Accent On Tampa Bay #193, Nov 2013 by Accent On Tampa Bay Magazine

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Accent On Tampa Bay

AccentOnTampaBay.com

Vol. 25, Issue 193 November, 2013 Publisher Albert F. Martino, Jr. Senior Editor Melissa Wolcott Martino Sales Vicki Kolb Barbara McGovern Senior Sports Editor Peter Martino Graphic Designers Papande Newman Missy Lynn Contributors Marty Peters Deborah Quigley JoAnn Ryan Photographers Melissa Wolcott Martino Proofreader Beau deCatta Cover Photo courtesy of: Donny & Marie Mgmt. PUBLISHED ON LINE BY

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LOCAL FOCUS Bank of America’s Museums on Us – 1st Full Weekend of the Month, 2013 Bank of America’s Museums on Us offers free weekend access to Bank of America and Merrill Lynch cardholders at select museums across the country. The program’s new mobile site gives customers access to the full list of markets and museums on-the-go. The first full weekend of each month in 2013, check out the Florida Holocaust Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg, and the Tampa Museum of Art. Simply present your Bank of America or Merrill Lynch credit or debit card along with a photo ID to gain free general admission to any participating institution, the first full weekend (Saturday and Sunday) of each month. Cardholders only; guests are not eligible for free admission. Program excludes fundraising events, special exhibitions and ticketed shows. Not to be combined with other offers. www.museums.bankofamerica.com/

RIDE TO DEFEAT ALS - Sat, Nov 2 On Saturday, November 2nd, an estimated 500 cyclists will gather in Indian Rocks Beach for the 4th Annual Ride to Defeat ALS. The Ride to Defeat ALS is a one-day, fully supported cycling event that raises funds to fight Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The Ride raises funds to support programs, services and cutting-edge research for people suffering from Lou Gehrig’s Disease in Florida. Each participating cyclist raises funds that support these initiatives. While the minimum fundraising amount is $250, many participants exceed this amount, raising even more funds that go directly to those affected by ALS. Everyone has a different reason for riding – to get healthy, achieve a personal goal, or to ride for a loved one impacted by ALS. No matter the reason for getting involved, The Ride to Defeat ALS unites cyclists in the mission to help people living with Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The one-day ride, organized by The ALS Association Florida Chapter, includes three routes of varying intensity (5-mile, 25-mile, or 62-mile) for riders of all skill levels. Each route was designed for optimum safety and takes riders through scenic areas of Pinellas County, including Fort DeSoto Park. The Ride starts and ends at the Holiday Inn Harbourside in Indian Rocks Beach, FL. Breakfast will be served pre-ride and this year’s after party includes entertainment, lunch and ice cold beer. For more info, visit www.RidetoDefeatALS.org/ 4

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American Heart Association Tampa Bay Heart Walk - Sat, Nov 2 Approximately 30,000 participants are expected to attend the Tampa Bay Heart Walk, an event to benefit the American Heart Association on November 2, making it the ninth largest Heart Walk in the nation. Walkers will unite to create hope, inspire change and celebrate success beginning at 8 a.m. at Raymond James Stadium. There are walk options of a one mile survivor route or a three mile route, which both finish with a walk through Raymond James Stadium and a Subway sandwich for all walkers. Combining fitness and philanthropy, this annual walk brings together corporate sponsors, walk teams, individual walkers, survivors of heart disease and stroke and lifestyle change heroes who are all taking steps toward a healthier lifestyle while raising funds to combat heart disease and stroke, the No. 1 and No. 4 leading killers, respectively, of American men and women. Proceeds from the Tampa Bay Heart Walk go toward research, education and community programs. Activities at the event include a special kidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s zone, onsite fitness and health experts, games and entertainment. Raymond James Stadium â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4201 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33607. For more information visit www.TampaBayHeartWalk.org/

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39th ANNUAL International Folk Fair Celebrates HOLIDAY FOODS OF THE WORLD – thru Nov 2 St. Petersburg International Folk Fair Society, Inc. (SPIFFS) and its ethnic member groups present the 39th Annual International Festival at the Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg, transforming it into a micro-cosm of the world. This year’s theme is “Foods of the World”. In addition to ethnic foods and cultural displays, Folk Fair offers a multitude of special entertainment in the form of dancing, singing and drumming by ethnic groups. On the two school days (Oct 31 and Nov 1), groups of students will be engaged in drum circles, and various student groups will be performing on the main stage. Students will be musically entertained on Friday, Nov 1. On Sat, Nov 2, the general public will enjoy folk music and dancing from around the world. The Grand Parade of Nations happens at 2:00 pm, when members of the many SPIFFS ethnic groups will parade around the park, led by colorful

bands, pipers and drummers. Folk dancing and music will be performed throughout the festival from two stages. From one end of the globe to the other, you will find outstanding food, performances and demonstrations from North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa, not to mention cultural arts and crafts, art displays and more. www.spiffs.org/

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Take Steps Walk for Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation - Nov 9 Stretch out your legs and get ready to hit the streets for a fun-filled walk in support of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s annual Take Steps Walk. The Walk, a major fundraiser and awareness tool for the organization, is devoted to helping the millions of people nationally with digestive diseases. This year’s Tampa walk will take place at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park in Tampa at 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 9. Said Kathryn Arblaster of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America: “This walk not only helps raise awareness in our Tampa community, but raises funds that go toward helping us fulfill our foundation’s mission to cure Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Monies raised will also fund life-changing programs and services for the 1.4 million Americans suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.” The Tampa walk is part of more than 100 Take Steps walks that are taking place across the country to support the more than 1.4 million Americans (94,000 in Florida) that are affected by digestive diseases. In addition to the Walk festivities, there will be a kids zone with free food, drinks, musical entertainment, and bounce house fun for the entire family. There is no registration fee to participate, but all fundraising participants are encouraged to make a donation to receive an event wristband entitling them to food and beverages. Raise $100 and you will receive a Take Steps T-shirt. To learn more about Tampa Take Steps and register for the walk, please call 561-218-2929, or visit www.cctakesteps.org/tampa www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

You Ready for A Wheely Good Time? - Sat, Nov 2 The 3rd Annual Wheely Good Time Shindig will be held in the Margarete Heye Great Room at Ruth Eckerd Hall. The host for the evening will be Emmy Award Winning ABC News Anchor, Brendan McLaughlin. The event will consist of cocktails, hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeurves, auctions, raffles and drawings, great music and games. The highlight of the evening will be the presentation of equipment to a very deserving child and meeting some other recipients. You must have tickets in advance for complimentary parking. Includes 2 free cocktails, hors dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;oeuvres, goody bag (as long as they last), and drawings. Space is limited. www.wheelchairs4kids.org/events/goodtime/

Tampa Bay Ride for Kids - Sun, Nov 3 Hundreds of motorcyclists will ride together to raise money for research into pediatric brain tumors, which are one of the deadliest types of childhood cancer. The leisurely ride is escorted by local and state police. The grand finale features interviews with local childhood brain tumor survivors and award presentations to top fundraisers. Participants receive special Ride for Kids incentives and are eligible for a drawing that includes a new Honda motorcycle. They also enjoy free beverages, light breakfast and lunch. Proceeds benefit medical research grants and family support programs at the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (PBTF). Research supported by the PBTF has led to treatments that are extending the lives of children with brain tumors. Registration starts at 8 a.m. and closes at 9:30 a.m. Kickstands up at 10 a.m. sharp, rain or shine. Heinrich Training Center, 14063 County Rd. 39, Lithia, FL 33547. For more information, call the PBTF at 800-253-6530. www.visit rideforkids.org/

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PASCO ECOFEST - Nov 8 - 10 The third annual Pasco EcoFest will take place November 8-10 at Sims and Starkey Parks. Pasco EcoFest 2013 provides a great opportunity for families and eco adventurers from Florida and beyond a mini-vacation in Pasco County that can be customized to fit personal tastes from high energy adventure to mellow meanderings. Pasco EcoFest focuses on growing the local economy and culture in West Central Florida. Through hands-on education and experiences, planners strive to encourage a holistic and ecological awareness that encompasses the cultural, natural and economic systems of our local region. Pasco EcoFest spans two days in New Port Richey, in two different locations. Guests will have the opportunity to explore West Pasco by kayaking, wading through swamps, and learning about native plants and medicinal herbs on nature walks through Starkey Park. They will also learn about native wildlife through interactive exhibits and talks. PEF will also be offering a wide variety of free workshops geared toward skills guests can easily incorporate into their daily lives. This event will also incorporate a fine art show, geo-caching, live music and entertainment, a drum circle, an Eco Market, free yoga, belly dancing and hoop dancing workshops, kid’s art and public art projects, stargazing, vintage Volkswagen showcase and parts swap, and food trucks. Details and complete schedule at: www.pascoecofest.com/

Junior League of Tampa’s Holiday Gift Market - Nov 8 - 10 Shop more than 150 merchants at The Junior League of Tampa’s 10th Annual Holiday Gift Market at the Florida State Fairgrounds. The Market includes everything from clothing, jewelry, and handbags to food, art, and children’s items. Florida State Fairgrounds Expo Hall, 4800 US Highway 301 N, Tampa, FL 33610. www.jltampa.org/

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Bacchanalia Tropical Opulence 2013 - Nov 9 2013’s Bacchanalia will be opulent from the food to the decor to the entertainment. You can even be part of the Ultimate Image – A Voice For The Kids, singing contest. Top three will compete at Bacchanalia 2013. Completely different and fun night to support Bacchus For Charity and their efforts. It will be like last year’s Bacchanalia 2012, but with a uniquely tropical twist — a gala, with colorful gowns and black tie optional attire and non-stop entertainment with an after party TBA. Every gift bag will be worth at least $100 with local restaurants, goods and services. Avoid drinking and driving. A block of rooms at The Indigo (A Hilton Brand Hotel) have been secured for the weekend. It’s a big weekend in Downtown St. Petersburg with Bacchanalia, Ribfest and Artwalk. Be part of Bacchus For Charity helping kids move forward in the game of life, through education & sports. Bacchanalia will be held in the One Progress Plaza building in Downtown St. Petersburg. www.bacchanalianight.com/

Veterans Day Parade Sun, Nov 10 All are welcome to join the Parade on Beach Blvd. During “Heroes Weekend” the City of Gulfport will host the Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, November 10th at Noon. The deadline to enter Veterans Parade is Tuesday, November 5th. If you are interested in participating, please stop by City Hall at 2401 53rd St. S. to pick up an application or visit mygulfport.us/ Immediately following the Veteran’s Parade, at 1 p.m., the 2nd Annual Beach Volleyball benefit between VETSports and the Gulfport Police / Fire Team will kick off on the volleyball courts at Gulfport Beach, 5500 Shore Blvd. S. Brigid’s Cross will also perform live during this event starting at 1 p.m. All proceeds will be donated to VETSports Inc., a 501 (c) 3, tax exempt, wounded warrior non-profit organization. VETSports partner charity for the event is the Scholarship Fund in honor of Major David G. Taylor, KIA Baghdad, Iraq, October 22, 2006, for his son Jake. For more event information, please call 727-893-1118, mygulfport.us/

‘The Cowhead Show’s’ Galvin to Run for the Dogs in Benefit Marathon - Sun, Nov 10 Galvin from Cox Media Group (CMG) Tampa’s Galvin, co-host of “The Cowhead Show,” is running for the dogs in the upcoming Pensacola Marathon on November 10, benefitting the Tampa Police Department’s K9 unit. “I have always loved dogs, so when I decided to run a marathon, I thought this could be a great way to help raise money for an incredible group of animals,” said Galvin. “The Tampa Police Department K9 Unit has just acquired some property and a building that they are going to convert into a Police K9 facility. With the community’s help, our goal is to raise $26.2 thousand to help them in their efforts.” All of the money raised will be used to purchase agility courses, bite suits, other training devices, and to make the facility comfortable and secure for the police dogs. This customized training facility will help the Tampa Police K9’s be better trained, keeping them more agile and alert while doing their job protecting the community. Donations can be made online at www.theboneonline.com/rungalvinrun/

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Senior Expo - Thurs, Nov 14 At least 28 vendors will be on hand throughout the Armed Forces Museum with helpful product and service information for the senior community. All seniors, 55+ will be admitted free of charge. Whether you’ve decided to retire in Florida, or are already retired here in the sunshine state, you don’t want to miss this Senior Expo targeted specifically for senior living in Florida. Veterans who require living assistance can even see if senior couple they qualify for a tax-free monthly benefit. Watch demos, gather information and samples. Food and refreshments will also be available. Hours: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Armed Forces History Museum, 2050 34th Way North, Largo, Florida 33771. armedforcesmuseum.com/november-14th-senior-expo-at-the-afhm/

Zootastic Family Fest - Sat, Nov 16 Offering something for the kid in all of us, Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo’s animal ambassadors and the ZooVentures Team will be spending Saturday, November 16 at Sunken Gardens and Great Explorations in St. Petersburg. It’s a full day of animal shows, Zoo Keeper talks, Arts, Crafts, Face painting, Music and other Zootastic activities. Hours: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Sunken Gardens, 1825 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33704. greatex.org/blog/ zootastic-family-fest/

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Ribfest celebrates 25th Anniversary “Rockin’ Ribs – Helpin’ Kids” - Nov 8 - 10 This three day charity fundraiser helps a variety of youth oriented causes. Ribfest features the best BBQ ribbers in the world, national touring bands playing classic & southern rock & country hits. On Saturday and Sunday, fun activities for kids - in the Family Fun Zone Hosted by Great Explorations Children’s Museum. Gates open at 11am daily. Music starts at 1PM on Friday and noon on Saturday and and Sunday. The music stops about 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday and by 7:30 PM on Sunday. The sooner you get there the better seat you will get and the more time you will have to enjoy the best ribs. All food and other concessions are not included in the price of admission. No food, beverages, coolers, pets, lasers, professional cameras, audio or video recorders will be permitted in the park. There is absolutely no video or audio recording of any kind allowed in the park. Blankets and small lawn chairs are allowed. Chair rentals are available for $5 per day. All purses and bags will be subject to a thorough search at the gate. Vinoy Park, 701 Bayshore Drive NE, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701. www.ribfest.org

TAMPA THEATRE WELCOMES JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR’S TED NEELEY TO CELEBRATE FILM’S 40th ANNIVERSARY - Nov 14 In 1973, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway stage hit Jesus Christ Superstar debuted on the big screen, presenting the story of Jesus’ final days and crucifixion as a spectacular rock opera. The landmark film featured Ted Neeley – who had performed the lead role on Broadway – as Jesus, and Carl Anderson as Judas. Among the classic songs featured in the film’s Academy Award-nominated score are “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Hosanna,” and “King Herod’s Song (Try It and See).” In celebration of the film’s 40th anniversary, Tampa Theatre will welcome Ted Neeley and Barry Dennen (Pontius Pilate) for a special live guest appearance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14. Neeley and Dennen will introduce the brand-new digital print with newly restored color and sound, sing along with the audience throughout the movie, and host a Q&A with fans after the film. www.tampatheatre.org/ 12

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Pink Flamingo Trolley Tour of Homes - Sat, Nov 16 See homes south of 27th Avenue and west of Beach Blvd S, along with some wonderful condos in Town

Shores. Trolley & Bus service available (must be used in Town Shores) or if you like walking, it is a 2.4 mile trek for the day. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Registration & Parking at the Michael J. Yakes Recreation Complex, 5730 Shore. Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL 33707; 727-344-3711. www.PinkFlamingoHomeTour.com

in a family-friendly, supervised setting. Campers can choose to participate in planned activities including crafts and outdoor games, or they can simply enjoy the Park on their own. Families wishing to participate must have at least one child 12 years of age and or younger with the adults. No pets or alcohol allowed. Saturday, Nov. 16 at 1 p.m. through Sunday, Nov. 17 at 9 a.m. Recommended items to bring include blanket, bottled water, flashlight and extra batteries, insect repellent, ponchos, sleeping bags (or sheet and blankets), sleeping pad or air mattress or just a plastic sheet over old newspapers, tent (blanket and tarp), and warm clothes. Those wishing to get a little more fun out of the Great American Camp-Out should bring binoculars, board games and cards, camera, camp chairs, football, GPS device, musical instruments and song books, or something to read. For more information, for information on how to rent a tent, and to register, contact Mary Clements Fowler, Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, at 813-635-3519. Edward Medard Regional Park, 6140 Turkey Creek Road in Plant City. Register by Wednesday, Nov 13. www.hillsboroughcounty.org/

Great American Camp-Out Nov 16 - 17 Spend the nights under the stars at Edward Medard Regional Park November 16-17, and take your into a lifetime filled with healthy, outdoor fun

during Hillsborough Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Great American CampOut. This event, hosted by the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department, is perfect for those who have never camped before and want to learn how to set-up a tent, cook outdoors, and learn camping skills www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Salute the Military on Veterans Day at United Skates of America - Mon, Nov 11 United Skates salutes our Military with free admission and regular skate rental to Military Members and their families on Monday, November 11th. School’s Out this Veterans Day and everyone is invited to celebrate at United Skates (5121 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa) Noon 4:00p.m. or 5:00 - 7:30p.m. Military Members and up to 5 family members receive free admission with a valid Military Photo ID. (813)8765826, www.unitedskates.com/Tampa/

SS AMERICAN VICTORY’S SALUTE TO VETERANS CRUISE - Sat, Nov 16 To honor the men and women who have served our country--the SS American Victory Mariners Memorial and Museum Ship--will set sail from the Port of Tampa for a four-hour SALUTE TO VETERANS Cruise around Tampa Bay on Saturday, November 16, 2013. Built in 1945, the SS American Victory voyaged around the world delivering critical cargo during World War II, Korea and Vietnam. Today, the ship is one of only four operational World War II merchant ships in the U.S. Aboard the SALUTE TO VETERANS Cruise, Big Band era-style entertainment will be provided by BeDazzled with Bonnie Gray. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the preservation and operation of the ship. The SS American Victory provides daily educational tours, serves as a training site for firefighters, law enforcement officers and active and reserve military, hosts special events and benefits from memberships, donations and corporate sponsorships. The November 16th SALUTE TO VETERANS Cruise corporate sponsors include TECO Energy, United Services Automobile Association (USAA) and WGUL AM 860. The SS American Victory Mariners Memorial and Museum Ship is a nonprofit 501c3 organization and recognized in the National Register of Historic Places. The American Victory Ship is located at the Port of Tampa, behind The Florida Aquarium. Tickets are available at www.ticketweb.com or by calling 1-866-468-7630. For more information, call 813-2288766 or visit www.americanvictory.org.

Festival of Trees “Santa’s Workshop” Honoring UPARC’s 50th Anniversary - Nov 22 - 24 The Festival is a three day family-centered holiday extravaganza that features more than 100 one-of-a-kind trees and wreaths creatively decorated by local artists, businesses and community leaders, all of which are for sale. The Premier Night Gala, will kick off the festivities on the evening of Nov 22. Guests will enjoy both a live and silent auction, libations, live entertainment and fine cuisine from area restaurants while searching for the perfect tree for their home, office or favorite charity. Throughout the three day event there will be special appearances from Santa and his elves. A variety of vendors situated throughout the “Winter Wonderland” of trees, selling specialty items perfect for holiday gift giving. Guests will be treated to entertainment by local choral and dance groups each day, at the Long Center located on Belcher Road in Clearwater. 727-797-8712. www.uparcfoundation.org 14

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Ybor City’s Tree Lighting Ceremony - Nov 20 Ybor City’s historic holiday spirit kicks off with a Tree Lighting Ceremony on Nov. 20. Crowds will enjoy complimentary hot chocolate and listen to the sounds of the season from live carolers and performers as they count down to the dramatic lighting of the 34-foot tree in Centro Ybor. On Dec. 14, arrive early for front row seats for the Snow on Seventh Holiday Parade, which begins at 6 p.m. Floats, marching bands and more entertain as snow falls throughout the parade route.

Children’s Cancer Center to host Wine, Women & Shoes Thurs, Nov 21 On Nov 21, 6:30pm-10pm, the Children’s Cancer Center (CCC) will host its first Wine, Women and Shoes (WWS) charity event at the Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel to raise money. The celebrity emcee, Jayde Donovan from 101.5 HOT Mornings with Jayde, will lead ladies in the festivities full of music, shopping, tastings, a live auction, entertainment, runway fashion show and Sole Men. Chief Operating Officer of the CCC Patricia O’Leary says of the signature event, “We are thrilled to host such an amazing event while being able to raise the necessary funds for the children and families we serve. It is the ultimate girls-night-out.” The runway show will feature exclusive fashion from national and local retailers such as W by Worth, Urban Body Clothing, Penelope T and Andrew Ashton Couture Gowns. In addition, the Signature Event features wineries from across the country; scrumptious hors d’oeuvres, decadent desserts, a social media lounge and entertainment from local Sole Men. Ladies will have the opportunity to shop at the courtyard boutique marketplace featuring local and national boutiques and designers. A portion of the proceeds from local retailers’ sales during the event will benefit the CCC and 100% of ticket sales will go directly to the Center to help them support Tampa Bay families battling childhood cancer or chronic blood disorders. Renaissance Tampa International Plaza Hotel, 4200 Jim Walter Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607. www.childrenscancercenter.org/

Tampa Downtown on Ice - Nov 22 - Jan 5 Enjoy ice skating at Tampa Downtown on Ice, the area’s only outdoor ice rink. The rink is open daily (except Thanksgiving Day) from Nov 22 to Jan 5 in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park. Admission fee is for a 90-minute session and includes rental skates. Monday -Thursday: 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sunday: 12n - 9 p.m. www.tampasdowntownonice.com/ 16

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Winter Wonderland - Fri, Nov 22 Gulf Coast Giving’s annual fundraising event, Winter Wonderland, will be held November 22, 2013, beginning at 8 p.m., at NOVA 535 in St. Petersburg. Net proceeds from the masquerade-themed event will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County and Habitat for Humanity Sarasota. Winter Wonderland 2013 is a chic event featuring cocktails, cuisine, dancing, and captivating entertainment. Guests are encouraged to wear masquerade masks and dress to impress. The event includes chance prize items and a silent auction that offers fine dining experiences, oneof-a-kind memorabilia, fine art, weekend getaways, pampering spa packages, and much more. “Party with a passion,” the event’s slogan, emphasizes Winter Wonderland 2013’s dedication to all the elements of an entertaining event. “Winter Wonderland uncovers what makes an incredible party and shows how to ‘party with a passion,’” said Jessica Moody-Shafer, Gulf Coast Giving’s director of operations. “It is an event devoted to promoting a strong sense of community and the spirit of giving.” This year, Gulf Coast Giving’s beneficiaries are Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas County and Habitat for Humanity Sarasota. Combined, the two Habitat for Humanity affiliates have provided safe housing for over 1,500 children, leading to a positive effect on education and health for children. Proper IT equipment, tools, and training help maximize the efforts of organizations like Habitat for Humanity. The Winter Wonderland party is an annual fundraising event that raises money for a notable nonprofit organization each year in the Tampa Bay area. The party’s beneficiary may change year to year, but the main mission remains. Gulf Coast Giving, the host of the event, focuses on providing nonprofit organizations with IT equipment and training needed to keep pace in a modern world. Winter Wonderland tickets can be purchased online. For more information, visit www.GulfCoastGiving.org/party/

Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Street Party - Sat, Nov 23 The Enchanted Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Street Party at Hyde Park Village is Saturday, November 23 from 5 to 9 PM. For nearly 20 years, this heritage event continues to be one of Tampa Bay’s most highly recognized family-friendly events. Enjoy two stages of live entertainment this year. The main stage by the fountain will feature Late Night Brass and the dancers from Ms. Lisa’s Dance School. The second stage will be located by Piquant at 1633 Snow Avenue where Hot 101’5 DJ Change will be spinning the latest beats and hosting a dance party with games, prizes and giveaways. Don’t miss complimentary holiday treats and entertainment for the whole family including cookies, cider, train rides, a caricature artist, bounce house, face painter and a variety of holiday inspired activities and performances by event participants and sponsors. Hyde Park Village, 1509 Swann Ave., Tampa, FL. Hours: 5 to 9 PM, Free.

