Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine #150

ccent Accent On Tampa Bay On Tampa Bay

Publisher Albert F. Martino, Jr. Senior Editor Melissa Wolcott Sales Barbara McGovern Vicki Kolb Senior Sports Editor Peter Martino Contributors Sylvie Damien Nancy Evans Marty Peters Deborah Quigley Roland Stone Photographers dkPhoto1 Melissa Wolcott Proofreader Charlie deCatta PUBLISHED BY

P.O. Box 20044 St. Petersburg, FL 33742 (727) 577-5500 e-mail - AccentMagazine@aol.com www.AccentOnTampaBayMagazine.com Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine™ is published bi-monthly by AM Publications, Inc. Material submitted becomes the property of AM Publications, Inc. All material herein, including ads and artwork is copyrighted and may not be reproduced without written consent from the publisher. © Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine.™

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LOCAL FOCUS - The artist will be visiting the Arts Center in St. Petersburg for a limited two day show and sale of his works Jan. 17 & 18. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Children’s Education program.

Max’s Cosmic ‘60s art captured the imagination of the entire generation and catapulted him to fame and fortune. Max has always been ready to apply his creative talent to important global events and has produced posters for many such events.

He has been the Official Artist for five Super Bowls, among other events. Peter Max has especially created helmets from the Gators, Seminoles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers to benefit each Alumni Association. For more information, visit www.theartscenter.org

. As seen on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart”, nationally known and funny art and antiques appraiser, syndicated columnist and award-winning TV personality and talk show

host Dr. Lori will appear at the St. Petersburg Library’s Main Branch to present her popular Dr. Lori What’s it Worth? with Dr. Lori art and antique appraisal event. Crowds stay for hours to listen to her honest, educated, and straightforward approach as she tells you the truth about your family heirlooms and yard sale finds. Dr. Lori will be providing 1 free antique appraisal (typically a $20 charge) per person. Additional items will be appraised at $20 per item if desired. You will have to arrive before the event starts at 11 am to receive your numbered ticket to receive your free appraisal as part of the program. Call (888) 431-1010 or visit www.DrLoriV.com for details.

- The Bruce Watters Jewelers Illuminated Boat Parade will take place on the downtown St. Petersburg waterfront. Activities will take place in Spa Beach Park beginning at 3 pm and will run until 10 pm and will include a Chili Cook-off, music and more. A Drum Circle will take place on The Pier from 4:306:30 p.m., and Tuba Christmas will perform following the Boat Parade. www.sprotary.org.

Nutcracker

oscow Ballet will M perform its critically acclaimed Great Russian

Nutcracker at the Mahaffey Theater on December 19-20.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is an annual treat for the whole family. Whimsical and imaginative storytelling blends with the richness of Russian classical dance to make the Great Russian Nutcracker a unique performance not to be missed.

Moscow Ballet touring company features top graduates of Perm, Vaganova, Moscow State Academic Choreographic and Kiev schools.

Choreographer Anatoly Emelianov has been praised by critics for its unique setting of Act II in the “Land of Peace and Harmony.” To convey his message of peace, Emelianov incorporates an ethereal dove that escorts Masha and the Prince to a land where there is no war or suffering. New for 2008 is a whimsical, giant, six-handed grandfather clock, who signals the transition to the “Land of Peace and Harmony.”

Set against Valentin Fedorov’s spectacular scenic design, with larger-than-life puppets and the backdrop of unicorns, exotic birds and animals, the Great Russian Nutcracker is a visual delight.

For more information, visit www.nutcracker.com. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com 4 ACCENT On Tampa Bay

. Approximately 1/4 to 1/2 million LIGHTS blanket nearly 1/2 acre, and hundreds of moving and Animated Items are there to enjoy. For the kids there are hands-on games and bubble machines. A walking yard tour includes an 18-train HO scale model RR & a dazzling Fiber Optic Forest. 2719 Oakdale Street S, St. Petersburg, 727-896-6500; www.ChristmasDisplay.org . A New Year’s Eve celebration for all ages is happening at the St. Petersburg Coliseum.

The evening includes music, dancing and celebration 9pm-1am, plus an intro swingdance lesson 8-9pm (no partner needed). The celebration features a midnight countdown & balloon drop, a vintage fashion contest & photo shoot, party favors & chocolates, prize giveaways, free parking, and a full cash bar with champagne bottles and toasts available.

New Year’s and vintage attire are encouraged.

535 4th Ave. N., St. Petersburg FL; www.TampaBaySwing.com

The Lipizzaner Stallions Dancing White Stallions

E Zing Zang Zoom

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ingling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Zing Zang Zoom, a thrill-filled, mind-blowing circus spectacular where family fun is no illusion, Jan. 7-11, at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa.

Magical Zingmaster Alex and his assistant, Levitytia, lead audiences through a kaleidoscope of color and imagery revealing extraordinary worlds of fantasy, flight and phenomena.

Be mesmerized when a four-ton elephant disappears before your eyes, and a gravity-inducing nemesis transforms into a ferocious tiger. Watch a dazzling trapeze artist perform a perilous, anatomically unimaginable one-arm speed-spin high atop the arena floor, and two female human cannonballs are blasted through the air in an aweinspiring display of bravery. The dangerous double wheel of steel, the gasp-inducing high wire and soaring gigantic swings defy both gravity and logic.

See the incomparable array of exotic animals including a herd of Asian elephants, Bengal tigers and Arabian and Friesian horses join forces with human performers to create an amazing experience.

Be a Class Clown! One hour before show time, families can go to Clown College, meet the animals and see an elephant that paints!

Call 813-287-8844 or 727-898-2100 for more information, or visit www.ringling.com.

njoy the internationally acclaimed elegance of these magnificent animals as “The World Famous” Lipizzaner Stallions gallop into the Lakeland Center, Lakeland, Tues., Dec. 30 and Wed., Dec. 31.

Known as the “dancing stallions”, this rare breed of snowwhite horses is bred for their strength, endurance and beauty.

During the show, the horses’ graceful strides are choreographed to classical music. The amazing animals perform the ancient warfare maneuvers as they leap into the air in spins, dips and jumps that have made them world famous.

2008 represents the 38th Anniversary season of The Lipizzaner Stallions. All new music, choreography and rou-

tines have been incorporated in this anniversary edition with a major emphasis on the historical background and foundation of the Lipizzaner breed, from its original breeding and use as a horse of war to a horse of nobility and aristocracy to a living form of equestrian art.

The show emulates the Spanish Riding School of Vienna, Austria, in its presentation of Lipizzans, and maintains a traditional as well as entertaining performance similar in many ways to what you would see at the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.

Many horses and riders were brought from Europe to perform in this unique arena attraction.

Also included in the performance is a segment called the “Airs Above the Ground.”

These spectacular leaps and maneuvers, once used by riders in saddle to protect and defend themselves on the battlefield, are now preserved as an equestrian work of art.

When you see the Lipizzans perform, it is like stepping back four hundred years and viewing one of the greatest equine ballets in history. www.lipizzaner.com.

Pier Aquarium Events for Dec.-Jan. .

- noon - 2 pm - noon - 2 pm 7-11:30 pm, Straub Park - noon - 2 pm - noon - 2 pm - Sightings every Wednesday - 1-3:30 pm

Events funded in part by the Pinellas Cultural Affairs Department’s Cultural Development Program.

The mission of The Pier Aquarium is to enhance the public’s understanding of the value and fragility of the local and global marine environment through research, education and personal experiences.

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Official dedication of the Gulfport Trolley which has hourly service from downtown Gulfport to St. Pete Beach; it will be SNOWING on Beach Blvd. with holiday tunes. Java Nirvana presents Empty Hats, Celtic music. 7 –10pm in the Art Courtyard.

Holiday Party Ballroom and Social Dancing

New Year’s Eve Celebration Fundraiser for the City of Imagination presenting

Decades of Music by featuring the Best of Bennett and Sinatra

from 1-6 pm at the Industrial Arts Ctr. with how to make your business thrive noon-1pm from 9am-3pm on Beach Blvd. presents : Fri. 8pm ; Sat. 3 & 8pm., Sun. 3pm. Adults $25, Seniors $22. 1-877-2757050; www.salernotheatre.com featuring the , 7pm – 8pm Dance Lesson by Carol Baker 8pm – 11pm Band & Dance $10 Light Hors d’ oeuvres, decorations on the waterfront from 5pm on.

Local Artists and Entrepreneurs sell their wares along the streets. Java Nirvana present the Urban Gypsies in the Courtyard 7 –10pm.

7pm-10:15pm U.S. Amateur Ballroom Dance Association Dance & Lesson Great DJ music, Dance hosts, Show at 8:30pm; Members - $5; Non-members - $7 727-576-1206 7:30pm Doors open. “A STEP ACROSS TIME” 8:00pm – 12:30am. Decades of music featuring “Memorabilia by James”; “FLASHBACK BAND” featuring the Best of Bennett and Sinatra and more! Party Favors, Snacks, Champagne toast. Only $15 Art exhibit by the City of Imagination Local Artists and Entrepreneurs sell their wares along the streets. 6-10pm present “The Silver Whistle” at the Catherine A Hickman Theatre. Tickets $15 (727) 322-0316 6 –10pm. Java Nirvana presents the Urban Gypsies in the Courtyard 7 –10pm. : Health, Wellness and eco-friendly vendors 10am –5pm.

Gulfport Senior Center • Gulfport Casino Hours of Operation: 7:45am-9:50pm

Open 4-10 pm • Closed Tuesdays 2930 Beach Blvd., Gulfport, FL 33707

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FOOTLIGHTS T B PA C Best of Broadway Sensational sets, stunning special effects, an irresistible story, and an unforgettable Sherman Brothers score, including memorable classics like “Truly Scrumptious”, “Hushabye Mountain,” and the Oscar-nominated title song, all add up to a Broadway blockbuster the whole family will love. The enthralling adventure of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, the magical car that sails the seas and flies through the air, has been a family favorite since the motion picture captivated the world’s imagination in 1968. . With its instantly recognizable score by Tchaikovsky and Orlando Ballet principals, The Nutcracker also includes more than 100 children from the award-winning Orlando Ballet School at the Patel Conservatory. . This adventurous musical tells the

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timeless story of adolescents coming of age and confronting their passions and emotions in a repressive society. The music and choreography are bold, contemporary and groundbreaking. It contains sexual situations, brief nudity and mature themes. . Riverdance, the thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage trilling millions of people around the globe, will play eight Farewell Performances at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center.

Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, www.tbpac.org. _____________________________________

In the third smallest town in Texas, radio station personalities Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie report on various Yuletide activities, including the hot competition in the annual lawn display contest, Joe Bob Lipsey’s doomed production of “A Christmas Carol,”

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and the holiday activities of 20 other zany citizens of this quirky western town. With quick-change artistry and quicksilver dialogue, two consummate actors portray over two dozen characters, and create an irreverent Christmas comedy.

American Stage Theatre Company’s new “After Hours” series of edgier late night productions continues with David Sedaris’ , running Dec. 2 thru Dec. 28. Tickets are “pay-what-you-can” for every performance. The holiday season has been called the most wonderful time of the year. Not so says Crumpet, the unemployed, chemically dependent writer who takes a job as a "helper elf" at Macy's Santaland in NYC. His tale of mass marketing, stressed out sales clerks, drunk Santas, screaming kids and the general insanity of the holidays is hilarious and meant for mature audiences only. .

August Wilson was an American playwright to rank with Eugene O'Neill. The death of Aunt Ester, a gamble to peddle refrigerators, a garden of seeds and a final act of retribution are the threads that make up the tapestry of Wilson’s 1980s installment in the author's renowned cycle of plays.

American Stage 727-823-PLAY. www.americanstage.org

Season Shows

This spectacular, new version of the Dickens’ holiday treat ushers in the Christmas season.

This delightful Cole Porter musical gives a new spin on The Taming of the Shrew.

A poignant and witty play that exemplifies enduring love and family reconciliation.

This musical spoof affectionately parodies the spirit of old-fashioned operettas.

William Shakespeare’s enchanting comedy of errors lights up the stage with intrigue and humor.

The St. Pete Little Theater 727-866-1973, www.splt.org _____________________________________

SHOW PALACE DINNER THEATRE

also a television star and actor in many films, with a list of credits ranging from roles on The Love Boat and Shooting Stars to appearances on Live with Regis and Kelly, Fox & Friends and Late Night with David Letterman.

The Show Palace Dinner Theatre, 16128 US 19 N., Hudson; 1-888-655-7469. www.showpalace.net

. An encounter with a charming AfricanAmerican stranger leads to a series of unexpected — and often hilarious — events that raise important questions surrounding the issues of art, power, race and sexuality.

The Gorilla Theatre, 4419 N. Hubert Ave., Tampa. (813) 879-2914, www.gorillatheatre.com

SHOW PALACE DINNER THEATRE www.showpalace.net 16128 U.S. 19 N., Hudson • 5 miles N. of S.R. 52

Florida’s Most Exciting Theatrical & Dining Experience!

Now In Our 10th Year

22 Jan. 2 - Feb.

Now thru Dec. 21

Mon.-Thur. 9am-7pm Fri.-Sat. 9am-8pm Sun. 10am-3pm

Dinner & Show - $42.50 + Tax • Show Only - $31.45 + Tax

Enjoy some holiday cheer with this annual Christmas revue. This brand new musical replicates the heart and humor of the popular television Christmas specials of the 50’s and the 60’s.

Filled with classic carols, high energy dancing and new songs, the Frosty Follies is a beautifully wrapped package for our audiences. .

A down-on-his-luck Broadway producer and his mild-mannered accountant come up with a scheme to produce the most notorious flop in history thereby bilking their backers (all “little old ladies”) out of millions of dollars. Only the show becomes a smash hit. , an evening of Sinatra, Music and Comedy. Entertainer, impressionist and comic, Fred Travalena received his star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005.

Travalena is not only a variety performer, but www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Elton John & Billy Joel “Face To Face” Again

Stay in Touch with What’s Happening in the Tampa Bay Area and Beyond. . . www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Billy Joel and Elton John will reprise their wildly successful coheadlining concerts beginning in March of next year.

John confirmed the duo would work again together adding that they could be on the road for “at least” two years. But sources say the extent of the pairing is still being determined.

At first, Joel and John will play “select cities” in March and May. Regarded as the top-grossing coheadliners of all time, John and Joel first worked together in 1994 and last toured together in 2003, when they grossed $45.8 million (30.8 million pounds) from only 24 sellouts, an average of nearly $2 million per night, according to Billboard Boxscore.

The pair have played stadiums as well as multiple nights at arenas, but all upcoming shows will be in arenas. Sources say the format will be similar to 2003, when the artists played songs together and individually.

Ticket prices will be similar to 2003, when the top price was $175.

“It’s two people for the price of one,” John said on “The View.”

“Our ticket prices are the same as you’d see anyone else, but there’s two of us. In this day and age, we hope to be getting people value for their money.”

