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free weekly guide to entertainment and more | january 10 - 16, 2008 | www.eujacksonville.com 2 january 10-16, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper on the cover: Jaguar QB David Garrad’s 32 yard scramble in last week’s playoff table of contents win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. (photo by: Harry Scull, Jr./Jacksonville Jaguars) feature A Better U...... PAGES 12-19 Volunteer Jax...... PAGE 12 Everyday Exercise...... PAGE 13 Running...... PAGE 14 Childhood Obesity...... PAGE 14 Trends Against Trans Fats...... PAGE 15 U Are What U Eat...... PAGE 18 Navigating Healthy Choices...... PAGES 18-19 Eat This, Not That (book review)...... PAGE 19 Jaguars Playoffs Fan Frenzy...... PAGES 28-29 movies Movies in Theaters this Week...... PAGES 6-10 The Kite Runner (movie review)...... PAGE 6 The Bucket List (movie review)...... PAGE 7 One Missed Call (movie review)...... PAGE 8 The Orphanage (movie review)...... PAGE 9 Atonement (movie review)...... PAGE 10 home Netscapades...... PAGE 11 dish Dish Update...... PAGE 16 Soups...... PAGES 16-17 Bitterweet Chocolate Month...... PAGE 17 music Music Calendar...... PAGES 20-25 JoEveritt (Jack Rabbits)...... PAGE 20 Arts in Medicine (interview)...... PAGE 21 Toubab Krewe (interview)...... PAGE 22 The Machine (interview)...... PAGE 23 Inspection 12 (interview)...... PAGE 24 Riders In The Sky (interview)...... PAGE 25 arts / theatre / on stage AlphaCat Comics...... PAGE 26 Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy (FCCJ Artist Series)...... PAGE 27 columns and stuff Native Foreigner...... PAGE 30 The Jock...... PAGES 30-31

eujacksonville.com | january 10-16, 2008 3 thisweek Willie Nelson Taj Mahal january 10 Grammy-winning bluesman Taj Mahal’s thursday music blends various sources: blues, reggae, Cajun, gospel, bluegrass, Hawaiian (he Gallows actually lived for many years on the Hawaiian Gallows are the most exciting band to emerge from the UK punk/ island of Kaua’i), African and Caribbean hardcore scene in years. Inspired by early 80s hardcore (Minor musical traditions. While keeping true to their Threat, Black Flag), 90s Swedish hardcore bands like Refused, the roots, he adds his own special touch, which metal riffs of Mastodon and the discordance of key underground keeps his tunes fresh and unique. Tickets: bands such as Swing Kids and JR Ewing, the band has been $28.50 to $38.50. Florida Theatre, Info: (904) heralded as the return of Punk Rock. Tickets: $10/advance, $13/ 355-2787 day of show. Jack Rabbits- 8 pm, Info: (904) 398-7496 Toubab Krewe Willie Nelson Blending Malian, American, and “Dirty South” This versatile, eclectic, rather wanderlust country crossover influences into a genre all its own, Toubab star known for his classic ballads, autobiographical road songs Krewe “has set a new standard for fusions of and catchy rhythms went from door-to-door Bible salesman to rock ‘n’ roll and West African music,” says legendary musician virtually overnight. Inducted into the Country Banning Eyre at Afropop Worldwide. Read Music Hall of Fame in 1993 and most recently nominated for a the interview on page 22. Tickets: $10. Café Grammy with Ray Price for the song ‘Lost Highway,’ Willie Nelson Eleven, Info: (904) 460-9311 is America’s favorite country music icon. See him in the flesh this Thursday. Tickets: $53.50-$71. Florida Theatre- 8 pm, Info: (904) 355-2787 saturday The Motet Fusing instrumental, indie-rock and electronically textured january 12 improvisation, The Motet has been born again, exploring a vast musical landscape that can only be described as intelligent. The band’s vast influences and improvisational exploration have them “River Connections” Walking headed in a new direction that is sure to please fans, both old and Tours Riders In The Sky new. The band will perform with Strut on Thursday. Tickets: $10/ Here is your chance to have fun with your family, get some Join this cowboy foursome as they wish you Happy Trails with their advance, $15/day of show. Freebird Live- 8 pm, Info: (904) 246- exercise and learn something to benefit the environment all at unique breed of wholesome humor for the entire family. These two- BIRD the same time. In conjunction with the Blessing of the St Johns time Grammy winners call themselves Comedy and Western. Read on Saturday, St Johns Riverkeeper will be providing short the story on page 25. Florida Theatre- 8 pm, Info: (904) 355-2787 walking tours of the St Johns River at Alpine Groves Park to raise awareness about the issues impacting the river, educate kids and adults about the ecology and history of the St. Johns, The Winter Sounds The Winter Sounds are an ambitious, atmospheric indie-pop outfit and to allow participants to experience the beauty and wonders january 11 completely unique in style and sound, hopeful and triumphant. The friday of the river. Tour is from 10 AM – noon at Alpine Groves Alpharetta, Georgia five-piece will perform this weekend with Ski Park, 2060 State Road 13, St. Johns County. Club and Pawn Takes King. Fuel Coffeehouse- 7 pm, Info: (904) Suggested Donation: $10 per family. Contact World Wrestling Entertainment 425-FUEL WWE Raw Live Danielle Dolan, Education & Outreach presents RAW LIVE Coordinator at [email protected] or Nothing says “Friday night fun” like a bunch phone (904) 655-2270 for reservations. Perpetual Groove of big sweaty dudes beating the crap out Rising out of the low country of of each other. The WWE is in town and Savannah, Perpetual Groove’s Cancer Benefit Show promises to be one heck of a show as your music has evolved into a Rock out and raise money for a good cause. favorite pro-wrestling superstars take to genre-bending, highly original Eight terrific bands will play this weekend the squared circle. Tickets: $20 to $60. sound that touches upon jazz- at the Murray Hill Theatre to raise funds for Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena- 7:30 rock, neo-psychedelia, R&B, CHILD Cancer Fund, which assists families pm, Info: jaxevents.com trance electronica, progressive in the Northeast Florida and Southeast rock, and anthemic arena rock. Georgia area whose children were treated The addition of an intense, Jake Smith at Wolfson and Nemours. Strike A Pose, retina burning, intelligent light A fusion of funk, soul, R&B and rock blend Experiment Theory, Stay Away From The show creates an atmosphere harmoniously to create the sounds unique to Expressway, Doubting Benefit, Oh, Frontier, unlike any other, assuring fans Jake Smith, a New Orleans native whose new Red Letter Bullet, Embrace The Empire, and they’ll get a highly polished, album Real brings to mind Ray Charles on The Black Regiment will all perform. Tickets: yet different show each night. one track and Justin Timberlake the next. See $10. Murray Hill Theatre- 5 pm, Info: (904) Freebird Live, Info: (904) 246- him perform an all acoustic set this Friday 388-3179. at Fuel. Tickets: $7. Fuel- 8 pm, Info: (904) 2473 425-FUEL Perpetual Groove

4 january 10-16, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper Willie Nelson Galactic sunday january 13 wednesday january 16 Galactic New Orleans five-piece Galactic has developed a unique sound as a result of their influences, including: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus hip hop, Go-Go, electronic, world music, Latin music, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® presents Over the Top, a rock, blues and jazz. Many of their songs include wacky and whimsical circus spectacular where dogs fly, Asian performances by other artists of various styles of Elephants skip, hop, and groove and one courageous man stands music, like hip-hop artists Gift of Gab (of Blackalicious) eye to eye with a pack of powerful Bengal tigers. Circus celebrities and Chali 2na (of Jurassic 5). They’ll share the stage help rev-up the motorcycle madness featuring one cycle on a high this time around with special guests Mr. Lif and Boots wire and seven speeding riders in a Globe of Steel. Extraordinary Riley (of The Coup). Tickets: $20. Freebird Live- 8 pm, aerial acts fill the arena sky with a rare double-decker trapeze and Info: (904) 246-BIRD Chinese acrobats propelling through the air. And with the audience participation, this circus really goes Over the Top. The circus will be in town from January 16 to January 20. Tickets: $11.20 to $69. Jacksonville Arena, Info: (904) 630-3998 monday january 14 The Machine Performs Pink Floyd The Machine, America’s premier Pink Floyd show, has forged a 20 year reputation of excellence, extending the legacy of Pink Floyd, while creating a legacy all their own. Read the interview on Page Willie Evans Jr. Willie Evans Jr CD Release 23. Tickets: $10/advance, $15/day of show. Freebird Live- 8 pm, Info: (904) 246-BIRD Can he get a what what! One of the kings of Jacksonville’s indie hip-hop movement, Willie Evans, Jr, is releasing his new full length Communication by raisin’ the roof at TSI downtown. Joining him not only on his album, but live january 17 on the stage will be Boston’s Mr. Lif! Get ready for some next thursday of the best live hip-hop in the country and get yourself a CD to jam to throughout the week when you are cruisin’ Glenn Miller Orchestra Duval. What Glenn Miller felt as he and his band went out on the road in 1938 still holds true, which is why TSIdiscotheque 333 E. Bay Street Downtown Jacksonville. the famous Glenn Miller Orchestra lives on today. Formed by popular demand in 1956, the band has Info: (904) 424-3531 been touring consistently, playing an average of 300 live dates a year around the globe to millions of fans. Tickets: $33.50. Wilson Center for the Arts- 7:30pm, Info: (904) 632-3373 “KEEP THE MUSIC ALIVE” Benefit Concert A concert will be performed for the Health and Welfare Fund of the locked out musicians of the Jacksonville Symphony Players’ Association. The concert will feature excerpts from Handel’s Water Music, Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, and Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with violinist Ruxandra Marquardt. St. Paul’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 465 N. 11th Avenue - 7:30 pm, Info: (904) 249- 4091 or www.jsomusicians.org

tuesday january 15

Dr. Dolittle Inspired by the classic book, author (and World War I lieutenant) Hugh Lofting reaches out to his son during wartime by writing a magical story about a kind-hearted doctor who can talk to the animals. When Doctor John Dolittle learns that a mysterious disease is afflicting the monkeys of Africa, he sets off on a musical adventure to come to the animals’ aid. Doctor Dolittle is an enchanting musical about communication and the power of storytelling. Tickets: $6. Florida Theatre- 10 am and 12 pm, Info: (904) 353-3500 or theatreworksjax.com

Family Night on Broadway with Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy is an all-new adventure that takes audiences soaring into a magical forest through the air and on stage. An international cast of graceful aerialists, spine bending contortionists, vine swinging characters, strong men and balancers bring this jungle dream to life in a lush, Broadway setting filled with wildly unpredictable designs, special effects, inventive choreography, puppeteering and dazzling costumes. Family Night on Broadway introduces children to the magic of Broadway with special activities planned for children of all ages including a unique experience with performers from the show. Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy is an exhilarating journey the entire family can experience together. Family Night is Tuesday, Jan. 15 with activities beginning at 6 pm and the show starting at 7:30. A special “buy one get one half off” child’s ticket is available for Family Night only. Cirque Dreams will run though January 20. Read more about it on page 27. Tickets: $26 to $54. Times-Union Center, Moran Theater, Info: (904) 632-3373 or artistseries.fccj.org.

eujacksonville.com | january 10-16, 2008 5 MOVIES OPENING were safely out of Afghanistan. The reason for the safety concerns center around a child rape scene in ATONEMENT In 1935, 13-year-old fledgling the film, which in Afghanistan could result in death writer Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) and her threats and beatings. family live a life of wealth and privilege in their The story begins with the boy Amir and his enormous mansion. Robbie Turner (James best friend Hassan, a Hazara (ethnic group) boy who McAvoy), the educated son of the family’s is the son of a servant in Amir’s house. Amir is part housekeeper, carries a torch for Briony’s of a wealthy family in pre-civil war Afganistan. He headstrong older sister Cecilia (Kiera Knightley). and Hassan spend many hours together. Hassan is Cecilia, he hopes, has comparable feelings. a brave and loyal friend, who has a knack for finding Briony - who has a crush on Robbie - is downed kites won in kite battles. compelled to interfere, going so far as accusing After a kite competition, Hassan runs to retrieve Robbie of a crime he did not commit. Rating: R the last kite cut to bring back to Amir. Amir follows, only to find that Hassan has been cornered by bul- THE BUCKET LIST Jack Nicholson and Morgan lies. Amir is too afraid to intercede and secretly Freeman star as two terminally ill cancer patients watches in horror as Hassan is raped by one of the who decide to break out of the hospital and older bullies. The guilty Amir never mentions what live their last days to the fullest in director Rob he’s seen, growing more distant from his friend. Reiner’s seriocomic road movie. Edward Cole Eventually, civil war breaks out and Amir and his (Nicholson) is a corporate billionaire who is father must leave the country for safer ground. They currently sharing a hospital room with blue- end up in America, where Amir grows up and even- collar mechanic Carter Chambers (Freeman). redemption on the tail of a kite tually marries. Though initially the pair seems to have nothing Amir comes back to Afganistan after receiving in common, conversation gradually reveals that a message from an old friend of his family. He then both men have a long list of goals they wish to learns that Hassan has died at the hands of the Tal- accomplish before they kick the bucket. Rating: The Kite Runner iban and that Hassan’s son Sohrab has been placed PG-13 in an orphanage. Amir then goes on a quest to find by Erin thursby [email protected] the boy and redeem himself. Despite all that happens FIRST SUNDAY Durell and LeeJohn are best in Afghanistan when Amir goes to rescue Sohrab, Amir’s true moment of heroism happens at a dinner friends and bumbling petty criminals. They B+ Rated PG-13 122 minutes to the controversy surrounding the child actors in the table safely back in America. come up with a desperate scheme to rob their film. The child actors, whose families feared for their neighborhood church. Durell and LeeJohn are Kite Runner might not be a movie that will safety in Afghanistan, were relocated by Paramount forced to spend the night in the presence of the make you feel comfortable, but it is a fine film. The Vantage to the United Arab Emirates. The film was Lord and his followers--and end up getting a release date has been pushed back a few times, due only released once the children and their guardians lot more than they bargained for. Starring: Ice Cube, Tracy Morgan, Katt Williams, Regina Hall. Rating: PG-13

IN THE NAME OF THE KING: A DUNGEON SIEGE TALE A simple family man (Jason Statham) is forced to take up arms after an evil sorcerer (Ray Liotta) unleashes an army of bloodthirsty beasts that destroy his small village and capture his beautiful wife (Claire Forlani). In this breathtaking fantasy adventure, director Uwe Boll conjures up a medieval world filled with royal treachery, dark magic and spectacular battles. Also stars Leelee Sobieski. Rating: PG-13

THE KITE RUNNER This is a profoundly emotional tale of friendship, family, devastating mistakes and redeeming love. In a divided I loved the kite fighting sequences. They were country on the verge of war, two childhood filmed brilliantly. Watching them, it was impossible friends, Amir and Hassan, are about to be torn not to feel a rush of excitement and a thrill of danger apart forever. Now, after 20 years of living in as rival kites circled close. Triumph, childhood and America, Amir returns to a perilous Afghanistan hope are in these kites. to face the secrets that still haunt him and Kabul itself was a character in the film, a take one last daring chance to set things right. vibrant and detailed city of flying kites and bustling Starring: Khalid Abdalla, Homayoun Ershadi, marketplaces. You can feel Amir’s despair as he Zekiria Ebrahimi, Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada. rides through the city, so changed and desolate Rating: PG-13 years later. Some things add bright spots of hope during the ride—children still play some of the same THE ORPHANAGE Laura spent the happiest games, though kite flying is outlawed. years of her childhood growing up in an If you’re seeing the film on the big screen, orphanage by the seaside, cared for by the staff you’ll want to keep in mind that almost all the film is and fellow orphans whom she loved as brothers in subtitles and the dialogue scrolls by fairly quickly. and sisters. Now, thirty years later, she returns I had no problems with it, but a few of the moviego- ers I spoke with had trouble seeing the dialogue. 4 Those who have read the book will find nothing shocking in the movie. Indeed, some of the horrors have been glossed over in the movie version. Still, there’s a big difference between reading about a horrific incident and seeing it on the big screen. I think that the filmmakers were wise about what they kept on screen and what they kept back. Sometimes the plot feels a bit contrived, it’s sensationalistic and ends up being sentimental, but the sentimentality is welcome after the terrors we witness on the screen.

