Accent On Tampa Bay #182, December 2012 by Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine

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Accent On Tampa Bay

AccentOnTampaBay.com

Vol. 23, Issue 182 December, 2012 Publisher Albert F. Martino, Jr. Senior Editor Melissa Wolcott Martino Sales Vicki Kolb Barbara McGovern Senior Sports Editor Peter Martino Graphic Designer Missy Lynn Contributors Sylvie Damien Marty Peters Deborah Quigley Roland Stone Photographers Melissa Wolcott Martino Proofreader Charlie deCatta Cover Photo: by Jeremy Daniel PUBLISHED ON LINE BY

AM PUBLICATIONS P.O. Box 20044 St. Petersburg, FL 33742 (727) 577-5500

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LOCAL FOCUS

Hillsborough County’s Parks, Rec and Conservation Dept fun hands-on programs Join Hillsborough County’s Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department in October, November and December for fun and exciting hands-on programs for participants of all ages. Participation cost is $5 per child, and children must be accompanied by an adult, parents or guardian. Adults without children may join for $5. Only cash payments are accepted at this time. Themes: Dec. 9 - Making Holiday Gifts – Water Colors; Dec. 15 and 16 - How To Can Florida Tomatoes; Dec. 22 and 23 - Honey Bees. For more information, contact Lettuce Lake Park, at 813-9876204. www.hillsboroughcounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=320

The 36th annual Oakdale Christmas Light Display - thru Jan 3 Hundreds of thousands of lights. A walking yard tour that includes an 18-train HO scale model RR. Many moving & animated items. Lots of inflatable and lit up figures and displays. Hands-on games and bubble machines for the kids. Several Christmas trees tower over the display—rising to 70 feet. Display covers about one-half acre. This event has been featured in People Magazine, on NBC’s Today Show, Nick News, the 700 Club, HSN, the Ron & Ron Christmas Special, Nickelodeon, Univision’s Primer Impacto, and HGTV’s All Out Christmas Special. 6 pm to 10 pm, nightly, 2719 Oakdale Street S, St. Petersburg, FL. www.ChristmasDisplay.org

CHRISTMAS TOWN AT BUSCH GARDENS - thru Dec 23 Busch Gardens transforms the park into a nighttime holiday wonderland of wintery surprises and all things Christmas. For the first time in the park’s 53year history, visitors to Christmas Town will experience all-new evening attractions, shows and shopping from 6 to 11 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, through Dec. 23. The holiday lights in the park are amazing and diverse as you travel around the park. The SnowWorld section brings real snow to Florida. Make a snowman, snow angel or just play in the soft white snow. Pack the perfect snow balls and test your aim at the target practice area.Take the Christmas Town Express for a Christmas carol sing-a-long on wheels. The Claus family invites you into their North Pole home at Welcome to Santa’s House. Mrs. Claus is in the kitchen baking holiday treats, but even Santa himself will take a break from his busy holiday schedule to meet and take photos with families in his private study. In the Stanleyville Theater, Grammy Award-winning contemporary Christian artists Jars of Clay will provide an uplifting finale each evening, and 4

Jimmy Osmond’s Christmas Jukebox features Jimmy and his family singing favorite Christmas tunes and sharing special holiday memories each night. World-class skaters bring to life favorite Christmas songs both traditional and contemporary, in a cool, all-new angel-inspired ice show. Christmas Town is a separate-ticketed night event. A portion of the proceeds from Christmas Town will benefit All Children’s Hospital here in the Bay area. seaworldparks.com/en/ChristmasTownbgt

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Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at the Mahaffey - thru March 3, 2013 During the 100th anniversary year of the Ship’s sinking, the Mahaffey presents Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. The Centennial exhibition will feature artifacts never before seen in the Tampa Bay area and will run through March 3, 2013. Visitors to the highly anticipated blockbuster exhibit will receive a replica boarding pass granting them permission to “board” the White Star Line’s R.M.S. Titanic, and from there the journey begins. The galleries focus on the legendary Titanic’s compelling human stories as best told through authentic artifacts recovered from the ocean floor and extensive room re-creations. From china etched with the logo of the elite White Star Line, to pieces of the Ship itself, these and many other authentic objects offer haunting, emotional connections to lives abruptly ended or forever altered. The series of galleries on the second floor of The Mahaffey begin with Construction before moving on to Passenger, Iceberg, Seabed and Memorial galleries with additional areas for Iceberg warnings and even Lifeboat Loading Profiles – all extensively covered by an audio tour to bring the Titanic story to life. On April 15, 1912, Titanic, the world’s largest ocean liner, sank after colliding with an iceberg just five days into its highly anticipated maiden voyage. This disaster claimed more than 1,500 lives and shook the world’s confidence in the infallibility of modern technology. More than 5,500 authentic artifacts, including delicate porcelain dishes and a 17-ton section of the hull, have been recovered on research expeditions since the Ship’s discovery in 1985. The exhibition will feature 200 of these artifacts and tell the story behind the legendary Titanic’s short journey from construction and destruction, to eventual recovery. www.RMSTitanic.net

ABILITIES FOUNDATION & PUBLIX OFFER UNIQUE HOLIDAY KEEPSAKE - thru Dec 26 Santa Dollars Sales Benefit Programs for Disabled Veterans. Job prospects for disabled veterans are getting a boost this holiday season. The Abilities Foundation is partnering with Publix Supermarkets and Marketing Productions during the 2012 holiday season with the sale of Santa Dollars. All proceeds from Santa Dollars benefit job placement services for disabled veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. This novel gift includes a card and an actual dollar bill with a trademarked and registered “Santa” seal that covers George Washington’s face. The seal is removable so the dollar is spendable, or can be kept as a collectible. This year’s sales will support servicemen and servicewomen who so valiantly defended our many freedoms. Santa Dollars make great stocking stuffers, distinctive office gifts and unique keepsakes for children. Santa Dollars cost $2.50 plus tax and are available only at Publix Supermarkets throughout West Central Florida through December 26. www.santadollars.com/ 6

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Explore The Finest Modern Architecture in St. Petersburg - Dec 1 The first ever St. Petersburg Modern Home Tour will take place December 1. Tour-goers will explore some of the greatest examples of residential modern architecture in Western Florida. The city of St. Petersburg’s Fire Station 8 is the nonprofit partner and a featured property on the tour. Tour curator and local architects available for interviews. On Saturday, December 1, the St. Petersburg Modern Home Tour will give Tampa Bay area residents the opportunity to explore the inside and outside of some of western Florida’s coolest examples of modern architecture. The self-guided driving tour will feature six to ten architecturally progressive and contemporary homes that exemplify modern living around the city. Visitors will see first-hand the visually astounding principles of modernist thinking come to life. Fire Station 8’s newly designed house will be included on the tour as a featured property. Because of the 72-hour shifts firemen serve, a comfortable residential space was important to and is featured prominently in the building’s design. This makes Fire Station 8 a perfect fit for the St. Petersburg Modern Home Tour, and the perfect non-profit partner; they will receive a portion of the tour’s proceeds. Homes, neighborhoods and architects featured on the tour include: Fire Station 8’s new building in Bayou Shores designed by Wannemacher Jensen Architects; A home right on the shore designed by Halflants + Pichette; A 7th floor penthouse condominium on the northern edge of downtown St. Pete designed by Mesh Architecture; A mid-century modern classic in Snell Isle designed by William B. Harvard Sr. Participating homes on the St. Petersburg Modern Home Tour will open their doors to tour-goers from 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Saturday, December 1. For tickets and more information, visit: www.stpetersburg.modernhometours.com/

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The St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show - Thru Dec 2 The St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show offers four days of fun for boaters of all ages. In addition to the impressive display of powerboats, sailboats, marine electronics and products, there is an extensive schedule of educational marine seminars and youth fishing clinics presented by the non-profit Hook The Future. At the Author’s Corner, attendees can enjoy a selection of marine-related books and opportunities to meet the authors face-to-face. With refreshments and live musical entertainment along the expansive waterfront area, the show is a vibrant experience of everything marine. Plenty of onsite parking is available at the municipal parking garages surrounding the show grounds. Show-goers also can choose to ride the Downtown Looper Trolley, which offers convenient stops on First Street along the Mahaffey Theater. Thurs, Nov 29 - 10 am - 6 pm; Fri, Nov 30 - 10 am - 6 pm; Sat, Dec 1 - 10 am - 7 pm; Sun, Dec 2 - 10 am - 5 pm. www.ShowManagement.com

18th Annual St. Pete Beach Corey Area Craft Festival - Dec 1 - 2 The St. Pete Beach Corey Area Craft Festival returns Saturday and Sunday, December 1 – 2 with 150 of the country’s leading crafters. A wide array of original and affordable crafts will be on display and available for sale in addition to a Green Market offering exotic live plants, handmade soaps, savory dips, and gourmet sauces. Prices are set to suit all budgets and range from as little as $3 to $3,000. The festival presents holiday shoppers with an alternative to crowded malls, all in a fabulous outdoor setting. A portion of the proceeds benefits St. Pete Beach Corey Area Merchants. Admission is free and open to the public. All of the local and national crafters have been hand-selected from hundreds of applicants by American Craft Endeavors. All of the crafters will be at the festival with their finest work, available to discuss their art and inspiration. Corey Ave. in Downtown St. Pete Beach - Navigational Address: 595 Corey Avenue, St. Pete Beach, FL. 561-746-6615; www.artfestival.com

Greater Palm Harbor Area Chamber 38th Annual Fine Arts & Crafts Festival - Dec 1 - 2 The Greater Palm Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 38th Annual Fine Arts and Crafts Harbor Art Festival in historic downtown Palm Harbor, FL. Members of the community of all ages are encouraged to come out and enjoy this fun-filled outdoor event. The festival will begin on Saturday, December 1st from 10am to 5:00 pm., and continue until Sunday, December 2nd, from 10am to 4:00 pm. Over 80 artists will display their artwork at the festival and nearly 100 artists have been selected to compete for $6,250 in cash awards. In addition to art, guests can enjoy food from local downtown restaurants, street food vendors, music and children’s activities. A promising first this year will be the “Battle of the Best Wings In Pinellas County,” which will be held Saturday, December 1st – judging begins at 2pm. The festival was founded by Louise and Bill Hoskins and a visual arts scholarship is awarded to a local high school student in their honor. Some of the proceeds from the festival will go towards that scholarship. No admission cost. 727-784-4287; www.palmharborcc.org/ 8

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20th Annual Winter Wonderland - Thru Dec 23

Weedon Island Preserve

Each weekend Winter Wonderland boasts a sparking holiday display with tens of thousands of lights covering 100 trees, plus charmingly decorated alpine cottages in the village in Downtown Clearwater. Volunteers from all over Pinellas county join together to give back to the community, as well as help people in need, while celebrating the holiday season. Activities include: Photos with Santa, Cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, Petting zoo with pony rides, Train rides, Bouncy house,where giant playground, Stage entertainment, Hot Chocolate Shop. NW oneslide, can spot wading birds, manatee Corner Ft. Preserve HarrisonisAve. & Drew St. and Thursday-Sunday, 6â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9 pm. Freetwo admission. various fish species. Almost Weedon of Island an ecologically important reserve with a highly infor- miles of the trails are handicap accessible www.clearwatercommunityvolunteers.org mative and beautifully designed interpretive Cultural and Natural History Center. Their musuem exhibit focuses on Florida Native American history and artifacts. In the preserve visitors can enjoy 4.54 miles of hiking and nature trails that meander through mangrove forest and seagrass flats,

with boardwalk or concrete. Every Saturday guided Hikes of Weedon Island are conducted by volunteers. (Pre-registration is required at (727) 453-6506.) Guided canoe trips are also offered

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through the Cultural Center. The Weedon Island Preserve Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For more information on Weedon Island, visit www.weedonislandcenter.org For more Weedon Island photos, visit AccentOnTampaBay.com, click on Event Photo Gallery, click on Tampa Bay Attractions.

DECEMBER EVENTS Late Night Brass performs Holiday Show Dec 2

Late Night Brass is a High-Energy 10-piece Horn Band providing party / dance music. Based out of Tampa, the group takes pride in performing “The Greatest Horn Band Hits of All Time”. Featuring upfront a powerful 4-piece Horn Section. Back by a driving 4-piece Rhythm Section. The band is led by a dynamic Male Vocalist and a fabulous Female Vocalist. Each musician is an exciting soloist with the ability to ignite the crowd. Boley Centers 30th Annual Jingle Bell Run & The Tempests perforM Dec 7 Boley Centers’ 30th Annual Jingle Bell Run - 7:30 p.m. start time. The proceeds from these special events go directly to Boley Centers’ programs and services. Tempests are returning to perform for an evening of rockin’ good times and fun for the participants of the Boley Centers’ 40th Annual Jingle Bell Run. In the Courtyard by the Bay from 6:00-10:00 p.m. BOOK NOOK - Dec 8 The Book Nook by the Bay is a literary event featuring Fresh Fish Theater and a craft activity, Featured Creature facts, suggested reading by the Youth Services Coordinator Beth Lindsay from the St. Petersburg Public Library System, the aquarium’s marine science library and, of course, the reading of books. It is offered the first Saturday of each month and is free with a paid admission. 10:30am-noon Cheryl Hawkins and Friends for Holiday Music - Dec 9 Jazz, R&B, Blues, Smooth Jazz and holiday sounds by Cheryl Hawkins and friends this afternoon in the Courtyard by the Bay. 1:00-4:00 p.m. Rock ‘n’ Chair Band - Dec 16 Rock ‘n’ Chair Band Rocks The Pier in the Courtyard by the Bay - 1:00-4:00 p.m White Hot Grill performs for Music Fest by the Bay - Dec 30 The WhiteHotGrill consists of Eli White on Bass and Vocals, Dave Tuma on Sax/Keyboard and Vocals, Peter Grace on Guitar and Vocals and Dave Swierenga on Drums. Together, they offer many years of musical performances in a variety of groups. With the addition of Keyboards and Sax, new song selections have been added including instrumentals and smooth jazz.

Pier - 800 2nd Avenue NE, 33701; www.stpetepier.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

The 25th Annual Jim Rosenkrans Memorial Toy Run - Dec 2 Jim’s Harley-Davidson of St. Petersburg will be hosting its 25th Annual Jim Rosenkrans Memorial Toy Run. This charity Toy Run takes place from Jim’s Harley-Davidson on a pre-determined route through St. Petersburg, St. Pete Beach and Pass-A-Grille. Participants will be leaving the dealership at 10:00 a.m. Every participant must furnish a new, unwrapped toy or a $15 donation to pre register. It is $20 or a new, unwrapped toy the day of. Bring in 4 cans of food and receive a commemorative drink coozie. Pre-registration ends December 2nd at 9am. The event will also feature live music, free BBQ for participants, 50/50 and silent auction with all fundraising benefitting the Jim Rosenkrans Memorial Toy Run Foundation. Jim’s Harley-Davidson of St. Petersburg, 2805 54th Ave. N., St. Pete, FL 33714; www.jimshd.com

TAMPA BAY INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW - Dec 7-9 Hundreds of new cars, trucks, sport/utility vehicles, crossovers and more will roll into the Tampa Convention Center for the 2013-Model Tampa Bay International Auto Show. Attendees are invited to check out all the latest rides in a non-selling environment, sit behind the wheels, inspect engines and kick the tires. Representatives from leading automotive manufacturers will be at the show to answer questions and provide information on the latest vehicles. From eye-popping exotics to the newest electric rides, the Tampa Bay International Auto Show offers something for everyone. Friday, December 7: 12 noon – 10 p.m.; Saturday, December 8: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m; Sunday, December 9: 10 a.m. –6 p.m. Tampa Convention Center, 333 South Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602. For ticket info www.AutoShowTampa.com

ICE AGE ICE PALACE AT INTERNATIONAL PLAZA - Thru Dec 24 This holiday season, visitors to International Plaza are in store for some cool family fun when they step inside the center’s spectacular holiday Ice Age Ice Palace. Visitors to the Ice Age Ice Palace can enjoy footage from the biggest family holiday release, ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT. The Ice Age Ice Palace display at International Plaza features a 30-foot ice dome with falling snow, a light show and, new this year, the beloved prehistoric herd from ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT. Interactive globes will showcase Scrat on his endless mission to catch his precious acorn, while the whole ICE AGE herd is adrift on an iceberg in pirate waters. Families can measure their prehistoric heights against Sid and Diego, go paw-to-paw with the herd and track down Scrat’s missing acorns throughout the palace. The high-seas adventure culminates with a visit to Santa and a special ICE AGE gift, along with the exclusive option to pre-order ICE AGE: CONTINENTAL DRIFT on Blu-ray™ and DVD. International Plaza and Bay Street is located on the southeast edge of the Tampa International Airport. Shopping hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. www.shopinternationalplaza.com. 12