The duo will perform at the ST. Pete Times Forum on Thursday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS 13

DECEMBER

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“Let It Snow” Wine Event Tarpon Springs Winery Christmas in the Country at Cracker Country Museum Fl State Fairgrounds Hank Williams Jr., Jason Aldean Rock Crusher Canyon Les Savy Fav Czar Bar Locash Cowboys Ala Carte Event Pavilion Matt Stubbsterry Hanck; “Sax” Grodon Beadle; Gary Brown Blues Band Skipper’s Smokehouse No Age Czar Bar Retard-O-Bot, Psychostick The State Theatre Santa Parade - Christmas Celebrations From Around the World Downtown St. Pete Snowfest North Straub Park The Chocolate Nutcracker Thru 12/7 Mahaffey Theater Tractor Caravan Ride-N-Drive Fl State Fairgrounds

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Jars Of Clay, Sixpence None The Richer, Sara Groves, Leeland Ruth Eckerd Hall Tampa Otatorio Singers “Carols Of The Season” University Of Tampa Toubab Krewe Skipper’s Smokehouse

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John Nemeth W/Thomas Wynn & The Believers Skipper’s Smokehouse Twin Tigers, Snowden The Crowbar

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Boley Center’s Jingle Bell Run The Pier, St. Pete Oldies But Goodies Dance The Pier, St. Pete Phoebe Snow Tampa Theatre

AC/DC

Carol Burnett 11

Uncle John’s Band W/ A “Sandwich Set” Skipper’s Smokehouse

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Candlelight Holiday Concert Tarpon Springs Library Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town St. Pete Times Forum David Byrne Tampa Theatre FL Orchestra - Haydn, Brahms & John Shaw TBPAC Locash Cowboys The Round-Up Soul2Earth Skipper’s Smokehouse Sparky’s Flaw Orpheum Switch Czar Bar The Nutcracker thru 12/14 The Largo Cultural Center

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American Memory Project The State Theatre Cheer America Competitions Thru 12/14 Fl State Fairgrounds

Automatic Loveletter

Colbie Caillat, Jon McLaughlin Tampa Theatre Emarosa, Sky Eats Airplane, Inhale Exhale, Haste The Day Orpheum FL Orchestra - Haydn, Brahms & John Shaw Mahaffey Theater Fly In Albert Whitted Airport Gallery Walk Downtown St. Pete Illuminated Boat Parade Vinoy Basin Locash Cowboys Ala Carte Event Pavilion Southeast Hunter Jumper Horse Show Thru 12/14 Fl State Fairgrounds The Prodigals W/Have Gun Will Travel Skipper’s Smokehouse The Temptations Review Feat.

Dennis Edwards Silver Springs Amphitheatre Victorian Christmas Downtown Tarpon Springs

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FL Orchestra - Haydn, Brahms & John Shaw Ruth Eckerd Hall Halcyon W/Adrianne; Ella Jet Skipper’s Smokehouse Her & Kings County The State Theatre Rockapella Tampa Theatre The Scenic Transitions Art Gallery

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Yes Ruth Eckerd Hall

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Mindi Abair, Richard Elliot, Peter White, Rick Braun Ruth Eckerd Hall

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All Get Out, Kevin Devine, Dead Confederate Orpheum Bay Area Idols Mahaffey Theater FL Orchestra - A Baroque Holiday Mahaffey Theater Manchester Orchestra Orpheum

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Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker thru 12/20 Mahaffey Theater Tab Benoit, Mike Zito Skipper’s Smokehouse

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Bird Street Players W/Brother Bean Skipper’s Smokehouse Britny Fox, Stephen Pearcy Bourbon Street Nightclub Christmas Parade Craig Park Downtown Christmas Parade Downtown Tarpon Springs

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Ronnie Milsap Twin Oaks Amphitheatre St. Petersburg NCAA Bowl Tropicana Field Tampa Model Train Show & Sale Thru 12/21 Fl State Fairgrounds

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AC/DC, The Answer St. Pete Times Forum Ronny Elliott, Vodkanauts, Jon Puhl And The Treblemakers, Sack O’ Woe Blues Band, Swankyhank, Freight Train Annie, Tailgunner Joe Plus Others Skipper’s Smokehouse

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Nervous Turkey W/Poetry ‘N’ Lotion Skipper’s Smokehouse

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Magadog W/Tribal Style (Reggae); Johnny Cakes And The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypso Skipper’s Smokehouse My Getaway, There For Tomorrow, The Bigger Lights Orpheum

David Byrne 27

Blue Dice Skipper’s Smokehouse The Flying Karamazov Brothers The Largo Cultural Center

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Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi Tampa Theatre NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” w/Jeff Dye, Jim Tavare, Marcus, Louis Ramey Ruth Eckerd Hall

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Bruce Hornsby Seminole Casino Freight Train Annie’s Girlie Show Hosted By The Marys W/Lorna Bracewell; Stephanie Carpenter Skipper’s Smokehouse The World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions thru 12/31 Jenkins Arena, Lakeland

Send Your Event Listings To: ACCENT Magazine, P.O. Box 20044, St. Petersburg, FL 33742

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For Our

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First Night Downtown St. Pete Rewind: Music and Songs Of 1968 Including Champagne, Party Favors And Breakfast Skipper’s Smokehouse Rockin’ Jake TBA Sister Hazel Jannus Landing The Vodkanauts Tampa Bay Perf. Arts Center

JANUARY 1

Gospel Brunch and Skate Jam Town and Country Skateworld

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FL Orchestra - Five by Design TBPAC FL Orchestra - Five by Design TBPAC Ferguson Hall Galactic, The Lee Boys Jannus Landing J.J. Grey & Mofro, Inca Maya Skipper’s Smokehouse

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FL Orchestra - Five by Design Mahaffey Theater Imagination Movers Ruth Eckerd Hall J.J. Grey & Mofro, Inca Maya Skipper’s Smokehouse

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Sean Carney Skipper’s Smokehouse

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Five By Design, Aaron Lewis Ruth Eckerd Hall

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Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey Circus thru 1/11 St. Pete Times Forum The Marshall Tucker Band The Largo Cultural Center Women’s Expo Coliseum

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Bryan Adams Ruth Eckerd Hall

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FL Orchestra - Petrushka with Puppets TBPAC Mad Happy Emerald Bar Pinetop Perkins W/Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin Blues Band Skipper’s Smokehouse

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Brett Dennen, Erin McCarley The State Theatre Roy Ayers TBA

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Del Castillo W/Chicago Afrobeat Project Skipper’s Smokehouse Los Campesinos, Titus Andronicus Orpheum

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Dancing With The Stars St. Pete Times Forum James Hunter, Ryan Shaw Skipper’s Smokehouse

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FL Orchestra - Pictures at an Exhibition TBPAC Tampa Bay Home Expo Thru 1/25 Tropicana Field The Sauce Boss The Largo Cultural Center

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38 Special Silver Springs Amphitheatre FL Orchestra - Pictures at an Exhibition Mahaffey Theater Gaelic Storm Pasco-Hernando Comm. Coll.

Sophie Milman Tampa Bay Perf. Arts Center

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FL Orchestra - Pictures at an Exhibition Ruth Eckerd Hall The Four Freshmen The Largo Cultural Center

Gallery Walk Downtown St. Pete Halcyon W/Hymn For Her Skipper’s Smokehouse Brian Regan Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center FL Orchestra - Petrushka with Puppets Ruth Eckerd Hall

YEAR AT A GLANCE Calendar of Events for Hundreds of Listings!

Your Entertainment Connection to All Events

Tampa Bay Entertainment.Com

Funeral For A Friend, The Sleeping The State Theatre 27 Chicago City Limits Tampa Bay Job Fair The Largo Cultural Center Tropicana Field 28 C.J. Harding Black Light Burns The Largo Cultural Center The State Theatre Celine Dion Carol Burnett St. Pete Times Forum Ruth Eckerd Hall Combichrist 29 Dark Star Orchestra The State Theatre Jannus Landing Eagles 70’s Soul Jam w/Harold Melvin’s St. Pete Times Forum Bluenotes, The Stylistics, The FL Orchestra - Great Brits Main Ingredient Feat. Cuba Mahaffey Theater Gooding Sr., Jimmie “J.J.” Walker, John Legend, Estelle Ruth Eckerd Hall Ruth Eckerd Hall Del Castillo The State Theatre 30 Damon Fowler Group Hamell On Trial Skipper’s Smokehouse Skipper’s Smokehouse FL Orchestra - Music of Pink Floyd Peter Max Mahaffey Theater St. Pete Arts Council thru 1/18 Hamel On Trial 31 Dane Cook Skipper’s Smokehouse St. Pete Times Forum Loretta Lynn Silver Springs Amphitheatre Mighty Clouds Of Joy TBPAC Ferguson Hall Raymond James Stadium

email: AccentMagazine@aol.com • Visit www.AccentOnTampaBay.com for “Year At A Glace” Event Listings www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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HOT CONCERTS

- Carrie Underwood is on the “Carnival Ride Tour” with featured guest Little Big Town. There is the whirlwind, and then there is the young woman at its center. For all the awards, the record sales, the chart-topping Carrie Underwood hits, the non-stop schedule and the incessant media attention, Carrie Underwood remains firmly in touch with the shy Oklahoma college student she was before becoming a star. Carrie’s debut album, Some Hearts, is the biggest-selling American Idol album to date, selling more than 6 million records in the U.S. alone.

decades into a career that shows no signs of slowing down or letting up, AC/DC, like electricity itself, provides the world with an essential source of power and energy. Since forming in Australia in 1973, AC/DC’s high voltage rock ‘n’ roll has flowed out into the world via consistently sold-out concert tours and global sales totaling more than 150 million albums and counting.

The band - Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit - will be performing current hits from Long Road Out of Eden including “How Long” and “Busy Being Fabulous” as well as their classic songs. Long Road Out of Eden has been certified seven times Platinum by the RIAA. In

only 9 weeks became the biggest selling album by a group in 2007. The Eagles were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. www.sptimesforum.com will be performing at the State Theatre in St. Petersburg on December 5th supporting Marc

Alternate Routes

The Eagles

. The worldwide tour - the band’s first since 2001 - promotes AC/DC’s latest studio album: Black Ice. More than three

Celine Dion

Broussard. They will be playing songs from their recent EP, The Watershed, as well as their debut, Good and Reckless and True; a memorable, confident opening statement from a band that takes nothing for granted. The band returns with their rock and roll grit, ghostly balladry and seasoned guitar rock anthems on their new sophomore CD, A Sucker’s Dream, due out in February. Perhaps you will hear a few tunes from this new CD as well. The blue collar group’s strong work ethic both in the studio and on the road have led to a solid fan base, and the band has appeared on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. www.thealternateroutes.com

Taking Chances Tour Comes to the Forum January 28

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f you didn’t catch her in Las Vegas, you’re in luck because Celine Dion is currently touring through the United States and her home land of Canada, and will make a stop in Tampa.

This promising performance will include Celine’s biggest hits, along with songs from her new English album Taking Chances. Satisfy your senses because this show has everything from visual feasts of color, fashion and dance and even a few surprises along the way. Don’t miss your chance to see it live as Celine Dion will be performing at the St. Pete Times Forum, Monday January 28.

Celine Dion’s record breaking engagement of A NEW DAY... at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, marks the end of a remarkable journey of five consecutive years of sold-out performances, playing to nearly 3 million people. For more information call 813-301-2500 or visit www.stpetetimesforum.com.

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, various venues. Principal Percussionist John Shaw performs on more than two dozen instruments... temple blocks, log drum, javanese gongs, marimba, vibraphone, wind chimes and more...in Scottish composer James John Shaw MacMillan’s Veni, veni Emmanuel. The program also includes Haydn’s Symphony No. 103, Drum Roll and Brahms’ Variations on a Theme of Joseph Haydn. Stefan Sanderling conducts. of music by Tchaikovsky, Handel, Vaughan Williams and others Dec. 18 at the Mahaffey Theater.

Alastair Willis conducts this program showcasing orchestra violinists Nancy Chang and Sarah Shellman in Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins, along with two delightfully contrasting interpretations of Winter.

- Jan 2, 3

Havens on the podium presenting the hallmark sounds of Pink Floyd with an all-new symphonic dimension.

For more information on venues and times, visit www.FloridaOrchestra.org

Five By Design & 5, varies venues. With their silky smooth vocal harmonies, Five by Design presents a new show called “Stay Tuned,” which is a tribute to the early days of television from the time of such hit variety shows of Dinah Shore, Perry Como, Milton Berle and others. Relive those simpler days of saddle shoes, tv dinners and ice cream sodas with a night of such hit songs as I Feel a Song Comin’ On, Hernando’s Hideaway, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Mr. Sandman, The Girl from Ipanema, ‘S Wonderful, Smile, Hey There, Charade and New York, New York.

- Jan 9 & 11, various venues. Stefan Sanderling conducts this all-Russian program of Stravinsky’s spirited and playful Circus Polka, and Borodin’s Symphony No. 2. Featuring the Bits N’ Pieces Puppet Theatre, the evening concludes with carnival time in 19th century St. Petersburg, Russia, with 9-foot tall giant puppets springing to life to act out the magical ballet story of Stravinsky’s Petrushka.

- Jan 23-25, various venues. In this all-Russian program, award-winning German Pianist Peter Rosel performs Rachmaninoff’s flamboyant showstopper Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini.

Stefan Sanderling conducts this program, which also showcases Mussorgsky’s playful and powerful Pictures at an Exhibition and Rimsky-Korsakov’s musical tale of The Invisible City of Kitezh.

Best known for his groundbreaking tenure fronting the highly influential new wave group Talking Heads, ’s solo work is equally inventive and adventurous. On his current tour, Byrne performs music from his most recent project, Everything that Happens will Happen Today, a new record written and produced in collaboration with Brian Eno. Songs from all of the above will be performed in this concert, live on stage and only at Tampa Theatre, Dec. 12. ’s style blends elements of alternative pop, folk, Root and Southern rock. The band came together in Gainesville,

FL, and while most local bands never got out of the small city, Sister Hazel’s popularity grew in concentric circles until the band was recognized all over the country. The group prides itself on being down to earth, devoting much of their time to fans and charity events.

Spend New Year’s Eve with them at Jannus Landing, Dec. 31. www.jannuslandingconcerts.com

Sister Hazel

- Jan 30, Mahaffey Theater. The Florida Orchestra joins forces with a full rock band for a night of Pink Floyd’s timeless hits from Dark Side of the Moon and The Wall. Taking center stage is the lead singer of the rock band zebra, Randy Jackson, with conductor/arranger Brent

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MUSIC TRAX Elvis Presley Christmas Duets The first Christmas compliation of its kind ever produced

Off The Beaten Path

In the year of the female singersongwriter, has released THE HOTEL CAFÉ PRESENTS WINTER SONGS - a compilation of both original recordings as well as classic holiday tracks sung by a lineup of female singer-songwriters including Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Brandi Carlile and KT Tunstall. A percentage of the album’s sales will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. www.sonybmg.com

Linda Eder Returns to her Roots “The Other Side of Me”

’s holiday CD & DVD, THE ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS COLLECTION includes the ‘Best Of’ collection featuring two previously unreleased tracks, and the DVD contains a full length holiday concert filmed in December 2004. It’s a full show with added backstage footage and behind the scenes work with Brian and Crew. www.surfdog.com celebrates the holiday season with A NIGHT BEFORE Christmas, a collection of eleven tracks that capture the yuletide spirit with a decidedly traditional jazz vibe.

