Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine #156

ccent A On On Tampa Tampa Bay Bay

Publisher Albert F. Martino, Jr. Senior Editor Melissa Wolcott Sales Sonny Lawton Barbara McGovern Vicki Kolb Senior Sports Editor Peter Martino Contributors Sylvie Damien Nancy Evans Marty Peters Deborah Quigley Roland Stone Photographers Melissa Wolcott Proofreader Charlie deCatta Cover Photo Credits: Taylor Swift - Big Machine Records City Center - MGM-Mirage Renaissance Festival - Mid America Festivals FL State Fair - FL State Fair PUBLISHED BY

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

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LOCAL FOCUS . The Krewe of Sant’Yago Illuminated Knight Parade returns to Tampa. Ybor City comes to life when more than 100 dazzling, illuminated floats glide down 7th Avenue showcasing spectacular lighting displays. The 2010 parade festivities will feature a new VIP Hospitality area, VIP Family Tents, as well as an Official After-party. VIP Hospitality offers prime viewing directly on 7th Avenue, private tent, full-service liquor bar, live entertainment, and private restroom facilities. For more information, 813.248.0721; www.knightparade.com The Navy’s precision flight demonstration team, The Blue Angels, will perform at MacDill Air Force Base March 20-21. Other assets which may be scheduled include: The Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team; Navy rock bands and ceremonial bands; Navy divers; Flight simulators. A variety of events are scheduled, including: Navy Band musical performances; and Dive demonstrations in local aquariums to name a few. www.navyweek.org/ tampa2010/soe.html.

A Fund Raising Community Event to benefit the St. Petersburg Little Theatre. The first Miss Black St. Petersburg pageant took place in 1975. Almost 35 years later,

the St. Petersburg Little Theatre will be resurrecting and showcasing a new modern beauty pageant, My Black Is Beautiful in celebration of Black History Month. It will give the contestants an opportunity to showcase their talent and abilities. The contestants will learn professional and personal etiquette and poise. For information, call 727-768-1654. . The fair transforms the streets of Downtown Dunedin into an outdoor craft showcase with a unique blend of contemporary, original works at affordable prices.

Admission is free and open to the public. Arts and craft enthusiasts will enjoy this fun, family friendly festival, while experiencing this popular retail and dining destination. All of the local and national crafters have been hand-selected from hundreds of applicants. From folk art, pottery, botanical hotplates, handmade jewelry and paintings, to personalized gifts, handmade clothing, scented soaps and body products, a full spectrum of craft art mediums will be on display and for sale. 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Main Street, Downtown Dunedin, Fl.

Recently, the Humane Society of Pinellas said Farewell to a gal they called Cara. The Pit Bull Terrier mix came to them as a stray back in January 2008 with a wounded eye. After her medical needs were tended too, Cara was available for adoption. For nearly 2 years Cara stayed in their Adoption Center as their official Meet & Greet dog where she could be seen by all visitors. Fortunately for her, HSP has a No Time Limit of Adoptable Pets Policy. She finally connected with a new daddy who gave her a real home.

Carmel, a kitty who arrived in March 2007 is still waiting.

Can you give her an opportunity for a 2nd Carmel Chance? www.humanesocietyofpinellas.org.

The Kiwanis Club of Gulf Beaches, is sponsoring a Month of Mardi Gras. Feb 6 features a 5K/1Mile Run. A Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball will take place at the Gulfport Casino on Feb 12. The Miracle League Poker Run will take place on Feb 12. The Beach Midway on Feb 13-14 will feature over 100 Florida arts and craft vendors, gourmet food, a Budweiser Tent, live entertainment and a Kids Zone. For more info, call 727-492-7621.

Florida State Fair - It’s The SUPER FAIR! Feb. 4 - 15

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America’s top Olympic medal hopefuls at the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver will be part of the Smucker’s Stars on Ice Tour. On April 4th, this year’s highly anticipated production will visit Tampa at the St. Pete Times Forum.

America’s leading medal contenders joining the tour are: 2009 Men’s World Champion Evan Lysacek; 2006 Olympic Silver Medalists Tanith Belbin & Benjamin Agosto; and 2006 Olympic Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen. They will be joined by World Champion and Six-Time National Champion Todd Eldredge; Two-Time World Bronze Medalist and Three-Time National Champion Michael Weiss; and more, including several medalists from the 2010 U.S. and World Figure Skating Championships and the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

The Smucker’s Stars on Ice Tour, was founded and produced by Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton.

A portion of Smucker’s Stars on Ice proceeds benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Please visit www.starsonice.com

Journey back in time as more than 100 merchants contribute to the atmosphere of a charming 16th century village featuring endless entertainment, shopping, fun and food fit for a king. Discover an enchanted realm of wizards and warriors amongst gourmet treats and unforgettable entertainment. Wander past lively stages and street theater featuring jugglers, magicians, fire eaters and specialty acts. Check out live armored contact jousting twice daily, Human chess matches, minstrels, maidens faire, peasants, fools, and Royalty. Renaissance clothing is encouraged — no weapons of any kind allowed.

Theme weekends include: Feb 13-14 - Highland Fling!; Feb 20-21 - Italian Carnivale; Feb 27-28 - wine, chocolate & Romance; Mar 6-7 - Buccaneer Fest; Mar 13-14 - Irish Celebration!; Mar 20-21 - Wonders of the World.

Open weekends, Feb 13-March 28, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, and Festival Friday (March 19) at MOSI. 11315 North 46th St., Tampa, FL 33617. www.BayAreaRenaissanceFest.com

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FOOTLIGHTS kind artists populate an imaginative, colorful metropolis and breathe life into over 100 inventive costumes, an original musical score, and magical sights that transform the landscape of a city into thrills and disbelief.

Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 813229-7827, www.tbpac.org. ______________________________________

T B PA C SHOWS Long before that girl from Kansas arrives in Munchkinland, two girls meet in the land of Oz. One – born with emerald green skin – is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes for “the most

television series, continues her legacy by starring as Ma. Families will continue to fall in love with these life-affirming stories about the Ingalls’ struggles and triumphs through the celebration of the pioneering spirit. . An international cast of worldclass acrobats, athletes, musicians and one of a complete and completely satisfying new musical in a long time” (USA Today).

This modern and newly updated Godspell, based on the Gospel According to St. Matthew, is ultimately a story of coming together to create a loving community embraced by all. Featuring a score

by Stephen Schwartz (Wicked), Godspell boasts a string of popular songs.

The popular inspirational stories take on a brand new frontier in an uplifting new musical. Melissa Gilbert, who played Laura in the much loved

Florida’s Most Exciting Theatrical & Dining Experience!

Up Coming

Mon.-Thur. 9am-7pm Fri.-Sat. 9am-8pm Sun. 10am-3pm Now thru Feb. 21

Feb 26-Apr 1 8

Dinner & Show-$48.00 + Tax • Show Only-$36.95+Tax

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. A smash on Broadway and London’s West End, this comic classic from the author of Private Lives and Hay Fever is the story of cantankerous novelist Charles Condomine who is re-married but haunted (literally) by the ghost of his late first wife.

When a “happy medium” conjures the late wives spirit, all the personalities – real or ghostly - clash with hilarious results.

Two wacky off-Broadway creators, "Jed" and "Boyd", are in the borrowed Park Avenue penthouse of Mrs. Sidney Lipbalm to perform the "highlights" of their impending extravaganza, an epic musical that spans the history of the world from the big bang to the present, for potential backers - all played by the audience.

And that's just where the fun begins!

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

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HOT CONCERTS Grammy Award-winner is coming to the March 13. Touring in support of his #1 selling release, “Crazy Love,” Michael has been called “one of the most likeable performers on Earth.” His stage show is propelled by a string of smash hits including “Home,” “Everything” and his current single “Haven’t Met You Yet,” along with Michael’s distinctive interpretations of classics like “Cry Me a River,” “Stardust,” and “You’re Nobody ‘til Somebody Loves You.” brings his latest North American tour to St. Pete Times Forum on Feb. 5 in support of his upcoming release, Battle Studies, his fourth studio album which was released in December. Special Guest will round out the bill.

Three-time Grammy Award-winning recording artists The bring their “The E.N.D. World Tour 2010,” with special guest to the Forum on Feb. 10.

Described as the ultimate Black Eyed Peas party experience, this AEG Liveproduced tour marks the first time that the group – will.i.am, apl.de.ap, Taboo and Fergie – is united for a North American headlining tour since their 2006 Monkey Business outing. will bring the FEARLESS Tour back to the Forum on March 4. “I’m so excited to take the FEARLESS Tour back out on the road again in 2010!” says Taylor.

“This year’s tour has been so much fun and even more unforgettable than I ever imagined. The fans have been Michael Bublé so amazing, and I’m thrilled to play in new cities and see even more of my fans on the tour!” The Taylor Swift FEARLESS 2009 Tour was the hottest ticket of the year, wowing fans and critics worldwide. Capacity crowds packed arenas around the globe — every show on the tour sold out within minutes, including one at Madison Square Garden in one minute, and one at Los Angeles’ Staples center in just two minutes.

Taylor Swift

Julianne Hough

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will return to Sertoma Youth Ranch in Brooksville, Feb. 26-28.

Featuring vendors, food, beer tents, activities, karaoke, camping, a children’s zone, and 30 acts on multiple stages, Journey Fest 2010 promises to be the best yet. This year’s headliner will be the legendary

Grammy awards as one of the most influential jazz bands of all time. “Take the A Train”, “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If it Ain’t Got that Swing)”, and “Mood Indigo”.

Feb 14. Hits by Glenn Miller and other greats of the swing era.

- Feb 21. Ron Rich and his five piece band present a show filled with songs and laughs performed in the spirit of John Denver.

- Feb 23.

The Kingston Trio took the country by storm, bringing the rich tradition of American folk music into the mainstream for the first time. “Tom Dooley” and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?”

- Feb 28.

Open-harmony vocals which builds on the barbershop tradition. Hits include: “It’s a Blue World”, “Day by Day” and “Graduation Day”.

For more information, visit www.largoarts.com

Al Di Meola

Charlie Daniels . Throughout his fifty-year career, Charlie has scored hits on the rock, country, pop, and Christian charts and counts numerous awards. He has recorded some memorable songs including “The Devil Went Down in Georgia”, “The South’s Gonna Do It Again”, and “The Legend of Wooley Swamp” just to name a few. In addition to Charlie Daniels and 30 additional acts performing at Journey Fest, will be Atlanta-based . For more information, visit journeyfest.org.

The Largo Cultural Center has some exciting acts lined up in February: - Feb 5.

Four time winner as Best Jazz Guitarist in Guitar Player Magazine’s Reader Poll.

- Feb 6. Winner of 12

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MUSIC TRAX

Accent Spotlights . . .

Off The Beaten Path

Flying Tortillas, Stilt Walkers, And Musical Mayhem A decommissioned fire engine pulls up, and out pour dazzling stilt walkers, flamencoskirted fan-wielding dancers, brass players of all kinds, a lone battery-powered bass player, and drummers wearing harnessing made from bike parts, all decked out in costumes that range from Village People camp to steampunk goth glam.

They may start marching down the block, playing on the upper deck of a ferry or at a major stadium, or dancing a hole in the dance floor. They may break into wild Balkan dances, down-and-dirty New Orleans-style jams, madcap circus romps, or the theme song to Rocky. They may do just about anything.

This is the MarchFourth Marching Band, often called “M4” by fans, a quirky, funky instant party of a group whose twenty-five odd members make, sew, build, drive, design, choreograph, compose, and mix everything themselves.

This includes their latest album, “Rise Up”.

The carpenters, stonemasons, artists, business owners, metal workers, physical therapists, and lawyers of MarchFourth have similarly transformed the staid conformity of the good old marching band into a celebration of vibrant individuality. “There’s no uniformity to our uniforms,” laughs dancer, stilt walker, and long-time M4 member, Nayana Jennings. “It’s really individual.

There’s no dress code. We don’t tell people what they have to wear.”

While keeping a countercultural edge, MarchFourth strives to remain “accessible and approachable,” as Jennings puts it, walking a tightrope between sensual and family-friendly, Clockwork Orange and bigtop mayhem, carefully orchestrated performance pieces and barely contained chaos.

For more information, visit www.rockpaperscissors.biz

After 30 years, continues to stay true to their roots of combining traditional Japanese instruments and American jazz structure.

