the night? Much like Old School Actors in Night at the Museum but it’s funny enough to please the whole family. Disney’s Toy Story, you may be surprised by what And, who knows, with a movie that takes place in a an audition. He doesn’t have to audition but he happens when no one is watching. Night at the Mu- museum, you may even learn something. and Mickey Rooney and Bill Cobbs all came in and seum is in theaters everywhere this Friday. Larry Daley (Stiller) and his ex-wife Erica (Kim really showed what they could do with the mate- Raver) have remained friendly since their divorce rial…Once I saw those three actors together I knew but things are now on shaky ground. Larry is an it was going to be an embarrassment of riches hav- idea man and can think up wonderful ways to make ing them play these characters. Dick Van Dyke with money but never seems to follow through for one his svelte, debonair quality; Mickey with his charm- reason or another. With no money to pay the rent, ing, ‘non-tall’ quality and Bill, who has an enigmatic Larry keeps getting kicked out of apartments in the depth, worked so well together and truly embodied city and his ex is concerned that his constant mov- the mischievous spirit of Cecil, Gus and Reginald.” ing is bad for their son Nick (Jake Cherry), who is Ben Stiller thoroughly enjoyed the chance to desperate for some stability in his life. Afraid he may star with the three. “I think Dick really does have an not be able to see his son anymore, Larry bites the Egyptian tablet at home that’s the fountain of youth bullet and gets “a real job” as a night watchman for because he’s like twice my age and I have about the Museum of Natural History. half his energy,” Stiller joked. “I never thought After receiving brief, cryptic instructions about I’d get the chance to work with the great Mickey his duties from his kindly predecessor (Dick Van Rooney, let alone be beat up by Mickey Rooney!” Dyke), Larry winds up having the whole place to It’s an impressive cast for Night at the Mu- Bill Cobbs enjoyed joking around with Rooney himself one night into the job. All is going well until seum, including such greats as Mickey Rooney, and Van Dyke on the set and had this to say about around midnight when Larry notices something isn’t Dick Van Dyke and Bill Cobbs as the old guards. his experience on the set: “I’ve had a lot of good quite right: the dinosaur bones that stand at the mu- Casting the parts of the guards was apparently times in fi lm, stage and television but this was one seum’s entrance have disappeared. A quick survey a blast for producer Shawn Levy “I had the great of those truly great experiences where you not only of the building shows that nothing in the museum is fortune of auditioning pretty much every excep- get to combine comedy, drama and improvisation in its proper place because everything is alive. Stat- tional actor over 65,” he recalls “It was amaz- but you get to watch masters come up with fantas- ues walk and talk, fi gurines in dioramas climb out of ing—I mean Dick Van Dyke actually came in for tic ideas.” their cases and wage epic battles with one another, lions from the Africa room roam the halls looking for prey and Neanderthals try desperately to make fi re. With the help of a wax statue of Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams), Larry manages to get all of the exhibits back in their displays before the sun comes up and the incredible magic wears off. While round- ing up museum inhabitants each night was not the job Larry signed up for, he sticks it out for his son’s sake and ends up uncovering a sinister plot that only he, and his new friends, can put a stop to. After viewing the trailer for Night at the Muse- um, I wanted to see it but I was afraid my kids may be too young. A toothy dinosaur skeleton chasing a security guard seemed just a tad too frightening for

12 december 21-27, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper “ABSOLUTELY“ABSOLUTELY ONE ONE OF OF THE THE BESTBEST FILMSFILMS OF OF THE THE YEAR!” YEAR!” JoelJoel Siegel,Siegel, GOODGOOD MORNINGMORNING AMERICAAMERICA

WE ARE MARSHALL (PG) DIG (1045 145) 445 745 1035 THE GOOD SHEPHERD (R) - ID REQ'D DIG(1100 230) 700 1025 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) DIG ★ (1000 1115 1245 200) 345 500 720 800 1000 1030 1225 ROCKY BALBOA (PG) DIG (1020 1215 135) 350 455 715 755 950 1030 1210 ERAGON (PG) DIG ★ (1155 1250 225) 330 505 645 740 930 1010 1200 CHARLOTTE'S WEB (G) DIG ★ (1110 1140 205 235) 440 510 715 750 1015 PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG-13) DIG ★ (1030 100 130) 400 430 700 730 950 1020 1235 UNACCOMPANIED MINORS (PG) DIG (1035 105) 335 THE HOLIDAY (PG-13) DIG (1120 220) 735 1035 APOCALYPTO (R) - ID REQ'D DIG(1005 115) 450 815 945 1120 BLOOD DIAMOND (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1040 210) 520 825 1140 THE NATIVITY STORY (PG) DIG (1220) 340 645 920 1205 DEJA VU (PG-13) DIG 705 1005 DECK THE HALLS (PG) DIG (1105 150) 435 CASINO ROYALE (PG-13) DIG 650 1015 HAPPY FEET (PG) DIG (1025) 110 405 710 955 Advanced Ticketing at amctheatres.com or (904) 264-3888 SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE (G) DIG (1010 A.M.Cinema - All seats $5 before noon 1255) 355 630 915 1150 on Fri., Sat., Sun., & holidays - denoted by ( ) AMC Select- Special films for select tastes. ORANGE PARK 24 Wells Road and Blanding THE GOOD SHEPHERD (R)  12:00, 3:30, 7:00, 7:30, 10:30, WE ARE MARSHALL (PG) DIG (110) 410 730 1020 11:15 Regal Cinemas DIGITAL AMC AMC Hollywood Theaters Cinemark THE GOOD SHEPHERD (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1200) 330 700 AVENUES STADIUM 20 ORANGE PARK 24 REGENCY RIVER CITY TINSELTOWN NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG)  (11:00, 11:45 @ $5), 1:45, 1030 2:35, 4:30, 5:20, 7:15, 8:15, 10:00, 11:00 Phillips Hwy N off I-95 Blanding Blvd & Wells Rd SQUARE 24 MARKETPLACE 14 Southside Blvd NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) DIG ★ (1205 1245 240) 340 510 WE ARE MARSHALL (PG) (11:05 @ $5), 12:05, 2:10, 3:10, 800/FANDANGO #680 904/264-3888 Outside Regency Mall I-95 to Duval Rd East Exit & Gate Pkwy  710 740 940 1015 5:15, 6:15, 8:15, 9:15, 11:20 Regal Cinemas DIGITAL Napels Drive-In 904/264-3888 904/757-9880 DIGITAL 904/998-2020 ROCKY BALBOA (PG) (11:20 @ $5), 12:05, 2:05, 2:50, 4:50, ROCKY BALBOA (PG) (1220) 415 725 1005 BEACH BOULEVARD 18 PLAYTIME DRIVE-IN  CHECK THEATRE DIRECTORIES OR CALL FOR SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS NO PASSES 5:35, 7:35, 8:20, 10:25, 11:05 ROCKY BALBOA (PG) DIG (1255) 445 750 1040 14051 Beach Boulevard 6300 Blanding Blvd SOUND INFORMATION AND SHOWTIMES OR DISCOUNT TICKETS ACCEPTED CHARLOTTE’S WEB (G)  (11:15 @ $5), 12:00, 1:45, 2:30, ERAGON (PG) DIG ★ (1235 105) 325 435 710 755 945 1015 800/FANDANGO #188 904/771-2300 4:20, 5:25, 7:05, 8:00, 9:45, 10:35 CHARLOTTE'S WEB (G) DIG ★ (1210 125 230) 440 505 720 ERAGON (PG)  (11:30 @ $5), 12:15, 2:00, 3:00, 4:45, 5:40, 7:35, 8:15, 10:15, 11:10 800 955 1030 PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG-13) DIG ★ (100 130) 400 430 THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG13)  (11:05 @ $5), 12:45, 2:00, 4:05, 4:55, 7:05, 7:55, 9:55, 11:00 655 745 950 1020 APOCALYPTO (R) 1:00, 4:20, 7:45, 10:50 OC & DA: BLOOD DIAMOND (R) - ID REQ'D DIG 345 BLOOD DIAMOND (R) 12:15, 3:35, 6:55, 10:10 UNACCOMPANIED MINORS (PG) DIG (1250) THE HOLIDAY (PG13) (11:55 @ $5), 3:30, 7:00, 10:15 THE HOLIDAY (PG-13) DIG (120) 420 715 1010 UNACCOMPANIED MINORS (PG) (11:35 @ $5), 2:05, 4:45, APOCALYPTO (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1215) 350 735 1035 7:10 BLOOD DIAMOND (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1240) 650 1035 DECK THE HALLS (PG) (11:15 @ $5), 1:40, 4:05 THE NATIVITY STORY (PG) DIG (1225) DEJA VU (PG13) (11:00 @ $5), 2:00, 5:00, 8:00, 11:10 DEJA VU (PG-13) DIG 355 645 935 CASINO ROYALE (PG13) 12:10, 3:30, 6:50, 10:10 CASINO ROYALE (PG-13) DIG 335 705 1025 HAPPY FEET (PG) (11:35 @ $5), 2:15, 4:55, 7:30, 10:25 HAPPY FEET (PG) DIG (115) 405 640 1000 BORAT (R) 9:40 PM THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE (G) Times For 12/23/06 ©2006 (11:10 @ $5), 1:45, 4:25, 7:00 SAW III (R) 9:40 PM ————$AMC SELECT%———— THE NATIVITY STORY (PG) 12:05, 2:45, 5:30, 8:10, 10:45 THE HISTORY BOYS (R)  (11:55 @ $5), 2:50, 5:45, 8:30, 11:15 REGENCY 24 Behind Regency Square Mall

THE GOOD SHEPHERD (R)  (11:05 @ $5), 12:10, 2:35, 3:40, 6:15, 7:10, 9:50, 10:45 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG)  (11:00 @ $5), 12:15, 1:45, 3:00, 4:30, 5:40, 7:15, 8:20, 9:55, 10:50 WE ARE MARSHALL (PG)  (11:05 @ $5), 12:30, 1:55, 3:45, 4:55, 7:05, 7:50, 10:00, 10:50 ROCKY BALBOA (PG)  (11:25 @ $5), 12:55, 1:50, 3:20, 4:35, 5:45, 7:20, 8:10, 10:00, 10:45 CHARLOTTE’S WEB (G)  (11:00 @ $5), 12:05, 1:15, 2:25, 3:35, 4:40, 5:55, 7:05, 8:15, 9:30, 10:35 ERAGON (PG)  (11:15 @ $5), 12:45, 2:00, 3:15, 4:45, 5:50, 7:30, 8:30, 10:10, 10:55 THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG13)  (11:30 @ $5), 1:10, 2:20, 3:55, 5:05, 7:00, 8:00, 9:45, 10:40 APOCALYPTO (R) 1:00, 4:20, 7:25, 10:25 BLOOD DIAMOND (R) 1:05, 4:15, 7:25, 10:35 THE HOLIDAY (PG13) 1:30, 4:35, 7:40, 10:40 UNACCOMPANIED MINORS (PG) (11:55 @ $5), 2:10, 4:25 DECK THE HALLS (PG) (11:40 @ $5), 1:50, 4:10 DEJA VU (PG13) (11:20 @ $5), 2:05, 4:50, 7:45, 10:30 CASINO ROYALE (PG13) 6:55, 10:15 HAPPY FEET (PG) (11:10 @ $5), 1:20, 3:50, 7:35, 10:05 BORAT (R) 6:25, 8:25, 10:30 THE SANTA CLAUSE 3: THE ESCAPE CLAUSE (G) 12:20, 2:30, 4:40 STARTS MONDAY, DECEMBER 25 SAW III (R) 6:50, 9:20 Regal Cinemas AVENUES AMC ORANGE PARK 24 AMC REGENCY SQUARE 24 Cinemark TINSELTOWN ————$AMC SELECT%———— STADIUM 20 Phillips Hwy N off I-95 Blanding Blvd & Wells Rd Outside Regency Mall Southside Blvd & Gate Pkwy THE NATIVITY STORY (PG) (11:00 @ $5), 1:00, 3:15, 5:35, 7:55, 800/FANDANGO #680 DIGITAL 904/264-3888 904/264-3888 904/998-2020 10:15 CHECK THEATRE DIRECTORIES OR CALL FOR SOUND INFORMATION AND SHOWTIMES SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS NO PASSES OR DISCOUNT TICKETS ACCEPTED THE QUEEN (PG13) 2:15, 5:15, 8:05, 10:20 Times for Saturday, December 23, 2006 Times for Saturday, -SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT No passes or discount coupons FOR GROUP TICKET SALES INFORMATION CALL: 1-877-PAR-GRP5

eujacksonville.com | december 21-27, 2006 13 THE DEPARTED LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE

SEFCA TOP TEN FILMS OF THE YEAR RICK’S TOP TEN FILMS OF THE YEAR

1) The Departed 1) The Departed 2) Letters From Iwo Jima 2) Flags of Our Fathers best movies of 3) The Queen 3) The Queen 4) United 93 4) The Prestige 5) Little Miss Sunshine 5) Little Miss Sunshine 6) Notes On a Scandal 6) The Good Shepherd 7) Babel 7) Blood Diamond the year 8) Pan’s Labyrinth 8) Notes on a Scandal 9) Little Children 9) Miss Potter Rick Grant and the Southeastern Film 10) Thank You for Smoking Critics Association cast their ballots BY RICK GRANT [email protected] Every year I vote in the annual Southeastern Film Critics Association (SEFCA). This is a professional organization of fi lm critics representing the South Eastern quadrant of the United States. The 49 members work for print and radio outlets in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Mercy Sandberg-Wright is the President. The deadline this year was December 17, 2006. I was frantically seeing fi lms right up to Friday, Dec. 15, when I fi nally sent in my ballot. As proof that veteran movie critics are of like minds, my choice for the best fi lm of 2006 was the same as the SEFCA’s fi nal tally–The Departed. There were many other parallels, such as Best Director, Martin Scorsese. Then there were some notable differences, and award worthy fi lms I didn’t see. The results of the SEFCA’s Awards are published in Variety along with the other critics groups around the country. It’s the kickoff of the long liquor fueled award season when fi lthy rich celebrities act like the self absorbed ninnies we love to hate. As for the designer gown wearing starlets, their level of cleavage is directly proportional to their level of Hollywood clout. This is my ballot compared to the SEFCA Awards

BEST FOREIGN FILM BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS RICK: Apocalypto RICK: Cate Blanchette for Notes on A Scandal SEFCA: Pan’s Labyrinth SEFCA: Jennifer Hudson for Dreamgirls

BEST DIRECTOR BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY RICK: Martin Scorsese for The Departed RICK: Michael Ardt for Little Miss Sunshine SEFCA: Martin Scorsese for The Departed SEFCA: Michael Arndt for Little Miss Sunshine

BEST ACTOR BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY RICK: Leonardo DiCaprio for Blood Diamond RICK: Patrick Marber for Notes on A Scandal SEFCA: Forest Whitaker for The Last King of Scotland SEFCA: William Monahan for The Departed BEST ACTRESS BEST DOCUMENTARY RICK: Helen Mirren for The Queen RICK: An Inconvenient Truth SEFCA: Helen Mirren for The Queen SEFCA: An Inconvenient Truth BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR ANIMATED FILM RICK: Alan Arkin for Little Miss Sunshine RICK: Cars SEFCA: Jackie Earle Haley Little Children SEFCA: Film Cars

14 december 21-27, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper MY BOYS women regularly. Brendan (Reid Scott ) is a hard-rock DJ whose romance with his girlfriend is on-again off- again, which drives the other guys crazy. Bobby (Kyle new on dvd Howard) is colleague of PJ–a sportswriter for the Sun’s competitor, the Chicago Tribune. And, PJ’s gal A SCANNER DARKLY (100 min.) pal Stephanie (Kellee Stewart) is her female support The L.A. of a not-too-distant future suffers a when the testosterone level gets too heavy. surge of drug abuse involving a new ultra-addic- Spiro gets the snappy lines but the other tive and eventually brain-damaging substance characters are portrayed as bright, funny, and simply named “D”. Bob Arctor (Keanu Reeves) macho–even PJ, who, when she gets dressed up for is an undercover narc leading a double life, duti- a date, gets “her boys” attention. They tell her if she’s fully reporting to his superiors while effectively showing too much cleavage (too available) or not having abandoned whatever normal existence he enough (too unavailable). It’s like she has her own had for a “D” user/dealer career. Rated R for drug male cheering section. She confi des to Stephanie on and sexual content, language and a brief violent a girls night out, “Sometimes I forget I have a vagina.” image. In one episode, the whole gang is going through a slump, including PJ. So they decide to go to a sleazy ALL THE KING’S MEN (140 min.) pick up bar and take whatever they can get. PJ goes Sean Penn takes the role of Willie Stark, an along to help them. However, she interferes with idealistic Louisiana politician turned populist their game and she ends up making friends with their demagogue as he becomes corrupted by power, potential one night stands. After that, she’s banned in the second screen adaptation of Robert Penn from their spawning expeditions. Warren’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel, inspired by tbs launches new sitcoms 10 Items or Less could be viewed as The Offi ce the career of real-life Louisiana governor Huey P. set in a family owned supermarket called the Green Long. Rated PG-13 for an intense sequence of & Grains. John Lehr portrays Leslie Pool, the owner/ violence, sexual content and partial nudity. my boys & 10 items or less manager who inherited the business from his father. He’s a clueless idiot in the mold of Michael of The INVINCIBLE (105 min.) Offi ce. Everything out of his mouth is inappropriate or From the producers of “The Rookie”, this inspir- BY RICK GRANT [email protected] stupid. ing sports movie stars Mark Wahlberg as a Phila- laugh tracks are cliché–a leftover annoyance from Leslie’s dysfunctional staff includes Carl delphia Eagles fan who has just lost his wife and the golden age of television. More signifi cantly, these (Robert Clendenin)–a sweet guy but not running on his teaching job. He decides one day to show up shows do not need laugh tracks. all cylinders. Leslie’s sidekick is Yolanda (Roberta for an open tryout for his favorite NFL team, only Since past episodes of both shows are available Valderama from ER) She runs the produce department to see his wildest dreams come true. Rated PG on TBS.com anytime, it was easy for me to check with an iron hand. And, Yolanda is pregnant with for sports action and some mild language. them out. First, My Boys owes its concept to Friends, Carl’s baby which is not from a top of the line gene but it’s decidedly different and updated to today’s pool. Buck (Greg Davis) is the bagger and a joker. JET LEE’S FEARLESS (103 min.) single scene. PJ (Jordana Spiro) is in her late Ingrid (Kirsten Gronfi eld) is the loopy soft-spoken Jet Li plays real life Chinese folk hero Huo Yu- twenties, happily single, and is a sports writer for the customer service rep who is into renaissance anjia, the spiritual guru of Wu Shu, in this labor Chicago Sun Times. She’s pretty, intelligent, funny, festivals. Richard (Christopher Liam Moore) is the of love martial arts drama. The son of a great and vivacious but feels more comfortable hanging effeminate cashier who dreams of becoming a fi ghter who did not wish for his child to follow in out with her cadre of male friends–also single except professional ice dancer. And, Todd (Chriss Payne his footsteps, the bullied Huo Yuanjia resolves to her brother who is married, but he still hangs out with Gilbert) is the sexy butcher who sees himself as a teach himself how to fi ght - and win. After years the group. She dates guys away from the group, and NASCAR driver. In one episode, Todd is fi red but gets of training the young man learns the secrets to they have to check her suitors out to give her their a job across the street at the Super Value Mart. success in martial arts and in life. Rated PG-13 for violence and martial arts action throughout. 10 ITEMS OR LESS blessing. She is part of their poker night, and they A reoccurring character, Amy (Jennifer Elise treat her like a guy. This causes her some trepidation Cox) manages the Super Value Mart and is sexually TBS is Ted Turner’s original channel from which since she has a feminine side when she’s with her turned on by Todd. She dresses him in a tight butcher LADY IN THE WATER (110 min.) he built his empire. The channel has languished in girlfriends. outfi t and uses him as her secret weapon with the Apartment building superintendent Cleveland syndicated limbo, running movies and Law & Order PJ blends in well with the guys and can rag on ladies. Todd is offended by her sexual harassment and Heep (Paul Giamatti) rescues what he thinks is episodes ad nauseam. Now, TBS has decided to them but she can also take their abuse as well. Her goes back to Greens and Grains to be Leslie Pool’s a young woman (Bryce Dallas Howard) from the produce original programming to compete with HBO, brother, Andy (Jim Gaffi gan) feels the tight tug of his sexy butcher. Then an image of Jesus appears in a pool he maintains. When he discovers that she is FX, USA, and Showtime. The two new TBS comedy wife’s leash and likes to feel like he’s single again, stain on the wall, and Leslie exploits this “miracle” to actually a character from a bedtime story who is shows, My Boys and 10 Items or Less are high when in fact, he’s his wife’s monkey boy. Mike (Jamie bring in business. Amy brings in a priest to debunk trying to make the journey back to her home, he quality productions that are well worth viewing. And Kaler) is a commitment phobic ladies man who works Leslie’s marketing ploy, but he sanctions the Jesus works with his tenants to protect his new friend yes–hallelujah–there are no laughs tracks on either for the Chicago Cubs. Kenny (Michael Bunin) is a stain. from the creatures that are determined to keep show. Finally, TV moguls have gotten the message– sports memorabilia store owner who strikes out with Less is more with continuous laughter from her in our world. Rated PG-13 for some frighten- the clever scripts and top tier acting. Both series are ing sequences. pathfi nding shows that have taken the sitcom beyond its clichéd past with quality production values and LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE (101 min.) exemplary writing–with no laugh track. Hurrah! Olive (Abigail Breslin) is a little girl with a dream: winning the Little Miss Sunshine contest. Her family wants her dream to come true, but they are so burdened with their own quirks, neuro- ses, and problems that they can barely make it through a day without some disaster befalling them. Rated R for language, some sex and drug content.

MY SUPER EX-GIRLFRIEND (95 min.) When Matt Saunders (Luke Wilson) meets Jenny Johnson (Uma Thurman), he thinks he’s found the perfect girl. However, he decides to break things off with her when she becomes too needy, controlling, and jealous. Jenny doesn’t take it well and decides to get back at him by using her superpowers, as it turns out Jenny is a superhero named G-Girl. Rated PG-13 for sexual content, crude humor, language and brief nudity.

eujacksonville.com | december 21-27, 2006 15 Downtown New Year’s NEW YEAR’S EVE Check out the New Year’s Eve Party in the Jacksonville Landing Courtyard Festivities include live enter- tainment at The Landing stage. Club Paris will be injecting some style into the Landing festivities with Fred’s New Years Royal Black and White Tie Party! Packages range from $30 for fi rst fl oor admission up to the most excusive VIP lounge. Call 904-918-3999 for VIP details and 904-633-9477 to reserve other tickets. At Twisted Martini a variety of VIP packages are avail- able, with champagne menus all night, party favors, live feed of Times Square on 10 TV’s and 4 big New Year’s Day screens. As usual they only serve the fi nest premium sprits. Space is limited so make your reservations For the Kids today. (904) 353-8464 The Got Milk? Half Pint Judges Contest Count down to 2007 with a spectacular fi re- will be at 3PM on December 31st in Downtown works display over the St. Johns River to light up the Jacksonville. Five winners from a contest night sky and celebrate the New Year. Watch the New conducted by the Florida Dairy Farmers and Year’s Eve Fireworks Spectacular at Midnight from the Gator Bowl Association will be selected to the Landing or anywhere else in Downtown Jackson- judge the 2006 Winn-Dixie Hometown Gator ville with a view of the river. Presented by The City of Bowl Parade. The contest is open to all Jack- Jacksonville. sonville-area children between the ages of 6 VyStar Credit Union 5K Run is at 2PM at the and 12. Kids entering the contest are asked to Jacksonville Landing. The VyStar Financial Group 5K complete the sentence: “When I’ve got milk? Run is a great way to get involved with all the excite- I’ve got a smile because...” The winners of ment the Toyota Gator Bowl has to offer. If running, the contest are declared Got Milk? Half Pint walking, or biking is your thing, this race is for you. Judges. They are responsible for selecting one The race is held right before the Gator Bowl Parade, favorite fl oat from the 2006 Winn-Dixie Home- and runs along the parade route through downtown town Gator Bowl Parade, from a kid’s point of Jacksonville. Each entrant will receive a VyStar Credit view, to receive the Got Milk? Half Pint Award. Union 5K Run T-shirt. Cost: $17 until December 24, The little judges will receive “Got Milk?” items $20 December 25-30 and $25 on race day. and prizes and will ride in the 2006 Winn-Dixie Hometown Gator Bowl Parade to be held on Sunday, December 31, 2006. Contact: Pat blow outs, events Clubs & Bars Corda (904) 798-1700 At Adventure Landing from 10:00AM- At Aromas the cigars are included at this semi- 2:00PM on New Year’s Eve Day kids will like upscale wine and cigar bar. Black Tie, Black Jeans, the The Annual Noon Years Eve Balloon by erin thursby Who Cares!! The starts at 9PM at both locations Drop with over 500 prize fi lled balloons for and eats 3 different age groups: 4 & Under, 5 – 8 & 9 (Southside and Ponte Vedra) with party favors and a champagne toast. Call (904) 280-2525 (PVB)/ (904) – 12. Unlimited Go-Karts, Laser Tag & Mini Here’s this year’s sampling of the parties and events you can attend for New Year’s Eve, Golf from 10:00AM-2:00PM for only $10.00. from the Gatorbowl and club events to places to eat as you ring in the New Year! 928-0515 for ticket reservations. The Atlantic will have party favors, a special Special must be purchased to participate in sushi menu and the traditional champagne toast. balloon drop (4 & under FREE). Visit www. They’re open through 4AM www.the-atlantic.com adventurelanding.com or call (904) 246-4386 (904)249-3338 for more information! Gatorbowl Related Events! Just a $10 cover will grant you access to all of Bourbon Street Station, Crazy Horse Saloon, Mardi December 31st, New Year’s Eve Gras, the Latin Quarter, the Blue Room and the Var- Winn-Dixie Hometown Gator Bowl Parade sity Club. Expect lots of prizes, with one giveaway every 15 minutes starting at 9PM, including a 2 karat dia- Downtown Jacksonville: 3 p.m. mond tennis bracelet and $10,000 in cash prizes. A complimentary champagne toast will happen at midnight. $10 Reserved Parade Seat (904) 641-8777 You are invited to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the Winn-Dixie Hometown Gator Bowl Parade. The “Still Have a funky blues New Year with Mofro at New Year’s Eve Mofro plays with the Lee Boys. Rockin’ at 60”-themed parade features colorful fl oats, high school bands, college bands, giant helium Freebird. Cost is $28 prior and $30 the day of the show. 246-BIRD (2473) balloons, and entertaining specialty units. The units will be routed through the Northbank in downtown All you can eat Jacksonville. Latitudes Café and Martini Bar. and drink, live music, party favors and a champagne toast for just $60 in advance or $70 at the door. Gator Bowl Pep Rallies Club/Pub Crawl in (904) 247-6606 The Jacksonville Landing Courtyard Ocean Club party ‘till 4AM, with a balloon drop Visiting Team Pep Rally: 1:30 p.m. and champagne toast at midnight. Watch a live feed . Style Home Team (ACC) Pep Rally: 5:30 p.m of Times Square for the big ball drop Get pumped up for the Toyota Gator Bowl Classic! Excited fans are invited to show their team spirit at the www.ocean- River City Social & Travel Club’s Annual New (904) 242-8884 Pep Rallies at The Jacksonville Landing. Join the bands, cheerleaders, and mascot in the excitement on clubjax.com Year’s Eve Pub Crawl can help you bar hop in If you haven’t been to , New Year’s New Year’s Eve. Square One three different neighborhoods (The Beaches, Eve just might be the time to check it out. Located in Southside and Orange Park) without getting a the San Marco shopping district of Jacksonville, it’s st January 1 DUI. Starting at one of four stops in each area, where you can celebrate the New Year in style with El Budweiser Tailgate Party you will be transported via bus to a different Toro Loco, party favors and the standard champagne Alltel Stadium Entertainment Zone: 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. pub, bar or restaurant every hour until arriving toast. www.gatorbowl.com $10 at the gate or FREE admission with “THE PATCH” (Go to to learn more) at your last destination, located at or near your The infamous will be par- Enjoy the thrill and excitement of college football as thousands of out-of-town fans come together to Tradewinds Lounge starting hotel/bar, in time for your champagne tying New Year’s in St. Augustine. It’s the the oldest celebrate their team in a festive and family-oriented entertainment atmosphere. Truly a party where team toast to ring in the new year. The cost is only lounge in the oldest city. Limited seating with live spirit abounds, there will be pep rallies, cheerleaders and bands from both Universities that will be sure to $39.95 if purchased NOW and $49.95 shortly, music by Matanzas. 124 Charlotte St.(904)829-9336 ignite the passion in every college football fan. A multitude of interactive games to test your athletic skills, pending availability. They highly recommend For a quintessential Florida experience, head to a variety of infl atables for kids of all ages to enjoy and all of your tailgating concession essentials make you get a room, and to make it even easier in Orange Park. Once again the this a Tailgate Party not to miss! Whitey’s Fish Camp by arranging for reduced rates at various area Boogie Freaks will entertain. There will be giveaways hotels. Go to http://www.rivercityclub.com/ all night, a balloon drop, champagne toast and break- THE BIG GAME! for more information or call (904) 505-4746. fast at midnight. Come in a boat and stay all night! ALLTEL Stadium: 12:00 Noon Bloody Mary’s served in the AM. Call (904)269-4198

