Metro Spirit 03.06.2003 by Metro Spirit

March

6-12

Volume

Issue

www.metspirit.com

CLIPPED WINGS:

THE METROPOLITAN

A u g u s t a R e g i o n a l A i r p o r t ’s Scaled Back Future ARTS, ISSUES & ENTERTAINMENT

PA G E 1 7

2 M E T R O

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Contents The Metropolitan Spirit

3 M E T R O S P I R I T

M A R C H 6 - 1 2 • F R E E W E E K LY • M E T S P I R I T. C O M

ON THE COVER

M A R

Hootie’s Back ... But Will Anybody Listen? By Dan Cook ........................16

Cover Design: Natalie Holle Cover Art: Jeff Trodahl

2 0 0 3 Photo courtesy of Atlantic Records

FEATURES

Answers Still Sought in Sex-Offender Case By Brian Neill................................14 Clipped Wings: Augusta Regional Airport’s Scaled-Back Future

By Stacey Eidson..............................................................................................17

Opinion Whine Line ......................................................................4 Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down ...........................................4 This Modern World .........................................................4 Suburban Torture ............................................................5 Words ...............................................................................6 Letters to the Editor .......................................................7 Guest Column: Georgia State Flag ................................8 Austin Rhodes ...............................................................10

Metro Beat

Gold Dome: Complete Coverage of the Georgia 2003 Legislative Session ............................................12

Arts

“The Butler Did It” at Abbeville Opera House ...........36 Symphony, Choral Society Join Forces for Verdi’s “Requiem” ....................................................................38

Symphony, Choral Society Join Forces for Verdi’s “Requiem”..38

Events

A Whole Lot of Horse Racing ......................................27 8 Days a Week .............................................................29

Cinema

Movie Listings .............................................................39 Review: “Bringing Down the House” .........................42 Movie Clock ..................................................................43

Music

Quiet Riot’s Still Feeling the Noize .............................44 Silver Dash Music Draws From Tradition ...................46 Music By Turner ............................................................47 Music Minis ...................................................................48 Night Life .......................................................................49

Stuff Eats: Village Deli ...........................................................26 News of the Weird ........................................................51 Brezsny's Free Will Astrology ......................................52 New York Times Crossword Puzzle ............................52 Amy Alkon: The Advice Goddess ................................53 Classifieds .....................................................................54 Date Maker ...................................................................55 Automotive Classifieds ................................................57

EDITOR & PUBLISHER David Vantrease ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Rhonda Jones STAFF WRITERS Stacey Eidson, Brian Neill ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Joe White ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kriste Lindler, Jennifer H. Mar tin PRODUCTION MANAGER Joe Smith GR APHIC ARTISTS Stephanie Carroll, Natalie Holle ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER Meli Gurley RECEPTIONIST/CLASSIFIED COORDINATOR Sharon King ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ASSISTANT Lisa Jordan CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Meli Gurley SENIOR MUSIC CONTRIBUTOR Ed Turner CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chuck Shepherd, Rob Brezsny, Austin Rhodes, Amy Alkon, Rachel Deahl CARTOONISTS Tom Tomorrow, Julie Larson

THE METROPOLITAN SPIRIT is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks of the year. Editorial coverage includes ar ts, local issues, news, enter tainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publishers. Visit us at www.metspirit.com. Copyright © The Metropolitan Spirit Inc. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. Phone: (706) 738-1142 Fax: (706) 733-6663 E-mail: spirit@metspirit.com Letters to the Editor: P.O. Box 3809, Augusta, Ga. 30914-3809

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4 M E T R O S P I R I T M A R 6 2 0 0 3

Whine Line O

h, come on, Thumbs Down. Lay off the color-coded terrorism alerts. I mean, they do have an upside to them. They make you want to run out and buy bags of Skittles and M&M’s? Enough! Jemani? Livingroom Legends? Neato Torpedo? Wax Bean? Black-Eyed Susan? If I want their opinion on the music scene, I’ll ask them while they’re refilling my sweet tea! Was there not one person in the U.S. that qualified for a heart/lung transplant beside an illegal alien? Shame on Duke! This is in regard to Richmond County schools teaching Spanish, which is wrong: They are there to teach proper English. You should teach Spanish kids and any other kind of foreigners proper English, not the other way around. No wonder the school system is so bad down here, and the kids can’t speak properly. For all you whiners who I know are going to whine about this poor little immigrant girl that recently died from the botched heart/lung transplant, that she should not have been given the transplants in the first place because she was not an American. Let me tell you something: She was a human being and her life was just as important as any American’s was! The Spirit’s quote last week of Senator Joey Brush regarding a salary cut for State department heads has to validate Brush’s stupidity. He is quoted as saying, “They didn’t create the problem, and they don’t have any votes up here.” Why does Brush think the budget has grown, and who does have votes except elected legislators? Someone needs to remind Brush that he’d be better off remaining silent than speaking out and confirming everybody’s suspicions — that he’s clueless! I can’t comment enough on the importance of stressing diversity to our children especially during these times of possible war. I hear people commenting on programs scheduled at the schools like the celebration of Black History Month (February) and National Women’s History Month (March). Our children need to be reminded of our importance

in this world today and every day. You know it’s a real shame when you are supposed to work with adults, but you find out they are nothing but very young children who don’t know how to clean up after themselves. Even though a business has a cleaner come in to do the big cleaning, the employees should clean up after themselves when they spill something or make a big mess and not wait for someone else to do it for them. This is plain lazy and childish. To you I say, “Grow up!” Ron (the double-cross) Cross now has the reins of the Columbia County Commission. One of his first acts was to hold an appreciation dinner for all the various boards and their spouses at the Pavilion. Some 300-plus attended. What’s ironic is that just a few weeks ago the commission was bemoaning the situation of the budget and attendant shortfall in revenues. Seems like it’s business as usual from our leaders, and truthfulness is still elusive! The “So, You Want To Be a Millionaire” question for Columbia County Commission Chairman Ron Cross has to do with N. Belair Road. Mr. Cross, will N. Belair Road have four, three, two or zero lanes? Do you want to use your lifeline? What is your final answer? Incidentally, no waffles will be accepted! I can’t believe that Austin Rhodes is so uninformed. Had he listened to some of the “white” music that has been popular for quite some time, he would realize that it is just as full of violent and misogynistic lyrics. Bands like Pantera and Hatebreed have been making the same kind of “offensive” music for years. Limp Bizkit has been very popular for years by putting out songs with lyrics such as: “Don’t make me have to call a sniper and wash your brains off my windshield wiper.” Freedom of expression is a great thing. I could understand that if you just wanted to comment on how violence has gotten out of hand in music today, but to blame it all on one genre of music is ignorant. What have Charlie Norwood, Joey Brush, Ben Harbin and Bill Fleming ever done for the people of Columbia County and this area? Nothing! We could fill a hot-air bal-

Thumbs Up Thank God Augusta Regional Airport now has a flight going somewhere in direct fashion, other than to Atlanta to get on another plane. This week marked the

beginning of Continental Express nonstop service from Augusta to Houston and Newark, N.J. Let’s hope we can keep this service intact.

Thumbs Down The atmosphere inside the Richmond County jail seems little different than that of a strip club, judging from recent reports that one male jailer had oral sex with a female inmate and others allegedly snuck peaks at her showing her breasts. This is an inmate, by the way, who happens to be charged with playing a part in the murder of a 16-year-

loon with all their “hot air and gas” and let them float away into the sunset.

old. Sheriff Ronnie Strength acted swiftly to curtail the activity (one of the officers has already been fired), but even though the inmate was in a special medical ward, the question still remains: Why are male jailers allowed anywhere near female inmates — and vice-versa — in the first place? That can only spell trouble.

Don’t you hate it when you loan a “friend” money because they are broke and due to an emergency they need to borrow money? Then the next week they show you all of the things they bought on a shopping spree.

Thank goodness MSNBC pulled the plug on Phil Donahue and said adios to him. When Phil Kent appeared as a guest on his show last month, I knew Donahue was scraping the bottom of a barrel. Did Donahue really think Kent would boost his TV ratings? Fat chance! Kent will now have to find another TV talk show to fulfill his fat ego.

Who cares? Who cares that women are not allowed in the Augusta National or the Masters Golf Tournament? I am a woman and I understand that women want the right of equality. I understand that some women think it is “sexist,” but goodness people, don’t we as a nation have more important things to worry about than whether women have the right to play golf and be a member of an all-male golf club?

I was both pleased and annoyed by your article on abortion in Augusta. I appreciated that you carefully covered both sides of the argument and I couldn’t really tell which side Stacey Eidson falls on. Just reading about the everyday effects of having an abortion was scary without any mention of the possible physical risks to the mother along with STDs. I was bothered by the first case the story addressed. I think a third-case story would

have been useful to fully present the issue. My parents had everything America can afford except the ability to conceive the children they longed for, but luckily some young women didn’t choose abortion. All you have to do is find someone who was adopted to know that stopping their life because it would inconvenience ours is a tragedy. Yes, there is a major problem with promiscuous sex in this country, but why should the children be the ones to face the fire for it? If the Augusta police would pry their butts off the stools at the local doughnut shops and check out the Calhoun Expressway on any given Sunday between the hours of 4 and 6 p.m., they would get a chance to see one of the best high-speed motorcycle races ever! You know I read your whines every week and I get so tired of reading about Austin Rhodes. If you don’t like the man then stop listening to him. I am sure you have enough education to change the channel. The man only speaks his opinion, but that’s a crime, right? I remember reading a while back when everybody was griping about South Carolina drivers, and you people wrote an article in your paper saying that you were not going to print any more whines about them. Now why can’t you do the same for Austin? Is there nothing else to gripe about out there? Can someone (anyone) please acquaint Austin Rhodes with a dictionary and coach him on the meaning of the word “literally”? It means “actually,” and he must think it means “figuratively” because every time I hear the word come out of his mouth he’s using it incorrectly. My favorite example: Shortly after moving here three years ago, I heard him say on his show that the Augusta commissioners were “literally beating a dead horse.” Is English his second language or something? Linda Schrenko had it right when she said the Georgia Republican Party is a network of good ol’ boys. However, she failed to point out the power-grabbing behavior of elected Republicans in Columbia County, better known as the “All White Male Club.” Only Commissioner Diane Ford has withstood two re-elections, but is still treated like an outsider by Ben Harbin, Joey Brush, Barry Fleming, Charlie Norwood and the other commissioners. And Norwood wonders why the local party is flat on its back? Give it a few years, and the state Republican Party will follow suit! continued on page 6

LOOK WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AUGUSTA EVENTS CALENDAR BEGINS ON PAGE 29

HEALTH PAGE Take care of yourself. Let University help. “HealthTalk” on WGAC-580 AM

Tune in Monday, March 17, at 8:30 a.m. to hear Douglas R. Phillips, M.D., a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and member of University’s medical staff, discuss osteoporosis and bone health.

University Presents a Family Life Series – “Part I: Challenges and Changes Facing Adolescents Today” Featuring Pediatrician Alan G. Getts, M.D. March 11 Registration and dinner: 6:30 p.m.; physician presentation: 7-8:15 p.m. “Osteoporosis – The Bone Facts for Women and Men” Featuring Orthopaedic Surgeon Douglas R. Phillips, M.D. March 20 Registration and dinner: 5:30 p.m.; physician presentation: 6-7 p.m. Both of the above programs will be held in University Hospital dining rooms 1-3. Seniors Club members: $8; advance registration: $9; at the door: $10 To register, call 706/736-0847.

Save The Date! March 30 12:15-5 p.m. University Hospital Levi W. Hill III Auditorium, First Floor BabyFest is a FREE, fun-filled, educational afternoon designed for new and expectant parents and grandparents. Pediatricians and infant care medical specialists conduct classes and provide educational materials designed to answer your questions about parenthood and your baby’s first year. For more information, call 706/774-2825.

An Event Just for Women

April 26 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Warren Baptist Church, 3202 Washington Road Learn more about the unique you as you traverse the emotional, physical and spiritual journey of life. This event, sponsored by University Community Education and Seniors Club, focuses on wellness and heart health for all women in the community. Festivities will include door prizes, lunch, a fashion show and much more. Seniors Club members: $10; general public: $15. Attendance is limited to 200. Reservations are required and will be taken after March 15. For more information or to register, call 706/738-2580 or 800/413-6652.

University Health Care System has been named the National Research Corporation’s Consumer Choice Award winner in the Augusta area for the fourth consecutive year.

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M E T R O

Understanding Colorectal Cancer March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In observance, read further to know how you can prevent colorectal cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends colorectal screenings Mallory Lawrence, M.D. begin at age 50. If your Colon and Rectal Suregon mother, father, brother or sister has had the disease or you suffer from inflammatory bowel disease, screenings should begin earlier. These tests can detect problems long before symptoms occur and greatly increase your chances for survival. Watch for these symptoms: • A change in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation or narrowing of the stool that lasts more than a few days • A feeling that you have to have a bowel movement that doesn’t go away even though you’ve had a bowel movement • Bleeding from the rectum or blood in the stool • Cramping or steady stomach pain Unfortunately, the disease may be advanced before symptoms occur, so regular screenings are the best defense.

Follow these prevention guidelines: • Eat five or more servings of fruits and vegetables and lots of whole grains every day. • Avoid high-fat, low-fiber foods. • Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy body weight. • Stop smoking. Regular exercise is particularly important, as it may cut your risk for colon cancer in half. That’s because exercise stimulates movement through your bowels and reduces the time your colon is exposed to harmful substances that may cause cancer. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise almost every day. For more information on colorectal cancer, for FREE 24-hour health information or to find a physician, call University’s HealthService Center at 706/737-8423 (SER-VICE) or 800/476-7378.

Log on to learn more: www.universityhealth.org

Your resource for healthy living. Healthy Adults Fresh Start Smoking Cessation Program Sponsored by the American Cancer Society March 6, 13, 20, 27 6-7 p.m. University Hospital dining room 1 FREE To register, call 706/774-8900. Optifast® Orientation Session Optifast® is University Hospital’s medically monitored weight management program. Every Thursday except the last Thursday of the month March 6, 13, 20 5-6 p.m. University Hospital Weight Management and Nutrition Center FREE Registration is required. Call 706/774-8917. Surgically Assisted Weight Management Seminar March 27 5-6 p.m. University Hospital Weight Management and Nutrition Center FREE Registration is required. Call 706/774-8917.

HEALTH INFORMATION , CALL

“Health Risk Assessment Follow-up: Taking the Next Step” Featuring Holly Ford, program manager, University’s Weight Management and Nutrition Center, and Susan Cota, R.N., M.S.N., C.N.S., community relations manager, University Health Care System *March 17 or March 31 Participants in February’s heart month programming received a FREE health risk assessment (HRA) to complete. They are invited to come back in March for this one-hour dinner program on either March 17 or March 31 in which the results of the HRA will be given to them. *Participants should register for only one of these two programs. Registration and buffet dinner: 5:30 p.m.; presentation: 6-7 p.m. Seniors Club members: $8; advance registration: $9; at the door: $10 Reservations are required. To register, call 706/736-0847. Healthy Older Adults For more information, call 706/738-2580. Glucose Screenings Blood Pressure Checks Height and Weight Measurements Every Wednesday during March

ASK•A•NURSE

9 a.m.-noon University Seniors Club, Daniel Village Shopping Center University Senior Club members only: FREE No appointment necessary Cholesterol Screening and Lipid Profile Third Wednesday of each month March 19 9 a.m.-noon. Requires 12-hour fasting. Senior Club members only: $5 No appointment necessary Healthy Women Registration is required. FREE Mammograms Available Through a grant from the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, University Breast Health Center offers a FREE mammogram and education for any woman 40 or older who qualifies. Call 706/774-4141. Breast Self-exam Classes March 10 5 p.m. Presented by registered nurses of the University Breast Health Center FREE Registration is required. Call 706/774-4141.

737-8423 (SER-VICE)

Healthy Parents All classes are held in the Women’s Center classroom on the third floor unless otherwise stated. Registration is required. Call 706/774-2825 for information or to register. Cesarean Section March 10 7-9 p.m. $10 Women’s Center Tour March 13 7-9:30 p.m. FREE Baby School March 18, 20, 25, 27 7-9 p.m. $50 Breast-Feeding March 20 7:30-9:30 p.m. Babies R Us, Bobby Jones Expressway FREE

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S P I R I T M A R 6 2 0 0 3

6 M E T R O

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M A R 6 2 0 0 3

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Mid-Session Legislative Update

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• Georgia State Flag issue* • "Women's Right to Know" bill*

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• Lawmakers talk to Connect Live about key bills on the floor that effect you*

• Proposed new Augusta civic center* • The future of Fort Discovery*

“We are going to stand up for the rights of the Augusta National to choose whomever they want to choose as a member of their club.” — J.J. Harper, imperial wizard of the Ku Klux Klan of Cordele, Ga., as quoted in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Augusta National, in its refusal to admit women members, has now found itself saddled with the strange bedfellow and ally, the historically vicious and segregationist KKK.

continued from page 5 I still don’t know who to blame for the increase in insurance premiums but I appreciate the article on tort reform. This issue does affect everyone.

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Those hiding behind their so-called cleanwhite sheet robes and masks are laughing it up. Why? Because the media took the bait. I’m talking about the Klan’s plan to “protest” at the Masters. (How’s that for irony?) As soon as this inkling of information hit the wire, they could not wait to get it on the local airwaves. Don’t you realize when you’ve been duped? I like to watch the news on Channel 12, but I have been annoyed lately when they show the weather forecast—or should I say not shown it. Many times when the five-day forecast appears, it disappears before I can finish reading it! This has happened a lot lately. Why even spend time on the weather if they’re not going to leave the forecast on the screen long enough to read it? Why would Columbia County taxpayers want to buy into a regional arena built in Richmond County? That’s a good question, Commissioner (Marion) Williams. If you want to know the answer, go look in a mirror and take Lee Beard, Willie Mays and Andy Cheek with you. I think the new auditorium/civic center should be built over by the Hippodrome in Aiken County. It’s right near the new highway that’s coming through and Billy Morris can possibly donate the land. Since it already smells like a barnyard, we don’t have to build a new barnyard. Listen up citizens of the CSRA: Spring is coming and pets will be breeding if they aren’t spayed or neutered. If you are one of

those irresponsible pet owners who haven’t fixed his/her pets, you are a big part of the problem of pet over-population. Those of us who take care of our pets are tired of your ignorant, inhuman and selfish behavior. Why doesn’t the Health Department enforce the hairnets and gloves to be worn by food preparers? These people in fast-food restaurants are scratching themselves all over their bodies, then handling your hamburgers and buns, lettuce and tomatoes. Somebody needs address this issue. Instead of complaining about Austin Rhodes so much, why don’t you do what I do and turn the ignorant, right-wing *%&!*#! off! As a registered nurse, I want to report two serious safety problems at the new Columbia County courthouse. The front steps were designed for a woman’s foot size 7 1/2 or smaller. Make sure you use the ramp to ensure you don’t fall off the two narrow steps. Second, the bathrooms are located in a hallway with a closed door. I understand there is a camera in the hallway, but if someone was hurt in the bathroom, they could not be heard. The bathrooms should have been built to open to main area so voices could be heard. These two serious safety problems should be addressed. That poor little girl in last week’s cover story was damaged for life, and yet the doctor continues to practice medicine. Consumers cannot trust their health care anymore. The situation is getting worse and heading for disaster. I bet a large percent of people polled would indicate that they don’t trust the healthcare system in this country. - Call our Whine Line at 510-2051 and leave your comments. We won’t use your name. Fax your whines by dialing (706) 733-6663 or email your whines to whine@metspirit.com.

Award-Winning Actor Tom Key Presents “C.S. Lewis on Stage” Thursday, March 13, 7PM Tom Key’s dramatic monologue highlights scenes from C.S. Lewis’ life. C.S. Lewis On Stage has been presented at the Kennedy Center, Oxford, Harvard and Yale Universities, and across the United States and Canada.

An event in the series from A 4-Week adventure through the world of c.s. lewis FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF AUGUSTA For More Information:

733-2236 or visit www.fbcaugusta.org

Suburban Torture

Letters to the Editor

JULIE

LARSON

Columbia County Republicans Are Headed for Trouble Dear Editor. Based on what I have heard at the coffee shop and what I have read in the papers, the Columbia County Republican Party is totally messed up. As a lifelong Democrat, (I feel) nothing better could have happened for our county, at least as I see it. I hear that three of our state legislators — Brush, Fleming and Harbin — are causing the mess, and they have signed on with U.S. Representative Charlie Norwood and Commission Chairman Ron Cross to put the current party chairman out to pasture. Also, former Chairman Harold Mays and former Commissioner U.H. Pittman are major players in this unseating since both of these GOP (Greedy Old People) members just want to renew their places at the county trough. The reasons the perpetrators are using are that Chairman Alvin Starks has “failed to raise money” and Columbia County “ has no status within the state.” If Starks failed to do these things, I’d hate to see what would have happened if he had any clout, for everything from the county level to the

M E T R O S P I R I T M A R

Statehouse and even Washington is now Republican. I believe that the real truth of the matter is that Starks, who also happens to be a black conservative, has required accountability and adherence to the party’s philosophy. With him gone, we Democrats stand a very good chance to rebuild and start winning again. For that I certainly thank Cross, Norwood, Brush, Fleming and Harbin. As I see it, their behaviors may even have been racially motivated. That’s all the better, for racism is the kiss of death for Republicans and that will help the Democratic cause. Just remember what happened to Trent Lott! If the above-named officials lose their jobs as Republicans, they will probably be welcomed by the Democrats as they will have earned a place in history for ridding Georgia of its current Republican stronghold. At least they get my thanks for freeing us from those Republican carpetbaggers and “tax raisers” who have been plaguing us for years.

6 2 0 0 3

— C.L. Cheatham

The redefined 2003 Volvo S40 comes equipped with standard safety features some other cars in its class don’t even offer as options. Things like full-length Inflatable Side Curtains and a Whiplash Protection Seating System. The very same standard features that make a Volvo a Volvo. We can also safely say it’s more stylish than ever, with a redesigned exterior that’s more agreeable to the eye. The redefined Volvo S40 certainly has a lot to offer. Including of course, safety features other imports have yet to even import. Visit your local Volvo retailer or volvocars.com.

*MSRP of the 2003 Volvo S40 as shown with optional equipment is $24,350. Price does not include destination charge, tax and title. See your authorized Volvo retailer for complete details. ©2002 Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. Volvo for life™ is a registered trademark of Volvo. Always wear your seat belt.

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Opinion: Guest Column

uring the last two years there has been a lot of commentary about the Georgia state flag. But, before I offer my comments I’d like to introduce myself. I am a 67-year-old white male who was born in South Carolina and lived my entire life in Georgia and South Carolina. I am also an ordained Southern Baptist minister. I am a Southerner by birth, yet my loyalty is to our wonderful country, the United States of America. Since many people say that the Confederate flag represents their “Southern heritage,” I want to remind those who never lived through our shameful past of racial prejudice just what that “Southern heritage” really is as represented by the Confederate flag. I believe the best reminder is to share the following experience: On Sept. 25, 1997, I had the privilege of hearing Dr. Leon Bass speak at Paine College. Dr. Bass is a distinguished African-American and a proud veteran of World War II. In 1943 when Dr. Bass was 19 years old, he answered the patriotic call to join the U.S. Army. He was living in Pennsylvania, but after joining the Army he was stationed in a Southern state for basic training. He said that the first time he tried to drink from a public water fountain, he was told that he “wasn’t good enough” to drink from the same fountain that white people used, even though he was willing to fight for their freedoms. On one occasion, he went to town with a white soldier. They were both hungry and his buddy went into a restaurant to eat, but Leon was not allowed to come in and eat with white people. He asked if there was anywhere in town he could get something to eat and was told he could go to the back door of that same restaurant and they would sell him some food, but he “wasn’t good enough” to eat with white people even though he was willing to fight for them. On another occasion he had to make a two-hour bus trip. When he boarded the

bus, even though he was proudly wearing the military uniform of his country, the bus driver told him he “wasn’t good enough” to ride in the front with white people. The back of the bus was full and even though there were empty seats up front, Leon had to stand in the back for two hours. Shortly after that he was shipped overseas to fight the Nazis. All of us who lived through those times realize that for an African-American to be prohibited from drinking at a public fountain, or from eating in a restaurant with white people, or from riding in the front of the bus was mild compared with the beatings, lynchings and other terrible acts perpetrated against them. After many years of struggle things began to improve for our black citizens due to the courage and dedication of great men and women such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Thurgood MarshalI. Sadly, in 1956, a group of racially prejudiced legislators changed the state flag by adding the Confederate symbol as a protest against school desegregation. During the subsequent 45 years there was no outcry to hold a referendum on the flag. Now the modern-day segregationists led by Governor Sonny Perdue are coming out of the woodwork to demand a referendum. I say we do not need a referendum on the flag. What we need is a group of compassionate, courageous state legislators and a governor who will adopt a new state flag that all Georgians could be proud of and live under. The best symbol to represent all Georgians is a simple flag with the Georgia state seal in the center on a solid color background. As Georgians we need to retire the Confederate flag to a museum because it still represents hatred as espoused by organizations from the Ku Klux Klan to numerous white supremacy groups. It has no place in today’s society because it is offensive to all Georgians. —The views expressed in this column are the views of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.

Aiken’s Triple Crown Begins This Weekend See Page 27

Stage 1: March 9, 16, 23 and 30 Sunday Morning Pulpit Exchange Four pastors from First Baptist, Good Shepard, Trinity on the Hill, and Reid Memorial will rotate pulpits all month and preach on themes related to C.S. Lewis.

A FOUR-WEEK ADVENTURE IN FOUR

Stage 2: Sunday Nights, Join together at FBC (Nursery Provided) For Adults and Youth: 6-7 PM March 9 - Dr. Maurice Boyd March 16 - Rev. Perry Bramlett March 23 - Dr. Stan Mattson March 30 - Roar of Love

AUGUSTA CHURCHES

For Children ages 5 thru 5th grade: 5:45-7 PM - Activities Building A four-part multimedia presentation on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Stage 3: Wednesday Nights, All Churches March 12, 26, April 2 - MRS. JANE HOWINGTON Mere Christianity

- DR. JERRY HOWINGTON The Chronicles of Narnia

- DR. WAYNE HUNSUCKER Screwtape Letters

- DR. RODGER MURCHISON A Grief Observed

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF AUGUSTA THE CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD REID MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN TRINITY ON THE HILL

At FBC - March 19, 6-7 PM

Dr. Earl Palmer Lewis specialist

Stage 4: At FBC Thursday, March 13, 7PM

FIRST

FOR MORE INFORMATION: BAPTIST CHURCH 706-733-2236 WWW.FBCAUGUSTA.ORG

C.S. Lewis On Stage A one-man play featuring Tom Key Stage 5: C.S. Lewis “The Oxford Years” For Reservations call 733-2236 Senior Adult Luncheon at FBC Tuesday, March 11, 11AM

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f you ever wanted proof positive that there is a left-wing spin present in much of America’s national media, look no further than the handling of the Martha Burk/Augusta National affair. What made new headlines in the course of the last few weeks? Was it the comment Burk made in The New Yorker magazine that she has already “won” the battle against the National because she has “tainted” them and sullied their reputation? Perhaps the comments in the same piece, where Burk says that whenever men gather in private the first thing they do is “denigrate women,” while women never deign to discuss men at all in their “girl” time. The only women I have ever known that don’t rag on men when they get together are lesbians. Perhaps that says something about Burk’s circle of friends. Not that I have anything against lesbians, mind you. I believe, deep down, I have been one for many years. But I digress. Having been a man most of my life (I was a man in training, before then), I can honestly say that, with the exception of praising the occasional young woman’s physical accouterments I rarely, if ever, discuss ladies with my male friends. The reason is simple: I don’t want the guys to know how utterly clueless I am with the opposite sex. In the meantime, every woman I have ever known freely admits to comparing notes, and complaints, when it comes to the men in their lives. Their shared experiences seem to empower them. Men hate to admit their befuddlement; women love to bask in their superiority. If there is any doubt women are in control in this country, consider this: Women control half the money, and all the sex. If that ain’t power, I don’t know what is. Again with the digression. Burk’s honest, yet disturbing, confessions have received virtually no national press play. There were a few sports guys that talked about it, but not much beyond that. So, what did earn a headline? Some backwater hick with a white hood announcing he was “The Klan,” and he was going to show up Masters week to protest Burk. Whoop-de-doo. On one hand, I am amazed and amused that one little bitty racist can get so much attention; on the other I am delighted that the once-powerful KKK has eroded so severely that one Hee Haw devotee from Cordele, Ga., now gets credit for being an imperial wizard. Speaking of whizzes, did you catch Jesse Jackson on CNN’s “Crossfire” last week? The man who can summon the masses (but can’t manage to find a condom) actually said

that the golf tournament in Augusta was called the Masters because only the white slave owners were allowed to play. The following was lifted from the official CNN transcript of the show: Host: “This is something you said yesterday on an Atlanta radio station, AM 680, about the Masters Tournament. “The name does not really come from being the master of golf,” you said. “You know it really comes from slave masters.” Now that’s untrue. Why did you say that?” Rev. Jesse Jackson: “Well, that is its original meaning. It was. It’s on a plantation. It was about only the masters could play, the while male masters. “It was slave masters. And for a long time, they held on to that policy. The secret society of only white men.” I can’t make this stuff up. Did that get national attention? Of course not. When one wrinkled up, senile member of the National resigns, protesting the club (and weeks later, keels over dead), that gets headlines. When the most powerful businessman in the world (Bill Gates) joins the Club in the same time frame, it gets nothing. This entire fiasco is proof positive that there is an agenda alive and well in this story, and it is being executed on a daily basis by those who buy ink by the barrel. Colclough needs a map. Someone needs to buy Augusta Mayor Pro Tem Richard Colclough a map of Richmond County, with a special highlighted line where Columbia County and Richmond divide. Tell you what, Mr. Colclough, if you shut up about the Brassell case, we promise not to sic Clay Whittle on Kester Uzochukwu. More Dirty Bookstores Coming? There are more than just a few whispers floating about that a few businessmen from Atlanta are looking at the success the owner of Video X-Mart had against local politicos, and there may be a migration of other adult businesses on the way. It has long been noted that all it takes is about 100 grand to bankroll a short, but loud, court challenge to many of the local ordinances restricting such businesses, and the flood gates would open. It gets cheaper every time the rules are challenged. The city attorney is scrambling to head off the possibility, but the fight could be brought to him any minute. Stay tuned. — The views expressed in this column are the views of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. The archived Austin Rhodes columns can now be seen at www.wgac.com.

What’s Going On With The Airport? See Page 17

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Frustrated Contractor is "Giving Away" $2150 Furnaces for $499 with Off-Season Central Air Conditioners… (This is great financial news if your furnace is over 8 years old) Yes, it’s absolutely true. You can actually replace your old (and probably very inefficient) furnace and air conditioner as a package for at least $1,600 less than you would have to pay at any other time. Let me explain. Every year, the months of January, February and March can "Kill" my business. I end up losing a ton of money during these "Killer" months and it can take me the remaining nine months to make up for them. And I’m looking for the same thing to happen this year. My Problem Is Your Opportunity I’ve decided to give up trying to make a profit during the "killer" months. If I can only minimize my losses during January, February and March, I will come out ahead in the other nine months. Here’s how this (admittedly daring) offer came about. Every year, the big manufacturers of air conditioners have to guess how many to build to meet the demand. Of course, they’re never exactly right. So, they always have some inventory they must hold over until the next summer season. I went to one of these companies and contracted for the purchase of 18 premium air conditioners and furnaces in the four most popular sizes used in the Augusta area. Because of the quantity and time of year, I was able to buy them at drastically reduced, dirt cheap, out-of-season prices. They are brand new 2002 models. And they are NOT the seconds or "blems" or standard "builder" models. They are factory-fresh, premium air conditioners and furnaces and have a full factory warranty. Here’s How You Can Get A Furnace For Peanuts By putting this furnace and air conditioner package together (then "Jaw-Boning" the factory) and committing to a do-or-die purchase agreement of 18 systems, I was able to buy both the furnace and the air conditioner for less than anyone should have a right to pay! So, if you buy one of these normal 18 15 new, premium air conditioners (but only if one of the four sizes I have will fit your house, of course), I am "giv-

ing" you the furnace and all I ask for is the $499 in labor it costs to have your furnace installed. Here’s How Just call us at 722-5304 anytime. We will come out and measure your home (and determine the availability of the proper size). Don’t forget, I only have 18 15 matched systems in four sizes. When they are gone, this remarkable offer ends also. I will show you the real world price on the air conditioner that fits your home. Then, I will show you the substantial savings now. And it will include all labor and installation materials. Nothing is left out. The Concept Is Simple Really By letting you win big now, I will win at the end of the year. I’m betting that if I make you an offer that is "irresistible" (at least it should be if your furnace or air conditioner is over 8 years old) and I barely mark it up above the price I paid, I will accomplish two things: 1. I will cover my rent, utilities, insurance and taxes in the "killer" months. 2. I can pay my professional staff of 14 technicians to work instead of paying them to sit at home or sweep floors.

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decide to make monthly investments instead of paying cash the entire amount of your payments might be more than offset by the savings on your utility bills. It’s like "having your cake and eating it too". Why This Offer Can’t Last You must act before March 18th . Here are two reasons why. 5 1. I can only have 6 of each of the three sizes. When all of the air conditioners are sold and all the furnaces are "given" away in a particular size, that’s it. There are no more at this price. 15 2. If I have any of the 18 systems left on March 18 (although I doubt I will), this offer still ends. Here’s why. The only reason I am making this virtually no-profit (for me) offer is because of the "killer months. Give us a call now at 722-5304, and we will set an appointment for your no-obligation survey.