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6th Annual Chillounge Night St. Petersburg Sat, Nov 23 Luxe Fashion Group Bling, Sparkle and Shine Fashion Show, a dazzling runway showcase and sexy daybed parade. The glitter and glam fashion presentation will feature designs by Bunny Couture, Elizabeth Carson Racker, Curb Gear and House of Rishavy. Bling, Sparkle and Shine will take place during Chillounge Night, an upscale outdoor event that transforms a public area into a posh nightclub and lounge. The ultimate outdoor lounge party will overlook the waterfront from beautiful 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. The elegant outdoor area is complete with lights, sound system, and a stage that will be filled with musical entertainment, dance performances, fashion models and more. Admission is at the door (must be 21 or older). A limited number of VIP tickets, which include complimentary food, beverages, gift bags for the ladies, and cigars are available. The VIP Lounge is an exclusive roped-off section. Parkshore Grill and 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House will provide al fresco dining in the VIP area offering signature items cooked on-site. They will also offer a selection of food for sale to the general public throughout the night. This year’s Chillounge Night fashion show will be produced by Luxe Fashion Group. LFG produces fashion events such as; Tampa Bay Swim Week, St.Pete Art & Fashion Week, Cars & Couture, and Style Night. Chillounge Night is the creation of founder Rainer Scheer, a Sarasota resident and former gallery owner. Last year’s St. Petersburg Chillounge Night attracted 3,200 attendees. Since the first Chillounge Night was held in Sarasota in 2008, the popular club-like concept has expanded to additional Florida cities that include Tampa, Orlando, Delray Beach and Fort Myers. The St. Petersburg event will be the 26th Chillounge Night production. For more information, visit www.chilloungenight.com/

The Tampa Y Invites YOU to Wobble Before the Gobble - Thurs, Nov 28 On Thanksgiving morning, the Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA invites community members to participate in a fun 5K in Downtown Tampa. All ability levels are welcome to the Tampa Y’s Turkey Gobble 5K. “The Turkey Gobble 5K is the perfect opportunity to spend time with family and friends on the day you’re especially thankful for them,” says District Development Director Nickita Barker. “Not to mention, it’s a great way to start the holiday off on the right foot, considering some of the day’s dietary indiscretions.” The Tampa Y’s Turkey Gobble 5K starts Thurs, Nov 28 at 7 am in front of the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Channelside Drive. Awards will be given to 1st, 2nd and 3rd top male and female runners as well as to the largest corporate team and best turkey costume. The first 100 finishers will also receive a commemorative item. Strollers are welcome along the course. There will also be music, refreshments and family fun. 100% of proceeds raised from the Turkey Gobble 5K will support theLIVESTRONG at the YMCA program for cancer survivors and their families. Register at www.ymca5k.com (registration fee applies). 20

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HOT NEW RIDES at 2014-MODEL TAMPA BAY INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW - Nov 22 - 24 The 2014-model Tampa Bay International Auto Show rolls into the Tampa Convention Center with hundreds of the latest cars, trucks, crossovers and more. Showgoers are invited to check out the newest rides, sit behind wheels, experience the latest in-car technology and even take a test drive right at the show. From car buffs to consumers, the Tampa Bay International Auto Show offers something for everyone. The auto show will feature a dazzling collection of high-end luxury cars, plug-in electric vehicles, family fun and much more. Representatives from leading automotive manufacturers will be at the show to answer questions and provide information on the latest vehicles. Tampa Bay Convention Center, 333 South Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602. www.AutoShowTampa.com

Oakdale Christmas Light Display - Nov 29 – Jan 3 The Annual Oakdale Christmas Light Display has been fun for the whole family since 1977. One-half acre in size, and approximately 1/2 million lights. A walking yard includes an 18-train HO scale model RR, and many moving & animated items. Lots of inflatable and lit up figures and displays and handson games and bubble machines will please the kids. Several Christmas trees tower over the display— one rising to 70 feet. This display takes 10 people about 3 months to install. About 10 trailer loads bring items from storage. The event was among the top 3 finalists on NBC’s Today Show--”Al Be Home for Christmas” contest, the last year it was held. It has also been featured on HGTV’s All Out Christmas Special and in PEOPLE Magazine. 6 pm to 10 pm, nightly (rain or clear skies). 2719 Oakdale Street S, St. Petersburg, FL. ChristmasDisplay.org

Holidays at the Village Nov 30 - Dec 29 Share the holiday season at Pinellas County’s Heritage Village, enchanting visitors at this 21-acre living history museum. Historical houses will be decorated true to their time period, locality and lifestyle, from an elaborately decorated Victorian home to a simply adorned 1852 log cabin. Heritage Village, 11909 125th Street North, Largo. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays, Closed Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. (727) 582-2123. www.pinellascounty.org/heritage

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HOLIDAY LIGHTS IN THE GARDENS Nov 23 - Jan 1 The Florida Botanical Gardens presents Holiday Lights in the Gardens every evening. In addition to laser lights, flora and fauna displays, and decorated trees, a seven-foot gingerbread house with more than 600 lights, a 30-foot tall white swan and a fivefoot tropical parrot have been added to the traditional array of lights lining paths with nightly free entertainment and visits from Santa Claus. 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Suggested donation $2 per person (13 years and older). Special events: Gift and Plant Sale in the Gardens on Dec. 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a dog parade on Dec. 29 starting at 1 p.m. Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. www.flbg.org or call (727) 582-2100 for information.

Nov 29 - Dec 23 Busch Gardens transforms the park into a nighttime holiday wonderland of wintery surprises and all things Christmas for 18 select nights from 6-11. Guests will be immersed in special Christmas entertainment, live music, festive treats, holiday shopping and more than a million twinkling lights, filling their senses with seasonal sights, sounds and flavors, and creating a beautiful tradition for Tampa’s families. Everyone’s favorite attraction, SnowWorld presented by Coca-Cola, returns with more snow. Some

Christmas Town attractions: The Claus family invites you into their North Pole home at Welcome to Santa’s House. Angels of Peace: A Christmas Journey on Ice. World-class skaters will bring to life favorite Christmas songs both traditional and contemporary, in a cool, angel-inspired show. Carol of the Bells: Tens of thousands of Christmas lights covering the façade of the Crown Colony House restaurant, set in motion to a choreographed presentation of stirring seasonal songs. Join the adventure as everyone’s favorite Madagascar friends including Gloria, Alex, King Julien and the penguins go on a vacation with a Christmas twist in Madagascar Live! Operation: Christmas Vacation. Christmas Town is a separate-ticketed night event. seaworldparks.com/en/ChristmasTownbgt

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CHARTING THE LAND OF FLOWERS At The Tampa Bay History Center - thru Feb 16 A decade after Columbus sailed across the Atlantic, explorers were still speculating about the contours of the New World. Although today’s experts remain uncertain about when, exactly, Europeans first set foot in La Florida, cartographers began to sketch the outlines of the peninsula by the early 1500s. By 1511, a historian named Peter Martyr labeled the unknown land north of Cuba “Isla de Beimeni,” the native Indian name for what is now Florida. Martyr’s map is just one of more than 150 maps featured in Charting the Land of Flowers: 500 Years of Florida Maps at the Tampa Bay History Center. The most comprehensive exhibition of Florida cartography ever presented, Charting the Land of Flowers traces six centuries of Florida history, bringing together maps from museum and library collections around the world, many of which will be on view to the public for the first time. Marking the quincentenary of Ponce de León’s 1513 landing on Florida’s shores, the exhibit offers a rare opportunity to see the world as the early European explorers saw it, and to watch the peninsula that would become one of our county’s most populous and diverse states evolve before their eyes. They’ll also see that much of the earliest European exploration of North America occurred not in New England, but in Florida, while early railroad maps and travelogues show how the state became an agricultural powerhouse and America’s No. 1 tourist destination. Intricate and often vibrant pink, red, and purple hues abound the early maps presented in Charting the Land of Flowers are as much works of art as they are historical documents. Together with atlases, military maps, and satellite images, they chart 500 years of exploration, settlement, and growth in The Land of Flowers. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org/

TradeWinds Island Resorts Hosts Away Lightning Game Watch Parties on the Beach TradeWinds Island Resorts is inviting hockey fans to head out to St. Pete Beach for fun-filled, familyfriendly Tampa Bay Lightning game watching parties all season long. This year, the action takes place at Guy Harvey Outpost, a TradeWinds Beach Resort. The games will be broadcast on a huge screen directly on the beach and ThunderBug and the Lightning girls will be on-hand with fun giveaways. Food and beverages including cookout items and drink specials will be available for purchase. Coolers are not allowed, but fans are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs, umbrellas and towels. Open to the public. Guy Harvey Outpost, Beach front 6000 Gulf Boulevard, St. Pete Beach. Admission is complimentary. Parking will be available at the Guy Harvey Outpost and at the neighboring Island Grand (while available - discounted from normal). For additional information, call (727) 367-6461 or visit www.JustLetGo.com/Lightning 26

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INAUGURAL HOUNDS OF THE HARBOR at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa

he Inaugural Hounds of the Harbor Mystery Dinner held recently at the Safety Harbor Resort & Spa turned into a big success for the Humane Society of Pinellas. They raised $50,000 to help shelter pets with donations and a silent and live auction. A good time was had by all attendees, with local celebrities participating in a murder mystery performance. Cast members included: Yolanda Fernandez - News Anchor at Channel 8 WFLA, Jack Harris - Radio Host at 970 WFLA, Mayor-Elect Richard Kriseman - City of St. Petersburg, Mayor Gary Katica - City of Belleair, Matt “Spice Boy” Lloyd - Jannus Live, Kim Mahoney - Saint Pete MRI & HSP Board Member, and Sarah Brown - HSP Executive Director Jack Harris served as MC for the evening, and the “Golden Paw” award was presented to a tireless supporter of the HSP. www.humanesocietyofpinellas.org/

Attendees enjoy cocktails while perusing silent auction items. The Golden Paw presentation.

Cast members go over their scripts.

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Mayor-Elect Rick Kriseman (R) proved to be a good sport agreeing to play the murderer.

EXHIBITS Windows to Our Wildest Place: These permanent, hands-on educational exhibits help visitors understand how natural Florida has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes. Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center. Connecting People and Place: This is an art-inspired, permanent hands-on educational exhibit of the area’s history, ecology and people at the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center. For God and Gold: Thru Dec. 29, in recognition of Viva Florida 500, highlighting the 500 years of historic people, places and events in present-day Florida since the arrival of Juan Ponce de Leon in 1513. Heritage Village features reproduction weapons, nautical items, clothing, camp gear, religious items and other items to tell the story of everyday life during the ocean crossing and the subsequent exploration and colonization of Florida.

Weedon Island Guided Hike: Learn about the ecosystems and the early residents of Weedon Island Preserve while hiking the coastal uplands and the boardwalks through mangrove forests. Best for ages 6 and older. 9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve.

NOVEMBER EVENTS Nov 2 What SUP: Sweetwater Kayaks will share their expertise on the various types of paddlesports in Florida. The program will start in the auditorium and then move to the waterfront where participants can test out the equipment. 9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve. Brooker Book Club: Geared toward adults, the book list includes works by Florida authors, past and present, with archeology, biography, politics and history storylines. The book selected for discussion in November is The Control of Nature by John McPhee. 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Free; advance registration is required. Brooker Creek Preserve. Life of Lichen: Brooker Creek Preserve is home to many of Florida’s fascinating lichens. Explore these unusual organisms during a classroom/outdoor activity. Study the natural history of lichen, then take a stroll to view them around the Environmental Education Center. Identification tips, interesting facts and more await participants. 12:30 to 2 p.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve Nov 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 28

Nov 2, 16, 23, 30 Brooker Creek Guided Hike: See how the land has changed over time and the ecological footprints left by those changes on this 0.75-mile walk. Closed-toe shoes, water and hat recommended. Best for ages 6 and older. 9 to 10:30 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve. Nov 7 Right Plant Right Place: Learn to put plants in the right place to ensure their survival and health in the landscape, and reduce the need for water, fertilizer, pesticides and pruning. Free; advance registration required. Pinellas County Extension. Salty Topics – The Rising Sea Level: What is known, not known and needed to be known. The relationship of sea level rise to climate change, the melting of the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets and what still needs to be understood. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve. Nov 7, 14, 21 Book Time at Brooker: Children ages 3 to 5 connect to the wonders of www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

the natural world through a story and a craft, game or other hands-on activity. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve. Nov 7, 21 Vegetable, Herb and Tropical Fruit Garden Tour: Learn more about growing your own food and the eyecatching array of culinary, medicinal and aromatic herbs, trees and flowers in Extension’s Florida Botanical Herb Garden. Wander the paths between the Egyptian, Mediterranean, Asian and Beverage plantings and learn how the featured plants can be used in your home. Learn more about the tropical fruits that do well in our Florida climate. View a diversity of plantings including a wide variety of ground covers. Free; advance registration required. Pinellas County Extension. Nov 8 Great Weedon Bird Quest: Learn the identifying marks and behaviors of our feathered year-round residents and seasonal visitors while assisting in compiling an annual checklist of the preserve’s birds. This hike is designed to take advantage of all levels of birding experience. Binoculars and bird guides are available. 8 to 10 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve. Botany Hike: Join a Brooker Creek naturalist to explore the fascinating plants found on the preserve while identifying wildflowers, ferns, epiphytes, trees and more. The ecology of various plant communities will also be examined. Best suited for adults. Come prepared with your camera and questions. 9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve. Nov 9 Birds of Brooker Hike: Join this hike to identify common birds of Brooker Creek Preserve. Meander along the one-mile trail to gather information on the birds seen and heard. Binoculars will be helpful. Bring water. 8 to 10:30 a.m. Brooker Creek Preserve. New volunteer orientation set at Heritage Village: This orientation is planned for adults interested in becoming docents/tour guides and mu-

seum greeters. Other volunteer positions are also available. (727) 582-2125. Heritage Village. Owls, Owls, Owls: This program will include live animals and is great for the whole family. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center. Nov 14 Growing Citrus in Home Landscape: Thinking about planting a citrus tree or already have one in the landscape? Discuss the basics of care, pests and diseases of citrus. 2 to 3:30 p.m. and 6:15 to 7:45 p.m. Palm Harbor Library. Nov 14, 28 Wee-Time at Weedon: This program is designed to introduce preschool children to the wonders of the natural and cultural world. Every second and fourth Thursday of each month, children are treated to a variety of stories and hands-on activities that connect them to their environment. This activity is recommended for ages 3 to 5. 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Free; advance registration requested. Weedon Island Preserve. Nov 16 Weedon Photography Hike: Hike the preserve in search of that perfect photo. This program provides great opportunities for photographers of all levels to hone their skills. After a brief classroom session, preserve volunteers highlight seasonal features of the preserve, as well as specific wildlife behaviors that help participants capture the natural beauty of Weedon Island Preserve. 8 to 10 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve. Explore the Ferns of Brooker Creek Preserve: Brooker Creek Preserve is home to many of Florida’s fabulous ferns. Explore the fascinating world of these ancient plants during a classroom/outdoor activity. We will study the natural history of ferns then take a stroll to meet these plants around the Environmental Education Center. Identification tips, interesting facts and more await participants. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve. Farm City Day: Educate citizens about agriculture and to enhance links between urban and rural dwellers. Activities will include making butter and ice cream, milking goats, feeding calves, and petting 4-H animals. 10 a.m. to 2

natural trails at Brooker Creek Preserve. Come prepared with binoculars, cameras, and questions. 9 to 11 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve.

p.m. Free. Heritage Village. Talk About Turkeys: Learn about the wild turkey and their habitats, breeding behaviors, nesting and more. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center. Landscaping for Wildlife: Learn how to create a habitat that encourages wildlife. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center. Nov. 17 History Lecture – The Literature of Florida’s Environment: Erin Mahaney served as archivist at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. She examined various historical sources that document the work of naturalists, conservationists, preservationists and environmentalists. Her research in this area has become part of an effort to illustrate trends in Florida’s environmental history. 2 p.m. Heritage Village. Nov 20 Landscaping for Wildlife: Learn how to increase plant varieties and create natural corridors in larger properties to allow wildlife to move through. 2 to 4 p.m. Free; advance registration required. Pinellas County Extension. \ Nov 21 Archaeology Lecture Series, The Archaeology of Beer, a look from Ethiopia and Beyond: This presentation looks at the evidence of beer in the archaeological record from China, Egypt, Nubia, Mesopotamia, and the Americas, and whether beer may have been a factor in the domestication of grains. 7 to 8 p.m. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve. Nov. 22 Wildlife Hike: Join an experienced naturalist to hike along boardwalks and www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Nov. 23 Guided Photography Hike: Local photographers and master naturalists highlight the seasonal features that help participants capture the natural beauty of the Brooker Creek Preserve, then hike the boardwalk and trails. 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Free; advance registration required. Brooker Creek Preserve. Archaeology Works – Food: Just like other artifacts that archaeologists find, food remains can say a lot about past people’s diet, environment and culture. Learn how archaeologists study tiny bits of food to learn about people in the past and then try your hand at identifying different animal bones and seeds that might have made up an ancient meal. Free; advance registration required. Weedon Island Preserve.

LOCATION INFO... Brooker Creek Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. (727) 453-6800; www.brookercreekpreserve.org The Florida Botanical Gardens, 12520 Ulmerton Road. (727) 582-2100; www.flbg.org Fort De Soto Park, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S., Tierra Verde. (727) 552-1862; www.pinellascounty.org/park Garden Club of St. Petersburg, 500 Sunset Dr., S., St. Petersburg. (727) 582-2630; www.eventbrite.com/ event/5260325776/eorg Hale Activity Center, 330 Douglas Ave., Dunedin. (727) 582-2108;http://gardenclass-eorg.eventbrite.com Heritage Village, 11909 125 St. N., Largo. www.pinellascounty.org/heritage Palm Harbor Library, 2330 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor. (727) 582-2603 Pinellas County Animal Services, 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo. (727) 5822600; www.pinellascounty.org/animalservices. Pinellas County Extension, 12520 Ulmerton Road, Largo. (727) 582-2109 Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center, 1800 Weedon Drive NE, St. Petersburg. (727) 453-6500; www.weedonislandpreserve.org 29

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TRIBUTE TO THE US COAST GUARD HEROES 7th DISTRICT at The Renaissance Vinoy

he Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education and welfare of Coast Guard members and their families held its 20th annual tribute to the United States Coast Guard Seventh District at the Renaissance Vinoy Hotel in St. Petersburg recently. There was a special honor given to the members of a Clearwater-based helicopter crew for the heroism they displayed on January 18, 2013 while saving the lives of seven mariners from the 170-foot research vessel Seaprobe, 230 nautical miles west of Clearwater. The individuals honored were Lieutenant Commander Gary Scott; Lieutenant Junior Grade Tyler Monez; Flight Mechanic, Petty Officer 2nd Class Paul Turner and Rescue Swimmer, Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Salter. Celebrating the bravery of the men and women serving throughout the southern United States, the event serve to raise awareness for the Coast Guard Foundation and the support it provides for all members of the Coast Guard. Featured speakers included Admiral Robert J. Papp, Commandant of the Coast Guard; Vice Admiral Robert Parker, Commander, Atlantic Area; and Rear Admiral John Korn, Commander of the 7th District. Colonel Mike Prendergast, United States Army (Retired), and Executive Direc-

Coast Guard Honorees with Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr. (lower R) 30

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tor of The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs was the guest speaker. Local businessman and philanthropist Ed Ameen, who the Tampa Bay Lightning recently recognized as a community hero, was the dinner committee chairman. The committee also includes Florida State Representative Kathleen Peters, St. Petersburg resident Ross Roeder and other local leaders and community members. The 20th annual dinner event was emceed by Dick Crippen, senior advisor for the Tampa Bay Rays base-

“We are honored to host this tribute to the brave members of the US Coast Guard’s Seventh District who enforce maritime law, protect our homeland and preserve the environment in throughout the south; and are very happy to have such a distinguished list of SPAR Dorothy Kurtz with Coast Guard Commandant, Admiral Robert J. Papp, Jr.

The Honor Guard

ball team and was attended by Master Chief Eric Kalita, Command Master Chief of Jacksonville-based HITRON, and his daughter Sydney — a Coast Guard Foundation scholarship recipient and University of speakers and guests at this year’s dinner event,” said South Florida student, where she is pursuing a degree Anne Brengle, president, Coast Guard Foundation. in the medical field. Also in attendance will be Com“We proudly support the Coast Guard and truly appremander Bruce Melnick, USCG (Ret.), a Clearwater naciate the help our donors and contive and graduate of Clearwater stituents provide so that we can High School, and the first Coast continue our mission to provided Guard service member to become education, support and relief for an astronaut. these heroes.” A special guest in attendance The Coast Guard Foundation’s was Dorothy Kurtz, a member 2013 Tribute to the Coast Guard in of the Coast Guard SPARS, who the Seventh District began with a served in WWII. (Created in 1942, cocktail reception followed by dinthe SPARS was the U.S. Coast ner and program. Guard’s all women reserve force.) For more information on the Dorothy was among the first womCoast Guard Foundation or its en to serve in the SPARS, and was programs, please visit the www. celebrating her 90th birthday at the coastguardfoundation.org or call MC for the evening, Dick Crippen Vinoy event. (860) 535-0786. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

COOLSTUFF!

SMOKING SUCKS Quit Smoking www.threelollies.com Everyone knows that smoking sucks, and the company Three Lollies offers up a healthy dose of help. Smoking Sucks is an all natural, drug free solution to easing nicotine cravings, and is doctor developed and consumer approved. Smoking Sucks contains L-tryptophan, a naturally occurring amino acid believed to aid in curbing the need to smoke. Three Lollies has paired this with calming essential oils and sugars (wintergreen, pineapple, and cinnamon flavors) in a delicious lollipop which helps to soothe nerves without nicotine.

