Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine #160

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Accent On Tampa 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 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

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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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ARTE 2010

November celebrates Arte 2010, the biennial festival of performing and visual arts from Latin America that affirms Tampa Bay’s cross-cultural heritage and its modern role as a gateway to the Americas. During the festival, venues and arts organizations on both sides of Tampa Bay join together to bring world-class artists to our area. As a sampling, this year’s line-up includes Tampa Tango Argentine masters Victoria Sarquisse and Federico participation from: Cigar Heritage Festival; Conga Jorquera of Tampa Tango Argentino.

Caliente; Florida Craftsmen; Gasparilla International Film Festival; Hillsborough Community College; Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg; Rock the Park; The Palladium Theatre; Tampa Bay History Center; Tampa Museum of Art; Tampa Theatre; Tango in the Park; USF Contemporary Art Museum/Institute for Research in Art; University of Tampa Scarfone-Hartley Gallery; Salvador Dali Museum; Straz Center for the Performing Arts; Writers & Artists Group; Ybor Festival of the Moving Image; Ybor Jazz Holiday and other independent groups.

6-9pm. Get your ears, feet, and taste buds Going for the “World’s Longest Cigar”. ready for an evening in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park where you’ll enjoy music, Tango lessons & performances, and South American wines and culinary pairings from Sono Café. Featuring Tampa Tango Argentine masters Victoria Sarquisse and Federico Jorquera of Tampa Tango Argentino who bring a taste of NYC’s Lincoln Center Tango nights to downtown Tampa. Music, lessons, and performances are free. www.tampatangoargentino.com 10am-5pm, Centennial Park-Ybor City. Join the fun and ambiance of Ybor City for a day of activities celebrating the rich cigar heritage that once made Tampa the “Cigar Capital of the World.” Join thousands of cigar enthusiasts at the 11th annual festival! See master cigar makers Wallace and Margarita Reyes attempt to break the record for “World’s Longest Cigar.” , 11:00am to 3:00pm. Flavor of West Tampa presents a food festival to celebrate the rich culture, history and food that make West Tampa Famous. Showcasing local restaurants and eateries, the event will offer patrons food tastings starting for as little as $1.00. Spend the day and enjoy The Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay History Museum, Flamenco dancers, food tastings, art exhibits, and a Cigar Rolling demonstration.

Hillsborough County Schools will have a children’s Art display, and Tampa Tribune’s Cloe Cabrera will Emcee the event. In addition Celebrity guests, including Tampa Tribune Food Critic Jeff Houck, and retired MLB coach Lou Piniella, will Judge the Best Beans & Rice and the Best Dessert offered at the event. The event will be celebrated at the West Tampa Convention Center at 3005 West Columbus Dr., Tampa. www.FlavorofWestTampa.com For more information please visit www.artefestival.org.

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ANTIQUES IN THE PARK - Sun, Nov 7, 10am-5pm on the beautiful grounds of the historic Garden Club of St. Petersburg. This popular outdoor antique show features quality antique & collectible dealers set-up throughout the grounds of the Garden Club. Some of the vintage fun you might find for sale at “Antiques in the Park” includes estate jewelry, old pottery, art, vintage Christmas and holiday décor, china and glassware, clocks, old beer signs, tools, textiles & linens, toys, Florida memorabilia, quilts, books, military collectibles, furniture, modern, and primitives. The Garden Club of St. Petersburg is conveniently located at 500 Sunset Drive South, St. Petersburg at the intersection of Park Street and 5th Avenue South. www.hulahula.biz

Chillounge Night’s Outdoor Luxury Lounge Event - Nov 20 in St. Petersburg’s Straub Park.

Chillounge Night transforms a public area into a posh nightclub and lounge for one night only, in downtown St. Petersburg. Chillounge Night will overlook the waterfront from Straub Park. Hundreds of chic daybeds and other outdoor furnishings will be set up to create a cozy, comfortable setting for an evening of food, drink and entertainment that will be held from 6 – 11 p.m. Must be 21 or older. The line-up of live musical entertainment includes sounds performed by sax phenom BK Jackson and vibrant nuevo flamenco sounds of world music ensemble, Cabal. Chillounge Night Runway Fashion Show will highlight designs by Saks Fifth Avenue and Urban Body. Dona Crowley will produce Chillounge Night’s one-of-akind Daybed Parade. Creative Pyrotechnic’s fireworks display will once again highlight the skies and Chillounge Night’s signature Brazilian Samba Parade by Paulo Gualano will cap off the evening. The St. Petersburg event will benefit two local organizations, Creative Clay and The Woodson Museum. For more information, visit www.chilloungenight.com.

WINE, WOMEN & SHOES - Thurs-Sat, Nov 4-6. The Florida Fashionistas present a 3-day event to benefit the Children’s Dream Fund. The event will bring together charity supporters, wine enthusiasts and fashion lovers. Ten West Coast wineries will showcase their wine collections. The latest in fashion and shoes will be represented from local boutiques and high-end designers brought in from trend-setting cities – Italy, New York, L.A., London and Las Vegas.

‘Vintners and Vines,’ a unique spin on the traditional walk-around wine tasting, will kick-off the events on Thursday at Straz Center’s Maestro’s in Tampa from 7p.m. – 10p.m. During a special VIP Crush Hour pre-party from 6pm – 7pm, guests will meet the vintners from select West Coast wineries.

The signature event, Wine, Women and Shoes, will be on Friday at the Straz Center’s Morsani Hall and Riverwalk Promenade from 10:30a.m to 2:30p.m. Wine, Women and Shoes is a strolling wine and food tasting, boutique shopping experience, live and silent auctions, and a high energy fashion show that come together for a few hours of fundraising, camaraderie and shopping. Ladies will be pampered by one of the event’s ‘Sole Men’ charming men from the community who will cater to the crowd with designer shoes presented on silver platters.

On Saturday, seven wine-paired dinners will be held at exclusive homes throughout Tampa Bay for private ‘Vintner Dinners.’ Each will offer a unique and intimate dinner experience, having a different theme with a carefully paired menu and wine list. There will be a West Coast vintner on site to walk guests through the dinner pairing and answer questions. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.winewomenandshoes.com/tampabay.