Guest artists Christine Ebersole, Dave Samuels, and Janis Siegel add even more sparkle to the already festive package. www.headsup.com

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ACCENT On Tampa Bay

A capella powerhouse has released THE STANDARD, which showcases a new jazz-influenced approach for the group. It www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

also features some heavy guests appearances such as George Benson, Al Jarreau, Roy Hargrove, Aaron Neville, Brian McKnight, and others. www.headsup.com Bassist/composer has released LIFELINES, a double CD showcasing his compelling music full of inventiveness, compositional prowess, and accomplished solo work. www.brunoraberg.com On their new CD, , the PORTINHO TRIO mixes some great songs from Brazil and the NY jazz scene.

“Satin Doll” and “Footprints” are novel interpretations of two jazz standards from different eras of jazz history. Portinho’s drums crate a soft groove on “Cancao Que Morre No Ar”. www.mcgjazz.org

CAN’T LOVE, CAN’T HURT is 10 studiously-chosen cuts of modern, melodic, piano-driven rock by . The CD emotes a love of classic pop/ rock songwriters from The Beatles to Tom Petty and covering some deep subject matter. www.epicrecords.com At home, in the car, on the move — now parents and future “Idols” alike can enjoy a collection of songs sung by the original artists in a new CD series, the collection, for ages 2+. From Stevie Wonder to Marvin Gaye, Ella Fitzgerald to the Jackson 5 — these are songs that will entertain children without driving parents crazy. Each CD is age-graded. www.ilovethatsong.com/family

On I’LL BE LONG GONE, the continue their tradition of straight ahead, harddriving bluegrass gospel, along with a few more contemporary flavored tunes. www.pinecastle.com

BURN YOUR PLAYHOUSE DOWN:

THE UNRELEASED DUETS is a collection of never before heard duets between Jones and his guests ranging from the mid-70s with his ex-wife, Tammy Wynette, to the most recent recording from 2007 with his (and Tammy’s) daughter Georgette, and inbetween with Ricky Skaggs, Dolly Parton, Vince Gill and more. www.banditrecords.com ’s ROCKIN’ THE COUNTRY is a double barrel blast of whiskeysoaked country with a rock’n roll flavor.

The new CD is packed with original tunes that tell tales of love and disaster with pure, honest to goodness storytelling and heavy-hitting Southern rock music. www.rivercountymusic.com

THE RIVER CLUB has 11 compositions by , of deep down Louisiana Swamp Blues featuring Walter Jr. on vocals and guitar.

He dips his guitar into a seamless mix of genres, blending rock, roadhouse blues, and pop. www.walterjr.com

recorded live at a benefit in 2005 resulting in a CD, CBGB OMFUG MASTERS: THE BOWERY COLLECTION. The CD spans their career and includes hits as well as showcasing their original mix of rock, funk, punk and reggae. The recording is pristine — direct from the soundboard. www.mvdaudio.com have returned to form on their new CD, ONLY THROUGH THE PAIN. The disc is heartfelt and diverse. From the riff-roaring, high energy anthem ‘Wasteland’ to the deeply moving finale ‘The Last Tear’, the CD finds front man, guitarist and songwriter Chris Taylor Brown going deep. www.trapt.com

is a retro, rock and roll band headed by singer-songwriter, Lionel de Bernard.

The latest CD is SAVE ME FROM MYSELF. They manage to retain a very contemporary sound, incorporating many different musical elements, including ska, retro-rock, surf, reggae, and jazz. www.oldscoolsite.com is an all female five piece pop-punk band with catchy hooks, unique lyrics, and thoughtful, well-crafted music. The band’s ever-present sense of humor shapes many of their songs on their self-titled new album. www.adamantrecords.com After 16 years, has not lost an of the rage that has driven the band to create hard hitting albums. NO END IN SIGHT is their most melodic offering to date, while still maintaining a traditional heaviness. www.regainrecords.com fuses world rock elements with incisive, intelligent lyrical dreamscapes on MOAB: STORIES FROM DEUTERONOMY. The CD features the pyschedelic guitar swirl and pulsating pagan rhythms that have become Tribe trademarks. www.tribeaftertribe.com ’s self titled album has clever melodies, rock hard riffs and memorable lyrics. The band’s chemistry is evidenced with the compelling moods and textures they give their music. Power chords combine with powerful messages. www.electrictouchmusic.com

SATANIC CURSES has the German/Greek quintet, , continuing without any compromises, with one-riff attack after the other. This smashing opus should please any metal fan. www.locomotiverecords.com

Pianist/composer is a connoisseur of great film scores, so his new CD, CINEMATIC, is a tribute to that genre. Some of the music has already been used in film, and some is new material, all creating moods and building tensions. www.spencerbrewer.com

THE SANDS OF TIME is Celtic harpist ’s newest CD with beautifully orchestrated tracks. He fuses a wide array of world instruments with his electric harp into a unique composition with elements of Celtic, Middle Eastern and Asian styles. www.harpmaic.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

The sounds of Rio bleed through every beat on Rio hip hop crew ’s $1.99, due out Dec. 2nd. Rio’s hip hop is more Brazilian and more cosmopolitan, as they mix their sound with samba, jazz and bossa nova influences. www.vergerecords.org Little known instruments like the marxophone and nail violin (19th-century American instruments) team up with the buffalo and muskrat of Lakota folklore in ’s EARTH GIFT, sparking a new way of hearing Native American music. www.ixtlanartists.com is one of the original chicha bands from the ‘60s and has released an album of vintage material with MASTERS OF CHICHA VOL. 1.

Chica is a style that fused the popular rhythms of Colombian cumbia with Andean folk melodies and western instrumentation, for a unique South American pop sound. www.barbesrecords.com On YOGA GROOVE 2 by , tribal percussion and global grooves unite with bamboo flutes, sitar, chants and electronica to create a sublime chill vibe that will energize a yoga routine both on and off the mat. www.soulfoodmusic.com

’s debut album THE STREET WANT THEIR MUSIC BACK is the embodiment and expression of his belief that Hip-Hop originated on the streets of New York. The album begins and ends with versatile lyrics and head-banging beats that harness the rage going down day by day on the streets of NYC. www.shatterringrecords.com are the Dub/Dance pioneers, with 15 years experience and a flexible live lineup. One of the best live dub acts, they promoted the practice of dynamic onstage dub mixing which they perform alongside acoustic instruments and live vocalists. Their latest release LIVE AS ONE features seven vocalists in various styles.

The Zion Train quality and ethos is present and the depth and quality of musicianship is a revelation. www.wobblyweb.com

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AT THE MOVIES Joaquin Phoenix Confirms He’s Done With Movies oaquin Phoenix confirmed a surprise announcement he made recently: He’s giving up movies.

“I think it’s just moving on. It’s rediscovering something else,” said Phoenix, 34, said in an interview before the American Film Institute festival.

“Two Lovers” is his last film, he said. His publicist disclosed that the actor intended to focus on music.

Phoenix learned to play guitar and did his own singing to play country legend Johnny Cash in “Walk The Line,” which earned him an Aca-demy Award nomination. His publicist also said Phoenix has been directing music videos in recent years.

“It’s like greener pastures, you know what I mean?” Phoenix said. “And so, I’m just going to try and like, I’ll just be doing the other thing. ... Hopefully, I will emotionally impact you with that, as well.”

“Two Lovers” stars Phoenix as a heartbroken man torn between a needy, neurotic neighbor (Gweneth Paltrow) and the sensible woman (Vinessa Shaw) his parents want him to marry.

The film, due in theaters early next year, was directed by James Gray.

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Movies in DECEMBER Drama. Starring: Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams; Director: John Patrick Shanley. It’s 1964, a vibrant, charismatic priest, Father Flynn is trying to upend the schools’ strict customs, which have long been fiercely guarded

by Sister Aloysius Beauvier, the iron-gloved Principal who believes in the power of fear and discipline. The school has just accepted its first black student, Donald Miller. But when Sister James, a hopeful innocent, shares with Sister Aloysius her guiltinducing suspicion that Father Flynn is paying too much personal attention to Donald, Sister Aloysius sets off on a personal crusade to expunge Flynn from the school. A battle of wills threatens to tear apart the community with irrevocable consequence.

- Dramedy.

Starring: John Leguizamo, Freddy Rodriguez, Debra Messing; Director: Alfredo De Villa. If there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that family time isn’t always a walk in the park. This is the humorous and heartwarming story of one unforgettable family holiday.

- Drama.

Starring: Clint Eastwood; Director: Clint Eastwood.

Eastwood plays Walt Kowalski, an iron-willed veteran living in a changing world, who is forced by his immigrant neighbors to confront his own long-held prejudices.

- Drama.

Starring: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Michael Ealy; Director: Gabriele Muccino. Smith plays an IRS agent with a fateful secret www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

who embarks on an extraordinary journey of redemption by forever changing the lives of seven strangers.

- Comedy.

Starring: Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper; Director: Peyton Reed. Carl Allen is a guy whose life is going nowhere until he signs up for a self-help program based on one simple covenant: say yes to everything... and anything. It transforms Carl’s life in amazing and unexpected ways, but his willingness to embrace every opportunity might just become too much of a good thing.

Comedy. Starring: Adam Sandler, Guy Pearce, Keri Russell; Director: Adam Shankman. A hotel handyman’s life is changed forever when the bedtime stories he tells his niece and nephew start to mysteriously come true. He attempts to take advantage of the phenomenon, incorporating his own aspirations into one outlandish tale after another, but it’s the kids’ unexpected contributions that turn Skeeter’s life upside down.

Fantasy. Starring: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Taraji P. Henson; Director: David Fincher. A story about a man who is born in his eighties and ages backwards: a man, like any of us, who is unable to stop time. We follow his story, set in New Orleans from the end of World War I in 1918, into the 21st century, following his journey that is as unusual as any man’s life can be.

- Dramady.

Starring: Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Alan Arkin; Director: David Frankel. The heartwarming and unforgettable story of a family in the making and the wondrously neurotic dog who taught them what really matters in life.

Action.

Starring: Gabriel Macht, Samuel L. Jackson, Sarah Paulson; Director: Frank Miller. The story of a former rookie cop who returns mysteriously from the dead as The Spirit to fight crime from the shadows of Central City.

His arch-enemy, The Octopus, has a different mission: he’s going to wipe out Spirit’s beloved city as he pursues his own version of immortality.

- Drama.

Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, Kathy Baker; Director: Joel Hopkins. A New Yorker is on the verge of losing his dead-end job as a jingle writer.

Warned by his boss that he has just one more chance to deliver, he goes to London for a weekend to attend his daughter’s wedding but promises to be back on Monday morning to make an important meeting—or else.

- Drama.

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Michael Shannon; Director: Sam Mendes. The story of a young couple trying to find fulfillment in an age of conformity. Trapped in a world of encoded convention, they dream without faith, as lies and self-deceptions build to explosive consequences.

- Thriller. Starring: Tom Cruise, Kenneth Branagh, Bill Nighy; Director: Bryan Singer. Based on the true story of Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg and the daring and ingenious plot to eliminate one of the most evil tyrants the world has ever known, Hitler.

JANUARY

Harry Warden, into a permanent coma. Exactly one year later, on Valentine’s Day, he woke up...and brutally murdered twenty-two people with a pickaxe before being killed. Ten years later, Tom Hanniger is still haunted by the deaths he caused. But after years of peace, an unstoppable killer is on the loose.

- Horror. Starring: Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy, Rhona Mitra; Director: Patrick Tatopoulos. Story delves into the origins of the centuries-old blood feud between the aristocratic vampires, known as Death Dealers, and the barbaric Lycans (werewolves). A young Lycan, Lucian, emerges as a powerful leader who rallies the werewolves to rise up against Viktor, the cruel vampire king who has

persecuted them for hundreds of years.

- Adventure. Starring: Brendan Fraser, Paul Bettany, Helen Mirren; Director: Iain Softley. A timeless adventure

tale of imagination that centers on Meggie, a young girl whose father has a secret ability to bring characters from books to life when he reads them aloud. But when a power-hungry villain from a rare children’s fable kidnaps Meggie’s father to bring others out of the boundaries of fiction, she and a disparate group of friends both real and magic embark on an adventure.

- Comedy. Starring Don Cheadle, Emma Roberts, Lisa Kudrow; Director: Thor Freudenthal. A family friendly film dapted from Lois Duncan’s 1971 children’s book of the same name, Hotel for Dogs follows two mischievous orphans as they attempt to hide dozens of stray dogs in an abandoned hotel.

Comedy. Starring: Renee Zellweger, Harry Connick Jr., J.K. Simmons; Director: Jonas Elmer. Lucy is an ambitious, up and coming executive, who loves her shoes, her cars and climbing the corporate ladder. When she is offered a temporary assignment in the middle of nowhere, she jumps at the opportunity, knowing that a big promotion is close at hand. What begins as a straight forward job assignment becomes a life changing experience.

Action. Starring: Liam Neeson, Maggie Grace, Katie Cassidy; Director: Pierre Morel. A former government operative comes out of retirement and uses on his extensive training to rescue his estranged daughter from a slave trade operation.

Romantic Comedy.

Starring: Anne Hathaway, Kate Hudson, Candice Bergen; Director: Gary Winick.

Hathaway and Hudson will play best friends who are pitted against each other when their wedding dates clash. They compete for venues, services and guests, once it’s clear that neither will step aside.

- Thriller. Starring: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lee Pace, Michael Landes; Director: Joel Bergvall, Simon Sandquist. A woman’s life is torn apart when her husband, and brother-in-law crash in a horrific car accident. Both brothers end up in comas, with little hope of recovery. But the brother-in-law wakes up and, when he does, insists he is her husband.

She struggles with the possibility that the spirit of her husband has returned to her in the body of her brother-inlaw, or that something more sinister is at work.

Horror. Starring: Jensen Ackles, Jaime King, Kerr Smith; Director: Patrick Lussier. Tom Hanniger, an inexperienced coal miner, caused an accident in the tunnels that trapped and killed five men and sent the only survivor, www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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DVD VIEWS - Fun adventures feature the sharing and caring gang as they embark on adventures, face challenges and spread joy wherever they go. Meet clumsy Oopsy Bear, see the Care Bears teach Grizzle how to care, and learn about being cheerful and making new friends. www.foxhome.com - 3 charming DVDs filled with sweet adventures of Strawverry Shortcake, Angel Cake ;and all her other pals as they ring in the holiday season, teach the Peculiar Purple Pie Man of Porcupine Peak and Sour Grapes to have fun, and visit the Berry Prairie Dude Ranch. www.foxhome.com - Celebrate the season with Rocket, June, Leo, Quincy and Annie in their first-ever holiday adventure.