16 december 21-27, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper CLUB PARIS

Celebrate New Year’s in a Hotel Most every hotel with a restaurant and bar will be holding some kind of New Year’s bash, get a room so you can just trundle up to bed after getting completely snockered. The beaches have a myriad of bar/hotel options. Here’s just two of the places you can go in Ponte Verdra and Amelia Island: At the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island, you can take in New Year’s Eve at their Glacial Gala at the Polar Bar featuring a martini ice luge. Take a walk in the ice garden, enjoy live music, dancing, extravagant out of town buffet, open bar, complimentary champagne and mid- night fi reworks. Cost is $175 per person. There are See the Tybee Beach Fireworks at the also packages that include rooms. Call (904) 277- Tybee Island Pier in Georgia on the corner of 1028 for info. Tybrisa St. & Strand Ave. Fireworks will launch You can party, eat fabulous food or both at the at midnight to celebrate the New Year. Come Marriot Sawgrass in Ponte Vedra. Packages run from early to capture that perfect spot in the sand. $49-$99. Choose from two venues within the hotel. Free parking. Earlier in the day you can take the There will be a Vegas style casino for entertainment Polar Bear Plunge, meeting at 9AM to take a as well as live acts and all the usual drinks and fa- plunge into the icy Atlantic precisely at Noon. vors. (904) 285-7777. Last year over 3,000 people participated some in costumes, even a wedding dress or two. New Years Eve Eats You’ll need to make a reservation at any of these restaurants for New Year’s Eve. Call quickly because they fi ll up fast. All the costs don’t include tax or gratuity. The Grape (904) 555-5555 and Simon’s (904) 555-5555 are both wine bars that will feature a great spread for New Year’s Eve. Call for reservations, they are both fi lling up fast. The Grape will have a six course wine dinner at $100 a person, including a champagne toast. Simons will have a multiple course dinner paired with wine and a midnight toast as well. If you’re heading for an Irish pub keep in mind that most of them celebrate New Year’s twice. Once at 7PM, when Ireland rings in the New Year, and once at Midnight. Fionn MacCools VIP package will include an open bar and a three course meal at $100 per person. Don’t Tell Amy will be the live entertainment from 9PM on. Culhane’s will have two seatings, one at 7PM and one at 9PM for $60 a person. Expect a sumptuous set menu. The Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant (904) 270-0025 will be holding a Greek themed New Years with music from Greek Wave. Leg of lamb, whole roasted snapper, baklava and a chocolate fountain are the main attractions. The cost is $100 per person. There’s going to be a great party at the Beaches Woman’s Club at 2nd Avenue North and Penman Road for New Year’s Eve. It will be catered by JJ’s Bistro of Ponte Vedra and for an evening with Rod Stewart Trib- ute Artist Kenny Holliday. There will be a complimentary Champagne Toast at midnight. The proceeds of the evening will go to benefi t Make A Wish foundation to fi nish off their Children Of Light campaign. Please come out and celebrate this great cause. Tickets are $65.00/each. If you wish to purchase a ticket; please call Donna LeTellier at 537-1629 to reserve.

New Year’s Eve, Theater Style Take in New Year’s at the “Pelican Club” for a trip down memory lane to the nightclub era, the 20’s thru the 40’s. The show starts at 8:30pm - 1:00 am at Players By The Sea Tickets are $50.00 in advance Limited VIP seating available ON THE STAGE!!! Table for 2 including a bottle of Champagne is $150.00 Martini Bar, Beer, Wine, after show hor doerves and sodas included. Not everyone lives to see the new year when Murder Mystery Players, Inc. serve up hearty laughs with a special New Year’s Eve at Dave & Buster’s. This fun-fi lled, interactive, murder mystery includes dinner as well as the performance. The evening begins at 8:00pm. Audience members have a chance to win prizes and decide who did what to whom. New Year’s Eve will never be the same as guests enjoy passed hors d’oeuvres, a chef-

(continued on page 18 & 19)

eujacksonville.com | december 21-27, 2006 17 crafted four-course meal, complimentary power card, champagne toast, midnight celebration, and a hilarious mystery performance. The package price is $130.00 per couple + tax and gratuity. To make reservations for this hilarious evening of murder mystery and audience participation, call Dave & Buster’s at (904) 296-1525. Reservations are required, as seating is limited. www.mysteryplayers.com. visiting for the holidays? Get to the Comedy Zone for a night of laughs, food, drinks and dancing. A lavish buffet in GiGi’s with prime rib and crab legs, favors, a champagne toast and comics Ronnie Bullard, Tim Statum and Al Ernst are part of the evening. Tickets are $69.97 per person plus tax. You can also separately arrange to stay at the Ramada Inn. have guest from out of town? (904) 268-8080

Bashes and Entertainment Between Now and New get visitors out of the house and take them to these Year’s Eve 30th Annual, New Year’s Bluegrass Festival! Don’t miss these 3 days inside Georgia’s Jekyll Island Jacksonville landmarks Convention Center. If you love Bluegrass, December 28th Audie Blaylock & Redline, The Steep Canyon Rang- ers, The Primitive Quartet, The Larry Stephenson Band and Nothin’ Fancy. Friday, December 30th Williams BY KELLIE ABRAHAMSON & Clark Expedition, The Gary Waldrep Band, The Village Singers, Bobby Osborne & The Rocky Top X-Press, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver Pine Mountain Railroad. Saturday, December 30th The Carolina Road Bank, The Bluegrass Brothers, The Cherryholmes Family, The Josh Crowe Band, The Lewis Family, Jesse McReynolds & The VA Boys, Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys! Go to www.aandabluegrass.com for tickets and I’m originally from Virginia, so Florida winters always bug me. I miss snow, winter jackets and cozy details. (707) 864-7203. nights by the fi re. Our weather is nice when company is in town, however, because it opens up a whole new At , Sexy and scantily clad “Santa’s Helpers” will be everywhere on the 23rd, and they’ll be Club Paris category of fun activities to do with your visitors. Instead of having to fi nd a nice warm place to hang out, you watching you to decide if you’ve been naughty or nice this year. If you didn’t make the nice list, don’t worry! can actually go outside, experience some nature and see things only Florida has to offer. Because sightseeing You can drink your troubles away holiday drink specials served up by naughty elves. Regular drinks are only with little ones can be tricky, here are some fun indoor and outdoor things to do with visiting kids: $2 and martinis are ½ price until 11 PM! Ladies! Come in looking your best! They’re picking out the hottest females for sexy and scandalous presents. Admission is FREE until 11. This is a Christmas party that will put Club Paris permanently on Santa’s naughty list. Call (904) 918-3999 for your VIP reservations! Friday, December 29th, join Rain’s end of the year blowout party. It’s a special stiletto Friday; all ladies in stiletto heels get all their drinks for $1 all night. Join Endo Exo for a Santa Party on the 22nd with Adam Wright and Larry Banks and a Pili Pili Reggae Part on the 23rd.. If you have other plans on New Year’s but you love the funk of Mofro, you can catch them at Freebird on the 29th with Gunga Din and on the 30th with the Gamble Brothers Band. Cost is $18 prior and $20 the day of the show. 246-BIRD (2473) This Friday, December 22nd, is the Salt Life Christmas Bash at The Ocean Club! There will be four bands including BOUND, and two DJ’s. Drink specials are available throughout the night. With everyone in town for Christmas, it will be a blast. Doors open at 8pm.

Nature and Animals There are tons of terrifi c places to see Florida fl ora and fauna right here in town. Arlington’s own Tree Hill Nature Center is a 50-acre site that boasts natural history museum, four nature trails, a 250 seat amphitheater and gardens fi lled with plant and wildlife. The little piece of heaven has cool animal exhibits and, at times, animal encounters that let you get up close and personal with goats, tortoises and even baby alligators. For more information visit www.treehill.org. If alligators are your thing, the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine is a great place to get your fi x. This 100 year-old attraction has wowed visitors of all ages with its amazing collection of rare and exotic reptiles, birds and mammals. Learn about conservation, watch an alligator get his dinner and meet Maximo, a 15 foot “Saltie” croc who tips the scales at 1250! To take a peek at Maximo and plan your next trip to this unique zoological park visit www.alligatorfarm.us. Of course, if you really want to see a variety of animals, there’s nothing like the Jacksonville Zoo. With more than 2000 rare and exotic animals to see and learn about, the zoo has grown into one of the First Coast’s most popular attractions. Earlier this year the zoo opened their 2.5 acre play park with animal exhibits, botanical mazes, play areas, an animal care yard and much more. This addition is a godsend if you have elementary school kids staying with you since they will play until you physically drag them away. Don’t forget to take a train ride before you head home. You’ll get to hear interesting facts about life behind the scenes and see animals from a whole new perspective. Go to www.jaxzoo.org for more information.

Fun and Games Ever the popular hangout spot, Adventure Landing has something to offer for kids of all ages. Between laser tag, arcade games, mini-golf, batting cages and go-karts, families can spend all day at the facility and still need more time to do it all. Check out their website at www.adventurelanding.com for ticket information

18 december 21-27, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper did we miss your PLAYGROUND AT THE JACKSONVILLE ZOO new year’s event? and daily specials that can save you big! Jacksonville parks are a great way to allow kids to let off some steam while giving adults a chance to see a bit of the city. Kid Kampus at is a unique 10-acre facility that allows kids to climb and slide on miniature Jacksonville landmarks while giving grownups a chance to see a lovely view of the St. email the details to Johns. For those into extreme sports, Ray Greene Park has a BMX bike track and Cuba Hunter Park boasts [email protected] a 10,000 square foot skateboard facility. To fi nd out more about these and other parks in the area visit http:// www.coj.net/Departments/Parks+and+Recreation. to be included in next week’s new year’s And Now for Something Completely event guide. Different www.eujacksonville.com Did you know those cool animatronic characters you see at various theme parks could very well have been made right here in Jacksonville? Sally Animatronics has been supplying attractions, theme parks, museums, retail stores and restaurants with realistic characters, animatronics and dark rides for more than 20 years. Free tours of their downtown robot factory are offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, and to make a reservation, visit www.sallycorp.com. Combining history and (weird) science is Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Museum in St. Augustine. This always-popular attraction displays more than 800 exhibits that will shock, amuse and amaze kids of all ages. The museum, which is located in a historic castle on San Marco Avenue, is open 365 days a year and group rates are available. For ticket prices, hours of operation and even a printable coupon visit http://www. staugustine-ripleys.com.

