Connect Savannah December 27, 2006

Vo l u m e 6 • N u m b e r 1 4 • D e c . 2 7 - Ja n . 2 • S a va n n a h ’s N e w s , A r t s , & E n t e r t a i n m e n t We e k l y • w w w. c o n n e c t s a va n n a h . c o m

High time A talk with new Telfair director Steven High page 6

New Year’s Rockin’ Key gigs to check out page 20

Notorious

B.E.R.K.O.W. The chief issue page 8

Blotter’s Best Whatcha gonna do when they come for you? page 15

Contents On the cover: Steven High

Volume 6, No.14 , Dec. 27, 2006

Music Feature 20

Art Patrol18

DVD Reviews 32

Vibes (continued)

6

Lead Story

21 Music Menu

8

Letter from the Editor

9

Jane Fishman

The Telfair’s new director

The strange case of Chief Berkow Peeping at Tom

Gigs a la carte

22 Connect Recommends

Concerts of Note

23 Soundboard

Who’s playing and where

10 Community

Film

Knock, knock not

11 Feedback

28 Now Showing

12 Blotter

32 DVD Reviews

All the flicks that fit

Readers have their say

Best bets for home

From SPD reports

The 411

13 News of the Weird

5

Strange but true

14 Earthweek

Week at a Glance

Our best bets for cool stuff to do

The week on your planet

14 Weather

We saw what you did last year

34 Happenings

15 Best of the Blotter

Culture

News from the sky All the stuff, all the time

42 Free Will Astrology

16 Pop

Rob Breszny’s look at your stars

Scott Howard’s new column

Classifieds

18 Art Patrol

40 Sudoku Puzzle

Exhibitions and openings

It’s all the rage

Vibes

41 Crossword Puzzle

20 Music Feature

Mental Fun

New Year’s concerts

44 Classifieds

They call it “junk,” you call it “couch”

Connect Savannah Published every Wednesday by Morris Multimedia, Inc Proud Sponsor of the Savannah Music Festival

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Editor-in-Chief: Jim Morekis, 721-4384 jim@connectsavannah.com News Editor: Linda Sickler, 721-4386 linda@connectsavannah.com Music Editor: Jim Reed, 721-4385 jim.r@connectsavannah.com Contributors: Aberjhani, Rob Brezsny, Matt Brunson, Jane Fishman, Phyllis Anne Guilmette, Robin Gunn, Bertha Husband, Jessica Ozment

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Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

News

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

THUR , DEc 28 Skatefest 2006 continues

Week at a Glance compiled by Linda Sickler

What: Skate on real ice. Each session lasts an hour and a half. When: Dec. 28, 29 and 30 at 10 a.m., noon, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 p.m.; Dec. 31 at 2, 4 and 6 p.m.; and Jan. 1 at 2, 4, 6 and 8 p.m. Where: Savannah Civic Center.

Cost: $7 per person. Info: 651-6556 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Holiday Cannon Firings continue

Red Cross Blood Drive

What: In memory of crime victim Jennifer Ross, the 2006 Savannah Debutantes are asking people to donate blood and platelets. Everyone who donates can sign a card that will be sent to the Ross family at the conclusion of the drive. All blood-drive participants will receive a commemorative long-sleeved Red Cross T-shirt and can enter to win a seven-day Norwegian cruise for two with two round-trip domestic tickets to the port of call of their choice. Most healthy people age 17 and older, who weigh at least 110 pounds, can give blood every 56 days and platelets every two weeks, up to 24 times each year. When: Thursday, Dec. 28 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 29 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 30 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Red Cross Savannah Donor Center, 25 Tibet Ave. Info: For information or an appointment (appointments are encouraged), call 1-800-448-3543 or visit www.givebloodredcross.org.

of the Week

Savannah’s Tour of Historic Houses of Worship What: Twenty houses of worship will be featured on this tour. Visitors will be able to view holiday decorations and explore the richness history and architectural uniqueness. Many of the churches will offer refreshments during the tour. Visitors may tour any or all of the houses of worship on the program and may begin at any of the locations. A program will be available at each stop to provide a schedule of events and a map. When: Saturday, Dec. 30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for children ages 6 to 18. Info: For information or to reserve a place, call 236-8097 or e-mail jcredle@savbusiness.net.

Broadway on Bull Street

What: A performance of favorite theater songs and dance routines. When: Dec. 28 and 29 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 30 at 3 and 8 p.m. Where: Savannah Theatre. Cost: $32 adults, $15 ages 12-17 and $10 for ages under 11. Info: www.etix.com.

Beach Discovery Walks

What: Join in a search for shoreline discoveries with a marine educator and learn about sand dunes, coastal geology, tides and beach inhabitants.

When: Thursday, Dec. 28 and Saturday, Dec. 30 at noon and 3:30 p.m. Where: Tybee Island Marine Science Center, 1510 Strand, Tybee Island.

Cost: $4 adults and $3 for children 3-16.

Info: 786-5917 or info@tybeemsc.org.

Holiday Evening Tours continue

What: Tour one of Savannah’s finest museum houses by candlelight and see how the holidays were celebrated in the spirit of “mutual congratulations, of feasting and merriment” in the early 19th century, with an emphasis on New Year’s Eve. Topics will include feasting, music, the Scottish influence on the family, the treatment of house slaves during the holiday season and more. The dining room table will be set for an intimate adult meal with special treats for the New Year’s Day celebration and the drawing room will be set as if preparing for a dance. When: Dec. 28-30 from 6-8:30 p.m.

Patrons wishing to have a complete experience should be at the Davenport House no later than 8 p.m.

Where: Isaiah Davenport House, 324 E. State St. Cost: $8 in advance or $10 at the time of the tour for adults and $5 in advance or $7 at the time of the tour

Fri, Dec 29 Marsh Discovery Walks

What: Explore remnants of a maritime forest, taste sea pickle and watch fiddler crabs move across the marsh mud while learning the importance of this coastal habitat.

When: Dec. 29 at 2:30 p.m. Where: Tybee Island Marine Science Center, 1510 Strand, Tybee Island. Cost: $4 adults and $3 for ages 3-16. Info: 786-5917 or info@tybeemsc.org.

sat, Dec 30 Savannah Area Christmas Bird Count

What: Everyone is welcome to participate in this bird count, from beginning birder to seasoned ornithologist. Volunteers are needed for this census of local winter bird populations.

You can join a team, or, if your home lies within the circle of the count area, you may do a feeder count at your home.

When: Dec. 30 in the early morning hours.

Where: Savannah area.

Cost: Free to persons 18 and under, while others are asked to

Sun, DEC 31 Winter Movie Fest

What: Snuggle up for a cozy afternoon for films with exciting and interesting facts about the creatures that live in the world’s oceans and along the coast of Georgia. To warm up those chilled bones, warm drinks and treats will be served.

When: Every Sunday in January and February at 1 p.m. Where: Tybee Island Marine Science Center, 1510 Strand, Tybee Island.

Cost: $5, which includes admission to the aquarium.

Info: 786-5917 or info@tybeemsc.org.

Mon, Jan 1 Tybee Island Polar Bear Swim

What: What a way to start the new year -- by plunging into the Atlantic Ocean and becoming a Polar Bear.

Participate if you want, but onlookers also are welcome.

Many Polar Bears dress in costumes to make the plunge.

When: Jan. 1 at noon. Where: Tybee Island’s South Beach. Cost: Free. Info: 786-9319.

Wed, Jan 3 Indy Media Film Night Presents Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers

What: This documentary by Robert Greenwald is a follow-up to his critically acclaimed Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price. It is a searing indictment of the war profiteering perpetrated by four companies -- Blackwater, CACI, KBR/Halliburton and Titan -- operating in Iraq. It takes viewers inside the lives of soldiers, truck drivers, widows and children, including Army soldiers who are outsourced from their military jobs by contractors who make five times what they do, and truck divers abandoned by their company to die in the desert at the hands of insurgents. When: Jan. 3 at 7 p.m. Where: The Sentient Bean, 13 E. Park Ave. Cost: Free, although donations are encouraged. Info: www.fearnoarts.com, www.sentientbean.com or 232-4447.

Savannah Grays Civil War Roundtable

What: Judge Robert Falligant will display & discuss some of his extensive collection of Civil War weapons & artifacts. Guests welcome. When & Where: Call Park Callahan at 897-7117 for more information. w

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

What: Uniformed soldiers at Old Fort Jackson will fire the fort’s replica Civil War Howitzer.