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MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, ST. PETERSBURG CELEBRATES THE SEASON The MFA encourages everyone to escape the holiday stress and take time to enjoy the world-class collection, special exhibitions, and a wealth of programs. For the first time in its history, lights will decorate the trees in the front of the building on Beach Drive N.E., and the grand, Victorian-style Christmas tree will warm The Great Hall in December. Saturday, December 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: miniARTure Golf Course opens on the MFA’s front lawn. Six holes have been created by area artists and architects. Putters and balls are available at the Welcome Desk. There is a suggested donation of $3 per person, which will support educational programs. The course will remain open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday through the run of The Art of Golf. Monday, December 3, 7 p.m.: The holidays come alive in this concert of traditional music by the Opera Tampa Chorus under the direction of Gregory Ruffer. This performance in the Museum’s elegant Marly Room is part of the inaugural season of the Florida Opera Festival. Tickets are $10. Seating is limited, first come, first served. Thursday, December 6, 6:30 p.m.: The Collectors Circle Lecture Series presents Alexandra Kim, former Curator of Collections at Kensington Palace in London. This event, sponsored by Northern Trust, is open to the public. Her lecture is free with MFA admission, which is only $10 on Thursday evenings. Kensington Palace was the home of Princess Diana. Her son Prince William and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, will occupy a wing in this palace beginning in 2013. Saturday, December 8, 9-11 a.m.: Breakfast with Santa features a delicious buffet and visits from the Jolly Old Elf himself and Mrs. Claus. Cost is $10 for children and $15 for adults and includes MFA admission. Reservations are required by Wednesday, December 5. Please call the MFA Café: 727.896.2667, ext. 259, or 727.822.1032. Wednesday, December 12, 10 a.m. to noon: Nan Colton, the Museum’s performing artist-in-residence, presents her popular “Seasonal Tales.” Tour and refreshments are part of this Coffee Talk for people 55+. Saturday, December 15, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Create art inspired by the collection and special exhibitions in this MFA: Make and Take Saturday. Use edible materials to construct a golf course you can savor afterwards. Free with Museum admission. No registration necessary. www.fine-arts.org

DOWNTOWN DECO EVE Benefiting Heartbeat International Charitable Foundation - Dec 31 A lavish affair awaits you this New Year’s Eve on top of the town, nestled amongst the Tampa skyline on Tampa Bay Times Forum newly debuted terrace. Taste the savory nosh and sweet indulgences paired with Roarin’ 20’s inspired elixirs while admiring your fresh downtown outlook. Hear the tantalizing grooves of Tampa Bay’s favorite twelve-piece band Southtown Fever, led by Bob Macar. Street performers will greet you and your guests, as spirited live music will tickle the soul, photo flashes will dance and shimmer as you are teleported up and back to a rip roaring era of grandeur. Commence the evening with a complimentary pair of libations, also included in general admission fare: Savory hors d’ouevres, sweet delectables, champagne toast to roar in the New Year, late night java and breakfast available proceeding the declaration of 2013. Downtown Eve details available at: www.DowntownEve.com 14

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THE TITANIC CRUISES INTO THE MAHAFFEY thru

March 3

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- One hundred years after the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest ship hit an iceberg and sank, her spirit rises and resides at the Mahaffey for the next few months. This exhibit brings some items from the Titanic that havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been seen in the area before, as well as interesting interactive areas. The Mahaffey pays tribute to the tragedy with more than 125 artifacts, and lets visitors assume the identity of one of the real passengers, where you can learn their fate at the end of the tour. www.theMahaffey.com

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HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT AT THE CARROLLWOOD CULTURAL CENTER BIG BAND DANCE & CONCERT featuring the Sounds of Swing - Dec 1 at 8 pm. The Sounds of Swing, a big band formed in 2010 by local musician Jim Burge, will have a special guest. We don’t want to give too much away…let’s just say he wears red, says “Ho, Ho, Ho” and plays a mean sax. Ticket holders will receive a fee dance lesson at 6:30pm. SHANA BANANA’S MERRY CHRISKWANZANUKAH - Dec 9 at 2 pm. Children’s entertainer Shana Banana will tell stories and sing songs about the many of cultures represented in America and how each culture celebrates the December holidays. Shana Banana is a Parent’s Choice and NAPPA awarded children’s songwriter. She was nominated Family and Children’s Entertainer of the Year by the National Association of Campus Activities in 20002001, and received a first round Grammy nomination in 2001. She specializes in interactive, original, educational and fun music for kids. TIM & SCROOGE - Dec 13 at 7:30 pm. MAS Community Theatre will present its first staged reading with this rousing music sequel to A Christmas Carol. Book & Lyrics by Nick Meglin. Music by Neil Berg. Directed by Dee Ford. JAZZ WITH JIM with special guests Jordan Sanders Hawkins and Cole Hazlitt - Dec 14 at 7:30 pm. Jazz with Jim is a monthly concert hosted by local Jim Burge and the Jazz Directions. The concert is best known for fusing personal stories by the musicians with popular jazz tunes suited for that month’s theme. Patrons can purchase home baked goods donated by the Center’s volunteers. Jim Burge and the Jazz Directions will welcome special guests Jordan Sanders Hawkins and Cole Hazlitt to the floor. A WINTER CONCERT with Broadway Bound & the Carrollwood Cultural Center Community Chorus - Dec 16 at 2 pm. Broadway Bound is an educational musical theatre group for children ages 6 to 17. The students are exposed to all aspects of the theatre, and are educated in the audition process. From the camp fire to the red carpet, members of the Community Chorus come together to share their gift and love of song. The chorus performs regularly at the Center and local events. A MOTOWN CHRISTMAS featuring the Sounds of Soul - Dec 21 at 8 pm. The Sounds of Soul will present an exciting, high energy show featuring superior vocals and sand slick dance moves powered by pure soul. A HOLIDAY CONCERT featuring the Carrollwood Winds - December 23 at 2 pm Celebrate the holidays during this annual concert featuring traditional and non-traditional seasonal music with the Carrollwood Winds Community Concert Band, which is a concert band comprised of local community members who are committed to performance. The Sounds of Soul All performances will be at the Carrollwood Cultural Center, 4537 Lowell Road, Tampa. For ticket information, call (813) 269-1310, or visit www.CarrollwoodCenter.org 16

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CHRISTMAS COLLECTO-RAMA - Dec 8 Ready for some retro holiday fun? Looking for vintage Christmas collectibles to add to your holiday décor? Don’t miss the “Christmas Collecto-Rama...A Santa-Comes-to-theSouth Holiday Antique Show” at the Catherine Hickman Theater in Gulfport on Saturday, December 8, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. This show of exclusively vintage holiday décor and retro Christmas fun, includes lectures and oldie holiday flicks, with a cash bar and retro tunes throughout the day to help keep everyone in a jolly mood. Exhibitors will fill the lobby of the theater, selling everything from vintage Christmas ornaments, décor and ephemera to old aluminum trees and candy containers, even electric light-up Yule logs, as well as vintage games and toys from Christmases of long ago. Take a break from your holiday shopping and enjoy a lecture and slide presentation in the Hickman’s theater on “Collecting Christmas” by Cory Adams, a long-time collector and member of The Golden Glow of Christmas Past club. Another special feature will be a presentation on “Antique Mechanical Toys for Christmas” by Dr. Gary Moss, an avid collector-dealer of antique toys and mechanical banks for nearly 40 years. The Catherine Hickman Theater, 5501 27th Avenue South in Gulfport. www.hulahula.biz/hulahulaantiqueshows/120812christmasshow.html

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CHRISTMAS TOWN at BUSCH GARDENS - thru

Dec 23

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- Christmas Town transforms Busch Gardens into a nighttime holiday wonderland of wintery surprises and all things Christmas. Visitors to Christmas Town experience all-new evening attractions, shows and shopping from 6 to 11 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, through Dec. 23. SnowWorld brings real snow to Florida. Make a snowman or just play in the soft white snow. Pack some snow balls and aim at the target practice area. Enjoy live shows with Christian artists Jars of Clay and Jimmy Osmond’s Christmas Jukebox. www.buschgardens.com

Play in the snow

Santa’s elves

Face Painting

Santa’s house

For more photos of this event, please visit www.ampubs.smugmug.com/ACCENT-ON-TAMPA-BAY-MAGAZINE/TAMPA-BAY-EVENTS/ 20

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t i r i p S y a d i l o H

Rod Stewart presents “MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY” www.amazon.com/ Grammy Awardwinning, two-time Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame inductee Rod Stewart releases his first Christmas album of his career, MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY. Award-winning producer and songwriter David Foster serves as producer and arranger of the album. “I have always been tempted to do a Christmas album,” said Rod Stewart. “And now that I once again have young children, the timing couldn’t be better.”

Check out these holidaythemed stocking stuffers!

Gary U.S. Bonds Rocks The Holiday Season With “CHRISTMAS IS ON!” www.garyusbonds.com More than 50 years after he first hit the music scene, Gary U.S. Bonds proves that he can still rock with the best of ‘em by releasing his very first full-length Christmas CD. The disc features ten tracks including three originals written by Gary and his daughter, Laurie. It also includes the Irving Berlin classic, “White Christmas” and the holiday season staple, “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town” along with other numbers that celebrate the spirit of the holidays.

The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra “CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE” www.knoxjazz.org The Knoxville Jazz Orchestra, featuring 17 of East Tennessee’s top professional musicians, covers a lot of stylistic territory, with twelve original arrangements built around an astounding modern big band. The disc features cameo appearances by two different choirs, guest vocalist Jill Andrews, plus star soloists Gregory Tardy (tenor saxophone), Tim Green (alto saxophone), and Dan Trudell (Hammond B-3). This is a diverse program of holiday classics, performed with fresh treatments.

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“THESE ARE THE MOMENTS” By Michael Dulin www.michaeldulin.com This is a generous collection of 16 of Michael Dulin’s most requested original songs and arrangements from six of his releases from 2002 to 2012. The CD iincludes a completely new song, “Winter Dreams”, featuring music by Dulin and lyrics written and sung by Jeania Major. Major’s powerful soprano voice and Dulin’s music bring this stellar CD to a stunning climax.

“O CHRISTMAS” (solo piano) by Isadar www.Amazon.com Isadar gifts us with a sparkling new album (7 years in the making) of holiday-themed solo piano music entitled, “O Christmas.” The selections are traditional carols and songs, some chosen because they are less well known. This new CD mines deep in its quest for unusual choices.

Princess for Christmas www.lionsgate.com Jules Daly (Kate McGrath) is doing her best to create a loving home as new guardian to her mischievous niece and nephew. But when she loses her job and an exasperated nanny on the same day a mysterious invitation arrives - travel to Europe and spend a royal Christmas with the children’s distant grandfather - the Duke of Castlebury Hall (Roger Moore). Jules and the children discover their new prim and proper surroundings in the castle but soon laughter begins to echo in the once quiet halls.

Muppet Christmas Carol Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. Michael Caine performs as greedy, penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge. One Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Together with kind, Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) and his family, the Spirits open Scrooge’s eyes -- and his heart -- to the true meaning of Christmas. Restored and remastered 50th Anniversary Edition. disneydvd.disney.go.com

Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups disneydvd.disney.go.com Starring a brand-new litter of the cutest talking pups ever - it’s perfect for the whole family. When Mrs. Claus travels to Pineville, the playful Santa Pups stow away on her sled. Taking mischief to a whole new level, they begin granting joyful wishes to Pineville’s boys and girls, but something goes terribly wrong - the Christmas spirit begins to disappear. Now the Santa Pups and Mrs. Claus must race to save Christmas around the world.

Prep & Landing: Totally Tinsel Collection The outrageous yuletide adventures of Christmas elves Lanny and Wayne continue in this totally tinsel adventure that reminds us there’s room for everyone on the ‘nice’ list. Santa’s stealthiest little elves must race to recover classified North Pole technology, which has fallen into the hands of a computer-hacking naughty kid, in an effort to stop Christmas from descending into chaos. disneydvd.disney.go.com

Christmas With Danny Kaye This collection brings together 2 memorable Christmas episodes of the Emmy winning, top-rated CBS variety show , The Danny Kaye Show. Featuring Nat King Cole’s iconic performance The Christmas Song (aka Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) , duets with Danny and Peggy Lee and Jingle Bell Rock by a young Wayne Newton. Also with Mary Tyler Moore. www.inceptionmediagroup.com

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EXHIBITS Windows to Our Wildest Place: These permanent, hands-on educational exhibits help visitors understand how natural Florida has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes. Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center. Connecting People and Place: This is an art-inspired, permanent hands-on educational exhibit of the area’s history, ecology and people at the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. ONGOING Nature Walks Along the Trails at Fort De Soto Park: Free one-hour guided nature walks are offered along six different trails each Saturday and Sunday, except holidays. Visitors at the park will be absorbed in the abundance of history, natural beauty and the complexity of the ecology. Emerging from the wealth of bird life, sea life, wild life and plant life is the majestic tapestry called Fort De Soto Park which consists of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands (keys). These keys are home to beach plants, mangroves, wetlands, palm hammocks, hardwoods and scores of native plants. The park is also home to beaches that provide refuge to the loggerhead sea turtle and more than 290 species of birds. 10 to 11 a.m. Fort De Soto Park. DECEMBER Holiday Lights in the Gardens thru Jan 1. The Florida Botanical Gardens hosts their annual event nightly from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. With more than 500,000 lights adorning the thousands of plants and trees, visitors will once again get in that holiday spirit. Guests will enjoy a new laser light show as well as lights decorating the new vinery garden and fountains at McKay Creek. A donation of $2 is requested for adults and children 12 years and older; free admission for children younger than 12. Refreshments will be available for purchase. 24

Holiday Traditions at Heritage Village thru Dec 30. Visitors to this 21acre living history museum will find the enchanting historical houses decorated true to their time period, locality and lifestyle, from an elaborately decorated Victorian home to a simply adorned 1852 log cabin. Dec. 1 Dog Training: Learn the basics of dog training in a seminar for all who have adopted dogs from Pinellas County Animal Services or other shelters in the county. Learn about housetraining, loose-leash walking and dealing with challenging dog behaviors. No dogs at the class please. 10 a.m. Free. Trees and Traditions: Heritage Village offers this special day of holidayrelated activities. The Pinellas County Historical Society sponsors an open house with refreshments, children’s activities and crafts, holiday music, tours and a special visit from Santa Claus. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to children younger than 12; suggested minimum donation of $2 for adults. Living in Paradise – Looking for the Ancient People of Florida’s Central Gulf Coast: The people native to the Americas were forever changed at the moment of contact with the European invaders more than 500 years ago. Artists and storytellers, Hermann Trappman and Elizabeth Neily will explore these people, their environmental history and the archaeological evidence left by these first people of Florida. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free; advance registration required. Everyday Adventures – A Florida Outdoors Guide: Tampa Bay Times outdoors editor Terry Tomalin will describe his favorite adventures for lovers of the Florida outdoors at this presentation and book signing. For whatever nature excursion appeals to you, Tomalin is full of advice for beginners to seasoned enthusiasts, and has many fun-filled adventures in his guide. 2 to 3 p.m. Free; advance registration requested. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Dec 1, 15, 29 - Brooker Creek Guided Hike: Volunteer guides will lead groups on hikes to see how the land has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes. Closed-toe shoes, water and hat recommended on this 0.75 mile walk. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult; those younger than 6 may find this hike challenging. 9 to 10:30 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Dec. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 - Weedon Island Guided Hike: Learn about the ecosystems and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and the boardwalks through mangrove forests. Best for ages 6 and older. 9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Dec. 6 - Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. Today’s featured book is The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Dec. 8 Birds of Brooker Hike: Join this special hike identifying common birds of Brooker Creek Preserve. Meander along the one-mile trail to gather information on the birds seen and heard. Binoculars will be helpful. Bring water. 8 to 10:30 a.m. Wild Wetlands – Florida Aquarium: The Florida wetlands are home to many diverse animals. Participants will explore the wonders of Florida’s wetlands through biofact investigation and encounters with live animal ambassadors from the Florida Aquarium. 10 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Pinellas Paws Cause Holiday Celebration: Share the holiday spirit with the whole family at Animal Services with a variety of good fun, music by Radio Disney, food trucks, K-9 demonstrations, obedience dog training, free drawings, animal rescue groups and

photos with Santa Paws. Dogs and cats will be ready and waiting to go home to new adopted families all day. Vendors will be on hand with crafts and specialty pet-themed items, pet services and animal-related products. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. Birds in Florida Gardens: Interested in how to attract birds to your garden using Florida native plants? What birds can you expect in your Florida garden? How do you identify them? Lynn Sumerson will explain why birds are attracted to gardens. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free; advance registration required.

perfect opportunity for adult photographers to hone their skills. After a classroom session highlighting specific wildlife behaviors and focus tips, guides will assist participants in capturing the natural beauty outdoors. 8 to 10 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Birds of Prey – Adaptations for Success and Roles in the Ecosystem: This presentation will include several live birds of prey which will be used to illustrate aspects of predator-prey relationships, adaptations that ensure their success as predators and their role in maintaining healthy, balanced ecosystems. The basic natural history of each

Dec. 9 - The Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation’s Gift and Plant Sale: The Florida Botanical Gardens Foundation invites you to an admission-free special Gift and Plant Sale on Sunday, Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. held at the Florida Botanical Gardens. Complete your holiday shopping in a lovely botanical setting, choosing from over 45 quality vendors offering unique gifts and live plants. After shopping, come back to see the magic of the Holiday Lights in the Gardens. Dec. 13 Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Today’s featured book is The Very Best Spider by Eric Carle. Free; advance registration required. Wee Time at Weedon: Children ages 3 to 5 are treated to a variety of stories, crafts, games and hands-on activities that connect them to their environment. This week’s story, Where Would I Be in an Evergreen Tree? by Jennifer Blomgren, celebrates the ecosystem of a magnificent evergreen tree. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Dec. 14 - Great Weedon Bird Quest: Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of our feathered year-round residents and seasonal visitors while helping to compile an annual checklist of the preserve’s birds. These hikes are designed to take advantage of all levels of birding experience. Binoculars and bird guides are available. 8 to 10 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Dec. 15 Photography Hike: This hike is a

tissue. 7 to 8 p.m. Free; advance registration required. Dec. 22 - Extended Brooker Creek Guided Hike: Trained volunteer guides will conduct a 2.8- to 4-mile walk to look at how the land has changed over time and discuss the ecological footprints left by those changes. Insect repellent may be helpful. Water, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen along with sturdy closed-toe shoes are recommended. All ages are welcome; children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult; those younger than 10 may find this hike challenging. 9 to 11:30 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Dec. 27 Wee Time at Weedon: Children ages 3 to 5 are treated to a variety of stories, crafts, games and hands-on activities that connect them to their environment. This week’s story is Mary Manatee, A Tale of Sea Cows. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. Today’s featured book is River Otters by Hope Irvin Marston. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Free; advance registration required.