COLDFRONT Personal Cooling Kit www.mycoldfront.com coldfront is the world’s first on the go personal cooling kit with patented Recool Technology. Unlike regular ice packs or gel packs, when you take coldfront out of the freezer, it stays cold for up to 12

hours without being a drippy mess. Anyone who suffers from hot flashes will especially welcome this creation. Any anyone who is in an overheated situation will also be grateful to have this handy kit along. The technology inside coldfront recools the soft palm packs within 20 minutes. Use coldfront once, twice, three times—as often as you need it, day or night. The convenient carrying case is no larger than a sunglass case. The case also contains a super absorbent, reusable, quick drying cloth to wipe away any moisture left behind. Just place coldfront in the freezer for 12 hours then toss in a purse, take the cooling palm packs out when a hot flash comes one, and apply wherever cooling relief is needed. 32

GOSMART RESTPAD Soft Sheepskin Mouse Pad www.justgosmart.com/ GoSmart RestPad is an innovative mouse pad with a luxurious natural sheepskin wrist rest. The pad features a removable sheepskin wrist rest designed to give pressure relief for anyone using a computer for hours, for those with repetitive wrist injury, or for those suffering with Carpal Tunnel. This is the perfect gift for the hard-working student or computer user alike, and is available in tan, brown, or pink microfiber. Also very easy to keep clean, the sheepskin is attached to the mouse pad with Velcro, so it can be quickly removed and washed.

OnTrion LifeCHARGE Battery Case For iPhone 5 www.ontrion.com/ Extend the battery life of your iPhone 5 for hours, with the ONTRION LifeCHARGE Battery Case. The case’s design, has the complete protection of a hard shell case and allows the natural portability of your original iPhone 5. LifeCHARGE has a foldable stand, facilitating hands-free experience with Face-time. the easy ON/OFF feature saves the LifeCHARGE’s battery until you decide to use it. A built-in 3000mAh lithium-ion battery offers up to 6 hours of added continuous talk time. The case has a 4 LED light indicator showing the realtime capacity, providing easy tracking of current battery life status.

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OUTDOOR MARKETS & EVENTS

ST. PETERSBURG SATURDAY MORNING MARKET - Oct - May Located in Al Lang Stadium parking lot, Hours: 9 am - 2 pm. A wide variety fresh food, plants and crafts including: locally grown fresh produce and herbs. Wide selection of regular & organic fruits and vegetables; Prepared Foods such as BBQ Turkey, smoked seafood, pickled vegetables, gourmet cheeses, fruit smoothies; Plants, Flowers, Fresh Herbs; Hand-crafted House wares & Gifts. www.saturdaymorningmarket.com

GET DOWNTOWN FIRST FRIDAY ST. PETE At the heart of downtown St. Petersburg between 2nd and 3rd Street South, every First Friday of the month, Central Avenue is transformed into a Block Party between 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. Meet up with old and new friends and enjoy some of the best Jazz and oldies in the Tampa Bay area. There’s plenty of great food and fine dining in the area. Enjoy the free live music in a unique, convenient, and safe environment. www.firstfridaystpete.com

FLICKS AND FOOD TRUCKS Downtown Channel District Every 3rd Thursday of the month is Gourmet Food Truck fun, independent short flicks (10-15 minutes each) and some micro-brews and live music too. Expect to find 10-15 gourmet food trucks offering everything from Burgers to Vegetarian Bites, there is something for everyone. Join in for some all out outside food fun. the Grand Central at Kennedy, 1208 E. Kennedy Blvd., 33602. 6 - 10 pm. www.tampabaymarkets.com/flicks-and-food-trucks

Corey Fresh Market - Oct - May The Corey Fresh Market is located on Corey Avenue, the 300 block between Blind Pass Road and Boca Ciega Drive in St. Pete Beach, FL the season operates each Sunday from October thru May. Hours are from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. A new FRESH feel on Corey Avenue. Local vendors, fresh produce, plants/ flowers, arts/crafts, food, music & fun! Free parking. www.CoreyAve.com

HYDE PARK VILLAGE - LOCAL FOOD, HAND CRAFTS & LIVE MUSIC - 1st Sunday Of The Month Hours: 10am - 3pm. 100+ vendors selling fresh, local, homemade, handcrafted and eco-friendly products. Conventional and hydroponic produce, homemade take home foods such as breads, pastries, gluten free items, pies, prepared entrees, sandwiches, ethnic specialties; handcrafts, eco friendly products & fair trade items. 1621 West Snow Circle, Tampa, FL 33606; www.hydeparkvillage.net/

GULFPORT TUESDAY FRESH MARKET - Oct - May 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each Tuesday. Over 50 vendors are present offering a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, cheese, seafood, Florida beef, and desserts. Also hand-made items, jewelry, art work and more. Live music. www.gulfportma.com

NORTH TAMPA MARKET 2nd Saturday, Oct thru May Hours: 10am - 2pm. 60+ vendors located at Carrollwood Cultural Center. Local, organic, hydroponic and conventional produce, florida plants, herbs, flowers, organic food/supplies, locally made jams, jellies, salsa, dips, seasonings, sauces and oils, hand crafts, live Music, bungee jumping bounce pad. www.tampabaymarkets.com

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Dunedin Downtown Market - Nov - May The market is located in the John R. Lawrence Pioneer Park in downtown Dunedin. The market is held on Friday and Saturday of each week during the months of November 2013 through May 2014, rain or shine, 9 AM to 2 PM. The market features approximately 40 vendors with an emphasis on local goods. Shoppers can find gourmet take-home foods, ready to eat lunch bites, produce - local and organic, plants, cheese, hand crafts, jewelry, artwork and live music. The Fall market welcomes returning vendors such as Kilpatrick Produce, Tâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market Produce offering Organic options, Butterfly Plantation, the Orchid Connection and Katoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Orchids offering native plants, herbs and flowers, Pane Bella and 20 Shekels offering fresh baked breads, Edens Nectar with raw, local Honey, Enchanted Sunshine and Plantopia offering handcrafted soaps and essential oils and more. Other new vendors that will be joining the market this year are Pasta Bella who offers a variety of dried imported pasta blends, Island Breeze Soup Co. offering fresh made soups to go, and Sapore Culinary Boutique, a local Dunedin merchant who carries fresh herb and spice mixes, infused local Honey and their

famous Marcona Almonds. The mission of Tampa Bay Markets is: To support a locally based food system that improves public health and well-being by increasing dietary intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, To improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables by all residents of the Tampa Bay area, specifically limited resource families, To enhance the capacity for sustainable food production, processing and distribution by addressing the educational needs of producers, To support tourism and economic development in the region by providing a profitable retail outlet for local agricultural producers, artisans, crafters, food vendors and their goods, To strengthen the social fabric of the local community by increasing awareness and support of local agriculture and the arts. For more information, visit www.TampaBayMarkets.com

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STRAZ 2013-14 SEASON The Book of Mormon - Nov. 12 - 24. Ben Brantley of The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” Entertainment Weekly says it’s “the funniest musical of all time.” From South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, it’s The Book of Mormon, winner of nine Tony Awards including Best Musical. Contains explicit language. Radio City Christmas Spectacular - Dec 12-29. In this multi-faceted production, the Rockettes will dance their way through an awe-inspiring journey with new scenes, an array of glamorous new costumes, dramatic lighting effects and a 50-foot LED screen that will enhance the show with breathtaking new imagery. The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess - Jan. 14 - 19. Winner of the 2012 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess is hitting the road in a stunning and stirring new staging, including such legendary songs as “Summertime,” “It Ain’t Necessarily So” and “I Got Plenty of Nothing.” ONCE - Feb. 11 - 16. ONCE tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who’s about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs. As the chemistry between them grows, his music soars to powerful new heights ... but their unlikely connection turns out to be deeper and more complex than your everyday romance.

EVITA - March 18 - 23. Eva Perón used her beauty and charisma to rise meteorically from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady. Evita features some of theater’s most beautiful songs, including “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” and “High Flying, Adored.” Jersey Boys - April 8 - 13. Jersey Boys, the musical about The Four Seasons, is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. The JERSEY BOYS Tampa engagement features their hit songs “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh, What a Night,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You.” Ghost The Musical - April 22 - 27. Ghost The Musical follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam’s untimely death. Trapped between two worlds, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death. We Will Rock You - May 13 - 18. We Will Rock You features the greatest hits of the legendary British rock group, Queen. This hilarious phenomenon boasts a fantastic score of killer Queen tunes such as “Another One Bites The Dust,” “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” “We Are The Champions,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You. For more information, visit Straz Center, 813-2297827, www.strazcenter.org

THE BOOK OF MORMON

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MAMA MIA! - Nov 1 - 2 Mamma Mia! is the ultimate feel-good show that has audiences coming back again and again to relive the thrill. Have the time of your life at this smash-hit musical that combines ABBA’s greatest hits, including “Dancing Queen”, “S.O.S.”, “Super Trouper”, “Take A Chance on Me” and “The Winner Takes It All”, with an enchanting tale of love, laughter and friendship. Whether it’s your first visit or your fourteenth, see the show that has the whole world coming back for more, because every time feels like the first time at Mamma Mia!.

ELF The Musical - Nov 12 Based on the beloved 2003 New Line Cinema hit, ELF is the hilarious tale of Buddy, a young orphan child who mistakenly crawls into Santa’s bag of gifts and is transported back to the North Pole. Unaware that he is actually human, Buddy’s enormous size and poor toymaking abilities cause him to face the truth. With Santa’s permission, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father, discover his true identity, and help New York remember the true meaning of Christmas. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF. 1111 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, Florida 33759; (727) 791-7400. www.rutheckerdhall.com/

MACBETH - thru Nov 4 Jobsite Theater presents a tale of ambition, greed and murder in this unique treatment of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth in the Shimberg Playhouse at the Straz Center. This new cutting of Shakespeare’s text is a razor-sharp treatment that focuses on the different ways that two families respond to power, both real and phantasmal. Apart from the four central characters in this cutting -- Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Macduff, and Lady Macduff -- the rest of the roles will be performed by four actors who are representative of primordial, elemental forces. Macbeth features Giles Davies (Macbeth), Dahlia Legault (Lady Macbeth), Dayton Sinkia (Macduff), Nicole Jeannine Smith (Lady Macduff), Katrina Stevenson, Chris Holcom, Maggie Mularz and Jonathan Cho (all as the mysterious powers). Directed by David Jenkins, and sound by Dave Steinweg. www.jobsitetheater.org/

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cast in a razzle-dazzle salute to this Broadway masterpiece.

2013-2014 SEASON OVER THE TAVERN - thru Nov 10 Comedy/Drama by Tom Dudzick. Step inside the Panzinski apartment and take very funny and en-

chanting look at Polish Catholic life in 1950’s Buffalo. Beware of Sister Clarissa’s ruler.

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE - Dec 6-22 Holiday Show by Tony Palermo. Music, warmth and wit…delight in all the highlights that make this story an unforgettable experience. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the Holidays. HELLO DOLLY - Jan 17-Feb 2 Musical by Jerry Herman and Michael Stewart. Fall in love again with America’s favorite matchmaker as Dolly Levi leads the high stepping

CRIMES OF THE HEART March 7-23 Comedy/ Drama by Beth Henley. Warm-hearted, irreverent humor highlights the plight of three Mississippi sisters as each strives to escape the past in order to seize the future. REGRETS ONLY - May 2-18 Comedy by Paul Rudnick. The jokes fly fast and furious as a noted fashion designer and his socialite friends try to define friendships, modern marriage and high society manners. SP City Theatre, 4025 31st St So, St. Petersburg FL 33712; 727-8661973. www.splt.org/

The Curious Savage - November 15 - 24

enue Ensemble Theatre will present the comedy play “The Curious Savage” by John Patrick from Friday, November 15, through Sunday, November 24. Curtain times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm. Richard Rosen directs this comedic play about Ethel P. Savage, a woman whose husband recently died and left her approximately $10M dollars. Contrasting the kindness and loyalty of psychiatric patients with the avarice and vanity of respectable” public figures, it calls into question conventional definitions of sanity while lampooning celebrity culture. Venue is located in the Hudson’s Furniture Plaza at Mainlands Blvd in Pinellas Park. 727-822-6194. www.venueactorstudio.org/ 38

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A MARVELOUS PARTY! THE NOËL COWARD CELEBRATION - Nov 22 - Dec 22 A rousing revue that’s sure to leave you smiling by David Ira Goldstein, Carl Danielsen, Mark Anders, Patricia Wilcox, and Anna Lauris. Imagine a party as sparkling as a newly-popped bottle of champagne, a scintillating evening of ravishing melody and witty repartee— all courtesy of that personification of British wit and sophistication, Noël Coward. Drawn from his songs, plays, and journals, this effervescent revue is a whimsical, lighthearted romp featuring 33 songs and a bevy of sketches, anecdotes, writings and musings. The perfect holiday treat for everyone! Cast: Larry Alexander, Melissa Bayern, Lizzie Hagstedt, Matthew McGee. Directed by Steven Flaa.

COLE PORTER AND FRIENDS - Nov 15-17 Paul Wilborn and Blue Roses explore the American Songbook with COLE PORTER AND FRIENDS. Attend an intimate Parisian party with Cole and his musical friends. Sitting down at the piano will be songwriters who visited and encouraged Cole during the 1920s in Paris. You’ll hear songs by Noel Coward, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Richard Rodgers. Plus lots of great Cole Porter tunes. Performed in the lobby cabaret. American Stage - 163 3rd Street North , St. Petersburg, FL 33701. 727.823.7529 www.americanstage.org www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

an awareness of the craft of storytelling and the importance of reading.

ETTA MAY’s White Trash Diaries Nov 3

See the hilarious new one-woman show from the princess of polyester, the goddess of trailer parks everywhere, from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm. Ripped directly from the life story of one of America’s funniest women, it’s a night of gut-busting, seam-splitting laughter. The star is a regular on CMT and winner of the prestigious Female Comic of the Year award.

EAST MEETS WEST with XU HUI - Nov 8

Chinese pianist Dr. Xu Hui (“Shue Whey”) is an acclaimed concert pianist, and has performed in numerous countries, including the US, Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Lithuania, Switzerland, and

of course China. In 2010, Dr. Xui performed in New York’s Carnegie Hall, and it was a milestone in her performance career.

SHANA BANANA’S Bananimagination - Nov 6

“Bananimagination” is Shana’s term to describe the whimsical world of creating stories. Using original songs, she introduces the elements of plot, excitement, mystery, silliness and adventure. Children are entertained, kept moving and singing, and are allowed to participate in the story line and songs while gaining

pa. www.CarrollwoodCenter.org

For more information, call (813) 2w691310, or visit the Center, located at 4537 Lowell Road in Tam-

TIM WILKINS - Nov 29 - Dec 1 As a 20-year veteran stand-up comedian Tim Wilkins has entertained millions in legendary venues ranging from Radio City Music Hall to chow halls in Afghanistan. Since his first time opening for the legendary Earth, Wind, and Fire in 1998, to his 8 year run with international superstar Julio Iglesias, Tim has worked with some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. Currently he is the face of MOR TV in Tampa and he also been seen nationally on HBO, ESPN2, Fox Sports, TLC, CW, WE Network, LifeTime, “The Daily Buzz”, “BetterTV”, “Daytime”, and CMT’s “Next Big Comic”. SideSplitters is located at 12938 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa. www.sidesplitterscomedy.com 40

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MUSICAL OF MUSICALS - Nov 8 - 24

est Coast Players will be staging its first musical in three years, with direction by Domenic Bisesti. In this hilarious satire of musical theatre, one story becomes five delightful musicals, each written in the distinctive style of a different master of the form, from Rodgers and Hammerstein to Stephen Sondheim. Where else can you see one musical with an opera, rock music a homicidal artistic genius and a dream ballet? This comic valentine to musical theatre was the longest running show in the York Theatre Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 35-year history. Fri and Sat at 8 pm, Sun matinees at 2 pm. 21905 US 19 N., Clearwater, FL 33765; 727 437-2363; www.wcplayers.

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Could Sweat!” - The Philadelphia Inquirer

THE DIVINE SISTER Feb 6-23

2013-14 SEASON VENUS IN FUR - Nov 7-24 The sexiest, funniest, most acclaimed hit of the recent Broadway season, this seductive comedy blends love, lust, and literature, with the ultimate battle of the sexes. Written by comic mastermind David Ives, this sizzling new play will keep

The Divine Sister is an outrageous comic homage to nearly every Hollywood film involving nuns. The Divine Sister tells the story of St. Veronica’s indomitable Mother Superior who is determined to build a new school for her Pittsburgh convent. “This gleefully twisted tale of the secret lives of nuns — in which the playwright doubles as leading lady — is Mr. Busch’s freshest, funniest work in years, perhaps decades.” - The New York Times

CHINGLISH March 27 - April 11

you guessing until the very end. “Seriously Smart & Very Funny!” The New York Times “So Sexy You

Springing from the author’s personal experiences in China over the past five years, Chinglish follows a Midwestern American businessman desperately seeking to score a lucrative contact for his family’s firm as he travels to China only to discover how much he doesn’t understand. Chinglish

explores the challenges of doing business in a culture whose language—and ways of communicating—are worlds apart from our own.” David Henry Hwang’s best new work since M. Butterfly, this shrewd, timely and razor-sharp comedy” (Chicago Tribune) received its Broadway premiere in fall 2011.

A FEW GOOD MEN May 1-18 This Broadway hit about the trial of two Marines for complicity in the death of a fellow Marine at Guantanamo Bay sizzles on stage. The Navy lawyer, a callow young man more interested in softball games than the case, expects a plea bargain and a cover up of what really happened. Prodded by a female member of his defense team, the lawyer eventually makes a valiant effort to defend his clients and, in so doing, puts the military mentality and the Marine code of honor on trial. “Enormously entertaining.”-N.Y. Daily News “Plenty of wise cracking humor and suspense.”-Time Magazine. Stageworks Theatre, 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa FL 33602; 813-251-8984. www.stageworkstheatre.org

Early Bird Dinner Theatre Boeing Boeing - Nov 2 - Dec 22

he Early Bird Dinner Theatre announces the Grand Opening of their new location and latest production Boeing Boeing by Marc Camoletti. Boeing Boeing, the Early Bird Dinner Theatre’s newest comedy, is set in the 1960’s. Originally a French farce, it’s the story of Bernard, who juggles three beautiful flight attendants....hijinks and hilarity ensue when the airlines change their schedules. Their plan is foolproof. With the aid of a hit man posing as a burglar, their agenda is detailed down to the second. They even have witnesses to keep suspicion from falling on them. Jack Cassidy is a matinee idol; Janet, his wife, is having an affair with his agent. The agent is secretly Jack’s lover. The husband & wife are both plotting with the agent to murder each other.

13355 49th St N,, Clearwater, FL 33762; www.earlybirddinnertheatre.com

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CarrollwoodCenter.org

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NEW STAGE THEATRE AND CONSERVATORY

Little Shop of Horrors

thru Nov 3

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-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! One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows of all time, this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has become a household name, thanks to a highly successful film version and a score by the songwriting team of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, who redefined the animated musical film with Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin. Charming, tuneful and hilarious, with tongue firmly planted in cheek, LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS never fails to entertain. New Stage Theatre and conservatory. 11650 131st Street N Largo, FL 33774. 813-817-2585. http://newstagelargo.org/

THE BOOK OF LIZ Nov 6 - 7

The Studio@620 welcomes Gypsy Stage Rep and their production of

“The Book of Liz”, a play in one act by David and Amy Sedaris. The evening also includes a performance by The Improv-ables comedy improve troupe after the play. Two evenings only-Wednesday November 6 and Thursday November 7, 8:00 PM. Sister Elizabeth Donderstock is Squeamish, has been her whole life. She makes cheese balls (traditional and smoky) that sustain the existence of her entire religious community, Clusterhaven. However, she feels unappreciated among her Squeamish brethren, and she decides to try her luck in the out46

side world. Along the way, she meets a Cockneyspeaking Ukrainian immigrant couple who find her a job waiting tables at Plymouth Crock, a family restaurant run almost entirely by recovering alcoholics. The alcoholics love her. The customers love her. Her Danderfrock fits right in. Meanwhile, back at Clusterhaven, Liz’s compatriots just can’t seem to duplicate her cheese ball recipe, and it’s going to cost them their quaint, cloistered lifestyle. They are panic-stricken and desperate, and sure she sabotaged the recipe. Can the Squeamish be saved? Will the cheese balls ever taste good again? The answers to these and so many other questions can be found in the zany comedy from the Talent Family, David and Amy Sedaris. The Studio@620 is located at 620 1st Ave. South, St. Petersburg FL 33701, 727-895-6620. www.studio620.org

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Fiddler On the Roof -thru Nov 3

The classic Broadway musical sweeps you away with its universal story of love, tolerance, and the power of community. The memorable score features such unforgettable hits as “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise Sunset,” “Matchmaker,” and “Tradition.” freeFall’s production, featuring a cast of actor/musicians and innovative puppetry will take you on this familiar journey in a most unexpected way. This multi-talented cast led by David Mann, who most recently played the “Emcee” in freeFall’s award-winning production of Cabaret, will whisk you away to Anatevka, “laden in happiness and tears.”

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: A new Musical Nov 30 - Dec 24

freeFall’s holiday tradition returns. Share the magic with your entire family this holiday season. With a soaring and inspirational score, and faithful incarnations of all of the memorable characters, Dickens’ ghost story leaps from the page and delights with stunning theatricality, lush scenery and costumes, and surprising special effects. Make this enchanting production part of your holiday tradition. Book and lyrics by Keith Ferguson, music by Bruce Greer. freeFall Theatre, 6099 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33710, 727-4985205. www.freefalltheatre.com/

LA CAGE AUX FOLLES Nov 1 - 17 After twenty years of un-wedded bliss Georges and Albin, two men partnered for better-or-worse get a bit of both when Georges’ son (fathered during a one-night fling) announces his impending marriage to the daughter of a bigoted, right-wing politician. Further complicating the situation is the family business: Albin and Georges run a drag nightclub in St. Tropez, where Albin is the star performer ‘Zaza’. Georges reluctantly agrees to masquerade as straight when he meets the family of the bride-to-be. But Albin has other plans, with hilarious results. As the song says, The Best of Times is always now to see La Cage aux Folles. “This is Jerry Herman’s best musical yet--happier, more assertive, more buoyant than Hello Dolly! or Mame.” - The New York Post “The schmaltziest, most old fashioned major musical since Annie. Highly enjoyable.” - The New York Times. 48

Largo Cultural Center, 105 Central Park Drive, Largo Florida. 727-587-6793. www.eightoclocktheatre.com

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www.floridaorchestra.org

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S T R E C N O HOT C

TAMPA BAY TIMES FORUM

JOSH GROBAN - Fri, Nov 8 In The Round Tour

ossessing one of the most outstanding and instantly recognizable voices in music, singer, songwriter, and actor Josh Groban has entertained fans across the globe with his multiplatinum albums and DVDs (25 million sold worldwide), electrifying live performances, and comedic film and television appearances. The “In The Round” tour will give fans a one of a kind concert experience. Placed in the middle of the floor this 360 degree stage will allow Josh to interact with fans from all sides of the venue and hear Groban sing classic songs that span his illustrious twelve year career. The “In the Round” tour builds on the concept of Groban’s 2011 “Straight To You” World Tour, bringing the intimate feel of a theater experience to an arena setting. For additional information, visit tampabaytimesforum.com/

EAGLES - Wed, Nov 20 History of the Eagles Tour

he Eagles – Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit – will perform classics spanning their career, including some that have never been performed live, as well as songs featured in History of the Eagles, the band’s acclaimed documentary that provides an unprecedented and intimate look into the history of the band and the legacy of its music. The Eagles have sold more than 120 million albums worldwide, earning five #1 U.S. singles and six GRAMMY Awards. Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 is the best-selling album of all time, exceeding sales of 29 million units. The band’s Hotel California and Their Greatest Hits Volume 2 have sold more than 16 and 11 million albums respectively. The Eagles were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998. For additional information, visit tampabaytimesforum.com/

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est – a legendary live performer - combines state-of-the-art staging, production, and lighting design with his unmatched aesthetic, visionary creative mind, and an increasingly impressive catalogue of hits spanning his decade-long career. To date, Kanye West has sold over 30 million albums and over 78 million digital tracks worldwide. Kanye has won 21 Grammys along with numerous other awards and accolades and has had seven #1 singles, along with scores of radio hits and millions of concert tickets sold worldwide. Joining Kanye will be Kendrick Lamar, who has emerged as one of thebrightest young talents in hip-hop today.

