Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine_Summer 2010

Accent OnTampa Bay

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ome visit one of the area’s favorite places to shop, sightsee or just relax! Explore the fun at The Pier Aquarium and let their fish entertain you! Discover unique gifts and souvenirs at specialty shops, boutiques and galleries. Delight in our sit-down waterfront restaurants and the Dockside Eatery food court.

Experience dolphin sightseeing tours, charter a sailboat, captain your own electric boat, pedal your way around downtown on a surrey bike, fish and feed the pelicans. Over 500 events annually.

See you at The Pier!

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 Credit: World of Harry Potter courtesy Universal Studios 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 Whisper the password to enter the secret world of a speakeasy. Enjoy live music, games of chance, fabulous food, an open bar and your photo taken with a vintage Rolls. Expect a raid, at the most dangerous evening of the year...1920’s clothing encouraged, but not required.

The Great Gatsby Party will be held in Fletcher Lounge, The University of Tampa on Friday, October 1. www.plantmuseum.com.

- A night of East Coast Swing Dance to the music from the 40’s and 50’s. The evening will begin with a group dance lesson at 7 PM. The social dance is from 8-11 PM. All ages welcomed and no partner is required. Mondays, 7-11 PM, August 2, August 16 and August 30. at Dr. William E. Hale Senior Activity Center, 330 Douglas Avenue, Dunedin, FL . Call 727-298-3299 for more information.

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- August 5. $1 or more from every Blizzard sold at participating locations on that day will be donated to Children’s Miracle Network, a non-profit organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of children by raising funds for children’s hospitals. Miss America 2010 Caressa Cameron, a national goodwill ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network, will serve as honorary spokesperson for Dairy Queen’s Miracle Treat Day. www.MiracleTreatDay.com.

ting on the plaza of the new Tampa Museum of Art and presents 2 to 3 acts with sets lasting 30-45 minutes. The music genres are diverse, primarily acoustic and small rock bands, however different themes such as reggae, country, soul/R&B, etc., are currently being explored. www.rocktheparktampa.com

Mayor Foster for breakfast and informal conversation during “Breakfast With the Mayor,” at 7 a.m. on the fourth Wednesday each month. Bring your thoughts and ideas and support the host restaurants by buying a plate. Location varies. For more information, visit www.stpete.org/mayor/ breakfastwithmayor.asp.

The Sebastian Thomas Gallery, The Donna Gordon Gallery & Studio, MQC Gallery and Gallerias Bohemia, all located in the 600 Block of Central Avenue, St Petersburg, are hosting a Progressive Wine Tasting to benefit Casa, the house that provides safe refuge from domestic violence, on July 31. Each gallery will present a specific varietal, and guests will spend approximately 30 minutes tasting and learning about the grape, the growing region and the winery. Then they will progress to the next gallery, where they will be presented with the next varietal. An RSVP is required, 727-895-4912 or email Tdyer@casa-stpete.org.

- Rock The Park, downtown’s free monthly music event runs on the first Thursday of every month in the newly designed Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. The music series showcases local musicians in an intimate set-

First Sat. Monthly. All you can eat Pancake Breakfast Buffet: Pancake, eggs, bacon, hash browns, grits, OJ and coffee. Proceeds support the Albert Whitted Airport Preservation Society. www.awaps.org

Join

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FOOTLIGHTS D A V ID A . S T R A Z , J R .

CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS SHOWS

What began as a musical about cats after Andrew Lloyd Webber picked up a book of poems in an airport book-

A chilling new play about the sea, Ireland and the power of myth. It’s Christmas Eve in Dublin. In the rundown house where Sharky cares for his blind brother, old acquaintances gather for a card game that is joined by an ominous stranger. As the booze flows and the game intensifies, Sharky discovers that he may be playing for his very soul.

A Couple Blaguards tells the brother's tales of boyhood in Limerick and early adulthood as immigrants in New York.

While pathos lurks beneath the humorous observations of behavior under the pressure of poverty, bigotry, and adversity, the chief intent of the stories of childhood privation, escape, and adult misadventure is simply to laugh at life's absurdities.

shop has become one of the longest running shows in Broadway’s history. Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, CATS features 20 of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s timeless melodies, including the hit song, “Memory.

Maria, a novitiate (“nun in training”), is sent from a nearby convent to act as governess to the seven children of widowed Austrian aristocrat, Captain von Trapp. She soon wins the

. Obie Award-winner Eve Ensler's whirlwind tour of a forbidden zone, The Vagina Monologues introduces a wildly divergent gathering of

The Broadway Theatre Project is a three-week, intensive, musical theatre training program where students attend classes in acting, dance and voice. The project focuses on creating a well-rounded musical theatre performer. The BTP faculty is made up of working professionals from both Broadway and theatre and film around the world. A typical day includes two dance classes, two vocal classes and two acting classes. Evenings are spent either in rehearsals for the final performances or in additional classes.

Master Classes are with artists such as Ben Vereen, Patrick Wilson and Frank Wildhorn.

BTP Founder and Artistic Director Debra McWaters was assistant choreographer on Broadway’s Fosse and Chicago, and is the author of “The Fosse Style”, and “Musical Theatre Training: The Broadway Theatre Project Handbook”.

BTP is celebrating 20 years of excellence this year.

The BTP festival will be held from Thurs, July 29 to Sat., July 31 in the USF theater. www.broadwaytheatreproject.com

Con’t next page

Florida’s Most Exciting Theatrical & Dining Experience!

hearts of the children and their father. With the impending Nazi occupation of Austria, the family barely escapes to the safety of Switzerland. The delightful and inspiring story of the Trapp Family Singers, The Sound of Music features a glorious score by Rodgers and Hammerstein including “Do Re Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss,” “Maria,” “My Favorite Things” and of course the title song, “The Sound of Music.”

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

Up Coming

Mon.-Thur. 9am-7pm Fri.-Sat. 9am-8pm Sun. 10am-3pm Now thru Aug 22

Aug 27-Sept 26

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

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female voices, including a six-year-old girl, a septuagenarian New Yorker, a vagina workshop participant, a woman who witnesses the birth of her granddaughter, a Bosnian survivor of rape, and a feminist happy to have found a man who "liked to look at it."

Charles Ludlam’s Obie-winning comedy is a hilarious Gothic spoof that satirizes everything from Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rebecca” to Victorian melodrama and the movie “The Mummy's Curse”. It’s also a quick-change marathon in which two actors play a dozen roles: English newlyweds, a mysterious maid, a sympathetic werewolf, a vampire and an Egyptian princess brought back to life.

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

SHOW PALACE DINNER THEATRE - July 23 - Aug 22.

Boogie Wonderland is an all-new musical revue which highlights the fads, fashions and music of one of the most outrageous decades in history. Filled with some of the best songs of the 70’s and tributes to classic commercials and variety shows of the era this show is a perfect trip for the whole family.

With a balanced look at the “joys” of growing older, through a cast of three men and three women, Mid-Life! strikes a chord with anyone regardless of age. A series of scenes and sketches poke fun at the frustrations of mammograms, love handles, weekend warriors and proctology exams.

The cleverly crafted songs celebrate forgetfulness, reading glasses and menopause, but also touch on the sentimental wisdom that the later years afford us. Mid-Life! is a hilarious romp with an honest humor about the trials and tribulations of the unavoidable aging process.

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OKLAHOMA! Oct. 1-Nov 20. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s first collaboration remains their most innovative, having set the standards and established the rules of musical theatre still being followed today. Set in a Western Indian territory just after the turn of the century, the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colorful background against which Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl, play out their love story.

Although the road to true love never runs smooth, with these two headstrong romantics holding the reins, love’s journey is as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road. That they will succeed in making a new life together we have no doubt, and that this new life will begin in a brand-new state provides the ultimate climax to the triumphant Oklahoma!

Show Palace, 16128 U.S. 19 N., Hudson.

1-888-655-7469, www.showpalace.net _____________________________________

Tim Kelly - Oct. 117, 2010.

BABES IN TOYLAND by Glen MacDonald, Victor Herbert - Dec. 3-19, 2010.

CHICAGO by Fred Ebb, Bob Fosse & John Kander - Jan. 21-Feb 6, 2011.

LOVE, SEX & THE IRS by William Van Zant & Jane Milmore - March 18Apr 3, 2011.

EVERYBODY

LOVES OPAL by John Patrick - May 6-22, 2011.

TWELVE ANGRY MEN by Reginald Rose - June 10-26, 2011.

The St. Petersburg Little Theater is located at 4025 31st Street South, St. Petersburg, FL 33712; 727-866-1973, www.splt.org

The Little Sisters of Hoboken decide to put on a variety show to raise money to bury sisters accidentally poisoned by the convent cook, Sister Julia. Winner of four Outer Critics Circle Awards including Best Off Broadway Musical, this show has become an international phenomenon. With more than 5,000 productions worldwide, it has been translated into 21 languages.

(Ages 12-18) Leapin’ Lizards! Annie, the popular comic strip heroine, takes centerstage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals.

The Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Dr., Largo, 727-587-6793 www.largoarts.com ______________________________________

2010-2011 Season Tickets are now on sale for the St. Pete Little Theatre’s 20102011 Season: HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES by www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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HOT CONCERTS This year’s hotly anticipated will include a stop at the St. Pete Times Forum on August 4. The American Idol Live! Tour 2010 will feature the American Idol Season 9 top 10 contestants

and

. , presented by Wild 94.1, will return to the St. Pete Times Forum on Saturday, August 28. Joining the headliner will be , and . Last Damn Show features a collection of today’s hottest hip-hop and R&B artists, more of whom will be announced at a later date. In 2009 alone, Gucci Mane has recorded more than 150 songs for 40 different mixtapes and albums. will bring their North American tour to the St. Pete Times Forum on September 16. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers released their debut album in 1976, and have since sold more than 60 million records. Rock legends will share the stage. ZZ Top plays red-hot Texas boogie

Adam Lambert

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Tom Petty and blues, and no one does it better - or has done it longer - than this “little ol’ band from Texas.”

For more information, visit www.sptimesforum.com. is an Kiwi-Aussie rock group formed in 1985 and masterminded by New Zealander, creative force and founding member . They will be performing at Ruth Eckerd Hall July 28. The group is known for some of the best pop music of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s such as “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” “Something So Strong,” “Better Be Home Soon,” “Fall at Your Feet” and “Weather With You.” Neil Finn’s carefully crafted songs, meticulous eye for lyrical detail, and gift for melody are matched by few other songwriters. will be previewing material from a new album at REH on July 30. The album features a diverse group of musicians Patty Griffin, vocals, Darrell Scott, multi instrumentalist/ vocals, Byron House, Bass/ Vocals, Marco Giovino, drums and percussion/ vocals, including co-producer Buddy Miller, guitar/vocals.

The Happy Together Tour rolls into Ruth Eckerd Hall for the first time on July 31.

Celebrate rock history while experiencing some of the greatest artists of the ‘60s and ‘70s, as they come together for a night of hit after hit. You’ll find yourself singing and dancing along to the greatest hits by (“Last Train To Clarksville,” “I’m A Believer”), (“Happy Together,”), featuring (“Midnight Confessions,” “Sooner Or Later”), (“Kind Of A Drag,”), and , former lead singer of (“Kicks”). returns to REH on August 4. Lauper has sold more than 5 million copies of her debut album She’s So Unusual, as well as becoming the first female artist in history to have five top10 singles (“Girls Just Want To Have Fun,” “When You Were Mine,” “Money www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Changes Everything,” “Time After Time” and “She Bop”). and her eight-piece band will perform new material as well as favorites from throughout her career at REH on August 24. Merchant, who has sold millions of records worldwide over the course of her recording career, collaborated with a broad spectrum of artists including the Wynton Marsalis Quartet, and members of the New York Philharmonic. exploded on the international scene in 1985 with their album Songs From the Big Chair and the hit singles “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” and “Shout”. Their follow-up album The Seeds of Love went to #1 on the album charts. will bring their Need You Now Tour to Ruth Eckerd Hall Sept 21.

The trio’s double Platinum album Need You Now debuted at #1 on Billboard magazine’s Top 200 chart and has already spawned the multi-week #1 smash hit songs “Need You Now” and “American Honey”.

Four decades after their first concert together in front of the multitudes at Woodstock, (CSN) will perform at Ruth Eckerd Hall Sept 29.

CSN’s music became a cornerstone of

Orianthi

rock ‘n roll with their self-titled 1969 debut LP, now one of Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.”

For more information, visit www.rutheckerdhall.com The post-game concerts for the Tampa Bay Rays are really bringing in some hot acts with their current lineup: Aug. 14 - Rays vs BAL .

Sept. 18 - Rays vs. LAA, and Sept. 25 - Rays vs SEA For more information, visit tampabay.rays.mlb.com has announced the programming for the 2010/2011 Masterworks, Raymond James Pops, and Coffee Concerts.

The upcoming Pops season offers an entertaining mix of pops music styles. In addition to the Holiday Pops, familiar Broadway favorites and best-loved hits from The Great American Songbook, they will have some new programs — a dance program of tangos, cha chas, rumbas and other rhythms, a tribute to Louis Armstrong with trumpeter Byron Stripling, and a concert salute to the Totally Awesome 80s with the orchestra playing hits by Madonna, Elton John, Michael Jackson and more.

Visit www.floridaorchestra.org for venues.

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MUSIC TRAX

Accent Spotlights . . .

Off The Beaten Path

From The Depths Of Despair To The Top Of The Charts

The versatile singer/pianist, , takes a detour from the contemporary jazz scene on LOOKIN’ FOR A CHANGE, and

explores the pop scene with a collection of songs written and recorded by a range of pop luminaries, like Gnarls Barkley, Coldplay, and John Mayer. His delightful interpretations still have a jazzy ring to them. www.headsup.com Trombonist is a jazz legend, having recorded with Coltrane, Blakey, Gillespie, Basie and more. His latest recording, I WILL TELL HER, contains Fuller originals and a few classics by Sonny Rollins, Kenny Dorham and Billy Eckstine. His band includes some of the finest jazzmen around. www.caprirecords.com

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loose and improvisational approach, producing grooves of R&B, neo-soul and contemporary jazz. www.headsup.com Composer/guitarist shows that serious music can be sun too with his ’s release titled BIG FAT GRIN. The music is witty, driving and full of all the unexpected twists and turns that are the hallmark of Jamie’s writing. Summer ballads to power funk grooves make for a tasty musical treat. www.jamiebegian.com Although has been favorably compared to Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson, her own cool sound shimmers naturally throughout her album NUANCE — twelve tracks of new and previously released material, originals and covers, newly arranged specifically for solo piano. www.lisahiltonmusic.com

INNER VOYAGES: PIANO SOLOS from , is a collection of original compositions that mixes new age, jazz, folk and neoclassical styles. Christopher’s “O Christmas Tree: Solo Piano” was nominated holiday album of the year and charted #3 on Zone Music Reporter. www.christopherboscole.com

Jazz and R&B icon has released PUSHING THE ENVELOPE, showing his super cool side.