species will also be discussed, along with the impact of humans on their habitats and populations. 1 to 2 p.m. Free; advance registration required. Dec. 20 Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. Today’s featured book is Forest Bright/ Forest Night by Jennifer Ward. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Archaeology Lecture – Life and Death at Windover: Excavations of a 7,000-Year-Old Pond Cemetery: Dr. Rachel Wentz’ latest book examines the discovery, excavations and analyses of one of the most important archaeological sites in the world – Windover. This fascinating site at Titusville, Florida, produced the well-preserved remains of 168 individuals along with hand-woven textiles, a beautiful assemblage of artifacts and ancient soft www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

LOCATION INFO... Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. (727) 453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org The Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road. (727) 5822100; www.flbg.org Fort De Soto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde. (727) 5521862; www.pinellascounty.org/park Heritage Village, 11909 125 St. N., Largo. www.pinellascounty.org/heritage Pinellas County Animal Services, 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo. (727) 582-2600; www.pinellascounty.org/ animalservices. Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org

CHRISTMAS IN THE COUNTRY at CRACKER COUNTRY It was a great family day experiencing the sights, sounds

tos by ent Pho

Melissa

and smells of an old fashion country Christmas at Cracker Country at the FL State Fairgrounds on Dec 1. Holiday traditions of the 19th century were recreated with hands-on historical interpretations, carols, traditional decorations and more. Folks dipped candles, churned and tasted butter, painted a salt dough ornament, cut out paper craft decorations, and stuffed a cornucopia. www.crackercountry.org/

Making beeswax candles

Forging iron

Working the land

For more photos of this event, please visit www.ampubs.smugmug.com/ACCENT-ON-TAMPA-BAY-MAGAZINE/TAMPA-BAY-EVENTS/ 26 www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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s r e f f u t S g n i k c o t S

Mary’s Son: A Tale of Christmas By Darryl Nyznyk Midpoint Trade Books; www.marysson.com Eleven-year-old Sarah Stone is lonely in a mansion amidst butlers, nannies, housekeepers, and a father who is too busy for her. She is angry at the world. On the other side of town, in a slum called the “Sink,” Jared Roberts and his gang barely survive broken families and a hardscrabble existence. Jared, too, is angry, and intends to do something about it. He eyes Sarah’s mansion for a pre-Christmas burglary that will show the world who he really is. Into this mix comes a mysterious little man named Nicholas, who intrigues, yet scares, Sarah and Jared. Against incredible doubt and cynicism, Nicholas tries to guide the two youths away from their anger and the suffering that will follow. He whisks them to another time and place where a Christmas long ago teaches them the true meaning of life in a way they never imagined.

The Dead Celebrity Cookbook Presents Christmas in Tinseltown: Celebrity Recipes and Hollywood Memories from Six Feet Under the Mistletoe Entertainment Weekly; www.ew.com/ When it comes to holiday fun, the stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age knew how to make merry – on stage, on screen, and on the dinner table. The Dead Celebrity Christmas Cookbook shows how to put the kitsch into your holiday kitchen as he salutes a quirky collection of celebrities who are gone, but remembered every year at Christmastime. Filled with pop culture ruminations and delicious recipes of the stars, the cookbook hails the movie classics. Feast on Peggy Lee’s Holiday Halibut Casserole, Burl Ives’s Stuffed Leg of Goat Hawaiian, Nat ‘King’ Cole’s Ham Loaf, and many more terrific recipes.

Dressing Marilyn: How A Hollywood Icon Was Styled By William Travilla By Andrew Hansford Hal Leonard Corp; www.halleonardbooks.com/ William Travilla is one of the best costume designers of all time and Marilyn Monroe his most famous client. Dressing Marilyn: How a Hollywood Icon Was Styled focuses on the striking dresses that he designed for Marilyn, from the thriller “Don’t Bother to Knock” and the gorgeous pink dress in which Marilyn sang “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”, to the legendary white dress from “The Seven Year Itch”. Featuring Travilla’s original sketches, costume test shots, dress patterns, photographs of Marilyn wearing the dresses, plus exclusive extracts from interviews with Travilla.

The Twilight Journey By The Editors of Entertainment Weekly; www.ew.com/ A gorgeous all-access guide to the Twilight saga from the magazine whose writers and photographers covered the phenomenon before anyone else and better than anyone else. “The Twilight Journey” follows author Stephenie Meyer and stars Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner on their wild five-year journey from the set of the first movie to 2012’s “Breaking Dawn, Part 2.” It’s packed with funny, intimate, often shockingly frank interviews, as well as set visits, trivia, and dozens of now-iconic photographs. Includes five posters based on original EW covers. 28

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World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria by Blizzard Entertainment; www.Blizzard.com Unlock The Mysteries of Pandaria You’ve ended Deathwing’s destructive rampage and saved the dragonflights from extinction. Now you must unlock the mysteries of the lost continent and discover the dark secrets of Pandaria’s past. Explore ancient kingdoms hidden since before the Sundering, plunder vast treasures from the depths of the forgotten vaults, and rise to defend Pandaria from the shadow of a long buried evil - before it’s too late. Learn the mystic powers of the Monk, World of Warcraft’s newest playable class. Destroy foes with the Windwalker’s devastating attacks, replenish allies with the Mistweaver’s spiritual energies, and shrug off enormous damage with the Brewmaster’s unyielding strength. Ascend to new heights of power as you explore the verdant reaches of the Jade Forest, war with the terrible Yaungol on Kun-Lai Summit, and unlock the secrets of the Mogu’shan Vaults. Unleash Pandamonium Set out as a member of the enigmatic Pandaren—World of Warcraft’s first neutral race – and join the ranks of either the Horde or Alliance as you enter the conflict brewing on Pandaria’s shores. Discover a Lost Continent Explore the ancient kingdoms of Pandaria and mount your defense against a newly awakened evil stirring in the continent’s dark corners.

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Holiday Classics Movie Series AT THE TAMPA THEATRE See a beloved holiday favorite on the big screen and sing along to Christmas carols with the Mighty Wurlitzer before each show in the unmatched elegance of the city’s historic movie palace. The Muppet Christmas Carol - 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. The Muppet characters tell their version of the classic tale of an old and bitter miser’s redemption on Christmas Eve. Immediately before the film, Mrs. Claus herself will make a special appearance for an interactive story time and presentation of “The 12 Days of Christmas” with the children in the audience. White Christmas - 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9. A successful song-and-dance duo become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save a failing Vermont inn. Miracle on 34th Street - 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16. When a kind, elderly man who claims to be Santa Claus is institutionalized as insane, a young lawyer decides to defend him by arguing in court that he is the real thing. It’s A Wonderful Life - 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21; 3 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 22; 3 p.m. Sunday Dec. 23 - An angel helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing what life would have been like if he never existed. www.TampaTheatre.org

12 GIFTS OF CHRISTMAS EVENT – Dec 11 Celebrating the meaning, the music and the magic of the Christmas season, NCM Fathom Events presents “12 Gifts of Christmas” in movie theaters nationwide on Tuesday, December 11 at 7:30 p.m. Captured live from the 12 Gifts Tour and hosted by TV personality Lisa Whelchel, the event will feature special musical performances from Grammy Award winners Steven Curtis Chapman and Laura Story. Additionally, speakers Patsy Clairmont, Luci Swindoll, Marilyn Meberg, and Mary Beth Chapman and comedienne Anita Renfroe will continue to delight with personal stories, inspirational words and holiday humor. And the night wouldn’t be complete without something special for the kids, as illusionist Harris III demonstrates the magic of Christmas. For theater locations, visit www.fathomevents.com/originals/event/12gifts.aspx

CineBistro celebrates 20 years of Quentin Tarantino’s career - Dec 4, 6 CinéBistro at Hyde Park will host two nights of his most iconic works with the 20th anniversary of “Reservoir Dogs” on Tuesday, December 4, at 7 p.m., followed by his masterpiece “Pulp Fiction” on Thursday, December 6, at 7 p.m. Each night will feature special content created exclusively for the event including new interviews with Tarantino, cast and crew discussing his career and original trailers from his personal collection that influenced his work, and more. Tarantino has received many industry awards, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA, the Palme d’Or and has been nominated for an Emmy and Grammy. Tickets for this exclusive two-night movie celebration are available for $12.50 per adult, per night, for guests 21 and older with proper ID. 1609 West Swann Ave., Tampa, Fla., 33606. For more information, visit www.cobbcinebistro.com or call 813.514.8300. 30

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STRAZ 2012-2013 SEASON

HE STRAZ SEASON offers the singing and dancing nuns of Sister Act, Cole Porter’s classic Anything Goes, feel-good romps with ’80s hits like Priscilla Queen of the Desert’s “I Will Survive” and Flashdance’s “Flashdance – What A Feeling,” the poignant and spectacular drama War Horse, the exhilarating and evocative Traces and the all-singing, all-dancing celebration of the Gershwins in ’S Wonderful. SISTER ACT - Dec 11-16. Featuring original music by 8-time Oscar winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors), Sister Act tells the story of Deloris Van Cartier, a wannabe diva whose life takes a surprising turn when she witnesses a crime and the cops hide her in the last place anyone would think to look—a convent! Under the suspicious watch of Mother Superior, Deloris helps her fellow sisters find their voices as she unexpectedly rediscovers her own. Mary Poppins - Dec 26-30. This consummate Disney production features the irresistible story and unforgettable songs from one of the most popular Disney films of all time, plus brand-new breathtaking dance numbers and astonishing stagecraft to make it everything you could ever want in a hit Broadway show. So get swept up in the fun of this high-flying musical the New York Post gives 4 out of 4 stars and calls “a certifiable super hit!” Season Shows Coming Up: Wicked - Jan. 9 - 27, 2013; Traces - Jan. 29 - Feb. 3; Flashdance - Feb. 19 - 24; Anything Goes - March 12 - 17; Priscilla Queen of the Desert - April 9 - 14; War Horse April 30 - May 5; American Idiot - May 17 - 19. AND THERE’S MORE in December... Tony Award-winning actress, singer and songwriter Idina Menzel, star of Broadway’s Wicked and the original stage production of Rent, will come to Tampa to perform her live show as part of the Straz Center’s 25th anniversary celebrations. Next Generation Ballet’s The Nutcracker, The Great Imperial Ballet - From the moment the lights dim, you will be transported to a magical place filled with marching toy soldiers, a growing Christmas tree, giant mice, crystalline waltzing snowflakes and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Dixie’s Tupperware Party - Dixie Longate throws a good ol’ fashioned Tupperware Party filled with outrageously funny tales, heartfelt accounts, FREE giveaways, audience participation and the most fabulous assortment of Tupperware ever sold on a theater stage. For more information, visit Straz Center, 813-229-7827, www.strazcenter.org.

MARY POPPINS CAST

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So You Think You Can Dance Tour 2012 So You Think You Can Dance’s ninth-season Top 10 finalists will be hitting the road this fall making their way to the Straz on December 4 as part of the 2012 live tour. The season 9 tour line-up includes: Audrey, Chehon, Cole, Cyrus, Eliana, George, Lindsay, Tiffany, Will and Witney. Fall’s hottest ticket will feature this season’s most

popular routines as well as original pieces created specifically for the nationwide tour. Audiences will see all the sizzling, one-of-a-kind dance routines they expect from the television show that recently received six Emmy nominations including Outstanding Reality-Competition Program and Outstanding Host For A Reality or Reality-Competition Program for Cat Deeley in addition to three Outstanding Choreography nominations. “Now in its 9th season, I continue to be inspired by the ever-evolving, magnificent talent that is out there. It warms my heart to be able to share our discoveries with the nation,” stated Nigel Lythgoe who is a judge and co-creator of the hit Fox show. “I have every confidence that this year’s top ten will blow you away.” www.strazcenter.org

Florida’s Most Exciting Theatrical & Dining Experience!

m p -7 m a 9 r u h -T n o M Fri-Sat 9am-8pm Sun 10am-3pm

UpComing

thru Dec 25

Jan 4 - Feb 24

Dinner & Show $49.50 + tax • Show Only $38.45 + tax

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SHOWS IN THE CHANNEL DISTRICT

Holiday Cabaret Thru Dec 23

Celebrate the joy of the holiday season with an eclectic mix of songs that honor our diversity. Sing along with the songs you know and be surprised with some new ones.

A high voltage, intimate evening of pure inspiration mixed with infectious humor, starring Alison Burns, Derek Womack, Heather Krueger, and Ricky Cona. Take the family, and go early for latkes. Stageworks Theatre, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa FL 33602; 813-251-8984. www.stageworkstheatre.org.

2012-13 SEASON Cool Yule at the City - Dec 7-16. Santa’s on a skateboard and Frosty is doing the “hand jive”. The Chipmunks are having a fruitcake throw down with jazzy Holiday tunes and sentimental favorites. It all makes up City Theatre’s offering of “Cool Yule at the City.” This 2 hour Holiday musical treat is the brainchild of both former Artistic Director

and present, David Middleton and Thom Guthrie. The cast of 25 singers includes 9 year olds to seniors. Many of the soloists have been seen on the City Theatre stage as well as throughout the community. This show will entertain the entire family. “Cool Yule at the City” runs Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for two weekends only. 9 to 5, THE MUSICAL - Jan

18-Feb 3. by Dolly Parton and Patricia Resnick The beloved movie comes to the stage. Fast, Fabulous and Funny with over a dozen new songs by Dolly Parton. Business men beware these ladies know a thing about making a living. TO KILL A MOCKING BIRD - March 1-17. Drama by Christopher Sergel from the novel by Harper Lee. The Pulitzer Prize award winning story that has become a classic of modern American literature. A journey down a twisted road that leads to compassion and hope. A gripping must see. SP City Theatre, 4025 31st St So, St. Petersburg FL 33712; 727-866-1973. www.splt.org/

guest on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” and “The Howard Stern Show.”

GILBERT GOTTFRIED Dec 6-8

t the young age of 15, Gilbert Gottfried began doing stand-up at open mike nights in New York City and, after a few short years, became known around town as “the comedian’s comedian.” Gottfried has been a regular on the new “Hollywood Squares” and is a frequent

HAPPY COLE Dec 27-29 Happy Cole began his stand-up career in Tampa, Florida. Among Happy’s TV credits are “Caroline’ Comedy Hour”, “Comic Strip Live”, Evening at the Improv. He has also accumulated TV credits as an actor, including a role on Nickelodeons “Clarissa Explains It All For You” and Fox’s “Seaquest”. He had a starring role in the feature “The Horizon Bleeds”.

SideSplitters is located at 12938 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. www.sidesplitterscomedy.com 34

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A SHOW PALACE CHRISTMAS - Nov 22 - Dec 25 Each year the Show Palace celebrates Christmas and Hanukkah with an exhilarating production for all ages. Past productions have featured classic carols, high-energy dancing and special appearances by many of your favorite holiday characters. A SHOW PALACE CHRISTMAS is a beautifully wrapped gift. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at the Show Palace.

9 TO 5: THE MUSICAL - Jan 4 – Feb 24 9 To 5: The Musical is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. It tells the story of three unlikely friends who conspire to take control of their company and learn there’s nothing they can’t do -- even in a man’s world. Join Violet, Judy and Dora Lee as they take on Franklin Hart, a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot while learning more about themselves and each other. Outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic, 9 To 5: The Musical is about teaming up and taking care of business... it’s about getting credit and getting even! Show Palace, 16128 U.S. 19 N., Hudson. 1-888-655-7469. www.showpalace.net

Romance in D - thru Dec 16 A comedy by James Sherman. In two side-by-side apartments. Charles lives in one apartment alone with his music. Isabel, a poet on the verge of a divorce, moves into the other apartment and puts her head in the oven in a half-baked suicide attempt. Charles smells the gas and saves Isabel. Isabel’s father, George comes to town and tries to cheer her up. Charles’ mother wants Charles to get to know Isabel. Isabel befriends Charles, and Charles falls in love. One day, when Charles and Isabel are away, Helen and George meet, and they discover that they have their own similar interests.

The Red Velvet Cake War - Jan 18 - Feb 3 The three Verdeen cousins – Gaynelle, Peaches, and Jimmie Wyvette – could not have picked a worse time to throw their family reunion. Their outrageous antics have set tongues wagging in the small town of Sweetgum (just down the road from Fayro) and the eyes of Texas are upon them, as their self-righteous Aunt LaMerle is quick to point out. West Coast Players is located at 21905 US 19 N., Clearwater, FL 33765; 727 437-2363; www.wcplayers.org/ www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

A DOLL’S HOUSE - Thru Dec 23 by Henrik Ibsen. It’s Christmas Eve and cheery Nora Helmer is reveling in her role as wife and mother. Her husband has just been made manager of the local bank, and it looks as though she and her family are finally on the brink of financial freedom…until a knock at the door threatens to destroy her doll house of a world forever.