When: Dec. 28-31 at 10 a.m., 2 and 4 p.m.

Where: Old Fort Jackson, which is 3 miles east of downtown off President Street. Cost: Admission to Old Fort Jackson is $4.25 for adults and $3.75 for seniors, students and military. Kids 6 and under are admitted free. Info: 232-3945 or www.chageorgia.org.

Freebie

donate $5 to help Audubon cover program costs such as database development and summaries of results.

Info: Dot Bambach 498-3764 or dotbam@bellsouth.net or Diana Churchill 286-5703 or dichurch@bellsouth.net

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

culture|Lead

Story

by Linda Sickler

High time For years, Steven High has kept himself up to date on the doings at the Telfair Museum of Art. He actually began his museum career at the Telfair as a curatorial assistant in 1977.

“I must have been a junior in college,” High says.

“It was while I was an undergraduate at Antioch. We did co-ops and traveled around the country. I was interested in art history and wanted to try working in a museum, so I came to the Telfair.”

Something must have clicked.

High will return to Savannah, this time as the Telfair’s director.

The Telfair board met recently to confirm his appointment. “Our search for a new director was national in scope,” says Telfair Board of Trustees President John Kennedy III. “The search committee reviewed numerous candidates to ensure we met our goal of attracting an outstanding candidate to lead the Telfair’s future growth and programs,” Kennedy says.

“The high level and exceptional quality of the candidates reinforced our belief that we have a unique and extremely attractive museum, city and community.”

High is more than qualified for the job, Kennedy says.

“He brings to the Telfair a great knowledge of art, proven skills in creating exciting exhibits, the ability to reach out to all aspects of the community, a strong interest in developing art programs for the youth of the community, building local and international partnerships and developing an energized staff and membership,” he says.

High remembers his first museum job fondly. “I was here three months,” he says.

“It was a great experience. I lived on Tybee.

I’ve always kept an eye on the Telfair ever since.”

After earning a master of art degree in Art History from Williams College in 1985, High became the founding director of the Baxter Gallery of the Portland School of Art, now the Institute of Contemporary Art at the Maine College of Art. At Baxter, he developed a program of exhibitions, publications and lectures, and integrated the museum within the college and the larger community.

High then spent eight years at the Virginia Commonwealth University. In addition to developing exhibitions and teaching, he completed his MBA degree.

Currently, High is the director/CEO of the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno. He was the Telfair search committee’s unanimous first choice.

A talk with new Telfair director

Steven High

tified what the ideal candidate would be,” Kennedy says. “Steven meets and exceeds all aspects of what we wanted in a new director.”

Top, Steven High; bottom, Tibetan monks in the Jepson Center atrium with their sand mandala (Brandon Blatcher) The search for a director began last May when Dr. Diane Lesko, the former director, announced she would not continue as executive director of the Telfair after her contract ended in October. During her tenure, Lesko oversaw the construction of the new 64,000 square foot Jepson Center for the Arts,

which opened in March.

In the interim, Bill Rousseau, the Telfair’s deputy director of operations, has been the museum’s acting director. High’s appointment goes into effect on Feb. 1.

“When we started this search process, the board and the search committee iden-

t i m t -

l l i c v M

n p B p c

In Reno, High has shown he has the experience to direct the Telfair, Kennedy says.

“Since becoming the direc- f tor of the Nevada Museum of v Art in 1996, Steven has estab- t lished the artistic vision for I the institution, has overseen W all activities and programs i and implemented strategies for financial development, s managed a diverse and active t staff and acted as a liaison withs community and university au- s diences,” he says.

“It was also critical to the M board to identify a director with b the expertise to bring interesting t and unique art and exhibits to the b Telfair,” Kennedy says. “During his t career, Steven has curated numerous c exhibitions with a focus on contemporary American and international art.

“In addition, Steven has organized and t presented major exhibitions representing h artists and art movements of the past. His b curatorial engagement and diverse artistic v interests are all indicators of Steven’s com- a mitment to presenting a wide representation of artistic experiences to our community.” C It was important to hire someone who o has a combination of artistic, business and i management skills, Kennedy says. “Steven t supervised the design, construction and opening of a new 60,000 square foot mu- f seum in 2003 designed by Will Bruder,” he A says. f “He knows the challenges and opportu- i nities of operating an exciting new build- i ing and he was greatly impressed by Telfair’s new Jepson Center for the Arts and feels f that it holds wonderful untapped opportuni-t ties. Also, Steven holds an MBA degree from b Virginia Commonwealth University -- he truly does bring both the elements of art anda business management to the Telfair.”

High’s ability to form partnerships makes s him an excellent choice for the job, KenS nedy says. “During his tenure at the Nevada J Museum of Art, Steven partnered with l the Reno/Sparks Convention and Visitors Authority to attract new visitors to the Mu- o seum,” he says. n “Steven has increased the museum mem- m bership to 7,000 households, which is almost twice the Telfair’s,” Kennedy says. “We have p made significant gains in our membership h in the past year, but what Steven has done in

culture|Lead

Story

In some ways, High was disappointed to learn that the Jepson Center for the Arts had already been completed. “I like to be a builder,” he says. “In my present job, I supervised the building of a museum and managed the transition into the new building.”

It was the construction of the Jepson Center that first caught High’s interest. “I observed they were in the process of building, and when this position came open, I thought it might be a good fit,” he says.

After 10 years in Reno, High was ready for a change. He regularly checked the American Association of Museums web site for potential jobs. “I saw there was an opening for a director at the Telfair and thought it might be the right fit for me,” he says.

Almost immediately, High got a call from a recruiter with an executive search team that had been hired by the Telfair board.

“We started talking,” he says. “I soon realized the job fit my interests.”

The Telfair comprises three separate museums -- the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Owens-Thomas House and the Jepson Center of the Arts. High was particularly interested in the Jepson Center.

“The most difficult and challenging part of building is the time you transfer into a new building, as you learn how to use it and make economic decisions,” he says.

But High also is excited about the opportunity to learn more about managing historic properties. The Telfair is the oldest

art museum in the South, having opened in 1886.

It is a regional and national resource of the arts, culture, and history. The Telfair actually encompasses three diverse museums; the Telfair Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Owens-Thomas House, and the Jepson Center for the Arts.

High plans to take a closer look at the Telfair Academy. “I want to try to bring the facility up as far as maintenance and restoration,” he says. “Historic properties need a lot of care. It’s time to put some attention on that building.”

Thinking the Telfair job was the one for him, High passed on other potential jobs.

“Two others had opportunities at the same time,” he says.

“When I went and talked to them, Savannah stood out. That’s primarily because of the people I met. They were really dedicated, and very passionate about the Telfair. I want to work where people really care about what they are doing.”

High wants to make the museum more open to the community, as he has done in Reno. “Starting off, I want to focus on learning both the institution and the Savannah community,” he says.

“My passion is in building partnerships.

I want to really get the museum out into the community as much as I can.”

That includes facing accusations of elitism that have been aimed at the Telfair and working for change. “It will take years to build a really strong relationship with the African-American community and others in the community who have felt ostracized,” he says.

High dealt with a similar perception in Reno, where Latinos felt excluded from the Nevada Museum of Art. “We are working on taking every step to make the museum even more open and accepting,” High says.

For now, High has returned to Reno to begin preparing for the move to Savannah.

He and his wife, Lisa, have two sons, one of whom is a graduate student in Boston.

“It’s been a really fun four days,” High says of his most recent trip to Savannah.

“I’ve been very busy. I’ve met an incredible group of people. I came away impressed with their enthusiasm, talent and passion about what they are doing.”

High left an impression on those he met in Savannah.

“We were looking for someone with exceptional museum leadership, business management skills, the ability to bring great art and exhibits to the Telfair and make the three museum facilities an important destination for the citizens of the area and our many tourists,” Kennedy said.

“We feel we have achieved that in hiring Steven.” w To comment e-mail us at letters@connectsavannah.com

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

the Reno area, with a population of 190,000 in the City of Reno and 360,000 in the immediate area -- demographics similar to those of the Savannah and Hilton Head area -- is a most impressive accomplishment.”

In Nevada, High has worked to collaborate with local institutions of higher learning. “Steven has been instrumental in working closely with the university and community college in Reno and has created various joint art classes held at the Nevada Museum of Art,” Kennedy says.

“In addition, he developed several international partnerships including a current project with the Museo de Bellas Artes in Bilbao, Spain,” he says. “These international partnerships are something we think Steven can bring to the Telfair.”