6 january 10-16, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper with her husband Carlos and Simon, their 7-year- old son, with a dream of restoring and reopening the long abandoned orphanage as a home for disabled children. The new home and mysterious surroundings awaken Simon’s imagination and the boy starts to spin a web of fantastic tales and not-so-innocent games. Laura slowly becomes convinced that something long-hidden and terrible is lurking in the old house, something waiting to emerge and inflict appalling. Starring: Belén Rueda, Fernando Cayo, Roger Princep, Geraldine Chaplin. Rating: R

THE PIRATES WHO DON’T DO ANYTHING: A VEGGIETALES MOVIE Working at the ‘Pieces of Ate’ Dinner Theater is less than exciting when you’re a busboy. For three moping misfits--Elliot, Sedgewick and George (Larry the Cucumber, Mr. Lunt and Pa Grape)--all they dream of is nicholson & freeman kick it the day when they can ditch their dish rags and take stage to star in the big pirate show. But with Elliot’s timidity, Sedgewick’s laziness and The Bucket List George’s lack of self-confidence, it seems as if the day to prove who they really are will never by Rick grant [email protected] come. Rating: G B Rated PG-13 97 min. & Grace) is a cast standout as Edward’s personal assistant. He gets some of the funniest lines in the Two old guys, Edward Cole (Jack Nicholson) script and he has clever comebacks for Edward’s NOW SHOWING and Carter Chambers (Morgan Freeman), are from snide remarks to him. radically different backgrounds, but both are termi- Carter is introduced to a lavish lifestyle beyond CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR Charlie Wilson nally ill and sharing a hospital room. Edward Cole is his wildest dreams. The two men travel on Edward’s (Tom Hanks) was a bachelor congressman from the billionaire owner of the hospital and Carter is a private jet and stay at the most exclusive hotels and Texas who had a habit of showing up in hot tubs car mechanic who wanted to be a history teacher. resorts. They travel to the South of France, South with strippers and cocaine. However, he had an Carter used his knowledge of history to watch and Africa, the Pyramids, Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of extraordinary mind, a deep sense of patriotism play Jeopardy on TV. The two have nothing in com- China, the Himalayas, and Hong Kong. Clearly direc- and a passion for the underdog, and in the early mon but the cancer ravaging their bodies. However, tor Reiner skimped on the travel segments using 1980s the underdog was Afghanistan—which they become friends and formed the basis for a interior sets more than exotic outdoor locales. But, had just been brutally invaded by the Russians. buddy road picture with enough gushing sentimen- the dialogue is well written and funny so viewers will Charlie’s longtime friend and patron and tality to dry up all the tears in Los Angeles. not miss extended outdoor shots. sometime lover was Joanne Herring (Julia The two curmudgeonly geezers escaped from This globetrotting adventure doesn’t really Roberts), one of the wealthiest women in Texas the hospital to fulfill a list of things that they wanted cheer up the two dying men. Carter has a loving and a virulent anti-communist. She prods Charlie to do before dying, called the Bucket List. Thus be- wife to go back to, but Edward is alone with all his into doing more. Rating: R gins Carter and Edward’s journey into the unknown. money, which, at this stage of his life, is meaning- Yes, it’s a lame premise for a movie, however the less. As in all movies released during the holidays, ENCHANTED Princess Giselle (Amy Adams) casting saved this Rob Reiner film from the dumper the message is that family trumps all. And adventure lives in the blissful cartoon world of Andalasia. with funny lines and skillful characterizations by is especially inappropriate for two terminally ill older Though Princess Giselle is currently engaged Nicholson and Freeman. men. Still, they got out of the hospital, which was to be married to the handsome Prince Edward Although Edward is a typical filthy rich megalo- killing them faster than their cancer. The trip made (James Marsden), her fate takes a turn for the maniac, he has likable qualities. Having terminal ill- them see what was important. For Edward, his worse when the villainous Queen Narissa (Susan nesses has bonded these characters in their struggle friendship with Carter meant more to him than all his Sarandon) banishes her to the unforgiving against the awful side-effects of chemotherapy and wealth. metropolis of New York City. Rating: PG their fear of impending death. Edward has only an Eventually, Edward makes peace with his estranged daughter, but Carter’s family is close. His daughter for the sake of his grandchild. He and THE GREAT DEBATERS Drawing inspiration grown up offspring have done well for themselves. Carter have fond memories of their great adventure, from the true story of a temperamental debate Carter first introduces the Bucket List as a philo- but the love of family brought them strength to face coach who molded the students of a small sophical exercise from his youth. Edward sees it as the end of their earth journey. Screenwriter Justin East Texas college into a formidable team that a chance to get away and have an adventure of a Zackahm’s script goes for the emotional jugular, and gave Harvard’s squad a run for their money lifetime before they kick the bucket. although I knew this, I could feel myself tearing up. in the 1930s, Denzel Washington’s The Great The two unlikely buddies take off on their wild He knew what buttons to push. Debaters features the director himself as the adventure with Edward paying the tab. Carter’s All things considered, The Bucket List is a bet- ambitious educator, and Forest Whitaker as the wife is very unhappy that he has gone off with this ter-than-average holiday movie with two very ap- resentful father of a student whose loyalties now stranger on a trip that could kill him. But at this point, pealing and funny actors doing their shtick with Rob lie almost exclusively with his coach. Starring: neither man has anything to lose. Sean Hayes (Will Reiner at the helm. Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Nate Parker, Denzel Whitaker. Rating: PG-13

THE GOLDEN COMPASS This is an exciting fantasy adventure, set in an alternative world where people’s souls manifest themselves as animals, talking bears fight wars, and Gyptians and witches co-exist. At the center of the story is Lyra (played by newcomer Dakota Blue Richards), a 12-year-old girl who starts out trying to rescue a friend who’s been kidnapped by a mysterious organization known as the Gobblers - and winds up on an epic quest to save not only her world, but ours as well. ‘The Golden Compass’ stars an ensemble cast that 4

eujacksonville.com | january 10-16, 2008 7 includes Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott, and Ian McShane. Rating: PG-13

I AM LEGEND Robert Neville (Will Smith) is a brilliant scientist, but even he could not contain the terrible virus that was unstoppable, incurable, and man-made. Somehow immune, Neville is now the last human survivor in what is left of New York City and maybe the world. For three years, Neville has faithfully sent out daily radio messages, desperate to find any other survivors who might be out there. But he is not alone. Mutant victims of the plague— The Infected—lurk in the shadows. Rating: PG-13.

JUNO When a teenage girl is faced with an unexpected pregnancy, she enlists the aid of her best friend in finding the unborn child a suitable home in this coming-of-age comedy. Juno (Ellen Page) may seem wise beyond her years, but after sleeping with classmate Bleeker (Michael Cera), the pregnant teen quickly realizes how little she really knows about life. Juno’s parents (J.K. Simmons and Allison Janne Rating: PG-13

MARGOT AT THE WEDDING Margot Zeller (Nicole Kidman), sets off on a surprise journey to the wedding of her sister Pauline (Jennifer Jason Leigh) with her son Claude (Zane Pais). From the minute she meets Pauline’s fiancé (Jack Black) Margot starts to plant seeds of doubt about the union. Rating: R

NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS Nicolas Cage reprises his role as artifact hunter and archaeologist extraordinaire Ben Franklin Gates. In this outing, Gates learns of his own family’s implication in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth. Gates must then locate the 18 missing pages to Booth’s diary, not only to clear his family’s name, but miss it! to unearth and connect several secrets, buried within the book, that point to a massive, global conspiracy. The film co-stars Jon Voight, Harvey One Missed Call Keitel, and Helen Mirren as Ben’s mother. Jerry Bruckheimer returns as producer. Starring: Nicolas by Erin thursby [email protected] Cage, Justin Bartha, Diane Kruger, Jon Voight. Rating: PG D+ Rated PG-13 87 Minutes before their demise, cats are used so often in horror films that I’m considering getting a hamster, just to ONE MISSED CALL Eric Valette directs Want to watch a bad urban legend? One be safe. the English-language remake of a Japanese Missed Call is in theatres right now. If you haven’t Horror films try to hit what’s scary in the col- supernatural horror hit. The story revolves around seen the previews, the premise is that sexy co-eds lective unconscious, which is why so many of them a college student whose friends begin receiving are getting spooky phone calls on their cell phones, feel like a Reduce, Reuse and Recycle campaign for cell phone messages from the future in which the sound of their own voice just before death. The ideas. they hear themselves being murdered. When she calls are conveniently dated in the future, with the Every movie genre has its conventions, but receives her own death message, the coed has time and date of their impending doom. horror movie convention is more obvious than con- three days to change her fate. Starring: Edward It’s not a terrible premise, as horror movies vention in other flicks, because the whole point is to Burns, Shannyn Sossamon, Ana Claudia Talancón, go, but most of the plot points are as predictable scare and surprise you. One Missed Call just took Ray Wise. Rating: PG-13 as a Britney Spears breakdown. If you take the cell itself too seriously, and it really wasn’t good enough batteries out of the phone, will that keep the dreaded to take itself that seriously. Self-conscious horror phone call from happening? It’s way scarier if it films that acknowledge the conventions can wink at P.S. I LOVE YOU Holly Kennedy (Hilary Swank) is doesn’t. And it doesn’t. the audience whilst scaring the bejesus out of them. 29, beautiful, smart, and married to the love of her Nifty CGI weirdness doesn’t make up for the The movie does do that, a little, when a life—a passionate, funny and impetuous Irishman acting and a wooden script. Shannyn Sossamon producer from an “American Miracles” show ap- named Gerry (Gerard Butler). But then Gerry’s life plays the lead girl, Beth Raymond, who watches her proaches one of the terrified co-eds for a possible is taken by an illness that also seems to take the friends die before inevitably getting one missed call reenactment of the phone call for his show. Unfor- life out of Holly. Good thing he planned ahead. The herself. She and Detective Jack Andrews (Edward tunately, there wasn’t enough of it to keep me inter- first message arrives on Holly’s 30th birthday in Burns) are investigating, since Andrew’s sister ested. It wasn’t corny enough for me to really laugh the form of a cake and, to her utter shock, a tape was one of the earliest victims. There’s an attempt at, it was just bad. And not an entertaining kind of recording from Gerry, who proceeds to order her at some sort of chemistry between the two, but it bad. It misses being campy and it misses being truly to get out and “celebrate herself.” In the weeks and comes off as sort of forced and awkward. Strangely, frightening. months that follow, more letters from Gerry are comedian Margaret Cho appeared in the flick, in a bit You have to know a movie is bad when the delivered, each sending her on a new adventure role as a very, very serious cop. I’m hoping that she people defending it on the IMDb boards just point and each signing off in the same way: P.S. I Love did for a paycheck rather than artistic satisfaction. out that most horror movies feature bad acting and a You. With Gerry’s words as her guide, Holly Within the first few minutes of the movie, one “retarded plot.” To be fair, there are times when the embarks on a touching, exciting and often hilarious of the most often used gags in horror film history movie almost doesn’t suck. (The best stuff happens journey of rediscovery. Starring: Hilary Swank, appeared—the cat. Whether they’re rummaging inside the burnt out hospital.) The unsatisfying end Gerard Butler, Lisa Kudrow, Gina Gershon. Rating: through a garbage can to make you jump during a of the movie leaves room for a sequel which, I have PG-13. particularly tense moment, or leading a character to say, is one of scariest things about One Missed that is tentatively calling Fluffy’s name just moments Call.

8 january 10-16, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper Guillermo del Toro brings another spanish hit to american audiences The Orphanage by jon bosworth [email protected]

A Rated R 100 minutes the suspense like a Hitchcock movie, but whereas a Hitchcock movie might leave you bewildered, this I guess it’s what is known as a “cult of personal- film, as Pan’s Labyrinth did, leaves you with the per- ity” when you just adore a public personality so much fect ending, albeit not the easiest to embrace. It has that they can’t do wrong by you. I’ve gotten these the pangs of reality combined with the added value of creepy fan-like sort of notions about celebrities be- fantasy. fore. Prior to Legends of the Fall I felt this way about Belen Rueda plays Laura, a woman who, with Brad Pitt. The Secret Window being the exception, I her doctor husband and their son Simon, is returning still feel this way about Johnny Depp. But it isn’t just to the Orphanage where she grew up. They want to fix American heartthrobs that I feel this way about, there the place up and make it a home where they can care are a number of directors and actors whose decisions for sick children that parents are unable to care for I trust no matter how bad a preview looks. But unfail- themselves. But her son Simon, who is already prone ingly they will let me down. The Coen brothers made to imaginary friends, is finding new ones. The imagi- Intolerable Cruelty and The Ladykillers. Scorsese nary friends in the old orphanage know things about made The Gangs of New York. Kubrick made Eyes Laura and slowly turn Simon against her. When Simon Wide Shut. But so far, Guillermo del Toro has not let disappears, Laura goes on an insane quest that costs me down. her everything. Granted, this is only the second film I have ever This perfectly shot film with a gripping story that seen with his name attached. I didn’t associate his unfolds in the most compelling way possible will have name with films likeMimic and Hellboy, although I you on the edge of your seat until it barrels down the have since learned that he was a part of those films. old stairs to its conclusion, at which point everything To me he has brought Pan’s Labyrinth and now The becomes clear and you will want to watch the movie Orphanage. Pan’s Labyrinth was an amazing fairy tale again immediately. Maintaining all of the creepy and with the blunt edge of reality striking wildly through it. jumpy moments of a horror film, it is also delicately His visual effects kept you deep inside of the organic painted with emotional drama that makes the film reality of his tale so that only the brutality of the film more tangible and real. It is also not a horror film that forced you to voluntarily back away from the film at makes a simple and underwhelming judgement of times, rather than a bad CGI effect forcing you out of an obvious villain or some sense of karmic revenge, the story. Del Toro didn’t direct The Orphanage, but it but rather faces the possibility of ghosts and the even has the earmark of one of his stories. It is to horror/ more real sense that bad things happening cannot suspense what Labyrinth was to fairy tale. always be prevented. Directed by Juan Antonio Bayona, this film was See this movie. It is thrilling and fantastic. I’m originally released in Spain as El Orfanato and the not usually partial to foreign films, but after seeingThe American release is subtitled. But don’t think of it as Orphanage, I will be looking forward to films that wear a stoic art film that gets you so caught up in read- Guillermo del Toro’s name, be it as producer, writer or ing that you miss the scenes. This horror film builds director, he has yet to let me down.

eujacksonville.com | january 10-16, 2008 9 a cinematic masterpiece Atonement

by Rick grant [email protected] A Rated R 130 min wounded soldiers. What she sees horrifies her. The film, like the novel, is broad in scope and Adapting Jan McEwan’s penetrating 2001 dense in content. It’s a sweeping saga of a family novel to screen would seem like an impossible task. torn asunder by lies. Nonetheless, the cold reality However, Joe Wright shot a cinematic masterwork, of war trumps the family scandal and gives the bringing the novel to life with consummate characters perspective as Briony and Cecilia see filmmaking skill. Wright’s deftly compressed vision first-hand the bloody broken bodies of warfare. of the novel was enhanced with an A-list cast Robbie and his squad get separated from their unit including Keira Knightly as Cecilia Tallis and James and find their way to Dunkirk where thousands McAvoy (The Last King of Scotland) as Robbie of British troops are being evacuated after the Turner, son of the family housekeeper. Set from Germans drove them to the North Sea. This 1935 through the 40s, this is the story of lies, war, segment is brilliantly shot in one continuous series and the things that tear people apart. of shots as Robbie and his two squad members When Robbie comes to visit the family, he and witness the surreal scene of soldiers killing useless Cecilia fall madly in love. But Robbie is the victim show horses, men gambling and drinking, men in of a miscarriage of justice when Cecilia’s younger pain or catatonic–total chaos right out of Fellini’s sister misinterprets a consensual sexual encounter warped vision of a world gone mad. and accuses Robbie of rape. This calamity is the Novelist Christopher Hampton’s masterfully central theme around which the characters orbit. written screenplay is true to his novel’s erudite When World War II ignites into worldwide conflict, but riveting style at building emotional tension that all the characters are swept up in this mighty converts his words into vivid images. Ronan’s 13 apocalypse. year old wide-eyed characterization of Briony is Saoirse Ronan plays the pivotal role of Briony the centerpiece of the first part of the film. In fact, Tallis at aged 13. Her mistake caused a serious viewers learn that the story is being seen through fracture in her relationship with her sister. That her eyes. When she realizes the extent of her dilemma was exacerbated by their involvement betrayal, ruining her sister and Robbie’s life, she as nurses in WWII. The premise is about betrayal, is inconsolable. The war acts as shock treatment, overwhelming guilt, and atonement, as Briony pulling her, Cecilia, and Robbie out of their black faces the horrors of war and the wrath of her hole of bitter past memories. The War’s vast scope sister Cecilia. Briony’s false and tragic consequences supercede the characters witness statement to the police sends Robbie to past. jail, but after he serves two years, the desperate Indeed, this film is a model of the seamless need for British soldiers gets him released to fight adaptation from a book to film without losing the in the war as a private. Bitter and disillusioned, creative initiatives of both artistic genres. Although Robbie faces the daily life-and-death struggle of a all films are different from the books they are based combat infantry grunt. Meanwhile, Briony grows up on, this work converts the book-to-film with more and realizes her unforgivable mistake. She joins the finesse than any similar project I can recall. British nurses corps to seek redemption in helping It’s a magnum opus!