Santaland Diaries - Dec 8 -24 American Stage Theatre Company continues its Holiday “After Hours” series with David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries. The holiday season has been called the most wonderful time of the year. Not so says Crumpet, the unemployed, chemically dependent writer who takes a job as a “helper elf” at Macy’s Santaland in NYC! His tale of mass marketing, stressed out sales clerks, drunken Santas, screaming kids and the general insanity of the holidays is hilarious and meant for mature audiences only. A must see hit for anyone who views the holiday season a little differently from what the television wants us to believe. American Stage is located at 163 Third Street North, St. Petersburg. 727-823-PLAY. www.americanstage.org/

Fiddler on the Roof - thru Dec 16

inner of 9 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Filled with a rousing, heartwarming score, which includes ”Tradition”, “Matchmaker, Matchmaker”, “If I Were A Rich Man” and “Sunrise, Sunset”. No other musical has so magically woven music, dance, poignancy and laughter into such an electrifying and unforgettable experience. Music by Jerry Bock /Lyrics by Sheldon Harnick / Book By Joseph Stein. Director/Musical Director: Jason Tucker.

Francis Wilson Playhouse, 302 Seminole St., Clearwater, FL 33755; (727) 446-1360. www.FrancisWilsonPlayhouse.org

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A Christmas Carol - Dec 13-30 With a soaring and inspirational score, and faithful incarnations of all of the memorable characters, Dickens’ ghost story leaps from the page and delights with stunning theatricality, lush scenery & costumes, and surprising special effects. This year, the show promises an array of new surprises. It’s also the perfect opportunity to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with family, friends and co-workers as part of your annual holiday party or family get-together. Steven Patterson will reprise his role as Ebenezer Scrooge, Morgan Myers as Tiny Tim, and Eric Davis as Jacob Marley and Mr. Fezziwig. The cast also features a chorus of talented Bay area children. Tiny Tim’s Toy Drive will take place on Sat, Dec 15 (2 pm matinee). Bring an unwrapped toy and receive a free child’s ticket. All toys will be donated to Toys for Tots. freeFall, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33710, (727) 498-5205. www.freefalltheatre.com

Early Bird Dinner Theatre A Bedfull of Foreigners

Thru Dec 29

tanley and Brenda are driving about France on their vacation. They consider themselves lucky on finding a hotel room when they stop in a village near the German border on the eve of a local festival. But no one would want to endure this kind of luck for long. In less than an hour with Brenda absent, Stanley finds himself lowering an attractive, stark naked girl from his room’s window. Confusion turns to chaos with the arrival of Claude, the girl’s husband followed by the arrival of Claude’s girl friend, Simone. By the second hour, almost everybody is in the wrong bed. Festival goers dressed as nuns and monks rush in and out. Seductions and confrontations run rampant in this hilarious farce. 200 South McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater, FL. 446-5898. earlybirddinnertheatre.com

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Cirque Du Soleil’s Big Top Production in St. Petersburg Photos by Joel N. Cocker irque du Soleil is stunning St Petersburg with its big top production, KOOZA. The critically-acCKOOZA claimed show runs for a limited engagement under the white Big Top at Tropicana Field. is a return to the origins of Cirque du Soleil that combines two circus traditions – acrobatic performance and the art of clowning. The show highlights the physical demands of human performance in all its splendor and fragility, presented in a colorful mélange that emphasizes bold slapstick humor. KOOZA is about human connection and the world of duality, good and bad,” Writer/Director David Shiner said. “The tone is fun and funny, light and open. The show doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it’s very much about ideas, too. As it evolves we are exploring concepts such as fear, identity, recognition and power.” The show starts with The Trickster bursting onto the scene like a jack-in-a-box right in front of The Innocent, and that is just the first of many surprises to follow. The Innocent’s journey brings him into contact with comic characters such as the King, the Heimloss, the Pickpocket, the Obnoxious Tourist and his Bad Dog. KOOZA is set in an electrifying and exotic visual world full of surprises, thrills, chills, audacity and total involvement. The show presents an unprecedented approach to the High Wire and a breathtaking Wheel of Death – an act that Cirque du Soleil has never before presented under the big top. Kooza will run through Dec 16. For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit cirquedusoleil.com

Joel N. Cocker Photography www.joelncocker.com 38

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SECOND - Dec 8

Spec is a new laboratory of live original performance artwork. Every few months artists and audiences experiment to invent a local culture of collaboration. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Secondâ&#x20AC;? takes place on Sat, Dec 8 at 8pm. The night will include several seven minute performances including music, dance, film, and theatre, followed by a moderated discussion with audience members. Spec Performance Series hosts short works in progress by contemporary performing artists. Its unique feedback sessions give audience members the chance to partake in the creative process. The viewers become critics and collaborators. Audience members invest and engage with artists and art in the moment. Featured artists include Andee Scott, Brian D Fidalgo II, John Allen Gibel, Paula Brett, Jesse Thelonious Vance, Nooie Lee, Megan Tracy, Tina Tidwell, and Erin Tracy. The Studio@620, 620 1st Ave. So., St. Petersburg FL 33701; 727-895-6620. www.studio620.org/

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s r e f f u t S g n i k c o t S AGAVE NECTAR - Thymes Fragrance Studio Collections www.thymes.com/Fragrances/Agave-Nectar/ Agave Nectar is an oasis for skin, tapping the resilience of the desert to awaken skin’s ability to thrive. Agave nectar, cocooned within the quenching agave plant, forms a warm, honeyed base note. Above, layers of ruby red grapefruit, delicate lemon blossom and tangy guava pulse with refreshing citrus, radiating a bright, cheerful optimism. And soothing aloe leaf and subtle crystalline musk deliver a clean, fresh finish. Each fragrance is built around a central characteristic, which expresses its most essential personality.

H&K Sculptures www.hks4u.com/ That really nice bottle of wine you just got deserves to be shown off. And what better way that with a clever themed wine caddy. H&K Sculptures has an amazing array of wine holders, stompers, and unique metal sculptures. Their wine caddys and desk accessories are welded from recycled steel and copper, and come in sports, professions, lifestyles and other renderings. H&K’s Steel Sculpture add warmth and humor to any surrounding. 42

VinniBag www.vinnibag.com Ever want to travel somewhere with a gift of a special bottle of wine and have no way to take it on the airplane? Enter the VinnieBag. This liquid transporter was designed to protect standard 750 ml bottles. VinniBag can also accommodate many other types of bottles including champagne, olive oil, and some distilled spirits. Contents are isolated, immobilized and cushioned by the air chambers, and sealed with a specially designed closure. Great for liqueurs, perfume, shampoo, grandma’s preserves, or a delicate vase. VinniBag was engineered specifically to withstand air travel and high altitudes. Forget the wine, give the VinniBag as a gift!

Superheroes Mimobot Flash Drive www.mimoco.com It’s superhero madness at Mimoco with the release of new flash drives. Adding to their line of Batman and Green Lantern Designer USB flash drives they now bring you Batman “The Dark Knight Rises Edition”, Bane, Superman, and The Flash! It’s available now in up to 64GB capacities, and all of these brand-new designs come preloaded with bonus media alongside Mimory & mimoDesk suites of screensavers, avatars, and wallpapers.

Kiss-u Tissue Tube www.kissutissue.com Replace that crumpled up box of tissues in your car with an attractive alternative — The Kiss-u Tissue Tube. this is the only tissue dispenser that fits in the car cupholder and the only tissue dispenser that is refillable, It actually fits anywhere a water bottle fits. In addition to fitting in cup holders, they also store perfectly in glove compartments for easy access. These are the perfect answer for cold and allergy sufferers who need handy tissues.

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FLORIDA ORNAMENT BALL from Designs by Lolita www.DesignsByLolita.com Who doesn’t love sunny Florida? Designs by Lolita’s Holiday 2012 Collection includes the “Florida” Ornament Ball, the perfect gift for the person (or people) in your life who love this vacation destination. This hand-painted ornament features some favorite Florida hotspots, including Orlando, Jacksonville, Naples and Jacksonville, along with some symbols of Florida like palm trees, a pink flamingo and, of course, a bright orange-andyellow sun, and is topped with a flirty pink bow. The “Florida” Ornament Ball comes in its own signature gift box.

Coton Colors www.coton-colors.com Can pottery put you in a good mood? A resounding yes. Coton Colors makes colorful, handcrafted pottery, creative giftware and seasonal pieces to live life in style, founded by Laura Johnson, an entrepreneurial artisan inspired by the celebrations of her own life. The unique and personalized designs create inspiration fit for every occasion. Coton Colors products are some of the most coveted pieces for discerning hostesses and original gift seekers across the nation. Coton Colors encourages customers to mark all of the celebrations of life with chic sophistication and a touch of fun.

Actress Tory Spelling shows off her Teething Bling

FatCat PowerBar 4200 Travel Charger www.fatcatgear.com/fatcat-4200/ Grrrrr. Not much more frustration occuring than your battery running out on your iphone or iTouch eReader at an important moment. To the rescue comes the Fatcat PowerBar 4200 Travel Charger, compatible with the iPhone/iTouch eReaders, most smartphones, and some gaming and other devices. And this is not one of those clunky attachments that you may have been avoiding. Light and slim, it packs a punch with a 4200 mAh lithium polymer battery, which is over twice the battery capacity of the average smart phone.

Teething Bling from Smart Mom www.smartmomjewelry.com/ We all know how much babies love to grab and chew. For that reason, most moms don’t wear jewelry when their children are young. Here’s a fashionable fix. Teething Bling is the original teething jewelry. Made from the same FDA-approved material as most teething toys, these pendants and bangles look great on the adult wearer but are safe for curious babies to handle and chew. The products are non-toxic, phthalate, BPA, PVC, latex and lead free and all pendants come with a breakaway clasp as an added safety measure. You will find lots of trendy style choices on the Smart Mom website. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

ss note

Photos

sa unle y Melis

HARD ROCK TAMPA 2013 CALENDAR “I Love I Love I Love My Calendar Girl” (Neil Sedaka, c. 1960). Fast forward to 2013 and you will love your calendar girl(s) from the Hard Rock Tampa. The beautiful ladies are all employees of the Hard Rock in different capacities, but you would never know they were not professional models. The 2013 Calendar was recently revealed at an event at the Hard Rock with all the girls in attendance.They all obviously knew they were in the calendar, but didn’t know what month they were, or who was centerfold and cover. Surprise! You can only purchase the calendar at the Hard Rock Retail Store. A portion of the proceeds from the sale will be donated to Care Coalition, a program to help aid wounded soldiers in the Special Ops at MacDill Air Force Base.

Kayla is the covergirl.

Photo by Mary-Stewart Latta

John Fontana, President, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with Kayla.

Ethan Youker of 970 WFLA radio introduces the girls of the months.

(L to R) Brittany, Sarah, Kayla, and Stephanie

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The girls react as the centerfold is announced.

Roxy and Meghan

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S T R E C N HOT CO

TAMPA BAY TIMES FORUM

93.3 FLZ RINGS IN THE SEASON WITH ANNUAL STAR-STUDDED HOLIDAY CONCERT - Dec 9 93.3 FLZ presents a star-studded lineup for the annual holiday concert, taking place on Sunday, December 9, at 6 pm at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. The all-star performers include: Justin Bieber, Ke$ha, OneRepublic, Ed Sheeran, PSY, Sean Kingston, The Ready Set, Bridgit Mendler, Austin Mahone, Walk the Moon and Zedd with Matthew Koma. 93.3 FLZ’s Jingle Ball will kick-off with the action-packed 93.3 FLZ’s Jingle Ball Pre-Show on the Plaza, the official 93.3 FLZ’s Jingle Ball pre-event celebration. The event, which is free to the public, will include performances by fan favorites Bridgit

Mendler, Austin Mahone and Ready Set. 93.3 FLZ’s Jingle Ball Pre-Show on the West Plaza of the Tampa Bay Times Forum will also feature interactive contests and ticket upgrades from participating sponsors. The event will welcome fans of all ages at 3 pm. For up-to-minute information on 93.3 FLZ’s Jingle Ball 2012 log on to www.933FLZ.com keyword: Jingle Ball or listen to 93.3 FLZ onair or online via the station’s website, as well as on iHeartRadio.com and the iHeartRadio mobile app. www.livenation.com

KESHA

JUSTIN BEIBER

PSY

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AEROSMITH “GLOBAL WARNING” TOUR with CHEAP TRICK - Dec 11

America’s greatest rock band delivered absolutely killer sets on the first leg of their triumphant, sold-out Global Warming Tour this past summer, with critics dropping comments like “stunning”, jaw-dropping”, “impassioned intensity”, “seamless swagger”, “epic rock moments”, “a wonder to behold”, “Aerosmith always managed to reinvent itself for the masses without losing its inherent musicality”, “Make no mistake, Aerosmith remains king.” They aren’t done yet. More prisoners will be taken when Steven Tyler (vocals), Joe Perry (guitar), Brad Whitford (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass) and Joey Kramer (drums) come to the Tampa Bay Times Forum on December 11 at 7:30 pm. They’re fully armed with career-defining hits and blazing songs from their new album “Music From Another Dimension” on Columbia Records. They’re the only band of their stature with all-original members who are playing better than ever. Aerosmith are a living piece of American music history, having sold over 150 million albums worldwide and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They are the recipients of countless awards including four Grammys, eight American Music Awards, six Billboard Awards and 12 MTV Video Music Awards among many other honors. Proving that they can cross genre-boundaries with ease, these rock legends have even taken home a Soul Train Award for Best Rap Single for their remix of Run DMC’s “Walk This Way.” With scores of multiplatinum albums, Aerosmith continues to inspire generations to get their wings, get a grip and just push play. It is no wonder why they are one of the most beloved bands of all time. www.livenation.com

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The Florida Orchestra

rom Brahms’ Double Concerto, to a Holiday Pops concert, The Florida Orchestra is a celebration of musical moments throughout December. Dec 1 - 2: Brahms’ Double Concerto – The dynamic duo of Karen Gomyo and Christian Poltéra performs Brahms’ dramatic and virtuosic Concerto for Violin and Cello on this program with Brahms’ delightfully bouyant Academic Festival Overture and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5, overflowing with an insistent, driving and dramatic panorama of orchestral rhythms, colors and themes. Guest Conductor is Joshua Weilerstein. All evening Masterworks programs offer a pre-concert talk about the music and composers, in the concert hall beginning one hour prior to curtain. Dec 7 - 9: Schubert’s Symphony No. 9 – Xavier Phillips performs Prokofiev’s landmark cello work Sinfonia Concertante contrasting its fiendishly difficult soloist passages with hauntingly eloquent interplay with the orchestra. The evening will also feature Schubert’s noble and majestic Symphony No. 9, The Great. Guest Conductor is Julian Kuerti. All evening Masterworks programs offer a pre-concert talk about the music and composers, in the concert hall beginning one hour prior to curtain. Dec 20: Winter Wonderland – Coffee Concert Series. This matinee concert features Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, Anderson’s Sleigh Ride, and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Snow Maiden, among other works. Complimentary coffee and doughnuts will be served. There will be a Pre-concert Conversation one hour before the concert. Conductor is Stuart Malina. Dec 21 - 23: Holiday Pops – The 150 voices of The Master Chorale and vocalist Hilary Kole join the orchestra in this holiday celebration for the entire family with such musical chestnuts as Jingle Bells, Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride, Hanukkah in Santa Monica and beloved Christmas carols such as Joy to the World, The Twelve Days of Christmas, O Come, All Ye Faithful and more. Conductor is Stuart Malina. Concertgoers are invited to bring canned food donations for Tampa Bay Harvest for its food bank services to help others this holiday season. For information on times and venues, visit www.floridaorchestra.org or call 727.892.3337 or 1.800.662.7286.