Fun for the Smallest of Guests If you’ve got a toddler or two visiting, you may want to check Toddler Town, Olly Koala’s or Pump It Up. Toddler Town (904-363-6330) is located on the Southside and gives kids 5 and under a fun place to go and play with other kids in a cheerful, welcoming environment. All of the toys are educational and promote imagination. Ollie Koala’s (904-242-2444) is a family entertainment center, located in Jacksonville Beach, which features yummy food, toddler-friendly rides, arcade games and much more. Also on the Southside is Pump It Up (904-646-1441), a cool facility that takes giant infl atables out of backyards and fairgrounds and puts them in a clean, inviting, climate-controlled environment. Kids are free to jump, bounce, slide and climb along with their peers while parents either relax and look on or join the fun.

Shopping For the best shopping spots, you can take them to San Marco, Avondale, Five Points and historic downtown St. Augustine. All of these areas have been gussied up for the holidays and are great areas to walk around and take in the local fl avor.

Food Another true Florida experience is the Fish Camp. The two fi sh camps of note in the area are Whitey’s and Clark’s. The Conch House in St. Augustine is another truly unique Florida experience. For the best in Jacksonville fi ne dining, Matthew’s and Sterling’s are Jacksonville institutions.

art The Cummer Gallery or MOCA Jacksonville are two amazing places to take your out-of-tower, if you want to give them a shot of culture.

eujacksonville.com | december 21-27, 2006 19 Every party needs a dip, and a New Year’s Eve Party is no exception. Most artichoke dips have a base of parmesan cheese, but I wanted to put a bit of a twist on it by going with Asiago. This pairs nicely with the new year’s snacks sweetness of a port or a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc or Pinot Grigio SIMPLE ASIAGO ARTICHOKE DIP

1 cup mayonnaise 1) Combine all ingredients and spread in a pie plate or shallow for the New Year’s Eve Cocktail Party 1 cup grated Asiago cheese baking dish. 1 can or jar (12 to 14 ounces) 2) Bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Serve cold or heat in the BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] artichoke hearts, drained, not marinated oven for about 10 minutes at 350° You can reheat this in the 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder microwave if you use a really low setting and stir as you heat. 1/8 teaspoon black pepper Otherwise, it tends to separate. New Year’s Eve is time for heavy drinking and fi nger foods. Here’s my collection of some of my favorite 1/4 cup minced roasted red pepper snacks to ring in the New Year! I’ve printed peanut sauce recipes before, but usually I opt for the simplest, using on-hand ingredients like These are super easy, I love stuffi ng peanut butter. This is the real deal and can make the plainest chicken skewers shine. The sauce is also great biscuits with whatever I can think of with fresh veggies and other meats. at the time, using ingredients that are already basically cooked. Don’t just limit yourself to crab and salmon---get creative PEANUT CHICKEN SATAY with your biscuits. My Crab and Salmon 2 pounds stir-fry cut chicken strips Biscuits pair well with a white wine, like a skewers Pinot Grigio or even a Riesling. dried lemon grass CRAB AND SALMON BISCUITS sesame oil

1-can of fl aky biscuits (10 biscuits) peanut satay sauce: 1 cup dry roasted peanuts ¼ cup of smoked salmon cut up small 1/3 cup water 1 minced clove of garlic 2 tablespoons fi nely diced sun-dried ¼ teaspoon pepper tomatoes 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce 1 fi nely diced green onion 2 teaspoon sesame oil dash of garlic salt 2 ½ tablespoons brown sugar ½ tablespoon mayo 2 tablespoons fi sh sauce 4 ounces of pasteurized crab meat 1/2 tsp. tamarind paste 2) Place all the peanut sauce ingredients in a blender. 2 tsp. red chilli sauce Blend until sauce is smooth. It’s a thick sauce, but it’s 1) Preheat oven to whatever temperature 1 tsp lime juice good. the biscuit directions indicate. 3) Skewer your chicken, drizzle dried lemon grass over 2) Mix tomatoes, onion, garlic salt, mayo 1) Cook up your chicken strips with sesame them and use a spoon to coat the skewers with the and crab meat together in a bowl. oil and put them aside. sauce. Serve right away or refrigerate. 3) Make a hollow in the tops of the uncooked biscuits, by bringing the sides up and pressing the middle down. 4) Place smoked salmon in all the hollows and put the crab mixture These pork meatballs are very middle-of-road and great if you have guests that don’t like dishes that on top of that. surprise. They’re savory faire that can be served with the traditional tooth picks. 5) Bake as you normally would (about 8-12 minutes) and serve. GOOD LIVIN’ PORK MEATBALLS

1 pound ground pork 1) Mix all of the ingredients thoroughly (except for the ¼ cup red onions fi nely chopped ginger and hot sauce), taking to blend the jelly well, prior ¼ cup carrots fi nely chopped to adding pork and veggies. ¼ cup baby Bella mushrooms fi nely chopped 2) Roll the mixture into ½ inch balls, brown them quickly 1 egg on all sides so they hold together, set aside as you do so. 1 tablespoon teriyaki 3) When you’ve browned all the pork balls, toss them 1 tablespoon red wine or sherry back in the pan with about a cup and a half of water, the 1 tablespoon water ginger and hot sauce. Place a lid on your skillet and let 2 teaspoons cornstarch it simmer for about 13 minutes. Check to make sure the 1 teaspoon grape jelly water hasn’t all boiled out and ad more if needed. Serve 3 tablespoons fresh grated ginger with tooth picks. 1 teaspoon hot sauce

New Years Eve is the last day of the year that you can drink egg nog. In honor of that sad fact, I present my Rum Runner Egg Nog. (Not for those with little tolerance for alcohol). RUM RUNNER EGG NOG 6 eggs, separated 1 cup sugar 2 ½ cups select dark rum 1 1/2 quarts whole milk 3 cups whipping cream nutmeg

1) Beat egg yolks until thick. Beat in sugar and rum. Chill for about an hour. 2) Add milk while stirring. 3) In separate bowl, beat whipping cream until thick then set aside. Beat egg whites in yet another bowl until just stiff. Fold egg whites and whipping cream into egg mixture. Let egg nog chill overnight. Serve with a dash of nutmeg.

20 december 21-27, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper gifts of desperation where to go for those very last minute gifts BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] People like Martha Stewart and Miss Manners say it’s a good idea to keep a few generic gifts socked away, just in case you’ve forgotten to get someone a gift. But really, if I’ve forgotten to buy a gift, what makes them think I’m going to remember where I’ve hidden all those emergency gifts I was supposed to buy in ad- vance? What Martha and Miss Manners don’t know is that I’ve already wrapped most of those gifts, assigned them to people and have completely forgotten where I’ve stashed the others. And so, at midnight on Christmas Eve the only gifts left are the gifts of desperation. You stalk your house, looking for picture frames you can take pictures out of and re-wrap. You go to the back of your closet and try to remember just who gave you the fondue set you never use. Did Aunt Sue give it to you? If she did you certainly can’t give it to her this Christmas. If you’re a woman, you start combing your closet for items like scarves, because they don’t have sizes. Again, you must try and remember if the scarf in question was ever a gift and you must try to recall if the potential recipient of the scarf has ever seen you wear it. Here’s the thing, if you didn’t remember to buy them a gift, you’re certainly not going to remember if anything you own was something they gave you or something they’ll recognize as a used item. The next thing you know, you’ll be that story they tell about the worst gift they’ve ever gotten. It’s better not to have a gift at all. Tell them it’s been misplaced, which is kind of true, it’s just been misplaced on a store shelf, where you will eventually fi nd it. Maybe your situation is even worse than just one forgotten gift; maybe you haven’t had the time or inclination to get anything for most of the people on your list. Depending on how close you are to Christmas, there are a few place you can go.

THE MECCA OF DESPERATE SHOPPERS: WAL-MART ALL-NITE DRUGSTORES It helps to know where all the 24-hour drugstores are in your hour of need. Some places claim that America has a love/hate relationship with this warehouse of a store, but it tends to be the place where desperate gift shoppers materialize at 3 AM. Expect empty shelves in a lot of departments and last minute they’re 24-hour stores, but come Christmas Day they hang a “closed for Christmas” sign on their door. Wal- lines. Everybody knows that they’re open, so everyone goes. Be informed though, that Christmas Eve after greens and CVS have quite a few 24-hour locations in and around Jacksonville. I’ve called each one to make 6PM and Christmas Day are the only times that your 24-hour Wal-Mart will be closed. sure that their doors will open during those crucial, down-to- the-wire moments. Unlike Wal-Mart, these places are com- pact enough that you won’t spend hours drifting aimlessly through the aisles, and these guys will be open all day on 24-HOUR WALGREENS Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 5108 Norwood Ave Jacksonville, FL 32208 TRUE DESPERATION: CHRISTMAS 6006 Beach Blvd FROM THE ALL-NIGHT Jacksonville, FL 32216

JIFFY STORE 3505 University Blvd W Jacksonville, FL 32217 Many gas stations tend to close up shop late Christmas Eve and even Christmas Day, but, once in a while, you’ll 3604 Blanding Blvd fi nd a convenience store shining like a beacon in the dark. Jacksonville, FL 32210 Can you get a viable present from a gas station? Of course you can, if you’ve walked into the right one. There are your 866 Dunn Ave standard items, like over-priced car air fresheners and cans Jacksonville, FL 32218 of Vienna sausages but you can also fi nd really strange stuff if you look behind the counter or at one of the glass 7221 Normandy Blvd displays. Many convenient stores have taken to selling items Jacksonville, FL 32205 like Samurai swords and porcelain dolls. Unfortunately, most of the 24-hour convenience stores don’t tend to have those non-standard items. Some do sell gift cards to popular stores 24- HOUR CVS STORES and nearly all of them sell phone cards. 6005 Saint Augustine Rd I was making my Homemade Chocolate Peppermint Jacksonville, FL 32217 Bark Candy again this year when I suddenly realized that you could get nearly all the ingredients from the Jiffy store. I cut 5999 Normandy Blvd the mint extract out of the recipe and simplifi ed it. Just slowly Jacksonville, FL 32205 melt a few bars of chocolate, stir in peppermints that have been crushed in the blender and pour the mix on to a cookie 1190 Dunn Ave sheet that has been coved with wax paper. Don’t worry Jacksonville, FL 32218 about amounts; as long as the chocolate still has some fl ow, you’re good. Put it in the fridge and in a few hours you’ll 4280 Southside Blvd have homemade candy that you can break up. Get a few tiny Jacksonville, FL 32216 brown paper bags from the Jiffy so you can package the candy and cover them with wrapping paper. 7790 Blanding Blvd Whatever you end up doing for those gifts of despera- Jacksonville, FL 32244 tion, don’t turn to your own closet. Use this handy guide to get you through, even if you need something at midnight on 414 Atlantic Blvd Christmas Eve. Here’s hoping there’s more on the shelves Neptune Beach, FL 32266 than a fi gurine of Santa with a Hawaiian shirt on.