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Complete Coverage of the Georgia 2003 Legislative Session

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Super-Size That Reality Sandwich for Ya?

ard to believe that it’s only been two months since the New Regime marched into the Statehouse, flags unfurled and girded for battle. Under Republican rule, the “fraud and waste” that characterized previous budgets would be exposed and excised, the old flag would be the new flag, hated educational reforms would be undone and business would be unshackled from the irritating bonds of do-gooder regulation. Funny how things change. As The Spirit goes to press, the General Assembly is preparing for yet another recess for budget meetings, hoping to head off a $640 million funding shortfall in the current budget that threatens to loom even larger in 2004. The outrage that greeted Gov. Sonny Perdue’s initial call for tax increases has grudgingly given way to semi-acceptance (the state Republican Party, of all people, on Tuesday released a poll showing that 82 percent of the state’s population supports higher tobacco taxes), and the Senate’s GOP leadership is ready to pass a spending bill so laden with painful cuts that even party loyalists foresee an embrace of the new taxes as virtually unavoidable. And all that budget “pork” that fueled such bitter party-line sniping over the years? Turns out that hog was leaner than she looked, it seems. Who knew? On the flag front, the steady mountain of irony is becoming almost too embarrassing to watch as the governor twists in a political gale of his own making. As his Republican legislative stalwarts resolutely refuse comment, Perdue last week looked elsewhere for help in “healing” the issue, appealing to Democratic Cong. John Lewis, former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young and even the all-time favorite GOP bogeyman, ex-president and Nobel Laureate Jimmy Carter, to help pull his fat out of the fire. Sad. Funny, but sad. In other areas, the shifting political landscape has caused some unusual alliances. Legislation authored by Rep. Judy Manning (R-Marietta) and supported by many GOP lawmakers, aimed at reigning in the authority of power companies to condemn private property for high-voltage transmission lines, has drawn the support

of enviro-friendly Democrats — and the concern of Statehouse heavyweights of both parties, who know the value of those power-company campaign dollars. More complex are the bitter battles over competing “predatory lending” legislation, which almost erupted into fisticuffs between a lawmaker and lobbyist (again) last week. The fire was stoked by Tuesday’s House vote to replace a bill, painstakingly authored by Sen. Don Cheeks (R-Augusta) to meet concerns raised by mortgage lenders over last year’s reform package, with another version that essentially nullifies the consumer protections. Cheeks, who chairs the Senate Banking Committee, has sworn to fight for his version, which passed the Senate unanimously last month. The whole mess has pitted the House Democratic leaders and the Legislative Black Caucus against a sizeable portion of their own party, which has joined with Republicans to push the bank-friendly measure, and allowed Cheeks to emerge as an unlikely hero to the crowd of citizenlobbyists favoring the Senate version. Similarly, legislation dealing with the allocation of water (discussed here last week) has also spurred cross-party alliances. At a Senate hearing last week, the author of a House bill dealing with the issue and state Environmental Protection Division Director Harold Reheis were peppered with pointed questions from Senate Majority Leader Eric Johnson (RSavannah) and Sen. Rene Kemp (DHinesville), author of competing legislation favored by environmental interests. Of particular concern was the prospect of water being withdrawn from the Savannah River and discharged into the Chattahoochee in north Georgia — an inter-basin transfer that would, Reheis confirmed, be allowed under the House bill. Senators were also interested in the rationale for charging fees for new monitoring equipment to some “recreational” users like water parks, while other seemingly similar users were exempted. Among those mentioned were golf courses, which are classified as “agricultural” users. “The Legislature specifically passed that years ago,” said Reheis. (Note: There is no move

AS THE SPIRIT GOES TO PRESS, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY IS PREPARING FOR YET ANOTHER RECESS FOR BUDGET MEETINGS, HOPING TO HEAD OFF A $640 MILLION FUNDING SHORTFALL IN THE CURRENT BUDGET THAT THREATENS TO LOOM EVEN LARGER IN 2004.

afoot to change that status — which should come as a relief to any golf course concerns that may be in the Augusta area.) In other areas, the new dominant party is finding itself fighting not only Democrats, but its own ideology. An example: reforming education reform. While the governor campaigned hard against Roy Barnes’ education initiatives, his own package of changes — which includes relaxing requirements for smaller class sizes and some restored measure of “fair dismissal” hearings for teachers prior to termination — has run into trouble in the House. There, Democrats last week passed a bill providing for even stronger protections for teachers, challenging the governor’s floor leaders to “stand up for teachers,” even as Perdue’s own bills have languished in committee. In response, Sen. Joey Brush filed mirror legislation in the Senate, hoping to get at least part of the governor’s package through this session. But it could still be tricky; Republicans — who began attacking fair dismissal as “tenure” years ago — are being urged not to relent, even as Democrats are seeking the higher ground by insisting on the popular smaller classes and stronger dismissal protections. Perdue knows that angry teachers helped elect him — and that they can just as easily take a walk next time around. So, faced with a gridlocked Legislature

and no money, what do frustrated lawmakers do? Speechify, of course. In an exhaustive display of pointless posturing last week, the Senate passed Sen. Cheeks’ “Woman’s Right To Know Act,” a measure which — if it stood a snowball’s chance in Hell of passing the House (it doesn’t) — would require women to wait 24 hours after requesting an abortion, and mandate that doctors present a wealth of discouraging material or face losing their license. In the face of sure defeat, this is what lawmakers adoringly call “sending a message,” and even the most level-headed aren’t above it. An example is our own Sue Burmeister (R-Augusta), who generally spends her time on nuts-and-bolts issues like the legislation she dropped this week calling for a simple majority vote to pass items before the Augusta-Richmond County Commission. Burmeister is among the sponsors of a “Woman’s Right” bill in the House, but she’s also signed onto a more far-reaching bill declaring all abortions a felony. When queried, she first allowed that she didn’t realize the bill went that far; when pressed, she admitted that she knew the bill stood no chance of getting out of committee, much less of passage. “I am pro-life,” she said. “I thought it was time to send a message.” Send a message? Idle hands, etc.

13 M E T R O S P I R I T M A R 6 2 0 0 3

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14 M E T R O S P I R I T M A R 6 2 0 0 3

Answers Still Sought in

Sex-Offender Case By Brian Neill

ow can some city officials be investigated and have their names dragged through the mud for more than three years — none of them ever being prosecuted — while the matter involving the district attorney, a state senator and a superior court judge effectively rigging a sex offender’s sentencing requirements gets swept under the rug in a mere few weeks? That’s a question on the mind of Lee Beard and other Augusta commissioners, even as a motion to further investigate the matter was pulled from the agenda at the last minute at the March 4 Augusta Commission meeting. The city has waited with bated breath for some type of closure on the special grand jury’s findings, which alleged, among other things, illegal activity on the part of former Augusta

Richmond County District Attorney Danny Craig

Fire Chief Ronnie Few, and even suggested that Richmond County Purchasing Director Geri Sams be fired. Meanwhile, Richmond County District Attorney Danny Craig, Superior Court Judge Carl Brown and state Sen. Don Cheeks were all implicated in a matter involving Bobby Clark Brassell Jr., a local man who pleaded guilty to misdemeanor sexual battery on a child, but was allowed, contrary to law, to keep his name off a sex-offender registry. Beard, for one, said he is puzzled by how so much controversy and discussion can continue to surround the special grand jury presentments about alleged corruption in local government, while talk of Craig, Brown and Cheeks’ actions seems to have “evaporated.” “Nobody says anything about it and everybody seems to be covering it up,” Beard said. “And you don’t feel good about this when you know that for three and a half years, this body (the Augusta Commission) has been put under a microscope and continues to be put under a microscope and there doesn’t seem to be any closure to this.” In fact, Beard made those concerns known to Craig at the Feb. 18 Augusta Commission meeting at which Mayor Pro Tem Richard Colclough first introduced the motion to further investigate the matter. That motion failed to pass. Colclough again placed the item on the agenda of the March 4 commission meeting, but pulled it at the last moment without explanation. He said he would bring it back up at a future meeting. If nothing else, it appears that Beard and others may at least find closure in the near future on the matter of the special grand jury. A Georgia Bureau of Investigation official and Craig both confirmed that an investigative report surrounding the special grand jury’s presentments should be completed in about a week. “Our financial investigative unit, this office, and Danny Craig are currently meeting. We’ve had one meeting recently and are scheduled to have at least one more meeting,” said Mike Seigler, special agent with the GBI. “And then at that time Danny will make a decision or have some input as to the way we go from there.

“Hopefully, he should have some answers within the next week or so.” Craig said he was ethically prevented from commenting on the report or the likelihood of charges resulting from it. “Of course I can’t discuss indictments but I can tell you I’ve received about half of the investigative report that the GBI has been developing,” Craig said. Beard said he welcomes indictments if it means closure is achieved, adding that he, himself, was a subject of special grand jury presentments. But Beard said he hopes the sudden action on the special grand jury front isn’t some type of smokescreen to further draw people’s attentions away from the Brassell case. “I would hate to think that they’ve waited all this time just because people are caught up in a situation, that they bring an indictment in to kind of circumvent the other thing that’s on the table at this time,” Beard said. “Do you understand what I’m saying? I hope that after three and a half years, and all the sudden we’re going to come up with an indictment, and I hope it isn’t just because there is this other wrongdoing out there that isn’t going to be investigated.” Colclough said his decision to stay on top of the issue has more to do with public safety than a concern about a possible double standard in terms of which individuals are more apt to bear scrutiny. “I think pedophilia is one of the most hideous crimes that anybody can commit in these days and times, especially a grown man,” Colclough said. “You know, if he has some sexual needs he needs to take care of, you’ve got plenty of ladies of the evening out there that can handle him. “My problem is, if this gentleman is a child molester and if he’s not registered, even if it happened in Burke County, Columbia County, or even across the river, if he’s not registered he can bounce from community to community and do the same crime all over again.” Brassell, after much media attention about the issue, was required to register as a sex offender. Colclough said he also wanted to ensure that public officials don’t intervene on behalf of others in criminal cases.

“I don’t want somebody to be able to call somebody and say, ‘Look, this is a buddy of mine and I want you to do me a favor,’” Colclough said. “This is a serious crime. “I think people should take more interest in it. I don’t think this should be put to bed. I think it should be looked into and make sure there is something there so this won’t happen again.” Other commissioners, like Tommy Boyles, who voted against the motion, say they feel the issue is not a matter for the Augusta Commission to look into. Boyles thinks it might even be a matter for Columbia County, since that’s where Brassell’s offense occurred. Beard said he has heard that argument, but doesn’t buy it. “You ought to have enough intelligence to come up with a better excuse than that — that it’s a Columbia County affair — when all of the three people involved are located right here in the city of Augusta and it deals with the Augusta Judicial Circuit,” Beard said. “So how can you divorce yourself, as citizens and especially the elected officials, from the mayor to county commissioners who stated that. How can they make such a justification?” Brown, the judge, has downplayed his involvement in the matter to the press, telling The Augusta Chronicle that he had left the sex-offender registry status up to prosecutors and the defendant’s attorneys. Cheeks has publicly stated that he sincerely believed Brassell, a longtime acquaintance of the senator who had also done homeimprovement work for him, was innocent of the child sex allegations, even though the man had pleaded guilty to them. The Republican senator also maintained

“

I think I’ve been as forthcoming as I could with regard to a criminal case that was very successfully prosecuted. And even though I was approached by someone and asked to assist in the case, I simply said, ‘No.’ Beyond that, I don’t know how many different ways we can discuss it. I think that I have answered everyone’s questions to the fullest extent that I can.

”

— Richmond County District Attorney Danny Craig that he intervened on behalf of Brassell, a convicted criminal, prior to recent state ethics legislation being passed that prevents legislators from doing so. Craig, however, has stated that he and superior court judges are immune to any investigation by an external state entity. He told commissioners that in person at the Feb. 18 Augusta Commission meeting. “As our county commission found out, there is no outside party to investigate superior court judges or the district attorney’s office,” Craig said. “And so what we tried to do is, we tried to answer their questions in setting aside those jurisdictional

issues.” Asked if that meant judges and district attorneys could do virtually what they wanted without being scrutinized, Craig replied, “No, not at all.” “Because,” Craig added, “our duties and responsibilities are extremely detailed under the Constitution and our statutes and our codes of conduct that govern us as judges and lawyers. You have a Judicial Cannon of Ethics, and the standards of conduct that govern attorneys. “So, I’ve tried to be as informative as I could, but there’s probably a limit as to the ability of a lawyer to fully educate the

layperson about all of the duties and responsibilities that we have.” Craig acknowledged that one entity that could look into the matter is the Georgia State Bar. “If there were a violation they could,” Craig said. “There would have to be some basis for suggesting that.” William P. Smith, III, general counsel with the Georgia State Bar, when contacted by The Spirit, said he was uncomfortable commenting on a situation about which he was unfamiliar. After being faxed news articles on the issue, Smith said he could only comment on normal procedure for the Georgia State Bar in such matters. “If somebody thinks that past conduct needs to be analyzed from a disciplinary point of view, the way to do that is to go through the process and file a complaint,” Smith said. “But I just don’t feel that I would be in a position to comment, because a lot of what I see has to do with the way the law would be interpreted. And also, again, I’ve only heard one side of the story and I wouldn’t want to just give an opinion that somebody has done something that they ought not have done without hearing from them first.” Not surprisingly, perhaps — owing to the fact that the overwhelming majority of individuals singled out for scrutiny by the special grand jury were black — most of the support to continue investigating the Brassell matter has come from black commissioners. In fact, Bobby Hankerson was the only black commissioner at the Feb. 18 meeting not to vote for a state investigation into the Brassell case. Instead, Hankerson abstained. continued on page 16

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continued from page 15 Although Craig has repeatedly stated that he only empaneled the special grand jury, and that its members work independently of him to arrive at their own conclusions, some commissioners have had difficulty separating the two. One exception to the predominantly black push for the investigation is Commissioner Andy Cheek, who said he favors such a move. Cheek voted for further investigation into the matter when the motion to do so came before the commission in February. “We should not be in the business of directing or requesting special favors for people,” Cheek said. “And if that’s going on, that is something that certainly needs to be curtailed or looked into to make sure that it is not going on.” Like Beard, Cheek said he saw a double standard at work. “Why investigate one branch of government and ignore a potential problem in another area? It just doesn’t seem to be consistent to me,” Cheek said. “I think Don (Cheeks) has been beat up fairly well over this,” Cheek added. “Danny, I don’t know. He’s kind of stepped forward and taken credit for it, but he’s kind of like, I don’t know, put it off on other people and not taken as much responsibility for this practice going on, which, apparently, it has gone on for a long time.” Craig, however, denied that he was getting off easy when asked if he thought that was the case. “Not at all. I think I’ve been as forthcoming as I could with regard to a criminal case that was very successfully prosecuted,” Craig said. “And even though I was approached by someone and asked to assist in the case, I simply said, ‘No.’ Beyond that, I don’t know how many different ways we can discuss it. “I think that I have answered everyone’s questions to the fullest extent that I can. The roles of the judges and the roles of prosecutors in our system are not easily

“

Augusta Commissioner Lee Beard understood. But to the extent that we can answer the questions, I have tried to do so.” While acknowledging that Judge Brown, one of the alleged participants in the Brassell debacle, is black, Beard said he still thinks that Craig and Cheeks’ explanations are only acceptable because they come from white mouths. “I think if they (Craig and Cheeks) had been black, we would have had an investigation and we wouldn’t be sweeping it under the rug,” Beard said. “I think a good example of that is (former state) Senator Walker and (state Senator) Don Cheeks. Don Cheeks has done something that everybody wants to forget about. When Walker does it, everybody wants to hang him up, string him up high. “So that’s the difference right there.”

“I would hate to think that they’ve waited all this time just because people are caught up in a situation, that they (the district attorney’s office) bring an indictment in to kind of circumvent the other thing that’s on the table at this time. Do you understand what I’m saying? I hope that after three and a half years, and all the sudden we’re going to come up with an indictment, and I hope it isn’t just because there is this other wrongdoing out there that isn’t going to be investigated.” — Augusta Commissioner Lee Beard

”

Clipped Wings: Augusta Regional Airport’s Scaled-Back Future By Stacey Eidson “I hate to use the phrase, champagne taste on a beer budget, but that’s about what we are looking at.” – Augusta Regional Airport Director Ken Kraemer

shiny, black limousine pulls up to the curb at Augusta Regional Airport. Within minutes, the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, dressed in a bright, red shirt, black blazer and dark sunglasses, casually exits the airport. He cheerfully waves at gawking passengers toting their luggage toward the terminal and stops to take a few quick photos with fans. “God bless y’all and God bless this airport,” Brown exclaims, as he jumps into his limo. Inside Augusta Regional Airport’s terminal, bright yellow and blue balloons are tied to every available chair and country music can be heard playing in the background. Characters such as the Phantom of the Opera, a Texas cowboy and the Statue of Liberty are roaming the airport, eagerly greeting guests and directing them to the day’s main attraction: The celebration of Continental Express’ inaugural flight into Augusta. The who’s-who of Augusta’s government, area businesses and local tourism industry are on hand to congratulate the Augusta Aviation Commission on successfully enticing Continental Express to the CSRA.

It’s been more than a two-year struggle for the aviation commission to get this new airline to enter the Augusta market — a market that is currently dominated by Delta Air Lines, the parent company to Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA). On March 3, aviation commissioners were all smiles as they proudly cut the enormous red ribbon in front of Continental Express’ new ticket counter, announcing the beginning of the airline’s non-stop air service to Newark, N.J., and Houston, Texas. There didn’t seem to be a worry in the world facing Augusta Regional Airport. But that carefree photo op was about as genuine as the Texas cowboy and his silver toy gun. The fact of the matter is, Augusta Regional Airport is facing an uncertain future in an unstable airline industry that is desperately trying to survive the worst economic times it’s seen in decades.

“Grim Realities” Just in the last three weeks, the aviation commission has come to the realization that Augusta Regional Airport can’t afford to build the $64 million midfield terminal many commissioners have so enthusiastically promoted the past year. The state of Georgia, under its current

budgetary crunch, doesn’t appear to be able to commit even a dime to Augusta Regional Airport’s new terminal, let alone the $22.3 million requested by the aviation commission for the project. And while the Federal Aviation Administration has earmarked $1.8 million for Augusta’s airport through its fiscal year 2003 entitlement funds, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration is also currently tapping into the aviation trust fund revenues to support the nation’s homeland security efforts. As more and more federal aviation money is given to the TSA, the result is, fewer airport improvement programs across the country are receiving financial support. Therefore, the $17.2 million that Augusta requested from the federal government to help pay for a new terminal also appears highly improbable. The only money that the airport can currently count on is approximately $1.8 million earned in 2002 through passenger facility charges, about $9.2 million from the airport’s savings — which many aviation commissioners don’t advocate spending in its entirety — and the $1.8 million from the FAA’s 2003 entitlement fund. That leaves the airport with a grand

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continued from page 17 total of $12.8 million in available funding. The airport also planned to seek approximately $12.2 million in bond revenues. “So, that falls woefully short of the $64 million that was suggested for the midfield terminal,” said Augusta Regional Airport Director Ken Kraemer. “Nobody likes to talk about these grim realities, but they are real. “I hate to use the phrase, champagne taste on a beer budget, but that’s about what we are looking at.” During the campaign for governor of Georgia last fall, Kraemer said, he soon realized that the state would be facing a fiscally conservative budget in 2003. “With all due respect to the state of Georgia, I quickly learned that the state has got bigger fish to fry,” Kraemer said, sitting in his office at the airport. “They currently are $600 million in the hole.” With such financial constraints, Kraemer said Augusta’s terminal needs aren’t even on the state’s radar. And for those Augustans who remember Kraemer once telling the aviation commission in December 2001 that he believed he could convince officials in Washington, D.C., to provide Augusta with $71 million for a new terminal and roadwork, that goal now appears almost laughable. “On the federal side, those nice rascals at TSA have really got their hands in the pocket of the aviation trust fund,” Kraemer said with frustration. “My question is: Why should the flying public be burdened with paying for the expense of the extra security to guard this country? “National defense should be a national expense. But instead, national defense is being paid on the backs of airline passengers. And it’s not fair. We’ve federalized the function, yet we haven’t federalized the funding.” Unfortunately, available funding is what’s going to dictate the future expansion of Augusta Regional Airport, Kraemer said. “Our most pressing need is a terminal building,” Kraemer said. “This terminal at the airport was never truly designed as an airport terminal building.” In fact, Kraemer said, he’s been told that the current 50-year-old terminal was constructed from a former military morgue, some barracks and a mess hall. “So, the aviation infrastructure in Augusta has been sorely lacking for years and years,” Kraemer said. “But I think it is time for this aviation commission to take a serious look at how much we can afford and continue to be wise stewards of these public funds. “There’s no doubt that, ultimately, a midfield terminal is the best option for Augusta. It makes the most efficient use of space. So, ultimately, that should still be Augusta’s goal. But that goal must come face-to-face with our funding reality. And it’s a harsh reality.”

The Westside Story Every year local officials head up to Atlanta to celebrate “Augusta Day” in the

Gold Dome. This day is Augusta’s best opportunity to make specific funding pleas to the governor, legislators and state departments such as the Georgia Department of Transportation. This year, Aviation Commission Chairman Cedric Johnson told the board that local legislators sincerely listened to the airport’s terminal needs, but couldn’t provide the aviation commissioners anything more than a pat on the back. “They were very supportive of what we are trying to do at the airport,” Johnson told the aviation commission during a Feb. 13 meeting. “But they told us no funds were available at this time.” Johnson explained to the board that he felt the airport had no other option than to look at a less ambitious terminal project. “We really need to determine what we can afford,” he said. “Once we find out what we can afford, then we can go ahead and structure what we are going to build.” While Johnson said he did not want to prejudge the board’s ultimate decision for a new terminal, he did, however,

was serving his fifth consecutive term as chairman of the aviation commission and had been a member of the board for 24 years. There’s probably no one in Augusta who cares more about Augusta Regional Airport, or Bush Field as he still calls it, than Skinner. So, when the 2000 aviation commission voted 5-4 to delay LPA’s westside terminal plan, Skinner predicted that the airport was headed down a long path that would ultimately lead to a dead end. Today, many Augustans believe Skinner was right. “First, I need to say that I haven’t been to a meeting at Bush Field for over two years and it’s easy for someone who has not been involved with the decisionmaking process to be critical,” Skinner said. “That’s not my intention. I just want to say, I think it is very encouraging that the commission has decided to take another look at westside terminal. To me, it just makes good sense.” In 2000, several aviation commissioners claimed their reason for postponing LPA’s

“Why we went from a $20 million terminal to $64 million, three times as much, I don’t know. It was just inconceivable to me.” – Ed Skinner, former chairman of the Augusta Aviation Commission

make copies of an airport layout plan that outlined the construction of a new terminal in the same area as the current facility. This area is known as the westside of the airport property. The estimated cost of building such a westside terminal is roughly $25 million. In 1999, LPA Group, Inc., a transportation consultant firm out of Columbia, S.C., designed a terminal layout plan for Augusta Regional Airport. This layout plan focused on building a new facility in the current terminal’s westside location. Ironically, LPA’s layout plan had scheduled the completion date of the proposed new westside terminal for 2003. But in June 2000, LPA’s design was shelved in favor of developing a master plan for the airport. That was a particularly dark day for one man in Augusta who had dedicated almost 25 years of his life to Augusta Regional Airport. In 2000, Ed Skinner, a retired vice president of Morris Communications,

terminal design was because the airport desperately needed to develop a master plan — a detailed road map airports use to plan future goals and needs. Without this master plan, some aviation commissioners stated, Augusta would have a very difficult time receiving significant funding from the FAA for a new terminal. “That is totally wrong,” Skinner said. “It’s totally erroneous.” Skinner said he has talked to Scott Seritt, the Southern Regional FAA Manager in Atlanta, on several occasions in the past, and Seritt told him that all Augusta Regional Airport needs for funding consideration for a new terminal is an airport layout plan, which the airport had in 2000. Skinner said he believes the real delay in voting for LPA’s terminal plan in 2000 was because the majority of the new board members wanted a midfield terminal much like the Savannah airport. “I remember when the mayor and some

of our Augusta commissioners accompanied several aviation commissioners to Savannah to visit their airport,” Skinner said. “That’s when we lost the (westside) terminal project.” The only problem was, even in 2000, Skinner said it was unrealistic to consider trying to fund a midfield terminal. At the time, construction of a new westside terminal was estimated to cost approximately $25 million, but that included additional capital improvement projects beyond the terminal at the airport. Skinner said he believed the cost of the terminal, alone, was approximately $17 million in 2000. “But even back then, we had a little problem talking about the bonding for a $25 million project,” Skinner said. “The debt service would have been about $1.2 million a year. Beyond that, you were stretching it. So, why we went from a $20 million terminal to $64 million, three times as much, I don’t know. It was just inconceivable to me. “And why it took two years to figure that out, I don’t know that either.” But even if Augusta could afford to build a $64 million terminal, Skinner said, there would have been many obstacles for the airport to face such as potential bird and environmental problems relating to the close proximity of Phinizy Swamp to the airport. “That could have delayed that project forever,” Skinner said. “So, I’m very happy to hear that the aviation commission is reconsidering its support of the midfield terminal. I think Cedric Johnson, as chairman, has done a fantastic job getting back to some logical thinking that we needed to have to move this community forward.”

The Mother of the Master Plan In January 2001, Marcie Wilhelmi took over as chairwoman of the aviation commission and encouraged the board to think beyond what Augusta Regional Airport had “always done.” She believed just because the airport had been run a particular way for almost 50 years didn’t mean that was the best way. Shortly after Wilhelmi took over the captain’s seat on the aviation commission, Skinner resigned from the board. Wilhelmi’s passionate approach to the airport at times rubbed long-time commissioners the wrong way. Wilhelmi was not shy about campaigning for things she felt were desperately needed at the airport, such as the development of a master plan. She also made no secret about the fact that she thought a midfield terminal with parallel runways was the best option for Augusta’s aviation future. In fact, during the preliminary presentation of the master plan’s options for a new terminal in June 2001, Wilhelmi did not mince her words when speaking to the board. “Don’t make the mistake of shortchanging yourself when you are investing in the future,” Wilhelmi said. “You just don’t know how high the sky’s

limit is.” Unfortunately, today, Wilhelmi believes the aviation commission’s timing to build a midfield terminal was about 18 months off the mark. “If we would have had a master plan in the late 1990s, we would have a midfield terminal today,” Wilhelmi said, sitting in her home. “Our master plan was hatched before Sept. 11, and certainly, everything has been turned inside out since then. “Right now, the airport’s biggest concern is, the entire model of the airline industry is being reinvented under our feet.” Considering the industry’s current climate, there is no easy decision regarding a new terminal, Wilhelmi said. “It’s a shame that this is happening in the worst tumultuous time that the industry has ever seen,” Wilhelmi said. “No one in the industry can tell you how many airlines we’re going to have next year. And I’m scared to death that if we go to war, we are looking at United and USAirways possibly going Chapter 7 (bankruptcy) and an American and Delta both going Chapter 13. Then the whole industry implodes. “So, in times like these, you’re wiser to hunker down and pull back than to be a visionary.” Wilhelmi understands that the airport has no other choice than to seriously consider building a new westside terminal, even though she voted against a recent motion by the aviation commission to revisit the 1999 LPA terminal plan. “Can we feel good about a new westside terminal?” Wilhelmi asked herself. “Well, here’s how Mother Goose, who’s bled enough blood over this to fill a pond, feels about it: Our biggest goal is not the actual building. Our goal is to provide local airline passengers the greatest amount of accessibility we can get them at our airport and do what we have to do to bring a low-cost carrier, like Southwest Airlines, into this market. “If that means building an intermediate facility, until we can demonstrate that we are busting out at the seams and we have to go midfield, then that’s what it means.” Wilhelmi said if she had her druthers, Augusta would be sharing an airport with Columbia, S.C., today. Wilhelmi explained that several years ago, when Skinner was chairman of the aviation commission, Augusta was approached by representatives from South Carolina looking to create a regional airport. “That was probably the biggest missed economic opportunity in my time in Augusta,” Wilhelmi said. “We would be a regional jet center by now.” Despite their past rocky relationship, Skinner actually agrees with Wilhelmi regarding the regional airport concept with Columbia. “Back then, I did not support it, but I’ve lived to regret it,” Skinner said, pointing out that he was only one of many local people approached by Columbia officials. “I, being on the aviation commission at the time, thought Augusta continued on page 20

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could lose its identity if we built an airport with Columbia. But now, I think had we done that, we would be so much better off today. “So, I wasn’t in favor of it then, but I realize now that was a terrible mistake. It was very short-sighted.” The last thing Wilhelmi wants to do is be a party to another short-sighted decision at Augusta Regional Airport, she said. “There is no real easy way to make this decision,” Wilhelmi said. “And the biggest wild card of all is the possibility of a low-cost carrier entry into this market. If you throw a low-cost carrier into the mix, all bets are off. The number of our enplaned passengers is going to go through the roof. “We could go from 150,000 passengers this year to 1 million overnight with a Southwest entry. That’s a pretty big swing to try to plan for.” In the next two years, Wilhelmi predicts, a low-cost carrier will enter into this market. “That’s why I have been a harping bitch on the need to shape this airport into a low-cost carrier environment,” Wilhelmi said, laughing. “We have a gun to our heads and it’s decision time. We are just going to have to make our dollars go as far as they can stretch.”

Augusta’s Ample Expert Advice In order to attract a low-cost carrier into the Augusta market, Mike Moroney of Black & Veatch — the consulting firm that developed the airport’s master plan — told the aviation commission that the first thing it needs to do is reduce expenses at the airport. “The airport’s operating numbers are all going the wrong way,” Moroney said during a Feb. 20 airport meeting. “Activity is going down. Costs are going up.” For a low-cost carrier like Southwest, “cost” is a very bad word, Moroney said. “Let’s just look at numbers that are indicative of what I’m worried about,” Moroney told the commission. “The total maintenance and operating expenses in 1999 was about $3.5 million. Now, take a look at the budgeted operating and

“We have a gun to our heads and it’s decision time. We are just going to have to make our dollars go as far as they can stretch.” – Augusta Aviation Commissioner Marcie Wilhelmi

maintenance expenses for 2003, which is basically $7.5 million.” That’s a $4 million increase over a fouryear period, Moroney said. In 1999, the airport’s operating and maintenance cost was running about $16 per passenger. Today, that number is $42 per passenger. “The $16 figure is high. It’s very high,” Moroney said. “So, when you get into 2003, the $42 is just unbelievable.” Currently, with a $42 per passenger expense, there is no way a low-cost carrier would consider Augusta, Moroney said. He suggested that the airport cut its expenses by at least 20 percent within the next three to six months and look for additional sources of revenue. Kraemer took exception to some of Moroney’s financial projections, saying Moroney was not using the airport’s most recent financial numbers. As the two began debating the issue, aviation commissioner Joe Scott interrupted by saying, “Let me ask you this, Mike and Ken: Is this the first time y’all compared these numbers? Shouldn’t we be on the same page with all of this by now?” Moroney said he thought they were on the same page. “To answer your question, Commissioner Scott, this is the first time

I’ve seen this document,” Kraemer said, adding that he had asked to meet with Moroney prior to the meeting, but that Moroney had been unavailable. This was not the first time Moroney and Kraemer publicly disagreed with Black & Veatch’s projections for the airport. And some Augustans are beginning to feel that it’s time for the airport to start listening to someone besides Black & Veatch. “We got involved with Black & Veatch and we spent over $1 million with them on a master plan,” Skinner said. “The time should come now that Black & Veatch should move on. I don’t know what kind of service they can provide for us anymore. “The Augusta Aviation Commission needs to say, ‘Thank you, you’ve provided us all the service we can afford.’” Last week, LPA Group was on hand to give the aviation commission its two cents on Augusta’s terminal dilemma. Dennis Wiehl, vice president of architecture for LPA Group, believes LPA’s 1999 terminal plan could be updated to handle Augusta’s future needs for at least the next 17 years. “The master plan shows a gate need of seven gates in 2020,” Wiehl said. “The 1999 terminal plan anticipated six gates to be completed in 2003. So, that would mean, under that plan, that you need just

C.S. LEWIS:

one more gate in the next 17 years.” Bill Johnston, a managing director of municipal finances from Banc of America Securities in Atlanta, also said that, according to his calculations, if the Augusta airport went to the bond market today, it could expect to receive about $25 million for the terminal project under a 20-year bond issue. Those are numbers the aviation commission should consider, Wiehl said. “I think the issue is not location but affordability,” Wiehl said. “I think the dollars speak for the program that you want to develop.” One of Wiehl’s colleagues, Dave Rickerson of LPA’s Orlando division, said the key to airport planning is to look toward the future, but also realistically build for today’s needs. “I don’t think you scrap your master plan. I think that would be a mistake,” Rickerson said. “But, do I think you need a parallel runway in a 20-year timeframe to meet the demands of your carriers, even if Southwest enters this environment? I would say absolutely, unequivocally, ‘No.’” However, Wilhelmi and several other aviation commissioners find themselves often agreeing with Black & Veatch’s recommendations, particularly when it comes to financing the airport. In fact, the board instructed Kraemer on Feb. 27 to reduce the airport’s operating budget by 25 percent by the end of the year. “I am not at all unhappy with our master plan team,” Wilhelmi said. “They showed us what our deficiencies were and we are down to D-Day now. We’ve got to make it happen.” In Wilhelmi’s opinion, the biggest issues facing the airport are its staffing problems. “We are overstaffed and we are not appropriately staffed,” she said. “We need to determine who our best workers are and cut bait. “Because unfortunately, productivity was critical last year, but it’s essential this year. It is life or death this year.”

The Challenges Continue While the airport obviously has some challenges ahead, at least Augustans can feel good about playing a major role in

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bringing Continental Express to the area, right? Maybe. Last October, when Continental officially announced it was coming to Augusta, every media outlet in Augusta was promoting the fact that the citizens of the CSRA had raised more than $540,000 in the Continental Challenge II campaign to help offset the airline’s startup costs. The community’s contributions actually surpassed the campaign’s goal because Augusta’s agreement with Continental was only for $527,000. “This is a can-do community,” Woody Merry, co-chairman of Continental Challenge II frequently told reporters. Well, the truth of the matter is, citizens in Augusta and the surrounding communities actually contributed about $119,340 to the campaign. The Augusta Commission agreed to provide the airport an additional $100,000 and the state’s One Georgia Edge Fund Grant promised $200,000 toward the Continental campaign. Augusta Regional Airport also pledged to Continental approximately $84,000 worth of new equipment to help with the campaign. And finally, the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce promised the airport $15,000 over a two-year period and the Savannah River Site pledged $25,000 over a five-year period. That brought the total number of pledges to more than $540,000. However,

now the airport is still waiting on a lot of that money to materialize. “Well, first Continental came and took a look at the ($84,000) equipment that we bought and said, ‘It’s nice equipment but it doesn’t meet our specifications,’” Kraemer said, during a Feb. 26 finance committee meeting. “The money from Augusta’s chamber of commerce was $15,000 and so far they’ve paid $7,500. The remaining $7,500 will be paid next year. And the money from Savannah River Site was $25,000 and we haven’t received any of that yet.” Kraemer told the committee that the airport had received the public’s $119,348 worth of contributions and that money is already in the bank. However, the airport hadn’t received the $100,000 from Augusta-Richmond County or the $200,000 from the One Georgia state grant. “So, of the $527,000 we need to give Continental, for certain, we have $119,000,” Kraemer said. “We have 99.99 percent assurance from AugustaRichmond County that the $100,000 is coming. But we do not yet have the One Georgia funds of $200,000.” Johnson, chairman of the aviation commission, told the finance committee that the One Georgia account was delayed as a result of the change in political leadership in Atlanta. “I’m pretty confident that once everything gets settled, we should be able to get that funding,” Johnson said. Kraemer explained that the airport’s

“Grant money always takes a little longer. The money is definitely coming. It’s committed and it will be there.”

S P I R I T M A R 6 2 0 0 3

- Woody Merry, co-chairman of Continental Challenge II

contract with Continental is still being reviewed by the airline’s lawyers, but he said he anticipates Continental’s bill for $527,000 will be coming soon. “So, basically what we need to do is finance $308,450 to cover the $527,000 owed Continental until all of those pledges and the One Georgia grant comes in,” Kraemer said. The aviation commission unanimously voted to take the $308,000 out of the airport’s savings account to cover the Continental pledge.

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But during the airport’s celebration of Continental’s inaugural flight into Augusta, Merry said that Augustans have nothing to fear. All of the money will come through, he said, including the $200,000 One Georgia grant. “It’s coming in. Grant money always takes a little longer,” Merry said, as aviation commissioners began gathering for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “The money is definitely coming. It’s committed and it will be there. Today just proves, this is a can-do community.”

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HOOTIE’S BACK ...

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BUT WILL ANYBODY LISTEN?

hen legendary record producer Don Was stepped into a California rehearsal space where Hootie & the Blowfish was gearing up for a new album, he seemed skeptical about signing up for the project. “When he came in to see us, I don’t think he was really thinking he wanted to do the Hootie and the Blowfish gig,” says singer Darius Rucker. “I think he came (because of) our name and the fact that we’re friends with his manager.” Whatever his reasons, however, Was decided to give Hootie a listen. And after he heard the band play a few songs, “He got it,” Rucker says. “He said, ‘We should do it right here.’” It was quite a compliment coming from Was, who has worked with Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, Elton

BY DAN COOK

John, The B-52s, The Black Crowes and many more. But as Hootie prepares for the March 4 release of the album Was produced — their first album of original material in more than four years — they’ll be lucky to get that same response elsewhere. Ever since the massive success of their 1994 Atlantic Records debut, “Cracked Rear View,” Hootie & the Blowfish have struggled in the face of skeptical music critics and an increasingly indifferent music-buying public. “Cracked Rear View” catapulted the members of Hootie — Rucker, Mark Bryan (guitar), Dean Felber (bass) and Jim Sonefeld (drums) — from the regional club circuit into the upper echelons of pop music history. With sales of 16 million copies, the record is now tied with releases by Boston and Alanis Morisette as the best-selling debut album of all time. And the three hit singles from that record — “Hold My Hand,”

“Let Her Cry” and “Only Wanna Be With You” — are among the most easily recognized rock songs of the 1990s. But trends in pop music are notoriously fleeting. One day, being Britney Spears means that everything you touch turns to gold (or multi-platinum); the next day, you awake to discover that your sales are plummeting, Pepsi won’t renew your contract and Avril Lavigne has taken your place in the spotlight. For Hootie & the Blowfish, the evershifting terrain of pop music turned the band’s fairy-tale rise of 1994-95 into a nightmare of anti-Hootie backlash by 1996. “I definitely don’t think we could ever have a clean slate,” Rucker says when asked if the four-plus years between albums might give them a reprieve from the critics. “It’s impossible after ‘Cracked Rear View’ doing what it did,” he says. “I don’t know if they’re going to give it a chance or not.”