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TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA DEBUTS NEW LIVE WINTER SHOW “THE LOST CHRISTMAS EVE” at the TBT Forum - Dec 15

rans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) is teaming up with Hallmark Channel to present the live debut of the band’s multi-platinum rock opera, “The Lost Christmas Eve” for over 100 shows in 65 cities across North America, including a stop at the Tampa Bay Times Forum for two spectacular shows on December 15 at 3:00PM and 8:00PM. A modern classic that can stand side by side with a Charles Dickens tale, “The Lost Christmas Eve” is the newest chapter in the TSO holiday tradition. “The Lost Christmas Eve” has been called “a story of loss and redemption” and features a diverse soundtrack fusing elements of rock, classical, folk, Broadway, and R&B, which takes you on a journey into the “Capra-esque” world of TSO creator / producer, Paul O’Neill. Encompassing a rundown hotel, an old toy store, a blues bar, a Gothic cathedral, and their respective inhabitants all intertwined during a single enchanted Christmas Eve in New York City, this year’s show is sure to start any TSO fan’s holiday season off right. “The Lost Christmas Eve” will be performed in its entirety and will feature the hit single, “Wizards in Winter”, as well as longtime crowd favorites, “Christmas Nights in Blue” and “Siberian Sleigh Ride.” It will be followed by brand new songs from TSO’s Fall EP release from Lava/Republic, “Dreams of Fireflies (On a Christmas Night)”, classics from TSO’s debut album, “Christmas Eve & Other Stories” and the rest of the heralded catalogue of rock operas. TSO founder Paul O’Neill discusses the band’s ambitious undertaking: “This is an exciting year for the band and something we’ve been planning for years. ‘The Lost Christmas Eve’ has always been a personal favorite of mine. To debut this rock opera live marks a new and exciting chapter in TSO’s Rock Theater evolution.” Since their debut in 1996, TSO has defied the rules of an ever-changing music industry. Year after year, TSO has ranked in the Top 10 for both gross revenues and attendance (according to Pollstar magazine) by playing live to over one million fans annually. Since their inception, TSO has sold in excess of 8.5 million albums and performed to more than 9 million fans in 150+ cities worldwide. The band’s rock operas have cemented them as a leader in Rock Theater, being regarded as a mix of The Who’s “Tommy”, Andrew Lloyd Weber’s musicals, and Pink Floyd’s expansive light show. www.TampaBayTimesForum.com

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HARD ROCK SEMINOLE Gavin DeGraw and Tristan Prettyman at The Mix 100.7 Acoustic Christmas Show - Dec 2 Pop rock singer-songwriter Gavin DeGraw along with Tristan Prettyman will perform at The Mix 100.7 Acoustic Christmas show at Hard Rock Cafe Tampa at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Sunday, Dec.2 at noon. Standing-room-only show. DeGraw began honing his piano skills at the age of eight. After a brief stint at the prestigious Berklee School of Music, DeGraw decided to take his original songs to New York City. He eventually signed a record deal with Clive Davis. In 2003, DeGraw released his debut album Chariot. His first single, “I Don’t Want to Be,” was a Top Ten hit. His next single, “Chariot,” was also met with positive response and climbed the charts in 2005, pushing the album to double platinum sales. In 2008, he released his self-titled sophomore album, which debuted at No. 1 on the digital sales chart and at No. 7 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart. In fall 2011, his fourth album, Sweeter, ranked among the Top Digital Albums and The Billboard 200. The lead single “Not Over You” reached the top spot on the Adult Top 40. In between modeling gigs and surfing trips, Tristan Prettyman began showcasing her acoustic songs at local parties and small venues. Buzz around Prettyman continued to grow as she toured with G. Love & Special Sauce and fellow San Diego-based folk-popper Jason Mraz. She recorded and self-released the Love EP in 2003. She eventually signed with Virgin Records. Her debut offering of acoustic folk-pop, Twentythree, appeared in 2005, featuring contributions from Mraz and other several ace session players. In 2008, she released Hello…x. In 2012, Prettyman released the introspective but still electric-sounding Cedar + Gold. www.seminolehardrocktampa.com

TAMPA THEATRE Rockapella - Dec 20 On Thursday, Dec. 20, the Tampa Theatre will host the return “A Rockapella Holiday” at 7:30 p.m. Known as the kings of contemporary a cappella music, this five-man powerhouse of vocal talent sweeps through sold-out venues across the country year-round, but Rockapella’s holiday show is one not to miss. With a style that adds a smooth edge to the season’s warm heart, Rockapella’s music ranges from unexpected reworkings of familiar standards to brand-new originals destined to be classics. Audiences of this annual favorite can expect to be tickled and touched by a performance like no other. 711 N. Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602; 813-274-8981. TampaTheatre.org 50

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. . . a t n a S m Fro MyPhones Earbuds store.griffintechnology.com/crayola-myphones-earbuds Co-branded with Crayola, the most beloved name in play products for children, MyPhones earbuds have built-in volume-limiting circuitry that keeps the sound pressure down to levels recommended as safe for young ears. Kids will like these buds, too; they come in a range of bright colors, like Purple Pizazz, Cotton Candy, and Caribbean Green, all bearing Crayolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s iconic design. MyPhones earbuds are kid-friendly to use, durably constructed, and come with their own carrying case.

Party Animal Dancing Pet Speakers www.dancingpartyanimals.com/ These adorable plush pets plug in to your music device and literally dance to the beat. The party animals recognize the beat of your music and adjust their speed and rhythm to dance along with fast and slow music and everything in between, while playing your music out of their built-in speaker. They stop when your music stops. All you need is a laptop, MP3 player, smartphone, or other music device with an audio input to make them play your music and dance to the beat. They come in 4 different animals - Tom (black & white cat), Cleo (orange & white cat), Sandy (buff colored dog), and Spike (black & white dog). Collect all four and have an animal party!

Kiwi Crates www.kiwicrate.com Kiwi Crates delivers hands-on fun for kids ages 3-7 direct to your home via monthly subscription making creative play fun for kids and convenient for parents. Kiwi Crate will have children eagerly anticipating the mail delivered right to their front door. Activities in each monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crate relate to a theme and are designed to encourage active learning through play. Monthly deliveries include supplies for a child to complete at least two projects. Example crates include: Fun with Dinosaurs, which explores the world of dinosaurs and paleontology. Kids can create their own fossils and dinosaur feet. With Colors, kids can learn how colors make other colors with a spinning top, stained glass, and dye a tote.

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Wikki Stix www.wikkistix.com/ Wikki Stix are made of hand-knitting yarn enhanced with a microcrystalline food-grade, non-toxic wax, the kind used in bubble gum. They stick! No glue, no paste, no mess. Just press them down with light fingertip pressure and they will adhere to almost any smooth surface. They are also easy to peel up and reposition so “mistakes” virtually disappear. There is no preparation, no clean-up, no mess. Wikki Stix appeal equally to boys and girls, and span a wide range of ages, from 3 to 103.

Stephen Joseph Gifts shop.stephenjosephgifts.com/ Stephen Joseph Gifts is an innovative line of gifts for children. The line includes rain gear, backpacks, lunch boxes, wallets and room decor, as well as infant items, ranging from rompers and bibs to placemats and sippy cups. The vibrant colors appeal to young and old, and a lot of items can be monogrammed in your child’s name. Check out the large variety of high quality items on the website.

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Tasty Food and Drinks! Food, Fun & Artsy Elephants Story and photos by Melissa Wolcott-Martino

new casual restaurant that is fun, lively, and inviting opened recently on South Dale Mabry in Tampa — the Red Elephant Café. This is the eighth Red Elephant to open in Florida, the first having opened in 2006 in Tallahassee. I don’t think that naming the restaurant The Red Elephant was politically motivated, but I’ll bet the cafe was mighty popular Red Elephant partner Carl during the Republican National Sahlsten in front of a painting by Asian Glaze Rice Bowl with chicken and Convention which descended Diane Ramsay Schmidt pineapple and a ginger, garlic teriyaki sauce on Tampa. From the moment I stepped salads, flame-grilled burgers, wraps, into the restaurant, I knew I was build-your-own pizzas and delicious rice going to have an enjoyable exbowls. My table mates and I ordered perience. The restaurant’s simseveral different items for tastings, and ple decor plays background to everything was truly flavorful and rethe wonderful original art that markable fresh. adorns the walls — all with a red For dessert, what else but crispy, elephant theme. Carl Sahlsten, Painting by Rolph Vassor powdered, elephant ears? The beverpartner for Red Elephant Café, age menu offers the usual fare, plus gave several local artists a germ over 100 different flavors from a Cocaof an idea and they ran with it. The works are all varied, Cola Interactive Freestyle Soda Fountain. and you will be hard-pressed to find a favorite. There The cafe is fun, the food is tasty, the art is intriguare paintings, stained glass, sculptures, computer art ing, and all political parties are welcome at the Red El— you name it. While promoting the arts, the Red Elephant Café! ephant Café features a local musician on the first SatThe Red Elephant Café is located at 111 South Dale urday night of every month. Mabry (southwest corner of Kennedy and Dale Mabry), The food is excellent with very generous portions, and is open daily for lunch and dinner. For more info and the menu has something for anyone’s taste, hand visit www.redelephantpizza.com/ prepared with fresh ingredients and served fast, which For more photos of this story, visit should appeal to anyone on a time schedule — good www.AccentOnTampaBay.com/ and hit the TRAVEL & food at fast food speed. You will find items such as EVENT Photo gallery. 54

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Seasons 52

New Fall Menu S

easons 52’s new fall menu offers diners some fresh delectable choices, from appetizers to dessert. I sampled some of their tasty dishes recently and was more than pleased with everything. The restaurant’s Master Sommelier, George Miliotes has come up with clever wine pairings to complement Director of Culinary Chef Clifford Pleau‘s new menu. This season Miliotes’ theme is “Drink Them Before They’re Famous,” introducing some new wines into the mix. Double Hummus with Sea Salt Lavosh

Seasons 52 is a fresh grill and wine bar located in 13 states, with 9 restaurants in Florida, and found locally in Tampa and Orlando. An open kitchen is always a comfort to diners, and Seasons 52 is a bustling one. Using wood-fire grilling and brick-oven cooking actually produces food which is lower in calories. The restaurant states that nothing on its menu is over 475 calories. Chef Pleau is inspired by what’s best at the farmer’s market, and this season he’s chosen fall fruits, veggies and apropo colors.

Story and photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino gested wine was a Vista Hills Orange Pinot Gris, Williamette ‘11 — by far my favorite wine of the evening. Our first course was CiderGlazed Grilled Chicken Skewers with Fugi Apple Slaw (including cranberries and pumpkin seeds) and topped with a light apple-cider sauce. The wine paired was a Farrier Andiron Semillon, Alexander ‘09 — a rich white wine similar to Savion Blanc. Some real thoughts of the fall season went into our second course, a Maple Leaf Farms Sesame Duck Salad served with apples, mint, cranberries, pecans, and butternut squash. The wine tasting for this course was an Avanthia Godello, Valdeorras ‘10/’11, a rare grape

A delightful table appetizer was a double Hummus with Sea Salt Lavosh. One hummus was a red pepper roasted garlic with a little kick, and the other was edemame with fresh mint. Seasons 52 flatbreads are some of the best you will find. For fall, Chef has created a Portobello Mushroom Flatbread with a very thin and crispy crust topped with spinach, roasted garlic, blue cheese, goat cheese and Portobello Mushroom Flatbread truffle cream. The sug56

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tannic. A fourth course was Manchester Farms AllNatural Grilled Quail served with Mushroom Risotto, and Broccolini with Roasted Cipollini Onions. And my wine choice was a Michael David Petite Petit, Petite Sirah, Lodi ‘09/’10, a new world style red wine made with blackberries. For dessert, Seasons

Piedmontese Beef

Vista Hills Orange Pinot Gris

variety grown from 100 year old vineyards and fermented in barrels. Our third course was the AllNatural Bone-in Strip Steak from the Piedmontese beef cattle which are range-raised in Nebraska and grass fed with an all-natural diet. This delicious beef is actually recCider-Glazed Grilled chicken Skewers

Grilled Quail with Mushroom Risotto

ommended by the American heart Association as a heart-healthy food. It is low in saturated fats, has half the cholesterol of regular beef, and less fat than a skinless chicken breast, salmon or swordfish fillet. Seasons 52 prepares their beef with a red wine reduction, served with cremini mushrooms, grilled asparagus and fingerling potatoes. The wine for the steak was a Tilia Bonarda Mendoza ‘11/’12, an Argentinian wine with grapes grown in a very high elevation, and highly

52 cleverly creates “Mini Indulgences”. There are nine choices of little heavenly concoctions, just enough to satisfy that end-of-meal sweet desire. You can usually count on the restaurant to have your favorite, but also to introduce a seasonal one. This time of year it is a scrumptious Pumpkin Pie with Ginger Snap Crust. Enjoying the fall, but thinking ahead and wondering what Spring will bring to Seasons 52. Seasons 52 is located at the West Shore Plaza, 204 North Westshore Blvd. Tampa, 33609. For more information visit www.seasons52.com/ www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Mimi Indulgences with Pumpkin Pie on lower right

Relax and Rejuvenate with KUSMI TEA

or 140 years, Kusmi Tea has been offering to gourmets the finest in high quality tea blends. The famous tea brand offers unique Russian blends like Prince Wladimir tea, Anastasia or Saint Petersburg tea, whose recipes are kept secret for more than a century, but also many traditional and flavored blends. Founded in 1867 in St. Petersburg, Kusmi Tea was brought over to Paris in 1917 and has been delighting the world with an array of luscious flavors ever since. More recently, Kusmi Tea has launched a wellness tea collection with the delicious Detox tea, the soothing Be Cool or the stimulating Boost. Distributed all over the world, the Kusmi teas are a reference for tea connoisseur, and every tea lovers. Kusmi Tea blends the finest natural ingredients from around the world, making each tea distinct. A few of their other leading blends include Boost (a revitalizing blend of mate, green tea and spices), Sweet Love (a Black China tea with licorice roots, spices, guarana seeds and pink pepper) and Lady Gaga’s favorite, the best-seller Detox (a blend of mate, premium green tea and lemongrass flavored with lemon). Bouquet of Flowers N°108 is Kusmi’s oldest blend, dating back to 1880. (In fact, Tsar Nicolas II regularly drank Bouquet of Flowers N°108 right up to the Russian revolution!) A Russian blend of China, Sri Lanka and India teas with scents of bergamot, lemon, lime, orange, mandarin and flowers, this Earl Grey tea is ideal for an afternoon treat. For more information, visit www.us.kusmitea.com/en/

BOLD Organics

Healthy, Organic Pizza Right From Your Oven

iscerning pizza lovers finally have a healthy alternative and the health conscious consumer who has often settled for inferior taste for health reasons finally has a pizza that tastes great. BOLD Organics has developed a variety of frozen, gluten-free and dairy-free thin crust pizzas that are organic, healthy and great tasting. The products are also casein-free, egg-free, peanut-free, and tree nut free and contain no GMOs, preservatives, nitrites, nitrates, or trans-fats. BOLD Organics’ recipes were formulated by founder Aaron Greenwald in conjunction with Executive Chef, Eric Brenner, and come in four varieties of pizza in a small size: a Cheese Pizza; a Veggie Lovers Pizza (containing roasted red peppers, roasted yellow onions and shiitake mushrooms); a Meat Lovers Pizza (containing pepperoni and sausage); and a Deluxe Pizza (combining meat and veggie toppings). The sauce pops with Eric’s signature blend of organic tomatoes and organic herbs & spices. The thin crust crunches with texture achieved from an alternative mixture of organic baking ingredients without the need for gluten. The healthy toppings were scoured from farms throughout the country for the perfect flavors, such as the organic roasted bell peppers, organic roasted onions, and shiitake mushrooms. For non-vegan consumers, they searched for the leanest, tastiest, nitrate-free meats available on the market. Eric and Aaron believe that it’s their mission to show consumers that food products can deliver amazing taste while being healthy for the consumer. For more information on BOLD Organics Pizza, please visit www.bold-organics.com/

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Tasty and Healthy!

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or the last 4000 years Garlic has been both cherished and reviled, sought for its healing powers and shunned for its pungent after effects. From miracle drug to vampire repellent, garlic has had an important place in many aspects of human history. The allicin in raw, crushed garlic has been shown to kill 23 types of bacteria, including salmonella and staphylococcus. Heated garlic gives off another compound, diallyldisulphide-oxide, which has been shown to lower serum cholesterol by preventing clotting in the arteries. Vitamins in garlic, such as A, B, and C, stimulate the body to fight carcinogens and get rid of toxins, and may even aid in preventing certain types of cancer, such as stomach cancer. Garlicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sulfur compounds can regulate blood sugar metabolism, stimulate and detoxify the liver, and stimulate the blood circulation and the nervous system. Now that we know the health benefits of garlic, lets talk about what it does for flavoring our food â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Wonders! There are many ways to prepare garlic, but no one has prepared it for the cook as well as Garlic Gold. Garlic Gold is a delicious combination of organic toasted garlic pieces and organic extra-virgin olive oil. It adds unique flavor and crunchy texture to anything from vegetables to chicken, shrimp or beef. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dynamite in salad dressing and the nuggets are especially tasty as crouton replacements or sprinkled atop a split loaf of crusty bread, slathered in butter - the ultimate in garlic bread. Even chef extraordinaire Emeril Lagasse raves about it. Garlic Gold comes as garlic nuggets in oil, plain toasted garlic nuggets or garlic-infused oil - each are fabulous. Sprinkle original Garlic Gold Nuggets or blends like Garlic Gold Sea Salt or Garlic Gold Herbs de Provence on meats and veggies, and your family and guests will keep asking for more. For more information, visit www.garlicgold.com

www.skipperssmokehouse.com 60

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No Guilt BBQ Sauces and Pancake Syrups!

chemical sweeteners, artificial flavors and ingredients. All of Ali’s products are sweetened with the natural extracts from the Stevia plant which are low on the glycemic index and a great way to satisfy cravings without adding any extra calories. For more information, visit www.alisallnatural.com

Do you just love BBQ sauces and pancake syrups but shy away because of the calories? Well you can pour on Ali’s All Natural BBQ sauces since they will give you all

the flavor you want with 95% less sugar than any other sauce on the market and pack only 10 calories per two tablespoons. And with 5 calories per 1/4 of pancake syrup you can pour that over your flapjacks without the guilt. There are 5 delicious pancake syrup flavors to choose from, and 3 tasty BBQ sauce flavors. Fitness expert Ali Leombruni created Ali’s All Natural to provide people with a selection of various healthy products that they can enjoy and add into their diet without worrying about consuming all the fat, calories and sugars that regular products contain. Working in the health industry for most of her life Ali knows what kind of products people really crave and with her team has successfully created a line of products that people can enjoy without the guilt. Ali’s All Natural products are Diabetic friendly and free from toxic www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Carmel Cafe & Wine Bar Hyde Park’s Newest Dining Spot Story and photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino and Al Martino

or the uninitiated, Carmel Cafe & Wine Bar is a little slice of the California coast plunked down in Florida. If you look out the restaurant’s window, you expect to see cliffside cypress trees leaning out over the ocean. But this is Florida, so no cliffs. However, the interior decor has a definitely CA feel as does the eclectic modern Mediterranean style cuisine. Also, a bit of Silicon Valley is present with the clever use of iPads as menus! All the menu items are beautifully photographed with complete descriptions and (very reasonable) prices. You can order your courses as you go along, or all at once. The iPads are easy to use, and also very intuitive. If you have a restless child (or internet-addicted significant other) you can even troll the internet with it. What sets this menu apart from the same-old same-old is the creative use of their fresh ingredients. The new fall offerings include recipes you probably haven’t experienced in other area restaurants. Our recent menu sampling at the new Carmel Cafe in Hyde Park was a real taste bud treat.

Danish Baked Brie with toasted walnuts, dried cranberries and puff pastry.

Seasonal Flatbread with caramelized pear, blue cheese and roasted red pepper.

