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holiday events golden symphony compass musicians book and film review speak out free weekly guide to entertainment and more | december 6 - 12, 2007 | www.eujacksonville.com 2 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper cover photo from sleeping beauty on ice (see page 32 for story) table of contents feature Hi-Tech Shopping...... PAGES 13-16 Tech Shopping Advice...... PAGE 14 Game Systems...... PAGE 16 Local Shopping Staples...... PAGES 17-18 Holiday Events...... PAGES 20-21 movies Movies in Theaters this Week...... PAGES 6-11 The Golden Compass (movie review)...... PAGE 6 Awake (movie review)...... PAGE 8 Control (movie review)...... PAGE 9 International Film Festival (9th & Main)...... PAGE 10-11 home His Dark Materials (book review)...... PAGE 7 Netscapades...... PAGE 12 Video Games ...... PAGE 12 dish Dish Update...... PAGE 22 Matthews Market (restaurant review)...... PAGES 22-23 Prepared Meals...... PAGE 23 Mandarin Pub Crawl...... PAGE 24 music Music Calendar...... PAGES 26-30 Nick Drake Box Set (album review)...... PAGE 25 Nirvana Unplugged (DVD review)...... PAGE 25 Louie LeClaire (Starlite)...... PAGE 26 Luna Halo (French Quarter) ...... PAGE 27 Jacksonville Symphony Players (interview)...... PAGE 28 Ritz Chamber Players (interview)...... PAGE 29 arts / theatre / on stage Sesame Street Live (interview)...... PAGE 30 Frank Matthews & Gail Taylor (Bogda)...... PAGE 31 Sleeping Beauty on Ice (interview)...... PAGE 32 It’s A Wonderful Life (Players By The Sea)...... PAGES 33 columns and stuff Native Foreigner...... PAGE 34 The Jock...... PAGE 34 NASCAR News & Notes...... PAGE 35

eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 3 thisweek keith urban Keith Urban’s “Love, Pain & the thursday december 6 Whole Crazy World Tour” Frantic crowds have followed Keith Urban’s International Fest of Cinema and Technology “Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy World Tour” The International Fest of Cinema and Technology will present a se- from Germany to the United Kingdom, Aus- lection of independent films from across the globe from December tralia, Canada and parts of the . 6th to the 8th. Festival screenings include short comedies, dramas, Now his world tour arrives in Jacksonville! animated films, experimental films, music videos and documen- Gary Allan, who has quickly become one of taries. During the festival, 9th and Main will have a full bar open ’s brightest stars, will also which will be serving drinks during the screenings. Tickets: $6 per perform. Tickets: $19 to $58.50 Jacksonville screening session, ($3 for students) The Rusted Hinge at 9th and Veterans Memorial Arena- 8 pm, Info: (904) Main (1850 N Main St), Info: www.ifct.org or (904) 353-6002. 630-3998 Read the story on pages 10 and 11. Peter Pan Ritz Chamber Players Opening Concert with Mozart This is Peter Pan’s Only Northeast The Ritz Chamber Players will kick off its seventh season this week. tour stop! Brooke Stone follows many famous The Jacksonville-based ensemble made its triumphant, sold-out women who have played Peter Pan since Carnegie Hall debut in June 2004, with critics proclaiming its per- the original production opened in London formances as “extraordinary” and “vital and fresh.” Read interview in December of 1904. Stone was hand picked to play Peter for Twas the Flight before Christmas- Featuring Aire with Artistic Director Terrence Patterson on page 29. Tickets: this touring production. She has appeared on Broadway in the Traffic $25/single show, $79/ online special for all 4 shows, $89/ Orches- musicals: Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast and Grease. This is Aire Traffic is a band made up entirely of air traffic controllers with tra Seating for all 4 shows. Jacoby Symphony Hall, Times-Union the first time Peter Pan: The Broadway Musical has toured in 10 a unique blend of original jazz, rock and contemporary music. This Center for the Performing Arts-7:30 pm, Info: ritzchamberplayers. years. Tickets: $48, $38, $28. Thrasher-Horne Center for the special Christmas concert under the stars benefits the Children’s org or (904) 354-5547 Arts - 7:30 pm. Info: (904) 276-6750 Miracle Network. In addition to the music, FCTI’s Culinary Arts School will be on hand with some delicious chow, Aerospace Col. Bruce & the Quark Alliance december 7 - 8 Academy is bringing flight simulators and no holiday show would Over the years, Col. Bruce Hampton has fronted The Hampton The Community Nutcracker be complete without a visit from Santa! Tickets: $60/VIP reception Grease Band, The Late Bronze Age, and The Aquarium Rescue The Community Nutcracker, a beloved Jacksonville holiday (at 6 pm) and performance, $16/general admission, $11/Seniors, Unit. Now Col. Bruce is playing with guitarist/singer/songwriter tradition, will be performed this weekend. The ballet showcases military, students, children. St. Augustine Amphitheatre- 7:30 pm, Jeff Caldwell, drummer Mark Letalien, and bassist Kris Dale as the internationally renowned principal dancers, our area’s finest Info and tickets: airetraffic.com or (904) 202-2900 Quark Alliance. Jeff’s songs are a mixture of jazz, rock and R&B. young dance corps, and Tchaikovsky’s best-loved melodies, Together with Col. Bruce’s eclectic catalogue of songs and the oc- all while telling a timeless tale the entire family will enjoy. See David Wilcox casional blues standard, The Quark Alliance is worth joining. Tick- performances on Friday at 8 pm and Saturday at 2 pm and 8 David Wilcox’s voice is per- ets: $10 - 8 pm, Info: (904) 246-BIRD pm Tickets: $23-$33.50 , Info: (904) 355-2787 haps most often compared with James Taylor, though a 1994 Acoustic Guitar cover story characterized it as Tay- december 8 lor combined with a “husky december 7 saturday friday breathiness more reminiscent Ancient City Kids Day of the late Nick Drake.” That article also called him the It was the (once) great Whitney Houston who said “I believe Rev. Billy Wirtz “best known of the brilliant that children of our future/Teach them well and let them lead the Reverend Billy C. Wirtz is a comic genius, gifted pianist and Ameri- crop of singer-songwriters to way.” It is with this wise sentiment in mind that we recommend david wilcox can musicologist who defies easy classification. “I like to think of emerge in the late ‘80s.” Cafe Ancient City Kids Day, a fun, family-friendly festival that will myself as the Victor Borge of the blues,” states the Reverend, but Eleven - 8:30 pm, Tickets: $18, Info: (904) 469-9311 Billy goes way beyond Borge both in scope of subject matter (from include over 40 youth service agencies offering carnival style politics to social commentary) and, of course, in taste. In fact, no games and activities, arts and crafts, and contests for the kids theme is too extreme, taboo, or undignified for the Reverend, so and live entertainment all day. Best of all, entry to the event is long as it garners a good laugh. Cafe Eleven - 8:30 pm, Tickets: free to the public! Francis Field- Castillo Drive, St. Augustine- $12, Info: (904) 469-9311 10 am to 2 pm Info: (904) 829-2273 sunday DECEmber 9 The Pillowman Downtown Historic Church Tour Mary Lou Wesley Krosnick Seven Downtown historic churches will open for the tour. The Orpheus Theater Group’s second production, The Pillowman, be- Celebrated pianist Mary Lou Wesley Krosnick has received degrees guide at each church will highlight the architectural and histori- gins this Friday. With echoes of Stoppard, Kafka, and the Brothers from the Julliard School of Music, the University of Wisconsin and cal significance of the building. Visitors can walk the tour route, Grimm, The Pillowman centers on a writer in an unnamed totalitar- the Yale University School of Music, and will perform four original and trolley service is provided along the tour route. The tour ian state who is being interrogated about the gruesome content of compositions and works by Brahms, Rachmaninoff, Chopin and begins and ends at the Main Library from 1 to 5 pm. The Junior his short stories and their similarities to a series of child murders. Bach this Sunday. Admission: $10/adults, $5/general students, League of Jacksonville’s Annual Festival of Trees will be on The play will be presented on Fridays and Saturdays through De- seniors and military personnel, free/JU students with appropriate ID. nd display at the Main Library. Tickets: $5, Children 12 and under cember 22 . Tickets: $12 The Body Gallery- 8 pm, Info: (904) 296- Jacksonville University’s Terry Concert Hall- 2:30 pm, Info: (904) no charge. Info: (904) 451-3344 3292 or orpheustheatergroup.com 256-7677

4 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Chabad’s Chanukah at the Landing This free, fun-filled afternoon features holiday shopping, face painting, arts and crafts, a Chanukah parade and much more. The event concludes at 5 pm with the lighting of the 13ft tall Menorah. The Jacksonville Landing- 3 pm, Info: (904) 262-6641

Rock for the Rescue Sophomore Attempt This special concert benefiting the City Rescue Mission (and sponsored by 5 Points Church) features the musical stylings of area bands Don’t Sigh Daisy, Among Your Brothers, Joe Everett, The Metanoia Project Band, Shangrala, Matlock, and the Sophomore Attempt. Tickets: $8 at the door. Five Points Theater- 5 pm, Info: [email protected]

The Avett Brothers The Avett Brothers play a mixture of old-time country, bluegrass, pop melodies, folk, rock n’ roll, honky- tonk and ragtime. Over the past year, the trio has made known that half of what makes them great are their live performances, which have proven to entertain and enchant a wide, diverse audience. Tickets: $15/advance, $20/ day of show Freebird Live- 8 pm, Info: (904) 246-BIRD

monday december 10 Junie B. Jones Based on the popular books by Barbara Park, Junie B. Jones is finally graduating from kindergarten and is ready for first grade, at last! But getting used to the whole new group of friends, a new teacher, and new glasses is challenging, even for irrepressible Junie B. Jones. Follow her adventures as she writes everything down in her “top-secret Personal beeswax” journal. Tickets: $7 UNF- 10 am and 2 pm, Info: (904) 353-3500 or theatreworksjax.com

tuesday DECEmber 11 New Atlantic New Atlantic’s attention to detail and work ethic is apparent in everything from their perpetual tour schedule to, more importantly, their flawlessly crafted songs. The band is currently on tour in support of their album, The Streets, The Sounds, and The Love, and will be stopping by Jack Rabbits this Tuesday with Between the Trees, Paper Rival and Charlotte Sometimes. Tickets: $8/advance, $10/ day of show Jack Rabbits- 7 pm, Info: (904) 398-7496

Jethro Tull British rock band Jethro Tull is famous for the distinctive vocal style and lead flute work of front man Ian Anderson. Initially playing blues rock with an experimental flavor, they have since incorporated elements of classical, folk, jazz and art rock. Eclectic influences, diverse instrumentation, and often elaborate song construction led them to be labeled as an archetypal “” band. Tickets: $46.50- $56.50 Florida Theatre- 8 pm, Info: (904) 355-2787 david wilcox Peter White Christmas Contemporary jazz guitarist and keyboard player Peter White performs with trumpeter Rick Braun and saxophonist, vocalist and composer Mindi Abair. Their smooth jazz sounds will provide an evening of groove and sparkle that will put you in the holiday spirit. Florida Theatre - 8 pm, Tickets: $38.50, $31, Info: (904) 355-2787

next thursday december 13 Sleeping Beauty on Ice Magnificent costumes, fantastic choreography and music by Tchaikovsky combine art and storybook entertainment with the tradition of world ballet in “Sleeping Beauty.” Under the direction of former principal dancer and choreographer of the Kirov ballet, Konstantin Rassadin, this performance blends many art forms to create a magical rendition of this classic tale that will be cherished by all ages. Tickets: $28-$38/general admission, $10/UNF students. UNF Fine Arts Center- 7:30 pm, Info: unf.edu/ fineartscenter. See story page 32.

eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 5 Coulter (Nicole Kidman) and her creepy golden mon- MOVIES OPENING key daemon. When a secret group known by villagers and CONTROL Prolific music-video helmer and commonfolk as “The Gobblers” start stealing chil- award-winning photographer Anton Corbijn dren, Lyra’s best friend Roger is taken. Lyra, who makes his feature directorial debut with this bio- made a promise to Roger, is determined to save him. graphical drama concerning the late Joy Division In this quest, her only allies are Pan and a secret frontman Ian Curtis. Based on the book Touching device called an alethiometer, which has the ability from a Distance: Ian Curtis & Joy Division by the to tell the truth. Lyra has the rare gift of being able to enigmatic singer’s wife Deborah Curtis, Control read the device, and with its assistance, finds com- documents the life of a legend who changed the patriots she can trust. face of modern music but never lived to witness Among those compatriots are Iorek Byrnison, the remarkable impact of his life’s work. Star- an armored bear voiced by Ian McKellen, Texan aero- ring: Sam Riley, Samantha Morton, Craig Parkin- naut Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliot) and a ragtag group son, Alexandra Maria Lara. Rating: R of gyptians, which are a clan of common people that are a cross between pirates and gypsies. THE GOLDEN COMPASS Based on author Philip Pullman’s bestselling and award-winning novel,’The Golden Compass’ tells the first story in Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. ‘The Golden Compass’ is an exciting fantasy adven- ture, 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 a fantasy adventure 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 strong enough for a girl up on an epic quest to save not only her world, but ours as well. ‘The Golden Compass’ stars an ensemble cast that includes Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott, and Ian McShane. Rat- The Golden Compass doesn’t tell true north ing: PG-13 by jon bosworth [email protected] NOELLE Father Jonathan Keene - a cold, im- patient Catholic priest arrives in a tiny fishing A Rated PG-13 113 Minutes even better than the Lord of the Rings movies. I’m village the week before Christmas to do what he As the father of two girls, nothing could make not kidding. It rocked. does best: shut down a dying parish. But things me happier than to finally see a truly feminine char- Lyra Balacqua is played exquisitely by debut take an unexpected turn as he becomes entan- acter as the courageous young hero in a fantasy film actress Dakota Blue Richards. Look for out- gled in the various lives of the village’s eccentric adventure film. I will preface this entire review with standing things from this terrific young actress. Lyra characters, including their beautiful librarian, the two statements: A) I am a Christian. Bible-believ- is a young orphan being raised by scholars at Jordan childlike priest he is displacing, and the magi- ing, church-going, Jesus-lovin’ Christian. B) I read College, which is Oxford in the England of her dimen- cal experience of Mrs. Worthington’s legendary all three of the His Dark Materials books by Golden sion. The entire film takes place in a world parallel Christmas Party, where everyone is welcome Compass author Philip Pullman with my oldest to ours, with many similarities but also many funda- A critical thing to remember if you are con- and anything is possible. Starring: David Wall, daughter. mental differences. Among those differences is the cerned about a message of secular humanism cor- Sean Patrick Brennan, Kerry Brennan, Brennan Yes, I know churches are telling parents not fact that the people of this world all have a daemon, rupting your child’s beliefs, is to remind them (and Wall, Jean Bates. Rating: PG to let their children see this film. My daughters both which is an animal that is a physical embodiment of perhaps yourself) that this story is fiction. There are go to Catholic school and this message has been the person’s soul. not talking armored bears any more than there are WRISTCUTTERS: A LOVE STORY Patrick Fugit delivered from the desk of their language arts class, Lyra and her daemon, Pan (voiced by Fred- hobbits or God-like lions. This film is fantasy. Lyra is Zia, a heart-broken young man who slits his which I find abhorrent, since I thought the church die Highmore), are a curious and courageous duo. is a liar, but so was Huck Finn. The magisterium wrists only to find himself in a bizarre purgatory was past the days of banning books. And yes, I can Although they do not know that the witches in this does represent the church, but the church has been populated solely by suicide victims. He soon clearly see the secular humanist message behind world have an ancient prophecy about her destiny, very corrupt in real history as well. It is far better discovers that his ex girlfriend has also joined this film. In fact, the message is far more diluted in they do feel as though they are to be part of some- to engage a child’s imagination with a film such as this new world. Zia sets out to find her on a ‘Wiz- the film version than it was in the books, but don’t thing bigger; something that has to do with Lyra’s The Golden Compass and then discuss the subjects ard of Oz’-like journey that teams him up with use what ignorant people are saying as a reason uncle Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), who is on a search it brings up than to shelter them from films such as an odd cast of characters, including Tom Waits. to deprive yourself, or especially your children, of for parallel dimensions and to destroy the author- these and have them learn about secular humanism Starring: Patrick Fugit, Shannyn Sossamon, Shea this fantastic adventure story. It is easily the most ity of the magisterium (a religious hierarchy in this in the much more subtle and insidious real world. Whigham, Leslie Bibb. Rating: R exciting film I have watched this year. Better than alternate dimension). On the opposing side of the And it is fodder for grown folk to discuss as well, for Spider-Man 3. Better than Harry Potter. Heck, it was enigmatic Lord Asriel, is the equally enigmatic Mrs. this film is not strictly a children’s movie. NOW SHOWING The Golden Compass is, bar none, the best live-action, family-oriented adventure film I have AMERICAN GANGSTER Based on the life of seen since Return of the Jedi. From the outstanding drug-kingpin-turned-informant, Frank Lucas, performances by Nicole Kidman and a litany of vir- who grew up in segregated North Carolina. He tual unknowns to the incredible special effects that eventually made his way to Harlem where he pull you into this dynamic fantasy world with talking became a heroin kingpin by traveling to Asia’s bears and kind witches, this film is worth watching. Golden Triangle to make connections, shipping Regardless of the subtextual issues such as science versus religion or the will of the human spirit 4 being the most powerful force in the universe, these are stories we’ve heard before and they do not de- stroy faith, rather, they give intellectual discourse an exciting flare and they help us to better understand why we believe what we do. But you haven’t seen a story quite like this ever before, so catch it on the larger-than-life big movie screen this winter. It is a fantastic alternative to tired Santa Claus stories that are equally as secular.

6 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper the rebel angels becomes clearer in this book. rebellious angels rages (along with a ragtag army lead by Lyra’s father, Lord Asriel), finally coming to a The Amber SpyGlass conclusion in this book. In the Subtle Knife, Mary Malone discovers what part she has to play in the fight between the If you’re a conservative Christian, should you Authority and the rebel angels. Following instruction forbid your children from reading this series? No, be- she receives, she waits for Lyra and Will in a won- cause if you forbid them and they pick up the books, drous world, fashioning an Amber Spyglass to study it will confirm the ideas contained in the pages – that the mysterious Dust. Meanwhile, Lyra decides she authority wants to stifle any ideas outside their own must travel to the world of the dead to save a friend. rigid laws of faith. Rather, you should read the books All the while, the war between the Authority and the with your kids and talk about the ideas and themes. golden controversy His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman by Erin thursby [email protected] Just a few weeks ago I got a panicked email She’s an orphan and an excellent liar, but she’s good about Phillip Pullman’s trilogy, His Dark Materials. at heart. She lives in a world parallel to ours, where It was from the same folks who once emailed me the human soul is embodied by a separate animal about the dangers of the Harry Potter series to the called a daemon, which accompanies each human. Christian faith, so I wasn’t going to take it too seri- She travels to the North with an armored polar bear ously. Still, I did some research and read the books. and gyptians (water gypsies of her world) after a And I have to say—those Christian alarmists were friend is kidnapped by the mysterious Gobblers, who actually right about this one. The ideas contained have been taking children away for gruesome experi- in the fantasies would have been enough to have ments in order to study a substance called Dust. Pullman burned at the stake for heresy, back when Christians did that sort of thing. The Subtle Knife There’s a strong sense of morality in his se- Lyra walks through a doorway and finds an ries, but there’s a sympathy for the devil that can’t alternate world. There, she meets a boy named Will be denied. Pullman himself has acknowledged that Parry, a traveler from our own world who has reason many of his ideas come from the sometimes hereti- to hide in the empty city of Cittàgazze in this strange cal works of Milton’s Paradise Lost. But Pullman specter-filled world. He becomes the wielder of the chooses to invert Milton’s war between heaven and Subtle Knife. One side can cut any matter; the other hell. Pullman has claimed that His Dark Materials can create windows to other worlds. Using the knife, aren’t atheistic. she and Will travel between worlds in a quest to find Will’s missing father and to get Lyra’s golden com- The Golden Compass pass from the wily man who stole it from her. Lyra The main character in all three books is Lyra. and Will’s importance in the war between God and

eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 7 leave a patient awake during a major operation. heroin back to the US in the coffins of soldiers Statistics show that it happens to an alarming per- killed in Vietnam. He soon made upwards of centage of patients. Anyone who has gone under one million dollars a day in drug sales. Lucas the knife knows that one has a deep fear of being was shadowed by lawman, Richie Roberts, who unconscious and not making it through the proce- finally helped bring the kingpin to justice. The dure. Knowing about rampant hospital mistakes, two then worked together to expose the crooked such as surgeons cutting wrong breast or replac- cops and foreign nationals who made importing ing the wrong organ, makes this fear justified. heroin so easy. Starring: Russell Crowe, Denzel Leading up to the heart transplant, Clay’s Washington, Josh Brolin, Common , Ted Levine. gorgeous fiancee, Sam Rockwood (Jessica Alba), Rating: R is supportive during his illness. The story picks up when Clay has reached an impasse with his fail- AUGUST RUSH A charismatic young Irish ing heart. He needs a transplant. His mother Lilith guitarist (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and a shel- (Lena Olin) is dating the nation’s preeminent heart tered young cellist (Keri Russell) have a chance surgeon, and she wants him to do the transplant. encounter one magical night above New York’s But Clay wants his friend Dr. Jack Harper (Ter- Washington Square, but are soon torn apart, rence Howard) to do the operation. Harper isn’t leaving in their wake an infant, orphaned by exactly the best surgeon available, but Clay is circumstance. Years later, performing on the loyal to his friend. streets of New York and cared for by a mysteri- ous stranger (Robin Williams) who gives him the name August Rush, the child (Freddie Highmore) uses his remarkable musical talent to seek the parents from whom he was separated at birth. Rating: PG.