10 january 10-16, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper netscapades by brenton crozier you tube comments edition

Hi, my name is Brenton and I’m a You Tube junkie. I love it and can’t get enough of it. It is wildly convenient if there is a particular song you want to hear, share an especially funny clip with coworkers, watch the “Don’t taze me bro” guy over and over or provide a reference point for that obscure show you love so much. It also has given amateur filmmakers a venue, sometimes to the viewer’s dismay, but a venue nonetheless. We even have You Tube celebrities born out of what normally appears to be self-deprecation, but is usually a sincere performance—the whole “we are laughing at you not with you” phenomenon. It doesn’t matter though; celebrity is sweet celebrity no matter how you get it. See Chocolate Rain! I realize that I’m not dropping any new knowledge on anybody, but wanted to highlight the supporting character in this most popular medium: the comments. For the most part, you will find “I love this video, reminds me of when MTV actually played music,” or “What a gem, thanks for posting this!” Although quite vanilla and normally obvious, the positive comments are nice and contribute to the feeling of community. I was quite shocked to find the wide number of lewd and purely mean-spirited comments attached to the most innocuous videos. Edify stupid!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU7LZts87Zg&feature=related

One of my favorite things about You Tube is the fingertip convenience of recalling nostalgia galore. Just the other day, I watched an entire episode of Nickelodeon’s departed Pete and Pete. How cool is that? Anyway, I was feeling nostalgic for good Weezer, not the Beverly Hills rubbish, and listened to Say It Ain’t So. Going through the comments was quite astounding. I figured there would be some fellow thirty-somethings musing about how vibrant the music scene of the early to mid 90s was, however I found a bevy of cutting exchanges. Apparently, this song is featured on the video game Rock Band and that is how many have become familiar with it. There is mostly good spirited dialogue about the enjoyment of jamming out to this Weezer classic in the game, but one particular poster did not appreciate the common method of discovery. A user named Haroof posted, “What’s with all these god forsaken douches that barely discovered this on rock band???” Notice the triple question marks for added annoyance. As if he didn’t already get his point across, he continues “Seriously you fatties would experience more in life if you got off your fat asses and walked out the front door every now and then.” Wow! Sage advice from Haroof. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECj4-NfvgCM&feature=related

Just to prove my point, this is a video of the children’s band The Wiggles. They are rocking out a song titled “Toot Toot, Chugga Chugga, Big Red Car. It’s about the band driving in their big red car, eating fruit salad and singing scooby doo waa! It’s a rather unusual premise and I wouldn’t suggest it if a clean car is important to you. Anyway, it is a completely innocent children’s song, but the You Tube dopes got a hold of it and went to town! Such things as “This is annoying trash,” “This is total garbage,” and “I think the Wiggles promote dope” are some of the more mild comments. I fully realize that user-generated forums on the Internet are just asking for it, but even for the schmucks that get off on posting a mass of four letter words and shocking tidbits, it’s a bit much. What a cool forum You Tube is but it can feel pretty cheapened when you start meandering down comment row. Although the “heated debate” makes me laugh and the crude remarks elicit an OMG, I’ve got to wonder about these people, even if most of them are 15. Most likely, they are probably just upset because they are experiencing technical difficulties with their World of Warcraft game. You can either fight back by responding with such things as “I feel bad for you,” “You really need to get out of your mom’s basement,” or “Seriously, you felt moved enough to take the time to write that?” Normally, that just feeds their fire, so you can just ignore those shock jocks of online commentary. They will eventually get bored that nobody is biting and their Warcraft difficulties will eventually be resolved.

eujacksonville.com | january 10-16, 2008 11 taking personal responsibility for what the state has left to us

a better by erin thursby Volunteer Jacksonville

“Volunteers don’t want to lick envelopes. They want to change lives,” says Judy Smith, CEO and President of Volunteer Jacksonville. Making the world (or at least Jacksonville) a better place is one thing you can start to do in ’08. This year, your help will be needed more than ever, since budget cuts have hobbled many organizations. “We had a summit this year on the effects of the public service grant cuts and how it would affect the quality of life,” says Rena Coughlin of the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida. The cuts mean that non-profits have to tighten their belts, making volunteers and donations even more critical. If you want to volunteer, but you’re not sure where to start, Volunteer Jacksonville can pair you with an organization that matches your interests and needs volunteers. Whether you’re concerned about the environment or want to help underprivileged kids, there’s something for everyone and everyone’s needed. “We get the word out there as much as we can, to make this a volunteering community…Our volunteer rate here [in Jacksonville] is over twice the national average…This is a volunteering community…It’s in our DNA…” says Smith. Rena Coughlin of the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida says that non- profits do tend to have a positive financial impact on the community at large. in ought eight “In February we’re releasing a report on the economic impact of the non-profit sector, specifically in North u East Florida,” says Coughlin. Volunteering doesn’t just help others, it also benefits you! There are plenty of indirect benefits to volunteering. Those who give their time to others experience social benefits—they learn how to deal with people entertaining a healthier u and they feel better about themselves. It can also be good for your pocket book, if indirectly. A creative person can use volunteering as a networking opportunity. If you want to learn a skill to put on your resume, volunteer There are two things to us at EU that are more important than anything else. 1) Entertaining. organizations can sometimes place you in a situation where you can learn those skills. If you’re new to Jacksonville, volunteering can help connect you to the We strive to entertain you with our writing, inform you about the local culture that is here to enter- community. Our community is all about lending a helping hand, and being a tain and perform for you, and we try to inform you about every event coming to the River City to part of a volunteer organization can help you learn more about Jacksonville entertain you. 2) U. This is a rather corny way to let you know that you are the focus of our publi- and its people, than your morning commute and job will. cation. We are here to entertain you, the reader. But it isn’t just your eyeballs and your need to be Various studies have shown that those who volunteer will experience better social, mental and physical health. Volunteers tend to get sick less and entertained that we adore, we also care about you, Jacksonville. their illnesses have shorter duration. Forbes Magazine recently listed us in the top ten most obese cities in America. Doesn’t it “We volunteer to make ourselves feel better and to make others feel seem like only a few years ago the same publication called J-ville one of the best places to live? better…and it’s good for business… whether our business is being happy or selling a product or service,” says Smith. Now it seems we’re all fat and getting murdered. Well this concerns us, because we live here and There are two ways to connect with Volunteer Jacksonville. The first is we hate being fat and murdered. There really isn’t much that an entertainment publication can do through their website, volunteerjacksonville.org, which has everything you about murder, but what we can do is provide you more information about how you can improve need to sign up to volunteer. The second is just by picking up the phone and calling (904) 332-6767. Although the website is used most often, there’s your life in ought eight! Lose weight, get greener, redecorate your bachelor pad, feel and look bet- generally someone who will speak with you at the Volunteer Jacksonville ter this year. office. To this end we are addressing the many ways that you can make your life better. Not through “We connect people with opportunities to serve, whether that’s through dramatic, expensive and time-consuming endeavors, we know life is busy and complicated our website or through somebody making a phone call and talking to a real person. Some people still like to have that personal touch, that connection… enough (we’re not even sure how you found the time to read this), but through simple, expertly [by] talking with a real person.” says Smith. advised little changes. Volunteer Jacksonville helps organizations figure out what they need, We are launching the A Better U in Ought Eight concept with this feature, wherein we talk and how to best utilize the volunteers that they have. Helping non-profit organizations understand how much volunteers can do, building volunteer capacity, and gaining skills to manage about everything from running to grocery shopping to volunteering. We will continue this effort volunteers are all part of what Volunteer Jacksonville does. throughout the year with a weekly column titled A Better U, which will be written by local experts “When an organization is limited in their thinking about what volunteers can do,” says Smith “the volunteers providing simple, easy to implement tips on making everyone’s life in Jacksonville a little better. aren’t going to have an optimized experience in volunteering.” Volunteering isn’t just about licking envelopes. Sometimes it’s about using what you’re already good This weekend, for instance, maybe a light bulb goes out at your house. Just think, if you walked at, such as creating art, social networking, organizing an event and even accounting, for the betterment of to a locally owned market and purchased a CFL bulb, you would burn a few calories, reduce your the community. If you have a degree or a talent and you want to volunteer, make sure you mention it because carbon footprint and support your local economy. Now that’s a small simple way to A Better U. Volunteer Jacksonville is excellent at finding ways to use your skills to make the world a better place. You’re getting it! While many volunteering events are fun, Volunteer Jacksonville wants to instill something more permanent in their volunteers. They want people who volunteer for a cause to become engaged with that cause, and with the So in this issue and beyond, look for new ways to renew your life in EU. From a monthly spirit of volunteering. column about redecorating your life to tips and pointers for nutrition, health, and getting greener, in “We inspire people by promoting volunteering… We really want people to be engaged with a volunteer ought eight, EU is all about U. - JON BOSWORTH opportunity. It’s one thing to do something that’s just fun – you go to a race or clean up – we really want people to become engaged.”

12 january 10-16, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper vitamin D your body produces when exposed to sunlight is more beneficial in the fight against cancer than the threat of skin cancer is to your body. So bask!

Sit up! Good posture strengthens muscles and burns calories. So if you’re sitting, try to remember not to slouch.

Stand up! If you’re waiting around in the drugstore, the dentist or the airport, stand instead of sitting. It will burn 36 more calories per hour. When you’re on the phone, stand instead of sitting. If you’re on a cell phone or your phone cord allows it, you might throw in a little pacing while you’re at it.

Walk. The journey of a 1,000 steps begins with one. Walking can help you get more fit and you’d be surprised how easy it is to fit into your routine. Get a pedometer and find out how much you actually are walking in a day, then slowly up the ante. Park your car far from the mall entrance!

Take the stairs! Unless you work in a 30 story building. Even if you do, it couldn’t hurt to take the stairs for two to five stories. Come out on the fifth floor and find the elevator. Each flight of stairs burns about 10 calories. Not much until you consider the cumulative effect. Ten flights of stairs a day for a year can give you a 10 pound loss.

After these messages…Make commercial time during your favorite program exercise time. Jog in place or fol- low a specific routine. It might not be much, but you have the benefit of some exercise and you know it will be over soon.

Carry a basket. Don’t get a cart when you go to the store. Carry a basket instead. Just keep switching arms for comfort and so that you don’t end up with one really muscular arm.

Do your chores! Inside or outside, chores are great calorie burners. Don’t hire a gardener, don’t get a maid and consider yourself healthier if you don’t have either.

Play with your kids if you have them, or just borrow the neighbor’s. Tag, ball games and other activities can help you burn anywhere from 60 to 130 calories or more, depending on the activity.

Get a dog. Owning a dog means you’ll have to walk it and wash it, both of which are calorie burning activities. Playing with your dog will also do the same. Be warned though, larger dogs will help you burn more calories, so don’t count on a dog that you can slip into your purse to help you on the road to health.

Dance Revolution! Find a club and start dancing once a week. Or you can get one of those dance video games with the step pads. It’s fun and you might even work up a sweat.

Wii. You’re not going to burn many calories on the Wii, but standing is better than sitting, and some activity is better than none. Why not have a Wii night once a week? everyday exercise get fit in 08 by erin thursby

If only exercise weren’t so much effort we’d all be healthier. But you can get more fit with barely any effort and hardly any time. A little goes a long way when it comes to be- ing fit. Start adding little things to your routine and you’ll find it can subtract from your waistline. Each person burns calories differently because they handle activities differently and they carry more or less weight. The calorie comparisons can simply help you compare activities, measuring their intensity against one another.

Chew sugarless gum. For some reason, people who chew gum consistently tend to eat less, and they burn about 11 calories an hour just by chewing. Fidget. That’s right. Tapping your fingers, your feet and constantly shifting your position does burn more calo- ries. It’s a small change that can add up to weight loss by the end of a year. Just don’t do it at an office meeting! Get enough sleep. It might seem counterintuitive, but those who actually get more than six hours of sleep tend to be healthier and slimmer. Too much can be a bad thing as well, so aim for seven to nine hours.

Stop Watching. There’s something you can stop doing which will help you get healthy. Cut down on time in front of the screen, TV or computer. Those who spend more time watching TV actually eat more junk food than those who don’t.

Go outside. Sunshine is actually good for you. It helps energize your body. A recent study has revealed that the

eujacksonville.com | january 10-16, 2008 13 baby’s fat avoiding and overcoming childhood obesity by kellie abrahamson

As Americans get bigger so too do their children. In just two decades, the prevalence of over- weight children ages 6 to 11 doubled, and tripled in teenagers. The annual National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that about one-third of U.S. children are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. In total, about 25 mil- lion children and adolescents in the United States are overweight or nearly overweight. Numbers like these are hard to ignore and yet most of us do just that. A lot of parents would like to chalk their children’s high scale numbers up to “baby fat.” Unfortunately for many of these kids, unless they running for your life learn to make healthier choices they’ll never “grow out of it.” In fact, it will most likely get worse. is my child at risk? by pat crandel The first thing you need to know is if your how to get started child’s weight gain is normal or if it’s leading toward childhood obesity. The best way to check It’s January and if you’re like every other American over the age of 21, you are going to resolve that this is to be sure to take your kids to see their THIS is the year that you’re going to lose a couple of pounds to get trimmer and healthier! And THIS time, pediatrician for their annual well-checks. The gosh darn it, you MEAN it! Whatever. If you’re like the rest of us, you won’t have the will-power to stick doctor will calculate the child’s body mass index with an exercise regimen and you’ll find some really good excuses why you’re too busy to have the time (BMI) and tell you what percentile they’re in. Un- to exercise. like standardized testing, a high score is generally I’m not going to insult your intelligence and tell you all the cardio-vascular benefits to dedicated not a good thing. BMI-for-age between 85th and (pulse-heightened, sweaty-browed) exercise. I will tell you that you only need 20-30 minutes, three times 95th percentiles typically means your child is at a week to see significant changes in body and spirit. The main reason to exercise is to look better, feel risk of being overweight and anything over the 95th better and be healthier, and those are some pretty compelling reasons! percentile means they’re already overweight and I’m here to motivate you. Stand up straight! Put that doughnut down! Drop and gimme 50 push-ups! need to make a change. No . . . Not that kind of motivation. The real kind, the lazy procrastinating-person kind. I’m going to talk you into running. Yay! But here’s the cool part – I hate running too! Quick flash-back: when I graduated from school, I knew I didn’t want to turn into The Blob, as I saw my other friends doing, so I did some research into exercise and got the bad news: running may be the best source of conditioning, calorie- why are a few extra pounds a big deal? burning and heart-healthy exercise. In addition to the inevitable bullying and teasing they’ll face at school, overweight kids are also subject to But running is soo boring, you say. I’m wit’ ya’, bro! But I learned some tricks early on, and I’ve been serious health problems including type 2 diabetes, asthma, sleep disorders, liver disease and skin infections, running for 35 years now! And seriously, if I can do it, ANYONE can. But you have to trick yourself into among other things. Studies have also shown that heavy children tend to have more anxiety and poorer social overcoming the inertia of a coach-potato life-style. And there IS a good trick! skills and, in turn, depression.

Step 1 – After you got your doctor’s OK to exercise, treat yourself to some new spiffy-looking running shoes. Any good brand name like Nike, New Balance, Reebok, etc., will do, but they have to be real my child is overweight. what do i do? running shoes, not walking or “leisure” shoes – there IS a difference. If you have funky feet (like my EE Your child’s pediatrician will be able to give you an individualized plan to deal with your child’s weight ones), you’ll have to go to a place that can TELL you what to buy, like First Place Sports (not a plug - I just problem, but generally the first thing all parents of overweight kids must do is set aside judgment and criticism know they’re all runners there). to be there for your child. Talk openly with them, but be aware of their feelings on the often sensitive subject. Intense focus on your child’s eating habits and weight can easily backfire, leading a child to overeat even more Step 2 – Get in your car and in your neighborhood or wherever you plan to run (more on that later), drive or make them more prone to developing an eating disorder, so watch what you say and how you say it. the route and measure out, on your car’s tachometer, a 1-mile, 2-mile, and a 3-mile course. Be as exact Next be ready to make a change yourself. Parents are the ones who buy and cook the meals so skip the as you can and remember where the mile-markers are. Coke, fried chicken and Twinkies. Instead, opt for healthy snacks like fruits and veggies and start using cook- ing methods that are lower in fat. Fruit juices are a hidden sugar culprit. If it’s not 100% fruit juice, leave it on Step 3 – Block out the time you’ll need (half an hour is fine at the beginning) three times a week. You the shelves and even then limit your child to one small glass a day. Instead of eating in front of the TV, which MUST dedicate this time to yourself. You’re worth it, aren’t you? Be a little selfish in this! The best time to fosters mindless munching, have dinner together as a family so you eat slower and are more aware of how run is before a meal, because running also has the added benefit of suppressing your appetite for up to an much you’re eating. Finally, and most hour afterward. obviously, put yourselves on McDon- alds lockdown. Fast-food restaurants Step 4 – Depending on how outrageously out of shape you are (the worse the better – I’m serious), walk/ are notorious for serving meals high run 1 to 3 miles and time exactly how long it took you to do it, to the second. If you’re already in SOME in calories and fat and low in nutri- shape, run up to 3 miles, but getting your time is very important. Stretch AFTER you run. tion. Even the “healthy” options are not so good for you. Make eating Step 5 – Start a running log. Write down exactly how far you walked/ran and how long it took. This is out a very special treat instead of an where being out of shape comes in handy. Your goal is to walk/run faster and/or farther every week. So if everyday thing and you’ll all be shed- it took you 12 minutes to run/walk one mile that first time, then next week all you have to do is walk/run ding pounds in no time. UNDER 12 minutes or walk/run a mile and a half at the 12-minute pace. THIS IS THE KEY STEP and the Of course no amount of good fun part. Beat yourself! See the progress you’re making. You’ll see slow progress at first, but after 2-3 eating will help a sedentary kid. Phys- weeks, you’ll start making steady progress. And the primary incentive to KEEP running is NOT to lose ical activity is a critical component for whatever progress you’ve already made! weight loss so get those kids moving. Limit TV to less than two hours a day One of the keys to running is to switch it up and not get in a rut. For that you can find other places and head outside for some entertain- to run, like parks and (my favorite) the beach. There’s nothing so stress-relieving as a nice little run (or ment. That doesn’t mean “exercise.” Play hide-and-seek or take a bike ride. Whatever you decide, just be sure walk/run if you’re in the beginning stages) on the beach, listening to the waves and watching the surf roll to get your child active. The best way to do that is, of course, to be active yourself. in (and watch it roll away again – Otis Redding). C’mon, you know you want to look and feel better, so take it from a running-hater like me, let the set the example games begin. Can you beat you? Why, yes, I think you can! If your little one is at a healthy weight, the best way to keep it that way is to make healthy choices your- self. Eat right, get active and encourage your child to do the same.