It’s Christmas Eve, and Santa Claus has left some amazing surprises under the tree for everybody. But Annie’s

NEW RELEASES A cosmic comedy adventure about a determined robot named WALLE. After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for, the curious and lovable WALL-E discovers a new purpose in life when he meets a sleek search robot named EVE. DVD is loaded with bonus features. www.disneyvideos.disney.go.com - Mercer (Lou Tayor Pucci) steals a car to find his brother. Once on the road he becomes attached to phone calls from Kate (Zoey Deschanel), the forgiving and mysterious girl who owns the car he stole. A crazy trip with Joely (Jena Malone) and odd encounters with his brother’s former friends ensue. www.peacearch.com -This collection features all 22 episodes from the eleventh hit season and includes a gathering of guest stars including Mel Gibson, Lucy Lawless, Kid Rock, Dick Clark, Tim Robbins, John Goodman, Parker Posey, Don Cheadle, Ron Howard, Willie Nelson, Britney Spears and many more. The set is loaded with spe-

present is missing, and it’s up to the team -- and you -- to find it. www.disneyvideos.disney.go.com Take the fast track to Fun-ville with Thomas & Friends in this one-of-akind treat. In “Carnival Capers,” Thomas and his pals Rocky and Rosie discover the true meaning of friendship while exploring the wonders of a fun-filled carnival. The lessons of learning and teamwork continue in “Calling All Engines”. Take a fantastical voyage in “Milkshake Muddle,” as Thomas and his new pals explore the enchanted Island of Sodor. www.hitshopusa.com/ Take a trip to the South Pole where you’ll find Pingu chilling with the Abominable Snowman, getting his first job, and dancing the night away in his igloo. www.hitentertainment.com - This is a clever animated twist on the Charles Dickens classic, in which young Annie overlooks the spirit of Christmas when organizing a school production for the holidays. www.porchlight.com

cial features. www.foxhome.com - Starring: Sandy Baron, Senta Berger. A young woman on the verge of marriage departs for a whirlwind guided tour of 9 countries in 18 days. www.mgm.com/dvd - Starring Danny McBride, the story follows an inept Tae Kwon Do instructor whose life hits the skids when his wife cheats on him.

Unbalanced by this personal upheaval, he seeks enlightenment by traveling to meet his martial arts hero and role model. www.paramount.com

(Film Noir) - This 1954 feature stars Ginger Rogers and Van Heflin as a Hollywood producer who takes an interest in an aspiring writer despite being married. When the young woman is found dead in his apartment, the producer begins an investigation of his own. www.foxhome.com/filmnoir - The true-life story of Darby Crash (Shane West), who became an L.A. punk icon with his band The Germs.

With his friends, Lorna Doom (Bijou Phillips), Pat Smear (Rick Gonzalez), and Don Bolles (Noah Segan), Darby Crash completely transformed the L.A punk scene. www.peacearch.com

on Blu-Ray. Kathleen Turner plays a romance novelist, and Michael Douglas plays a reckless soldier of fortune. Thrown together by chance they share a non-stop thrilling treasure hunt adventure in both movies. www.foxhome.com

- 10th Anniversary Edition Boxed Set. Features an all-star ensemble cast. This collector’s edition features the genesis, life and afterlife of the series. www.shoutfactory.com - Starring Wilmer Valderrama, Ashton Kutcher. The series features bonus materials including a retrospective featurette with cast interviews, a behind-the-scenes tour, and more. www.foxhome.com . - Go behind the scenes at the Smithsonian. Dig through the vaults and learn the history behind artifacts. Appreciate our capitol’s greatest shrines on a whole new level. www.hepcatdistribution.com

OWN IT NOW!

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- The Bratz star in their first movie musical featuring eight new dance along, sing-along songs. The girl take the stage at an elite performing arts camp where acting, dancing and fashion get your name up in lights. www.bratz.com . Two DVDs that show vehicle enthusiasts of every age how these motorized tools of society are created from the frame up. Live action with virtual 3-D animation. www.marvelousmedia.net - Bob has been a busy little fellow, he has five new DVDs out — some of which have never been seen on TV.

a young girl. After a send-off of Bach’s music into space, Mr. Bach arrives at the house of a presentday child, who is practicing his Minuet in G. www.childrensgroup.com

in 1905. DVD includes many of his biggest hits. www.mvdb2b.com Starring: Dark Funeral. This massively packed double DVD features 3 full shows professionally filmed and recorded during the band’s successful tour throughout Latin America in Sept/Oct 2006. www.regainrecords.com

- This 4-Disc Collector’s Set is loaded with bonus features, a visit to Miley’s hometown, and guest stars including Corbin Bleu, Ashley Tisdale, Cody Linely and more. www.disneyvideos.disney.go.com

- This DVD is a unique insight into the music, career and life of a cultural icon. www.mvdb2b.com

NOW ON DVD!

All you need is your DVD and a remote control.

Get ready to rock with Hannah. Play on your own, or with friends and family in Party Play Mode. Perform songs from every High School Musical movie, and engage in dance offs with your friends. Play hoops, and many more games. www.disneyvideos.disney.go.com

. www.hitshopusa.com !Fireman Sam races to the rescue of his friends and colleagues in all sorts of perilous situations. www.hitentertainment.com - With this personalized DVD, your childs actual name is used, making him/her part of the story. This educational program features interactive animation sequences designed to explain basic zoology facts. www.billybluehair.com - The story, based in part on historical fact, features more than twenty beautifully-performed excerpts of Bach’s best-loved works. The film captures the special friendship between a great composer and

Viewers will join the Roberts Family as they pay a visit to the Big Apple. www.porchlight.com (Families of the World) - Families of the World takes you on a fantastic journey to another country where you view the unique lives of two children and their families. www.familiesoftheworld.com

- An independent documentary that reviews the partnership, music and impact of Lennon and McCartney as composers during this hugely creative period. www.mvdb2b.com

- After being beaten silly by three greaser delinquents, Egyptian transfer student Rhada Mahat will stop at nothing to enact his sweet revenge and stop the abuse. The B&W film is grainy for the old flick effect. www.ghostlimbfilms.com - Double feature 2 DVD set.

Horror/Comedy. Gothenburg is overrun by the undead in DIE ZOMBIEJAGER, a horrific comedy about a German zombie hunting team. www.regainrecords.com

- One of rap music’s most successful crossover artists in a conert performance filmed in Brussels

For More DVD New Releases, visit our website:

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Let your friends and family enjoy the service and convenience you love! www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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FOOD & BEVERAGE FLEMING’S Wine and Art Dinner with Thomas Arvid

by Melissa Wolcott and Al Martino

W

e recently attended a delightful dinner benefiting the 1Voice Foundation hosted at Fleming’s Steakhouse, featuring wine and art. The wine being selections of Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel, and Dolce. The art being the astonishing work of artist/wine enthusiast Thomas Arvid. And the dinner being another stellar menu created by Chef Ryan Mitchell.

Tomas Arvid with one of his wine-themed paintings.

At the reception before dinner, the group was introduced to Thomas Arvid, who turns out to be an unassuming, and genial gentleman. Mr. Arvid’s monumental compositions capture the delicate beauty of wine and the evocative pleasure of its consumption.

Achieving widespread success with his iconic portrayals of the wine experience, he has become synonymous with the art of living graciously. His artwork hangs in private homes, corporate collections and wineries across the country, and adorns the walls of Fleming’s restaurants throughout the nation. His meticulous realistic paintings command five and six figure price tags, and there is currently a four-year wait for Arvid’s wine-themed originals. The most amazing thing, is that he is totally selftaught!

Each of Chef Mitchell’s courses were complemented with an appropriate wine choice, starting with Crab Stuffed Shrimp and Lobster & Mango Spring Roll served with a Far Niente Chardonnay. First course was a wonderful Papaya Salad with Alaskan King Crab and Sweet Chili Dressing, with a Nickel & Nickel Zinfandel. The second course was a succulent Butter Poached Chilean Sea Bass with Wild

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Mushroom Risotto, served with a Nickel & Nickel Merlot. The delicious main course was a Five Spiced rubbed Rack of Lamb with Blueberry and Port Reduction and Cabernet Whipped Potatoes, served with a Nickel & Nickel Cabernet Sauvignon. We barely had room, but had to try the marvelous dessert of Grilled Bananas with Rich Caramel Sauce and Cinnamon Ice Cream, served with a Dolce.

The menus created for the special Fleming’s Wine Dinners are unique to the event, and not found on the regular menu.

The event benefited the 1Voice Foundation, which helps to arm children and families in their battle against childhood cancer by creating one voice that connects families and pro-

Chilean Sea Bass with Wild Mushroom Risotto.

vides helpful resources, assistance, and treatments to foster happiness and hope.

Don’t miss out on the next special Fleming’s Dinner. Visit their website and register to be a “Friend of Fleming’s”. www.flemingssteakhouse.com For more information on Thomas Arvid, visit www.thomasarvid.com.

For more information on 1Voice, visit www.1voicefoundation.org/

Cook & Serve French Roaster Entertain In Style Over The Holidays

S

pring Switzerland, a division of Waterford Wedgwood, the premier luxury lifestyle brand creating high quality handcrafted crystal and china has collaborated with internationally-recognized integrative medicine physician Andrew Weil M.D., in a new range of exclusive cookware and kitchen electrics — The Weil by Spring “Healthy Kitchen” Collection.

The cooking vessels are 5 ply bonded 18/ 10 steel as opposed to the more traditional 3 ply, and employ a manufacturing technique that does not permit cooking ingredients to come into contact with the aluminum of the various products. The design also incorporates specially formulated “rolled edges” that prevent food from interacting with the aluminum.

This unique feature was carefully created in response to current medical theories regarding aluminum and the development of neurological concerns, such as Alzheimer’ disease.

The cookware offers a lifetime warranty, and the collection includes a concise range of essential pieces with streamlined design for modern living Entertain in style this holiday season with Weil’s Cook & Serve and French Roaster — two multi-purpose products. From the oven to the stovetop, the Cook & Serve is a versatile 3-

piece set. Entertaining a large crowd? The Cook & Serve is elegant enough to go straight from the stove to the table. It includes a magnetic trivet that automatically attaches to the bottom of the pan, making serving easy while the chrome-edged glass lid ensures food will still be warm when guests go back for seconds.

The French Roaster makes a complete, healthy meal, all in one pan. It’s steamer tray, rack, and deep design allows vegetables to be steamed while meat or fish is roasted below.

Able to hold up to a 14 lb turkey, the French Roaster can accommodate any size party from two to twelve.

Remove the Roaster from oven and use the lid as an au gratin serving dish. What once took several pots and pans only takes one, saving both time and space.

Andrew Weil, M.D., donates all of his after-tax profits from royalties from sales of the Weil by Spring collection to the Weil Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting integrative medicine through training, education and research.

For more information, visit www.drweil.com.

Visit Accent’s

Dining Guide on the Web with

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Beaujolais Nouveau Ready for Entertaining

T

he Annual Beaujolais Nouveau Celebration was recently held at the Paris Las Vegas Resort Casino heralding the 2008 release of the venerable wine.

Honoring the long tradition regulated by French law, Beaujolais Nouveau, a red wine made from 100 percent Gamay grapes in the Beaujolais region of France, is released no sooner than the third Thursday of November, when it is ready for consumption just six weeks after the harvest. Thus, at one minute past midnight, huge celebrations are held all over the world to taste the latest wine.

More than 65 million bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau will be consumed in the months to follow.

Georges Duboeuf is the largest producer of Beaujolais in the world and the number one French wine brand in the US. Georges currently represents over 400 winegrowers in the region. A self-made entrepreneur, he formed “Les Vins de Georges Duboeuf” in 1964, which he now oversees with his son, Franck. Today, Les Vins de Georges Duboeuf includes wines from Beaujolais, Mâconnais and Southern France. The wines are renowned for their value and consistency. They are sold in 120 countries throughout the world.

For more information, visit www.chilledred.com

Baileys with a Hint of Coffee No Barista Needed

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ine and cheese, chips and salsa, strawberries and chocolate: some flavor pairings are a natural fit. Another one on that list is Baileys Original Irish Cream and coffee. Now Baileys has bottled that signature combination to create Baileys with a hint of Coffee.

Bailey’s new flavor, which can be served over ice or blended, make it easy for coffee lovers to sip in place of their evening java or enjoy with friends and family over the holidays.

This is the third flavor addition for Baileys Irish Cream. Baileys with a hint of Mint Chocolate and Baileys with a hint of Caramel are also available.

Baileys is the result of a recipe combining fine ingredients with just the right amount of Celtic charm. Although the exact recipe is top secret, here is a hint about how it is created.

First, it starts with dairy cream. Only Irish milk from 1,500 specially selected and accredited farms is used. This milk comes from 40,000 cows, fed a diet of four different types of grass. Their cream is delivered daily in insulated tankers and processed within 36 hours of the milking process.

Next, the cream is blended with triple distilled Irish whiskey, using a special technique that results in the cream being preserved using whiskey alone.

Finally, the chocolate flavours, a combination of cocoa nibs and vanilla pods, sugar and caramel are added.

For more information, visit www.diageo.com.

Bring a Duque Home for the Holidays

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luxury gift for the brandy aficionado is Gran Duque de Alba Solera Gran Reserva, the world’s top-rated Brandy de Jerez from Spain.

This holiday season, a special gift box is available containing a 750ml bottle of Gran Duque de Alba and a large embossed glass snifter.

Gran Duque de Alba is an ultra smooth premium brandy aged 12 years in oak casks under Spain’s time honored solera system of fractional blending. The result is a rich mahogany spirit with aromas of toasted nuts, caramel, vanilla, dark fruit and spice with a smooth aftertaste. Gran Duque de Alba was awarded gold medals this year from both the San Francisco International Spirits Competition and the Beverage Testing Institute.

Brandy de Jerez is one of only three place-specific appellations for brandy, the others being Cognac and Armagnac in France. The D.O. of Jerez is closely controlled by a Consejo Regulador (regulatory council) to ensure that strict production and ageing processes are met to make the finest brandy in the world.

For an even richer experience, Gran Duque de Alba Oro Solera Gran Reserva Especial is an ultra premium brandy aged a minimum of 25 years through seven separate soleras.

Gran Duque de Alba is produced by Williams & Humbert, a world renowned bodega located in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain that is the largest winery in Europe with more than 1,200 acres of vineyards.

For more information, visit www.williams-humbert.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

ZEN uses carefullyselected Kyoto green tea leaves of the highest grade grown by one of the most famous producers of fine teas in Japan, Marukyu-KoyamaEn, which has been cultivating tea for more than 300 years. Infusing neutral spirits with whole and ground green tea leaves, ZEN is then blended with lemongrass and other herbs and natural flavors according to a propriety recipe to achieve its unique flavor.

ZEN and the Art of the Sophisticated Cocktail

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s cultural influences from Asia continue to influence Western palates and the cocktail culture dabbles with exotic herbs and interesting new flavors, a distinctive, new spirit is making its mark. ZEN Green Tea Liqueur, a unique blend of the finest Japanese green tea leaves, premium herbs and natural flavors is the first super-premium green tea liqueur ever introduced in America.

ZEN entices with a distinctive green color, unique flavor and pleasing aroma that stands up well chilled straight, on the rocks, or mixed.