LEGACY features eleven songs from the first twn years of the band’s history,

each rerecorded by the group’s cureent six-member lineup. www.hiroshimamusic.com Using New York as his jumping off point, tenor saxophonist presents 13 wonderful classic ballads on his new release, NEW YORK STATE OF MIND. His musical inspiration and interpretive approach come from the giants and innovators of mainstream sax, including Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, and Lester Young. www.challengerecords.com puts her unique, multi-cultural stamp on TRUE LOVE, a 10 track mix of vocals and instrumentals that draws from her rich Latin heritage and love for both traditional and contemporary jazz. Jessy’s combination of soaring sax melodies, hot samba rhythms and model looks make her the one to watch as a rising star. www.peakrecords.com The brainchild of Motor City urban rapper/poet Dejuan D Priest Everett and alto saxophonist/composer Dane Bays, (A.M.P.) brings together the worlds of jazz, hip hop, poetry, R&B, gospel, funk

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and Motown in an open minded marriage of words and music.

The incredible breadth of A.M.P.’s artistry is in full bloom on their new release, ON THE BRIGHTSIDE. www.inarhymerecords.com Virtuoso trumpet player, ’s new album, FRA_CTURED, presents a new direction in the world of jazz and electronic music. The electronica alternative gives him the freedom to transpose the trumpet into a fresh arena. It took almost three years to create. www.electrofonemusic.com An underlying sense of swing and drive, with commanding bass lines and a strong sense of form and harmonic structure create the binding threads in the music of pianist and saxophonist on their brilliant collaborative effort, INITIATION. www.artistsrecordingcollective.biz has been recognized as one of the truly unique voices in today’s contem-

porary jazz scene by the music media. His doubleneck guitar sound and the emotional content in his compositions make his music almost impossible to categorize. His NY based quartet consists of some of today’s finest musicians. Check out his new album, BAFA. www.challengerecords.com

Including performances from well known artists such as Don Dokken, Carmine Appice, and Erik Norlander, END OF RIDE

REVISITED is the new release from with the combined writing effort of veteran rockers Kelly Keeling and Marty Paris. The new album promises melodic and innovative rock music with lyrical brilliance. www.pariskeeling.com American metal band, has found increasing success with each album achieving gold certification. Their latest effort, the self-titled MUDVAYNE, is a sonic assemblage of razor-sharp guitar riffs, pounding blast beats and brooding,

manic vocals, which should keep them getting the gold. www.mudvayne.com gets you on your feet while her voice tangles you in her web. From her band you can expect to hear menacing lead guitar lines, melodic bass interjecting with heavy drums, with her intense vocals cutting through as her voice soars high. Her latest release is BLACK HEART. www.whitewidowmusic.com The charismatic bridge the gap between rock n’ roll’s heady past and it’s uncertain future on their album TRANSITIONS. They

have crafted an epic voyage, ebbing and flowing with artistic vigilance and musical relevance. www.softdriverecords.com

The Texas garage rock guys, are back with their pounding drums, riffing

guitars and punk attitude on A DIFFERENT KIND OF UGLY . Reminiscent of the 70s, this is a must-have for any fan of the garage rock/ punk genre. www.saustexmedia.com has honed a distinctive style some would call theological rock. It ponders the possibility of worlds whre gods may or may not exist, and it’s set to a grungy back beat. His APOCALYPTIC DREAMS is one man’s musical attempt to understand life’s frustrations and the stories of the gospel in 4/4 time. www.apocalypticdreams.com are also from Texas, and are musical gunslingers, playing everything from Punk-Surf and Spaghetti

Western themes to jazz.

Their influences range from Black Flag to John Coltrane to Stravinsky. Their new release, COTTON NEEDLE SESSIONS projects a different sound, while keeping to the heart of the arrangements that inspired them. www.endsounds.com

some of the best music on the bluegrass scene today. Check out the tune “Big, Big, Heartaches”. www.pinecastle.com

The intriguing story of 15th century poet Meera Bai’s fascinating existence comes to life on MEERA - THE LOVER, from Canadian-Indian singer .

Vandana symbolically represents each phase of Meera’s love toqwards Krishna by composing one song for each phasse from her collection and treating them with an appropriate element from Indian classical music to evoke

respective emotions. www.vandanavishwas.com Percussionist ’s CUBIST comes to life with mathematical precision and beauty where each composition resounds it’s musical soul.

This comes after 30 years of experimenting. He incorporated large concert bass drums, timpani, chimes and bells to tell the epic story of stellar life and death. www.rhombuspublishiing.com

GLOBAL LINGO from unties the youthful world talent cultivated by Project Ahimsa, which raises funds through music for some of the planet’s poorest communities. The kids, “Slumdog Musicaires” steal the show on this album, and prove that music can do

With Alan Bibey on board with his versatile mandolin playing and writing, has become a bluegrass force to be reckoned with. THE OTHER SIDE OF TOWNE CD has www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

more than soothe street-frazzled youth; it can turn their lives around. www.projectahimsa.org

enjoys composing music across diverse genres, including classical, jazz, pop,

rock and more. His 3rd release, THE RENEWING, finds the keyboardist offering emotional and relaxing melodies that combine imaginative ballads with classical progressions. www.issacshepard.com On A STILL MOTION, pianist has created a work that musically and philosophically explores a hidden world beneath the surface of everyday life whre you can discover meaningful movement and rhythms and the beauty in opposites and contradictions.

His music will

appeal to fans of neo-calssical, new age, zone, contemporary and acousitc piano. www.michaelsamsom.com

THE GODFATHER OF GOSPEL, is the 18-track collection of songs which highlights favorites throughout ’s multiple decade musical recording career. Along with his highly respected musical talents, he was the pastor and founder of the Grace Tabernacle Christian Center in Brooklyn until his death in 2008. www.malaco.com on Tampa Bay 13

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Celebrate Gulfport’s 100th Birthday Celebration and take in Gulfport’s authentic “Old Florida“ atmosphere while perusing the work of over 50 unique artists and crafters, as well as authors, antique dealers and entertainers stretched over a half-mile up and down scenic Beach Blvd. Live entertainers, including Gail Biron, New Horizons Band, Rock N’ Chair Band and more will be appearing at venues throughout the Village. And don’t miss free glass-blowing demonstrations Serving: Gulfport Senior Center; Gulfport Casino; by award-winning artist Owen Pach at the Industrial Arts Center, also offering “Blow Gulfport Waterfront District; Stetson Univ. College of Law; Your Own” mini-classes in glass blowing.

Pasadena Shopping Center Casino Ballroom. Lip smacking Palms of Pasadena Hospital; St. Pete Beach Louisiana cuisine. Music is Cajun Zydeco, Blues and Jazz. If you choose, dress with flair, with colorful masks and elegant costumes. 727-415-8326 Casino Ballroom. Live Band – Lloyd John’s Gulfbay 18-Piece Big Band. Snacks and prizes. 727-893-1070. . Casino Ballroom. Ages 50 plus! Speed dating, relationship coaching, dance lessons and dance. www.matchmakingfest.com; 727-823-0437 . Senior Center. The event includes a Flea Market, Bingo at 10am; Hot Dog Lunch at noon; Entertainment at 1pm by The Love Notes.; Tea Dance with refreshments at 3p.m. Door Prizes and other surprises.

Stillwagon Studios

Gulfport Public Library. Illustrated with fantasy art by the Brothers Hildebrandt, and featuring insights of literary experts, this documentary film series explores the mysteries of Tolkien’s epic. (60 min.) 727-893-1075. . Casino Ballroom. Dance mixers, door prizes and light snacks. 727-374-3881.

(Free admission) The Point behind the Recreation Center) Cartoons at 6:00 p.m., Movie, “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” at 6:30 p.m. Movie munchies for purchase to support Gulfport Teen Council. 727-893-1118.

The Apothecary Homeopathic Products & Remedies Traditional Pharmacy Compounding Specialists www.SeaBreezeManor.com

2832 Beach Blvd. So. Gulfport, FL 33707

727-327-4200 www.lafogataonline.com

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ART LINES

. This exhibition represents the first retrospective of the artist’s work in North America since 1974. Included will be 100 paintings, sculptures, and drawings culled from the artist’s private collection. Many works have never been exhibited in public.

One of Britain’s most significant artists, William Blake (1757–1827) is celebrated for his remarkable ability to combine text and images to express his vision. God and Christianity comprised the intellectual focus of his writings, which served as his inspiration for his art.

The images are multifaceted, and a visual transformation occurs as the series progresses. . Winslow Homer (1836–1910) is one of America’s most beloved artists, and his art captures the heart of the American spirit.

The Art of American Life celebrates Homer’s creative output in the medium of reportage and illustration with over 40 prints installed in the Museum’s gallery devoted to works on paper.

The exhibition is drawn from an extensive group collection of over 125 wood engravings in the Museum’s collection that has not been on view in nearly ten years.

The Museum of Fine Arts is located at 255 Beach Dr. N.E., St. Petersburg. Call 727-8962667, www.fine-arts.org _____________________________________

appropriate for a painted canvas, allowed artists by the middle of the 20th century to challenge the conventional notions of what shape a canvas could take. Works in this exhibition approach sculpture in a manner that made many in the 1960s and 1970s rather uncomfortable, as the lines between the purity of the canvas and the presence of the three-dimensional started to blur. Five artists provide a 30year view into one of the most persistent questions: how to reconcile the two-dimensional painted surface with reality of a three-dimensional space.

For more information, visit www.tampamuseum.org. _____________________________________

The Artist’s Table The Artist’s Table, presented by Synovus Bank, is a series taking place on the third Thursday of each month at select St. Petersburg restaurants. Seated at a large table, the artists invite patrons to join them for lunch and discuss the artist’s work process and art in general.

Featured artists and participating restaurants for February include Herb Snitzer at Parkshore Grill, Nancy Cervenka at Bella Brava and Lenn Neff at Z-Grille.

In March, the participating artists are: Carol Dameron at Parkshore Grill, Patton Hunter at “New York, New York” by Bella Brava, and Kim Herb Snitzer Radatz at Z Grille.

The Parkshore Grill is located at 300 Beach Drive, NE, 727-896-9463; Bella Brava is at 515 Central Ave., 727-895-5515; Z-Grille is located at 104 2nd Street South, 727-8229600.

In 2010, Raymond James Gasparilla Festival of the Arts returns to its roots alongside the Hillsborough River in downtown Tampa on March 6th and 7th.

Celebrating its 40th anniversary, the festival will take place in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, just outside of the newly constructed Tampa Museum of Art. Considered one of Florida’s premier cultural events, the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts ranks among the leading juried arts festivals nationwide that feature both fine arts and crafts. Nearly 300 accomplished artists representing 13 different media disciplines are selected from more than 1,000 applicants to exhibit their original works in this celebrated two-day show.

Artists vie for $75,000 in cash awards, including the coveted $15,000 Raymond James Best of Show Award, in addition to a generous purchase awards program. Attendees enjoy the free festival, filled with outstanding art from renowned, emerging and student artists, exceptional live music and creative children’s activities. In 2009, the Festival received a four star rating from Sunshine Artist, the nation’s leading publication for art and craft show exhibitors, promoters and patrons.

For more information, visit www.gasparilla-arts.com or call (813) 876-1747.

Pier Aquarium Events Treasure Hunt, aquarium, noon-2pm

This comprehensive exhibition on the career of the great French artist Henri Matisse (1869– 1954) showcases over 170 works of art spanning 50 years of Matisse’s career, with particular emphasis placed on the role that printmaking played in the development of the artist’s career.

Find the Booty! The Great

Our annual free marine discovery day with our environmental and science partners, Spa Beach, 10am-4pm.

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

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

. The rise to prominence at the beginning of the century of artists such as Pablo Picasso, Paul Cezanne, and Henri Matisse, who questioned conventional notions of what constituted art and what was www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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FOOD & BEVERAGE

KONA GRILL Creative Fusion Restaurant Story and photos by Melissa Wolcott and Al Martino usion restaurants have grown in popularity in recent years and F the Tampa Bay area is no stranger to them. One such blend is Asian-American, and no one is doing it better than the new Kona Grill at MetWest International in Tampa. The restaurant features a

Kona Grill signature dish: Macadamia Nut Chicken with skin-on white cheddar mashed potatoes and wok-tossed vegetables, served with shoyucream sauce and a pineapple papaya marmalade.

menu that is sure to please anyone’s palate, from pizza to Miso-sake Marinated Sea Bass, and lots of new tasty dishes in between. Their catch phrase says it all: “East Meets West. They Party.”

Located near the International Plaza on Boy Scout Road, the restaurant is convenient for shoppers and business people as well.