14 january 10-16, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper means nothing. But anything under 0.5 grams per than one gram of trans fat per serving. Decadent trans fat- serving can be listed as 0. This means that you still Trans fats can still be found in the deep fryers free goodies from have to look at the ingredient list to really be sure that of many restaurants, but these days it’s a dirty little local bakery Let the product you’re buying is truly trans fat-free. secret. Baked goods used to be the biggest offender According to bantransfats.com, “If the label and they still are, although Avondale’s Let Them Eat Them Eat Cake. says zero trans fats, don’t believe it. If the words Cake avoids the use of trans fat in favor of milk- “partially hydrogenated” or “shortening” are in the based and more natural fats. Bistro Aix is another ingredients list, it DOES contain trans fat… Suppose local restaurant that has publicly sworn off all trans a product contains 0.4 grams per serving and you fats. eat four servings (which is not uncommon). You have Right now, the trans fat debate is more about just consumed 1.6 grams of trans fat, despite the awareness than making the stuff illegal. New York fact that the package claims that the product contains may have banned the stuff but they haven’t moved zero grams of trans to fully enforce the fat per serving. ban because of Changing this rule the impact it might is a high priority for have on local busi- BanTransFats.com. nesses. Other cities We are working on have banned trans it.” fat, following New While it is York’s lead. difficult to measure These city-wide very small amounts, bans and the FDA’s Canada actually has press against trans set their standard at fats have made the much lower 0.2 businesses sit up grams, so it is pos- and take notice, sible. There’s also slowly moving been a real push, toward voluntarily related to the anti- cutting out trans trans fat movement, fats, especially in for all the nutrition facts in restaurant dishes to be larger corporations. made available on site at each restaurant. Ingredient So the bottom line on the bans is this—by the labeling and nutrition facts seem like a great idea for time a nationwide ban on large amounts of trans fat a restaurant, although very few people actually read per serving is actually imposed, most businesses will them. Requiring this for every item in every eatery have already switched over and willingly gone close would be ridiculous, especially for smaller chains and to trans fat-free. privately owned restaurants. With all the information out there, more savvy It would mean that every time the chef created consumers are reading the nutrition facts, glad that a new dish, he’d have to send it out to a lab and pay the FDA has ensured that large amounts of trans fats a fee to determine exactly how much vitamin C, satu- are no longer buried in a long and hard to read ingre- rated fat and calories are in his new creation. If such dient label. a law were imposed, you can forget about the daily specials. This seems more reasonable for regular items at a national chain.

bans trends against trans fats So what makes trans fat different than, say, salt or saturated fat? Will they ban salt next? Why should the government have a say in what we eat? the skinny on good and bad fats by erin thursby The difference is, trans fat doesn’t really occur in nature. We made the monster, not truly compre- hending what it could do to the human body. It’s not One thing you’ll want to keep in mind about trans fats—they are almost completely unnatural. as though there aren’t plenty of alternative fats out Trans fat is made by adding hydrogen to vegetable oil (and occasionally animal fat) in a process there—some natural, some unnatural. Lately there’s actually been a return to lard as a fat for baked called hydrogenation. This has the effect of concentrating the fat and the flavor. While minuscule goods. I find that pretty funny, since Crisco replaced amounts of trans fats-like cells can be found in nature, the stuff you’ll find in snacks is lab created. lard as a healthier alternative back in the early 1900s. trans fat gained popularity for three reasons: great marketing on the part of Crisco, it’s in- You’ll find trans fats in a number of places, whether you’re shopping at the grocery store or expensive and it has preservative qualities. We shouldn’t feel guilty for sins we didn’t know we picking up fries at the fast-food window. Many pre- committed. Trans fats seemed like a good idea at the time, and were even lauded as a “healthy packaged foods contain trans fat because they have alternative” to animal fats. Since eating a veggie is better than an artery clogging steak, it seemed a longer shelf life. Even nutrition bars can contain reasonable that fat from a plant would be healthier. Most trans fats, as unnatural as they are, come a surprising amount of trans fat, so make sure you read the nutrition facts and scan the ingredient list for from plants, which means that vegetarians and vegans could still enjoy a rich baked good without words such as partially hydrogenated vegetable oil feeling that they’ve made an animal suffer. But the chemical process involved in making trans fat or shortening, even if you find the product in a health concentrates the fat and has more damaging effects than other types of more natural fats. food store. Trans fat was very popular at fast food chains, It wasn’t until the 90s that most organizations started to realize that trans fat was actually because the stuff could be used longer than conven- worse than saturated fat. tional oils in deep frying. Some chains have already begun a self-imposed ban in anticipation of legal problems, but the use of trans fats seems to kick bans, both nationwide and city-based. why they’re bad those problems into higher gear. Oreos used to be made with trans fat, but when they were sued by the organization; Ban Trans Fats While trans fats have been definitively linked to in 2003, the resulting publicity made them decide to cardiovascular risks such as heart disease, there’s labeling eliminate trans fat from their recipe. In 2006, regular also more flimsy, less substantiated data that links it Oreos were trans fat free. to many other medical problems, such as low fertility The FDA now requires any food that has 0.5 Even Crisco, which was originally ALL trans fat, in women, cancer, liver dysfunction and obesity. High grams of trans fat per serving to be listed on the nu- isn’t anymore. As of January ‘07, all Crisco shorten- fat diets have always been linked to a whole host of trition facts. I don’t know about you, but to me, zero ing products have been reformulated to contain less

eujacksonville.com | january 10-16, 2008 15 dish. where to eat, drink and be merry.

SNEAK PEAK: Casbah’s lamb Galangal will and lentil soups be featured in next week’s Dish section of EU. soup’s on!

by Erin thursby [email protected]

For the cold, dreary days of January, soup comforts the spirit and nourishes the body. January happens to be National Soup Month. We here at EU thought we’d take you on a local tour of some of the best loved soups on the first coast. page 16 - 17 jacksonville soups Barbara Jean’s (15 South Roscoe Blvd. Ponte Vedra Beach 904-280-7522) has a she-crab chowder that’s outstanding. If you catch it, there’s a shrimp bisque special you won’t want to miss either. page 17 bittersweet chocolate month The cream based shrimp bisque at bb’s (1019 Hendricks Ave 904-306- Culhane’s potato 0100) is like velvet. They don’t sell it and leek soup by the cup, but a bowl of the heavenly stuff is just $5.50 dish update The sweet potato and red pepper soup at Biscottis (3558 Saint Johns Besides the soup based classes mentioned in the Soup article on this page, the Williams-Sonoma at Ave 904-387-2060) is a popular the Avenues (904) 538-0750 or the St. Johns Town Center (904) 998-4304 will also be offering another choice for Jacksonvillians. It’s also a free hour-long technique class on January 20th. You can learn how to make chili during this Chili Basics vegetarian choice and a bargain at just demo. $2.75 for a cup and $5.25 for a bowl. It’s a bit early, but I thought I’d let you in on some of the February Valentines and chocolate related Serve me a bowl of well-prepared French Onion Soup and I’m happy events. Seasonal stuff like this tends to fill up fast. rd for days afterwards. It’s one of my First, on Febuary 3 , there’s another demo class at Williams-Sonoma, this time for chocolate. Learn to favorite soups, but it’s also something make something decadent in time to make it for your sweetheart, or yourself. I tend to be critical about. So far, I’ve Apron’s Cooking School (Publix 10500 San Jose Blvd. 904-262-4187) has a number of Valentine’s found that the French Onion at Bistro related cooking classes, both hands on and cooking-show style demo. The Father Daughter Valentine’s Aix (1440 San Marco Blvd 904-398- classes are already full, but their Romantic Rendezvous classes are not. Go to their website to check out 1949) is the best in the area. $4 cup, what they have to offer, prices and current availability at publix.com/aprons/schools/CookingSchools.do $7 bowl. Mark your calendars for the evening of Friday, February 8, 2008. That’s the date of the 7th annual Two soups at the Casbah (3628 Chocolates of the World Gala and Dessert Competition. It’s taking place at the Sawgrass Marriott Resort in Saint Johns Ave 904-981-9966) Ponte Vedra Beach. This year’s event features six competitors, including new chocolate artists and several caught our notice. One is the tasty lamb soup and the other is their returning regional chefs. All six compete for prizes in three categories, Best Station, Best Presentation and excellent lentil soup. Best Taste! All prizes are judged by the attendees - you’ll be able to taste each dessert and cast your vote. Chai House (1034 Hendricks This event has sold out in the past so get your tickets today! For $75, you can feast on an international Ave 904-399-4848), which has seen dinner buffet, have a taste of all six desserts and then have the ability to cast a ballot to pick the best chefs. improvement in their cuisine since new You’ll also be able to meet our special guest, Joy of Cooking author Ethan Becker, and you’ll have the op- owners took over, has a tasty tomato portunity to win a variety of silent auction and raffle prizes. To buy your tickets, go to ivcjax.com, or call the basil that’s worth trying. $ 3.50 cup, $4.95 bowl. International Visitor Corps of Jacksonville at (904) 346-3942. Everything tends to be tasty at Remember, if you’ve got any dish on Jacksonville food and drink, do send us an email at the upscale lunch and dinner eatery of [email protected]. Chew (117 W Adams St 904-355-3793). The soups change from week to week but many food enthusiasts remember them as a place to get an excellent cup or bowl of deeply soul satisfying soup. Among other

16 january 10-16, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper standouts, we’ve heard that the leek and potato is quite fabulous. $3 cup, $6 bowl. Cool Moose’s (2708 Park St 904-381-4242) Italian wedding soup is another favorite. Soups rotate at Cool Moose, so their Italian Wedding isn’t always on the menu, but it’s worth asking about. $2.75 cup, $4.50 bowl. Why not have a bowl of the leek and potato to go with your Guinness at Culhane’s (967 Atlantic Blvd, Atlantic Beach 904-249-9595). Those who’ve discovered it keep coming back. $3 cup, $5 bowl. If haven’t tried the beer cheese soup at one of the many European Street locations, you’re missing out on a Jacksonville tradition! Galangal’s (145 Hilden Rd b.b.’s shrimp Suite 110 Ponte Vedra Beach 904- bisque 827-1150) incredible lump crab and lemongrass infused bisque may well become your favorite area soup. It’s got just the right balance of flavors. The lobster bisque is one of the things that keeps bringing people back to Heirlooms Café (9545 San Jose Blvd. 904-880-2291) and Heirlooms Bistro (104 Bartram Walk, suite 101, Julington Creek 904-230-3999). If you’ve got a craving for tomato bisque, you can’t go wrong with Jacksonville based chain, The Loop. If you want a genuine Southwestern soup, try the green chile soup at Mossfire (1537 Margaret St 904-355-4434) in 5 Points. $ 3 cup, $ 4 bowl an edible holiday! There’s nothing like a rich savory bowl of coconut soup, flavored with distinctive Kaffir lime leaves. I’ve bittersweet chocolate by erin thursby found that it’s best with chicken at two Thai places that serve up an excellent Bittersweet Chocolate Day is January 10th. Take a moment to celebrate and buy some dark chocolate Thom Ka – Pattaya Thai (9551 to tide you over till February. I’m sure you’ve heard that chocolate can actually be healthy for you. Any Baymeadows Rd 904-646-9506) and woman (or man, for that matter) who loves chocolate will immediately seize upon this news, using it as an the neighborhood family favorite Taste excuse for their addiction to the lovely stuff. of Thai (4317 University Blvd S 904- The bad news is that some or all of these benefits can be cancelled out by the processing, sugars 737-9009). and fat present in most milk chocolate bars. The healthier choice is darker chocolates, which often cut out At Sun Dog Diner (207 Atlantic much of the sugar and some of the fat. Blvd, Neptune Beach 904-241-8221) Benefits include a lower blood pressure and more antioxidants. The antioxidants present in the more the soup varies, but we’ve heard that concentrated dark chocolate can be interfered with if you consume them with milk. So, even if you choose their crab chowder is worth coming dark over milk, you’ll have to remember not drink milk with it, for the maximum benefit. (Dark chocolate back for. $4 cup, bowl $5.50 connoisseurs actually prefer cold water to clean the palate between different chocolate blends). You’ll also They serve an excellent pizza at want to make sure you’re not adding extra calories to your diet. Tommy’s (4160 Southside Blvd 904-565-1999) but you might want to taste their Minestrone, it’s made from Dark chocolate and its health benefits have become so popular that it is now fairly easy to find a bar scratch. If they aren’t serving that, try their creamy of Portobello and smoked gouda. They do rotate the soup of 80% cacao or higher, if you visit the candy aisle at the grocery store. Aside from the health benefits, dark selection, so you never know what’s going to be on the menu. $3.50 cup $5 bowl. chocolate can have a much more complex flavor than milk chocolate. A dark chocolate, tasted slowly can The classic Avondale neighborhood bar and Southwestern fusion eatery West Inn (3644 Saint Johns reveal layers of flavor, not unlike a fine wine. Ave 904-389-1131) has a rich and delish corn chowder. This yummy bowl of soup includes bacon, roasted For an adventure in dark chocolate flavors and pairings, you might want to visit the fabulous and corn and potatoes, among other ingredients. It’s seasoned with white pepper, cumin and kosher salt, topped new Etiquette of Chocolate (1988 Kingsley Ave. Orange Park 904-298-3098) out in Orange Park. They with cheddar cheese and scallions. $3 cup, $5 bowl. have some really intriguing dark chocolate combos, such as their Humility bonbon, infused with lapsong souchong tea or Love, made of pure dark chocolate goodness. If you don’t like dark chocolate, but you love milk chocolate, you don’t have to give up your passion. learn to make soups locally Just start with some of the “lighter” dark chocolates, with a 45-50% cacao ratio. Once you get used to that, you can graduate to a darker chocolate. If you want to learn how to cook the perfect soup, clear your calendar on Sunday, February 17th. Williams-Sonoma at the Avenues (904) 538-0750 or the St. Johns Town Center (904) 998- 4304 is offering a free, hour-long technique class on soup making. Learn effortless ways to create warming pureed soups that everyone will love. They’ll share secrets for creating smooth, velvety soups with great flavor, including low-fat options. There will also be a class at both Williams- Sonoma locales on February 10th on stock making techniques. You’ll learn the basic stock-making techniques and how simple it is to keep a supply of your own flavorful stock on hand. They cover both meat-based and vegetable-based stocks, providing recipes for each. Since stocks are the essential base to most great soups and sauces, this would also be a great course to take. Class size is limited, so be sure to reserve your space today. Apron’s Cooking School (Publix 10500 San Jose Blvd. 904-262-4187) will also be offering a Souper Stews course. It isn’t free ($35), but you will get the opportunity to taste everything cooked at the demo. Trust me; you’ll never go away hungry from one of these. The menu includes Italian White Bean and Sausage Soup; South African Chicken and Peanut Stew; Barcelonan Lamb Ragoût; Baked Apple Soup for Dessert. Dennis Chan, the chef at Blue Bamboo, is holding two Japanese cooking classes this month— January 12th and 19th, from 10 am- noon. Among other things, you’ll learn how to prepare dashi, the base broth for most Japanese dishes and miso soup. You’ll also learn some sushi rolling and other classic techniques.

eujacksonville.com | january 10-16, 2008 17 Buritto Gallery

u are what u eat not all grocery stores are created equal by aaron gottlieb

Your local grocery store has changed. It’s become more “green”, and is now carrying “organic” versions of your favorite fruits and vegetables. Or at least that’s what they would like you to think. Unfor- tunately, terms like “going green” have become buzz words and everyone is rushing to get a piece of the organic pie. That is why it’s more important than ever to slow down, read labels and ask questions to make sure you’re really getting what you pay for. For example, did you know there are four levels of organic certification? Just because a product uses the word “organic” does not mean it’s 100% certified organic. According to the USDA, only when a product clearly states “100% Organic” can you be sure that every ingredient was grown, manufactured navigating healthy and processed following organic standards. When a product uses only the single term “Organic” it means at least 95% of the ingredients are organic, but not necessarily all of them. In either case, these products are allowed to bear the USDA Organic logo. If a product states “made with organic ingredients” that means it contains 70% to 94% organic in- gredients and if you only see the term “organic” on the ingredients panel it means less than 70% of the choices ingredients are organic. Products at these levels are NOT allowed to bear the USDA Organic logo. So next time you’re in the organic section of your local grocery store, take a second look. How many of the products bear the USDA logo? Have you been tricked by clever product placement or signage? cutting calories with your dining choices Are you getting 100% certified organic products? by erin thursby One way to avoid confusion is to shop in a certified organic supermarket. This is a voluntary certifi- cation that shows a grocery store and its staff are properly trained in, operating in compliance with, and fully committed to USDA organic standards. Healthy isn’t always fun, but you can be a little more health conscious when you go to you favorite kind of restaurant. Here they are, from the worst to the best and what you can Differences you will find at a certified organic grocery store include: choose to make it a more healthy experience. • No chemical pesticides used on products, for pest control, or for any other reason • Tracking of produce items from the farm, to the handler, to the distributor, to the store to ensure or- ganic integrity is never compromised chinese • Separate storage areas for organic foods and non-organic foods to eliminate any chance of cross- contamination First of all, start splitting your entrée when you order Chinese takeout. Most of the time these suckers are • Yearly monitoring by accredited USDA agencies to review all aspects of organic business including over a pound in weight and fat filled. My beloved General Tso’s has about 70 grams of fat. For many people, pest management, organic food handling, truck inspections, paper trail audits, cleaning supplies, verify- that’s actually over their entire recommended daily intake. ing organic food companies, etc. Basically unless it’s steamed, soup or a fortune cookie—many pounds are in your future if you eat Chinese takeout without restraint on a regular basis. I love Chinese but I figure I’m ok, since I stretched my last Some certified organic grocery stores take additional steps: order of General Tso’s over three meals.