With an alcohol content of 20 percent, it is light and refreshing.

ZEN cocktails include the Zentini, made with one part ZEN, two parts Skyy Citrus and a splash of fresh lime juice; the ZEN Shake, made with two parts ZEN, one part Skyy Vanilla Vodka and two parts milk, ZEN Iced Tea, made with one part ZEN to two parts brewed, unsweetened tea, and the ZEN Saketini, with one part ZEN and two parts sake.

For more information, visit www.zenliqueur.com

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December 1 - 30

Christmas In The Village For all of December John’s Pass Village becomes Christmas Village for this month-long celebration which includes musical programs, bell ringers, jugglers, and novelty acts to entertain the shoppers.

There will be the annual Lighted Boat Parade to be viewed from the Boardwalk as well as the spectacular arrival of Santa.

Merchants offer Special Discounts throughout the Holiday Season.

T-Shirts, Toddlers to Adults 180 John’s Pass Boardwalk 727-397-6191

Est 1982

172 W Johns Pass Boardwalk Madeira Beach, Fl 33708

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Electronic Catalog Just in time for ordering holiday gifts, Clearwater Marine Aquarium announces the launch of its first-ever electronic catalog. This paperless catalog is unique because it’s being distributed like a chain letter – as a link via e-mail.

Visit www.CMAquarium.org/catalog to view the catalog.

In an average year, CMA responds to many dolphin, whale, and otter strandings and hundreds of sea turtle strandings. Rescued animals are brought back to CMA for immediate treatment and rehabilitation with the hopes of returning them back to their natural environment.

After the best care available, many animals are released. Some cannot be released and depend on CMA for their longevity. Their stories are touching, inspiring and remarkable.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is not a typical aquarium. It’s a working aquarium providing medical treatment for marine animals — an animal hospital that guests can visit. You can touch, learn, and see: Rescued dolphin, otters and sea turtles; Hourly animal care and training presentations; Underwater viewing of native sharks and fish; Informative exhibits on animal rescue, rehabilitation and release; Silky stingrays in the “hands-on” exhibit Stingray Beach; Starfish, sea urchins snails and other marine invertebrates; and huge sea turtle shells.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is located at 249 Windward Passage, Clearwater, 727-441-1790; www.cmaquarium.org

Current Exhibits Steel built Pittsburgh, Automobiles built Detroit, and oil built Houston. Advertising and public relations turned the little village of St. Petersburg into a major tourist destination. This exhibit even features old national television commercials that many adults can remember.

The exhibit traces the work of John Lodwick, a public relations genius along with Mayor Pulver and their fictional “Purity League” which protected husbands from “sea vamps” in their one-piece bathing suits. After World War II, the tourism effort was continued by photographer Jack Swenningsen who took thousands of advertising and publicity pictures attracting visitors and new residents alike. The exhibit features Jack’s photography, brochures and post cards. In addition, the exhibit presents real estate advertising from the 20’s, the story of Mr. Sun and many antique advertising items.

Bok Tower Gardens’ Christmas at Pinewood holiday home tour runs through January 4. Capture the spirit of the holidays when you step back in time to a golden era at the National Historic Landmark in Lake Wales.

This year’s theme transforms the 20 room, 1930s Pinewood Estate into a magical wonderland. The Nutcracker, Cinderella, The Night Before Christmas, Little Red Riding Hood, Alice in Wonderland, Aladdin and many more favorite childhood stories come to life. The holidays are a great time to stroll the Olmsted woodland gardens as the 60 bell Singing Tower carillon performs daily concerts at 1 and 3 p.m.

On December 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m., holiday concerts will feature soloist Ginger Statom along with the holiday home tour and a champagne reception before the performance.

On December 25, enjoy Christmas carols from around the world during carillon concerts at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Blue Palmetto Café and Gift Shop will be open from noon to 5 p.m. The holiday home tour will be open from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tours are Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit www.boktowergardens.org or call 863676-1408.

tains information on all five presidents of the college, key points in the college’s history and key events in U.S. history as perspective.

2. The Neighborhood Gallery, which will have displays on each decade in the college’s

history, along with display cases on distinguished alums. That gallery also contains a large display detailing the history and legacy of Gibbs Junior College.

3. The larger Strum gallery features the college’s history during the 30 years that Carl M. Kuttler Jr. has been president.

St. Petersburg Museum of History, 335 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701; 727894-1052; www.spmoh.org

thru March, 2009. There are three components to this exhibit: 1. A timeline along the entry wall that conwww.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party requires a separate ticket.

Walt Disney World Resort blings in the holidays Nov. 10 with sparkling, jewel-like crystals adorning the iconic Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom.

Festivities blanket the Vacation Kingdom at Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney.

- Magic Kingdom decks the halls as Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party takes center stage again this holiday season. The special after-hours event treats Walt Disney World guests to magic and merriment on select nights in Dec. The fun begins at 7 p.m., after regular park hours. It’s a magical night of special holiday entertainment including an enchanting parade, a nighttime fireworks spectacular, Disney character greetings, tasty treats, and “snow” on Main Street, U.S.A. Admission

- An “American Idol” attraction will bring the television and pop culture phenomenon to life at Hollywood Studios, January 2009, at Dis–ney’s Hollywood Studios theme park David Cook visits the Idol set and will follow the model of the high-energy show.

Disney guests will be able to experience auditioning, performing on stage in competition, or the thrill of judging the performances in a live interactive entertainment setting with all the glitz and glamour of the “American Idol” set.

- Ring in the New Year “Cirquestyle” with La Nouba, by Cirque du Soleil.

The eye-filling show features breathtaking performances, moving live music, dazzling choreography and endless imagination all wrapped up with a special finale.

- Dine among the dinosaurs at T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover at Downtown Disney. T-Rex features dining and

retail in a family-friendly interactive prehistoric environment. The concept is built around water, fire and ice: Guests are greeted with life-size animatronic dinosaurs among cascading waterfalls, bubbling geysers, a fossil dig site and much more. This “treat for all five senses” includes artifacts such as fossils that are hundreds of millions of years old, animatronic dinosaurs, and even a meteorite. The theme carries over to the menu.

-A high-energy cast of 14 singers and dancers takes to the streets of Disney’s Hollywood Studios for the new guest-immersive experience, “High School Musical 3: Right Here!

Right Now!” Celebrating the energy of the movie “High School Musical 3: Senior Year,” the show takes place on a traveling “rock concert” stage.

- To celebrate the new DVD “Tinker Bell,” Disney’s most famous fairy and four of her best friends are featured in a meet-and-greet Tinkerbell and her experience in fairy friends.

Mickey’s Toontown Fair at Magic Kingdom.

For more information on Walt Disney World, call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com.

THE WAVE A Contemporary New Disney Dining Concept

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isney innovation is not just found with the park imagineers but also in their kitchens. Always striving to keep ahead of the curve, their latest foray into culinary creativity is the Wave, a new restaurant in the Contemporary Resort.

The Wave will to appeal to families who may want a break from casual fare, and a more upscale dining experience. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in this inviting warm, modern restaurant, with an eye toward healthy dining. The menus are created with seasonal availability of locally grown produce as well as some of their own hydroponically-grown vegetables.

The Wave’s Chef Frank Brough cleverly creates tasty sauces for his dishes without the use of flour and cream.

Something you don’t see in family restaurants are The Wave’s Chef wine flights. The Wave is the only Disney Restaurant Frank Brough to offer wine and beer flytes. Over 70 wonderful stelven (screwtop) wines are available to choose from, and the beer is organic, from a local brewery.

From appetizer to dessert — every bite is a taste treat. I enjoyed a Smoked Tomato Bisque Soup, followed by a delightful Avocado and Citrus Salad. The sustainable fish of the day was a delectible Black Cod with Edamame Stew and Cilantro Chutney. The “Sweet Temptation” Desserts are three different perfect portion size selections that compliment each other.

Take the kids to the Wave for a “grown-up” dinner where they are more than welcomed.

For more information call (407) WDW-DINE. 28

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Unique no-stem wine glasses are used with the wine flytes along with a description of the wines.

Black Cod with Edamame Stew

Delicious trio of “Sweet Temptations”

ORLANDO HOLIDAYS tain with spectacularly choreographed swordplay, aerial artistry, and dynamic duals. Magee the elf transforms into a pirate in a thrilling, heroic effort to save both Christmas and the Princess. A hearty four-course feast includes appetizers, salads, dinner and dessert is served.

6400 Carrier Drive, Orlando; 407-248-0590; www.piratesdinneradventure.com

ICE! at Gaylord Palms, Kissimmee, is a walk-through attraction hand-carved from nearly two million pounds of ice. Explore a whimsical winter wonderland of larger-thanlife, three-dimensional hand-carved ice monuments and sculptures, including fantastic fro-

Buffet, Little Texas, Lone Star, The Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra and many more. 3081 Arabian Nights Blvd., Kissimmee; 407-239-9223; www.Arabiannights.com

Arabian Nights presents their annual Holiday Show, with acrobatic elves, dancing reindeer, sugar plum fairies, a disbelieving sultan, a determined princess with her genie, plus more magic. The show is choreographed to the holiday music of Andy Williams, Hillary Duff, The Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Brenda Lee, Jimmy

: Ring in the new at Old Town, Starting at 7:00 pm. The main stage will be rocking with The Great Pretenders Show.

Tribute artists recreate legends Tom Jones, Ricky Nelson, Elton John, and Elvis. www.old-town.com

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zen creations, slippery ice slides, and memorable holiday scenes through January 4. ICE! theme this year is “Santa’s Arctic Blast.” As for the chill, visitors are given oversized parkas to stay comfortable inside the attraction, which is kept at a blustery 9 degrees. ICE’s signature scene is a life-size Nativity carved completely of crystal-clear ice. Dramatic lighting and a stirring narrative track give guests an opportunity to pause and reflect on the story behind the season. The attraction is carved by a team of 40 artisans from Harbin, China, who spend more than a month in Kissimmee creating this one-of-a-kind attraction. Harbin is known for its annual International Ice and Snow Festival, where more than 2,000 sculptors annually carve a 100-acre walk-through Ice Park. For more information on ICE! call 407-586-4423; www.gaylordpalms.com.

- Led by their own pirate mascot, guests go back in time to the 1800’s as pirates dazzle, thrill, and enter-

HOLIDAY EVENTS The Polar Express Experience at Seaworld For The Holidays - Seuss Landing is transformed into the wintry wonderland of Grinchmas, featuring the live musical performance of “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” This live show stars The Grinch and features music recorded by Mannheim Steamroller, along with singing and dancing Whos.

- Get an autograph, shake his hand, or have your photo taken with the Grinch.

- Dec. 11-30, & Jan. 1.

Reserve your spot at a character breakfast at Confisco Grille.

Every night at dusk. This seasonal favorite features authentic floats and balloons from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NY City. Enjoy street performers and marching bands and Santa Claus.

- Join your character friends as they dance to holiday hits in this live show.

- Join Barney and his friends for a magical sing-along, clap-along show.

- Catch them live, performing holiday favorites like “Santa Claus is Coming To Town” and “Blue Christmas” with snow on Delancey Street at the end of each show.

- Dec 26 – Dec 31. At the end of every night. Experience the sights and sounds of some of Hollywood’s biggest films projected onto huge spheres in the Universal Studios lagoon, plus laser displays, pyrotechnics and more.

Call 407-224-4012 for reservations. www.universalorlando.com

SeaWorld’s Wild Arctic transforms into the fabled Santa Town taking guests on a magical trip to the North Pole.

The Polar Express Experience is a journey, where families share in the excitement and wonder of a truly unforgettable train ride. Classic scenes from the movie are recreated in a multi-sensory experience immersing passengers in special lighting, scent, sound and motion effects. Upon arrival guests find themselves within a winter wonderland surrounded by holiday cheer, graceful beluga whales, powerful polar bears and giant walruses. They will delight in the smell of Christmas cookies filling the air and bright lights glistening on a festive towering tree as families greet Santa and share in a magical moment.

Across the way, families can join Shamu for a holiday show: Shamu Christmas Miracles. This special show runs nightly through Dec. 30. Shamu Stadium will illuminate with bright lights and glowing candles as Christmas carols adored and Shamu splashes to celebrate the holiday season.

Igniting the spirit of the season is the Makahiki Christmas Luau, a South Seas-style festive celebration including succulent island cuisine keeping with the ancient holiday traditions of the Pacific Islands. Joyful songs of the season are reinterpreted with Polynesian rhythms, music and dance during this festive holiday celebration, continuing through Jan. 4.

Families can ring in the New Year at SeaWorld on Dec. 31 with a musical extravaganza including the best in pop, Latin and swing music.

At the stroke of midnight, the evening sky will shine with a fireworks show to celebrate the festivities.

For more information, call 888-800-5447 or visit SeaWorld.com.

A Botanical Experience Awaits You...

• Discover the beauty of a 100 year old botanical paradise.

• Explore cascading waterfalls, beautiful gardens, more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers and the walk through butterfly encounter.

• Experience a guided tour, special event or workshop. $8 Adults; adults; $6 seniors 55 & up; $4 ages 2 3 to 11 $8 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL • 727-551-3100 30

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BEAUTY & FASHION The Have Nots are designed as a BYOB, (Bring Your Own Bra). The open front design scooped just below the bra line uct lines have a unique design to allows you to wear your bra control and smooth arm flab, and without an extra layer. The the products also have a ribbed, seamless midriff to compress back Slimpressions creators, Jennifer Haves and the Skinny Minis Daniels and Amy Pedersen have soft cups for chest covfat, muffin tops, and lower waist erage. So, you can wear the Haves and the bulge. The Skinny Minis provide the same Skinny Minis alone, or enjoy extra support if back, midriff, and waist compression with you choose to wear over your bra. comfortable and adjustable spaghetti straps as Slimpressions is designed to minimize the opposed to full arm coverage. dreaded roll-ups common in other shapewear products.

Slimpressions has a long torso with extra support banding to fit snugly on your hips, reducing the chances of an untimely rollup! For best results, tuck Slimpressions into your pants.

Dozens of boutiques and lingerie shops already have Slimpressions in their stores, but the products can also be purchased online.

For more information, go The Skinny Mini The Have Nots to www.slimpressions.com.

Reconfigure Your Figure with Slimpressions It’s a fact of life. Many women, regardless of shape and size, struggle with flabby arms, but traditional body shapers on the market do not address this troublesome area.

Slimpressions is a patent-pending line of everyday shapewear designed to slim a woman’s arms, back and midriff. The slimming garments — The Haves, The Have Nots, and The Skinny Minis — create an illusion of weight reduction which helps to boost confidence while sculpting the top half of a woman’s body.

Slimpressions is the brainchild of two entrepreneurial sisters-in-law from Marietta, GA — Amy Pedersen and Jennifer Daniels — who saw a need in the existing crop of body shapers.

The Haves and The Haves the Have Nots prod-

One Is Greater Than None 1>0 (one is greater than none) came about by 8 inspirational high school girls who wanted to make a difference.

1>0 is working hard to save kids in Africa from a life of slavery and abuse.