The restaurant’s decor is trendy and atmospheric with a beautiful salt water aquarium behind the hostess stand, a Chihuly-style blown glass light fixture, and an open kitchen to watch chefs at work. This is the 24th Kona Grill Restaurant to be opened in the USA, and the 2nd in Florida, with Palm Beach as their other location.

We went to Kona Grill for lunch, which turned into being an early dinner since they had so many intriguing dishes on their very varied menu that we just had to try.

According to long-time Tampa resident and Kona Grill’s General Manager, Tom Fellin said they source many of their items locally, and actually create more than 40 sauces from scratch daily.

We started off with soup — a delicious Clam Chowder with bacon and white cheddar cheese, and appetizers of traditional Potstickers, and a light and crispy Avocado Egg Roll with sun-dried tomatoes and red onions with a honey-cilantro dipping sauce.

For entrees we chose the Macadamia Nut Chicken (Kona’s signature dish) with skin-on white cheddar mashed potatoes and wok18

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tossed vegetables, served with shoyu-cream sauce and a pineapple-papaya marmalade — just delightful. And the Pork Tenderloin, baked with an almond crust, served with the cheddar mashed potatoes, sautéed baby bok choy, and a red pepper-shiitake mushroom sauce was another winning dish. Some other crowdpleasers are their Sweet-Chili Glazed Salmon (fresh salmon served with shrimp and pork fried rice); Big Island Meat Loaf (traditional meat loaf enhanced with sweet Italian and andouille sausage, served with button mushrooms, and shoyu-cream sauce) and ThinCrust Artisan Pizzas (margherita, white or basic).

Executive Chef Sean Biggs.

Kona Grill’s team of eight sushi chefs offer an expansive sushi menu featuring several signature items, as well as traditional sushi and sashimi.

For dessert, who can resist a fudge brownie with vanilla ice cream and drizzled chocolate sauce? Not us! Of course the Caramelized Apple Crisp and Passion Fruit Creme Brulee was equally tempting.

Las Vegas Roll: Fresh salmon, crab mix & cream cheese, deep-fried with tempura batter, and eel sauce.

Who is responsible for this mouthwatering menu?

Executive Chef, Sean Biggs. His young looks belie his vast experience in all facets of the restaurant business. He has created and served meals for the likes of Sayyid Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, to billionaire Steve Forbes, to rock icon Dave Matthews and many more celebrities. Sean has traveled worldwide gaining culinary experience, and finally joined the Kona Grill family in 2008. He opened the new Tampa location of Kona Grill, where he is involved in every aspect of the kitchen.

We welcome Kona Grill to our Tampa Bay area and look forward to trying some of their other tempting dishes.

Outdoor patio service available at Kona Grill.

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Kona Grill is open daily for lunch and dinner, and Sunday brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located at 4134 West Boy Scout Boulevard, MetWest International, Tampa, Florida 33607. For more information call 813-877-5938, or visit www.konagrill.com

New Store Now Open Dennis & Laurie Jolicoeur have recently opened their 3rd Edible Arrangements in the Pinellas County area.

The Edible Arrangements Clearwater store is the first store to open in the brand new shopping center, Gulf to Bay Commons.

Edible Arrangements has a hand sculpted fresh fruit bouquet or a box of gourmet chocolate dipped fruit to make any occasion special from birthdays, anniversaries and congratulations to business events and client gifts. Their bouquets are made fresh with premium fruit and gourmet dipping fudge in a variety of stunning displays.

Visit Accent’s

Dining Guide on the Web with

MenuVue and

VideoVue! Just in time for Valentine’s Day, you can let one of their Fruit Consultants help you Pick It Dip It and Personalize It. The store is located at 2082 Gulf to Bay Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33765.

Call 727239-7788 to place an order and or you can do it yourself by visiting their website at www.ediblearrangements.com.

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Breakfast In Bed For Two Can breakfast in bed be sent long distance?

The answer is Yes! For Valentine’s Day, you might consider ordering BREAKFAST IN BED FOR TWO, one of several holiday offerings from The Natural Gift Baskets. This romantic gift idea includes natural crackers, fruit preserve, organic hot chocolate, organic tea, organic chocolate chip cookies, all-natural sugar crystals, and a pair of ceramic mugs, all on a hand-painted wooden tray.

The Natural Gift Baskets stands out from the crowd by offering all-natural and organic gifts, including kosher gourmet foods with an international flare, body lotions and soaps, diffusers, beauty products and relaxation and aromatherapy solutions.

Many of their non-edible products are made by people with developmental disabilities in a state facility in Goldsboro, N.C. Besides the Breakfast in Bed For Two,

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The Natural Gift Baskets offers the following gifts, any of which are a great way to show that special someone how much you’re thinking about them -- body and soul.

VALENTINE’S DAY PAMPERING BASKET - Show her you care for her, hand and foot, with this collection of bath salt, hand and foot balm, organic handmade soap, botanical mist and other feelgood goodies. All products can be mixed and matched, depending on personal preferences and budget.

DANCING LEAVES FLOWERING TEA SET - As eye-pleasing as they are functional, these hand-sewn tea blossoms, imported from China, steep in the included glass teapot for a few hours as they produce exceptional, organic teas. Includes one of each of the following flowering teas: Flower Jewel, Starlight Rose, Dragon Lily, Emerald Sun, and Golden Jasmine. Use this as a center-

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piece as you let the tea steep. Available in white, green, black and Oulong tea.

WONDER WRAP - Put off by the whole idea of the Snuggie? The Wonder Wrap is made of high quality fleece, cut generously to fit most body sizes comfortably. A microwaveable grain-filled insert fits easily in a hidden pocket around the neck, upper back, and shoulder areas, where most people feel tension. Relax, cuddle, and snuggle away stress. $25.

WILD HIBISCUS FLOWERS Handmade in Sydney, Australia, these Wild Hibiscus Flowers add a dazzling touch — and a hint of flavor — to any cocktail or champagne glass. Made of just three ingredients — Wild Hibiscus, cane sugar and water — these ornamental flowers are cooked in the jar and vacuum sealed, giving them a shelf life of two years. Gift set includes one jar containing approximately 11 flowers, cocktail glasses and a metal serving tray.

These gifts and other custom baskets are all either organic or all-natural, and can be ordered at www.TheNaturalGiftBaskets.com, or by calling 856-433-8055, or visiting www.TheNaturalGiftBaskets.com.

Visit John’s Pass Historic Fishing Village and Boardwalk. A newly revitalized, legendary, Florida tourism icon. One hundred plus unigue shops and eateries.

Picturesque 1100 foot boardwalk, a multitude of Gulf shore activities’ offered and fun for the whole family.

Florida’s most famous “FREE” destination! Parking is now plentiful in the new Johns Pass Parking Garage. Open daily.

Catch the Experience!!

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This FREE Speakers Series is geared toward anyone wanting to learn more about marine life. Open to all ages. 68pm.

- This session is “everything you wanted to know about Sharks but were afraid to ask” and will include a look at our local waters and the types of Sharks that live in them, some basic facts regarding Sharks and their danger to humans, Shark attack data, their need to be protected and Sharks at CMA. (Joe Malo, CMA Director of Education – Basic facts about Sharks in the wild; Brent Winner, FWRI Shark Expert– Shark evolution, threatened status, Shark attack data and local species; Don Stansell, CMA Aquatics Manager– Shark and Ray care at CMA.) - This session will be a Dolphin update to the very popular session held last October and will be all about Dolphins in the wild and how they live, feed, breed, get into trouble, how CMA helps rescue, rehab and, hopefully, release them plus what we need to know to help them survive in the wild. (Joe Malo – Basic facts about Dolphins; Abby Stone – Dolphin stranding and rescue plus training and enrichment in captivity; Randy Wells, MOTE – Wild Dolphin studies and results.)

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

Sunken 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.

Join in for AWAKEN YOGA on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 11am. $8/class or $28 per month Sunken Gardens is located at 1825 4th Street N., St. Petersburg; 727-551-3100; www.stpete.org/sunken

HENRY PLANT MUSEUM - Feb & March . Enjoy the rich history of Gasparilla - Tampa’s oldest and most fun loving community festival. The exhibit explores Tampa’s premier party, attended by a motley crew of the famous and infamous. See Krewe of Gasparilla memorabilia. . This much-lauded traveling exhibit includes drawings, prints, photographs, manuscripts and books from the 19th century’s most influential artists and writers. Included in the show are portraits of Oscar Wilde, Aubrey Beardsley, George Bernard Shaw, H. G. Wells, Arthur Conan Doyle, Henry James, James McNeill Whistler, John Singer Sargent, Robert Louis Stevenson and Sarah Bernhardt, who performed at the Tampa Bay Hotel on her farewell tour. . Pack a picnic basket and gather in Plant Park for a day of simple pleasures for the whole family.

There are storytellers, strolling musicians, live theater in the Bamboo Garden, and a concert by the UT Band.

The Henry Plant Museum (813) 254-1891, www.plantmuseum.com

A Botanical Experience Awaits You...

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

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

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

Antiques

by Dr. Lori

s a long time museum director, curator, and appraiser, I know that wintertime is the prime time to add a museum visit to the weekend itinerary or whenever friends and family visit. Whether you are considering a visit to a superb local collection or if you are going to go to a grand museum in a major international city, here are few tips to make your museum visit efficient, exciting, and enjoyable.

I recently lectured at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia and at the Vatican Museums in Rome. Before I discussed the masterpieces in these prestigious and encyclopedic collections, I offered some tips for making the most out of this world class museum.

or knapsack; so leave it at home. Who wants to wait in a long coat-check line to retrieve your bag?

Dr. Lori lecturing at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.

When you are trying to view art among crowds of tourists, temporarily ignore the

object that everyone else is clamoring around. Instead, look behind you or around the other walls of the gallery and take in the other works of art. For instance, as the majority of your tour group drools over the Mona Lisa (the Louvre), Las Meninas (the Prado), or Rembrandt’s Return of the Prodigal Son (the Hermitage), it is wise to look at the other great works on display in the same gallery. While everyone else is blocking your view of that ultra famous work, you could be looking at another great piece hanging on an adjacent wall. Once the crowd disperses, then go back and look at the famous work of art. If you don’t crowd the objects, you’ll end up having a stress-free and inspiring museum visit.

Enjoy!

Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, awardwinning TV personality, and TV talk show host, Dr. Lori presents antique appraisal events nationwide and hosts luxury vacation cruise focusing on art/antiques. As seen on the Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, watch Dr. Lori on the Fine Living Network and on the nationally syndicated morning TV show Daytime which airs on NBC WFLA TV 8 at 10 am. Visit or call (888) 431-1010.

First of all, museums can be overwhelming places. There is so much to see and little time to see it all. Don’t expect to see everything, but try to really look at those pieces that you think should command your time and attention. Pace yourself and enjoy what you do view. For comfort, wear lightweight clothes and comfortable shoes.

Dress neatly but casually in order to take it all in!

Along with the museum’s professional staff, it is also the visitor’s (that’s you) job to help protect the rare objects in a museum’s collection. Be both considerate of others and of the priceless works of art.

You only need your eyes and your brain to enjoy works of art and antiques. You don’t need large, oversized handbags, bottled water, etc. Leave all that extra stuff at home, in your hotel room, or on the tour bus. For instance, handbags can be lethal weapons in museums. They may scrape against paintings or damage antiques as they hang over your shoulder. It’s best to just carry a small (handheld) purse. Most museums require you to check a large bag www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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ORLANDO HAPPENINGS - The Orange County Regional History Center presents , actual clothes, props, and models from the most popular shows of all time. The 3,500-square-foot exhibition highlights our nation’s rich entertainment history through more than 40 costumes, props, and models from some of the most popular films and television shows spanning 60 years, including “Star Wars,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “Ghostbusters,” “The Terminator,” “Indiana Jones,” “Star Trek,” “Batman,” and many more. Giant eight-foot LEGO figures of Darth Vader, Batman, and

Indiana Jones begin the journey into Out of this World as it examines how costume design incorporates color, style, scale, materials, historical traditions, and cultural cues to help per-

formers and audiences engage, in new or accepted ways, with the characters being portrayed. A complementary exhibit from the

History Center, Lights! Camera! Action!

Filming in Paradise showcases Florida’s surprising history in film and television, featuring “Apollo 13,” “Meet the Fockers,” “Where the Boys Are,” “Lethal Weapon 3,” “Creature from the Black Lagoon,” “Return of the Creature,” “Edward Scissorhands,” and “The Yearling.”