AWAKE A psychological thriller about a com- mon occurrence called “anesthetic awareness,” a horrifying phenomenon wherein a patient’s (Hayden Christensen) failed anesthesia leaves him fully conscious but physically paralyzed under the knife during surgery. The patient’s charming new wife (Jessica Alba) is forced to struggle with her own demons as a terrifying drama unfolds around the Awake couple. Starring: Hayden Christensen, Jessica In this story, things are not what they seem. Alba, Terrence Howard, Lena Olin. Rating: R. In a moment of romantic passion, Clay and Sam by Rick grant [email protected] get married in a hastily arranged ceremony just BEE MOVIE Barry B. Benson is a graduate bee prior to his operation. Lilith is livid. She doesn’t fresh out of college who is disillusioned at his B Rated R 78 min premise is a phenomenon called “anesthetic like Sam, who was her personal assistant before lone career choice: making honey. On a rare trip awareness” wherein patients are paralyzed by the Clay fell head over heals in love with her. Well, outside the hive, Barry’s life is saved by Van- First time feature filmmaker Joby Harold anesthesia, but fully conscious, aware of every- who wouldn’t fall in love with this hottie. Alba essa, a florist in . As their relation- imagined a clever screenplay for this dark tale of thing that is going on, and unable to tell anyone. plays Sam with sensual moves that heat up a ship blossoms, he discovers humans are mass medical malfeasance involving twenty-something In this case, Clay is aware of much more scene or two. consumers of honey and decides to sue the billionaire Clay Beresford (Hayden Christensen). than the doctors cutting him open and replacing During the operation, Clay does not go un- human race for stealing bees’ honey. Starring: He made his money as a stock trading wunder- his heart. Writer/director Harold’s story plays on conscious. He feels every incision and the pain Jerry Seinfeld, Renee Zellweger, Chris Rock, Ray kind, but he has a bad heart. The hook of the the fear that an incompetent anesthesiologist will of the surgeon spreading his chest out to reveal Liotta, Mark Moseley. Rating: PG the beating heart. Clay tries to remember his whirlwind love affair with Sam to distract him from BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD the reality of his situation. What he overhears Master filmmaker Sidney Lumet directs this the operating team discussing goes way beyond absorbing suspense thriller about a family fac- the usual surgeon chatter. As the operation pro- ing the worst enemy of all - itself. Oscar-winner gresses, Clay has an out-of-body experience in Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Andy, an over- which he travels around the hospital futilely trying extended broker who lures his younger brother, to get someone to listen to him. He’s trapped in Hank (Ethan Hawke), into a larcenous scheme: limbo, between life and death. What he hears the the pair will rob a suburban mom-and-pop surgeons saying scares him to the core, but he jewelry store. The problem is, the store owners can’t act on it. are Andy and Hank’s actual mom and pop and, There is a sinister conspiracy at play, and when the seemingly perfect crime goes awry, the Clay is the victim. How can he warn his mother damage lands right at their doorstep. Oscar-win- and the authorities? He’s helpless on the operat- ner Marisa Tomei plays Hoffman’s trophy wife ing table and his spirit can’t be seen or heard by and Albert Finney as the family. A classy, clas- anyone in the physical universe. At this point in sic heist-gone-wrong drama, ‘Before the Devil the story, director Harold builds the tension deftly Knows You’re Dead’ is smart enough to know to a crescendo of terror, as Clay desperately tries that we often have the most to fear from those to stop the sequence of events from happening to who are near and dear. Rating: R him. Christensen portrays Clay with proper righ- teous indignation at his predicament. Alba plays BELLA A man whose life is about to be her role with savvy acting skill. Christopher Mc- changed forever discovers that sometimes it Donald, who plays the bumbling alcoholic anes- takes losing it all to finally appreciate the things thesiologist, ironically ends up Clay’s only friend. that truly matter in director Alejandro Monte- I found this scenario quite frightening, having verde’s emotional tale of self discovery. Rating: had numerous operations involving general anes- PG-13 thesia. I always pictured the doctors playing with me, their unconscious toy, by twisting me into a BEOWULF Director Robert Zemeckis (‘The pretzel and laughing or joking, “that is going to Polar Express’) and graphic novelist Neil Gaiman hurt like hell.” It’s a clever spin on the suspense (the ‘Sandman’ series) team up for this highly and horror genre. It makes one think that when anticipated, performance-capture adaptation of one goes unconscious in the operating theater, 4 one may not make it out of there alive.

8 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper the Old English epic poem. When the young war- rior Beowulf (Ray Winstone) travels to a neigh- a joy divided boring kingdom and slays the monster Grendel (Crispin Glover), he is hailed as a hero. But before long, Beowulf must face an even deadlier foe: Grendel’s mother (Angelina Jolie), who seeks Control is 70’s punk vengeance for the loss of her son. The film also stars Anthony Hopkins as King Hrothgar, Robin by Rick grant [email protected] Wright Penn as Queen Wealtheow and John Mal- his wife Deborah (Samantha Morton) and child. kovich as Unferth. Rating: PG-13 Curtis’ brief life is the age-old story of a young man who got married too early, then his music DAN IN REAL LIFE A widower and father of career took off and he had to tour, leaving his wife three who also writes a parenting advice column and kid behind. Of course, on the road, Curtis meets for his local newspaper falls for the girlfriend a beautiful young French groupie, Annik Honore, of his younger brother during a family vacation played by stunning Alexandra Maria Lara. He falls in in director Peter Hedges’ offbeat love triangle love with her, but later discovers he still has feelings laugher. Steve Carell stars as the writer who finds for his wife. His guilt and conflicts were tearing him his widely-known convictions put to the apart. Then he had his first grand mal seizure, which test, with Dane Cook and Juliette Binoche respec- led to the diagnosis of epilepsy. tively assuming the roles of the younger sibling Despite his disabling mental problems, Curtis and his radiant girlfriend. Starring: Steve Carell, had a remarkable talent for writing songs with lyrics Juliette Binoche, Dane Cook, John Mahoney. that the band’s fans could identify with. If he could Rating: PG-13. have lived with the epilepsy, he would have led the band to glory. On one occasion, he had a seizure on THE DARJEELING LIMITED Three American stage, but it fit in with the group’s outrageous antics brothers who have not spoken to each other in a and became the grand finale of their act. year set off on a train voyage across India with a Curtis’ mental anguish and depression were plan to find themselves and bond with each other trapping his mind in a black hole. Riley’s savvy -- to become brothers again like they used to be. characterization of Curtis expresses his downward Their “spiritual quest”, however, veers rapidly off- spiral with skillful acting elan. His pained expression course (due to events involving over-the-counter revealed an inner-war with his demons for control of pain killers, Indian cough syrup, and pepper his consciousness. He couldn’t even enjoy the suc- spray), and they eventually find themselves cess of the band, though he kept writing exception- stranded alone in the middle of the desert with ally poignant material that influenced a generation of eleven suitcases, a printer, and a laminating ma- punk, new wave and alt-rock bands through the 80s. chine. At this moment, a new, unplanned journey Curtis’ personality was fragmented into many suddenly begins. Starring: Owen Wilson, Adrien B+ Rated R 121 min. parts but lacked a cohesive whole. His mood swings Brody, Jason Schwartzman, Anjelica Huston. were radical. He would go from sweet to cruel to Rating: R. The tortured rock star cliché gets another spin forgiving to completely selfish and aloof. Samantha with this bleak yet intriguing film written and directed Morton’s stand-out performance as Deborah mirrors ENCHANTED Princess Giselle (Amy Adams) by Anton Corbijn from Deborah Curtis’ memoir Curtis’ dysfunction. She really tried to understand lives in the blissful cartoon world of Andalasia, Touching from a Distance. Corbijn’s use of stark his lifestyle and was surprisingly tolerant of his affair where magical beings frolic freely and musical black and white visually drives home the real life with Annik. Like a ghost, Curtis would come into interludes punctuate every interaction. Though struggles of Ian Curtis, lead singer for the 70s new and out of her life, which wreaked havoc on their Princess Giselle is currently engaged to be mar- wave band Joy Division. marriage. After one of Curtis’ freaky appearances in ried to the handsome Prince Edward (James Curtis, who died by his own hand in 1980, was Deborah’s home, she’d finally had enough and asked Marsden), her fate takes a turn for the worse a brooding, self-absorbed and depressed 20-year him for a divorce. when the villainous Queen Narissa (Susan Saran- old who started a band to sing his introspective po- The onslaught of Curtis’ epilepsy gradually got don) banishes her to the unforgiving metropolis etic lyrics to the frantic rhythms and clever music of worse. If he took the medication, he was zonked of New York City. As the cruelty of the big city the group Joy Division. It was a sensation in Britain out. If he didn’t take his meds, his seizures would soon begins to wear down the fairy-tale exterior and around the globe that still gains fans today. The leave him exhausted, crippling his mind for days. For of the once carefree princess, the frightened group had planned a tour of the States, but Curtis the disenfranchised youth of the 70s, Joy Division’s Giselle soon finds herself falling for a friendly but died before that trip came to fruition in 1980, effec- songs expressed their dissatisfaction with moving flawed divorce lawyer (Patrick Dempsey) whose tively breaking up the band. up into adult life. Control is a riveting trip into Curtis’ kind compassion has helped her to survive in this Sam Riley portrays Curtis with deep insight deluded life. His feeling of helplessness and the fear strange and dangerous new world. Rating: PG into his angst-addled personality and the shocking of his own condition led to his suicide. Yet, he left onset of his chronic epilepsy. In the early 70s, treat- a legacy of material that has helped many young FRED CLAUS Dealing with family around the ments for epilepsy were trial and error, that is, the people through their angst by helping them see how holidays can suck -- especially when you’re San- patient would take a variety of drugs to see which suicide is never the answer. He had alternatives but ta Claus (Paul Giamatti) and your older brother ones worked. For Curtis, this meant that the power- didn’t see them. Ironically, his songwriting talent was Fred (Vince Vaughn) is a a newly out-of-jail con ful medications only exacerbated his depression and his saving grace, but he was blinded by the darkness artist with a penchant for elf-tossing. Rating: PG serious conflicts between his loyalty to the band and within himself. GONE BABY GONE Two young private detectives are hired to take a closer look at the mysterious disappearance of a little girl and soon discover that nothing is what it seems. Ultimately, they will have to risk everything -- their relationship, their sanity, and even their lives -- to find a little girl- lost. Starring: Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman, John Ashton. Rating: R.

HITMAN An international assassin known only as Agent 47 (Timothy Olyphant) carries out high- profile hits for a mysterious organization known only as “The Agency” in this adaptation of the 4

eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 9 popular Eidos Interactive video-game series. Rat- moongirl ing: R

MAMA’S BOY Jeff Daniels, Jon Heder, and Diane Keaton star in director Tim Hamilton’s domestic comedy concerning a slacker who finds his status as man of the house challenged when his single mother begins dating a self-help guru. As the influence of youth gradually gives way to the wisdom of age, the stage is set for a con- frontation from which only one side can emerge victorious. Starring: Jon Heder, Diane Keaton, Jeff Daniels, Anna Faris. Rating: PG-13.

THE MIST Frequent Stephen King collaborator Frank Darabont teams with the celebrated horror author once again for this tale of a terror based on a story originally published in King’s 1985 horror anthology Skeleton Crew, and concern- ing a small town engulfed by a malevolent mist. When a thick fog descends upon a typical sub- urban community and claims the lives of anyone unfortunate enough to be caught outside, a small band of survivors seeks refuge in a local grocery store. Now trapped in a darkened cloud of pure three days, dozens of films horror, the frightened denizens of the town are forced to fend off an advancing horde of mur- derous monsters. Punisher star Thomas Jane heads up an ensemble cast that includes Andre no reason to stay home Braugher and Laurie Holden. Rating: R

MR. MAGORIUM’S WONDER EMPORIUM The International Festival of Cinema and Technology at What’s a 243-year-old, madcap inventor (Dustin Hoffman) have to do to keep his magical toy the Rusted Hinge shop in business? Enlisting an enthusiastic young manager (Natalie Portman) is a good start, but there’s still a stuffy accountant (Jason Bateman) trying to rain on their magic parade. Even so, our by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] money’s on the 243-year-old. Rating: G The Jacksonville Film Festival is still six months ville, and our little town is one of only a handful of away but that doesn’t mean you and I can’t enjoy cities on the 2007 schedule to have screenings on NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN The story begins bingeing on indie cinema for days on end here multiple days in true film fest form. First HBO comes when Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) finds a pickup and now. The International Festival of Cinema and to shoot here, now this. It looks like we’re inching truck surrounded by a sentry of dead men. A load Technology rolls into town this week, bringing with it closer to reclaiming our “Winter Film Capital of the of heroin and two million dollars in cash are still dozens of shorts from all over the world. World” title! in the back. When Moss takes the money, he sets According to the IFCT’s website, the festival So, what can you expect to see at the IFCT this off a chain reaction of catastrophic violence that started in 2002 in order to “gain exposure for the weekend? Well, a little of everything. On Thursday not even the law - in the person of aging, disil- ‘undiscovered film.’” The event is held in cities all evening the festival opens with “Short Dramas: lusioned Sheriff Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) - can over the world and features shorts on a wide variety Travels to Far off Lands,” where filmmakers from contain. As Moss tries to evade his pursuers - in of subjects, created on a wide variety of formats. Switzerland to Australia to the good ol’ USA will have particular a mysterious mastermind who flips This where the “Technology” part of the festival their characters either visiting new places or plotting coins for human lives (Javier Bardem) - the film comes in. At any given screening you could see one to do just that. From there you can see films with a simultaneously strips down the American crime movie shot on 35mm, and the next shot digitally. “Focus on Murder and Intrigue,” some microbudget drama and broadens its concerns to encompass This is the first year the IFCT will stop in Jackson- themes as ancient as the Bible and as bloodily 4 contemporary as this morning’s headlines. Rat- ing: R Anastasia

SAW IV Just when audiences thought they’d heard the last of the demented killer (Tobin Bell), here comes IV, continuing his trap-filled legacy -- this time, targeting the last remaining officer who has touched the case, SWAT Commander Rigg (Lyriq Bent). Starring: Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Scott Patterson, Betsy Russell. Rating: R.

THIS CHRISTMAS This year, Christmas with the Whitfields promises to be one they will never forget. All the siblings have come home for the 4

10 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper die maid von hilltop first time in years and they’ve brought plenty of ba manor gage with them. As the Christmas tree is trimmed and the lights are hung, secrets are revealed and family bonds are tested. As their lives converge, they join together and help each other discover the true meaning of family. Starring: Laz Alonzo, Chris Brown, Columbus Short, Mekhi Phifer. Rat- ing: PG-13

TYLER PERRY’S WHY DID I GET MARRIED? A big-screen adaptation of Perry’s hit stage play of the same title, ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ is an intimate story about the difficulty of maintaining a solid love relationship in modern times. During a trip to the picturesque snowcapped mountains of Colorado, eight married college friends have gathered for their annual seven-day reunion. But the cozy mood is shattered when the group comes face-to-face with one pair’s infidelity. As secrets are revealed, each couple begins questioning the validity of their own marriage. Over the course of films and experimental shorts. Friday will bring dra- IFCT, there will also be half-off drinks for all ticket- the weekend, husbands and wives take a hard look matic shorts, psychological dramas and horror films. holding festival goers throughout the event and live at their lives, wrestling with issues of commitment, There will also be a screening of comedies on Friday, music on Friday night. betrayal and forgiveness as they seek a way for- where you can see everything from an updated Between the cheap drinks, the free music and ward. Stepping in front of the camera for the first re-imagining of Hansel and Gretel to one woman’s the chance to support independent cinema, there’s time since ‘Madea’s Family Reunion,’ Perry stars quest for the perfect pair of shoes to a widower’s no reason to stay in this weekend! The International alongside a talented ensemble cast that includes accidental introduction to international drug traffick- Festival of Cinema and Technology will be held at Janet Jackson, Malik Yoba, Jill Scott, Sharon Leal, ing. The three-day festival wraps up on Saturday the Rusted Hinge at 9th and Main (1850 N. Main St) Tasha Smith, Michael Jai White, Denise Boutte and with love stories, animated shorts, documentaries, from Thursday, December 6th to Saturday, December Lamann Rucker. Rating: PG-13 movies with a focus on family relationships, Sci-Fi 8th. Tickets for each screening are just $6 ($3 for shorts, and dark and experimental films. If all those students). For more information on the IFCT and the SPECIAL SHOWINGS movies aren’t enough to get you to come out to the films that will be screened, visit ifct.org/jax. Midnight Movies HEIMA This is Sigur Rós’s first film, filmed over two weeks last summer when the band undertook 2007 IFCT Jacksonville Schedule a series of free, unannounced concerts in Iceland. They hauled 40-plus people round 15 locations to the furthest flung corners of their homeland for Thursday, December 6th (5 pm-12 9 pm-10:30 pm Psychological Dramas their debut venture into live film, to create some- am) 10:30 pm-12 am Thrillers and Horror thing inspirational. ‘Heima’ features performances of songs from all four Sigur Rós albums, many 5 pm-6:30 pm Short Dramas: Travels to Far radically reworked, as well as two exclusive new off Lands Saturday, December 8th (1:30 pm-12 songs in ‘guitardjamm’, which was filmed inside 6:30 pm-8:15 pm Short Films: Focus on am) an abandoned herring oil tank in the far west of the Murder and Intrigue country, and the traditional ‘a ferd til breidarfjardar 1922’, performed with poet Steindor Andersen. 8:30 pm-10 pm Short Shorts and 1:30 pm-3:30 pm Love Stories ‘Heima’ was directed by Dean Deblois, a long-time Microbudget Films 3:30 pm-5 pm Animated Short Films fan of the band and director of the oscar-nomi- 10 pm-11:30 pm Experimental Short Films nated animated feature ‘Lilo & Stitch’, using an 5 pm-6:30 pm Documentary Shorts Icelandic crew. Dec 7 and 8 at 11:55 pm at the

6:30 pm-8 pm Shorts: Family Relationships and San Marco Theatre. Info: 396-4845 or sanmarco- th theatre.com. Friday, December 7 (5 pm-12 am) Dramas 5 pm-7:30 pm Dramatic Shorts 8 pm-10:30 pm Sci-Fi Short Films Laurel & Hardy Appreciation Society 7:30 pm-9 pm Comedies 10:30 pm- 12 am Dark and Experimental Films The December meeting of the “Leave ‘em Laugh- ing” Tent, the Jacksonville chapter of The Interna- tional Laurel & Hardy Appreciation Society (a/k/a Sons of the Desert) will be held Mon., Dec. 10, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Pablo Creek Branch Library, 13295 Beach Blvd. (between Kernan and Hodges Blvds.) Free to all. Movies to be screened: the 1933 Popeye cartoon “Seasin’s Greetinks!” [yes, the title’s spelling is correct], the silent Laurel & Hardy short “Big Business” (1929), and the Laurel & Hardy holiday feature film “March of the Wooden Soldiers” (1934). For more info, readers may contact Steve Bailey at 246-0312, or visit the group’s website at www.leaveemlaughing.com

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eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 11 netscapades by brenton crozier videogames the sites you should already know about edition