In the aftermath of “Cracked Rear View’s” phenomenal success, many journalists and music fans had a vitriolic response to Hootie. For some, the problem was Hootie’s easygoing sound, which bore little relation to the angst-filled grunge era that preceded it. For others, it was the band’s roots in the fraternity scene, with its keg parties, baseball caps and khaki pants. Regardless of what critics’ objections to Hootie were, one thing was clear: None of the band’s years of club-level work on their way to the top seemed to matter. As far as the critics were concerned, the breezy lyrics and pop-rock guitar sounds of Hootie smacked just as much of mediapackaged hype as Britney Spears would a few years later. The naysayers didn’t seem to notice or care that the band actually had little in common with marketing-driven pop. Unlike teen-pop sensations, who are

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— Darius Rucker, singer of Hootie & the Blowfish

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“I definitely don’t think we could ever have a clean slate.”

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THE COMEBACK More than four years after the release of “Musical Chairs,” no one can accuse Hootie of hogging the limelight. While both Rucker and Bryan have released solo records in the years since “Musical Chairs,” neither was a particularly highprofile affair, and the band as a whole has been almost nonexistent on the musicindustry radar. But now Hootie is back: Their new single, “Innocence,” was released on Feb. 10, and the album “Hootie & the Blowfish” came out on March 4. “It’s been good, because I think we needed the break,” Bryan says. “[But] once we took a break, we realized it was time to start over when we came back,” he says. “We just wanted to have a new approach across the board — manager, producer, everything. Once you have three or four years off, you’re not the same band when you come back.” “I think it’s at a point where we’re at a defining moment,” Rucker says. “I was the one really pushing to self-title (the new record). To me, just listening to it, after making it and after going through the last eight years of our lives, I just felt like it didn’t need a name. I mean this is us; this is where we are; this is what we do.” If “Hootie & The Blowfish” is a defining record, it defines the band as being in several places at once. The band’s calling card is still Rucker’s full-bodied voice booming out over guitar-driven pop-rock, but there are several variations on that formula. Overall, the band’s arrangements have become more subtle, with keyboardist John Nau now contributing more in the way of atmospheric textures, as well as the funky grooves he laid down on “Musical Chairs.” In addition, Bryan’s guitar is now more integrated into a balanced sound, whereas in the past it usually has been the most prominent non-vocal element. Other notable changes include the use of drum loops and, as Rucker puts it, “Mark’s new love of lap steel.” But the songwriting on the record is too varied to generalize: All four members of continued on page 24

s• se as Gl

rock era, no band has suffered such a dramatic drop in sales after a giant album as Hootie and the Blowfish.” The cause, Bream wrote: “overexposure.”

s in pk Na il ta ck Co

dependent entirely on singles, videos and outside songwriters, Hootie was a legitimate rock band from the start, writing their own material, releasing their own recordings and doing grassroots tours for years before they were signed to a major label. Formed at USC in 1986, Hootie & the Blowfish toured heavily and sold thousands of records long before they came to the attention of Atlantic Records. “We could have kept going indie if we had wanted to — and still done pretty well,” says guitarist Mark Bryan. “Of course, going with Atlantic really pushed it over the edge.” Rucker laughs when he thinks about some of the band’s negative press in the mid-‘90s. “I ain’t crying or whining about it. It’s the way the business is,” he says. “That’s fine with me.” Still, the reviews had to hurt. In an article representative of many at the time, for example, the Orlando Sentinel Tribune compared Hootie to McDonald’s: “(B)oth corporations have similar philosophies. They’re clean, friendly and the ingredients are uniform. You don’t have to worry about buying a Big Mac and discovering cumin in the special sauce. And you don’t have to worry about Hootie suddenly throwing in an unfamiliar chord change, a thought-provoking metaphor or a guitar riff you’ve never heard before.” “For some of the things that were said, you really had to hate it before you put it on to have written that,” Rucker says. “I mean, you don’t listen to a record and say those things.” If the vitriol had been confined to music critics, Hootie might have had an easier time. But after the runaway success of “Cracked Rear View,” the sales of their subsequent releases — though strong in absolute terms — looked like flops in comparison. Their second CD, “Fairweather Johnson” (1996), sold 3 million copies — less than one-fifth of “Cracked Rear View.” “Musical Chairs,” released in 1998, sold 1 million copies. And “Scattered, Smothered and Covered” (2000), a CD of covers and rarities, is not certified, meaning it has sold fewer than 500,000 copies. “Call it the one-album-wonder syndrome,” wrote Jon Bream in the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune. “In the

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continued from page 23 the band write songs, and the songs on the record were written over a six-year period. The album also has one cover tune, 1993’s “The Rain Song” by The Continental Drifters. “Innocence,” the first single, is a wellcrafted pop song that starts with a low-key acoustic guitar intro but soon builds to an anthem-like chorus laden with synthesized strings. “Space” is straightforward and upbeat guitar-driven rock, somewhat reminiscent of earlier Hootie. “I’ll Come Running” sounds like a likely candidate for a second single, with a harmony-filled chorus and a soaring guitar solo. “Woody” shows nuance in its approach to weaving piano and keyboards together with various guitar tones and textures. “Tears Fall Down” is a dark, subdued song written by Sonefeld and built around Sonefeld’s drum loop and fingerpicked acoustic guitar, which are augmented by vocals, moody keyboards and a lap-steel guitar. “Little Brother” is a funky, up-tempo number that Rucker hopes to see released as a single. “Little Darlin’” brings the band’s roots and country influences to the forefront, except that the underlying beat is inspired by Fatboy Slim. “We made a really fun record,” Bryan says. “We were rehearsing in our keyboard player’s practice space out in California and we got all set up there so we could showcase stuff for producers. Don came in and said, ‘I want to record this right here, just like you guys are set up in the room.’ I mean PA and everything, with Darius singing right there in the room. So I said, ‘Does that mean I don’t have to wear headphones?’ And he’s like, ‘Yeah,’ and I said, ‘You’re hired. Let’s do it.’’’ And with the exception of a few overdubs, that is how they recorded — live in the Venice, Calif., practice space of keyboardist John Nau. “We were ready to go into some big room and have all the instruments separated and all that stuff, but (Don) said we should do it right here,” Rucker says. “And he was right.” Recording a band live — without separating vocals from instruments — is a fairly radical move for a major label studio release, but both Bryan and

“I’m not expecting Top 10 in the first week or anything. I don’t know what I’m expecting. I just want to put the record out and hit the road and be Hootie and the Blowfish again.”

Cover art by Jeff Trodahl

M E T R O

— Darius Rucker, commenting on negative reviews of Hootie & the Blowfish

Rucker say it worked out well. “(Was and engineer Ed Cherney) were just both like, ‘Guys, people are afraid of bleeding (one track onto another), but there’s nothing wrong with a little bleed if you just make it good bleed,’” Bryan says. “They knew how to mic the room so we could get the best out of it.” “It was really the first time that we recorded where I could sit and see everybody and communicate with everybody,” Rucker says. “In the studio, I can’t ever see them and if there’s glare on the glass they can’t see me. But this was like playing, like playing a show — just playing.” A NEW APPROACH The band’s relaxed approach to the studio this time around reflects a new attitude across the board. One of the biggest changes Hootie has made as it stages its comeback is parting with longtime manager Rusty Harmon and signing up with Doc McGee, who has managed the careers of Kiss, Diana Ross and Bon Jovi, among others. Bryan says that bringing in McGee has helped the band relax about the pressures of the music industry. “In the past, right when we had an album ready, we’d be in Atlantic’s face about how they were going to work it, what the single was going to be — we’d be calling people all the time,” Bryan says. “Doc kind of takes it how it comes. He doesn’t make radical decisions

or anything. It’s a very subtle, decisive approach. He’s calm: He stays calm and makes the right decisions, and it’s rubbed off on all of us.” There are tentative signs that Hootie’s new approach is paying off. “Innocence” was the second most-added single in the adult contemporary (AC) radio format the week it was released, and the fourth mostadded single in the Hot AC format. “It’s been great — surprisingly good,” Rucker says of the early response to the song. “I mean, we thought we’d get some stations and whatever, but it’s really been a positive response and we just need to get it out to more stations.” Ironically, “Innocence” almost didn’t make the album at all. The song, a collaborative effort among the whole band, was one of many songs that were considered for the album, but it was initially rejected. “We had a demo of it with Don, but we never cut it for the record,” Bryan says. “Then someone from our management came back after we were finished with the record and said, ‘I think you guys are missing the ball on this track.’ We all liked it, so we were cool with that.” Hootie ended up recording “Innocence” with producer Pete Masitti in Miami. “We were already in the mix process at this point when this guy from our management came in,” Bryan says. “So Don took the demo (of “Innocence”) and kind of worked it up with Pro Tools and everything. He built it together as if it were

going to be on the album. We didn’t really like it because we didn’t play it live — it was sort of all pieced together. But he did a great arrangement for it. He made us realize that the song could work.” As the song hits the airwaves and the album hits the stores, Rucker is excited to be getting the band moving again, but he’s keeping his expectations in check. “I’m not expecting Top 10 in the first week or anything,” he says. “I don’t know what I’m expecting. I just want to put the record out and hit the road and be Hootie and the Blowfish again. You know, we had the huge, gigantic colossal success, and then we had two records that did well, and now it’s time to get back to being a band and just go out and play.” Asked if he’s nervous about how the new record will be received, Bryan says: “Yeah, but at the same time it’s a great record, and we’re going to work it all year. You know, when we put out “Cracked Rear View,” it sold 5,000 copies the first week. And one year later, it had hit 5 million. It’s a marathon; it’s not a sprint.” It’s a marathon that Hootie & the Blowfish have been running since 1986. Now, 17 years after they first started making music — and nine years after the world discovered it — the band has finally learned to set its own pace. As for the fans, all Hootie can do is run the best race they can and hope that people are still interested in watching it.

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n spite of its name, the Village Deli is not really a deli: It’s actually a comfortable little neighborhood pub-style restaurant that serves up good food, pours good drinks and has lots of interesting stuff on the walls to look at. But it’s even more than that. Les and Lorna and their staff do their best to make everyone feel comfortable, like family, so they have a good time and will come back often. It seems to be working, because after almost 15 years, it’s still a cool little spot to go and hang out. Since Les and Lorna don’t have children of their own, they have always thought of their employees as their “kids.” Lorna explains: “We work together so much, that we know each other better than family. We sure have had lots of baby showers for our ‘kids’ over the years! Les and I think about lots of our previous employees often and wonder what they are doing these days.” Plenty of those employees have made Les and Lorna very proud by going on to become teachers, liquor distributors, pharmaceutical reps, chemical engineers, doctors and lawyers. Others have even chosen to remain in the food industry as caterers and chefs. “We love seeing them when they come in and say hello, and we encourage them all to stop by and check in with us from time to time,” Lorna says. All of their employees, past and present, have made their mark on the deli by adding their own personal touches in one

way or another – whether they were there for a short time, or for several years. (One employee even worked there for 11 years.) Les and Lorna will always consider them part of their deli family. But that sense of family doesn’t stop with the staff. There are a multitude of customers that Les and Lorna consider family as well, some of whom have been coming in for most of the 15 years that the deli has been in existence. Others are newer friends. Les and Lorna share lots of stories about the deli and friends they haven’t seen in a long time. They have watched the children of regular customers grow up – and some of those children have even gone to work for them. They’ve watched people fall in love in the deli, and then get married. “The nicest feeling is how the people of Augusta have made us feel welcome and have supported the Village Deli all these years, even though we’re not native to Augusta. It’s this kind of family feeling that makes the deli so comfortable.” When Les and Lorna ask, “How was everything?” they really care. It really is a neighborhood pub, where you can get good food and drinks, see lots of friends and family, be comfortable, and not spend a fortune. The Village Deli is located in historic Daniel Village across from Daniel Field at 2803 Wrightsboro Road in Augusta. They are open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Arts A Whole Lot of Horse Racing

& Entertainment

Trials: Taking the Horses to School Mary Jane Howell has one of the best jobs on Earth for a horse-lover. As public relations person for Dogwood Stables, part of her duty is to attend these races, snapping photographs and documenting the event. Asked if the races brought out only “horse people” like herself, she said, “No, it’s everybody,” though she added that the Aiken Trials are not quite as popular as the Aiken Steeplechase. There is a great deal of tradition involved in attending the races. At the Trials, held at the Aiken Training Track, people will park their vehicles by the rails and socialize before the races commence. Fanfare is the order of the day. There is a parade of carriages and all kinds of fun to be had. “There’ll be people here from New York,” she said, adding that it’s a huge social event, with tent parties and tailgating. But how did all this start? Howell said that, once upon a time, Aiken was the playground of wealthy Northerners

S P I R I T M A R 6 2 0 0 3

BY RHONDA JONES

he Aiken Triple Crown is about to begin. Starting on March 15 and continuing for the next two weekends after that, there’s going to be a race per weekend for horse enthusiasts and people enthusiasts alike. If you’ve never been to the Triple Crown events and have little to no idea what they are, here is the basic low-down: Three weekends, three races, starting with the Aiken Trials on March 15 at the Aiken Training Track. Those are the flat races, the ones that you probably think about whenever the term horse race comes up. A mess of horses run around a circular track and whomever gets to the finish line first wins. On March 22, the Aiken Steeplechase will take place at the Aiken Horsepark, and that is a whole ‘nother sport. These horses run on grass, not a hard track like the flat racers, and they also have obstacles to jump. If aesthetics are what you’re into, then this race may just be the one for you. You just have to position yourself so that you’ll actually get a glimpse of the equine athletes every now and then. The final race, on March 29, is the Aiken Harness Race at McGhee’s Mile. These horses pull lightweight “buggies” known as sulkies. And they’re Standardbreds, not Thoroughbreds. But we’ll get to that part later.

M E T R O

Photo Courtesy of Randy Warrick of the Aiken Harness Race

who brought their horses with them when they came. It was inevitable that they would get the bug to race them. “The Trials were the offshoot of all that,” she said. The Trials, she said, are a very special kind of flat race. It’s a sort of starter race for the horses actually trained in Aiken, which means that the horses are young and not used to crowds and fanfare. “Most trainers use the trials for education for their horses,” she said. It gives the horses a taste of what is to come. “When they ship out of here to start their racing careers, they will have had a race already,” she said. Works out well for the riders too. “In Aiken the exercise riders get to wear the silks and ride the races,” Howell said, which isn’t the case in the grown-up races. Steeplechase: “A Different Kind of Sport” That’s exactly how Howell describes the Aiken Steeplechase, and it’s different, she said, in more ways than just visually. “Steeplechasing is much kinder,” she said. “It’s not as fast.” It’s also on grass and not a hard track. The schedule is not as rigorous either. There’s always a flat race going on somewhere, she said, but the entire sport of

steeplechasing shuts down from November to March, giving the horses a built-in vacation. In fact, she added, a lot of Thoroughbreds that flunk out of flat racing take right to the steeplechase, she said. Because of that, these horses tend to be a bit older than the flat racers. “You’ll see steeplechasers that are 14 and 15 years old,” she said. And, just like at the flat races, there’s plenty of socializing among the onlookers. Although “onlookers” is a loose term. “Some people, I think, at the steeplechase never even see the horses,” she said. People play football, walk around the field. Owners will hold catered affairs. “It goes from them to people with pickup trucks and barbecue,” she said. There are even vendors. “Of the three (races), that is the big one,” she said, as far as a festival-type atmosphere goes. “You have to get there early and you stay late.” And Then There’s the Harness Race The Aiken Harness race is run by Standardbreds, as opposed to Thoroughbreds. Howell describes them as long-legged animals, courser, with less-refined heads. “They’re not as high-spirited,” she said. According to Bruce McGhee, the owner of McGhee’s Mile track, who bought the place in 1997, the main difference in the two breeds

is the way that they move around the track, and in the type of people that each attracts. His wife Janice hitched a horse to a sulky, or racing carriage, as he talked. He pointed out how she actually had her hands on the horse, even though she was an owner. “We work with the horse and that is the main difference,” he said. “Thoroughbred owners pay the bills (while) everyone else does the work.” He said that the Thoroughbred owner gets his payoff when a member of his stable wins a race and he gets to hang out in the winner’s circle. The payoff for the Standardbred owner comes day by day, he said, when he sees one of his animals progressing. As for the horses themselves, he said, the main differences are in the gait and toughness. “The Thoroughbred is on a dead run. He comes out of the starting gate running, all four legs pushing,” McGhee said. The Standardbred, on the other hand, either trots or paces. And those gaits are no accident. The trotter, he said, uses a “diagonal gait” – left front leg moving in unison with the right back leg and vice-versa. A pacer moves its left legs, then its right legs. “It’s mostly breeding,” he said, though there are certain horses whose gait you can change. A pacer’s gait is enhanced, he added, by the use of a hopple, or a strap that runs from a front leg to the corresponding back leg. Shoeing also enhances the gait. Trotters, he said, get heavy shoes in front and light shoes behind. A pacer gets the opposite. There are other differences too, he said, between the two breeds of horse. Standardbreds, he said, are tougher. Dolly Bostwick, whose uncle Dunbar built the track in 1936, once asked him how he trained his Standardbreds. He proceeded to tell her, but then she stopped him. “My God, if we trained Thoroughbreds that way, they’d break down,” he said, mimicking her. He laughed. “Our horses will take a lot more ... how do I say it? They’re tougher horses.” He explained how the two breeds came about. “The Thoroughbred is a horse that has come down through the ages as a Thoroughbred.” The Standardbred is much younger, he said, a combination of existing breeds. “There is Thoroughbred in it,” he added. There are also differences in the types of investment that each horse is good for. “I continued on page 28

EVENTS

28 M E T R O S P I R I T M A R 6 2 0 0 3

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speculate you can buy the same earning power with Standardbred to Thoroughbred at a 90-percent discount,” McGhee said. Speaking of finances, there was a note on money and the harness race that McGhee felt it important for the general public to know: “Every cent that comes in on that day goes to the USCA athletic department. We charge nothing for putting this thing on.” A Brief History of Aiken Racing McGhee told an interesting story about how the harness races started. “Back in the ‘40s, I was 12, 13, 14 years old,” he said. Young men back then liked to take out their best girl for rides, and when they came to stop lights, he said, they often came upon other young men out with their best girls. Their eyes would meet and a challenge would be given. Inevitably, a contest would ensue, to see who could go the fastest. In fact, he said, he is positive it still happens today. “But this was before the automobile,” he said. “And then they’d race from one church to another. The competition is in the mind of the young person.” In a three-part article series written in 2000 for The Backstretch magazine, Howell wrote about Aiken’s racing tradition, following the town from its inception in 1835 to the present. In the second article, “Training Track Has Served as Cradle of Champions,” she points to the opening of the Aiken Training Track in 1941, where the Aiken Trials are held, as the birth of Aiken as a horse racing town. By the 1970s, the article goes on to say, the training center had a reputation as a training ground for champions. In 1971, more than 15 trainers were stabled in Aiken, working with over 300 horses, Howell wrote, and goes on to say in the last article of the series that in 2000, there were just as many horses training in Aiken as there were in the ‘70s. Take Me Out to the Races

Financing Available

Hours: Mon & Thurs 9:30-8:00 Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat 9:30-6:00 Sun 1-5

The Aiken Trials March 15, 2003 Sponsor: The Aiken Jaycees Post Time: 2 p.m., with gates open at 10:30 a.m. • Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the gate, with children 6 and under allowed in for free. • Advance general parking is $5, $10 at the gate for infield or outfield parking. • Camper/motor home parking is $20. • There are limited reserved parking packages

available and you can only reserve spots on the back row. Those are available at the Aiken Chamber of Commerce. Phone (803) 641-1111. • For info call the Aiken Training Track at (803) 648-4631. • For ticket info call (803) 278-4TIX. The Aiken Steeplechase March 22, 2003 Sponsor: Aiken Steeplechase Association Post Time: 1 p.m. • Gates open 9:30 a.m. • Advance tickets $10, at the gate $15. • Children 6 and under free. • General admission reserved infield parking $25. • Powderhouse Polo Field parking $10, race day only. • RV parking $100, includes two tickets for 20’ x 45’ infield space. • Guarantor Package: $300/$75 per person. includes four tickets, tent party, luncheon, entertainment and parking, adjacent to the tent. • Subscriber: $150, includes four tickets and parking on the rail. • General admission railside package: $100. Includes two tickets and parking on the rail. Railside reservations limited. Call for availability. • Steeplechase Association office hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (803) 648-9641. Also visit www.aikensteeplechase.com. • Race is for the benefit of Helping Hands and the Aiken S.P.C.A. The Aiken Harness Race March 29, 2003 Sponsor: USCAiken/USCA Pacer Club Post Time: 1 p.m. Gates open 10 a.m. • Advance tickets $8 for adults, $5 kids 6-11 years. Tickets $10 at the gate for adults, $6 kids 6-11. Children under 6 free. • Railside Parking Package: First row is $85, which includes four adult tickets and programs. Second row is $60, which includes four adult tickets and programs. • General admission parking is $2, which includes program. Additional programs are $1. • Reserved Parking: Campers/motor homes back row only. No tents first and second rows. • For info call the Aiken Chamber of Commerce at (803) 641-1111.

Days A Week

Arts

choose any class time: Mondays, 9 a.m. to noon or 6-9 p.m.; Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m.; or Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon. $30 per month. Call (803) 642-7631 for info.

Auditions

USC-AIKEN MUSIC CONSERVATORY PROGRAM now open. Students of all ages and experience levels welcome. Private lessons available for musical instruments and voice; instructors are USC-Aiken faculty and have at least a master’s degree in their per formance area. (803) 641-3288.

DIRECTORS WANTED for “The Player’s Showcase” and “Othello,” to be per formed at the Imperial Theatre on July 12. Send resumes to EternalNothing@hotmail.com or call Jonathan Marcantoni at 364-5047 for details. COWPARADE ATLANTA 2003 CALL TO ARTISTS interested in painting one of 200 life-sized fiberglass cows to decorate Atlanta this summer. Professional and amateur ar tists from throughout Georgia are welcome to submit designs for consideration. Deadline for submissions is March 28. For more information, call (404) 898-2915 or visit the Cow Parade Atlanta Web site at www.cowparadeatlanta.com. AUGUSTA CHILDREN’S CHORALE AUDITIONS for training and per formance choirs open to children in grades 3-8. Auditions held May 3. Call 826-4718 to schedule an audition appointment. AUGUSTA CONCERT BAND rehearses Monday evenings and is looking to fill vacancies on most band instruments. Interested par ties should contact Ben Easter, (803) 2020091 or e-mail bandforaugusta@aol.com. SWEET ADELINES PEACH STATE CHORUS OPEN REHEARSAL for singers each Thursday at 7 p.m. Held at 600 Mar tintown Road in Nor th Augusta. Contact Mildred Blain at 736-7740 or Mary Norman at (803) 279-6499.

Education

CLAY POT PAINTING CLASSES with local artist Denise Zemora at the Maxwell Branch Library. Intermediate class is March 15, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; advanced class is March 29, 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. $2 fee. For registration information, call 793-2020. THE GERTRUDE HERBERT INSTITUTE OF ART is accepting applications for tuition assistance for the spring quar ter now through March 11. The institute’s spring quar ter runs March 17-May 29. To apply, call 722-5495 or e-mail ghia@ghia.org to request a scholarship application form or a free catalog of class listings. ART CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS are offered year-round at the Ger trude Herber t Institute of Ar t. Classes and workshops are open to toddlers through adults and feature instruction in drawing, painting, photography, pot tery, weaving and sculpture. For a newslet ter or detailed information on registering for classes at the Ger trude Herber t, call 722-5495. The Ger trude Herber t Institute of Ar t also offers Educational Tours; for information, contact the Education Director at the above telephone number. ART CLASSES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS at the Ar t Factory. The Ar t Factory also has a homeschool program and scholarships are available. Spring session runs March 10-May 24, and includes voice lesson and pantomime workshops, as well as classes in dance, theater, music, visual ar ts and writing. Call 731-0008 for details. CERAMICS CLASSES at the Weeks Center Ceramics House in Aiken. Fees include one class per week and students can

Exhibitions

PHOTOGR APHY AND MIXED-MEDIA PIECES BY SHELLY SCHMIDT will be on display at the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame in Aiken through March 30. An ar tist reception is planned for March 9, 2-5 p.m. The public is welcome to at tend. For more information, call (803) 642-7650. “WALTON’S REFLECTIONS: 30 DAYS OF CREATIVE EXPRESSION” features the winning pieces from the Georgia Ar tists With Disabilities 2002-2003 Exhibition, as well as works by local disabled ar tists. Exhibit opening is March 7, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Marbury Center. The ar twork will be on display at Walton Rehabilitation Hospital, 1355 Independence Drive, March 10-28. Open to the public and free of charge; however, donations to the Walton Foundation Fund will be accepted. Call 826-5809 for info. AIKEN HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT ART SHOW in the Upper Gallery at USC-Aiken’s Etherredge Center through April 7. For information, call (803) 641-3305. AUGUSTA STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT ART EXHIBITIONS in the Fine Ar ts Gallery March 15-31. Call the Fine Ar ts Depar tment at 737-1453 for details. THE SOUTH CAROLINA QUILT SHOW will be at the Aiken County Historical Museum March 8-April 6. Walkthrough and reception will be held at 2 p.m. March 8. For information, call (803) 642-2015 or (803) 642-2017. DUANE BROWN PHOTO EXHIBIT at the Cot ton Exchange through the end of March. For more information, call 724-4067. ROBERT BAZEMORE JR. AND ART ROSENBAUM EXHIBITION through April 19 at Mary Pauline Gallery. For information, call 724-9542. ART BY STUDENTS OF CAROL KELLY DORN will be at the Gibbs Library throughout March. 863-1946. PHOTO-BASED SCULPTURE BY SHANNON EVANS will be the first exhibition in the Ger trude Herber t Institute of Ar t’s new third-floor exhibition spaces. Evans’ work will be on display through March 28, with an ar tist reception 5-6:30 p.m. March 13. 722-5495.

M E T R O S P I R I T M A R 6 2 0 0 3

THE PHOTOGR APHY OF LAURIE LOCKLIEAR will be on display at A Silver Lining March 7-31. For more information, call 303-9632. ANNUAL JURIED STUDENT ART SHOW at Augusta State University through March 13. For information, contact the Fine Ar ts Depar tment at 737-1453.

The “Walton’s Reflections: 30 Days of Creative Expression” exhibit showcases winning pieces from the Georgia Artists With Disabilities 2002-2003 Exhibition. It opens March 7 at the Marbury Center; after that, the exhibit moves to Walton Rehabilitation Hospital for display March 10-28. AGNES MARKWALTER YOUTH ART COMPETITION: In celebration of National Youth Ar t Month, ar twork from students in the CSRA will be on display at the First and Third Floor Galleries at Ware’s Folly through March 28. Call 722-5495 for more information. “WALKING THE LOG: PAINTINGS BY BESSIE NICKENS” exhibit will be at the Morris Museum of Ar t through May 18. March 13 opening reception includes an informal discussion about Nickens’ work with the museum’s executive director, Kevin Grogan. Fee for non-members is $3 adult, $2 seniors, students and the military. Members’ preview and reception to follow. For more information, call 724-7501. ARTWORK BY BING DAVIS will be on exhibit at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History through March 30. For information, call the museum at 724-3576. THE ARTWORK OF MALAIKA FAVORITE will be on display in the Reese Library at Augusta State University through March 11. For more information, visit www.aug.edu/library/cullum2003. PAINTINGS BY DANIEL HAYES will be on display at the Euchee Creek Library during the month of March. 556-0594. “THIRTY YEARS OF ROCK AND ROLL: PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARRY HULST” showcases images of such influential musicians as the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Iggy Pop and more through the eyes of photographer Larry Hulst. The exhibit is at the Augusta Museum of History and runs through March 8. “Legends” concer t featuring a Beatles tribute band wraps things up March 8 at the Imperial Theatre. For information, call 722-8454. MARTHA SIMKINS SPECIAL EXHIBITION at the Morris Museum of Ar t through April 20. Call the museum at 7247501 for more information.

“COLLAGE WORKS: MELINDA MOORE LAMPKIN AND LUCY WEIGLE” features pieces by two local ar tists. The exhibit will be on display at the Ger trude Herber t Institute of Ar t through March 14. Call 722-5495 for more information. AT THE GERTRUDE HERBERT INSTITUTE OF ART: “Recent Works From Youth and Adult Students of the Ger trude Herber t” on display through March 31. Call 722-5495 for more information.

Dance TEENS IN ACTION WITH GOALS STEP CONTEST March 15, 7 p.m. at the Henry H. Brigham Community Center. Tickets are $3 in advance or $5 at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 792-1088. THE AUGUSTA INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCE CLUB meets Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. No par tners are needed and newcomers are welcome. Line and circle dances are taught. For location information, call 737-6299. SECOND SATURDAY DANCE at the Ballroom Dance Center, 225 Grand Slam Drive in Evans, held the second Saturday of every month, 7:30-11 p.m. Dress is casual. Tickets are $10 per person. 854-8888. AUGUSTA CHAPTER OF THE UNITED STATES AMATEUR BALLROOM DANCERS ASSOCIATION holds a dance the first Saturday of each month, from 7:15 to 11 p.m. Cost is $7 for members and $10 for non-members. Held at the BPOE Facility on Elkdom Cour t. Contact Melvis Lovet t, 733-3890, or Jean Avery, 863-4186, for information. BALLROOM DANCE CLASSES March 11-April 22 at the H.O. Weeks Center in Aiken. Cost is $40 per couple and registration is accepted in pairs only. Call (803) 642-7631 for registration information. SQUARE DANCE CLASSES: Intermediate classes run April 14-June 16. Call (803) 642-7631 for more information.

BOGEY-WOOGIE DANCE AND SOCIAL 30 CSRA/AUGUSTA GROUP holds a monthly dance every third Saturday of the

military. Group rates available. Half-price admission daily af ter 3 p.m. Operating hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Call 821-0200, 1-800-325-5445 or visit their Web site at www.NationalScienceCenter.org.

month, star ting at 7:30 p.m. There are also meetings every

M E Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Salsa Ruedo Casino and every T Wednesday at 7:45 p.m. Men are especially encouraged to R at tend. For information, phone 650-2396 or 736-3878. O S P I R I T

REDCLIFFE STATE HISTORIC SITE: 1859 mansion of S.C. Governor James Henry Hammond, held by the family for three generations until 1975. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday-Monday on the grounds. House tours are noon-3 p.m. by appointment. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Admission to the grounds is free. Fee for house tours is $3 for adults and children ages 6 to 17. For more information, call (803) 827-1473. 181 Redcliffe Road, Beech Island.

SINGLES DANCE each Saturday night from 8-11 p.m. sponsored by the Christian Social Organization for Single Adults. Held at Westside High School. Tickets $5 for members, $7 for non-members, and are available at the door. For more information, contact Doris Heath, 736-3376.

Music

M A VERDI’S “REQUIEM” will be per formed by the R Augusta Choral Society and the Augusta Symphony 6 2 0 0 3

SACRED HEART CULTURAL CENTER is offering tours of its 100-year-old building. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $1 per person, children free. 826-4700.

Orchestra March 15, 8 p.m. at ASU’s Per forming Ar ts Theatre. Preview begins at 7 p.m. March 16 per formance begins at 3 p.m. with a preview at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15-$35. For tickets and information, phone the Augusta Choral Society at 826-4713 or the Augusta Symphony at 826-4705.

HISTORIC COTTON EXCHANGE WELCOME CENTER: Open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m. Riverwalk. Free. 724-4067. THE EZEKIEL HARRIS HOUSE: Deemed “the finest 18th century house surviving in Georgia” by the “Smithsonian Guide to Historic America.” Open Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. General admission is $2; senior admission is $1 and children get in for 50 cents. For more information, call 724-0436.

A BROADWAY CABARET will be presented by Adas Yeshurun Synagogue March 15 at 8 p.m. Cantors Steven Weiss and Nancy Kassel and accompanist Judith Cole will per form. Tickets are $75 per person and include the per formance, a raf fle ticket for a cash prize and a desser t reception. Tables of 8-10 may be reserved. For tickets, contact Marilyn Levy at 7365824 or 733-7286 or Marcia Bogo at 733-9491.

Museums

GARDEN FESTIVAL SLIDE LECTURE features slides of the State Botanical Garden in Athens by Hugh and Carol Nourse. Lecture, garden par ty and book signing begin at 2 p.m. March 20 in the Morris Museum of Ar t’s second floor lobby. Admission is $5 for members and $8 for nonmembers. Reservations required. Call 724-7501.

ADVANCE TICKETS ON SALE MARCH 10 for show with The Big Mighty and special guests Days of Haze. Show is April 4 at Lake Olmstead’s Barbecue Pit. Only 250 tickets are available for this all-ages show, and the per formance will be recorded for an upcoming Big Mighty release. Tickets will be available at Lokal Loudness and CDs and More, as well as on www.bigmighty.com.

SPRING STORYTELLING EXTR AVAGANZA at the Morris Museum of Ar t March 15, 29, April 19 and May 3. The Tellers of Two Cities present a Saturday morning spring story telling series at 10:30 a.m. Free for members, $3 for adults and $2 for seniors, students and the military; children under 6 free with adult. Call 724-7501 for more information.