GLAZER CHILDREN’S MUSEUM NOW OPEN. The new 53,000-square foot museum provides a safe and playful environment, where children and adults can learn about themselves, each other, and the world around them through exploration, role-playing and direct experience. The highly-interactive museum includes 12 themed galleries and 170 ‘interactivities’ - hands-on, minds-on exhibits for children aged birth to ten. A combination of permanent and traveling exhibits, comprehensive yearround programs and special events will provide children, parents, caregivers and teachers a rich and ever-changing environment for playful learning. To learn more about the museum, visit www.GlazerMuseum.org or call 813.443.FUN1(3861). www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

47TH ANNUAL ART HARVEST- Sun, Nov 6-7. Art Harvest is a fine art festival featuring over 200 artists from around the country, produced by the Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin, Inc. This year’s Featured Artist is James Michael Nenmich. Michael presently resides in Indialantic, Florida and has since 1963. Being a longtime Floridian, his local environment and close proximity to the ocean have heavily influenced his unique artistic style. Michael’s work reflects his many travels throughout the world, including but not limited to: Australia, Japan, Indonesia, Mexico and Europe. There are food and beverage vendors on site, as well as a children’s tent with art projects provided for supervised children. Art Harvest will take place at Highlander Park in Dunedin, admission is free. All proceeds from this event are reinvested into the community and have helped fund notable projects such as the Dunedin Fine Arts Center, UPARC Foundation, The Rick Pitino High Point Center, and the F.U.N. Bus. Currently, the League’s focus is on public awareness and support of the foster care system and the aging out of 13-22 year old children in Pinellas and Pasco Counties.

2010 ST. PETERSBURG POWER & SAILBOAT SHOW - Dec 2-5. The St. Petersburg Power & Sailboat Show is set to sail into the Progress Energy Center for the Arts Mahaffey Theater Yacht Basin and Albert Whitted Park in St. Petersburg. This year’s show will feature an impressive selection of power boats and sailboats in a new waterfront area and on land, including a 40,000square-foot clearspan tent housing all types of marine gear. Show-goers will find hundreds of power boats and sailboats anchored in the man-made marina including family cruisers, runabouts, fishing boats, magnificent sailing yachts, personal watercraft and much more. In addition to the large selection of exhibits at this year’s show, there will be an array of special events and fun and educational activities, including marine seminars, the new Blue Wild Dive and Travel Show, IGFA fishing clinics, and youth fishing clinics presented by the non-profit Hook The Future. Attendees also will be able to enjoy refreshments and live musical entertainment. For more information, call (954) 764-7642 or (800) 940-7642, or visit ShowManagement.com.

TAMPA BAY HOME SHOW - Nov 12-14, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg. Meet the area’s top home improvement experts with over 500 exhibits relating to Florida homes and home improvement — flooring, landscaping, spas/pools, home entertainment, remodeling and roofing experts.

Stroll through the aisles and find hundreds of project ideas and solutions. See the latest in kitchen cabinets, carpet and tile, air conditioning systems, windows, fencing or storage solutions…. From home security to storm protection to greener living… It’s all coming together under one roof at Tropicana Field. The show will also include a seminar series on Saturday and Sunday, featuring a lineup of entertainment, local experts and do-it-yourself ideas for your home.

Individual booths will also feature new products, demonstrations, giveaways, advice and trade secrets. www.tampabayhomeshows.com.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF PINELLAS’ HOLIDAY SCHEDULE - HSP has a variety of activities scheduled this year including a new program that will give shelter pets Holiday gifts of their own.

Photos with Santa Nov 27-28, Dec 4-5, 11-12 - 10am-4pm. Create cards and gifts to share the Holiday spirit.

Light the Way Home - Nov 26 - Jan 1, 2011. Spread Holiday cheer and say it in lights by purchasing decorative lights in honor and memory of loved ones this year. Special areas and even decorated trees can be sponsored also.

Stuff Stockings - HSP pets like to have holiday gifts too. HSP will hang the stockings on Nov 26 with the hopes that they will get stuffed with fun toys & treats. The pets that are still waiting for their furrever homes as of Dec 25 will get the gifts that have been given for them to enjoy.

Holiday Baskets For Sale - Nov 14, Christmas Under the Oaks, Clearwater; Nov 27, A Bark Above the Rest Craft Bazaar, Countryside HS 9-4; Dec 12, Safety Harbor Kiwanis Arts & Crafts Show.

Microchip Clinic Saturday, Dec 4, 1-3:30 pm. A microchip is permanent identification that is your pet’s best chance for finding his way home if he becomes lost. Only $15 covers your pet’s microchip, implant, and registration. Don’t forget to bring proof of current rabies vaccine and license for dogs and cats over 3 months of age. No appointment is necessary. For more information, www.humanesocietyofpinellas.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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

CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS SHOWS

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY: GREATEST HITS: Vol. 1 - thru Feb 20 Don’t miss the show Kathie Lee Gifford refers to as “the Saturday Night Live of Broadway.”

FORBIDDEN BROADWAY is the longest-running musical revue in the world and “the funniest show in New York” (New Yorker Magazine). A favorite of all Broadway lovers, Tampa’s Forbidden Broadway cabaret revue sharply spoofs show tunes, characters and plots of contemporary and current Broadway musicals, and it will have you rolling in the aisles.

The original version of the revue opened in New York in 1982 and ran for more than 2,300 performances. FORBIDDEN BROADWAY continues to be reincarnated and modernized to include parodies of newer shows and hysterical incarnations including Forbidden Broadway Goes to Rehab, Forbidden Hollywood and Forbidden Broadway: Special Victims Unit.

Tickets are now on sale for the American Stage remaining 2010-2011 Season: MA RAINEY’S BLACK BOTTOM Previews Jan 18-20, Opens Jan 21, Closes Feb 13.

WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF? - Previews Mar 8-10, Opens Mar 11-Apr 3.

26th Annual AmericanStage in the Park RENT - Previews April 13-14, Gala opening Apr 15-May 8.

FRANKIE AND JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE - Previews May 31, June 1-2, Opens June 3-26.

A STEADY RAIN - Previews July 1921, Opens July 22-Aug 14.

DREAMGIRLS - Nov 16-21 Direct from Harlem’s world famous Apollo Theater in New York City, a sensational new stage production of Dreamgirls comes to Tampa. Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, Dreamgirls tells the story of an up-and-coming, 1960s singing girl group, and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune. Dreamgirls features the unforgettable hits: “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “One Night Only” and “Listen.” Broadway director and choreographer Robert Longbottom (Bye Bye Birdie Broadway revival) and cochoreographer Shane Sparks (TV’s So You Think You Can Dance), along with some of Broadway’s top designers, re-envision this Tony and Academy Award-winning musical so it sparkles like never before.

Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS - Nov 30-Dec 5 White Christmas’ Tampa engagement shines with classic Berlin hits like Blue Skies, How Deep is the Ocean? and, of course, the unforgettable title song. Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS tells the story of two buddies putting on a show in a magical Vermont inn and finding their perfect mates in the process. Full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written, Irving Berlin’s WHITE CHRISTMAS promises a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family!

Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 813-229-7827, www.tbpac.org. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

“Sex, drugs and chamber music! An absorbing new play, marked with a nuanced intelligence in its depiction of the complex relationship between musicians’ lives and their art.” — NY Times After firing one of their founding members due to his erratic behavior, a world-class string quartet takes a chance on a gifted, but relatively inexperienced, young woman. With only a few days to rehearse a grueling Beethoven masterpiece, the four struggle to prepare their highest-profile performance everóa televised ceremony at the White House. Their rehearsal room becomes a pressure-cooker as passions rise, personalities clash and the players are forced to confront the ephemeral nature of their life’s work.

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

Big River - thru Nov 14 Mark Twain’s timeless classic sweeps us down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend, Jim, a slave, escape to freedom at the mouth of the Ohio River. Their adventures along the way are hilarious, suspenseful and heartwarming, bringing to life favorite characters from the novelthe Window Douglas and her stern sister, Miss Watson; the uproarious King and Duke, who may or may not be as harmless as they seem; Huck’s partner in crime, Tom Sawyer, and their rowdy gang of pairs; Huck’s drunken father, the sinister Pap Finn; the lovely Mary Jane Wilkes and her trusting family.

SCHOOL HOUSE ROCK - Nov 5-9 The Emmy Award winning 1970’s pop culture phenomenon comes to the musical stage. The Children’s Educational Series kicks off with the 1970’s pop culture hit School House Rock. The series features Broadway style musicals with moral messages about honesty, friendship, diversity, self-worth and fun for the whole family.

Tampa Bay Magic Club Presents 2010 BAY AREA’S BEST MAGICIAN COMPETITION - Nov 20 Who is the best magician in Florida? The Tampa Bay Magic Club hosts their annual Magic Competition, featuring the best magicians from Florida and around the United States competing for cash and prizes.

See the stars of magic before they disappear to the big time.

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

Florida’s Most Exciting Theatrical & Dining Experience!

Up Coming

Mon.-Thur. 9am-7pm Fri.-Sat. 9am-8pm Sun. 10am-3pm Now thru Nov 20 Dinner & Show-$48.00 + Tax • Show Only-$36.95+Tax

www.showpalace.net www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Nov 25 - Dec 25

OKLAHOMA! - thru 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!

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

Show Palace, 16128 U.S. 19 N., Hudson. 1-888-655-7469, www.showpalace.net

BABES IN TOYLAND - Dec 319. Adapted by William Bryant; “Babes In Toyland” is a fantastical musical adventure for the whole family. See this holiday treat come alive on stage! Fanciful sets and costumes abound as favorite storybook characters entertain in this whimsical tale of holiday intrigue.

Cheer on your favorite Mother Goose characters, and boo the villains, as evil Uncle Barnaby and his bumbling side kicks try to do away with Alan & Jane in order to collect their handsome inheritance.

Join BoPeep, Tom Tom, Miss Muffet and others as they leave Mother Goose land in search of their friends and family in Toyland. An adventure with bears fighting giant spiders, ballet dancing Moth’s and toys that come to life in order to save the Toymaker and Christmas from ending forever. “Babes In Toyland” has captured the hearts of the young, and young at heart, for over 100 years, with wonderful songs, including “Never Mind BoPeep, We Will Find Your Sheep”, the touching “Toyland”, and the ultimate, “March Of The Toys” . A gorgeous feast for the eyes with a large cast of over 30, and enchanting choreography, this show promises to be the highlight of your holiday delights.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec 5-21. A Drama by Charles Dickens, Adapted by John Conlon. This spectacular, new version of the Dickens’ holiday treat ushers in the Christmas season.

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

The God of Isaac Dec 2-19 It’s the perfect holiday story by James Sherman, as one young man searches for his spiritual identity. It’s a tender yet laugh-filled story of how we relate to who we have been told we are, and what it means to finally find yourself. A journey of discovery that is both hysterically funny and beautifully touching and in the end, spiritually revitalizing.

At the Shimberg Playhouse, at the Straz Center.

Coming Up: MOMOlogues by Lisa Rafferty, Stephanie Cloutier & Sheila Eppolito Feb 17-26, 2011 in Ybor Square.

A Lesson Before Dying - by Romulus Linney, April 2011 in the S h i m b e r g Playhouse at the Straz Center.

Last Play of the Season to be announced. July 2011, at the Channel District Theatre For more information, visit www.stageworkstheatre.org

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Venue Ensemble Theatre THE MAN WITH THE PLASTIC SANDWICH - Nov 4–21 The Man with the Plastic Sandwich is a timely comedy about hope, wisdom, and reality starring Frank Robertson as Walter, a recently unemployed engineer, with Betty Jane Parks, Michael DuMouchel, and Kathy Richter portraying the provocative characters he meets during his days in the park. The production is directed by Midge Mamatas. “You will laugh until your sides feel as if they will burst, until your eyes begin to water, until you are sure that one more clever line or witty exchange will send you into a laughing fit from which you may never recover.” — Chicago Sun Times HEP (Homeless Emergency Project, www.ethep.org) is the designated benefit organization for this production. Venue Ensemble Theatre donates a portion of the proceeds from every ticket sold to the benefit organization.

For more information, visit www.VenueActorStudio.org

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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

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

, 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-

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

www.floridaorchestra.org

y antiques appraisal events take place in various venues from a place right in your backyard to an exotic location spanning the globe.

Recently, I presented my antiques appraisals on board the beautiful new Celebrity Equinox cruise ship on an 11 night voyage to the islands of the Caribbean and ports of call in Panama and Columbia.

The ship’s inspired interior design and the fine art collection included original works by Roy Lichtenstein, Damien Hirst, Karli Sears, Julie Heffernan, Red Grooms, Joan Mitchell and others. I discussed the interior design and the art on exhibit during my special walking tours of the ship which made Equinox a perfect site for my unique brand of shows.

The part antiques appraisals, part stand-up comedy show, hosted by Celebrity Cruises and the cruise line’s on board entertainment program called Celebrity Life, was one of the more than 129 different activities offered on this particular sailing. In addition to sharing my expertise about shopping for souvenirs, my shows are an experience where cruise guests bring their family heirlooms or newly acquired collectibles to me for an appraisal. Are you thinking, who actually brings antiques on a cruise ship? Lots of people do. And, some guests brought pictures of their items on board too. Of course, a photo of grandma’s dining room table is much easier to fit into your carry-on!

During my appraisal events in the Equinox theatre and Sky Lounge, I reviewed various items from cruisers residing all over the world. There were Victorian clocks from California, religious statuary from Leon, Mexico, tea pots from

luxurious pools when she decided to check out my appraisal event after hearing all of the chatter about the interesting objects that I highlight in the fun-filled program. Plus, I’m dazzling too! Not expecting to actually participate in the appraisal event, on the spot Robin asked me to review the 18 karat yellow gold locket that her grandmother gave her when she was in her teens. She explained that she never takes the necklace off. She even went snorkeling on a shore excursion that morning with the necklace hanging around her neck. She was shocked when I told her that it was a mourning (memorial) locket dating back to the late 19th Century detailed with precious gems. The piece was worth $1,500. Her honeymoon cruise was not only memorable, but now she had information about a cherished keepsake too.