• Carrying ONLY 100% certified organic produce to prevent any cross-contamination and to ensure ev- mexical ery item you pick up is in fact, certified organic • Using only certified organic produce in all areas of food service such as a deli or juice bar I love fajitas, tortillas and enchiladas and so does the rest of America. To improve your health and your waistline, the next time you order a sizzling skillet of do-it-yourself chicken fajitas at Chili’s, limit the number of Wherever you shop, you want to make sure you’re getting what you pay for. And while conventional flour tortillas you use. Instead, try to stuff one or two full and skip or limit the sour cream and cheese. grocery stores are going “green” in some departments, it is not their main focus or their mission. If any The first rule—skip the chips! Yes, they come free with your meal, but you will pay. Not at the table but organic products are transported in conventional produce trucks, stored in non-organic stock rooms, or later, when you’re looking down at the scale in horror. come in contact with non-organic foods, they instantly lose their certification and can no longer be guar- Tortillas are a better choice than enchiladas, which are typically doused in cheese, dipped in hot fat and anteed organic. topped with sour cream. Making the decision to go organic is a step in the right direction, not only for the environment but Even though guacamole is high in fat, it’s a better choice than sour cream. The fat in guac is also for your family’s health. Knowing how to buy certified organic products is the next step, and the monounsaturated, so it’s great for your heart. It also contains vitamin E. one that will help you become a well educated consumer. italian/ pizza “U Are What U Eat” is a continuing article courtesy of Native Sun Natural Foods Market, A Certified Or- ganic Supermarket. This week’s article was written by owner Aaron Gottlieb. Find a Native Sun near you Pizza isn’t high on the list of healthy choices, but you can trim some of those choices down by being at any of their many locations, including Southside at 11030 Baymeadows Road, Mandarin at 10000 conscious of what you order. To keep yourself from overindulging, eat a dressing free salad to fill up. San Jose Blvd, and the Native Sun Café inside Brooks Health & Fitness at 10423 Centurion Parkway. For a slim pie, don’t do a white pizza, go for pizza marinara. And when you’re shaking on toppings at your Visit nativesunjax.com or call 260-2791 for more information. table, avoid parmesan. A high fat, salt and fat content makes this a bad choice. As a rule, covering your pie with veggies rather than high fat meats is a grand idea. Be careful though, veggies might be healthy, but the

18 january 10-16, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper japanese

Go for the sushi, mostly. Most of the stuff at the grill table is high in carbs, calories, fat and sometimes even sugar. But the California roll is just 300 calories. If you go overboard and consume more than three rolls, your caloric intake is going to be pretty high. Skip the spicy tuna roll, or anything else that features mayo. For a pre-sushi appetizer, skip the house “salad” they serve at sushi bars. It tends to be overloaded with high-fat dressing on iceberg. Instead try the seaweed salad or stick to the soup. Do make sure you limit the number of rolls that are covered in tobiko (flying fish roe) as a tablespoon has about a quarter of your daily allowance of salt.

Keep in mind that no matter where you go out to eat, it’s possible to make a very healthy decision. Here are five general rules of thumb that you can follow while eating out, in order to stick to more healthy choices.

1) Red is better. Tomato based sauces are generally lower in fat with better nutritional value than cream- based sauces. 2) Portions these days are staggeringly huge. Ask for a To Go box at the start of your meal. Stick at least half of your entrée in the box. You might not even miss it, and you’ll have lunch for the next day. 3) Order nothing fried. Fried=Bad, yes? Whatever health value a food has, veggie, fish or chicken, sticking it in a deep fryer tends to cancel that out and deliver a load of fat. 5) All the little extras add up. Hold the mayo! Hold the sour cream! Hold the cheese!

If you have a burning desire to eat something fried, covered in cheese on a huge plate with a creamy Sushi Cafe sauce, at least you know what you’re getting into. more you add the more calories per slice. More is more, even if it’s healthy. When choosing a pasta or pizza sauce, avoid alfredo and white clam sauce. Better choices are tomato and pesto, with tomato sauce as the better of the two. the classic american sports bar eat this not that!

How ‘bout a burger? Leave off the mayo, cheese, ketchup and produce to save yourself fat and calories. book review by erin thursby BLTs are bad, yes, but if you leave off a slice or two of bacon and sub mustard for mayo, you can cut the fat content in half and substantially cut the calories. Burgers generally come with fries, but there are other options. Trying to be informed Explore those or just have the fries put in a doggie bag before they hit the table. These days you can even find about what’s healthy and steamed veggies on a sports bar menu, so look to that as an alternative what’s not is something plenty But beware the chicken salad! It sounds like a deceptively healthy choice, but if they fry the chicken and of Jacksonvillians are interested pile on the cheese and dressing, you might be better off with a burger. The rule of thumb on chicken and fish is in, despite (or perhaps because if they’ve fried it, that’s pretty much cancelled out any healthy qualities it may have once had. of) our city placing 6th on the Forbes Obesity List. bbq Eat This Not That! has received tons of press lately, Start your meal by asking for unsweetened iced tea. Here in the South we like to put a ridiculous amount from NPR and other national of sugar in our pre-made tea. If you’re the one putting it in at the table, you’re less likely to over sweeten. media outlets. At the Mandarin Sides can get you in trouble here too. Think of the evils of a deep-fried hush puppy. Think of mayo-laden Barnes & Noble, 55 people coleslaw. Opt for veggie sides instead, of which there should be plenty. Of course, I love hush puppies and had it on order. They’ve since slaw, so I compromise—one evil side and one good side. replenished their stock of the The healthiest and leanest barbecue ribs are the Memphis-Style, dry rubbed. These ribs are cut from the popular book. It’s a superb leanest section of the loin. Whatever you order, have them hold the barbecue sauce, dry is best for health, or choice to help you navigate you can order the sauce on the side to limit yourself. healthy choices whether you’re at the super market picking seafood out a prepackaged meal or in the drive thru trying to decide Eat a max of 10 shrimp and look for peel and eat shrimp that isn’t doused in butter. Having to peel the what the healthiest option is. tasty little morsels actually slows down your eating. This is the kind of book a health Avoid the tartar sauce and reach for cocktail sauce instead. Avoid anything fried; go for blackened or conscious or dieting individual broiled instead. Big game fish are high in mercury, so avoid selections such as swordfish. should keep in their car. Not only can you compare restau- indian rants, you can also look at what the best ordering options are at some of the big name chains. Fast food resturants such as Chick-Fil-A, Subway and Boston Market earned some of the highest Most of the appetizers at an Indian restaurant are deep fried, so try some savory dal or lentil soup scores healthwise, with Pizza Hut, Panera and Domino’s taking the least healthy scores. instead. Panera will be the most shocking for most people who haven’t researched the actual amount of fat Lamb might be a traditional menu item, but it can be at least 150 or more calories than its chicken and sodium in their food. After all, Panera seems to cultivate an air of all-natural health. Unfortunately, counterparts Tandori is one of the best choices. Avoid sauce-based dishes. the numbers say it is isn’t true. As to sit down restaurants, Macaroni Grill, On the Border and P.F. Changs got the lowest scores, the steakhouse with Bob Evans, Fazoli’s and Denny’s as the winners. (Most of Denny’s stuff is loaded with fat and calo- ries, but they have a great selection of Fit Fare for those who want something on the lighter side). If you can order grass-fed beef, please do! It’s naturally leaner. Unfortunately that’s not always an option Luckily, even the restaurants with the most dismal scores will have something on the menu for since corn fed is the norm. Don’t order dry aged beef. It may be delicious, but it’s got the highest fat content, healthy eaters. The authors of the book even collected data on the sit-down eateries that don’t provide so it’ll cost your pocket book as well as your physique. The same is true of rib-eye and prime. The best cut to their info to the public. order is the filet mignon. Next best is top sirloin. Avoid béarnaise sauce and butter for your lobster. The breakdown of actual menu items will be the most useful to readers. You’ll find out which pret- zel to order at Auntie Annie’s in the mall (the jalapeno pretzel is better than the more healthy sounding thai whole wheat pretzel) and at places from Applebee’s to Wendy’s. The best thing about this book is that it acknowledges indulgence and a tendency to eat out instead So maybe there are a lot of high-fat options on a Thai menu, but it’s the “good” kind of fat. Saturated fat of in. They don’t say “Don’t go to Baskin-Robbins!” Instead they tell you the best way to indulge without doesn’t make much of an appearance in most of my favorites—chicken satay, pad Thai and the Thai curry going overboard. This is a book that recognizes American eating habits and then gives us the option to dishes. There are things to avoid, of course. The crispy whole snapper is fried and oil saturated, coming in at choose something healthy. It’s an indispensable, easy to read guide that every health conscious person from about 850 to 1,000 calories. Avoid also the fried rice, as it is sometimes as oil saturated as Chinese fried should own. rice.

eujacksonville.com | january 10-16, 2008 19 the guys figured out how to use technology to their advantage. live music & “It was me and [Leroy] kind of working togeth- er to figure out how to do it without a full band and I was like, ‘Dude, I could record it and put it on my shows calendar iPod,’ and he was like, ‘That’s not a bad idea,” Billy Jo explained. The set up works out pretty well for JoEveritt, THURSDAY, JANUARY 10 though it can be a bit limiting sometimes. “The only Willie Nelson Florida Theatre, Jax thing is we can’t stop in the middle of a song and talk and then come back into it,” said Billy Jo. “We Pianist Tim Nold Seawalk Hotel, Jax Beach (249- can’t have the dramatic pauses that other bands 9981) get.” Blistur Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune “Who needs that crap anyway?” Leroy quipped. Beach (241-8221) The guys say the band will continue to be a Chris Proctor European Street, Jax (399-1740) two-piece for the foreseeable future. “Everything’s a lot easier with two people,” Outlaw Son & the Renegades Brewsters, Jax explained Billy Jo. (223-9850) “The ultimate goal is to be able to someday Southern Wailers Seven Bridges, Jax (997-1999) hire musicians to play those parts for shows,” Leroy added. ZAAH TSI, Jax (635-3024) The arrangement certainly seems to be work- Nimble Jim 9th & Main, Jax ing. Last September, just a couple months after they formed, JoEveritt entered Battle for PlanetFest for Cloud 9 Twisted Martini, Ponte Vedra Beach (280- a chance to play the extremely popular festival and 8810) won. Soon after their album Hear What You Want Alexander Seier Ocean 60, Jax Beach (247-0060) was released and, most recently, the guys were selected as Planet Radio’s Native Noise artist of the Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, week. St. Augustine (829-8646) dynamic duo After hearing many of JoEveritt’s songs on their The Gallows Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) MySpace page, its clear the guys have tapped into a Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) winning formula. Their music is catchy and upbeat, a nice blend of radio-friendly rock and punk that most Captain Hook Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) JoEveritt at Jack Rabbits people, both music lovers and casual listeners, will Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) be able to relate to. Unlike a lot of their rock peers, by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] JoEveritt also brings it when performing on stage, Sugar Bear Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) not just at the studio. If you like to see a guy shred Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park They’ve only been performing as JoEveritt for years and have spent much of that time jamming out on his guitar, look no further than Leroy Everitt Cope- (269-4198) seven months but Leroy Everitt Copeland and Billy together. After honing their skills in other bands for land. In fact, he was recently given what he consid- Jo have already recorded an album, won a spot at a while (most notably Leroy in Julius Airwave, Billy ers a very high compliment after one of their shows Boogie Freaks Square One, Jax (306-9004) one of the biggest festivals in town and are getting Jo in Dang!), the two finally decided to join forces at Rebar. Steve Plays Too Loud London Bridge, Jax (359- airplay on Planet Radio. At this rate, the dynamic duo and start a band together. Right away they ran into “A kid came up to me and goes, ‘You’re crazy, 0001) will grace the cover of Rolling Stone by summer, win trouble finding other musicians who wanted to join man.” Not “you’re good” but “you’re crazy,” he a Grammy next year and be taping their first episode them. laughed. “It was awesome.” Colton & Friends The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829- of MTV Cribs soon after. In the meantime, the boys “We couldn’t find anyone to play with us at Hear many of JoEveritt’s songs at myspace. 2329) of JoEveritt are working hard to get their name out first,” said Billy Jo. “We’re just tired of waiting on com/joeveritt, where you can also purchase their CD Ron Perry Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215- there and their music heard. EU headed over to Jack everyone else to figure out what they want to do with and see a listing of their upcoming shows. The band 8999) Rabbits last Friday to see the band in action. The their lives.” will be performing at 9th and Main on February 1st so guys were kind enough to speak with us after their A two-man band works out fine in the recording be sure to check them out then so you can say you Matt Still Paco’s, Jax Beach performance. studio but it becomes tricky when they actually play knew them before they were on MTV. It won’t be long Out of Hand Lynch’s, Jax Beach (249-5181) Billy Jo and Leroy have been friends for over 13 live. Luckily we’re living in the age of the iPod and now. The Motet Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) Saltwater Grass Spare Time Tavern, Jax Beach (246-8099) A1A North Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241- 7877) Stu Weaver Coffee Roasters, Jax (260-0810) Big Engine Box Seats, Jax (908-7328) Matt Collins Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach (280- 5515)

THURSDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 10-12 The Committee A1A Ale Works, St. Augustine (829-2977)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11 Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. Augustine (824-9317) Crystal Bessels Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) A1A North Fastboys/Pierside, Jax