KANYE WEST - Sat, Nov 30 The Yeezus Tour

For additional information, visit tampabaytimesforum.com/

TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA - Sun, Dec 1 “The Lost Christmas Eve”

rans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) will celebrate their first 15 years of touring with an encore and final performance of their multi-platinum rock opera, “The Lost Christmas Eve.” TSO, whose phenomena has grown year after year, has played over 1,500 shows for more than 10 million fans in the past fifteen years, and quietly became one of the world’s biggest arena rock acts. For one final year, audiences will get to experience the modern Charles Dickens-like classic, “The Lost Christmas Eve.” Following the 2012 premiere of this acclaimed rock opera, critics were raving, calling it “…a must see for any music lover” , “…a rock ‘n’ roll holiday celebration worth seeing!” and an “unrivaled spectacle of sight and sound.” “The Lost Christmas Eve” features a diverse soundtrack fusing elements of rock, classical, folk, R&B, and theatrical-styled music, with the story taking you on a journey into the “Capra-esque” world of TSO creator / producer, Paul O’Neill. The critically acclaimed rock opera encompasses a rundown hotel, an old toy store, a blues bar, a Gothic cathedral, and their respective inhabitants all intertwined during a single enchanted Christmas Eve in New York City. For additional information, visit www.tampabaytimesforum.com/

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TAMPA BAY TIMES FORUM

DONNY & MARIE - Fri, Dec 6 Christmas In Tampa

onny and Marie mix the holiday songs and spirit of their early television specials and recordings with a nostalwgic look back on their storied career in an dynamic stage show showcasing fan favorites including “A Little Bit of Country, A Little Bit Rock ‘n Roll,” “Paper Roses,” “Puppy Love” and “It Takes Two.” With a dash of Christmas spirit and their trademark show-stopping production numbers, Donny & Marie Christmas features Christmas songs and cheer plus hits from their illustrious careers all mixed with the irresistible chemistry that made them international stars leading into “Osmond-Mania” topping the charts. “Insanely entertaining! A song and dance spectacular. Donny & Marie sing and banter and belt out their hits…Their voices are as strong as ever. You can’t fake that kind of chemistry. It’s a beautiful thing.” says Entertainment Weekly. For additional information, visit tampabaytimesforum.com/

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The Florida Orchestra From Tchaikovsky to Pink Floyd

t The Florida Orchestra’s next Tampa Bay Times Masterworks concerts, acclaimed pianist Orli Shaham performs Mozart’s intensely dramatic, yet poetic and lyrical, Piano Concerto No. 20. Michael Francis conducts this program, which also includes Britten’s Sinfonia da Requiem, along with Richard Strauss’ commanding and powerful tone poem Also Sprach Zarathustra, well known as the theme to 2001: A Space Odyssey. Concerts are November 1, 2 and 3 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Bestowed with numerous accolades, including “genius,” Stephen Hough is sure to please piano lovers with Tchaikovsky’s rhapsodic showpiece Piano Concerto No. 1. Teddy Abrams conducts this program that also features Rossini’s spirited Overture to La Gazza Ladra and Bartok’s tour de force Concerto for Orchestra, all on November 8, 9 and 10 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The Raymond James Pops celebrates a night of great dance tunes and styles with award-winning dancers showing their stuff with the tango, waltz, cha-cha-chá, Charleston, blues, swing, dance hits

from Broadway and films, and 50s rock favorites, including Blue Suede Shoes, I Got A Woman, Twistin’ The Night Away and Johnny B. Goode. Featuring American Idol contestant and vocalist Michael Lynche, Principal Pops Conductor Jeff Tyzik leads the orchestra on November 15, 16 and 17 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. The following Tampa Bay Times Masterworks features orchestra Principal Cellist James Connor in Elgar’s noble and melancholically beautiful Cello Concerto. Mei Ann Chen conducts this program, which also includes Haydn’s lively and stately Symphony No. 88 and Dvorak’s sunny and idyllic Symphony No. 8. These concerts are November 22, 23 and 24 in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Continuing its highly popular Rock Concert series, The Florida Orchestra joins forces with a full rock band in a celebration of the 40th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon with such timeless hits as Money, Learning to Fly and Comfortably Numb, along with signature sounds from The Wall. The featured vocalist is Randy Jackson, the lead singer of the band Zebra. Brent Havens conducts this Thanksgiving weekend concert on Friday, November 29, at the Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg. From October through May, the orchestra regularly performs at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa, Duke Energy Center for the Arts - Mahaffey Theater in St. Petersburg, and Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater. For a free season brochure as well as to order a series package or individual tickets, visit www.floridaorchestra.org or call 727.892.3337 or 1.800.662.7286, Mon-Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat and Sun, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For venues, tickets and performance times please call 800-662-7286 or visit www.floridaorchestra.org

USA ENTERTAINMENT.COM www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

RUTH ECKERD HALL

HARRY CONNICK, JR. Fri, Nov 22 (rescheduled from Nov 5 date)

arry Connick, Jr.’s meteoric rise in the world of music was only a prelude to a multi-faceted career. This pianist, vocalist, composer, band leader, actor, and philanthropist has received awards and recognition for his live and recorded musical performances, and for his achievements on screens large and small as well as the Broadway stage. Throughout his stellar career, Harry Connick, Jr. has earned three Grammy awards, two Emmy Awards, and two Tony nominations, and spearheaded efforts to help rebuild his hometown of New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. This performance with his band will be in support of his new album release EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOW, a collection of original songs that touches on some of Harry’s deepest feelings about life and love. REH - 1111 McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, FL 33759; 727-791-7400; www.rutheckerdhall.com

CYNDI LAUPER - Fri, Nov 8 She’s So Unusual Tour

RAMMY and Tony Award winner Cyndi Lauper returns to Ruth Eckerd Hall on her She’s So Unusual Tour to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her debut album. Special guest Hunter Valentine will open the show. Recorded and released in 1983, She’s So Unusual is a colorful portrait of a unique and multifaceted talent. The album features some of Lauper’s most well-known songs and perennial radio favorites including “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” “She Bop,” “Money Changes Everything” and “All Through the Night.” She’s So Unusual made Lauper a household name and also cemented her place in musical history as the first female artist to have four top 10 singles on a debut album. The release went on to sell more than 16 million copies worldwide and won Lauper a GRAMMY Award for Best New Artist. The iconic performer has been celebrating a creative renaissance as of late. Kinky Boots, the critically acclaimed Broadway musical Lauper composed the music and lyrics for won six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Leading Man and Best Score. Cyndi became the first solo woman ever to win a Tony Award for Best Score. REH - 1111 McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, FL 33759; 727-791-7400; www.rutheckerdhall.com

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CELTIC THUNDER CONCERT Mythology - Sat, Nov 9

orld-renowned Irish super-group Celtic Thunder performs Mythology at REH on Sat, Nov 9 at 7:30 pm. The Celtic Thunder CD and DVD continue to dominate the charts weeks after release. All six male soloists, Emmet Cahill, Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly, George Donaldson, Neil Byrne and Colm Keegan, perform both solo and ensemble numbers. They are known for performing an eclectic mix of songs ranging from traditional Irish fare to international hits such as “The Boys are Back in Town” and “The Sound of Silence,” as well as original compositions including Voices and Hunter’s Moon. In addition to the six main vocalists, the tour will also feature strings, guitars, percussion, whistles, pipes and more in the eight-piece Celtic Thunder band. REH - 1111 McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, FL 33759; 727-791-7400; www.rutheckerdhall.com

Saturday, Nov 30

ave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2013 is an uplifting, highenergy show the whole family will love. Get into the holiday spirit as some of music’s biggest names jam on fresh, lively arrangements of seasonal favorites, led by multi-GRAMMY nominee and saxophonist extraordinaire Dave Koz. Joining Dave this year are pianist/composer/producer Keiko Matsui, who has shared the stage with everyone from Stevie Wonder to Miles Davis, world-renowned singer Oleta Adams, appeared on Tears For Fears The Seeds of Love album and who has eight acclaimed CDs of her own, and Jonathan Butler, who has earned accolades in the R&B, contemporary jazz and gospel fields. REH - 1111 McMullen Booth Rd, Clearwater, FL 33759; 727-7917400; www.rutheckerdhall.com

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JANNUS LIVE

BADFISH (Tribute to Sublime) - Fri, Nov 8

n 2001, Badfish, a Tribute to Sublime, played its first show in Rhode Island to 500 fans, many of whom drove an hour or more to celebrate the music of a band whose run ended far too soon amid the tragic death of lead singer Brad Nowell in 1996. Fans were called it a “rebirth” of Sublime, and Badfish went on to break attendance records up and down the East coast. Twelve years later, the band is still going strong, and -- despite the fact that the original Sublime has re-formed with a new singer— Badfish still maintains the spirit of Sublime and helps to carry on their legacy with grace. What separates Badfish from other tribute bands is that they have replicated Sublime’s essence, developing a scene and dedicated following most commonly reserved for label-driven, mainstream acts. Consistently selling out many shows at some of the most prominent venues throughout the country, promoters continue to be in awe that a tribute band is turning several hundred fans away from the doors each night. Jannus, 1st Ave. N and 2nd St. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701. www.jannuslive.com/

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222 5th Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37203 â&#x20AC;˘ 615-416-2001

countrymusichalloffame.org

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MUSIC TRAX

Jazz Fred Hersch and Julian Lage Free Flying palmetto-records.com Live album from living Jazz legend pianist Fred Hersch and guitar virtuoso Julian Lage. The February 2013 recording from New York’s Kitano is a lively affair filled with poignant beauty, instantly gripping and a great display of how well these two mesh together as they adeptly play six original Hersch compositions and three Jazz standards. BRIAN LANDRUS Mirage brianlandrus.com Composer Brian Landrus, master of low reeds, has created a chamber jazz master-

piece with Mirage, a Shimmering Album with his Quintet Kaleidoscope and String Quartet, featuring Guitarist Nir Felder, Bassist Lonnie Plaxico, Drummer Rudy Royston, Pianist/Keyboardist Frank Carlberg, Violinists Mark Feldman, Joyce Hamman, Violist Judith Insell, & Cellist Jody Redhage. BWB (Brown, Whalum, Braun) Human Nature concordmusicgroup. com Brown-WhalumBraun, better known as BWB, is named after its three members: guitarist Norman Brown, saxophonist Kirk Whalum, and trumpeter Rick Braun. Each a musical force in his own right. Here they give their distinctive smooth jazz sound to familiar ‑Michael Jackson tunes.

JEFF LORBER Fusion

concordmusicgroup.com

By the late 1970s, trailblazing keyboardist/composer/producer Jeff Lorber had become a prominent figure in the new movement known as jazz fusion – a marriage of traditional jazz with elements of rock, R&B, funk and other electrified sounds. He has been just as prolific and innovative in the new century as he was in the last. His music reaches a new level by crystallizing jazz, funk, and Latin rhythms with some killer melodies that will certainly translate to live performance. Obviously, time spent touring together has made Lorber, Haslip and Marienthal into a tight unit, which is evident from this latest recording.

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Geoffrey Keezer Heart of the Piano geoffreykeezer.com Following his acclaimed Motéma debut (the stellar Locke/Keezer Band s Signing), this twotime Grammy nominee combines his incredible virtuosity, lyricism, and inventive harmonic sensibility on his first solo piano recording in 13 years, a timeless creation of extraordinary range and beauty. Includes unique covers of songs by Peter Gabriel, Alanis Morissette, Rush, KT Tunstall, and Eva Cassidy, as well as compelling original material. RICH HALLEY 4 Crossing The Passes richhalley.com Eleven new original compositions performed with imagination and fire by the Rich Halley 4, who demonstrate with verve and passion their creative approach to compositional group improvisation. Some of the compositions are challenging, with lots of meter changes and contrasting sections. Others combine diverse stylistic elements.

Deborah Latz Fig Tree

deborahlatz.com eborah Latz’ Fig Tree is a wide ranging and ambitious project, backed by a remarkable set of players, that includes acid jazz, ballads, songs in Portuguese and Greek, and three originals worthy of becoming new standards. The album is richly shaped and supported by veteran jazz artists Jon Davis on piano, John Hart on guitars, Ray Parker on bass, Willard Dyson on drums, and special guests Peter Apfelbaum on saxes, flutes, percussion and Abdoulaye Diabate, guest voice on Latz’ original “She Was”. Collectively these jazz veterans have played and recorded with Stan Getz, James Moody, Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Cobb, Michael Franks, and Jaco Pastorius.

MIKE MacARTHUR Feels Like Home amggroupmusic.com Feels Like Home is a jazz CD with a bit of funk, soul, swing and lots of feel. Mike MacArthur keeps an organic and real vibe with his sax on this CD joined by the best in the business including Brian Bromberg, Rick Braun, Jeff Lorber, Jeff Golub, Alex Acuna and many more.

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NewAge STEVEN HALPERN Deep Theta 2.0 stevenhalpern.com A breathtaking follow-up to Grammy nominated album Deep Alpha, Deep Theta 2.0 features shakuhachi flute, lush keyboards, and subtle brainwave entrainment. THETA brain state is ideal for meditation, relaxation, deeper healing, and creativity. It combines the best ancient acoustic and modern electric healing instruments. Guest artists include shakuhachi masters Jorge Alfano and Ronnie Nyogetsu Seldin. MASAKO Masako masako-music.com Masako delivers lyrical, melodic and emotive original compositions certain to move and mesmerize you and carry you away with her solo pieces, duets and ensembles featuring the piano. “Performances of such quality that are so rare as to

be nearly mythical...some of the very finest work I’ve heard in my career.” — Will Ackerman, Founder of Windham Hill Records James Sera Reality of the Fantasy jamessera.com Emotionally driven solo acoustic guitar soundscapes from James Sera. Instrumental music that crosses many genres. Atmospheric, Ambient, Psychedelic, Neo-Folk, Neo-Classical and a dash of American Primitive are a few words that can be used to describe the music. Scott August Hidden Journey cedarmesa.com Set out on an invigorating adventure into the backcountry of the American Southwest in this Scott August soundscape. Evocative ancient flutes, powerful tribal drums, fiery latin guitars, soothing pianos, and an assortment of exotic world-instruments will accompany you on your red rock adventure.

Danny Wright Reflections

www.dannywright.com

anny Wright never takes credit for his beautiful music. The veteran pianist and composer, also known as “The Healer of Hearts,” makes music that touches and uplifts people worldwide every day. As one of today’s finest pianist/composers, Danny defies classification. He specializes in several music styles: Adult Contemporary Piano, New Age, Classical, Broadway show tunes, and Film music. He is a Steinway artist, and performs extensively as both a solo artist and as a guest artist with pops symphonies at top venues. Danny has sold over 6 million albums worldwide, but no personal tale is too small to inspire the music in his heart. Many of his albums include songs written in response to a fan he may never have met, a child or adult in need of healing, or music for a wedding, anniversary or other cause for celebrations. 62

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Bill Leslie

WORLD

Scotland - Grace Of The Wild www.billleslie.com

est-selling and award-winning Celtic fusion artist Bill Leslie offers beautiful tracks of instrumental music inspired by a trip to his ancestral home of Scotland. Nine of the tracks are original melodies and five are traditional Scottish tunes including “Loch Lomond” and “Black Is the Color of My True Love’s Hair.” Instrumentation includes Leslie on acoustic guitar, Celtic flutes and whistles along with a hugely talented group of musicians playing grand piano, violin, cello, oboe, accordion and percussion. Leslie is famous for painting musical landscapes with his poignant and powerful melodies.

TERRA GUITARRA Dragonfly terraguitarra.com This album of instrumental Spanish style guitar music showcases a musical journey of travels and expressions of acoustic guitar at it’s most emotional and passionate. The entire CD insert is also a mini art show of paintings guitarist Bruce Hecksel created throughout the recording process of the album and for the project, in his original theme of guitar landscapes, Terra Guitarra. VANESSA Vo & Kronos Quartet Three-Mountain Pass vananhvo.com An Emmy Award-winning soundtrack composer, Van-Anh Vanessa Vo’s hyper-virtuosic Vietnamese traditional music enters the experimental world with a bang. In addition to dan tranh, Võ also performs as soloist on the monochord, the 6-string hammered dulcimer, the bamboo xylophone, among other instruments. Vo and the Kronos Quartet are worthy matches for this crossover that pushes both into new territory.

BAREFOOT DIVAS Walk A Mile In My Shoes barefootdivas.com.au Australia’s most acclaimed female Indigenous singer/songwriters, Barefoot Divas, come together with their sisters from New Zealand and Papua New Guinea to release their remarkable live album Walk A Mile In My Shoes. Helpmann Award winner Ursula Yovich (Aborigine) and Black Arm Band favourite Emma Donovan (Aborigine) join Whirimako Black, Maisey Rika, Merenia and Ngaiire (Papua New Guinea) in a powerful symbolic musical collaboration. Brian Prunka Nashaz rockpaperscissors.biz Jazz guitarist Brian Prunka makes an organic new integration of jazz and Arabic music, with tastes of Sudan, the Balkans, and Central Asia, bringing together the soul of the oud and the spontaneity and energy of jazz with memorable, sinuous melodies and kinetic Eastern grooves on Nashaz.

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ROCK POP HIP HOP Amaranthe The Nexus spinefarmrecords.com The Nexus is the second album by the Swedish band Amaranthe. The Nexus is a development of the sound and ideas Amaranthe introduced on their first record. The contrasts are greater, the mix and blends of genres is more “controversial”, and more creative freedoms were taken with The Nexus. JAW KNEECAP Prime jawkneecap.com This progressive hard rock CD features vocalist/bassist Chris Buck, drummer Mike Leasure and guitarist Johnny Kap. The folks around Simpsonville, SC, way say that Johnny Kap can play that guitar just like ringing a bell. He shreds with the best of ‘em and his face melting solos are second to none.

Darnaa

Brushy One-String Destiny rockpaperscissors.biz Brushy’s unconventional onestring playing style is no mere gimmick. Citing Freddy Pendergrass and Shabba Ranks as major touchstones, his lively mix of influences and full sound, Brushy’s array of percussive taps and knocks on the guitar’s body—make him self-sufficient. There’s something in Brushy’s gritty, warm voice, in his pensive words and upbeat grooves, that hits at the heart. SKID ROW United World Rebellion: chapter one skidrow.com/ Skid Row were one of the very last hair metal bands to hit the mainstream before grunge took over in the early ‘90s. This is Skid Row’s first EP since 1992, and it’s classic Skid Row. Old fans will be pleased and new fans are bound to come aboard.

Indie-pop’s New “It Girl”

arnaa is taking the music scene by storm with explosively entertaining live performances filled with powerful vocals and soulful arrangements, smash hit singles like “Runaway,” “Calling It Love,” “We All Sleep Alone,” and “The Moment,” from her album End Of My Beginnings. Without a record label, Darnaa has already acquired over 1,225,000 YouTube views with 5,000 plus comments, ranked #1 in New York and #4 in the nation as an “Indie Artist” on REVERBNATION. Darnaa first caught the attention of top industry execs and major media with successful releases of cover and music videos of iconic anthems such as R.E.M’s “Everybody Hurts” and “Not Ready to Make Nice” by The Dixie Chicks. Her first single “Runaway” earlier this year topped the charts at #1 in Internet Radio Spins for “Top 50 Indie Artists. Inspired by her passion as an advocate for women & children’s rights and her personal journey, Darnaa’s music is a celebration of empowerment and encourages others to find their voice and the courage speak out against injustice in the fight to end global violence. www.darnaamusic.com/

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SHERYL CROW Feels Like Home

COUNTRY/FOLK CLINTON GREGORY BLUEGRASS BAND Roots Of My Raising melodyroundupmusic.com Gregory comes from a long line of fiddle players. He picked up the fiddle at five years old, making his performing debut at bluegrass festivals within a year. His father played at the Grand Ole Opry and taught him to play fiddle tunes as close to the way they were originally written, some 200 years ago. ‑He keeps audiences entertained right down to their country souls. TIM ASH Up On Blocks timash.net The Tim Ash Band is based out of Evansville, IN and is lead by Nashville, TN recording artist Tim Ash. The other members are Nathan Bayne,

ine-time GRAMMY award-winner Sheryl Crow’s new album, Feels Like Home, is the first country record of her career and features her hit single, “Easy”. Each track on the album was co-written with another songwriter, which is a first for Crow, including GRAMMY award-winner Brad Paisley. “It wasn’t until I moved here that I realized what an amazing community it is,” said Crow of working on Feels Like Home in Nashville, Tenn. “It’s the thing I’ve been missing my whole career, the feeling of being able to sit around with a guitar and have people know each other’s songs and know songs from people who’ve influenced all of us. When I moved here pretty early on Vince Gill started calling me to do guitar pulls, and I thought, gosh, this is just like heaven on earth down here.” www.sherylcrow.com

Jayson Harper, Jason Holder, Brett Holland, and Micah Robertson. Up On Blocks is a 12-track collection that encompasses love, flirtatioius lust, loss and the pursuit of the party. WILLIE NELSON To All The Girls... legacyrecordings.com Decades of heartfelt performances and compositions in popular music have long solidified Willie’s reputation as one of country’s greatest romantics. To All The Girls... continues Nelson’s musical relationships with some of the most talented women in country, pop and soul. Among the centerpieces of To All The Girls... is the duet with Dolly Parton, “From Here To The Moon and Back.” Willie also sings “Grandma’s Hands” with Mavis Staples, duets with Sheryl Crow on the Great American Songbook selection “Far Away Places,” and brings a new shade to his self penned classic “Always on My Mind” with Carrie Underwood. Willie is also joined by Emmylou Harris, Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Norah Jones, Loretta Lynn and Roseanne Cash.