It makes me feel a bit pompous to even present certain sites like they are going to be a discovery Dear Santa edition for you, but I’m comfortable with that because I am a bit pompous. With that aside, it amazes me at times when I make high-brow, hilarious Onion references and only receive a blank stare in return. “You know, the Onion?” Geeze! Can I introduce you to this handy search engine, Google? Enough trying to by Norm stovall [email protected] make the great unwashed feel badly about their daily web surfing deficiencies—let’s get down to busi- ness. Dear Santa, Now, you can make the references and deliver the cutting edge commentary at your next shindig. This year, I have been blessed with many videogames that have made me enormously happy. With Go, and be snide with confidence. so many great games to choose from, I have hardly had the time to even play most of them all the way through! My kids are really enjoying Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii, which I’m sure you know already. We couldn’t wait till Christmas. I’ve just picked up Call of Duty 4: Modern Combat for my console of choice to play by myself or with my friends online, as well. I mean if you aren’t going to get me that BB gun, I just figured to hell with asking you for a war-based video game, I just picked it up myself. Speaking of which, I picked up Resistance: Fall of Man for the Playstation 3 not so long ago as well. My friend and I have had lots of fun shooting each other in the head with that one. It’s really great. And up to 40 players in a match online!?! Jesus. (Sorry, sensitive subject, I know. It was meant as an expletive.) You really should be more flexible on what you get the kids this year though, these games www.craigslist.org/about/best/all help me get out those aggressive tendencies that build up at work. (Don’t tell my boss that I said that, Craig is the ultimate pusher man of Internet classifieds. From used furniture and instruments to Brie is totally awesome.) Well except Manhunt 2 for the Wii and PS2, that game is way too violent for services and personal ads, it is all here in this vast virtual flea market. With so much traffic, myriad the kids. Don’t give that to any of those bratty lil’ kids that ask for it. That “Mature” rating is on there for postings and a put-just-about-anything-you-want-on-our-site approach, you know there are a multitude a reason. Any sensible parent knows that. And besides, Santa, that game kinda sucks. No offense to of interesting tidbits just waiting to be discovered. Postings that make the “Best of Craig’s List” are nominated by readers and, as the site states, may the elves or anything. be “explicitly sexual, scatological, offensive, graphic, tasteless, and/or not funny.” New additions are And another thing, I won’t be asking for Rock Band, either. That game is so awesome and all my made every couple of days and there are hundreds upon hundreds for you to enjoy during a little down- friends wanted to get together and play it so much, I just had to buy it at the store. Even though it’s only time at work—or at home (if my boss is reading this). Most people use this beneficial website to sell the things they no longer want or need (like 3 seat available for the PS3 and the Xbox 360, I still think it’s great. It really brings us together as friends, and sky blue sofa with only 2 cigarette burns) or reach out to others of like mindedness, but there is a cer- my Mom is looking forward to trying out the singing parts of the game. Well, hopefully, anyway. All our tain segment that sees the site as their soapbox. The rants dominate the “Best Of” list and there is good favorite songs are in there, from Creedence Clearwater Revival to The Clash to R.E.M., we are set for reason . . . they are good-time hilarious! life as far as music games are concerned! Well, because of that and the fact that collectively, between A posting that caught my eye was one from Houston dated October 22nd, 2007. This poster has had enough with parents who do not exhibit proper school-dropoff etiquette, although you would think friends and family, we have Guitar Hero 3 for the Wii, Xbox 360, PS2, PS3 and PC/Macintosh, and we that most of what the post has to say “would be self-evident behavior.” Basically, the entertaining ti- can even use our Xbox 360 Guitar Hero guitar controllers with the Xbox 360 version of Rock Band! rade (cleaned up for my adoring EU readers) states: get off your darn cell phones, stop prepping your Yeah, we are definitely set there. “$6.50 cup cream-moch-latte-whateverthefitis,” and don’t dress your kid in the car because “most of us dress our kids at home.” It goes on with a special message for a couple of niche groups. The first I would ask for an Xbox 360 Console, but as you probably read in the gift guide, they are inexpen- is to “Snoop-Dog.” The poster asks the individual driving the “1987 Corolla with the snap-on hubcap sive as ever, and of course, I already had one at this time last year. Same with the Sony PS3 (thanks to spinners” to not defiantly get out of their car everyday to let their kid out. And lastly, a little love is given my Friends Tony and Adam hooking me up there, be sure to send them something extra nice this year.) to stay-at-home moms. “Do you have to talk to every other stay-at-home mom?” “You just talked to her yesterday when you held us all up.” And you got me my Awesome Nintendo Wii last year as well, which still retails for 250 bucks, I use that This is an ocean of humorous rhetoric, but fish carefully, because some postings are simply not thing lots. And I made a Santa Mii just for you, so you can come play for a little bit after you find your funny and some are quite uncouth. A couple of my favorite headlines read, “To the gentleman who way down our chimney. I’ll leave the Wii Remotes sitting out. called me a depreciating asset” and “Notes on flirting while bowling.” Enjoy! Oh, and my Nintendo DS? Yeah, I went ahead and got Contra 4 for that, so no way I am I gonna need a new handheld game. That game is pure, unadulterated action. My daughter is playing lots of www.theonion.com Zoo Keeper; it was on sale for 10 bucks at target, so I couldn’t resist. She just loves matching those I saved less room to discuss shapes, and it keeps her from making all that annoying music that she has so much fun doing with the brilliance of The Onion because Electroplankton. I hear the Call of Duty 4 game is great for the DS, but I already have the Console ver- it really should speak for itself. I’m sions, so don’t worry about that. an obsessed fan of this group of I know, I know, you are probably going to ask me about the PSP. Well, truth is, I don’t even have humorists and feel it my mission to share it with you. If you travel to New York City, you will see The Onion newspaper available. Down here in Jacksonville, well you can subscribe, purchase their compila- one of those. You could get me one, sure, but I’m not asking you to. I mean, there are some great tion books or simply soak it in online. games out these days, including Loco Roco for the whole family to enjoy, or Castlevania: Dracula X The Onion has dubbed themselves “America’s Finest News Source.” Although this is satire at its Chronicles for my vampire hunting, arcade-style action needs. You could make a compelling argument finest, that moniker may not be far from the truth with the absurdity of our media and their sometimes sensationalist headlines and often trivial topics of newsworthy connation. The site offers the full range for that. Hell, there is even Final Fantasy: War of the Lions, which is apparently really great for strategy of stories, from breaking news and politics to sports and opinion. The current headline story is “Lone game fans. But truth be told, I don’t need one. Because of all the games I have been playing, I haven’t Gunman Envied by Married Gunman.” had the chance to get out much. You will appreciate The Onion because they have no agenda, don’t care about making a point and they go after everything—nothing is too sacred or irreverent for these writers. A recent news headline Here is what I’m getting at. Honestly Santa, what I really could use is a new pair of underpants. read, “Underfunded Schools Forced to Cut Past Tense From Language Programs.” And maybe some socks, too. Yeah, I’ve become a stereotypical gamer alright, and my wardrobe could I look at The Onion daily—and laugh during every visit. Even if stories have not been updated, you use some help. I’m not exactly a sight to behold. can search their archives to find a story on just about anything. Enjoy these sites that should become staples of your web browsing. Always funny, assuredly bit- ing and quite often brilliant, the best of Craig’s List and The Onion are worthy of your sacred Favorites Sincerely, folder. Norm Stovall

12 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper the best of tech by kellie abrahamson

In this day in age everyone has some sort of electronic gadget on their wish list. But while Uncle Joe may want a fancy new plasma screen TV, Aunt Betty may not know the best one to get once she’s standing in that electronics store. Well, for all the Aunt Betties out there, teching we’ve compiled a list of some of the best tech gifts available today. The recipient of any of these cool gizmos is lucky indeed. tvs LCD: Sony BRAVIA XBR, 70”- Yes, that’s right, a 70’’ LCD with a 22-watt speaker system including SRS TruSur- round XT and an extremely crisp picture. If you really want to go all out and pretend your living room is a through movie theater, this is the TV for you. Or you can drive to the movie theater in your brand new 2008 BMW 3- Series. $32,299.98

Samsung LN-T3253H, 32”- This moderately priced LCD produces relatively deep blacks with fine shadow detail, accurate color and slick styling. Lots of different picture controls and a bunch of features and inputs like PC, HDMI and USB. The speakers are tucked away on the side. $1099.99

Olevia 32” 2 Series LCD HDTV- It may not be a sleek and sharp as the higher end LCD’s, but at less $500 the snow it’s a one heck of a deal and the picture is better than the old tube TV you currently have. $479.99 Plasma: LG 71” 1080p Plasma HD Monitor- (pictured to the left) This plasma monitor has an excellent picture and is sure to impress anyone that comes over to your house. It does come with 2 built in speakers and additional audio outputs for your surround sound system. However this is a monitor only, just like your PC, so you will need a tuner of some sort like a cable box. $14,999.98

Pioneer Kuro PDP 5080HD- This 50-inch plasma TV displays an exceedingly deep shade of black with excel- lent shadow detail, clean image, “smooth” video-processing and removable speakers. With one of the best pictures you will get on a plasma, it will also impress with its sleek look. $3,499.99

Element 42” HDTV- Plasma on a budget. Definitely not the best that the plasma world has to offer but it does but you can’t beat it for the price. It does come with a built in tuner, stereo speakers with simulated surround sound and most of the bells and whistles you get with higher-end plasmas. $999.99 blu-ray & hd dvd Samsung BD-P1400 Blu-ray Disc Player- This Blu-ray player features Dolby True HD audio and HDMI 1.3 interface. It also includes “DVD Up Conversion” which lets you improve the image quality of your old DVDs. The Ethernet port allows you to get connected to the internet in order to receive upgrades as the format evolves. $499.99

Toshiba HD-A3 HD DVD Player- This HD-DVD player features Dolby True HD, Digital Plus and DTS HD (core only). It will also improve the quality of your old standard DVDs. This player is web-enabled which will give you access to studio-provided HD DVD features, such as the latest movie trailers, downloadable ringtones, interactive games, and music from the movie. $299.99 gifts for the techie of the house LG Super Blu High-Definition Multiplayer- If you are having a hard time deciding whether you want Blu-ray or HD DVD, then this is the perfect player for you. Not only does this player allow you to use both formats, What would make Dad happier than a 32” plasma television and a 4 year’s worth of Direct TV? What would make junior happier than his own laptop and having Clearwire wireless Internet installed in the house? Techie gifts are far and wide and can range from fairly cost-effective iPod Shuffles and Tom Tom GPS navigators to a whole home theater installed by Hoyt Stereo. For those interested in the most expensive gift, we sent our shoppers out to find the latest and greatest techie gift ideas. From new things on the market to finding the game system that works best for your recipient, there is plenty to learn and EU is here to do all we can. For instance, you can’t get the latest and greatest high tech gifts without dealing with the big box stores, so we tapped into our resident expert to get some good tips. Learn what you need to know to make your last minute, high-tech shopping as successful as it can be.

eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 13 you can also watch your old DVDs with better quality and listen to CDs. The LG Super Blu features a USB plug which enables you to plug in your camera to view slideshows or plug in your favorite MP3 player and listen to how to shop for electronics your favorite songs. All this for just $999.99.

at the big box stores by kevin dusinberre mp3 players So, you want to by some gadgets for Christmas this year but have no clue what to buy or how to go about buying it, right? No problem. Chances are you are not alone. Many people just like you don’t know iPods: where to start and are a bit intimidated by all the acronyms flying around these days, like MPBS, RAM, The iPod Touch- This iPod has a 3.5 inch wide- and CMOS. Don’t worry, with a little help, you won’t have to pretend any longer. screen color display to watch your favorite The first problem you might discover is deciding where to go for all those new-fangled gizmos. movies or videos. Just like the iPhone, it has Which is better, Circuit City or Best Buy? Well, you have to ask yourself two very important questions, the multi-touch interface which allows you “Which one is closer?” and “Do I prefer shopping in red décor or blue décor?” Other than that, both stores to do all kinds of things from scrolling to are pretty much the same. Products, selection, prices, sales staff- they are all virtually identical. your favorite songs to zooming into your pictures. It’s also Wi-Fi ready which al- “So, how do I educate myself, should I just saunter into a store and find a sales rep?” Well, yes, lows you to surf the web and watch funny but there are a few things you’ll need to know first to get the most out of it. First of all, sales people do videos on You Tube. It comes in 2 different not work on a commission basis. They earn an hourly rate, and unless they’re participating in some type sizes, 8GB $299 and 16GB $399. of employee contest, they get nothing more than a pat on the back for their efforts, even if they sell you $5000 worth of stuff. Second, because it’s now the holiday season, you will encounter a greater number The iPod Classic- If you’d rather have a hard of seasonal employees who have only worked there for a few weeks. Try to find an associate who has drive in your pants instead of a 3.5 inch display worked there for a few years, as they are most likely very knowledgeable. Find them and pick their brain. then this is the iPod for you. With 80GB $249 or They actually like it, and they get little satisfaction out of any other part of their job. 160 GB for $349 and 40 hours of battery life, the “Well, how do I know what to ask?” My suggestion is that you start from the top and work your classic allows you to take your DVD and music collection way down. Just because you aren’t interested in buying a $3000 television doesn’t mean you can’t take everywhere you go. a moment to learn why one costs $3000 while another costs $1000. Another helpful hint: When looking at the price tags, you will notice a list of complicated specs on each model. Ask the associate what they iPod Shuffle- The Shuffle is your standard, good ’ol reliable mp3 mean, because they may help you later if you choose to research further. Odds are, they’ll have an answer player that you take to the gym or to take your dog for a walk. It holds waiting, and it opens up the conversation to more questions and understanding of your needs. For in- up to 240 songs and 12 hours of battery life. This is the iPod you control stance, learning about contrast ratio on a television might remind you that you have a window across from with one hand. $79 your entertainment center, and a feature such as that might improve your viewing. Or, learning about the image stabilization feature on a video camera might clue you into the fact that most of your pictures will Other Players: be taken indoors, and having that feature would be useful. Without asking, you wouldn’t know how certain Archos 605 Wi-Fi- This portable MP3/video player has some of the features the iPod Touch has, like video features you’ve never even imagined might greatly benefit you. playback, touch screen, Wi-Fi and more. Not only does it have more space (30GB), it also has a larger dis- “Now, what about warrantees and all the extra stuff they’ll try to sell me?” Remember, these folks play screen (4.3”). The 605 will also allow you to record your favorite TV shows or home videos. $349.99 don’t make commission, but they are required to do a few things to keep their job, like offer warranties, installation services and accessories. My first suggestion is to politely listen. It only takes a moment of Oakley Split Thump- You read right, an MP3 player by sunglass gurus Oakley. With the Split Thump you get your time, and the associates appreciate it. They feel satisfied about fulfilling their obligation to the store, sunglasses and an MP3 player in one. Who could ask for more? It holds up to 500 songs and has up to 7 and your patience makes the day go smoother for everyone. hours of playback. Gives you the convenience of an MP3 player without the pain of tangled wires. $249 “Should I buy the warranty?” Maybe. It depends on if you like the security of warranties and what you’re buying it for. Both Circuit City and Best Buy have accidental coverage warranties on most items that RCA 512MB MP3 Player- Portable music on a budget. This MP3 player is only $20 and will hold up to 120 are pretty good. If you think you would have a heart attack or kill someone if you dropped whatever you songs. Nothing fancy, just an MP3 player with a display screen. It also comes with a neck strap for conve- bought, then there’s your answer. nient carrying. “Installation services?” Again, maybe. If you’re totally inept at computers or you want something cool like your LCD mounted and done right, then go for it. Find out your best options though, as they will MP3 Accessories: most likely try to sell you a package of things. Packages can save you money, but make sure that you Sennheiser PXC 450 Noise-Canceling Headphones- If you want to escape your surroundings, whether it be need everything in it. There is usually a more discretely advertised lesser package that might suit you bet- a crowded bus or your annoying co-workers at the office, these noise-canceling headphones are your best ter. bet. They effectively reduce up to 90% of surrounding noises and are extremely light and comfortable. You “Accessories?” Yes. I typically recommend that you buy the necessary accessories at the time of can purchase this leave-at-any-time vacation for $449.99. purchase. Most electronic items don’t come with the required accessories, and the reason is simple math. They keep everything they can out of the box to keep its price down and make you more likely to buy it. mStation 2.1 Stereo Tower Speaker System for iPod- Tired of the same old table-top alarm clock-looking You have to keep these accessories in mind when you’re budgeting, because some items, like computers, docking station for your iPod? The mStation 2.1 gives you the convenience of docking station with the sound require accessories that can add up to as much as 30% of your total cost. But like before, let the sales rep and looks of a nice sound system. This system features dual 2” midrange drivers and a 5.25” subwoofer for show you what you need. Chances are, you really do. It will more than likely save you time and money in some boom. It can be easily positioned in any corner of your home or office with its slick design and includes the long run. a 10-key remote control. $299 You might ask, “Is it true that this same accessory costs less at Wal-Mart or Costco?” Some- ionAudio Portable PA System with iPod Doc- This portable PA system allows you to have a traveling party. times, however the items you find there are cheaper for a reason, and keep in mind you have to go to Whether you want to plug in your electric guitar and jam out with your favorite artist or you want to do some Wal-Mart to get it. For me, it’s not worth the six bucks. And believe it or not, some items at Circuit City karaoke, this iPod dock is sure to get the party hopping. It also includes wheels and a retractable handle for and Best Buy are actually cheaper than Wal-Mart. Here are a few final tips: easy carrying. $269.99 If you find something you like, buy it early. Most electronics come from Asia, and when they are gone, they are gone. Both CC and BB have price matching guarantees, and it’s a great benefit for the informed consumer. If another store is selling a product for less, they will give you back the difference in price within 14 or 30 days of your purchase, depending on the item and the store. digital cameras “What if I need to return my item?” Both Circuit City and Best Buy extend their return policies be- Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR- The perfect camera for the average Joe that has a passion for photography. yond Christmas in the case of gifts. Most policies require that you produce a gift receipt to make a return It will cost you a pretty penny or two ($1,138.99 with a lens/ $999.99 for the body only). On automatic mode (which they might not tell you). Ask what their policy is and make sure that they print one out for you. the camera is a simple point and shoot but you also have the ability to switch to manual with all the features Don’t get pissed off. When it’s Christmas Eve and you are looking for an iPod Touch and they don’t of a standard SLR, like shutter speed, white balance and more. This camera includes a retouch menu that have one, calm down. After all, you waited until the last minute to make a pretty significant purchase. In allows you to trim images, red-eye correction, image overlay and several different filters. general, associates and managers will be more receptive to finding you a solution to any problem, includ- ing product availability, if you are respectful and nice. There is usually a solution to your problem, so ask Casio Exilim EX-Z1080 10.1 MP- This is a great camera for those who just want to take good pictures for fun what else they can do. If you throw a fit and threaten to take names and call corporate, you’ll only kill their and memories. It also takes decent video perfect for online sharing. The camera has a 3x optical zoom, face willingness to help. Plus, they won’t care about your threats, as any complaints taken from mid-November detection and 11.4 MB built-in memory. $249.99 to mid-January are taken about as seriously as a peacenik in the White House. Finally, electronics are cool and exciting to both give and receive, and shopping for them should be, Kodak EasyShare C613 6.2 MP- If you are looking for a good camera under $100 then this is the camera for too. you. This camera features a 3x optical zoom, image stabilization (which reduces blur cause by movement), video capture and more. The EasyShare is a great buy at just $93.99.

14 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Magellan Triton 500- With over 500 highly detailed topographic maps, the Triton 500 shows a lot more than the average handheld GPS. The 2.2” color screen is easy to see and the simple menus make the unit very user-friendly. This rugged, waterproof GPS also has an electric barometer, an electronic compass and the digital camcorders SiRFstarIII chip, a highly sensitive antenna that gets a reliable signal in the deepest of woods. $249.99 Sony Handycam HDR-SR5 Hard Disk HD Camcorder- This camcorder does not require a tape or DVD; instead it has a built-in 40GB hard drive. It records in high-definition or standard-definition, so next time it’s Garmin eTrex Venture CX- This fairly basic handheld GPS is perfect for camping, hiking and boating. Pre- your child’s birthday you can capture the blowing of the candles like an action scene. Includes other features loaded with maps of the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia and Oceania and a marine point database, you can like 10x optical zoom, which give you the ability to capture 2.3 MP images right into a memory stick and go just about anywhere with the Venture and know where you are. $199.99 incredible stability control. When you are done filming your professional HD film, you can either upload it to your PC or burn it straight to DVD using the One Touch Disc Burn button. $999.99

Panasonic Palmcorder VDR-D310 MiniDVD Camcorder- This camcorder records directly onto DVD-RAM, other gadgets DVD-RW, DVD-R DL or DVD-R discs. Features included are USB 2.0 interface, which allows you to transfer videos and images directly to your pc. It also has 3CCD technology for crisp color reproduction and OIS. SkyCaddie SG5 Golfer’s GPS- This little gadget will help you improve your golf game without having to pay This feature stabilizes the image before it reaches the CCD, which allows you to zoom in/out without blur and a professional instructor. The SG5 tells you the distance to your target and how far you hit each shot. It has shaking. You can also shoot still images with 3.1 MP onto an SD memory card. $699.99 a full-color display screen and comes with a USB cable for downloading course data files. It is powered by a built-in lithium-ion battery which last up to 14 hours. Calculates your distance to as many as 40 objects on Sony MiniDV Handycam Camcorder- Here we have an affordable digital camcorder with many features. It any hole and measures exactly how far you hit on each shot to guide your club selection. $429.95 records to a MiniDV and can be played back by connecting directly into the TV or you can upload the video to your PC using a firewire cable. Some of the features include NightShot Plus Infrared, which allows you film in Shaper Image Private Video Viewer- Remember when our parents used to tell us not to sit so close to the low light, 6 different photo effects, 20x optical/800x digital zoom and Super Steady Shot Picture Stabilization. TV? Well Mom, you’re really going to hate this little gadget. It’s a pair of glasses that you can plug into any $299.99 laptop, DVD player, TV, gaming console or music player, allowing you to have a virtual 48” LCD screen at- tached to your head. It also includes a built-in lithium battery which allows you 3 hours of cordless viewing. $399.95

Home Theater Watch TA457- I remember watching an episode of The Jetsons where Elroy is in school and cell phones starts watching TV on his watch. Ever since then, I always dreamed of being able to do that. Apparently, the iPhone (Carrier: AT&T)- A 3.5” widescreen video future is now. Not only does this watch tell time, it also allows you to play music, view picture slideshows player with 8GB memory that you can use to surf the and watch videos. It has an easy-to-navigate menu and looks like a normal watch with a durable rubber web via Wi-Fi. It also plays music, takes pictures with watch band. $117.26 its 2 MP camera and allows you to check your voice 4 mail like checking email. Oh, and did we mention that it is also makes and receives calls? The iPhone will supply you with just about everything you need in life except for food and water, although you can always use its Google map feature to find out where the near- est restaurant or grocery store is. $399

HTC Mogul PPC-6800 (Carrier: Sprint)- This Smart Phone features Windows Mobile 6,which includes Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile, Win- dows Media Player 10 Mobile, Outlook Mobile and Internet Explorer Mobile. The phone also includes a 2 MP camera, MP3 Player, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and EV-DO support. $299.99

Motorola W385 (Carrier: Verizon)- This phone is very similar to the Razor with a few differences. For start- ers, the phone has superior call quality and is very user friendly. It’s a bit narrower and the keys have a bit of texture making it easy to dial and text. It also has a camera, Bluetooth support and all the basic features you would expect a camera phone to have. $184.60 gps units Vehicle Navigation: Garmin Zumo 550- Great for motorcycles, the Zumo has Bluetooth capabilities, an MP3 player (though mem- ory is sold separately), and a special motorcycle console that keeps track of your trip and tells you when it’s time to fuel up again. If you’re like me and want your gadgets to match your paint job, this GPS also comes with a custom cap in an assortment of colors. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery gives you up to four hours of cordless use. $999.99

TomTom ONE XL-S- Looking for a GPS unit with some personality? In addition to all the bells and whistles (4.3” touch screen, extremely accurate maps, 58 different languages to choose from, and Bluetooth capabili- ties), the TomTom One XL-S also gives you access to celebrity voices. Just think about it: Burt Reynolds, Gary Busey or Mr. T could give you directions to the nearest sushi restaurant. I pity the fool who doesn’t get one of these for Christmas. $399.99

Magellan RoadMate 1200- With a 3.5” anti-glare touch screen, the RoadMate 1200 is both easy to see and easy to navigate. The unit has a library of over a million points of interest and, if you’re like me and can’t spell, it will spell-check your search to find the restaurant, hotel or gas station you’re looking for. With voice guidance and pre-loaded maps, this GPS has everything you need to get you there. $229.99

Handheld: Garmin GPSMap 76CSx- Great for taking on a boat, the 76CSx is water resistant (the thing will float if dropped overboard) and includes a marine point database so you’ll never be lost at sea. The unit holds up to 100 waypoints and has a battery life of 18 hours. The 2.6” color transreflective display allows you to see even in direct sunlight. $589.27

eujacksonville.com |december 6-12, 2007 15 console wars by norm stovall Or, “You spent what on that damn thing?”