Carmel Cafe has concocted their own seasonal cocktails, and one is sure to please you. We tried the Italian Old Fashioned with Buffalo Trace Kentucky bourbon, peach jam, and amarena cherry, and the Watermelon Granita - a hibiscus-infused watermelon margarita, which was our favorite. The Cafe’s Mezze Platter starter dish is a trip to the Med with edamame hummus, Muhammarra and goat cheese stuffed pepperdews, fried feta cheese, marinated artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes and grilled pita. The flavorful Madeira Dates stuffed with goat cheese and Serrano ham was an unexpected menu item. Another great choice was the Danish Baked Brie with toasted walnuts, dried cranberries and puff pastry. Not to be missed is one of Carmel’s wonderful flatbreads. We had the Seasonal Flatbread with caramelized pear, blue cheese and roasted red pepper, which was crispy and full of fall flavors. Seafood lovers will want to try the Seafood Medley with scallops, shrimp, calamari, mussels, chorizo, Israeli couscous, olives and roasted peppers. The Roasted veggie of the evening was one of our particular favorites - Brussels Sprouts with bacon. 62

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Two new pastas are delightful - the Four Cheese Stuffed Cannelloni (ricotta, fontina, parmesan and asiago) with a bolognese sauce, and the very tasty Spinach Gnocchi swimming in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Fans of anything cooked with wine, we really enjoyed the tender Chicken Madeira with Portobello mushrooms in a rich wine sauce, and served with mashed parsnip potatoes. With very little room left to squeeze any more food, we ended our repast with the new fall sweet, a Warm Poached Pear with vanilla ice cream and a caramel sauce. The lovely items we enjoyed are just a small selection of the Cafe’s full menu, bursting with interesting, clever, and above all, delicious fare. The restaurant is located at 3601 W. Swann Ave., Tampa. If you can’t make it to Hyde Park, there are three other Carmel Cafe locations to choose from: Countryside, Carrollwood, and Sarasota. Please visit the website for more information, plus you can view their full menu. www.carmelcafe.com For more photos of Carmel Cafe, please visit Accent On Tampa Bay’s photo gallery. www.ampubs.smugmug.com/

Four Cheese Stuffed Cannelloni (ricotta, fontina, parmesan and asiago) with a bolognese sauce

Madeira Dates stuffed with goat cheese and Serrano ham

Spinach Gnocchi in a creamy Parmesan sauce.

Seafood Medley with scallops, shrimp, calamari, mussels, chorizo, Israeli couscous, olives and roasted peppers. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

www.surfandturfmarket.com

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s r e f f u t S g n i Stock MIGHTY MUG www.themightymug.com Mighty Mug is one clever idea way overdue. Have you ever spilled a beverage on your computer, and then kept your drink just out of arm’s reach to prevent it from happening again? Mighty Mug solves that problem, with a design that won’t let the mug tip over, but is easy to lift up. The mug grips to all flat solid non-porus surfaces (like most desks and tables. Check out their website and you can see it in action. This is one handy product!

HEY SHUGA! www.HeyShuga.com This holiday season, take rein of the baked goods on the menu with Caribbean Liquid Sugar. Hey Shuga! and Lil’ Shuga! are cane sugar syrups that are 100% USDA organic, gluten-free, GMO free, vegan, kosher and preservative free. Hey Shuga! is a pure cane sugar syrup and Lil’ Shuga! is a blend of both cane sugar and Stevia. These Shuga syrups pour more easily than honey, and professional bakeries love Hey Shuga! because it takes approximately 30% less time to bake. They say their baked goods taste better, stay fresh longer, have better texture, and show superior browning. jenkins jellies Hell Fire Pepper Jelly, Fiery Figs Pepper Jelly, Guava Brava, and Passion Fire Pepper Jelly www.jenkinsjellies.com With balanced layers of heat and sweet and uniquely versatile, Jenkins Jellies go well with just about anything. They’re great smothered atop burgers, hot dogs or meatloaf; paired with a variety of cheeses; used as a marinade or glaze for steak, chicken, salmon, or pork; or to spice up a turkey or peanut butter sandwich. Made with organic ingredients and containing no preservatives, artificial flavors, food coloring or high fructose corn syrup, its ingredients are simple: a blend of seven fresh peppers, organic sugar, vinegar, pectin and sweet notes from figs, guavas, or passion fruits. The entire line is also vegan and naturally gluten-free.

COLONIAL CANDLES New London-Inspired Candle Collection www.ColonialCandle.com Colonial Candle’s new London Destinations Collection celebrates one of the world’s greatest cities – and its cultural and historic richness – with new fragrances including: Chocolate Souffle: Rich custard notes of melted chocolate and caramelized sweet sugar; Afternoon Tea: Relaxing notes of fresh lemon juice, white freesia and fresh brewed tea; Abbey Road: Fresh undertones of green galbanum, earthy musk and flower power top notes; Poppy Fields: A blend of wild strawberry, dew kissed leaves and cream rose petals. Colonial Candle is known for its quality, exclusive fragrances, and style, with more than 100 years of experience in candle craftsmanship, Colonial Candle products are made in the U.S.A.

Grand Marnier Natural Cherry www.grandmarniercherry.com/ Grand Marnier Cherry blends Grand Marnier’s signature premium cognacs with the essence of natural European Griottes cherries. It is an elegant, yet complex blend of wild tropical oranges, European griotte cherries and smooth Cognac. This new spirit marks the inaugural launch of a new series that will introduce a new limited edition flavor each holiday season. Here’s a holiday (or any day) recipe to enjoy: Grand Cherry & spice 2 1/2 oz. Grand Marnier Cherry 1/2 tsp. Freshly grated ginger 1/2 oz. Fresh lime juice 2 oz. Chandon Rosé (chilled) DIRECTIONS: Muddle the ginger in the bottom of a mixing glass. Add Grand Marnier Cherry and lime juice and shake well with ice. Strain into a chilled flute glass and top off with the chilled Chandon Rosé. Stir briefly.

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Holidays at Walt Disney World Resort Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party - thru Dec 21 Families can deck the halls starting this November with 20 evenings of holiday splendor with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is a festive tradition immersing families in the holiday spirit on selected nights during the months of November and December. Beginning at 7 p.m. (after regular park hours), guests with special event tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can enjoy all the yuletide and cheer with lively stage shows, spectacular fireworks, a unique holiday parade and holiday traditions including complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and a prediction of snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A.Partygoers also can take in the spectacle of Cinderella Castle, adorned with thousands of shimmering white lights, covering the turrets and towers like a glistening blanket of ice. The twinkling lights create an elegant wintry effect perfect for the seasonal celebration. For more information, visit www.Disneyworld.com/Christmasparty.

Celebrity Narrators Share Christmas Story During Candlelight Processional at EPCOT – - thru Dec 30 Celebrities host one of the most beloved holiday traditions at Walt Disney World Resort — Candlelight Processional. This joyous retelling of the Christmas story is accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a glorious 68

mass choir. Candlelight Processional takes place at World Showcase in America Gardens Theatre at Epcot from Nov. 23 – Dec. 30, 2012 with three performances nightly: 5:00, 6:45 & 8:15 p.m. Narrators scheduled to appear (subject to change): Dec. 1 Whoopi Goldberg Dec. 2 – 4 Andy Garcia Dec. 5 – 7 Blair Underwood Dec. 8 & 9 James Denton Dec. 10 – 13 Jodi Benson Dec. 14 -16 Lea Salonga Dec. 17 – 19 TBA Dec. 20 – 22 Trace Adkins Dec. 23 – 25 Gary Sinise Dec. 26 – 28 Amy Grant Dec. 29 – 30 Marlee Matlin / Jack Jason Candlelight Dinner packages are available at select restaurants by calling 407-WDW DINE. 407/939-3463. Availability is limited New Fantasyland at Magic Kingdom Park Grand Opening Dec 6 The expansion of the New Fantasyland – nearly doubling in size — continues at Walt Disney World Resort. Slated to make their debuts: Under the Sea - Journey of the Little Mermaid, a major attraction where guests will travel with Ariel and her friends through their exciting adventures above and below the waves – all against a musical backdrop of songs from the film. Adventurers will feel as if they are descending below the ocean’s surface. Once “under the sea,” guests will find themselves immersed in the story of “The Little Mermaid.” The castle of the Beast stands on a hill across an old stone bridge from Ariel’s new home. The Be Our Guest Restaurant will feature a lavish dining experience in the elegant ballroom, gallery, and mysterious “West Wing” of the castle. With seating for 550, this

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magnificent facility will offer “great food fast” service by day and full-service table dining in the evening. Nearby in Belle’s Village, guests will find Gaston’s Tavern and Bonjour! Village Gifts. Belle’s cottage and Enchanted Tales with Belle. The adventure begins in Maurice’s workshop, where a magical mirror is the doorway to a captivating new kind of storytelling experience: guests will be transported to the Beast’s library to meet Belle and Lumiere, and share in a lively, interactive re-telling of the “tale as old as time.”

fall at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, giving Walt Disney World Resort guests a chance to become immersed in the world of the four “Pirates of the Caribbean” films. Aspiring pirates will experience the story of Jack Sparrow like never before to discover if they have what it takes to join Captain Jack’s crew. Kilimanjaro Safaris: From A to Zebra Zebra at Disney’s Animal Kingdom welcome guests on Kilimanjaro Safaris to their new home in fall 2012. A reconstructed savannah space featuring a new watering hole for live animals will offer an additional viewing opportunity at the end of guests’ expedition through Africa. SPLITSVILLE: BOWLING RE-IMAGINED The age-old image of bowling is about to change with the opening of Splitsville, America’s Bowling Alley, at Downtown Disney West Side this fall. Splitsville’s 50,000 square feet, two-story location will be unlike traditional bowling alleys — with 30 lanes separated into several clusters to create a one-of-akind perspective immersed in hip and retro elements. The Downtown Disney location also will boast billiard tables, live entertainment, a dramatic balcony and ample outdoor seating. Placing a whole new spin on the bowling experience with its emphasis on unique design, Splitsville will greet guests with upscale sushi bars, plush booths and dynamic decor overlooking the bowling lanes. Between strikes and spares, guests can feast on menu items including hand-tossed pizza, fresh-rolled sushi, grilled mahi-mahi with “Voodoo” shrimp and hand-cut filets alongside alley-classics such as cheeseburgers and crinkle-cut fries served right at the lane. For more information, visit www.splitsvillelanes.com.

Design, then test drive The new Test Track Presented by Chevrolet A re-imagined, design-centric Test Track Presented by Chevrolet will debut in fall with a new “Chevrolet Design Center.” Amid upbeat music, engaging media, dramatic lighting and a collection of Chevrolet concept cars and model vehicles, guests themselves will become automotive designers and create their own custom concept vehicles. Then guests will buckle into their 6-person “SimCar” ride vehicle and put their design through its paces on the exhilarating hills, switchbacks and straight-aways of the Test Track circuit. Their performance testing complete, guests will move into a post-show area filled with special effects and be scored on how well their custom concept vehicle did. The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow The Legend of Captain Jack Sparrow debuts this

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

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ORLANDO HAPPENINGS SLIDE INTO CHRISTMAS AT GAYLORD PALMS RESORT with ICE! - thru Jan 1 Where is the one place in the world at Christmastime that guests can bask in the sun, plummet down one of four waterslides and, just a few feet away, accelerate down one of four ice slides? It’s all available at Gaylord Palms Resort where the property combines Florida flair with frosty frolicking to create the most unique Christmas experiences in the entire Southeast. Guests enter a winter wonderland the moment they step into the resort. Dripping with the pageantry of poinsettias, more than 2 million twinkling lights, Santa Claus, a 54-foot-tall majestic Christmas tree, DreamWorks Ani-

CSI: The Experience - thru the end of 2012 CSI: The Experience is a traveling exhibition combining the entertainment of the hit show with real-life scientific and investigative techniques. Guests will be able to play the role of crime scene investigators and

solve multiple mysteries at the hands-on exhibit featuring handmade props, special effects, meticulous crimescene re-creations and two state-of-the-art crime labs. 407-226-7220. www.csiexhibit.com

mation SKG Inc.’s characters, dozens of lavish holiday displays, and spectacular live entertainment, the property paints a perfect backdrop for generating Christmas cheer. Gaylord Palms has entertainment, events and attractions this Christmas, including: ICE! featuring DreamWorks’ Merry Madagascar. ICE! is back and features an all-new awe-inspiring tribute to the unforgettable DreamWorks’ Animation TV classic Merry Madagascar. Guests can relive the story of how Alex the Lion and his friends saved Christmas after Santa and his reindeer crash onto the island of Madagascar. Thrillseekers can take a trip down one of four, two-story ice slides. With more than 20,000 square feet of exciting hand-carved sculptures made of 2 million pounds of ice, the frosty 9-degree bliss of ICE! is Florida’s favorite frigid Christmas tradition. A team of 40 talented artisans from Harbin, China, spend more than a month in Kissimmee creating this one-of-a-kind attraction. 407586-2000. gaylordhotels.com 70

Kennedy Space Center Holidays in Space thru Jan 1 Guests can celebrate the holiday sights and sounds as Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex presents the second annual “Holidays in Space” November 23 through January 1. The Visitor Complex will be adorned with a stunning array of holiday decorations and feature daily visits and storytelling with Santa and Mrs. Claus, as well as heartwarming performances of favorite holiday songs by strolling carolers. Santa Claus will greet guests, hear wish lists and pose for photos in Santa’s Launch Control Center. A team of international carolers will perform traditional holiday songs. 877-313-2610; www.KennedySpaceCenter.com Christmas at Bok Tower Gardens Holiday Home Tour - thru Jan 6 Capture the holiday spirit through this 20-room, Mediterranean-style mansion at Pinewood Estate during the Christmas at Pinewood holiday home tour at Bok Tower Gardens. See what’s new and different when Central Florida designers transform the 1930s winter retreat into a glittering holiday showcase. 863676-1408. boktowergardens.org Winter in the Park - thru Jan 6 Holiday ice skating in Central Park West Meadow. 407-599-3399; cityofwinterpark.org

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The American Princess Arabian Nights Presented By...

6 Delicious Meals. 50 Spectacular Horses. 20 Incredible Performers.

Winner! 2011 Expedia Dinner Show of The Year!

800-553-6116 or 407-239-9223 www.arabannights.com Arabian-Nights.com

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ORLANDO HAPPENINGS Leu’s Holiday House - thru Jan 6 The beautifully restored late 19th century Leu House Museum is decked out for the holidays by some of Orlando’s best interior designers. Guests can stroll along

Tonystar, DJ Frankie G and DJ Raw will be part of the festivities, along with headliner Jerry Rivera. Old Town, 5770 West Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (Hwy, 192) in Kissimmee, FL. Sun through Thurs, from Noon to 11 p.m. and Fri and Sat, from Noon to Midnight. 407-3964888; www.myoldtownusa.com Winter Park 17th annual Merry Tuba Christmas - Dec 15 Tuba, euphonium, sousaphone and baritone players of all ages gather to perform a free concert from the main stage in Central Park beginning at 1 p.m. 407599-3399; cityofwinterpark.org Celebrate Dogs! - Dec 15-16 Dog lovers will experience two days packed full of exciting canine-centric, family-friendly, dog-gone fun. The event is open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sat and Sun and features events that guarantee fun for the whole family. More than 140 different dog breeds and breed experts will be on hand to meet the public. Learn about

the garden’s meandering paths shaded by ancient oaks, forests of camellias and giant camphor trees. 407-246-2620. leugardens.org Holidays at the Waterhouse - thru Jan 13 Holiday ice skating in Central Park West Meadow. The exhibition taking place at the historic Waterhouse Residence Museum features Victorian-era holiday decorations and historical facts. 407-539-2181; ArtandHistory.org Old Town Hosts Second Rumba Latin Fest - Dec 2 Old Town is hosting the 2nd Rumba Latin Fest from Noon – 6 p.m., featuring a different line up from the first fest sure to bring tons of excitement to the fans. DJ

the different breeds so that prospective dog owners can find the right breed for their lifestyle. Dock Dogs demonstrate their amazing dock diving talents. Soccer Dogs play soccer with children in attendance. Eukanuba Super Dogs is a delightful, family-fun show featuring talented canines displaying a variety of skills such as the world’s highest jumper and the quickest disc catching dog in the land. The Dog Show features thousands of the world’s top canine competitors from across the country and around the globe as they vie for Best in Show honors, the title of National Champion and a total of $225,000 in prize money. West Building of the Orange County Convention Center. www.akc.org/aenc/ 72

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Dec 1 - Jan 1

xperience one-of-a-kind holiday excitement the whole family can enjoy at Universal Orlando Resort From Dec 1 - Jan 1, both Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure have events happening throughout the parks. Holiday festivities are included with regular theme park admission. At Universal Studios Florida, the Macy’s Holiday Parade takes to the streets with colorful balloons and floats direct from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, marching bands, clowns, and an appearance by Santa Claus. With over 27 million albums sold, Universal Studios welcomes back Mannheim Steamroller, the biggest selling Christmas artist of all time, performing live onstage select Saturday and Sunday nights in December. Catch the music and festivities of Grinchmas, as Seuss Landing in Universal’s Islands of Adventure is transformed into a wintry wonderland. You won’t want to miss the heartwarming live show starring The Grinch, the Wonky Tree Lot, strolling Whos, and a chance to get your picture taken with the mean green one himself. For more information visit universalorlando.com