20 january 10-16, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper sound penetrates the consciousness, even when we’re distracted. Str8 Up West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) Arts in Medicine brings the performing arts to Neuroblast Club Fusion, St. Augustine (829-8333) Shands Jacksonville in variety of ways: musician in residence Edith Moore-Hubert, The Visiting Artist Sidewalk 65 Tom & Betty’s, Jax (387-3311) Concert Series and a partnership with Body & Soul Rojodiablo Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) – The Art of Healing, an organization with similar Southern Trouble Club Fusion, St. Augustine goals. For more info on volunteering as a musician (829-8333) or their various programs, call Musician in Residence Edith Moore-Hubert at (904) 244-4334. 556 Doozers Pub, Jax how you can help Karma AJ’s, Jax (805-9060) If you are artistically inclined and would like to Toubab Krewe Café Eleven, St. Augustine (460- lend your time and talents to helping others, please 9311) contact AIM about volunteering. Arts in Medicine Wye Oak Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) welcomes artists of a wide variety of disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance and creative writ- Charlie Walker Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach ing. Opportunities exist for you to work one-on-one (280-5515) with patients, in group settings or to perform in pub- Dana Salmela Café Centro, St. Augustine lic areas of the hospital. Take Another Slice Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850)

th If you would like to make donations to Arts in Ed Cotton 9 & Main, Jax musical and artistic healing Medicine, they would be very grateful for dona- The Bath Party, Heavenly Noise Fuel, Jax (425- tions of art materials, musical instruments or 3835) arts and craft supplies. Here is their wish list of Jonathan Scott Band Murray Hill Theatre, Jax supplies: Arts in Medicine (388-7807) Canvas boards (6x8 inches or larger) Alexander Seier Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241- by Erin thursby [email protected] Construction Paper 6453) Watercolor paper or heavy-weight paper Silver Lake Drive Steamboat Willies, Palatka The arts, music, visual or performing, aren’t specify, name, room number and the best time for a Acrylic, Tempera and Watercolor paints just for entertainment, they can also play a part in visit. Paintbrushes, all kinds Big Blue Audio Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) healing the mind, spirit and body. To that end, AIM Music is an important part of the program. Colored pencils and Crayons (Arts in Medicine) at Shands Jacksonville is sharing Volunteer Brian Harris, a seventeen–year-old with a Southern Wailers Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Oil pastels Beach (249-9595) the benefits of the creative and performing arts with gift for jazz improv on the piano, can be found most Writing pencils the hospital and the greater Jacksonville commu- weekdays from 11 am - 2 pm in the main lobby of Small blank books (unlined for drawing or lined Scholar’s Word Scores, St. Augustine nity. It’s a way to make art an integral part of each Shands. Any musician that wishes to give his or her for journaling) Shawn Lightfoot, Jessica Pounds Uncommon person’s health and well-being. time to the community and to Shands can volunteer. Mod-podge Grounds, Jax Artists in residence, guest artists and volun- Much of the activities are centered around the Quart and Gallon-sized Zip-Lock bags teers use their talents in visual arts, performing arts staff and patients, but they also hold events open to Paper Plates Slumpbuster Spare Time Tavern, Jax Beach (246- and creative writing to enhance the hospital experi- the public. On November 13th the Lisa Kelly Trio held Used Magazines (especially with good pho- 8099) ence for patients, visitors and staff. a concert in the Clinical Center Main Lobby. Lisa tographs, like National Geographic or travel Some patients, such as Vicki Nugent, discover Kelly has won awards for her jazz vocals, perform- magazines) their own artistic talents through the program. Nu- ing across the U.S. and in Europe. Her solo CD By Fabric and Yarn FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY gent had a near death experience and began drawing Request debuted at the Montreux Jazz Festival. She Craft Books or Magazines 11-12 angels after she was visited by visual artists in the co-produced two successful CDs with JB Scott: Used CD’s Arts in Medicine program. Artists in Residence and Memories of Tomorrow and Live at Simons. Musical Instruments and Songbooks Sherry & the Psychodelics Trade Winds Lounge, volunteers work one-on-one and in group settings on While the visual arts are an important part of Beading Supplies St. Augustine (829-9336) paintings, drawing, jewelry making and other crafts. the program, it’s music that helps calm patients on To make monetary contributions, please contact Pili Pili Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940) A visit from an AIM artist can be requested by calling their way in. After all, we can miss seeing a painting Volunteer Services at (904) 244-4271. (904) 244-1145 or paging (904) 393-3654. Please on the wall because we’re looking elsewhere, but Yancy Clegg My Place, Jax (737-5299) Ron Perry Tailgaters, Green Cove Springs (529- 1976) Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242- 9499) The Restless Kind Arnolds, St. Augustine (824- 8738) Retro Kats Lynch’s, Jax Beach (249-5181) Dueling Pianos Dick’s Wings/Tinseltown, Jax Hunnert Proof Cap’n Odie’s, Mayport (241-8848) Something Distant Sun Dog Diner, Neptune Beach (241-8221) Spanky Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269- 4198) Josh Bowlus Jazz Trio The Grape, Jax (642-7111) Boogie Freaks Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) Gutterboy Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) Roger That Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215- 8999) Big Al & the Kaholics Square One, Jax (306-9004) Big Engine Casey’s, Yulee

eujacksonville.com | january 10-16, 2008 21 Dot Wilder Jazz Trio Casablanca Inn, St. Augustine where west africa and SATURDAY, JANUARY 12 north carolina meet Blistur Panama Hatties, St. Augustine (471-2192) Robby Schenck Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) Riders in the Sky Florida Theatre, Jax interview with Toubab Krewe Scholar’s Word Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595) Out of Hand River City Brewing Company, Jax by ian desousa (398-2299) What: Toubab Krewe Big Engine Casey’s, Yulee Where: Café 11, St. Augustine Beach EU: When you’ve played Tough Junkie Royal Treatment Record Shop, When: Friday, January 11th in West Africa is there Jax a noticeable difference If the members of Tortoise and Martin, Medeski, in your performances Rosavelli Regency Inn Hotel, Jax and Wood all got together and adopted a musical or how your music is Perpetual Groove Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246- prodigy from Mali, its name would be Toubab Krewe. received? 2473) Before getting this interview I’d never heard of the LQ: Not really. We’re instrumental quintet from Asheville, North Carolina, cool playing for West African crowds and American while, but it’s definitely freaky that we’ve never been Charlie Walker Band Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach nor their unique amalgamation of West African crowds because our sound has so much influence able to finish a normal set there. (241-6453) and American Music. And I must admit, at first I from both cultures. We’ve got a lot of traditional More recently though, we got to play with Umar Ritmo y Sabor El Taino Restaurant, Jax was skeptical. I’ve heard more than my fair share sounds and background with West African music and Bin Hassan, he was a member of The Last Poets, of world music, some of it good, but most of it an we’re from the states, so we feel comfortable in either a very, very intense and politically-charged poetry Southern Wailers Spare Time Tavern, Jax Beach acquired taste my palate couldn’t quite get used to. environment. group from the 70’s. He’s been on Common’s Be and (246-8099) Toubab Krewe is different in every sense of the word. sampled by Tribe Called Quest. He joined us for two Alexander Seier Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach Accessible without being commonplace, incredibly EU: Members of your band have studied with some nights in Asheville at the end of December and did (280-5515) well versed in their various instruments and the styles of the biggest names in African music. If you had spoken word over a couple of songs each night. New Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) that interest them without being elitist, able to jam to choose the single most important lesson that Year’s Eve he absolutely killed it! on a ragga through one of their songs and have it be an American musician can learn from them, what The Winter Sounds Fuel, Jax (425-3835) just as fun for the audience to listen to, as it is for the would it be? EU: Your band employs a wide range of instruments, The Breeze Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) musicians to play. LQ: More than anything, a real attention to the time, what would you consider the most interesting It’s rare to speak to artists that, after playing for not just playing with the time, but around the time. instrument in the band’s arsenal? Iron Eyes Cody Inertia Records, Jax years, are still so passionate about their music they In a lot of West African music they play around the LQ: Probably the Kamalengoni. It’s one of the two Johnny Flood Pussers Caribbean Grill, Ponte get excited talking to you about it. But Toubab Krewe pulse but not right on the pulse. It’s hard to explain “harps” that Justin plays and is called “the young Vedra takes it one step further, you get the genuine sense and often when people listen to it for the first time they man’s harp.” It’s more modern and sonically tuned. that the only thing these guys like better than playing don’t quite get it right away. That and truly playing Justin studied with a real virtuoso of the instrument, Subpoena Club Fusion, St. Augustine (829-8333) their music, is sharing it. I recently caught up with from the heart. a renegade that transformed it from more of an Hickory Flats Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) Luke Quaranta, one of the group’s percussionists, and accompanying instrument to a lead instrument, doing the rest of the Krewe by phone as they started their EU: You have a broad range of tempos and moods things with harmonics and up the neck that really took Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. weekend on a “Jam Cruise.” within your music; when playing live shows do you it to places it had never been before. Augustine (824-9317) create a set list with a certain flow in mind, or do Sonoma Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) EU: So, I understand you’re on a Jam Cruise this you go where the moods take you? EU: Is there any instrument you guys would just kill Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) weekend, is it part of your tour or a one off? LQ: It depends, certain experiences are more to play but haven’t yet? Luke Quaranta: It’s pretty much part of the tour, we appropriate for a specific environment. If we’re in LQ: The balafon. It’s like a xylophone, but comes from Effed, Dubwise, Sangria Ocean Club, Jax Beach boarded about 10 this morning. It’ll be going down a concert hall, we run more from a specific set list Mali and has gourds underneath it with wooden slats (242-8884) to Mexico and Hondouras, and we’ve got a couple of than if we’re playing, say, a New Years Eve show. We above. A couple of the guys have dabbled in it, but we Cancer Benefit Show-Life in Your Way Murray Hill sets during the trip, so we’re pretty excited. usually create a set list according to the environment, haven’t gotten it yet. Theatre, Jax (388-7807) but we definitely cater to the crowd. From their performances with musical legends Scholar’s Word Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic EU: Craziest thing that’s ever happened at a Toubab (including John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin) to their Beach (249-9595) Krewe show? legendary performances at Bonnaroo and Langerado, JTC Band Walk About Café, Jax LQ: Probably the time we were playing at a venue and this “Afrolachian” band is starting to make some a speaker fell off the stage and straight onto a girl’s waves. Catch Toubab Krewe’s mix of “Malian, Drunk Horses Make Slow Getaways Landshark head stopping the show. The second time we played American, and ‘Dirty South’ influences,” as they Café, Atlantic Beach (246-6024) there, a tractor-trailer hit a telephone pole and knocked say on their website, live at Café 11. For the entire Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza the power out. We jammed out acoustically for a interview, go to eujacksonville.com. Grill, Jax (287-9900)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13 Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471- 5555) Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) Johnny Flood Pussers Caribbean Grill, Ponte Vedra Flyin South Michelle’s, Jax Vann Hardin Adele Grage Center, Atlantic Beach Yourself & the Air Fuel, Jax (425-3835) Geronimo Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) Cadmian Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)

22 january 10-16, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper grew out of, so, we try to bring that element to our Isaac Byrd Jr. De Real Ting Café, Jax performance. It also serves to keep us entertained, Tarik Hassan Sahara Café, Jax when you have that potential of creation during the show. We’re not the kind of musicians that want to David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) play the same music the same way every night…I’d Acoustic Soul Ragtime, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) like to think that we do it in a way that’s respectful of the original intent of the music…so it would sound Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine almost like it was Pink Floyd that was jamming.” (829-8646) The Machine’s appreciation of Floyd runs past 3rd Bass The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) the usual hit singles and into long forgotten (but still great) songs. If you don’t have the complete Floyd Galactic Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) collection and you only have a passing knowledge of El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) their music, The Machine’s performance will intro- Jan Crawford & Friends Cortesses, St. Augustine duce you to some of their more obscure tunes. (825-6775) Part of The Machine’s magic is in the light show. Lighting is a large portion of the show, with Michael Funge Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic fog and colored lights adding to the psychedelic ex- Beach (249-9595) perience of Floyd. Devotees and audience members at their concerts range in age from sixteen to sixty. Old fans want to hear the music they grew up with MONDAY, JANUARY 14 and young fans are just discovering it. Spade McQuade Fly’s Tie, Atlantic Beach (246- Despite The Machine’s devotion to Floyd, 4293) pink floyd resurrected Pascarell hasn’t met any member of Pink Floyd so far. Given the long shadow that Pink Floyd cast over Matt Still Gingers, Jax Beach many of their careers, perhaps it’s not surprising Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine that they wouldn’t want to revisit their old stuff. But (829-9336) The Machine for many fans, revisiting those psychedelic days is exactly what they want to do. The Smile Rays TSI, Jax (635-3024) by Erin thursby [email protected] The Machine will be playing January 16th at Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242- Freebird. It’s a live performance that Floyd fans 9499) What: The Machine lucky, you’ll also get the chance to hear some songs shouldn’t miss. When: January 16th @ 9:30 pm from other bands, such as the Dead. They generally Joey Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Where: The Freebird Live stick to what they’re known for and what people Willie Evans Jr. CD Release TSI, Jax (635-3024) pay for but they might play one or two other songs Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829- What’s the difference between a cover band toward the end of the set. 2329) and a tribute band? In the case of The Machine, the “I grew up listening to this music,” says Pas- difference is a world tour, a twenty-plus year run carell, “It’s how I learned how to play the guitar, Out of Hand Your Place, Jax Beach (221-9994) and a light show. Cover bands do everything, or they fingering these songs out.” Lary Smith Harmonious Monks, Jax (886-3040) specialize in a particular era or genre. Tribute bands Pascarell wouldn’t choose a favorite when are even more specialized; they play music from a asked to pick which of the three lead singers he Grace Potter Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) single band. The Machine is the best known Pink sounds like most—Syd Barrett, Roger Waters or Goliath Casbah, Jax (981-9966) Floyd tribute band in the world. The band members Dave Gilmour. Rumor has it that Pascarell’s voice have earned their own fame, so much so that they’re simply morphs to mimic whichever one of them Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004) even recognized on the street by fans. They’ve actu- sang the particular song he’s singing, sometimes Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach ally been featured in Rolling Stone and Spin Maga- even switching between Waters and Gilmour if they (246-4293) zine for their stellar imitation. shared vocals in a piece. EU got the chance to catch up with the lead “The whole magic of Pink Floyd was everybody Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) singer of The Machine, Joe Pascarell, before their together, I think, and I prefer when they’re togeth- Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) performance at Freebird. er…What’s most important is the emotion and intent The band began, according to Pascarell, as a behind it—that’s what people hear…that’s what casual cover venture that sort of fell into becoming a people latch onto.” TUESDAY, JANUARY 15 Pink Floyd experience. Fans shouldn’t expect a note-for-note imitation Stu Weaver The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) “We were just musicians and were friends. We of cuts from Floyd albums. Instead, they capture the liked playing…clubs on weekends. We played a lot spirit of the songs and the spirit of the band, by do- Livid Sharky’s, Orange Park of Pink Floyd because we loved it. It just seemed to ing improvisational riffs. That’s something that the Open Mic w/Outlaw Son & the Renegades get a really good reaction. Our agent put it on us…to original did during their own live performances and Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) try to book us as a Pink Floyd band. Initially it was it’s something that keeps the music of The Machine just playing music that we enjoyed a lot.” fresh and surprising. Blistur Rivers Edge, Fernandina (491-3849) Their roots as a cover band can still be experi- “Originally, [Pink Floyd was]… a very impro- 74 Sound System Landshark Café, Atlantic Beach enced, from time to time. In some shows, if you’re visational band and that’s where a lot of this music (246-6024) Matt Still Caribbee Key, Atlantic Beach (270-8940) Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina Barely Blind Fuel, Jax (425-3835) Chuck Nash Your Place, Jax Beach (221-9994)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 16 Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299) Matt Still Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Alexander Seier Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) Busted & Confused Buffalo’s, Orange Park (778- 1101) kLoB Brix, Jax Beach