They watched the Oprah Episode about The little boy Oprah couldn’t forget- the inspirational episode featured children from Ghana, Africa being sold for as little as $20 by their families into a life of slavery. The girls found out that Organization for Migration (IOM) was making it possible for people to sponsor rescue missions that would save the trafficked children from a life of hard labor and abuse. In order to help one child the girls had to raise $4,300 which provides 2 1/2 years of shelter, food, warmth and an education. The girls knew that saving “one is greater than none.”

They began by making hand made bracelets on cards explaining their mission, and selling them outside of stores. They started getting more and more support, and have been so successful in their endeavors, they launched an apparel line.

With the support of hundreds of people, the girls of “One is Greater than None” have raised enough money to sponsor 8 of these children. They are working on sponsoring an entire rescue mission of 25 children but they need help. Please visit the site www.oneisgreaterthannone.org.

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A Belt Without the Bulk

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rouble with back-gap, slippage or tugging and pulling on your low-rise jeans or loose-fitting waisted slacks? Problem solved.

A new clear, practically invisible product fixes the age-old problem. isABelt is a fully adjustable belt that keeps your outfit looking fantastic by keeping your pants in place. It’s strong, flexible, and virtually disappears when worn — no more bulky uncomfortable belt full of hardware. isABelt and hisABelt (for men) are the perfect belts for traveling on a plane, or whenever you have to go through a metal detector. The women’s belt is 1/2 inch wide, men’s one inch wide.

Men, just think — no more “plumber’s butt.” isABelt is also part of the Breast Cancer awareness program. A percentage of the proceeds go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Visit www.isABelt.com for more information.

Reduce Wrinkles & Puffiness With A Non-surgical Face Lift

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learwater resident, Vicki Southard has come up with a product that will be desirable to virtually ALL women over 50, as well as a lot of younger women. You can now banish the aging blues with Face Wrap — a patented design that offers the benefits of cosmetic surgery — without any cutting, down time or pain.

Liquid minerals are the secret. “They draw out impurities while firming and tightening the skin and underlying tissues,” explains inventor Ms. Southard. “The one hour facial beautification process is safe, painless and produces noticeable results in only a few treatments.”

“Women generally look five to ten years younger after a series of three to six treatments,” says Southard, who has demonstrated the Face Wrap on national television. “Most people are surprised to see their cheekbones and jaw bones again.” The kit firms turkey neck and reduces jowls to give a firmer,

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tighter, more toned appearance.

The Face Wrap comes in an easy-to-use kit with 20 treatments. The results are startling. Thousands of women agree. “I’ve spent thousands of dollars on microdermabrasion treatments to get the same results I received in a few weeks with The Face Wrap.” The natural face lift takes less than an hour per application and most people see a difference within a few treatments.

Each kit retails for $129. Check out before-and-after photos and additional information at www.facewrap.com.

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hilip Kingsley is the founder of the Trichological Clinics in London’s Mayfair and Harrods, and in New York. A practicing trichologist for more than 50 years, he has published three books on the subject of hair and scalp care. His internationally famous clinics in London and New York have created precise hair and scalp products for many people in the public eye, including Audrey Hepburn, Kate Winslet, Candice Bergen, Cher, Jerry Hall, Barbra Streisand, Sigourney Weaver, Kirsten Dunst and Renee Zellwegger.

The retail products now available are based on Philip Kingsley’s 50 years of expertise and the experience of the countless number of people who have used his products over and over again.

One of his products — Elasticizer — should always form part of your routine to continuously improve or maintain the quality and behaviour of your hair. Extremely broken, damaged hair – whether the result of chemical over processing, physical trauma or poor health, will also improve with concentrated use of Elasticizer. More frequent use of this intensive treatment formula will restore suppleness, elasticity, shine and bounce.

Another great product for the outdoorsy woman is Swimcap, with which you can water and weather proof your hair with his unique formulation. Swimcap guards against discolouration and damage caused by weathering from sun (UV protection), chlorine, salt water and wind - simultaneously providing a super conditioning treatment for your hair. www.philipkingsley.com

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Merry Berry for the Holidays S

weet Beauty, known for their Chocolate Spa treatments, have a skin care line perfect for the holidays — Their Merry Berry Lotion and Sugar Scrub.

You can celebrate the season with an explosion of Merriment. Treat your skin to an infusion of champagne, pomegranate and cranberries into a special blend of white and dark chocolate, exotic sugars, oils and butters.

Merry Berry Lotion will moisturize your dry and dehydrated skin, and Merry Berry Sugar Scrub will exfoliate away dry and dehydrated skin cells along with your worries. It’s all natural, Paraben and Preservative Free Sweet Beauty uses the highest quality ingredients found in nature to moisturize, heal and protect the body, while soothing the soul. Breathe, Relax and Enjoy. www.sweetbeautyspa.com/

State-Of-The-Art Hair and Nail Salon “European School of Hair Design”

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Cool NEW Stuff Alex Bears Debuts a Line of “Impossible” Puzzles

New Drymax Hiking Sock Keeps Feet Warmer and Drier

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ince the dawn of time, wool socks have been used to keep feet warmer than socks made with other fiber types, but now a manmade fiber called Drymax has been proven to be far superior to wool. Socks made with Drymax fibers keep feet warmer because they are as much as 25 times drier than wool, and because Drymax is also less thermally conductive, it draws about 20% less heat away from the skin than wool. It is also more durable than wool. The MicroZap silver antimicrobial in the Drymax fibers actively fight odor-causing bacteria.

Wet socks are a hiker’s worst enemy, especially in cold or freezing temperatures. Wet socks pull heat away from the skin 23 times faster than dry socks reducing skin temperature so rapidly that wet feet feel not only painfully cold, but are much more susceptible to frostbite. Drymax Dual Layer keeps feet dry and comfortable in cold, hot or wet conditions. The fibers do not wick because they are water repelling. The sock is a high density protective padded sock, keeping them warm without adversely affecting the fit of the boots.

All the fibers used to make Drymax Hiking HD Socks are solution dyed, locking in their pigments, producing colors that do not bleed or fade. This process creates no dye waste water to be dumped into the environment. Also no bleach or fabric softeners are used in manufacturing.

The Hiking HD Socks are designed for use in mild to cold conditions, keeping feet dry, odor and blister free all day long.

In addition to all these positive attributes, you will probably find Drymax socks to be the most comfortable you’ve ever worn.

For more information on these socks and other Drymax styles, visit www.drymaxsocks.com

Gripmaster Pro Hand Exerciser

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he Gripmaster Pro Hand Exerciser from ActiveForever is a tool used to strengthen the muscles within the hand and most muscles and tendons in the forearm. There are three levels of tension available, medium tension (7lbs. per finger), heavy tension (9 lbs. per finger) and extra heavy tension (11lbs. per finger).

Control is essential in almost any extracurricular activity, and a lot of that success starts with the hands, wrists and forearms. The unique design of the Gripmaster uses resistance training, allowing you to develop strength, dexterity, coordination, and stamina within these extremities without exerting great amounts of energy. Each finger is operated by a completely separate system of muscles and tendons located in the hand, wrist, and forearm. The spring-loaded design of the Gripmaster targets these specific muscles and tendons by isolating and developing each finger individually. The ergonomic palm bar adds additional comfort, giving way for a variety of different exercise that effectively develop and maintain strength, as well as increase blood-flow.

For more information, visit www.activeforever.com 34

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

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ver wondered why jigsaw puzzles are all the same? Hundreds of interlocking pieces fit together to recreate the picture on the front of the box. Nothing more is required than the time and patience it takes to combine the shapes correctly.

Artist Alex Beard has long wondered why that is the expected standard.

Why can a puzzle only make one picture? Couldn’t puzzles be innovative as well? With the introduction of Alex Beard Impossible Puzzles, he proves that by looking at the jigsaw puzzle with a new perspective, anything is possible.

The four colorful puzzles are based on Alex’s original works of art titled Abstract, Audience, Fishery and Menagerie.

Alex envisioned a puzzle more complex and subjective than any he’d ever put together. The pieces would not snap into each other, but settle beside one another instead, leading to an infinite number of combinations. The outcome is different every time.

While there is actually only one correct piece that combines with its neighbors to assemble the puzzle as intended, all the pieces can be rearranged in countless ways to create new puzzles and new shapes.

For more information, visit www.alexbeardimpossiblepuzzles.com

Melitta’s “Ready, Set, Joe”

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elitta Premium coffees are made using only the top 2% of Arabica beans harvested each year. These higher quality beans are from smaller family farms located in the world’s best coffee producing regions. From their signature Classic Blend to their indulgent flavored coffees, Melitta has something for every taste.

Coffee aficionados across the world know the manual drip brewing process is the best way to brew fresh gourmet coffee.

With Meliltta’s Ready Set Joe personal coffee brewer you can discover the true flavor of your coffee.

Simple to use, the Ready Set Joe coffee brewer gives you full control of the coffee extraction process, allowing you to brew the ultimate cup of coffee in just seconds.

For more information, visit www.cafe.melitta.com

Insomnia Sufferers Finally Get Relief With “Scent To Sleep”

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ometimes we all have difficulty sleeping a few nights a week. Perhaps you wake up during the night and can’t fall back asleep leaving you feeling tired in the morning. Scent To Sleep may be the answer to your problem. Luscious Lavender as well as Decadent Green Apple with Vanilla aromatherapy scents are considered a natural remedy for sleeplessness, anxiety and depression. The scents produce calming, soothing and sedative effects without the need for costly sleeping pills.

Scent To Sleep can be sprayed onto bed linens and pillow cases, pajamas, in the air, or can be used when pressing sheets and pillowcases. Scent To Sleep products infuse soothing, rest inducing scents into the air around you, so that you can experience a restful sleep.

For more information about Scent to Sleep and a free ebook, visit www.scenttosleep.com

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

ART LINES The Fin, Fur and Feather Exhibition

Tampa Realistic Artists (TRA) announces the expansion of its annual animal art exhibit to showcase artists’ commitment to ecology and the environment. TRA will be donating its entire commissions on art sales to benefit Big

Cat Rescue. Many of the artists will be donating an additional percentage of their sales to Big Cat Rescue or another animal charity. The exhibit and sale will include original artwork entered in the competition, as well matted prints, cards and more from talented local and regional artists.

The Fin, Fur and Feather exhibition will run through Dec. 12.

The Old Hyde Park Art Center is at 705 Swann Ave., Tampa. www.tamparealisticartists.com/finfurfeather.

More than 150 pieces dating from the seventeenth through the nineteenth centuries, primarily from South India. The exhibition underscores the significance of ornamentation in Indian culture, and presents exquisite examples of rings, anklets, earrings, hair pendants, jeweled crowns, and ivory combs crafted from precious stones.

Superb examples of pottery from the American Arts and Crafts movement by such esteemed potteries as Rookwood, Grueby, Newcomb College, Marblehead, Teco, Saturday Evening Girls, and Overbeck.

The Museum of Fine Arts is located at 255 Beach Dr. N.E., St. Petersburg.

Call 727-896-2667, for more information. www.fine-arts.org

A comprehensive glass exhibition featuring contemporary glass works by Seattle-area artists, including Dale Chihuly, Lino Tagliapietra, William Morris, Benjamin Moore, Debora Moore, Paul Marioni, Ginny Ruffner, Hiroshi Yamano, Martin Blank, Richard Royal and many more.

The Arts Center, 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg; 727-822-7872; www.theartscenter.org. _____________________________________

To celebrate the spirit of the holiday season, the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art will grant free admission to the museum during the month of December in exchange for two canned or dry goods. LRMA will give the donations to the Shepherd Center of Tarpon Springs; food items containing protein are preferred.

- 73 color woodblock prints created in the early decades of the 20th century. A dozen artists, including Americans Gustave Baumann, Arthur Wesley Dow, Frances Gearhart, Edna Boies Hopkins and Margaret Jordan Patterson, as well as F. Morley Fletcher of England and Austrian Secessionist Max Kurzweil, will be represented by 73 prints and two books.

- Works on Paper includes 31 works created by McBride in the late 19th century, and one work by Marcel

Duchamp from McBride’s personal collection of avant-garde art.

The Leepa-Rattner Museum is at 600 Klosterman Rd., Palm Harbor; (727)712-5762; www.spcollege.edu/central/museum

34th Annual

Miniature Art Show

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he Miniature Art Society of Florida presents it’s art show at the Dunedin Fine Art Center, Jan. 18 - Feb.

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Artists from throughout the United States and from many foreign countries created the 800 magnificent gems of fine art miniatures, both paintings and sculptures. Miniature paintings measure in mere inches - the largest being five inches square or four inches by six inches. Many are much smaller. Of the approximate 1200 works of art submitted for entry in the show, a jury has carefully selected only the very finest for display.

Magnifiers are attached to each display panel, so that viewers can appreciate the exquisite detail and aesthetic excellence of the masterpieces on exhibit. All of the art is new and almost every piece is for sale. The society’s permanent collection of 125 miniature masterpieces will also be on view.

Prize-winning artists will receive some $15,000 in awards.

Thousands of art lovers and art collectors attend the annual MASF shows, known as one of the most prestigious shows in the Southeast.

The Dunedin Fine Art Center is located at 1143 Michigan Boulevard, Dunedin, Florida; 727- 298-3322; www.dfac.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

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The sustainable Hike Inn.

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nother hiker friendly place is the Hiker Hostel, which appeals to both hikers and cyclists, as it is near the “Tour de Georgia” route. The Tour de Georgia is the hardest cycling tour anywhere, according to Lance Armstrong, The Hiker Hostel’s bunk beds. who would be a pretty good a u t h o r i t y.

Although we didn’t stay overnight, we popped in to check the hostel out, which is really c l e a n , comfortable and well-designed. You can stay in a private room for an incredibly reasonable $38 per night, or a bunk for $16 per night.

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he Appalachian Trail is a 2,175 mile long footpath. It was pretty well formed by the 1920s. Existing trails were connected and new ones were made to complete the trail from Maine to Georgia. The Georgia section is considered the hardest on the trail. A man named Earl Shaffer was the first person to complete the trail, hiking end to end in 1948, again in 1965, and one last time in 1998, becoming the first, and the oldest person to thru-hike at that time. We were told that “A Walk in the Woods” by Bill Bryson is a great book about the trail. If you can’t do it yourself (which would be us), this is the next best thing.

Told as a great adventure, it’s reportedly very humorous too.

capital dome in Atlanta Our booty from panning is also covered with for gold.

Dahlonega gold.

Georgia gold quality was/is the finest in the world at 98% pure.

In 1948 gold was discovered in California, and many miners left for the west.

WW II marked the end of active gold mining in Dahlonega. However, visitors to town can still have some fun panning for gold and gems at two gold mines that still operate mainly for tourists. We did a little panning and found a bit of gold at the 1847 Crisson Gold Mine. We got a look at how the whole process worked from crushing the rocks to the sand you pan through.

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long with the advent of gold in the area, came the inevitable moonshine, which in turn gave rise to NASCAR. Huh? NASCAR was actually born out of moonshiners speeding away from federal agents. We learned all about it at Thunder Road, Georgia Racing Hall of Fame in Dawson City. Souped up moonshine cars started racing around in cornfields, then moved on to racetracks and Daytona Beach.