Thru Dec 31 Waves of holiday spirit splash over the park during SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration. Carols fill the air, a sparkling sea of trees light up the water and skaters dance on ice. O Wondrous Night tells the greatest story never told, with more than 30 carols, based upon the Christmas Story and told through the eyes of a variety of live animals. Winter Wonderland on Ice is an ice skating extravaganza where Christmas comes to life through towering water fountains, fireworks and talented ice skaters. Shamu Christmas Miracles - Thrilling seasonal music rings out as whales soar through the air. Clyde and Seamore’s Countdown to Christmas - Clyde and Seamore bring their own brand of comedy to Christmas. A Sesame Street Christmas is a festive and fun musical celebration. Holiday Reflections: Fireworks and Fountains Finale, with soaring fountains, dazzling lights, and festive fireworks. At Wild Arctic attraction, guests embark on a heart-warming journey to the North Pole aboard The Polar Express Experience. www.seaworldparks.com/ www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

ORLANDO HAPPENINGS Morse Museum Holiday Weekend Open House - Dec 22-23 The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art will hold a free Holiday Weekend Open House Sat from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sun from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 407-645-5311; morsemuseum.org Orlando Bowl Week - Dec 26 – Jan 1 All eyes will be on Orlando during the last week of December as Florida Citrus Sports presents its annual bowl week festival. Incorporating the Russell Athletic

Bowl and the Capital One Bowl on New Year’s Day, this week will feature more than 100,000 fans flocking to Central Florida for football, festivities and fun. In addition to action on the field, the festival includes the Orlando Citrus Parade and a concert in Lake Eola Park. 407-423-2476; fcsports.com

Fresh From Florida Parade - Dec 31 The Fresh From Florida Parade, held in downtown Orlando, features signature citrus floats made from more than 100,000 grapefruit, oranges and tangerines. There are more than 50 entries, including marching bands from across the country. The parade attracts more than 60,000 spectators and an international audience of millions through TV. 407-423-2476; fcsports. com The Orlando Ballet The Nutcracker - Dec 20-23 The Orlando Ballet presents visions of Sugarplum fairies, the Cavelier, Snow King and much more as the company rings in the holiday season with its annual presentation of The Nutcracker. The performance is kept true with classical elements and an infusion of Artistic Director Robert Hill’s mix of choreography. Hosted at the Bob Carr Performing Arts Centre. 407-426-1739; orlandoballet.org ARABIAN NIGHTS SHOW The current featured production at Arabian Nights is a lighthearted tale of adventure and romance. On her 21st birthday, all-American girl and champion rider Sherry Smith discovers that she is actually the Princess Scheherazade. Along with her genie Abracadabra, Princess Scheherazade takes the audience on a magical journey around the world to find her prince – who must love horses as much as she does. Along the way, Abracadabra must protect Princess Scheherazade from the evil Prince Vaneer, and help her find her true love, Prince Khalid. The show includes dinner. 3081 Arabian Nights Blvd., Kissimmee; 407-239-9223. www.Arabiannights.com

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Orange County Regional History Center - thru Dec 31

ow many suns? Is the Earth flat? Explore the “web of life” through the Peanuts comic strip, didactic materials, and fun interactives in the Peanuts…Naturally exhibition from the Charles M. Schulz Museum running through December 31 at the Orange County Regional History Center in Orlando. Join Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy, and the rest of the gang as they find themselves in trouble with the Environmental Protection Agency, try to plant French fries, and run into other misadventures with the world around them. Schulz, who created the Peanuts comic strip for nearly 50 years, was immensely curious, an avid reader, and took a keen interest in the latest research findings in a variety of fields. It is not a surprise that many of these findings and facts found their way into Schulz’s comic strip carefully interpreted through his characters’ unique, and sometimes wacky, understanding of their world. Kids of all ages will enjoy Schulz’s interpretation of the natural world through more than 65 Peanuts

comic strips as he shows how their choices impact the environment. About Peanuts The first Peanuts comic strip was run by seven newspapers on October 2, 1950. It was originally called “Li’l Folks,” but the United Feature Syndicate renamed it Peanuts, a title that Charles Schulz, artist and writer of the comic strip, never liked. The comic strip became known for its clever social commentary, and touched on topics such as the Vietnam War, gender and racial equality, and the environment. In 1952 the first Peanuts book collection was published. By 1958, Peanuts appeared in 355 newspapers in the U.S., and 40 newspapers in other countries. Peanuts also appeared in other forms throughout the years, including award-winning TV specials and stage musicals. The final Peanuts strip ran on February 13, 2000. For information, call (407) 836-8500 or visit www.thehistorycenter.org/

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Art Lines THE ART OF GOLF

he Art of Golf is the first major museum exhibition in America devoted to this popular game, so rich in history and tradition. Organized by the High Museum of Art in Atlanta and the National Galleries of Scotland, this show features approximately 90 works by Rembrandt, Childe Hassam, George Bellows, Norman Rockwell, and Andy Warhol, among others. Some of these works have never before been on public display. They all point to golf’s ability to inspire extraordinary works of art. The centerpiece is Charles Lees’ The Golfers (1847), the world’s greatest painting in this genre. Reproductions of the work hang in golf clubhouses around the world, but this masterpiece has never before traveled to the United States. It depicts a match played on the Old Course at St. Andrews, with a wealth of fashionable observers gathered around the athletes. Preparatory sketches (portraits of individuals in the painting) and an early photograph by Hill and Adamson, to which Lees referred, will provide context. So will “golfiana”antique balls, clubs, and clothing-to illustrate the sport’s earliest days. The Art of Golf takes a chronological approach to the paintings, as the history of the game unfolds. It begins with images of kolf, a cousin of the modern game, in seventeenth-century Dutch landscape and genre paintings. The exhibition even includes winter scenes of kolf being played on Holland’s frozen canals. Rembrandt’s famous etching, The Ringball Player (1654), is also part of this section. 76

thru Feb 17

Golf really had its foundation in Scotland. This development is brilliantly documented by the earliest known depiction of the game in the country (around 1740) and a series of Scottish golfing portraits from the National Galleries of Scotland. William Mosman’s charming fulllength double-portrait of the tartan-clad youngsters Sir

Alexander MacDonald (about 1749) is a high point. So, too, is the dignified portrait of Dr. William Inglis (about 1790) by Sir Henry Raeburn, one of Scotland’s leading artists of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. Inglis’s elegant silver club is displayed on the adjacent table as a sign of aristocracy or perhaps meritocracy. 255 Beach Dr. N.E., St. Petersburg, 727-896-2667; www.fine-arts.org

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THE MAN, THE IMAGE & THE WORLD:

Henri Cartier-Bresson, A Retrospective - thru Jan 13 Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908– 2004) was one of the leading photographers of the 20th century. His work not only exerted a major influence on photography but also helped his profession achieve a new status. From his first works of the 1930s that stand out for their composition, the theatrical nature of the images and the selection of details, Cartier-Bresson succeeded in recording important moments with his camera. His 1952 book, Images a la Sauvette (The Decisive Moment), introduced his ideas about creating images that combined story, action and emotion. Entire stories are often condensed into a single image, the so-called “decisive moment.” The photographer once said that photography was “putting one’s head, one’s heart and one’s eye on

the same axis.” Travel was a key element in Cartier-Bresson’s life and his work. Following trips to Mexico, the artist was sent on large-scale global reporting assignments to the United States, the Soviet Union, China, India, Bali and Indonesia. His work provided early and probing views behind the Iron Curtain and into the highly hidden cultures in Southeast Asia and the Indian Sub-continent. His work is not only a benchmark for photojournalism in the 20th century but also for the ethics of photography. Along with friends such as Robert Capa, Cartier-Bresson founded Magnum Pictures in 1947. Operating in Paris and New York City, this organization of photojournalists successfully changed the manner in which photojournalists were treated and recognized by printed sources. The Man, the Image & the World. Henri Cartier-Bresson, A Retrospective includes over 330 photographs, films and important publications. This exhibition is held in conjunction with the Foundation Henri Cartier-Bresson and Magnum Photos/Paris. Cartier-Bresson chose the works for this exhibition before his death in 2004. The exhibition has recently been on view in Zurich, Brisbane, and Seoul. 120 Gasparilla Plaza (Polk Street) Tampa, FL 33602; www. tampamuseum.org

USF Contemporary Art Museum The Importance of Being Photographed thru Dec 15 The Importance of Being Photographed takes its cue from the gift from The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and Oscar Wilde’s seminal play “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Although separated by an ocean and almost a century, both Warhol and Wilde were interested in examining celebrity, beauty, sexuality, privacy, and despair. The American photographers in this exhibition continue to examine those themes, often revealing a rapport between the artist and his or her subject. Artists include: Tina Barney, Dawoud Bey, Katy Grannan, Jason Lazarus, Malerie Marder, Ryan McGinley, Catherine Opie, and Alec Soth. The USF Contemporary Art Museum, Tampa. www.usfcam.usf.edu/

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Mythic Creatures of China - thru July 14, 2013 Chinese artists have portrayed animals in ceramics across thousands of years of the country’s con-

tinuous history. These animals captured the imaginations of Chinese potters as they sought to portray animals they had seen, and others they could only imagine. Drawn from the Ringling’s collection of Chinese ceramics, these animals will tickle your fancy with their stories, legends and vibrancy. Almost one hundred objects are presented, including dragons, butterflies, fish and phoenix. The Warren J. and Margot Coville Photography Collection - thru Feb 3 Celebrating the gift of over 700 photographs to the collection, this exhibition will feature a representative sampling of images spanning the 20th and 21st centuries. The Warren J. and Margot Coville collection includes work by renowned photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, André Kertész, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Berenice Abbott, and

Robert Capa. A number of works might be deemed photojournalistic and is, therefore, a potent mirror of social change over the century. Paolo Veronese - Dec 7 - April 14, 2013 Paolo Veronese (1528–1588) was one of the giants of Venetian painting, the most elegant of the triumvirate that also included Titian and Tintoretto. Veronese is perhaps best known for his grand

ceiling paintings and large scenes of Biblical feasts. Yet throughout his successful career, he and his workshop also created imposing altarpieces and smaller religious paintings, striking portraits, depictions of sensual episodes drawn from the classical tradition, and allegories glorifying the Venetian state. 941-358-3180, or visit www.ringling.org 78

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Houston… We have Blast Off - thru Dec 21

he Dunedin Fine Art Center is following closely on the heels of NASA’s Curiosity landing on Mars, with Intergalactic. Artists from around the world take us out of this world. Extraterrestrials, black holes, lunar landscapes, celestial bodies. The sky’s not the limit. Artists: David Choi, CyberCraft Robots, Denis Gaston, Tsuneaki Hiramatsu, Shane Hoffman, Violet Hopkins, Masumi Kataoka, Andy Kehoe, Scott Listfield, Beili Liu, Sim Luttin, Timothy McMahon, Leah Pecoraro, Rene Rickabaugh, Isabell Schaupp, Sondra Sherman, Christel van der Laan, Marek Wyszomirski. Visit www.dfac.org or call 727.298. DFAC for more information.

FLORIDA MUSEUM of PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS MARIO ALGAZE: CUBA 1999-2000 thru Jan 6 Born in Cuba in 1947, he remembers a happy childhood in the well-to-do Art Deco Havana neighborhood of Miramar. He can recall “the smell of seaweed and saltwater washing on the rocks.” It was a magical time. All this ended when he was 13 years old. That’s when he was brought to Miami by his parents. He was 52 years old before he was able to return. “I was 19 or 20 years old when I picked up the camera,” he said. “I decided to cover concerts and the cultural revolution of the time. My first published photo was of Mick Jagger when I was 25.” But after five years of photographing rock stars, he found himself dissatisfied with photojournalism. A 1974 trip to Mexico was a turning point for him, and he concentrated on photographing Latin America. On his return to Cuba in 1999, he asked for and received a letter from the authorities allowing him to photograph anywhere on the country. In the resulting images, time has stopped. Clocks seem frozen at the dawn of the Castro era.

The FLORIDA MUSEUM of PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS is located at 400 N. Ashley Drive, Cube 200, Tampa, FL 33602; 813.221.2222; www.fmopa.org

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Holiday Fruits in Home Decor

long with festive sights, a major part of the holidays is aromatic smells. From evergreens to the holiday meal, the holidays offer a feast for the eyes and for the nose. Some of the most popular scents derive from holiday decorations like fruit wreaths, citrus pomanders, and evergreen garlands. The models for these luscious holiday elements all have roots in art history. Renaissance Wreaths The works of art by the Renaissance artisan and master, Luca della Robbia served as the impetus for today’s version of the holiday fruit wreath. Aptly called the della Robbia wreath, fruit wreaths decorate homes and hearths all over the world. Della Robbia’s 15th Century architectural medallions Wreath sculpture by Luca della Robbia, were often highlightc. 15th Century, from the Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg, Russia. ed with fruit wreaths and decorative garlands of green and red apples, berries, pineapples, lemons, limes, and oranges. Based on these Renaissance decorations, the della Robbia style wreath was reintroduced during the late 1800s in a time period known as the Renaissance Revival. Traditionally, fruit wreaths were lovingly hung on the exterior doors of homes at holiday time. Fruit wreaths gave the winter greenery a bright, colorful contrast. Fruits often appear in the paintings, prints, architectural, and furniture designs of the 18th and 19th centuries based on Renaissance iconography. The type of fruit chosen for such living wreaths was symbolic. For instance, ornamental apples symbolized the family and this fruit played a major role in holiday decorations. Apple ring wreaths were associated, at Christmas time, with the Holy Family and the Nativity. Other related wreaths featured fruits such as lemons, pineapples, and oranges. Wreaths made of whole lemons symbolized friendship and were typically hung on doors at the back of homes (where close friends enter), rather than on front doors. For the holidays, fruit-inspired decorations remind us of the bountiful harvest and the joy of sharing 80

with family and friends. Also, pineapples were symbolic fruits associated with the holiday season. The pineapple represented the tradition of hospitality at holiday time and all year long. The hospitable pineapple form was typically carved into Chippendale and Federal furniture including bedposts, mantles, dining room sideboards, etc. Today, pineapples are the fruit of choice for home décor items ranging from silver candelabras to front porch welcome mats. Fancy Fruit A traditional della Robbia style fruit Like fruit wreaths, wreath featuring symbolic holiday fruits. fruit pyramids and aromatic pomanders dating back to the Colonial period were among the delights of a holiday home. Scents of fresh fruit and spices lingered from the table top fruit pyramids suggesting architectural examples in miniature. In the 19th Century, sweet smelling fruit pomanders had yet to be relegated to the hall closet, but instead they were prominently hung front and center in a Victorian home’s entry foyer. Enhanced with whole cloves, orange, lime, or lemon pomanders were suspended over doorways and in stairwells to give busy areas of a home a lovely scent. Made by pushing cloves into whole oranges or other citrus fruits, a pomander was a welcomed and popular hostess gift. They were used in the 1700s and 1800s to ward off foul odors that were thought to bring illness into a home in wintertime. In colonial America, fruit wreaths, pyramids, and pomanders were popular in holiday homes. These antique holiday handicrafts not only smelled delightful with the scents of apple, clove, and citrus, but they were pretty, natural additions to the interior decor. The pleasing aroma of the fruit decoration allows the pomander to maintain a prominent place among holiday decorations. Happy holidays! Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori presents appraisal events nationwide. Watch Dr. Lori appraise antiques on Discovery channel’s hit TV show, Auction Kings. Learn about your antiques at www.DrLoriV.com, www.facebook.com/doctorlori or call (888) 431-1010.

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22x30 inch poster of Girl With Wine printed on matte paper with archival inks, signed and dated 1968 on front, is $75, plus $15 S&H. Or pick up at Tampa studio, oďŹ&#x20AC; Kennedy Blvd. The poster is also available mounted at $125 and mounted/framed at $195. Contact Richard at 813-289-8149 or rstewart@galleryartphotos.com.

Richard Stewart Fine Art Photography

120 S. Lauber Way, Tampa FL 33609 www.galleryartphotos.com www.galleryartphotos.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and Then Some!) - Dec 1-2, 7-9 Rather than performing Charles Dickens’ holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas

story ever told with holiday traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop culture, and every carol ever sung. It is a madcap romp through the holiday season by Michael Carleton, James FitzGerald, and John K. Alvarez. Directed by George Hook, and starring Rick Bronson, Rick Hite and Drew Lundquist. Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, 101 S. Pinellas Ave. (Alt. 19). Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 Annual Safford House Victorian Christmas - Dec 13-14 Enjoy a holiday stroll through the 1883 Safford House beautifully decorated for the holidays in the Victorian style. Listen to live music, enjoy refreshments and unique holiday gift shop. Tour the house with “Governor Anson Safford” (Bruce Miller) as he describes Victorian holiday traditions and life. Singing Tree performs holiday folk favorites with a classical twist on December 13; and The Ogle Family Singers perform carols with piano accompaniment on December 14. Safford House Museum, 23 Parkin Ct. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 For more information visit www.tarponarts.org/ 82

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Gaming Scene Las Vegas Legends In Concert Magical Holiday Lineup at Harrah’s - thru Dec 25 Legends in Concert is back once again for its annual holiday performances, filling the strip strip with the holly jolly spirit until Dec 25. The 90-minute holiday performance features superstar tribute artists including Adele, Justin Timberlake, Barry White, Whitney Houston, the Blues Brothers and Elvis. Audience will enjoy the charttopping hits of the celebrities that lead to their stardom. Few heart-warming holiday favorites will be performed including “Oh Holy Night,” “White Christmas,” “The Grinch” and more. A stunning tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Christmas Eve in Sarajevo” (“Carol of the Bells”) will also conclude the holiday spectacular. www.harrahslasvegas.com/

Cirque Week 2012 - Dec 1-8 Cirque du Soleil presents Cirque Week, offering fans access to an eight-day series of exclusive events. Cirque Week offers fans the opportunity to get an allaccess look into how these extraordinary shows come to life nightly. Cirque Week packages range from a twoshow ticket package to one which includes tickets to all seven Cirque du Soleil productions in Las Vegas. www.cirquedusoleil.com/cirqueweek. Shania: Still the One at Caesars - Dec 1-15 (selected nights) Shania Twain has signed a two year contract to do sixty performances per year. She joins Elton John and Celine Dion as one of the performers in residence at the Colosseum in Caesars Place. www.shaniatwainlasvegas.com The American Country Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena - Dec 6 The American Country Awards debut featuring Rascal Flatts, Toby Keith, Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton and Josh Turner. The two-hour event also features appearances by Lady Antebellum, Laura Bell Bundy, Rodney Carrington, Jewel, Bret Michaels, Ty Murray, Jeff Dunham, Clint Bowyer and Elliott Sadler. theacas.com The Cosmopolitan Turns Their Pool To Ice For Skating thru Jan 20 The Cosmopolitan’s ice skating wonderland overlooks the heart of the Las Vegas Strip featuring customdesigned fire pits, s’mores, warm cocktails and much more. Adirondack chairs and picnic tables, fire pits, sample hot drinks and bites are among the facilities and food available apart from the skate on real ice. At night, special evening programming in different themes is conceptualized for the guests.