Dr. Lori and cruise guest Robin with her Victorian locket.

Bermuda (big surprise!), Japanese woodblock prints from Massachusetts, costume jewelry from Arizona, and Native American carvings from Nova Scotia, Canada, etc. Antiques enthusiasts and curious spectators filled the Equinox theatre for the standing room only appraisal events.

Like the shiny new ship, things that sparkled were appraised aboard Equinox. For instance, New Jersey retirees named Carole and Howie were thrilled when I evaluated a family heirloom diamond brooch for $15,000. After my appraisal, Howie brought the brooch from the Equinox theatre right back to the ship’s safe. Carole must have retrieved it from the safe because she was wearing her brooch during a dance party later in the cruise.

I think that newlywed named Robin who hailed from New York City with her groom, Lee, got the biggest surprise. She had been swimming in one of the ship’s

Just like learning about your keepsakes, traveling can change your point of view and open your mind to new experiences.

I hope to see you on my next antiques appraisal cruise. Bring your objects or photos of them for a fun vacation at sea.

I’ll be traveling on the newest Celebrity Cruise ship, the Eclipse, on its first cruise from an American port on November 17.

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.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

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

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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

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

Chef Chris Ponte from Cafe Ponte.

more challenging — since both chefs were up to the task — it Constantinos “Taki” Laliotitis was suggested they prepare three Chef of the Matanzas Creek Winery small plate dishes using the same base ingredients, but add lavender into the mix. Lavender, as 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

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

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 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.

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

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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

Visit Accent’s

Dining Guide on the Web with

MenuVue and

VideoVue! AccentOnTampaBay.com

Chef Chris Ponte and Chef Constantinos “Taki” Laliotitis of the Matanzas Creek Winery enjoy an Iron Chef “showdown” at Cafe Ponte.

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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 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 molasses.

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

Dessert was not part of the competition, but was a delicious Lavender Panna Cotta with Pino Noir sauce and lavender chocolate created by Chef Ponte.

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hoosing the winner was a very tough call since everything was delectable, but Chef Chris Ponte finally took the prize (which, I believe, was bragging rights) with a slight edge. However, we patrons took the grand prize, which was a memorable dining event.

For more information about Café Ponte, call 727-538-5768, or visit www.cafeponte.com. For more information about Matanzas Creek Winery, visit www.matanzascreek.com, and make sure you take the virtual tour.

www.skipperssmokehouse.com www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Keep Mangos All Year Round in Your Pantry

cialty 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. __________________________________

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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, freezedried 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 (36 months) and portability provide children and adults with a

whatsforlunchstpete.com

nutritious, go anywhere snack that can be enjoyed anytime. Available in moisturefree, convenient single serving size bags or the handy ‘Grab & Go’ 6-PACKS, 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 spe-

www.allaboutsweets.net

www.allaboutsweets.net

www.AccentOnTampaBay.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, allin-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 serving-canister. 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

unken Gardens is a botanical paradise in the midst of a bustling city. As St. Petersburg’s oldest living museum, this 100 year old garden is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. Unwind as you stroll through meandering paths, lush with exotic plants from around the world. Explore cascading waterfalls, beautiful demonstration gardens, more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers. Sunken Gardens provides garden tours, horticultural programs, special events, field trips, weddings, private and corporate rentals.

If you enjoy Yoga, Pilates, or want to try Hoop Dancing, why not go to Sunken Gardens and exercise in a botanical, tropical paradise. ig Cat Rescue is the world’s largest sanctuary for big cats who have been abused, abandoned, retired from performing acts, or saved from being slaughtered for fur coats. The sanctuary houses tigers, lions, leopards, cougars, bobcats, lynx, ocelots, servals, caracals and others — a total of 16 of the 35 species of wild cat, many of whom are threatened, endangered, or now extinct in the wild. At this home for rare and exotic cats, The narrow mission of Big Cat Rescue is to provide the best permanent home they can for these cats.

The broader mission of the sanctuary is to reduce the number of cats that suffer the fate of abandonment and/or abuse and to encourage preservation of habitat and wildlife. People are urged to behave in a way that will support these goals by teaching people about the plight of the cats, both in the wild and in captivity.

This is accomplished through guided tours, educational programs for young people, and by maintaining a website that is a great resource for information about exotic cats.

Big Cat Rescue has built enclosures in a very natural habitat with foliage and shelter on a 45 acre site, and provides the best nutritional and medical care possible.

They have conditioning and enrichment programs to provide for the cats physical and psychological well being.

The sanctuary is supported entirely by donation.

Big Cat Rescue is located at 12802 Easy Street, Tampa.

Call 813-920-4130 for more information, or visit BigCatRescue.org.

Monday - Friday; 10:00am - 11:30am. Breathe in and relax.

Tuesday 10am - 11am, Wednesday 9am - 10am.

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 Tuesday and Thursday, 9:15am 10am.

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; $6 seniors 55 & up; $4 ages 2 to 11 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL • 727-551-3100 www.stpete.org

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Preserve Weedon Island 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

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.

www.FriendlyFishermanJohnsPass.com

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

INAUGURAL CENTENNIAL 5K FUN RUN/WALK - Nov 6: - Support the Senior Center Foundation’s fundraiser to improve Fitness Programs and Equipment at the Gulfport Senior Center by joining the upcoming 5K Run/Walk at 8am. Amenities include: Gulfport designed T-shirt, goodie bag, refreshments and more.

Forms are available at the Senior Center (5501 27th Ave. S., Gulfport) or online at www.gulfportseniorfoundation.org or call 727-893-2237 for more info. : at the Gulfport Tuesday Fresh Market from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants are invited to bring up to five gently used garments to exchange for vouchers that may be used to select clothing brought in by other participants. Clothing may be for women, men or children. For anyone interested, vouchers may also be purchased for $3 each. Donations of clothing above the 5-garment limit will be accepted. All cash proceeds, donated clothing, and non-

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

selected garments at the end of the swap will be donated to Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA). CASA is a local non-profit organization providing services to survivors of abuse or violence.

For more information call (727) 366-4086 or email dan@igc.org. In case of rain, the clothing swap will be rescheduled for Tuesday, December 14th.

- Bi-Weekly, First Friday and Third Saturday, Year Round. 6-10 pm For information on many other Gulfport events, go to www.gulfportma.com.