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Tasty Food and Drinks! Sail Pavilion Friday Night “Burgers & Beers” Sail Pavilion will be hosting a new “Burgers & Beers” event every Friday night from 5 to 9 p.m. (except the second Friday of each month). The events will feature a build-your-own-burger bar and specials on an assortment of craft beers at the 360-degree waterfront bar. Food Trucks, Music, and More. A rolling celebration of food and fun, Brews & Bites feature a fleet of area food trucks, and live entertainment from local musicians. Sail Pavilion is located on Tampa’s RiverWalk, adjacent to the Tampa Convention Center. The November event will offer six food trucks, fresh squeezed juice mixed drinks, and live entertainment. During the event, prizes will be given out via #BREWSandBITES through twitter and instagram. Friday, November 8, from 6 to 10 p.m. 333 S. Franklin St, Tampa, Fla. (813) 373-1193 www.tampaconventioncenter.com

Culinary Classes at New Epicurean Theatre Tampa’s Epicurean Hotel won’t open until December, but foodies with a taste for learning can now begin registering for classes in the hotel’s Epicurean Theatre. Classes in the 32-seat venue will begin Monday, January 20, covering such diverse topics as “Champagne 101,” “Sustainable Winemaking & Seafood,” and “Mastering Food & Wine Pairing.” A list of classes through February 2014 is now available online at EpicureanHotel.com/learn/Equipped with a Viking range, All-Clad cookware and other features, the Epicurean Theatre will offer class levels from novice to advance. The Epicurean Theatre calendar will be updated daily with a large variety of new offerings. Teaching these classes will be some of the biggest names in the culinary and wine world, as well as some local and regional talents, including Dean Hurst and Kevin Pelley of Bern’s fame. The Epicurean Hotel is scheduled to open in December 2013 in the Hyde Park district of South Tampa, developed in collaboration with Mainsail Lodging & Development and Bern’s Steak House. The foodfocused hotel will feature Élevage, a restaurant where 66

classic recipes are re-imagined, Edge, Social Drinkery rooftop bar, Chocolate Pi pâtisserie, Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits wine shop, Evangeline full-service spa and 5,200-square feet of flexible event space. (855) 8292536. www.EpicureanHotel.com/learn

an Evening with Celebrity Chef Donatella Arpaia at Seminole Hard Rock Tampa - Thur, Nov 14 Noted celebrity Chef Donatalla Arpaia will be bringing her talents to Seminole Hard Rock Tampa (SHRT), Thursday, November 14 at 8 p.m. Limited seats are available to experience an evening curated by the restaurateur, author and television personality in SHRT’s Council Oak Steaks & Seafood restaurant. Seating is at 7:30 p.m. Arpaia, who gained fame on the Food Network and as a celebrity judge on “The Next Iron Chef,” will prepare a three-course dinner complete with sommelier hand-selected wine pairings. A former corporate attorney, Arpaia was once named by the New York Post “one of the most powerful women” in Manhattan. She has lent her brand and expertise to a string of successful and highly-acclaimed restaurants including the recently opened Donatella Pizzeria and Restaurant & DBar in New York.

Enjoy Arts & Tastes St. Pete - Nov 15-17 From November 15-17, 2013, a new three-day festival will celebrate St. Petersburg’s cuisine offerings in a big way. The first of what is planned to be an annual event will attract both a regional and national audience when the region’s dynamic winter season kicks into high gear. More than 5,000 lovers of fine food, wine and the arts are expected to descend on St. Petersburg and the area to celebrate food, wine

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and the arts. Festival highlights: Watch live cooking demonstrations and attend events hosted by nationally known celebrity chefs and TV personalitie; Stroll through the Grand Tasting, where the region’s top chefs will offer samples of their signature dishes; Indulge in a Sense Immersion Dinner orchestrated by six pairs of chefs and artists; Succumb to Nocturnal Cravings at a late-night dessert party; Sip, Savor and Swing at a Latin-inspired celebration complete with music and dancing; Enjoy the sizzle of the poolside Battle of the ‘Burg, where celebrity judges will crown the region’s best burger. Net proceeds of the festival will help support Florida ProStart, a program of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Educational Foundation, which provides high-school students with career opportunities in the culinary and hospitality fields. www.enjoyartsandtastes.com/

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CHOWDER CHALLENGE Nov 10 Sample from 26 local restaurants while they compete for the cherished “Golden Ladle” award. This is a fundraiser event benefiting the Friends of the Gulf Beaches Historical Museum. The “People’s Choice” will have the biggest vote for the1st, 2nd & 3rd prize-winning chowder, along with the “Celebrity Judge’s Choices”. Celebrety judges include: Joyce LaFray , local Tampa Bay’s cookbook publisher (inc. Bern’s Steak House Cookbook) St. Pete Beach Mayor Steve McFarlin, and local Veteran volunteer, Augie D’Allessio. Participating Restaurants: Bayou Catering, Billy’s Stone Crab, Boardwalk, Brass Monkey, Chill Compass Grille, Crabby Bill’s, Daiquiri Shack, Hurricane, Island Grille & Raw Bar, Jackie’s Bistro, Jaxson’s, Leverocks, Nina’s Café, Paradise Sweets, P.J.’s Oyster Bar, Rick’s Reef, Salty Rim, Shipyard Brewing Company, Silas Dents, Shaner’s Land & Sea Market, Skidder’s, Sloppy Pelican, Snapper’s, SPB Produce & Deli, The Riviera, and Vida De Cafe. Shipyard Brewing Company will be supplying the local craft beers. Available also are; wine, soda, water, & bake goods. Live music will be supplied by Mo and Bob Manola of “Boat of Us”. A family event and hourly raffles for lots of prizes. Tickets available at the following St Pete Beach locations: Nancy Markoe Gallery – 727-360-0729, Paradiso – 727-363-8831; Simply Perfect – 727-360-4141; Gulf Beaches Historical Museum – 115 Tenth Ave, St. Pete Beach, 33706 www.Facebook.com/chowderchallengeinpassagrille www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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www.UpperCervicalCare.com

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S i g n at u r e C h e fs A u c t i o n - We d , N o v 20 It’s a recipe for healthy babies! Prepare to be delighted as you sample selections from the top Tampa restaurants to benefit The March of Dimes. This annual social

event, now in it’s 24th year, is the original culinary showcase in our area. The evening highlights the best of the best in dining with chefs from top dining establishments serving their favorite dishes with a silent and live auction filled with one of kind opportunities. 6:30 10:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. – Tastings and Silent Auction. 8:00 p.m. – Program, Live Auction, and Fund the Mission. Westin Harbour Island, 725 South Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa, FL 33602. 813-8984953. www.marchofdimes.com/

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S e a b o a r d S e a f o o d F e s t i va l - N o v 30 - Dec 1 The Seaboard Seafood Festival will be held on Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1, in downtown Tampa’s Knight’s Point on Harbour Island. This will be an annual Thanksgiving Weekend event to feature local seafood from the best local restaurants, a stone crab and shrimp boil and deviled crabs to give the event distinctive Tampa flavor. There will also be live entertainment, cash bars, cigars, games, arts, crafts and gifts for holiday shopping and a lounge for watching the Florida State at Florida football game. It will be from 11 AM until 6 PM on Saturday and Noon until 4 PM on Sunday with Tampa’s Mayor Bob Buckhorn presenting the awards at 3 PM on Sunday. The Captain’s Club will be from Noon until 4 PM on both days and will include admission, reserved seats, an open bar and a seafood buffet with stone crab. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Metropolitan Ministries and holiday toy donations will be accepted. For more information visit: SeaboardSeafoodFestival.com

T h e S e c o n d A n n u al G u mb o Cook Off - Nov 23 Calling all roux makers. Have a favorite gumbo recipe? Now is your chance to show it off. Ricky P’s Orleans Bistro will be accepting applicants in three categories: Seafood, Chicken & Sausage and Game/Exotic. There is no charge to enter. Call Lisa P at (727) 423-4211 or email (ForLisaP@tampabay.rr.com) for registration packet. There will be celebrity judges, prizes, and live music from The Porch Dogs. Everyone is invited to watch and sample. Tastings will be available with proceeds going to Tab Benoit’s Voice of the Wetlands, America’s Wetland Foundation, a 501(3)c organization committed to saving the coastlines of Southern Louisiana. www. americaswetlands.com Tents will be erected in the parking lot of Ricky P’s Orleans Bistro. Set up begins at Noon on Saturday, November 23rd. Cooking can begin at 2pm and should end no later than 5pm for tasting and judging. A panel of judges will award the winner in each of the three categories plus a People’s Choice Favorite. Prizes will be awarded. Contestants can cook on-site or bring a prepared gumbo with list of ingredients. The Porch Dogs will provide spicy hot accordion driven Zydeco and Cajun music that will be sure to get everyone dancing. Drink Specials and full menu will also be available. Ricky P’s Orleans Bistro 1113 Central Avenue North, St. Pete, FL 33705 For more information, 727-821-4061 www.RickyPs.com 70

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KAPPA PISCO

A Delicious White Spirit

he producers of the iconic brand, Grand Marnier, have introduced a new spirit, Kappa Pisco, from the Elqui Valley in Chile. Setting a new standard of luxury for the category, Kappa Pisco is the latest project of the Marnier Lapostolle family. As it is with Cognac, Chilean Pisco is a spirit made from the double distillation of wine. However, unlike Cognac which must be aged in oak, Kappa Pisco is an unaged variety that results in a delicious white spirit with excellent mixability. The Elqui Valley,

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from where the grapes for Kappa Pisco are sourced, has sunshine every day, fresh water from the Andes Mountains and clear skies free of pollution. Above the Elqui Valley, within the Southern Cross Constellation, is the Kappa Crucis star cluster. Considered one of the most breathtaking sights in Southern Hemisphere, this is where Kappa derives its name. Although Kappa is available in many markets across the country, we suggest you try a truly satisfying drink found locally at Malio’s Steakhouse in Tampa, the “Kappa Rita”. It consists of 1 ½ oz KAPPA Pisco, ½ oz Grand Marnier, 1 oz Fresh Lemon, and ½ oz Agave Nectar. Ingredients are shaken and strained over fresh ice, and garnished with lemon. For more information on Kappa Pisco, please visit www.kappapisco.com/

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Carmel Cafe & Wine Bar The Taste of Fall by Melissa Wolcott Martino

hen the season changes, so does the menu at Carmel Cafe. I welcome their fall (flowing into winter) menu — always a taste treat, and this one is no exception. Carmel Cafe creates seasonal cocktails, and this time it’s a Grapefruit Basil Twist with Hendrick’s gin, fresh grapefruit, basil and lemon, and another is an Apple Pie Martini made with cinnamon apple tea, Stoli Vanilla, sliced apple and mint. The latter makes you want to curl up by a fire and sip away. Carmel’s chef always makes creative use of fresh seasonal ingredients, and this time it’s the introduction of pumpkin, pear, butternut squash, cauliflower and kale. You can never go wrong with Carmel’s flatbreads, and the fall feature is right up my alley — Smoked Bacon & Artichoke, with aged provolone, and sundried tomato aioli. A delightful appetizer is the Arancini, with Parmesan, fontina and asiago cheeses. The fall soup is a light and smooth Butternut Squash with cardamom cinnamon apples and creme Apple Pie Martini fraiche. Butternut Squash Two specialty pastas have been introduced for the season, a Bolognese with smoked red pepper pappardelle, and shaved grana padano, and a Pumpkin Ravioli with toasted walnuts, and sage cream sauce. I found the Bolognese a bit spicy for my taste, but the pumpkin ravioli was delicately perfect. Carmel’s entrees are offered in small or large plates which is great for those with small or large appetites. The fall fish dish is a smoky Seared Tuna with red wine reduction, zucchini cous cous, and wilted kale with garlic and red pepper. I am not a kale fan — or at least I wasn’t until I tried this wilted kale - it is absolutely delicious. The chef worked magic with that one. Smoked Bacon and Artichoke Flatbread

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Arancini with Parmesan, fontina and asiago cheeses.

Pumpkin Ravioli with toasted walnuts

The meat offering is Filet Medallions and Portabella Mushroom with port reduction, green beans and cauliflower mash. The filet is tender and juicy, and the cauliflower mash will be a very pleasant surprise to those who think they don’t like cauliflower. Again, the chef has taken a veggie that may not be a universal favorite and made a wonderful palate pleaser. The seasonal dessert is Warm Poached Pear (poached in cranberry juice and cinnamon) with salted caramel and vanilla ice cream — another dish to curl up by the fire with. Carmel Cafe is known for their forward thinking with the clever use of iPads as menus, but also have paper menus for those who prefer it the “old fashioned” way. No matter how you wish to order, you will definitely enjoy your fall experience at the Carmel Cafe. The restaurant is located in Hyde Park at 3601 W. Swann Ave., Tampa. If you can’t make it to Hyde Park, there are three other Carmel Cafe locations to choose from: Countryside, Carrollwood, and Sarasota. Please visit the website for more information, plus you can view their full menu. www.carmelcafe.com

Seared Tuna with zucchini cous cous

Filet Medallions and cauliflower mash

Warm Poached Pear and ice cream

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FOOD & WINE CLASSIC

Melissa

he 4th Annual Swan & Dolphin Food & Wine Classic provided another enjoyable culinary tasting recently. Held over 2 days, food stations featured samplings from some of Disney Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest chefs, along with celebrity chef Todd English. Thirty five wine tents served a myriad of world class wines. There was even a beer tent for beer

Build your own taco from Picabu. Taqueria-Corn Tortilla, Barbacoa of Beef, Braised Pork, Organic Vegetables, Cheddar Cheese, Lime Wedge, Lettuce, Onion, Shaved Radish, Pico de Gallo, and assorted hot sauces.

Falafel (chick Pea Fritter, Tahini, garnish) from The Fountain.

Swan and Dolphinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s serene lakeside was lined with food and beverage stations. 76

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lovers. Part of the attraction to this event are the optional seminars conducted by members of the Swan and Dolphin’s talented food and beverage team. Some of the participating restaurants were Shula’s Steak House, Il Mulino New York Trattoria, The Fountain, Picabu, and Todd English’s bluezoo. Top quality entertainment was provided as well, with a standout Jersey Boys tribute band handling one of the sets. The Swan and Dolphin Resort property is the perfect choice for an event such as this one, with it’s stunning sunset views. For more information, please visit SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com

Swan and Dolphin’s beautiful concourse lined with food and wine stations.

Short Rib Oscar (Braised Beef hort Rib, Maryland Blue Crab, Asparagus, ISI Hollandaise) from Todd English’ BlueZoo.

Todd English with his Rock Shrimp Taco with creamy Jalapeno Slaw and Picled Onion Micro Cilantro.

California Firestone Estate Riesling, and Santa Barbera Pinot Noir. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Throw the Perfect Holiday Pairing Party

rom cookies and milk to the partridge in a pear tree, the holidays are filled with classic pairings. This year, gather family and friends together and ring in the season with a themed party that celebrates famous couplings. A themed party always calls for a little extra creativity to wow guests and ensure a great time is had by all. Since what you serve is always a key ingredient to a successful soiree, plan to have plenty of tasty appetizers and beverages available as soon as guests arrive. Try this recipe for Mini Steak Skewers with Smoked Paprika Aioli, a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with Black Box Wine’s new Red Elegance. Juicy red fruit, ripe blueberry and the smoothness of sweet chocolate is a winning combo with the savory steak that guests will surely adore.

Simple tips for your festive fete While planning your themed gathering, make sure to highlight pairs that evoke the holiday spirit. Try some of these hosting tips to make your pairing party the event of the season: • Couples in costume: Encourage couples to dress similarly and in classic holiday fashion. For example, some may show up in matching holiday sweaters or as a famous couple from a holiday movie. • Cheese and wine: Nothing goes better together than cheese and wine. Make your spread complete with a variety of fine cheeses and a flavorful wine, such as those from Black Box. One 3-liter box is the equivalent of four bottles. For more information, visit www.blackboxwines.com. • Dynamic duets: When planning your playlist, look for holiday standards that feature only duets or duos to highlight your special theme. • Must-have mistletoe: Add a kiss of romance and fun to your event with festive mistletoe. Every couple will look forward to seeing this gorgeous greenery perched across your doorway. • Don’t forget dessert: A holiday party would not be complete without the ultimate combination of holiday sweets: cookies and milk. Set them out just as you did in childhood days and watch as guests dig in to this perfect post-dinner treat. 78

Mini Steak Skewers with Smoked Paprika Aioli Pair with Black Box Red Elegance Makes 10-12 skewers You’ll need 4-inch skewers or long toothpicks to make this appetizer. Soak them for 15-20 minutes before cooking to avoid burning. Try to use a higher quality meat like filet mignon, but you can use whatever steak you like. Aioli: 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 tsp lemon juice 1 tsp smoked paprika 1 garlic clove, minced 2 tablespoons olive oil Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste Skewers: 3/4 pound filet mignon, cut into 3/4-inch squares (should get 30-36) 1/2 small red pepper, cut into 3/4-inch squares (should get 20-22) Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste Olive oil, for greasing the pan or grill To make aioli, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, paprika, garlic and olive oil in small bowl until well blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside. This can be done up to 24 hours in advance. To make skewers, thread one piece of steak onto skewer, followed by a pepper, another piece of steak, one more pepper, and one more piece of steak. You should have three squares of beef and 2 pepper squares on each skewer. Repeat until all beef and peppers are used. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. Set grill pan over high heat, or preheat grill to mediumhigh. Rub oil onto surface of pan or grates. Place skewers on pan or grill. If using pan, cook for about 8 minutes for medium steak, turning during cooking so all sides have grill marks. If using grill, cook for 6-8 minutes for medium, keeping lid closed as much as possible, turning throughout, until cooked to your liking. Alternatively, you can broil skewers for 6-8 minutes, turning once halfway through. Serve with aioli on the side for dipping.

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ORLANDO HAPPENINGS

oin Frosty, everyone’s favorite snowman, and his friends on their quest to the North Pole in a colorfully frozen retelling of this original Christmas classic. More than two million pounds of handcarved ice sculptures featuring Frosty the Snowman. NEW in 2013, you’ll enjoy a bonus area featuring “Artisans in Action” – a LIVE ice carving zone. Take a fun journey through the Frostbite Factory and watch a masterful ice carver from Harbin, China up close as he creates amazing sculptures before your eyes. Your experience concludes with the wonder of the Nativity scene in ice. The award-winning ICE! attraction is carved by a team of 40 artisans from Harbin, China. The talented artisans spend more than a month creating this one-of-a-kind attraction. Additionally, Christmas at Gaylord Palms will provide dozens of holiday displays with more than two million twinkling lights, an amazing 54-foot-tall Christmas tree, and exclusive holiday events and attractions for you and your entire family. ICE! is open daily from Nov. 23 to Jan. 5, including holidays. Gaylord Palms Resort is located at 6000 W. Osceola Parkway, Kissimmee, FL 34746. www.ChristmasAtGaylordPalms.com

Nov 23 - Jan 5

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MACY’S HOLIDAY PARADE - The streets of Universal Studios Florida come alive with balloons and floats beyond your imagination, marching bands - even Santa. There will be plenty of delicious treats to eat and drink and festive music everyone in your family will enjoy. Celebrate the Macy’s Holiday Parade featuring floats and balloons direct from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Afterwards, enjoy the spectacular tree lighting with music and a dazzling display of lights! MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER - Adding to the celebration this year is the return of Mannheim Steamroller! They’re the biggest selling Christmas artist of all time, and they are back for live performances on select Saturday and Sunday nights Dec 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22. HOLIDAY ENTERTAINMENT - A Barney Holiday. Join Barney and his friends for a magical singalong, clap-along show at A Day In The Park With Barney. The Blues Brothers Holiday Show - Jake and Elwood perform festive favorites like “Santa Claus is Coming To Town,” “Blue Christmas,” and more with snow on Delancey Street at the end of each show. For more information visit universalorlando.com

Nov 23 - Dec 31

n a wintery, watery wonderland, guests of all ages will enjoy loads of frosty fun as they watch stunning live shows inspired by the natural world, journey to the North Pole on THE POLAR EXPRESS Experience, then share a smile with a playful penguin at the South Pole while visiting the park’s newest attraction, Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin. Christmas carols can be heard as guests encounter a sparkling Sea Of Trees and skaters dancing on ice. With everything from Santa to Shamu, presents to penguins, and elves to Elmo, SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration is where the season meets the sea. Events take place on select dates November 23 through December 31, 2013 and are included with park admission or annual pass.

www.seaworldparks.com/

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MAGIC KINGDOM: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – Nov 8 - Dec 20 19 magical nights from Nov 8 thru Dec 20. Beginning at 7 p.m. (after regular park hours), guests with special event tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party can enjoy all the holiday splendor with lively stage shows, spectacular fireworks, a unique holiday parade and favorite holiday traditions including complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, and snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A. Guests can enjoy new experiences and attractions at New Fantasyland. EPCOT: Candlelight Processional – Nov 29 - Dec 30 Timeless holiday offering at Epcot that combines seasonal music with the poignant reading of The Christmas Story by a celebrity narrator, accompanied by a mass choir performing seasonal melodies, and a 50-piece live orchestra nightly November 29 – December 30, at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. at America Gardens Theater stage on select nights. Celebrity narrators: Gary Sinise, Neil Patrick Harris, Ashley Judd, Whoopi Goldberg, Sigourney Weaver, Dennis Haysbert, James Denton, Edward James Olmos, Trace Adkins, TBA, Blair Underwood, Amy Grant. Disney’s Hollywood Studios: The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights – Nov 8 - Jan 5 This massive seasonal display features millions of dancing lights, plus animated displays and 3-D ef-

fects perfectly synchronized to electrifying holiday tunes amidst snowfall. The rich tradition takes place on the Streets of America. Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade – Nov 7 - Jan 2 Celebrate safari style as Disney’s Animal Kingdom is wilder than ever this winter season. Mickey and his pals rejoice in traditional holiday music with a world beat twist during the daily “Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade”. Disney Cruise Line: Very Merrytime Cruise Disney Cruise Line adds sparkle to each ship, beginning early November through the new year, with Very Merrytime Cruises that include traditional “turkey day” fanfare, Christmas feasts, “snow flurries,” New Year’s Eve galas and Disney friends dressed for the occasion.

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disneyworld.disney.go.com

isney chefs and beverage experts will dish up 220 different festival foods and beverages at the 18th annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which takes place from Sept. 27-Nov. 11. With more than 25 international and specialty marketplaces, guests can indulge in a variety of authentic tastes at familiar favorites such as Brazil, Australia, and Africa, vegan options at Terra, or debut dishes from Scotland. Festival highlights include: Culinary demos from a high-powered lineup of celebrity chefs such as Cat Cora, Gale Gand and Buddy Valastro. Daily wine tastings and mixology seminars, which are available for a nominal fee. Special culinary programs that showcase a lineup of renowned winemakers and guest chefs who participate in elegant dinners, luncheons, seminars and wine schools.