With Christmas fast approaching, now would be a good time to look into the pros and cons of buying that videogame console your loved one(s) has been asking for. None of them are exactly cheap, and some of them may be hard to find this time of year. So what do you do? Wait till the last minute and hope to find it on eBay? Camp out at the game shop and wait for the next shipment to come in? Well, I leave how to buy it up to you, but I don’t recommend eBay unless it’s a last resort. I will, however, give you my informed opinion on the strong points, weak points, and price points of today’s hot videogame consoles. I’ll leave the deci- sion making up to you. sony playstation 3 This powerhouse of a game console just celebrated its first birthday. While sales of the PS3 have been somewhat slow, ac- cording to NPD reports and popular gaming websites, all is not lost for Sony. Initially, the price of the console came as a shock, but many people who were able to get past that have been rewarded with some positively decent gameplay experiences. With games like Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Resistance: Fall of Man, and Heavenly Sword, older gamers will find their niche, and the Playstation net- work features some fairly awesome downloadable games, though the user base is still not quite big enough provide you with much online competition for most of these titles. With the big releases, you’ll have a lot more luck. Additionally, The PS3 functions as a Blu-Ray disc player, which is also noteworthy if high-def movies are your thing. Another notable thing about the PS3 is the customization that the console allows. With large hard drives available, you can easily use your PS3 as a media center, to surf the web, or customize your own menu screen with wallpapers and user-made themes. If you are feeling bold, you can also install your own operating system on the console, such as Yellow Dog Linux. I don’t recommend it for the average user, but hey- if you are up for the challenge of getting Linux up and running, it’s there, it’s supported and it’s totally legal. The Playstation 3 is available at most retailers at $499 for the low- end model, and $599 for the standard 80gb model. xbox 360 The Xbox 360 really seems to be the most popular choice for people who like to play modern video games with online capabilities. Coming in sec- ond in the sales charts, there is no shortage of great games for the Xbox 360. With pretty much all the genres covered, this console seems to have the up- per hand when it comes to selection of games, online matchmaking, and downloadable content. Sure, the other two consoles may have it, but Microsoft has the formula down pat. Xbox Live Arcade is a download service that allows you to download games directly to your game console, and there are tons of great games available with many more on the way. In ad- dition to downloads, a great library of games and a robust online matchmaking service, the Xbox 360 also offers movie downloads and online pay-per-view for people who would like to check out new releases but don’t want to mess with mail-in services or brick and mortar rental shops. Although the HD-DVD add- on costs extra, it is available if you are interested in watching HD movies on your game console. Red ring of death, you ask? Yes, the Xbox 360 does have a little problem with breaking down from time to time. Not so long ago there was an updateable firmware patch for the console that created a certain type of hardware failure in many of the game consoles. It was a big deal and tons of game consoles have been returned and replaced by Microsoft. In light of this, Microsoft has issued a whopping 2-year warranty on its game console, which is pretty extensive when compared to the 90-day warranties provided by the competi- tion. The downside is that you may get the 3 red lights indicating that your game console has died and needs to be sent in for repair, but Microsoft will replace it for free up to 2 years after your purchase, or after your last repair, whichever comes first. Having said that, I still believe there is plenty of fun to be had with this con-

16 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper sole, and I get more use out of mine than I do with the other two consoles. The Xbox 360 sells from $279 to offer a huge selection of edgy T-shirts for the teenagers (or those of us still young at heart) among other nifty $449, depending on the configuration. items. The Avenues Mall offers such a wide array of stores to choose from that it’s absolutely impossible to go there and not find something worth giving (or getting). Plus, when the weather isn’t right, they’ve got a great nintendo wii covered parking lot. Just expect a small wait for those choice parking spots and you will be good to go! Nintendo has always been a household name, and though the Playstation name may regency square mall have overshadowed Nintendo for a good bit, they are back and stronger than ever with A forgotten favorite for many, this mall is a very viable and unique option in your holiday shopping en- their new, revolutionary game console. The deavors. Regency Square is the place to go for the hottest sneakers, the cheapest trendy clothes and has the Nintendo Wii is something of a phenomenon, best Old Navy in the city proper. The parking is a relief compared to the St. John’s Town Center and its one as the console is considerably less powerful story structure is also a benefit. compared to the other two major game con- If you’re looking for sneakers that every average Joe doesn’t have, Regency is at your aid. The Fin- soles. But what it lacks in power, it more than ish Line, Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, World Foot Locker, Champs, Footaction, Journey’s and Underground makes up for in functionality. The Nintendo Station are all bound to offer you some sort of tennis shoe you are interested in. Although the shoe stores are Wii’s main draw is actually in the game con- spread from one end of the mall to the other, it is worth your while to check out all of them. troller itself. With a TV Remote-styled design, The Finish Line and World Foot Locker normally have a very nice sale selection, offering many styles the Wii remote contains motion sensing ca- at very low prices. If you’re the casual sneaker wearer or the first in line for the latest Nikes, Regency is the pabilities and a tiny little speaker, and rumble place to go. Another major appeal of the Regency Square Mall is its various stores that cater to the young and function to provide a uniquely entertaining trendy. The popular chains Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe offer stylish and casual clothes that are known for game experience. In games such as Wii Ten- normally lasting as long as the trend it emulates; not very. But at such low prices, this is not a problem for nis, you will swing your remote like a tennis racquet to those looking for something stylish to wear for a season. These stores are also complemented by the various hit the ball on screen and tiny sounds will come from the speaker when the women’s shoe stores around the mall that feature cheap trendy shoes. ball connects. Most retail games released for the console use these controls in some way. In The Old Navy at the Regency Square Mall can’t be beat. It’s much larger than the St. John’s Town addition to retail games, the Wii also offers games for download in the form of classic console games from Center store and is way more convenient than the one at the River City Marketplace. It’s a one-stop shop retired consoles. You can find a huge selection of games to purchase online from consoles including the NES, for the family, with offerings for young, old, male, female, and canine. The sale section is normally a little Super NES, Sega Genesis, and the Neo Geo platforms. unkempt, but is worth while to browse through on the way to the dressing room. Old Navy also offers almost The Console itself provides an interesting menu system comprised of “Channels”, providing many dif- any clothing one would need, sleepwear, casual wear, business wear, and outerwear. ferent levels of functionality for the console. Right off the bat you will want to create the virtual version of yourself with the Mii Channel. If you are connected to the Internet, you have access to channels such as weather, news provided by the Associated Press, and the Internet channel. You can shop for games on the Shopping channel, trade and compare user-created Mii characters on the Check Mii Out channel, and vote on river city marketplace randomly issued questions on the Everybody Votes channel. Even without a specific game to play, you can still have fun on the Wii. Since the Wii is considered to be the most family-friendly console, and it can con- The region’s newest “lifestyle-oriented town center mall,” River City Marketplace opened last year, off nect to the Internet, its good to know that the console provides plenty of safeguards to keep the little ones out I-95 on the Northside near the Airport and near a proposed Commuter Rail Stop that will ferry people from of serious trouble. The Wii console makes a log of how much time each application is used, and to play many Downtown Jacksonville to the Northside and Airport. Developer Rambo-Gershenson Properties Trust boosts a online games with friends, you will need a numerical friend code from the other user. Older players may find portfolio including 84 shopping centers throughout the United States. Rambo-Gershenson won a Master Plan- this off-putting, but parents will certainly see the value. ning Award from the Florida Planning & Zoning Association for its River City Marketplace design. Unfortunately, many of the games available for the Wii are either watered-down versions of games Phase I includes large retail chains – Michael’s, Old Navy, Super Wal-Mart, PetSmart, Lowe’s, Office from other consoles, completely terrible, or are just plain frustrating to play due to the bad implementation of Max, and Circuit City. Like the St. Johns Town Center, the River City Marketplace is set up with a main street motion controls. It should be known however, that the best games available for the console are some of the shopping area with walkable streets, a traditional power center, and upscale restaurants. The Center serves greatest games of all time, so be sure to talk to your retailer to find out what games are right for you and your the Northside quadrant, Amelia Island, and Nassau County residents. loved ones. The Nintendo Wii retails at $249.99. st. johns town center Those seeking the center of the upscale-big brand shopping universe here in Jacksonville should be shopping staples shopping at the St. Johns Town Center, especially since the oh-so high-end stores of Phase II have opened. Ladies, it’s time to start hinting about that Coach or Louis Vuitton bag you’ve always wanted. It’s all right there in Phase II. If you’re fan of Betsey Johnson, it’s time to start mentioning that they offer gift cer- your local shopping malls tificates. Men who like magnets and lodestones, head over to Sharper Image. Spouses and girlfriends, pay attention to what gadgets they’ve had their eye on. compiled by erin thursby, kellie abrahamson, debbie So far my favorite store in the Town Center this holiday season has been Urban Outfitters, a hip but well ricks, hilary johnson, morgan henley and rick grant priced store in the new Phase. You’ll find stuff there you won’t find anywhere else—a screen printer, books on cooking with Mary Jay, nostalgic coffee table books featuring Audrey Hepburn, kitschy-but-cool ornaments, nifty jewelry, graphic art and fisheye cameras. It’s a gifting bonanza! There are tons of places to shop in our enormous city. Last week, we provided a guide to Another new store worth checking out, for your stocking stuffer needs and beyond, is Mori Luggage. some of the area’s most popular locally owned shops, but this week we thought we’d focus While they do carry full sets of well appointed luggage, it’s the other items that might catch your eye, such as their Monte Blanc pens (they sell refills as well), a table top billiards table, a marshmallow roaster and other on the more traditional avenues, places like the Avenues Mall. Of course everyone is talking unique items. The strangest was a minute teddy bear seated at a piano. He comes with a hat rack filled with about Town Center, so we have included them, and there are plenty of spots we didn’t have various hats. Each hat you place on the bear’s head causes him to play a different song. the room to cover, like the outlet malls in St. Augustine, but we did our best to let you know what you can expect from the area shopping malls within the city limits of Jacksonville (and even a little into Clay County) so dig in and get shopping. Tis the season for maxing out st. john’s town center, north credit cards, so shop away! If you’ve only been as far as the DSW or the PetsMart in the Town Center, then you’re missing a whole other section: St. John’s Town Center North, which is made up of mostly local retailers. Anchors in this lot include Publix and Total Wine & More. Most of the places in this section of the Town Center aren’t part of a franchise or a chain, despite the presence of a Publix and yet another Starbucks. the avenues mall The majority of the stores are like Villa Vita, a longtime retailer in the San Marco area, which relocated to the Town Center. The store sells home décor items, among other things, most of which come from Italy. From The Avenues Mall is a great mall for a rainy day! I am sure that’s exactly what they don’t want to hear beautiful Salvati handblown Venetian glass, to Vietri pottery, the store has plenty of items to give your home people saying about them, with the new outdoor mall taking a lot of the glitz and glam away. But honestly, rich Italian flair. They sell high-end espresso machines, as well as small gift items, such as whimsical wine it’s a great indoor mall. It offers many wonderful shopping opportunities, many of which, can’t be found any- cork stoppers. I love their Italian glass jewelry. They also sell Vatican jewelry. Each year artists are allowed where else in Jacksonville. And if you’re looking for gifts, this is a great place to go. Delias, typically known for its catalogue and not for its store, has made a home at the Avenues. They 4

eujacksonville.com |december 6-12, 2007 17 to take a limited peak into the Vatican’s treasures. The artists copy the precious jewelry and bric-a-brac in costume jewelry form. It’s a great gift for the kids to get Grandma or Mom, because they’re so reason- ably priced. Villa Vita is just one of 10 local boutique style stores in the Town Center that are run and owned by Jacksonville women. Serendipity, another local retailer, sells all sorts of gift worthy items such as Jim Shore figures, small prints by local artists and paper goods. I bought four of their hand-painted tiny martini glass ornaments as a gift. The Town Center North fits the needs of moms and moms-to-be with a maternity clothing store called Incognito, a kid/baby furniture store named Baby Emma and a children’s clothing boutique called Kyds. St. John’s Town Center North is the 4th light down on the Town Center Road.

argyle village (orange park) Villa Vita Although not sexy or new, Argyle is a small hub of stores just inside of Orange Park where Blanding meets I-295. Stores include Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Micheal’s, TJ Max, Jo Ann’s arts and crafts, Babies R Us, Sun Gallery Tanning, Merle Norman, and Beauty Outlet, a full service salon. There is also some good shopping across Blanding from the Argyle Village. The traffic can get nasty, but there is plenty of parking and it’s still better than the traffic around the Orange Park Mall.

oak leaf (orange park) The newest shopping center in town is designed much like St. Johns Town Center and River City Marketplace. Most of the shops are still under construction. Stores open and ready for business are Kohls, Home Depot, Target and Famous Foot Wear.

orange park mall (orange park) The Orange Park Mall, located on the corner of Wells Road and Blanding Boulevard, is like any other suburban shopping arena you may come across. The usual big-name department stores stand proudly at each end and a 400-seat food court serves mall food somewhere in the middle. In between, stores like Amer- ican Eagle Outfitters and Bath & Body Works have stood the test of time while chains like Aeropostale are just now taking hold. While Core used to rule the day, now Hot Topic is the big draw for teens looking to buy band shirts. NASCAR fans can get the latest apparel, fridge magnets, beer coozies, clocks, parking signs, and mugs at RiverCity RaceFans while those who prefer the NFL can go buy a new jersey at Football Fanatics. Prefer something sparkly? Over a dozen jewelry stores, from Claire’s to Kay, found throughout the floor plan. The only toy store in the Orange Park Mall is Animal Factory, but children’s apparel can be found at GapKids, Old Navy and The Children’s Place. A nice, but usually crowded play area is a good place for kids to unwind after a long day of shopping. The mall also features an AMC 24, in case Mom and Dad need a time out from checking out too. The Orange Park Mall has all the standard offerings you might expect and one or two unique stores to explore. Still, with over 120 shops, this classic shopping destination is bound to keep you busy for at least an afternoon, two if you walk really slow.

incognito

18 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper eujacksonville.com | december 6 - 12, 2007 19 It’s A Wonderful Life Thomas M. Sharkey did a wonderful thing when he took one of America’s favorite holiday film classics and wrote this touching and heartfelt play. Capra would be proud! Players by the Sea, November 30, December 1,2,7,8,9,14,15. Info: (904) 249-0289

Fogle Fine Art Holiday Show Be unique! Visit Fogle Fine Art & Accessories annual holiday show for inspirational decorating ideas. Displays feature trees, ornaments and other festive accessories. Located at holiday 3312 Beach Blvd, M-F 10-6, Sat 10-4, Info: foglefineart.com. 2007 Gingerbread House Extravaganza This special holiday event features a gingerbread village that includes versions of Jacksonville landmarks. Tickets are $2 – 5 donations benefiting the Ronald McDonald House, HabiJax and other local charities. Jacksonville Historical Society, 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd from 11am to 6pm. Info: 739-000 ext. 116 or www.rotarycharity.org

First Coast Wind Ensemble: Holiday Concert Celebrate the season with the FCWE and special guests, the Don Thompson Chorale, in this popular annual concert of holiday favorites! Dec 6 at 7:30 pm in events the Terry Concert Hall. JSO: First Coast Nutcracker December 7th at 8 pm, December 8 at 2 pm & 8 pm December 9 at 2 pm. Even though there might not be live music because of the conflict between the board and the musicians, the get out your date Nutcracker is still scheduled to go on, albeit with recorded music instead of the orchestra. Location: Jim and Jan Moran Theater, at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts Info: 904-354-5547

Middleburg Christmas Lighted Parade An Annual event not to be missed. Santa Claus will be seen books, there is a lot in the Civic Building from 5 to 6:30 PM on December 8th. Info: middleburgcivicassociation.com or 904-282- 3150 or 904-955-4904 to do this season The Community Nutcracker Saturday, December 8th at 2 pm & 8 pm. Our Community Nutcracker has been captivating spectators for over a decade. This production is a hometown Jacksonville specialty that will MOSH’s Annual Wreath Auction Looking for that perfect touch to welcome visitors to your door? Bid capture your imagination and get you into the holiday mood. They always bring in pro dancers for the main on festive holiday wreaths of all kinds during the Annual Wreath Auction. Through Dec 18 during museum roles, but you’ll get to see dozens of adorable area kids dance. This production is very community and kid hours at MOSH, Info: 396-MOSH friendly. Ticket Price: $33.50, $29, $23 ($2 discount for students, seniors and military) Location: Florida The- atre Info: 904-355-2787 Annual Downtown Festival of Trees Running now through January 5th at the Main Library, the Ju- nior League of Jacksonville is proud to announce the 2007 Festival of Trees. Guaranteed fun for the young Amahl and the Night Visitors On December 7-9 2007 at 8 pm UNF Opera Ensemble presents Amahl and young at heart will be found downtown, as the library is transformed into a magical playground. Visit and the Night Visitors by Gian-Carlo Menotti. Tickets: $12 Location: Recital Hall, University of North Florida jlweb.org/Jacksonville for specific events, related to the Fest. The Festival of Trees will kick off with ArtWalk. Info: (904) 620-2878 The Night of Lights party will be held on Friday, Dec. 7th from 7-10 pm. Tickets for Night of Lights are $50, Children’s Story Time and Craft Hour & Holiday Lecture Series will also be held throughout the month. Main Christmas Concert The Friday Musicale Chorus presents a Christmas Concert on December 7th at 11 Library, 303 North Laura Street. Info: juniorleagueofjax.org or 904-387-9927. am. Location: Friday Musicale, 645 Oak Street Info: fridaymusicale.com/ or 904-355-7584

St. Johns County Festival of Trees The third-annual St. Johns County Festival of Trees will display of An O. Henry Christmas Based on classic O. Henry stories, The Last Leaf and The Gift of the Magi, cap- over 65 trees and wreaths decorated by area companies, organizations, families and friends. Opening night tures the true spirit of giving. Performanceswill be December 7, 8, 14, 15, 16. Location: Adele Grage Cultural includes a celebratory ribbon cutting, kids’ cookie decorating, an appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus Center Info: 904-249-7177 and performances by The Village Church choir. Nov 30 - Dec 9 at the St. Johns County Convention Center at the World Golf Village. Info: (904) 940-4010 or wgv.com Tuba Christmas Tuba players will play Christmas carols in 4-part harmony on December 8th at the Jack- sonville Landing Info: 904-269-9819 A Christmas Carole at the Hippodrome November 23rd -December 24th (adapted by Mary Hausch) Gainesville has traditions too, and the Hippodrome’s 30th Annual Production of A Christmas Carole is one 14th Annual Holiday Tour of Bed and Breakfast Inns Tour St. Augustine’s historic Bed and Break- of them. Join Scrooge, the Cratchits and all the usual ghosties. Dazzling special effects have made this a fast Inns, all decorated in Holiday finery. In addition to being able to enjoy each Inn’s dazzling Christmas sea- popular holiday “thing” down in the land of the Gators. Info: (352) 375-HIPP or thehipp.org Location: The son displays, tour participants will be able to enjoy taste treats throughout the Holiday Tour: Each inn unites Hippodrome, Gainesville, FL with one of St. Augustine’s leading restaurants and confectioners, who serve complementary samples. The tour takes place from 2 to 5 pm December 8 –9, each day; half of the inns welcome visitors on Saturday, and First Coast Winter Lights in Clay County A drive-thru light display, ice skating, drive in movies and half on Sunday. Info: 904-543-0783 more at the Reynolds Park Yacht Center in Green Cove Springs through January 1. Keystone Heights Lighted Christmas Parade The parade starts at the Lions Club at 6 pm on De- Nights of Lights More than two million tiny white lights will glow along the ancient streets and historic cember 8th. It will proceed east on Peach Street and then north on Lawrence, thru the city to Flaming Street. buildings of the Nation’s oldest city as the 14th Annual Nights of Lights celebration sparkles to life in Down- Floats will be lit. Info: [email protected] or 352-478-9356 town St. Augustine through Jan. 31. Children’s Miracle Network Flight Before Christmas Enjoy an evening of music at a concert by Winter Wonderland Slide into a Winter Wonderland at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and test your Aire Traffic on December 8th. The concert takes place at 7 pm at the newly redesigned St. Augustine Amphi- skills on a large ice skating rink while it really snows, visit the elf village and see Santa Claus himself! Enjoy theatre. The concert will provide attendees with the classic ambiance of an outdoor concert while capturing sleigh rides through lit nature trails, holiday shopping, children’s storybook readings, s’mores on an open fire the holiday spirit. Aire Traffic is comprised of air traffic controllers who incorporate a mix of jazz, horns, key- and Theatre St. Augustine’s performance of O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre boards, drums, and of course, an aeronautical theme. Attendees of all ages will enjoy the story line of good at select times through January 6th. 1340 A1A South, Info: 904-471-1965 or staugamphitheatre.com. ‘Ole St. Nick traveling from the North Pole to St. Augustine to visits the children in attendance. Location: St. Augustine Amphitheatre Info: 904-202-2900 Limelight Theatre: Santaland Diaries From the humiliating interviews and elf indoctrination to scrapes with miscast Santas and obnoxious customers, enjoy David Sedaris’ account of being a Macy’s elf Holiday Lecture Series Topics include “Setting a Festive Table” “Fun and Festive Food” and “Creating a as performed by local actor Ian Mairs at Limelight Theatre’s New Studio Theatre, Nov. 29 –Dec. 8, 2007. Info: living Wreath.” Lectures run on December 8th & 15th 11 am- 12 pm. Location: Main Library. Info: 904-387- (904) 825-1164 9927

Alhambra’s A Christmas Carole November 30 - December 23. To be a true Jacksonvillian you have Chabad’s Chanukah at The Landing Enjoy the lighting of the 13ft tall Menorah and music at 4 pm on to see Alhambra version of this old favorite. It has been around for than twenty years. This production, based December 9th. on Charles Dickens’ classic story, brings to life one of literatures most famous penny-pinchers, Ebenezer Scrooge. Whether you celebrate Christmas, or just like a good ghost story, Christmas Carole is fun for Handel’s Messiah On December 9th enjoy a multitude of local talent when the St. Augustine Community the entire family. It’s a memorable, musical voyage to Victorian England to find out how a miserly skinflint Chorus presents their annual performance of excerpts from Handel’s Messiah. The concerts will be per- discovers the true meaning of Christmas in a most unusual way. Info: (904) 641-1212 or 1-800-688-7469 formed at 3 and 7:30 p.m. at the Memorial Presbyterian Church, 36 Sevilla Street. A $5 freewill offering is Tickets: $39-46, includes dinner and show. Location: Alhambra Dinner Theatre requested at the door. Info: 904-829-6451.