eujacksonville.com | december 21-27, 2006 21 live music JSO, and although his technique is more dramatic and theatrical than the subtle control of Fabio, the symphony responded to his direction with their usual shows calendar skilled execution. In addition to being joined by a guest direc- tor, the symphony also had the seventeen year-old THURSDAY, DECEMBER 21 Kaitlyn Lusk perform several songs with them. In Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, part I was disappointed that the performance had so St. Augustine (829-8646) much to look at. After their opening with A Christmas Festival and Christmas a la Valse, which were purely LeMonde Cortesse’s, St. Augustine (825-6775) instrumental and let the viewer know right from the start that the JSO doesn’t need to give you anything Gutterboy Cecil’s, Jax (744-5132) to look at for you to be transported by a phenomenal The Undertones Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) performance. I’m not exaggerating, the music almost made me cry. Nathan Holley Bukkets, Jax Beach (246-7701) That isn’t to say Kaitlyn Lusk was a disappoint- Billy Cervany European Street, Jax (399-1740) ment. A regular on stage with some of the country’s biggest symphony programs since she was 14, she Clay Aiken , Jax Performing Arts Center pop goes the symphony has a demanding presence and an impressive voice. Dot Wilder Jazz Trio Layla’s, Jax I could have done without all of her narrative, as I don’t really have a lot of feeling for her Christmas Sidekick, Red Letter Bullet Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) review of the JSO’s Pops Series memories, but as soon as the strings came back I Last Flag Standing BJ’s Coffeehouse, Jax was able to close my eyes and let the music take me. Deadstar Assembly Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) BY JON BOSWORTH [email protected] When the JSO took to big band numbers, they The Smile Rays, Heavenly Noise TSI, Jax (635-3024) Movies are the art form of choice for our cul- a replacement for a symphony of instruments per- did it right. Visceral, their jazzy numbers, such as ture, so on the one hand, at least there is some art forming live. The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Frosty the Snowman and Have Yourself a Merry Little Rob Roy, Bigga Rankin, 904 Hip Hop Plush, Jax (743-1845) in our regular lives. On the other hand, this tends to fi lls Jacoby Hall with amazing music on a regular Christmas, made me want to tap my foot. A trap kit Yancy Clegg Band Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, damage our sensibilities to other forms of expres- basis during their season. sounds so great in Jacoby Hall. It’s funny how jazzy Neptune Beach (241-8221) sion. Like most people in the modern age, I tend That season is almost half over, but it isn’t too Tommy Dorsey and Sinatra numbers used to be to forget just how cathartic a live symphony and late to remember how compelling and beautiful the considered such a revision of Christmas traditions, Blistur Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) orchestra can be. My brain is set to think of orches- symphony is live. If you get the stigma of a young but now it has become a part of them. It was a little peculiar when the director of the children’s choir, Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) tral music as a fi lm score. Between that and my child when you think about the symphony, and you penchant for live rock shows, I didn’t even realize regard it as boring, the JSO understands that mis- Darren Dailey, got on the platform and directed the Steve Plays Too Loud London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) how accustomed I had become to music that is am- conception, and for you they have their pops series. JSO while the Children’s Chorus sang. He looked These performances include everything from Tchai- more like a cartoon and he was only directing the Porcelain Black French Quarter, Jax (732-9550) plifi ed from a single source. One to three speakers can create any amount of volume, but that is hardly kovsky to swing numbers with electric bass and a drummer, the electric bassist, a classical guitar and Johnny Flood Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) trap kit, and they are perfect for the shorter attention the piano. So pretty much a rock band. Even this span. The pops series is anything but boring. And visual distraction was more entertaining than dis- Nimble Jim & the Ointment Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) for the record, my daughters, who are seven and tracting. Boogie Freaks Square One, Jax (306-9004) ten, sat on the edge of their seats enjoying the entire There is plenty more performances to see performance. in the JSO season, so don’t drag your feet. Take Wes Cobb Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) Featuring the entire Jacksonville Chorus, the someone special and if you are worried about your Cornerstone The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) Jacksonville Children’s Chorus, a soloist, some bal- stamina, get on board for one of the pops series. If let dancers, and the entire symphony orchestra, it is you have a hard time making the time at night, check Big Engine , Orange Park (269-6837) Coyote’s an enormous production and is executed fl awlessly, out their Coffee Series for daytime performances. El Toro Loco Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) even when Fabio isn’t at the wand. For the Holiday Either way; don’t miss the JSO this season or you’ll Pops – Home for the Holidays performance I attend- be to blame when you think this town has nothing to Ron Rodriguez Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) ed, guest conductor Nicholas Palmer directed the offer. Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299)

Little Green Men West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131)

De Lions of Jah Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453)

Freeze Frame Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499)

Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198)

Will Pearsall A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22

Dana Salmela Cross Creek Restaurant, Jax

Formatta French Quarter, Jax (732-9550)

Totys for Tots Benefi t Show Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488)

Seccond Wave Latitudes, Jax Beach (247-6606)

Tres Bien TSI, Jax (635-3024)

Dot Wilder Jazz Quartet The Grape, Jax (642-7111)

Irving Clements Quartet Starbucks/San Marco, Jax

Vagabond’s Dream Copeland’s, Jax

Sanchez Theory, Dawn Patrol, Bound, Kings of Hell Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-888884)

22 december 21-27, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper None Like Us The Norm Bar, Jax (384-9928)

Colton McKenna High Tide Café, St. Augustine freeze frame Grabbag Yesterdays, Jax (387-0502) Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Cliff’s at the Beach hosts EU’s Lisa & the Mad Hatters The Landing, Jax Autumn Effect Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) christmas party Brad Payne All-Stars Sports Bar, St. Augustine (827-9842) BY RICK GRANT [email protected] Johnny Flood Aromas, Jax (928-0515) Ace Winn Duo River City Brewing Company, Jax (398-2299) Unlike the droll satire of the TV show The raderie and musical ESP for Offi ce’s one-hour Christmas party special, EU did which groups strive. They also Nightowls Tom & Betty’s, Jax (387-3311) not have its party in the offi ce. That’s just too lame. feature precise vocal harmo- Stu Weaver Outlet Mall, St. Augustine The comedic goings-on at the fi ctional Dunder Miffl in nies, which is the benchmark offi ce were far removed from EU’s fabulous party, of a great rock band. Esther Club Fusion, St. Augustine (829-8333) which was catered by Cliff’s Bar & Grill at the Beach. From Cheap Trick, The Lorenzo & the All Stars West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) The food was four-star quality, with stuffed shrimp Cars, Joan Jett, and Poison to and other gourmet selections. Yes, our staff and the still nostalgic Duran Duran, Brett Dennen, Sensei Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) guests had a great time. Hey, we know how to throw FF’s range of 80s hits is quite In Loving Memory, Ginardog Vikings Murray Hill a party. After all, “Entertaining” is in our title. impressive. The mighty FF trio Theatre, Jax (388-7807) Lori and Jim Rose, who manage Cliff’s at The is comprised of experienced Beach and own Cliff’s on Monument Road, were musicians who showcase tight The Naked Lunch Shannons Irish Pub, Jax EU’s congenial hosts for our most excellent soiree. grooves and interaction with Heavenly Noise th , Jax Lori said that she is trying new ideas to keep the the audience. Since the EU 9 & Main Beaches Cliff’s going strong. She has several spe- party was happening in the Knockout, Words in Red Fuel, Jax (425-3835) cial interest clubs use the party room, including the room, FF went on early to rev wild and crazy members of the Beaches Parrothead up the positive vibes. Matt Collins Pauly’s Pizza, Jax (727-9101) group. Of course, Lori’s secret weapon is her top tier The FF lads obviously McKenna Box Seats, Jax (908-7328) chef who serves high quality cuisine. It’s the Beach- love to play out, and if the es best kept secret. Lori wants to change that secret band is having fun they pass Cliff’s) mix originals with covers and are exceptional Solace, Twisted Lemon Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) into a well known fact. Cliff’s at the Beaches is a fi ne the happy vibes on to their audience, and everyone showmen. They interact with the audience to rev-up Ace Winn Duo Copeland’s, Jax dining establishment that also rocks as a nightclub. goes home happy. Well at last Friday night’s EU the party atmosphere. Likewise, Freeze Frame is one Since I was there and a new band, Freeze bash, everyone went home with smiles on their of those bands that is profi cient at getting the audi- Jerry Melfi , LoriAnn The Conch House, St. Augustine Frame, was the scheduled live entertainment, I faces. Freeze Frame, the rocking trio, plays every ence involved and on the dance fl oor with its slogan, (829-8646) decided to stay to check them out. This trio of hard Thursday night at Fionn MacCool’s Irish Pub. party like its 1989. Oh yeah, count me in. core rockers evolved from the Bliss amalgam. The To all the snitty critics of cover bands, I say lads specialize in music from the 1980s interspersed this: remember, these groups are the ones that work FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DEC. 22-23 with new material from today. Steve Chesser put paying gigs and some even make their living playing Red & the Red Hots Cliff’s at the Beach, Atlantic this group together when Bliss imploded for the cover music. However, times are changing. In some Beach (249-2777) usual reason–one of the players was a jerk and got venues that used to book strictly cover bands, there drunk every night. The lineup includes Steve Chessar is more audience acceptance of original material, Ruckus Cliff’s, Jax (645-5162) on vocals and guitar, Tim Crawford on vocals and with the caveat—the original material must meet the Roger That , Orange Park (215-8999) drums, and Cliff Harper on bass. standards of the cover material in hit potential with Mercury Moon In the new rock band jungle, groups go through catchy hooks. The Committee Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) many personnel changes before they fi nd the right Indeed, bands that play both cover and original chemistry and compatibility between the members. material are the most bookable in the region. Bands Crazy 88’s Dueling Pianos Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) Freeze Frame has found that magic formula of cama- like Ruckus (a favorite of Lori’s at the Monument Josh Bowlus The Brick, Jax (387-0606)

Blistur Monkey’s Uncle, Mandarin (2601349)

Sidewalk 65 Champs, Ponte Vedra (285-7777)

Tony O A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977)

Gutterboy Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198)

Big Engine Casey’s Hideaway, Yulee

Hard Living Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499)

3 Way Street Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877)

Rathkeltair Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181)

Wild Card Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611)

Cliff Worrell & the Restless Kind Arnolds, St. Augustine

Diane Ward & Jack Shawde Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829-2329)

Sax of Soul Bourbon Street, Jax (641-8777)

‘3’ Square One, Jax (306-9004)

Yankee Slickers Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221)

Red River Band Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646)

Aerial Tribe Ocean 60, Atlantic Beach (247-0060)

Stoney & the House Rockers Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina Beach

eujacksonville.com | december 21-27, 2006 23 Mr. Natural Tailgaters, Green Cove Springs (529-1976) Pili Pili Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940) young, talented and on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23 the road Kenhe The Tree Steakhouse, Atlantic Beach (241-5600)

Chuck Nash Latitudes Café, Jax Beach (247-6606) Derek Trucks live at the Florida Theatre with Susan

Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) Tedeschi Rip Tide The Conch House, St. Augustine (829-8646) BY RICK GRANT [email protected] Payton Page Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) and father of two small children, Derek and they help out with the kids. Our gigs in Japan Jager Dave Ragusa Pub, Jax (443-7055) has pulled off many scheduling coups were memorable, and a live album may come out to be with his wife and kids on the of it. Eric records every gig and he will decide later Quicksixx , Atlantic Beach (246-6024) Landshark Café road. This hasn’t been easy because whether to use any of the material. I do know that Sugar Bear The Landing, Jax she is busy with her own burgeoning after one particularly satisfying gig, he was ecstatic career. But Derek said he hasn’t seen about listening to the playback.” Pili Pili Endo Exo, Jax (396-7733) his home on Julington Creek in ten “Susan and I have been talking about joining Burn Season, Bound, Philler French Quarter, Jax (732-9550) months. Luckily, though, his family forces but nothing has been decided yet. We are is close and his mother has been the playing dates together–both her band and mine— Chain of Fools Box Seats, Orange Park kids’ nanny on the road. Derek also and she comes out and to sing with my band during Effed, Penny for your Thoughts Freebird Live, Jax has an assistant arranging his com- the holidays. If we toured together it would solve our Beach (246-2473) plex scheduling issues and other fam- scheduling problems and fl ying expenses to be to- ily members help out with the house gether. However, there are many complex factors to Sly Poonce & Nimble Jim Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) sitting. sort out if we do decide to tour together. Susan was The Land Brothers Fuel, Jax (425-3835) I asked Derek about Eric’s offer nominated for a Grammy again this year, so she will to join him on an international tour. He be attending the awards ceremony. Of course, I’ll be Manna Zen, Callous, Down Theory Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) must have been excited, but he has there if at all possible.” his own band and he wouldn’t leave “When my commitment to Eric is over next Inner Demons Club Fusion, St. Augustine (829-8333) without discussing it with them. April, I’ll hunker down in the studio with my band to Mike Shakelford The Homestead, Jax Beach (249-9660) “When Eric asked me to play record a new CD. We have a new record and DVD with his band, naturally I looked at it coming out soon. So it’s a never ending work sched- Box Rockers Chicago Pizza Pub, St. Augustine as a chance in a lifetime. He’s a global ule. However, I love to play. The bottom line: If I can Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) WHO: Derek Trucks with Susan Tedeschi mega-star. So, I went to my band and told them keep my family together and make a living by playing about it. They all said that I couldn’t turn down this music, then I’m happy. Sometimes, I feel like taking Jen Elliott Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) WHERE: The Florida Theatre WHEN: Wednesday, December 27th gig. So, we worked out a plan so they could make a break but something interesting comes up that I Hip Hop Hell Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) money and we could hold the band together. I also really want to do, like playing with Eric, and I forget Slide guitar avatar Derek Trucks has had a had gaps in Eric’s schedule so I could book gigs all about taking a vacation. My work is church. When Nathan Holley , Jax Beach (246-7701) Bukkets milestone year. He toured internationally with Eric with my own band. And I had to juggle dates with the I’m on stage it’s a spiritual experience. It makes Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza Grill, Clapton, traveled with his own band, played selected Allman Brothers Band as well. Above all, I wanted to all the BS we all go through well worth it. We are Jax (287-9900) dates with the Allman Brothers Band, and played hold my band together and not leave them jobless. looking forward to performing at the Florida Theatre dates with his wife, Susan Tedeschi. When I spoke to Happily we worked it out, and touring with Eric has for the hometown crowd. It’s good to be home, but Bro Schro The Reef, St. Augustine Derek last Wednesday afternoon he had just returned been a peak musical experience.” when I’m gone ten months out of the year, my real home from fi ve weeks of performing with Eric Clap- “Holding my family together is my main prior- home is on the road.” ton in Japan. He is still committed to play more gigs ity. So we did a lot of fl ying to each other’s gigs and That concluded our conversation. It always SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24 with Clapton through next April. bringing the kids on tour. It was expensive but well impresses me that Derek is a humble, regular guy, Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-5555) Yes, Derek has come a long way from the kid I worth it. I had my kids in Japan for fi ve weeks. It who has not let his rise to the top of the music biz used to know, who, at age 11, was touring with his was a great experience for them also. Charlie is now mountain go to his head. He’s a guitar player, family Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) father in a ratty old RV. Today, as a devoted husband four and Sophie is two years old. Our family is close man, and fi ne gentleman. Jan Crawford & Friends Cortesse’s Flamingo, St.