Holding nothing back, it exhibits the master musician/saxophonist/songwriter’s skills with his sporano, alto, tenor and baritone saxes, flutes, bass guitar, keyboards, and even synth and drum programming. www.headsup.com

WAITING is a melting pot of jazz with a twist of Fusion, Latin

MIND OVER MATTER is the new CD by saxophonist , showcasing his fine balance of songcraft and musicianship, and featuring guest artists such as Jeff Lorber and Eric Benet. The album takes a very

jazz, Blues, and Rock, and performed by some Cuban legendary musical figures: Roberto Carcases, Pablo Calzado, and Cesar Lopez, to name a few. www.flipswitchpr.com

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, Larry invited some friends to help celebrate. 20th CENTURY features such stellar guest artists as Del McCoury, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart and many more. www.pinecastle.com

’s style is sassy-but-classy, soulful, spiritual, swingin’, bluesy and always heartfelt. At age 73, when many singers are winding down, Margie is still going strong, as is evidenced on her new album, A BIT OF JAZZ AND MORE, recorded with pianist . www.jazzbeat.com

THE STATE OF BLACK AMERICA is an extraordinary new CD by the , featuring music with a purpose, not just to entertain, but also to invite the listener on a journey towards peace and enlightenment through

sound. Lomax’s deeply resonant trap sound and crisply articulated cymbal work establishes him as a strong force in music. www.marklomaxii.com

HOURGLASS, being released in multiple formats: CD, vinyl, and digital, as well as 2 deluxe packages including extra goodies and groundbreaking packaging. www.lamb-of-god.com (Aaron Schroeder) has released a self-titled album that forges his own musical pathway.

Playing all instruments without preconceived song structures, he created 18 songs in 2 weeks. TB floats sonically somewhere between tunes by Pink Floyd and the Eagles. He teams up with musicians to take his sound on the road. www.sarathan.com On their debut album, PLETHORA, the San Antonio foursome, , puts an accordion front and center and mixes the raw essence of conjunto

Much of ’ songwriting happens in the studio during the recording process. Their new release, FUTURE PAST, reflects the duo’s experience of a decade of intimate collaborative songwriting with a fusion of vintage sounds and modern electronica style. www.lovespirals.com ’s new CD, GOOD SIGN, is a collection of uplifting and melodic grooves that fuses electronic and acoustic textures with an instrumental pop sensibility. Davol’s signature style combines rhythmic foundations with rich instrumental layers for a range of emotions. www.davolmusic.com

Coming to the Ford Ampitheatre August 10, will be playing tunes from their new 15th Anniversary album,

with punk rock — “punk rock-y-roll” — for a rollicking good time. myspace.com/pinataprotest. is a multi-instrumental trio that infuses deep electronic roots strategically blended with tight, cutting drum work, melodic, spacious dual guitars, and raw emotional vocals. Check out their new album, ARTIFICIAL HEART. www.helmetroom.com

To celebrate the 20 year anniversary of the

continues his journey of using the piano to speak to the heart. His release WITHIIN MEMORY is a nostalgic look at memories we all share in our unique way, presented with his beautiful soulful music that

ranges from a sweet afternoon memory to his final cut, which is a wistful culmination of this musical journey. www.heartearthmusic.com

bral swing. www.rockpaperscissors.biz ’s members share a vibrant passion for unbridled creativity and music

with Roma roots, and blaze new trails on their album WOMAN IN SIN. Pulling in musical influences from their travels in Europe, the album is a polyglot of personally-felt folk music channeled into vivid original songs. www.rockpaperscissors.biz

’s style of hip-hop is heavy hitting and explores the mind’s of listeners who are faced with the everyday challenges of real life situations. His new album, BONAFIED, features 12 songs that

Each piece on DRAGONFLY by reflects an attempt to craft a tune that is piano driven, and memorable and unique to the overall album. The eleven original instrumental pieces have backing orchestration by creative independent musicians. www.timothycrane.com

’s voice purrs one moment and bursts forth the next on her new album, PROTEGID. She embraces her Cape Verdean roots, and captures

everything from Polish dances to Arabic ornaments with earthy wisdom and cere-

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takes southern hip-hop to new boundaries. wwwsouthernstilesrecords.comh Louisiana, in conjunction with percussive Telecaster chops, www.malaco.com

25 years after they first started making music together, brother/ sister duo , part of the gospel singing Winans family and one of the most successful gospelbased acts of all time, are joining forces again for their first new music in over a decade.

Enjoy gospel at its best on STILL. www.malaco.com on Tampa Bay 11

ART LINES Carolina Cleere A Trio of Wearable Art Related Exhibits

. Turmoil and Triumph features over 70 prints, drawings, watercolors, and posters by more than 50 artists working between 1935 and 1945.

Among the artists represented are John Sloan, Thomas Hart Benton, and Howard Cook. . The Etching Revival (1850–1930) occurred in reaction to lithography, wood engraving, and steel engraving that dominated graphic output at this time. Artists include Whistler, Hassam, Anders Zorn, James Ensor, and Joseph Pennell. . Len Prince is celebrated for glamorous portraits of Hollywood stars and sleek advertisements for Cartier and Estée Lauder. In 2001 he met Jessie Mann, who had practically grown up in front of the camera. Prince and Mann make compelling images that reference paintings, famous photographs, historical figures, and mythology.

The Museum of Fine Arts - 255 Beach Dr. N.E., St. Petersburg. www.fine-arts.org

“NATURALLY FLORIDA” Exhibit by

Keith Martin Johns

T

he Tarpon Springs Cultural Center presents a new exhibit of Florida artist Keith Martin Johns entitled “Naturally Florida” through August 21. The Cultural Center is open Mon- Fri 9 am to 4 pm and Sat noon to 4 pm.

Mr. Johns believes that “in a world of shrinking time and space, the visual arts open up new vistas of discovery and fuel imagination toward resplendent beauty.

Natural beauty may or may not be perceived by the eye, but to respond to it through painting is seeing it with the heart and soul.”

Born in Englewood FL, Keith a fourth generation Floridian, has created works of art in the form of fine paintings from the inspiration of the natural beauty and cultural heritage he has known and discovered in Florida. This has been his main 12

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. 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 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. Five artists provide a 30-year view into one of the most persistent questions: how to reconcile the two-dimensional painted surface with reality of a threedimensional space. .A postage stamp-sized, paper-thin multiple, The Moon Museum was the brainchild of New York sculptor Forrest Myers. A group of the most significant artists of the time including John Chamberlain, David Novros, Bob Rauschenberg and Andy Warhol joined Myers in contributing individual drawings that engineers at Bell Laboratories transferred onto a handful of identical ceramic tiles. The Art object was then attached to the Apollo 12 lunar landing LEM, and has resided on the surface of the Moon now for more than four decades.

For more information, visit www.tampamuseum.org. source of inspiration for almost 30 years. He has created nearly 300 painting titles and has published over 100 images into limited edition fine art prints.

After graduating from Trinity College of Florida with a BA in Biblical studies, Mr. Johns was on staff at a local church as the Director of Missions, which brought a new awakening of international cultural studies to his soul.

His travels took him to remote villages in Africa, India, China, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Poland, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Italy, and South America. Through these travels he has been helped further to appreciate his own culture of Florida.

This passionate artist’s heart desire is to help preserve Florida’s natural beauty and cultural heritage through the visual arts; with an eye on Florida’s present everexpanding development and on its past history and heritage.

For more information, call 727-9423681, or visit www.keithmartinjohns.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Carolina Cleere’s mixed media narrative portraits of lost innocence offer a provocative look at the emotions involved in what is ultimately a celebration of the resilience of the human spirit.

An Exhibit/Silent Auction of mailart paper dolls to benefit education programs at DFAC. Artists either used a standard paper doll template or created their own - DFAC Sizzlin’ Summer young artists design duds for the next generation.

All three exhibits run through August 14.

The Dunedin Fine Art Center is located at 1143 Michigan Boulevard, Dunedin, (727)738-1892. www.dfac.org. _____________________________________

Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art . This is a forty year retrospective which showcases Stowers’ ability to work in a variety of media.

Included in the exhibition are: pen and ink drawings; oil and acrylic paintings; watercolors; monotypes; hand-pulled lithographs; copper plate etchings; stainless steel sculptures and a video presentation.

Stowers, a resident of Crystal Beach, FL, is an artist and environmentalist who has a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture with an emphasis on Regional and Urban Planning from the University of California, Berkeley.

Over the years Stowers has documented the beauty, changes and challenges affecting Florida’s Gulf Coast, and he has used his art to draw attention to the fragility of coastal areas while encouraging activist preservation of these natural resources.

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

Antiques

by Dr. Lori

verwhelming. I think that’s the best word to describe the feelings, fears, and finality of downsizing. I help people through this difficult process on a regular basis by conducting in-home appraisals evaluating art, antiques,

furniture, and collectibles. I find that most people are both excited to move on to a new phase in life and terrified about how to actually get there.

rything in the dumpster, so he doesn’t have to move it to your new residence. Your daughter wants you to keep everything that isn’t nailed down. And, your grand daughter is searching for cool stuff for her first apartment. Then, there are these other subsidiary folks like nosy neighbors and local handymen who are wondering how you will fit your antique grandfather clock or Rococo revival armoire in your new place. Of course, there is always someone like your landscaper, a friend of a friend, or your former housekeeper who is more than willing to give you a few bucks for one of those oversized antiquesjust to help you out. The only people they will help out are themselves.

They are trying to help themselves to your valuable stuff. Remember, even during this trying time, others may try to take advantage of you.

Often, when I make statements like this to help regular folks, I receive hate mail from some people in the business who don’t want me to make you aware of what’s really happening out there.

As you downsize, remember that certain objects, no matter their age or value, are priceless. Your adult son’s macaroni picture frame made in kindergarten, grandma’s favorite holiday sheet music, and the cookie tin of family photographs will all command an important place in your new residence. No matter what, don’t compromise on these objects and don’t give them up. No matter how little space you have or you think you have, it’s important to keep these family heirlooms. My advice is to make room for these special pieces and you’ll be happy you did.

Just like the other phases in your life, downsizing is a big step. Talk to your family and loved ones. Ask for help. They don’t call them loved ones for nothing. Most likely, you didn’t accumulate all of that stuff alone, so why would you be expected to get rid of it or make decisions about it without any help?!

Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, award-winning TV personality, and TV talk show host, Dr. Lori presents antiques appraisal events nationwide and hosts vacation cruises focusing on art and antiques. As seen on The Tonight Show, watch Dr. Lori nationwide on the Fine Living Network and on Daytime weekdays on NBC WFLA TV 8 at 10 am. Visit or call (888) 431-1010.

I think that the age old statement that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure is silly.

Stupid, even. Why? Ask yourself, why isn’t my trash also my treasure? If it is a treasure to someone else, then it is worth money to you, too. You like money, right? Money for trash!

People who sort through your curbside trash don’t think that unwanted stuff is trash. They know it can be valuable. They know it’s treasure.

Some of the most valuable trash is in the homes of the guys who removed the rented dumpster from your deceased grandma’s front yard after you cleaned out her house and trashed everything. A man in Rochester, NY picked up a piece of trash from his neighbor’s curbside pile and sold that trashed chair for $198,000. That doesn’t sound like trash to me, it sounds like cash.

Do you ever wonder why all these peopleseems like everybody you know--are involved in the buying and selling of antiques? They are taking what you have defined as trash just because you don’t like it and they are turning your unknown treasure into their treasure. In these tough economic times, Americans need to realize that they have valuable stuff and they need to realize it fast!

Is this a profile of your downsizing situation? Your son-in-law wants to throw evewww.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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FOOD & BEVERAGE

CAFÉ PONTE Iron Chef Competition Story and photos by Melissa Wolcott and Al Martino

I

ron Chef cooking face-offs have become all the rage in the last few years, and when Chef Chris Ponte from Café Ponte in Clearwater heard that Chef Constantinos “Taki” Laliotitis of the Matanzas Creek Winery in Santa Rosa, CA, was coming to Florida, he arranged for a cooking show-down between the two chefs. To make it a little more challenging — since both chefs were up to the task — it

Chef Chris Ponte from Cafe Ponte.

was suggested they prepare three small plate dishes using the same base ingredients, but add lavConstantinos “Taki” Laliotitis ender into the mix. Lavender, as Chef of the Matanzas Creek Winery it turns out, is more than just a fragrant flower, it is an herb that lends a unique quality to a dish.

Also the dishes were to be created to pair with different Matanzas wines — Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

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hef Ponte studied at the Cordon Bleu in Paris, and graduated at the top of his class. He worked at the famed Taillevent in Paris for a while before returning to the states and apprenticing at Daniel Boulud’s NY restaurant. He opened his own intimate Café Ponte in Clearwater’s Icot Center in 2002, and has garnered a very strong following. His dishes are Contemporary American Cuisine with French, Asian, and Italian influences, with his

Seared Sea Scallops with potato brandade, tomato-date chutney, and a confit of zucchini and herbes de provence.

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Potato Encrusted Sea Bass and Filet Mignon particular favorites.

Chef Laliotitis studied at the Ecole Supérieure de Cuisine Francaise in Paris and also studied different wine regions while traveling to understand the complexity of wine better. He has created meals at world-class restaurants in France, Italy, Japan and throughout California, including the legendary French Laundry in Napa. He is now the chef for Matanzas Creek Winery.

The Matanzas Creek Winery was founded in 1977 in the Bennett Valley region of California’s wine country.

Enveloped by three mountains, their location proved to be ideal for producing a long growing season that’s ideal for grapevines. The lavender used in the chef’s competition was grown on the Matanzas Creek property as well. If you visit their website (listed below), you will see gorgeous photos of their lavender fields, and the winery itself.

Sauvignon Blanc Lavender Poached Shrimp with citrus shaved heart of palm salad and green apple jelly with a lavender vapor.

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his was a cooking competition too good to miss, as we patrons were to sample all the dishes and declare the winner. Since it was being held on Chef Ponte’s “turf”, to make it fair, the dishes were presented to us without telling us who created what.

FIRST COURSE: Chef A. Coconut & Lavender Marinated Scallops with cilantro avocado puree, lavender pickled mango and cucumber.

Chef B. Sauvignon Blanc Lavender Poached Shrimp with citrus shaved heart of palm salad and green apple jelly with a lavender vapor.

SECOND COURSE: A. Herbes de Provence Grilled Shrimp served with smoked

Lavender Tea-Smoked Duck Breast with crispy wontons of duck confit, with Hawaiian pomegranate sweet potato coulis.

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Herbes de Provence Grilled Shrimp served with smoked mashed potato, white wine, and little-neck clam nage.

mashed potato, white wine, and littleneck clam nage.

B. Seared Sea Scallops with potato brandade, tomato-date chutney, and a confit of zucchini and herbes de Provence.

THIRD COURSE: A. Pan Roasted Maple Leaf Duck Breast served with lavender and truffle scented beet risotto, roasted golden beets, with a pomegranate and beet Chef Chris Ponte and Chef Constantinos “Taki” Laliotitis of the molasses.

Matanzas Creek Winery enjoy an Iron Chef “showdown” at Cafe Ponte.

B. Lavender Tea(which, I believe, was bragging rights) Smoked Duck Breast with crispy wontons with a slight edge. However, we patrons of duck confit, with Hawaiian pomegrantook the grand prize, which was a memoate sweet potato coulis. rable dining event.

Dessert was not part of the competition, but was a delicious Lavender Panna For more information about Café Cotta with Pino Noir sauce and lavender Ponte, call 727-538-5768, or visit chocolate created by Chef Ponte. www.cafeponte.com. For more information about Matanzas Creek Winery, hoosing the winner was a very tough visit www.matanzascreek.com, and make call since everything was delectable, but Chef Chris Ponte finally took the prize sure you take the virtual tour.