The Apothecary Homeopathic Products & Remedies Traditional Pharmacy Compounding Specialists

2832 Beach Blvd. So. Gulfport, FL 33707

www.SeaBreezeManor.com

727-327-4200 www.lafogataonline.com

www.sailawayrealty.biz

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

www.reefdoggrooming.com

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.

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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

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

Christopher Drummond Go Beyond Mineral Makeup

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oes your 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 organic-based, and made with the best cosmetic-grade 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

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

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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

www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Martini, and a Coconut Rum Lovebug. You don’t have to order food if you don’t wish, you can just enjoy the movie experience.

The food is all fresh, prepared right on property, and brought to you Chef Mike Lopez

by Chef Mike Lopez. Mr. Lopez comes to the Tampa Bay area from Las Vegas, having worked at New York New York Casino Hotel, and the Grand Luxe Restaurants at the Venetian. The menu is well selected, with diverse dishes, great desserts, and assorted coffees and teas. There is also a concession stand if you come in late. You can order your food, receive a pager, and pick up

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mmm. Does Cinébistro go under the “FOOD & BEVERAGE” or the “AT THE MOVIES” section of Accent On Tampa Bay magazine? It is equally at home in both categories. This most delightful concept in theater/dining is located in Hyde Park Village, bringing new life to the neighborhood.

An evening of dinner and a movie has a bold new face with Cinébistro, and once you experience it, you won’t want to go back to the same old same old. Imagine an upscale casual eatery and a comfort-

rest first). Each plush chair has a swing out polished wood tray with a deep cupholder.

The theater operates much like live theater, in that when you purchase a ticket, you choose the seat you want to sit in. You can do it on line, or at the theater. A seating chart pops up, and you pick the seat from whatever is still available for that showing. When you arrive, a host will take you to your seat. The concept is that patrons arrive 30 minutes before their selected movie, and order dinner from a tantalizing menu. Your food Plush seating and handy swivel trays. and beverage are brought to Inviting lobby and dining spot. your seat by a waiter. The theater has a choice wine list and your food when it’s ready. Once the film able lounge and a state-of-the-art movie some signature house drinks, such as a starts, no waiters will be in the theater. theater all in one. Nationally known, and Watermelon Mojito, Raspberry Bliss And yes, you can still get candy and well-established Cobb Theaters has popcorn. boldly gone where no one has gone Don’t want to see a movie, but before in presenting Cinébistro. This would like to have a bite to eat, or have experience is not to be confused with a drink in comfortable surroundings? the card table/folding chair set up with Cinébistro is also the place to go, as drop down screen, and hot dog dinners their lounge area is open to the public. of some “dining cinemas”. This is Soon to be on tap, is a self-dispensing light-years ahead and many levels up. wine bar in the lounge area.

When you pass through the cinema To seal the deal as a great date night doors and into the lobby, the ticket destination, the age limit for Cinébistro desk is low key and the area beyond is is 21 plus. The theater will, on occaa modern, softly lit, lounge and bar. sion, have family matinees when cerAttractive brick and steel hallways tain types of films are being shown. along the sides take you to one of six theaters, where you can watch popular first run movies in oversized leather rocking chairs with wide arm rests (no www.cobbcinebistro.com longer a fight over who gets the armwww.AccentOnTampaBay.com

NOVEMBER “For Colored Girls” brings to the screen Ntozake Shange’s Obie Award-winning play, a poetic exploration of what is to be of color and a female in this world.

Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.) is an expectant first-time father whose wife’s due date is a mere five days away. As Peter hurries to catch a flight home from Atlanta to be at her side for

When hard–working TV producer Becky Fuller (McAdams) is fired from a local news program, her career begins to look as bleak as her hapless love life. Stumbling into a job at “Daybreak” (the last–place national morning news show), Becky decides to revitalize the show by bringing on legendary TV anchor Mike Pomeroy (Ford). Unfortunately, Pomeroy refuses to cover morning show staples like celebrity gossip, weather, fashion and crafts – let alone work with his new co–host, Colleen Peck (Keaton), a former beauty queen and longtime morning show personality who is more than happy covering morning “news.” As Mike and

the birth, his best intentions go completely awry when a chance encounter with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay (Zach Galifianakis) forces Peter to hitch a ride with Ethan--on what turns out to be a cross-country road trip that will ultimately destroy several cars, numerous friendships and Peter’s last nerve.

Colleen clash, first behind the scenes and then on the air, Becky’s blossoming love affair with fellow producer, Adam Bennett (Wilson) begins to unravel – and soon Becky is struggling to save her relationship, her reputation, her job and ultimately, the show itself.

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Life seems perfect for John Brennan until his wife, Lara, is arrested for a gruesome murder she says she didn’t commit.

Three years into her sentence, John is struggling to hold his family together, raising their son and teaching at college while he pursues every means available to prove her innocence. With the rejection of their final appeal, Lara becomes suicidal and John decides there is only one possible, bearable solution: to break his wife out of prison. Refusing to be deterred by impossible odds or his own inexperience, John devises an elaborate escape plot and plunges into a dangerous and unfamiliar world, ultimately risking everything for the woman he loves.

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In the sci-fi thriller “Skyline,” strange lights descend on the city of Los Angeles, drawing people outside like moths to a flame where an extraterrestrial force threatens to swallow the entire human population off the face of the earth.

“Unstoppable” is about a runaway train carrying a cargo of toxic chemicals.

The film pits an engineer and his conductor in a race against time. They’re chasing the runaway train in a separate locomotive and need to bring it under control before it derails on a curve and causes a toxic spill that will decimate a town.

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MOVIES (con’t)

gular focus - to avenge the murder of his brother during the botched bank robbery that led to his imprisonment. Now a free man with a deadly to-do list in hand, he’s finally on his mission...but with two men on his trail - a veteran cop (Billy Bob Thornton) just days from retirement, and a young egocentric hitman (Oliver Jackson-?Cohen) with a flair for the art of killing and a newfound worthy opponent. The hunter is also the hunted.

It’s a do or die race to the list’s finish as the mystery surrounding his brother’s murder deepens, and new details emerge along the way hinting that Driver’s list may be incomplete.

Ali (Christina Aguilera) is a small-town girl with a big voice who escapes hardship and an uncertain future to follow her dreams to LA. After stumbling upon The Burlesque Lounge, a majestic but ailing theater that is home to an inspired musical revue, Ali lands a job as a cocktail waitress from Tess (Cher), the club’s proprietor and headliner. Burlesque’s outrageous costumes and bold choreography enrapture the young ingenue, who vows to perform there one day. Soon enough, Ali builds a friendship with a featured dancer (Julianne Hough), finds an enemy in a troubled, jealous performer (Kristen Bell), and garners the affection of Jack (Cam Gigandet), a bartender and fellow musician.