Augustine (825-6775)

‘3’ Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221)

David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)

El Toro Loco Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099)

Jager Dave Monkey’s Uncle, Mandarin (260-1349)

Burt Hodge Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829-2329)

Dave Vondeck The Landing, Jax

Alex Affronti Sun Cruz, Mayport

3rd Bass w/Von Barlow The Casbah, Jax (981-9966)

John Thomas Group Shelby’s Coffee, Atlantic Beach (249-5182)

De Lions of Jah Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293)

John Thomas Group Shelby’s, Atlantic Beach (249-5182)

Pili Pili Latitudes, Jax Beach (247-6606) MONDAY, DECEMBER 25

The Embraced, Gunwitch Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)

Charlie Walker Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)

24 december 21-27, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper Crash the Satellites, Julius Airwave Eclipse, Jax (387-3582) Recently I did a song with a friend of mine, RC: Sam Pacetti The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) Mitch Cheney, the guy that got us signed to Sick- dashing to the show Johnny Flood My Place, Jax (737-5299) room. He was also in the band Rumah Sakit a while back. The song was named ‘Children Watch As The Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) Colors Fade’. The base of it was put together by Sweden’s David Wenngren, Mitch did some guitar Christmas with Julius Airwave samples over that and then I wrote some lyrics and sang on top of that. Like a sandwich. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26 BY JON BOSWORTH [email protected] Also, I played drums in “BioWulf” with the guys from Second String Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Positive Bongo, Nowlen Andrew Thenner and Boat Beach (241-8221) WHAT: Julius Airwave and Crash the Satellites Live EU: Where did the name Julius Airwave come Dad. Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) WHERE: Eclipse in Avondale from? EU: What is Julius Airwave working on now? Is WHEN: Christmas, December 25 RC: It’s a mystery, I think it’s from an old TV show. there a tour or album in the works? Vagabond’s Dream Copeland’s, Jax (998-4414) Something with bears that drove a spaceship around RC: We just fi nished recording an album called The Julius Airwave is one of those bands that al- the bands of Saturn looking for the origin of Santa City The Forest, it’s coming out in the spring of Bush Doctors A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977) ways seems new, even though they’ve been playing Claus. 2007 on Sickroom Records. We’ll probably be doing Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099) for more than eight years, which is several genera- EU: The Beatles infl uence used to be obvious in some touring when it’s released. Other then that we tions for most bands. They’ve evolved, but they’ve your music, what artist would you say is the most practice regularly and have been working on some Silver Lake Drive Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) always managed to be on the cutting edge of indie apparently infl uential in your music now? music videos. Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) rock. They are more reminiscent of Franz Ferdinand RC: Most apparent may be the Strokes, Nobuo Ue- EU: What should people expect from the Christmas or The Strokes these days than the Beatles, but that matsu, Sigur Ros and the Flaming Lips. But there’s show? No Harm Done Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) People should expect nothing, then they’ll be a is not to say they are a carbon copy or even a hip- a lot of other stuff in there, mixed around. Some of it RC: Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) off, they are one of the best kept secrets in town. Of I couldn’t even tell you. lot more surprised. Maybe even write down in their course those secrets are kept because there is a lack EU: What is the writing process like for Julius planners or phones that they need to go to Eclipse Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299) of fan support for the local music scene these days. on Christmas night, but then don’t put the reason Airwave? Spade McQuade Fionn MaCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) If you are looking for a show that surprises RC: It usually starts with a song I’ve written, then why. Kinda set themselves up for a surprise. you, Julius Airwave and Crash the Satellites is the I take it to the guys and we all arrange the other EU: What is your favorite Anime? Colton McKenna Scarlett’s, St. Augustine (824-6535) way to go. The Eclipse has a great sound system parts around it together. Then, during the record- Mostly all of Miyazaki’s movie’s. My favorite RC: Chris Mucci Sun Cruz, Mayport and both bands play a caliber of indie rock that is at ing process, I may have another go at it, depending would have to be “Porco Rosso”, it’s about a pig that least at a national level. Fortunately they are home on how well it translated into the recorded format. fl ies an airplane in post WWI Italy. Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) for the holidays, and not out on the road, so they can Sometimes I end up with a Frankenstein, sometimes El Toro Loco , Jax (306-9004) provide some jingle bell rock for the river city on the it’s perfect right out of the womb. Remember the days of The Cadets, Julius Square One Riverside. EU: It seems like there is always a buzz about Julius Airwave, and Clarity selling out Jack Rabbits? Of Like Clap Your Hands Say Yeah in a relay race those bands, the Cadets has recently re-united (and Airwave on the cusp of getting signed, what would TUESDAY-WED., DEC. 26-27 with the Psychedelic Furs, Julius Airwave brings the you say is the biggest struggle for a Jacksonville will release their new album in February), but Julius dramatic throaty singing of the underground bands band when it comes to major label attention? Airwave is the only one that has stayed at it without Gene Nordan Mackenzie’s, Ponte Vedra (543-9143) from the eighties, and sings it over washed guitars RC: It’s a struggle to keep your head above the water breaking up throughout the years. Clarity’s Paul and ala My Bloody Valentine, but all with an indie pop without getting it chopped off. I try not to let it worry Julia are now in Crash the Satellites, and Crash is fl are that is distinctly their own. Their diverse set me much anymore, I just want to write music. performing with Julius Airwave at the Christmas WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27 is not only fun, it’s chick-friendly. The Airwave is EU: One of my favorite Jacksonville pieces is a show, so there will be an element of that nostalgia, The Hackers , St. Augustine (825-6775) Richard Colado, Chris Gibson, Mark Hubbard, Jeff song that you and Chuck Smyth of The Cadets col- but both bands are very different than they were Cortesses Mehlhoff, and Jeremiah Johnson. I emailed Colado a laborated on, do you collaborate with any other back then. Get away from the family for a while. Go Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi Florida Theatre, Jax few questions and this is what he said: artists these days? see a good show. The Cover Band Spare Time Grille, Jax Beach (246-8099)

come quite the philanthropist in a clean water project to the rapper’s mother. Somewhat disappointing Fifth South Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) for the United Nations. He also became CEO of the to any of Jay-Z’s previous work, this eclectic-West jay-z major corporation, Def Jam. His humanitarian multi style isn’t true to what we’ve come to respect from Chris McCarty Band Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) millionaire position makes his lyrics more meaning- him. Teddy Washington Brix, Jax Beach album review ful and evocative. Compared to the majority of rap His track, ‘30 Something’ is a great reminder out in the popular music spectrum, Jay-Z that Jay-Z isn’t in his prime anymore. It’s about his Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299) will miss some by not relying on the crunk themed experience and reminds everyone that “30’s the Soulo A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977) lyrics. new 20, I’m so hot still”. He isn’t really convincing His new humanitarian position is most obvi- anyone that he has ‘aged to perfection’. Unfortu- Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) ously seen in his song, ‘Minority Report’ featuring nately, Jay-Z and his music are no longer anything Crystal Stafford, Aerial Tribe Starlite Café, Jax (356-4444) Ne-Yo. Jay-Z’s position on the current state of Ameri- new or special. We’ve heard it before and we’ve can affairs is clearly stated in this commentary on heard it better before. Conrad Oberg London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) Hurricane Katrina. It’s almost a little too vengeful; its probably won’t appeal to Kingdom Come Stu Weaver The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) political message stands strong. Mixing politics with many but Jay-Z fans, and maybe the light rap con- hip hop, he mentions names like Nelson Mandela noisseur. For a true hip hop fan, they might fare Clyde Mannael Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) and George Bush. better with Nas’ new release . Hip Hop is Dead Rebecca Zapen The Casbah, Jax The duet with Coldplay’s Chris Martin, “Beach Kingdom Come lacks the true street or thug cre- 3 STARS out of 5 Chair” is a pleasant contrast between the two artists. dentials, or the radio friendly universal rap appeal. Seth Ramsdill Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) Jay-Z The chorus supplied by Martin is a nice harmony The lack of Kingdom Come’s radio popularity will Artist: Vagabond’s Dream , Kingdom Come next to Jay-Z’s rough voice. The duet with girlfriend, probably come from lack of catchy trademark River City Brewing Company Title: Jax (398-2299) Release Date: 11.21.2006 Beyonce, ‘Hollywood’ isn’t nearly as good as their terms or dances that many of the new young one- Roc-a-Fella previous track, ‘Crazy in Love’, a gripe about the tan- hit rappers fi ll their songs with. The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax (396-3396) Label: talizing world of the show biz. Their different sounds Sadly, even though Kingdom Come does El Toro Loco , Ponte Vedra (280-2525) With eight previous albums, Jay-Z’s Kingdom compliment each other. not come with a dance to show off to all of your Aromas Come is exactly what a ninth album would be. No The album’s fi rst single, “Show Me What You friends, it does provide pretty good for driving or Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune reinventing of Jay-Z’s sound or style, Kingdom Got” has gotten some radio play. It’s got a catchy just hanging out. Not too many systems will get Beach (241-8221) Come is a solid addition to anyone’s Jay-Z col- beat and is very similar to many of Jay-Z’s earlier blown out blaring such tracks as ‘Beach Chair’ lection. It’s got a Kayne West inspired sound to works. A few of the tracks have single potential, but I or ‘Hollywood’, but they will suffi ce for averagely Livid Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) doubt we’ll see many. There are no big club hits, rap good hip hop. it, which is ironic considering Jay-Z was already Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) a staple in hip hop music when West was still far anthems, or memorable pop songs. I’d advise to check the album out on i-Tunes, from a household name. A few of the songs sound like they could have and listen to a few of the tracks and make sure this Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737-5299) After taking some time off from his last come straight off a Kayne West album such as ‘Lost addition to your music library will prove benefi cial. release, The Black Album, in 2003, Jay-Z has be- Ones’ with Chrisette Michelle, or ‘I Made It’, a tribute - BY MORGAN HENLEY

eujacksonville.com | december 21-27, 2006 25 zone, at veteran producer Mitchell Froom’s home-stu- upcoming shows dio in Santa Monica, California. “Making this record was really different for The Wailers Dec. 28, Freebird Live, 246-2473 us,” Saliers says. “We were all in the same room Doodlebops Dec. 28, Times Union Center, 633-6110 together. Amy and I with Mitchell and the engineer, David Boucher, and the band,” which here includes Mofro Dec. 29-31, Freebird Live, 246-2473 session-pro drummer Matt Chamberlain and Indigo Donna the Buffalo Jan. 4, Café Eleven, 469-9311 regular Clare Kenny on bass. “It was a little family Rev. Billy Wirtz, Gunga Din Jan. 13, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 experience, which is really, really different from being Rod Stewart Jan. 13, Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arean, 630-3900 in a huge, cold studio where everyone’s isolated. And Eric Johnson Jan. 13, Freebird Live, 246-2473 there was a really strong trust factor with Mitchell. He Styx Jan. 14, 2007, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 has a great musical ear, particularly for harmonies and Galactic Jan. 14, Freebird Live, 246-2473 things like that. If he heard a note that didn’t sit well with him, he’d tell us. It was a real exchange.” Enter the Haggis Jan. 16, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 “We felt intimidated by Mitchell’s abilities,” Ray Jan. 17, Wilson Center, 646.2222 Golden Dragon Chinese Acrobats admits. “To go in and just put ourselves out there and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Jan. 17- 23, Veterans Memorial Arena, 630-3900 trust that he’s gonna take it and work with it - that felt like a risk, but in a good way. It’s nice to get your Jan. 21, Plush, 743-1845 Blue October adrenaline up. At this age you really have to keep try- Al Stewart Jan. 24, Café Eleven, 469-9311 ing things you haven’t done.” Jan. 23, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 For tickets or performance information please John Mayer Jan. 25, Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, 630-3900 call the Florida Theatre Box Offi ce at (904) 355-2787 Catie Curtis Feb. 25, Café Eleven, 469-9311 STYX or visit us at www.fl oridatheatre.com. Tickets are Bill Gaither and Friends Jan. 26, Veterans Memorial Arena, 630-3900 $37.50 and $32.50. The Florida Theatre is located at 128 East Forsyth Street in downtown Corey Smith Jan 26, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Jacksonville. Tickets are also available through Dr. Dog Feb. .27, Café Eleven, 469-9311 january at the fl orida theatre TicketMaster. Murder By Death Jan. 28, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Jamie Foxx, A Night of Comedy & Music, The Times Union is proud to present the Indigo Center , Jan. 31, 633-6110 STYX INDIGO GIRLS Girls Tuesday, January 23, at 8 Los Lonely Boys Feb. 1, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 Come Sail Away with the fi rst musical act to PM. Tickets are on sale Friday, Feb. 2, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Yo LA Tengo ever have four consecutive triple-platinum albums. December 8th at 10 AM. Call Hammell On Trial Feb. 2, Café Eleven, 469-9311 The Florida Theatre is proud to announce the return 355-2787 to reserve seats. Willie Nelson Feb. 6, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 of STYX Sunday, January 14, at 8 PM. Tickets are on 20 years after they began Billy Joel Feb. 7, Veterans Memorial Arena, 353-3309. sale now. Call 355-ARTS to reserve seats. releasing records as the Indigo Girls, and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Feb. 9, Plush, 743-1845 have politely declined the op- Feb. 9, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Joe Bonamassa portunity to mellow with age. You Feb. 21, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 RICKY NELSON REMEMBERED Taylor Hicks FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 could say it’s just not in their con- Kris Kristofferson and Rosanne Cash Feb. 25, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 The Ricky Nelson legacy continues as we pay stitution. Devoted environmental Catie Curtis Feb. 25, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 tribute to one of the most treasured and beloved artist and social justice activists and Michael Franks March 1, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 of all time. Ricky Nelson’s sons and band, bring his lifelong music industry mavericks, Kathleen Madigan March 6, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 musical legacy to you. The Florida Theatre presents the Girls have spent their entire Larry the Cable Guy March 8, Jacksonville Veterans Ricky Nelson Remembered Friday, January 19 at 8 career pushing boundaries on a Memorial Arena, 630-3900 PM. variety of fronts. Why stop now? The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra March 9, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Matthew and Gunnar are triple platinum record- Both Saliers and Ray agree John Gorka, Sam Pacett March 9, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 ing artists in their own right. Their self-penned number that Despite Our Differences, the The Beach Boys March 10, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 1 hit “Love and Affection” made the Nelsons the only 10th Indigo Girls studio album, Explosions in the Sky March 12, The Alcazar, 469-9311 family in history with three successive generations of is a record defi ned by change #1 hit-makers. and newness. On the business The Temptations and the Four Tops March 18, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Their songs transcend time as they play all the side of things, it’s the fi rst CD biggest hits…Garden Party, Traveling Man, Hello Mary they’ve released since signing a Tom Rush March 22, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Lou, Poor Little Fool, Fools Rush In and Many More. new record deal with Hollywood Anoushka Shankar March 23, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Records earlier this year. And on Leo Kottke March 29, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 INDIGO GIRLS the creative side, it’s one they April 9, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Tom Jones TUESDAY, JANUARY 23 made far outside the confi nes of Ellis Paul April 20, Café Eleven, 469-9311 The acoustic duo returns! The Florida Theatre their established Georgia comfort