High has received considerable acclaim for his accomplishments. In 1999, the Nevada Museum of Art was awarded the prestigious National Award for Museum Service.

In 2003, High himself was recognized by the Western Museum Association for outstanding contributions to the museum field.

“In April 2006, Steven was elected to serve on the board of the American Association of Museums and currently serves on several important art committees,” Kennedy says.

“He also is on the board of the Western Museum Association and is a board member of the Nevada Museum Association and the Nevada Citizens for the Arts. Steven has been an important and vital contributor to the Nevada Museum of Art, but he is also a contributor to the art and museum world.”

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

opinion|Letter

from the Editor

by Jim Morekis

Notorious B.E.R.K.O.W.

Ross trial turned out not to be such a ‘black eye’, but keeping our new police chief might well be Santa arrived early this year for Willie Lovett.

The much-maligned senior police administrator, who served as interim chief after the ousting of Dan Flynn, was eventually passed over for the top job in favor of Michael Berkow, formerly with the LAPD. I don’t think Willie Lovett is a vindictive man. But I’d certainly understand if a broad smile crossed his face the morning of Dec. 20 when he read the big headline: “Berkow admits to LAPD tryst as deputy chief.”

In an embarrassing series of disclosures made more embarrassing by the city’s hamfisted efforts to initially spin the bad news, Savannah’s highly-touted new police chief admitted to a three-year affair with a female police officer in L.A. The news came out as unsealed testimony in a lawsuit against Berkow by another female officer who says she was punished for not joining his extramarital fan club.

Apparently -- and for some reason other local media outlets aren’t mentioning this -- Berkow also admitted to having another affair with a subordinate female officer on a different occasion.

Berkow evidently kept a sleeping area in his L.A. office, a rather unusual setup even for a workaholic. That interesting tidbit is of course front and center in the lawsuit.

“If you allow things to go where people felt a comfort level that a deputy chief could be sleeping in his office and that didn’t evoke concern, there’s something wrong,” L.A. Councilman Bernard Parks, a former LAPD chief, told the L.A. Daily News last week.

All this happened when Berkow was head of Internal Affairs. During his tenure, he initiated undercover stings and investigations that resulted in literally dozens of officers being fired. Berkow was literally the policeman who polices the police, as the phrase goes. And apparently he has a, well, very hands-on management style.

Jokes aside, it’s a pretty big deal. Here’s what L.A. Councilman Jack Weiss, who heads the Public Safety Committee, told the L.A. Times last week: “These developments are very disturbing and are shocking to me. There is no question this is quite serious. This is the top official in the department charged with monitoring the behavior of cops.”

The search firm you and I paid $50,000 to find our next police chief knew all about this stuff. City Manager Michael Brown may not have known about Berkow’s affair with a subordinate, but he knew about the lawsuit itself, as well as the handful of other pending lawsuits against Berkow.

Apparently these pertinent facts -- these red flags -- weren’t deemed important enough to pass on to the taxpayers.

Nor apparently important enough to pass on to County Manager Russ Abolt, who was quoted as saying he wished someone would have told him.

Yeah, me too, Russ. Me too.

The real shame about this is that Chief Berkow has made a very positive impression in his first month on the job. I recently overheard a cop in a flower shop -- an unlikely scenario, but there you go -- effusively sing Berkow’s praises in an unguarded moment.

Others like what they see as well.

“I’ve met with Michael Berkow personally, and been very impressed with a lot of the ideas he has for this police department,” County Commission Chairman Pete Liakakis told me about the situation.

“But the commissioners certainly should have been made aware of the circumstances surrounding all these other things,” Liakakis concluded.

Indeed. As we’ve learned from many scandals over the years, it’s not the crime but the cover-up that gets you.

And while most Savannahians, including myself, are happy to give people a second chance and the benefit of the doubt, the handling of this incident by both Berkow and the city leaves so much to be desired that we may not be able to “just move on,” as city leaders are now urging us to do.

Before coming to his senses, Michael Brown attempted to explain the situation in a memo circulated to the media last week which read like he was acting as Berkow’s publicist instead of city manager.

“While Chief Berkow admits to the private, off-duty affair, he maintains that the allegations asserted by the plaintiff in the lawsuit are false,” the city manager writes in the memo.

Uh, most affairs are private, right? That’s why they’re affairs. Hello?

And we’re supposed to feel better that the sex was “off-duty”? What else would it be?

Brown continues: “The record is clear that he did not promote the woman he was involved with; he did not directly supervise her; he did not write or review her performance evaluations,” he says.

Oh good, he didn’t promote the subordinate he was sleeping with. And all while not directly supervising her. Clears that up.

Thanks.

Brown goes on: “In fact, she was within the same bureau of the LAPD for approximately one year of their relationship; after that time she transferred on her own to a different assignment.”

I feel much better now, don’t you, Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayer? She was within the same bureau before transferring away from Berkow. Bygones!

Speaking of records, the “record is also clear” that it’s never OK for a deputy police chief -- married, single, separated, divorced,

straight, gay or whatever -- to fool around with fellow officers of a lower rank.

Never, ever OK. OK? But I digress. Here’s Brown again: “I am extremely distressed about his personal behavior in this case, and I wish he had used better judgment. It was a terrible personal indiscretion, behavior that I do not condone and will not be accepted in Savannah,” Brown says.

What does that mean, not accepted in Savannah? We’re cool with him doing it in L.A. but not here?

“However, there is nothing to indicate at this time that this was anything more than a personal indiscretion which he deeply regrets,” Brown concludes.

Ah, there’s that qualifier: At this time.

So apparently the city’s plan is to cross its collective fingers and hope there aren’t any more skeletons in Berkow’s closet -- like, oh, say, allegations having to do with destroying evidence in a high-profile rapper’s murder, for example?

The memo also contained this classically Clintonian bit of word-parsing from Chief Berkow himself: “The court ruling today released to public view details of my private life,” Berkow writes. “My wife and I were having marital problems at the time, and were effectively living in two different cities, during which time I became involved with another woman.”

First off, wouldn’t a cop of all people know that your private life tends to become very public when you screw up big-time?

And dude -- you already admitted the affair lasted three years. You’re telling us you were separated from your wife for three years? I don’t think Spencer Tracy was separated that long while he was seeing Katharine Hepburn. I know we’re supposed to be simple-minded down here, but please.

And note the “marital problems” red herring, which Berkow, Brown and others in government again and again throw on the trail in an attempt to obfuscate the issue.

Anyone who understands the legal concept of harassment knows that whether or not Berkow was married has nothing to do with anything. As with Bill Clinton, the key is that he was having sex with a subordinate.

Berkow’s marital status is completely immaterial, and as a former head of Internal Affairs surely he knows this himself.

Nonetheless he continues: “It must be added, however, that what was a private marital problem became public because I was completely truthful in my deposition,” Berkow writes.

Kudos, Chief! To which side of your chest should I pin the medal for telling the truth after being subpoenaed by the female officer’s lawyer and put under oath?

I’ve heard and read lots of talk lately about the recent Jennifer Ross trial being another “black eye” for Savannah, another spate of negative national news depicting the city as crime-ridden, backward, violent and split by racial tension.

I don’t see it that way. The Ross trial was actually a success -- the three accused were convicted and are being put away for life.

Jennifer can never be brought back, but at least earthly justice has been done. Far from leaving Savannah with a “black eye,” the legal system worked.

The Berkow thing is different. I do think all of us want to give the benefit of the doubt to him and want him to do a great job as police chief.

But the other side of the coin is: Do we want a police chief who begins his tenure with a serious and possibly indelible stain on his character, with the Damocles sword of potential future litigation and scandal hanging over our heads?

Can’t Savannah do better?

We have a longstanding pattern in Chatham County, a tradition as regular and predictable as a Lowcountry boil, a St. Patrick’s Day parade or the University of Georgia being ranked too high in preseason polls: We hire people and then pay them large sums of money so they’ll stop doing bad stuff.

Gary Udinsky, a.k.a. “R. Kimball.” Paid $150,000 to leave the tax assessor’s office so that records would stop being changed to benefit certain elected officials.

John O’Sullivan. Paid over $163,000 to leave the school superintendent’s office and stop breaking all the china in the china shop.

There are many more instances.

Unfortunately it looks like we’re faced with the same old blackmail situation -keep an obviously compromised person in a top job or pony up the cash to be rid of him.

When will we learn?