With the help of a sharp-witted stage manager (Stanley Tucci) and gender-bending host (Alan Cumming), Ali makes her way from the bar to the stage. Her spectacular voice restores The Burlesque Lounge to its former glory, though not before a charismatic entrepreneur (Eric Dane) arrives with an enticing proposal.

After 10 years in prison, Driver (Dwayne Johnson) has a sin-

Hathaway portrays Maggie, an alluring free spirit who won’t let anyone - or anything - tie her down. But she meets her match in Jamie (Gyllenhaal), whose relentless and nearly infallible charm serve him well with the ladies and in the cutthroat world of pharmaceutical sales. Maggie and Jamie’s evolving relationship takes them both by surprise, as they find themselves under the influence of the ultimate drug: love.

“The Warrior’s Way,” a visually-stunning modern martial arts western starring Korean actor Dong-gun Jang who plays an Asian warrior assassin forced to hide in a small town in the American Badlands. Rounding out the ensemble cast are Kate Bosworth (“Superman Returns”), Oscar-winner Geoffrey Rush (“Shine”), Danny Huston (“The Kingdom”), and Tony Cox (“The Hustle”). The fantasy action film was written and directed by newcomer Sngmoo Lee, and is being produced by Barrie M. Osborne (“The Lord of the Rings”), Jooick Lee (“Seven Swords”) and Michael Peyser (“Hackers”).

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ORLANDO HAPPENINGS . Orlando welcomes the arrival of fall with one-of-akind events and big savings. The Orlando/ Orange County CVB has launched exclusive package deals, “Super Deals” at VisitOrlando.com/fall in partnership with Travelocity. Valid for travel through December 15, visitors save an additional $50 on hotel stays for three or more nights at a wide range of properties, on top of already discounted rates and special amenities. Properties highlighted as part of the Super Deal program include Nickelodeon Family Suites, Buena Vista Suites, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, and Sheraton Vistana Resort. For more information, www.VisitOrlando.com/fall

awarded a Bronze Medal at the Salon event held at the Grand Palais in Paris. 407-312-0708, www.GalleryatAvalonIsland.com

ule (not at the opening). An artists’ closing reception will also be held on Nov 12.

Last year Edson painting “ Opera “ was

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

, 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 quality, prime foods that are market fresh and very similar to menu items from Titanic. www.TitanictheExperience.com

Edson Campos and Kathleen Brodeur, will be presenting their latest creation on canvas and on paper.

Kathleen will be painting and Edson Campos will be creating a large size painting at the Gallery during the Show sched-

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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.

6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Bok Tower Gardens will present the 9th annual Sunset & Symphony concert with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.

Guest soprano Susana Diaz will be the soloist performing this year’s theme, “Masterpieces from Stage & Screen.” Families and friends bring elaborate picnics to experience a magical evening as the sun sets atop Iron Mountain.

Flambeaux will illuminate the Olmsted-designed pathways leading up to the 205-foot Singing Tower that houses one of the world’s great carillons that will be performed by carillonneur William De Turk.

Concert tickets will include general Gardens’ admission so guests may enter anytime during the day for picnics. Event gates open at 3:30 p.m. The Instrument Petting Zoo will begin at 4:30 p.m. Located on the Garden Activities Center lawn, families can try their hands at a variety of instruments with the help of Orlando Philharmonic musicians.

The popular picnic contest will award prizes for Most Elegant, Most Original and Best Fall. Winners will be announced during intermission.

One of Central Florida’s favorite holiday events, designers will deck the

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halls of the 20-room, 1930s Pinewood Estate with elegant and elaborate decorations.

Polly Tetrault is a self-taught artist whose pastel and oil paintings express the beauty in nature that is often taken for granted.This exhibit can be found in the Visitor Center everyday from 9 a.m-5 p.m. . Janet King’s watercolors capture the essence of Pinewood Estate, one of the finest examples of Mediterranean-style architecture.† The award-winning Sebring artist and instructor is inspired by the mood created by the light when painting plein air, and enjoys the spontaneity of watercolor. She is a member of the prestigious Florida Watercolor Society.

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MICKEY’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS PARTY AT THE MAGIC KINGDOM Larger-than-life gingerbread men, giant toy soldiers and Florida “snowflakes” combine to create the perfect holiday setting on select magical evenings through Dec. 19, 2010, during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom.

CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL AT EPCOT NOV. 26.DEC. 30 Whoopi Goldberg, Susan Lucci, Brad Garrett, and Isabella Rossellini are all part of a lineup of 12 celebrity narrators who retell the joyous story of Christmas during the Candlelight Processional at Epcot Nov. 26-Dec. 30, 2010.

CASTLE DREAM LIGHTS When daylight has passed during the holiday season, Magic Kingdom guests can behold a breathtaking transformation during the Castle Dream Lights ceremony. Each evening through Jan. 3, Cinderella and favorite characters decked out in holiday garb take to the stage and magically transform Cinderella Castle into an ice palace aglow with 200,000 white lights – a perfect centerpiece to a park all decked out with wreaths, bows, garland and towering Christmas trees.

SPECTACLE OF DANCING LIGHTS Millions of brilliant bulbs blanket the backlot with dancing lights and animated displays synchronized to high-energy holiday tunes at Disney’s Hollywood Studios through Jan. 3, 2011.

HOLIDAYS AROUND THE WORLD Throughout World Showcase, storytellers share customs and lore from their heritage from Nov. 26-Dec. 30. Strolling around the promenade during the Holidays Around the World celebration may put you face-to-face with the goodhearted witch La Befana, known in Italy for filling children’s shoes with treats, or the jolly gift-bearer Father Christmas in the United Kingdom. There are meet and greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus in The American Adventure, plus other legendary icons who share messages of goodwill. The celebrations of Kwanzaa and Hanukkah are showcased as well.

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FESTIVAL OF THE SEASONS Santa Claus is coming to town – to Downtown Disney, that is – and he’ll be meeting kids, listening to wishes and posing for pictures daily from Nov. 19 through Dec. 24 at Santa’s Chalet.

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here is NO good pizza in Florida.”

That has been my mantra ever since I moved here 30 years ago. OK, so I’m a New York Pizza-Elitist Snob. On just about every street corner in NYC you can find pretty good to fabulous pizza. In Florida, we have been brain— or stomach—washed to think all the chains we rely on is real pizza. Is the problem the water as some say? Is it the humidity?

The ovens? I have succumbed too, to thinking “hey, this isn’t bad,” wondering if my memory has taken on an unrealistically distorted view of my pizza of yore.

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am thrilled to announce that REAL PIZZA has arrived in Florida! It can be found at the new Via Napoli restaurant in the Italy pavilion in Epcot Center at Disney World. This charming restaurant specializes in traditional Neapolitan pizzas — bianca, quattro stagioni, piccante, ortolano and margherita, created under the talented eye of famed executive chef Charlie Restivo (former Head Pizzaiolo at Naples 45 in NYC.)