DAVIDSON FINE ARTS SCHOOL CHORALE SEND-OFF CONCERT March 18, 7:30 p.m., at First Baptist Church on Walton Way Ex t. For more information, call 868-6277. MUSIC AT THE MORRIS March 16 features a performance of “Music for Brass Quar tet” by the ASU Brass Quar tet and a per formance of “Solo Music for Trumpet” by Richard House. For information, contact the Morris Museum of ar t at 724-7501. “TOSCA” will be presented by the Augusta Opera March 20 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. and March 23 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $12-$40 with student and senior discounts available. Per formed in Italian with English super titles. For tickets, call 826-4710. “THE MUSIC OF HANDEL” will be per formed by the Augusta Collegium Musicum at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church March 9, 4 p.m. Soloists Keith Shafer, Barbara Hancock, Christine Wildes and Michael Budd will also per form. General admission is $10, and students and patrons are admit ted free of charge. For more information, call 733-5619. JOSEF HOFMANN PIANO COMPETITION AND FESTIVAL March 13-15 at USC-Aiken. (803) 641-3305. THE SANTA FE GUITAR QUARTET per forms March 7, 8 p.m. as par t of ASU’s Lyceum Series and the Harry Jacobs Chamber Music Society 2002-2003 season. Call the ASU Of fice of Student Activities at 737-1609. JAZZ BAND CONCERT March 11, 7 p.m. at Davidson Fine Ar ts School Commons. Free admission. Call 8236924, ex t. 111 for information. CLEON MAULDIN MEMORIAL CONCERT will be presented by the Augusta Concer t Band March 9, 7 p.m., at the ASU Per forming Ar ts Theatre. Sa xophonist Wayne Hoey is the special guest per former. Tickets are $6 for adults and $3 for seniors, children and military personnel. (803) 202-0091. TERRI GIBBS per forms a worship concer t March 9, 6 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Evans. There is no admission charge, but a love of fering will be accepted. Call 863-1228 for information. AUGUSTA SYMPHONY’S ENCORE CHAMBER SERIES comes to a close March 8, 8 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Hall on Walton Way Ex t. The Symphony’s String Quar tet and Woodwind Trio will be highlighted. Admission is $15 for adults, $7.50 for students. For tickets, call 826-4705. ERIC CHU per forms the “Trout Quintet” by Schuber t as par t of USC-Aiken’s Mauldin series March 6 at 7 p.m. Concer t will be held at USC-Aiken’s Etherredge Center. For ticket information, phone (803) 641-3305. “LEGENDS OF YESTERDAY” CONCERT March 8, 8 p.m., at the Imperial Theatre. Beatles tribute band will per form songs by the Beatles, Buddy Holly and the Everly Brothers. VIP tickets are $36 and include 6:30

First Friday at Lokal Loudness features a display of local music photography by Jeff Miles, as well as an acoustic jam, remote broadcast with 95 Rock and paintings and performance by Billy S. p.m. private reception at the Augusta Museum of History; other ticket prices range from $12-$20. All proceeds go to the Augusta Museum of History and the Imperial Theatre. To purchase tickets, visit www.imperialtheatre.com or call 722-8341. TUESDAY’S MUSIC LIVE CONCERT SERIES: All performances in the concer t series held at noon at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Concer ts are free; optional catered lunch is $7 per person. 2002-2003 season schedule is as follows: March 18, Kari Gaf fney and Jef f Williams. 722-3463. COMMUNITY HEALING MEDITATION DRUMMING CIRCLE hosted every third Monday of the month by IDRUM2U, the Not Gaddy Drumming Studio. Held 7-9 p.m. at the G.L. Jackson Conference Center, 1714 Nor th Leg Cour t. Fee is $5 or a donation of canned goods for the Golden Harvest Food Bank. All are welcome and drums will be available to rent. For info, phone the Not Gaddy Drumming Studio, 228-3200.

Theater

“PORGY AND BESS” comes to USC-Aiken’s Cultural Series at the Etherredge Center March 7, 8 p.m. Call (803) 641-3305. “WHAT A MAN WANTS, WHAT A WOMAN NEEDS” will be per formed at the Bell Auditorium March 9, 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.50 for the floor or $21.50 for the balcony, with a $2 discount for groups of 20 or more. Call the box of fice at 722-3521 for information. “A FLEA IN HER EAR” at the Aiken Community Playhouse’s Washington Center for the Per forming Ar ts. Per formances are March 7-9 and 14-15. Friday and Saturday per formances are at 8 p.m.; Sunday matinees take place at 3 p.m. For tickets, call (803) 648-1438.

Attractions

“TERRA COGNITA: CONTEMPORARY VISUAL EXPRESSIONS IN THE SOUTH, A CONVERSATION WITH BESSIE NICKENS” at the Morris Museum of Ar t 6 p.m. March 13. Admission is $3 adults, $2 seniors, students and the military. Free for ASU faculty and students and museum members. Reception to follow the lecture is free for members and $10 for non-members. 724-7501. “MASTERWORKS OF SOUTHERN ART” TOUR March 9, 2 p.m., at the Morris Museum of Ar t. Free admission. 724-7501. MORRIS MUSEUM OF ART GALA March 7 at the museum. Tickets for the black-tie event are $175 per person. For reservations, call 724-7501. THE GERTRUDE HERBERT INSTITUTE OF ART in Ware’s Folly exhibits works by local and regional ar tists. Ar t classes, workshops and other educational programming for children, youth and adults are held in the Walker-Mackenzie Studio. Ware’s Folly galleries open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Saturday by appointment only. The Walker-Mackenzie Studio gallery is open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free, but a donation of $2 for adults and $1 for children and seniors is encouraged. Call 722-5495 for more info. THE AUGUSTA MUSEUM OF HISTORY hosts permanent exhibition “Augusta’s Story,” an award-winning exhibit encompassing 12,000 years of local history. For the younger crowd, there’s the Susan L. Still Children’s Discovery Gallery, where kids can learn about history in a hands-on environment. The museum also shows films in the History Theatre and hosts a variety of programs. Located at 560 Reynolds Street. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. Admission is $4 adult, $3 seniors, $2 kids (6-18 years of age) and free for children under 6. Free admission on Sundays. Call 722-8454 or visit www.augustamuseum.org for more information.

“THE MUSIC MAN,” starring Russell Brown, will be per formed March 28-30 at the Ma xwell Per forming Ar ts Theatre. ASU Theatre and Opera Workshop are put ting on the per formances Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. To reserve tickets, or for more information, contact Linda Banister, 667-4876, or Leza Wetherington, 737-1500.

THE BOYHOOD HOME OF WOODROW WILSON: Circa 1859 Presbyterian manse occupied by the family of President Woodrow Wilson as a child during the Civil War and Reconstruction. Original and period antiques, restored house, kitchen and carriage house. 419 Seventh Street. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tues.-Sat. Tours available; groups of 10 or more by appointment only. Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 students under 18 and free for ages five and under. 722-9828.

COMEDY NIGHT AT FORT GORDON DINNER THEATRE featuring The Disgruntled Clown and Dave Ugly is open to the public, ages 18 and over. Shows are 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. March 15. Tickets are $10 per person. Call the box of fice at 793-8552.

AUGUSTA GOLF & GARDENS OF THE GEORGIA GOLF HALL OF FAME features beautiful display gardens, as well as bronze sculptures of some of golf’s greatest masters. Available for rent for a variety of functions. Group discount rates available. Closed Mondays; open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tues.-Sat.; open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5.50 for adults; $4.50 for students, seniors and military; $3.50 for children (4 to 12); free for children 3 and under. Sundays are two for one with a Super Sunday coupon. Annual garden memberships are available. Call 724-4443 or 1-888-874-4443. Also, visit their Web site at www.gghf.org.

THE MORRIS MUSEUM OF ART hosts exhibitions and special events year-round. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, noon-5 p.m. Closed on Mondays and major holidays. 1 Tenth Street, Augusta. Call 724-7501 or visit www.themorris.org for details.

NATIONAL SCIENCE CENTER’S FORT DISCOVERY: Children and adults alike can immerse themselves in the wonders of science through live demonstrations, vir tual realities, Starlab, KidScape and more than 250 hands-on exhibits. General Admission: $8 for adults; $6 for children, seniors and active

LUNCH AT NOON LECTURE SERIES held the second Wednesday of every month at the Lucy Craf t Laney Museum of Black History, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call the museum at 724-3576 for more information.

“GEORGE M! THE MUSICAL” at the Newberry Opera House April 17. The H.O. Weeks Center in Aiken has organized a bus trip that leaves the center at 1 p.m. Registration is required by March 17. (803) 642-7631. “THE BUTLER DID IT” will be at the Abbeville Opera House March 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22 at 8 p.m., with matinee per formances March 8 and 15 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $14 for seniors and children. For reservations, call (864) 459-2157.

THE MUSEUM OF LAUREL AND HARDY OF HARLEM, GEORGIA features displays of various Laurel and Hardy memorabilia; films also shown. Located at 250 N. Louisville Street in downtown Harlem. Open 1-4 p.m. Thursday-Monday. For more information, call 556-3448.

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LOW-COST RABIES VACCINATIONS: Augusta-Richmond County Animal Control holds low-cost rabies vaccination clinics the four th Sunday of every month for privately owned pets. $8 per animal. 1 p.m. at Superpetz. Dogs must be on a leash and cats in a carrier. Puppies and kit tens must be three months old and current for all vaccinations. Schedule subject to change, so please call 790-6836 to verify dates and times.

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THE CSRA HUMANE SOCIETY holds pet adoptions every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Pet Center located behind the GreenJackets Stadium on Milledge Rd. 261-PETS.

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Voted Best Steak In Augusta For 15 Years 1987-2002

2856 Washington Rd. 73-STEAK 1654 Gordon Hwy. 796-1875

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Can’t put a finger on it? Try a brush. Youth & Adult REGISTER NOW Painting Classes

Gertrude Herbert InstituteHerbert of Art Gertrude (706) 722of– Art 5495 Institute (706) 722 – 5495

Just beadin’ around at YaYa Beads! Classes available, sterling silver, hand blown glass beads and much more! GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!

YaYa Beads Beading Supplies Behind Applebee's on Washington Rd. 706.651.1147 • yayabeads@aol.com Tuesday-Friday 10am-5:30pm Saturday 10am-4:30pm

Springtime Made in the South comes to the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center March 7-9 and features fine art, jewelry, spring florals, garden accessories and more.

Special Events BOOK SIGNINGS March 8 at Borders Books and Music: Sean Joiner signs “Haunted Augusta” from 1-3 p.m. and Doris Smith signs “Ways Baptist Church” from 6-8 p.m. For more information, call 737-6962. FIRST FRIDAY EVENTS at Lokal Loudness, 1017 Broad St., March 7: local ar tist and musician Billy S. will paint and perform, as well as show some of his recent works; photographer Jeff Miles will display framed color and black and white photos of local musicians; 95 Rock hosts a live remote from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; an acoustic jam is planned from 7 p.m. until; and giveaways will be featured. Call 823-0779 for details. SACRED HEART GARDEN FESTIVAL March 20-23 at Sacred Hear t Cultural Center. Garden exhibits, floral design displays, lectures and a walking tour of some of Augusta’s private gardens will be featured. March 20 slide tour of the State Botanical Gardens will be at the Morris Museum of Ar t with an evening garden par ty to follow at Sacred Hear t. For more information, call 826-4700, visit www.sacredhear taugusta.org or e-mail shear t@knology.net. GEM, MINERAL AND FOSSIL SHOW March 7-9 at Julian Smith Casino features treasure dig for kids, jewelry-making demonstrations, pick and cut your own geode bin and more. For more information, call Connie Barrow, president of the Gem and Mineral Society at 547-0178. CLASSIC MOVIE NIGHT March 7, 7 p.m., at For t Gordon Dinner Theatre, Building 32100. Admission for showing of “Nor th by Nor thwest” is $3 and includes pizza, subs and soft drinks. Open to the public, ages 16 and up. 791-4389. WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH COMMAND PROGRAM March 13, 1 p.m., at For t Gordon’s Alexander Hall. Command Sergeant Major Michele S. Jones of the U.S. Army Reserve will speak. Free and open to the public. Call 791-2014. ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION at the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center in Aiken March 17. Free. For information, call (803) 642-7635. WOMEN IN BUSINESS SEMINAR March 18, 11:30 a.m., at Pullman Hall, features a speech on “Balancing Work and Home in Crisis Situations” by Sandra Johnson. Cost is $12 for those registering before March 14 or $15 at the door. For information, call the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce at 821-1300. SANDHILLS WRITERS CONFERENCE March 20-22 at Augusta State University. All readings are free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.sandhills.aug.edu. TRIPLE CROWN STREET FAIR at the Newberry Street Festival Center in downtown Aiken. Held from 6-11 p.m. March 14. The fair features live enter tainment by The Tams and local musicians, street per formers, family fun, a hot dog eating contest and more. Tickets are currently on sale at the H.O. Weeks Center and are also available at the gate the day of the fair. For information, call (803) 642-7631.

FREE TAX ASSISTANCE AND TAX PREPAR ATION at Volunteer Income Ta x Assistance sites throughout Augusta. Contact the Mayor’s Of fice for Work force Development at 821-1834. ADULT SCR ABBLE NIGHT at the Gibbs Library March 10, 6-8 p.m. All levels of play are welcome; bring a board. Registration required. Call 863-1946. SPRINGTIME MADE IN THE SOUTH will be at the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center March 7-9. Fine ar t, pot tery, stained glass, jewelry, spring florals, decorative garden accessories and more will be on display. Admission is $5. For more information, call the Civic Center box of fice at 722-3521. SPEAKER IMAM EARL ABDUL MALIK MOHAMMED, president of the World Council on Religion and Peace, will deliver a public address March 13, 7-9 p.m. in the main auditorium of Washington Hall on the ASU campus. For more information, contact the Muslim Community Center of Augusta at 481-8007. HEALTH CAREERS OPPORTUNITY PROGR AM is accepting applications for its six-week summer academic enrichment program through April 1. The program is designed to provide students from underrepresented groups and/or disadvantaged backgrounds with an oppor tunity to enter and graduate from schooling in health professions. Open to qualified rising high school seniors and pre-college freshmen interested in pursing a healthcare career. 821-8203. PAINE COLLEGE UPWARD BOUND, a summer session designed to improve academic per formance and increase motivational levels among students, is accepting applications for the program through March 7. Project par ticipants must be potential first-generation college students enrolled in high school in Richmond County and meet the U.S. Depar tment of Education’s parental income and educational background guidelines. Interested high school freshmen and sophomores should contact their school’s guidance counselor or call 821-8210. MARCH FILM SERIES at Headquar ters Library Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. March 11 screening of “The Last Picture Show,” March 18 screening of “Colonel Effingham’s Raid,” March 25 screening of “Bot tle Rocket.” For information, call 821-2600. HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS TICKETS NOW ON SALE through TicketMaster. The Globetrot ters will be at the Augusta-Richmond County Civic Center March 13, 7 p.m. Ticket prices range from $13-$41. Order online at www.ticketmaster.com or call 828-7700. 2003 CULLUM LECTURE SERIES at Augusta State University: The title of this year’s series is “Frontiers in Motion: U.S.-Latin American and Caribbean Borderlands.” On March 11, Margarita Aponte speaks on “Hispanics in the Military” at 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m in Butler Lecture Hall. Admission to all Cullum events is free. March 18 features the Crossing the Border Festival from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Held in the Quadrangle behind Fanning Hall; rain location is the por tico of the Science Building. For more information, visit www.aug.edu/library/cullum2003.

Out of Town

“CRIMES OF THE HEART” will be presented by the Alliance Theatre Company on the Alliance Stage in Atlanta March 19April 20. Tickets are $17-$46; $10 tickets available for those under 25 years of age. Call (404) 733-5000 or visit www.alliancetheatre.org. ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE in Savannah, Ga., March 17. For more information, call the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce at (912) 644-6400. “CLEMENT GREENBERG: A CRITIC’S COLLECTION” is on display at the Columbia Museum of Ar t in Columbia, S.C., March 15-June 17. (803) 799-2810. “A RAISIN IN THE SUN” March 14-April 13 at Class Act Theatre in Mariet ta, Ga. For tickets, call (770) 579-3156. SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST MUSIC AND FILM FESTIVAL March 7-16 in Austin, Texas. For detailed information, call (512) 467-7979 or visit sxsw.com. COTTON PATCH QUILTERS “PIECEFUL HEARTS” QUILT SHOW March 7-9 at the Oconee County Civic Center in Athens, Ga. Admission is $5 adult, $3 kids and free for babies in strollers. Contact Evelyn Hanes, (706) 543-6762. “JULIUS CAESAR” at the New American Shakespeare Tavern in Atlanta March 7-April 6. March 7-9 shows are $10 preview per formances. Tues.-Sat. per formances at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday per formances at 6:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $10-$24.50, depending on the day of the week. Group discounts available. Optional British pub-style menu offered one hour and fif teen minutes before the show. For reservations, call (404) 874-5299. ANIMAL ENRICHMENT DAY AT RIVERBANKS ZOO AND GARDEN in Columbia, S.C., March 8 features activities and demonstrations free with paid admission to the zoo. Admission is $8.25 for adults and $5.75 for children ages 3-12. For information, visit www.riverbanks.org or call (803) 779-8717. THE SAVANNAH MUSIC FESTIVAL showcases over 250 ar tists with 10 days of free and ticketed events at venues throughout Savannah. The festival runs through March 9. For tickets and information, call 1-800-868-FEST. “STOP KISS” will be per formed at the Longstreet Theatre in Columbia, S.C., through March 8. Call (803) 777-2551. “FLOWERS/NEW YORK” PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAY STRAUSS will be on display at Steve Wiley Photography in Savannah through March 22. For information, call (912) 234-2777. “SAINT LUCY’S EYES” will be presented by the Alliance Theatre Company through March 9 at the Woodruff Ar ts Center in Atlanta. Tickets are $17-$46; call (404) 733-5000. “WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE: MAURICE SENDAK IN HIS OWN WORDS AND PICTURES” exhibit at the Richland County Public Library in Columbia, S.C., through May 18. (803) 799-9084. “A VOICE OF THEIR OWN: BLACK CLASSICAL MUSIC IN GEORGIA” EXHIBIT through May 26 at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in Macon, Ga. Call 1-888-GA-ROCKS. THE HIGH MUSEUM OF ART’S FOLK ART AND PHOTOGRAPH GALLERIES host two exhibitions through Aug. 9: “Land of Myth and Memory: Clarence John Laughlin and Photographers of the South” and “Faces and Places: Picturing the Self in Self-Taught Ar t.” Call (404) 577-6940. AT THE GEORGIA MUSEUM OF ART in Athens, Ga., through March 23: “There Is No Eye: Photographs by John Cohen”

and “Visualizing the Blues: Images of the American South, 1862-1999.” Call (706) 542-4662 for information. “FOR THIS WORLD AND BEYOND: AFRICAN ART FROM THE FRED AND RITA RICHMAN COLLECTION” through May 25 at the High Museum of Ar t in Atlanta. Call (404) 733-HIGH or visit www.high.org for info. TICKETS FOR “VAREK AI,” a production by the Cirque du Soleil, now on sale. Shows are March 6-30 at Cumberland Galleria in Atlanta. Visit www.cirquedusoleil.com for more information. “PARIS IN THE AGE OF IMPRESSIONISM: MASTERWORKS FROM THE MUSEE D’ORSAY” will be at the High Museum of Ar t in Atlanta now through March 16. This exhibition marks the first time since the Orsay opened that pieces in its collection have traveled to the U.S. For more information, visit www.ParisinAtlanta.org, www.high.org, or call (404) 733-HIGH.

PAIGN will be accepted from nonprofit, human health and welfare agencies with 501c(3) ta x-exempt status through April 14. Selected local agencies will receive donations raised Sept.1-Oct. 15 by federal employees. For applications, call 724-5544 or e-mail bend@uwcsra.org. HIV/AIDS WALK TO BENEFIT THE RICHMOND COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT RYAN WHITE PROJECT March 8. Walk begins at 8 a.m. at the parking lot of the Lucy Craf t Laney Museum and Conference Center. Confidential AIDS/HIV testing will be offered at the museum, 7:30 a.m.9:30 a.m. A balloon release and candle lighting will also be par t of the event. All ages may par ticipate. Call Kim Gaines at 738-4597 for information. THE NATIONAL MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SOCIETY MS WALK 2003 at Lake Olmstead March 15. Registration is at 8 a.m.; the walk begins at 9 a.m. at GreenJackets Stadium. For more information or to sign up for a team, call 1-800-FIGHTMS or visit www.nmssga.org.

Benefits

SPRING FLING ON THE SAVANNAH fundraiser for local charities is sponsored by the Mar tinez-Evans Rotary Club. Event is March 8, 7 p.m.-midnight and includes raffle, auctions, live enter tainment and more. Tickets are $35. For more information, call 650-6977.

MARGARITAVILLE WEEKEND March 14-15 to benefit the Children’s Medical Center at MCG. The Parrot Heads of the Savannah River and the Augusta Lynx team up to of fer live enter tainment, raf fles and jersey auctions af ter the March 14 and 15 Lynx games. For ticket information, contact Tim or Doug at 724-4423.

“AN EVENING IN MONTE CARLO” fundraiser for Easter Seals and other community projects is sponsored by the Augusta Junior Woman’s Club. Held March 8, 7 p.m., at the Boathouse Pavilion. Tickets are $50 per couple and $35 per person; cocktail at tire is required. To reserve tickets, call 869-8936.

ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION March 14, 7 p.m., at Vineyard Cafe. Dinner and music will be featured. All proceeds benefit the Homeless Day Center. Tickets are $40 per couple and $25 per person and are available in advance. Contact Gerry Oliver at 860-8658.

AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL is in need of dog and cat food, cat lit ter and other pet items, as well as monetary donations to help pay for vaccinations. Donations accepted during regular business hours, Tues.Sun., 1-5 p.m. at the shelter, 4164 Mack Lane. Call 7906836 for information.

GIRLS INC. “GAMBLE TO GAMBOL” CASINO NIGHT EVENT March 14, 8-11 p.m. at the Old Medical College. Admission is $35 per person and includes live enter tainment, hors d’oeuveres, raffle ticket and play money. Dress for event is black tie optional. 733-2512. “SOARING TO NEW HEIGHTS” BLOOD DRIVE March 14, 26 p.m. at the Daniel Field Airpor t parking lot. For more information, contact Sherrell Gay at sherrellgay@at t.net. APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2003 COMBINED FEDERAL CAM-

SHEPEARD COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER BLOOD DRIVES in various locations around the CSRA this month. The blood center is urging people of all blood types to donate in order to combat a blood supply shor tage. For detailed information on locations and times to donate, visit www.shepeardblood.org. You may also call Susan Edwards at (803) 6437996 for information on Aiken locations and Nancy Szocinski at 737-4551 for information on all other locations. AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES at the Aiken Red Cross Blood Center on Millbrook Drive and the Augusta Red

Cross Blood Center on Pleasant Home Road. The bloodmobile will also stop at various area locations this week. For a complete list, call the Aiken Blood Center at (803) 642-5180 or the Augusta Blood Center at 868-8800.

Learning UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA SMALL BUSINESS OUTREACH SERVICES SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS held this month at the center’s Augusta offices: Star ting Your Own Business March 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Smar t Marketing March 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Writing a Business Plan March 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m. All workshops are $35. 737-1790.

Intensive and more. Also, ASU offers online courses. For more information, call 737-1636 or visit www.ced.aug.edu. AIKEN TECH CONTINUING EDUCATION offers the following courses: Introduction to Computers, Windows 2000, Adobe Photoshop, Visual Basic 6.0 Introduction, Health Care Career Courses, Rape Aggression Defense, Professional Cooking, Real Estate Courses, Driver Education and more. Aiken Tech also offers Education to Go classes online. For more information or to register, call (803) 593-9231, ex t. 1230.

Health

M E T R O S P I R I T M A R

STAMPING AND SCRAPBOOKING WORKSHOP at the Appleby Branch Library March 15, 10:30 a.m. Registration is required. Call 736-6244.

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS: If you want to stop using any drugs, there is a way out. Help is available at no cost. Call 6 the Narcotics Anonymous help line for information and meet2 ing schedules at 855-2419.

INTRO TO MAGIC March 8, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the H.O. Weeks Center in Aiken. Open to all ages, but those 6 and under must have a paying adult with them at the class. Cost is $30 per person. (803) 642-7631.

“DIAGNOSTIC TESTS: ALL ABOUT IMAGING” free health edu- 0 3 cation class at the Life Learning Center’s Downtown Division 2:30 p.m. March 13. To enroll, call 733-0188, ext. 7989.

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS FOR ADULTS Fridays, March 7-28, 9:30-11 a.m. at the Ma xwell Branch Library. Registration required. Call 793-2020. “SECRETS TO SUCCESS” FREE CAREER SEMINAR SERIES offered at Goodwill’s Peach Orchard Job Connection March 6 and 8. The series is open to people seeking employment or advancement in their career; it’s also offered in preparation for the Career Connection 2003 fair, held at ASU’s athletic complex March 11, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. To make reservations, call 790-8500. BRIDGE CLASSES at the H.O. Weeks Center in Aiken. Intermediate class is held March 25-May 20. Cost is $20 per person, plus a $14 materials fee that must be paid at the first class. Call (803) 642-7631 for information. USC-AIKEN CONTINUING EDUCATION offers the following courses: Debt Free Living, Computer Courses and more. USC-Aiken also offers Education to Go classes online. Call the Office of Continuing Education at (803) 641-3288. AUGUSTA STATE UNIVERSITY CONTINUING EDUCATION is now offering the following classes: Language Series, Computer Literacy I, Basic ICD-9 Coding, SAT Review Courses, Reflexology with Aromatherapy, Ice Skating, Yoga

CPR AND FIRST AID TRAINING COURSES AT THE AUGUSTA RED CROSS: CPR for the Professional Rescuer Review March 13, 17 and 25, 6-10 p.m. Class is one session. Held at the Augusta Red Cross office, 1322 Ellis St. To register, call 724-8483. DIET COUNSELING CLASSES for diabetics and those with high cholesterol at CSRA Par tners in Health, 1220 Augusta West Parkway. Free. Call 860-3001 for class schedule. PROJECT LINK COMMUNITY LECTURE SERIES is held the first Tuesday of every month and is sponsored by the MCG Children’s Medical Center. Project Link provides educational resources and guidance for families who have children with developmental delays, disabilities and other specialized health concerns. Free and open to the public; takes place from 6:30-8 p.m. in the main conference room at the Children’s Medical Center. Call 721-6838 for information. UNIVERSITY HEALTH CARE SYSTEM COMMUNITY EDUCATION holds workshops, seminars and classes on a variety of topics: weight and nutrition, women’s health, cancer, diabetes, seniors’ health and more. Suppor t groups and health screenings are also offered. Call 736-0847 for details.

You are invited… Time: 5-7 pm Date: Every Thursday & Saturday “Happy Hour” Specials: Buy One, Get

FISH Y P P HA R U O H

One Free on Select Fish

Swim in to Petland for some aquatic savings & a lot of good fish talk!

North Augusta Plaza Shopping Center

(next to Publix) 803-279-5557 ** Offers good at this location only **

FOR KIDS AND RIGHT FROM THE START MED34 PEACHCARE ICADE offers free or low-cost health coverage to qualifying

ing, bridge, computers, yoga and pinochle. For dates and times, phone 826-4480.

families. Coverage includes prenatal care, hospitalization,

M E vaccines, dental and vision care and is available to pregnant T women of all ages and to children through age 19. Contact R the RSM Project at 729-2086 or 721-5611 for information. O S P I R I T

ARTHRITIS AQUATICS offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Walton Rehabilitation Hospital. Classes meet 99:45 a.m., 10-10:45 a.m. or 12:15-1 p.m. $37.50/month. To register, call 733-5959.

YOGA CLASSES at Walton Rehabilitation Hospital are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8 a.m. for $45/month or 10:30 a.m. to noon for $55/month. Call 823-6294.

SENIORNET provides adults age 50 and over education for and access to computer technology. Many different courses are offered. Contact the USC-Aiken Continuing Education Office at (803) 641-3563.

FREE HIV/AIDS TESTING every Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Ministry, 922 Greene Street. Free anonymous testing, pre- and post-test counseling and education.

Sports

M A HATHA YOGA CLASSES at the St. Joseph Home Health Care R

Center in Daniel Village Plaza. Held 10 a.m. to noon Monday, 6 Wednesday and Friday and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. $10 per class or $60 a month for unlimited class2 es. Mats are provided, but bring a towel and a water bot tle. 0 Call Tess at 738-2782 for more information. 0 3

DR AWING FOR HUNTING AND FISHING PERMITS ON POST AT FORT GORDON open to individuals not associated with For t Gordon. 250 permits will be made available in a random drawing. Those 16 years of age and older with a valid Georgia Hunter Safety card or its equivalent may apply for the drawing through March 15. For information, contact Ken Boyd, 791-2397.

A FREE WOMEN’S HEALTH CLINIC is held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Salvation Army and Welfare Center, 1383 Greene St. Services include Pap smear, breast exam and the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmit ted diseases. For more info or an appointment, call the St. Vincent dePaul Health Center at 828-3444.

AIKEN TRIPLE CROWN events run March 15-29. March 15 Aiken Trials post time is 2 p.m.; advance tickets are $8 and tickets are $10 at the gate. Children 6 and under admit ted free. For more information, call the Aiken Training Track at (803) 648-4631; for tickets, call (803) 278-4TIX. March 22 Aiken Steeplechase post time is 1 p.m.; tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Children 6 and under free. Contact the Steeplechase Association for more information at (803) 648-9641. March 29 Aiken Harness Race post time is 1 p.m. Advance tickets are $8 adult, $5 children 6-11 years; tickets at the gate are $10 adult, $6 children 611. Children under 6 free. For information, contact the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, (803) 641-1111.

W.G. WATSON, M.D., WOMEN’S CENTER CONDUCTS EDUCATION CLASSES at University Hospital. Course topics include Lamaze, breast feeding, parenting and grandparenting. Par tners will learn positive suppor t techniques. There are also programs designed to help older siblings adjust to new family members. Some classes are free, while others require a fee. Registration is required by calling 774-2825.

Kids

SOCCER SKILLS class is designed for children 4-6 years of age who have never played soccer before or who want to improve their basic skills. Cost is $25 per par ticipant and classes will be held at the H.O. Weeks Center in Aiken Mondays, March 17-April 28. Call (803) 642-7631 for more information.

“IT’S IN THE BAG” YOUTH SYMPOSIUM provides information and encouragement to young people looking to reach their goals. Professionals will address critical issues that af fect today’s youth, and a talent showcase will be featured. Youth ages 12-18 and their parents are encouraged to at tend. Free to the public. Held March 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Mt. Anna Family Life Center in Aiken. For info, call (803) 652-7695 or 737-0104.

FAMILY Y ADULT VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE REGISTR ATION March 17 at Wilson Branch. Coed recreational leagues open to players 16 years of age and older, of all skill levels. Games are played Mondays and Wednesdays, 6-10 p.m. and league play begins April 14. Call 733-1030 or visit thefamilyy.org for details.

STORY HOUR FOR ALL AGES WITH KAREN GROSS March 18, 7 p.m., at the Gibbs Library. For more information, call 863-1946. PHINIZY SWAMP NATURE PARK FAMILY DISCOVERY SERIES program on tur tles March 20, 5:30-7 p.m. at the park’s Pharmacia Pavilion. Bring a picnic dinner. Call 828-2109 for more information. STORYTIME WITH PUPPET SHOW, SONGS, FINGERPLAYS AND STORIES at the Appleby Branch Library March 19, 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. 736-6244. COMPUTER SKILLS FOR YOUNG MINDS WORKSHOP for children ages 4 and 5 at the Wallace Branch Library March 15, 1:30-3 p.m. Registration is required; call the library at 722-6275. AUGUSTA MUSEUM OF HISTORY FAMILY FUN DAY March 9 with Ben and Keeter’s Puppets telling the story of Augusta and the Civil War. Held at 2 p.m. in the History Theatre. Free. 722-8454. NURSERY RHYMES will be presented by the ASU Born to Read Literacy Center and Patchwork Players at 9, 10 and 11 a.m. March 10. Tickets are $3 per person and seating at the Ma xwell Per forming Ar ts Theatre is on a first come, first serve basis. Call 733-7043. PRESCHOOL STORYTIME WITH IRISH STORYTELLER DAWN HAWKINS at the Ma xwell Branch Library March 12, 10 a.m. For information, call 793-2020. STORYTIME IN THE GARDENS every Tuesday, 4 p.m., March-May. Senior citizens will read favorite children’s stories to kids 8 and under at Hopeland Gardens in Aiken. Bring a blanket or chair and snacks. Free. Rain location is the H.O. Weeks Center. (803) 642-7631. HOMEWORK STUDY SKILLS FOR STUDENTS Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon at Shiloh Comprehensive Communit y Center. Computers are available. Call 738-0089 for info. STORYTIME AND CR AFTS every Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m., at Zany Brainy. Open to kids 2-4 years old; parental supervision is required for the duration of the event. Call 736-6229 for details. AFTER-SCHOOL PROGR AM at the Smith-Hazel Recreation Center in Aiken through May, 2-6 p.m. Open to kids ages 5-13. Call (803) 642-7635.

Local media personality-turned-photographer Laurie Lockliear will display some of her works at A Silver Lining, beginning First Friday and running through the end of March. CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History open Monday-Friday, 4:30-6:30 p.m., through June. For information, call 724-3576. ACADEMIC HELP AND TUTORING available Saturdays, 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Wallace Branch Library. Call 722-6275 to make arrangements. GIRLS INCORPOR ATED AFTER-SCHOOL PROGR AM runs through the end of the 2002-2003 school year. A variety of programs will be of fered. Services include van pick-up at select schools, evening drop-of f, homework room and hot evening meal. Open to girls in kindergar ten through high school. Af ter-school program of fered 2:30-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri. For more information, call 733-2512. YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SKILLS PROGRAM for teens ages 12-19 held the third Saturday of the month at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. Call 724-3576. WEEKLY STORY SESSIONS at all branch libraries. Visit www.ecgrl.public.lib.ga.us for more information. FIRST SATURDAY STORYTELLING at the Lucy Craf t Laney Museum. In addition, there is a tour of the museum. Held 10 a.m. to noon the first Saturday of the month. Call 724-3576.

Seniors SENIORS BUS TRIP TO UNDERGROUND ATLANTA March 19, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Deadline for reservations is March 11. Call Bobbie Olivero at the Senior Citizens Council of Greater Augusta and the CSRA, 826-4480, ex t. 242. “PREPARATION FOR ADJUSTING TO RETIREMENT AND LATER LIFE” CONFERENCE AND WORKSHOP sponsored by the Senior Citizens Council of Greater Augusta and the CSRA and the Medical College of Georgia’s School of Nursing. Held March 7, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m., in the Loblolly Pine Room of

Savannah Rapids Pavilion. Registration fee is $10 and includes lunch. To register, call 826-4480, ex t. 200. COMPUTER CLASSES FOR SENIOR CITIZENS Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Shiloh Comprehensive Community Center. For more information, call 738-0089. AARP TAX ASSISTANCE is available at the Gibbs Library Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., through April 8. Free; registration is not required. Please bring a copy of your previous year’s tax return. Call 863-1946 for more information. The Maxwell Branch Library also offers this service Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m.-noon through April 15. Free; persons over 50 have priority. In-person registration required. Call 793-2020. AARP Tax Aide is also available at the Senior Citizens Council of Greater Augusta and the CSRA Mondays, noon to 4 p.m. and Fridays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; call 826-4480 for information. AIKEN PARKS AND RECREATION offers a multitude of programs for senior adults, including bridge clubs, fitness classes, canasta clubs, line dancing, racquetball, ar ts and craf ts, tai chi, tennis and excursions. For more information, call (803) 642-7631. JUD C. HICKEY CENTER FOR ALZHEIMER’S CARE provides families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia a break during the day. Activities and care available at the adult day center, and homecare is available as well. For information, call 738-5039.

AIKEN TRIPLE CROWN ROAD R ACE features races of varying lengths open to runners of all ages. Held March 8 at the H.O. Weeks Activities Center in Aiken. Profits suppor t high school track programs. For more information, call (803) 648-7042 or visit www.runaiken.com. INTRODUCTORY AND DROP-IN CLIMBING Fridays, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the Virginia Acres Park Climbing Wall in Aiken. Cost is $5 per session. Call (803) 6427631 for information. ADULT SPRING SOFTBALL in Aiken is open to men and women. Fees and rosters are due March 25 and league play begins in April. For more information, contact Jason Burke at (803) 643-4664. SPRING SOFTBALL LEAGUES for men and women now forming at Citizens Park in Aiken. Open to adults 18 and older. Fees and rosters due March 18; play begins April 21. Call (803) 642-7761 for information. THE AUGUSTA RUGBY CLUB is always looking for new members. Teams available for women and men; no experience necessary. Practice is Tuesday and Thursday nights, 79 p.m. at Richmond Academy. For more information, call Don Zuehlke, 495-2043, or e-mail augustar fc@yahoo.com. You may also visit www.augustarugby.org. TEN STAR ALL-STAR BASKETBALL CAMP is accepting applications for its summer programs through April. Boys and girls ages 10-19 are eligible. Call (704) 373-0873 for info. UPCOMING AUGUSTA LYNX HOME GAMES: March 14-15, 19, 21-22, 25, 28 and 30. For tickets, call the Lynx ticket office at 724-4423.