26 december 21-27, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper is large and lovely but missing a couple of items to make it more believable. The show is in the pres- ent, but there is no TV in the living room. Phil was obviously a Pittsburgh Pirate fan, as he has a large culture & arts painting on the wall about baseball he would have DECEMBER had a TV. It would have also been a learning tool for Mickey. 21 “The Santaland Diaries” Oasis Theatre MOCA, Jax The opening scene of the show is on the plane 21 JSO-Christmas With Clay Aiken Performing Arts Center, Jax with Randi and Andy. The pilot announces there is 21 An Artful Celebration Cummer Museum, Jax plenty of snow in Pittsburgh, and they will have a white Christmas. 21-24 “Christmas Carole” The Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Jax The tree branches outside of the Goski home 21-24 “Every Christmas Story Ever Told! Shakespeare which are totally bare would have looked great with Festival UCF, Orlando some fake snow on them. 21-31 Visit With Santa Claus Adventure Landing, Jax The lighting designer (who is not listed) really Beach & Jax stretched the capacity of the lights, having such a large stage and both the normal scene and the 21-31 Grossology Exhibition MOSH, Jax “spirit” scenes to cover. There are some “hot” spots. 21-JAN. 1 Plaza Ice Palace Downtown Community At times actors in center stage were in the light talk- Plaza, Gainesville ing to another actor, very much in subdued light. It 21-JAN. 1 Exhibit: Small Packages Block 27 Gallery, Jax was distracting. I was surprised on how large the crowd was 21-JAN. 7 Bloom: Paintings and Constructions by Luis on a Sunday afternoon, considering all the football Cruz Azaceta JMOMA, Jax games on TV and Christmas shopping season. I 21-JAN. 7 Holiday Planetarium Programs MOSH, Jax guess the point is, this show is a great way to take 21-JAN. 7 “Greetings! Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine a break in all the activities connected with this time of year. Relax, laugh and spend a couple of hours in 21-JAN. 14 “Christmas Presence” Shades of Grace greetings the comfortable Limelight Theatre in the Joukowsky Artists Presbyterian Church, Ponte Vedra Family Foundation Center for the Performing Arts at 21-JAN. 29 FAB Fest: Future Artists of the Beaches 11 Old Mission Ave in St. Augustine, Call 904-825- Cummer Museum, Jax 1164 for tickets. 22-23 “Santaland Diaries” ABET, Atlantic Beach limelight theatre review Limelight will be changing its theme song, “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head.” in 2007 as 22-MAR. 18 Temples and Tombs: Treasures of Egyptian Art , jax BY DICK KEREKES [email protected] their leaking roof will be fi xed right after Greetings Cummer Museum closes. In addition, there will be some remodeling of 27 Orange Trail Treasure Hunt Nature Walk GTM St. Augustine’s Limelight Theatre last weekend Father Phil and mother Emily began to question the building, which will be hopefully completed for Reserve, Ponte Vedra opened Tom Dudzik’s cultural clash comedy Greet- her on how she can explain life while not believing in their fi rst 2007 show, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Febru- 27-29 Holiday Camps MOSH, Jax ings to run through January 7th. God. Needless to say Phil is livid. ary 8th. 27-31 Camp Bike 06 , GA We tend to think of Christmas as a happy time, Mickey, wonderfully played by Mr. Pigman, Having relatives visit over the holiday? Take to Jane Macon Middle School with joy to the world, but many families experience has only uttered three words his life, but then sud- see Greetings as a special treat.Check out their web- 28 Fun With Fish Craft GTM Reserve, Ponte Vedra diffi culties that often results in domestic violence denly his body is inhabited by a “spirit” who takes site for more information at www.limelight-theatre. 29 Critter Concert-Music Celebration of Various Animals org. (just check the police blotter in any city). This play is Mickey’s place and begins to talk with very haughty GTM Reserve, Ponte Vedra about family diffi culties more than it is about Christ- English accent. Well, as you imagine this diverted mas. the Catholic marrying a Jew controversy. 29 Gator Bowl Hall of Fame Luncheon Hyatt Regency, Jax This play is set in the home of a Polish Catholic Now I don’t buy into the paranormal, ghosts or 29-FEB. 4 “Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes” The family in Pittsburgh named Gorski. There is confl ict spirits stuff personally, but Lucius is a pretty wise Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Jax and tension all the time because father Phil (Eddie and witty guy and his various bits of advise to the 31 “Murder on the Happy Trail” Dave & Buster’s, Jax Gantner) is always fi nding fault with everything and family is like going to a motivational seminar. (What I everyone, except for his grown son Mickey (Stephen mean is you will learn something!). I rather liked Lu- 31 New Year’s Eve Celebration/Parade Downtown, Jax Pigman) who has been mentally retarded since birth. cius and he grows on you but he is not really around 31 Beach Blast Off 2007-Fireworks & Chili Cook Off Wife, Emily (Carol Mandel) puts up with his ranting long so listen carefully while he is there. The Pier, St. Augustine Beach about the neighbors who do not put up decorations, I won’t revel the ending, except it is mostly 31 New Year’s at the Pelican Club-Theatre, Food, Drink or fl y fl ags on patriotic holidays and his general sour happy with little secrets about the character lives Players by the Sea, Jax Beach attitude toward life. revealed. All the actors, under the Director Jean On this Christmas Eve, Phil has something new Rahner, give very good characterizations although 31 Noon Year’s Eve w/Radio Disney Jax Zoo, Jax to raise his dander. His oldest son, Andy (Zack Bass) I would have liked Andy to have a New York accent 31 5K Run & Gator Bowl Pep Rallies The Landing, Jax has brought home for Christmas his girl friend from like his mother and father. 31-FEB. 17 “The Makeover Murders” Professor New York, Randi (Cathy O’Brien). Andy has makes The costumes by Stacey Capo meet the de- Plum’s Playhouse, Jax the mistake of announcing he is planning marry mands of the story, nothing fancy here, just regular Randi. All hell breaks loose when she explains she is everyday clothing. Jewish and an atheist! Set Designer Scott Ashley’s middle class home JANUARY 3-5 Holiday Camps MOSH, Jax 3-28 “Menopause the Musical” FCCJ Artist Series Performing Arts Center, Jax 4-6 JSO “Beethovan’s Emperor” Performing Arts Center, Jax 5 Saturday Night Reunion Tour-Joe Piscopo, Victoria Jackson, Father Guido Sarducci Flagler Auditorim, Palm Coast 5 2 ½ Days in Genesis Featuring Suzzette Solano The Art Center, Jax 5-27 “Rumors” Orange Park Community Theatre, Orange Park 6 Jane Austin Society Meeting European Street, Jax 6 Sanctuary Tour/Nightime Feeding Catty Shack Wildlife Ranch, Jax 6 Story Time-Meet The Author “Ocean Commotion” Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax

eujacksonville.com | december 21-27, 2006 27 January 20, 11 a.m. - Lives of Objects: Artists 6-7 Auditions: “First Baptist of Ivy Grove” 2pm Orange and Patrons in Ancient Egypt Park Community Theatre, Orange Park 8 UNF String Competition Winner in Recital , Jax put a little egypt in your life UNF EGYPTIAN CULTURE & ART 10-FEB. 4 “King Lear” Shakespeare Festival UCF, Orlando Wednesdays, February 7 through February 28, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Children will explore Egyptian culture 11 FCCJ Artist Series-One Thousand and One Nights by celebrating the art, literature, mythology and , Jax Performing Arts Center science of one of history’s most infl uential cul- 11 “Drive & Yield Project” Art Opening/Reception JU tures. Classes will include gallery tours and art- Brest Museum, Jax making activities. Ages 6 to 12. Members $55, 12 An Evening of Musical Song & Dance Thrasher Non-Members $75, Active Junior Docents $32 Horne Center, Orange Park 12 JSO “How Suite It Is!” Performing Arts Center, Jax 12 Ethel Merman’s Broadway Flagler Auditorium, Palm Coast 12 FCCJ Artist Series-“Turandot” Performing Arts Center, Jax 12-13 Big Yard Sale Catty Shack Wildlife Ranch, Jax 12-27 “The Rainmaker” ABET, Atlantic Beach 12-27 “Leading Ladies” , Jax 12-MAR. 11 Celebrating Black Hisotry Exhibit MOSH, Jax 13 Auditions: Fat Pig 2pm ABET, Atlantic Beach 13 Auditions: Jacksonville Symphony Chorus 3:30pm JU Fine Arts Building, Jax 13 JSO with Seven Nations Performing Arts Center, Jax 13 Science of the Circus MOSH, Jax 13-28 “Rob Becker’s Defending the Caveman FCCJ Artist Series Performing Arts Center, Jax Temples and Tombs: Treasures of Egyptian Art from 13-FEB. 24 Classes For Children-Drawing & Painting MOCA, Jax The British Museum at the Cummer 14 Absolute Auction Catty Shack Wildlife Ranch, Jax GALLERY DRAWING WORKSHOP Saturday, February 3, 12 to 4 p.m. 15 Auditions: Fat Pig 7pm ABET, Atlantic Beach BY ERIN THURSBY This instructed drawing workshop is designed 15 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day MOSH, Jax The British Museum will be loaning part of their extensive collection of Egyptian art and treasures to for intermediate and higher level art students and the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens from December 22nd until March 18th 2007. Come to the muse- 15 Class: Traditional Oil Paintings with Sydney McKenna will take place inside the gallery of Temples and um to view over 80 assorted pieces from the period just prior to the Third Dynasty to the Roman occu- Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Tombs. Ages 13 to Adult. Members $32, Non- pation of the 4th century. This exhibition will be the largest of its type seen in Jacksonville since the 1987 16 “Music of Our Time” , Jax Members $59, Active Docents $32 UNF Ramses II exhibition at the Prime Osborn Convention Center. “This is a major show presented in The 17 Ritz Chamber Players , Jax Cummer’s brand new large gallery,” said Museum Director Maarten van de Guchte. “These treasures Performing Arts Center ALL ABOARD THE BOAT: THE WORSHIP OF SUN of ancient Egyptian art are coming from The British Museum as part of the most important collection of 17 FCCJ Artist Series-Golden Dragon Acrobats of China AND RIVER this material outside of Egypt. This blockbuster exhibition will attract record crowds.” FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax March 3, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 22nd marks the grand opening of Temples and Tombs: Treasures of Egyptian Art from The Begin at the museum with a guided tour of Tem- 18 Pulp Fiction Theatre Boomtown, Jax at the Cummer. The opening will feature live Middle Eastern music, cuisine, dancing British Museum ples and Tombs, then board the boat for a special 18 “The Motown Experience” JSO Performing Arts Center, Jax and art activities. To attend the opening from 7-9PM, call for reservations at (904) 899-6021. Museum excursion along the St. Johns River, fi lled with art, members pay $10, non-members pay $35. 18 “Caring For Your Edible Landscape” Urban Garden poetry and a celebration of sun and river. Return Exhibition tickets are available to buy now and exhibition catalogs are available in The Cummer Store. Field, Jax to the museum for lunch. Members $52, Non- A special retail outlet called Pharaoh’s Treasures at The Cummer Store will carry merchandise specifi c to Members $72, Active Docents $32. 18-20 “See How They Run” DASOTA, Jax the exhibition and Egyptian art and is open through March 18, 2007. It’s a great place to get a Christmas 19 “Einstein Alive!” Theatreworks FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax gift for anyone who loves Egypt, from statues and ties, to jewery and sculptures. For information or tick- ets call 356-6857. 19-20 JSO “The Motwon Experience” Performing Arts Center, Jax 20 Lecture Series: Lives of Objects-Artists and Patrons in Ancient Egypt Main Library, Jax special admission prices EGYPT CAMP 21 JSO Family Series Performing Arts Center, Jax Monday, January 15 and Monday, February 19, 9 Adults $15, Seniors, Military & Students $12, a.m. to 5 p.m. 22 Beaches Fine Arts Series-Joshua Bell Performing Children under 6 Free, Museum Members $7 The day includes a fun and interactive tour of Arts Center, Jax Temples and Tombs plus art making activities and 22 Brahms String Quartet & Clarinet Quintet UNF, Jax more. Bring a bag lunch. Ages 6 to 12. Members $50, Non-Members $70 23 Clarinet Virtuoso Guy Yehuda Library, Ponte Vedra Beach related events 23-28 “Sweet Charity” FCCJ Artist Series Performing EGYPTIAN FILM SERIES Arts Center, Jax ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS TALKS & TEA Wednesday, January 17 and Thursday, January Thursdays, 7 p.m. at the Ninth & Main Theatre in 25 “Rip Van Winkle” Theatreworks , Jax Florida Theatre 18, 1:30 p.m. historic Springfi eld. Members and Non-Members: $5, 25 “I Can’t Stop Loving You-The Music of Ray Charles” Seated gallery talks discussing Temples and General Admission at the door UNF Fine Arts Center, Jax Tombs followed by refreshments. Seating is lim- January 18: , 1932, starring SLUMBER AT THE CUMMER ited and pre-registration is required. Members and Mummy Friday, March 9, 7 p.m. to Saturday, March 10, 25 JSO “Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony” Performing Boris Karloff , Jax Non-Members $10. 8:30 a.m. Children can explore Arts Center January 25: , 1934, starring Claudette Temples and Please call 355-0630 to register. Cleopatra by fl ashlight, make an art project, dine at 26-28 13th Annual Offi cial Electric Football Super Bowl & Colbert Tombs a banquet and even get a little sleep during an Convention Embassy Suites, Jax February 1: FAMILY DAY Abbott and Costello Meet the evening at the museum. Space is limited. Pre-reg- , 1955 26-APR. 8 Other Worlds: The Landscape in Contemporary Sunday, January 14, Noon to 5 p.m. Mummy istration is required. Ages 6 to 12, Members $60, Art , Jax Museum of Contemporary Art The entire family will enjoy a day at the museum LECTURE SERIES Non-Members $70. 26-APR. 8 Second Skins: Sculptural Soundsuits & fi lled with art, gardens, education and fun. Activi- In partnership with Jacksonville University. Tondos by Nick Cave MOCA, Jax ties will include art projects, dance, an archaeo- Admission $5, series of six lectures $25. For more information on any of these programs logical dig, storytelling, music and more. FREE. Call 355-0630 for locations. and events, call 904-355-0630.