Visit Accent’s

Dining Guide on the Web with

MenuVue and

VideoVue! AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Keep Mangos All Year Round in Your Pantry

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rispy Green’s new Crispy Mangoes keep mangoes in season all year round and ready to eat straight from your home pantry. Made of 100 percent high quality, freeze-dried mango slices and nothing else — no added sugar, preservatives (including sulfides), colors, fat, cholesterol or sodium. Crispy Mangoes are also vegan-friendly, peanut/tree nut-free, dairy-free and gluten-free and are kosher certified. These tasty, healthy freeze-dried mangoes are a delight with their intense, sweet Mango taste and a light, crispy crunch.

Crispy Mangoes freeze-dried fruit snacks contain approximately one serving of fresh mangoes in a single serving (.36 ounce) bag and provide the same all natural fruit fiber and nutrients as fresh mangoes – without the messiness. The products’ long shelf life

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(36 months) and portability provide children and adults with a nutritious, go anywhere snack that can be enjoyed anytime.

Available in moisture-free, convenient single serving size bags or the handy ‘Grab & Go’ 6PACKS, Crispy Mangoes provide the wholesomeness, natural goodness and fresh flavor of Mangoes in small, snack-sized portions. They are a healthy choice for kid’s lunches, hiking, school, work, or as in between snacks on the go. They can also be added to cereal, yogurt or ice cream.

Crispy Fruit is also available in four other delicious flavors: Crispy Apples, Crispy Asian Pears, Crispy Bananas and Crispy Pineapples.

Crispy Green’s products can be found in the produce and grocery aisles of many leading supermarkets and natural and specialty food stores at a suggested retail price of $1.49. Crispy Mangoes can also be purchased from Crispy Green’s online store.

For more information about Crispy Mangoes and other Crispy Green products, please visit www.crispygreen.com. _____________________________________________________

CLICK Your Way To A Tasty Protein Drink

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n Innovative, new drink, CLICK, combines high protein, espresso coffee and gourmet taste into one healthy, all-in-one drink.

With only 120 calories, 7 grams of sugar, 15 grams of protein and a double shot of real espresso coffee, CLICK provides consumers with a great tasting protein drink that has a rich gourmet flavor without the high calories, sugar and fat. CLICK is the perfect all in one drink for people on the go. It can help you lose weight as a meal replacement, snack, or as a pre or post workout drink.

Now available in two flavors — mocha and vanilla latte, CLICK is a powdered drink that comes in a 16 oz., 14 servingcanister. Consumers are loving CLICK’s versatility as it is one of the few protein drinks enjoyed hot or cold, or blended frappachino style. Fans also personalize their CLICK mixing with water or other liquids such as milk or soy milk as well a variety of flavored syrups.

As an all-in-one beverage, CLICK’s suggested retail price is $24.99 - $29.99. CLICK is available on Amazon.com, Drugstore.com, Bodybuilding.com, Netrition.com and Vitacost.com, as well as specialty retail stores and in GNC stores.

For more information about CLICK, visit www.drinkclick.com

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he year 2010 is the Year of the Tiger and Big Cat Rescue is celebrating in a big way with the 11th annual Fur Ball on Friday October 8. Join Big Cat Rescuers for an evening of wild fun and a feast fit for a king (of the jungle that is). Proceeds from the Fur Ball will fund both the ongoing care of more than 100 big cats that reside at the 45-acre sanctuary in Tampa, FL as well as the tiger conservation efforts of the International Tiger Coalition.

Donna Vivino, who plays Elphaba, lead character in the in the First National Tour of Wicked (The Emerald City Company) has been selected as recipient of the sanctuary’s 2010 “Guardian Angel” award. She will be the guest of honor at the Fur Ball Gala to accept her award. Ms. Vivino was selected to receive the sanctuary’s prestigious award in recognition of her advocation for animal and human welfare causes around the world.

Big Cat Rescue is the world’s largest sanctuary for big cats who have been abused, abandoned, retired from performing acts, or saved from being slaughtered for fur coats. The sanctuary houses tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bobcats, lynx, ocelots, servals, caracals and others — a total of 16 of the 35 species of wild cat, many of whom are threatened, endangered, or now extinct in the wild. At this home for rare and exotic cats, The narrow mission of Big Cat Rescue is to provide the best permanent home they can for these cats.

The broader mission of the sanctuary is to reduce the number of cats that suffer the fate of abandonment and/or abuse and to encourage preservation of habitat and wildlife. People are urged to behave in a way that will support these goals by teaching people about the plight of the cats, both in the wild and in captivity. This is accomplished through guided tours, educational programs for young people, and by maintaining a website that is a great resource for information about exotic cats.

Big Cat Rescue has built enclosures in a very natural habitat with foliage and shelter on a 45 acre site, and provides the best nutritional and medical care possible. They have conditioning and enrichment programs to provide for the cats physical and psychological well being.

The sanctuary is supported entirely by donation.

Big Cat Rescue is located at 12802 Easy Street, Tampa. Call 813-920-4130 for more information, or visit BigCatRescue.org.

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.

If you enjoy Yoga, Pilates, or want to try Hoop Dancing, why not go to Sunken Gardens and exercise in a botanical, tropical paradise.

Every Tuesday and Thursday at 9:15 a.m. This class will help you build long, lean muscles and is perfect for women of all ages and fitness levels. It’s a 50 minute group personal training session with individualized attention.

This format utilizes The Muscle Bar, a weighted bar and resistance tube combo that delivers faster results than just weights or resistance tubes. www.strollerfitstpete.blogspot.com Every Tues. and Thurs. Breathe in and relax.

- Every Mon. and Wed. Spend your lunch hour working out the kinks and learning how to relax.

- Every Mon., Wed. and Fri. at 9:15 a.m. The class offers fitness and nutrition programs specifically designed to help moms get fit after childbirth and beyond. Parents bring their children in strollers as an integral part of the workout. Weekly play dates and monthly mom’s night out events provide valuable social interaction. www.strollerfitstpete.blogspot.com - Variety of horticulture speciality classes offered every Sat. Sunken Gardens is located at 1825 4th Street N., St. Petersburg; 727-551-3100; www.stpete.org/sunken

A Botanical Experience Awaits You...

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

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

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

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Preserve Weedon Island sland Preserve

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’ve lived in the Riviera Bay area in St. Petersburg for 22 years, and am ashamed to say I never visited Weedon Island Preserve which is located right in my own neighborhood until recently. (I also lived in NY City for 35 years and never went to the top of the Empire State Building... still haven’t.) Anyway, I found I wasted many years not enjoying what the preserve has to offer.

Weedon Island Preserve is an ecologically important reserve with a highly

informative and beautifully designed interpretive Cultural and Natural History Center. Their musuem exhibit focuses on Florida Native American history and artifacts. In the preserve visitors can enjoy 4.54 miles of hiking and nature trails that

meander through mangrove forest and seagrass flats, where one can spot wading birds, manatee and various fish species.

Almost two miles of the trails are handicap accessible with boardwalk or concrete. Every Saturday guided Hikes of Weedon Island are conducted by volunteers. (Pre-registration is required at (727) 453-6506.) Guided canoe trips are

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also offered through the Cultural Center.

The Weedon Island Preserve Center’s hours of operation are Wednesday through Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Government budget cuts are always threatening all the Pinellas preserves, so please take out some time soon to enjoy our natural wonders.

For more information on Weedon Island, visit www.weedonislandcenter.org For more Weedon Island photos, visit AccentOnTampaBay.com, click on Event Photo Gallery, click on Tampa Bay Attractions.

BEAUTY & FASHION A new innovation in sun protection is GliSODin Skin Nutrients Advanced Skin Brightening Formula – a.k.a.

Sun Block in a Pill. Enhanced with melon and berry extracts, all one has to do is begin taking these vitamins prior to sun exposure to boost skin’s radiance and preLady Gaga is a fan! vent sunburn.

All their products are carefully formulated with complementary nutraceuticals, natural isolates, vitamins, and minerals for an efficacious product line that enhances skin health and beauty, and supports medical aesthetic procedures.

The Advanced Skin Brightening Formula with GliSODin, was developed to promote even skin tone while working to protect and reduce skin damage caused by UVR exposure, and to complement facial aesthetic treatments designed to reduce skin discoloration. When taken in conjunction with these treatments, the Advanced Brightening Formula helps to support the effects and healing process associated with facial skin resurfacing.

“With the innovation of holistic skincare such as the GliSODin Skin Nutrients Advanced Skin Brightening Formula, you can now enhance the strength of your topical sunscreens without the worry of reapplying after a dip in the pool or at the beach,” says Paula Simpson, certified celebrity nutritionist. Celeb fans of this new product include Lady Gaga, Kellie Pickler and Vanessa Minnillo.

For more information on GliSODin, please visit www.glisodinskin.com

KA b., known for its runway inspired yet comfortable flip-flops, sandals, slides and thongs, have presented its Summer 2010 Collection. Women are gravitating toward the citrusy colors, safari prints, gemstones and classy bridal shoes for looks and comfort.

Touted as the ‘Ultimate Travel Shoe’ and ‘The Premier Spa Shoe’ by thousands of loyal customers worldwide, the newest hit in the summer collection is The Slate Colored Lucy. The sandal is adorned with seashell beads in a flower shape and is projected to be the best selling shoe for the company in 2010.

All of OKA b.’s shoes feature an ergonomic footbed enhanced with massage beads to pamper feet with every step. The non-absorbent mate-

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ersistent dark under-eye circles? Uneven skin tone?

Blemishes? The camouflage specialists Cover FX have got you covered. Cover FX features foundations and concealers that adjust to your skin’s tone for optimum coverage. It instantly erases under eye circles, redness, dark spots, sun damage, blemishes, moles, tattoos, birthmarks and works to hide fatigue. Conceal FX contains a unique self-adjusting pigment that evolves upon gentle blending to offer custom color correcting tone.

Dermatologists agree the daily use of sunscreen will prevent skin aging and the onset of common skin disorders such as melanoma and hyperpigmentation. Cover FX Skin Tint FX lends the perfect amount of sun kissed glow and provides sun protection to boot.

SkinTint FX contains SPF 30 and multi vitamin anti-oxidants, A and E to quench free radicals and protect collagen and elastin to prevent wrinkles and sun damage. Its water resistant formulation results in long term protection. The product is available in light, medium and dark shade, and is ideal for all skin types — and dry, sallow, and sun damaged skin.

For more information on these and more Cover FX products, visit www.coverfx.com

rial resists the growth of mildew, fungus and bacteria. They are also slip-resistant and machine washable. No animal byproducts of any kind are used in the manufacture of their shoes.

OKA b. shoes are manufactured in the U.S. in a low waste facility.

Customers are encouraged to send back their “well-loved” OKA b. shoes to the Buford, GA factory where they are ground and recycled with virgin material to create new product. Whatever can’t be recycled is sold to make kitchen mats. And even with production in the states, OKA b. has been able to maintain price points under $40, offering a two year guarantee on every pair of shoes.

OKA b. is also socially conscious. Their most recent humanitarian initiative sent thousands of new and used shoes to Haiti in partnership with Souls4Souls, a Nashville, TN based charity. For every pair of gently worn shoes mailed in by loyal customers, OKA b. matched the donation with a new pair of anti-bacterial, waterproof and durable sandals, perfect for the Haitian climate.

The two month project brought in thousands of pairs of shoes.

For more information, visit www.ShoesThatLoveYou.com.

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BEAUTY & FASHION Cont...

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rganic cocktails aren’t just for sipping poolside this summer. P2

by Philip Pelusi introduces its latest USDA-Certified Organic product – BeachComber. BeachComber is a water-based styling and treatment paste infused with an organic cocktail of plant extracts and antioxidants, including cane juice granules, grapefruit, lemon and olive oils, apricot and milk thistle. The super concentrated formula is convenient and easy to use – just throw it in a tote for Gisele-inspired waves anywhere.

The eco-friendly paste builds outrageous waves and texture, smoothes hair cuticles, increases root volume, provides flexibility and protects hair from environmental damage. BeachComber gives hair that sexy, fresh-from-the-beach waviness without typical product build-up and the damaging effects of sun, sand and synthetic ingredients. It can be applied to dry hair as a mid-day grooming and styling product, worked throughout wet hair for a root lift or used in a lightweight, air-dried look. It’s also perfect for scrunching hair as it dries.

Plus, the no-drip paste can be reapplied all day without over drying or wilting hair.

For more information, visit www.philippelusi.com

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hildren’s sunglasses are not fashion accessories, but neces– sities that protect the eyes from serious eye damage, even irreversible vision loss or blindness. Parents are diligent about applying sunscreen, hats, and clothing to their babies and children while in the sun, but what about the eyes? The American Aca– demy of Pediatrics says that children’s eyes are at increased risk for permanent damage from sunlight until they are at least 10 years old, because their eyes are highly sensitive and still developing. Furthermore, 90% of total lifetime damage from the sun’s harmful rays occurs by age 18.

The Real Kids Shades line of protective infants’ and children’s sunglasses provides the 100% UV-A and UV-B ray protection and are made of impact-resistant, shatterproof polycarbonate frames and lenses, as recommended by Prevent Blindness America, and endorsed by the Melanoma International Foundation. Designed for children 12 and under, Real Kids Shades are offered in a range of colors and styles, taking into consideration the need for venting, anti-glare, and antifog properties. Several styles are even made to float. They can also be fitted with prescription lenses.

For more information, visit www.realkidshades.com.

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esides creating great organic products, LUSH has a consumer friendly vibe with their simple packaging the personal touch of adding the date, face, and name of who hand made the actual product you are using. If that doesn’t show pride, what does? Their products are made from fresh organic fruit and vegetables, fine oils and safe synthetics—using little or no preservatives, and no animal testing.

I have tried several LUSH products, and have not be disappointed in any. My particular favorite, however, is the Creme Anglaise Hand and Body Cream—a moisurizing infusion of almond oil, extra virgin coconut oil, organic shea and cocoa butters with some scent of almond, vanilla and sweet orange. You can probably tell how great it smells from the description, but it’s how great it works that really tells the tale. I apply it on my arms and legs before going to sleep at night, and in the morning, my skin has retained its softness. I have tried endless products that seemed great when applied, but quickly disappeared and my dry skin was back.

Some other great LUSH products are: Lip Scrubs to exfoliate and soften lips made in 3 delicious lip-licking flavors; Colour Supplements (multi-purpose base color) which can be used directly as a concealer, or mixed with a moisturizer ; and Facial Serums—one which helps relieve dry, cracked skin and improves elasticity, and another for oiler skin, one that has a toning, restorative and astringent effect on skin.

For more information on LUSH products, visit www.lushusa.com 20

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o get your skin ready for the summer sun and rid it of its dull, lackluster appearance after the winter months, you need an exfoliating product that packs some punch in a natural way.

Wembé’s handmade, multi-tasking soaps are filled with chunks of plants and herbs that add effectiveness and naturally aid in sloughing off dry, dead skin.

The ultimate exfoliator from this eco-luxe collection of soaps is Wembé’s loofah exfoliating blend. It is an almond oil-based soap that is surrounded by a vegetable sponge to provide a firm slough. The powerful essence of this blend will awaken the senses, so both you and your skin look and feel vibrant and refreshed.