20 december 6-12, 2007| entertaining u newspaper Pet Photos with Santa Bring your furry friends to have their picture taken with Santa this holiday season at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts Info: (904) 354-5547 or jaxsymphony.org. on December 9 & 16! Location: St. Johns Town Center Info: 904-642-8399 A Nightmare Before Christmas Five Points Holiday Show 8th Day Tattoo Gallery will host the 5 A Merry Market- presented by Seaside Music Theater and Junior League of Daytona Beach Points event at Fuel Coffee House to benefit local charity organizations on December 16th at 7 pm. All pro- On Saturday, December 10th from 1:00 - 8:00pm finish (or begin) your holiday shopping with some of ceeds will be donated to Toys for Tots, Bosom Buddies and the Jacksonville Humane Society. The line-up will Daytona’s BEST specialty vendors including: Bath & Body Shop, Chez Réne, Create a Book For Me, Dancing feature short-films by 3M Productions, a comedy performance by Joel Land, a surprise musical guest, and Dragonfly’s, Designs by Roseann (hand-painted items), Elements of Design, Fishermen’s Chocolates, Hot silent auction. Various works of art by local artists will also be on display throughout the venue. Highlighted Flash Sleepwear, Mary James Clothing for Children, Tastefully Simple Tupperware, TYP Designs (hand-made artists include: Shawn Thurston, Jason Wright, Nick Wagner, Rod Crews, Kyle Miller and many more. Dress in jewelry & jeweled serving ware), and more! Bring the kids from 1-5pm for pictures with Santa, face painting, costume or masquerade in the style of Nightmare Before Christmas, bringing Halloween back in the month of and a special holiday activity area! Info: 386-226-1936. December. It’s $10 at the door or $5 with a toy. Location: Fuel

A Peter White Christmas featuring Rick Braun & Mindi Abair On December 12th, Contemporary A Christmas Carole at The Florida Theatre December 21st at 7:30 pm. You know the story: Ebene- jazz guitarist and keyboard player Peter White performs with trumpeter Rick Braun and saxophonist, vocalist zer Scrooge, a most unrepentant, miserly fellow, is made to see the light as he survives a merciless battery and composer Mindi Abair. Rick Braun specializes in smooth, contemporary jazz. Rising sax star Mindi Abair of revelations by the ghosts of his own Christmases: Past, Present and Future. In the Florida Theatre version, is best know for her featured roles on sax and percussion on tour with the Backstreet Boys. Her blend of con- superb sets have been specially designed by the celebrated scenic designer, Larry Kaushansky (formerly temporary jazz laced with R&B, soul and pop melodies, her sparkling energy and a truly personal approach Lazar Michailovich Kaushansky), for many years Russia’s reigning set and costume design genius. Tickets make her live concerts truly unique. Location: Florida Theatre Jacksonville Info: 904-355-2787 run from about $24-38. Info: (904) 355-2787 or floridatheatre.com Location: The Florida Theatre, Downtown

Florida Ballet Nutcracker December 14th at 7:30 pm, December 15th at 2:30 & 7:30 pm and Decem- The Nightmare Before Christmas Show with Obituary, Sadus, Pain Principle and From ber16th at 3 pm. Enjoy the Florida Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker. The Florida Ballet is first and foremost Blood and Burning Christmas doesn’t have to filled with holiday cheer. Take a break from all that on De- a company of professional dancers, so expect some exquisite ballet. Location: Florida Theatre Info: 904-355- cember 21st at 8 pm. Location: The French Quarter 2787 Christmas Party Just $5 get you in the door for the Christmas Party at House of Jam on December 22nd. Concert Choir Home for the Holiday Pops December 14, 15 & 16, Celebrate the sights and sounds of the holidays, as Jacksonville audiences of all ages enjoy the most wonderful time of the year. The Jackson- Murray Hill Theatre AND Second Thief present: The Christmas Show!! From metal core to ville Symphony Orchestra and the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus will bring home sparkling melodies, a cozy indie pop, you’ll be sure to find at least one band you like at this show. Each band will play their versions of atmosphere and heartwarming joy with musical gems for the season Show times are as follows- December at least 1 or two Christmas songs on Saturday, December 22nd at 8:00 pm Featuring Second Thief + Lots of 14 at 8 pm, December 15 at 3 pm and 8 pm, and December 16 at 7:30 pm Tickets: $25-$65 Location: bands- $8 Location: Murray Hill Theatre Info: murrayhilltheatre.com/schedule.htm Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts Info: 904-346-1636 or jaxchildrenschorus.com Nightmare Before Christmas featuring: DEVEREUX and guests Get away from tinsel and holiday mirth by changing things up a bit at Jack Rabbits on the 23rd of December. Location: Jack Rabbits Yule Slide Trombone players play Christmas carols on December 15th at 10 am. (registration at UNF), 12:30 performance (St. Johns Town Center) Info: 904-620-3841 Winter Break The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will celebrate the New Year with music from around the world from December 26, 2007-January 6, 2007. Kids will love the giant inflatable slide, bounce house, face Breakfast with the Care Bears and Santa Join jolly St. Nick, Sleepytime and Cheer Bear for a painting, animal encounters, prize drawing, and visits from Jazoo. Location: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens breakfast buffet from 8 am-10 am on December 15th. Followed by a free meet & greet. Breakfast Buffet - Info: jaxzoo.org $9.99 per person Breakfast Buffet plusone attraction - $12.99 per person Location: Adventure Landing Info: adventurelanding.com/jaxbeach/

The Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville On Saturday, December 15, 2007, The Children’s Christmas Party of Jacksonville will continue to fulfill the Christmas dreams of over 10,000 children in North- east Florida. If you are interested in supporting this important event and making a difference in the lives of Jacksonville youth, please consider a personal or corporate donation. Location: Prime Osborn Info: ccpoj. org/hych.html

2nd Annual Xmas Ball Hard rockin’ Porcelain Black, Sam Rivers an Tef XL will play at this event to bene- fit Toys for Tots on December 15th at 9 pm. Location: The French Quarter Info: myspace.com/frenchquarterjax

Dr’s Lake & Swimming Pen Creek Lighted Boat Parade Whitey’s Fish Camp will be hosting the 5th annual lighted boat parade on December 15th at 6 pm. Locations: Whitey’s Fish Camp Info: 904-269-4198

18th Century Christmas Caroling On Saturday, December 15th, relive the wonderful and rich history of St. Augustine at Christmastime with an evening of Family Fun. The 18th Century Christmas Caroling will begin with a musical prelude of Christmas music on a hammered dulcimer and violin in the center of the Plaza de la Constitucion at 6:30 p.m. Song sheets with the familiar words to 10 Christmas carols written before the 1800’s will be provided. Candles and songbooks will be available. The singing of the carols and the proces- sion down St. George Street will begin at 7 p.m. and will end at the Castillo de San Marcos where a Merry Christmas and good night will be wished for all. Location: Plaza de la Constitución. Info: 904-797-9772

Country Christmas Concert Callahan Auto Sales is proud to announce the second annual Country Christmas Concert to be held in Callahan, Florida on Saturday, December 15th, from 6:00pm – 10:00pm, at the West Nassau High School Auditorium. The concert will be a “free event” for the community and will feature live entertainment provided by host Ray Williams, Roger Hawk and the Dixie Angel Band, Liz Mobley, Robin Kinsey, John Crisp, Steve Branch, and Ashli Holton. Everyone is invited to attend. Info: contact Ray Williams (904) 879-4585 or Liz Mobley (904) 813-9580

Intermezzo Free Sunday Concerts A concert of seasonal musical favorites arranged for clarinet choir on December 16th 2:30 pm. Location: Main Library, 303 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202- Hicks Auditorium (Conference level)

Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra “Sounds of the Season” TARGET Family Series On December 16th at 3 pm you can take in a concert from the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra Phil- harmonic has become a holiday favorite for young audiences. The JSYO is made up of our area’s premier young musicians, performing inspiring and delightful concerts, engaging the community and spreading holi- day cheer, too! Thanks to the generous partnership with TARGET, all general admission tickets are $7. Tickets: General Admission: $7; Reserved: $20 Adult, $18 Child. Location: Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall

eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 21 dish. where to eat, drink and be merry.

more than a market Matthew’s Market by Erin thursby [email protected]

Rye Berry and Rasin Matthew’s Market was briefly shut down for a revamp. It’s back now, and according to co-owner/man- Salad from Native Sun ager Chad Labenz, it’s better than ever. With a small patio and about three seats inside, Matthew’s Market is the choice for a deli-style, yet up- scale lunch. The prices are still reasonable, with most sandwiches ranging from about $6.50 to $8. You can order their scrumptious Chicken Salad to go, or you can just enjoy it out on their patio. Their page 22 - 23 matthew’s market | page 23 prepared foods chicken salad has proven to be the vice of choice for many customers, who, owing to the addictive properties page 24 mandarin pub crawl of the salad, order a few pounds of the stuff each week. It’s that good. Chock full of chicken, with finely diced celery, toasted almonds and red grapes; it can easily be comfort food to fall in love with. I also sampled their Cobb Salad, a decent blend of bacon, cheese, the usual quarters of hard boiled egg and high quality salad greens. All of their sandwiches are served on artisan Panini bread. Their selection varies from day to day, but dish update you’re sure to find a sandwich you like. I tasted their version of a Cuban sandwich, which had a slightly pi- quant mustard. Their Portobello Sandwich included baby spinach, cambazola (a kind of creamy blue cheese) The Jacksonville company, Southern Hospitality, has become the franchisee for Fish City Grill and a shallot vinaigrette on Ciabatta. Their Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil Sandwich was a clear hit with me—the restaurants in Florida, , and South Carolina. They plan to open their first site in December in pesto sauce soaked into the bread just made this sandwich something special, along with a little prosciutto Ormond Beach. Many of the restaurants they plan to open are slated to go in Savannah or Jackson- and onion. ville. The goal is to open 10 restaurants within five years. Fish City is a seasonal seafood place with an The priciest sandwich I tried was the Lobster Roll, at $14.50. It was a lobster salad piled on a gourmet emphasis on pretty presentation. toasted hotdog bun. While it was tasty, it was a little on the tough side, so I’d stick to their delectable deli I’ve heard of gingerbread houses, yes, but I’ve rarely seen a gingerbread ship, let alone one that’s 17-feet long and 12-feet high. But that’s what visitors to the Ritz-Carlton (4750 Amelia Island Parkway, lobster roll Amelia Island) will encounter. It’s a pirate ship that will be displayed through December 28th. On Friday nights, a pirate and his parrot will lead a rum toast in the hotel’s lounge. On December 12th you’ll get the chance to help kids and eat some excellent barbeque at Ster- ling’s 8th Annual Birthday Party at the Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant (691 N. 1st Street, Jacksonville Beach). Sterling Joyce is well-known at the Jacksonville Beaches, serving the hospitality industry for over 40 years. For the past seven years, Sterling has a party on his birthday to cleverly raise money and help underprivileged kids celebrate Christmas – and now have a good education. Bring a gift of canned goods or an unwrapped toy for a child age 4 – 14 to show your appreciation and love for Sterling Joyce, a true hero to children at the beach. Dinner is $15. Things kick off at 6:00pm. There will be a BBQ cookoff competition dinner – Sterling’s BBQ vs. Chef Aaron Webb’s BBQ, silent auction, fashion show by J. Crew, mascots from the Jacksonville Jam, and an incredible entertainment lineup including Pele Pele, Harvey Williams, Teddy Washington, James with The Natural Truth (author of The Cat – Jaguar song), and Mr. McGee, a favorite local DJ spinning dance tunes. For further information or to learn more about H.E.R.O.E.S., call Melinda Morgan Spires, Executive Director, at (904) 241- 6035 (cq.) or email [email protected] Boomtown is back! The legendary restaurant and dinner theater has returned to Springfield. By merging their operation with the always floundering 9th and Main, they can now offer a full liquor bar and some great draft beers. Look for their upcoming events, like the showings in the Rusty Hinge Theatre. Remember, if you’ve got any dish on Jacksonville food and drink, do send us an email at [email protected].

22 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper sandwiches. Don’t just order at the counter though, make sure you take a look at their cold deli case, so you don’t miss some of their most popular treasures. Native Sun The place is a market as well, there to meet your exotic, at-home culinary desires. “We’re building on… [Matthew’s] flavor and his preparations,” says co-owner Chad Labenz,” …so that people can create a variety of different dishes at home…We want to supply things that you don’t see every- where; that add those nice touches to a dish.” On their shelves you’ll find truffled sea salt, gourmet pasta and preserves canned in-house, such as strawberry basil, apple butter, blueberry butter and a saffron onion marmalade.

holiday meals made easy In their cases, you’ll find the finest meats and most interesting cheeses. They also have a seafood sec- tion. It isn’t as impressive as their finely marbled steaks and pre-seasoned pork loins, but they do carry May- port shrimp and perhaps the largest Alaskan King Crab legs I have ever seen in my life. Their freshly ground coffee has a local flavor, supplied by local roaster Martin Coffee. The coffee blends really easy available at Matthew’s Market is the first time Martin Coffee has been available for take-home retail. They also carry Illy Coffee for all those espresso junkies out there. The wine selection stretches across the globe, with a much more diverse selection of wines than they by Erin thursby [email protected] used to have. Prices for wine bottles go from about $11 and up, with many selections sensibly falling in the You might think this is cheating, but some of the best holiday meals are the ones you don’t make. under $20 range. Some of the labels, such as Crazy Legs, Steele and Foley are vintners with some kind of If you’re hosting a group or just extra harried after a long day, why stress about chopping things? Cut local connection. your holiday meal stress in half by getting someone else to do the heavy lifting while still being the meal If you aren’t in the mood to cook, why not pick up one of Matthew’s ready-made side dishes or rotis- serie chicken? They even have classic pot pies you can pick up for a great dinner at home or a side dish. hero. The pot pies include a seafood shrimp and clam, a chicken pot pie and a mushroom pot pie. Their mac and The first time-honored solution is to pick something up from the supermarket deli on the way cheese goes a bit uptown, with a blend of fontina, bleau, asiago, aged cheddar and parmesan cheeses. home. It’s not the most original solution, but it can be if you avoid the large chain supermarkets. Area Take-home desserts include tasty pies, tarts and cookies. Their bread is the real deal, supplied by specialty markets that have a deli often carry unique ready-made food items you won’t find anywhere French Pantry, a wholesale bakery that makes fresh bread for some of the finest eateries in town. else. Both Native Suns in the area have a good deli, but the one at Baymeadows and 9A (11030 Whether you’re looking for a cold or hot deli meal, Matthew’s Market is the place to go in San Marco. Baymeadows Rd 904-519-2997) is fantastic, proving that healthy food can sometimes be more delec- And if you happen to feel a little lazy on your way home from work, pick up one of their ready-made meals. table than the stuff that’s bad for you. They use all-natural or all-organic ingredients whenever possible. Just pretend that you cooked it. I love their wraps and their rye berry and raisin salad. In San Marco, Matthew’s Market has been the area’s dinner savior, with rotisserie chicken and Alaskan King Crab legs gourmet selection (see the review on the previous page for more details). Meal assembly kitchens seem to be everywhere these days. Here’s how it works: each month, the meal assembly stores offer a different menu with a variety of selections. Come in to choose which menu items you would like and assemble them in portions big enough to feed your family. They do all the prep work ahead of time, the ingredients are right in front of you and all the meals are packaged in easy-to-cook trays. This way you can assemble all your meals for the month, and all you have to do is pop it in the oven when you get home from work. The more servings you make, the cheaper it is per serving, depending on the meal assembly store you visit. Fixing it yourself isn’t the only option; you can also have the staff at the store assemble meals for you, for an extra fee. Also, most of these stores offer a meal of the day that’s already pre-packaged and ready to be cooked for that night’s supper. The pre-made meals that you can grab from these places generally aren’t cooked, just prepared and frozen, ready for you to pop in the oven and cook fresh. While there are a bunch of chains around town that do this, such as Entrées Made Easy (11700 San Jose Blvd 904-880-2665), if you like to keep a local flavor to your meals, go with Terry’s Kitchen (4218 Saint Johns Ave 904-388-1743). If you want something specific, just call Terry herself and they can have it for you ahead of time. Calling ahead can be important during the rush of the holidays. They still have plenty in their freezers that you can pick up, such as their popular chicken veggie pie, their bow tie pasta, lasagna, classic mac and cheese and more. For an easy but classy choice, go with their fish in foil. The most important thing is that you take advantage of these ready-made, fresh meals, so you can spend the holidays catching up with family instead of stressing about which ingredient you’ve forgotten.

eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 23 o’malley’s pub crawling through Location: St. Augustine Road between Crown Point and San Jose Type of Place: Full bar Serving: Imported and domestic draft beers. Full by the eu professional drinkers mandarin liquor and every bottled beer you could ask for. Atmosphere: A bar’s bar. Amenities: Satellite juke box, Golden Tee and In spite of Mandarin being the bowling, pool tables and smoking allowed. historical home to the famous Harriet Drink Specials: Water costs a lot of attitude. Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle I have always hated O’Malley’s. Monday nights are apparently especially lame in Mandarin. I’m also having a Tom’s Cabin, I never thought of it as hard time seeing straight, so their drinks are fairly stiff, or I came too prepared to be drunk in O’Malley’s again. particularly progressive. It has an Every time I come here I get the same bitchy bartender. Her name is Barb. I asked her for a water, to stop the place from spinning, and she laughed and walked away from me. Leaving me there. Spinning. Designated often overlooked history that dates drivers must be a huge hit here. Where’d we put our designated driver? This is the place to watch out for drunk back to the very foundations of frat boys that like to start fights with drunk smart asses. Hey wait, I’m a drunk smart ass. I better get going. Jacksonville. Jacksonville’s founder, Taxi! –Johnny St. Thomas Isaiah Hart, called it home for most of his life here. Well things have sure ryan couper’s last stand changed around there. It never even dawned on me that our professional drinkers have not reviewed a single bar in this expansive monkey’s uncle tavern neighborhood. But my old friend and long time drinking partner, Russel, pointed this fact out to me in no minced Location: San Jose Blvd across from Target (just moved). words. So I called him out. But I don’t know how to Type of Place: Neighborhood bar. navigate this world of strip-mall bars and whenever I try Serving: Full bar with domestic and imported I end up drunk, fighting with frat boys or rednecks, and beers, house wines, full liquor (cheap and stiff far from home. So I insisted that Russel and another of well drinks) and some bar foods. his drinking buddies, Ryan Couper, take me along their Atmosphere: Awkward, because everyone trail of watering holes. “Ryan Couper,” known by most as Joe Foster, passed away less than else seems pretty regular, but plenty friendly. a month after. We were only just getting to know Joe when he brought EU into these bars with Their newly renovated digs are fresh and their him. These words he’s left us are a strange and misfit sort of obituary for such a magnanimous bathrooms are immaculate. Amenities: Good jukebox, free “happy Friday” personality. Drinking in Mandarin won’t be the same without the late Ryan Couper, but we shots. Some great live music, some not-so- managed to end up drunk, fighting with frat boys and rednecks, and far from home. I guess you great live music. Usually cover bands, but they aren’t too intrusive. There are lots of pool tables, some just can’t take me anywhere. Ryan might be proud. high tables and some darker low tables on the opposite side. Drink specials: They won’t tell us. Too drunk? harmonious monks The girls are easy and so am I. What I am doing here is still the question on my mind. Regulars run the place, when do I become a regular? But you still feel welcome. The phrase at “Spank My Monkey’s Uncle” is “What Location: St. Augustine Road at the corner of Hood Road in the Food Lion complex. are you doing here?” I’m still not sure what that means. I like this place. This is the place to be now that it’s Type of Place: Bar and grill. reopened. The bartenders remember who you are and they make you feel like regulars. The real regulars don’t Serving: Full liquor, imported and domestic draft and bottled beers. mess with you too much. I’ve lost my shit on some Emerson. (Please note: Russel is not usually a writer, but no Atmosphere: Classic bar with a live music stage. Tonight (Monday) is karaoke night. one else could focus on the keyboard enough to hit the right keys. Good looking out, Russell, you saved the pub Amenities: Live music, tabletop video games, pool tables, a digital jukebox and smoking allowed. crawl!) – Russel Gill (et al.) Drink Specials: Rotating daily specials.