A vast lineup of premium seminars, tastings and pairings including the popular Party for the Senses grand tasting events. Eat to the Beat! concerts feature debut acts GoGoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Edwin McCain, The Manhattan Transfer, Wilson Phillips and Spin Doctors along with fan favorites Sugar Ray, Boyz II Men and Smash Mouth. Authentic Taste seminars, Ocean Spray Cranberry Bog, special book signings, Eat to the Beat! concerts, cultural adventures and all attractions ors and park entertainThe Spin Doct ment are included with regular Epcot admission. Guests can call 407/ WDW-FEST (939-3378) to make reservations for premium programs and events. Complete festival information including reservations for select events and programs is available at www.epcotfoodfestival.com

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Orlando Offers a Flurry of Festive Events

This Holiday Season

rlando is offering visitors the gift that keeps on giving with 59 days of unique winter holiday celebrations throughout the entire destination. From Nov. 8 to Jan. 5, families can experience all the joy of the season while basking in Orlando’s year-round sunshine. To help visitors get the most fun out of their holiday vacation, Visit Orlando will be sharing ideas and tips at Visit www.Orlando.com/holidays

Holidays at the Theme Parks

Home to seven of the world’s top theme parks, Orlando celebrates the holiday season like nowhere else. From spectacular fireworks displays to festive live entertainment, Orlando’s theme parks offer something for every member of the family. Walt Disney World Resort offers some of the most elaborate of seasonal festivities, with more than 1,300 decorated trees and 8.5 million lights strung throughout the property. For several weeks around the holidays, guests celebrate the season with Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom Park, Holidays Around the World at Epcot, and the dazzling Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Guests can also ring in the New Year with a variety of entertainment, including the Electrical Parade and special dining events across Disney. The 15th Anniversary Gingerbread House, located in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, is a life-sized, 16-foot-high Victorian creation crafted by Disney pastry chefs. Universal Orlando Resort celebrates the classic tale of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” with Grinchmas at Islands of Adventure, featuring live musical shows, meet and greets with the Whos of Who-ville and appearances by The Grinch himself. Guests can also visit Universal Studios to experience Macy’s Holiday Parade, presenting floats and balloons direct from the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. On New Year’s Eve, CityWalk comes alive with performances by national acts, a gourmet buffet and nightclub entertainment. SeaWorld Orlando’s annual Christmas Celebration runs for six weeks, beginning Nov. 23. SeaWorld offers special shows and attractions, including Shamu Christmas Mira84

cles, Winter Wonderland on Ice and The Polar Express Experience. Guests can count down to New Year’s Day and enjoy live music and spectacular fireworks display. LEGOLAND Florida will feature tacular, a celebration with daily appearances by Santa Claus, a 270,000-LEGO-brick Christmas tree and other seasonal creations. Kids can also participate in their very own countdown to 2014 during a giant, LEGO brick drop at “Kids Standard Time,” otherwise known as 7 p.m.

Christmas

Brick-

Celebrations Outside the Theme Parks

From giant gingerbread creations to two million pounds of ice, Orlando’s seasonal celebrations extend beyond the theme parks. Visitors looking for unique ways to celebrate are sure to find new favorites in local traditions. Leu’s Holiday House, part of Orlando’s downtown botanical garden Leu Gardens, gives visitors a unique look at the historic estate and gardens trimmed and decorated for the holidays. ICE! At Gaylord Palms, an award-winning attraction carved by a team of 40 skilled artisans, features more than two million pounds of hand-carved ice sculptures, including Frosty the Snowman, four ice slides and a live ice-carving station. The Festival of Trees at the Orlando Museum of Art showcases “All That Glitters,” featuring dozens of adorned trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses on display, as well as for purchase. For more information about vacation experiences in Orlando, to order a complimentary vacation planning kit that includes a comprehensive Official Visitors Guide and Orlando Magicard or to purchase discount attraction tickets, visitors can log onto Orlando’s official website at VisitOrlando.com or call an Official Travel Counselor at 1-800-551-0181 (United States and Canada) or 407-363-5872. For real-time updates, follow at: Twitter.com/VisitOrlando Facebook.com/VisitOrlando

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A D I R O L F A VIV S T N E V 00 E

rom discovering the culture and artistic traditions of The Seminole Tribe of Florida at the Museum of Florida History to celebrating Florida’s history with food, music and more at a festival, there are a wide variety of Viva Florida 500 events and family-friendly activities happening across the state. Viva Florida 500 is a yearlong commemoration of 500 years of Florida history and cultural heritage.

Viva Florida 500 events and activities: Charting the Land of Flowers: 500 Years of Florida Maps (Tampa) thru Feb 16, 2014 – Featuring the most comprehensive exhibition of Florida cartography ever presented, Charting the Land of Flowers traces six centuries of Florida history, bringing together 150 maps from museum and library collections around the world, many of which will be on view to the public for the first time. Marking the quincentenary of Ponce de León’s 1513 landing on Florida’s shores, the exhibit offers a rare opportunity to see the world as the early European explorers saw it, and to watch the peninsula that would become one of our county’s most populous and diverse states evolve. Much of the earliest European exploration of North America occurred not in New England, but in Florida. Tampa Bay History Center. www.tampabayhistorycenter.org Taste History Culinary Tours of Historic Palm Beach County (Lake Worth, Lantana, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach) Various Dates thru Dec – The Taste History Culinary Tours of Historic Palm Beach County, Florida program is a food eating, art and history experience offered by the non-profit Museum of Lifestyle & Fashion History (MLFH). It’s a fourhour food-centric narrated bus and walking excursion through historic districts for alternate visits to eateries,

markets, and an urban farm for food history, food culture facts, foodways information and food tastings. At least three to four eateries are visited per Taste History tour along with trips to historic buildings, cultural centers and art galleries. The narration of the tour is by a live guide along with food tastings at eateries that reflects the cuisines of some of the pioneers. www.tastehistoryculinarytours.blogspot.com/ For God and Gold (Largo) thru May – This exhibit at the Heritage Village in Largo highlights the 500 years of historic people, places and events in present-day Florida since the arrival of Juan Ponce de Leon to the land he named Florida in 1513. “For God and Gold” features reproduction weapons, nautical items, clothing, camp gear, religious items and other items to tell the story of everyday life during the ocean crossing and the subsequent exploration and colonization of Florida. The exhibit was created by reenactor Lester Dailey. Springs Eternal: Florida’s Fragile Fountains of Youth Exhibition (Gainesville) thru Dec 15 – This exhibition at the Florida Museum of Natural History features a series of photographs from environmental photographer John Moran, chronicling the story of our springs and their beauty, ecology and the wide diversity of people who are drawn to them. www.JohnMoranPhoto.com

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DVD VIEWS

Compiled by Papande Newman

ACTION Charlie Zone

Starring: Amanda Crew, Glen Gould, Mpho Koah www.anchorbayentertainment.com Charlie Zone is a twisting dramatic thriller set against the drug-ravaged streets of one of Canada’s roughest neighborhoods. Avery Paul, a disgraced boxer and ex-convict, is hired to abduct a runaway from a crack house in the city’s notorious Charlie Zone, and return her safely to her family. But nothing goes quite as planned and nothing is quite what it seems. What follows is a harrowing ride through the underside of a postcard Canadian city, as two lost people attempt to face the darkness - in their world and themselves - and somehow find redemption.

DOCUMENTARY God’s Country

Actors: Jenn Gotzon, Daniel Hugh Kelly, Michael Toland, Gib Gerard, Todd Duffey Directors: Chris Armstrong

www.lionsgateshop.com

Beautiful and ambitious investment banker Meghan Doherty has an assignment to close a deal that could make her career. All she needs to do is travel to the Mojave desert and get the land rights for God’s Country, an isolated Christian retreat in foreclosure. But the faithful minister who owns the property refuses to consider her offer until she agrees to spend six days learning about his ministry. Reluctantly, Meghan trades her stilettos for hiking boots and slowly comes to realize the value of what the rural camp has to offer.

Fear Files

www.shop.history.com

Fear Files explores the paranormal, the bizarre and the history of some of man’s more macabre traditions. Case by case, each strange occurrence will be

closely examined, with both believers and skeptics weighing in. You’ll meet families who are terrified in their own homes, who’ve seen everything from doors that open and close on their own to butcher knives flying through the air. We’ll focus on paranormal phenomena, such as ESP, UFOs, miracles cures and the power of prayer. We’ll deconstruct the vampire legend that’s 1,000 years older than the Transylvanian version with which people are most familiar.

Haunted History

Narrator: David O’Brien Immerse yourself in our country’s chilling past. This unique special from History takes viewers deep into frightening ghostly events that linger within historic locations across the United States. The two-disc set is packed with six hours of spine-tingling mysteries. Driven by terrifying eyewitness accounts, each episode examines a site’s spooky events in relation to its gruesome past. Hear the ghosts of soldiers at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, meet the restless souls plaguing Salem, Massachusetts, visit Chicago’s infamous “Murder Castle” and many more!“

Going Underground: Paul Mccartney - Mccartney, The Beatles And The Uk Counter-Culture www.Mvdb2b.com In the mid-1960s the often rigid and colorless British way of life was irrevocably transformed by the emergence of a cultural underground movement. Led by a loose collective of young radicals, they introduced new social, sexual and aesthetic perspectives. This film not only traces the history of this underground scene, but also explores its impact on the pre-eminent British group of the era, Featuring many new interviews with key players from the time Also includes rare archive footage, photographs from private collections and music from The Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Soft Machine, AMM and others.

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DOCUMENTARY

Parkland

Starring: James Badge Dale, Zac Efron, Jackie Earl Haley, Colin Hanks, David Harbour, Marcia Gay Harden, Ron Livingston www.millenniumentertainment.me Parkland recounts the dramatic true story of the chaotic events that occurred at Parkland Hospital in Dallas on the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22nd 1963. PARKLAND weaves together the perspectives of a handful of ordinary individuals suddenly thrust into extraordinary circumstances: the young doctors and nurses at Parkland Hospital; Dallas’ chief of the Secret Service; an unwitting cameraman who captured what became the most watched and examined film in history; the FBI agents who nearly had the gunman within their grasp; the brother of Lee Harvey Oswald, left to deal with his shattered family; and JFK’s security team, witnesses to both the president’s death and Vice President Lyndon Johnson’s rise to power over a nation whose innocence was forever altered.

TV Shows Revenge: Second Season Creator: Mike Kelley Stars: Madeleine Stowe, Emily VanCamp, Gabriel Mann

www.watchabc.go.com

Emily Thorne returns to the Hamptons with a vengeance. Her enemies may be the same, but her mission now takes on a new, suspenseful twist as the action and the passion hit new heights in all 22 episodes of Revenge. Emily will stop at nothing to uncover the secrets of her father’s murder, but the web of deceit is larger than she ever imagined. Now, with her mother (Jennifer Jason Leigh) in the picture, even more will be revealed. Relive every biting and brilliant episode of Season Two, complete with never-before-seen bonus features that will lure you even deeper into the drama.

HORROR The Contractor

Gray’s Anatomy : Complete Ninth Season

Starring: Danny Trejo, Christina Cox, Brad Rowe, Taylor Spreitler, Arianne Zucker Directors: Sean Olson

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Creator: Shonda Rhimes Stars: Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, Justin Chambers

www.watchabc.go.com

Danny Trejo (Machete) stars in the edge-of-your-seat thriller, The Contractor. One family’s world begins to unravel when a newly hired contractor with a sinister agenda enters their home. Also starring Christina Cox (The Chronicles of Riddick), Brad Rowe (Shelter) and Taylor Spreitler (TV’s “The Days of Our Lives”), Paul (Rowe) and Elizabeth Chase (Cox) have just moved into their dream home in Malibu. Needing some renovations, they hire seemingly friendly and easygoing contractor, Javier (Trejo), but soon discover all is not as it seems. When he sabotages Paul’s car, ruins the house’s plumbing and plants evidence framing Paul for an affair, Elizabeth finds her perfect life coming unraveled and must save her family from The Contractor.

Experience every breathtaking moment with all 24 episodes of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy: Ninth Season. The plane crash that took the life of Lexie Grey sends shockwaves throughout the hospital. But from the ashes, romance will rise, with each surgeon handling the loss in their own personal way. Meredith finds her groove in the operating room while Derek’s hand injury forces him to focus on something other than surgery. And as Mark prepares to say goodbye, Alex falls for someone new, Cristina tries to rekindle the flame with Owen, and Bailey and Ben discover the perils of a long distance relationship in the sensational ninth season of Grey’s Anatomy.

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COMEDY

Free Samples

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Jason Ritter, Tippi Hedren, Jess Weixler, Halley Feiffer www.anchorbayentertainment.com A Stanford Law-school dropout escapes to the anonymity of Los Angeles to figure out what she wants to do with her life. On the day of her college boyfriend’s birthday, she finds herself stuck running an ice cream truck fending off locals and oddball friends alike. This one day spent on a truck on the streets of L.A. will wake her from an aimless daze and make her see that life doesn’t stop just because you want it to.

Tom Green Live Starring: Tom Green www.watchimage.com MTV’s The Tom Green Show broke new ground with its insane video pranks and skits. Now the star of Road Trip and Freddy Got Fingered brings his outrageous energy and irreverent wit to the stage in his first stand-up comedy special. The trailblazing host of the long-running Internet talk show Tom Green’s House Tonight hilariously rants and raves about how truly weird life can be. Nothing is off limits: Testicular cancer? What’s it like to hang with Donald Trump? Yup! If you’ve got a medical condition that warns against laughing, call for an ambulance. It’s the unfiltered and uncensored humor that you’ve come to expect from Tom Green, but with a new and mature take.

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Video Game

DRAMA Morning Starring: Jason Ritter, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Leland Orser, Elliott Gould, Laura Linney, Julie White, Charlie McDermott, Kyle chandler Director: Leland Orser www.anchorbayentertainment.com

Leland Orserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s directorial debut Is a beautiful and compelling film about grief and the human spirit, Morning stars Emmy Award nominee Jeanne Tripplehorn and Orser with Laura Linney, John Adams, Elliott Gould, Kyle Chandler and Jason Ritter. They star in the story of a married couple reeling from the tragic death of their only child. For each of them, grief becomes a private torment that threatens to destroy their world. Driven apart by sorrow, they try to find their way back to each other and the chance to love again. This is the devastating, but ultimately hopeful look at heartbreak, healing, and the strength of the

StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm Expansion Pack PC www.us.blizzard.com

StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm is the first expansion to the 2010 release of the heralded Real-Time strategy game, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty.* Heart of the Swarm features a new campaign continuing the epic story of Sarah Kerrigan, Queen of Blades, as she gathers the remnants of the Zerg Swarm and plots her revenge against the treacherous dictator of the Koprulu sector, Arcturus Mengsk. It also introduces several new multiplayer units and features that enhance the acclaimed StarCraft II online experience.

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CHILDREN Thomas and Friends: 3 movie pack www.lionsgateshop.com

Start your engines for the most-action packed movie night of the year! Thomas & Friends®: 3-Movie Pack is filled with rip-roaring adventures, mysteries to be solved, heroic rescues and new discoveries. Available at an incredible value of $19.98, Thomas and his engine friends deliver a trio of feature-length movies the whole family will enjoy. The 3-DVD Movie Pack includes: Thomas & Friends: Blue Mountain Mystery – The Movie

Monsters University

www.disneystore.com The hilarious story of how two mismatched monsters met and became lifelong friends. Ever since college-bound Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) was a little monster, he’s dreamed of becoming a Scarer—and he knows that the best Scarers come from Monsters University (MU). But during his first semester at MU, Mike’s plans are derailed when he crosses paths with hotshot James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (John Goodman), a natural-born Scarer. The pair’s out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University. With their dreams temporarily dashed, they realize they will have to work together, along with an odd bunch of misfit monsters, if they ever hope to make things right. Bonus extras include an inside look at the world of monsters and the animated short film “The Blue Umbrella.”

Barney 3

www.lionsgateshop.com

It’s a night of epic proportions filled with imagination, caring, learning, singing and dancing whenBarney®: 3–Movie Pack roars onto DVD October 15, 2013 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. This super-dee-duper collection of three feature length movies will fill the hearts of young ones as they enter the land of make believe, have fun making music and celebrate the biggest event of the year – Christmas. The Barney®: 3–Movie Pack DVD will be available for an incredible low price of $19.98.

Wreck It Ralph Ultimate Collector Editiion

www.movies.disney.com

Prepare for adventure when 'the most original film in years' (Bryan Erdy, CBS-TV) that thrilled audiences of all ages drops on Blu-ray! From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes a hilarious, arcade-game-hopping journey in Disney's WreckIt Ralph. For decades, Ralph has played the bad guy in his popular video game. In a bold move, he embarks on an action-packed adventure and sets out to prove to everyone that he is a true hero with a big heart. As he explores exciting new worlds, he teams up with some unlikely new friends including feisty misfit Vanellope von Schweetz. Then, when an evil enemy threatens their world, Ralph realizes he holds the fate of the entire arcade in his massive hands. Featuring an all-star voice cast and breakthrough bonus features that take you even deeper into the world of video games, Disney's Wreck-It Ralph has something for every player.

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The Little Mermaid (Diamond Edition) www.movies.disney.com

Ariel, a fun-loving and mischievous mermaid, is off on the adventure of a lifetime with her best friend, the adorable Flounder, and the reggae-singing Caribbean crab Sebastian at her side. But it will take all of her courage and determination to make her dreams come true—and save her father's beloved kingdom from the sneaky sea witch Ursula! For more about The Little Mermaid and the The Little Mermaid Blu-ray release, see The Little Mermaid Blu-ray Review published by Kenneth Brown on September 27, 2013 where this Blu-ray release scored 4.5 out of 5.

Super Buddies

www.movies.disney.com Watch the fur fly as a new breed of super hero is born in Disney's fun-filled epic adventure. An ordinary day at Fernfield Farms turns extraordinary when Budderball, Mudbud, B-Dawg, Buddha, and Rosebud discover mysterious rings that grant them each a unique super power. Before you can say, "Buddies, assemble," the pups unleash their amazing abilities and race to the rescue when a shape-shifting bully from outer space threatens the planet. But can they succeed in kicking major tail without revealing their new secret identities? A must-own movie event packed with laughter, action, and incredible new characters, Super Buddies proves when you use your wits and work together, you don't need super powers to be a super hero!

OZ The Great & Powerful www.movies.disney.com

Disney’s fantastical adventure Oz The Great And Powerful, from the director of the Spider-Man trilogy, follows Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics. When Diggs is hurled away to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot — until he meets three witches (Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams), who aren’t convinced he’s the great wizard everyone’s expecting. Reluctantly drawn into epic problems facing Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it’s too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity — and even some wizardry — Oscar transforms himself into the great wizard and a better man as well.

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ArtLines Mixing Metaphors - thru Jan 5 This revealing exhibition spotlights more than 90 paintings, prints, drawings, photographs, sculptures, and mixedmedia works by 36 gifted artists. This is the largest show of African American art ever presented at the Jacob Lawrence - “Aspirations”

Jacob Lawrence’s two exceptional prints convey the spirit of the exhibition. His sweeping Forward Together (1997) is a clarion call, encouraging us all to move ahead, while Aspirations (1986) focuses on family life. Family is viewed by many of these artists as a bedrock and refuge. Lawrence Finney portrays monumental figures protecting their children, and Faith Ringgold’s largescale story quilt, Coming to Jones Road #3: Aunt Emmy (1999), conveys the centrality of home and family. It also pays tribute to African American quilts, which, in turn, look back to Africa. So, too, do the shotgun houses and figures in John Biggers’ The Four Seasons (1990), inspired by Houston’s Third Ward.

Recent Acquisitions: Prints, Drawings, and Photographs - thru March 2

MFA. Some of America’s most important artists are represented, including Benny Andrews, Romare Bearden, John Biggers, Sam Gilliam, Jacob Lawrence, Gordon Parks, Martin Puryear, Faith Ringgold, Lorna Simpson, and Carrie Mae Weems. Most of the works tell fascinating stories, exploring history, memories, and life today. They are visual metaphors. The distinguished scholar and talented photographer Dr. Deborah Willis is the guest curator. She is University Professor and Chair of the Department of Photography and Imaging at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University.

The collection has grown by more than 1,100 works since the Hazel Hough Wing opened in 2008. This is in addition to a gift of approximately 15,000 photographs from The Ludmila Dandrew and Chitranee Drapkin Collection. Recent Acquisitions is strong in nineteenthand twentiethcentury art, like the collection as a whole. More than 40 exceptional works on paper and photographs, all added in the last five years, will be displayed. The drawings and prints are by such significant artists as Jennifer Bartlett, Jennifer Bartlett - “Earth” Leonard Baskin, Carol Dameron, Elaine de Kooning, Wenceslaus Hollar, Rebecca Sexton Larson, Richard Basil Mock, Pierre-Joseph Redouté, Milton Resnick, Georges Rouault, Jovi Schnell, Charles White, and Ossip Zadkine. The photography collection is one of the largest and most important in the Southeast and will be admirably represented in this exhibition. Included are choice images by George Booth, George Dureau, Sylvie Eyberg, Ernst Haas, Jason Hailey, Thomas J. Kramer, Amanda Means, Arno Minkkinen, Edward Steichen, and Shen Wei. MFA, 255 Beach Dr. N.E., St. Petersburg, 727-8962667; www.fine-arts.org

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Arp, Calder, and Miro: Modern Masters from the Albright-Knox Art Gallery - thru Jan 19

Utility and Aesthetics in Ancient Art - thru Nov 17 Although Greek and Roman art in many ways laid the foundation for the modern and contemporary work shown in surrounding galleries, very few true artistic masterpieces survive from antiquity. Ancient painted pottery, by contrast, survives in great numbers, but — despite its beauty — receives almost no mention from Greek or Roman authors, who clearly considered ceramics the domain of humble craftsmen rather than of fine artists. While many ancient statues and figurines remain much celebrated for their aesthetic value, on the other hand, their functions should not be ignored, whether votive, commemorative, or otherwise.

Fragile Waters - thru Jan 19 Fragile Waters comprises 119 black-and-white photographs by three iconic photographers and environmentalists: Ansel Adams, Ernest H. Brooks II, and Dorothy Kerper Monnelly. These artists communicate the beauty and vitality of water, focusing on nature and engaging the viewer in affirming the intrinsic aesthetic, emotional and essential life value of water. Fragile Waters calls attention to water, a critical resource, in all its beauty and power, inviting the viewer to engage with interpretations of three dynamic and dedicated photographers. From Ansel Adam’s first magical trip to Yosemite at 14, Ernest H. Brooks II’s first scuba dive at 13, and Dorothy Kerper Monnelly’s infatuation with the salt marshes at 18, each of these photographers have lived their conviction, passion and commitment. 94

Featuring a comprehensive an array of fifty-two works across varied media by Jean (Hans) Arp (French, born Germany, 1886–1966), Joan Miró (Spanish, 1893– 1983), and Alexander Calder (American, 1898–1976), this exhibition will highlight the work of three modern masters, who pushed color, line, and form beyond convention. Arp, Miró, and Calder converged early in their artistic careers. Calder first encountered Arp and Miró in Paris. Calder was undoubtedly influenced by the Surrealism movement’s key players during his time in Paris. The Surrealist Marcel Duchamp suggested Calder call his kinetic works “mobiles.” Calder developed the closest friendship with Miró; the two bonded over discussions about Surrealism. These relationships, formed during a period in art history resulted in some of the most innovative visual iconographies of the twentieth century.