For a gentle, yet effective exfoliation, Wembé’s coconut exfoliating blend combines two types of coconut pulps with rich essential oils and moisturizing butters. The tropical blend will gently scrub your winter woes away and leave your ready to bare-it-all for the summer heat.

Other exotic exfoliating blends from Wembe include the Yerba Mate, Black Clay and Green Blue River blends.

For more information, visit www.wembe.com

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Country’s superstar couple, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw have each added a new fragrance to their Coty Inc. lines, which will be released in August. is the perfect complement to Faith’s first scent, which embodies her strength and confidence as a woman and as a performer, Faith Hill True displays her more relaxed side — the casual sensuality of a passionate and spirited beauty. In Faith Hill True, the exotic citrus Japanese Yuzu creates a sparkling burst at the fragrance’s beginning. Gardenia, lily and sheer mimosa weave a breezy floral middle while precious woods, sandalwood and musk provide a base of warmth and subtle sexuality. is the third fragrance from Tim McGraw. A cool, modern scent, McGraw Silver embodies the artist’s ability to remain real while masterfully riding the demands of an urban setting. The scent is a blend that captures Tim’s core: gallant yet sensual, clean cut yet rugged. An alluring woody fourgere with top notes of watery aromatics and green leaves, the complex formula includes mid notes of lavender and orange flower with a warm, seductive base of vetiver, musk, sandalwood and saffron.

Faith Hill True and McGraw Silver will both be available tarting in August, 2010.

Summer Beauty Problems Solved!

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air color fading fast? with Miss Oops. The SPF 15 finishing spray prevents color from fading between hair appointments from sun exposure.

Just style your hair as usual, then spray a light coat of Block Your Locks on hair, paying special attention to the ends. The non-greasy, lightweight formula is an affordable way to extend the life of your hair color. www.missoops.com Get a healthy-looking tan, without stepping a foot in the sun with , a natural-looking 2-in-1 gradual face tanner. Formulated with pure, nourishing ingredients such as organic peach, kiwi, apricot and papaya, the formula delivers the perfect amount of moisture and a streak-free, sun-kissed glow. Vitamins E and C offer antioxidant protection against environmental damage as organic calendula soothes, leaving skin fresh and radiant. www.lavera.com Get sleek, smooth heat-styled hair without damage—or the oily residue of typical protective sprays—with . While standard stylers can leave behind oily buildup that leads to breakouts, the botanical-infused formula shields hair from the heat of styling tools while guarding against the acne other formulas cause, leaving hair healthy and skin clear. www.kairosclear.com

Christopher Drummond Go Beyond Mineral Makeup

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oes you skin feel itchy after switching to traditional mineral makeup?

While minerals are often though to be the essence of nature and the perfect addition to makeup, it’s a little known truth that most mineral makeup actually contains some potentially toxic ingredients.

Celebrity makeup artist Christopher Drummond takes you “Beyond Mineral Makeup” with his hydrating face powders, which do not contain the suspected toxic ingredients titanium dioxide, bismuth oxychloride, or zinc oxide. His products are 100% natural and organicbased, and made with the best cosmeticgrade ingredients available. He adds protective anti-oxidants, plant extracts, and botanicals to make light, creamy powder, and his colors are made to complement all skin tones.

For more information, visit www.christopherdrummond.com

Life Extension Fernblock

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t is a little known fact that you actually can protect yourself from sun damage from the inside. With the newly emerging field of psychodermatology, scientists are realizing that protecting our skin from accelerated aging is not just about using external sun blocks and moisturizers.

Life Extension offers the first oral supplement that complements topical sunscreens and helps maintain youthful skin by protecting against harmful solar radiation - Enhanced Fernblock with Sendara. An “internal sunscreen,” Fernblock provides optimal protection from sun exposure when combined with sun screen. During a decade of clinical trials, FernBlock has shown remarkable effectiveness in shielding skin against the aging effects of ultraviolet exposure.

FernBlock is a natural extract derived from the fern plant Polypodium leucotomos. Used as a sunburn remedy by native Indians for centuries, this natural fern extract has been formulated by international scientists affiliated with leading institutions. Studies have shown that this fern extract has a high affinity for skin tissue and helps protect against ultraviolet damage shown to cause premature skin aging and wrinkling. FernBlock supplements the effects of sunscreens by protecting the entire skin surface.

For more information, visit www.lef.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

AVON Add

DAWN TERMANI To Your AVON.COM order with

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TRAVELOGUE

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e already knew we liked cruising and the Bahamas, so this clever concept sounded like a fun trip. We chose the one night over cruise, two nights at the resort, and the return one night cruise. Our four night getaway satisfied both pleasures for us.

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he 1,500-passenger MS Bahamas Celebration is a smaller size cruise ship (originally a cruiseferry) that has been totally renovated and updated with a $10 million makeover into an attractive ship with the same amenities you will find on her

supervised and age-appropriate kids clubs with a variety of games and activities. There’s also a kids’ water park area with a 180-foot water slide. Wifi is available in the lobby for a price (not cheap, but that’s true on all cruise ships.)

We found the food to be quite good, and at least comparable to the large cruise ship lines, and in some cases, surprisingly better.

One thing the ship doesn’t have at this time is 110 AC current (they use European 220 DC) so your hairdryers and any electronic devices you bring with you will not work. If you care about this, you should bring a converter with you. arriving in Freeport, pasU pon sengers can enjoy the

Our Lucaya pretty much has everything you could possibly need for a resort vacation, with golf courses, tennis, a spa, casino, dining, steps to shopping, and all sorts of water sports along their 370-acre stretch of soft-sand beach.

excursions they signed up for on the ship, such as snorkeling, horseback riding, glass bottom boat rides or they can spend the day at Our Lucaya Beach and Golf Resort, before heading back to the ship by 4:30 larger counterparts, but scaled down, and less glitzy. A lot of people prefer this more intimate size to the new mega-ships. To our delight, we found our modern outside cabin to be the same size that we are used to on the

PM. The folks that chose to stay over on the island head over when the ship docks to check in to the resort. Hint: Everyone arrives at the same time, so you may want to plan to drop your suitcases with the bellman and enjoy the resort or tool around Freeport for a few hours to avoid the long line at check-in.

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he five-star Our Lucaya Resort is actually two separate hotels on one large property. The Reef Village is a more casual style, and the luxurious Radisson is a bit more posh. We, being more laid back, stayed in the Reef Village, and had a lovely tropical-style room overlooking the pool and gorgeous blue waters of the Caribbean beyond.

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his “combo” cruise/Bahama vacation, or any version of it, should satisfy anyone who, like us, enjoys both.

For more information about Bahamas Celebration, visit www.celebration-cruiseline.com, and more more information about Our Lucaya Resort, visit www.ourlucaya.com.

large cruise ships. (The Bahamas Celebration is not to be confused with Carnival’s ship named Celebration, as it is not associated with Carnival.)

The ship offers four restaurants, a casino, nightclub, lounges, live shows and entertainment, dancing, a spa, pool, and jacuzzis. There’s something going on at all times for those who are interested in a lot of ship activities. For kids, there are three

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AT THE MOVIES

August

- Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes. Detectives Allen and Terry idolize the city’s top cops, Danson and Manzetti, but when an opportunity arises for the Other Guys to step up, things don’t quite go as planned.

- Julia Roberts, James Franco, Javier Bardem. Newly divorced and at a crossroads, Liz Gilbert steps out of her comfort zone, embarking on a journey around

the world that becomes a quest for self-discovery.

Emma Thompson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Rhys Ifans. A magical nanny appears when she’s needed the most and wanted the least in the next chapter of the hilarious and heartwarming fable that has enchanted children around the world.

- Sylvester

Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li. “The Expendables” is a hard-hitting action/thriller about a group of mercenaries hired to infiltrate a South American country and overthrow its ruthless dictator.

- Jennifer Aniston, Jason Bateman, Patrick Wilson. Kassie decides it’s time to have a baby even if it means doing it with a little help from a sperm donor. But her plans go awry because of a switch that is discovered seven years later when her friend gets acquainted with her cute son.

Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Kim Coates. The fourth installment of the successful franchise, “Resident Evil: Afterlife” is again based on the popular video game series, and will this time be presented in 3-D. In a world ravaged by a virus infection, turning its victims into the Undead, Alice (Milla Jovovich), continues on her journey to find survivors and lead them to safety.

Ben Affleck, Peter Craig, Aaron Stockard. Doug is the leader of a group of ruthless bank robbers. With no real attachments, he never has to fear losing anyone close to him. But that all changes on the gang’s latest job, when they briefly took a hostage.

SEPTEMBER

- George Clooney, Violante Placido. When a job for assassin Jack ends more harshly than expected, he vows that his next assignment will be his last. Jack reports to the Italian countryside, where he pursues a romance with local woman. But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate.

Though they let her go unharmed, she is aware that the robbers know where she lives. But she lets her guard down when she meets a charming man, not realizing that he is the same man who had terrorized her. Their new romance threatens to take them down a dangerous path.

MELMovie BROOKSClips....

DELIVERING ‘PIZZAMAN’

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at Universal Orlando Resort

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he Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort celebrated its grand opening recently, becoming the only place in the world where the adventures of Harry Potter come to life.

The Harry Potter books and films have captured the hearts and minds of millions - and now, guests can experience the adventure first-hand at Universal Orlando Resort. The spectacularly themed area, inspired by J.K. Rowling’s compelling

stories and characters, features multiple themed attractions, shops and a restaurant - all faithful to the books and films.

Visitors to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be swept into the adventures of Harry Potter. They will tour

Hogwarts castle, shop in Hogsmeade and dine in the Three Broomsticks. Other adventures will allow them to fly with Harry, ride on a dragon, sample Butterbeer, eat exploding sweets - and experience all the magic and adventure of the Harry Potter books and films.

“We have created a special place unlike anywhere else in the world,” said Tom Williams, chairman and CEO for Universal Parks and Resorts. “The adventures of Harry Potter are among the most popular of our time - and we are bringing them to life. We will put our guests in the middle of a Harry Potter adventure. They will feel as if they are in the movies with Harry and his friends.”

“I said right at the beginning, either we do it right or we don’t do it at all,” said J.K. Rowling, author of the widely successful Harry Potter series. “The teams at Universal and Warner Bros. have done it right, so I am so happy.”

The heart of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is Hogwarts castle - visible from everywhere within Islands of Adventure. And within the castle is the exhilarating attraction: Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. This all-new adventure combines a powerful storyline with spectacular new technology so guests are completely immersed in the experience. The ride takes guests on a journey where they travel by Floo Network, soar over Hogwarts, narrowly escape a dragon attack, have a close encounter with the Whomping Willow, get pulled into a Quidditch match and more.

Guests can experience the mischief of Zonko’s, the magic of Ollivanders, the scrumptious delights of the Three Broomsticks and Hog’s Head pub or buy their very own Marauder’s Map at Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods. They can mail letters from Hogsmeade at the Owl Post, buy Hogwarts school robes at Dervish and Banges or rest under the rafters of the Owlery. Visitors can brave a Hungarian Horntail or a Chinese Fireball on the dueling roller coasters of Dragon Challenge or learn a few tips from Hagrid before taking a training flight on Flight of the Hippogriff.

“I remember when I was shooting the films when I was younger and I absolutely wished this world could be real and that I could be a part of it,” said Daniel Radcliffe, who portrays Harry Potter in the film series. “It’s amazing that people will finally get to do that and realize everything they’ve seen on screen.”

For more information about The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com.

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ORLANDO HAPPENINGS

- From Sept. 1 – 30, folks can indulge in Orlando’s haute cuisine for one great price at some of the destination’s most popular restaurants, including Emeril’s Tchoup Chop, The Capital Grille, Luma on Park, Norman’s and the Boheme. Diners can savor some of the destination’s finest cuisine at one great price. From celebrity-owned venues to internationally inspired dishes, a variety of restaurants showcase the one-of-a-kind dining

experience Orlando has to offer. Among the more than 50 participants, other restaurants include: The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Seasons 52, Roy’s, The Ravenous Pig, Charley’s Steak House, The Palm, Chatham’s Place Restaurant, Todd English’s bluezoo and CRAVE. $1 of each purchased dinner will be donated to the Arts & Cultural Alliance of Central Florida. www.orlandomagicaldining.com

, a new dinner show featuring 10 actors celebrating the most famous ship in history. The new show runs on Friday and Saturday nights. The menu features high qual-

ity, prime foods that are market fresh and very similar to menu items from Titanic. www.TitanictheExperience.com will open this October in Kissimmee, Fla., and will allow guests the opportunity to ride the ultimate indoor wave.

The new $4 million indoor aquatic recreation venue will be located at 5151 Kyngs Heath Road on the Vacation Villas at FantasyWorld Resort property. Fantasy Surf features the FlowRider system that has the look of surfing and wakeboarding, ride of snowboarding and tricks of skateboarding in a safe and controlled environment. www.UltimateIndoorWave.com at The Orange County Regional History Center and Heritage Square. Spend time immersed in the remarkable facts, stories and artifacts related to Florida’s little known role in the War Between the States. www.TheHistoryCenter.org

. Featuring 40 large-format black and white displays and a video documentary of the Western Everglades. Butcher, whose style marks him as the foremost landscape photographer of Florida, composes his works across the Big Cypress Swamp. www.omart.org 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 26

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Live at the Gardens series with a special appearance by the multi-talented Asunta Fleming. An optional prepaid dinner will be served at the Blue Palmetto Café at 5:45 p.m.

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.

- See an eclectic collection of old postcards depicting the Singing Tower, Lake Wales area and other tourist destinations dating back to the early 1930s.

Celebrate the start of the fall gardening season with free admission and fun for the whole family.

Visit www.boktowergardens.org paid dinner will be served at the Blue Palmetto Café at 5:45 p.m.

Victoria de Lissovoy and Rebecca Renfroe bring Broadway & Jazz back to to close the

Each one and a half hour class for children first through sixth grades will have a different theme and include outdoor play, art projects, nature walks and more. Contact programs@boktower.org for more information.

Back by popular demand. Join one of Central Florida’s most popular acts for two performances. Early reservations are encouraged. An optional pre-

AfterDark SeaWorld AfterDark showcases the park in a whole new light, with a nighttime rock n’ roll extravaganza, a high-energy Shamu show, a hilarious sea lion show and a mystifying fireworks finale. That’s in addition to being able to experience all that’s awesome day and night, like Manta, up-close animal encounters and spectacular shows. SeaWorld AfterDark continues through August 15.

Experience what it’s like to spin, glide, skim and fly with the largest of rays when riding Manta – by moonlight, an even more extraordinary sensation. A seamless blend of up-close animal encounters with a head-first, face-down flying roller coaster thrill ride, Manta is an adventure only SeaWorld could create.

Shamu Rocks is a spectacular rock ’n roll killer whale show that wows audiences of all ages. This show is a

high-energy concert of unprecedented proportions, combining awe-inspiring killer whales with a stunning light show and music from some of the hottest rock stars in the industry.

SeaWorld’s popular sea lion comedic duo takes the laughs into the night. Hilarious hijinks ensue in this evening show as the park’s talented sea lions, otters and walrus parody other favorite SeaWorld shows and attractions.

