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Happy New Year!!
I’m not normally a procrastinator. The exception to this is when I don’t know what to do. Or sometimes I know what to do, but can’t decide how to proceed. So, here I sit, a full day before deadline trying to decide upon a topic. I haven’t made any New Year’s resolutions, nor do I plan to. So that idea is out. Besides, I doubt if anyone reading this cares what I decide to do or not do. The flip side of this is what I hope our readers do. I would like to think our regular readers anticipate each editorial for a bit of information, entertainment, humor or wisdom. With that in mind, I am reminded of a collection of sampler sayings. These embroidery decorations were originally designed to be training pieces for young girls to practice stitching. But they contain a wealth of wisdom for those who take heed. Here are a few of my favorites: It’s never too late to do the right thing. Make decisions today that will help you become what you want to be tomorrow.It’s never too late to become the person you always wanted to be. And my favorite of all time: It is what it is, but it will become what you make of it. And the list goes on. What do all these phrases have to do with the beginning of a new year? Just this: we are at a crossroads of time. We begin a new year, a new calendar, a new semester, a new era but most importantly, a new day. Today. It’s the only one we have. It has been said enough to become ineffective, but bears repeating anyway: yesterday is a memory, tomorrow is a promise, all we have is today. Use it wisely. So, how will you spend your time in 2013? What have you been putting off? Running a marathon? Going back to school? Making contact with that distant loved one? Learning something new? Forget all the resolutions we don’t intend to keep anyway. Instead, focus on the dreams that were put on hold for whatever reason. In my case, I’ve been interested in learning to play the marimba for years. Perhaps it’s time to stop dreaming and start achieving. After all, it’s never too late. Page 4
Kandy Derden, Assistant Editor
About the Cover : Looking to get outdoors during the cold winter months? There are lots of ideas for things to do and places to go in this issue. Enjoy! Like us on facebook and share your New Year’s resolution and qualify for this month’s FREE weekend getaway for the whole family.
The Weekender Published monthly online by Barnett PRO, 18 Plymouth St., Plymouth, OH 44865. PHONE/FAX: 419-687-0002 Email: info@barnettpro.com Publisher: Michael Barnett Sr. email: mike@barnettpro.com Managing Editor: Kathy Barnett email: kathy@barnettpro.com Assistant Editor: Kandy Derden email: Kandy@barnettpro.com∂ Contributing Editors Sheeree Oney • Chris Offenburger Samantha Gonzalas • Norman Reed Advertising Director Theresa Stamper
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January, 2013
Places to Go: U.S. National Whitewater Center Things to do: Play, Relax, Learn Remember how important recess was when you were a kid in school? It not only meant a time away from studying, it was also a time to relax, rejuvenate and reenergize. Like most adults striving to create a “recess” outside of work, we too wanted to continue this idea. Our goal was to create a unique place that would allow people to escape their daily routine to spend some time outdoors. That idea came to fruition in August 2006, with the opening of the U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC). With over 24 activities, a restaurant, live music shows and events, we’ve deemed this the perfect playground for both children and adults. Recess is back.
Play, Relax, Learn. Home to the world’s largest man-made whitewater river, the USNWC invites outdoor enthusiasts to play, relax and learn on the 400 acres that make up the facility.
Play With more than 24 activities, the USNWC creates an outdoor playground for all ages. Activities that include whitewater rafting and kayaking, flatwater kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, zip lines and ropes courses are available to all ages and skill levels.
Relax For those looking to escape daily routine, live music shows and outdoor festivities create a unique atmosphere of relaxation and fun. Whether it’s the Fourth of July festival, a 5K trail race or the Thursday night River Jam series, there is always something exciting going on at the USNWC.