That’s Savannah’s real black eye: Leaders who continually rely on taxpayers to make up for their poor decisions, and who are then all too eager to sweep the mess under the rug -- to “just move on.”

So here are some questions for you, Mr. and Mrs. Taxpaying Voter: Does this make you proud, having a police chief who after a month on the job is this proficient with the non-apology apology, the non-denial denial?

Do you think the police chief search was tax money well spent?

Do you appreciate constantly being put in the position of finding things out too late and having to just hope for the best?

Are you absolutely satisfied that we can put this behind us and “just move on”?

And Major Lovett, are you still smiling? I for one will forgive you if you are. w Jim Morekis is editor in chief of Connect Savannah. To comment e-mail us at letters@connectsavannah.com

opinion|Jane

Fishman

Paradise for peeping (at) Toms ing behind his shaggy coif. (Dude, get a hair cut.)

After checking out reruns of Dawson’s Creek - which I missed first, second and third time around - I know why the talentchallenged, Ohio-born Miss Katie married Mr. Cruise.

I also know why Cruise married her.

(Can you say beard?)

I can also tell you that despite media reports to the contrary I know that card-carrying Scientologist John Travolta was NOT at the Italian “wedding.”

What I don’t know yet - and what I’m going to work on come the new year - is why I know this.

This is something Hollywood talent agent Ruth Thea Ford Webb never had to question. Celebrities were her life.

Along with my fixation on certain media types - TomKat, Tiger, Jeter, Jolie, Brad, Bonds - I’m also an inveterate obituary reader. Some of the best writing in journalistic circles appears in that domain.

So when I was sitting in the Tybee Island library last week, escaping the holiday madness, and reading Ruth Webb’s obit last week in the New York Times, I knew I had hit pay dirt. Writer Margalit Fox describes Webb as a cross between Zsa Zsa Gabor and Auntie Mame. For years, dressed in boa feathers and gold lame, she resided and worked in her Hollywood house decorated with 1,500 stuffed raccoons and overflowing with pet raccoons, a live peacock, a macaw and scores of cats.

Here’s the best part. In what she called the scandal division of her business, Ruth Webb stepped in to resurrect the failing careers of the following: bulked-up Tonya Harding, now a boxer but then the figure skater who went for Nancy Kerrigan’s knees when defeat loomed); auto body-shop owner Joey Buttafuoco, after his dalliance with teenager Amy Fisher; B-actor Kato Kaelin of O.J. fame, and Tammy Faye Bakker (once married to television evangelist Jim Bakker).

But the list goes on. Included in her stable of clients were Gennifer Flowers (of Bill Clinton fame), Divine Brown (who fooled around with Hugh Grant) and John Wayne Bobbitt (whose wife, Lorena, cut off his penis with a kitchen knife).

Now this is a woman who knew the dirt.

Think she left a memoir? I’ll be looking for it.

But with any kind of luck by the time it comes out my obsession with celebrities will be history and I’ll be on to something else.

Maybe raccoons. w To comment, e-mail us at letters@connectsavannah.com

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

Looking back with the benefit of hindsight,I can see now how innocently it all began, this whole celebrity-watching thing. But that’s how most obsessions start, no? One little potato chip at a time, one measly handful of chocolate chips, one paltry bold-faced name a week.

Like millions of other supposedly intelligent, brainy, balanced people I learned to find the longest check-out line at the grocery store to insure more time for reading the National Enquirer (and was plenty peeved when the stores briefly removed the rack; what was that about? I can’t even remember; anyway, it didn’t last) and wouldn’t pay any attention when some manager type tried to point me to a shorter line (what? I can’t hear you).

I flipped first thing to the back-of-thebook, bottom-of-the-page celebrity section of Time magazine long before anyone thought of putting names in boldface.

I snagged Parade magazine from the thick Sunday newspapers before anyone else could get their mitts on it - and turned to the page one question-and-answer section way before checking out the night’s box scores or Marilyn vos Savant’s “Ask Marilyn.”

I greeted the advent of People magazine with skepticism and doubt, bravely predicting, “It will fold in a year; no one cares about this crap.”

Wrong, wrong, wrong. People spawned a whole slew of tabloid magazines.

Now, as I look back, I see this was all part of the master plan to set us up, to reel us in, to get us hooked. And it’s all working out just fine. For them. Not us.

Some might say the whole thing started on a lazy Friday afternoon in June of 1994 as we sat glued to our television sets watching a dozen helicopters hovering above Interstate 405, tailing the white Bronco Ford housing O.J. Simpson and friend Al Cowlings. That was the first lost weekend.

Imagine that. All of this before the 24hour news cycle, before the popularity of the world wide web, before Google images, before the blogosphere.

Without exaggeration I think we can now safely say the whole world is a bubble, a fantasy tool, a paradise for Peeping Toms.

Which reminds me. Is there anything you want to know about the TomKat “marriage”? Anything you missed? Because here’s the embarrassing thing: I can fill you in.

I know the actor Cruise, bursting the buttons off his formal vest, appeared pudgy in his wedding togs (Yes! That’s right. He looked fat!). But I can’t tell you the reason-

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

10

news|Community

by Radley Balko

Battering Ma’am

Over the last 25 years we’ve seen a 1,300% increase in paramilitary style forced-entry raids

The The botched Atlanta raid last month that ended in the shooting death of 88-year-old Kathryn Johnston was sad and tragic. But unfortunately, it was neither uncommon nor unpredictable.

After taking a year to research and write a paper for the Cato Institute on the proliferation of forced-entry, paramilitary-style raids, I’m sorry to say Johnston is just one of at least 40 innocent people killed in botched raids over the last 20 years in America.

Worse, there are dozens more cases of low-level offenders, bystanders — and police officers killed or injured.

In 2005, for example, Baltimore’s Cheryl Lynn Noel, a mother and churchgoing woman, was shot to death when she mistook raiding police officers for intruders. She was holding a legal handgun when they kicked open her bedroom door. That raid was conducted after police investigators found marijuana seeds in the family trash.

Last January, Fairfax, Va., optometrist Sal Culosi was accidentally shot and killed when a SWAT team apprehended him. He was under investigation for wagering on football games with a group of friends.

The Johnston raid isn’t even the first such tragedy in Georgia. In 2000, Riverdale’s Lynette Gayle Jackson called the police after her home had been invaded by burglars.

While investigating the break-in, police found a small amount of cocaine that belonged to Jackson’s boyfriend.

A few weeks later, police raided Jackson’s home, looking for her boyfriend. Jackson, understandably afraid after having been robbed less than a month earlier, was holding a gun when police entered her bedroom.

The raiding officers opened fire and shot her to death.

In 2005, Stockbridge’s Roy and Belinda Baker were startled from their sleep by a raiding police team that destroyed the couple’s front door with a battering ram. The Bakers were handcuffed and made to stand on their porch at gunpoint. Police had mistaken the Bakers’ home for the house next door.

Forced-entry raids breach the centuries-old idea that a man’s home is his castle, and that the government can only violate that sanctity under the most extreme of circumstances. Yet over the last 25 years, we’ve seen a staggering 1,300 percent increase in

paramilitary style forced-entry raids in the United States —- there are about 50,000 per year now. The majority of these raids are for proactive drug policing, such as executing search warrants.

What’s more, the very nature of drug policing requires investigative tools that frequently produce bad information. One example is the use of informants, notoriously shady characters often involved in the drug trade themselves. Police maintain that they rarely use a single informant’s tip as the basis for a drug raid, but dozens of botched raids and a stack of innocent bodies over the years suggest otherwise.

Combine this propensity for bad information with violent, highly confrontational forced-entry raids, and the lack of oversight and real accountability that pervades the entire process and you’ve created a system ripe for tragic outcomes such as the one we saw Nov. 21 in Atlanta.

SWAT teams, forced entry and paramilitary tactics should be reserved for extreme, emergency situations where a suspect presents an immediate threat to the community —- hostage takings, armed robberies or apprehending fugitives, for example. In these cases, police home invasions are warranted because the objective is to defuse an alreadyviolent situation.

Home-invasion raids on drug offenders, on the other hand, create potentially violent confrontations where none previously existed. It’s an important distinction.

Even assuming that the police in the Johnston case are telling the truth and the informant is lying (a generous assumption at this point), Atlanta police still then concede that they conducted a high-stakes, forcedentry raid on a private residence, based solely on the word of an informant they now say is a liar and a career criminal.