THE ACADEMY FOR LIFELONG LEARNING offers lectures, courses, field trips, discussion groups and community information seminars on a variety of topics to mature adults. For more information, contact the USC-Aiken Office of Continuing Education at (803) 641-3288.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE for the Augusta GreenJackets 2003 season. Home games at Lake Olmstead Stadium. Tickets available at www.tixonline.com or by phone at (803) 278-4TIX. There is also a TIX outlet inside Harmon Optical in Southgate Plaza.

PEOPLE WITH ARTHRITIS CAN EXERCISE (PACE) meets at Walton Rehabilitation Hospital Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. Call 823-5294.

BEGINNER MONTHLY SPARRING for youth and adults March 20, 5:30-7 p.m., at the Augusta Boxing Club. Open to the public at no charge Call 733-7533 or visit www.augustaboxing.org for details.

THE SENIOR CITIZENS COUNCIL OF GREATER AUGUSTA AND THE CSRA offers a variety of classes, including aerobics, quilting, tai chi, Spanish, painting, line dancing, bowl-

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THE KITTY ORTIZ DE LEON FOUNDATION needs volunteers to help promote organ donor awareness. For more information, please contact Cassandra Reed at 481-0105 or kodfoundation@aol.com.

S P I R I T

GOLDEN HARVEST FOOD BANK needs volunteers during the day, Monday-Friday, to help sort donated products and assist in their agency shopping area. Help is needed year-round. If you are able to lift 25 pounds and would like to help fight hunger in the Augusta area, contact Laurie Roper at 736-1199, ext. 208.

ARTS & CR AFTS FESTIVAL

THOROUGHBRED RACING HALL OF FAME DOCENTS NEEDED: Duties include opening and closing the Hall of Fame, greeting visitors and providing information about museum exhibits. Call Lisa Hall, (803) 642-7650 for information. OLDER AMERICANS ACT SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM is looking for volunteers to serve meals to needy older residents. To volunteer, contact the Senior Citizens Council at 826-4480. For those in need of home-delivered meals, call 210-2018 or toll free at 1-888-922-4464.

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AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL: New volunteer orientation is scheduled the first Saturday of each month at 1 p.m. at the shelter, 4164 Mack Lane. Schedule subject to change; call 790-6836 to verify dates and times. THE CSRA HUMANE SOCIETY is looking for animal lovers willing to donate a lit tle of their time. Volunteers are needed every Saturday at the Pet Center located behind GreenJackets Stadium on Milledge Road. Call 261-PETS for more info. SHEPEARD COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER is seeking donors to prevent a blood supply shor tage. To donate call 737-4551, 854-1880 or (803) 643-7996.

Meetings CSRA WRITERS meets March 11, 6:30 p.m., at Barnes & Noble Booksellers. Writers in need of a support group are invited to attend; please bring six copies of a manuscript to be critiqued. For information, contact Lela Turnbull at 738-4114.

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NEW ADULT WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB based on the NBC Today Show book club is forming, and organizers are looking for interested par ties. Beginning in April, the club is planning on holding monthly meetings at Borders on a Tuesday evening. Those interested in joining are advised to page Marian at 785-0006 for details.

PRISMS GROUP for singles is star ting up at Marvin Methodist Church. Prisms is not a dating service, but will provide a casual, comfor table atmosphere for singles to get together, as well as outings and meetings. For more information, call the Marvin Methodist Church office at 863-0510.

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Weekly CHRIST-BASED RECOVERY MEETING every Tuesday, 6:30 p.m., at the Love & Light Healing Center. Please use the back entrance. For information, contact Kenny Stacy, 373-5585. FREE ‘N’ ONE SUPPORT GROUP for those bat tling addiction to drugs and alcohol. Approach is a spiritual one. Held ever y Thursday night. For information, contact Sarah Barnes, 772-7325.

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TOUGH LOVE SUPPORT GROUP Monday nights, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the South Augusta Resource Center. Learn how to understand addiction and how to exercise tough love with those you care about. Call Sarah Barnes, 772-7325, for info.

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GEORGIA-CAROLINA TOASTMASTERS meets Wednesdays at noon at the Clubhouse, 2567 Washington Rd. $8 for lunch; visitors welcome. 860-9854. SEXAHOLICS ANONYMOUS, a 12-step program of recovery from addiction to obsessive/compulsive sexual thoughts and behaviors, meets Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 7 p.m. at Augusta Counselling Services. Call 339-1204 and leave first name and phone number; a confidential reply is assured.

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BUSINESS NETWORK INTERNATIONAL Augusta Chapter meets every Thursday morning from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at the Cour tyards by Mariott. The group is a business networking group designed to give and receive referrals. All professionals welcome. For more information or to join, call Barbara Crenshaw, 868-3772.

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RIVERWALK TOASTMASTERS meets Mondays, 7 p.m. in Classroom 3 at University Hospital. Call Gale Kan, 855-7071. GUIDELINES: Public Service announcements are listed in this section without charge at the discretion of the editor. Announcements must be received by Monday at noon and will be included as space permits. Send to Events, The Metropolitan Spirit, P.O. Box 3809, Augusta, GA 30914 or fax (706) 733-6663. You may also e-mail listings to rhonda_jones@metspirit.com or lisa_jordan@metspirit.com. Listings cannot be taken over the phone.

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Arts: Theatre

“The Butler Did It” at Abbeville Opera House

hen Michael Genevie, executive director of the Abbeville Opera House, spoke with The Metropolitan Spirit about the play he is currently directing for the Opera House, he had a chipper enthusiasm that will hopefully rub off on the production itself. There is a lot going on in the play which will require a highenergy approach. There is so much going on, in fact, that Genevie is not very worried that he will drop a spoiler while talking about the play. “I don’t guess we’re giving anything away by telling the audience in the beginning of the show ... the butler did it,” he said. Of course, the very title of the play, written by Walter Marks and Peter Marks, is “The Butler Did It.” “It’s a fascinating little play,” Genevie said. “I try to describe it to people as a cross between ‘Deathtrap’ and ‘Noises Off.’ It’s a great mystery, but at the same time it’s a very funny comedy.” And that wonderful little convention, oft used by the Bard himself, of using a play within the play adds to the fun. The Play’s the Thing “Deathtrap” by Ira Levin is a play about a popular playwright who has lost his mojo. While hiding out with his neurotic wife and waiting for inspiration, he checks out a play by a student of his, a la “The Wonder Boys.” The play within the play is aptly titled “Deathtrap,” and it’s perfect. That, of course, does not help the hero with his writing problem. He does become inspired, however: He and his wife will kill the playwright and steal the play. Of course, things don’t turn out as planned. Things are, apparently, not what they seem. There is a nosey psychic popping in from next door who is no wiser than anyone else about what is the truth and what is carefully constructed deceit. Of course, the main reason that “Deathtrap” serves as a comparison point for “The Butler Did It” is the play within the play. Aside from that, it, too, is a comic mystery. It is the classic thriller, according to http://together.net, yet it is highly self-aware, and ribs the genre mercilessly. The Web site points out how the main character’s description of his student’s play fits the play in which he himself is a character: “A thriller in two acts. One set. Five characters. A juicy murder in Act One, unexpected developments in Act Two. Sound construction, good dialogue, laughs in the right places. Highly commercial.” Very tongue-in-cheek. The award-winning “Noises Off,” by Michael Frayn, is a popular British comedy about a bad acting company in a bad play. The play within is called “Nothing On,” and is shown to the audience from

three different vantage points, as things deteriorate for the hapless actors. Butlers Abound Remember Genevie’s non-spoiler above? There is a reason it doesn’t matter that you know right off that the butler did it. “They (the characters) see a production in which, in the play, the butler did it. All the characters are named Butler,” Genevie said. “And of course, they’re a wealthy family, and they have a butler.” There’s Raymond Butler, portrayed by Jack Cauley. That’s the dad. Mom is Angela Butler, played by Lisa McConnell. Vicki Butler, played by Maureen Webb, is the daughter. And then, there’s just the butler, Aldo, portrayed by Peter Pirkel. “We know that a butler did it, we just don’t know which butler it was,” Genevie said. Genevie is enthusiastic, not only about the double entendre gags, but about how the play itself was crafted. “Now on top of this,” he said, “this is what makes the show just so incredibly clever – I love the script. “Once the mother in the play is murdered – she’s poisoned – as in all great old mysteries, they decide to put the body in the window seat.” (To decide what to do next, of course.) Nothing like the comic opportunities provided when you have a dead body lying around, getting in the way. Being conspicuous. It’s not like you can just stand it in the corner and put a lampshade on its head. You have to actually do something with it. Of course, when the scene no longer calls for a dead body, you have to figure out what to do with the live actor as well. In “The Butler Did It,” the director is having a few problems. “After that’s done,” Genevie said about the propping of the body, “the audience sees (mom) Angela Butler roll out the back of the window seat and start to crawl offstage. “It’s only then do we hear a voice from the back of the theatre telling everyone to stop and we realize we have been the audience for the dress rehearsal of a play called ‘The Butler Did It’ and the director stops them to give them their notes.” That’s when things begin to get really interesting. Plots are afoot. People are desperate. Money is involved. “We discover that the director, Tony, has all of his own money invested in the production of this program,” Genevie said. That might understandably put someone into a certain frame of mind. “He is looking for a way to get a lot of publicity out on his show,” Genevie said. As he spoke it became apparent in his voice that Genevie found the play a lot of fun. “It becomes truly diabolically clever,”

By Rhonda Jones

“A thriller in two acts. One set. Five characters. A juicy murder in Act One, unexpected developments in Act Two. Sound construction, good dialogue, laughs in the right places. Highly commercial.”

— from “The Butler Did It”

he said. “You don’t know who the good people are or who the bad people are.” According to online sources, Tony plots with the stage victim to pretend she’s really been poisoned in order to jolt his actors into giving him an authentic reaction. Unfortunately, the director is soon informed that the victim has indeed expired. After that, things get a little convoluted. There is animosity between the actors; the director has problems with different people. Definitely a recipe for a ... murder? The director – our real-life director, Genevie – anticipates that audiences will enjoy this new little gem. “I think we’ll get the same reaction we get from a lot of our Agatha Christie plays,” Genevie said, describing how involved they tend to get during a good mystery. “During intermission people are trying to figure out who did it in the lobby,” he said. Genevie said “The Butler Did It” is not a very old play. “It’s a great new show in that it’s been able to successfully combine all the comic elements with all the elements that make up a mystery or a thriller.” We asked who made the choice to include it in their season roster. “We have a playreading committee,” he said, adding that he is a member. “The committee chooses plays to present to the board, which makes the final decision.” He thinks that audiences will love “The Butler Did It” because it is such a good mix of the comedy and the mystery, two

genres his audiences traditionally love. “Plus it’s a show that I don’t think anyone around here has ever seen.” And of course, timing is everything. “I think this is a good time of the year for a good thriller,” he said. “It completes the season nicely. We just came off a huge production of ‘The Sound of Music.’” We asked if the cast were enjoying it. “Oh absolutely,” he said. “Under the Yum Yum Tree” will be the next performance by The Abbeville Opera House. Keep your eyes open for that one in April. If we’ve excited your curiosity regarding “The Butler Did It,” then contact the Abbeville Opera House Box Office at (864) 459-2157. The play runs March 78, 14-15 and 21-22 at 8 p.m. There are 3 p.m. Saturday matinees on March 8 and 15. Tickets are $15 general admission and $14 for seniors over 65 and children under 12. Reservations may be made by phone with a Visa, MasterCard or American Express. The Abbeville Opera House is located at 100 Court Square in Abbeville, S.C. Like our own Imperial Theatre, Abbeville is a historic building, which has been updated and refurbished with reupholstered seats and new carpeting. They even have a new ropes-and-sandbag rigging system. The theatre operates 36 weekends a year, with a roster filled with works from all genres. For more information about Abbeville Opera House, visit www.americantheatreweb.com.

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Arts: Music

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Symphony, Choral Society Join Forces for Verdi’s “Requiem”

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essa da Requiem” is not a piece for sissies. Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi wrote it in memory of the novelist and poet Alessandro Manzoni, who died suddenly at the age of 88, and for whom he felt a great deal of admiration. It will take the Augusta Symphony and the Augusta Choral Society and a contingent of soloists to pull off the well-known masterpiece. There will be nearly 200 performers onstage at one time. Augusta Symphony director and conductor, the Maestro Donald Portnoy, said there’s no way he would miss conducting that performance. “Yeah, it’s a big production. It’s a major work.” He said that the Augusta Choral Society performed it years ago, but on a much smaller scale. “There are over 100 voices in the Choral Society. And to do that piece you need a large chorus. This will probably take up every bit of space at ASU.” He had to count heads when asked how many Symphony musicians would perform that evening. “Ah gee, it’s ... There are 44 strings... I would say close to 80. They use some off-stage trumpets too. We can’t all be on the stage so we’re going to be building some staging out to the floor area. So it’s going to take up all that space.” Four soloists, two women and two men, will round out the performance: soprano Ann Benson, mezzo-soprano Helene TintesSchuermann, tenor Keith Jones and bass singer Richard Conant. “They’re all first-class soloists and they’ve done this before. And I’ve worked with them on numerous occasions,” Portnoy said. “It’s one of Verdi’s great, great works and it’s something that ... it’s kind of a special occasion for the community too, to be able to get 200 people together. “It’s a major undertaking, as you may imagine.” And the burden of leading the nearly 200 musicians and vocalists smoothly through it all rests on the shoulders of the conductor. He elaborated a bit on what his job entails. “Well, not only are you concerned with what the orchestra is doing, you need to be concerned with what the chorus is doing, what the soloists are doing. It’s a production. And you need to maintain the flow so you’re getting the musical message to the audience.” His job is to make it make musical sense, while creating an experience that’s enjoyable for the performers, and moreso for the audience. What he didn’t mention right away, however, was how enjoyable it is for the conductor. “Imagine how much fun it is to wave your arms and kind of sing with the music and get carried away with the music. Imagine doing that on the street corner,” he said with a chuckle. “They’d arrest you.”

We asked about the visual experience inherent in having so many people onstage. Portnoy said that the visual experience is inherent in any musical performance. “Well, I don’t think you can help but look. I don’t know too many people who just walk into a hall and close their eyes.” Check yourself next time you’re at a Symphony event. You may find yourself watching the conductor, or maybe at the soloist. And note the body language of the performers. Portnoy says it makes a difference in the quality of the performance. “All of this rubs off on the audience,” he said. “So I think the visual and the aural go hand-in-hand. If you’re watching an orchestra and they look like a bunch of lethargic musicians, you’re not going to enjoy it.” This particular performance is going to be very pretty, he said. “I think it’s going to be very appealing to the eye,” he said, with the orchestra on the lower level and the chorus elevated. “Just a sea of people playing instruments. The singers in concert dress. I think it will be a lovely visual experience. Plus the four soloists in front of the orchestra. When they sing they have to get up.” Portnoy said that this will be an interesting experience. “It’s one of those things that doesn’t happen every week or every year,” he said. The performance will take place Saturday, March 15 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 16, at 3 p.m. at the Maxwell Performing Arts Theatre at Augusta State University. One hour before each concert, Dr. William Dolen of Augusta Choral Society will present a free preview lecture. Adult ticket prices run $35, $28 and $15. Student prices are $7.50 to $14 per person. Ask about Sunday afternoon group discounts, which run 10-20 percent. For tickets, contact the Symphony office at (706) 8264705 by phone, (706) 826-4735 by fax, or email donnabranch@augustasymphony.org.

Cinema Movie Listings porary Western on wheels,” “Biker Boyz” delves into the underground world of motorcycle racing. Undefeated champ Smoke dominates California’s racing scene, but his position is threatened by a young racer named Kid. Kid’s out to win Smoke’s helmet — and his fame. Cast: Laurence Fishburne, Derek Luke, Orlando Jones, Djimon Hounsole, Lisa Bonet, Kid Rock. Bringing Down the House (PG-13) — Steve Mar tin plays a lonely, middle-class suburbanite looking for love on the Internet. The woman of his dreams, however, turns out to be a prison inmate (Queen Latifah), who subsequently breaks out of jail to be with him. Her wild ways shake up Mar tin’s stuf fy lifestyle. Cast: Steve Mar tin, Queen Latifah, Eugene Levy, Jean Smar t, Joan Plowright. Chicago (PG-13) —- It's been 23 years since Richard Gere stripped on Broadway for "Bent." Now he gets to pull of f his clothes as slick shyster Billy Flynn. Mostly in wonder ful suits, his hair shining like creased silver, Gere is having the best time of his movie life, singing and tapdancing and lording over women with rakish snaz. He's a lioness-tamer; the main cats are Velma Kelly (Catherine Zeta-Jones), a cabaret sex bazooka and killer on Death Row and newcomer Roxie Har t (Renee Zellweger), a Bet ty Boop who killed her lover. For cash and headlines, Flynn will help guilty women beat the law. "Chicago" is zip for depth, but it has all the sexy sur face it needs to be ex travagantly alive. It tops of f at the Chicago Theater, and the old show palace looks delighted. Cast: Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, John C. Reilly, Queen Latifah, Christine Baranski, Taye Diggs. Running time: 1 hr., 53 mins. (Elliot t) ★★★★ Cradle 2 the Grave (R) — DMX stars as thief Tony Fait, who pulls of f a heist involving rare black diamonds. On Fait’s trail is Su (Jet Li), a Taiwanese government agent who has been tracking the path of the diamonds throughout the world. Su’s former par tner Ling, lured by the diamonds and looking to procure them for himself, kidnaps Fait’s young daughter in an at tempt to exchange her for the diamonds. Fait realizes his only chance to get his daughter back is to team up

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

RATINGS

★★★★ — Excellent.

S P I R I T M A R 6

with Su. Cast: Jet Li, DMX, Anthony Anderson, Gabrielle Union, Mark Dacascos. Daredevil (PG-13) — Ben Af fleck as Mat t Murdock is another lonely "tormented" orphan whose only therapy is a revenge quest that pretends to be a moral, city-saving crusade. His boxing father (David Keith) came to a brutal end not long af ter the sensitive boy was blinded by a chemical spill. Now his other senses are "heightened," which somehow gives Daredevil immense strength and the talent to leap great distances. Colin Farrell plays enemy Bullseye, who loves hurling sharp objects at people's throats. The hero's fem interest is Elek tra (Jennifer Garner). There is immense Michael Clarke Duncan as bad guy Kingpin. We want to believe that corporate Hollywood can evolve beyond this form of serial constipation, so full of action, but with nothing truly human moving. Cast: Ben Af fleck, Jennifer Garner, Colin Farrell, David Keith, Michael Clarke Duncan. Running time: 1 hr., 35 mins. (Elliot t) ★ Dark Blue (R) — Perry (Kur t Russell) is a corrupt cop. Keough (Scot t Speedman) is the rookie par tner. Perry is a racist boozer prone to habitual gun use. Keough is dazzled by his bazooka verbiage and cocky authority, and by his groove with the twisted white men who treat the LAPD as a personal fiefdom. As a jury deliberates the Rodney King beating case and the city faces breakdown, the small, nasty games continue. Brendan Gleeson is the top racist, a bullhorn who boasts, "I am a per former of unpleasant tasks." The most unpleasant involves the murder of four people in a robbery, authorized by Gleeson, with Perry ordered to provide cover-up. Few films have shown such contempt for a city or a police force. Gleeson's vile cynicism is summed up by his clima x eruption, "(Bleep) L.A.!" At least, unlike Perry, he gets right to the point. Cast: Kur t Russell, Scot t Speedman, Ving Rhames, Lolita Davidovich, Brendan Gleeson, Michael Michele. Running time: 1 hr., 56 mins. (Elliot t) ★★ Darkness Falls (PG-13) — A young man in a small town, isolated because the locals think he’s crazy, is the only one who can help a young boy, the brother of his childhood girlfriend. The boy is threatened by a centuries-old evil, a force that served as the

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Biker Boyz (PG-13) — Described as a “contem-

“Tears of the Sun”

inspiration for the seemingly innocuous tale of the tooth fairy. Cast: Chaney Kley, Emma Caulfield, Joshua Anderson, Andrew Bayly, Emily Browning. Deliver Us From Eva (R) — Eva, described as the “sister-in-law from hell” by the men in her life, is one big nagging pain in the — well, you get the idea. The guys, desperate to stop her nagging and shut her up for good, hope that the right man will do the trick. They pay a smooth studmuf fin, played by LL Cool J, to seduce Eva. The results of the experiment come as a surprise to everyone. Cast: Gabrielle Union, LL Cool J, Essence Atkins, Dar tanyan Edmonds, Meagan Good. Die Another Day (PG-13) — Pierce Brosnan moves with energy and can fake conviction. His chest hair is superb, his voice remains Bondaceous. But he looks peaked, and we imagine he found time to remember when acting meant, well, acting. Not just pulverizing glass, plunging through ice, brandishing absurd weapons and making limp jokes. True to its Cold War roots, the series reaches for one more rot ten Commie enemy. So bring on dear old Nor th Korea. A Pyongyang lunatic has found the resources, via diamonds, to create a satellite sun called Icarus, to burn or blind the dumb Yanks, the snot t y Brits and the greedy South Korean stooges. He captures Bond, tor tures him, then zips of f to Cuba, where he is DNA-morphed into a sneer y Brit named Graves (Toby Stephens). We recall Conner y, and old plots that, however abundantly silly, were adventurous larks and not just plastic shelves for hardware display. Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Halle Berr y, Toby Stephens, Rosamund Pike, John Cleese, Judi Dench, Rick Yune. Running time: 2 hrs. (Elliot t) ★★ Drumline (PG-13) — A young street drummer from Harlem wins a scholarship to at tend a Southern university and decides to make the trek af ter being convinced by the university’s band director, even though he knows he’ll have a hard time fit ting in. Gradually, his drumming skills help the other students warm up to him. Cast: Nick Cannon, Orlando Jones, Zoe Saldana, Jason Weaver. 8 Mile (R) — As Jimmy "Rabbit" Smith, Eminem flunks his first hip-hop bat tle, a cut ting contest of insult rhymes at a black club, is pegged a choker and sulks back to his grueling job at a metal-stamping mill. The simple story is how Rabbit motorizes his mouth, confirming the "genius" proclaimed by pal and club emcee Future (Mekhi Phifer). As a buzzer, it has juice. Thanks to Eminem and the rising rap momentum, "8 Mile" is engrossing. In this urban, if not urbane, fantasy, the hero takes a bad beating, gets up and goes to work, interrupts work to wow everyone at the hip-hop club, then returns to work af ter a verbal outlay that would have put even Winston Churchill in bed for days. Cast: Eminem, Kim Basinger, Mekhi Phifer, Evan Jones, Brit tany Murphy, Anthony Mackie. Running time: 1 hr., 58 mins. (Elliot t) ★★★ Final Destination 2 (R) — As in the first movie, a group of teen-agers manages to cheat death. But death, unsatisfied with the teens’ getaway, pursues in a myriad of disturbing ways. Kimberly, driving a group of friends to Florida, has a premonition that helps them avoid being caught in a fatal freeway pileup. Death has

★★★— Worthy.

★★ — Mixed.

★ — Poor.

other plans. Cast: Ali Lar ter, A.J. Cook, Michael Landes, T.C. Carson, Jonathan Cherry, James Kirk, Tony Todd. Friday After Next (R) — This is the third film in the "Friday" series and features the same people, places and pals highlighted in the first two. "Friday Af ter Nex t" takes place around Christmas, as Craig and Day-Day are working as security guards af ter a "ghet to Santa" who’s been stealing presents. Cast: Ice Cube, Mike Epps, Don "D.C." Curry. Gods and Generals (PG-13) — Rober t Duvall brings his rather gaunt but vinegar presence to the role of Gen. Lee. In this 216-minute epic, Lee is sidelined by Gen. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, played by Stephen Lang not as a stone wall but a statue-in-progress. The Nor therners ex ist mostly to die, like dutiful blue ants. It's like an old histor y cyclorama "brought to life" with a mi x ture of wa x, starch and pulped hymnals. The main audience will clearly be militar y buf fs, armchair warriors and reenactors. For them, here is a devotional of death, inferior to "Get t ysburg" and, of course, a vir tual cartoon of the war in its true and aw ful glor y. Cast: Rober t Duvall, Stephen Lang, Jef f Daniels, Kevin Conway, Mira Sor vino, Bruce Box leitner. Running time: 3 hrs., 36 mins. (Elliot t) ★★

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (PG) — Harr y (Daniel Radclif fe) faces destiny with

a clear eye and spor t y will, not the least neurotic despite having been orphaned into a family of idiotic prigs who treat him abominably. He again escapes to Hogwar ts, to his pals (Ruper t Grint as wobble-faced Ron, Emma Watson as book worm Hermione) and the snippish regard of Prof. Snape (Alan Rickman) and Prof. McGonegall (Maggie Smith), and the wonder ful giant Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) and Headmaster Dumbledore (Richard Harris, now dead). Jason Isaacs should be given more time as Lucius, the evil, white-maned father of snob Draco Malfoy. There is a sense of a grand machine greased, sometimes grinding. The "chamber of secrets" is less an exciting myster y at the center than a device to car t the bulk y saga for ward. Cast: Daniel Radclif fe, Ruper t Grint, Emma Watson, Kenneth Branagh, Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane. Running time: 2 hrs., 41 mins. (Elliot t) ★★★ The Hot Chick (PG-13) — If the name isn’t enough to scare you, perhaps the idea that a vapid teenage girl wakes up to find herself inhabiting Rob Schneider’s body is. In the course of trying to get back to her true self, the popular teen discovers just how shallow she is. Cast: Rob Schneider, Andrew Keegan, Mat thew Lawrence. The Hours (PG-13) — The story begins with Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman) taking her famous last walk into a river, af ter put ting a big stone in her coat pocket. The movie keeps piling stones. Woolf's creation of "Mrs. Dalloway" and her much later final weeks with devotedly desperate husband Leonard (Stephen Dillane) are intercut with suf fering Woolfian women in two stories. The depressed housewife Laura (Julianne Moore), in 1950s Los Angeles, and the modern New

0— Not worthy.

continued on page 40

“Cradle 2 the Grave”

“Old School”

M E T R O S P I R I T M A R

Photo courtesy of Dreamworks Pictures

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Photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

continued from page 39 Yorker, Clarissa (Meryl Streep), frantic about preparing a par ty for her AIDS-dying former lover, the writer Richard (Ed Harris). The stories link. The conception is all of a piece, organically imagined. It sends out tendrils of dark feeling about life and dying, ar t and love and transience. Cast: Meryl Streep, Ed Harris, Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, Stephen Dillane, Miranda Richardson, Jef f Daniels, Claire Danes. Running time: 1 hr., 54 mins. (Elliot t) ★★1/2

How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days (PG-13) —

should be retitled "How to Lose a Movie in 10 Minutes." The spirited opening credits are a clever visual and musical introduction to Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) as she dashes and fumbles though research for "howto" ar ticles published in a glitzy women's magazine. But all promise evaporates when the lame dialogue begins. Andie is destined to meet Mat thew McConaughey's womanizing adver tising executive, Ben Barry, whose major goal is snagging the world's biggest diamond account. These two up-and-coming New York hot ties bump along through the contrived plot, which involves Andie's "how to lose a guy" assignment and Ben's bet with competing co-workers that he can make a woman fall in love with him — all in the same 10-day deadline. The teasers for "10 Days" tout: "One of them is lying. So is the other." Ah, yes, the per fect date movie. Cast: Kate Hudson, Mat thew McConaughey, Adam Goldberg, Bebe Neuwir th. Running time: 1 hr., 50 mins. (Wood) ★1/2 The Jungle Book 2 (G) — Mowgli and friends return in this animated sequel to the Disney classic. Mowgli has adjusted to life in the village with all the other humans, but he still misses his animal friends, especially Baloo. When Mowgli sneaks away to the jungle to visit his old pals, it’s a race to see who can find him first: the friends he’s looking to visit or man-eating tiger Shere Khan. Cast: John Goodman, Haley Joel Osment, Tony Jay. Kangaroo Jack (PG) — Two childhood friends, Charlie (Jerry O'Connell) and Louis (Anthony Anderson), from Brooklyn are forced to deliver a mysterious envelope to Australia af ter one of them accidentally causes the police to raid a mob warehouse. En route to the land down under, Louis peeks in the package and discovers that it contains $50,000. Af ter the guys arrive in the Outback, they accidentally run over a kangaroo. Louis decides to take pictures of the animal and even puts shades and his lucky jacket on the 'roo, which is only stunned and hops away with the jacket containing the money. Now the guys are forced to chase the animal through the Outback, or they'll have to repay the mob with their lives. The real star of "Kangaroo Jack" is the beautiful Outback. That alone may be wor th the price of admission. Or not. Cast:

Jerry O'Connell, Anthony Anderson, Estella Warren, Christopher Walken, Dyan Cannon, Mar ton Csokas. Running time: 1 hr., 30 mins. (McCormick) ★ The Life of David Gale (R) — Kevin Spacey stars as David Gale, a family man and popular professor who is convicted of murdering a fellow activist. Just days before he is scheduled to be executed, Gale agrees to an exclusive inter view with rabid journalist Bitsey Bloom, who soon discovers that there is more to Gale’s stor y than meets the eye — and that his life is in her hands. Cast: Kevin Spacey, Kate Winslet, Laura Linney. Maid in Manhattan (PG-13) — The airy fantasy puts Jennifer Lopez into a cute maid's uniform at a swank New York hotel. She's Marisa, and when she tries on the very expensive, if rather Bel Air trophy wife, outfit of a snobbish guest, this at tracts the "playboy" eye of senatorial hopeful Chris Marshall (Ralph Fiennes). Chris' manager (Stanley Tucci) is in control-freak agony that the Republican politician might fall in love with someone not toity and rich. The film is most marked by the flagrant waste of talent. As the sitcom yucks racked up their lit tle nif ties, perked along by music, I had a weird, tiny pinch of nostalgia for "Jackass: The Movie." Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes, Bob Hoskins, Natasha Richardson, Stanley Tucci, Tyler Garcia Posey. Running time: 1 hr., 35 mins. (Elliot t) ★1/2 Narc (R) — opens with a breathless foot chase. One man is shot in the throat, another is shot dead, a pregnant woman is wounded. Narcotics detective Nick Tellis (Jason Patric) is mentally on the street every moment. An ace at undercover work, but emotionally too strapped to his work, Tellis is suspended for that opening carnage. His wife wants him to quit. It isn't a pension plan that makes him want to stay on the force, it's his pride — and the glory-in-risk of a topping case, to solve the murder of another narcotics of ficer. But to do that he must work with the strong-arm veteran Lt. Henry Oak (Ray Liot ta), who is stoking a hot fuse about his young, dead par tner and the worm farm that is depar tment politics. The case drags them into a sor t of moral mudslide. "Narc" suggests that the mean streets are meaner than you want to know — but might wish to see filmed and acted this ef fectively. Cast: Ray Liot ta, Jason Patric, Anne Openshaw, Busta Rhymes. Running time: 1 hr., 45 mins. (Elliot t) ★★★1/2 National Security (PG-13) — Mar tin Lawrence and Steve Zahn play L.A.P.D. rejects on both ends of the spectrum who get paired up as security guards. While on par tol, they uncover a smuggling operation, in between bits of slapstick that are obligatory for films of this genre. Cast: Mar tin Lawrence, Steve Zahn, Eric Rober ts. Old School (R) — Three buddies, men in their

twenties, wish to recapture the good ol’ days: college, when raging keggers and hot girls were plentiful. They get their chance when one of them decides it’s a good idea to star t their own off-campus frat house. Cast: Luke Wilson, Will Ferrell, Vince Vaughn, Elisha Cuthber t. The Pianist (R) — The story of how gif ted pianist Wladyslaw Szpilman (played by delicately featured, demurely expressive Adrien Brody) survived the Nazi rape of Poland and the Holocaust is blended without hysteria, indeed with sobering control, into the personal gravity of director Roman Polanski's childhood during the war hell. It's a wonder ful film, with surges of honest feeling that can knock you nearly flat, and Chopin underscores the emotions. 2 hrs., 28 mins.(Elliot t) ★★★★ The Recruit (PG-13) — Al Pacino, as CIA recruiter Walter Burke, takes young MIT grad James Clay ton (Colin Farrell) "through the looking glass," for spy training and tough tests at The Farm, the CIA school outside Washington. His insider hook on Clay ton is that he might have the secret the younger man needs to know, about the dead father whom he suspects died on a CIA mission in 1990. The story tangles boyish Clay ton with the recruit Layla (Bridget Moynahan), another go-for-it brain with a similar taste for danger. The story twists and snaps through the settings with tricky confidence, and the modern device of using computers fits this plot snugly. "The Recruit" manages the commercially savvy trick of being both insolent and patriotic about the CIA. It will probably recruit some fans of this movie. Cast: Al Pacino, Colin Farrell, Gabriel Macht, Bridget Moynahan. Running time: 1 hr., 45 mins. (Elliot t) ★★★ The Ring (PG-13) — begins with the telling of an urban-legend-like tale that, for a while, seems likely to consign this movie to the slasher/horror bin: A weird videotape is circulating. As soon as you're through watching it, the telephone rings. A voice on the phone informs you that you have seven days to live. Seven days later, you die. The film boasts first-rate per formances, a gorgeous look, an engaging plot and a jangly, thrumming sense of dread. The ef fectiveness of such a movie depends entirely on the beholder. Save for a long, uneasy feeling of foreboding and one solid jolt, I didn't find it all that scary. Two young women exiting the theater in front of me, however, declared that the thing had terrified them, and I'm willing to take their word for it. Cast: Naomi Wat ts, Mar tin Henderson, David Dor fman, Brian Cox. Running time: 1 hr., 55 mins. (Salm) ★★1/2 Shanghai Knights (PG-13) — This is a sequel to 2000's silly hit "Shanghai Noon." The sequel feels longer and has some sag. Jackie Chan is a former imperial guardsman from 19th-century Peking, but gone to the Old (then young) West as Chon Wang,

a.k.a. John Wayne. He's now a sherif f, and Owen Wilson as scampy ladies' man Roy O'Bannon has decamped to Victorian London, where he is a stubblecheeked waiter, but still has a harem of loyal females. The Chinese imperial seal with a huge diamond is falling into the sneaky hands of an imperial wannabe in exile, who is allied with a wannabe future king of England. The film ends with the usual Chan bonus, a spree of blooper shots. Cast: Jackie Chan, Owen Wilson, Fann Wong, Aaron Johnson, Gemma Jones. Running time: 1 hr., 42 mins. (Elliot t) ★★1/2

Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams (PG) — A cheer ful theme park of a comedy about

junior spies, with a bigger budget and more inventive fun than the 2001 original (the plot is no advance). Rober t Rodriguez directed, wrote, helped with the digital ef fects and gizmo touches, including excellent creatures. The many Hispanic rif fs do not land with PC heaviness, and the lively cast includes Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara as the main kids, plus Antonio Banderas, Steve Buscemi, Carla Gugino, Alan Cumming, Bill Pa x ton, Tony Shalhoub, Danny Trejo, Cheech Marin and (still macho at 81) Ricardo Montalban. Running time: 1 hr., 27 mins. (Elliot t) ★★★ Tears of the Sun (R) — Bruce Willis Stars as a veteran Navy S.E.A.L. of ficer sent to Nigeria to rescue a U.S. citizen and doctor on a mission from Nigeria’s war-torn countryside. The doctor refuses to leave behind the refugees she’s been caring for, so Willis vows to help the group cross safely into Cameroon. A budding romance between Willis and the young doctor fur ther complicates things. Cast: Bruce Willis, Monica Bellucci, Cole Hauser, Chad Smith, Fionnula Flanagan. Together (R) — “Together” examines the intertwined lives of a group living in a commune in Sweden in the early 1970s. The group of revolutionaries, with its lef t-leaning politics and rela xed living environment, is completely self-sufficient. But the presence of one of the residents sister, a suburban housewife fleeing an alcoholic husband, and her two children forces the group to reconsider their long-held beliefs. Cast: Lisa Lundgren, Michael Nyqvist, Gustav Hammarsten, Anja Lundkvist. The Wild Thornberrys (PG) — Big-screen version of the animated Nickeloden series about a family who travels around the world to make nature documentaries. While in Africa, 12-year-old Eliza learns that she can speak with animals and, with their help, aims to stop a group of poachers. Cast: Lacey Chaber t, Tim Curry, Ruper t Everet t, Flea, Lynn Redgrave, Marisa Tomei. —Capsules compiled from movie reviews written by David Elliott, film critic for The San Diego Union-Tribune and other staff writers.