Sea of Tranquillity - thru Jan 19 The medium-length film Sea of Tranquillity is a combination of live video recordings of actors and digitallygenerated 3D environments in which the viewer makes a night-time visit to a mysterious, mythical cruise liner, the Sea of Tranquility. This fictitious cruise liner has been designed by Hans Op de Beeck. TMA - 120 Gasparilla Plaza (Polk Street) Tampa, FL 33602. www.tampamuseum.org

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Where To Sell Your Unwanted Stuff I have advised many people that when it comes to selling your unwanted vintage collectibles, you have to think outside the box. Why? Many people have the same unwanted objects that you do and they want to cash in on them with ease, too. Did you know that party planners and prop shops are two outlets looking for various objects from the world of antiques and collectibles?

White milk glass serving pieces like this covered dish with a rabbit on the lid may be just the favor for guests at a baby shower.

Antique Party Accessories To cut costs at wedding receptions, baby showers, and parties many brides to be, florists, and caterers are on the lookout for some relatively common vintage items and they are looking for them in big numbers. For example, vintage white milk glass pieces, decorative teacups used as small floral centerpiece groupings, and old silver plated trays for food service are coveted by caterers and party planners.

Many grooms will seek out sports collectibles, vintage flasks, beer collectibles, and liquor bottles to serve as gifts for ushers and groomsmen in a wedding party. Brides prefer to provide her attendants with vintage fashion accessories like hair accessories (ribbons, barrettes, hair bands, etc.), scarves, and beaded or metal mesh purses.

TV Antique Trends When TV execs need an object from bygone days, where do they look? Prop shops—the ones that provide the major movie and TV production crews with those obscure objects that you see on film—are always looking for items like vintage jewelry, period appliances like avocado green can openers from the 1970s, and vintage clothing and accessories. Prop shops are often used for period TV shows like Mad Men, The Big Bang Theory, and the new sitcom set in the 1980s, The Goldbergs. You don’t think that Christina Hendricks spends her free time searching flea markets for Jackie Kennedyesque brooches? and where does Dr. Sheldon Cooper get his ever growing collection of vintage Star Wars collectibles? When it comes to considering the resale of your vintage collectibles and accessory pieces, consider party goers and production house set professionals. Celebrity Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author, and awardwinning TV personality, Dr. Lori hosts antiques appraisal events worldwide. Dr. Lori is the star appraiser on Discovery channel’s hit TV show, Auction Kings. To learn about your antiques, visit www.DrLoriV.com, www.Facebook. com/DoctorLori, or @DrLori on Twitter.

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Looking Good... Allison Craft’s Natural Jewelry By Melissa Wolcott Martino

art of the beauty that is South Walton, FL, is the jewelry that adorns so many of it’s inhabitants — residents and tourists alike, and much of it comes from the Allison Craft Gallery. A few years back, Allison decided to make her hobby her vocation after receiving rave reviews from friends and family for her jewelry creations. Using lustrous pearls and leather strips, her designs are natural, understated, and beautiful, worn as one piece or layered. Living in South Walton, her designs are influenced by the beauty of the beach and the artsy atmosphere of the area. In amongst the twists of leather you may find a little seashell, a metal sun, or natural stone. Allison’s creations are recognizable, and have been embraced by locals and national celebrities alike (Rachel Ray, for one.) Craft’s charming studio is located in the Shops of Grayton Beach, and she also does mail order. For more information, or to order her pieces, visit her website at www.allisoncraftdesigns.com/

Allison Craft wearing her natural design jewelry

The U LUXURY Hair Collection from Unite

o matter what hairstyle we choose, we subject our hair to intense heat on a regular basis, ultimately weakening and drying it out. UNITE has the U LUXURY collection, a line of products developed specifically to reconstruct hair. The U LUXURY collection includes U LUXURY Oil and U LUXURY D Frizz. U LUXURY Oil features a higher concentration of pure Argan Oil compared to other available treatment oils. This formula reduces blow drying time while acting as a natural UV and thermal protector. Suitable for all hair types and gentle enough to use every day, U LUXURY Oil contains essential minerals that work to repair hair cuticles, adding weightless shine and offering frizz control. This styling essential enhances hair color’s vibrancy, nourishing and revitalizing hair to improve its overall health, just by apply 1-3 drops to damp hair from roots to ends, and styling as usual. U LUXURY D Frizz gives instant frizz control in a lightweight conditioning spray. A natural thermal protector, D Frizz tames even the coarsest, color-treated, unmanageable hair, and provides long-lasting, moisturizing results without the greasy residue. Developed with botanical-derived ingredients and nourishing Argan Oil, D Frizz imparts a silky shine for frizz-free, healthy hair. Just spray damp hair and style as usual. Use on dry hair for instant de-frizzing. For more information, please visit Unitehair.com

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LUSH Happy Feet

earing strappy heels or flip-flops, you want to keep your feet looking good. If your feet aren’t feeling up to par, LUSH has some perfect products to help perk up your pedicure. The Happy Feet kit will keep your feet looking terrific. They’ve taken four of their best-selling products for feet and wrapped them all up in a cute knot-wrap. Perfect for creating your very own at-home spa, you can soak, scrub, mask, and moisturize your way to happy feet. Start with a soothing soak with Geo Phyzz bath bomb, then scrub up with Stepping Stone foot scrub, be sure to dip into the detoxifying Volcano foot mask and finally, slather on some Fair Trade Foot Lotion to keep heels hydrated. One round of this treatment will have your feet stepping pretty for any occasion. For more information, please visit www.LUSHUSA.com

TEES By TINA

Tees and more...

ased in Odessa, FL, Tees by Tina has taken the fashion world by storm with their “one size fits most” label that includes chic shirts, leggings and dresses. Unable to find the perfect tees to take her from working out to work, Tina, a certified Pilates Instructor and fashionista, came up with the idea for her seamless apparel collection. Made with seamless yarn that has a high level of stretch and recovery capabilities — no matter what your size, it remembers its original shape. This top-notch micro stripe tank (pictured) is perfect under a jacket at work or amazing with jeans on the weekend. Flattering micro stripe pattern, scoop neckline and long length make this tank perfect for every season. It stays perfectly in place, and with it’s longer length keeps you completely covered. Tank-style straps lay flat and help keep your bra concealed. Ultra-comfortable fit wear after wear, it’s made of 92% Nylon and 8% Spandex. Made in the USA. Tees by Tina has attracted an impressive celebrity following with their affordably priced collection including Stacy Keibler, Molly Sims and Maria Menounos. Visit the Tees By Tina website to view her wide array of different tops, bottoms, dresses, skirts and accessories. www.teesbytina.com/

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ureDiva is the personalized lifestyle solutions online shop for women facing Breast Cancer. It offers a one-of-a-kind high-end shopping and community platform that provides women at every breast cancer treatment phase with all of their lifestyle needs. CureDivaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission is to help women facing breast cancer better their lives with style. Whether you were just diagnosed, or are a long term survivor, one of the most immediate and direct impacts of being diagnosed with breast cancer is the way it affects our femininity and visibility, our self-perception and esteem. CureDiva is a stylish feminine environment, uniting a one-stop-shop and community, and offering a holistic answer to all the non-medical needs of 1 out of 8 women in the world. CureDiva is designed to offer a simple and savvy navigation, through the different phases of treatments, and make sure you find what you need, when you need it, whether it is a style saving item or a word of support and advice. Shop with CureDiva: find all the stylish answersespecially designed and selected-to enable you with stylish living through your breast cancer journey. Get social with divas like you, share support and experience and meet others, facing the same challenges you do. Make friends, read reviews and comments, and get tools to help you cope with day to day visibility and efficiency issues. For more information, please visit www.curediva.com/

Breast Cancer survivor, Giuliana Rancic. (L-R): CureDiva co-founders Dan Vigdor, Ester Gofer, Giuliana Rancic, and CureDiva co-founder Efrat Roman. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

Latin American Folk Culture in Florida - thru Nov 27 Latin American Folklife in Florida spotlights traditional culture among Florida Latinos, who currently constitute about a quarter of our population. The opening reception on Friday, September 20 from 6:30 to 8pm, includes a performance of music from Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Huasteco region by Trio Amistad Huasteca. Free Admission. Center for Gulf Coast Folklife Gallery, Tarpon Springs Cultural Center. TENOR CHRIS ROMEO - Sun, Nov 10 Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the New Century opera Company, tenor Chris Romeo presents an afternoon of favorite arias, art songs, and Broadwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best. Guest appearance by soprano Jolanda Nel. Accompanied by Constantine Grame on piano. Donations in support of opera programming are gratefully

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accepted. Heritage Museum, 2 pm. Complimentary refreshments.

Rita’s Creations

“The Cotton Lady” Located at the

World Famous Sponge Docks 23rd Annual Thanksgiving Art & Craft Festival - Nov 30 & Dec 1 With the holiday’s right around the corner, this is the perfect opportunity for locals and visitors alike to shop small business for their gift giving needs. Historic Tarpon Springs, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is widely recognized as a spirited arts destination. The weekend’s event will feature the original works of new and upcoming talent as well as established artists and crafters. Whether you are an art and craft aficionado or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind gift item, there is something for everyone here; from folk art, earthenware, and paintings, to wearable art, body products and personalized gifts. The Festival location is at 111 E. Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs, FL. For more information on Tarpon events, www.tarponarts.org/

813 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

(727) 934-9500 www.ritascreations.com email: ritascreations2@verizon.net

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petergillisinsurance.com

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Susan’s Flags & More American Made USA Flags Country Flags • Decorative Banners & Garden Flags All State Flags • Military, State & Country Pins Military Flags • American, Country & State Patches Sport & College Banners • Flags of Heroes & Honor Old Flag Drop-Off

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SWITZERLAND

New Non-Stop Direct Flights from Tampa by Melissa Wolcott Martino

f you’ve never been to Switzerland, you cannot know that it is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Although I was last there in the 70s, and there must have been a lot of changes, I know the stunning mountains are still the same, as are the charming hamlets. ....And then there’s the chocolate.... The Swiss Tourism folks recently visited the Tampa Bay area to let us know about the new twice-weekly non-stop flights between Tampa International Airport and Zurich via Edelweiss Air starting March 2014. Once there, you can rely on the Swiss Travel System to get you to most of the popular tourist areas. The Swiss Travel Pass (an all-inclusive travel ticket) enables tourists to discover what Switzerland has to offer. The country is roughly the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined, so I think at least a week would be a comfortable time frame to catch the highlights. The Swiss pass offers unlimited travel by train, bus and

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boat nationwide, including panorama trains such as the Glacier Express, local public transport in 75 towns and cities as well as admission to more than 470 museums. Accompanied children up to age 16 travel free of charge. For visitors who want to head for the hills, the Swiss Peak Pass, in combination with the standard 4-day or 8-day Swiss Pass, offers the opportunity to travel up (and down) eight of Switzerland’s most scenic summits as often as they like. This one public transport network (an alliance of 300 public transport enterprises) extends over 26,000 kilometers into every corner of the country via railways, romantic mountain cableways, picturesque PostBuses and lake steamers. For more information on Switzerland, visit www.myswitzerland.com/ For more information on the Swiss travel system, wplease visit www.SwissTravelSystem.com/

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Gaming Scene Las Vegas Bellagio Gallery Extends “Warhol Out West” - thru Jan 2 Enter the world of pop artist Andy Warhol with the most extensive collection of the legendary artist’s art-

works ever exhibited in Las Vegas. Covering his different artistic phases from the 1960s to 1980s, the exhibition features more than 60 paintings, prints, sculptures and film. ‑www.bellagio.com/ VDARA NOW DOG FRIENDLY Vdara’s all-suite, non-gaming and non-smoking hotel is now dog friendly, too. They’ve designated special suites for guests accompanied by their trusty pooch-

auspicious dates in this lifetime by getting married at The Mob Museum. Considered the city’s most arresting venue, brides and made men looking to have the unique wedding date of Nov. 12, 2013, can get married inside the courtroom – once site of some of America’s most notorious trials and hearings involving members of organized crime. For those who book this date, $1,112.13 will include a marriage, commitment or vow renewal ceremony inside the historic, restored Federal courtroom or on the Museum’s front steps with its monumental façade as a backdrop. A single layer cake and champagne will be included for up to 20 guests. And if this is not enough, couples will also have the option to buy out the entire Museum, allowing the wedding party and guests to enjoy full access to the exhibitions. The Museum offers all-inclusive packages with catering, photography, officiant, floral, décor, musicians, lighting, photo booth – anything and everything to make the event memorable. www.themobmuseum.org. The D* Word A Musical at LVH The D*Word-A Musical (*Ditched, Dumped, Divorced and Dating) is the newest show from Jeanie Linders, creator of Menopause. The 90-minute show follows

es, and set aside a park for morning walks. Dogs up to 70lbs are welcome, or two dogs with a combined weight of 70lbs. There is an additional $50 per night fee per reservation along with $75 per stay non-refundable cleaning fee. Deluxe Vdog Suite reservations include: Dog Amenity Upon Arrival; In-Suite Dog Dining Menu Available for Additional Fees; Eco-Friendly Dog Bowls Available Upon Request; Crates Available Upon Request; 24-Hour Dog Park Access with Walking Path. www.vdara.com/ LET’S “MAKE A MARRIAGE” THIS 11/12/13 AT THE MOB MUSEUM FOR $1,112.13 This November, capitalize on what will be the last of 106

four single and single-again women who sing their way through the ups and downs of relationships with the aid of friendship, martinis and mojo makeovers. With songs from “I Will Survive” and “Hot Stuff” to “Before He Cheats,” “Turn Me On!” and Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger,” the show is a celebration of living life happily even after. www.thelvh.com

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Cirque du Soleil PRESENTS Michael Jackson ONE at Mandalay Bay Michael Jackson has taken residency exclusively at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Directed by Jamie King, this entirely new show is the second creative project to be developed between Cirque du Soleil and the Estate of Michael Jackson after the top grossing Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour. www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino will develop a new thrill ride, VooDoo Skyline, set to open late summer 2013. The attraction will deliver a Las Vegas experience unlike any other – sending guests soaring higher than 400 feet in the air at electrifying speeds, offering 360-degree open-air views of the Las Vegas Strip. The one-minute and 10-second zip ride will takeoff from VooDoo Lounge, located atop Rio’s 50-story Masquerade tower, sending guests cascading more than 800 feet to the Ipanema tower and reaching speeds up to 33 miles per hour. VooDoo Skyline can accommodate up to two riders at one time and will have a unique feature – on the return trip guests will ride an additional 800 feet to the starting point facing backwards, a total ride of nearly one-third of a mile. www.riolasvegas.com/

Jabbawockeez Show “PRiSM” NOW at Luxor The world-famous dance crew Jabbawockeez previews performances of its all-new show, “PRiSM,” at Luxor. A celebration of imagination, the show is an eclectic mix of awe-inspiring choreography, captivating

storylines and stunning special effects. www.luxor.com/ All-New Thrill Ride VooDoo Skyline coming to RIO

THE DALTON GANG ADVENTURE RIDE Enjoy a Las Vegas horseback riding tour surrounded by a gorgeous view of the mountains and blue sky, plus a western style BBQ lunch too. Highlights include: Complimentary transportation to and from Strip hotels; Get saddled up to the horse of your skill level; Receive

a short riding lesson; Take an unforgettable trail ride through the western desert, visiting the untouched wild country as you go; After approximately 2 hours on the trail, head back to the ranch; BBQ lunch - picnic-style at a nearby park. www.sagebrush-ranch.com/tours/lunch.html

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Gaming Scene con't Biloxi What’s happening at the Beau Rivage Located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Beau Rivage is a beautiful resort destination — very convenient for Tampa Bay area folks looking for either an exciting time, or a relaxing time, or both — the Beau has it all. With a partnership with Vision Airlines, the resort has an exclusive package that includes a round trip non-stop jet flight, ground transfers, and two nights in a luxurious guestroom — starting at only $199 per person (double occupancy). The flight takes only an hour and fifteen minutes and leaves from the St. PetersburgClearwater Airport. Golfers will definitely want to experience Fallen Oak, Beau Rivage’s Tom Fazio-designed golf course, with it’s dramatic elevation changes and beautiful magnolia trees, ponds, streams and wetlands. GOLF Magazine rated it one of the “Top 100 Courses You Can Play.” A visit to the Beau’s spa and salon will show Epicurean treatments unique to the Gulf Coast, and a perfect place for a Girlfriend Getaway with their special “Pamper Parties.” The dining opportunities at the Beau are wonderfully varied - from the simple Snacks Deli to the exceptional BR Prime (the Beau’s signature steak and seafood restaurant), and every thing in between. Guests have eleven restaurants to choose from, as well as several bars. Reservations for air-inclusive travel packages may be made by calling 877-462-2328. www.beaurivage.com

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UP TO $2 MILLION IN FREEPLAY AND PRIZES UP FOR GRABS DURING WINNING WONDERLAND - thru Dec 29. Guests can win a share of up to $2,000,000 in FREEPLAY and prizes including a 2014 Lexus ES 350 during the Winning Wonderland FREEPLAY Giveaway now - December 29 at Beau Rivage. Hourly drawings every Friday and Sunday from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. There will be up to 50 winners per drawing day. Grand prize drawing days are December 1 & 29.

HONEYBAKED HAM GIVEAWAY - Nov 22-27. Earn 2,000 slot base points from Fri, Nov 22 to Wed, Nov 27 and receive a $50 HoneyBaked Ham gift card. Participants must be present to collect gift card. Participants receive one HoneyBaked Ham gift card per M life account, including linked accounts.

SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS NEW YORKSTYLE CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR – Dec 3-29. Shows are nightly at 7 p.m. with matinees on Sat and Sun at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $9.95 plus taxes and fees. Tickets are available by calling 1.888.566.7469 or ordering online at beaurivage.com. Spirit of Christmas room and show packages begin at $89.99 SundayThursday and include two tickets to the show and deluxe accommodations for one night. HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS Dec 14 - Find the perfect present from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Shoppers will be treated to the joyous sounds of Christmas carols by the Long Beach Madrigal Singers. Reps will be on hand from Maurice Milleur and Mignon Faget. Also, shop the latest lines from John Hardy, Lagos, Joseph Ribkoff, Thymes, Rowallen, Vera Bradley, and Erin London. Dec 14-15 and 19-23 - FREE photos with Santa Claus, from 2 p.m.- 6 p.m.

UPCOMING ENTERTAINMENT Dec 3 - 29 - SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS Dec 31 - MOLLY RINGWALDS Jan 10 - RON WHITE (2 shows - 7 p.m. & 10 p.m.) Jan 31 - VINCE GILL Feb 22 - TONY BENNETT

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TRAVELOGUE

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The New Tropicana South Beach Comes to Las Vegas

Story and Photos by Melissa Wolcott Martino and Al Martino www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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ana ic p o r T w e N e Th as mes to Las Veg South Beach Co

The Tropicana’s new slogan is “Prepared to be Surprised” — and so you will be when you step in to the new Tropicana. Completely remodeled from head to toe (to the tune of $200 M), the Trop is now a sunny oasis on the strip. When it first opened back in 1957, the Trop was dubbed “The Tiffany of the Strip”. The Las Vegas strip has gone through many changes and added mega-hotel/casinos since then, but the Trop remains a jewel. A throwback to the resort’s beginnings is the classic ‘57 red Chevy parked outside the front door. Conveniently located on the corner of Tropicana and Las Vegas Boulevard (“The Strip”), it is on the most popular four-corner spot in Las Vegas. The four-star rated Trop’s new look is reminiscent of South Beach, so no matter what time of year you step through its doors, it’s always sunny summer with the warm and friendly colors of orange and white. Since orange is the “new

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black” this season, the Trop is fashionably on top of its game. Did I detect a tropical vanilla/ coconut scent wafting through the halls, or was it just my heightened imagination?

We’ve stayed at the Tropicana off and on since the 80s, and have always enjoyed our stay, but our most recent visit since the new look has us loving the changes. The guest rooms are all themed with the crisp orange and white appointments and warm blonde woods. Walls have a warm peach tone, and the carpeting is soft with a tan woven reed look, and the plantation shutters on the windows complete the tropical feeling. Rooms are also equipped with a 42” plasma flat-panel TV, along with wireless Internet and ipod docks in every room. Guest rooms range in size from a Deluxe Club room (375 sq ft), all the way up to a Penthouse Loft (1,738 sq ft). We stayed in the spacious Club Suite (823 sq ft), which has two TVs, a living room with a dry bar and refrigerator, and a

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separate bedroom with a king-size bed—which is truly plush with a Euro Top Serta mattress. The Trop rooms have an ambiance that is unpretentious, warm, and comfortable.

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The Tropicana property houses four restaurants — Bacio (named Best Italian Restaurant in LV), Biscayne Steak, Sea & Wine (also one of the top rated steakhouses on the strip), Beach Café (the number one café on the strip – which also has a lovely view of the pool area), and the South Beach Food Court (with the Naked Spoon and the everpopular Starbucks.) The Trop’s pool and lushly landscaped pathways really transport you to the tropics. When laying out by the sun dappled pool, amidst the palm trees, waterfalls and luxe cabanas, it’s hard to believe that only steps away is the hustle bustle of the strip. Along with a great pool area, a resort must have a great spa, and the Trop delivers with the 10,000 sq ft Glow, A Mandara Spa. It has over 50 treat www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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ropicana The New oTm es to Las Vegas South Beach C

ments for men and women, a salon, and state-ofthe-art fitness center overlooking the pool and gardens.

For entertainment, you never actually have to leave the Trop at all. It has laughs at the Laugh Factory Comedy Club, intrigue at the Mob Museum, and top headliners in the Tropicana Theater. If you haven’t ever visited the Mob Museum, it’s pretty cool. The history of the key mob figures that populated Las Vegas during it’s unsavory past are displayed with actual artifacts owned by the crime lords (a lot contributed by mob family members), and guests will experience interaction with re-enactors and holograms of James Caan and Tony Sirico portraying mobsters.

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The Trop has upped the ante with gaming. Its 50,000 sq ft casino is comfortable and inviting with a brand new race and sports book area, full variety of table games, and—dare I say it?—pretty darn good slots. I always seem to win at the Trop. Make sure you join the Player’s Club when you go to the Trop, all kind of offers and discounts come your way when you do. Guestroom prices fluctuate with dates (as do all hotels) but we have found the Tropicana to be very fair and a good bargain for what you get. Also, when you stay at the new Tropicana, your spirits will be lifted and you may not be able to control yourself doing little salsa and meringue moves out the door! For more information and reservations on the new Tropicana, please visit www.troplv.com/

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CRUISING FOR CRITTERS 3-BRIDGE FUN RUN - Sun, Nov 24

The Humane Society of Pinellas PAWS ON THE PATIO 3rd Tuesday, Monthly from 6pm – 8pm, bring your pooch to Crabby’s Beachwalk Bar and Grill. Clearwater Beach, ocean breeze, breathtaking sunset and dinner with your dog by your side the 3rd Tuesday monthly. Crabby’s Beachwalk Bar and Grill; 333 S. Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater, Florida 33767.