eujacksonville.com | january 10-16, 2008 23 Chelsea Saddler Tijuana Flats, Jax (737-9938) circle.” My America Inertia Records, Jax When he says twenty-seven-year old posers he is referring to the status of the band as it is now. Matt Collins Pauly’s, Jax (727-9101) In his own words, he “can’t see it being what it Captain Hook Whitey’s, Orange Park (269-4198) used to be.” But, the band is still together, and still gets together a few times a year to play shows and Ron Perry Cliff’s, Jax (645-5162) celebrate what Inspection 12 really is: a great group Shawn Lightfoot The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) of friends. “I think the fact that we all grew up such good Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) friends is what has made it work,” said drummer Jesse & Leaa Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Tim Grisnik. “There has never been a member of the band who hasn’t been a life-long friend. I guess The Machine Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) that’s kind of rare for a lot of bands.” Jodies Fiasco Castillo de Mexico, Jax Having grown up in the same neighborhood Soulo Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach (280-5515) and sharing an intense passion for music, (“I specifically remember the day we each decided we The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax were going to learn how to play an instrument,” (396-3396) said Grisnik.) Inspection 12 is not just a group of El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) guys who got together to become rock stars. It was a group of friends having a great time, growing up Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune together and taking playtime from the sandbox to the Beach (241-8221) stage. Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246- jacksonville’s old friend So, every year for the past few years, the band 4293) has started a tradition of playing a Christmas show. On Christmas night, the band played an acoustic Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737- set at Jack Rabbits and on December 28th the band 5299) Inspection 12 played to a sold out crowd at Fuel Coffee House for a full “plugged-in” set. These shows are about the only time a fan can upcoming concerts by hilary johnson [email protected] expect to see the band play, though. The band only The local punk band Inspection 12 is deeply Nothing intentional; I, personally, just drew from performs together a couple times a year, and as they The Machine Performs Pink Floyd Jan. 16, Freebird ingrained in Jacksonville’s music history, at least for whatever I was being influenced by at the time. Still are spread all over the place these days, Christmas Live those of us who grew up in the late 90s. They got do, I suppose.” is one of the few times they know they will all be In high school, the band’s popularity grew by Kathy Griffin Jan. 17, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 their start in middle school where they learned to together. play by covering the songs of their favorite bands, leaps and bounds. In the era that is now symbolized “Over the past few years, we’ve all been doing Roy Clark and Junior Brown Jan.18, Florida Theatre, they eventually began to write their own. nationwide by the success of punk band Yellowcard, different stuff in our lives, with work, and school, 355-2787 “Initially all we wanted to do was cover as Inspection 12 were actually the ones slated to and other bands, and things like that,” said Grisnik. Enter the Haggis, Jan. 18 , Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 many Nirvana and Weezer songs as we could,” become Jacksonville’s next big thing. (For instance, McLintock’s other band, My Folks said lead singer, Dan McLinktock. “Once we learned However, after McLinktock took a stint in played Jack Rabbits on December 30th and will be Mojo Warriors (Ex Karl Denson/Tishamingo) Jan. them all we attempted to write our own tunes, which California with Christian punk band Craig’s Brother, at Freebird on January 19th.) “So we’ve really been 18, Freebird Live sounded astonishingly like Nirvana or Weezer.” when it looked like Inspection 12’s boom was about pretty busy, and it kind of seems like Christmas time The Unity Music Festival featuring Rabbit In The Over time the band’s sound began to change to bust through Jacksonville’s borders, the band’s is one of the only times that we can all get together Moon, Bad Boy Bill, George Acosta, Mike B., Ying and grow, inspired by new bands and new sounds drummer Scott Shad was killed in a car crash. The and play.” Yang Twins, Trina, Lil Webbie, Lil Boosie, Young that transformed their music into the illustrious punk devastation of the loss of their lifelong friend and McLintock adds that, “The show on the 25th Cash, Bigga Rankins & more Jan. 19, Metropolitan rock sound that marbleized them amongst their bandmate threw the group into uncertainty. also provides sanctuary for folks who’ve spent Park, Info: 1-888-UNITY21 peers as one of Jacksonville’s great bands. But things wouldn’t stop there. Signing on twelve hours with their extended family.” “[We] repeated the same process with bands to Honest Don’s Barely Legal Records, Inspection But in all honesty, the Christmas shows were Dancing With The Stars - The Tour Jan. 22, like Green Day, NOFX, Ben Folds and The Beatles 12 put out their first widely distributed album In just for some old friends. A shits and giggles kind Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 and so on. Input then output,” said McLintock. Recovery. Lifelong friend Tim Grisnik joined as the of set of events for them and for anyone else who George Strait Jan. 24, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 “Eventually there was so much input that the output band’s new drummer. was around for the glory days, old fans and old started sounding like some big morph of it all. “[We were] fourteen-year old posers, friends of the band. And to signify the close bond of Tyler Perry’s The Marriage Counselor Jan. 24-27, seventeen-year old high school hot shots, nineteen- these band members, both McLintock and Grisnik Moran Theater, 353-3309 year old quitters, twenty-year old re-uniters, [and] are basically just excited to get together with one Cherryholmes Jan. 26, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 twenty-one-year old signed artists / mourners,” another. says McLintock, summarizing the path of bands “Getting together with friends who I miss is a Ring of Fire - The Music of Johnny Cash Jan. 28, long history. “Twenty-two-year old amateur tourers. draw for me,” said McLintock. Florida Theatre, 355-2787 One time we played an auto shop in North Carolina. “My favorite thing is having a group of lifelong David Copperfield Jan. 29, Moran Theater, 632- The PA was the speakers from the head mechanic’s friends, who have a pretty strong bond through 3373 boom box. Best show ever. And finally, [we are] music,” agrees Grisnik, adding why Inspection 12 is Miley Cirus as Hannah Montana Jan. 30, twenty-seven-year old posers. [We’ve come] full still so important to him. Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 Tim Reynolds Jan. 31, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Sister Hazel Feb. 1, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Classic Albums Live - Led Zeppelin IV Feb. 5, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 The Pink Floyd Experience Feb. 6, Moran Theater, 632-3373 Donna The Buffalo Feb. 9, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Trisha Yearwood Feb.14, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 The B-52’s Feb. 15, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Chris Duarte Feb. 15, Mojos Blues Bar, 247-6636 Van Halen Feb. 16, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 Lalah Hathaway Feb.17, Florida Theatre, 355-2787

24 january 10-16, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper the cowboy way Riders In The Sky come to Jacksonville by jon bosworth [email protected]

WHAT: Riders In The Sky In spite of their higher learning these cow- WHERE: Florida Theatre boys aren’t dishing out comedy too smart for the WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 12th, 7:30pm average cowpoke, but their act is reminiscent of old time radio shows and the sort of entertain- What do you suppose would happen if you ment you just can’t find anymore. Their act is got together a man with a Ph.D. in theoretical musically skilled, pleasant to watch with tasteful plasma physics from MIT, a guy with a Masters humor that is sure to make you chuckle, and has degree in literature and a guy with a Masters some level of nostalgia that you don’t find on the degree in Wildlife Management? Would it be trail much these days. You’ll even find yourself some sort of environmental initiatives think tank? going home with a new catchphrase or two. Perhaps they would explore the notion of particle Ranger Doug (Douglas B. Green), Woody physics as it applies to life and history? You could Paul (Paul Woodrow Chrisman), and Too Slim spend all day theorizing and you would probably (Fred LaBour) are the original members of this never conclude that they would put on colorful posse, but they recently rustled up Joey Miskulin cowboy hats and start yodeling, but that’s exactly to join them on accordion. They bill themselves what Ranger Doug, Too Slim, and Woody Paul as Ranger Doug (“The Idol of American Youth”), did. Woody Paul (“King of the Cowboy Fiddlers”), Too Riders In The Sky is a group of highly Slim (“a Righteous Tater”/”The Man of a Thou- educated cowboys that left their higher learning sand Hats”), and Joey (“the Cowpolka King”). to pursue a life on the road. In the spirit of Gene They will be bringing their fresh-off-the-trail Autry, Roy Rogers, and cowboys from back in the schtick to the Florida Theatre this Saturday and, days when showbiz cowboys did more singing according to their website, they promise in a vow than killing, Riders In The Sky are a grammy-win- of “full solidarity” with the striking television writ- ning musical group as well as a comedy troupe. ers to not write any new jokes or routines “until Between their authentic renderings of traditional our latte lappin’ punchline partners out there in cowboy and western songs, complete with har- L.A. are free to fire up their laptops and earn a fair monies, guitar, bass, an accordian and a fiddle ancillary wage.” (not to mention colorful cowboy duds), these fine Go to ridersinthesky.com to hear some of fellars teach you how to yodel the cowboy way their tunes and learn more about this uplifting and why to always drink upstream from the herd. traveling variety show.

eujacksonville.com | january 10-16, 2008 25 art events new this week locally inked Duval County Art Teachers Exhibition, January 10 - February 13, Opening Reception, January 10, 5 pm – 7 pm JU Photography Gallery Exhibition of photographs AlphaCat Comics by Kristin Epinasse from 5 pm –7 pm Alexander Brest Gallery and Museum at Jackson- ville University, (904) 256-7345 by Erin thursby [email protected]

Personal Images of War, South Gallery Special Comics was born. It’s just a bunch of local guys Exhibit, January 13 – February 10 who started their own comic book. Each issue has St Augustine Art Association, (904) 824-2310 or several different storylines and artists. staaa.org The artwork is also on different levels. Some of these guys have worked professionally, “ghosting” Cutting Edge Show, January 13 – February 10, ink work, as well as penciling, writing and lettering. Opening Reception, Sunday, January 13, 2 pm At least one of the comics in AlphaCat’s current an- – 5 pm St Augustine Art Association, (904) 824-2310 or thology issue of The Vault came from a guy who had staaa.org never done anything professionally before (LaTwan Holland- Writer, creator, and colorist of Behemoth). Sean Mahan & Julio Williams, January 17 They plan to feature these neophytes on their web- – March 28, Opening Reception on Thursday Janu- site in the future. ary 17, 5 – 9 pm, The editor of this local venture is Rob Jones, Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Boulevard, who has been working as a pro in comics for about Jones’ name ascribed to different aspects of each (904) 247-5828 or ci.atlantic-beach.fl.us seven years. For the past five years he’s been an comic. He fills in on various jobs and just seems to assistant to industry veteran Dick Giordano. With be having fun putting this locally produced collection ongoing Giordano he’s helped produce work for DC, Marvel, out. Top Cow, and Egmont Publishing. Among other Although Jones is immersed in most of the Winter Selections: Zachary Freeman and Tonya things, Rob serves as the Editor-in-Chief of AlphaCat comics, it’s the Perfect Storm title that seems to be Lee, Through January 11 Comics. As you leaf through the different styles of his baby. He’s actually working with a friend of his J. Johnson Gallery, 177 4th Avenue North, Jack- There are so many little local scenes and artwork in the different comics, such as Omega Wolf from Pittsburg on that title. They had always wanted sonville Beach, 904-435-3200 or jjohnsongallery. niches in and around Jacksonville that you might not (a werewolf comic, written and created by Casey to work together, and with a project like this, it’s a com know about. One of these scenes happens to be the Gibson) and perfect opportunity. EU had a chance to speak to Apron Chronicles: A Patchwork of American Rec- comic book junkie scene. These guys gather at the Perfect Storm Jones about this new venture, how it started and ollections, Through January 16, Cultural Center at different comic book stores around town to show (about a where it will be heading. Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra off their classic comics and add new ones to their female spy The majority of the other artists are from the Beach, (904) 280-0614 collections. Some of them have even started to do for hire), core group of Jacksonville comic book fans. Of their own comic book art. That’s how AlphaCat you’ll find the group’s beginnings, Jones says, “We originally Abbas Kiarostami: Photographs and Film, started as just a group of guys that would hang Through January 18 out on Wednesday nights. New comics come out Southeast Museum of Photography, 1200 Inter- Wednesdays, so we would go pick up the new com- national Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, ics, go to Dick’s Wings…and just go off…Every- smponline.org body had ideas for their own comics, so we just kind of evolved into—well if we don’t like what’s out there Blurring The Lines: Heather Blanton and Ryan why don’t we do something of our own?” Ketterman, Through January 30 They attended the second annual ComiCon in The Haskell Gallery at JIA, jiaarts.org/index.htm Orlando this October, which has given them a taste of what they might expect at MegaCon. Abstraction and Transition: Charley Harris, “We’re doing our real launch this coming Through January 31, Art Center Gallery, 31 West March at a convention in Orlando called MegaCon. Adams Street, Downtown, blogfromthecenter. That’s going to be our big push; when we’re going to blogspot.com have a bunch of number ones then…for a bunch of Labor Show, Through January 31, Bogda Gallery, new series.” 1253 McDuff Avenue South, (904) 387-0852 For their launch, AlphaCat Comics plans to expand on many of their titles, giving them each a Precious Gifts of Asian Art, Through January separate 24-page comic. 2008 “Right now we’re concentrating on doing a Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside bunch of number 1’s…They’re going to be origin Avenue, Riverside, (904) 356-6857 or cummer.org stories, with a beginning, middle and end.” In the meantime, they plan to expand the Oh Say Can You See: American Art from the website, so that aspiring comic book West Foundation Collection, Through January artists can post their work and get 2008, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 feedback from those already Riverside Avenue, Riverside, (904) 356-6857 or working in the industry. cummer.org If you want to take a look at what AlphaCat André Kertész: First and Last Photographs, is doing now, head to Through February 15 Comics and Classics Southeast Museum of Photography, 1200 Inter- out at the beaches and national Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Sun Coast comics in smponline.org Orange Park and ask for Steve McCurry: The Path to Buddha, Through AlphaCat’s The Vault for a February 15 Southeast Museum of Photography, look at their current issue. For 1200 International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona sneak previews of what they’ll Beach, smponline.org be coming out with and bios on the AlphaCat crew, check out their website at alphacatcomics.com. 26 january 10-16, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper contorting lizards, balancing giraffes and a juggling mantis during your visit to this trippy jungle, which during the second act is bathed in ultraviolet lights to intensify the florescent colors in the performers’ cultural events costumes. Families will get a special treat if they decide JANUARY to come to Tuesday’s show since it’s Family Night, hosted by FCCJ Artist Series Broadway Across 10 The Fabric of Our Lives: Quilts of Nassau County Exhibit America- Jacksonville. In addition to getting dis- Amelia Island Museum of History, Amelia Island counted tickets for kids (buy one get one half off), 10 Seminar: Hunger Free Forever by Dr. Michael Murray performers will be on hand before the show to meet Native Sun Natural Foods, Jax with little theatre-goers and teach them how to juggle, stretch and balance. They’ll also get to try 10-12 First Annual Artist Member Holiday Exhibition on some of the cool costumes and get their faces Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra painted. The festivities begin at 6 pm and will most 10-12 The Works of Doris Wiseman, Charles Bear & Myra likely only go on for 45 minutes to an hour, so if Jean Schick Reddi Arts, Jax you’re planning to come to the pre-show activities be sure to show up early so your family can see and do 10-20 The Fantasticks Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine it all. 10-30 Gil Mayers In Retrospect Karpeles Manuscript After viewing some clips of the show online, I Museum, Jax can certainly see my children (ok, ok, me too) be- ing amazed at what Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy 10-30 Turkish Maps Exhibit Karpeles Manuscript brings to the stage. The sets and costumes are bold Museum, Jax and colorful with top-notch performers. Even from 10-31 Jay Shoots Now-Photographs & Sculpture PIE aerial human wonders the poor-quality YouTube clips I glimpsed, I was Studio, Jax in awe at the soaring aerialists and wowed by the limbs-of-rubber contortionists who not only twist 10-31 Featured Artist: Charley Harris The Art Center, Jax Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy comes to the River City themselves in knots but do so stacked on top of 10-FEB. 3 In Stabiano: Exploring Ancient Seaside Villas of each other three-high. I would wager my kindergart- the Roman Elite Cummer Museum, Jax ner will be five times more amazed by these feats 10-FEB. 7 The Maple Leaf: American Civil War Shipwreck than I am, which is why I plan on bringing her to the Thrasher Horne Jack Mitchell Gallery, Orange Park by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] show while it’s in town. You just don’t get to see Between the circus and the critically acclaimed something this cool in the flesh every day! 10-FEB. 10 “Breaking Up is Hard To Do” The Alhambra Broadway spectacle Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy will be at the Dinner Theatre, Jax Jacksonville families will have little reason to stay Times-Union Center Moran Theatre until Sunday, 10-FEB. 24 Art in the House-Collected Works from home next week. While younger kids will enjoy see- January 20. Tickets range in price from $26 to $54 Children at Sulzbacher Center Cummer Museum, Jax ing lions and tigers and bears at the Arena, kids of all for adults, $30.50 to $20.50 for children. For more ages looking to see something completely different information or to purchase tickets, please call (904) 10-MAR. 9 Joseph Jeffers Dodge: A Passion for Art will probably want to head to the Times-Union Center 632-3373 or visit artistseries.fccj.org. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Jax to see aerialists, contortionists and acrobats put on 10-MAR. 31 The Photography of Robert Storm Burks an unforgettable show. Cirque Dreams Jungle Fan- GTM Reserve, Ponte Vedra tasy comes to town on Tuesday, January 15. Cirque Dreams should not be confused with 10-APRIL 30 Jazz History Course Taught By Landon Cirque du Soleil. Despite both having “cirque” in their Walker First Coast Community Music School, Jax names (which is French for “circus”), the shows are 11 Wine & Design BoConcept/St. Johns, Jax completely unrelated. In fact, Cirque Dreams has its 11-12 Artist Show-Pat Levey-Portraits, Pet & Equine 3 roots much closer to home- Neil Goldberg dreamed Eclectic Chicks Art Boutique, Jax up his psychedelic circus in South Florida back in 1993. After building his company from scratch and 11-19 “Called Girl” Players By The Sea, Jax Beach seeking out talent from all across the globe, Gold- 11-26 “Dearly Departed” Theatre Jax, Jax berg found himself locked in a six-year court battle with Cirque du Soleil over use of the word “cirque,” 11-FEB. 2 “Come Blow Your Horn” Orange Park a battle he eventually won. Today Goldberg’s circus Community Theatre, Orange Park is an international entertainment conglomerate that’s what the human body can do. The action is set to a 12 Exotic Plant Species Pull Ft. Clinch State Park, in high demand thanks to quality performances that clever original score (pre-recorded), accentuated by Fernandina blend European circus artistry and Broadway theat- unique live musicians who themselves are part of rics all at affordable prices. the show. The two-hour long spectacle has no real 12 First Amendment Saturdays Poetry Slam Jasmine’s Jungle Fantasy is the twelfth Cirque show plot per se, but it is jungle-themed and has plenty Coffeehouse, St. Augustine Goldberg has produced since forming his company. of strange “creatures” who can do amazing things. 12 Dance Alive-Kim Tuttle & Friends Phillips Center, Instead of relying on live animals or crazy technical Twenty-five performers and musicians from around Gainesville effects to wow audiences, Cirque Dreams uses daz- the globe take to the stage, wearing over 150 hand- zling costumes and creative choreography to show made costumes during the show. Expect to see 12 Twelfth Night Ball The Government House, St. Augustine