28 december 21-27, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper won’t know exactly what kind of team the Nuggets will have until all the suspensions have been completed by the players in- volved in the brawl at MSG last week. In the all a-twitter meantime, Iverson will get acclimated to his surroundings, his coach, and his fans. What this also does is further weaken a and a patridge in a pear tree very lame Atlantic Division in the Eastern THE Conference. Not one team is even close to BY MEG MacDONALD [email protected] being a .500 ballclub, which is sad. The JOCK Celtics, Nets, Knicks, Raptors, and Sixers Christmas Day and concludes on the eve of the Day all have subpar rosters that aren’t doing of Epiphany, January 5. In other words, the 12 days near what we are seeing in the Western span from the birth of Jesus Christ to the arrival of Conference, where team like the Suns are the three wise men. The hypothesis is that elements virtually on fi re. That view is magnifi ed in of the carol are codes for religious realities. Here are the entire NBA, where the Western Confer- some samples: ence is far superior to the Eastern Confer- The partridge in a pear tree is Jesus Christ ence overall. We’ll see how the rest of the Two Turtle doves are the Old and New Testaments season plays out. Three French hens represent faith, hope and love Random thoughts from a cluttered mind... Tom Weppel talks trash on Thursdays Four calling birds are the four Gospels from 7-8 p.m. on WIOJ-AM 1010, and on Sport- Six geese a-laying stand for the six days of creation sAvengers.com 24/7. Seven swans a-swimming are the 7 sacraments JAGUARS If we focus on the superfi cial layer of the song This Jaguars team as become the most incon- and apply some old English to words, we derive sistent bunch of players in the world. They can go Click It! some additional variations to birds. Calling birds out and beat the crap out of really good teams like were colly birds, an old world word used for coal, the Cowboys and Colts, then lose to the Texans and www.EUjacksonville.com which could also lead to black birds. As part of the Redskins. Thrush family of birds, these birds do possess the In the last two weeks, we’ve seen this group gift of song. run all over Indy, yet they can’t prevent themselves The Twelve Days of Christmas. This must be Turtle doves belong to the same family of birds from turning the ball over, losing to the upstart one of the most well-known holiday carols. Every- that includes other doves as well as pigeons. These Titans. It’s wild, amazing, and, if you’re really deep body knows some of the lines and can certainly doves are migratory birds and appear in northern into these guys, frustrating to observe. hum the balance. We all had to sing it every year at Europe at the end of April and remain until Septem- All that being said, should we now expect Jack- school pageants. But have you ever questioned why ber when they migrate south again. The timing of sonville to come out and put a number on the Pats? there are so many birds presented as gifts and won- their arrival heralds in the spring with the sound of Playing a good team at home seems to the two main ingredients for the Jags to play well and win. At 8-6, dered why would anyone want those birds as gifts? their purring song, described as a deep “turr turr”, The gold rings I get, but Turtle Doves, I don’t get. from which the name is derived. they certainly need to win these last two games to Let’s look at the birds of the Twelve Days of While French hens held a reputation for supe- have a shot at a playoff spot, or else they can wrap Christmas. rior egg laying ability during winter months, consid- up the season. Three other teams have 8-6 records, 7 Swans a-swimming ering the warm and cool cycles to the Anglo-French including the Jets, Bengals, and Broncos, showing 6 Geese a-laying relationships, specifi c mention of French hens could there is a lot of horses in the race. Let’s see the 4 Calling Birds have also been a conciliatory gesture to improve that Jaguars come off their loss with a solid Christmas 3 French Hens relationship at a low point in the cycle. present! 2 Turtle Doves It is suggested the partridge in pear tree comes A Partridge in a Pear Tree directly from Greek mythology. Perdix was a king NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE in Greek mythology. Both Perdix and the goddess Of this weeks’ contests, only TWO of them While researching these birds, it was not dif- Athena had sacred connections to the pear tree. carry no playoff implications whatsoever. The rest all fi cult to fi nd information on swans or geese. But in When Perdix was cast into the ocean, he ascended have at least one team playing for a playoff spot or identifying descriptions for turtle doves, calling birds to heaven as a bird in the arms of Athena. Thus pro- slotting of some kind. This means once again, there and French hens, it became diffi cult to cull down viding one level of defi nition to the lyric. are plenty of interesting contests this holiday week- the list of possibilities. That is when I learned this is Oh, the gold rings. Those rings are also not as end. an Old World song and I stopped looking at birds of they appear on the surface. This is a reference to There will be some intense match ups involving North America. I also learned this song has multiple another bird; possibly the ring-necked pheasant. So Division rivals, including Philly/Dallas and Carolina/ layers of interpretation. the fi rst seven gifts of the twelve days are birds. It’s Atlanta. You will also see wild card possibles square The song originates sometime between 1558 a birder’s holiday and has been for a very long time. off, such as Cincy/Denver. With the way games have and 1829 during an era in England when the popula- turned out each week, there’s no way to predict tion could not openly practice religious freedoms. On Happy Birding who’s going to do what. It’s virtually impossible, in one level, the song is a code or a secret catechism Merry Christmas my mind. This all will make for another unpredictable that could be sung in public without fear of persecu- Joyous Holidays weekend, as we all have seen so far, in the National tion. A belief is that the 12 days actually begins with Football League. NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION And so Allen Iverson has left Philly and is now in Denver, where he will ply his trade. Of course, we

eujacksonville.com | december 21-27, 2006 29 spoke about what nascar news & notes Junior’s options could be in NASCAR BY RICHARD TEAGUE [email protected] for years to come so Merry Christmas! That is the very fi rst thing I Just as long as Brian was driving where else would he wanted to say and I wanted y’all to know that I really He could get next year’s passes go? mean it with all my heart, MERRY CHRISTMAS!! And it’s not even bribing Yes I know that Now for my second annual Christmas Story. Until someone askes Dale Junior said that he was not ready to Twas the night before Christmas The Lt. wasn’t alone drive a #3, but if he And all through Daytona He had seven of his squad couldn’t take the 8 Brain France was driving So poor little Brian with him he surely Partaking of a Corona Had to give him a big wad could get some other numbered car to He drove over there With everyone happy race at RCR with the And he drove over here As a cat with a mouse Budweiser logo on it. Not one single worry They all went back home OK, so Bud is locked Cause the cops were not near Each to their own house in at DEI, or maybe they aren’t, but He made double sure It was heard by all that was near even if they are, you That he wasn’t being followed Thank Mr. France, have a heck of a year know they’re going Teresa Earnhardt Cause the last he did it We hope you keep driving wherever Junior is, He should have been collared With that ice-cold Corona and heck with what to say hey to Robert in Australia. Thanks for the Just as long as the NASCAR tickets it would cost in the courts. I mean Goodwrench is information about racing over there and I’ll tell ya, He went by the speedway Are always Pro Bono gone and RCR would probably like a sponsor like there’s a bunch of it in all kinds of cars. I hope you With his bloodshot eyes Bud. And that Black #8 Budweiser car sure did look don’t mind if I call you my newest Mate in OZ, but But couldn’t see Santa I think I might be in trouble for that one, but good at Talladega this year, didn’t it? Now I may not to hurt me mate Pete’s feelings, because he’s Much to his surprise hey, what the heck? Isn’t it called “Freedom of the have this all wrong, and this is just the start of a little my oldest and bestest mate. G’day y’all and I’m here Press”? game with the two Earnhardts, what with her saying at [email protected] for all your words of Brian went by his Pappy’s Here’s another one, but it’s not a story, it’s the things to The Street, but do we really know for sure wisdom. I know I always end this column a certain And Mike Helton’s too real deal with DEI and Junior, or rather, Step-Mom what’s going to happen? Talk about a “Silly Season” way, but this is a special time, so I got a different Hoping they would be there and Step-Son. Teresa Earnhardt said, and I will this year I can’t wait, or even imagine, what 2007 is one for you: Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward To tell him what to do quote, like everybody else is from the Wall Street going to be like. Man & Woman & Children and To Every Living Thing. Journal, “Right now the ball’s in his court to decide Well I’m done again for this week and I want MERRY CHRISTMAS! He went back to the condo on whether he wants to be a NASCAR driver or To sit by the fi re whether he wants to be a public personality.” You And hope the Santa know, I thought that NASCAR drivers were personali- Would bring him a tire ties, didn’t you? Or have we missed something? Or is Ms. E meaning other things? It was common He had just hit a curb knowledge a few years back how hard it was for DEI And run over a tree and Dale Jr. to get their names on a contract and He just knew that Goodyear why was it for only a few years and not a lifetime Would probably see deal? Was Junior trying to tell her and us that he’s That the tire was real fl at not thrilled to drive for her or is it leverage for a bet- And he needed one fast ter and bigger piece of the pie sooner? I just don’t Or the cops would be there think that he is all that happy driving for Teresa, and And take his license at last maybe she’s not too tickled either, but I do know one entity that loves him in that #8 car: BUDWEISER! Then all of a sudden Now let’s just speculate here for a minute and say A knock at the door that Junior walks from DEI. Will he turn his JR His favorite lieutenant Motorsports into a Busch and Cup organization, or Was ready to score could he have another owner in mind to team up with? You know who that would have to be, since he He had run out of free tickets is following in his Father’s sport, and that is Richard That he had gotten last time Childress. Who else? Richard has watched Junior He knew he could get some grow up and I would think that Dale and him had For not even a dime

30 december 21-27, 2006 | entertaining u newspaper eujacksonville.com | december 21-27, 2006 31