Learn The USNWC offers summer camp, outdoor leadership and other team development programs that January, 2013
educate individuals, families and groups of all ages and skill levels. The mission of the U.S. National Whitewater Center is to build stronger communities by: • Promoting healthy and active lifestyles • Developing environmental stewardship • Encouraging family and civic interaction The U.S. National Whitewater Center (USNWC) is a locally owned and operated, North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Situated on over 400 acres of woodlands, the USNWC fosters an environment for people to come together to play outside. Dedicated to promoting healthy and active lifestyles and developing environmental stewardship, USNWC is home to the world’s largest, manmade whitewater river, offering premier outdoor activities with: whitewater rafting and kayaking, flatwater kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing, zip lines, a canopy tour, team building and rope courses. The AllSport Pass is the most popular way to experience the USNWC, offering all day access to the AllSport activities. For more information, call 704.391.3900
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People to See:
Justin Bieber
January 22, 7 p.m. Time Warner Cable Arena 333 East Trade Street Charlotte, NC 28202
800-745-3000 | 704-688-9000 Bieber Fever is taking the world by storm yet again! As millions of fans count down the days until the June 19 release of his fourth studio album, BELIEVE, platinumselling pop singing sensation Justin Bieber announces a headlining tour of North America. The “Believe” Tour, presented by AEG Live and featuring Carly Rae Jepsen as special guest will take the stage at Time Warner Cable Arena on Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. As part of the “Believe” Tour, U.S. and Canadian residents ordering tickets online will have the opportunity to pre-order a digital copy of Justin Bieber’s BELIEVE album with every ticket purchased. BELIEVE takes flight on the wings of “Boyfriend,” its first worldwide smash single, which hit #1 at iTunes the second it was released, and set a world-record for debuting #1 on iTunes in 32 countries. The “Boyfriend” video has shattered all YouTube records since its MTV premiere (on May 3rd). The clip generated 8 million views in its first 24 hours, and has garnered over 44 million views to date. BELIEVE is Executive Produced by Scott "Scooter" Braun and Usher Raymond IV, and track producers include Max Martin, Mike Posner, MdL, Diplo, Hit-Boy, The Messengers, Zedd, Rodney Jerkins, and Justin’s vocal producer, Kuk Harrell. The album features guest appearances by Ludacris, Nicki Minaj, Drake, and Big Sean. As a child, Bieber showed a strong interest in Page 06
music, teaching himself to play many instruments. When he was 12, he entered a local talent competition, and placed second. His mother posted his performance on YouTube, and continued to post other clips of Bieber singing. The videos soon built up a fan following, and caught the attention of talent agent Scooter Braun. Braun was able to secure an impromptu audition with Usher Raymond, who was impressed and helped Bieber to sign a record deal. His first single, "One Time", was a worldwide hit and was certified Platinum in Canada and the United States. This was followed by Bieber's debut album, "My World", which was an international smash. He also released a successful concert film, Justin Bieber: Never Say Never (2011). Bieber continues with a hugely successful music career and has tried his hand at acting, including guest starring in an episode of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (2000). He has a large and loyal fanbase, who are said to have "Bieber Fever" and are nicknamed "Beliebers". Visit www.timewarnercablearena.com for ticket information or call 704-688-9000.
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January, 2013
Things to Do:
Ethiopian Dining
Photos by Michael Barnett Sr.
By Kathy Barnett Managing Editor CHARLOTTE - The first thing you need to know about an authentic Ethiopian restaurant is that it is definately, what I would call, “a hands-on” experience. They have placed a new meaning to my idea of “family-style.” Like a family-style meal, Ethiopian dining is a shared one where several people sitting at a low table share the same dishes. The difference is all the ordered foods are served on one large round plate the size of an extra large pizza. The staple of Ethiopian food is the “injera” a thick, spongy pancake with a rather sharp taste that is used to scoop up the entrees and curries you order. If you’ve never done it before, it’s pretty simple. All you have to do is tear off bits of injera, dip it into the curry or scoop up the meat and vegetables and pop this tiny morsel into your mouth. Such an experience may be found at Queen Sheba Page 13
Bar and Restaurant on Central Avenue. Meat is a rare find in Ethiopia. Although this modern restaurant offers savory meat preparations, intrinsically the cuisine is very friendly towards vegetarians. Several dishes feature lamb, chicken or beef. We tried the Dilot Kitfo, a beef tartare with onions and green peppers seasoned with butter, mitmita, and other spices. The mitmita is a very hot orange-red powder spice which contains chili peppers, cardamom seed, cloves and salt. However, this was one of the milder selections sampled. The Doro Wott, spicy cooked chicken drumsticks, is also prepared in a spicy butter sauce, and very flavorful. An advantage of having each entree’ on the same plate, everyone in your group can sample each dish. At the end of your meal, don’t forget to order a cup of coffee instead of the usual dessert. This isn’t like any other coffee you have had before. It is an Ethiopian tradition, a part of their culture. The "Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony" is a very enjoyable and beautifully executed event with many personal touches that make it memorable. The next time you want to create a memory to last a lifetime, dine at Queen Sheba, 704-566-6222.