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Not only does “Bringing Down the House” mine the territory of racial misunderstanding with idiotic “Why do you act so black?” questions countered by “Why do you act so white?” ones, it also places its action in a vacuum of grotesquely out of touch and offensive, wealthy old ladies. The first of these comes in the form of Sanderson’s neighbor, played by a seemingly ageless Betty White (hasn’t she looked about 75 for the past 20 years?), who refers to being bothered by seeing a number of “negroes” running around her house and not wanting Latinos on the block “who aren’t carrying leaf blowers.” Ha, ha? For those who aren’t moved to laughs by those tasteless antics, more are supplied by Sanderson’s main client, a wealthy heiress played by Joan Plowright. In one of the more intolerable scenes in the film, Charlene (who is supposed to be the Sanderson’s nanny) is requested to act the part of the maid. While serving dinner, the elderly heiress launches into an old slave spiritual, saying how her maid used to love the song, which chronicles a slave’s fears about being sold. Again, is this funny? As mildly amusing as it is to see Eugene Levy attempt to romance Queen Latifah with ghetto speak like “you got me all twisted inside, boo,” it certainly doesn’t make up for the rash of beguilingly inappropriate material that populates so much of “Bringing Down the House.” And, if all the discomforting comments don’t leave you uneasy, there’s even an ill-conceived catfight to do the trick. When Queen Latifah’s tough, ghetto fabulous ex-con has a showdown with Sanderson’s obnoxious former sister-in-law (Kimberly J. Brown) in the country club bathroom, homage is paid to the WWF as bodies are tossed across the room, black eyes are given and heads are plunged into toilets. In between all the wincingly bad verbal smackdowns thrown out by this movie, I suppose it’s only fitting that it include at least one physical bout of equal taste and intelligence.

MOVIE CLOCK REGAL AUGUSTA EXCHANGE 20 Movies Good 3/7 - 3/13 Bringing Down the House (PG-13) Fri-Sat: 11:50, 12:20, 2:10, 2:45, 4:40, 5:15, 7:10, 7:45, 9:45, 10:30, 12:15; Sun-Thur: 11:50, 12:20, 2:10, 2:45, 4:40, 5:15, 7:10, 7:45, 9:45, 10:30 Cradle 2 the Grave (R) Fri-Sat: 12:00, 1:25, 2:20, 4:10, 4:45, 7:10, 7:40, 9:40, 10:10, 12:10, 12:35; Sun-Thur: 12:00, 1:25, 2:20, 4:10, 4:45, 7:10, 7:40, 9:40, 10:10 The Life of David Gale (R) 1:20, 4:25, 7:20, 10:25 Dark Blue (R) Fri-Sat: 12:40, 3:20, 6:55, 9:45, 12:25; Sun-Thur: 12:40, 3:20, 6:55, 9:45 Gods and Generals (PG-13) 1:00, 7:00 Daredevil (PG-13) Fri-Sat: 12:25, 3:00, 5:25, 7:50, 9:30, 10:20, 12:00; Sun-Thur: 12:25, 3:00, 5:25, 7:50, 9:30, 10:20 Jungle Book 2 (G) 12:30, 2:15, 4:30, 7:00 Old School (R) Fri-Sat: 12:10, 2:40, 5:10, 7:35, 9:50, 12:10; Sun-Thur: 12:10, 2:40, 5:10, 7:35, 9:50 Deliver Us From Eva (R) Fri-Sat: 1:45, 4:20, 7:15, 9:55, 12:20; Sun-Thur: 1:45, 4:20, 7:15, 9:55 Shanghai Knights (PG-13) Fri-Sat: 11:50, 2:25, 4:50, 7:50, 10:15, 12:40; Sun-Thur: 11:50, 2:25, 4:50, 7:50, 10:15 How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days (PG-13) 12:00, 2:50, 5:25, 8:00, 10:35 Final Destination 2 (R) Fri-Sat: 12:35, 3:05, 5:20, 7:25, 9:35, 11:50; Sun-Thur: 12:35, 3:05, 5:20, 7:25, 9:35 The Recruit (PG-13) Fri-Sat: 12:05, 2:35, 5:00, 7:30, 10:05, 12:30; Sun-Thur: 12:05, 2:35, 5:00, 7:30, 10:05 Biker Boyz (PG-13) 12:15, 2:55, 5:30, 8:05, 10:40 The Hours (PG-13) Fri-Sat: 1:05, 3:55, 6:50, 9:25, 11:55; Sun-Thur: 1:05, 3:55, 6:50, 9:25 Darkness Falls (PG-13) Fri-Sat: 1:15, 3:35, 5:45, 7:55, 10:25, 12:40; Sun-Thur: 1:15, 3:35, 5:45, 7:55, 10:25 National Security (PG-13) Fri-Sat: 7:05, 9:30, 11:45; Sun-Thur: 7:05, 9:30 Chicago (PG-13) Fri-Sat: 11:55, 2:25, 4:55, 7:30, 10:00, 12:25; Sun-Thur: 11:55, 2:25, 4:55, 7:30, 10:00 Kangaroo Jack (PG) 1:30, 4:00 EVANS 12 CINEMAS Movies Good 3/7 - 3/13 Tears of the Sun (R) Fri-Sun: 1:10, 2:30, 4:10, 5:30, 7:10, 8:30, 9:45; Mon-Thur: 4:10, 5:30, 7:10, 8:30, 9:45 Bringing Down the House (PG-13) Fri-Sun: 2:10, 4:40, 7:30, 9:50; Mon-Thur: 4:40, 7:30, 9:50 Cradle 2 the Grave (R) Fri-Sun: 1:00, 3:05, 5:10, 7:25, 9:45; Mon-Thur: 5:10, 7:25, 9:45 The Life of David Gale (R) 4:00, 9:35 Gods and Generals (PG-13) Fri-Sun: 2:00, 8:00; Mon-Thur: 8:00 Old School (R) Fri-Sun: 1:35, 3:35, 5:35, 7:35, 9:55; Mon-Thur: 5:35, 7:35, 9:55

The Pianist (R) Fri-Sun: 5:20, 8:30; Mon-Thur: 8:30 Jungle Book 2 (G) Fri-Sun: 1:25, 3:25, 5:25, 7:15; Mon-Thur: 5:25, 7:15 Daredevil (PG-13) Fri-Sun: 12:55, 3:10, 5:25, 7:45, 10:00; Mon-Thur: 5:25, 7:45, 10:00 How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days (PG-13) Fri-Sun: 2:20, 4:50, 7:20, 9:40; Mon-Thur: 4:50, 7:20, 9:40 Shanghai Knights (PG-13) Fri-Sun: 1:00, 7:00; Mon-Thur: 7:00 The Recruit (PG-13) 9:10 Chicago (PG-13) Fri-Sun: 1:55, 4:20, 7:05, 9:20; Mon-Thur: 4:20, 7:05, 9:20 Kangaroo Jack (PG) Fri-Sun: 1:35, 3:35; MonThur: 5:20 MASTERS 7 CINEMAS Movies Good 3/7 - 3/13 Bringing Down the House (PG-13) Fri: 5:15, 7:45, 10:05; Sat: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45, 10:05; Sun: 2:45, 5:15, 7:45; Mon-Thur: 5:15, 7:45 Tears of the Sun (R) Fri: 5:00, 7:30, 9:50; Sat: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50; Sun: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30; Mon-Thur: 5:00, 7:30 Cradle 2 the Grave (R) Fri: 5:20, 7:50, 10:15; Sat: 3:10, 5:20, 7:50, 10:15; Sun: 3:10, 5:20, 7:50; Mon-Thur: 5:20, 7:50 Old School (R) Fri: 5:25, 8:00, 10:10; Sat: 2:55, 5:25, 8:00, 10:10; Sun: 2:55, 5:25, 8:00; MonThur: 5:25, 8:00 Daredevil (PG-13) Fri: 5:30, 7:55, 10:00; Sat: 2:35, 5:30, 7:55, 10:00; Sun: 2:35, 5:30, 7:55; Mon-Thur: 5:30, 7:55 Jungle Book 2 (G) Fri: 5:05, 7:35; Sat: 3:00, 5:05, 7:35; Sun: 3:00, 5:05; Mon-Thur: 5:05 Deliver Us From Eva (R) Fri-Sat: 9:45; SunThur: 7:35 How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days (PG-13) Fri: 5:10, 7:40, 9:55; Sat: 2:40, 5:10, 7:40, 9:55; Sun: 2:40, 5:10, 7:40; Mon-Thur: 5:10, 7:40 REGAL 12 CINEMAS Movies Good 3/7 - 3/13 Wild Thornberrys (PG) 2:20, 4:40, 7:30, 10:05 Maid in Manhattan (PG-13) 2:10, 4:40, 7:15, 9:50 Narc (R) 2:15, 4:25, 7:05, 9:30 Drumline (PG-13) 2:45, 5:10, 7:40, 10:10 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (PG) 1:55, 5:15, 9:15 The Hot Chick (PG-13) 2:35, 5:05, 7:50, 10:00 Die Another Day (PG-13) 1:55, 4:35, 7:10, 9:45 Friday After Nex t (R) 2:00, 4:45, 7:00, 9:25 My Big Fat Greek Wedding (PG) 2:05, 4:30, 7:00, 9:35 8 Mile (R) 2:25, 4:55, 7:20, 9:50 The Ring (PG-13) 2:40, 5:00, 7:25, 9:40 Spy Kids 2 (PG) 2:00, 4:25, 7:35, 9:55 ASU SPRING FILM SERIES Movie Good 3/10 Together (R) Mon: 7:00

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Quiet Riot’s Still Feeling the Noize

BY LISA JORDAN

arch 12 is going to be another night of flashbacks at Crossroads. This time, however, we’re going to travel back a bit earlier than Seattle: Tribute took us last week. In a very where-are-they-now moment, Crossroads welcomes ‘80s hair metal staple Quiet Riot. They’ve aired all their dirt on VH1’s popular show “Behind the Music,” broken up and gotten back together more than a few times, and they certainly haven’t dodged the ups and downs of fame. But Quiet Riot has bragging rights few of their contemporaries can claim, and that’s the fact that the band is still touring consistently – and still churning out new material. Quiet Riot formed in the mid-1970s, a project undertaken by vocalist Kevin DuBrow and guitarist Randy Rhoads. After recording 1978’s “Quiet Riot” and 1979’s “Quiet Riot II,” Rhoads moved on to popular acclaim as a member of Ozzy Osbourne’s band and later died in a 1982 plane crash. Rhoads’ departure led to Quiet Riot’s first breakup, but DuBrow continued to perform and hooked up with drummer Frankie Banali, guitarist Carlos Cavazo and bassist Rudy Sarzo – the Quiet Riot lineup that remains intact today. Cavazo was the last to join, in 1982, and his arrival led to the reuse of the Quiet Riot name. 1983 saw Quiet Riot’s successful crossover to the pop charts. “Metal Health” reached the No. 1 spot on the U.S. charts, a first for an album by a heavy metal band. The album also received platinum certification five times. Another “Metal Health” claim to fame was the band’s version of the 1973 Slade hit “Cum on Feel the Noize.” That rendition remains Quiet Riot’s most memorable track to date. The following year, Quiet Riot released “Condition Critical,” a hastily compiled collection of songs that didn’t fare as well with the public. The lack of follow-up success took its toll on the band, and DuBrow’s antics – in particular, his insis-

tence on publicly badmouthing other metal bands, journalists and other music industry bigwigs – led to another breakup. The band got back together in 1986 for the recording of “QR III,” but by that time, Sarzo was out of the picture. A subsequent tour ended with the three other members ditching DuBrow at a hotel in Hawaii, effectively kicking DuBrow out of the band he’d created. In retaliation, DuBrow took legal action against the remaining band members for performing under the Quiet Riot name – a name he owned the rights to. Add in the obligatory record company rip-off and DuBrow’s sex and drug problems, and by the 1990s, it looked as if the death knell had sounded for Quiet Riot. But, of course, the story doesn’t end there. True to form, the boys of Quiet Riot just couldn’t stay mad at each other, and by 1993, three quarters of the band had reunited to record “Terrified,” a B-movie soundtrack. It wasn’t until 1997 that Marilyn Manson – yes, that

Marilyn Manson – helped lead Sarzo back to the band. Manson, reportedly a huge Riot fan, asked the boys of Quiet Riot to reunite for a one-time performance at a private party he was hosting. That, in turn, led to a Quiet Riot U.S. club tour. In May of 2001, Quiet Riot released “Guilty Pleasures” on the Bodyguard Records label and embarked on the “Glam Slam Metal Jam” tour with headlining act Poison. With 16 releases to date under their belt, Quiet Riot has a healthy repertoire to pull from, and their live sets offer a well-mixed blend of old and new Quiet Riot tunes. The band also boasts some of its most highenergy performances in years, proving that no matter how mature you get, you can still rock. Following his tradition of using local bands to open up for national and regional acts, Crossroads owner Scott Levine has selected Lythium as the lucky local band that gets to open up for Quiet

Riot. Tickets for the show are already on sale. In advance, they’re $12.50. You can also purchase tickets at the door the night of the show for $15. For more information and tickets, give Crossroads a call at 724-1177.

CORRECTION Last week’s article about Yesterday, the Beatles tribute band scheduled to perform at the Imperial Theatre, listed an incorrect date for the show. The concert will take place March 8 at 8 p.m. For tickets and additional information, contact the Imperial Theatre box office at 722-8341 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or noon to 4 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are also available online at www.imperialtheatre.com. We apologize for any inconvenience this error may have caused.

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46 M E T R O S P I R I T

Music

Silver Dash Music Draws From Tradition

By Lisa Jordan

M A R 6 2 0 0 3

he origins of Silver Dash Music reach back further than the two years it took Jamie Jones and John Kolbeck to record the 14 cuts that made it onto “Down by the Railroad Tracks.” “Silver Dash Music isn’t a band: It’s an idea, a notion,” says Kolbeck. It’s also the name of a music publishing company started by Jones’ grandmother, Mary Norris, and great aunt, Gladys Mayes. Norris and Mayes are also the lyricists behind all but two of the tracks on the album. “The idea was just to record one song,” Jones says. “It was kind of like a Christmas present, mainly to (my grandmother).” And things snowballed from there. Kolbeck’s enthusiasm about the songs of Norris and Mayes led to a recording session that stretched out over two years. “Those lyrics deserve to be sung within the context of a great song,” says Kolbeck. “It’s the most heartfelt album I’ve ever recorded, because of three things – great lyrics, great hooks, great melodies.” The time and effort spent on this project shines through in every note. There’s something else that stands out as well, and that’s the feeling of sincerity that emanates from the music. “It’s Jamie’s voice, I think,” says Kolbeck. “There’s a lot of space in the songs. The overall charm has got to be Jamie’s voice.” “My grandmother sent me the songs, and we sat there and started coming up with stuff, how to sing,” Jones says. “As I listened to the mixes, I started listening to the lyrics, and they finally hit home, really came to life towards the end of the project. … I think the lyrics made sense. They came to life; they made sense. “What makes it even sweeter is, it’s coming from someone who’s been there. To me, that’s where the sincerity comes in.” That honesty is also evident on the two tracks with lyrics penned by Kolbeck. “Teddy Bears and Kisses Goodnight” and “One More Song Sung” blend seamlessly with the rest of the album. “His two songs just kind of fit,” says Jones. “John’s a great writer. He’s got plenty of songs, really good songs, that needed to be showcased. Excellent writer.” While much of the album has a country flavor, to label “Down by the

“Those lyrics deserve to be sung within the context of a great song. It’s the most heartfelt album I’ve ever recorded, because of three things – great lyrics, great hooks, great melodies.” – John Kolbeck

(L-R) Jamie Jones & John Kolbeck Railroad Tracks” as such would be a knee-jerk reaction. The combination of influences present in Jones and Kolbeck’s melodies is hard to pinpoint. “We kind of wanted to explore some

different avenues,” Kolbeck says. “I really hesitate to call it a country album, even though a lot of the songs were kind of written that way.” “It’s a full spectrum of what we’re

exposed to, what we like,” says Jones. “We wanted to do the songs some justice. (My grandmother) told me, ‘Now you do it like the young people like it.’” The narrative tone of the album continues the tradition of classic country and folk music, while instrumentation that includes the mandolin lends a bluegrass feel. There’s even a gospel vibe on the last track. “It kind of tells a story,” says Kolbeck of the album as a whole. “To me, it’s kind of a love story.” What started out as a concept album about life in the tiny railroad town of Camak, Ga., evolved into a compilation of songs encompassing feelings that almost anyone can relate to. “I think that’s what probably appeals to (my family) the most,” Jones says. “We’re both surprised. They’re surprised. They really seem to like it. I’m just curious to see generally what people think about it. When you listen to it in its entirety, it’s really not a country album at all. We want to appeal to the masses and for people to enjoy it.” It’s hard not to enjoy songs this carefully crafted. While some songs forced Jones and Kolbeck to struggle in the search for the perfect sounds to compliment already-written lyrics, others just worked right away. “A lot of times, the lead parts – it’s kind of funny – a lot of the lead parts, some of the first takes, we just kept,” says Kolbeck. “They had a spontaneity and charm to them.” “We definitely tried to work the songs out,” Jones adds. “A lot of tracks we laid down, we didn’t even use as far as the final mix. We had a lot to choose from. Ruskin Yeargain had a lot to do with bringing the songs out in the final mix. We just gave him a shot, and the final mix was just excellent stuff.” Both Kolbeck and Jones are full-time musicians, but it seems that, in the future, no matter how full their plates get, a love for the project will keep Silver Dash Music alive. “We have enough lyrics to record albums and albums,” says Kolbeck. “The next one, I think we’re going to branch out even further.” To experience Silver Dash Music live, head down to the Fox’s Lair this Friday, March 7. There will be two shows: one at 8 p.m. with no cover charge and no smoking, and a 9:30 p.m. show with a $2 cover charge. For more information, call the Fox’s Lair at 828-5600.

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HOW CAN WE MISS THEM IF THEY WON’T GO AWAY? THE EAGLES have announced “Farewell” touring plans for the remainder of 2003. The group plans on playing larger U.S. venues this spring and summer as a quartet featuring founding members DON HENLEY and GLENN FREY, along with latter-day participants JOE WALSH and TIM SCHMIT. The tour begins in May, and there’s good news for locals, as a May 19 date has been confirmed for Atlanta’s Philips Arena. No new album plans have been discussed.

UP IN SMOKE PART 2 DEPT. Late last year DIONNE WARWICK was arrested at a Florida airport when authorities found a small amount of marijuana in the singer’s purse. The contraband (as Joe Friday would have called it) was concealed in a lipstick container and seized (Sgt. Friday again) by authorities. Now the 62-year-old entertainer is saying that an unknown person put it in her open purse without her knowledge. “Apparently, someone who didn’t want to get caught thought it would be better to put it in someone else’s bag,” Ms. Warwick said. “It

RADIOHEAD taught me not to travel with an open bag. You never know what’s going to end up in it.” She’s right, you know. I’ll never forgive the hateful miscreant who stashed those scissors, knives, and fragmentary grenades in my carry-on luggage last year. Talk about embarrassing! THE CRUSADERS were one of the hottest jazz ensembles during the ‘70s and ‘80s. The band, led by pianist JOE SAMPLE, drummer STIX HOOPER and saxophone great WILTON FELDER, recorded classics that include “Street Life” and “Keep That Same Old Feeling,” while providing backing instrumentation for STEELY DAN, MARVIN GAYE and JONI MITCHELL. Their first new album in over 20 years, “Rural Renewal,” is out this week and features guests ERIC CLAPTON, FREDDIE WASHINGTON and gospel great DONNIE MCCLURKIN. A U.S. tour is being discussed. TURNER’S QUICK NOTES A vintage BLACK SABBATH concert from 1978’s “Never Say Die” tour has just been issued ... A career-spanning SLY AND THE FAMILY STONE anthology will be in stores next week ... The new HOOTIE AND THE BLOWFISH album is out ... A reissue of the great 1992 SONIC YOUTH album “Dirty” is due later this month with all kinds of extras ... ROBERT PALMER’S “Live at the Apollo” was released last week ... ELTON JOHN and BILLY JOEL rock Columbia’s new coliseum March 14. TURNER’S ROCK AND ROLL JEOPARDY A. This early ‘80s album from NEIL YOUNG featured futuristic electronic experiments in sound and voice. Q. What is “Trans”?

GEORGIA EURYTHMICS DEPT. ANNIE LENNOX will visit Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta March 30. The singer last toured the U.S. four years ago with partner DAVE STEWART during the last EURYTHMICS reunion. Curiously, her last two solo projects, “Diva” (1992) and “Medusa” (1995), easily outsold her former band’s 1999 reunion disc, “Peace.” Her third solo work, “Bare,” will hit stores in June and fans can expect a strong dose of new material in addition to her many solo and group hits. RADIOHEAD has a new album planned for June. The English rockers’ last two albums, “Kid A” and “Amnesiac” (both top five in the charts), were experiments in sounds and textures, which makes the band’s upcoming release so intriguing. Some fans want a return to the “OK Computer” days, while others want the band to continue to push the envelope. Although the album is yet to be named, rumors on the Net insist that “Are You Listening” is the front-runner so far. At least it’s not the oft-used “The Millennium Sessions” or “Up,” the latter of which has been used as an album title by PETER GABRIEL, REM, and (gulp!) even SHANIA TWAIN.

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This Friday – Silver Dash Music THE FOX’S

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Singer/Songwriter Hank Ballard Dies Hank Ballard, the man behind 1950s hit “The Twist” and its subsequent dance craze, died March 2 at his home, Billboard Daily Music News reports. Ballard had been diagnosed with throat cancer. He wrote and recorded “The Twist” for the B-side of one of his records, but it was the Chubby Checker version that hit the top of the charts in 1959. Ballard and his group the Midnighters had hits with “Finger Poppin’ Time” and “Let’s Go, Let’s Go, Let’s Go” in the 1960s. The Osbournes’ Reality In a March 3 interview with Larry King, Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne spoke candidly about Sharon’s bout with colon cancer and about Ozzy’s drug and alcohol use, according to Virgin Mega Magazine. The couple admitted that Ozzy is not drug free, and that he is able to binge drink for up to a month. Sharon and Ozzy also shared stories about their first meeting and defended the manner in which they’ve raised their children. The interview coincides with the release of “The Osbournes” first season on DVD. Truly Frightening Popster Christina Aguilera, long criticized for her outrageous outfits, is set to star in an

ad campaign for Italian clothing label Versace, according to an entertainment report from Reuters. Details of the campaign have not yet been announced, but designer Donatella Versace claims Aguilera’s success as an inspiration for her new outfits. Aguilera, currently looking like Versace’s clone, was also the guest of honor at the Versace Autumn/Winter 2003/2004 fashion show. More “American Idol” Trouble MTV News reports that the reason “American Idol” contestant Jaered Andrews was dropped from the competition without explanation may be that he’s facing an assault charge and possibly an involuntary manslaughter charge as well. In November, Andrews allegedly punched Thomas Blakely, who then fell and hit his head. The head injury led to Blakeley’s death. Bedtime Stories Madonna’s trying her hand at writing again. Although her last publishing effort was the early-‘90s book “Sex,” Madonna has just signed a deal with Penguin books to write five children’s books. Reuters reports that Madonna’s first kids’ book, “The English Roses,” is scheduled to be published in September, and that the series will be aimed at children ages six and up.

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M E T R O S P I R I T M A R 6

Thursday, 6th The Bee’s Knees - 12 Tone Lounge Cadillac’s - Live Enter tainment Cafe Du Teau - Buzz Clif ford Club Argos - Karaoke Night Coliseum - Karaoke, High-Energy Dance Music Continuum - Playa*Listic Thursday Coyote’s - Chippendales Male Revue D. Timm’s - Joe Patchen and the Blue Diamond Express Fox’s Lair - Karaoke Greene Streets - Men’s Country and Western National Karaoke Contest Joe’s Underground - Mike B. and Jason S. Michael’s - Marilyn Adcock Modjeska - FnB Night with Patrick Blanchard Orange Moon - Spoken Word Poetry Playground - Open Mic Shannon’s - Silver Dash Music Soul Bar - The Goodies, Hellblinki Sex tet Stool Pigeons - Jason and Michael Time Piecez - DJ Dance Par ty Whiskey Junction - DJ Chaos

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Friday, 7th Back yard Tavern - Karaoke with Jim Brennecke The Bee’s Knees - Jazz Sessions, Drum & Bass, First Friday Ar t by Raoul Pacheco The Big Easy - Air Apparent Blind Pig - Shameless Dave and the Miracle Whips Borders - The Joshua Tapestry Cadillac’s - Live Enter tainment Cafe Du Teau - Buzz Clif ford Club Argos - Argos Angels Cabaret Coconuts - DJs Doug and Eric Coliseum - Barbra’s Bir thday Bash Continuum - In Tha Club with DJ Divine Starr Cotton Patch - Bamboo Coyote’s - The Rhes Reeves Band Crossroads - 420 Outback, Tur tleneck D. Timm’s - Joe Patchen and the Blue Diamond Express Durango’s - Magic Hat Eagle’s Nest - Karaoke with DJ MJ Fox’s Lair - Silver Dash Music Greene Streets - Karaoke Highlander - Basikaly Joe’s Underground - Sabo and the Scorchers Last Call - Tony Howard, DJ Richie Rich Michael’s - Marilyn Adcock Modjeska - 2 Deep Rio Bomba - Karaoke Shannon’s - Bar t Bell Soul Bar - Salsa Picante, New Ar t Exhibit Surrey Tavern - Soul Dimension Whiskey Junction - Tokyo Joe, DJ Paul Whiskey Road Oyster Factory - Kool Katz

Saturday, 8th The Bee’s Knees - Shaun Piazza and Friends Blind Pig - Shameless Dave and the Miracle Whips Borders - Lisa Savage Cadillac’s - Live Enter tainment Cafe Du Teau - Buzz Clif ford Club Argos - Argos Angels Cabaret, Tower Blackout Par ty

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The Goodies (pictured) perform with the Hellblinki Sextet at the Soul Bar March 6. Coconuts - DJs Doug and Eric Coliseum - Ravionne Starr Cotton Patch - Bamboo Coyote’s - The Rhes Reeves Band Crossroads - Zoso, Black-Eyed Susan D. Timm’s - Joe Patchen and the Blue Diamond Express Durango’s - Magic Hat Fox’s Lair - Ashley Hardin Greene Streets - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - Red-Headed Stepchild Last Call - Tony Howard, DJ Richie Rich Michael’s - Marilyn Adcock Modjeska - DJ Boriqua Orange Moon - Sweeney Polo Tavern - Bogie Rio Bomba - Salsa Night Soul Bar - Kit ty Snyder, Tara Scheyer, The HalfShir t Leroys Surrey Tavern - Soul Dimension Whiskey Junction - Tokyo Joe Whiskey Road Oyster Factory - Keith “Fossill” Gregory

Sunday, 9th Cafe Du Teau - Buzz Clif ford and The Last Bohemian Quar tet The Shack - Karaoke Shannon’s - Keith “Fossill” Gregory Somewhere in Augusta - Doug and Henry Whiskey Junction - Karaoke by Tom

Monday, 10th Coliseum - Q.A.F. Continuum - Monday Madness with Perry Anderson Crossroads - Club Sin Dance Par ty with DJ Chris Greene Streets - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - John Paint Booth - Knowface

Tuesday, 11th Adams Nightclub - Karaoke with Bill Tolber t

continued on page 50

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Elsewhere

Wednesday, 12th The Bee’s Knees - Mellow Sounds Supper Club Cadillac’s - Karaoke Coliseum - Wet ‘n’ Wild Talent Search Continuum - Open Mic Night Coyote’s - The Rhes Reeves Band Crossroads - Quiet Riot, Ly thium D. Timm’s - Joe Patchen and the Blue Diamond Express Greene Streets - Women’s Country and Western National Karaoke Contest Joe’s Underground - Keith “Fossill” Gregory Michael’s - Marilyn Adcock Orange Moon - Cinema Cafe Playground - Karaoke with Dave Long Shannon’s - Bar t Bell Somewhere in Augusta - Jayson Sabo Soul Bar - Live Jazz

Upcoming Travis Tritt - Bell Auditorium - March 21 Garden City Music Festival - Augusta Common

Coldplay - The Arena at Gwinnet t Center, Duluth, Ga. - March 6 Further Seems Forever - Cot ton Club, Atlanta March 6 Larry Jon Wilson - Eddie’s At tic, Atlanta March 6; Silver Moon, Perdido Key, Fla. March 7-8 Bill Gaither and Friends - Charlot te Coliseum, Charlot te, N.C. - March 7 Sound Tribe Sector 9 - Georgia Theatre, Athens, Ga. - March 7-8 The Smiling Assassins - Variety Playhouse, Atlanta - March 8 Les Nubians - Cot ton Club, Atlanta - March 8 Sugarland - Roxy Theatre, Atlanta - March 8 Carissa’s Weird - New Brookland Tavern, Columbia, S.C. - March 8; The Mezzane, Charleston, S.C. - March 9; The Earl, Atlanta March 10 Smiling Assassins - Variet y Playhouse, Atlanta - March 8; Georgia Theatre, Athens, Ga. March 11 Ranier Maria - Echo Lounge, Atlanta - March 9 Grenadier Guards - Fox Theatre, Atlanta March 9 Idlewild - Echo Lounge, Atlanta - March 10 Yanni - Philips Arena, Atlanta - March 11 Yo La Tengo - 40 Wat t, Athens, Ga. - March 11; Variety Playhouse, Atlanta - March 12 The Roots - Roxy Theatre, Atlanta - March 12 Supergrass, The Coral - Eleven50, Atlanta March 12 Stereomud, Saliva, Breaking Benjamin - Music

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Many tickets are available through TicketMaster outlets, by calling 828-7700, or online at w w w.ticketmaster.com. Tickets may also be available through Tix Online by calling 278-4TIX or online at w w w.tixonline.com. Night Life listings are subject to change without notice. Deadline for inclusion in Night Life calendar is Tuesday at 4 p.m. Contact Rhonda Jones or Lisa Jordan by calling 738-1142, fa xing 736-0443 or e-mailing to rhonda_jones@metspirit.com or lisa_jordan@metspirit.com.

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Jimmie Vaughan - Rox y Theatre, Atlanta April 5 Zwan - The Tabernacle, Atlanta - April 7 The Used - 40 Wat t Club, Athens, Ga. - April 9; Roxy Theatre, Atlanta - April 11 George Lopez - Tabernacle, Atlanta - April 11 Jimmy Buffett - HiFi Buys Amphitheatre, Atlanta - April 17 Pearl Jam - HiFi Buys Amphitheatre, Atlanta April 19 Guster - The Tabernacle, Atlanta - April 19 Suwannee Bound Festival - Spirit of Suwannee Music Park, Live Oak, Fla. - April 19-20 Ellen DeGeneres - Woodruf f Ar ts Center, Atlanta - April 20 Taking Back Sunday - Cot ton Club, Atlanta April 23 Cher - Philips Arena, Atlanta - April 25 Superfly Jazz Fest - Various Venues, New Orleans, La. - April 25-May 4 Widespread Panic - Savannah Civic Center, Savannah, Ga. - April 29 Avril Lavigne - The Arena at Gwinnet t Center, Duluth, Ga. - May 8

•• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• •• ••• •••

The Bee’s Knees - Comin’ ‘Round the Bend Classic Country and Bluegrass Coliseum - Tournament Tuesday D. Timm’s - Joe Patchen and the Blue Diamond Express Greene Streets - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - John Michael’s - Marilyn Adcock Stool Pigeons - Karaoke with Linda Eubanks Surrey Tavern - Tuesday Night Jam Session with Pat Blanchard and Friends

Farm, Charleston, S.C. - March 12; Roxy Theatre, Atlanta - March 13 The Exies - Senate Park, Columbia, S.C. March 14 Todd Snider, Dodd Ferrelle - Tasty World, Athens, Ga. - March 15 Switchfoot - Cot ton Club, Atlanta - March 15 Sister Hazel - St. Pat’s, Columbia, S.C. March 15 Jim Brickman - Rober t Ferst Center for the Ar ts, Atlanta - March 15-16 The Datsuns - Cot ton Club, Atlanta - March 17 Tim McGraw and the Dance Hall Doctors Philips Arena, Atlanta - March 18 The Soundtrack of Our Lives - Cot ton Club, Atlanta - March 18 Project/Object - Variety Playhouse, Atlanta March 21 Earl Scruggs, The Blind Boys of Alabama - The Tabernacle, Atlanta - March 21 Sister Hazel, Indigo Girls, Edwin McCain Ear thlink Live, Atlanta - March 22 2 Skinnee J’s - Senate Park, Columbia, S.C. March 22 Duncan Sheik - Cot ton Club, Atlanta - March 23 Folk Implosion - Echo Lounge, Atlanta - March 26 The Red Elvises - Cot ton Club, Atlanta - March 26 Sigur Ros - Tabernacle, Atlanta - March 27 Nocturne - Riviera, Atlanta - March 27 Slightly Stoopid - Cot ton Club, Atlanta - March 29 Insane Clown Posse, 2 Live Crew Masquerade, Atlanta - April 2 Rebirth Brass Band, Mofro - Georgia Theatre, Athens, Ga. - April 3 Vic Chesnutt - Echo Lounge, Atlanta - April 4 Springing the Blues Music Festival - Seawalk Plaza, Jacksonville Beach, Fla. - April 4-6

••• ••• ••• •••

- March 22 Ra - Crossroads - April 1

continued from page 49

••• •• •• ••

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Weird I

n January, the engineers and hobbyists of Utah’s Salt Lake Astronomical Society told reporters they were planning to air-drop bowling balls at very high altitude to check out their impact when they land on the salt flats, simulating the impact of meteorites. The society said it had been frustrated that it could not find any meteorites so far and had been wondering whether they had disintegrated or been pulverized on impact. Two days later, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, citing the many people engaged in work projects on the salt flats, said it was a bad idea to be dropping bowling balls around them. • In December, Texas murder defendant Leonard Rojas’ time for appeals ran out, and he was executed. Sixty-eight days later, three members of the state’s highest court for criminal cases explicitly concluded that Rojas’ appointed lawyer was woefully incompetent and that the court’s majority had ignored that incompetence while Rojas was still alive. The lawyer, David K. Chapman, had never handled a death-penalty case, failed to investigate Rojas’ case, rarely met with Rojas, admitted he missed filing deadlines (one of which barred Rojas from any federal appeal), and had had his license suspended three times by the Texas Bar (once during the time he was representing Rojas). Readers’ Choice • The race-discrimination lawsuit of two black sisters (Grace Fuller, 48, and Louise Sawyer, 46) against Southwest Airlines is scheduled to go to trial in Kansas City, Kan., in March. The sisters’ entire case is that a white flight attendant, in a hurry to get passengers seated, recited Southwest’s version of a rhyme that has a racist history: “Eenie, meeny, minie, moe / Pick a seat, we gotta go.” The sisters felt degraded and believe they are due some money. Nation at War • Most recent antiwar demonstrations have been by clothed people, but since November, nude demonstrations against an invasion of Iraq have taken place in Marin County, Calif. (200 women at three sites); near West Palm Beach, Fla. (23 people); Byron Bay, Australia (700); and New York City’s Central Park (30, in the snow). And the U.S. Navy announced in February that it is way short of “morticians” and is willing to pay sign-up bonuses of $6,000 (but denied the job search was related to Iraq). And according to Britain’s The Sun, both George Bush and Saddam Hussein recently ordered the same $975 handmade shoes from the Milan, Italy, shoemaker Vito Artioli (Bush in size 10, Saddam 9 1/2). The Litigious Society • In February, a 23-year-old woman who had once changed clothes in the office of a

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People Different From Us • Kenneth Patrick Porche Jr., 22, was arrested outside the ladies’ room at Dillard’s department store in Houma, La., in January, carrying four plastic bags of urine and several empty bags labeled with descriptions such as “old woman.” Police said they believed that Porche would enter a stall, disable the toilet’s flush mechanism, and line the bowl with a plastic film to catch the urine, before hiding away in an adjacent stall. After a woman used the toilet and left, Porche would collect and bag the urine from the plastic film. Since Porche’s behavior was difficult to characterize, police charged him under the catch-all “criminal mischief.” — Chuck Shepherd © United Press Syndicate

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talent agency in Brighton, Mich., while a hidden video camera was running, convinced a jury that that one humiliating experience was worth $575,250. She said that the incident was so severe (even though she had not sought counseling or taken medication for it), she had lost all trust in people and would have to give up on being a model. • Anne Stanley filed a lawsuit in Westmoreland County, Pa., in December, asking $90 million as her compensation for a period of time when she was unsure whether or not she had received a deadly infection. A defective bronchoscope was allegedly used on her at Latrobe Area Hospital in January and June of 2001, and one of the things that this particular defect (loose valve) permits is for bacteria to form in a pocket that cannot be reached by sterilization equipment. • High school senior Brian Delekta filed a lawsuit in February against the school system in Memphis, Mich., alleging that he actually did A-plus work in one course but only received an A for it, and that his average should be even higher than it is (and Delekta was ranked first in his class by the end of his junior year). The course at issue here is a “work experience” course in which he served as a paralegal in a law office and did a fine job, according to his supervisor. That supervisor happened to be his mother, Diane, who said she meant that he did Aplus, not A, work. • The 3rd Baron Mereworth and dozens of British nobles told reporters in January that they planned to sue Britain in the European Court of Human Rights because the Blair government had ousted most of them in a 1997 reform of the “upper” legislature, the House of Lords (which had long been criticized as a mere social club of aristocrats). (Lord Mereworth, for example, inherited his title last year upon the death of his father, who spent 70 years in the House of Lords without ever participating in a debate.)