That’s a terrifying thought. One can’t help but then assume that the Johnston case is far from the first time a “wrong door” raid has happened in Atlanta.

The tactics the police use to apprehend a suspect ought to fit the crime the suspect is accused of committing. Which means nonviolent suspects shouldn’t be met with violent police tactics. w This story was first published at reason.com/.

To comment e-mail us at letters@connectsavannah.com

opinion|Feedback

letters@connectsavannah.com

11

Letters to the Editor:

Connect Savannah prints letters from across the spectrum of ideas. Printing a letter does not necessarily imply our endorsement of the opinions expressed therein. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.

E-mail: letters@connectsavannah.com • Fax: 231-9932 Snail mail to: 1800 E. Victory Dr., Suite 7, Savannah, GA 31404

Jennifer Ross doesn’t get an appeal

Editor, Your Dec. 12 column by Brandon Blatcher “Round peg in a square hole” says that security cameras in the squares would not be a good idea. I believe they are not only needed, but should be accessible to the police department at all times.

Also, some of the criminals thus apprehended may be wanted in crimes elsewhere, as were the defendants in this case. Would we be better off if they were still at large?

He then insults our intelligence by bringing up the old arguments of race and class.

Surely the Ross family has suffered enough by the loss of their daughter one Christmas season, and having it all paraded before us again the next.

Now there will be appeals, with the same racist comments heard once more. Unfortunately, an appeal is not available to the victim.

But the squares are more than pretty houses. They are a part of our history, and an educational source for our children. Several historic black churches are located on or near the squares. A flourishing tourist industry which includes black history and gives employment to all races, is centered there.

My own family and my church have been active in every battle for human rights, and continue to be so. It is tiresome and non-productive to hear nothing of the good people of this community and elsewhere, just negativity.

Margaret W. DeBolt

asked, “Who wants to live in a city...if the people we come into contact with daily are surly, mean-spirited or crabby?”

Millions, Jane, millions --- just check out rents in Manhattan.

Stephen Sacco Tybee Island

Big thanks from Tiny Team

Editor, In regards to Jane Fishman’s piece “Service, please” in response to Richard Florida’s lecture, I must admit that as an ex-New Yorker I had to laugh out loud when she

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Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

Fagettabowdit

Editor, All of us at Tiny Team Concerts just wanted to say thanks very much for continuing to support our efforts to both revitalize and diversify the local music scene.

Our recent Asylum Street Spankers show at American Legion Post #135 was a tremendous success, and came very close to selling out. The crowd included a wide variety of music lovers from 21 years of age up into their 70s, and most everyone seemed to have a great time.

Such a turnout would likely not have been possible without the assistance we have received from your paper in advertising these events.

As with each and every one of the artists we have brought to town so far (including Webb Wilder & The Nashvegans, Cracker, Frank Black of the Pixies, and bluesman John Hammond), the Spankers were thrilled by the warm and enthusiastic reception they received from the Savannah audience, and are eager to return.

In 2007, we’re looking very forward to bringing an even greater number of critically-acclaimed, internationally-known musicians to town, as well as major names on the standup comedy and lecture circuit – starting with the acoustic duo of Stacey Earle and Mark Stuart at Randy Wood’s Concert Hall in Bloomingdale on Sunday, February 4th.

Hopefully, Connect will be right there with us every step of the way.

Happy New Year!

Adrienne Dickerson Tiny Team Concerts

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

12

toothpaste for dinner

www.toothpastefordinner.com

news|Blotter • An extremely ill and frail hospice patient reported to police that her ex-fiance had been harassing her.

The woman said the suspect had been making threats towards her and the facility she lives in. She said he had threatened to blow up the building and burn it down.

She also said he constantly makes harassing phone calls to her room at all hours of the day and night. An officer advised her of the procedure for obtaining a warrant, and also advised her to keep a record of all the calls the man made to her room.

The woman was advised to call 911 if the man returned, at which point the police could come and ban him from the property. The victim was given a case report number card and advised how to call for more information.

•A young woman told police that she was a runaway who had been staying with a man at his apartment for several days.

She said that the man became angry and punched her in the arm when she told him she was leaving. The suspect said the two had an argument that turned physical when the victim punched him in the stomach.

The suspect said after she punched him, he punched her in the arm. A witness said she was in her apartment and heard the argument, then heard the victim call for help.

Neither one of the two had any visible injuries and both refused medical treatment at the scene. They were given case report numbers and advised on peace bond procedures.

A records check revealed that the victim was a runaway juvenile. Her mother was called and arrived to pick her daughter up.

• While on foot patrol, an officer noticed a vehicle parked on Jefferson Street that was facing the wrong way.

While writing a parking ticket for the violation, the officer noticed that the vehicle had a suspended registration and no insurance. After further observation, the officer saw what appeared to be a .22 caliber round on the passenger side floor.

The vehicle was placed under observation. When the vehicle was seen driving away, the officer initiated a traffic stop at the corner of Jefferson and Oglethorpe Avenue.

The driver was removed from the vehicle and detained for questioning. The front seat and rear seat passengers also were removed from the vehicle and detained for questioning.

The driver was asked if the vehicle could be searched and he refused. A K-9 unit was called and the dog hit on the driver’s door.

During a search, a gun was discovered and one of the passengers was arrested for possession of a concealed weapon.

from recent Savannah/Chatham Police incident reports

• An officer was dispatched to a motel, where a woman told him she had been assaulted at a nearby bar by a bartender.

Further investigation revealed that the woman had been asked to leave the bar due to her level of intoxication. Witnesses also said she was stealing tips from employees.

The witnesses said the woman was attacked not by the bartender but by a man who sometimes frequents the bar, and who was seen leaving the bar with the woman.

She was transported to a local hospital and given a case report number. An area outside the bar was searched, but nothing was found.

• An officer was dispatched to Summerside and Stark streets in reference to a shooting.

The officer met with the complainant, who said that as he was driving, someone started shooting at his vehicle. He was traveling with his fiancee and their daughter.

They were on their way to a relative’s house when they noticed a vehicle with no lights on and four men inside. The vehicle began to follow them and then stopped when they turned the corner.

The victims drove past their destination, but didn’t stop because it didn’t appear anyone was home. They continued east on Summerside and as they turned onto Stark, they noticed the vehicle was still there.

The other car started towards them with its lights off. The complainant put his car into reverse and backed around the corner onto Summerside.

He drove up onto the curb and struck a mailbox. The other vehicle then pulled up next to them and the complainant put his vehicle in drive and tried to move forward.

As he drove forward, one of the suspects exited their vehicle and began to fire an unknown amount of shots at his vehicle. The complainant drove around the corner onto Stark and went up on the curb and into the ditch.

The roads were wet and it was very foggy. The suspects fled the scene. w

All cases from recent Savannah/Chatham Police Department incident reports.

Give anonymous crime tips to Crimestoppers at 234-2020.

news|News

of the Weird

Extreme Worship

13

by Chuck Shepherd

$250,000, self-service milking machine (introduced in Europe in 2005) in which the cow wanders in, and lasers and video cameras guide the rubber cups to her teats, with a computer directing the actual milking.

Family Values

Christine Marmolejo, 39, of Downers Grove, Ill., pleaded guilty in October to a plot in which she had her 14-year-old son plant marijuana and prescription drugs in the backpack of another boy to embarrass that boy’s mother, with whom Marmolejo had been feuding for years. Marmolejo’s son eventually confessed, and now Marmolejo faces an enhanced penalty since she involved a 14-year-old in drug possession.

New-Age Punishments: Rosewood Elementary School (Rock Hill, S.C.) teacher Daniel Johns was investigated in October for having his students line up and stomp the feet of a classmate, as punishment for the kid’s own foot-stomping. (No criminal charges were filed.) And in a non-classroom incident, Alcorn State University professor Festus Oguhebe was sentenced in Jackson, Miss., in November to two years in prison for disciplining his 11-year-old son by tying his hands and then covering him with ants (which Oguhebe said was a traditional punishment in his native Nigeria).

Christmas Mania (cont’d)

In Mentor, Ohio, firefighters struggled to keep avid Christmas shoppers from continuing to enter the Dillards at Great Lakes Mall after a Dec. 6 electrical fire filled the store with smoke. And in Anderson, S.C., driver David Allen Rodgers, who was driving a float in the town’s Christmas parade on Dec.

3 (despite being inebriated), was arrested after impatiently breaking out of the slowmoving parade line and speeding down Main Street, endangering riders and spectators. And in London, the regional manager of unemployment offices banned traditional Christmas decorations because he did not want his clients (since they are jobless in the holiday season) to feel worse by witnessing any festive spirit.