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Summer, 2012
s g n i h . . T . o D To Nerds January 18-February 3, 2013 Venue: A.J. Fletcher Theater Produced by North Carolina Theatre NERDS, A New Musical Comedy is a cheeky original musical that celebrates the birth of computer technology and the two pop-culture icons that made it possible, Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. The show follows the lives of the founding fathers of modern computing as they rise from nerds to billionaires, making a mark on history, and defining the golden age of technology as we know it. NERDS will star Diana DeGarmo alongside Broadway favorites Darren Ritchie and Leslie Kritzer. NC Theatre is producing this preBroadway engagement, a first for the Raleigh arts community. Local audiences will have the unique opportunity to be a part of the creation of a show aiming for a future Broadway run. Directed by Marc Bruni Choreography by Denis Jones
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January, 2013
Places to Go: W
hile South Carolina's Myrtle Beach has been one of America's favorite getaways for decades, Medieval Times' Myrtle Beach Castle offers a different kind of escape. Romance, thrilling medieval competitions and noholds-barred combat capture the audience member's imaginations. Surrender to an age of bravery and honor and witness epic battles of steel and steed. North America’s longest-running dinner attraction has crafted an all-new production that now you are invited to experience! It’s MEDIEVAL like never before, with even more action-packed fun, all new tournament games and a re-imagined feast fit for a king. You’ll find even more chivalry, revelry and rivalry as you are transported to 11th century Spain to enjoy a royal feast and an authentic jousting tournament. Knights, wenches and serfs make it easy to get the royal treatment. From ringside seats, discover a feast of the eyes and appetite with more action, more fun & more excitement than ever before. Marvel at awe-inspiring horsemanship and falconry. Medieval Times serves a new, upgraded, four-course meal fit for royalty. The new, upgraded feast menu at Medieval Times consists of garlic bread, creamy tomato bisque soup, roasted chicken and spare rib, herb basted potatos and pastry of the castle. A vegetarian January, 2013
meal is available upon request. Hang on to your helmet. The show is about to begin: The fantasy comes alive as you travel back in time to spectacles of jousting, swordplay, horsemanship, and falconry. It’s a time of Spanish castles, Knights of the Realm and feasting in a true medieval fashion-utensilfree! You’ll be encouraged to cheer for one of six brave Knights of the Realm! The new production features amazing lighting, costumes, choreography, exciting battle scenes, new horse dressage elements and a fresh musical score by the world renowned composer Daniel May. While most of the royal subjects stand on their own two feet, the most celebrated members of the Kingdom are best known for their trot, gallop and canter. Are you ready to surrender to an age of bravery and honor? It’s going to be epic so hang on to your helmets the show is about to GET MEDIEVAL!! Medieval Times is celebrating 30 years of feasting and fun in North America. The founders first launched their unique idea for an 11th century-style dinner attraction on the Spanish island of Majorca in 1973. This imaginative new entertainment spot was inspired by the true medieval tradition of royal families inviting guests to a festival and feast to www.TheWeekenderMagazine.com
watch knights compete on horseback. Seating is first come first serve. There is no reserved seat assignment. The Myrtle Beach Castle is located at 2904 Fantasy Way, just off Highway 501 at the entrance to Free Style MusicPark. Doors open 4:45 p.m. Showtime is 6 p.m.For tickets or more information, visit www.medieval times.com/myrtlebeach. aspx or call 843-236-4635. Page 09
People to See...