Shania Twain

Fremont Street Experience Rocks In The New Year - Dec 31 Rock in the new year with Fremont Street Experience’s Downtown Countdown New Year’s Eve 2013 celebration filled with nonstop entertainment. On Monday, Dec. 31 the ultimate New Year’s Eve street party will feature co-headliners Buckcherry and Queensryche, plus special guests Quiet Riot, Pop Evil and Otherwise. The party lasts all night with performances from six other bands, including local favorites Yellow Brick Road and Zowie Bowie as well as Jizzy Pearl, Rok of Ages, Party Rockers and Brazen. www.vegasexperience.com/newyearseve www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

2nd Annual Million Dollar Heater Jan 4-23

Biloxi What’s happening at the Beau Rivage Located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Beau Rivage is a beautiful resort destination — very convenient for Tampa Bay area folks looking for either an exciting time, or a relaxing time, or both — the Beau has it all. With a partnership with Vision Airlines, the resort has an exclusive package that includes a round trip non-stop jet flight, ground transfers, and two nights in a luxurious guestroom — starting at only $199 per person (double occupancy). The flight takes only an hour and fifteen minutes and leaves from the St. PetersburgClearwater Airport. Golfers will definitely want to experience Fallen Oak, Beau Rivage’s Tom Fazio-designed golf course, with it’s dramatic elevation changes and beautiful magnolia trees, ponds, streams and wetlands. GOLF Magazine rated it one of the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play.” A visit to the Beau’s spa and salon will show Epicurean treatments unique to the Gulf Coast, and a perfect place for a Girlfriend Getaway with their special “Pamper Parties.” The dining opportunities at the Beau are wonderfully varied - from the simple Snacks Deli to the exceptional BR Prime (the Beau’s signature steak and seafood restaurant), and every thing in between. Guests have eleven restaurants to choose from, as well as several bars.

The Million Dollar Heater is a poker players paradise with $1,000,000 in guaranteed prize pools and 62 tables. The main event features a $500,000 guaranteed prize pool with an entry fee of $2,500 + $100. Twenty nine tournament events will be spread out over 19 actionfilled days with buy-ins from $100 up to $2,500. The tournament will kick off with the $300,000 guaranteed $300 + $40 No-Limit Hold’em Event No.1, Jan. 4-6. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Jan. 4 and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Level times increase as the tournament advances. Play and stay with a special $59 weekday and $99 weekend room rates 1.888.567.6667. www.beaupoker.com

The Holiday Ice Spectacular Brings Christmas Spirit To The Beau Dec 11-30

UPCOMING EVENTS: Enjoy some rockin’ nostalgia with headliners Daryl Hall & John Oates Dec 7. Experience an 80s kind of New Year with THE MOLLY RINGWALDS Dec 31.

Make plans now for a family night at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino as The Holiday Ice Spectacular brings holiday magic and surprises to life. The fun-filled show is a mixture of music, skating, dance and comedy that will dazzle young and old. This combination comes together to highlight all things that make the holidays the most wonderful time of the year. The Holiday Ice Spectacular includes 16 world-class ice skaters who’ll leave audiences gasping at their spins, jumps, twists and turns. The plot centers around Henry, a charming, yet mischievous elf who’s decided to allow the audience to experience the North Pole. Reservations for air-inclusive travel packages may be made by calling 877-462-2328. Visit www.beaurivage.com for more information.

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Winter Wonderland to Hold Photos with Santa - Pets Welcome - Dec 6 As part of the festivities during the 20th Annual Winter Wonderland in downtown Clearwater, the Clearwater Community Volunteers has invited the people and pets of Tampa Bay to join in the celebration. On December 6, from 6-9PM, guests are encouraged to bring their pet to Winter Wonderland and take a photo with Santa Claus. In addition to the photos with Santa, each weekend Winter Wonderland boasts a sparkling holiday display with tens of thousands of lights covering 100 trees, plus charmingly decorated alpine cottages in the village. Additional activities include: cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, petting zoo with pony rides, train rides, bouncy house, giant slide, playground, stage entertainment and a hot chocolate shop. The Clearwater Community Volunteers will be accepting food to be given to the Homeless Emergency Project, and toys to families with kids in the Nourish to Flourish programThe Winter Wonderland is located at NW Corner of Ft. Harrison Ave. & Drew St, Downtown Clearwater, Florida. Photos with pets will cost $2 each. Entrance to Winter Wonderland is free, but visitors are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or canned goods. Winter Wonderland closes on Sunday, December 23rd. www.clearwatercommunityvolunteers.org Celebrate Dogs! at Orange County Convention Center - Dec 15-16 The American Kennel Club & Eukanuba Present Family Fun Celebration Featuring Over 140 AKC Meet the Breeds® Booths, Eukanuba Super Dogs, Holiday Shopping & More at the Orange County Convention Center Dec. 15 -16, offering dog lovers two days 88

packed full of canine-centric, family-friendly fun. Celebrate Dogs! is open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and features fun for the whole family. AKC Meet the Breeds - where more than 140 different dog breeds and breed experts will be on hand to meet the public. Meet the Breeds is the perfect venue to learn about the different breeds so that prospective dog owners can find the right breed for their lifestyle. Dock Dogs demonstrating their amazing and extreme dock diving talents. Eukanuba Extreme Soccer Dogs playing soccer with children in attendance. Eukanuba Super Dogs, a delightful, family-fun show featuring talented canines displaying a variety of skills such as the world’s highest jumper and the quickest disc catching dog in the land. The 12th Annual AKC/Eukanuba National Championship features thousands of the world’s top canine competitors from across the country and around the globe as they vie for Best in Show honors, the title of

National Champion and a total of $225,000 in prize money. Watch canine athletes race against the clock over challenging obstacles in the AKC Agility Invitational. See dogs put their best paw forward for the AKC National Obedience Invitational. Skilled youngsters and their dogs compete in their own age divisions in conformation, agility and obedience. Top dogs from more than 40 countries around the world competing in the Eukanuba World Challenge. www.akc.org/aenc/

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Tips for Traveling with Pets During The Holidays

specifically for traveling with pets. Although routes are limited, traveling on pet-friendly airlines may reduce the amount of time that pets are required to be in a carrier. from Heidi Ganahl Feed your pet no less than five or six hours before CEO of Camp Bow Wow flight time. Give your pet a drink of water no less than two hours before your flight. It is very easy for your dog Check all airline requireor cat to become sick in transiments before boarding a plane. tion. See if your pet can travel in a Find a hotel that will allow carrier that can be kept under a your pet to spend the night. seat in the cabin or if your pet Most pet-friendly hotels will not must travel by freight. allow pets to be left in the room Familiarize your pet with its alone, so also consider taking carrier. Pets like familiarity. If your dog to a nearby Camp Bow you plan on keeping your pet Wow doggie day care facility if inside a carrier while traveling, you have plans during the day. allow your pet to get used to It will cost less than paying for the environment by placing him damage incurred by leaving a or her in the carrier for a few dog alone in a hotel room. Camp Bob Wow’s iPhone app minutes each day. Gradually Make your pet feel at home. lengthen the time until your pet seems at ease with beUse familiar dishes, blankets, toys and other items from ing confined in this space. your home to create a sense of comfort for your pet. Avoid sneaking your pet on the plane. Although it If Fido can’t travel with you, leave him at one of Camp may seem like a good idea if your pet is small enough Bow Wow’s 100+ franchises and watch him while onto fit in a carrier beneath your seat, do not sneak anithe-go, via Camp Bow Wow’s iPhone App, which has a mals of any size on a plane. There will most likely be web-cam feature that is hooked up at every franchise repercussions for doing so. Instead, look into travel across the country. alternatives such as Pet Airways, which was created www.campbowwowusa.com/

Neater Feeder -

The Perfect Answer for Sloppy Pets

he Neater Feeder is the greatest thing since sliced bread — well, if you have a messy pet like I do. I have cats. One is a very large cat, who, for some reason likes to fling his wet and/or dry food around. It seems more shows up on the floor than started out in the bowl. Enter the Neater Feeder. This pet feeder is a revolutionary system for cats and dogs that actually contains spills and splashes - no more messes all over the kitchen floor. The two-part container allows food to stay in the top reservoir while water naturally drains into the easy to empty lower reservoir, protecting floors from stains and damage and making clean-up a snap. Neater Feeder comes in different sizes for varied size pets — your Great Dane and your Chihuahua will both be content. It also comes with leg extensions so that you can make the height comfortable for your pet. This is especially good for an aging pet that may have trouble getting down low. It also helps with their ease of digestion. The bowls are made of stainless steel, which means you don’t have to worry about unsightly stained bowls, and using the raised bowl will almost eliminate food and water stains on tile. Another plus is that it’s ant proof. The Neater Feeder comes in attractive finishes including bronze and cranberry so that the pet dish doesn’t take away from the home’s decor. For more information, visit www.neaterfeeder.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

ig Cat Rescue is the world’s largest sanctuary for big cats who have been abused, abandoned, retired from performing acts, or saved from being slaughtered for fur coats. The sanctuary houses tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bobcats, lynx, ocelots, servals, caracals and others — a total of 16 of the 35 species of wild cat, many of whom are threatened, endangered, or now extinct in the wild. At this home for rare and exotic cats, The narrow mission of Big Cat Rescue is to provide the best permanent home they can for these cats. The broader mission of the sanctuary is to reduce the number of cats that suffer the fate of abandonment and/or abuse and to encourage preservation of habitat and wildlife. People are urged to behave in a way that will support these goals by teaching people about the plight of the cats, both in the wild and in captivity. This is accomplished through guided tours, educational programs for young people, and by maintaining a website that is a great resource for information about exotic cats. Big Cat Rescue has built enclosures in a very natural habitat with foliage and shelter on a 45 acre site, and provides the best nutritional and medical care possible. They have conditioning and enrichment programs to provide for the cats physical and psychological well being. The sanctuary is supported entirely by donation. Big Cat Rescue is located at 12802 Easy Street, Tampa. Call 813-920-4130 for more information, or visit BigCatRescue.org.

unken Gardens is a botanical paradise in the midst of a bustling city. As St. Petersburg’s oldest living museum, this 100 year old garden is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. Unwind as you stroll through meandering paths, lush with exotic plants from around the world. Explore cascading waterfalls, beautiful demonstration gardens, more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers. Sunken Gardens provides garden tours, horticultural programs, special events, field trips, weddings, private and corporate rentals. If you enjoy Yoga, Pilates, or want to try Hoop Dancing, why not go to Sunken Gardens and exercise in a botanical, tropical paradise. Mon - Thurs; 10:00am - 11:30am; $45/month or $12/class / Weekend classes $10 Sunken Gardens Members / $15 non-members Sat: 10am 11:15am / Sun: Noon - 1:15pm / Wed 6pm - 7:15pm $15 or $10 for Sunken Gardens Members / $59 for unlimited Daily, Weekend and Evening classes. HOOP DANCING - Tuesday 10am 11am, Wednesday 9am - 10am, $80/8 sessions or $15/class CHUTE CHI GONG Friday, 10am - Noon, $10/class. 825 4th Street N., St. Petersburg; 727-551-3100; www.stpete.org/sunken

A Botanical Experience Awaits You... • Discover the beauty of a 100 year old botanical paradise. • Explore cascading waterfalls, beautiful gardens, more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers and the walk through butterfly encounter. • Experience a guided tour, special event or workshop. $8 Adults; adults; $6 seniors 55 & up; $4 ages 2 3 to 11 $8 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL • 727-551-3100

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Launches Comprehensive Collection Of Cruise Videos On The Web

f a picture is worth a thousand words, a video must be worth a thousand pictures. Launching in early December, MyCruiseVideos offers the largest collection (over 2,700) of hand-picked and categorized videos that make it fun and easy for prospective cruise passengers to visualize every aspect of a potential cruise vacation. Destinations, cruise lines, ships and amenities are featured. Sort by destination, amenities, line or ship. MyCruiseVideos offers a curated video search engine – Thousands of hand-picked and categorized videos from make it easy and fun to visualize every aspect of a cruise, including destinations, cruise lines, ships and amenities. E-video a cruise dream – As an added bonus, a clever drop down menu appears that allows sender to add a witty or useful email to the video library for viewing by family members or travel companions. This last feature is what really sets MyCruiseVideos.com apart with the perfect marriage of fun and utility. Mobile friendly – MyCruiseVideos makes it easy and fun to plan a cruise vacation while sitting on the couch

or out to dinner with friends using your iPhone, iPad, Android or other mobile devices. Pinterest & social media – MyCruiseVideos works with Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter to ensure sharing of favorites with other friends, family and travel companions. There is no better way to visualize and plan a trip and share favorite videos … a great way to plan a multifamily cruise or any cruise. Escape reality – When reality gets to be too much, take a break and just dream of being on that cruise vacation any place, anywhere and anytime. Viewing the videos makes you feel like you are really there on the ship and in a different world. Visit MyCruiseVideos at www.mycruisevideos.com/

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CHASING THE ELUSIVE POMPANO Popular Fish is Fun to Catch, Tasty to Eat

By Capt Bill Miller

t’s a fish most anglers have heard of and maybe eaten at restaurants, but surprisingly few have actually caught one. We’re talking about the Florida pompano – one of the state’s most elusive inshore sport fish. Pompano put up a good fight and they’re great on the dinner table, so you might wonder why they’re such a rare catch. The reason is that pompano are constantly on the move, so they’re pretty hard

to target unless you devote most of your fishing time to tracking them down. Those who consistently find these fish have dedicated many years of research and time on the water. Bridge fishing is probably the most common warm-season tactic for pompano and the Gandy, Frankland and Skyway bridges will usually always have fish around their pilings in search of little crabs, crustaceans and barnacles. Fiddler crabs are the main bridge bait, but call your local bait shop before your

trip, as supplies are inconsistent. Fish fiddlers on a No. 4 brown hook with a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader, and braided line on a medium spinning outfit and drop the bait to the bottom with a light lead. Slowly bounce the lead off the bottom and when you feel the tap-tap set the hook. Pomp’s are known bait stealers so carry plenty of bait. Vertical jigging also works at the bridges. Using a pompano style jig, like a Doc’s, Silly Willy or Crazy Jig, drop to the bottom and bounce the jig up about half way. If you don’t get a bite, repeat the action. Yellow, white and pink are popular colors and adding a small teaser fly to the top of the jig will increase the bites

Capt. Bill prefers pompano jigs with a small pink teaser for extra attention.

Photo by Wes Crowell 94

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and hook ups. On the flats, watch for pompano skipping out of your boat wake. If you spot these silver figures, return to that spot and fan cast the area with the pompano jigs. This is a hit-or-miss scenario that may lead you to an entire school of pompano, while other times it’s just a couple of scattered fish that won’t reappear. Pompano also run the gulf beaches, usually along the outside edge of the sand bar. On high tide they might be in the swash between the beach and the inside edge of the sand bar. Casting jigs will work but sand fleas are the best beach bait. Pompano will also eat shrimp, but the bait stealers usually find it before the pompano. Using a small hook like a No. 4 circle or Kahle, hook the sand flea through the shell and cast it toward the sand bar’s edge. A fish finder rig with a light lead above a 24-inch fluorocarbon leader will

work well here. Some pompano anglers like to add a bright orange bead above the hook to mimic the sand flea’s egg mass. Each fall, the pompano move out closer to the Gulf and the passes from Tarpon Springs to Boca Grande – especially the Skyway area – will be the most likely places. Drifting the edges of the sand bar is the most likely plan in the passes, although the fish may occasionally move right up on the bar or in the middle of the pass. Jigs work best in the passes because you can cover a lot of area with them. Sometimes, tipping the jig with a piece of shrimp will increase your hook ups. Cold weather finds pompano moving to the warm water runoffs of area power plants. Since 9/11, the closed security areas are much larger, so it’s more difficult to reach the spots where the pomps like to hold. The fish often roam beyond

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the main outflow area, so keep a pompano jig handy and fan cast the warm water every now and then to see if they’re home. Pompano, permit and jacks are caught in the same areas and sometimes confused. Pompano have no teeth and their fins go back about a third of the body. Permit have a rounder shape, but their distinguishing characteristics are their long dorsal and anal fins, which may reach all the way back to the tail. Jacks have teeth and more yellowish hue to their bodies. Minimum length for pompano is 11 inches to the fork of the tail and the daily bag limit is six per person. For permit, the minimum length is 22 inches to the fork with a daily bag limit of one. For fishing videos, catch photos and lots of angling resources, visit www.fishingwithbillmiller.com. For fishing charters in the Tampa Bay area, call (813) 363-9927.

finis

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