Least Competent Criminals

(1) The man who stole the safe from a Runza restaurant in Omaha, Neb., in October was forced to abandon it in the middle of a street when he realized his getaway plan (dragging it through town from the back of his car) attracted attention that he had somehow not anticipated. (He fled empty-handed.) (2) Federal inmate Brandon Sample won his appeal in November and is entitled to have on computer disks the public records he requested (rather than the paper copies the Bureau of Prisons was offering). However, Sample still lacks a computer to read them on, and the appeals court ruled that he has no legal right to one.

The Right to Go Through Life Never Being Offended

(1) Last summer, a British Passport Office in Sheffield turned down the application for Hannah Edwards, 5, because her mother had submitted a photograph showing Hannah from the neck up, as prescribed, but wearing a sunsuit that left her shoulders bare. The Passport Office said that Hannah’s exposed skin might be offensive in a Muslim country. (That decision was later overruled, according to a report in London’s Daily Telegraph.) (2) Also in Britain, the Robert Walters employment agency notified its offices in October that the words “vibrant,” “dynamic,” “ambitious,” “energetic,” “experienced” and 17 others must not be used in recruiting ads, lest the company risk lawsuits for age discrimination. w

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

Christian stand-up comedian Brad Stine says his muscular GodMen revivals are a reaction to the “wuss-ification” of the Promise Keepers movement and encourage spiritual men to “cowboy-up” and “thank God Leading Economic for testosterone!” According to a December Los Angeles Times report, GodMen Indicators celebrates traditional male excesses,

An appeals court in Florida fisuch as cussing, raucousness nally applied the brakes to the so-called and sexuality. Added a Stine “contingency fee multiplier” available associate, “(F)or heaven’s sake, under state law for lawyers who assist Learn to don’t ask the guys (as Promise mistreated insurance customers. In exwork the Keepers does) to take the hand traordinary cases, a lawyer is permittoilet seat of the guys next to them.” ted to recover up to 2 1/2 times the “Do not think Sunday customary fee, which supposedly morning worship. Think helps customers with smaller claims Saturday afternoon tailgate.” to find legal representation. However, Back to “Onward Christian the court said the fee is being granted Soldiers” rather than Jesus love too routinely, and in one October case, a songs. And tell your wife the client won his $1,315 claim while his lawrules, Stine says: “Learn to work yer got $193,750. the toilet seat. (I)f it’s up, put it Bright Ideas down.”

A Georgetown University student, Entrepreneurial whose dad bought him a $2.4 million offcampus house and who wants his eight best Spirit! friends to live (and party) with him, ran up The Oklahoma City company Skulls against a Washington, D.C., zoning law perUnlimited International is, it claims, the mitting no more than six unrelated people world’s leading supplier of bones -- cleaning per house. In October, after researching and polishing human and animal heads by the issue, the students filed papers declarpicking off the tissue by hand and then using themselves a “church” (The Apostles of ing dermestid beetles to eat what’s left. Said O’Neill, after owner Brian O’Neill) because owner Jay Villemarette, on the greasiness of churches are allowed to house up to 15 unthe human head: “I am not exaggerating. It related people. O’Neill’s dad supports the is nasty.” But, said an employee, you get used students, as judged from his testy response to the work: “I’ve been waist-deep in a dead to a Washington Post inquiry: “Who says hippopotamus, and I’d rather do that than they aren’t a (real) religion?” change diapers.”

Surgeon Michael Koenig of Cologne, Cutting-Edge Inventions: (1) South AfGermany, who said he was cheated out of rican inventor Willem van Rensburg has thousands of dollars in fees by women who begun to market the Pronto condom, which failed to pay for their breast enlargements, he promised can be applied directly from said in October that he had no photos of the wrapper to penis in three seconds (and, with women but did have photos of their new practice, one second). It’s available now only chests, and he gave them to the police, hopin South Africa, but he has obtained a U.S. ing they would somehow help in finding the patent. (2) On display at the World Dairy women.

Expo in Madison, Wis., in October was a

The United Nations Millennium Campaign’s worldwide program to “stand up against poverty” solicited amateur videos for distribution to help dramatize the issue in industrialized nations, but one video drew the attention of a Wall Street Journal reporter in October: Three men were sitting around a table, eating beans and raucously discussing their gas-producing qualities, when the men suddenly turned serious.

One looked into the camera and said, “Some folks don’t even have a bowl of beans to eat.”

The videomaker said he was “a little disappointed” that his piece was rejected.

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

14

news|Earthweek

by Steve Newman

Solar Blackout

were blanketed with ash as Bulusan volcano produced a series of explosions. The mountain is located about 240 miles southeast of Manila and has been expelling ash and steam since March.

The sun produced a second surface explosion within a week, sending another blast of radiation into Earth’s atmosphere a few minutes later. The following geomagnetic storm caused vivid displays of the northern lights as far south as Iowa, while the southern lights were seen as far north as Sydney, Australia. The solar storm interfered with communications on Earth, and one burst of energy caused a complete blackout of GPS navigation satellite systems for up to two hours. “It is a rare occurrence to have a strong event like this so late in the solar cycle,” said Larry Combs, a forecaster at NOAA’s Space Environment Center in Boulder, Colo. The sun produces an 11-year cycle of sunspot activity, with the last peak occurring in 2002.

Locust Plague Averted

Earthquakes

main roads and disrupted train service in the state of Johor. A 24-hour deluge also swamped parts of neighboring Singapore, where mudslides and high water blocked several roadways.

Locust-fighting efforts have made it unlikely Africa’s Sahara and Sahel regions will be plagued by a major invasion of the destructive insects next spring, according to the United Nations. The Food and Agricultural Organization said international efforts to combat a resurgence of desert locusts in northern Africa has prevented a repeat of the massive swarms that devastated crops between 2003 and 2005.

Asian Floods

Southern Malaysia was hit by the heaviest rainfall in 100 years, triggering massive flooding that forced about 30,000 people from their homes. The floods blocked

A Warm Year

The U.N. meteorological agency announced that 2006 is likely to be the sixth-warmest year since reliable observations began about 150 years ago. Climatologists at the World Meteorological Organization said the global mean surface temperature for the year will be approximately 0.76 degrees Fahrenheit above the 1961-1990 annual average. They added that 2006 had been marked by extreme drought followed by devastating floods in Africa, heat waves in the United States and Europe and deadly typhoons in Southeast Asia. Canada experienced its mildest winter and spring on record while the United States received its warmest January-September period.

Temperatures

Jeff Kirk

Tropical Cyclones

An area of disturbed weather over the western Indian Ocean rapidly formed into Cyclone Bondo. The storm strengthened to category-4 force, which is rare for such storms in the region. Bondo brought more than 11 inches of rainfall to the north coast of Madagascar and the Mauritius island of Agalega.

• Tropical Storm Trami barely reached storm force after forming to the southwest of Guam.

Volcanoes

Increased activity within Indonesia’s Mount Soputan volcano prompted officials to warn nearby residents on the island of Sulawesi to be prepared for possible evacuation. The 5,849-foot mountain last erupted in December 2004 and twice during 2003, spewing lava and volcanic ash up to 25 miles to the north. The nearest village is five miles from Soputan’s crater.

• Several villages in the central Philippines

Rain Gauge

At least four people were killed and about 150 others were injured when a magnitude 5.7 temblor rocked the western coast of Indonesia’s Sumatra island. Aftershocks kept many survivors from returning to their homes.

• Earth movements were also felt in metropolitan Tokyo, southern Iran, northwestern Algeria, southeastern Tennessee, central Oklahoma, central California and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Dolphin Extinction

International researchers say a rare freshwater dolphin only found in China’s Chang Jiang (Yangtze) River has become extinct. The team of U.S., Chinese and Japanese researchers conducted a search for the baiji during November and December. They say they scoured a 2,175mile stretch of the river without finding a single specimen. The baiji, known in China as the “Goddess of Chang Jiang,” is a white dolphin with small eyes that is believed to have existed for several million years. About 400 were believed to have existed at the beginning of the 1980s, but only 13 were found in 1997, and one in 2004. The group attributed heavy ship traffic, excessive fishing and water pollution to the decline in the baiji population. w

Daytime Tides for Wed through Sun:

Average:

Water:

Total Dec. Rain (to 21st): 0.19"

Wed

07:15AM H

01:25PM L

07:49PM H

High

Atlantic

Normal: 1.76"

Thu

08:23AM H

02:23PM L

08:49PM H

For the month: -1.57"

Fri

09:33AM H

03:22PM L

09:49PM H

Total 2006 rain: 31.87"

Sat

03:56AM H

10:37PM L

04:23PM H

Normal: 48.53"

Sun

04:55AM H

11:36PM L

05:22PM H

61°

57°

Low

Gulfstream

38°

78°

For the Year: -16.66"

Call toll free for Jeff’s daily forecast: 1-866-369-2228

news|Best

of the Blotter

15

compiled by Linda Sickler

Best of the

• Two officers responded to an apartment on Holland Drive in reference to a prowler.