M E T R O S P I R I T M A R 6 2 0 0 3

Brezsny's Free Will Astrology ARIES (March 21-April 19)

“It was the biggest mistake I ever made, and yet it was the best thing that ever happened to me.” When we spoke yesterday, that’s how my Aries friend Ron referred to his relationship with his ex-girlfriend. He got involved with her for all the wrong reasons, he said, and they stayed together only because he held on so tightly to his delusions about her. But in the painful months since they broke up, he has harvested a wealth of wisdom about himself. He feels that will serve him in good stead the next time he takes the leap into love. “My time with Susan was equivalent to me getting my PhD in relationships,” he concluded. Though the details of Ron’s story may differ from yours, Aries, you’re ready to make a similar conclusion: One of your big booboos was actually a stroke of great fortune.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Once the full impact of Einstein’s theory of relativity became clear, an admiring journalist interviewed him about the process by which he’d arrived at the revolutionary breakthrough. “How did you do it?” the journalist asked. “I ignored an axiom,” Einstein replied. Now let’s analyze that statement for your use, Taurus. Einstein didn’t say he’d ignored an opinion or theory, but rather an idea so well-established that it was regarded as self-evident. Furthermore, he didn’t say he rebelled or fought against the axiom: He simply acted as if it weren’t there. I suggest you follow his example exactly in the coming week.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

You’re the zodiac’s most inventive talker, but it doesn’t always work to your advantage. Sometimes you sabotage your brilliant verbal forays by going on for so long that your listeners tune you out. On other occasions, you undermine your persuasiveness by sounding too damn smart, thereby intimidating the very people you’re trying to convince. But I predict that none of this will be a problem for you in the coming days, Gemini. You’ll have a

sixth sense about when to let your mouth slip into creative hyperdrive and when, on the other hand, to slow it down. As a result, your ability to win friends and influence people will zoom to its highest levels in many moons.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

As I compose this horoscope, I’m sitting in my car with the engine off during rush hour, stuck halfway across the Golden Gate Bridge between San Francisco and Marin County. Traffic came to a dead halt 40 minutes ago due to a big accident. My situation is an analogue of the predicament you find yourself in, Cancerian. Through no fault of your own, you’ve been stopped while crossing a metaphorical bridge. Here’s my advice: As you wait for the obstruction to be cleared, don’t grind your teeth and curse. Instead, take advantage of the temporary interruption by doing something useful, as I am.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

Last November a flower-arranger named Stacie wrote to tell me about her latest creation. She’d walked into the dry autumn woods and gathered big purple thistles, gnarled berry vines, spiny horehound seedpods and numerous plants with burrs. After she assembled it all into a bouquet back home, she gave it a title, as if it were a sculpture. She called it “Ode to Prickly Things: My Beautiful Fear.” Though she hadn’t realized what she was doing, she had assembled a perfect artistic expression of the subtle dread she always carried with her. To see it embodied so visibly had an effect comparable to an exorcism. From that day on, she felt much freer of her chronic anxiety. I suggest you take inspiration from her, Leo. Perform a ritual or make some art that gives you power over the thing you’re most afraid of.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Empty your mind of everything it thinks it knows about where you belong, Virgo. Once you’ve created a wide open space, launch an inquiry into the

nature of your true home. Here are some questions to guide you. 1. What’s the first place you think of when you hear the word “sanctuary”? 2. What environments bring out the best in you? 3. Do you have what you might call power spots, and if so, what do they feel like? 4. What places on the planet captivate your imagination, even if you’ve never even been there? 5. Is it possible there may be a future home that’s a more meaningful version of home than the place where tradition comforts you?

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Chanteuse Billie Holiday believed a good singer should never sing a song the same way twice. All the tantric sex teachers say an artful lover never makes love the same way twice. The only Zen master I know — whose name I can’t tell you because she changes it every week, and I haven’t heard the latest one — likes to quote the ancient Greek philosopher, Heraclitus: “You cannot step into the same river twice, for fresh waters are ever flowing in upon you.” These ideas are always useful to keep in mind, Libra. But during the next three weeks, they should be your constant meditation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Writer Michael Tortorello has complained about the “national delight deficit.” My friend Lanny bemoans the public’s shrinking attention span for stories about joyful events and satisfying breakthroughs. I myself have marveled at the pathological tendency of many educated people to equate cynicism with intelligence. It’s in the context of this stupefying collective addiction to dank moods that I give you your assignment, Scorpio: You, more than any other sign of the zodiac, are now primed to harvest an abundance of pleasure, mirth, and fun. Please don’t keep it all to yourself; try to infect everyone you meet.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Ocean floors are not flat and level. In some places, underwater mountains rise to tremendous heights. Hawaii’s Mauna Kea is taller than Mt. Everest, for instance, though only its uppermost part pokes above the sea’s surface. Other submarine peaks, like the recently mapped Atlantis Massif in the Atlantic Ocean, are completely hidden beneath the waves. Let these be your metaphors of power in the coming weeks, Sagittarius. You’ll soon discover and explore your own mysterious equivalent of underwater mountains.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

If you’re a Capricorn journalist, this is the week you could get a Pulitzer Prize-winning scoop from a drunken slaughterhouse worker about a likely E. coli outbreak. If you’re a Capricorn parent, you’ll have a lightning bolt of insight into the destiny of your child, forever changing the way you guide him or her. If you’re a Capricorn songwriter, I bet you’ll channel a melody or lyrics that will become one of your signature songs. And if you’re any other kind of Capricorn, you’ll be the beneficiary of a rich revelation that will be as valuable to you as a huge windfall.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

“Id” is a psychoanalytic term. It refers to the part of your mind that harbors your instinctual needs and drives. On the one hand, your id is the source of tremendous amounts of psychic energy. On the other hand, it’s almost totally unconscious. Think about it, Aquarius: The primal, dynamic core of your life force is mostly invisible and unknown to you. For most people, this is a good thing. It would be painful and scary to be fully aware of the id. In the coming week, however, you will benefit from being in conscious contact with this high voltage potential. I suggest you begin immediately. Mindful that your id is like a smart but wild animal, invite it to show itself.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

Astrology asserts that we humans are puppets of cosmic forces that are beyond our power to affect, right? Wrong. In fact, the opposite is the case: Studying the nature of archetypal energies helps us direct them in constructive ways. In her book, “Making the Gods Work for You,” astrologer Caroline Casey articulates this view, suggesting that with enough ingenuity we can actually get divine powers to be our collaborators. Here’s another way to say it: Ask not what your planets are doing to you, but what you can do with your planets. I bring this up, Pisces, because you’ve never been in a better position to persuade the cosmic forces to serve your free will. — © Rob Brezsny You Can Call Rob Brezsny, day or night, for your Expanded Weekly Horoscope

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New York Times Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS 1 Spanish eyes 5 Jots 10 News anchor Paula 14 Hitchcock title 15 Black-necked goose 16 Award started by the Village Voice 17 Reducing the autopsy staff? 20 Crime for which one takes the heat 21 Barely flows 22 Captain of science fiction 25 Alias 26 Jokester 29 Dyed trick-ortreat costume? 35 Emotionally charged 37 Subject for il poeta 38 ___-Honey (candy name)

39 High-hats 42 Ovaltine

ingredient

43 People travel

only one way on them 45 Permanent spot on a dress 47 Lively state? 50 Spotter 51 Prefect ending 52 Knock off 54 Growing postW.W. II environs 59 Swing and a miss 63 Politician on a spree? 66 Pipsqueak 67 Many a McDonald’s promotion 68 Stuff on slides 69 “Vamoose!” 70 Famous bucktoothed dummy 71 Longtime Susan Lucci quest

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DOWN 1 Sea World attraction 2 Day at the Louvre 3 Decides 4 Decided about 5 “Son of,” in Arabic names 6 Domain name suffix 7 Public relations need 8 Parka 9 Sound, as the hour 10 Stupefy, slangily 11 Explorer Tasman 12 Engage 13 Role for Stack and Costner 18 Like helium 19 City SSE of Gainesville 23 They lap France’s coasts 24 God who gave up an eye to drink from the spring of wisdom 26 Home entertainment option 27 Way out 28 Imply 30 Ambit 31 Literary matchmaker 32 Warty jumpers 33 Fourth deck of a ship 34 Meshlike

19 21

20 22 27

25 30

31 37

36 39

38 43

42 46 50

51 55

59 64

Puzzle by Cathy Millhauser

36 Mrs. Dithers in

“Blondie” 40 Cranberries thrive here 41 Place on a schedule 44 Bad etiquette at the dinner table 46 Famous 48 Flies around

49 Curb 53 Part of growing

54 Estonia et al.,

once: Abbr.

55 Nope 56 Rock star with

many causes

57 Machinating

58 Onetime Mets

slugger Tommie

60 Particular 61 1040, for one 62 Scuffle 64 Hardly an

ordinary Joe

65 Apt answer for

this clue

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.20 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554. Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. Online subscriptions: Today's puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/diversions ($19.95 a year). Crosswords for young solvers: The Learning Network, nytimes.com/learning/xwords.

“The Only

Doghouse You’ll Want To Be In”

53 M E T R O S P I R I T M A R

228-4476

’m a guy who’s had a female best friend for years. The other night, after a few drinks, we ended up getting physical and talking for hours. I told her how I’ve always felt about her — more than best-friendly feelings. Well, it turns out the feelings are ex tremely mutual. This is great, except that she’s engaged. Her fiancé is a guy who’s always traveling for his job. I get the feeling she’s not exactly happy about only seeing him every few weeks. It’s been five days, and we still haven’t talked about that night. I have no idea what to do. Any suggestions? —Still Spineless After All These Years Draw a lit tle face on your index finger, and Scotch tape a lit tle dryer lint on top. (That’s you.) Nex t, draw a lit tle face on your other index finger. Scotch tape a bigger clump of dryer lint on this one, preferably in a chic bouf fant. (That’s her.) No, I’m not kidding. Using finger puppets to get your message across might come up shor t in sophistication, but, in ef fectiveness, it beats a vow of silence ... hands down. Considering that you’ve been panting af ter this girl for years — total news to her, it seems — telepathy hasn’t worked too well for you either. Maybe you’ve been waiting to be called on — a good move if you’re a secondgrader, angling to go home with a gold star on your forehead. Eventually, you should be invited to say something. Wait long enough, and the invitation will come from a guy in a minister suit, calling across the pews for you to “speak now, or forever put a sock in it.” This would be an appropriate moment for you to voice an objection. If, however, you’re into results-oriented communication, you’d be wise to unwire your jaw long before there’s a lot of forward motion down the aisle in a big white dress, plus 3,000 guests who have crossed four time zones on a mule to watch this girl become Mrs. Somebody Else. To kick-star t your courage, visualize times when you manage to speak up in your own behalf, like when you’re about to board El Thrif to Airline, and you spot the last food for 5,500 miles that isn’t a quar ter-ounce bag of peanuts. Surely, you find the will to blur t out, “Whopper ... p-p-please! And make mine a double.” You DO manage to say something ... don’t you? Or do you just stand mute at the register, staring purposefully into the eyes of the girl in the paper hat until she finally yells,

! ! !

Greek Gyros & Vienna all beef Chicago Hot Dogs, plus much more Greek Chicago Style Food

“Sir ... I said, ‘EITHER SPEAK UP OR STEP ASIDE!’” That’s what it comes down to here: speak up or step aside. What’s stopping you? Maybe you’ve heard that the meek are supposed to inherit the Ear th. Well, the place should be a real ball of laughs af ter the asser tive take of f with all the women. Maybe you’re terrified that you’ll be crushed by rejection — maybe so completely crushed that you’ll end up one of those lit tle black tar splotches on the sidewalk, forever get ting resquashed under the soles of apathetic pedestrians. Of course, if you didn’t favor the entirely unsuccessful nonverbal method of asking women out, you might have learned that “crushing rejection” is merely a figure of speech, and those black dots are used chewing gum dropped by uncouth people. I’m not denying that rejection can be heavy. Still, there’s really nothing quite so flat tening as the weight of the champagne glass you lif t to toast to your friend’s eternal bliss with some other guy.

According to my hairdresser, any guy can have sex, but if you can make love to a woman’s mind, you’ve really got something going. I think I’m sensual in bed, but I want to have that ex tra something. I don’t think I ask the right questions or make the eye contact women need. Should I look a woman in the eye every day, ask her how her day went, and how she’s feeling? —An Urge To Merge Most women, as lit tle girls, had dolls with a string you pull to make them say something. They aren’t looking for boyfriends who relate on that same principle. In other words, gazing deep into a woman’s eyes while at tempting to recall the 1955 World Series stats isn’t likely to fast-track you into the playof fs for world’s greatest lover. Instead of trying to act like you’re connecting with a woman, for best results, you might consider actually connecting — asking her stuf f because you’re genuinely interested in her answers. Of course, this assumes there’s something to connect with on both ends — that not only do you have a few interesting things blowing around inside your head, but that your kind of woman is one with more on her mind than doubleprocess blonde hair with really stunning highlights. — © 2003, Amy Alkon

Got A Problem? Write Amy Alkon

171 Pier Ave., Box 280 • Santa Monica, CA 90405 or e-mail AdviceAmy@aol.com

PHARMACEUTICAL REPS Dino will deliver your large order

Credit cards (American Express) accepted

Indoor & outdoor dining GREEK/CHICAGO STYLE FOOD

Open Mon-Thu 11-9, Fri & Sat 11-9:30

Bi-Lo Shopping Center 500 Fury's Ferry Rd. Suite 101 DRIVE-THRU-DINE-INCALL AHEAD

Tan for Less

Best Prices in Augusta! INDIVIDUAL SESSION 10 VISITS 30 VISITS 1 YEAR UNLIMITED TANNING

$3 $25 $38 $240

One on One Preferential Treatment Men & Women Styles • Hair Color and Highlights • Waxing • Skin Care • Pedicure • Special Occasion Hair and Make-Up • MCG Discounts

Brooke Hinson’s

Be sure and visit

Bella, etc.

Finishing touches & accents

Tues - Fri 10 am - Until • By Appointment Only 3124 Washington Rd. Suite H • Across from Applebee’s

726-3621

6 2 0 0 3

M E T R O S P I R I T M A R 6 2 0 0 3

Classifieds SALON Great location! Stylist Needed with license & clientele booth rent For more info call A.J. Home: 706-793-2561 Pager: 803-441-4403 (03/06#7986) WORK FROM HOME PT/FT 706-854-0270 (03/06#8018)

Help Wanted $250 - $500 a Week Will train to work at home helping the US Government file HUD/FHA Mor tgage Refunds. No experience necessary. Call 1-800-778-0353 (03/06#8016)

Part-Time Help Wanted EARN INCOME PT/FT Around your schedule. Home-based business. Free booklet. Full training. visionadream.com 888-685-8234 (03/06#8010)

Business Opportunities For Free Consultation on clearing up your desk. Please call 1-866-201-3516 (03/06#8017)

Equipment BUY FACTORY DIRECT WOLFF TANNING BEDS Payments From $25/month FREE Color Catolog Call Today 1-800-842-1310 www.np.etstan.com (03/27#7924)

Health Do you have health problems? Ar thritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia or children with ADH? Give us 90 days and we will show you how to get relief and improvement. You won’t be disappointed! Call (706) 737-2254. (03/06#8012)

Medical Research If you have chronic headaches, regardless of severity, you may be eligible for admission to a non-drug VA and MCG study. Biofeedback or relaxation treatments are provided at no cost, and subjects may receive a fee for completing study requirements. Please call (706) 733-0188, extension 2678, for additional information. (03/06#7955)

Religion Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer A Christian Church reaching to all: including Gay, Lesbian, and Transgendered Christians. Meeting at 311 Seventh Street, 11 am and 7 pm each Sunday. 722-6454 MCCAugusta@aol.com www.mccoor.com

Services RENT A GIRLFRIEND Maid Service, Home Management For Single Professionals. Cleaning, Cooking, Errands, Petsit ting, Organizing. Will Negotiate Schedule, Call 706-399-4583 (3/13#7968)

Call 738-1142 to place your Classified ad today!

Mind, Body & Spirit

Employment

Alt. Lifestyles READINGS BY

INTEGRAL YOGA

MRS. GRAHAM

If You’re not Partying at Argos, The Tower of Argos or at The Shack ... You’re Not Partying

Classes/Private Classes Bhakti Brown, RYT

(706) 556-8490 (706) 825-2113 TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION *Lower Blood Pressure *Reduce Anxiety *Reduce Stress 706-860-6483 (3/06#7981)

L❤ve & Light HEALING CENTER HYPNOSIS WORKS! Stop

Smoking Lose Weight

C A R D R E A D I N G S

Mrs. Graham, Psychic Reader, Advises on all affairs of life, such as love, marriage, and business. She tells your past, present and future. Mrs. Graham does palm, tarot card, and crystal readings. She specializes in relationships and reuniting loved ones.

SPECIAL READINGS WITH CARD

341 S. Belair Rd. Open from 9 a.m. til 9 p.m. Call (706) 733-5851

BURY THOSE HABITS BEFORE THEY BURY YOU! Betty L ❤ve, CHT. Reiki Master 2477 Wrightsboro Rd.

733-4187 ❤ 733-8550 Miscellaneous For Sale Electric Lift Chair, Recliner.Blue by Invacare. Paid $900.00 new, will sell for $500.00. Will hold a very large person. Call 790-0793. (05/08#8026) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Four End Tables and Night Stand, very nice solid wood - All for $25.00 (05/08#8027) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Boxwood Shrub, three years old, 18 inches tall $2.50 Call 706-863-3518 (05/08#8028) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Sears 3HP Power Reel Mower; 7 Blade Power Propelled. $150.00 Call 855-7162 (05/08#8029) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Books - Most $2.00 - $3.00 - Lots on Holocaust - Wiesel, Levi - Others. 706 7376219, Leave Message. (05/08#8030) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Childs wood play fort with lad, slide, sandbox. Treated/GC, great for spring/summer. 706-8408635 LM. $75 OBO (05/01#8014) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Bathroom/Vanity mirror 3 foot x 29 inch with chrome slides for top and bot tom. $25 OBO, 706-840-8635 LM (05/01#8014) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Porsche Service Sign $50.00 service sign from dealership 11”X14” pic available. PlatinumPorscheX@aol.com (04/17#8007) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Yearbooks: Mercer (The Cauldron) 1934 & 35; University of Richmond (The Web) 1948 & 49; John Marshall High 1945 Richmond, Virginia (Marsallite) $49 each 733-7735 (04/10#8001) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Sony 5-disc CD carousel w/remote, works great, $75. 869-8931 (04/10#8000) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Magna Flip 400 Boys Bicycle Ages 9 - 13 $55/OBO 706-869-8888 (04/10#7999) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Scott 6.75HP Lawnmower (John Deere) GC with bagger $60.00/OBO 706-869-8888 (04/10#7998) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Full Size Mattress & Box Spring. Excellent conditiion, like new, $100.00 Call after 5 pm, 868-1384 (04/10#7997) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Turntable - Sony professional direct drive serve controlled motor. Heavy base. Head and cartridge solid state with speed adjuster. $100.00 803-649-6658 (04/10#7996) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 36” Metal full glass ex terior French Door New $95.00 706-541-0656 (04/10#7995) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Mahogany End Tables, nice condition been in family for years $70 each. 706-444-8619 (03/27#7973)

Thur Fri Sat

Karaoke Argos Angels Caberet Argos Angels Caberet & Tower Blackout Party at 12

Coming Events Fri-3/14 St. Patricks Day All Male Revue & Tower Party Sat-3/22 Tower Blacklight Party Sat-3/29 The Great American Strip Off Argos welcomes Gay, Bi, BDSM, Swingers, TVTS & all openminded patrons

Call us at 481-8829 or email us at ClubArgos@aol.com

THE COLISEUM

SPECIALS

$39 Massage Special

1 Hr. Session By appt. Gift Certificates Available

Advanced Chiropractic 1944 Walton Way, Suite H Augusta

Premier Entertainment Complex & High Energy Dance Music

Saturday, 3/8 Ravionne Starr Coming Friday March 14 Hot Male & Female Strippers Hollywood Knockouts

(803) 441-0053 Wed

2-4-1 Frozen Margaritas $2 Long Necks $1 Quervo Shots $5 Beer Bust

Sun

Karaoke $1 Jello Shots

Come have fun where the party doesn’t end at 3:00 am!

MARLBORO STATION Your Party Station

Live Entertainment

Friday, 3/7 Barfra’s Birthday Bash

Drink Specials: WED $7 Wet N' Wild SAT $2 Bud/Bud Light

Open Mon-Fri 8pm-3am Sat 8pm-2:30am

706-772-4989

Fri & Sat. No Cover Before 10 p.m. 1632 Walton Way • Augusta, GA

Miscellaneous For Sale

Email: ColiseumAugusta@aol.com

Golf Clubs-Taylor Made irons super steel. Rifle shafts reg. flex 3-PW $199, 706-650-7487 (03/27#7972) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– EMACHINES 333cs Computer, keyboard, mouse, speakers, stand. $250 OBO! Call 7962769 after 5pm. (03/27#7971) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Nordic Track, Excellent condition. Comes with video tape and info. $65.00 Small exercise cycle use sit ting in chair, $25.00. 855-5521 (03/27#7970) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Outdoor Furniture, Chase, 3 cushion set te, and chair, sell for $50.00. Cocktail Table, four pedistal base in gold with heavy glass top sell for $75.00, Call 803-649-6658 (03/20#7963) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Computer Workcenter By Sauder with doors. Holds monitor, CPU., printer, etc. New $499.00 sell for $100.00, Call 803-649-6658 (03/20#7962) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Luxman Phono Preamp was $600 sell $90. AudioSource SS Five surround sound processor was $200 sell $50.00. Call 706-210-4884. (03/20#7961) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Computer - 166MHZ Pentium-Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, 56k Modem. Good Condition and internet ready. $250.00, Call Nancy at 803641-0446 (03/13#7951) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Golf Clubs: Biggest Big Ber tha, regular graphite, 10°, $150.00; Adams GT-363 Titanium, regular graphite, 10°, $100.00; Steelhead Plus 7-wood, graphite $90.00; Call Les 860-3387 (03/13#7951) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Mounted Deer Head and shoulder 8 point,Very Good Condition $145.00 706-541-0656 (03/13#7950) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Book: Black West Documentary, Pictorial History, 9 & 10 Calvary Buffalo Soldier & more $300, OBO Call, C. Allen 706-560-9782 (03/06#7946) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Commercial Freezer, 1 year old , double door, all stainless steel. $800.00 OBO Barstools 803594-9594 (03/06#7942)

The Shack The CSRA’s Only All Night Place

Club Argos & The Tower of Argos Leather Bar Open Daily at 6pm

Fri, Sat & Sun 18 to Party • 21 to Drink Name___________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________ DOB___________Email___________________________________ $1 off Admission w/ coupon 141 Marlboro Station, Aiken • 803-644-6485

www.marlboro.4mg.net

706-733-2603

Travel

WWW.METSPIRIT.COM Wheels

Dead Bodies Wanted

We want your dead junk or scrap car bodies. We tow away and for some we pay. 706/829-2676

706/798-9060

55 M E T R O S P I R I T

To become a member, call 1-888-223-7044 To listen and respond to ads, call 1-900-226-8908 Calls cost $1.99 per min., Must be 18+.

,call 1-866-832-4685

To respond to ads using a WORK OF ART Voluptuous SBF, 28, loves fishing, swimming, cooking. Looking for a man with the same passions. ☎747775 COMPANIONSHIP DWF, 48, enjoys antiquing, travel, dining out, movies and more. Seeking DWM, 48-58, for loving, tender relationship. ☎732056 GOD LOVER Athletic, shy SBF, 33, 5’5”, 160lbs, Gemini, smoker, enjoys church, dining out, cooking, traveling, shopping, reading. Seeking outgoing man, 35-50, smoker, for LTR. ☎709843 NO GAMES PLEASE DWF, 33, 5’10”, full-figured, brown/hazel, selfemployed mother of three, seeks WM, 25-45, honest, faithful, devoted, for fun, friendship, LTR. ☎680330 TWO PIECES OF A PUZZLE Full-figured, very attractive, independent woman, 31, 5’2”, seeks someone special to spend time with. You: honest, fun-loving, varied interests. ☎685405 STRONG WILL SBF, 45, outgoing, attractive, youthful, enjoys writing, music, traveling. Seeking mature, strong-willed SBM, 35-48, for friendship. ☎965893 AN AUTUMN SPECIAL Hard-working WF, 38, 5’4”, 100lbs, blonde/ brown, enjoys biking, watersports, cooking, and travel. Seeking WM, 35-50, for possible LTR. ☎965904 IN SEARCH OF MY SOULMATE He must be a tall (5’10”-6’4”), Christian man, 42-55, N/S, who is honest, faithful, devoted and lively. I am a SBPF, 5’6”, 150lbs, and looking for LTR. ☎641005 GOOD-HEARTED DWF, 61, 5’9”, honest, neat in appearance, with a good sense of humor. Seeking WM, 6070, who’s honest and caring. ☎574264 SENSE OF HUMOR REQUIRED SF, 33, 5’, full-figured, cocoa complexion, looking for friendship leading to relationship with SM, 25-40, who doesn’t play games. ☎579505 MAKE MY HEART LAUGH SBF, 22, 5’8”, 155lbs, part-time student, seeks sensual, kind man with a great heart, for movies, dining out, and open-minded conversation. ☎565120 ARE YOU THE ONE? College educated SWF, early 40s, 5’6”, 136lbs, extroverted, enjoys camping, country living, animals, movies, traveling. Seeking same in SWM, 40-50, similar interests. ☎965910

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SAY YOU, SAY ME SWM, 25, 5’10”, 165lbs, medium build, brown/blue, Gemini, N/S, outgoing, energetic, seeks WF, 19-28, for friendship, possible LTR. ☎302503 YOU SUPPLY... the marshmallows. I’ll supply the bonfire, SWM, 36, truck driver, Aries, N/S, loves camping. Seeking a woman, 40-58. ☎316730 JUST YOUR AVERAGE GUY SWM, 37, N/S, likes motorcycles, fishing, camping, farming, relaxing weekends. Seeking SWF, 25-40, to join me on life’s journey. ☎287476 IF YOU’RE READING THIS... why not give me a call? SWCM, 19, 6’, 185lbs, brown/blue, relaxed attitude, Capricorn, N/S, seeks WF, 19-25, N/S, for possible LTR. ☎938173 WOULD YOU BE MY GIRL? Light-skinned SBM, 20, 5’8”, short/brown, likes going to movies and more. Seeking single lady, 18-30, who’d like to be my girl. ☎275833 ENJOY LIFE WITH ME! SM, 52, wants to meet a fun-loving woman, 35-48, who is easy to get along with, likes sports, music, and more. ☎282853 MY DREAM GIRL SM, 29, 5’8’’, likes basketball. Looking for a female, 25-40, who enjoys going out and having a nice time! ☎274284

EARLY RETIREMENT SM, 63, works part time, deep sense of spiritual conviction, loves the Bible, fellowship, life. Searching for similar woman, 45-56. ☎279329 LET’S FALL IN LOVE SM, 25, enjoys travel, movies, writing. Looking for a good woman, 25-42, who shares some of these interests. ☎281603 MY DEMANDS ARE SIMPLE SBM, 34, seeks a relationship with a faithful and honest BF, 28-39, smoker, for an honest relationship. ☎949160 GET IN TOUCH WITH ME SM, 21, 6’3’’, athletic build, student, loves movies, clubs, church. Seeking compassionate, down-to-earth, fun woman. ☎861556 SHOW ME YOUR SMILE SM, 44, enjoys kayaking, cooking, art, biking, exercise, outdoors. Looking for a female, 3450, who has the same kinds of interests. ☎858979 OLD-FASHIONED GUY SHM, 34, 5’4”, 170lbs, Virgo, N/S, writes and loves country western music, helping the homeless, church. Seeking SHF, 32-36, N/S, with similar interests. ☎835306 LET’S DO LUNCH SBM, 28, Leo, homeowner, entrepreneur, attractive, seeks friendship with average, every day woman, 20-40. Have your heart talk to mine. ☎270867 TRUE FRIENDSHIP Handsome SBM, 40, with a compassionate nature, seeks a S/DBF, 43-50, with the same qualities for a passionate relationship. ☎200917 CHEF/PIANIST 6’, 190lbs, brown/blue, handsome, amateur psychologist, nice car, time off to travel, will send photo. Seeks pretty female companion, 26-39, no kids, light smoker/drinker okay. ☎882215

Stud Finder YOU HAVE 6 NEW MATCHES

GET INTO THE GROOVE SWF, 43, 5’4”, 110lbs, slender, active, Capricorn, N/S, enjoys playing frisbee and nature walks. Seeking WM, 37-47, wide shoulders a+. ☎301123 GOD IS OUR SAVIOR SWF, 50, Sagittarius, N/S, loves Christian music, Christian tv, and reading the Bible. Seeking BCM, 50-55, N/S, who sees things the same as I do. ☎299661 TO THE POINT DWF, 37, administrative assistant, Capricorn, N/S, seeks WM, 29-49, N/S, occasional drinker ok, honest, for dating. ☎299335 I’M YOUR VENUS SWF, 44 (looks younger), 5’, blonde/blue, with a full-figure, seeks HM, 5’5”-6’, who is secure. ☎747133 BE HONEST SF, 60, enjoys good conversations, going to Church, yard sales, music. Seeking SM, 5070, N/S, likes to go to Church. ☎965856 HOPELESS ROMANTIC SBF, 25, no children, very independent, Leo, N/S, seeks BM, 26-40, N/S, with whom to share movies, dancing, and quality time. ☎300467 MEET THE CRITERIA? SBF, 32, mother, smoker, seeks considerate male, 35-42, with capability to be understanding and sincere in a relationship. ☎288180 ENVELOPING EMBRACE Kind-hearted SBCF, 52, non-smoker, enjoys dining out, attending church. Seeking loving SBCM, 52-65, with similar interests. ☎287845 FALL IN LOVE AGAIN SF, 46, dark complexion, cosmetologist, seeks caring, sensitive, employed man, 46-56, for long walks, cuddling, and more. ☎284967 FIRST TIME AD! Employed SBF, 35, no children, wants to meet a laid-back, spontaneous man, 33-41, race unimportant, to get to know as a friend and maybe progress to more! ☎280007 OLD-FASHIONED GIRL SWF, 34, attractive, blonde, with good morals and values, Leo, N/S, enjoys nature, cooking, animals, movies, and home life. Desiring marriage-minded, family-oriented WM, 32-45. ☎261032 SEEKING DEDICATED PERSON SWF, late-30s, blonde/blue, is dedicated and looking for the same in a man, for friendship first, possibly more. ☎251283 LEO SBF, 31, wants to share quality time with a man who loves movies, dining out, quiet times, for friendship. ☎202217 GIVE ME A JINGLE SBF, 46, is loving, kind and sweet, mature at every beat, can weave anything and loves to sing. Want to sing with her? ☎200842 A GOOD-HEARTED WOMAN Honest SWF, 5’4”, long dark brown/hazel, would like to meet a trustworthy SWM for a good, honest, open relationship. I smoker, so another smoker is preferred. Grovetown. ☎111411 THE LONG RUN SBF, 43, single parent, health service technician, Capricorn, N/S, loves basketball. Seeking BM, 37-47, N/S, for friendship, love, and beyond. ☎872160 TABLE FOR TWO SWF, 57, 5’4”, blond/green, easygoing, outgoing, enjoys cooking, fishing, reading, NASCAR. Seeking honest, respectful S/DWM, 57-65. ☎965851

BE MY FRIEND Attractive SWF, 29, 5’7”, 129lbs, brown/brown, N/S, no kids, never married, seeks SWM, 2037, in shape, friendship first, possible LTR. ☎945103 HONESTY IS KEY DWF, 38, mother of two/homemaker, loves Bon Jovi, dining out, quiet time at home. Seeking honest, sincere SWM, 38-45. Could it be you? ☎910404 TRUE: One is a lonely number. DWF, no children, self-supporting, my physical appearance won’t embarrass you, retired and seeking a loving, truthful, reliable man, 50-75. ☎896701 SWEET AND SINGLE SBF, 30, Scorpio, N/S, student, enjoys quality time, movies, dining out, quiet times. Seeking friendship with SBM, 29-43, for possible LTR. ☎890152 TIRED OF BEING ALONE SWF, 49, 5’9”, 164lbs, Cancer, N/S, social drinker, mother of one, enjoys music, dining out, reading. Seeking SWM, 44-59, N/S, for LTR. ☎890570 SERIOUS ABOUT LIFE SBCF, 50, 165lbs, Scorpio, N/S, church-goer, mother of one, seeks outgoing, christian SBM, 50-60, N/S, with good heart, who is serious, for LTR. ☎885036 GOOD GIRL Attractive SWF, 38, 5’4”, 145lbs, blonde/hazel, N/S, Pisces, enjoys outdoors. Seeking tall SWM, 30-42. ☎864247 BEACH BUM SBF, 31, with bachelor’s degree in communications, Taurus, N/S, loves dining out, movies, working out, and reading. Seeking man, 2636. ☎869451 ARE YOU SINCERE? SF, 28, blond/blue, enjoys the gym, time with family and friends. Looking for an honest guy, 26-35, who is not into games. ☎857530 A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN... inside and out. SBF, 26, 5’10’’, light complexion, enjoys movies, music, just having a good time. Seeking honest, sincere man for LTR. ☎861401 SINCERE BEAUTY Sophisticated SBCF, 23, 5’2”, 140lbs, interested in seeking educated, independent, employed SBM, 23-30, long walks, stimulating conversation, friendship, dating, more. ☎849311 GENUINE GEMINI Sweet SWF, 21, 6’, in medical field, enjoys Nascar, long walks. Seeking tall SWM, 25-35, with similar interests. Friendship first, possible LTR. ☎848654 I LIKE LIFE Single mom, 32, looking for a man with a vibrant personality and a love for living. ☎844138 I’LL WRITE YOU A POEM! SF, 25, 5’4’’, 150lbs, Virgo, enjoys reading, cooking, music, movies. Seeking a man who likes to try new things. ☎841437 OLD-FASHIONED VALUES Honest, relaxed, christian SBF, 56, Aries, N/S, enjoys cooking, dining out, quiet times at home. Seeking marriage-minded, financially secure SBM, 50-56, N/S, for LTR. ☎829149 WILLING TO MAKE TIME Busy, hard-working SBF, 31, nurse, mother of one, Taurus, N/S, enjoys traveling, walks, shopping. Seeking SBM, 31-39, N/S, for LTR. ☎836074 TAKE A CHANCE Laid-back SF, 30, enjoys dining in/out, going to the movies, church activities. Seeking SM, secure in himself to share those things. ☎767576 SKATE, RIDE, BOWL, ETC. African-American mom, 23, 5’, 159lbs, mother of two, currently in school, looking for honest, trustful family-man, 20s-30s, who’ll give his 100%. ☎751642

Mobile Dating. The easiest way to meet great people.