Racing legend Bill Elliott is one of Dawson’s own, and is featured in Thunder Road. We were fortunate enough to meet Bill’s brother, Dan, who told us about the NASCAR of today.

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hen you think of the Gold Rush, you think California, but it all actually started in Dahlonega when a man named Benjamin Parks accidentally stepped on a rock full of gold. Within a few days, the gold rush was on. By 1829, it was in full swing. It spread out over 150 miles, with the richest in the Dahlonega area. In the 1830s, came one of the most regrettable chapters in Georgia history when the government took the now valuable Cherokee land and sent them out west on the infamous “Trail of Tears”.

Dahlonega was a rough and rowdy town back then, quite a contrast to the charming town it is today. The Dahlonega Gold Museum is located in the wonderful old 1836 Courthouse in the center of town.

There you can wander through the history of gold and Dahlonega.

The The 1836 Dahlonega was Courthouse houses the courthouse Gold Museum. built with locallymade mud bricks, which have gold in them. You can see little sparkles of gold. North Georgia College in town has a 14K gold covered steeple, and the

mountains. We did some of the former, and more of the latter during our visit it seems.

One such place we highly recommend for this activity is the Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge. After a day of hiking through the park and up to the falls — which are the highest east of the Mississippi — we settled down on the lodge’s long patio with commanding panoramic views of the mountains, before turning in to our very comfortable room.

The state parks parks have been outwe visited have to be State fitted to be wheel-chair commended for their friendly. consideration of the handicapped. Many of the low trails have been boardwalked and ramped, or covered with a wheelchair-friendly surface.

The weather was perfect for canoeing, so we went to Appalachian Outfitters for a scenic 1 1/2 hour trip on the Chestatee River in our two-person canoe. I’m afraid we disturbed the natural quiet of the river with an occasional argument over who should be doing what when encountering the occasional rock or whitewater. However, we made it to the end, and were quite exhilarated by the journey.

Racing consultant Dan Elliott by his brother Bill’s race car at Thunder Road.

The museum’s historian, Gordon Pirkle is full of great racing stories, having lived through a lot of them. NASCAR today is extremely expensive and very difficult to break in to for a new driver. A one car owner needs about $15 Million for one NASCAR season.

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awson and Lumpkin Counties are all about the outdoors. How can they not be with their incredible natural landscape?

Gorgeous state parks afford visitors everything from hiking, kayaking, camping, fishing, boating, etc., — or just chillin’ with a glass of wine on a patio watching the sunset over the Amicalola Falls State Park Lodge overlooks the mountains.

nd speaking of wine, we were surprised to learn that there were several wineries in the area. Apparently, the topography and climate is similar to France, with steep hills good for drainage. We visited two wineries — both of which were quite wonderful. The Wolf Mountain Winery is beautiful, with a European feeling. They serve a terrific lunch Three Sisters Vineyards overlooking the hilly vineyards.

We learned there that they age their white wines in stainless tanks, and red wines in wood barrels for the best process. Also, they feel a screw cap is good for white wine, while a cork is best for red.

Three Sisters Vineyards is a family owned business, named for the three mountains their 18 acres of vineyards overlooks. They have nine different varieties of grapes on their property, and their “Fat Boy Red” is their most popular wine. A lovely white gazebo set in the vineyards overlooking the mountains is the perfect place for a wedding.

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he coolest attraction in Georgia for an animal lover is the Kangaroo Conservation Center, where you are invited to “wander down under”. Hundreds of Kangaroos (of nine species) roam the 87 acre property. You can walk or take a little train around the different www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

on Tampa Bay

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animal encounters. Kangaroos have a gestation of 30 days. The joey (baby) stays in the pouch for 8 months before venturing out, and does not leave the pouch permanently until 10 months of age. The joey will continue to nurse from the mother for at least another 6 months.

They have a very close social bond, and retain family connections for years. A daughter often stays close to her mother even after she has a joey of her own. In captivity, they have proven to be very intelligent animals. When they are defensive, they will growl like a dog. Young kangaroos will box playfully. Adult males will box to determine dominance, with the strongest male becoming the head of the mob (the term for a group of kangaroos.) The killing of Australia’s kangaroos, both legally and illegally, constitutes the biggest land wildlife massacre in the world, surpassed only by the decimation of the American bison in the last century. The Center has a primary role in the protection of kangaroos through captive breeding and education of the public.

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ne of the most interesting people we have met — anywhere — is Mark Warren, a self-reliant man who teaches Native American survival skills. He has a 35-acre wilderness school called Medicine Bow in the mountains.

Somehow, our car Mark Warren with some of GPS found him out his survival tools at in the middle of Medicine Bow. nowhere!

Mark teaches using wild plants for food and medicine, tracking, archery, canoeing, ropemaking, shelter building, sign language, and more. He would be perfect on the TV Show “Survivor”, but is too much of a gentleman to take part in all the back-stabbing that goes on.

Lilly Creek Lodge.

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few more lodges we checked out were set in beautiful wooded areas. The Forrest Hills Resort is one of the largest resorts in Northeast Georgia, and specializes in romance packages, and we could see why. A cozy cabins with a fireplace and hot tub is a great set-up for romance.

The rustic Cavendar Creek Cabins would be nice family getaway spot, with their big lodge as a common recreational area, and private cabins for, well, privacy.

Lilly Creek Lodge will make you think you’ve been transported to a European Chalet.

Very romantic with lovely appointments and each guestroom has a different theme. A short walk down a wooded trail takes you to the pool and treehouse, where you can have breakfast if you choose to do so.

On our last day in Dahlonega, we headed over to the famous Smith House for lunch.

Folks have been coming in from all over the enjoy the family-style Southern cooking at the Smith House for 70 years. It seems the food just keeps coming and coming — no one walks away hungry. Built over an old forgotten gold mine, a recent expansion of the building revealed an abandoned mine shaft. You can view the shaft and peruse photos of the history of the building. A documentary was made called “The Legend of the Smith House Mine” and is available at their website.

W Long Mountain Lodge B&B

We checked in for a night to the Long Mountain Lodge, an Adirondack-style B&B on the side of the mountain in Dahlonega. It’s upscale-rustic, if there is such a thing. Our guestroom was really lovely, with a most comfortable posted bed and fireplace.

Breakfast was scrumptious, and included delicious caramelized pears with almonds.

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he town of Dahlonega is filled with quaint little shops, restaurants and the first-rate Holly Theater. We had dinner at the new Rhapsody Grill, owned by a charming young couple with definite musical leanings. She is the director of the Holly Theater, and he is the restaurant’s chef with very creative dishes.

We sampled the mostrequested Fried Mac & Cheese Balls, and the Fried Asparagus Tempura — very light and crispy.

The restaurant is popular for pre- or post-theater dinner.

The eclectic Back Porch Oyster Bar Restaurant was an old hotel in the Gold Rush days of the 1850s, and has on hand over 120 species of oysters from all over the US and Canada, as well as many other seafood choices. The owners decided to open the place because there wasn’t any seafood to be found.

Judging by the crowds, people are glad they did. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

e may have come home with gold ore, but more important golden memories of our encounters people and nature of the North Mountains.

a bit of was the with the Georgia

If You Go... www.gastateparks.org/info/amicalola www.appalachianoutfitters.com www.cavendercreek.com www.crissongoldmine.com www.ngeorgia.com/ang/ Dahlonega_Gold_Museum www.Delta.com www.forresthillsresort.com www.hike-inn.com www.hikerhostel.com www.kangaroocenter.com www.lilycreeklodge.com www.longmountainlodge.com www.home.alltel.net/medbow www.backporchoysterbar.net/ www.rhapsodygrill.com www.smithhouse.com www.threesistersvineyards.com www.thunderroadusa.com www.wolfmountainvineyards.com

GAMING SCENE LAS VEGAS Las Vegas’ annual midnight fireworks display will be launched from nine locations along the Strip. Famed Fremont Street Experience will host a New Year’s Eve celebration called “Tribute Palooza.” The world’s best tribute bands will perform 14 hours of live music from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m. on two stages, and will include tribute bands such as Billy Joel, Eagles, David Bowie, KISS, The Rolling Stones, U2, Queen and Aerosmith. The five blocks of the Fremont Street Experience will be trans-

BILOXI , the Tony Award-winning musical conceived, choreographed and directed

by Twyla Tharp and based on 24 classic songs by Billy Joel, will perform at the , Dec. 19-21.

Told through the choreography of Twyla Tharp and more than two dozen of Billy Joel’s songs, Movin’ Out is the story of lifelong friends through two turbulent decades that change them and the world around them forever.

Songs like “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me,” “We Didn’t Start the Fire,” and “Pressure” all come together to weave a musical backdrop which beautifully complements

formed into the biggest private party in town.

Station Casinos’ new opened recently in North Las Vegas. The $675 million resort has 202 hotel guest rooms and suites; six restaurants and a food court; a 16-screen movie theatre; a 600-seat Showroom, and an array of popular gaming choices. www.stationcasinos.com.

Pianist , an improvisational composer and cast member of “Jersey Boys,” has debuted his new acoustic cabaret-style piano performance “Liberace And Me” through March 23 at the Tharp’s innovative choreography. The songs and dance take audiences through a poignant narrative comprised of three main elements: post-World War II idealism, the Vietnam War and its subsequent unrest, and finally, survival.

Many will recognize Movin’ Out’s main characters, as they come straight from Joel’s lyrics. There’s Brenda and Eddie from “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant,” Tony and Sergeant O’Leary from “Movin’ Out,” Judy from “Why, Judy, Why,” and James from “James”—and their story is told completely through dance, with no dialogue whatsoever.

Movin’ Out room packages are available.

For reservations or information, call (888) 5676667 or visit www.beaurivage.com.

at Live 9:00pm, with live music by Right On, live entertainment at Center Bar and balloon drop at midnight. is now home to . The data that is collected by the Reserve Hurricane Hunters increases the accuracy of the National Hurricane Center forecast by 30 percent. The display features a flight suit flown into Hurricane Lane, an American Flag that was on board a C130J aircraft flown in combat by the 403rd, a dropsonde like the ones dropped into the middle of hurricanes, a Taylor 610EC guitar that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina and other artifacts. www.hardrockbiloxi.com

international cast replicates holiday figurines and performs extraordinary and inventive aerial, acrobatic, musical and dance productions. www.trumpplaza.com

atlantic city - Dancers, aerialists, musicians and vocalists entertain with Christmas carols. . A rhythmic display of swirling, kaleidoscope patterns and glowing beams of light dance to the sounds of the season. .

Ring in the new year with the sisters and their Pointer Sisters memorable hits.

. As a tribute to the legacy of Liberace, the 45-minute show features original compositions, selections from the classic repertoire and Broadway music. www.liberace.org , the new signature resort in the Wynn collection, is opening December 22. It is a distinct resort destination with its own repertoire of accommodations, culinary offerings and leisure activities including 11 retail outlets, seven bars and lounges, five restaurants, one ultra-chic nightclub and an opulent spa and salon. The Encore experience includes a landscape of foliage and shimmering pools of water, butterflies, vibrant carpets, mosaic tiles and textured walls. www.wynnlasvegas.com.

www.tropicana.net. presents , a magical hoiliday show, . www.hiltonac.com . Over 40 holiday ornaments come to life in this musical extravaganza and are transformed into costumed characters showcasing pageantry and ingenuity. The www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

. Michael Turco creates a spectacular stage show featuring mind blowing illusions, close up magic that will amaze you and audience participation he shares with his fans. www.harrahs.com . The star of the Late Late Show brings his unique brand of humor to the Borgata stage to ring in the new year. www.theborgata.com

Craig Ferguson

on Tampa Bay

ON THE BOOKSHELF and the aerial preparation of the battle field by U. S. Air Forces. The Dieppe Raid, the tragedy at Slapton Sands, the drama of the embarkation, the night drops, the landing--all of these are depicted in remarkable photographs and descriptions that put readers in the middle of action.

From the beaches to the breakout and race across France, this expertly told and illustrated volume makes a critical moment in WWII history real for all readers and all time. www.zenithpress.com

NORMANDY - Breaching The Atlantic Wall: From D-Day To The Breakout And Liberation

By Dominique François old in full, in never-before-seen detail, this is the first complete illustrated history of Operation Overlord, the Allied invasion of France. The book’s on-the-ground and behind-the-scenes accounts of both the attacking Allies and the defending Germans offer a uniquely broad perspective on the Normandy landing and subsequent battles.

Dominique Francois, a noted expert on D-Day and Normandy, begins with the German’s occupation of the region, the building of the Atlantic Wall by Rommel, and preparations for the defense of the French Coast. Moving back and forth between the Germans and the Allies, he captures the tension of the buildup on both sides, the training in England,

THE CLASH

By The Clash he unique story of the Clash, by the Clash. The Clash were a band like no other. Pioneers of British punk rock, their incendiary gigs, intelligent songwriting, definitive style and passionate idealism caught the spirit of the times and made them a worldwide phenomenon. Rolling Stone magazine declared London Calling one of the greatest albums of all time, their autobiographical documentary Westway to the World won a Grammy, and their music lives on, influencing emerging bands and exciting new audiences today.

This is the first official book to be created by the band. With unprecedented access to the Clash archive, this landmark publication brings together previously unseen material--including tour posters, artwork, and photos of the band at home, on stage, in the studio and on the road--with each member telling it like it was, in their own words.

Trendsetters, icons, revolutionaries: their story is steeped in mythology. Many people have an opinion about what made them who they were - this book gives the chance to read the full story, from all four band members themselves. www.hachettebookgroup.com

MARTHA STEWART’S COOKING SCHOOL

By Martha Stewart magine having Martha Stewart at your side in the kitchen, teaching you how to hold a chef’s knife, select the very best ingredients, truss a chicken, make a perfect pot roast, prepare every vegetable, bake a flawless pie crust, and much more.

In Martha Stewart’s Cooking School, you get just that: a culinary master class from Martha herself, with lessons for home cooks of all levels.

Never before has Martha written a book quite like this one. Arranged by cooking technique, it’s aimed at teaching you how to cook, not simply what to cook. Delve in and soon you’ll be roasting, broiling, braising, stewing, sautéing, steaming, and poaching with confidence and competence. In addition to the techniques, you’ll find more than 200 sumptuous, all-new recipes that put the lessons to work, along with invaluable step-by-step photographs to take the guesswork out of cooking. You’ll also gain valuable insight into equipment, ingredients, and every other aspect of the kitchen to round out your culinary education. www.randomhouse.com

WITH VIOLETS: A Novel Of The Dawn Of Impressionism

By Elizabeth Robards assionate, beautiful, and devoted to her art, Berthe Morisot is determined to be recognized as an important painter. But as a woman, she finds herself sometimes overlooked in favor of her male counterparts—Monet, Pissarro, Degas. And there is one great artist among them who captivates young Berthe like none other: the celebrated genius Édouard Manet. He becomes her mentor, her teacher...her lover, despite his marriage and his many rumored dalliances with his own models. For a headstrong young woman from a respectable family, an affair with such a scoundrel can only spell heartbreak. But Berthe refuses to resign herself to the life of quiet submission that Society has 40 ACCENT On Tampa Bay www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

dictated for her. She will create her own destiny, and confront life on her own terms.