A woman who lived at the complex said she heard banging and voices. Her husband went and checked out a nearby apartment and found a woman inside the apartment, talking to herself. The man called another resident to the scene. When the officers arrived, the suspect was standing in front of the apartment, holding two closed containers of alcohol and an open container in her right hand.

One of the officers asked why she at the apartment, She said she was visiting someone, however the apartment she had entered was vacant. The woman had entered the apartment through an open rear door. Other residents at the scene watched the woman lock the door.

An officer told the woman to gather up her items and go home. She responded, “You can’t make me go anywhere.” The woman was then told to put the containers down. Instead, she threw them the closed ones down.

She was arrested and taken to jail.

• A 14-year-old boy was arrested after being charged with numerous traffic violations, including two counts of leaving the scene of an accident and reckless driving.

The boy was arrested after he drove a car east on 41st Street and ran a stop sign at the intersection of Harmon and 41st streets. His

car crashed into a second car, then struck a woman standing at the corner of the intersection.

The suspect then got out of the car and fled the scene. A police officer who was patrolling the area arrived within seconds and called for paramedics.

A resident of the area is credited with capturing the boy. He chased the suspect and cornered him behind a church at the corner of Waters Avenue and Victory Drive, then held him there until officers could arrest him.

The suspect was taken to the hospital as a precaution before he was taken to the youth detention center. The passenger of the other car was taken to the hospital by ambulance because of injuries received in the crash. The pedestrian was slightly injured and refused medical treatment.

• While patrolling River Street, an officer saw a man sitting on a bench with a bunch of handmade roses. The officer assumed the roses belonged to the man, so he asked him for his license.

The man said they were not his roses. At that time, the man who was making the roses arrived with a plate of food.

The officer started to talk to him and told him he should not leave his working area the way he did. There were palm strings all over the ground, a large amount of paper cups, trash around the bench and a plastic bag with clothes.

The man was told he was littering, and suddenly became violent. He started to yell, “This is a bunch of bulls--t. You’re full of s--t!”

The officer asked the man to calm down, to which he responded, “I have a good lawyer, don’t give me this s--t.” The officer then asked him to place his hands behind his back, at which the man started to scream at him.

The man said he had been told he could do anything he wanted so long as he had a peddling permit. He told the officer, “(Someone) said you already lost your stripes because of your attitude, now you are going to lose your job. I’ll f--king make sure of it.”

He was placed under arrest and charged with littering and disorderly conduct. He was then transported to the Chatham County Detention Center.

continued on page 16

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

• Employees at a medical office reported finding a harassing letter.

The unknown suspect slipped the letter through the building’s mail slot on a day when patients weren’t being seen and only employees were present. On those days, the doors are kept locked. For a few minutes in the afternoon, the employees were all in the rear of the office. When one of them returned to the reception area, she discovered the letter on the floor.

It read: I loves you like a possum loves June bugs.

I sees you most every day and I wants to say my love to you and gives you a big hug and squeeze.

Jesus told me to love you and he said you going to love me back.

You is always in my dreams - sometimes that blonde-headed girl named Juniper that works there.

Kisses to each of yous.

(Signed) Delbert

Blotter

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

16

news|Best

of Blotter

continued form page 15

• A man told police his neighbor had attacked him over a car.

The victim said while with friends, he had commented on how well he liked the car, which was parked at the suspect’s house. “I would have to steal that,” he told them.

Two days later, as the victim was exiting his resident, the suspect was standing in the front yard. The suspect had knocked on the front door and when the victim emerged, said, “Buddy found out that you wanted to steal his car.”

The victim then began to explain that he really wasn’t going to steal the car, but was just commenting on how much he liked it.

He began to walk towards the suspect, who said, “Don’t walk up on me.”

Even though the victim had his hand out to shake hands, the suspect repeated “Don’t walk up on me.” The victim continued to approach the suspect, who attempted to hit him.

The men then began fighting. Another man on the scene stopped them. The incident was witnessed by a woman at the scene.

• A woman called police after her alcoholic husband cut the power wires to their home’s air conditioning unit, as well as the cable television wire.

She said her husband also had pulled the fuse from the power box of the air conditioning unit. She said this is not the first time that he had done something like that.

She said usually he pulls the fuse from the air conditioning power box and unscrews the cable connections from the outside box.

She said her husband was drunk and was still drinking the next morning when she left their residence to go to work.

Everything in the house was working properly when she left, the woman said. The man didn’t go to work, and called the woman at her job later that day.

She said she could tell he was drunk because his words were slurred. She told him to “go sleep it off ” and ended the conversation.

When she returned home that evening, she found the temperature inside the house was 92 degrees and the cable on the television was not working. She then found her husband passed out on the couch with a fan blowing on him.

The woman went outside to plug the fuse back into the air conditioning unit, but found that the power wires to it had been cut. She then walked to the other side of the house to the cable box and found the cable television wire pulled out of the ground and cut.

She told the officer she didn’t want to prosecute her husband, she just wanted to make a police report. She then left the house with her children to stay at a friend’s house.

• Police were dispatched to a motel in reference to an armed robbery.

When they arrived, they spoke with two men who said they were cousins. One of the men said that he and his cousin had gone to the motel because they had “bought a whore named Janie.”

When they got to the room they had rented, they knocked on the door and “Janie”

answered. Another man walked into the room and pointed a .22-caliber handgun at the men.

The suspect then made the men go into the bathroom and take off their clothing. He then took one man’s ATM card and demanded the PIN number.

“If the number is wrong, I’ll kill your ass,” he told the man. “Janie” then took the card to the bank and took $1,000 from the man’s account.

When the woman came back, the suspect gave the man his ATM card back and said “Thanks.” Then the suspect asked, “Do you need money? I’ll give you money” and gave the victims $10. Before leaving, the suspect took the battery off one of the men’s cell phone.

• Police arrested a 14-year-old girl who tried to outrun them in a car stolen from an 81-year-old man.

The girl had taken the car at gunpoint on New Mexico Street. The victim told police that the girl had asked him to use his telephone as he was entering his house.

The man told her she could not use the phone, but the girl became more persistent.

The third time the man answered the door, the girl pulled a replica of a .45-caliber handgun and demanded the keys to his car.

The victim handed over his car keys and the girl drove off. The car was spotted about an hour later near North Carolina and Louisiana avenues, and a officer tried to pull it over.

The girl sped away and a brief pursuit began. She drove the car to a driveway and struck a garage pillar.

Although the girl was quickly arrested, she became combative. She had to be subdued with pepper spray, and was treated by paramedics at the scene before police charged her with armed robbery and obstruction by fleeing and took her to the youth detention center.

• A job applicant became upset when he took an application to a furniture store and was told the store wasn’t hiring employees on the spot.

A store employee called police after the suspect became upset when he was told the application would be given to the appropriate department. At that point, the suspect began cursing and yelling and walked out.

The complainant said that as the suspect was walking out of the store, he pushed open the door violently, causing it to loosen off the hinges. At that time, he began to bang his fists on the hood of a vehicle parked in the lot.

The man began walking towards Abercorn Street. He was located by police and arrested for criminal damage to property. w All items are taken from Savannah/Chatham County Metropolitan Police Department incident reports

culture|Pop

17

by Scott Howard

band being smothered by the inane lyrics and ceaseless barking of Anthony Kiedis (sample: “The down turn brave / Little burncub bearcareless [sic] turnip snare rampages”).

But I think I’d rather be old and boring than young(-ish) and pompous. I’m a huge fan of The Onion AV Club, the straight-faced cousin to America’s finest fake news source, and their critics in particular are usually on point and rarely stoop to the stomachchurning hyperbole of their peers.