GUIDELINES: DATE MAKER ads are for adults 18 or over seeking monogamous relationships. To ensure your safety, carefully screen all responses. First meetings should occur in a public place. Abbreviations are permitted only to indicate gender preference, race, and religion. We suggest your ad contain a self-description, age range, lifestyle and avocations. Ads and voice messages containing explicit sexual language will not be accepted. This publication reserves the right to revise copy containing objectionable phrases; to reject in its sole discretion, any advertisement on account of its text. This publication assumes no responsibility for the content or reply to any DATE MAKER ad. The advertiser assumes complete liability for the content and all replies to any advertisement or recorded message and for any claims made against this publication and its agents as a result thereof. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold this publication, its employees and its agents harmless from all costs, expenses (including reasonable attorney fees), liabilities and damages resulting from or caused by the publication or recording placed by the advertiser or any reply to any such advertisement. By using DATE MAKER, the advertiser agrees not to leave his/her phone number, last name or address in his/her voice greeting. Not all boxes contain a voice greeting.

ABBREVIATIONS

To purchase more than your free 30 words, at $2.00 per word, please call 1-800-234-5120

M B D F H C LTR

Male Black Divorced Female Hispanic Christian Long-term Relationship

G W A S J P N/D N/S

Gay White Asian Single Jewish Professional Non-Drinker Non-smoker

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SINGLE TOO LONG SWM, 35, 5’10”, curly/hazel, in good shape, loves kids, cooking, movies, animals. Seeking WF, 25-42, fun and witty. ☎945669 IT TAKES TWO SBM, 33, Gemini, N/S, enjoys art, jazz, classical music, hiphop. Seeking SBF, 23-43, for shared interests in music, life, and happiness. M ☎941377 A LET’S MAKE A CONNECTION R Laid-back, easygoing, employed SBM, 48, seeks similar SB/WF, 30-60, into music, dining 6 out, spending quality time together. There’s no need to be lonely! ☎919786 A REAL MAN 2 0 Handsome SBM, 39, compassionate, financially secure, seeks romantic, attractive, com0 passionate BF, 21-45, for romantic dinners, 3 movies, walks along the beach, true friendship, LTR. ☎920361 WAITING ON YOU Clean-cut DWM, 44, 5’4”, brown/hazel, great personality, enjoys dining out, trips to the lake, camping, sports (football, baseball). Searching for young lady, no games, interested in LTR founded on friendship. ☎910547 MY DREAM LADY... is a spontaneous woman with a serious mind and who knows what she wants in life. SBM, 42, believes dreams can come true. ☎907741 LOOK ME UP Well-educated, professional SWM, 45, no children, never married, enjoys boating, fishing, camping and exploring life. Seeking SF, with similar interests, for fun and friendship. ☎898023 MATURE WOMAN WANTED Hardworking DM, 48, brown/green, looking for S/DF, who’s independent, spontaneous, openminded and mature, D/D-free, who knows what she wants in life, for friendship and maybe romance. ☎898762 FUN FOR ALL SWM, 50, seeks intelligent, aware SF, in shape, for indoor and outdoor fun. Looking for a friendship, that may lead to more. ☎902103 PHONE CALL AWAY Self-employed SWM, 40, Pisces, N/S, N/D, enjoys dining out, movies, cooking in, many activities. Seeking similar SWF, 28-45, N/S, to share good times with. ☎882776 IN NEED OF LOVE, SERIOUS SWM, 44, 6’, never married, blond/blue, Aries, smoker, seeks honest, romantic SWF, 25-38, enjoys sports, country walks, and more, for LTR, marriage. ☎889184 LET’S GET IN TOUCH! SWM, 20, Cancer, smoker, enjoys fishing, hunting, walking, playing games. Seeking older woman, 30-60, for possible relationship. ☎888111 THE PERFECT MATE DBM, 40, 6’, 195lbs, with 1 child, Capricorn, smoker, homeowner, loves gardening, cooking, and hunting. Seeking WF, 28-42, petite, to bedazzling. ☎873556 NOT JUST ANOTHER... stud. DBM, 33, with 3 children, Libra, N/S, seeks a lucky lady, 25-45, N/S, with whom to share quality time. ☎868350 KNOCK-KNOCK, WHO’S THERE? Call me and find out. SWM, 34, Cancer, N/S, loves to tell jokes. Seeking WF, 25-39, N/S, for friendship and relationships. ☎775609 DON’T MISS THIS! SBM, 45, 5’10’’, 230lbs, interested in sports, jazz, movies, dining out. Would like to meet a woman with the same interests. ☎862898 LET’S HOOK UP 34-year-old SBM, 5’9”, 180lbs, Aquarius, nurse, bald head, new to area, open-minded, fun-loving, hopeless romantic. Seeking woman who loves to be romanced. ☎849401 POET SEEKS MUSE SBM, 45, loves all sports, board games, fishing, travel. Seeking a woman to share movies, dining and romance with. ☎843396 DARE TO DREAM Outgoing SBM, 21, 5’9”, 165lbs, Capricorn, N/S, loves going out, outdoors, children. Seeking SWF, 20-26, N/S, for possible family. ☎835444

EARLY XMAS GIFT Very romantic SBM, 31, 6’1”, 255lbs, Scorpio, N/S, enjoys church, dining out, cooking. Seeking stable SBF, 25-35, for friendship first, leading to something long-term. ☎837718 SEEKING CHRISTIAN WOMAN Friendly, committed, independent SBCM, 42, 5’11”, enjoys quiet evenings. Seeking attractive, committed, independent SBCF for friendship, possible LTR. ☎796760 LET’S TALK SM, 28, 6’5”, 320lbs, enjoys sports, reading, movies, dining out, travel. Seeking attractive, intelligent, sensual SF, with similar interests, for dating and more. ☎796390 LET YOUR HAIR DOWN SHM, 26, Leo, N/S, lives a regular, clean-cut lifestyle. Seeking a petite, active woman, 1830, sophisticated southern belle, with back woods babe heart. ☎790345 YOU WIN MY HEART SWM, 44, N/S, seeks clean, sincere, honest, intelligent, wise, crafty SBF, 35-45, N/S, for life mate and deep friendship. ☎704669

NICE PERSONALITY A MUST SM, 29, 5’7’’, moustache and goatee, seeks down-to-earth, nice, masculine, real man, 2730, for friends, possible LTR. ☎280741 OUT SPOKEN SWM, 32, 5’11”, 145lbs, enjoys camping, fishing, Nascar. Seeking laid-back WM, 23-35, for LTR. ☎560095 LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIP Senior SWM seeks sincere, honest SWM, 2545, to share home and lifestyle. Many interests including gardening, cooking, arts and crafts, travel, camping. ☎294303 YOU CAN MAKE MY DAY Male, 60, Cancer, N/S, seeks a WM, 49-65, N/S, for casual relationship. Why not call me? ☎927707 I’D LOVE TO MEET! SM, 47, likes dining out, having fun, malls, movies, television. Looking for sincere male for possible relationship. ☎861252 ENJOYS ALL THAT LIFE HAS GWM, 40, shaved head, goatee, Pisces, smoker, seeks very special, attractive, strong, fun-loving GBM, 30-50, for dating, possible LTR. ☎257126 NASCAR FAN SWM, 38, 6’1”, 190lbs, brown/green, is goodlooking and masculine. Seeking a man who is also masculine and enjoys going for drinks and RVing. ☎250111 BE YOURSELF Honest, caring SM, 47, 5’10”, 220lbs, seeks outgoing, ambitious, down-to-earth man, to share friendship, fun times and maybe more. ☎895468 YOU NEVER KNOW Fun-loving, easygoing GWM, 51, 5’11”, 198lbs, enjoys cooking, movies, fishing, walking. Seeking interesting GWM, 18-33, who’s full of life, for casual relationship, possibly more. ☎676662 BEYOND SWM, 32, 5’11”, 155lbs, light hair, looking for good time with GM, 18-45, ☎966003 100% LAID-BACK SBM, 35, 5’11”, brown skin, dark brown eyes, Virgo, smoker, bookworm, loves tv. Seeking masculine, spontaneous BM, 30-45, smoker. ☎958192 WHAT’S HAPPENING? SWM, 30, 5’7”, 200lbs, brown/blue, Aries, N/S, seeks BM, 19-35, N/S, outgoing, for friendship first, possible LTR. ☎958402 DOESN’T PLAY GAMES Unattached GBM, 41, interested in meeting open-minded, fun-loving, honest, truthful, compassionate and loyal GM for LTR. ☎920995

How do you

DARK CHOCOLATE SBM, 23, with a dark complexion, wants to go out and have good times with a great guy. ☎917508 CALL ME... you will not be disappointed. SM, 35, Indian, 5’9”, seeks the same. Let’s get together. ☎916175 COOL WORLD SBM, 22, loves bowling, football, chess. In search of a man who loves the same things. ☎907631 LET’S JUST CUDDLE Lonely GWM, 33, Aries, smoker, enjoys quiet nights, relaxing, being with somebody. Seeking GWM, 20-30, for possible LTR. ☎887748 YOU WON’T BE SORRY Real, honest, and sweet GBM, 18, 5’11”, darkskinned, Gemini, N/S, seeks friendly GBM, 18-35, not into games. I’m ready for a commitment. ☎831448 NEW TO THIS BiWM, 49, 5’10”, thick, black/blue, Libra, N/S, seeks friendly, fun-loving GWM, 35-65, N/S, for possible LTR. ☎839145 IT’S YOUR CALL GWM, young 46, 5’11”, 200lbs, brown/brown, masculine, outgoing, enjoys travel, dining out, movies, shopping, Nascar. Would like to meet honest, passionate GM, with similar interests, for dating, possible LTR. Serious inquiries only. ☎792384 FREE SPIRIT SBM, 24, loves having fun, enjoys tennis, racquetball, waterskiing. Seeking SM, to share a night out on the town, friendship and maybe a lasting relationship. ☎768054 LOOKING FOR LOVE GWM, 41, 5’8’, 140lbs, Pisces, enjoys fishing, television, wood working, gardening, arts, crafts. Seeking GWM, 25-45, for friendship first, possible LTR. ☎705204 I KNOW WHERE IT’S AT SBM, 25, practical yet fun, outgoing, Aquarius, smoker, seeks a masculine, alluring, wellrounded BM, 23-45, smoker, with his priorities in order. ☎695448

A REFRESHING CHANGE SWF, 30, Libra, smoker, is hoping to find it in a woman, 25-45. Will show a lot of a affection. ☎307177

,call 1-866-832-4685

CHURCH-GOER SBF, 38, Virgo, N/S, heavy-duty equipment operator, seeks BF, 30-45. Enjoys motorcycle riding, playing bass guitar. ☎799776

YOUNG AT HEART Active GWF, 62, 5’5”, 122lbs, brown hair, enjoys camping, fishing, meeting new people, dining out, short trips. Seeking plus-sized GWF, 45-65, for friendship first. No games. ☎292839

NO INTRO NEEDED SWF, 39, 5’7”, 145lbs, homeowner, easygoing, selfless, Taurus, smoker, loves movies and bowling. Seeking WF, 35-49, with comparable interests. ☎935299 I WON’T LET YOU DOWN Single GBF, 32, mother, non-smoker, looking to become acquainted with a laid-back, sensual GBF, who enjoys quiet times, movies. Interested? ☎910581 FRIENDSHIP SBF, 38, 5’7”, slim, fit, seeks SF, for friendship and fun. Must be outgoing, love to wine and dine, travel, movies and theater. ☎878217 CHOCOLATE SEEKS CREAM SF, 39, new to the area, down-to-earth, loves laughing, sight-seeing. Seeking WF, 30-45, to show me a great time! ☎861222 SOMEONE TO LOVE GBF, 21, with brown complexion, seeks femme GBF, 21-30, with no baggage, and her priorities straight. ☎843696 VERY PRETTY SBF... 28, two children, confident, feminine, seeks female, 20-35, with the same qualities, who is not into head games. ☎785531 A GOOD HEART SF, 39, goes to church, works for a living, likes having fun, going on trips. Seeking a similar female, 37-49. ☎780112 RAINBOW SEEKER Seeking my butch. SWF, 41, 5’2”, enjoys movies, walks, reading, quality snuggle time. Honesty is a must. Seeking SWF, with no drama, 30+. ☎754885 JOIN ME GBF, 32, nurse, part-time student, Capricorn, N/S, enjoys bowling, movies, shopping, traveling. Seeking casual relationship with woman, 25-45. ☎711628 ZEST FOR LIFE Articulate, adventurous WF, 32, 5’8”, brown/ brown, enjoys animals, running, movies and dining. Looking for WF, 25-40, for friendship. ☎965827 GIVE ME A RING Cute SBF, 30-something, seeks attractive SF, 25-45, for friendship, maybe more. No games. ☎965825

MAN FOR ALL SEASONS GBF, 31, 5’6”, brown/brown, Cancer, smoker, enjoys kids, bowling. Seeking open-minded, passionate, understanding GBF, 23-45, for LTR. ☎941850

WASTE NO TIME GBF, 36, enjoys dining out, cooking, dining out. Seeking attractive, open-minded, fun, nice GF, 25-45, for friendship and possibly more. ☎965823

I’M LOOKING 4 U Easygoing, loyal SBF, 31, 5’3”, 155lbs, security officer, people person, fun-loving, nice, caring, honest, enjoys bowling, movies, cuddling at home. Seeking trustworthy, outgoing SBF, 26-35, for friendship, maybe LTR. ☎965835 AVID READER Quiet SF, 24, part-time student, into all types of music, especially oldies, pets, writing poetry. Seeking a female, 24-40, with same interests. ☎283861 SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP Attractive, feminine SWF, 41, 5’4”, seeks a very open-minded WF, 35-48, for fun and exciting times. ☎775074 BUILDING A FUTURE Hard-working, mechanically inclined SBF, 46, loves to build and rebuild. Seeing female who prefers the home life and knows what she wants from life. ☎120569 LOOKING FOR LOVE SBF, 32, 140lbs, 5’8”, down-to-earth, likes clubs, movies, and quiet times. Looking for a female, 30-35, with the same interests. If you’re the one, call me. Aiken, South Carolina. ☎113533 LIKE MALLS & MOVIES? Feminine BiBF, 25, 5’4”, 145lbs, short hair, Sagittarius, smoker, loves movies and tv. Seeking another feminine woman, 18-30, with whom to hang out and chat. ☎958642 OUTGOING FUN WF, 28... 5’3”, medium build, loves movies, putt-putt golf, and bowling. Seeking WF, 25-40, medium build, for fun and friendship. Hope to hear from you soon. ☎958847

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Free Automotive Ads

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE METROPOLITAN SPIRIT

Cars 1985 CHEVROLET CORVETTE, Z-51, PW, PL, PS, targa top, 4+3 trans, leather, Bose, $9000 OBO, call 803-278-2669 leave message (936/0313) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1986 CADILLAC DEVILLE, 160K, minor transmission problem, sell for $300, may negotiate. 706-733-8966 (1023/0410) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1987 BMW 525i, grey, auto, power everything, CD, nice, 195K, just needs driveshaft, $1400, 706-855-1639 (1005/0403) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1988 CHEVY CAVALIER Z24, convertible, needs top, clutch, shifter cable, $800 firm, will trade for boat, trailer and motor. 706-790-3425 (988/0403) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1988 LINCOLN TOWN Car Limo, TV, bar, VCR, CD, 20 inch extended drop desks, 60K, $5900 Firm, 706-7339867 after 6 pm (952/0320) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1989 CADILLAC SEVILLE, blue, 4dr, leather, 706-5566124 (928/0306) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1989 HONDA CIVIC, 2dr, 5spd, 123K, $1500 firm, 803279-2935 (976/0327) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1989 PONTIAC GRAND Prix SE, white, 5spd, alloy wheels, looks & runs good, good dependable car, $1800 OBO, Good for the Money, 706-6500955 (956/0320) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1990 INFINITI Q45, white/tan leather, runs great, power windows & locks, sunroof, AC, excellent condition $5500 cash, OBO, 706-736-3225 (933/0313) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1991 CHEVY CAMERO RS, convertible, 305 V8, auto,

power group, never wrecked, very good over all condition, many new parts, 706-4951765 (992/0403) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1991 OLDSMOBILE CUSTOM Cruiser, 9 passenger station wagon, $2000, 706-5470893 (1026/0410) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1991 OLDS CUTLESS Ciera S, light blue, AC, power steering, Am/Fm, cassette, 4dr, $1000, 706-855-1381 (942/0313) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1992 MITSUBISHI MIRAGE, auto, AC, 35+ mpg, 92K, one owner, very clean, $1650 OBO, 706-736-1035 (990/0403) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1993 HONDA ACCORD DX, 5spd, 132K, new tires, $2650, 803-279-2935 (977/0327) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1993 MERCURY CAPRI, green, black convertible roof, 145K, new tires & timing belt, frequently maintained, fun car, $2400, 706-294-7529 (950/0313) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1993 OLDSMOBILE CUTLASS Supreme SL, burgundy/burgundy, 108K, dependable, clean, AC, PL, PW, 2nd owner, $3100, 706729-0789 (1019/0410) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1994 BUICK PARK Ave, green, camel interior, all power, 4dr, V6, low miles, good condition, $5000 OBO, 706-7969421 or 706-589-1969 (980/0327) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1994 CHRYSLER LHS, grape-pearl/silver, sporty, loaded, family size car, excellent condition, 117K, 22mpg, list $30,288, ask $3995, 803279-1584 (907/0306) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1995 DODGE NEON, white, 5spd, AC, CD, new battery, 97K, runs good, $1600 OBO, 706-729-0789 (987/0403) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1995 FORD CROWN Victoria

LX, dark green, all power options, extra clean, excellent condition, Michelins, 69K, $5500, 706-733-8971 (982/0327) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1995 MERCURY GRAND Marquis LS, 92K, leather, clean, all power, cruise, wire wheels, $5700, 706-730-2697 (948/0313) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1995 MITSUBISHI DIAMANTE, ES, dark green, V6, tan cloth seats, full power, cruise, cassette, 82K, $5300, 706-863-2483 (929/0306) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1996 CHEVROLET CAMERO, 41K, factory purple, 5spd, 6 cyl, AC, FM, cass, immaculate, one owner, $6500 OBO, 706868-0090 (975/0327) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1996 HONDA ACCORD EX, champagne, V6, leather, auto, CD, alloys, sunroof, keyless entry, maintenance records, garaged, excellent condition, $9500, 706-733-7297 (957/0320) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1996 MITSUBISHI GALANT, with spoiler, whole or parts $750, very good motor and transmission, 706-560-0775 (949/0313) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1996 PONTIAC GRAND Prix GTP, white, rear spoiler, tint windows, 3.4L, V6 high output, 4spd auto w/OD, well cared for, 129K, $6500, Jim 706-721-3365 days or 706547-7878 eve. (822/0306) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1996 TOYOTA COROLLA DX, gold, 79K, AC, am/fm, cassette, $6000, call 706-2315430 or 706-267-6350 (932/0306) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1997 ACURA 3.2TL, Premium, loaded, great ride, new tires, remote keyless entry, power locks & windows, AC, climate control system, Bose radio/cassette/CD, remote sunroof, $10,900, 803279-8326 (993/0403

–––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1997 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE GS, 116K, loaded, AC, power, multi CD player, 5spd, manual sunroof, extras, $7000, 706231-7691 (978/0327) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1997 NISSAN MAXIMA SE, 5spd, leather, sunroof, Bose CD, alloys, no wrecks, very clean, 64K, $10,250, 706-7242668 days (940/0313) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1997 VW PASSAT GLX VR6, gun metal grey, black leather, sunroof, heated seats, new tires, 68K, NADA $11,500, must sell $9500, 706-8321812 or 706-868-7159 (938/0313) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1999 HONDA CIVIC EX, black, 5spd, euro lights, one owner, excellent condition, low mileage, $10,500 OBO, 706373-6178 after 7pm (909/0306) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1999 LINCOLN TOWN Car, executive series, call for details, won’t last long, Andy Jones Mazda, 803-202-0002 (996) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1999-01 MAZDA MILLENIA’S, starting $10,988, Andy Jones Mazda, 803-2020002 (998) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1999-02 MAZDA 626’S, starting $9800, must see, Andy Jones Mazda, 803-202-0002 (1003) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1999 MAZDA PROTEGE, silver, tint windows, new motor, CD, AC, PW, PL, PS, $5500, 706-231-6901 or 706-7290104 (945/0313) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 BMW 323ci, titanium silver bullet, sports package, 5spd, Xenon, Z-Rated tires w/7yr/100,000 BMW transferable warranty, 43.5K, $23,500, 706-495-2731 (906/0306) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 HONDA ACCORD EX, green/tan leather, auto, fully loaded, rear spoiler, 44/5K,

one owner (lady), $14,500, 706-650-8644 (1020/0410) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 NISSAN MAXIMA, like new, $15,900, Andy Jones Mazda, 803-202-0002 (1002) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 TOYOTA CELICA GT, white, auto, 32K, loaded, w/extras, excellent condition, 37 mpg, $14,800, 803-6131559 (1024/0410) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2001 HONDA EX, low miles, warranty, auto, 6-CD changer & tape, $18,500 negotiable, 803-278-0645 (1027/0410) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2002 CHEVY CAMARO Z-28, black on black, only 11 miles on car, 6spd, Monsoon stereo/CD, AC, PS, PB, Goodyear GS-C tires $23,300, 706-560-9971 (944/0313) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2002 HYUNDIA ELANTRA, perfect condition, we just need someone to take over payments or make an offer, call anytime! 706-267-9248 (1006/0403)

–––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2001 HARLEY DAVIDSON Road King Classic, teal blue w/white, great condition, many extras, $17,300, 706-8547941 (1021/0410)

Motorcycles

SUVs

1998 HARLEY DYNA Super glide, laser red, 5400 miles, sissy bar, highway pegs, excellent condition, $11,000 OBO after 6 pm, 803-2799494(981/0327) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1999 HARLEY DAVIDSON Sportster 1200 Custom, chrome everything, back rest, drag pipes, excellent condition, $9000 OBO, call 803-2782669 (935/0313) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 HONDA XR650R, enduro, off road only, XC, many power enhancing extras, priced to sell or will consider trade, 706-309-9526 after 6 pm (458/0320) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2001 BUELL BLAST, 246 miles, garage kept, $3500, 481-9336 ask for Sandy (991/0403)

1986 FORD BRONCO Eddie Bauer Edition, call details & price, 706-306-3443 (1022/0410) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1992 FORD BRONCO XLT, Nite, needs transmission work, $4000 OBO, call 706-7388311 (926/0306) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1993 CHEVY SUBURBAN, Silverado, white/blue, auto, 4X4, 8 seats, 186K, remanufactured engine, rebuilt transmission, good condition, $5500 OBO, 803-641-1664 (1018/0410) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1994 CHEVROLET SILVERADO, extended cab, step side, 4X4, loaded, excellent condition, $8500, 803-279-1651 (953/0320)

Other 1987 EAGLE SPEED Boat, 60 mph, closed bow, Johnson 140HP outboard, $2500 OBO or trade for 4 wheeler, 803279-2669 (934/0313) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1989 RENKEN CABIN Cruiser, 26ft, sleeps six if you’re friendly, four otherwise, full galley, head and shower, 75 hours on 460 Cobra/outdrive, outstanding condition, $22,500, 706-733-8971 (984/0327) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1998 COLEMAN POPUP, king beds, refrig, AC, awning, dinette, toilet, hot water, outside shower, brakes, 16’7” closed, 27’ open, $3500 firm, 706-790-3425 (989/0403)

continued on page 58

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1801 Gordon Highway

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FREE AUTO CLASSIFIEDS

* Automobiles for sale by an individual may be placed in our FREE Auto Classifieds. The same ad will run continuously for six weeks or until the vehicle sells, whichever comes first. After two weeks, if you want to keep running the same ad, you must call The Metropolitan Spirit by 5 p.m. on Friday or we will assume you sold the vehicle and will delete the ad. All vehicles must indicate price. FREE Auto Classified ads are offered to individuals only and are not offered to commercial companies or dealers. TO PLACE YOUR AD: Mail: P.O. Box 3809, Augusta, GA 30914-3809 Email: classified@metspirit.com Fax: 706-733-6663 Website: www.metspirit.com Visit Us At: 825 Russell Street, Augusta, GA MUST BE MAILED, FAXED OR EMAILED ON SPECIFIED FORM. ADS ARE NOT TAKEN BY PHONE.

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continued from page 57 1996 CHEVY TAHOE, Sport, 4X4, extra nice, 90K, $8900 OBO, 706-737-6100 (927/0306) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1997 JEEP WRANGLER, sport package, 4X4, auto, air, low miles, $250/mo, WAC, Andy Jones Mazda, 803-2020002 (997) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1998-99 FORD EXPEDITION’S, great selection, starting $16,900, Andy Jones Mazda, 803-202-0002 (1000) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1998-2001 ISUZU RODEO’S, loaded, clean, must see, starting $12,500, Andy Jones Mazda, 803-202-0002 (1001) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1999-01 FORD EXPLORER’S, starting $8995, Andy Jones Mazda, 803-202-0002 (999) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1999 ISUZU TROOPER, 4X4, loaded to the hilt, $13,988, Andy Jones Mazda, 803-2020002 (994) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1999 LEXUS RX300, black/grey leather, 16K, luxury package, excellent condition, one owner, 2WD, $29,600 OBO, 706-373-6178 after 7pm (908/0306) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 JEEP CHEROKEE Limited, 6 cyl, 4X4, leather, all power, 69K road miles, perfect condition, $13,500, 706-7338971 (983/0327) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2001 FORD EXCURSION Limited Ultimate, black, V8, 7.3L turbo diesel, 4X4, tow,

leather, fully equipped, excellent condition, $32,000 neg. 803-279-6186 (947/0313)

Trucks 1990 FORD F-250 XLT, 351, V8, 51K, power windows, steering & locks, extended cab, towing package, $6000 firm, call 706-595-7295 (939/0313) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1991 CHEVROLET S-10, red, 4.3liter engine, power windows & locks, AC, auto, runs but needs work, $800, 803-6456099 or 803-819-9964 (930/0306) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1993 CHEVROLET PICK Up 1500, step side, 5spd, $5500, 706-798-3553 (954/0320) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1993 MITSUBISHI MIGHTY Max, blue, great hunting truck, AC, CD, $2500, 706-4954243 (986/0403) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1994 GMC 1500, pickup, extended cab, excellent condition, it’s a beauty, $6600 OBO, 706-869-8888 (937/0313) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1995 DODGE DAKOTA Extended cab, 2WD, auto, call for further details after 6 pm, 706-729-1677 (979/0327) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1995 GMC SIERRA, white/burgundy, x-cab, 4X4, 65k, loaded, must sell $11,000, 706-863-1543 (1007/0403) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1996 FORD RANGER XLT, white, extended cab, V6,

am/fm/cassette, adult driven, power mirrors, great condition, $4200, 803-278-0654 (943/0313) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2001 FORD RANGER, 4X4, low miles, local trade, factory warranty, $330/mo, WAC, Andy Jones Mazda, 803-2020002 (995)

Vans 1969 FORD ECONOLINE 100, straight 6, 3spd, $500 OBO, 706-823-9644 (941/0313) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1977 VW VAN, 34.5K original miles, new am/fm/cd, great interior condition, needs a groovy home, $4500, 706863-8118 (1025/0410) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1992 TOYOTA PREVIA LE, dual sunroof, AC, PS, Am, Fm stereo, alloy wheels, dealer serviced, $4895, 706-6502196 (955/0320) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1994 DODGE GRAND Caravan SE, dark green, power everything, rear & front AC, Quad seating, 175K, $3000, 706-869-1920 (1001/0403) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1997 FORD WINDSTAR GL, dark red, auto, 7 passenger, 3.8 V6, AC, tilt, power windows, 146K, $3700 OBO, 706-860-5001 (774/0410) –––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 FORD WINDSTAR SEL, white, grey leather, loaded, CD, factory warranty, 21K, $15,700, 706-294-1040 (951/0313)

GUARANTEED CLASSIFIEDS

* Items for sale by an individual may be placed in our Guaranteed Classifieds. The same ad will run continuously for ten weeks or until the item sells, whichever comes first. You must call by 5PM on Friday every two weeks to renew the ad or The Metropolitan Spirit will assume the item has been sold and will delete the ad. There is a $5 reinstatement fee if you forget to renew your ad. All items must indicate price. Guaranteed classified ads are offered to individuals only and are not offered to commercial companies. Guaranteed Classified ads do not include any automotive vehicles, real estate or pets. RATES: FREE ADS Merchandise Under $250 $8 ADS Merchandise $251 to $500 $15 ADS Merchandise $501 to $1000 $20 ADS Merchandise over $1000 20 Words or Less - No Exceptions. ADS MUST BE PREPAID DEADLINES: In person - Monday at 3PM By mail, fax or email - Friday at 4PM

TO PLACE YOUR AD: Mail: P.O. Box 3809, Augusta, GA 30914-3809 Email: classified@metspirit.com Fax: 706-733-6663 ADS ARE NOT TAKEN BY PHONE Website: www.metspirit.com Visit Us At: 825 Russell Street, Augusta, GA MUST BE MAILED, FAXED OR EMAILED ON SPECIFIED FORM. PAYMENT OPTIONS: (ADS MUST BE PREPAID) Cash-Money Order-Check

AD PLACEMENT FORM:

Name_______________________________________Daytime Phone_____________________ Address______________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________________State________Zip_____________ Payment ❑ Cash ❑ Check ❑ Money Order ❑ Visa ❑ MC Card No./Exp. Date_____________________________________________________________ Billing Address (if different from above)_____________________________________________ City______________________________________________State________Zip_____________ Ad Copy 20 words or less________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ GENERAL POLICIES: The Metropolitan Spirit reserves the right to reject, revise, alter, or reclassify any classified advertisement. Please check your ad for errors the first week the ad is published. The Metropolitan Spirit is not responsible for any errors which appear after the first week the ad is inserted.

C O M E A N D S E E T H E O N E S T H AT C A N G E T Y O U D O N E !

3233 WASHINGTON ROAD AUGUSTA, GA • 888-694-5555 2000 CHEVROLET CAVALIER LOCAL TRADE • 42K MILES • STK#2576A

$6,795

2002 TOYOTA CAMRY

CERTIFIED • 100K MILE WARRANTY • STK#CP5859

ISUZU TROOPER

$13,988

MUST SEE!

$330/mo.

WON’T LAST!

Low Miles • Local Trade • Factory Warranty

Loaded To The Hilt!

LINCOLN TOWN CAR

FORD RANGER

Executive Series Call for details, won’t last long!

1999

2001

1999

$15,995

1998 BUICK LESABRE

LOCAL TRADE • 41K MILES • STK#2799Z

1999 DODGE RAM 1500 XCAB

2 0 0 3

HARD WORKER • STK#2799A

$13,990

$9,995

2002 FORD LIGHTNING WOW! ONLY 7000 MILES • STK#2772A

$29,890

AIKEN-AUGUSTA HIGHWAY N. AUGUSTA, SC • 888-668-9985

$250/mo.

WOW!

Sport Package 4x4 • Auto • Air • Low Miles

1997

GMC SONOMA

$14,350

VERY SHARP!

AT • CD • Full Power • Extra Clean

$268/mo.

3rd Door • Low Miles • Very Clean

2001

ANDY JONES MAZDA ISUZU

WON’T LAST!

(803) 202-0002

www.andyjonesmazda.com Open Monday-Friday 9am-8pm, Saturday 9am-7pm At the top of the rise on the Aiken-Augusta Highway in North Augusta

M A R 6

SWEET RIDE • STK#P5869

FORD RANGER SPORT TRAK

S P I R I T

$9,995

1997 CADILLAC SEVILLE

JEEP WRANGLER

M E T R O

2002 DODGE NEON 2 TO CHOOSE FROM

$9,912

2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM STK#7320A

$10,918 2002 FORD TAURUS 4 TO CHOOSE FROM

$11,973

2002 CHEVY MONTE CARLO #7374A

$13,867

INTRODUCING SPIRIT CLASSIFIEDS

SEE DETAILS ON PAGE 63

IT’S EASY

MICHELIN

YOKOHAMA

•

CONTINENTAL

•

PIRELLI

•

GOODYEAR • BRIDGESTONE

•

FIRESTONE

•

FALKEN

•

GENERAL

4 Days of Slam Dunk Savings! Open Sunday 9am-4pm *Every Tire Includes 30 Day Ride Guarantee | Free Mounting | Free Lifetime Rotation

*With tire purchase. Balancing and stems extra.

On Select Tires.

Hundreds of Top Name Brand Tires to Choose From. Applies to inventory clearance items. Brands and tread designs may vary. Please call for details.

Big Savings On

155/80R13

A/C Check

Passenger 40,000 Mile Warranty

185/75R14 195/75R14 205/75R14

with completed Tires Plus Credit Card Application

Oil Changes Include: • Up to 5 Qts. 10W30 • New Oil Filter • Lubrication Where Applicable

Plus Environmental Disposal Fee Most cars & light trucks. Not to be combined with any other offer.

Beat The Heat!

205/75R15 215/75R15 225/75R15 235/75R15

Most cars & light trucks

Offer Ends 3-29-03

39 49 59

99 $ 4 cyl

Fuel • Replace Spark Plugs • Check Charging System • Check Starting System • Check Filters and Vacuum Hoses

99 $ 6 cyl

99 8 cyl

System Tuneup Engine Diagnostic

$ 99 3 PACK 69 OIL CHANGE 99 Coolant Flush $

39 $3999

3995

Most cars & light trucks

Offer Ends 3-29-03

Three Oil Changes Exp. 3-29-03

19 Maintenance Tune Up Complete visual inspection of the Air Conditioning system. Includes pressure and leakage tests.

(Limit one vehicle per package coupon)

• Flush and fill radiator • Pressure test cooling system • Check belts and hoses

Add up to 2 gallons of coolant • Dex cool slightly higher. • Plus environmental disposal fee • Most cars & light trucks

Mon - Fri 7-7 – Saturday 7-5 – Sunday 9-4 *No Dealers, No Carryouts, While Supplies Last We Honor Most National Accounts

AUGUSTA CLEARANCE CENTER 2705 Peach Orchard Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .706-798-8882 AUGUSTA EXCHANGE 274 Rob’t C. Daniels Pkwy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .706-667-8008 CENTRAL AUGUSTA 617 15th Street (Closed Sun) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .706-724-5800 EVANS CROSSING 4359 Washington Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .706-210-8010 HEPHZIBAH 2601 Tobacco Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .706-790-0977 MARTINEZ 3849 Washington Rd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .706-860-6303 N. AUGUSTA 404 E. Martintown Rd. (Closed Sun) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .803-278-4466