Visitors follow a Florida Walk of Fame into the exhibit and then visit a “set” to see what’s behind the scenes.

In conjunction with Out of this World, the History Center will also host a series of special events and programs.

For more information, visit www.thehistorycenter.org or call (407) 836-8500.

Recording artist, Bobby Goldsboro, best known for his hit recordings, “Honey,” “Watching Scotty Grow” and “Little Green Apples” has recently found international acclaim as another type of

artist; oil painter. He has sold over one hundred pieces of art, originals and prints.

Goldsboro will return to the scene of his very first art show, Gallery at Avalon Island. 407803-6670; www.galleryatavalonisland.com

Stimulate all of your senses this Valentine’s while being immersed in a Willy Wonka-like edible envi-

ronment as performance art and dance group DRIP presents Fresh — a culinary performance art event showcasing an edible and interactive fantasy world. www.ilovedrip.com/ Experience a storybook tale of excitement and intrigue. More than 60 horses are used to create a unique show. The show includes a 3-course dinner. 3081 Arabian Nights Blvd., Kissimmee; 407-239-9223; www.Arabiannights.com 24

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Don’t just stand there… Let the Music Move You at Universal Studios Mardi Gras Saturdays and select nights from February 6 through April 17. Party in the streets with music that reaches right down to your soul to lift your spirits high. Enjoy live concerts with some of the biggest stars from pop, rock, R&B, country, hip-hop, you name it… all in the new Universal Music Plaza and included

Bok Tower Gardens offers visitors Florida’s most abundant opportunities for aesthetic, cultural and personal enrichment. The lush landscapes of the gardens, the majesty and music of the Singing Tower with its 60-bell carillon and the splendor of create an experience that inspires all who visit.

Special half-hour carillon concerts at 1 & 3 p.m. ring in romance on Valentine’s Day from the majestic Singing Tower with some traditional romantic favorites. Free with admission to the Gardens.

Formerly a cattle ranch, the 1,260-acre reserve is being restored back to a marsh system to protect valuable water and wildlife. Returning bird species; sightings of alligators, even a bob cat are not unusual.

Music at Pinewood: Dance in Music - Feb 21. Another ripping piano performance by Joseph Schwartz, this time featuring dance in music, i.e., Ravel’s Valse Sentimentale, Brahms’ Hungarian Dances etc.; solos from Joseph and duets with his wife Renata.

Learn how to

Bands, Brew & BBQ will be held each Saturday at SeaWorld during February. The parks will feature live performances from award-winning country and classic rock artists, the smokin’ hot flavor of blazing barbeque, icecold beer and all of SeaWorld’s attractions, rides and shows.

Music Lineup: Feb. 6 Feb. 13 Feb. 20 Feb. 27 -

turn your writings into music with tips from a master songwriter. Bring a story, anecdote or poem to the workshop or leave it with Gordon Bok at his concert.

He’ll work his magic to show you how to make your writing ‘sing.’ No instruments are needed.

with regular theme park admission.

Concert Lineup: February 6 ; Feb 13 ; Feb 14 ; Feb 20 ; Feb 27 - March 6 ; March 13 ; March 20 ; March 27 ; April 3 ; April 9 ; April 10 ; April 17.

You’re right in the middle of the celebration Sheryl Crow with outrageous street performers and a spectacular parade featuring colorful costumes, dazzling floats, and beads by the handful. Plus, the air will be filled with the spicy aroma of authentic Cajun food, and the sweet sounds of real bands direct from New Orleans.

Visit: www.UniversalOrlando.com

Gordon Bok .

Bok Tower Gardens is offering three-day workshops for intermediate & advanced students of watercolor, acrylic and oils. These workshops have limited enrollment so sign up early. An artist for more than 30 years, Gary has painted, taught, lectured and exhibited extensively. . Experience Bok Tower Gardens in a different light during the 2010 Moonlight Carillon Concert series. It’s a unique opportunity to visit the Gardens after normal operating hours for half-price admission and have a light dinner at the Blue Palmetto Café open until the hour-long concert begins at 7:30 p.m.

Visit www.boktowergardens.org

Bands, Brew & LeAnn BBQ is Rimes included in any singleday admission or annual pass. Separate charges apply to all food and beverage items.

Seating capacity is limited and is on a first-come, firstserved basis.

For more information, call 888800-5447 or visit SeaWorld.com. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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– Popular bands will rock the open-air America Gardens Theatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. is scheduled to kick off the concert series March 5-7. On subsequent weekends, the lineup is slated to feature pop favorites like

T

he 17th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival kicks off March 3 – earlier than ever – and continues for 75 days through May 16, with bold strokes of seasonal

color and brand-new topiary whimsy. Walt Disney World guests get a head start on the gardening season as they explore exhibits and activities geared toward discovery and outdoor fun.

Even before spring has sprung, Donald Duck and his topiary pals set up camp in full floral color to celebrate the Great Outdoors at the Epcot front entrance. The elaborate topiary with a North American theme, live waterfall and pond features Goofy in a fly-fishing misadventure, Daisy Duck roasting marshmallows over a campfire and Pluto in his “pup tent.” It’s a must-stop photo op for guests as soon as they pass through the park turnstiles. Packing more floral punch this year, the festival showcases nearly 100 expertly crafted topiaries – including a new American Gothic Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse.

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, former Boston lead singer and other top acts.

Whether it’s fulfilling a New Year’s resolution for quality family time or embracing the spirit of “giving back,” this first-of-its-kind Disney program is an easy and fun way to meet that goal. “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day” was cre-

Muppet Sweetums takes part in the new “Disney’s Honorary VoluntEars Cavalcade”

– Disney horticulturists will share gardening tips and lead guests in a hands-on, takehome activity.

– Gardening celebrities and authors from across the country will reveal their gardening secrets. Opening weekend, Robert Bowden, author and director of lush Harry P. Leu Gardens in Orlando, kicks off the series.

– Guests can shop for festival merchandise, attend speaker presentations and demonstrations and ask gardening questions of the experts.

– An Art in the Garden celebration of plein air artists is scheduled March 26-28; a Florida Farmer’s Market celebration is April 23-25, and the popular I Dig Bugs event is set for April 30May 2.

Chubby Checker performs at a Flower Power concert.

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ated to inspire 1 million people to lend a helping hand and give back to communities in need. In return for their volunteer service, Disney will award these 1 million people with a free one-day admission ticket to a Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort theme park. (Consumers can sign up for an eligible volunteer opportunity through Disneyparks.com. Children must be six years of age and accompanied by an adult to participate.)

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

hen’s the last time you had a rip-roarin’, knee-slappin’, laughout-loud time while dining?

Maybe Chuck E. Cheese when you were 8? Those days are not over for the kid in you, as you can head over to Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and catch the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue in Pioneer

and there’s plenty of it. The cornbread was particularly memorable, as we went back for seconds — and thirds!

The stage characters do a lot of interacting and mingling with the audience, and are very quick-witted, leading to lots of laughter when they pick out certain people to have fun with. It’s hard to imagine they can do this energetic show three times a night, but they do, seven nights a week.

To get in the mood before the show, we took a ride in a horse-draw hay-wagon and took in the sights of the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campgrounds.

Hoop-Dee-Doo will become a yearly tradition for us, too!

Hall. This venerable “Hee-Haw” style show has been entertaining families with music, laughs and down-home cooking for 35 years, making it one of the longest running dinner theaters in the US. The actors may have changed through the years, but the characters remain the same — Six Bits, Jim Handy, Johnny Ringo, Dolly, Flora and Clair. It is so popular, chances of just being able to pop in are slim. You would do well to make reservations. The rustic hall seats 360 people, with a main floor and balcony. We met people there who return every year at the same time, and wouldn’t miss a Hoop-Dee-Doo evening. The wait staff must continue to enjoy the show, as a lot of them have been with it for many years — a few even since the beginning.

The menu is really tasty with fried chicken, BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes, baked beans, salad, fresh baked cornbread, and finishing up with strawberry shortcake. Meats and veggies are served family style,

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For more information and reservations, call 407WDW-DINE.

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AT THE MOVIES FEBRUARY - Drama. Starring: Channing Tatum, Amanda Seyfried, Henry Thomas; Directed by: Lasse Hallström (II). A soldier home on leave falls for a conservative

thriller. Starring: Kevin Zegers, Shawn Ashmore, Emma Bell; Directed by: Adam Green. A typical day on the slopes turns into a chilling nightmare for three snowboarders when they get stranded on the chairlift before their last run. The trio is forced to take desperate measures to escape off the mountain before they freeze to death. But they discover with horror that they have much more to fear than just the frigid cold. comedy. Starring: Jim Carrey, Ewan McGregor, Leslie Mann; Directed by: Glenn Ficarra, John Requa. A family man is sent to prison and falls in love with his cellmate, Phillip Morris. When Morris is released from prison, his new love embarks on a series of escape attempts to reunite with Morris.

college girl. Instead of returning home to her, he reenlists after the attacks on September 11th, 2001. Time and distance begin to take a toll on the young lovers.

- Action.

Starring: John Travolta, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Kasia Smutniak; Directed by: Pierre Morel. An intelligence operative working in the office of the U.S. Ambassador in France takes on more than he bargained for when he partners with a wisecracking, fast-shooting, U.S. agent who’s been sent to Paris to stop a terrorist attack.

- Action.

Starring: Cyril Raffaelli, David Belle, Philippe Torreton; Directed by: Patrick Alessandrin.

Two years have passed since elite police officer Damien teamed up with reformed vigilante Leito to save District 13, a racially charged ghetto populated by drug dealing gangs and killers. The district has deteriorated, and Damian and Leito must join forces again.

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- Action. It’s the 21st century, but the gods of Mount Olympus and assorted monsters have walked out of the pages of high school student Percy Jackson’s Greek mythology texts and

into his life. And they’re not happy. As Percy adapts to his newly discovered status as a demi-god, he finds himself caught between the battling titans of Mt. Olympus.

- comedy.

Starring: Topher Grace, Emma Roberts, George Lopez; Directed by: Garry Marshall.

The lives of ten people in Los Angeles intersect on Valentine’s Day. - horror. Starring Benicio Del Toro, Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt; Directed by Joe Johnston. Lawrence Talbot is lured back to his family estate to find his brother... and discovers a horrifying destiny for himself.

- drama. A Muslim immigrant with Asperger Syndrome starts a family with a Hindu immigrant.

Following the events of September 11th, the family finds themselves the recipients of antiMuslim violence, so the man travels across the country to explain that he is not a terrorist.

Along the way he inspires an accidental revolution.

- action. Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley; Directed by: Martin Scorsese. Two U.S. Marshalls are sent to a federal institution www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

for the criminally insane located in Boston’s Outer Harbor to capture a violent female escapee.

- Action. Starring: Bruce Willis, Tracy Morgan, Seann William Scott; Director: Kevin Smith. Two longtime NYPD partners on the trail of a stolen, rare baseball card find themselves up against a merciless, memorabilia-obsessed gangster.

Rom Com. Starring Kristen Bell, Josh Duhamel, Will Arnett; Director: Mark Steven Johnson. A young New Yorker, disillusioned with romance, takes a trip to Rome where she plucks magic coins from a fountain of love, igniting the passion of 4 men who threw them in. But when a charming reporter pursues her, how will she know if his love is the real thing?

- Action. Starring: John Savage, Ernie Reyes Jr, Ernie Reyes Sr.; Directed by: Kenneth H. Chamitoff. During the Korean War a grudge was born between an American soldier and his captor, General Kang. Fifty years later Tiago Sanchez is forced to use his skills as a fighter to settle their feud and save his family.

- drama. Starring: Niels Arestrup, Hichem Yacoubi, Gilles Cohen; Directed by: Jacques Audiard. Condemned to six years in prison, Malik El Djebena, part Arab, part Corsican, cannot read or write.

Cornered by the leader of the Corsican gang currently ruling the prison, he is given a number of “missions” to carry out, toughening him up and gaining the gang leader’s confidence in the process.

- Action. Starring: Matt Dillon, Paul Walker, Idris Elba; Directed by: John Luessenhop. A notorious group of criminals continue to baffle police by pulling off perfectly executed bank robberies. They are in and out like clockwork, leaving no evidence

behind. But when they attempt to pull off one last job, the crew may find their plans interrupted by a hardened detective.

Drama. Starring: William Hurt, Maria Bello, Eddie Redmayne; Directed by: Udayan Prasad.