- SeaWorld comes to life in a spectacular celebration of soaring fountains and dazzling fireworks.

Through the thrilling and inspirational music of SeaWorld’s most popular shows, families and friends will experience a wondrous connection that lights the night like never before.

Experience the highlights of SeaWorld AfterDark VIPstyle. This seven-hour, guided tour includes dinner and an opportunity to feed dolphins, front-of-line access to Manta and reserved seating at exhilarating night shows.

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

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The musical sounds of decades of summers gone by fill evenings at Epcot during Sounds Like Summer concert series performances featuring tribute bands. “The key thing about tribute bands is that their intention is to reproduce, as closely as possible, the music of the artist whose work they are celebrating,” explains Senior Show Director Alan Bruun of Walt Disney World Entertainment. “It’s not an impersonation, which mimics the personality and visual aspect of a star, or a cover band that puts their own spin on a song. A tribute band goes for authenticity. The remaining schedule: July 11-17: Slippery When Wet - The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute; July 18-24: 2U - A Tribute to U2; July 25-31: Beginnings - A Tribute to Chicago The classic musical spectacular, which thrilled Epcot guests from 1986-1994, is a 17-minute 3-D film experience. Starring Michael Jackson as Captain EO, the attraction features Academy Award-winning actress Anjelica Huston and a cast of space characters with dual personalities who undergo magical transformations to become Jackson’s electronic band in conquering the forces of darkness. “Captain EO” replaces “Honey, I Shrunk the Audience.”

Past Christian music “Artists of the Year” Third Day, mercyme and Chris Tomlin and 2010 “Artist of the Year”

- Showcasing floats and characters appearing at Walt Disney World Resort for the first time, the parade returns with its joyous sights and sounds. Marking its first engagement in Florida since 2001, the parade is led by Tinker Bell waving from the basket of a magical balloon aboard a new float. Pinocchio and Snow White also join in the parade at Magic Kingdom.

Casting Crowns

- The latest luxury resort opening at Walt Disney World in Florida has fancy suites and a water park, but is not for humans. Pet lovers visiting Disney World can board their furry friends at Best Friends Pet Care Resort, beginning Aug. 27.

Best Friends has more than 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space including covered outdoor runs and play areas. A private dog park, that owners can visit with their pets, has a fenced walking trail bordering natural wet-

nominees

and head a star-powered 15-act lineup set for Disney’s Night of Joy 2010 Sept. 10-11 when the long-running Christian music event makes its return to Magic Kingdom. Also part of the two-night event (when specific acts play one evening each): and . From 7 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. each night – after regular Magic Kingdom hours – the special-ticket event will feature live performances on several stages throughout the park. In addition, guests can experience some of the park’s most popular attractions during Night of Joy hours.

Main Street Electrical Parade

Best Friends Pet Care Resort lands, separate areas with artificial turf and shade trees and a “canines only” water park.

The Best Friends Pet Care Resort is located across from Disney’s Port Orleans Resort.

- Guests with visual disabilities can now explore Walt Disney World theme parks in a whole new way through an enhanced Disney-designed device that provides detailed audio descriptions and fits in the palm of a guest’s hand.

- The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios welcomes “drop-ins” this summer with even more pulse-racing surprises.

New lighting effects will bring unexpected frights to guests who step into that infamous service elevator … if they dare.

For more information, call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com.

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California Grill Fifteen Years and Counting

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alifornia Grill, located on top of the Contemporary Resort in Walt Disney World, is celebrating it’s 15th year of operation, and 15 years of excellence in all matters of dining. Through the years, top notch chefs have graced the kitchen of this California Cuisine-style restaurant, the best sommeliers have handled the wine choices, and food has always been the freshest possible. That tradition continues today with Chef Brian Piasecki at the helm (since January, 2009), and sommelier Bridget Sherren providing clever wines pairings.

Good restaurants usually change their menus around seasonally, but they also know they need to keep certain “old standard” dishes that they have become known and loved for. Chef Brian knows this, and although he likes to change up his foodstuffs, he still keeps a few old favorites (ours is the Grilled Pork Tenderloin with GoatCheese Polenta and Zinfandel Glaze.) Also on the menu since day one, is Yoshie’s Sushi, created by Chef Yoshie, and considered to be the best around, and the start of the sushi trend that caught on like East Coast Tempura Soft Shell Crab wildfire through the years.

Chef Brian uses local produce when possible, but most important to him is quality, so he will bring in the best of the best from across the country for his culinary creations. He is quite the artist at combining ingredients that may sound odd on paper, but taste fabulous. Speaking of art, his presentations are also works of art, and you may find yourself turning your dish around to enjoy it at all angles before diving in.

Chef Piasecki uses only the freshest ingredients.

Chef Brian

Piasecki

A pleasant surprise for us was a Peaches and Cream dessert, made with delicious Florida peaches — yes, peaches from Florida — pretty new to the scene as they have been so difficult to grow in Florida in the past.

Chef Brian discovered they were quite good and started using them in the California Grill — seasonally, of course.

A special cocktail to celebrate the restaurant’s 15th anniversary has been created by bartender Ray, called the Golden Gate Cocktail, which includes Remy Martin VSOP Cognac, Amaretto Disaronno, cranberry juice, and a bit of orange juice.

Of course, beside the incredible food and wine is the stunning view from the California Grill — a panoramic vision of the entire Walt Disney World Resort and beyond. If you time it right, you can catch the fireworks at the different Disney Parks.

Perhaps you Seared Columbia River Wild Linehave an anniversary Caught Salmon coming up too.

Why not spend it at one of the best restaurants around — the California Grill? Or, you can just celebrate their anniversary! In any case, you should definitely make reservations in advance, as this restaurant is hugely popular.

For reservations and more information, call (407) WDW-DINE, or visit www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/reservations/dining

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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

Auto. Home.

Business amd Life 24 Hour Service

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

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

Great Food

RAMONA L. SKINNER

TIMOTHY J. MURPHY

Tarpon Discount Drugs

ANTIQUES GALLERY Specializing in 19th Century Decorative Arts 212 E. Tarpon Ave. Tarpon Springs, FL 34689 mcantiques@aol.com

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Open every day 10am - 6pm phone: 727-939-9399 cell: 886-864-2906

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Family Fun

Tarpon Springs Events , Tarpon Springs Heritage Museum, 100 Beekman Lane, Tarpon Springs, www.tarponarts.org. Professional actor/ director Rick Bronson teaches technique, audition strategies, improvisation, cold reading and much more. Workshops are geared toward amateur/community theater actors ages 12 years and up. August 5: Monologues; August 19: Intermediate/Advanced Technique.

Dine under the stars from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m. Enjoy free activities, including Greek music, dancing, dining and more at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks located on Dodecanese Boulevard between Hope and Athens Streets. The event features live music

by Ellada, Greek dancing and free lessons in tavli (Greek backgammon) offered by players from the World Tavli Association. Ellada, an exciting Greek band composed of three of the most accomplished Greek musicians in the state. Ellada will perform nisiotika, the lively traditional music of the Greek islands, as well as old and new Greek favorites. Ellada includes George Soffos, bouzouki; Dino Theofilos, keyboard; and Elias Poulos, vocals. Prior to the main event, there will be live Greek music by the Bouzouki Boys between 4 and 6pm on Dodecanese Blvd. at Riverwalk, west of Hope Street.

The Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks will be hosting a hurricane party for serious fun with hurricane related activities and exhibits.

Guests will be treated to a good time where they may accidently learn some valuable things. A hurricane party is all about making the best of a situation. Sunset Party Cruise - Aug 17. Bring a friend or meet some new ones. This is a progress event at the Sponge Docks. Greek food, music and belly dancing. at 2 pm. Join Soprano Maria Zouves and the VoicExperience Singers at a concert of opera, Broadway and trivia. Show off your knowledge and win fun prizes and free tickets. Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center.

(Labor day weekend) , (Halloween weekend) From 10-6 enjoy a plethora of Arts, Crafts and Food at the Sponge Docks located on Dodecanese Boulevard between Hope and Athens Streets.

- Sidewalk Sales, special events and entertainment at the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks.

For more event information visit www.tarponarts.org

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TRAVELOGUE

Flint Riverquarium

Albany, Georgia: The Good Life A L

ocated in the Southwest part of the state, Albany has a good rep with industry magazines, who consider it to be a top-tier city with an attractive cost-of-living. The Flint River flows through the city and is a source of beauty and a great location for some new attractions. It wasn’t always so, however, when a devastating flood hit the city in 1994, it required a massive recovery effort on the part of the city and it’s inhabitants. Out of the bad comes good, and much revitalization has taken place since the flood. New museums and art — add in some interesting historical buildings, and you’ve got a really nice cultural base.

Pebble Hill Plantation

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Meerkat at Chehaw State Park

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relaxing stroll (or jog) along part of the three mile long beautiful Riverwalk takes you past several attractions, including the terrific Riverquarium, which has a 175,000-gallon 22-foot deep outdoor aquarium with carp, bass, gar, sturgeon, and more of the fish you will find in the Flint River, and it follows the path of the river which ends up at the Gulf of Mexico (886 miles).

They have also installed a new bird aviary

rent version dating from 1931. The bridge was built by a slave-born African-American named Horace King, a master bridge builder who bought his freedom by working as a craftsman slave. As well as being a welcome center, Bridge House has some historic city memorabilia and also a hands-on, exact bronze miniature version of the Ray Charles sculpture created so that blind people may appreciate it as well. There is an excellent movie on Southwest Georgia shown upstairs in the building, which is a good way to start off your Albany visit. Oh, and there are also three ghosts who live at Bridge House — one of which apparently doesn’t like women — keeps opening the doors after they close them.

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e stayed directly across the street from Ray Charles Plaza at the Hilton

Flint Riverquarium exhibit

where they rehab injured birds. Their Adventure Center has changing exhibits and houses Georgia’s only Iwerks movie theater, which is huge at three stories tall and four stories wide .

Albany is the birthplace of the “Genius of Soul”, Ray Charles, and he has been memorialized in a moving (figuratively and literally) bronze sculpture by Andy Davis located on the bank of the Flint River. The sculpture of Ray capturing singing and play-

Ray Charles Plaza

ing the piano is surrounded by a fountain, and revolves slowly, taking 30 minutes for a full revolution, and going 24 hours a day.

Ray’s music is piped in from morning ‘til night, and special lighting creates a particularly soothing ambiance. Sitting on the park bench, listening to his music and the soft sound of the water is like attending a special concert for one.

Steps away from the Ray Charles Plaza is the 1858 Historic Bridge House, which is now Albany’s Welcome Center. It originally served as the toll house for traveling east and west on the Flint River bridge, the cur-

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Thronateeska Planetarium

houses a large collection of traditional African art, and has rotating exhibits.

Also under the Arts Council umbrella is the Thronateeska Heritage Center, which includes a history museum, a science museum and a planetarium in a complex that includes an old 1936 train depot. The museum takes visitors through Albany area history beginning with the Creek Natives up to today. The Union Train Station has steam locomotives and rail cars, and an HO-scale model railway exhibit set up inside of the train cars. An impressive planetarium has a “SciDome” high-definition projection system with digital surround sound, and is the first of its kind in the world. You will see the universe as never before in the movies projected.

Hilton Garden Inn

Garden Inn, and so, were able to appreciate the plaza at different times of day and night, always reflecting on the amazing musical contributions of Mr. Charles. The hotel has a great location for touring the area, and creates a home-away-from-home atmosphere for guests. Decor is warm, cozy and inviting throughout the hotel and guest rooms, and their extremely comfortable adjustable sleep system beds are very welcome after a busy day. The convenient onsite American Grill Restaurant serves a free hot breakfast, and is also open for lunch and dinner.

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he Albany Arts Council promotes the different art, music and heritage organizations throughout Albany and is located in the historic 1906 Neo-classical Carnegie Library (one of 2,500 libraries Andrew Carnegie built scattered throughout the world), where they have monthly rotating art exhibits — definitely worth a visit.

The Albany Museum of Art is perfectly designed for displaying art, with great spatial areas and high walls. Their collection includes 19th and 20th century American and European paintings, sculptures, and photographs. The Museum also www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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ne of the most important and moving of Albany’s sites is the Civil Rights Museum and the 1906 Mt. Zion Church. The museum is well laid out, with many photos, stories and memorabilia. We were very privileged to be visiting the church at the same time that the legendary Freedom Singers were performing. Every 2nd Saturday of the month at one PM they come and sing, be it a full house or only two souls. During the early 1960s they performed hymns and spirituals throughout the country to raise funds for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) for Civil Rights. Today they serve as an important reminder of what man’s inhumanity to man can be, and how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go.

Rutha Harris leads the Freedom Singers at the Mt. Zion Church.

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TRAVELOGUE cont...

flowing at 70,000 gallons per minute, with trace sources of radium, and has an extensive underwater cavern system. Back in the 20s there was a casino and resort on the property that attracted folks for the properties of the water which was thought to be healthful because of the radium element.

The water temperature is 68° year round.

The casino was heavily damaged by a flood in 1998 and consequently was demolished.

A botanical garden is currently in the works for the springs.

Southwest Georgia. It is an ideal place to take the family.

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e took a day trip over to nearby Thomasville, a charming city with refurbished historic buildings downtown, and trendy shops and restaurants. The cur-

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ome of you may remember Jim Fowler, the always entertaining wildlife expert from TV’s “Wild Kingdom” that used to appear on the Johnny Carson “Tonight Thomas Drug Store still operating since 1881 in Thomasville

Mt. Zion Church

Rutha Harris is the only original Freedom Singer in the current group, and her voice is the most powerful one we have ever heard. It’s guaranteed to bring chills down your spine. When the group sings soaring spirituals like “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child”, it’s hard not to weep openly and reflect on our country’s sorrowful past.

Rutha told us about how Martin Luther King spoke from the pulpit in 1961 at the Shiloh Baptist church across the street, and how people who marched for freedom hid toothpaste and soap in their clothing, and wore extra padding under their clothes because they knew they would be arrested and (literally) dragged off to jail. Rutha herself was arrested three times in two weeks and hauled off to jail — dragged, but not beaten. Their music kept them motivated and even had a positive effect on some of the police at the time. Music is indeed a powerful tool for spreading the word.

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ne of the “Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia” is located in Albany — Radium Springs. It is the largest natural spring in the state with deep blue water Radium Springs

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Chehaw Park walkway through natural setting

rent shops have plaques outside their building with the name and 1880s date of the original store at that location. The Thomas Drug Store is still operational, and their plaque is dated 1881, and Jerger Johnson Jewelers is still going since 1857, to name a few. A famous landmark in town is not a building, but rather a huge 322 year-old oak tree with a limb span that is wider than A horse and buggy ride around Pebble Hill Plantation.

Cheetahs get ready for their run.

Show” bringing all sorts of unpredictable wild animals with him. Jim is originally from Albany, and designed one of the best Niagara Falls is deep, and one of the largest nature parks we have ever seen, called east of the Mississippi.

Chehaw. Created 36 years ago, it is a 700 There are around seventy-four planacre park, 100 acres of which are a zoo kept tations in Southwest Georgia today, but only in a totally natural setting. You will find 55 two are open to the public. The other planspecies including rhinos, eagles, lemurs zebras, cheetahs, and crowd favorites — The charming city of Thomasville. meerkats. If you go to Chehaw, try to schedule your visit timed to catch the cheetah run — it’s amazing to see them in action.