I wish we had not come here. The banal conversations encroaching upon my auditory capacities are blue anchor so reproachable as to force any man to self-extermination. I really love whiskey-tanned bitches singing Evanescence; reminiscent of all that was intolerable in grade school. Bravo. (Wait. Are they karaoke-ing Location: 10550 St. Augustine Road at the corner of Hood Road Drowning Pool? Russel is lip syncing a roar right now. Their giant mugs of beer make me feel funny.) -Ryan Type of Place: Pool hall and beer bar Couper (et al) Serving: Imported and domestic draft beers, a selection of wines and a variety of bottled beers. Atmosphere: This newly renovated bar is a little bright, but it’s cheap during happy hour and it’s stuffed with working class stiffs. viva burrito sports grill Amenities: pool tables, a satellite juke box, Golden Tee, some tabletop video games, an ATM and Location: On San Jose, across the street from Tijuana Flats by Crown Point Road New York pizza next door that will bring your pie to you at the bar. That may stop when their food Type of Place: Cozy Hole in the Wall menu is introduced soon. Serving: Economy Sized Beers Drink Specials: Happy hour is weekdays until 7 pm, cheap domestics ($1.75) and half pitchers. Atmosphere: Earthy Shoeless Atmosphere. (Shoes required.) They also sell pitchers of Guiness for $9! Amenities: Bathrooms and pool tables Their renovations are so fresh that the smell of varnish from their glossy blond wood bar fills the place. The Drink Specials: $1.50 Drafts Blue Anchor avoids that surly bar standard and surprises visitors that judge it by the diminutive strip mall entrance. With big, flat screen televisions all over the place, you’re sure to see the game you want. The track The prevalence of ignorant hypocritical religious tendencies renews one’s faith in American democracy. lighting lights up the bright yellow walls (painted – mod style) dulled by the strip-mall chic of the burgundy Coloreds allowed. [Although I’m not entirely certain what Ryan means by all of that, there is definitely a working ceiling panels. - Johnny St. Thomas class vibe in this place. I’m not sure how it came by the name “Viva Burrito,” but I didn’t see anyone A) ethnic, or B) eating anything. But it was certainly alive with ball caps and mullets!] -Ryan Couper (et al.)

24 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper fruit tree album review

Artist: Nick Drake Title: Fruit Tree Box Set Release Date: 11.20.07 Label: Bryter Music

It’s a magical thing to see a musician gain more new, impassioned fans, even as his untimely death drifts further into the past. I’m lucky and proud to say that I discovered Nick Drake just before Volkswagen introduced him to television viewers. Although created upon Drake’s sharp guitar- playing skills, his delicate and intricate songs can’t be described simply as folk music. There’s some- thing more to it, and it’s not just because he also incorporated strings and bongos. Everything seems to fuse naturally around his melancholy lyrics, as if the songs weren’t really written, but revealed as something that has always existed. I know this all sounds pretty theatrical, but Drake’s music makes me feel like I’ve just died, though I’m calm and reassured by the everlasting music that accompanies me as I’m placidly ushered down a river cutting through a thick hardwood forest and a light morning fog. For those of you who are already in love with Nick Drake, the Fruit Tree Box Set has been renewed and re-released for you. With an enormous amount of sleeve notes, it offers the rabid fan a deep look into the recording process of Drake’s three records, while a limited edition of ten thousand copies will include a DVD that provides details by Joe Boyd (the original producer) into each of Drake’s songs. For those of you who are not yet familiar with Nick Drake, the Fruit Tree Box Set is a brilliant way to get acquainted with the music of a man who was as equally mysterious in life as he is now. I believe it’s possible that no one on the earth could deny the beauty of Nick Drake’s music, not even Amazonian savages or boot-scootin’ country bumpkins. - donald dusinberre

nirvana unplugged in new york dvd review

Artist: Nirvana Title: Unplugged in New York Release Date: 11.20.07 Label: Universal Music

Fourteen years after recording it, the DVD of the legendary Nirvana Unplugged performance in New York has been released. In fact when I saw it, I thought “I haven’t really seen that since MTV played it ad nauseum just after he died.” Then I was tantalized with claims such as “unreleased material” and “extra features.” But the version I got just had their banter between songs. This was at first frustrating, because I did have high hopes. The unplugged set was a pinnacle performance that allowed Cobain to transcend the punk rock image and truly enter the realm of respectable musician. It didn’t seem to shed new light on his legend. However after two or three viewings, I realized how much more I got to know Cobain because of his be- tween-song banter with Novoselic, Grohl, Smear and even the Meat Puppets. An audience member even called out for Freebird to the scorn and mocked-up version of ‘Sweet Home Alabama.’ How can a Jacksonville punk rocker not love it? Don’t expect a bunch of inside extras, but as Novoselic told NME, “The new 5.1 sound really opens it up and it gave me a new appreciation for the songs… You can hear what each instrument is doing. It really invites you in and I’m sure everyone will enjoy it in a new way. I’d really like to re-release ‘In Utero’ in that way at some point.” It has the complete show, unedited, which features every song that was broadcast (‘About A Girl,’ ‘The Man Who Sold the World,’ ‘Plateau,’ ‘Where Did you Sleep Last Night’ and others) as well as some rehearsals and an MTV documentary called Bare Witness. The DVD is the perfect addition to the obsessed Nirvana fan that still wears that ancient Nirvana shirt to concerts. It also comes close to bringing a tear to the eye of the cynical grunge kid that turned into an over- weight thirty-something dad. Remember when we were punks? - jon bosworth

eujacksonville.com | december 6 -12, 2007 25 Jonathan Plant on upright bass and Brian Jenkins on drums. The acoustic pop/blues trio presents live music & mostly original music with selected covers show- casing taut-as-wit presentation and Louie’s witty repartee. It’s a hip trip to the magical LeClaireville, shows calendar featuring Louie’s savvy guitar playing and distinc- tive voice articulated by Jonathan’s advanced bass THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 playing and Brian’s masterful drumming. Pianist Tim Nold Seawalk Hotel, Jax Beach (249- Louie began his music career by playing bass 9981) 12 years ago, then studying bass at UNF. Now Louie has a full-time job at Nice Music teaching Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds bass and playing out with his own trio. Recently, Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) Louie and some fellow musicians formed Klob, a Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) new band performing modern blues/rock. Clearly, Louie’s trio of experienced musicians are into intel- Formatta Forrest High School, Jax ligently conceived original music using various Col. Bruce Hampton Freebird Live, Jax Beach rhythms, modulations, and modes, making it dif- (246-2473) ficult to categorize. Louie said at the gig that they are planning to record an album at Jimmy DeVito’s Kings of Hell Ragtime, Jax Beach (241-7877) studio in Crescent Beach. Rowka Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Meanwhile, the trio gigs regularly around town Chelsea Saddler Seven Bridges, Jax (997-1999) at selected venues to a growing fan base. The suc- cess of the Louie LeClaire Trio is based on quality Mariachi Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) musicianship and Louie’s savvy songwriting talent, Therapy Cecil’s, Jax (744-5132) complemented by his all-star players. The original songs available on Louie’s MySpace (myspace. Cam Caldwell Fionn Maccol’s, Jax Beach (242- com/louieleclaire) give the listener insight into his 9499) musical ideas. Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park ‘Who We Will Love’ is a straight-ahead pop (269-4198) song with the refrain “It’s about who we will love.” The song has a Beatles-esque spin, reminding us Boogie Freaks Square One, Jax (306-9004) that sometimes a simple 3-chord song can be ef- Steve Plays Too Loud London Bridge, Jax (359- fective. Like the Beatles’ ‘All you Need is Love,’ it 0001) offers a universal theme and a memorable melody. ‘Blue Skies’ has a catchy, descending bass groove Gutterboy Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) with a shuffle-like rhythm. It’s almost jazzy but Out of Hand Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215- comes across as a memorable little ditty. ‘A Better 8999) Way’ is an acoustic folk song with Louie’s tasty fingerpicking style accenting the clever lyrics. “Oh Colton & Friends The Mill Top, St. Augustine that’s life, hold on tight.” ‘Jamie’ comes across with (829-2329) a melancholy Latin mood, conjuring up an image of Derek Webb Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) lonely guy looking out from a hotel room balcony in LiL’nard TSI, Jax (635-3024) La Paz, Bolivia, wondering if romance is worth the heartache or makes life truly worth living. Bigga Rankin Plush, Jax (743-1845) Overall this group includes experienced, tal- Big Blue Audio Stadium Club, Jax (641-2301) ented and professional musicians and they write memorable original music, which has attracted a Stu Weaver Coffee Roasters, Jax (260-0810) original music at starlite large fan base. It’s the first step towards a run at national recognition, if that’s what they want. But not all professional musicians want fame and for- THURSDAY-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6-8 tune, believe it or not. Tony O A!A Ale Works, St. Augustine (829-2977) café FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 Louie LeClaire Keith Urban Veterans Arena, Jax Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) by Rick grant [email protected] Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. The “wild night was calling” when I visited LeClaire acoustic trio. Formed 5 years ago by Augustine (824-9317) the Starlite Café in 5 Points to check out the Louie singer/songwriter Louie LeClaire, he is joined by McKenna Country Club Lounge, Macclenny Southern Trouble Rebar, Jax Shawn Lightfoot The Grape, Jax (642-7111) Sounds of the Season Town Center, Jax Bound Spare Time Grille, Jax Beach (246-8099) Bogdog Battle of the Bands Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) Rev. Billy Wirtz Café Eleven, St. Augustine (460- 9311) 69 Fingers Doozers Pub, Jax Gil Mantera’s Party Dream TSI, Jax (635-3024) Riff Raff Box Seats, Orange Park Deathface Spare Time Grille, Jax Beach

26 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper company led by the famed Johnny Cash producer Rick Ed Cotton 9th & Main, Jax Rubin, a name that can make things happen for this group in the industry. The band just released a self- Dave Massey On the Rocks, Jax titled album and plans to release a single called ‘Un- Johnny Flood Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241- touchable’ in January of 2008. Meanwhile, the group 6453) is touring nationally and building a loyal fan base. Inner Demons, Manna Zen Freebird Live, Jax Clearly, the members of Luna Halo did their Beach (246-2473) homework by putting together an impressive rock per- formance by paying attention to every detail and blow- Crystal Bessels Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) ing away their audience with intelligently conceived Busted & Confused Sharky’s, Orange Park songs, well balanced (albeit thunderous) sound, and electrifying stage show. They have created their own Sugar Bear West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) rock mystique that will take them far into the future. Mint Julep The Landing, Jax Right now, the group is in its first stages of creating a brand, which includes their rock’n’roll stage clothes Johnny Flood Aromas, Jax (928-0515) and performing style. They look the part, presenting a Madison Fadeout Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) visual and sound quality that tags them as rock stars before the fact. G-Mayn-Frost Yesterdays, Jax (387-0502) Whether that moniker comes to fruition, only Dot Wilder Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach time will tell. But the gypsy Luna Halo firm of Nathan Boogie Freaks Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242- Barlowe on lead vocals and guitar, Nathan’s younger 9499) brother Cary Barlowe on lead guitar and vocals, Aaron Jenkins on bass and Chris Coleman on drums bring Lady Mahogony Ritz Theatre, Jax new excitement to the modern rock scene. At the Lauren Fincham Village Café, Jax (389-3995) French Quarter show, the band had added a keyboard player. Chris Kearnes Ocean 60, Jax Beach (247-0060) More significantly, the group’s music pays hom- Flyin South Michelle’s, Jax age to past rock traditions while forging new musical territory. Nathan said that the group is radio-friendly, Laughing Bones Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach which will pay dividends in the future. Luna Halo’s Pandaemonium Bourbon Street, Jax (641-8777) single ‘Untouchable’ immediately blasts out “HIT” th with a hooky lead-in by Cary on lead guitar. It grooves The Druids 9 & Main, Jax with hard drumbeats and strong leads with a grabber break. It hits the diaphragm with machine-gun guitar chords and heavy single-note runs. The song ends FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7-8 suddenly with the listener begging for more. And, its Jody & the Drive Shafts Trade Winds Lounge, St. strong relentless rhythm lingers after the song ends, a Augustine (829-9336) true sign that radio listeners will want to hear the song Pili Pili Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940) again and again. ‘On My Way’ showcases the band’s intricate vo- BayStreet Ragtime Tavern, Neptune Beach (241- cals. Again, this is an example of the band’s attention 7877) a visage of rock stardom to every detail of producing a dynamic performance. Dueling Pianos Dick’s Wings/Tinseltown, Jax Both live and on the group’s CD, I could hear every Luna Halo live at French Quarter word of the lyrics, which are cleverly injected into the Debra Rider Seahorse Grille, Ponte Vedra Beach spectrum of the mix so that the vocals can be heard Cupid’s Alley Cap’n Odies, Mayport (241-8848) over and through the heavy orchestration. Another detail that I appreciated was the group’s Wildcard Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269- by Rick grant [email protected] fast stage turnover from the other band. They had their 4198) In the realm of modern rock, only a few bands signing with a large corporate record companies or amps set up behind the previous band to make the Mike Hart Trio Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine ever break through the tangled matrix of other groups smaller indie labels, building large fan bases, and sell- changeover go faster. And, the Luna Halo band mem- (829-2329) jockeying for position. The chosen few break big by ing significant numbers of CDs. Whatever path a group bers pitched in to load off the stage. It was the fastest takes, the key to success in modern rock lies in the stage changeover I’ve ever witnessed at that club. Wes Cobb Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249- group’s songwriting talent. The bottom line on Luna Halo: this group can 5181) This rock’n’roll axiom is exemplified by the deliver what they promise – hit songs and notable Gutterboy Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215- 4-piece modern rock band, Luna Halo, which I wit- performances. Obviously, the A&R department of 8999) nessed play live at the French Quarter last Saturday American Columbia agrees. Now it’s up to the group’s Roger That Square One, Jax (306-9004) night. Before the band’s set, I had a chance to chat growing fan base to support them by buying their with band founder and frontman, Nathan Barlowe, product and tickets to their shows. It’s a vicious jungle about the group’s evolution from a Nashville regional out there, but Luna Halo has the cutting edge power to SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 band to signing with American Columbia, a record forge their own path. Aire Traffic w/Dot Wilder The Amphitheatre, St. Augustine Robby Schenck Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) Bayonet Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) Wookie J Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) Rick Arcusa Band Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) Bobby Lee Rogers Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) Deathmetal Fest Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) The Sweet Low Down Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) Fusion Town Center, Jax Dana Salmela GQ’s, Jax

eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 27 after JSO Board Chair Jim Van Vleck was quoted in Jamie Defrates, Susan Brown, Larry Mangum the Times-Union as saying “I really do respect our European Street/Beach (725-3929) the day the music died musicians, but there’s something about a 37-week Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. year and 20 hours a week that doesn’t seem too Augustine (824-9317) onerous.” It was a definite insult to the musicians. They might spend 20 hours in group practice and on Nehemias Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) interview with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s stage, but all of the musicians practice outside those Matt Still Latitudes, Jax Beach (247-6606) musicians 20 hours. Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) Says Casseday of the inflammatory quote: “That was a lighting bolt that went throughout the Heavenly Noise Starlite Café, Jax by Erin thursby [email protected] United States to musicians…I will say that I think we Jane Monheit Chruch of the Good Shepherd, all know better than that. I think we all know better Jax Wondering what all the hoopla over the Jack- “We agreed to those cuts with the understand- than 20 hours a week…Does an attorney only bill for sonville Symphony Orchestra lockout is about? EU ing that the cuts would in fact make the orchestra time in the courtroom? Plus, we would love to work Mike Fout Skatelab, Atlantic Beach spoke with Kevin Casseday, Chair and Spokesman solvent,” says Casseday. “Here we are, yet again be- all year. Thirty-seven weeks is what the Association Hot Cotton Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove for the Jacksonville Symphony Players Association, ing asked. That’s the crux of the matter. We believe has decided to do…” Springs to get the skinny on why the musicians are up in that if we continue to take the cuts then management “I’ve been here 22 years, and my base scale is arms. and the association will feel that is the way to run 38 thousand dollars a year, with seniority pay it goes Susan Brown European Street, Jax (399-1740) For quite a few years the symphony has oper- the orchestra.” to 39 thousand…for me. If I were in some other The Restless Kind River City Brewing Company, ated at a deficit, which has prompted management to The association is continually looking for ways profession, after 22 years, the scale might be $15- Jax (398-2299) ask the musicians to take cut after cut to salary and to plug the hole in their deficit and if the musicians 20 thousand dollars higher than that with seniority benefits. continue to take those cuts, more and more of the pay.” Tony Steve JU Terry Hall, Jax “I think they should not operate at a deficit, I top musicians will leave for other opportunities, mu- That means that a full-time musician with a Squeeze Box Michelle’s, Jax think we’re all in agreement on that…” says Casse- sical or otherwise. master’s degree gets much less in salary and ben- Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza day “Our disagreement is on the way to end the defi- The cuts will cause certain members of the efits than a teacher in Duval County with comparable Grill, Jax (287-9900) cit…We believe that we should run in the black and orchestra to drop out, particularly part-time mem- experience. The difference can be as much as $20 it should be done by more aggressive fundraising bers, who may only end up earning $9,000. Some thousand a year. Teachers, like the musicians, tend Chelsea Saddler Tijuana Flats, Jax (292-1599) and ticket sales, not by asking the musicians to yet players, but not most, would lose up to 25% of their to work for a limited amount of time per year, getting again take less for what we continue to do at a very salary, especially with the bonus pay for playing two weeks off during summer vacation. high level.” instruments being taken away. Since management Since the lockout began, the musicians have SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 Is the answer to financial stability cuts to has cut pay every time they’ve come to negotiate, held two benefit concerts, both to raise money so Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471- musician’s salaries and benefits? Here’s what the those seemingly small cuts can add up. they can live and to slake the thirst for live orchestra 5555) Jacksonville Symphony Musicians’ website had to Although the majority of the players, especially music in the area. say about it: the full-time musicians, would only suffer smaller “Our real fear is taking us down to the level Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) “The Symphony players have been told that we (though still substantial) cuts, the orchestra voted of the Florida Philharmonic that died in Miami/Ft. Thousand Day Massacre Brewsters Pit, Jax (223- need to accept these concessions in our contract to the way they did because those who would suffer Lauderdale. They took every cut asked of them. Two 9850) defray yearly operating deficits. Yet despite Jackson- most might not be able to make mortgage payments weeks after the last round of cuts they accepted, the ville’s immense growth since 2001, the fundraising under the new contract. orchestra folded.” Shangrala 5 Points Theater, Jax income has actually dropped by $130,000. Between “The orchestra did vote not as individuals…we If management uses salary cuts as the ban- Vann Hardin Adele Grage Center, Atlantic Beach 2001 and 2006, however, money devoted to the voted as a family to make sure that every one of us dage to fix the deficit problem, they might not look Symphony’s marketing salaries have increased by as hard at other solutions. Meanwhile, the cuts will Feel the Love Town Center, Jax was taken care of.” 23% and Development salaries have grown by 34%. The suspension of operations happened be- cause the better musicians to look elsewhere for em- Mobius Band Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) In contrast, musicians’ base salaries have only risen cause negotiations stalled. ployment. This might cause the quality of the music Isaac Byrd Jr. De Real Ting Café, Jax 10%. Yet we continue to hear that the orchestra’s “Musicians were always willing to play…we to degrade, shrinking audiences and forcing further financial woes are due to musicians’ inflationary were ready to play.” But the musicians were willing cuts in a vicious cycle leading to the eventual death Tarik Hassan Sahara Café, Jax salaries.” to play under the old terms of the contract, before of JSO. The musicians feel that they are doing this Colton McKenna Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine In 2001, the musicians took a loss of one the newest cuts in benefits and salary. Management as much to benefit themselves as they are to ensure (829-2329) week’s paycut in vacation time and other conces- decided to suspend operations because they didn’t that Jacksonville keeps its orchestra and the quality sions. Within a year, management asked for more want to pay the musicians at the current rate. of the orchestra. David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) cuts, saying that they would not even be able to fulfill “We still had an offer on the table; we were “For every dollar that goes into the symphony Venom TSI, Jax (635-3024) the 2001 agreement. There were further cuts in the perfectly willing to continue negotiations.” I think the city gets something like six dollars back years following. Management has suffered a blow to their image into the local economy.” Billy & Vinnie Ragtime, Jax Beach (241-7877) Jimmy Parrish Carib Key, Jax Beach (270-8940) Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) The Avett Brothers Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246- 2473) 3rd Bass The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) Jan Crawford & Friends Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Crossfire Hurricane Brewsters , Jax (223-9850) Michael Funge Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 10 Joey Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775)