12 Dark of the Moon Tour The Lighthouse, St. Augustine little local acrobats 12 Telescope Viewing of the Night Sky GTM Reserve, Ponte Vedra Douglas Anderson School of the Arts has caught the acrobatic bug! Their students will be performing in the Starfish Circus, with aerial acrobatics, juggling and clowns. Students from La Villa 12 2-Day Pottery Wheel Workshop Cummer Museum, Jax and Pine Forest are also participating in the program. The show is part of an outreach program from 12 Trio Virtuosi – EMMA Concert Series Flagler College, international performers Aerial Angels. The program is designed to help kids build physical and social St. Augustine skills in a fun setting. During training and rehearsals they will learn tightrope walking, the trapeze, contortionism, partner balancing and more. 12-FEB. 16 Drama Workshop For Children ABET, Atlantic Since this sort of performance has become popular because of traveling troupes such as Cirque de Beach Soleil and other high energy dance and acrobatic performances, it makes sense that a performing arts 13 Intermezzo: Free Sunday Concert Main Library, Jax school would help their students learn these skills. The public is encouraged to attend this premiere performance on January 17th at 7:30 pm on the 14 Auditions: Jacksonville Children’s Chorus 2-4pm W.E. Douglas Anderson main stage. Tickets will be $8 at the door on the night of the event. For advance Cherry Elementary, Jax tickets or info, call (904) 346-5620 extension 122. 15 Doctor Doolittle-Theatreworks Florida Theatre, Jax

eujacksonville.com | january 10-16, 2008 27 PHOTO BY Harry Scull, Jr./Jacksonville Jaguars

jag fans are back everyone loves a good season, and Del Rio and the boys are delivering big by morgan henley For a city that isn’t noted for being supportive of their professional football team, Jacksonville is definitely showing its love for the Jaguars. Thanks to a playoff spot and win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Jags are on top of their game. With an impressive season lead by good guy quarterback David Garrard and the insanely popular running backs Maurice Jones- Drew and Fred Taylor, this football year has been good for the Jaguar fan. These players are so appreciative, they even let you know on your morning commute on various billboards around town. So as the next play off game rapidly approaches, the love for the Jaguars is only going to grow. This playoff game comes at a perfect time for the average Jacksonvillian who is getting over the post-holiday blues. Thankfully the Jaguars don’t have any whiney writers, as football is the only new thing on TV. Also, what better way to forget about the painful sorrows of the college bowl games than to support a team who didn’t crack under pressure? Who cares about Tim Tebow when there’s Fred Taylor? It seems like almost everyone has brought out their old Jaguars sweatshirts or is sporting their

T-Shirt from Football Fanatics

brand new Maurice Jones-Drew jersey. Showing your support is as easy as adding a little teal to your outfit or picking up a T-shirt from Football Fanatics. Pretty much anything goes, but avoid jerseys of traded players. I can understand how a Leftwich jersey might have seemed like a good idea at one point in time and Brunell was once Jacksonville’s super man, but it’s time to invest in a new jersey. Check out zazzle.com/jville for MJD shirts (Maurice Jones-Drew) and other Jacksonville apparel. Wayne Weaver made a commendable move this season by asking all of the fans to wear teal for the Monday night game against the Colts. Although the game wasn’t exactly in Jacksonville’s favor, losing 29 T-Shirt from Zazzle.com to 7, almost everyone in the city was showing their

28 january 10-16, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper support for the team. This is the Jaguars’ first playoff game in six years, making it coach Del Rio’s first taste of the big game. The team improves every game seemingly from the less than impressive 8-8 season last year. Consistency isn’t really the Jag’s overall strongest quality. The team often waivers in record and popularity. Having to compete with the ridiculously and incredulously popular Florida Gators for Jacksonville’s attention, the Jags have it strangely hard in a city that loves football. A team plagued with blackouts and an empty stadium should expect a wave of support next season after this good year. Don’t let the burden of lacking game attendance fall on the shoulders of Jacksonville businesses like CSX and Winn-Dixie.

PHOTO BY Harry Scull, Jr./Jacksonville Jaguars

When it comes to players, Jacksonville hit jackpot this year. Although many fans still are upset from Fred Taylor’s snub from the Pro Bowl, he did make it in the end due to the Steeler’s Willie Parker breaking his leg. The city truly showed its support after Taylor’s 10,000 running yards earlier this season, with PHOTO BY Harry Scull, Jr./Jacksonville Jaguars posters given to fans. Signs were around the city. Being a former Gator, Freddy’s an instant hit. Taylor with Jones-Drew is the perfect duo, the second best in the NFL 2006 season. Whether you call Jones- Drew MoJo, MJD, or Mighty Mouse, he was a gift to the Jaguars with an amazing rookie season. Known for being explosive on the field, he knows how to celebrate a great touchdown run. If you’ve never seen the Mighty Mouse in action, definitely take the time to YouTube him. Another pat on the back has to go to Garrard who went from second string to an 11-5 leading quarterback. The greatest thing about all three of these boys is the comfort they give not only to coach Del Rio and owner Wayne Weaver, but to their fans also. You aren’t going to find Garrard running a highly illegal dog fighting ring or Taylor bringing a gun to a club. All we can hope for is that these three powerhouses can stick around with the team long enough to fill up the bare “Pride of the Jaguar” on the stadium. If you’re interested in showing your Jaguar love with other Jacksonville fans, help send the team off Friday at the stadium. Give the team your best wishes before their journey to Boston from 10 AM to noon on the Westside of the stadium, the one by Touchdown the Jaguar, near parking lots J and M. The Jacksonville Landing will certainly be a hot spot on Saturday, along with any of the many Jacksonville sports bars. I can’t imagine it will be too hard to find fellow fans who want to watch the boys in teal every move against the mean Patriot winning machine. Now, a spot close enough to the TV is another story.

eujacksonville.com | january 10-16, 2008 29 THE JOCK

by tom weppel

The Black Kids, of which only two of the band members actually make this namesake a truth (which I love), are hitting the scene, doing a great job and are about to become famous. They are your run-of- the-mill indie band in a lot of ways, but they have a shocking name, some really great songs, and an eclectic mix of characters that makes them intriguing on a world wide fame kind of level. They’ve received national recognition. The New York Times has supposedly taken notice, Billboard has their eye on them, and Rolling Stone has even marked them as one of the ten best new bands for 2008. So wow! Another great thing coming out of great ol’ Jacksonville. I vaguely kind of have met these guys on a few random occasions. We run in similar circles. I am a semi-regular at TSI, their local headquarters where a few of the members DJed for a while. When I went to my first Black Kids show, I was excited. It’s cool to see someone close to you do so well. (As we are clearly, like, best friends forever.) I think this must be a trend amongst people wanting to take some claim of the fame for themselves. And I knew who they were and I knew they were getting a lot of attention. When I heard they were coming to TSI (but of course), I had to see what all the fuss was about. Amazing what a couple of wins can do to a town What else can be said about Tom Brady? The show was great. I mean, they made me want to dance and move around and there was a lot of and for a team. The guy has been on fire all year. He threw FIFTY clapping and shouting (by band members) and things of that nature. I can’t remember any of the songs, The Jaguars were able to defeat the Pittsburgh touchdown passes this season, averaged about but that could have been the beer or the dancing or the way I couldn’t really see through the over-packed Steelers last weekend, 31-29, for their first playoff win 300 yards a game for almost 69% completion, and throng of fans. since 1999. It was also the first time EVER that a team his 117.2 rating was by far the best in the NFL. No After the show I went up to one of the band members and asked them how it felt to be experiencing had beaten the Steelers at home twice in one season. wonder he was voted the league MVP. Along with so much success. His basic response to me was: It’s about f—king time. But the Jaguars were damn lucky. Peyton Manning, he is simply THE BEST QB in the I must have looked shocked (as I stood there motionless) because he followed it by explaining how After playing a stellar first half in Pittsburgh, the NFL. hard he had worked for so long and blah blah blah. Jags were up 28-10, going into the 4th Quarter. Then, Everyone always hears about Randy Moss, and I Well well well! Divaness unite! Actually, there is this syndrome that I have been unlucky enough to Pittsburgh mounted a strong comeback, eventually would admit he is gonna be tough to stop. But the guy experience first hand a number of times. It’s called LSD. It makes you hallucinate, think you’re God, see taking a 29-28 lead. On the Jaguars ensuing drive, I think the Jags need to cover is Wes Welker, who has things that aren’t really there. It is Lead Singer Disorder. It happens to the best of them. I think it’s a sure it took an incredible 32-yard scramble by QB David been outstanding this season, catching 112 passes fire sign that a band has reached some kind of mild success. Garrard on 4th and 2 with only a few minutes left for 8 touchdowns and 1,175 yards. That is the reason So, perhaps this band won’t be that band. Although I have never seen a band it didn’t affect. The in the game, to keep hope alive. That set up Josh the Pats are the #1 passing team in the NFL, by far. Shins seem to suffer from this. (This one time in Atlanta, after driving hours to see them live, we ended Scobee to kick a game-winning 25-yard field goal Defensively, New England has been very good, up staying at their hotel. The lead singer was walking past us and we said good show. Yet, he somehow with 37 seconds left. Then, the defense forced ranking 4th overall. They especially have been good found it impossible to even turn his eyes our way. LSD I tell you!) It’s a pretty rampant disorder that pro- Roethlisberger to fumble in their last possession. in pass defense and their D-line has been very good ducers and A&R guys and band members will all back up. As a result, the Jags’ season is still alive, and as well. While the Patriots went 16-0, it should be So the next time I go to see them I set my expectations at par. Big egos, good music, lots of people, now they will go to New England to face a vaunted noted that not all their wins were easy. They beat the dancing. Pretty average. Patriots squad that has not lost yet this season. Colts by only four points, the Eagles by only three (at I pass that same band member leaning against the bar with a few of his friends. None of them are Around town, there is a considerable buzz home), and the Ravens by three as well. talking. Just staring into the great abyss that is his success. I ask if I can get his picture. about the team. It seems the Jaguar bandwagon is Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick has praised He immediately starts to giggle. completely full. People can’t stop talking about the the Jaguars, feeling they are a good group. “They are “You want to take my picture?” he asks me, still giggling while his silent friends move to the sides possibilities for this team. Of course, this flies in a real physical team. Any team that runs as well as like the red sea parting for Moses. contrast to what we had during the regular season, they do, and stops the run as they do, they are able to “No no no!” I keep telling them. I just wanted a normal picture. “Get back together. I wanted you as when the Jaguars faced TV blackouts due to a failure do a real good job on the line of scrimmage on both you were.” to sellout home games. sides of the ball,” he said. The friends seemed surprised, and so did mister LSD. But he complied. And I got a nice, “normal” In many ways, the Jaguars are still considered a For the Jaguars to win this game a number of picture of a guy and his friends. hot team around the league. They have won seven of things will have to occur. They must win the turnover There was also a crew at this show filming a documentary. They didn’t tell you who they were with their last nine ballgames. They are a strong 6-3 on the battle, without question. IF they can force a fumble or exactly, but they only asked questions about The Black Kids. road so far this year. They have certainly shown their two, and pick off a Tom Brady pass, like they did last “Do you own any of their music?” they would ask. ability to play and beat a lot of teams around the NFL. weekend with Ben Roethlisberger, that will help their “No,” I responded. I didn’t even know you could own their music yet. Also, the Jaguars have shown they have some quest immensely. “What do you think about their new success?” depth. In the Pittsburgh game, after losing standout They must run the ball effectively, which I feel “I’m waiting to see if they will develop major diva behavior.” I said in all seriousness. DT John Henderson to a hamstring strain, we saw is actually possible against a Patriot defense that “Why do think that will happen?” he asks, laughing through bit cheeks. Grady Jackson and Derek Landri come in and actually ranked only 10th best in stopping runs in the league. “Because it happens to every band that experiences some level of success.” make some very solid plays, including pass rushing Fred Taylor will have to have better runs against the “And you don’t think The Black Kids are different?” This guy was about to crack up. and run defense, to prove the Jaguars’ defense is Pats than he did against the Steelers. And the Jaguar “No.” quite stout. Landri himself had a sack, an interception, defense absolutely MUST be effective in hindering the and a fumble recovery in the Steeler game. Patriots passing game. This, without question, is a And of course we also saw the playmaking skills very important aspect to this contest. of Maurice Jones-Drew emerge. Jones-Drew has Jacksonville’s success against the Patriots has shown us time and again he can make things happen, been minimal, winning only one time in seven games. whether it’s with a kickoff return, pass-catching, or Last year, the Pats won 24-21 in Jacksonville, and rushing. The guy has simply become a key player for of course the Jags lost in the playoffs in Foxboro in the Jaguars offense and special teams. He is without 2005, 28-3. Jack Del Rio is very aware of what he a doubt a fan favorite. has to do to mentally get his troops ready to face this This weekend, they will face a Patriot team outstanding opponent. It will be up to him to get in to that set all kinds of records, including scoring, the heads of each and every player and convince him touchdowns, and passing yardage. They are a very, that the Patriots can be beat. I think that will be the very solid group of veterans that has simply taken most important aspect of this whole contest for the care of business each and every weekend, compiling Jags. a 16-0 record that obviously has drawn beaming Jacksonville is a huge underdog for this game. spotlights from all over. The Vegas line already started at 11.5 points. The

30 january 10-16, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper Patriots will have a strong fan base. It will be loud in Defensively, both teams have done a solid job Gillette Stadium. The game will be played at night, this season. It will be important for each to take care magnifying the excitement that much more. And of of business in order to pull out a victory. I would say course, the Patriots are a damn good football team we should all look for Favre to lead his Packers to that no one has beaten this year. a win, playing at home in front of a frigid, raucous With all this said, I can tell you that I think crowd. the Jags will show us some good things, and they will stay competitive throughout the contest. If they GIANTS/COWBOYS can force a few turnovers, then capitalize on those The Giants and Cowboys have been strong opportunities, they have a decent shot at pulling off a rivals for quite a long time. They have played some win. If they were to do so, it would be an IMMENSE competitive, entertaining games. However, for all the VICTORY! They would certainly make history if they times these two franchises have faced each other, this won this game. will be the FIRST TIME EVER they will play each other But honestly, I think the Patriots will take care in the playoffs. I found that to be quite amazing. of this game, beating the Jaguars in the second half, The Giants go to Dallas after beating the then cruising to a win. Buccaneers last weekend. In that game, we all saw Eli Manning emerge with a strong performance, CHARGERS/COLTS which indeed was the key to New York’s offense While all the attention this season has been being productive. That, and their ability to get decent almost totally centered upon the Patriots, its amazing yardage on the ground, will again be an important how NO ONE is talking about the reigning Super aspect of their play against the Cowboys. Bowl Champion, the Indianapolis Colts. In any other This season, Dallas beat the Giants on both season, the Colts would simply be THE team to beat. occasions, winning by scores of 45-35 in Dallas, They would be THE team favored to go all the way and again by 31-20 in New York. The strength for the again, considering their stellar 13-3 record and their Dallas offense lies in their passing game, of which play over the course of their schedule. they were ranked 4th in the League. However, their But the Patriots have accepted the spotlight, playmaking WR, Terrell Owens, is still hobbled by an leaving Tony Dungy, Peyton Manning, and the rest ankle injury. If he does play, he won’t be 100%. And of the Colts, to fend for themselves. They will start so it will be up to the rest of the Cowboy receivers, doing that this weekend when they host the San Diego including Patrick Crayton and TE Jason Witten, to Chargers, a team they are very much looking forward make plays. We will also need to see QB Tony Romo to playing. This year, the Chargers beat the Colts 23- take care of business as well. 21, with the San Diego defense intercepted Manning Defensively, both teams are ranked in the top SIX TIMES! ten in the NFL overall. They both can do a good job San Diego comes into this game after beating of stopping the run. Both also have done a good job the Titans last weekend. They are on a seven-game of pass defense, with the Cowboys having All-Pro winning streak overall. Their team is known for Safeties Ken Hamlin and Roy Williams. The Giant creating turnovers, a hard hitting defense, and a solid secondary is hurting, and it will be important for offense keyed by All-Pro RB LaDainian Tomlinson, their reserves to come through and do the job when who led the league in rushing. They are a solid group, needed. and will pose some problems for the Colts. Tom Coughlin has kept his boys very Of course, we all know Indy has been strong on competitive on the road this year, going 7-1 during offense, with Manning throwing to WR Reggie Wayne the regular season. It will be very tough for them to and company. Joseph Addai has been good in rushing beat the Cowboys in Dallas, but I think it is also quite as well. And their defense has been surprisingly possible. I’m not totally convinced the Cowboys have strong this year, led by the Defensive MVP, S Bob this one in the bag. We’ll see how it shakes out. Sanders. While the Chargers are a good team, I think the Tom Weppel talks trash with Greg Larson, Lonnie Colts will do what it takes to win this game and move Marts, Eugene Chung, Artis Gilmore, and Ron Duguay on to the AFC Championship game. They will be ready on SportsAvengers.com 24/7. to go. NASCAR COLUMN ON HOLD! SEAHAWKS/PACKERS After beating Washington, The Seattle Seahawks Due to a breakdown in contract will now go to Green Bay to face the Packers at negoitations our NASCAR writer Lambeau Field. Of course, we all know the connection has elected to join ranks with The here, with Mike Holmgren and Matt Hasselbeck both Screenwriters Strike coming from there. Holmgren coached Green Bay to contact: [email protected] their Super Bowl title a while back. This season, the Packers came out rockin’, with Brett Favre filling the air with his passes to a solid corps of receivers. Towards the end of the season, the Packer running game started to emerge as well, with RB Ryan Grant pulling the load. He will be THE KEY to the Packers winning this one. Seattle looked pretty good in their win last week. However, Hasselbeck seems to be still hurting a little with his wrist giving him problems.

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