The animals have plenty of space in which to roam, and the alligators have a huge natural swamp to live in. Jim is still actively involved with the park which has a BMX trail, RV camps, cabin, a fishing pond, a sightseeing train, lake for kayaking and canoeing, and the largest children’s play park in www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

the greatest racehorses of all time, “Man O’ War”. We had a delightful tour of the property via horse and buggy, and could see why it is a favorite place for a dream wedding.

We visited another plantation which is for serious wingshooters.

It’s the Wynfield Lodge, an Orvis endorsed Wingshooting Lodge. It’s a first class operation offering hunters the option of bringing their own dogs and guns, or they have everything available at the lodge.

Wynfield’s dogs include English setters, pointers, cockers, Brittany’s and labs, are from the best bloodPearly’s General Mgr. Carl Mann greets customers lines, get the best training, and are at the famous landmark.

Gorgeous wall paintings adorn several rooms at worth around $6,000 each.

Pebble Hill Plantation.

Wynfield’s accommodations are Riverfront BBQ is less than three years old, tations are privately owned and are either sumptuous cabins, and the main lodge but the crowds come for the great barbecued just being used as residences or are hunting serves fine Southern cuisine. pork offered up with your choice of 4 deliplantations. We visited Pebble Hill, which cious homemade sauces. Wraps, pasta and peaking of great was built in the 1820s. It was used as a great friendly atmosphere can Southern cuisine, resort plantation from the 1870s to the turn be found at Harvest Moon. of the 20th century, where wealthy we found it in abunThe Cheese Steak Sandwich is Northerners would come to spend winters dance during our really tasty! Folks pile into shooting quail. The property can still be Albany stay. The Blackbeard’s Restaurant for leased out for hunting. Pebble Hill is beau- Catch Restaurant had their huge portions, and alltiful, and reminiscent of “Tara” from Gone great seafood and a you-can-eat specials. Their With The Wind. It is set on 3,000 acres, with Cheese Grit Cake to fried seafood is a favorite. an old growth forest, and the home itself is die for. Pearly’s The Sunset Grill’s cuisine is Country now a fabulous museum time capsule of dif- Famous more California than Southern, ferent periods of the home’s life with origi- Cooking is the place The Catch serves great seafood and their and we enjoyed their baconpopular Cheese Grit Cake. nal furnishings. Thirty-six 1st edition to go for breakfast, wrapped scallops and a huge Audubon prints adorn the walls in addition where they serve a delicious full sit down plate of nachos. to some fine American sporting art. Pebble breakfast with the speed of fast food takeHill’s beautiful stables were created after a out. You had better know what you want lbany may provide the good life for design by Thomas Jefferson, and one of the when you get to the counter, or you will be residents, but it also delivers a good horses in the stable is a descendent of one of taken to task! Locals line up for Pearly’s. time for visitors.

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View from Wynfield Plantation Lodge

- www.albanygacvb.com www.albanyartscouncil.org www.albanymuseum.com , Albany, GA www.myspace.com/thecatch229 - www.parksatchehaw.org www.albanycivilrightsinstitute.org - Albany, GA www.hiltongardeninn.com Albany, GA - Albany, GA - www.flintriverquarium.com - Albany, GA - www.thomasvillega.com www.heritagecenter.org www.wynfieldplantation.com

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DVD & VIDEO GAME VIEWS

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he incomparable Mel Brooks’ movies are now available in Blu-ray, and are a must-have for any fan of the undisputed king of parody. Such classics as History Of The World Part I (1981), High Anxiety (1977), and Robin Hood: Men In Tights (1993) are presented with special features throw in. www.foxconnect.com Brooks takes us on a laugh-filled look at what really happened throughout time. His delirious romp features everything from a wild send-up of “2001” to the real stories behind the Roman Empire (Brooks portrays a stand-up philosopher at Caesar’s Palace), the French Revolution (Brooks reigns as King Louis XVI) and the Spanish Inquisition (a splashy song-and-dance number with monks and swimming nuns.) It’s Mel and company at their hilarious best.

- Brooks’ renowned spoof of the most

NEW DVD RELEASES DRAMA Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana star in James Cameron’s masterpiece. A reluctant hero embarks on an epic adventure, ultimately fighting to save the alien world he has learned to call home.

Avatar, a live action film with a new generation of special effects, delivers a fully immersive cinematic experience of a new kind, where the revolutionary technology invented to make the film disappears into the emotion of the characters and the sweep of the story. www.foxconnect.com - Blu-Ray. A sizzling, starstudded cast brings to life the legendary battle to deliver justice to Tombstone. Kurt Russell turns in a gripping performance as U.S. Marshall Wyatt Earp, and Val Kilmer ignites the screen as Doc Holliday. Together, they team up to bring law to the lawless in a notorious showdown with the ruthless outlaws at the O.K. Corral. Experience the remarkable picture and theater-quality sound of Tombstone in Blu-ray, High Def. www.disney.go.com Blu-Ray. Starring Clint Eastwood in three of his classic films.

-A mysterious gunman has just arrived in a dusty border town where two rival bands of smugglers are terrorizing the impoverished citizens. A master of the “quick-draw,” the stranger soon receives offers of employment from each gang. But his loyalty cannot be bought. He pitts one against the other in a series of brilliantly orchestrated set-ups.

- Eastwood is a bounty hunter on the bloody trail of the territory’s most treacherous bandit.

But his rival is determined to bring Indio in first...dead or alive.

- A cashbox containing $200,000, that was stolen and hidden in an unmarked grave, is the focus of three men: two criminals and a stranger. www.foxconnect.com 36

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famous Hitchcockian classics — “Vertigo,” “The Birds,” “Psycho” and “Spellbound” — is one of his most outrageous comedy classics.

After a Harvard psychiatrist (Brooks) takes over the Psycho-Neurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous, he realizes his predecessor died under suspicious circumstances. When events take a murderous turn, he is accused of the crime and left with a full blown case of High Anxiety. Madeline Kahn, Harvey Korman and Cloris Leachman costar in this hilarious parody.

- Cary Elwes stars as Robin Hood, the dashing defender of the down-trodden, who along with his merry men and Maid Marion, resides in Sherwood Forest. There they have become together to fight against the seriously neurotic Prince John, the not quite-evil Sheriff of Rottingham, and the mad scorceress Latrine. Funny stuff!

[SERIES] - This compelling documentary series unlocks the hidden secrets, psychological flaws and events that result in the tragic deaths of famed notorious and the iconic.

Every episode maps out the final 24 hours of a different famous person’s life. The series weaves the star’s back-story with events from their last day, which lays bare the threads of fate that led inextricably from childhood to the moment of death.

Featured celebrities are: JANIS JOPLIN, KEITH MOON, SID VICIOUS, MARVIN GAYE, HUNTER S. THOMPSON, ANNA NICOLE SMITH, GIANNI VERSACE, and NICOLE BROWN SIMPSON. www.MVDb2b.com : Naughty Nurses & Tawdry Teachers. Known as ‘King of the Bs,’ iconic filmmaker Roger Corman ruled the exploitation movie genre, beginning in the mid1950s and continuing through today.

A number of important actors and filmmakers got their first big break from Corman, including Jack Nicholson, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, James Cameron, Jonathan Demme and Ron Howard. Featured in this special four-disc collector’s set are short skirts, bad apples, failing grades, sharp needles, and cold bedpans. www.infinity-entertainmentgroup.com/ Blu Ray, Starring Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, and directed by Michael Bay. When NASA’s executive director, Dan Truman realizes the Earth has 18 days before it’s obliterated by a meteor the size of Texas, he has only one option — land a ragtag team of roughneck oil drillers on the asteroid and drop a nuclear warhead into its core. Spectacular special effects, and great characters make this an exhilarating thrill ride. www.video.movies.go.com - Blu Ray & DVD. Vegas, Baby. Nomi’s (Elizabeth Berkley) dreams and desires to make it big are high. When she catches the eye of Cristal (Gina Gershon), the Stardust’s

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headliner, Nomi is on the brink of realizing her dreams. But she soon realizes that there is only room for one starlet on the marquee. www.foxconnect.com - One by one the townsfolk of Ogden Marsh are falling victim to an unknown toxin and are turning violent. People who lived quiet, unremarkable lives are now depraved, blood-thirsty killers. The government uses deadly force to close off all access and won’t let anyone in or out – even those uninfected, which becomes a horrifying struggle for the few remaining survivors as they try to get out of town alive. www.anchorbayent.com

- Unidentified Farm Objects and paranormal sightings are the norm with Shaun the Sheep and his barnyard buddies Bitzer, Shirley, and Timmy, as they encounter more madcap mischief along with those Naughty Pigs next door. www.lionsgatedvd.com - Send the little ones off to dreamland with visions of flowers, clouds and butterflies dancing to the delightful vocals of renowned singer-songwriter Sara Hickman in this beautifully animated DVD. Big Bird, Little Bird features 13 soothing songs for children ages newborn to five. www.SaraHickman.com - The Purple One continues to entertain the kiddies with two new DVDs. Go on magical journeys filled with fun and excitement as Barney and friends branch out and enjoy the outdoors with activities, exercising, discovery and just relaxing along the way.

- Saving the earth never gets old with Elmo and his gang.

Learn why it’s important not to litter and why it’s best to completely use both sides of a piece of paper before throwing it away. Lively songs and animated segments mixed in with live action and

puppetry keep viewers focused and glued to the screen. www.Barney.com - Pre-schoolers favorite friends are back with two new DVDs. COLORS ARE FUN! - Come along with Barney and find out how bright the sunshine is when colors dance in the air, Bob the Builder as he discovers rich cave paintings, and Thomas as he collects colorful items for a magic show. BEING A FRIEND - Join the friends as they discover that being a friend brings responsibility and adventure, but that friendship is a reward you will treasure forever. www.hitentertainment.com - Experience the lovable antics of three of the world’s most famous musicians with 7 specially selected episodes of the hit Disney Channel Original Series. DVD includes the never-before-seen bonus feature, “You’ve Just Been JoBro’d! — Surprising Jordin Sparks,” I HEART JONAS is a must-have for any Jonas Brothers fan. www.DisneyDVD.com/Jonas 2 Discs includes 19 Episodes. This half hour comedy focuses on the bizarre experiences of fresh faced medical intern John JD Dorian as he embarks on his healing career in a surreal hospital crammed full of unpredictable staffers and patients, where humor and tragedy can merge paths at any time. www.scrubsondvd.com - Ending its critically acclaimed CBS-TV run after just one season (1963-64), the Judy Garland Show’s 26 episodes are revered by many today as the legendary entertainer’s finest work. These delightful episodes feature Lena Horne, Terry-Thomas, Tony Bennett, Dick Shawn and Jerry Van Dyke.

Restored and digitally remastered from the original videotapes and digitally remixed sound. www.infinity-entertainmentgroup.com/ - Go where no Family Guy fan has gone before with Family Guy Volume 8 with 15 uncensored and extended episodes on 3 discs, and loaded with outrageous extras only available on DVD. www.foxconnect.com

- Zappa published a record of his most important influences on the inside cover of his debut album. This film explores the musical roots of Frank Zappa by putting The Freak Out List under the microscope and tracing the lineage from the most pivotal names therein to the recordings and performances of the man himself. www.MVDb2b.com - This DVD contains some of the Kinks finest moments and is full of rarely seen performances from the sixties through the nineties with comments from band members including Ray Davies, Dave Davies and Mick Avory. Footage comes from live concerts and television performances. www.MVDb2b.com.

- Re-live every great moment, knockout, submission and fight with the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships). All the superstars are featured in their most spectacular bouts. Includes footage from the history making UFC 100 event. Over 2 Hours of Bonus Fights, Behind the Scenes Featurette, Interactive Jump to Fight Mode Allows Instant Access to Bonus Fights During Main Feature. www.anchorbayentertainment.com/ - Tai is discharged from jail and returns home only to find his brother in a coma. Determined to find the truth, Tai assumes his brother Tan’s identity, which ultimately leads him to an underground ultra-violent game based on Muay Thai and Basketball principles, but hosted by criminal drug lords. Tai risks his life to avenge his brother on the only court where murder is legal. www.lionsgate.com - It’s the world’s most powerful residence, where making decisions affecting millions of Americans is routine business. But the White House is also home for the president and his family. Smithsonian Networks takes you on an insider’s tour to meet the people who make the world’s most famous house a home. Loyal White House residence staff share their unique and personal views on eve-

rything from first pets, preparations for inauguration, behind-the-scenes views of world-altering events … even presidential scandals. www.infinityentertainmentgroup.com/

XBOX 360 Samurai Shodown Sen

by Xseed www.xseedgames.com

The eleventh overall game in the longlived and popular Samurai Shodown series features 24 available fighters, more than half of which are returning from earlier game versions. Set during the twilight days of Japan’s feudal Edo period, this latest iteration reveals a society on the brink of collapse, as encroaching Western influences threaten to overrun the ancient, once-hidden culture of lords, serfs, and samurai. Impressive 3D visuals, brutal finishing moves and online play and leaderboards via Xbox Live complete the series’ much anticipated rebirth on a Next-Gen platform.

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

SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE INSIDE MAN 3:10 TO YUMA THE DARK KNIGHT BABEL TWILIGHT CHANGLING THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA THE HOLIDAY CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR MICHAEL CLAYTON HOTEL RWANDA

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on Tampa Bay

lot of character. No building above three stories is allowed, and you will find very few chain establishments.

My husband and I may not agree on a lot of things — Neil Diamond vs. Jimi Hendrix (that just dated us, didn’t it!)

But one thing we do agree on is our decision to move to Florida from our respective Northern cities. Warm weather and great beaches sold us. As we travel around Florida, we are constantly amazed by how varied the beaches and beach towns are and all they have to offer. Somewhere in the state is the perfect beach experience for everyone — be it utter seclusion or around the clock partyPart of the Honeymoon Package includes rose petals and candlelight.

time. We heard that Anna Maria Island is the perfect beach area for unwinding and relaxing, so we headed down to the island’s BridgeWalk Resort to catch some rays.

It turns out the BridgeWalk is a popular getaway for folks from the close-by cities of Tampa, St. Pete and Orlando, just because of the “homey” feeling of the hotel, and the relaxed reputation of the island.

Anna Maria Island is actually three separate municipalities — Bradenton Beach, Homes Beach and Anna Maria. From the casual observer, it’s pretty much a seamless blend between cities, but they each have their own mayor, police force, etc. But they all agree on one thing — keeping the island as is, with a 38

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

Built some nine years ago by a charming mother and daughter team, BridgeWalk Resort is located on the southern end of the island, and close to the shopping and attractions found on Longboat Key and Sarasota. The resort is the Living suite largest hotel in in a BridgeW alk Townhous e. the area with 28 rooms, from studio suites to 2 bedroom townhouses. strong in the area. Artists come They have connecting and do some working displays rooms which makes it at the resort, as well as feature great for families or their paintings. A scheduled dinfriends traveling together. ner with the artists leads to aniTheir guest suites are Sun House’s Steak Oscar with Dill mated discussions about art, and very spacious, and, of Mashed Potatoes. the events are growing in popuspecial note — absolutely larity. spotless. Our 2 bedroom townhouse looked Right across the street from the hotel is the like we were the first people to ever use it. really cute Fish Hole Miniature Golf, and The furnishings and fixtures are high quality some funky and artsy boutiques line the and pristine. street.