An ex-convict, just released from prison adrift in a world of new freedoms and responsibilities crosses paths with a troubled teenager and her new ‘ride’. Once on the road, the trio find their relationships forging and changing in myriad ways.

MARCH - Action.

Starring: Richard Gere, Don Cheadle, Ethan Hawke; Directed by: Antoine Fuqua. A crimedriven drama with an all-star cast chronicles

the vastly different lives of three cops working in the outer borough.

- Sci fi.

Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Matt Lucas, Johnny Depp; Directed by: Tim Burton. 17year-old Alice returns to Wonderland and encounters the White Rabbit, the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Red Queen, and the other absurd and amazing characters from Lewis Carroll’s books.

- Comedy.

Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Alex O’Loughlin, Michaela Watkins; Directed by: Alan Poul.

After years of dating, Zoe has decided waiting for the right one is taking too long. Determined to become a mother, she decides to go it alone.

On the day of her artificial insemination, she meets Stan - a man with real possibilities.

When Zoe reveals her situation, he commits fully and says he’s in. With the nine month clock ticking, both begin to experience cold feet.

- drama. Starring: Matt Damon, Amy Ryan, Greg Kinnear; Directed by: Paul Greengrass. Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller is a rogue U.S. Army officer who must hunt through covert and faulty intelligence hidden on foreign soil before war escalates in an unstable region.

- drama. Starring: Robert Pattinson, Emilie De Ravin, Pierce Brosnan; Directed by: Allen Coulter. A rebellious young man in New York City, has a

strained relationship with his father and didn’t think anyone could possibly understand what he was going through until the day he met Ally through an unusual twist of fate. He begins to find happiness and meaning in his life. But soon, hidden secrets are revealed.

- comedy. Starring: Jay Baruchel, Alice Eve, TJ Miller; Directed by: Jim Field Smith. An average Joe, stuck in a dead-end job as an airport security agent, finds that Molly, a successful and outrageously gorgeous babe, has fallen for him. He has to figure out how to make the relationship work, since she’s totally out of his league.

- thriller. Starring: Won Bin, Jin Gu; Produced by: Miky Lee, Katharine Kim, Choi Jae-won. An asocial loser is framed as the perpetrator of an horrific murder and his hard-headed mother has to figure out who really did it to keep her son from prison.

Movie Clips....

Blake Lively

- Blake Lively has landed the female lead role in “Green Lantern” as Carol Ferris opposite Ryan Reynolds in Warner Bros.’ film based on the DC Comics hero. Martin Campbell will direct. Production is expected to begin in March with a release date set for June, 2011. “Green Lantern” was hatched in 1940. Hal Jordan, a second-generation test pilot, is an ordinary man who has been charged with defending a sector of the universe with a mystical green ring. His love interest Carol Ferris is a pilot and administrator in civilian life.

Lively’s currently seen on “Gossip Girl”.

- Soon, watching TV won’t just mean searching for the remote but trying to find your 3D glasses as well. What many considered a novelty has became a reality this year, with Sony, Panasonic, LG and Samsung, among others, all powering up new lines of 3D TVs and Blu-ray players. DirecTV said it would launch three 3D outlets in June that will include a pay-per-view channel of movies, documentaries and other programming, an on-demand channel and a free channel that demos 3D on DirecTV using sports, music and other fare. It’s working with NBC Universal, MTV, HDNet, Fox Sports, CBS, AEG and Turner Broadcasting as well. ESPN said it would introduce a 3D sports network this summer, going live with the 2010 Fifa World Cup soccer matches. And Discovery Communications paired up with Sony and Imax to launch its own 3D network next year, with all the companies chipping in movies, TV shows and other programming. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Visit Historic Tarpon Springs

12 W Orange St., Tarpon Springs FL 34689

the original Creations™ The *COTTON* Lady D.I.Y Products

Rita Stetson • Creator/Designer

U. U. Church of Tarpon Springs “The Uncommon Denomination”

Services Sundays 10:30 AM

Home of the Geo. Inness Jr. Paintings

230 Grand Blvd., Tarpon Springs, Fl. 34689 727-937-4682 www.uutarpon.org

Auto. Home.

Business amd Life 24 Hour Service

Peter G. Gillis Agency, Inc Owner Allstate Insurance Company 536 Tarpon Ave. Ste. 1B Tarpon Springs. FL 34689 Phone 727-942-7400 Toll Free 888-942-7400 Email petergillis@allstate.com

Licensed & Board Certified Orthotist (inside Faklis’ Dept. Store)

“Solutions for Sports, Preventive & Rehab Challenges”

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TRAVELOGUE

Florida’s Tranquil and Untamed Treasure

Flagler Beach

Hammock Beach Resort

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TRAVELOGUE cont...

Where To Stay...

One of the best features of this area is that you can stay in the funky or the fabulous, depending on your mood (and budget.) There are many wonderful little Mom & Pop beach motels reminiscent of the 50s, and some stateof-the-art resorts as well. Flagler Beach is proud of their 50s image motels and encourage their innkeepers to preserve the look and feel, as they are quickly disappearing from Florida.

At the Beverly Beach Campgrounds, Motorhome owners will find one of the few places in Florida where they can park their RVs right on the ocean. There are bike trails right along A1A to enjoy.

Pet-friendly, and the essence of a true beach motel, the Si Como No Inn sits high on a dune between the ocean and intracoastal, so you can enjoy seeing manatee and dolphin while you sip your morning coffee.

The very charming and intimate beachfront Island Cottage Villas was awarded one of the “Top Ten Hidden Gems” in the USA

by Trip Advisor, and have luxurious accommodations, as a visit to their website will show.

We chose to stay at the new Palm Coast Hampton Inn for it’s convenient location near I-95 adjacent to a shopping center, it’s roomy suites, free high speed internet, and complimentary hot breakfast. Needless to say, we were not disappointed in our decision.

Hampton Inn’s very comfortable bed

The Hilton Garden Inn is another new hotel also conveniently located just off I-95, and has everything the business traveler or family could want. This green certified, nonsmoking hotel has both guest rooms and suites, and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in their Great American Grill restaurant.

For the avid golfer, the Hammock Beach Resort would be an excellent choice. This stunning 1,000 acre resort is home to two amazing golf courses — one designed by Tom Watson, the other by Jack Nicklaus. The Ocean Course has 6 of it’s holes bordering the ocean, and the Conservatory Course has 140 coquina shell and white sand bunkers. Luxurious suites and villas overlook the ocean and pristine property, and their large multi-level waterpark is sure to please families. Upscale amenities 34

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such as fine dining restaurants, a beautiful spa, and plenty of activities complete the package in this non-smoking resort.

Where To Eat...

For a delightful breakfast, we went to the cheerful little Beach House Beanery Coffee House in Flagler Beach. Located in a block of

Honey Crusted Oysters appetizer.

What To See And Experience...

Flagler Beach is a charming old Florida beach town. Within it’s 6 blocks, you will find little shops, restaurants, and a small town center square for concerts and a Farmer’s Market. A lot of the homes date from the 1920s-30s, and most are two-story simple “beach vernacular” with the lower floor being a garage in case of flooding. On the first Friday of every month, Veterans Park is the site of celebration. Free live music, good food and activities make for a great family night.

The Flagler Museum packs a lot of interesting area history in it’s small building. It begins with prehistory and comes up to shuttle

Beach House Beanery’s owner Carol Fisher

artsy shops, the restaurant is one of the oldest remaining homes in town. Local art adorns it’s walls, and the food they serve is all homemade by local folks. Owners Carol and Jeff Fisher are warm and friendly, which adds to the ambiance of the restaurant.

A very popular local spot is JT’s Seafood Shack with Florida Fish Camp style eating.

Only the freshest seafood is served in this very casual style restaurant, where wild turkeys roam out back.

No visit to the Flagler Beach area is complete without dinner at Blue in the Topaz Hotel. In this eclectic old 1923 home turned hotel/motel, dinner is served in the living and dining rooms surrounded by antiques. Not an inch of space is left on the walls, and a treasure trove of antique toys fill display cases. The upstairs rooms in the house are now guest rooms, and are all decorated in Victorian era. A wonderful menu has been prepared by Chef Gary Maresca, and everything we ordered was divine, with a special nod to the Chicken Gorgonzola and the Spinach and Mushroom Ravioli. Blue’s most requested dish, however, would be their amazing Wasabi Horseradish &

Flagler Museum

lift-off. They proudly display a flag that rode the Shuttle Endeavor into space. Volunteer docents are on hand to gladly explain some of the history.

Something that really took us by surprise is that you don’t have to travel all the way to Maine to whale watch. You can do it right here in Florida at the Flagler Beach Pier. Right The 806 foot Flagler Beach Pier

Dine among antiques at Blue in the Topaz Hotel

Whales come to calve in the area in the winter, so early spring and late fall into winter is a good time to head to the pier. Because it is 806 feet long, the pier is an amazing location for observing sealife. Built in 1927, at one time the pier was 1,000 feet long, but some furious www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

storms have brought it to its current size. With good timing, folks can spot Loggerhead, Leatherback and Kemp’s Ridley Turtles. Huge manta rays (some as large as 20 feet wide) leap out of the water during mating season. Of course dolphin are the most common spotting.

Tarpon and shark fishing is very popular from the pier, and you can get fishing gear and bait in the pier tackle shop. You might notice the sand on the beach is a slightly reddish color.

The coquina reef off the coast creates that color, which is somewhat unique to the area.

The waves off Flagler Beach are considered the 3rd best in the state, and are favored by surfers.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is a beautiful, serene 400 acre park that was once owned by a distant relative of George Washington’s. It was a plantation in the 1830s, and the home is now a visitor’s center.

Everything on the property is natural, and the abundant coquina along the park’s shoreline was used in part of the architecture. There are a lot of Timucuan Indian middens to be found in Flagler County, and you can see the remains of one in the back of the visitor’s center.

Walking through the gardens, we found some interesting plants and wildlife. From our guide, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park

cedar, cypress, live oak, pine, and the plentiful coquina.

Also built were tennis courts, riding stables, and the first Florida’s first inground pool from 1880s at Washington Oaks

Princess Place Preserve lodge

in-ground pool in the state. His wife outlived him and remarried a prince (hence the name.)

There are many hiking and equestrian trails to choose from, and even a 1/2 mile wheelchair trail. Birding is reputed to be great here, visitors can see bald eagles in the winter.

Floida’s past comes to life at the Florida Agricultural Museum, where they have a fully restored pioneer homestead with five 1930s era buildings and a small dry goods store. The buildings were moved here from their original locations. The 400 acre property is also home to some heritage livestock including Cracker Cattle and Horses. We had fun touring the land in a cart pulled by a 1956 tractor. In the planning stages for the museum’s future is a 1890 pioneer homestead, a Native American village, a Spanish 1600s ranch, an 1850s cotton plantation, and a 1940s industrial agriculture display.

Ranger Joe Woodbury, we learned that the Yaupon Holly’s leaves and stems were roasted and used by Native Americans to brew a strong dark tea, which was high in caffeine. We saw two hundred fiftyyear old oaks and 1870 homestead at the Florida Agricultural Museum grapevines, also roses, Washington Oaks Ranger Joe Woodbury c a m e l l i a s , Marineland was azeleas — once Marine there’s something blooming all year Studios, which long. We even bumped into a big was built in the gopher tortoise ambling along the 30s. “The Creature path. Visitors can hike, bike along the From The Black trails, and go fishing from either the Lagoon”, and the beach or the Matanzas River.

TV series “Sea The land that Princess Place Hunt” were filmed Preserve stands on was once deeded to Nancy Robinson drives the FL there, and the a Mr. Francisco Pellicer by the King Agricultural Museum’s 1956 tractor studio became the of Spain in 1788. It was used to grow world’s first oceanarium. People flocked from sugar cane, corn and cotton. In later years the all over to see how sharks, dolphins and other land would be used for timber and turpentine. marine animals really lived. It was at In the 1880s, then owner, Mr. Cutting, built an Marineland that they discovered that dolphins Adirondack-style (unusual in it’s day) hunting use sonor. Today it is a research and lodge using natural resources from the land — www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

conservation facility and a “dolphin encounter” attraction.

From the Palm Coast Marina we rented a quiet 21’ boat from Electric Boat Rentals and enjoyed a very pleasant ride along a peaceful wide waterway, past natural preserves and even saw a few derelict fishing camps alongside some million dollar homes. If you go early in the morning, you might see a deer or two along the shoreline, but at anytime you are sure to see plenty of different kinds of birds.