The original Cruising for Critters date was rained out, so the fun was postponed. Join the HSPS Sunday, November 24th for the Cruising for Critters Fun Run in memory of Patches, presented by Fran Haasch Law Group. All street legal vehicles are welcome to join a three-bridge route across Tampa Bay. The fun run starts & ends at Quaker Steak & Lube, 10400 49th Street N, Clearwater. Registration begins at 11:00 am: $25 includes a 2013 Cruising for Critters t-shirt featuring Patches and more. Return to Quaker Steak & Lube for live music from The Bob Hope Band, raffle prizes to give away, great food & more. For more information and HSOP events please visit www.humanesocietyofpinellas.org/

OUTWARD HOUND PORT-A-BOWL

yjen is a company that designs and makes toys, games, puzzles, travel products and other dog products that challenge a dog’s mind and stimulate their natural instincts.Their products range from life jackets and backpacks for the outdoorsy pup to plush toys and interactive puzzles for dogs that are prone to boredom. One item from Kyjen that we/ve tried and find very worthwhile is the Kyjen Port-A-Bowl. This collapsible bowl tucks easily into a backpack, pocket, or purse and provides convenient dispensation of food and water while on the go. The sturdy, reinforced design maintains shape after multiple uses, and it dries quickly and folds flat for easy storage. The bowls are very reasonably priced, come in a variety of colors and are available in 24 oz and 48 oz. For more information on this and other Kyjen products, please visit shop.kyjen.com/

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SPCA TAMPA BAY FALL DAY CAMP Nov 26 This is a new service oriented day-camp, which means you will be doing fun things to enrich the lives of the animals at the shelter. The animals will be showing their thankfulness by showing lots of tail wagging and purrs for you. 9am to 3pm. Kids ages 10-14 years. Make dog toys and biscuits for the dogs. Make kitty toys for the cats. Make pocket pet/small animal treats for the little critters. Make horsey biscuits for the farm animals. Make ornaments to sell in Homeward Bound. â&#x20AC;ŚAnd saving the best for last â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Doggy Baths! For more information, visit www.spcatampabay.org/

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Discover the Beauty

ig Cat Rescue is the largest accredited sanctuary in the world dedicated entirely to abused and abandoned big cats. It is home to over 100 lions, tigers, bobcats, cougars and other species most of whom have been abandoned, abused, orphaned, saved from being turned into fur coats, or retired from performing acts. The sanctuary began rescuing exotic cats in 1992. BCR has 14 species of cats, many of whom are threatened, endangered or extinct now in the wild. Their dual mission is to provide the best home they can for the cats in their care and educate the public about the plight of these majestic animals, both in captivity and in the wild, to end abuse and avoid extinction. BCR has built enclosures in a natural habitat with foliage and shelter on 55 acres in the Citrus Park area of north Tampa. They provide the best nutritional and medical care possible, and have conditioning and enrichment programs to provide the cats physical and psychological well being. The sanctuary is supported entirely by donation. BCR, 12802 Easy Street, Tampa. 813-920-4130; www.BigCatRescue.org

unken Gardens is a botanical paradise in the midst of a bustling city. As St. Petersburg’s oldest living museum, this 100 year old garden is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. Unwind as you stroll through meandering paths, lush with exotic plants from around the world. Explore cascading waterfalls, beautiful demonstration gardens, more than 50,000 tropical plants and flowers. If you enjoy Yoga, or want to try Hoop Dancing, go to Sunken Gardens and exercise in a botanical, tropical paradise. Yoga Village at Sunken Gardens: Mon - 10:30am Gentle Beginner Yoga with Vandana; Wed - 10:30am Kundalini Yoga with Ram Gian; Thurs - 10:30am Open Level Vinyasa Flow with Vandana; Sun - 12:30pm Kundalini Yoga with Updesh. Hoop Dancing: Tues 10am - 11am and Wed 9am - 10am; Kids Hoop Dancing: Tues 4pm - 4:45pm; Hot Hula: Thurs 10am - 11am. Sunken Gardens provides garden tours, horticultural programs, special events, field trips, weddings, private and corporate rentals. Call 727-551-3102. Gardens may be closed due to inclement weather. 1825 4th Street N, St. Petersburg, 727-551-3102; 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 walk through a butterfly encounter. • Experience a guided tour, special event or workshop. $8 Adults; $5 seniors 55 & up; $4 ages 2 - 11 1825 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL • 727-551-3100 120

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www.loveanimals.org/wild/help-amanda-tiger-run.html

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Compiled by Papande Newman

FLORIDA AUTHORS WRITE…. RING GO ROUND

SKYWAY: The True Story

By Patda Jim

www.ringgoround.com Set in Europe, mainly Amsterdam, Italy and Switzerland, RingGoRound tells a double tale. Two compassionate women, living a hundred years apart, are connected by an antique ring Their lives reverberate and echo each other. The fascinating men attracted to them weave intrigue, glamour, mystery, cruelty and love into the suspenseful web. Marlene of long ago tells her secrets through the mystical voice of the ring to relay her story to modern-day Marieke. The book’s theme is ruled by true affection and the necessity to give as well as receive undying love. Patda Jim has spent her life traveling and living abroad, and now makes her home in Sarasota, FL.

THE MAKING OF ST. PETERSBURG By Will Michaels

By Bill DeYoung

www.upf.com Skyway tells the entire story of this horrific event, from the circumstances that led up to it through the years-long legal proceedings that followed. Through personal interviews and extensive research, Bill DeYoung pieces together the harrowing moments of the collision, including the firstperson accounts of witnesses and survivors. Among those whose lives were changed forever was Wesley MacIntire, the motorist whose truck ricocheted off the hull of the Summit Venture and sank. Although he was the lone survivor, MacIntire was emotionally scarred and remained haunted by the tragedy for the rest of his life. Bill DeYoung is a native of St. Petersburg, FL. Nationally recognized for his music journalism, he was a writer and editor at Florida newspapers for three decades.

THE JEWS OF TAMPA

www.historypress.net The Making of St. Petersburg captures the character of this bay city through the telling of significant events, from the Spanish clash with indigenous peoples to the creation of the downtown waterfront parks and grand hotels. Take a journey with local historian Will Michaels as he chronicles St. Petersburg’s storied history, including the world’s first airline, the birth of Pinellas County and the good old American pastime, Major League Baseball. The people and events in this work paint a beautiful portrait of a coastal Florida city and reveal St. Petersburg’s sense of place.

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of Tampa Bay’s Signature Bridge and the Man Who Brought It Down

By Dr. Rob Norman and Marcia Jo Zerivitz

www.arcadiapublishing.com Spanish explorers arrived in Tampa Bay in the 16th century. Jews were first allowed to live in Florida in 1763 and less than 100 years later, Tampa became a city. The arrival of the railroad and the cigar industry in the 1890s attracted immigrants. Many were Jews, who helped propel growth, especially in Ybor City, where they owned more than 80 businesses. Over the decades, Jews participated in civic and Jewish organizations, the military, politics, and in developing Tampa as a sports center. Today, with about 23,000 Jews in Tampa, there are fifth-generation residents who represent the continuity of a people who contribute vibrancy to every area of the community.

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THE DEATH RELIC By Chris Kuzneski www.chriskuzneski.com

he New World, 1545: Vanquished by the Spanish Empire, little remained of the Aztec and Mayan civilizations. From the ashes of their cities, a unified legend emerged: their conquerors possessed a mysterious object, an artifact so powerful— so deadly—that it came to be known as “the Death Relic.” Yucatan Peninsula, present day: When Maria Pelati’s research team disappears in Mexico, she calls Jonathon Payne and David Jones, who embark on a perilous mission to find the missing archaeologists. They soon realize that Maria’s research may hold the key to solving one of the darkest mysteries of the New World. But their quest to learn the truth about the Death Relic may end up costing them their lives. Chris Kuzneski’s thrillers have been published in more than twenty languages and are sold in more than forty countries. Kuzneski now lives on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

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BRUISED

By Sarah Skilton www.sarahskilton.com Imogen has always believed that her black belt in Tae Kwon Do made her stronger than everyone else-more responsible, more capable. But when she witnesses a holdup in a diner, she freezes. The gunman is shot and killed by the police. And it’s all her fault.

A GIRL LIKE YOU

By Maria Geraci

FADE TO BLACK

www.mariageraci.com

By Jeffrey Wilson

www.jeffreywilsonfiction.com

What if you found out you were the ugly friend? Emma Frazier is smart, hardworking, and loves her job as a journalist for a Florida lifestyle magazine. Emma knows she’s no great beauty, but she’s pretty certain she has a shot with her handsome new boss, Ben Gallagher—until Emma overhears a mutual acquaintance refer to her as the “ugly friend.” In an effort to reclaim her battered self-esteem, Emma decides to impress Ben at work by promising an exclusive interview with NASCAR legend, Trip Monroe.

Jack is a young man caught between two terrifying worlds. In one, he is Marine Sergeant Casey Stillmam, locked in combat in the streets of Fallujah, Iraq. He is lying next to his dead and dying friends, bleeding in the street – until he wakes up at home, in bed with his wife.

PLUNDER: A Faye Longchamp Mystery By Mary Anna Evans

www.maryannaevans.com Time is not on Faye Longchamp’s side. She and her husband Joe are working near the mouth of the Mississippi, researching archaeological sites soon to be swamped by oil. The Deepwater Horizon disaster has morphed her run-of-the-mill contract job into a task that might swamp her fledgling company. It isn’t helping that an injured babysitter has left Faye to work with a toddler underfoot.

THE CONDOR SONG By Darryl Nyznyk

www.crossdovepublishing.com Described as “The Verdict”, starring Paul Newman, meets John Grisham’s The Pelican Brief, the book follows Sean Donovan, a new partner in a major law firm who lost everything when he took a costly ethical stand. Wifeless, jobless, and betrayed by his closest friend, Sean spends 13 years trying to find his way back. Barely eking out a living on small cases, Sean’s redemption comes with the death of renowned environmentalist, Buck Anderson. When the dead man’s niece requests Sean’s help in resolving Buck’s last case with the Sierra Club, Sean happily accepts, but learns too late the opposition is his former law firm and the partner who betrayed him. He may have just signed his own death warrant. 124

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MUSIC, ART & FILM WATERMILL REVISITED By Christina Conrad; e-book;

www.amazon.com The never before revealed story behind Jerome Robbins controversial ballet, “Watermill.” The price Jerome Robbins paid in his personal life for his art was extremely high. Weaving in the story of her long relationship with Robbins, Conrad connects “Watermill” with the underlying stresses of his romantic relationships. The ballet followed an extremely shattering personal time. As he said in his work notebooks, it was autobiographical and he was “healing.”

IF YOU LIKE THE SOPRANOS: Here Are Over 150 Movies, TV Shows, and Other Oddities That You Will Love

By Leonard Pierce; www.limelighteditions.com The best-loved crime family in America is just part of a grand tradition of mob movies, gangster flicks, great television dramas, and a sensibility that is part Sicily and part New Jersey. If You Love the Sopranos... is the first book that starts with Tony and the gang in their humble homes in the Garden State and explores the astonishing amount of great films, TV shows, and other pop-culture wonders that any fan of the Sopranos will love.

AN ASKEW VIEW 2: The Films of Kevin Smith

By John Kenneth Muir; www.applausebooks.com In the year 2002, An Askew View: The Films of Kevin Smith was the first book to gaze at the cinema of one of New Jersey’s favorite sons, the independent and controversial auteur of Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Now, author John Kenneth Muir returns to the View Askew universe to consider Kevin Smith’s second decade as a film director, social gadfly, and beloved media “talker.”

THE MERCILESS BOOK OF METAL LISTS

By Howie Abrams and Sacha Jenkins; www.abramsbooks.com The Merciless Book of Metal Lists is an irreverent and illustrated compendium of the most random, funny, and challenging information about Heavy Metal from the last 40 years. You want to know which Metal albums “jumped the shark”? Curious to know what non-Metal bands Metalheads love, which album covers feature goats, embarrassing Metal fashion faux pas, and the unfortunate original names Metal bands started with? This is the book.

TATTOO A BANANA: and Other Ways to Turn Anything and Everything into Art

By Phil Hansen; www.philinthecircle.com Commercial artist and YouTube sensation Hansen creates art out of everyday objects. With illustrations and instructions, this engaging, inspiring, and entertaining handbook/manifesto takes readers inside the mind of a groundbreaking artistNand encourages all to create.

WEDDINGS: From Snapshots to Great Shots

By Suzy Clement; www.peachpit.com Take control of your digital photography and learn the skills and techniques required to record once-in-a-lifetime events–weddings. This beautifully illustrated guide by pro photographer Suzy Clement will help you conquer the fundamentals and take authentic and memorable shots that capture the essence of the day. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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a b c de f g NON-FICTION FOUR STARS OF VALOR

By Phil Nordyke; www.zenithpress.com Hailing from the big cities and small towns of America, young men came together after the attack on Pearl Harbor to serve their country and the greater good. Those assigned to the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR) arguably became the best PIR to descend upon Europe in World War II, making a record four combat jumps (Sicily, Salerno, Normandy, and Holland). Drawing on interviews with surviving veterans and oral history recordings as well as official archives and unpublished written accounts from the 505th and their supporting units, author Phil Nordyke brings the history of the regiment to life.

hi j k lm n THE BITE FIGHT:

PHYSICAL CHESS: My Life in Catch-As-CatchCan Wrestling

Tyson, Holyfield, and the Night That Changed Boxing Forever

o pq r s tu Behind the scenes with a pro wrestling and MMA legend

By George Willis

www.triumphbooks.com

The infamous boxing match between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield on June 28, 1997, was like none other in the sport’s history, and this insightful account of the anticipation, the gruesome fight itself, and the ongoing aftermath of that one night reveals just how much of an impact it really made. The rivals met for a rematch that would never be finished, as Tyson earned a disqualification and infamy that followed in the third round by biting off a portion of Holyfield’s ear.

By Billy Robinson

www.ecwpress.com/fightingwords In this fascinating autobiography, Billy Robinson recounts his upbringing in post - WWII England amid a family of champion fighters, his worldwide travels as a wrestler, his time as a pro wrestling TV star, and his career as a coach to some of the biggest names in mixed martial arts. For the first time, Billy Robinson sets the record straight on: who won the infamous street fight between him and the grandfather of superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

v w x yz a b CHILDREN’s HOLIDAY HOW THE LITTLE YAK SAVED CHRISTMAS By Phil Gioia, illus by Nico Milano www.amazon.com Christmas is such a special time; children are wrapped in its magic and wonder, and parents relish the joyful excitement they see on their children’s faces, as Christmas Eve draws closer. But the ‘Spirit’ of Christmas is so much more - it’s about family, friendships, sharing, kindness and love. How the Little Yak Saved Christmas by Phil Gioia is the embodiment of all these things, coming together in a beautifully entertaining Christmas story that has a fully modern twist. 126

SANTA IS COMING TO TAMPA BAY AND ST. PETERSBURG

By Steve Smallman, illus by Robert Dunn and Amerigo Pinelli; www.jabberwockykids.com It’s Christmas Eve, Have you been good? Santa’s packed up all the presents and is headed your way! With the help of a certain red-nosed reindeer, Santa flies over: •Tampa City Hall •Don CeSar Beach Hotel •Raymond James Stadium •Sunshine Skyway Bridge •St. Petersburg Pier •Tampa Bay History Center •Open Air Post Office, St. Petersburg •Museum of Science and Industry •Tampa Bay Times Forum •Salvador Dali Museum •University of Tampa •Tampa Theater “Ho, ho ho!” laughs Santa. “Merry Christmas, Tampa!”

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CUISINE

500 BEST QUINOA RECIPES: 100% Gluten-Free

150 BEST DONUT RECIPES: Fried or Baked

www.robertrose.ca

DINING OUT: A No-Nonsense Guide to America’s Favorite Chain Restaurants

by George Geary www.robertrose.ca

By Josh Dinar

Topped with a chocolate glaze or simply rolled in cinnamon, fresh homemade donuts are impossible to resist. Whatever your preference -- the fluffy yeast style or the denser cake variety -delicious, donut-shop confections are fun and surprisingly easy to make at home. The freshness and quality of ingredients that comes from scratch donut making simply can’t be beat!

A guide to the menu items at over 35 popular American chain restaurants, organizing food by type, ethnic origin, health options and including reviews, tips and interesting facts

www.diningout.com

MASTER YOU SLEEP: Proven Methods Simplified By Tracey I. Marks, MD

www.bascomhillbooks.com

by Camilla V. Saulsbury By now you’ve probably heard and seen all the positive press about quinoa -- it’s now firmly established in the superfoods hall of fame. It’s also an excellent source of magnesium, folate, phosphorus, iron and fiber so it’s an ideal ingredient for vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians. And because it’s also gluten-free, it’s a valuable ingredient for anyone affected by gluten intolerance.

SELF HELP 50 RULES FOR SONS

Sleep disorders plague a frightening percentage of the population, and many people who have problems sleeping simply learn to live with their affliction. But at what cost? Sleep disorders can affect all aspects of life, from school and work to personal relationships to mental health. Because of the myriad types of sleep disorders and the equally numerous treatment methods, there is no quick fix for all sufferers.

by Tim Hoch

www.50rulesforsons.com Written for his son upon graduation from high school, Tim Hoch’s 50 Rules for Sons is an inspiring gift book that shares a father’s wisdom with sons who are leaving the nest. Lessons like: Be open to and unashamed of the possibility that you might be wrong. Take stock of where you’ve been, but don’t dwell on it. If you show up to class on time and sit in one of the first three rows, you will succeed.

THE UNFETTERED MIND: Writings From a Zen Master to a Master Swordsman By Takuan Soho

www.shambhala.com So succinct are the author’s insights that these writings have outlasted the dissolution of the samurai class to come down to the present and be read for guidance and inspiration by the captains of business and industry, as well as those devoted to the practice of the martial arts in their modern form. www.AccentOnTampaBay.com

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Bucs Bits by Barbara McGovern

STOP. STOP. STOP. Enough already. Stop the whining, stop with the rumors, stop with the blame and for heavens sakes, stop trying to tie Greg Schiano to the stake. Are the Bucs having a rotten season? Good Lord, yes. Is it all Schiano’s fault? No! There is enough blame to go around the world a dozen times over. Where did the problems start? This year? Last year? Or have they been building for years? I don’t know and I’m sure no one else knows either. Are the Gods of football to blame? Think about the kind of luck that the Bucs have been having. Connor Barth, lost for the season when he was trying to help others by playing in a charity game? MERSA? From what, poison grass? I doubt it. Bad karma? Why? The Glazer’s are great supporters of the community so there’s no bad karma there. Let’s see, the world is blaming Schiano. O.K., to a degree he is to blame, but also to blame is the rest of the coaching staff and the G.M. What about global warming? No one has blamed the Bucs troubles on that yet, or how about Pres. Obama? He seems to get blamed for just about everything. Hey, maybe he is having 1 Buc Place bugged and sending all the Buc’s opponents the Buc’s playbook. Or maybe, and this is just a thought, maybe the Bucs stink. Hey, it happens, look at the Giants. I wonder if there are nasty billboards up in Jersey looking to run their coach out of town? Really, get a grip here. Teams get great and then a year or two later they fall down and a few years later, they get back in the win column. That’s life in the NFL. Do you really thing that everyone connected to the team isn’t frustrated? The fans are upset, I get it. But it’s not the fan’s livelihood that’s on the line, it’s the team’s. I’ve heard the conspiracy theories; how the players don’t like the coach, he’s too hard on them,

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blah, blah, blah. If anyone is crazy enough to think that the players would shoot themselves in the foot by not playing for the coach, they really are nuts. If the players aren’t playing full tilt, who will be the biggest losers? The coaches? The Glazers? The G.M.? Of course not. They are set. Oh, a few might lose their jobs, but it’s the players who would get hurt the most. Would any other team want to hire slackers? I don’t think so. The players are well-paid professionals who are trying to do their job to the best of their ability. Things haven’t gone the Buc’s way for several months (or years) but they have to keep trying. Things will get better. Maybe not this year, but shortly. It will happen. What can we do to help? Stop the griping, stop the name-calling and grow up. We’ve loved the Bucs forever, even when they aren’t very good. O.K., even when they are awful. Better days are coming. There aren’t any fans that feel as bad as the team. Try to support them like they are Super Bowl contenders and maybe some day they will be. GO BUCS!

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FAMILY TRADITION DELIVERS CROWNING MOMENT FOR TAMPA BAY GUIDE Capt. Billy Miller Leads Winning Effort in 20th Annual King of the Beach Tourney

by David Brown apt. Billy Miller was 7-years old when the Old Salt Fishing Club's King of the Beach tournament was founded. Two decades later, on November 9, the Tampa Bay guide topped the field of nearly 400 boats with a 44.5-pound fish to claim the crown at the most tenured kingfish competition on Florida's Gulf Coast. The winning fish ate a live ladyfish on a downrigger. Prior to this event, Miller's largest king was a 43-pounder, so this personal best could not have come at a better time. "I can't even get my mind around it," the captain said. "Winning the King of the Beach is huge, but the 20th anniversary event is really special. It's definitely the highlight of my career." Miller's mother, Debbie, handled the rod duties. She and her son were joined by Capt. Billy's wife Ashley and media personality Capt. Bill Miller, of "Fishing with Bill Miller." Debbie said she was delighted that a long-time family tradition delivered big results. "We always fish this event as a family, so it was very special to win this tournament together," she said. "And seeing my son crowned King of the Beach brought a tear to my eye. I was very proud." Billy Miller said his smoker king formula is something like planning a family picnic: You need a favorable location and a nice spread of groceries. He and his team set up shop in the Egmont Channel between the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and Egmont Key. They hooked their fish in 15-20 feet of water in a tide rip where converging currents piled up the baitfish and presented a briny buffet line. This, the captain noted, created a predictable target zone that he knew would interest toothy predators. "You have to find something to attract the fish," Miller said. "It's just like a tree line. A deer will walk that tree line rather than prancing around out in the middle of the pasture. "The other thing is big baits. If those really big kingfish are going to use all that energy to go get something, they want it to be worth their while." Timing was also essential. The winning fish bit at 7 a.m. and that's just what Miller expected. "I always believe in the daylight bite," he said. "That

The Miller family team of Capt. Billy, Ashley, Debbie and Capt. Bill won the King of the Beach tournament with a 44.5-pound smoker.

Photo by Wes Crowell

first hour or so of the sun being up is definitely a time to be in your prime spot. It's a transitional time when the kingfish can first start to see well enough to feed." Debbie Miller said the fight took approximately 10 minutes and her husband, Capt. Bill, subdued the king with a clean gaff shot. Only dicey part, she noted, was the balancing act. Windy conditions made for a rough day on the water, so Ashley stood behind her to ensure stability throughout the fight. The lady angler credited her teammates for clearing the remaining lines, securing the gear and providing her plenty of room to work the fish to the boat with a steady, patient technique. "Everybody had a role, so when it came time, we all knew what to do," she said. "We were lucky that instead of running around (channel markers or crab trap) buoys, he ran out into the channel, away from the buoys and away from the Skyway (bridge). We were lucky he took the right course."

For more on Capt. Billy Miller, visit www.captainbillymiller.com "Fishing with Bill Miller" will begin airing on World Fishing Network in April 2014. For updates, visit Fishingwithbillmiller.com

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