If you go to the resort with your sigWhat else is there to do on the island? nificant other, treat yourself to the Again, relaxation, unwinding is the key.

“Honeymoon Package” — a chilled bot- Watersports are plentiful, there’s great fishing tle of champagne and chocolate covered at the historic pier, and some fine golf strawberries await you when you enter courses are nearby as well. your suite, and the kingsize bed and The BridgeWalk’s slogan is “You’ll Love jacuzzi are covered in rose petals sur- It Here!” and it’s true... you will. rounded by candlelight. It will set your mood up for your entire getaway!

The BridgeWalk is located at 100 Bridge Street, Bradenton Beach, Anna Maria Island, Just a two-lane road separates the hotel FL 34217. For more information about from the beach, and BridgeWalk’s Sun BridgeWalk, call 866-779-2545, or visit House Restaurant offers a panoramic www.silverresorts.com view of the beach. The resort staff is as warm and friendly as can be, and we made sure we had dinner at sundown for the Sun House’s evening “celebration” of green flash shooters and the singing of “You Are My Sunshine” when a bang on a gong announces the official dip of the sun.

The Sun House is a local favorite, and serves up some very attractive and delicious dishes. Their Steak Oscar with Dill Mashed Potatoes is a real crowd pleaser.

The resort’s complimentary breakfast is very satisfying as well, with a wide array of breakfast choices. Their makeyour-own waffles are especially tasty, and folks kept going back for more (including us).

BridgeWalk plays host to the Anna Maria Artist Guild, which is very www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

GAMING SCENE LAS VEGAS at the Las Vegas Rocks Cafe in the Embassy Theatre is a music, comedy and multimedia journey through the history of Las Vegas. It starts from the 1930s, progresses to the present day, and includes a look into the future of Las Vegas in the year 2050. Vegas The Show stars entertainer Tony Sacca, impressionist Tom Wallek, and singer/dancers Laurie Caceres, Nellie Norris and Amanda Kaiser. www.lasvegasrockscafe.com continues through Labor Day Weekend. Blue Oyster Cult will play August 14 and Jefferson Starship will rock Sept. 4 during Labor Day Weekend. Other summer activities include an Ultimate Elvis Weekend with Tribute Artist Contest and 10 weeks of tribute bands Tuesdays through Saturdays. , a new bar, restaurant and entertainment hot spot at Circus Circus. Flair bartending, live music and festive signature dishes will be the focus at this 14,000 sq. ft rock-inspired venue.

Bartending will take center stage as drinks and bottles are flipped, juggled, spun, balanced and poured by some of the best professionals in the business.

Chef Alfonso Contrisciani brings his unique food presentations to Rock & Rita’s menu. www.RockandRitas.com ” continues to take Las Vegas by storm as a third run of the show has been added for August. The show is directed by Emmy-nominated choreographers Napoleon and Tabitha and features original music produced by The Bangerz. The show, described as an audio-visual story of inspiration brought to life through the harmonization of sound and movement, is at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino from August 19-25. www.jbwkz.com.

A Pink Jeep Tours the Valley of Fire

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love Las Vegas — the glitz, the shows, the great food, the resorts, the slots, shopping — all of it. But there is another world beyond the strip, and it is chock full of fascinating discoveries. True, you can rent a car and flounder around on your own, but you don’t have to.

With Pink Jeep Tours, anything of interest can be found on one of their many tours covering anything drivable from Las Vegas. And, as the Pink Jeep Guide Carlos Tello

name implies, you do it in a pink jeep (actually a 10-passenger all-terrain “Tour Trekker or a 6passenger SUV - both comfortable and air conditioned.) Most importantly, the Pink Jeep folks hire only expert and affable driver/guides to take you on your adventures.

The tours mostly consist of the natural (and some man-made) wonders that surround Las Vegas, such as: The Grand Canyon West Rim, where the amazing Skywalk out over the canyon is; Hoover Dam; Red Rock Canyon and it’s scenic drive; Mount Charleston, where you can drive from shirtsleeves on the strip to snow on the mountain in 45 minutes; Eldorado Canyon, where you can tour an old goldmine; the famous Death Valley National Park with the ghost town of Rhyolite; Zion National Park with it’s amazing landscape; and the stunning Valley of Fire State Park.

For this, my first Pink Jeep Tour, I chose stunning, and signed up for the Valley of Fire tour. I was picked up right in front of my hotel by my guide, Carlos Tello, and we picked up a few more fellow adventurers at their hotels, and were off. Although he’s done it a zillion times, Carlos made it feel like it was the first time he was viewing the wonders on our tour his enthusiasm was infectious, and he was very knowledgeable.

The Valley of Fire is not far at all from Vegas (less than an hour’s drive northeast), so we had plenty of time to drive through the most interesting parts of the 46,000 acre park.

There is a new Welcome Center in the park which blends nicely into the scenery, and is cleverly laid out.

Part of the Mojave Desert, the valley was once the bottom of a deep ocean basin many millions of years ago. Faulting, uplifting and shifting of the earth’s crust created the amazwww.AccentOnTampaBay.com

ingly diverse geological formations found throughout Southern Nevada. The Valley of Fire was so named for the amazing color variations to the ancient sandstone rock.

There are many natural caves to be found in the valley, some used by animals through the centuries, some by man. There are several areas where man left his ancient mark, via rock art (called petroglyphs) which are still visible today. There are also some natural formations which resemble certain things or animals, and are so named. We saw “gorilla” rock, and “elephant” rock, but there’s certainly a bit of artistic license to call them that. None the less, the formations throughout the park are fascinating.

Interestingly, but sadly, a well-known rock formation collapsed the day we were there. Since the rock is sandstone, it is actually delicate, and changes shape through the centuries due to wind and weather. Apparently, the time had come for Natural Arch to fall after standing for who knows how long.

Lunch is included in the Pink Jeep tour, so we had a pleasant picnic at an area that had an old 1930’s stone cottage once used by travelers, and ancient petroglyphs adorning the rocks above.

Though desolate and dry, the desert is home to many species of plant and animal. To see how amazing nature is, one only needs to look at desert flora and how it adapts to the most inhospitable landscape of the Mojave Desert.

And eagles, turkey vultures — even an occasional condor may fly overhead, while fox, bighorn sheep and coyote roam the rocks, and Elephant Rock in Valley of Fire

scorpions, tarantulas and four varieties of rattlesnakes slither across the ground. You will rarely see them, since they are more afraid of you than you are of them — but you must still be careful where you walk.

Our tour was a total of 6 hours, and Carlos delivered each of us back to our hotels in time to relax and reflect on our wonderful day away from the Vegas strip.

For more information on Pink Jeep Tours, call (888) 900-4480, or visit www.pinkjeep.com. Please visit AccentOnTampaBay.com to see many more photos of the Valley of Fire tour. on Tampa Bay

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ACCENT On Tampa Bay

All guestrooms are suites at The Palazzo.

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(which are already heads and tails in luxury above same price point rooms at other Vegas resorts, at a spacious 720 square feet.) The beautifully appointed suites have a sunken living room, large 130 sq. ft. marble bathroom with a Roman tub, 3 flat-screen TVs throughout, remote-control shades and curtains, a dining table, and a work desk. The bedroom area comes with either two queens or king beds that are super plush. And that, dear readers, is their basic guestroom. They actually get more and more luxurious as you upgrade.

s if staying in their gorgeous guest– room suites wasn’t enough, the Palazzo in Las Vegas has upped the The Palazzo and it’s next door sister ante, and now offers a “Prestige” package, resort, The Venetian, have it locked with which, at $100 more per night, is too good to the best of everything — guestsuites, pass up. Does that sound a bit pricey to you? dining, spa, entertainment, shopping, and Here’s what you get for your extra $100: gaming. We’ve already mentioned the • Champagne upon check in at the private guestsuites, and dining at the resorts is Prestige level on the 23rd floor. superlative as well, with many and varied • Packing and unpacking service. choices. From the basic (the food court in • Personal concierge service.

Venetian’s Canal Shoppes) to the fine • Daily newspaper delivery to your suite. (celebrity chef restaurants) there is some• Complimentary cocktail reception in the thing for every budget and every mood.

12,000 sq. ft. Prestige Lounge.

Particular fine dining standouts are • Access to the Canyon Ranch SpaClub fitMario Batali’s Carnevino, Wolfgang ness center.

Puck’s CUT, and Thomas Keller’s • Admission to Azure, the Palazzo’s luxury Bouchon. pool.

Shopping within both resorts is pretty • Complimentary WiFi. • Complimentary local and Hot and cold hors d’oeuvres are served upscale, and you will find your most coveted 1-800 calls. in the Prestige Lounge. brands setting up shop • Business center with copyhere (think Barneys, ing, printing and internet availJimmy Choo, Piaget, ability.

Ferragamo, etc.)

• Plasma TVs throughout Some of the hottest the Prestige Lounge. shows in Las Vegas are • A deluxe continental at the Palazzo/Venetian breakfast in the Prestige lounge with the blockbuster • Afternoon teas and coffees “Jersey” Boys”, the in the Prestige lounge. quirky “Blue Man • Hot and cold hors d’oeuGroup”, and the best provres in the Prestige lounge. duction you’ve ever seen • Desserts and snacks in the of “The Phantom Of The Prestige lounge.

Opera” to name a few.

If you add all these perks Between the two casiup, they will certainly come nos (Palazzo & Venetian) you will find every well over $100, and you have the convenience table game imaginable and all the latest slot of not dealing with anything individually. So, machines. The two resorts are also offering a yes. Well worth it. new exclusive feature called “PocketCasino”, which enables you to keep gambling while you The guestrooms in the Prestige Package are drink, dance or dine. You can play Sports Book the same as the regular Palazzo guestrooms games, Extra Odds Baccarat, True Odds Prestige Lounge for relaxing and having a drink and a bite to eat.

Black Jack, Extra Odds Black Jack, DeepStack progressive video poker and many more on this handheld device you can pick up in the casinos.

(I’m not sure how you play blackjack or poker and dance at the same time, but that’s me.)

Palazzo’s Azure (only open Friday thru Sunday) is the ultimate www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

in luxury pools. It looks like the French Riviera, and feels almost overindulgent (if there’s such a thing.) Complimentary fresh fruit, frozen grapes, beverages, ice towels, Evian mistings and fine cuisine samplings are offered while you lounge on a daybed or in a cabana. Enjoy music and fashion shows, and tasty treats by Wolfgang Puck (like smoked salmon pizza with black caviar, or Maine lobster salad) along with cocktails and champagne before or after you relax with a 50-minute massage. Ahhh.

As you can see, you can stay at the Palazzo and actually never venture outside it’s complex

Inviting Prestige lobby.

for a complete resort vacation. And we have done it many times.

If you visit Palazzo’s website, you will see some fabulous vacation package offers. As of this writing, there is a Special Moment’s Package for $139 per night, which includes a luxury suite, view upgrade, $30 dining credit, $50 off 50 minute spa service, 30% off Blue Man Group tix, $50 PocketCasino gaming credit, and $25 slot credit per guest. If you add that all up, the Palazzo is in the minus column.

Friendly concierge staff welcomes guests to the Prestige level.

Throw in the Prestige Package and you’re still way ahead of the game. But wait! There’s more! Join the Player’s Club (free) and enjoy gaming, and you will receive very generous offers for future visits (which can include free stays, dining credits, and slot/gaming free play). By the time you read this, that particular package may no longer be available, but there will be some other great offer in its place.

I do believe I just talked us into heading back to Vegas and the Palazzo real soon!

For more information on the Palazzo and the Prestige Package, visit www.palazzolasvegas.com on Tampa Bay

ON THE BOOKSHELF

Florida Authors Write...

LIGHT FADING: REFLECTIONS ON THE IMPERILED EVERGLADES

by Joel M. Curzon

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his gorgeous coffee table book is dedicated to America’s most famous wetland. The hardcover, fullcolor volume of 320 pages is filled with brilliant photography, including many two-page spreads and numerous full-page images, and is laid out at a generous size that heightens the book’s visual impact.

Along with his photographs, the author also provides a descriptive essay that is personally touching, and scathing in its assault on current policy and cultural attitudes affecting the Everglades region. The result is a book of tremendous visual beauty that simultaneously packs a potent emotional and intellectual punch, a work of significance for lovers of the Everglades, but also for the future of environmental thought in general. www.lightfading.com

NEW RELEASES

The Philippine Sea Plate is the most unexplored realm on the planet. Hidden beneath its primordial crust lies the remains of the Panthalassa, an ocean that dates back 220 million years, and is inhabited by nightmarish sea creatures long believed extinct. A 76-foot, 100,000 pound Megalodon birthed a litter of pups, and a Dubai royal prince wants two for his huge aquarium.

David Taylor agrees to be their handler — not realizing that he is being set up to lead an expedition that will hunt down and capture the most dangerous creatures ever to inhabit the 42

ACCENT On Tampa Bay

HAUNTED THEATRES OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA by Kim Cool

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lorida author Kim Cool will never quit until she has uncovered every ghost in Southwest Florida. With her sixth foray into the afterlife, she has researched haunted theaters along the Cultural Coast of Florida.

With more theaters per capita than New York City, this area also seems to have more than its share of supernatural tales. Talks with actors, directors, playwrights, costumers, designers and other theater folk yielded hundreds of tales of wandering lost souls. A must read for ghost fans and those who are not quite sure what to believe.

Kim Cool also writes about Florida, its travel destinations in her popular Cool Road Trips series, and its history. www.historicvenicepress

JUSTICE IN JUNE by Barbara Levinson

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riminal defense attorney Mary Magruder Katz gets caught up in a whirlwind of three different cases.

Judge Liz Maxwell’s job, sanity, and reputation are at stake, and she needs Mary to ferret out wrongdoing in Miami’s courts. Luis Corona, a family friend of Mary’s boyfriend, Carlos, needs help with a legal matter that turns out to be a terrorism charge. Carlos gets in his own nasty legal quandary-one that could cost him everything. Three cases. One Mary. One torrential downpour of turmoil. Can she weather the storm? Ride out the cold front that settles over her once-hot romance? Salvage what remains of her-and her clients’-reputations? For Mary, this month’s forecast calls for trouble.

Author Barbara Levenson has lived in Miami for the past 32 years.

Barbara has served as a prosecutor, and run her own law practice where she focused on criminal defense and civil rights litigation. Barbara was elected to a judgeship in the circuit court of Miami-Dade County where she still serves as a senior judge. www.oceanviewpub.com

Earth.

A Stanford computer science major, Jason Lind signs up to play Fortuna, an online role-playing game set in Renaissance Florence.

He tumbles into a vibrant, lush, anonymous world. Swept up in the highly addictive game of power, Jason becomes obsessed with breaking Fortuna’s code of anonymity. When a sizable debt incurred in the game spills over into reality, he is forced to leverage the legacy of his father to pay off the debt. In the world of Fortuna, it’s not how you play the game; it’s if you survive.

In a lifelong act of penitence and defiance, www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Amelia has remained a virgin and saved herself for Tris, her first love, who abandoned her more than fifty years ago. Tris has led a separate life of his own in the confines of a loveless marriage and shattered by his decision to leave Amelia. The only person who can repair the rift between Tris and Amelia is Holly, a single mother without means, who is trying somehow to mend her life while laid out in a hospital bed, a victim of her own suicide attempt. The stories of Tris, Holly, and Amelia are woven together by a connection that transcends the boundaries between this world and the next.