With a 10 hour battery charge, you have plenty of time to explore the intracoastal and canals.

There’s plenty to do in Flagler County — or just relax and lay on an uncrowded beach. Visit the Florida that Northerners originally came here for.

Electric Boat Rentals Captain Eric Spingath

Electric Boat Rentals at the Palm Coast Marina

If You Go...

- visitflagler.org - beachhousebeanery.com - beverlybeachcamptown.com - 386-569-4907 - flaglerbeachpier.net flaglerbeachmuseum.com - myagmuseum.com - hammockbeach.com palmcoasttowncenter.hgi.com islandcottagevillas.com - jtseafoodshack.com Marineland - marineland.net hamptoninn.com flaglerparks.com/princess - sicomonoinn.com - 1-800-555-4735 floridastateparks.org/washingtonoaks

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35

GAMING SCENE

CityCenter

Photo courtesy of CityCenter

36 ACCENT On Tampa Bay

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

CityCenter doesn’t just contain art, it is art. The interior and exterior architecture of the buildings is like no other in Las Vegas, a constantly Art fronts 3 restaurants at Aria

changing city of new and unusual concepts. Juxtaposed leaning buildings, areas with no right angles, cantilevered sections, and art incorporated into the designs are what make CityCenter so unique and amazing. Kudos to the eight of the world’s foremost architects chosen for their visions. Strategically displayed throughout CityCenter is $40 million of art, some by long established artists (Henry Moore, Claes Oldenburg), and Chef Julian Serrano some by hot new artists (Maya Lin, Jenny Holzer) and all very captivating. Water plays a big part in the CityCenter scene, with a lot of fountains and water features designed by the creative WET company (responsible for the magnificent Bellagio fountains) — all part of CityCenter’s sustainable design.

Crystals

Still to open are the Veer Towers, 2 residential 37 story high-rises that are built at a five-degree incline; and The luxurious Harmon Hotel and Spa which will feature a pool deck perched 100 feet above the strip and elite retail shops.

We stayed at the CityCenter’s beautiful new boutique hotel, Vdara, which is a no-smoking, no-casino hotel and condos.

This is a great find for folks like us who don’t smoke, but still enjoy what Vegas has to offer with dining and entertainment. The modern decor guest rooms are all suites decked out in everything stateof-the-art. The 42” Digital LCD TV even addressed us by name when we turned it on. Vdara’s beds and pillows are the most comfortable we have ever slept on — we even ordered their pillows for our home. The hotel has an attractive lobby bar, and the atmospheric Silk Road Restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Vdara’s spa has a highly qualified staff and quality salon products, and a full fitness center. The hotel is connected to the Bellagio Hotel/ Casino and just steps away from CityCenter’s Aria Hotel/Casino.

Aria guest suite

rituals, wellness center, and yoga studio. People will be pleased to now be able to experience this in Las Vegas.

The 4,000 room Aria is the centerpiece of CityCenter, with distinctive accommodations, brand new Vdara lobby casino games, many innovative restaurants, spa, pools, you name it, it’s there. Guestrooms have advanced technology, and spectacular floor-to-ceiling views of either the strip or mountains. Suites have separate living and bedroom areas and are very roomy at 920 square feet. For dining, options range from casual to fine fare by celebrity chefs. Making his debut at Aria is Chef Masayoshi Takayama, who is bringing his Japanese cuisine to Barmasa Restaurant. Some other celebrity chefs are Shawn McClain at Sage, Julian Serrano at Julian Serrano, JeanGeorges Vongerichten at Jean Georges Steakhouse, and Michael Mina at American Fish.

You may be surprised at the high percentage of people who come to Las Vegas for shopping rather than gambling. They will be very pleased with CityCenter’s elite shopping collection at Crystals, as well as the interactive water art which is part of the mall’s unique layout. Choose from brands such as Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Cartier, Tom Ford, Caroline Herrera, Roberto Cavalli, Versace, to name a few. Crystals is also home to art galleries, and restaurants such as Wolfgang Puck’s “Puck”, and Eva (“Desperate Housewives”) Longoria & Todd English’s “Beso” and several other dining spots. Above Eva & Todd’s restaurant is her nightclub, Eve, which was really rocking at the Grand Opening.

Speaking of rocking, the highly anticipated new Cirque du Soleil show, “Viva Elvis” is in preview performances (as of this writing) at Aria. We were privileged to see some numbers from the show at CityCenter’s Grand Opening.

Priscilla Presley was in attendance, as she had a lot of input into the show. They’ve incorporated the life of Elvis using large image film pieces infused with the grace and athleticism of the Cirque performers with dazzling sets and costumes. The sound system in the specially built theater is incredible — we can’t wait to return to see the show in its entirety.

Viva Elvis, and Viva CityCenter!

The exclusive Mandarin For more information, visit Oriental Hotel is a 47www.citycenter.com. story, non-gaming hotel For more photos on and residential tower at CityCenter, please visit CityCenter, and offers Pricilla Presley the Mandarin’s legendary brand of exclusive service. Guest rooms are plush and beautifully designed with oriental touches.

The Spa at Mandarin Viva Elvis Oriental is, of course, renowned for its holisAccentOnTampaBayMagazine.com, tic therapies and spa and click on Travel & Event Photos. on Tampa Bay

DVD VIEWS

The Complete LOVE COMES SOFTLY Collection Duke (The Miracle Worker), Cloris Leachman (Young Frankenstein) and Lou Diamond Phillips (“Stargate: Universe”).

A truly successful and enduring franchise, the Love Comes Softly series has sold more than 30 million books and 3.5 million DVDs. The set includes each release of the Love Comes Softly franchise that originally aired on The Hallmark Channel from 2003 to 2009, including Love Comes Softly, Love’s Enduring Promise, Love’s Long Journey, Love’s Abiding Joy, Love’s Unending Legacy, Love’s Unfolding Dream, Love Takes Wing and Love Finds A Home.

These titles rank as the highest rated films in the history of The Hallmark Channel.

A

charming saga of faith, family and friendship — and the perfect gift for Valentine’s Day — is The Complete Love Comes Softly Collection on DVD from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

This collection is an emotional journey that follows a courageous group of women — unwavering in their faith — over three generations through their trials, tragedy and triumphs. An uplifting anthology from filmmaker Michael Landon Jr., the collection stars Emmy Winner Katherine Heigl (“Grey’s Anatomy,” The Ugly Truth), January Jones (“Mad Men”), Scout TaylorCompton (Halloween) and Haylie Duff (Napoleon Dynamite) and features several guest stars including Oscar Winner Patty

NEW RELEASES DRAMA Bluray. Revisit this cult classic in stunning high definition with an all star cast.

Starring Jake and Maggie Gyllenhaal, Drew Barrymore and Patrick Swayze, the story follows a delusional high school student who is visited by a demonic rabbit with eerie visions of the past, and deadly predictions for the future. www.foxhome.com - Take an intimate look into the heart and mind of an American soldier in this urban drama. Nineteen year old Mike Holland (Nick Cannon) has 96 hours to make peace with his friends and family and maybe begin a new relationship on the eve of his deployment to Iraq. Get a glimpse of the emotional battlefield our troops navigate as they leave America’s streets to fight in a completely different world. www.miramax.com

- The comedy that launched the careers of Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles DVD includes a sneak peek at Heath Ledger’s screen test. Cameron is smitten with beautiful Bianca, who isn’t allowed to date unless her surly older sister Kat does.

Cameron’s only hope is to enlist the help of Patrick, the school troublemaker with a reputation as nasty as Kat’s. www.10thingsmovie.com 38

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www.foxconnect.com - Immerse yourself in this sunny, uplifting romantic comedy starring Nia Vardalos and Richard Dreyfuss. Georgia, a recently laid-off history professor is a travel guide to a motley crew of hilariously crass tourists. She is ready to give up until she loses herself in the arms of the “Greek god” (Alexis Georgoulis) who’s been hiding right under her nose. www.foxconnect.com

- Spec. Ed. - Join Pooh and his pals as they set off on an exciting adventure to find the Smitten (love bug) they think has bitten Christopher Robin. Brimming with magic and delightful songs, the DVD reminds us that there’s room in our hearts for both old and new friends. www.disney.com/poohvalentinedvd - Bring animals from the seven continents home to your baby. Meet dozens of exotic animals including Asian pandas, Australian kangaroos and Arctic snow monkeys...all filmed in their beautiful, natural habitats. Rhythms and songs inspired by faraway lands have been orchestrated especially for little ears and encourage your baby to sing, dance and play to the world beats. www.babyeinstein.com - Embark on a supernaturally exciting adventure as the Russos join together on a quest full of heart-stopping action and hilarious magical mishaps. While on vacation, Alex (Selena Gomez) accidentally casts a spell that threatens her family’s existence. Max tries to keep his parents together while Alex and Justin search for the “Stone of Dreams” to save their

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family. www.disney.com - A volcano on the island of Java is about to blow, and the Team needs to free a monkey stuck in a tree. They’ll need all of Rocket’s special firefighting gadgets to save the day. Then its off to a thrilling car race in Monaco, dash to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and chug up the Andes Mountains when Rocket transforms again — into an ice-cream train. www.littleeinsteins.com - Features a full reprint of the storybook, BARNEY’S COUNT TO TEN, and a full-length DVD. Barney’s friends are holding a book drive in the park, and every time they open a book, a new tale begins. Reading helps their imaginations grow and inspires them to build a makebelieve rocket, put on a circus - and create their own books. www.barney.com Team up with Bob and the Can-Do Crew in 5 episodes as they build a radio station complete with a broadcast tower, play skidsies with Roley and Muck, design greenhouses out of recycled material, and much more. www.bobthebuilder.com - Two disc ed & Blu-ray. The tale of Tinker Bell, continues in an all-new adventure beyond Pixie Hollow. Discover how the Pixies make their magic dust.

Take off in a hot air balloon with Tinker Bell and her new friend Blaze, a lightning bug who lights her way, on an enchanting secret journey to find a new moonstone, the source of the Pixies mystical dust. www.disneybluray.com

- When Pete is begged by his best friend Poole to stand-in as their high school’s mascot, the chicken, Pete agrees as long as his identity will remain unknown. The chicken becomes a celebrity except no one knows that Pete is the chicken. Pete must decide if it’s finally time to admit that he’s the man behind the beak.

- Melissa could use some attention from her dad, Neil, who spends most of his time creating missions for his imaginary son teen spy Tripp Zoome. A daughter-dad vacation gets off to a rocky start when what is supposed to be a quick detour ends up becoming a rescue mission. www.disneychanneldvd.com - Zack and Cody are somewhat more mature, but that doesn’t stop them from pulling high-seas high jinks in four funny episodes from the smash-hit Disney Channel original series. Plus, this DVD includes the twopart pilot episode, bonus episodes, cast interviews and more. www.disneychanneldvd.com

This lively documentary explores the making of the Beatles’ 1967 film, THE MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR. Through the anecdotes of friends and relatives of the band who witnessed the making of the movie firsthand, as well as via never-before-seen 8mm home movie footage, an almost magically upbeat experience is documented for all to see. www.mvdvisual.com - From Tennessee to Tinseltown, Miley Cyrus has become one of the most iconic young people in the world. This DVD takes a look at the girl behind the glitz. Can she survive the pressures of the Hollywood media circus? www.amazon.com

- These 6-DVD sets come in a collectible black tin, an exclusive Zorro pin, a collectible lithograph, and a numbered authenticity certificate. All 78 fully restored black and white episodes, will be included on the two sexdisc sets. From 1957-1959, Disney’s Zorro was one of the most popular series on television starring Guy Williams. www.disneyDVD.com With one of the most celebrated casts on television, including Harvey Keitel, Michael Imperioli, Gretchen Mol and Jason O Mara, Life On Mars is a smart, suspenseful drama. NYPD detective Sam Tyler is suddenly hurtled back in time to 1973 after being struck by a car in 2008.

Journey back to the 70s and uncover the secrets of Life On Mars. www.lifeonmarsDVD.com

The girls are at it again and having a good time hitting the mats. This is wild and crazy, no-holdsbarred cat fighting and grappling at its best. In three programs - featuring dysfunctional storylines, vignettes, locker room drama, high-flying wrestling battles and unique match concepts with bodacious vixens. www.infinity-entertainmentgroup.com Andrea Lin has appeared in music videos for everyone from Britney and Madonna, to L’il Kim and Dave Chapelle, and now she has crafted a unique dance/ workout instruction experience. Incorporating hiphop, ballroom, salsa and cutting edge Asian moves into her blend, she makes tech-

OWN IT NOW! - In mindblowing IMAX detail, unravel the enshrouded human time capsules that have become the most fascinating mystery of our time Egypt’s mummies.