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nowing the problems Florida seems to have with pizza (many have tried and failed) Restivo isn’t taking any chances. He knows that water is key, so Via Napoli actually imports water from up north that is similar to the water of Naples, Italy. Caputo flour and the type of yeast used make the perfect low-gluten dough. The pies are made using San Marzano tomatoes, Caputo flour, handmade fresh mozzarella, Parma Cotto, and crumbled sausage. Then there are the very unique wood-burning ovens — three of them. The kitchen is open viewing to the patrons and the ovens are an added attraction your dining experience. They are named after the three active volcanoes in Italy – Mount Etna, Mount Vesuvius and Stromboli. Each oven has a different (defiant!) face representing a mythological god, and the god’s mouth is the flaming oven opening. Our group enjoyed watching pizza being created and cooked (at 800° for two minutes) in “Stromboli” while sipping the best Sangria I’ve ever had — a perfect blend of Italian wine and fresh fruit. We also tried their nonalcoholic Strawberry Fruit Cooler, which was deliciously refreshing.

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ia Napoli is a stand-alone building next to the Tutto Italia Ristorante. The architecture is an attractive mix of Italian styles. Inside, the atmosphere is friendly with cheerful, bustling waiters. They have different size tables with interior and exterior seating, including a long table in the center of the restaurant to accommodate a large group. High ceilings and plenty of windows create a warm ambiance.

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ia Napoli is not just about pizza, they have a menu selection including appetizers, salads, pastas, desserts, and a special children’s menu as well. We ordered several dishes for tasting among the group, and everything was pretty outstanding. The Arancini (fried risotto Balls filled with mozzarella and meat ragu) is certain to become a signature appetizer at Via Napoli. A must for table sharing is the Fritto Misto, an assortment of fried seasonal

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vegetables, fish, and cheese, served with a Pomodoro piccante sauce. For pasta, we chose their tasty Candele — candle-stick pasta, with sausage ragu, polpettine, mozzarella and ricotta. A most elegant dish was the Tortino di Melanzane, which is eggplant prepared with tomato sauce, parmesan and mozzarella and served with spaghetti torta. The eggplant was sliced very thin and cooked to perfection. My husband, who usually eschews eggplant, went back for seconds. hen came the “evento altamente anticipato” — the pizza! The pizza sizes come in individual, large, and “1/2 meter” for sharing. We picked out a 1/2 meter Margherita (tomato, mozzarella, basil) which had a very thin crispy crust and just about the best pizza cheese I’ve ever had.

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ut wait, there’s more. It’s hard to believe we left any room for dessert, but somehow we did. We sampled two of the dessert offerings. The Coppa di Brutti Ma Buoni (translation: “ugly but good”) is a misnomer. It isn’t the least bit ugly, and it is better than good. It’s an amarena cherry and vanilla gelato sundae with real whipped cream. Our second dessert was the Zeppole de Caterina, which is ricotta cheese fritters served with whipped cream and chocolate sauce. The fritters are wonderfully light and moist, with a thin yet crispy crust. We topped our dessert off with a perfectly blended cappuccino.

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guess my aging brain was not distorted after all — I DO know good pizza when I find it — and it’s at Via Napoli. Dare I say it’s probably even better than NYC’s? c

For more information on Via Napoli please visit www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/via-napoli/

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TRAVELOGUE

Flint Riverquarium

Albany, Georgia — The Good Life

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.

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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 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 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-

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.

One 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 Hilton Garden Inn laid out, with many photos, stories and memorabilia. We were very great location for touring the area, and cre- privileged to be visiting the church at the ates a home-away-from-home atmosphere same time that the legendary Freedom for guests. Decor is warm, cozy and inviting Singers were performing. Every 2nd throughout the hotel and guest rooms, and Saturday of the month at one PM they come their extremely comfortable adjustable sleep and sing, be it a full house or only two souls. system beds are very welcome after a busy During the early 1960s they performed day. The convenient onsite American Grill hymns and spirituals throughout the country Restaurant serves a free hot breakfast, and is to raise funds for the Student Nonviolent also open for lunch and dinner.

Coordinating Committee (SNCC) for Civil Rights. Today they serve as an important he Albany Arts Council promotes the reminder of what man’s inhumanity to man different art, music and heritage organi- can be, and how far we’ve come, and how zations throughout Albany and is located in far we still have to go. the historic 1906 Neo-classical Rutha Harris leads the Freedom Carnegie Library (one of 2,500 Singers at the Mt. Zion Church. 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

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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

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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Tarpon Springs Events . 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.

mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination.Tarpon Springs Performing Arts Center.

A down-and out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon “Audrey II� grows into an ill-tempered, foul-

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at the Heritage Museum. George Soffos is considered by many to be the best bouzouki player born outside of Greece. His repertoire includes folk genres such as rembetika and nisiotika, as well as popular and classical Greek works. Since he was 16, he has entertained audiences in Greek night clubs and other venues throughout the world and accompanied many top vocalists from Greece. Classes will be organized into beginning and advanced sections. Free.

For more information, 727-9425605, www.tarponarts.org

Visit Historic Tarpon Springs

12 W Orange St., Tarpon Springs FL 34689

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

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Business amd Life 24 Hour Service

of Tarpon Springs “The Uncommon Denomination”

Services Sundays 10:30 AM

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

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

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Great Food

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RAMONA L. SKINNER

Family Fun

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Thunderbird Refueling Mission at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida Story and phtos by Hank and Yvonne-Evette Charneskey

n Monday morning, October 25th, we got up at truly what seemed like O’Dark Thirty and drove from Clearwater to MacDill AFB in Tampa. We arrived at at 7:30 AM and began the adventure of a lifetime. . .

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fter check-in and orientation, we climbed aboard a bus and were shuttled to the KC135 that was to be our home for the next three hours.

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On our way to connecting with the Thunderbirds, we flew over the BP oil spill (nothing to see but blue water there now, thank goodness). At about 11:30 AM, we arrived at some unknown point over Louisiana where we hooked up with the Thunderbirds for a mid-air refueling mission.

To get a sense of how this might work if you were on land, compare this to being on the freeway, pulling up to back of a fuel truck where a boom is extended to your fuel tank. Once finished, you’re on you way to your destination.

The difference is, in the KC-135, we were traveling 400+ miles per hour at 34,000 feet. The 3-person crew made it seem effortless (I was definitely impressed).

I kept wondering why we had to fly to Louisiana, when it dawned on me, we needed lots of air time to refuel 6 planes...400 mph goes by pretty quickly — three states worth to be exact.