This book consists of twentyeight engrossing accounts of the most important United States presidential decisions in history.

They range from the abolition of slavery with the Emancipation Proclamation to the acquisition of vast new territory with the Louisiana Purchase to the establishment of enduring institutions such as Medicare and America’s national parks.

This fascinating survey of twenty-eight crucial presidential decisions opens a door into the White House’s corridors of power, giving readers an insider’s view of how and why these decisions were made.

Author Hoy Kersh gives readers a unique picture of the sorrows and joys of growing up on a dirt road in the Jim Crow South in the 1940s and early 1950s, prior to the Civil Rights Movement. Ms. Kersh shares her memories, including those of the historical figures who inspired her — Rosa Parks, Medgar Evers, Martin Luther King, Jr. all from a child s perspective. Kersh spent many of her days fending off the Ku Klux Klan, questioning authority, and avoiding her mother’s heavy hand, but she still managed to remain compassionate and determined.

In the early 1200s, the Mongols, under their ferocious leader, Genghis Khan, quickly carved out an empire that by the late 13th century covered Eastern Europe to the eastern shore of Asia—and encompassed 110 million people. This book recounts the rapid expansion and dramatic decline of the Mongol realm, while examining its enduring influence on communities from the Danube River to the Pacific Ocean.

Though reggae-music icon, Bob Marley’s iconic life was cut short before his time, his legacy lives on in part due to the musical talents of his children. The tenth son of Marley, Ky-Mani has written and performed songs of redemption around the world. This book is a narrative of a son locked out of his iconic father’s shelter for the first half of his life and forced to survive the poverty-stricken, violent ghetto, Liberty City in Miami. We follow his ascent from a bullet-riddled life to the world stages he now commands as a Grammy-nominated recording artist.

How did Hannibal’s 55,000 Carthaginians turn the tables on an 80,000-strong force of the ancient Roman army? What allowed 6,000 Englishmen to overcome 30,000 French at Agincourt in 1415? Which errors in judgment doomed a Russian army twice as large as its opposing German force at the Battle of Tannenberg during World War I? Author O’Brien’s powerful recreations of history’s most surprising military victories illuminate the strategies, secret weapons, and fateful decisions that turned the tide of battle in the most extraordinary ways.

They were the soldiers who pulled down the statue of Saddam Hussein — the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, led by Lt. Col. Bryan P. McCoy (radio call sign: Darkside). This is the story of their war, seen from the inside by reporter John Koopman, who captures the war in Iraq as it was lived, fought, and felt — the nitty-gritty as well as the guts-and-glory of it.

This book explores the uses of violence in the films Tarantino has written, directed, and produced.

Arguing that extreme violence is central to Tarantino’s art, the book helps readers understand its purpose in his films—as metaphor, as movement, and as motivation. In each of his movies, he explores the boundaries of taste and audience reaction, using violence and shock to bring questions of responsibility and expectation to the forefront of discussions on cinema.

A Q&A guide for motherdaughter conversations about female health and sexuality, this book targets both daughters and mothers. Start Talking contains more than 113 questions girls ask including questions about periods, sex, relationships, body development, etc. Each chapter contains basic information accompanied by real-life vignettes, questions and answers for moms, questions and answers for daughters. “Table Talk” is meant to spark conversations. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

In this creative, honest approach, author I. Major helps women uncover the truth about men. A board certified psychiatrist, he provides intimate information about what takes place in a male’s mind and tells the truth about why men lie. Mixing humor with serious advice, the book serves as a guide for women navigating the dating world. Each chapter concludes with a realistic and functional quiz that analyzes the dating world and provides clues to men’s intentions.

Author David J. Pollay’s life philosophy: By letting other people’s “garbage” — their negativity — simply “pass by,” and not dumping garbage on others, you can become happier and more successful, both personally and professionally. People remember the metaphor of the garbage truck for what can be achieved in life by not staking success and happiness on the behavior of others. Powerful and easily understood, The Law of the Garbage Truck will guide and inspire readers every day.

A journey of self discovery for anyone who wants to know more about themselves, this workbook consists of 254 questions that will provide invaluable insight into your true self, your goals, and your fears. The experience of answering the questions is one of liberation, discovery and honesty. This book will help move all aspects of your life into focus, leaving you with a clear vision of who you are, and who you want to be.

Using the classic model of the Ken Blanchard/Spencer Johnsonstyle business fable and adapting it to younger audiences, Debra Slover has created a sweetly illustrated book that empowers children, steers them toward positive patterning, and shows each child how to plant and nurture the seeds of good leadership while ridding their metaphorical gardens of the “weeds” (negative qualities that can harm children’s self-esteem). Kids who’ve been bullied may respond especially well to this book.

Cool NEW Stuff

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K. I’ll admit it. I am a sucker for “As Seen On TV” stuff. I order it, and most of the time I’m not all that thrilled with what I get — yet I keep getting sucked in by a mind-controling commercial that convinces me I cannot live without their product. However, once in a while I’m actually happy with a product, and in this case — thrilled!

I saw the Haan Steam Cleaner doing its thing on TV, and upoon checking it out, decided to upgrade to the Hann duo Steam Sweeper & Floor Sanitzer, since it looked like it would cut out the work step of sweeping first. I was skeptical about it working, but it does. We have tile throughout most of our house, so anything I can do to make my life easier is the way I go.

The duo is easy to assemble from the package, and then you fill the tank, plug it in, and wait just 3 minutes for it to get up to temperature. Then place a microfiber pad on the bottom and you’re ready to go.

The duo has a sweeper in the front, which catches bits of this and that on your floor before the steamer in back steams and cleans. The sweeper part won’t pick up nuts and bolts, but it will certainly take care of pet hair, cereal and even sloppy messes like spaghetti and icecream.

We have tile throughout most of our house, so anything I can do to make my life easier is the way I go. The duo is also for carpet, rugs, hard-surface floors like hardwood, laminate, vinyl and more.

Haan claims that the duo’s 212°F steam kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria, and it doesn’t use chemicals for a healthy home environment. Indeed, since you’re filling the tank with plain tap water, you’re saving money on chemical cleaners. It’s pretty lightweight also, weighing in at just under 8 pounds.

The Haan duo actually makes cleaning the floor — dare I say it? — kinda fun.

For more information on the Hann duo Steam Sweeper & Floor Sanitzer, visit www.haanduo.com. You can see a little video of the product in action on their website.

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www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Star Wars Mimobot Popular USB Flash Drives

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esigner USB flash drive pioneer Mimoco has unveiled its newest line of Star Wars Mimobot designer flash drives. Devoted to the film that started it all — Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope — the latest series of classic characters immortalized as USB flash drives includes astromech droid extraordinaire, R2-D2 and the shootingimpaired Stormtrooper, both back by popular demand from the original Star Wars Mimobot series. Two newcomers also join the 2010 series, including the scavenger of the desert, the Jawa, and Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Mimobot designer USB flash drives are available in 2GB, 4GB, 8GB and 16GB memory capacities and are bundled with preloaded digital extras to enrich one’s personal desktop experience.

Mimoco has been changing the way people think about USB flash drives.

With characters ranging from original and community designs to crossovers with pop-culture newcomers like tokidoki, and iconic behemoths like Hello Kitty, Mimobot combines pop art and consumer electronics.

For more information, including a full list of Mimobot characters and outposts, visit mimoco.com.

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here’s a new way to enjoy your favorite past travel spots — embedded in a beautiful paper weight. Glass Atlas is a paperweight like glass dome on top of an artistic image of a specific region or area from an outer space view. The authentic satellite imagery magnified through the crystal dome can be seen from all angles.

You can pick the favorite place you’ve traveled, like Italy, the Grand Canyon and many more. The NASA satellite images provide an artistic way to enjoy the gorgeous view of the earth’s surface of places you’ve traveled.

Each Glass Atlas is beautifully packaged in a unique ecofriendly wooden crate and comes complete with a small fact sheet about the specific image you’ve chosen. They can even engrave your Glass Atlas to make a great personalized gift. It’s a great piece of art that brings back memories of your special trip.

You can also pick your special spot for birthday, graduation, retirement, promotion or any occasion. These creative accents will inspire and engage the imagination. The clever presentation box is handcrafted from the scraps of log cabin construction. Each Glass Atlas paperweight is 3 1/2” across, 1 7/8” deep and weighs 1 lb.

5 oz.

For more information on Glass Atlas, visit www.glassatlas.com

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chedules fill up fast, so it’s wise to begin planning your events with a good lead time. From clam bakes to coastal family gatherings, InvitationBox.com can help you get the word out to family and friends. The company offers one of the internet’s widest selections of invitations, announcements, stationery products and gifts to make every occasion special.

InvitationBox.com offers over 9,000 products that include a wide variety of designs ranging from classic and traditional to modern and chic elements for every occasion. They carry some of the most popular vendors in the industry, Inviting Company, Stacy Claire Boyd, Odd Balls, Picture Perfect, SanLori Designs, Cross-My-Heart and Paper So Pretty, just to name a few.

Consider some of their unique and festive selec-

tion of invitations. Hosting a Seafood Boil or Oyster Roast by the ocean’s edge? Mouths will start watering with a choice of several themed invitations.

Whether you’re planning a milestone birthday like a first birthday or Sweet 16, or throwing a yearly bash, InvitationBox.com has hundreds of birthday party invitations to help you celebrate in style. They offer boy, girl and gender neutral birthday invites for children’s parties, birthday invitations for your baby’s first birthday, Sweet 16 birthday party invitations, and a huge array of chic birthday invitations for the adults. Since this will be the first impression people have of your party; it’s important to choose invitations that perfectly represent you and set the tone for your party.

To peruse their varied stock of invitations, please visit www.invitationbox.com

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Cool NEW Stuff

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ccording to the American Pet Products Association, 21 percent of dog owners and 3 percent of cat owners take their pets with them when they travel by car. That means more than 8 million pets per year gear up for some serious road tripping. Kakadu Pet has come to the rescue with their unique line of fun and funky pet travel products.

Among their line of specialty travel products, the Kakadu Pet Adventure Mat is kind of like a “doggy blankey” that rolls up like a yoga mat and travels with your pet anywhere you go. It’s machine washable and comes in 4 funky color combinations. Traveling with the mat gives your pet a sense of security and a familiar smell at unfamiliar locations. While visiting friends, relatives, or even a pet friendly restaurant or coffee shop, your pet will always know where to sit and relax.

Kakadu Pet’s line of high quality and fashionable travel bags provide pets weighing

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USH Cosmetics believes in quite a few things as a company.

They don’t test on animals or have any of their ingredients tested on animals. They don’t over package their products and don’t want to harm the environment. This is why they replaced the traditional gift wrap in their stores with Knot-Wrap stations.

A Furoshiki-inspired technique, Knot-Wrap uses scarves, either made of recyclable materials or vintage fabrics, to package products in a fashionably and environmentally-friendly way. They were inspired by the Japanese art of wrapping, or ‘Furoshiki’, which means ‘bath spread’. Since the 1600s Furoshiki was used in public bathhouses to wrap and carry bathing articles. LUSH loved this style of wrapping so much that they borrowed the idea and put an eco-friendly twist on them; each Knot-wrap is made

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up to 18 pounds the utmost comfort while still being stylish to carry. Available in 4 styles: Milan, Paris, New York and St. Germain, Kakadu Pet’s travel bags have an adjustable shoulder strap for a custom fit. They feature double front pockets to store essential treats and toys, as well as a water bottle pouch on the side.

The Kakadu Pet Cot is another pet travel product. Unassembled, the cot fits into an easy-to-carry “tent” bag so you can take your pooch camping, to mom’s house, or even to a BBQ on the beach. The lightweight construction and design makes the cot easy to assemble and also allows air to circulate underneath dogs and cats, helping them regulate their body temperature while relaxing outside. The Kakadu Pet All Seasons Mat comes in the same colors as the cot and is designed to fit on top of the Pet Cot if your pooch or kitty wants extra padding. This reversible pad features a nylon canvas on one side and a fleece fabric on the other for extra warmth during the cooler months.

Currently, the Kakadu Pet line includes collars, leads (traditional and retractable), harnesses, beds, clothes, bowls, and travel bags. For more information, visit www.kakadupet.com.

from recycled plastic bottles.

These scarves can be used and reused in a variety of ways (purse, grocery bag, décor, etc.) and can be wrapped (in origamistyle) to carry products of all shapes and sizes.

In just a few easy steps you can make a book wrap, a shoulder bag wrap, a 4-tie wrap and a bottle wrap.

Collect all of the beautiful designs, wrap gifts in them or wear them in your hair. This is recycling at its best!

For more information, visit LUSH at www.lushusa.com

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

, 7 p.m. Art-Cruise adds another fun dimension to Gulfport Art Walk Festivities. The Sunset Cruise starts boarding at 7 p.m. at Casino Dock; 5500 Shore Blvd. S. Tickets are available only at the Outpost (3007 Beach Blvd. South) and the Village Pub (5519 Shore Blvd.

South), or by calling (727) 360-7411.

Starts at Noon. Tickets are available at Gulfport locations: The Outpost at 3007 Beach Blvd. S and Gulfport on the Rocks at 5413 Shore Blvd. S. For tickets at St. Pete Beach locations: Swigwam, 336 Corey Circle.

For more details 727-439-1485.

- GECKOS IN WONDERLAND is the light-hearted theme of this year’s festivities. The Ball will be held at the Peninsula Inn & Spa, 2937 Beach Blvd. The party runs 7 p.m.-11 p.m. GECKOS befits Gulfport’s quirky, funky, artistic nature. Larger than life décor will evoke Alice’s adventures in Wonderland. Food for the occasion will conjure elements of the Mad Hatter’s tea party. Live music for dancing and entertainment will keep party-goers on their feet. Wonderlandrelated characters and activities will offer surprises throughout the evening.

Silent auctions will also be held during the Ball, featuring gift certificates and merchandise from local businesses and artists. Tickets are available in advance at The Outpost and Domain Home Accessories.

The 10th Annual Gulfport GECKOFEST. Join the o-FISH-al GECKO Goddess and the Gecko Court along with Kim Magic and other roving characters, who will be roaming the streets and entertaining the crowds. Live entertainment will be provided on three main stages

Serving: Gulfport Senior Center; Gulfport Casino; Gulfport Waterfront District; Stetson Univ. College of Law; Pasadena Shopping Center Palms of Pasadena Hospital; St. Pete Beach

from 11 am till 10 pm. Get involved in the parade at 6 pm (think Renaissance meets Mardi Gras: wacky, noisy, and costumed!) with adults & children’s costume contests and a hat contest at the end. Additional activities include Sidewalk Chalk Art, Face Painting, Belly Dance lessons and much more. STREET DANCE at 8 pm! Bring your dancing shoes, and help celebrate the 10th Anniversary. 727-322-5217.

Beach Blvd., 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Get fresh every Tuesday! Veggies, fruit, bread, cheese, seafood, nuts, herbs, plants, art and crafts, live music & much more. Beach Blvd. below 29th Ave. South. FREE. For information on many other Gulfport events, go to www.gulfportma.com.

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