Probe ancient tombs to uncover these carefully hidden phenomena, and follow top scientists as they embark on a modernday forensic investigation of the mummies that could have huge implications in the study of modern diseases. Film scanned at 8K for superior video quality. www.mummiesfilm.com - What’s 90 feet, 180 tons and has a heart the size of a Volkswagen? Dive down into the deep blue sea Down Under to learn about earth’s largest inhabitant, the Blue Whale.

Smithsonian’s HD cameras capture the creature having a feeding frenzy. DVD also includes a bonus feature, Footprints On The Water: The Nan Hauser Story, unraveling new clues to the behavior of whales and dolphins. www.amazon.com

WINNIE THE POOH A VALENTINE FOR YOU

BUY IT NOW!

WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE The Movie

TOP RENTALS CRASH THE DEPARTED THE BUCKET LIST THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN CASINO ROYALE LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE BLOOD DIAMOND IRON MAN THE NOTEBOOK BABEL THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA

3:10 TO YUMA THE DARK KNIGHT THE HOLIDAY INSIDE MAN MR. & MRS. SMITH WALK THE LINE HOTEL RWANDA CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR MICHAEL CLAYTON THE DA VINCI CODE DEJA VU GET SMART

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WORTH AVENUE

Palm Beach

Renato’s Restaurant in a courtyard.

40

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e all know Palm Beach is the playW ground of the very wealthy (at least it was, until Bernie Madoff took all his friends and neighbors to the cleaners) and the very exclusive Worth Avenue is where they like to spend their money. Here you will find the crème de la crème of jewelry, clothing and accessories, with such iconic brands as Tiffany, Cartier, Chanel, Armani, Gucci, Hermes, Ferragamo, and Valentino to name just a few. Not all of the 200 stores are out of reach for the common man, and sometimes the very high-end shops will have great sales.

There are reputedly 24 billionaires in Palm Beach, and 71,000 (give or take) millionaires in Palm Beach County, so you can see that Worth Avenue can easily be supported by it’s own residents. Funny thing about Palm Beach is it frowns on “new” money. It’s not too crazy about celebrities, mostly favoring titans of industry. There are no real nightclubs to speak of in town, and the average age is 68, so it’s pretty low key.

Whether you can afford to shop there or not, Worth Avenue is definitely “worth” a visit. It’s architecture and layout is really quite beautiful, having been created in the 1920s by Florida’s most famous architect, Addison Mizner. The street is only 1/4 mile long, and runs between the beach and the intracoastal.

Mizner’s Mediterranean Revival style vision for Palm Beach was not liked by everyone in his day, as some considered it too “foreign”. But his vision prevailed, and is greatly appreciated today. He played around with shapes, sizes and levels for doorways, windows, balconies and roofs, but was always practical in design, taking advantage of tropical breezes in the Florida heat. A lot of the shops along Worth Avenue have apartments above them, which today are mostly used for shop’s offices.

As I strolled along the avenue, I noticed a

Mizner’s varied roof levels and different window shapes in a via.

A glamerous via leading to a courtyard of shops

lot of intriguing and very attractive alleys or “vias” that lead to more little boutiques or restaurants. None of these side lanes go through to the next street, creating wonderful little courtyards, with no two alike.

Mizner’s varied windows and charming barrel-tiled roofs are very much in evidence. Each via had it’s own charm, and made me eager to see the next.

There are several unique restaurants on Worth or on one of the vias, and all come highly recommended. I had a delightful lunch of Strigoli con pesto e gamberi (little dumplings with pesto and shrimp) at Bice, an airy modern spot with a Tuscan-style courtyard. Also abundant on the Avenue are antique and art galleries with some extraordinary art. One piece in Gallery Biba that caught my eye for it’s dark humor was an acrylic/polystyrene cake by Jonathan Stein with Bernie

Bernie Madoff immortalized with Jonathan Stein’s “Everyone Watns A Piece Of Madoff” at the Gallery Biba.

Windsurfer’s take advantage of some good winds at the beach end of Worth Avenue.

Madoff’s picture on it and several knives sticking in it, entitled “Everyone Wants A Piece Of Madoff” — sentiments of half the town, I’m sure.

I gleaned some Worth Avenue information from an expert from Island Living Private Tours, Leslie Diver, who knows everyone and everything related to Palm Beach. A lively and personable lady, she also gives other specialty tours, including a 1 1/2 hour bike tour of the area.

For the history of Worth Avenue, one needs to seek out the font of all Worth knowledge, “The Living Landmark”, Mr. James Ponce. This 92-year old gentleman gives monthly walking tours on the Avenue, dressed like Henry Flagler in a top hat, and walking cane. Mr. Ponce was born in St. Augustine, and can trace his Spanish ancestry in Florida back to 1594.

His father, a mortician, was the one who

One of Worth Avenue’s charming restaurants, Renato’s.

buried Henry Flagler in 1913. The walking tours are free, but a donation for the Historical Society of Palm Beach is welcomed. The Palm Beach County Film & TV Institute has a DVD with Mr. Ponce’s tour for sale, and is available through the Worth Avenue website.

An easy walk along the Avenue took me to the beach, where I sat on a bench and watched a few brave windsurfers battling (and enjoying) some rough seas.

I may not have done a lot of shopping on Worth Avenue, but I did come away with memories of a very pleasant and informative afternoon.

For more information on Worth Avenue, visit their website: www.worthavenue.com. For information on Island Living Private Tours, visit www.islandlivingpb.com

A courtyard full of artwork.

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ON THE BOOKSHELF

Florida Authors Write...

STUFF TO SPY FOR

SHORT CUT

by Don Bruns

by Joseph J. Del Sordo

B

est friends James Lessor and Skip Moore dream about hitting the big time. When James lands a job to install a state-of-the-art security system for Synco Systems. There’s a huge commission-and plenty of stringsattached. To collect on the cash, James will have to provide ‘additional services’ by assuming the role of pretend boyfriend of Sarah Crumbly, an employee who’s having an affair with Sandler Conroy, Synco’s married president. When Sandler’s wife offers James a tidy sum for the dirty details about what’s going on at Synco, James and Skip resurrect their entrepreneurial dreams and go into the business of being spies. The spymobiletheir beloved, rattletrap of a boxtruck-is on its last legs, and they’ll have to spend a small fortune on spy equipment, but there’s no business like spy business.In this spy game, James and Skip may be the ones who get played-or worse.

About the Author... Award-winning novelist Don Bruns is also a songwriter, musician and advertising executive. He and his wife Linda divide their time between Lima, Ohio and Sarasota. www.donbrunsbooks.com

FORGOTTEN TALES OF FLORIDA

by Bob Patterson

W

ith such a rich and significant history, it’s only natural that some of the best stories from the Sunshine State have been forgotten over time. Master storyteller and St. Augustine resident Bob Patterson offers this collection of the strangest, most fascinating stories and legends in Florida’s history from coast to coast, swamp to swamp. Enjoy the saga of William Ellis, a north Florida nature whisperer who escaped from his

J

oe Kator is an ordinary man faced with an extraordinary mission. Beings on the planet Equal have taken a special interest in Earth. They love the atmosphere, the animals, the oxygen, and the flowing water. But they are displeased with how humans treat Earth, abusing the resources and running the planet into the ground. Sam is sent to Earth specifically to give Joe the mission of setting things straight. The stakes are high: Should Joe fail, Earth will destroy itself. Armed with a sophisticated bracelet and helicopter, Joe formulates a plan to save Earth. He must battle bureaucracy and criminals, repeat offenders, and out-of-control truck drivers. He only has five years to get the job done-will he be able to finish in time?

About the Author... Joseph J. Del Sordo was born in Italy and came to the United States when he was nine years old. He served in the Air Force until 1945. When not writing or inventing, he enjoys being involved with the American Legion and the Knights of Columbus. He has been married for fifty-eight years to his wife, Grace, and has two children, Joseph Jr. and Michael. www.dorrancebookstore.com

nursing home with the help of his varmint friends; step into the murk and mystery of the vanishing tribes of the Everglades; and could there really be gator-hungry sharks lurking in the St. Johns River?

These stories and so many more await when you explore the Forgotten Tales of Florida.

NEW RELEASES

When Jordan Sandor resigned from active service with the CIA, it was before 9-11. He is drawn back into action, when a series of violent events leads him to search out a new al-Qaeda conspiracy. Never sure who he can trust and who may be an enemy, Jordan relies on his experience and skills as he risks his life to uncover plans for attacks against the United States and its allies. www.jeffreystephens.com 42

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Philadelphia banker Jack Oliver has always made tough choices and sacrifices to achieve success, but when his mid-sized banking group is bought out by a mega-chain, he finds himself knocked from the top rung to the bottom of the ladder. When stress lands him in the hospital, he realizes that his wife and kids hate him and his mistress is only interested in the number of zeros in his paycheck. When he is approached by an the president of a small bank, he may discover how to lead a new kind of ‘questionable life.’ www.lukelively.com

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When Laurence Wyatt, one of Matt’s best friends, is murdered, Matt trades in his easygoing ways for a hard-hitting quest for revenge. Determined to do whatever it takes to solve the murder, Matt embarks on a clandestine investigation. Expect the unexpected in this wild and dangerous ride from Longboat Key to Frankfurt, Germany. www.oceanviewpub.com

This book takes readers to the cutting edge of warfare for a close look at the make-up, operations, and performance of a military unit operating independently and forcefully at the

forefront of battle. It offers an unparalleled view of the experience of the 1st Marine Division in Vietnam. Illustrated with photographs, diagrams, and tables, the book covers every aspect of this units role in the war. www.zenithpress.com

This is a collection of essays from those working in the broadcast media. There is little glamour in a job that requires wadding through filthy flood waters, talking through flying ash, bracing oneself during hurricane winds, and risking life and limb to cover the world’s hotspots. These stories have not been told “on the air”. www.elizabethsanchez.net

These are the harrowing firsthand accounts of armored combat, from the days of the century’s first tanks to the latest encounter on the streets of Baghdad: the impressions of those who fought in noman’s land during World War I; the stories of green American tankers taking on German Tigers or fighting through a sea of Red Chinese soldiers in Korea. These are the heroes of our time, taking a moment to tell us what it is like to confront the enemy in tank warfare. www.zenithpress.com

Tormented, beaten, starved, where did they find the strength — spiritual and physical — to resist?” Over 10,000 German Jews fought in the allied armies of World War II. This book is a tribute to the overlooked men and women who risked everything to help rid the world of evil. www.zenithpress.com

Author Kiester explores the lives of 22 of history’s most authoritative figures and reveals key, and often unknown, events that affected their core beliefs, changed their lives, shaped their paths to greatness, and changed the world. The book includes more than 90 archival images gathered from around the world. www.fairwindspress.com

Author Cummins revisits some of the most dreadful and destructive acts of violence in history—from moments of sheer madness and merciless military offensives, such as that of the Spanish conquistadors in 1521 in what is now Mexico City, to clinically orchestrated campaigns of genocide, as took place in early twentieth-century Armenia, Nazi-occupied Eastern Europe, and 1970s Cambodia. It is illustrated with more than 100 striking archival images. www.fairwindpress.com

In a small farming community an acclaimed oncologist was welcomed at the new cancer treatment center. But soon, during chemotherapy, 857 patients who were already fighting cancer were exposed to the deadly hepatitis C virus. At least ninetynine of them contracted the lethal illness. This was the largest healthcaretransmitted outbreak of hepatitis C in American history. This book is an account of the health challenges these patients encountered and their quest for justice. www.fairwindspress.com

Here is the ultimate history of the Grateful Dead and their fans. Relix magazine was the inspiration for a generation.

This book is a compilation of the first 27 years of Relix magazine (since 1974) and includes interviews with Jerry Garcia, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann, and all of the Dead’s key players. It also features iconic groups such as the Doors and Phish, along with brain-melting artwork and anecdotes from Relix founder Toni Brown. www.musicdispatch.com

Even Elie Wiesel struggles with the question: Why didn’t the Jews fight back? In view of the circumstances, he concludes that the question is “how do many of them DID?