Get your cowboy (or cowgirl) boots ready! Miranda Lambert & Dierks Bentley are kicking off the Locked & Reloaded Tour at Colonial Life Arena on Thursday January 17, 2013 in Columbia, SC! Known for their distinctive styles of country music, Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley, accompanied by special guest, Lee Brice, are making a 'famously hot' start in Columbia, SC. Between the two of them, Miranda and Dierks bring to the stage scores of number one singles, chart topping albums and trophies from The Grammy’s, CMA’s, ACM’s and CMT’s. Dierks has been signed to Capitol Records Nashville since 2003. That year, he released his self-titled debut album. Both it and its follow-up, 2005's Modern Day Drifter, are certified platinum in the United States. A third album, 2006's Long Trip Alone, is certified gold. It was followed in mid-2008 by a greatest hits package. His fourth album, Feel That Fire was released in February 2009. A bluegrass studio album, Up on the Ridge, released in 2010 and his sixth album, Home, followed in 2012. Bentley's studio albums have accounted for 19 singles on the country singles charts, of which 10 have reached No. 1: his debut single "What Was I Thinkin'", as well as "Come a Little Closer", "Settle for a Slowdown", "Every Mile a Memory", "Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)", "Feel That Fire", "Sideways", "Am I the Only One", "Home", and "5-15-0". Four more of his singles have reached Top Five on the country charts as well. Miranda gained fame as a finalist on the 2003 season of Nashville Star, where she finished in third place and later signed to Epic Records. Lambert made her debut with the release of "Me and Charlie Talking", the first single from her 2005 debut album Page 10
Kerosene. This album, which was certified Platinum, also produced the singles "Bring Me Down", "Kerosene", and "New Strings". All four singles were Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts. After Epic's Nashville division closed, Lambert was transferred to Columbia Records Nashville for her second album, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, which was released in early 2007. The next three singles were all Top 20 hits, with "Gunpowder & Lead" becoming her first Top 10 country hit in July 2008. Lambert's third album, Revolution, was released in 2009. Five singles have been released from the album, including Lambert's two Number One hits "The House That Built Me," and "Heart Like Mine". Lambert has also been honored by the Grammy Awards, the Academy of Country Music Awards, and the Country Music Association Awards. In 2011, Lambert married fellow country singer Blake Shelton. She also released her fourth album, Four the Record, which includes the singles "Baggage Claim", "Over You" (also a number 1), and "Fastest Girl in Town". Purchase tickets at Lexington Medical Center Box Office inside Colonial Life Arena, call 1-855-4-LMCTIX (1-855-456-2849), or purchase tickets online. Find more information at coloniallifearena.com.
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January, 2013
Things to Do: Enjoy... Let your inner foodie out from January 10 - 20, 2013 for Restaurant Week Columbia, a part of Restaurant Week South Carolina’s 11-day celebration of South Carolina’s culinary scene. Participating restaurants across the Columbia region will be offering specialty menus, promotions and discounts for you to enjoy. From fine dining to casual, Restaurant Week Columbia offers any cuisine you like. There's 35¢ sweet tea and 99¢ desserts at Lizard's Thicket (where you can find country cookin'), a three-course dinner for $13.49 at Cantina 76 (where you can get Mexican food with a southern twist) and a $30 three-course meal at The Oak Table (where you can eat gourmet food across from the beautiful South Carolina State House). But that's only a portion of the deals you can find at this year's Restaurant Week Columbia. Other participating restaurants include: Alodia's Cucina Italia, Blue Marlin Steaks & Seafood, Cantina 76, Cellar on Greene, Dianne's on Devine, Gervais & Vine Restaurant, Harper's Restaurant, Il Giorgione Pizzeria & Wine Bar, Lizard's Thicket, MoMo's Bistro, Motor Supply Company Bistro, Mr. Friendly's New Southern Cafe, The Oak Table, Ristorante January, 2013
Divino, Rosso Trattoria Italia, Rue 77, Ruth's Chris Steak House at the Hilton Columbia Center, SakiTumi Grill and Sushi Bar, Solstice Kitchen and Wine Bar, Terra, Tombo Grille, Villa Tronco, Wild Wing Cafe in the Vista, at Village at Sandhill and on Bower Parkway, and Yesterday's Restaurant. Find all participating restaurants and each restaurant's Restaurant Week menus at restaurantweekcolumbia.com. Reservations are encouraged as seats get filled quickly during Restaurant Week. Keep up with Restaurant Week Columbia on Facebook and Restaurant Week South Carolina on Twitter. Make it a culinary vacation and find hotels during Restaurant Week, book your room and round out your stay with more things to do January 10-20 on our calendar at: www.columbiacvb.com
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Columbia, South Carolina
January, 2013
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January, 2013
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