After returning to Tampa, we filmed the crew and made a few more photos. A van picked us all up and we cruised back to the parking lot to load our equipment and we headed home.

The words that come to mind to describe the experience for us lends new meaning to the phrase, “Oh My Goodness, isn’t this amazing?”

We were certainly on cloud nine.

Over and Out, VonHenry Media Productions, Clearwater, FL. www.vonhenry.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

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-

TOP RENTALS CRASH THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON THE BUCKET LIST THE DEPARTED IRON MAN THE BLIND SIDE NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS THE PROPOSAL GRAN TORINO THE HURT LOCKER BLOOD DIAMOND CASINO ROYALE

THE NOTEBOOK SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE INSIDE MAN TWILIGHT 3:10 TO YUMA THE DARK KNIGHT BABEL CHANGLING SHERLOCK HOLMES THE HOLIDAY MICHAEL CLAYTON

www.netflix.com

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

GAMING SCENE LAS VEGAS To celebrate and honor Frank Sinatra’s 95th birthday on December 12, Wynn Las Vegas will premiere performances of SINATRA Dance With Me in the Encore Theater on December 11. SINATRA Dance With Me follows four couples as they fall in and out of love at a swinging nightclub. Blending the vocals of Frank Sinatra with a big band and 14 dancers, SINATRA Dance With Me weaves classic standards including “Fly Me To The Moon,” “My Way” and “That’s Life” in a soaring dance fantasy of romance and seduction. SINATRA Dance With Me features original recorded masters of Frank Sinatra’s voice backed by a live on-stage, 17-piece big band. The show is scheduled to run through Jan. 29. www.wynnlasvegas.com

Jason Smith, Bellagio’s Director of Wine pairs wines from Bellagio’s cellar with artworks featured in the current exhibition, “Figuratively Speaking: A Survey of the Human Form.” “Art & Wine” is on the 2nd Wed of every month (Dec 8 and Jan 12) and features art and pairings that vary from champagne to tequila to possibly beer. This special event has an interactive wine and art conversation. www.bellagio.com.

- Visitors to Fremont Street Experience can now soar along an 800-foot-long zip-line attraction with speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. The attraction starts on a platform east of the

Fremont Street Experience canopy and ends in front of the Four Queens. There are plans to expand the flightline along the entire five-block length of the canopy. www.fremontstreetflightline.com

to Le Rêve, a private backstage tour, SDI Certified SCUBA training session with the Le Rêve diving team and the opportunity to dive during the live show. www.wynnlasvegas.com

- Caesars Palace, Imperial Palace and Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino have introduced “PetStay Las Vegas,” the resorts’ new pet-friendly hotel program.

Each of the three resorts allows guests to check into their hotel rooms with their dogs and offers canine-friendly in-room amenities. The program includes a welcome packet that directs guests to outdoor

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. www.lasvegasrockscafe.com Wynn Las Vegas’ show is giving certified SCUBA divers the opportunity of a lifetime with the Diver’s Dream Package, allowing SCUBA diving during a live performance of Le Rêve. The Diver’s Dream Package includes a two-night stay at Wynn or Encore, VIP Indulgence tickets

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relief areas, dog walking routes and specialty room service menus, a mat, food and water dishes, disposable waste bags and dog treats. Dogs must weigh 50 pounds or less and be present at the time of check-in. www.harrahs.com/petstaylasvegas

A Pink Jeep Tours the Valley of Fire I

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 name implies, you do it in a pink jeep (actually a 10-passenger all-terrain “Tour Trekker or a 6-passenger 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,

Pink Jeep Guide Carlos Tello

cinating. 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 inhos-

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 Elephant Rock in Valley of Fire 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 amazingly diverse geological formations found throughout Southern Nevada. The Valley of Fire was pitable landscape of the Mojave Desert. so named for the amazing color variations And eagles, turkey vultures — even an to the ancient sandstone rock. occasional condor may fly overhead, There are many natural caves to be while fox, bighorn sheep and coyote roam found in the valley, some used the rocks, and scorpions, tarantulas and by animals through the cenfour varieties of rattlesnakes slither across turies, some by man. There the ground. You will rarely see them, are several areas where man since they are more afraid of you than you left his ancient mark, via rock are of them — but you must still be careart (called petroglyphs) which ful where you walk. are still visible today. There Our tour was a total of 6 hours, and are also some natural forCarlos delivered each of us back to our mations which resemble cerhotels in time to relax and reflect on our tain things or animals, and are wonderful day away from the Vegas strip. so named. We saw “gorilla” rock, and “elephant” rock, but For more information on Pink Jeep there’s certainly a bit of artisTours, call (888) 900-4480, or visit tic license to call them that. www.pinkjeep.com. Please visit None the less, the formations AccentOnTampaBay.com to see many throughout the park are fasmore photos of the Valley of Fire tour. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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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 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 MEG: HELL’S AQUARIUM by Steve Alten. www.stevealten.com 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

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.com

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.

FORTUNA by Michael R. Stevens. www.oceanviewpub.com 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.

FRAGILE by Chris Katsaropoulos. www.luminisbooks.com 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.

THE BUCK STOPS HERE: The 28 Toughest Presidential Decisions and How They Changed History by Thomas J.

Craughwell and Edwin Kiester. www.fairwindpress.com 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.

THE RISE AND FALL OF THE SECOND LARGEST EMPIRE IN HISTORY: How Genghis Khan’s Mongols Almost Conquered the World by Thomas J. Craughwell. www.fairwindpress.com 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.

OUTNUMBERED: Incredible Stories of History’s Most Surprising Battlefield Upsets

by Cormac O’Brien. www.qbookshop.com 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.

McCOY’s MARINES: Darkside to Baghdad

by John Koopman. www.zenithpress.com 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.

SUITCASE FULL OF DREAMS by Hoy

Kersh. www.hoykersh.com 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.

DEAR DAD by Ky-Mani Marle. www.hcibooks.com 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.

QUENTIN TARANTINO: Life at the Extremes by Aaron Barlow. www.Praeger.com 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.

START TALKING by Mary Jo Rapini & Janine Sherman. www.BayouPublishing.com 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

LITTLE WHITE WHYS: A Woman’s Guide Through the Lies Men Tell and Why

by I. Major, M.D. www.iUniverse.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.

THE LAW OF THE GARBAGE TRUCK: How to Respond to People Who Dump on You, and How to Stop Dumping on Others

by David J. Pollay. www.sterling.com 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.

MY LIFE: A Workbook by Lyzz Yamazaki. www.onepeacebooks.com 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.

U.N.I.Q.U.E. KIDS: Growing My Leadership Garden by Debra J. Slover (Author), Darlene Warner (Illustrator). www.leadershipgardenlegacy.com 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. 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 www.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

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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

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

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www.WD-FF.org