This is the first hands-on how-to manual devoted to the legendary Fender Telecaster electric guitar — the world’s first production solid-body electric. Along with an inwww.AccentOnTampaBay.com

depth look at the Telecaster’s history, the book covers maintenance and repairs such as tuning, setting intonation, tremolo alignment, fret repairs, bridge and nut adjustments, troubleshooting; stageside fixes; and basic performance enhancements. www.voyageurpress.com

Humorist Diana Estill sets loose her alter ego Deedee Divine in this hilarious life survival guide. She explains why “family that doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” women won’t read maps, and men should never use the “Bword”: budget. If you’ve ever wondered what keeps couples together or where to find the path to success, Deedee has these answers and more. www.totallyskewed.com A Humorous Look at Customers from a Service Technician’s View. Having been in private business for many years, Weaver learned customers are the key to good business. Any service person knows that customers can provide a lot of fodder for good stories. Reading this book will give an inside view of what it’s like from the other side of the counter. www.gonzoweaver.com

You sleep (hopefully) for 8 hours. You work (at least) 8 hours. What are the other 8 hours doing for you? This book provides a blueprint that will help you carve out more time in your day and find the inspiration to spend that free time in a more productive way.

You’ll discover new ways to radically improve your life both personally and financially. www.stmartins.com

From planners, caterers, and entertainers to floral designers, ice sculptors, and lighting gurus, these compendiums share the passions and motivations of the event industry’s most popular specialists. Each affair is accompanied by lighthearted editorial, providing a look behind the scenes at birthdays, corporate functions, religious milestones, and charity galas. With beautiful photographs, the collections invite readers to enjoy the splendor of elite events. www.panache.com

BEAUTY & FASHION ailed as one of “today’s top stylists” in the country and Manhattan’s cult favorite “Best H Colorist,” Paul Labrecque’s hair care philosophy underscores a forward thinking vision for beauty – simplicity is the key to looking your best. Known for his fashion-forward style ecognized worldwide for offering ecofriendly skincare treatments, Pevonia Botanica is now offering their Power Repair Spa Vitamins.

Pevonia Botanica is an elite spa care line chosen by prestigious spas worldwide.

Offering more than 100 professional in-spa treatments, plus over 200 specialized at home products; Pevonia provides effective skincare solutions for women and men of every age and ethnicity. Nature’s purest holistic botanical and marine elements synergize with high-tech manufacturing to deliver outstanding visible results and an unsurpassed spa experience. Paraben-free and made with organic extracts, Pevonia maintains a harmonious balance with precious resources by offering fully recyclable, completely biodegradable packaging and refraining from any form of animal testing.

Their “Go Green” program has spearheaded many future ideas and reemphasizes the brand’s ongoing commitment.

Pevonia Botanica Power Repair Spa Vitamins contain resveratrol, extramel and anthocyanins to make up the custom ingredient blend found in each of the varieties available, resulting in healthy, visibly radiant skin.

The varieties include AccuMind, which promotes cerebral health and wellness; LipoRefine, which helps prevents fat storage accumulation under the skin; ClariPlex, which helps fight blemish formation and prevents scarring; Youth Renew, which supports youthful, radiant skin and healthy immune and cardiovascular systems; and the PevoVitale Age-Defying Vitamin Drink, which helps increase energy, prolong vitality and enhance mental function.

For more information, visit www.pevonia.com

AVON

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sense, clean, modern cuts and custom color, Paul now takes effortless beauty to the next level with the all new Paul Labrecque Premium Hair Care collection.

Personally tested and formulated by Labrecque at his award-winning Manhattan salons, he has merged simplicity with high performance quality to formulate hair care tailored to address the needs of every hair type. Labrecque’s collection has expanded with the introduction of a new product called the Repair Condition Restorative Protein Mask. This product is formulated for all hair types, especially dry, damaged, color-treated or over-processed hair in need of intensive repair. It is for use on scalp and damp hair after shampooing. It is to be left on the hair for 3-5 minutes or up to 20 with heat for intensive conditioning. The key ingredients are: Soy, egg, milk and silk proteins for strengthening and rebuilding; natural abyssinian, coconut and macadamia oils to soften hair, combat frizz, replenish moisture and add luster and shine; and lemongrass oil to repair split ends and damaged hair from deep in the cuticle starting from the inside out.

For more information, visit www.paullabrecque.com

he story of premium denim is one that is intricately intertwined with the launch of 7 For All Mankind in California in 2000. 7 For All Mankind’s premium jeans literally exploded onto the scene, quickly earning critical acclaim and an immediate following for its innovative use of fits, fabrics, and finishes in denim. Sales for the first year reached a staggering $13 million, an unheard of figure in the denim market, and have continued to show exponential growth year after year. In the past seven years 7 For All Mankind has become both an established modern classic for its sophisticated fits as well as a leading trendsetter for its newest fashion forward washes and designs.

The brand, famously dubbed “Sevens” by fashion editors and stylists, grew to fame in no small part because it became an instant favorite among Hollywood’s elite. 7 For All Mankind jeans continue to rank as a preferred jean among Hollywood’s leading ladies such as Angelina Jolie, Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Garner and Liv Tyler. Male celebrities such as Jake Gyllenhaal, Ben Affleck, and Ryan Reynolds became fans of the brand shortly after the launch of the 7 For All Mankind’s men’s collection in 2002.

The company continues to grow and evolve as a true denim lifestyle brand, expanding its product line to include women’s, men’s, kids, sportswear, handbag and footwear collections. 7 For All Mankind continues to merge the worlds of denim and couture to redefine the fashion landscape. The brand is currently sold at its owned retail stores, luxury department stores, and high end specialty boutiques in over 80 countries throughout the world.

For more information, visit www.7forallmankind.com. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Children’s Dream Fund will hold its 17th Annual Sports Auction “Field of Dreams” on Saturday, February 13th, at 6:30 p.m. at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. The event will feature celebrity guests, silent auction, seated dinner, spectacular live auction and Ted Williams Hitters Hall of Fame Induction.

Tickets are $125 and are available by calling 727.896.6390 or by visiting www.childrensdreamfund.org.

Help make dreams come true for seriously ill children by attending the 17th Annual Sports Auction “Field of Dreams” to benefit the Children’s Dream Fund. The seated dinner, auction and Ted Williams Hitters Hall of Fame Induction will be held on Saturday, February 13th, at 6:30 p.m. at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg. Tickets are $125 and are available by calling 727.896.6390 or by visiting www.childrensdreamfund.org.

Making dreams come true since 1981! Visit www.childrensdreamfund.org to see how you can get involved!

Raise money for the Children’s Dream Fund just by searching the Internet with GoodSearch.com (powered by Yahoo), or shopping online with GoodShop.com

AF1” our fans should expect a better product than ever.

We can’t wait to get started.”

The Storm will open the season in Tulsa” Oklahoma” in a match“up with the Tulsa Talons on Saturday”April 3 before having a bye week in Week 2.

They will open their 2010 home schedule on Friday”April 16 against former AFL rivals” the Dallas Desperados. The War on I“4” arena football’s most storied rivalry” will hit Amway Arena in Orlando on Saturday” May 29 before the Storm and their bitter rival” the Orlando Predators” collide at the St. Pete Times Forum on July 31 at 7:30 p.m. in the Storm’s final regular season game.

In all” the Storm will play a total of 16 games during the 18“week schedule with eight being played at the St. Pete Times Forum.

Formed in 2009” the Arena Football One League will commence its Inaugural Season on April 2” 2010.

For more information or to purchase tickets” call 813 301 6600 or visit tampabaylightning.com

The all-new Nuclear Cowboyz Freestyle Motocross tour is coming to the St. Pete Times Forum February 19 and 20 for the first time ever.

The Nuclear Cowboyz tour has assembled the world’s greatest cast of freestyle motocross riders, including legends like Adam Jones, Mike Mason, Nate Adams, Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg, and Ronnie Faisst who will synchronize awe-inspiring tricks while attempting to break world records. The entire 2-hour, heartpounding scripted performance takes place within an intense set made to look like an urban post-apocalyptic scene, with lasers, lights, and incredible pyrotechnics.

This never before seen freestyle motocross will also feature a wide range of added extreme entertainment exclusives like the Nuclear Cowgirlz™ dancers and exotic acrobatic fire presentations. You may have seen freestyle motocross before, but you have never seen freestyle motocross like this!

Tickets are available at any Ticketmaster outlet or by calling 800-745-3000.

The Five-Time World Champion Tampa Bay Storm has announced its schedule for the inaugural Arena Football One season according to Head Coach and General Manager Tim Marcum.

“The release of the full season schedule today puts us that much closer to kicking off the 2010 season and getting the Storm back in their rightful place; in front of its fans,” Marcum said.

“With a good number of our former players (including quarterback Brett Dietz) returning and the excitement of the new www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

The holidays have come and gone, unless of course you’re a government employee, in which case the holidays just keep on coming, except that long stretch between President’s Day in February until Memorial Day in May. (Government doesn’t get Easter…I suggest we all start a movement…Feds with Eggs or something).

In the spirit of the afterglow of holidays, I present sports leftovers…nuggets, tidbits, random flighty thoughts that wafted through my head as the confetti settled after the last big bowl game. Onward!

Mark McGwire and steroids. So Big Mac finally came clean about how his two all beef patties were enhanced by the secret sauce. Yes, a little part of me died…I was actually at the last game when he hammered numbers 69 and 70, and I saved everything I had from that game…program, ticket stub, half eaten hot dog (probably a bad idea on that one).

But that stash in my memory trunk now yellows (or in the case of the hot dog, more mossy green). The worst part about it is this now puts the Hall of Fame voters in a conundrum.

Marky Mark was one of the “good” guys in that feel good summer when he and Sosa traded dingers and smiles. Now that he’s admitted the Cardinal sin, so to speak, he should be voted in, right? Well, if you give a pass to all the good guys,

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you gotta take ‘em all. Yes” the surly HR King Barry Bonds would have to go in”A“Rod” Palmeiro” Jose Conseco6 .ok” Conseco isn’t getting in without a ticket” but still” we’re either gotta have ‘em all” or there’s going to be an awfully drafty wing of the Hall of Fame for the class of the 1990s.

Coaches beating players. Yes” yes” yes6 it’s never OK to hit players” got it. But let’s dive into the culture. You teach these kids to knock the living crap out of the opponents” breathe fire” blood makes the grass grow mentality” and then you have to dial it way down to” what” smooth jazz tones to softly offer development tips when they missed their block and almost had the quarterback decapitated. I’m not saying that choking” backhanding” anything demeaning is OK” but if a coach grabs a facemask and gets in a kid’s face” either deal with it or play soccer. (note: I played soccer. I played soccer like football” though” if that counts).

Resting players in meaningless games. Colts lost the undefeated season when Peyton Manning and Co. took a half day off for an employee appreciation party and watched the backups do their best Keystone Kops impression. On the flip side” dapper dress Bill Belichick plays all his starters and top receiver Wes Welker tears a dozen or so knee ligaments and is out for the year. There’s now talk to force teams to play the starters” or to at least disclose what the coach plans to do with the top players. At what point would it stop? Given that logic” the Buccaneers should have stopped showing up for games at midseason (why not” the fans did). The point is that it’s supply and demand6 .if a team puts a superior product on the field” the fans will come. Put Joe Schmo at QB” and you got empty seats. Economics will drive the decision making” so no need to put in artificial rules.

Snuggies. Nothing to do with sports” but WT?? (told you it was random thoughts) Tiger Woods” or as we call it” Crouching Tiger” Hidden Hydrant. Good news about this story is that it put the one“ liner joke industry back on its feet. Now everyone wants him to come out and cry on national TV” rehabilitate the image” and get back to putting a serious beatdown on the rest of the golfing community. The car wreck watcher in all of us are wanting to see that day” but honestly” he owes us nothing.

Face it” if we still can cheer for a schlub like John Daly” we can certainly get over this and clap for El Tigre. He’s taken the hit on the sponsors” he’s paid in the court of public opinion” so let him move on and see what happens. With all the practice time he now has on his hands” look out” we may see him shooting 58s or 400 yard drives.

Outdoor hockey games. Honestly” I don’t get the fascination. It’s the exact same game as the other 1”…

07 games going on every other day” but wait” it’s outdoors. Why in Lord Stanley’s name would you want to watch a game in subzero weather when you can watch any other game in the comfort of a big old dome. Some say it harkens back to the good old days of youth. My good old days consisted of tearing off the right side of my face when my sled stopped and I didn’t.

Well” there’s your leftovers. I’ll get cooking on some new stuff for the new year. Unless I’m on government holiday.

Working on my Feds with Eggs campaign.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com