Laughing Bones Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997- 1955) Sam Pacetti The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829- 2329)

28 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper The Druids 9th & Main, Jax The Ritz Chamber Players were founded in Lary Smith Harmonious Monks, Jax (886-3040) 2002 by Artistic Director Terrance Patterson, who has guided this acclaimed chamber ensemble Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004) through five years of distinguished performances. My Getaway Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) He is dedicated to artistic excellence and innovation. The RCP is geared towards building the participa- Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach tion of the diverse audiences and communities that (246-4293) reflect the group’s multicultural society. EU called Terrance Patterson to find out how he Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) put this award-winning all-black chamber ensemble together. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 “I founded this group in 2002 because of my love of chamber music and I wanted it to be an all- Open Mic Jam Nice House of Music, Orange black ensemble together on one stage, which is a Park rarity worldwide. I also wanted to direct my career Second String Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, a season of spectacular into a chamber music genre. I wanted to gather a Neptune Beach (241-8221) select group of African-Americans to carry the Ritz name, which during the theater’s early history, was Busted & Confused Sharkey’s Lounge, Orange where African-Americans were able to play.” Park chamber music “So it seemed fitting to use the Ritz name, al- Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine though we no longer play there. With so few African- (829-8646) American (3%) classical musicians, I contacted the Ritz Chamber Players various players. They loved the idea, and it was then Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown, a matter of working around their various schedules Jax (355-5099) in their respective orchestras. All these players are New Atlantic Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) by Rick grant [email protected] distinguished in their own right, which gave the Ritz Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829- The Ritz Chamber Players is the nation’s only Ravel (Chansons Madecasses for soprano voice, Chamber Players immediate credibility. We were 2329) chamber music ensemble comprised entirely of pre- flute, cello and piano), and Shostakovich (Piano Trio among the few blacks in various orchestras, and the eminent African-American musicians. The renowned No. 2 in E minor, Op. 67). musicians were very excited about promoting black Dave Massey Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) RCP will kick off its seventh season at 7:30 pm on Thursday, April 3, 2008 is the Spring Concert classical musicians who could then perform for Those Guys Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine Thursday, December 6, 2007, in Jacoby Symphony with the Ritz Chamber Players performing selections more black faces in the audience. The Ritz Chamber (827-1822) Hall inside the Times-Union Center for the Perform- from Walker (Lyric for Strings), Arensky (Quartet Players lineup is composed of the most extraor- ing Arts. The Jacksonville-based group is presented no.2 in A minor for violin, viola and two cellos), dinary players–the select few are award-winning Scenic Void Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida. Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (Clarinet Quintet) and musicians and all of them have studied at the big Ron Perry Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242- The Players made their sold-out Carnegie Hall Brahms (String Sextet No.1 in Bb, Op. 18). prestigious schools, which make them the preemi- 9499) debut in June 2004 to widespread critical and public Saturday, June 14, 2008 is the Season Finale nent chamber musicians in the world.” acclaim. They have performed successful concerts with the Players performing works by Bach (Flute To my question about prejudice against minori- Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina Beach with the New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony, Sonata in B minor, BWV 1030), Baker (Summer ties in the classical music genre, Terrance went on to Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Philadelphia Orchestra and the London Symphony. Memories for String Quartet), Debussy (Dances for say that it’s a difficult field for white musicians who The opening concert on Thursday, December Harp and Strings) and Mozart (Flute and Harp Con- have to be the best of the best. But for the African- Mystic Dino Lynch’s, Jax Beach (249-5181) 6th features works by Mozart (Piano Quartet in E-flat certo). Americans, it’s even more difficult to get hired by Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax minor, K493) and other famous composers such as For this new season, the Players announced the prestigious orchestras, which are managed by Southern Wailers Sangria’s, Jax Bruch (Trio Pieces for clarinet, viola and piano, Op. that their 7th Composer-in-Residence is Pulitzer Prize staunch traditionalists who have very narrow param- 83), Martinu (Three Madrigals for violin and viola) nominee and recipient of the John F. Kennedy Center eters when hiring new players. Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299) and Perkinson (String Trio). for the Performing Arts Living Jazz Legend Award, Indeed, Terrance’s Players serve to explode the Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach Thursday, January 24, 2008 brings “In Re- David Baker. Dr. Baker is the Distinguished Professor prejudices by definition and chart new territory for (246-4293) membrance of The Dream,” music to honor Martin of Music and Chairman of the Jazz Department at black classical musicians, providing an opportunity Luther King, Jr. The Players will perform works by the Indiana University School of Music, as well as for African-American classical music devotees to Ron Perry Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) Hayden (“London” Trio No. 3 in G Major for flute, the conductor and artistic director of the Smithson- see all-black musicians on stage, all of whom are at El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) violin and cello), Baker (Sonata for flute and Piano), ian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra. the top of their field.

TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11-12 Gene Nordan Mackenzie’s, Ponte Vedra (543- 9143)

North Florida Low Country Cooking WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 In A Charming Creekside Setting Durty White Boyz Plush, Jax (743-1845) Mr. Beam Casa Marina, Jax Beach (270-0025) It's All In Good Taste! Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299) LIVE MUSIC Wes Cobb Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) WED.-SUN. 5:30 - 9:30 kLoB Brix, Jax Beach Stop by for our famous oak plank cooking today! Rowka Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Lila McCann Maverick’s, Jax (356-1110) · fresh local seafood Big Engine Buffalo’s, Orange Park (778-1101) Johnny Flood Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241- · chicken, ribs & steaks 6453) Chelsea Saddler Tijuana Flats, Jax (737-9938)

HAPPY160 NixHOURBoatyardSPECIALSRd. Shawn Lightfoot The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) On the water East of US1 Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) St. Augustine • 829-6113

eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 29 Jesse & Leaa Cortesses, St. Augustine (825- 6775) “i am dancing with big Jodies Fiasco Castillo de Mexico, Jax Soulo Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach (280-5515) The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax (396-3396) bird. this is sooo cool!” El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune interview with Dani Cohen of Sesame Street Live Beach (241-8221) Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246- 4293) by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737- Sesame Street Live has been wowing kids (and EU: How is this show different from other Sesame 5299) their parents) for 28 years with their high-energy, ed- Street Live shows? ucation-disguised-as-fun stage shows. More than 50 DC: This show was created in 2005 in response million people have attended these productions over to the growing childhood obesity crisis. Current the years and one of them is Dani Cohen, a Nashville research shows that more than 30% of American upcoming concerts actress who is now a performer for Sesame Street children are “at risk” or are overweight and may suf- Live. Cohen was kind enough to speak with EU from fer from psychological stress, poor self-esteem and Col Bruce & The Quark Alliance Dec. 6, Freebird the road about the show, her role and what it’s like to poor self image. The preschool years (ages 2-4) are Live, 246-2473 hang out with Muppets. a crucial time to foster lifelong healthy habits. Keith Urban December 7, Jacksonville Arena, 353- 3309 EU: What’s “Ready for Action” about? EU: What can families expect? EU: What’s the best part about being on tour? Dani Cohen: “Ready For Action” is a show that DC: It’s not only a Broadway style show, but a DC: I absolutely love being on tour! It has been Rev. Billy Wirtz Dec. 7, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 teaches children and parents about the importance Broadway quality show with high tech lighting and the best experience and just keeps getting better. David Wilcox Dec. 8, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 of healthy habits for life... Elmo teaches the children sound. It’s a fantastic way to introduce your children Because of the tour I have grown extremely fond about hygiene and that even red furry monsters to theater. We have familiar songs that the parents of traveling. I love discovering places I have never The Avett Brothers Dec. 9, Freebird Live, 246-2473 need to take baths, wash their hair, and brush their grew up with, such as ‘Sunny Days,’ ‘Twinkle, Twin- been. I also love being part of a company that en- Jethro Tull Dec.11, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 teeth- oh, and “don’t forget to floss” he says! The kle,’ ‘Old McDonald,’ and ‘I Feel Good’ the soulful tertains and teaches children. Another great thing James Brown hit with an educational Sesame Street Peter White Christmas Dec.12, Florida Theatre, audience and Cookie Monster learn that it’s okay to we do is go into the community and visit hospitals twist to it! They can also expect a lot of audience 355-2787 eat cookies, but in moderation because cookies are and schools for kids with special needs. Some of a “sometimes” food. Plus it’s fun to eat your colors participation. We highly encourage the children to those kids can’t even leave the hospital to come to Johnny Winter Dec. 14, Freebird Live, 246-2473 like green broccoli, yellow peppers, red strawberries, sing and dance with us! All of your favorite charac- our show, so we go to them and give them a big Quinn Lemley As Rita Hayworth Dec.15, Wilson and oranges, too! They also learn that getting proper ters will be there including Big Bird, Elmo, Zoe, Bert, hug and make them feel better. I went to a hospital Center, 632-3373 rest and naptime is a necessity for energy to play. Ernie, Cookie Monster, and Oscar. as Elmo once and a little girl ran up to me shouting Finally, we teach the kids to get on up and exercise! “Elmo, Elmo I’m cancer-free!” She was so excited and Dec. 27, Florida EU: How did you become part of Sesame Street to see Elmo. Her mom showed us the Elmo blanket Theatre, 355-2787 Live? she slept with every night and said the Elmo blanket JJ Grey & MOFRO Dec. 28-31, Freebird Live, 246- DC: I auditioned for Sesame Street Live when they made her feel better when she was sick. 2473 played my hometown of Nashville. My mom had always taken me to see Sesame Street Live as a EU: What is it like to be part of a show with such R. Kelly Dec. 30, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 child and I knew it was something that I wanted to iconic characters? Jan. 10, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 be a part of. It was my first live theater experience as DC: It is really surreal because I grew up with these a child and I remember how much joy it brought me. characters. One day I was on stage and I looked up Taj Mahal Jan. 11, The Florida Theatre and thought “I am dancing with Big Bird. THIS IS Riders in the Sky Jan. 12, Florida Theatre EU: What part do you play? SOOO COOL!” It’s also a huge responsibility playing DC: I am the “small understudy.” I play the character some of the most loved and recognizable characters Galatic Jan.13, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Roxy Marie. I am also a Lamb in Old McDonald’s of our time! The children know their Sesame Street Kathy Griffin Jan. 17, Florida Theatre farm and a dancing strawberry in the Healthy Foods characters. You have to study the characterizations Roy Clark and Junior Brown Jan.18, Florida Theatre dance number. and portray the characters precisely. Not only is it a challenge and responsibility, but it’s my honor to Enter the Haggis, Jan.18 , Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 EU: What is a “small understudy”? play these characters. The Unity Music Festival featuring Rabbit In The DC: As “small understudy” I understudy characters Moon, Bad Boy Bill, George Acosta, Mike B., Ying in the height range of 4’11-5’4. The characters I You can catch Sesame Street Live “Ready for Yang Twins, Trina, Lil Webbie, Lil Boosie, Young understudy are Elmo, Zoe and Ernie. We also have a Action” at the Time-Union Center on Friday, Decem- Cash, Bigga Rankins & more Jan 19, Metropolitan medium understudy who is the character Grundgetta ber 14 through Sunday, December 16. Tickets range Park, Info: 1-888-UNITY21 and a tall understudy who is the character Green in price from $12 to $26. For more information, visit Honker. sesamestreetlive.com. Dancing With The Stars - The Tour Jan 22, Jacksonville Arena Cherryholmes Jan. 26, Florida Theatre Ring of Fire - The Music of Johnny Cash Jan. 28, Florida Theatre Classic Albums Live - Led Zeppelin IV Feb. 5, Florida Theatre Trisha Yearwood Feb.14, Florida Theatre The B-52’s Feb. 15, Florida Theatre Van Halen Feb 16, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 Lalah Hathaway Feb.17, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 The 15th Annual Great Guitar Gathering Feb.22, Florida Theatre Willy Porter Feb. 23, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311

30 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Seriously, Taylor’s work is surprisingly sophis- ticated. I got the impression that she paints more for her own enjoyment than anything (which ought to art events be something we encounter more often than we do), which makes her work that much more impressive. new this week Taylor has a remarkable command over her St. Augustine Art Walk (First Friday of every month from 5 color palette. She does not fall into the dreaded “tube pm – 9 pm) begin at Rembrandtz Fine Gifts for Fun color” trap, which claims so many floral paintings. People, 131 King Street, St. Augustine (904) 829-0065 or Yes, I know they make some pretty colors, but tal- staugustinegalleries.com ented artists know that they’ve got to mix them, and it appears that Taylor falls into the talented category. Abstraction and Transition: Charley Harris, Opening (December 5, 5 pm – 9 pm Through January 31) Art frank matthews Center Gallery, 31 West Adams Street, Downtown, blogfromthecenter.blogspot.com

A+ Getaway Weekend (Art, Antiques & Architecture) Friday – Saturday, December 7 – 8, 5 pm – 9 pm St. Augustine, (904) 829-1711 or getaway4florida.com/ Aplusgetaway

On Paper: Archer Prewitt (Opening December 7, 6 pm – 12 am) The Gallery at Screen Arts, 228 West King Street, St. Augustine, (904) 829-2838 or screenartsflorida.com

Annual Gallery Event (Saturday, December 8, 6 pm – 10 pm) Tripp Harrison Studio & Gallery, 22 Cathedral Place, St. Gail Taylor Augustine, (904) 824-3662 or trippharrisongallery.com

Apron Chronicles: A Patchwork of American Recollections, December 12 – January 16 december showing at Opening reception Friday, December 7, 6:30 pm – 8 pm, My favorite works by Gail Taylor are from a Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way, four-part series of orchids. The paintings are small, Ponte Vedra Beach, (904) 280-0614 perhaps twelve-inches square, but they pack an elegant punch. With some simple yet handsome ongoing bogda gallery frames, the series is fit to hang in a Presidential Mackenzie Thorpe (Through December 14) R. Roberts library. Gallery, 3606 St. Johns Avenue, Avondale, (904) 388-1188 She has some larger close-up paintings, too. Frank Matthews and Gail Taylor Though most less-talented artists beat us over the John Tassey (Through December 15) Waterwheel Art, 5047 head with giant stamens made with giant boring First Coast Highway, Fernandina Beach, (904) 261-2535 or brushstrokes, Taylor usually remembers to keep the waterwheelgallery.com by donald dusinberre [email protected] detail proportional to the subject’s proximity. On my most recent visit, I was pleased to see tray trees, but to me, the image is far less important This exhibition will be on display at Bogda Holiday Show (Through December 22) Monday – Friday, 10 am - 6 pm, Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm just two artists’ work at Bogda Gallery. I got the than the application. Gallery through the month of December. Use some Fogle Fine Art & Accessories, 3312 Beach Boulevard, impression from Joy McGinnis, Bogda’s owner/cura- Although his still-lifes are far more realistic, of your holiday free time to check it out. Bogda is foglefineart.com or [email protected] tor, that she prefers to have more artists for each they too are less about their subjects and more located on McDuff Street in Riverside, very close to show. But for my money, seeing more work from about their technique. Some of them (particularly the Lee High School (former academic home of Lynyrd Flowers In Winter, Featuring Gail Taylor and Frank Matthews fewer artists in an intimate space like Bogda affords jars and brushes) are reminiscent of early American Skynyrd). As a matter of fact, on Saturday, Decem- (On display until December 29) Bogda, 1253 McDuff Avenue us a chance to become better acquainted with each art, primarily through the way he implies a thin, dark ber 8th, Bogda will be hosting a sidewalk craft fair. South, Riverside, (904) 387-0852 or Shopbogda@gmail. artist’s body of work. outline around the objects. With little indication of its The fun starts around 9 am and may give you an op- com For instance, Frank Matthews had nearly twenty direction, the sense of light is flat, somehow adding portunity to cross a few gifts off your list. For more works on display, and it was very obvious that the to the charm of his stoic paintings. Personally, I’m information, contact Bogda at shopbogda@gmail. Jonathan Plant Solo Show (Through December 31) Bogda, 1253 McDuff Avenue South, (904) 387-0852 breadth of his capabilities would not have been dem- not fond of every one of them, but Matthews pro- com. onstrated had he shown just five pieces. Painting vides enough good ones to overshadow them. Slice of Life, (Through January 6) St Augustine Art primarily on wood panels with acrylic paints, Mat- Gail Taylor is the other artist currently display- Association, (904) 824-2310 or staaa.org thews has displayed two distinct stylistic strains at ing her work at Bogda. Her style is vastly different Bogda: still-lifes and abstracts. than Matthews, though not unlike many artists who Winter Selections: Zachary Freeman and Tonya Lee Matthews’ still life paintings are far more nu- enjoy painting flowers. Painted in a strictly realistic (Through January 11) J. Johnson Gallery, 177 4th Avenue merous, but my favorites are the abstracted ones. style, Taylor’s work is actually pretty good, which is North, Jacksonville Beach, 904-435-3200 or jjohnsongallery. A few of them are much larger than any of his other unlike most flower-painting artists. Finally, orchids com works, and he layers the paint to great effect. They and lilies that aren’t oversimplified or artificially in- aren’t completely abstract, as they do loosely por- jected with extraneous detail. Abbas Kiarostami: Photographs and Film (Through January 18) Southeast Museum of Photography, 1200 International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, smponline.org

Blurring The Lines: Heather Blanton and Ryan Ketterman (November 3 – January 30) The Haskell Gallery at JIA, jiaarts.org/index.htm

André Kertész: First and Last Photographs (Through February 15) Southeast Museum of Photography, 1200 International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, smponline.org

Steve McCurry: The Path to Buddha (Through February 15) Southeast Museum of Photography, 1200 International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, smponline.org

Valuistics: A printed installation by James Greene (Through January 6) MOCA Jacksonville, 333 North Laura Street, Downtown, (904) 366-6911 x210 or mocajacksonville.org

eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 31 “Audience members feel like this is real ballet, not ballet on ice,” said artistic director and choreog- cultural events rapher Konstantin Rassadin, through an interpreter. Some of the things that contribute to the ballet DECEMBER feel, besides the score, are the elaborate sets, ro- mantic lighting and gorgeous costuming. 6 First Coast Wind Holiday Concert JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax “The costumes’ materials come from countries around the world,” said Rassadin. 6 Frank Matthews & Gail Taylor Bogda Gallery, Jax The scene opens with the King and Queen cel- 6 Cocktails & Creatives-AIGA European Street/San Marco, ebrating the birth of their daughter, Princess Aurora. Jax Beautiful fairies arrive, bringing gifts and fairy bless- 6 Ritz Chamber Players Opening Concert Performing Arts ings. An evil fairy, peeved at not being invited to the Center, Jax party, vows vengeance. On the Princess’ 16th birthday, a witch casts a 6 Night of Art & Dance FCCJ South Campus, Jax spell that causes the entire Kingdom to sleep for 100 6- 7 Art & Soul 5th Annual Invitational Women’s Center of years. Only a kiss of love can awaken Princess Au- Jacksonville, Jax rora. Enter the Prince, who seeks to break the spell 6-8 Santaland Diaries Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine and restore the Kingdom. 6-8 International Fest of Cinema & Technology 9th & Main, The talent is Russian, some of it coming from Jax real ballet, but mostly from the world of competitive sports skating. It can take time to train the skaters 6- 9 St. Johns County Festival of Trees Convention Center, to be actors on the stage, incorporating more ballet St. Augustine movements into the choreography, but Rassadin is 6-9 Play It Again Sam Amelia Community Theatre, Amelia from russia with love satisfied with the results. Island “In the end, they learn what they need,” he 6-13 Holiday Art Show FCCJ Kent Campus, Jax says. The long traveling time of the company means 6- 14 Coastal Florida Revisited-Works by Henry VonGenk, III Sleeping Beauty on Ice Stellers Gallery, Neptune Beach that the troupe has all contingencies accounted for. They have replacements for costumes if they should 6- 15 Palencia’s Annual Holiday Show Homes Palancia, St. become torn and replacements for skaters, if they Augustine by Erin thursby [email protected] should become ill or injured. 6-15 “It’s A Wonderful Life” Players By the Sea, Jax Beach What: Sleeping Beauty on Ice Ice. It’s still family oriented but less Christmasy. The Getting the ice on the stage is an elaborate th 6- 15 “It’s A Wonderful Life” Players By The Sea, Jax Beach When: December 13 @ 7:30 pm show is put on by Russia’s State Ice Ballet Company business, but one that the traveling troupe has down Where: Fine Arts Center at UNF and presented at UNF. to a science. They regularly turn ordinary stages into 6- 15 Constructions: Geryl Goldsleger & Larry Millard FCCJ Performed to Tchaikovsky’s legendary score, ice rinks. They build the rink frame, and then they put South Gallery, Jax Maybe you’re looking for a family show that audience members will see it as more of a ballet on down heavy sheeting in multiple layers to protect the 6- 30 Art from the Ashes: In Stabiano, Exploring the Ancient isn’t prefaced by Nutcracker or doesn’t end in Car- ice. But on ice they can do faster spins and leap to stage. Cold pipes or tubing start the process. Seaside Villas of the Roman Elite Cummer Museum, Jax ole. In that case, buy tickets for Sleeping Beauty on more thrilling heights. “It can take [many] hours to have the ice they 6- 30 The Gift of the Magi The Amphitheatre, St. Augustine need on the stage because they need [it] two or 6- 31 Winter Selections Exhibition J. Johnson Gallery, Jax three inches above the pipes…To make it faster they Beach will use crushed ice.” says Rassadin When adding the crushed ice, someone must 6- 31 Spanish Pathways Museum of History, Amelia Island be there to spray the surface with a hose. After 6- 31 Hugh Holborn-Spirit Celebration Holborn Gallery, St. five minutes of hosing it down, and 15 minutes of Augustine waiting for it to freeze, the process starts again and 6- 31 Will Dickey-Images of Florida’s First Coast First Street continues. Gallery, Jax Beach I had to ask if they had a mini-Zamboni to clean Museum, Jax up between acts, and was disappointed to learn that they merely use a large scraper. 6-JAN. 5 Expressions of Italy Village Gallery, Orange Park This show has been on the road for some 40 6-JAN. 6 Sculptor: Minoru Ohira Exhibit MOCA, Jax years, traveling around the globe to exotic locations in South America, Japan, China, Korea, the U.S., 6-JAN. 30 “Blurring the Lines” Photography by Heather Blan- ton & Ryan Ketterman JIA, Jax Britain and all over Europe. Tickets are $10 for children and all students 6-JAN. 31 Featured Artist: Charley Harris The Art Center, Jax and $28-$38 for adults. This show is on Thursday, 6-FEB. 3 In Stabiano: Exploring Ancient Seaside Villas of the December 13th at 7:30 pm at the Fine Arts Center Roman Elite Cummer Museum, Jax at the University of North Florida. Charge tickets by 6-FEB. 28 Oh Say Can You See: American Art Cummer phone at the UNF Ticket Box Office by calling 620- Museum, Jax 2878, or buy online at unf.edu/fineartscenter. 7JU Opera Studio-Opera Scenes JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax 7 “Art”rageous First Friday Downtown, Fernandina 7 The Pillowman Body Gallery, Jax 7 Christmas Concert Friday Musicale, Jax 7 Amateur Night at the Ritz The Ritz Theatre, Jax 7 Sounds of the Season Choral Concert FCCJ South Cam- pus, Jax 7-9 Amahl & the Night Visitors-UNF Opera UNF fine Arts Center, Jax 7-16 An O-Henry Christmas ABET, Atlantic Beach 7-JAN. 12 First Annual Artist Member Holiday Exhibition Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra 7-JAN. 16 Apron Chronicles: A Patchwork of American Recol- lections Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra 8 Percussion Ensemble JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax

32 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper 8 “T’was the Flight Before Christmas” Aire Traffic The Am- phitheatre, St. Augustine it’s a wonderful life 8 Acting/Directing Showcase FCCJ South Campus, Jax 8 27th Annual Holiday Regatta of Lights Bridge of Lions, St. Augustine Players by the Sea theatre review 8 Spanish Garrison Live Reenactment Palm Valley Ranch, Palm Coast 8 Festival of Trees Children’s Story Time Main Library, Jax by dick kerekes [email protected] 8 Holiday Regatta of Lights Matanzas Bay, St. Augustine 8 Ancient City Kids Day Francis Field, St. Augustine Merry Christmas. The Lazzara Family Foun- Zdravko Rozie, Kevin Raleigh, Tom Peterson, Jen dation and the Tom Nehl Fund of the Community Mears, Kendra McNatt and Ashley Chlebus. 8-9 14th Annual Holiday Tour of Bed & Breakfast Inns Vari- Foundation has a present for theatergoers of all Designed by Joseph Schwarz, the set is very JACKSONVILLE ous Inns, St. Augustine ages – an absolutely delightful production of the visually interesting, with the Bailey household on 9 Mary Lou Krosnick JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax stage version of It’s a Wonderful Life. The l946 the right and the left side. For all other scenes the 10 Junie B. Jones UNF Fine Arts Center, Jax Frank Capra movie has been an American Classic stage is set by moving furniture on and off. The that has shown up on television every Christmas lighting scheme is detailed due to the number of web / graphic 10 Laurel & hardy Appreciation Society Meeting Pablo Creek for many years and is as much a part of this sea- scenes, but lightboard operator and stage manager Branch Library, Jax son as Santa Claus. If you love the movie, then the Merrylin Opendo had things well in hand and run- 13 The Sleeping Beauty On Ice UNF Fine Arts Center, Jax Player’s version with live actors will be a real treat ning smoothly. Technical Director David Paul added designer wanted. 14-16 Florida Ballet-The Nutcracker Florida Theatre, Jax and sure to please. necessary snow effects. (You can’t have a Christ- It is the sentimental story of George Bailey, mas play without snow.) The clothing styles and 15 Festival of Trees Children’s Story Time Main Library, Jax who has worked all his life in a small town, think- period-appropriate music will take you back to the we are seeking creative individuals 15 18th Century Christmas Caroling The Plaza, St. Augustine ing he has failed. He tries to end his life, but his depression era and the l940s. who are proficient in desktop 20 Travel To Italy-Opera Performed By Bella Voce Cabaret guardian angel, Clarence (Larry Fairall), shows how The actors should thank PbtS Executive Direc- Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra important he has been to the lives of loved ones. tor Joseph Schwarz, who designed and created the publishing (specifically all the This is one of Director Bob Pritchard’s fa- program. I can’t recall ever seeing such extensive programs in the adobe creative suite) 21 Benefit Concert-Jax Symphony U NF Lazzara Hall, Jax vorite plays and he directed it several years ago biographies for such a large cast. and web design. must be organized 22 Festival of Trees Children’s Story Time Main Library, Jax for JaxStage Company at Jacksonville University. Pack up the entire family to see this one and and know how to appreciate clean and 28-FEB. 10 “Breaking Up is Hard To Do” The Alhambra Pritchard has assembled large and excellent cast, bring along your friends. It is a perfect play for Dinner Theatre, Jax which will be sure to get you into the Christmas people who want to feel good. This is also a play neat design. experience and degree 29 Festival of Trees Children’s Story Time Main Library, Jax spirit. with a message. You will want to ask yourself the preferred. please send resumes with Well-known Orange Park actor Joseph Walz, question: how many people can you name where makes his debut with PbtS, and is absolutely your actions made a significant impact on their portfolios to [email protected]. JANUARY perfect for the role of George. Walz, who is bet- life? 10-FEB. 13 Duval County Art Teachers Exhibit JU Brest ter-known for leading roles in many musicals with This comedy/drama by James W. Rodgers will Museum, Jax Orange Park Community Theatre, is a very solid run through December l5, at Players by the Sea, (904) 730-3003 actor and has the charisma and compassion to 106 Sixth Street North, Jacksonville Beach. Call 11-26 “Dearly Departed” Theatre Jax, Jax really be convincing. (904) 249-0289 for information and reservations. 11-FEB. 2 “Come Blow Your Horn” Orange Park Community Miranda Lawson, well known for her musi- Visit their website at playersbythesea.org. It has a Theatre, Orange Park cal theatre roles with the Alhambra, Jacksonville wonderful cast, a wonderful story, and indeed, it is 18 Ileana Fernandez, Piano-Latin American Music Friday University, and PbtS, shows us her versatility as an a wonderful life. Musicale, Jax actress in a warm and loving performance as Mary, George’s ever-faithful wife. 23 House of Life JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax Andy Ratliff, Christopher Fox, Suzanne Scheu- 26 Faculty Chamber Music JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax ble and Sarah McCawley play George and Mary’s adorable children and I am sure you are going to see them in future shows around town. Redgie Gut- FEBRUARY shall plays the evil Mr. Potter. He is playing this role 1-16 “Julius X” Players by the Sea, Jax Beach for the third time and his performance is absolutely 9 “Happily Red” Theatre Jax, Jax riveting. You could hear hisses from the audience as Gutshall’s villain spread his poison as the heart- 9 Tony Steve with Ulysses “Bim” Owens JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax less landlord. Actors like to work with Director Pritchard, 10 So This is Love JU Fine Arts Center, Jax and you will recognize many lead actors taking 14 First Coast Wind Ensemble Valentine’s Concert JU Terry supporting roles: Gary Baker, Jack Barnard, David Concert Hall, Jax Boyer, Gayle Featheringill, Anthony Hodge, Steve 14-24 Grapes of Wrath Play JU Swisher Theatre, Jax McMahon and Sam Willis. Their considerable tal- ents add much to the production values. Other fa- 13-APR. 6 “Company” The Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Jax miliar faces include Jacob Goodling, Heather Goo- 21-MAR. 26 New Paintings By Jenna Bischel JU Brest dling, Maria Nordan, Annette Page and Bill White. Museum, Jax Making their PbtS debuts were Ruth Thomas, 25 Beethoven’s Cello Sonatas JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax 29-MAR. 15 “The Ruby Sunrise” Theatre Jax, Jax

MARCH 6 Brown Bag Lunch-Choral Concert Sam Marks Chapel, Jax 6-8 Spring Dance Concert JU Swisher Theatre, Jax

APRIL 1 JU’s Percussion Ensemble JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax 3-MAY 3 BFA Art Exhibition JU Brest Gallery, Jax 4-12 Oklahoma! Musical JU Swisher Theatre, Jax

eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 33 THE JOCK

by tom weppel

It’s Christmas time again in the city. In the past five years I have spent little time here Random thoughts from a cluttered mind... have made this not nearly as glamorous as we have during the holiday season. A few trips home on the weekend, a couple weeks here if I was seen in past years, and it can further strengthen JAGUARS those who are wanting to have a concrete playoff lucky. That’s what happens when you don’t live where your heart is. Or where your family is, I The Jaguars come back to Jacksonville this system in place for college football, as opposed to guess. Sunday to face a Carolina Panther squad that has the current system. Last year was especially distant, both figuratively and literally. Being out in the Bay Area, certainly struggled this season. Obviously, people It is very fair to say that the Tigers and Buck- a quick trip home on the weekend was impossible. It would have taken all weekend to drive are still talking about the Jags losing to the Colts eyes both had poor losses to taint their stature there. And plane tickets were outrageous. I was lucky to have gotten a ticket home, period. again last weekend. They feel the Jags had a chance heading into this game. LSU has lost to Kentucky Reaching the upwards of a thousand dollars a pop by mid-November, I was forced to settle to win that came in oh-so-many ways, but the Colts and Arkansas, both games lost in 3 OTs, while the rd played a more disciplined game, and they made the Buckeyes lost AT HOME to Illinois. Those losses on a three-connection flight on the 23 . But then, with the horrible snowstorms in Denver and plays they needed to when they needed them. So have brought the luster of their contest in January the massive amounts of traveling going on, it soon became a wonder that I didn’t spend the it looks like Jacksonville will be going after one of down a notch or two. Many are wondering whether holidays in the Phoenix airport. And trust me, some people did. the two wild card slots available in the post-season. LSU deserved to be in this game. Oklahoma and So this year I am officially home for the holidays and I am making no qualms with active- They certainly have a prime opportunity to get one of USC each only had two losses and felt as if they ly participating. As soon as I could, (ie. pre-Thanksgiving) I had my dial set to 93.3 for some those and then see what happens in the playoffs. As should’ve been considered to play Ohio State. we’ve seen, anything can happen. lovely holiday tunes. I’ve decorated my house and I’m making a concerted effort to partake in While this debate is in one way fantastic for Meanwhile, the Panthers are a team in disarray. college football as an industry, it is also harmful be- the festivities. Last week they picked up a victory over a depleted cause it shows the process to determine a champion This past weekend marked the first of many events with the Christmas in Avondale 49er team. They have 44-year old Vinny Testaverde is still tarnished, to an extent. There’s no question a celebration. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Christmas lights? Caroling? Lots of red and playing QB for them. Head coach John Fox has been playoff could and would work, if it were put together green? Maybe a glimpse of Ol’ Saint Nick? Typical holiday ventures, basically. successful with Carolina, until this season. This the right way. When that will ever become a reality is Well, upon arrival my first thought became, “This isn’t very Christmassy.” I can barely franchise is the equal nemesis of the Jaguars, since beyond me. both started their lives at the same time. While the recall the Christmas lights and am concerned I might have inserted them via my imagination. Panthers are not a great team, they are still very NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Or maybe they were really there. I did see lots of children and families, which certainly gets formidable, and the Jags will have to come back with This area is not a basketball hotbed by any one in the holiday spirit, reminiscent of days yore with my own family and friends as a child. a strong performance to pick up their ninth victory. means, so I thought it would be good to let everyone There was a couple dressed in what I assume was Dickens-inspired period clothing and there know that there is a damn good team down the road was the distant sound of caroling from a local band comprised of all ages, dressed in Santa’s ‘THE OTHER THIRTY ONE’ from us in Orlando called the MAGIC! These guys hats and singing next to a decorated Christmas tree. The marquee game this weekend will certainly have already been making things happen in the NBA be in Foxboro when the Steelers go in to take on this year. It seems the alterations they made to their But what I remember the most was the fun. Running into old friends and family. Chatting the New England Patriots. We all saw a few weeks roster and coaching staff is making a huge differ- it up with strangers. Wandering the streets in an altogether jolly way, beer in hand, smile on ago, when the other NFL team from Pennsylvania, ence. face, general merriment and luminosity. So perhaps, I began to think, it isn’t just the lights or the Eagles, actually gave the Pats a very nice run for During the off-season, the Magic got Rashard the carols or the cider or the Santas that make a holiday party. Just maybe, it’s the time we their money. Now we’ll see how Pittsburgh performs Lewis, who was a free agent, having previously spend together. The jovial united force that comes over each and every person. Maybe it’s the against the team everyone is pointing to as THE played for the Sonics. He is now matched up on smiles, the conversation, the fusion of the masses in a great celebration. team in the NFL. the baseline with forward Hedo Turkoglu and center Pittsburgh certainly has the talent to compete Dwight Howard and the trio has become quite effec- In California, I basically missed anything along these lines. First of all, I didn’t really with New England. If they were to beat the Pats, they tive with their strong play. know many people, so the concept of running into someone on the streets was pretty distant. would serve notice that they indeed are a force to During the off-season, Orlando also hired Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, Californians are extremely PC. It wouldn’t have been be reckoned with. Meanwhile, the 0-12 Dolphins are Steve Van Gundy to coach the squad. Van Gundy proper or accepting to have a massive outdoors holiday celebration that included Christmas heading to Buffalo Sunday. It is possible for Miami to had previously been down in Miami with the Heat. carols and Santa Clauses. Not to say they didn’t celebrate, but it was much more muted. We go without a win this season. The boys down South It seems he knew what he was doing, because now weren’t allowed to decorate the office and the only Christmas party I knew of was for my are not happy about any of this. he has the Magic boys playing some damn good In the NFC, Green Bay will want to bounce basketball. As of last Sunday, they had a 15-4 re- apartment complex. And to top it off, any talk of the holidays was usually centered around back from their loss to by hosting the Oakland cord, having beaten the Celtics and the Lakers this some political agenda, like how materialistic the world has become or how it rejects the im- Raiders, while the Cowboys travel to Detroit to take year already. They have the second-best record in portance of other religions. on a slumping Lions club. the Eastern Conference, behind only Boston. If the I get what they were saying, but does it hurt anyone to have a good time? Why can’t we keep things going like this all season, all rejoice in each our own way? I would have no problem attending a Hanukkah party or a COLLEGE FOOTBALL they could indeed make a strong run for the Eastern Kwanza celebration. I think the holiday season is a time to celebrate and to love, regardless of We all now know that LSU and Ohio St. will be Conference title. playing in the BCS Championship in New Orleans on religion or income, a concept not lost on us here in Jacksonville. So, celebrate (in Jackson- January 7th. While we have seen a plethora of upsets Tom Weppel talks trash with Greg Larson, Lonnie ville) we will! and losses by highly-ranked teams this season, Marts, Eugene Chung, Artis Gilmore, and Ron Du- especially all the #2’s, those games and outcomes guay on SportsAvengers.com 24/7.

34 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper nascar news & notes by RICHARD TEAGUE [email protected] While I am writing this it is 76 days until the any special questions you would like asked, just let Daytona 500. When y’all read it there will be around me know and I’ll try and get to the driver you need 70. That ain’t fast enough for me, but what else can knowledge from. I Promise. I do? Watch feetball, ain’t no way. I take that back Well I missed the awards ceremony the other somewhat. I will be watching some bowl games night, I had to work and all, but I’ve been looking later on this month and at the start of the New Year, at what some guys have been writing and saying but the NFL is absolutely out of the question. I am about it and it sounds like I didn’t miss much. When ready for more NA$CAR whether it is one of the two I heard that NA$CAR got David Spade to be the host, new named series or the tried-and-true Craftsman well I kinda’ knew things where going to be strange. Truck Series. It may be 70 days or so until the 500, I’ve never found him to be that funny except when but the season starts for me with the 2008 NA$CAR he was with Chris Farley. Why Spade? One writer Media Day event, the week before the Bud Shootout. said he came cheap and with all the money NA$CAR Ever since my rookie season as the Entertaining U paid out to the drivers, he’s all they could afford. Not NA$CAR writer, I’ve been there bright and early. Brian, he’s still had a ton of money in the bank after If you’ve missed my explanation of what Media this season, so it must have been for another rea- Day is, I’ll tell ya again and Bubbas & Bubba-ettes, son. Why didn’t they get someone like Jack Roush to it is really something else, even if I can’t get any hand out the trophies? Better yet, Richard Petty. You autographs. It is a full day’s worth of meeting, shak- know, The King Giving out the Gold? ing hands with, interviewing, listening to and getting I hate to say this but I’m not much of a music your picture with all of your favorite drivers. Yeah, I fan. At least not these days, because of my hearing even get to take a cameraman. So far that has been problem. So who is Kelly Clarkson? I apologize to my old friend John, but this year he might not be all of her fans and all of y’all for not knowing who able to get off work to go. Why, a couple a years she is, but it’s like at the races when NA$CAR has a back he was like a kid-in-a-candy-factory when I got singer or singers that I don’t know and they get up a picture of him with Kasey Kahne and Bill Elliott, there and kill the National Anthem. Well she wasn’t his two favorite drivers at the time. He got me with that impressive either. Why not have Led Zeppelin? several of my guys, so it has worked out real good They’re doing a tour again. They could have done for the both of us and hopefully will be the same this ‘Stairway to Heaven’ and changed it to ‘Stairway to year. the Championship.’ That would have been real cool. All these press people huddle in a big tent I got it, Willie Nelson. He’s going to be at the Florida early in the morning and NA$CAR feeds us a nice Theatre next month and could have everybody out to breakfast. We visit with drivers, then they feed us a his bus afterwards when he passes out joints to the big lunch and then it’s back to the guys again. Heck, crowd. them fellers have to eat also and it ain’t nothing to be You know, it don’t really matter who does sitting down with Bobby Labonte, one of the Burton what on that stage at the end of the season because brothers, and even once at Mike Helton’s table with everything has been done already with the cham- Bill Jr. and Brian nearby. Talk about rubbing elbows pionship decided. The other categories have been and fightin’ for grub, man it’s the greatest thing since filled with the names of drivers, owners, team mem- canned beer and some of y’all know how good that bers and the other people of NA$CAR that are well is. deserving of their accomplishments for the 2007 The tent is divided up into several sections with season. Sit and listen to the drivers thanking every- the TV and radio taking about half, then there’s the body involved with their car (and rightly so because interview booths that’s reserved for more of those without them they wouldn’t be there at all). The guys with the drivers. Then there is a big section for year’s long work has paid off for these people and it us print media. We get to crowd around the drivers is an emotional time for all. It is a time for those pats and ask them questions. Now you have to really wait on the backs for everyone. Who needs a comedy your turn when it comes to guys like Stewart or Gor- host or a big name singer for that? These guys get don, and ya’ never can get close to Junior, because up there and entertain us with their emotions alone. they are just too popular. That don’t bother me cause I ran into an old friend the other day and he I’ll stand back and listen to what they have to say told me he liked my articles, but they did put him and when they make a break for another section, I’ll to sleep sometimes. So for this week (and only this get a picture taken by John with me shaking hands week) I’m shortening it up a tad. Remember if ya’ or something, really works out great. NA$CAR brings got a question or a comment, you know where to the drivers in 5 or 6 at a time, when everybody is contact me and If it Ain’t NA$CAR, It Ain’t S**t!! at one of the other tables I’ll head for a guy that’s just standing there. Two years ago I got John and Kasey’s picture. Heck, we talked to him maybe 15 minutes before it got crowded and we all enjoyed talking to each other; he’s a super nice kid. If all this don’t sound like a NA$CAR fan’s dream, then y’all ain’t one because it’s fun for me and John. Like I said, we can’t ask for autographs, but that don’t mean nothing since we get so much more out of it. Like the time I asked Terry Labonte if he felt he raced better with or without his mustache. He said with. I asked if I could have his helmet, which was sittin’ on the table in front of me. He said no. Seeing and talking to these guys is just an amaz- ing feat, so we don’t need no stinkin’ autographs. Handshakes and pictures will fill up our scrapbooks. Next year, after Media Day, I will fill y’all in on how things went. If between now and then you have

eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 35 golden compass book and film review