Award-winning author, and Orlando resident, Elizabeth Robards formerly lived in France and studied art and writing.

She earned a degree in journalism only to realize reporting “just the facts” bored her silly. Elizabeth has found Nirvana doing what she loves most—writing contemporary and historical women’s fiction full time. www.harpercollins.com

NEW RELEASES

Classic business advice set to the tune of rock and roll. Award winning rock radio personality, Dayna Steele, has composed a collection of lessons about the importance of passion, confidence, organization, networking, knowledge, and the power of a brand. Told through backstage anecdotes with the likes of Aerosmith, Van Halen and KISS. Photos peppered throughout the book feature Jon Bon Jovi, Sting and more. www.daynasteele.com . This nonfiction novel takes readers into the lurid dynasties of two men and their disciples: Choi Hong-Hi, who began the martial art, and his nemesis, Kim Un-Yong, who developed the Olympic style. The book is part biography, part thriller and part memoir. The work is based on obscure documents, Korean-language books and in-depth interviews with Tae Kwon Do’s pioneers. www.ecwpress.com

Select events in the 150 years between the landing of the Mayflower and 1776 changed the course of history and had profound and lasting effects on the path our country took. These stories put our country’s early history in perspective and help the reader understand in new, fresh ways the emergence of the American nation. www.fairwindspress.com Founded in the late nineteenth century as a railroad town, St. Petersburg quickly emerged as a preferred destination for Americans seeking Florida’s sun, sand, and surf. These images combine to form a remarkable portrait of this unique community. In stunning black-and-white photography, this handsome coffee-table book details the historical growth of St. Petersburg from its early days up to recent times. www.turnerpublishing.com

The resilient people who lived in these neighborhoods established strong businesses, raised churches, created vibrant

entertainment spots and forged bonds among family and friends.

After integration, the neighborhoods gave way to decay and urban renewal. In this book are stories of people who built these thriving communities, and offer a rich narrative of hardships overcome, and the perseverance of pioneers.

Author Jordan expounds that peace and poverty cannot coexist. Peace is not merely the absence of conflict.

Establishing and maintaining peace will take far more creativity, dedication, and hard work than war ever did. The essays in this collection introduce creative ideas for ending poverty everywhere, in the hope that humans can finally build a truly peaceful society where everyone enjoys at least the basic benefits of prosperity.

From beat cops to Mafioso, career women to former linebackers, Jimmies patrons take care of each other and their neighborhood barkeep. They understand about the children’s charity balancing out the part time smuggling job, that offshore accounts are necessary when medical bills aren’t covered by health insurance. When Jimmie reveals his own terminal diagnosis, his friends vow to help him recover the millions he has in foreign bank accounts. Things go terribly wrong.

When Matt Royal’s ex-wife asks for help in tracking down her stepdaughter, he agrees, but it turns out to be something much bigger and more dangerous. Matt launches a search that leads from Longboat Key to Key West to an ominous strip of land called Blood Island, home base to a cult of religious zealots. And they’re making devastating plans that could change the world forever. www.oceanviewpub.com In this, the second Cal Innes novel, Cal is looking forward to continuing his job as caretaker at Paolo’s gym.

But a prodigal amateur boxer needs someone to go with him to his first major tournament in Los Angeles, and with rumors of a rigged competition, Cal’s job swiftly turns into something dangerous. With his trademark dark humor, and pulse-pounding action, author Ray Banks takes Cal where he has never gone before. www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

An engrossing account of one of rock’s legends, this book is full of fascinating detail and unexpected revelations, capturing the excitement of Pete Townshend from the inception of his career to present date. It’s all here — his ventures as a solo artist, internet pioneer, writer, dramatist, and his public rows with fellow Who member, Roger Daltry. www.omnibuspress.com Successful, pioneering, groundbreaking, infamous — these are some of the characteristics of many of the women who have shaped music history in modern times. The author reveals hundreds of facts about these women in a calendar format, from pre-40s through each decade up to today.

Also includes over 30 extensive essays by Diane Gershuny, noted expert on women’s music. www.halleonard.com

The author believes that cooking like our ancestors brings delicious food back to the table. The book is filled with mouthwatering measure-free recipes listing ingredients and notes on how to put them together. The focus is weekday cooking, health, affordability and ease. www.76avepress.com

This softcover book is written for youngsters learning to read. It teaches that people can all get along, and instills confidence, through the caring nature of a little fire truck. Visit the website to order the book, and for some fire safety games and instructions for family safety. www.logantheladdertruck.com

Stanley’s lifelong wish for a Special Family to spend his Christmas with seems lost when, on Christmas Eve, he finds himself standing in an alley with the Trash Can Family. Alone and rejected, Stanley is flocked by snow and feels proud when the cans agree he is the best looking tree ever set out. Are the trash cans to be Stanley’s Special Family or is there a surprise waiting to make his Christmas, A Wish Come True? www.stanleythechristmastree.com on Tampa Bay

BEST BYTES GAMES

In a city where information is heavily monitored, agile couriers called Runners transport sensitive data away from prying eyes. In this seemingly utopian paradise, a crime has been committed and now you are being hunted.

You are a Runner called Faith - and this innovative first-person action-adventure is your story. Mirror’s Edge delivers you straight into the shoes of this unique heroine as she traverses the vertigoinducing cityscape, engaging in intense combat and fast paced chases.

With a never before seen sense of movement and perspective, you will be drawn into Faith’s world. A world that is visceral, immediate, and very dangerous.

Live or die? Soar or plummet? One thing is certain, in this city, you will learn how to run.

gameplay features and a unique set of controls designed specifically for the Nintendo Wii and Wii Balance Board, Skate It taps into the soul and grit of being on a board to deliver a fresh gaming experience.

Dead Space from EA is sure to please any action-adventure gamer looking for a bloody battle against deadly aliens. Dead Space for Xbox 360 begins when a massive mining ship, the USG Ishimura, comes in contact with a mysterious alien artifact and suddenly loses its communications with Earth. Engineer Isaac Clarke is sent to repair Deep Space pits Isaac Clarke against deadly aliens.

Zero-G game play allows you to walk on walls and the ceiling.

HARDWARE

Skate It, Own It, Make It Yours. Skate It unleashes the Flickit revolution on the Nintendo Wii. Use the Wii Remote and Wii Balance Board to string together your sickest tricks for the ultimate line. Ride with the pros, own the best spots in San Vanelona, and rake in sponsorships on your path to becoming Thrasher Magazine’s Skater of the Year.

Come up on the streets of San Van, and then venture out to shred some of the world’s best skate cities. You can even rework the environments to create the ultimate skate spot. Loaded with all-new

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BeAnywhere DRIVE is a hardware and software solution that provides access to your home or office computer, anywhere you happen to be.

BeAnywhere DRIVE securely connects two computers through the Internet directly from a USB Flash Drive, without any software installation or need to access a Web Browser, using end-to-end 256 bit encryption, while all communication is protected with digital signatures to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. www.BeAnywhere.com

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BOOKS

CSS Artistry provides a book/dvd package perfect for learning CSS, pairing tested design techniques and numerous visual examples with keys to understanding the latest in web design specifications.

From initial design tips to advanced topics such as microformats and CSS modules, this package makes for a unique selfteaching tool and is highly recommended for any CSS student.

Want to make a splash on YouTube?

Even go viral? You’ve come to the right place. This book is written by two veteran ‘Tubers who live their art and know what they’re talking about -- especially Alan Lastufka, a.k.a. “fallofautumndistro,” who has over 10,000 YouTube subscribers and millions of views. Alan and co-author Michael W. Dean show you how to make a quality video, and how to optimize, encode, upload, and promote it. This book can’t promise you’ll be rich and famous, but it can tell you how to make great video art, and what you need to do to get your work seen.

Here is your essential companion to Apple’s iPhone! The iPhone Pocket Guide, Third Edition covers all iPhone models including the new iPhone 3G. Unlike other iPhone books, The iPhone Pocket Guide, Third Edition was written based on the final release of iPhone 2.0 software and the iPhone 3G, and the content accurately reflects the design of your iPhone 3G and how you will use it. Author Christopher Breen has been covering the iPod and iPhone from the first day of their releases. This affordably priced Pocket Guide incorporates snappy writing and eyecatching graphics.

SPORTS SHORTS Compiled By Al Martino With the announcement of the 2009 Athletes in Action Super owned-and-operated game.

Bowl Breakfast comes great excitement from the fans of those Tickets for the game are $30 each and can NFL players and coaches who are set to attend. be ordered through Ticketmaster.

The official Super Bowl XLIII sanctioned event is on the For more information on the St. Petersburg calendar for Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 8:00 a.m. when the Bowl, visit the official Web site, http://stpetersburgbowl.com USF Sun Dome is expected to host nearly 6,000 guests, sponsors and celebrities in attendance to hear from distinguished NFL athletes and coaches Sports fans in the Tampa area will and to see the awarding of the receive two tickets to the Tampa Bay prestigious Bart Starr Award.

Lightning vs. Colorado Avalanche game The Athletes in Action Bart Starr on Thursday, Dec. 18 when they book a Award is voted on by the NFL players tee time at one of Tampa’s 32 area golf and honors one player who best courses on GolfNow.com. exemplifies outstanding character and GolfNow.com’s “Holiday Tee Time leadership in the home, on the field and Special” promotion will run through in the community. The award, bearing Sunday, Dec. 14. GolfNow the name of NFL Hall of Famer Bart representatives will contact customers to Starr, honors Starr’s lifelong confirm receipt of tickets who book a tee commitment to serving as a positive role Tony Dungy time on www.GolfNow.com/tampa model to his family, teammates and community. Past winners during the qualifying period. Tee time bookings for GolfNow’s include the likes of NFL Greats LaDainian Tomlinson, Derrick Fall Tournament at Rogers Park on Dec. 6 are exempt from this Brooks, John Lynch, Aeneas Williams and Reggie White. offer.

“It’s inspiring for young fans to see their athletic heroes The largest retail Web site in the United States, being recognized not just for their physical skills, but for a GolfNow.com operates in 25 states and is partnered with more combination of emotional, intellectual and moral qualities on than 1,500 courses across the nation. GolfNow.com has sold and off the field,” said 2009 Super Bowl Breakfast Chairman Ed more than 4.5 million rounds of golf online since its inception in Kobel. “The Breakfast is a truly encouraging and uplifting event 2001, including 1.8 million in 2007. in the midst of all the Super Bowl excitement.”

The 2009 breakfast program features NFL athletes and coaches, including Tony Dungy, head coach for Super Bowl winning team Indianapolis Colts, NFL Hall of Famers Bart Starr and Anthony Munoz, Tampa Bay Buccaneer Derrick Brooks and former San Francisco 49er Brent Jones as emcee.

Tickets cost $20 and are available on Ticketmaster.com or by calling 1-866-448-7849.

ESPN Regional Television has announced that magicJack Inc. has signed a one year agreement for the title sponsorship of what will now be known as the magicJack St. Petersburg Bowl to be televised nationally Saturday, Dec. 20, 4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN live from Tropicana Field.

Six-time NFL Pro Bowl fullback Mike Alstott, who spent his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has been named honorary chairman for the Bowl. Two Bowl-eligible teams from the Big East and Conference-USA will duel in this ESPN

February 27th, 2009

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BUCS BITS

By Barbara McGovern

He is what the NFL is all about. Good lick and God speed Mike.

We had another one of Tampa Bays icons come home again, at least for a little while. On Nov.17, John Lynch announced his retirement from football.

Although John has been in Denver for the past four years, he has never left the hearts of the fans in Tampa Bay. Good luck. We hope you come back to Tampa Bay. As we near the holidays, the Bucs have a lot to be thankful for.

At the moment they are in first place . Every player deserves to be thanked for all they have done to make that happen. Jeff Garcia deserves special thanks for the job that he has done, in spite of the stitches. He is one of the hottest QB s in the league right now. I guess old guys do rule. ( Sorry Jeff, you aren’t old, your are half my age and I m not old yet.) Ronde Barber has had some spectacular gamea and is the Bucs all-time leader in interceptions, third in NFL history in defensive TD s and he has more sacks than any other cornerback in the league.

I know he is only 33 but in the NFL that s like ,old. Oh, and how about that 65 yd. TD run after he intercepted Daunte Culpepper s pass? Well I guess old guys really do rule.

Recently the Buccaneers were raising breast cancer awareness.

They joined the fight against breast cancer at the Race for the Cure. The Buccaneers Women s Organization, the Student Advisory Board, cheerleaders and staff participated in the race to raise funds for breast cancer prevention, treatment and research.

Every NFL season, the Glazer Family Foundation hosts100 Youth with Promise from non- profit organizations that promote academic achievement and positive behavior in children at all Bucs home games. More than 8,000 youth representing 100 organizations from the Tampa Bay area have been rewarded through the program. The Glazers established the foundation in 1999. Since that time, the Glazer Family Foundation have given millions in programs, grants, tickets and merchandise to the Tampa Bay area. Recently they have donated $5million toward the construction of a new children s museum in downtown Tampa, which will be named the Glazer Children s Museum . Recently Brian Glazer welcomed guests to his home to showcase the great work of decorator Nate Berkus and to learn Mike Alstott more about the Glazer Museum. To learn more about the museum Till next time, have a happy and safe Holidays and GO BUCS. go to www.glazermuseum.org.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers host a number of charitable groups and school children at every home game. The special guests are seated in front row seats, given t-shirts boasting the name of their player s or the coach s group and featured on BucVision throughout the game. The Bucs are proud to host over 20 groups each game.

During November the Bucs honored United Servicemen and women at the Nov. 16th game. The event was part of a week-long celebration.

This Fall proved to be the best of times and the worst of times for the Bucs. In September the Bucs family shared the grief of one of their own, Matt Bryant and his wife Melissa and family, when they experienced the ultimate tragedy. They lost their three month old son, Tryson. With no warning, their baby was gone. In spite of this tragedy, Matt was able, just one day after burying his son, to return to do his job. Appearing drained and numb he was able to go onto to the field. Matt wanted to honor his baby s name the best way he knew how. I miss him and I wish he was here. You know what? He was here with me. He helped out. Everyone’s heart went out to the Bryant family. May little Tyson rest in peace On a happier note, Warren Sapp has been having a ball doing “Dancing With to Stars.” and surprisongly winding up in 2nd place. Who knew that he could light up the dance floor as well he light up the football field? Way to go Warren.

In October we saw Mike Alstott make his way on the field at Ray Jay one more time during the pre-game warm up against Seattle. Big number 40 made his way out on the field to the roar of the crowd. Mike, our beloved A-Train was here again at least for a little while. Mike is arguably the most beloved player in the Bucs franchise history. While 64,811 fans chanted his name and with his wife Nicole and this three kids stood by his side, Mike said good-bye. We may not see him plowing up the football field every week but we will always see him an icon in the community. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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