But like most hipster media, they aren’t immune to the hype surrounding boring bands like Cold War Kids and The Black Keys, or giving high honors to records like Ricardo Villalobos’ Fizheuer Zieheuer or Midlake’s The Trials Of Van Occupanther.

I read a dozen music reviews every day and have never for the life of me heard of either of those records, but I doubt I’m missing very much; Midlake’s entry “sounds a bit like The Eagles” and “tells lush tales about stonecutters”… yeah, not interested.

Indie culture is so obsessed with finding the next big thing (until it gets too big and then it sucks) that they completely ignore a great record by an old reliable like Morrissey, whose fine Ringleader of the Tormentors has been all but forgotten.

But obscurity shouldn’t necessarily be mocked, because the best part of a top 10 list is bringing people to things they haven’t heard before. So allow me to share some of my personal favorites that haven’t gotten more love during list season.

I’m most shocked that I haven’t seen Goldfrapp’s Supernature – an unparalleled song cycle that brought pop’s most progressive chanteuse to a mainstream audience – on a single list. Ditto for Spank Rock’s YoYoYoYoYo, the most original hip hop record in years.

Hot Chip’s The Warning is one of those albums that I think everyone could agree on.

It’s fun, danceable and has fantastic melodies that will be stuck in your head for days. And Peter Bjorn & John’s Writer’s Block is a folk record that picks up the pace and floats in shimmery 60’s pop. w Scott Howard is a freelance entertainment journalist. To comment e-mail us at letters@ connectsavannah.com

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

Hello, and thanks for reading the first of what I hope will be billions upon billions of columns for Connect Savannah.

In an age of rising deficits, increased nuclear proliferation, sky-high gas prices, corrupt government and the perpetual threat of terrorism at the hands of religious extremists, I will use this space to talk about the things that matter most: movies, music, TV and maybe, just maybe the occasional book.

As an entertainment journalist, I love talking about entertainment journalism (except for Entertainment Tonight, which makes me break out into Kramer-like convulsions). And the best part of entertainment journalism is year-end top ten lists, where a critic’s allegiances can truly be ascertained.

Movie top ten lists are fun, but hold limited appeal, because almost all of them consist of the same nine movies in a slightly different order with one wild card thrown in. There were only about 500 movies released last year, and more than half of those were miniscule engagements in a single theater in New York or L.A. Music top ten lists, though, have endless possibilities.

There are tens of thousands of albums released every year in every genre imaginable, and hundreds of thousands of songs.

So while there are some records that pop up on everyone’s lists (TV on the Radio’s Return To Cookie Mountain is pretty omnipresent), the overlaps are the exception instead of the norm, and the end result is as close to a media Rorschach test as you’re likely to find.

For example, the writers at Rolling Stone are a bunch of boring old fogies and the writers at The Onion AV Club are a bunch of pretentious hipsters. The average age of the top three artists on Rolling Stone’s list is 48, and while music need not be a young man’s game, the fact that all of your top spots belong to a generic musician born during the Eisenhower administration doesn’t bode well for your openness to new and different sounds.

And when they get to their #4, the aforementioned TV on the Radio, they like the record not because they’re unquestionably one of the best and most creative bands working today but because they “sound like the Bowie of Low – with a pair of Arthur Lees at the mike” (artists born during the Truman and FDR administrations, respectively, and that’s a really stupid analogy).

Their #1 is, what a shocker, Bob Dylan’s Modern Times. If Bob Dylan recorded a cover album of O-Town and 98 Degrees b-sides, Rolling Stone would name it album of the year and talk about how it was “a harbinger of truth.”

Modern Times is an awful record full of aimless shuffling drones that is frankly an embarrassment from the man who is America’s poet laureate as far as I’m concerned.

Only slightly better is their #2, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ frustrating Stadium Arcadium, which is 28 tracks of a talented

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

18

Happy New yEAR

FROM gRANDMA AND THE STAFF OF

Culture|Art

Patrol

compiled by Jim Morekis

2007 Black Heritage Festival call for entries -- The 18th Annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival will include a juried exhibition that will be displayed Feb. 5-28, 2007.

Artists are encouraged to submit works that incorporate the theme, “Our Journey – A Story Unfolding.” The theme celebrates the journeys of Africans and African Americans, and tells the everunfolding story of their courage, commitment, dedication and fortitude throughout an enduring path to freedom and justice.

Entry Guidelines: • Submit art work in jpg format, 300 dpi, 4x6 to: bloodp@savstate.edu • Artists may submit up to five works in any medium, two or three dimensional • Each submission should include the name of the artist, phone number and e-mail address • Each submission should include the title of the work, Black Orchid hosts an arty New Year’s Eve party medium and dimensions The deadline for entries is Jan. 2, 2007. Artists will be notified via ‘Savannah Squared’ -- The Gallery prese-mail if their submissions are accepted. ents a peek into Savannah’s scenery through New Year’s Eve at Black Orchid -- Black Orchid Gallery New Years Eve reception 7p.m.-until. “Two Man Art Show” artwork

by Larz Mertz and Susan Ryncavage. 131 Drayton St., 236-0010.

Mixed Media -- Union Mission’s Growing Hope Artisans Cooperative presents mixed media artwork by educator Christopher Schell at the Starfish Café during the month of December. Starfish Café, 719 East Broad Street.

‘Upcycle of Waste’ -- As recycling is a significant and important part of society today, one Savannah College of Art and Design student has made a difference by transforming Savannah landfill and dumpster debris into art. M.F.A. candidate Chris Burton presents “Upcycle of Waste,” his furniture design thesis exhibition that features construction and demolition debris made into furniture and furnishings. “Upcycle of Waste” will be on display Jan. 8-19 at Red Kite Studio, 1522 Bull St. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Free and open to the public.

‘Home is where the Art is’ -- Gouache paintings and sewn paper collages by Darla Elam Jan. 3– Feb. 28 at the Hospice Savannah Art Gallery, located at Hospice House, 1352 Eisenhower Drive. Meet the artist at the opening reception, Thursday, January 11 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at the Gallery.

the looking glass of 13 artists. Nov. 23-Dec. 31, 20 Jefferson Street, Center Court City Market.

2CarGarage Gallery to open -- Bringing new works by nationally recognized artists to Savannah beginning Dec. 7. 30 W. Broughton Street, Suite 205.

Sally Clark -- Hospice Savannah will showcase new work by Sally Clark through Dec. 31 at the Hospice Savannah Art Gallery, Hospice House, 1352 Eisenhower Dr. ‘Creeks, Coves and Sounds’ -- New exhibition of the paintins of M.L. Kolbe and Tom Sadler at Mansion on Forsyth Park.

Through January 6.

New Artists at Savannah Art Works -New mixed media by Simone Wilson and block prints by Katherine Linn are featured at Savannah Art Works, 240 Bull St. ‘A Closer Look: Four Churches and a Synagogue’; ‘Turnings in Native Wood’ -Photography by Tim Coy and woodturning

by Dicky Stone through Dec. 30 at Gallery 440, 440 Bull St. All works for sale. A portion of proceeds benefits Chatham Savannah Citizen Advocacy, Inc. JEA Artist of the Month (December) - The Art Show at the Jewish Educational Alliance, 5111 Abercorn St., beginning Dec. 4 features works of Dayna Thacker and Richard Gere. Dayna works both with installation and mixed media assemblage

Culture|Art

Patrol

19

using found objects. Rich works primarily in monotypes and lithography.

JEA Artist of the Month (January) -- Photography by Michael Weinman will be on display at the Jewish Educational Alliance, 5111 Abercorn St. Jan. 1-31.

Opening reception Jan. 4, 5:308:30 p.m.

‘Treasured Gifts’ -- Gallery 209, Savannah’s original River Street cooperative gallery, features all its artists this month in a show called “Treasured Gifts.” The Gallery is at 209 E. River Street and is open from 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. most nights. For more info go to www. gallery209.com/.

Chris Burton’s MFA thesis show is at Red Kite Jan. 8-19

SCAD Museum of Art -- “Facing the Camera: Portraits of Photographers from the Rhoades Collection”; Portraits of Margaret Bourke-White, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Edward Steichen, Edward Weston, Minor White, Cecil Beaton, Gordon Parks, Ansel Adams, Cindy Sherman, and many others are on view. “150 Years of Architectural Elegance: The Central of Georgia Railroad’s 1856 Gray Building Headquarters”; This exhibition chronicles the history of SCAD’s Kiah Hall. “Focus on 20th-Century Art: Highlights from SCAD’s Collection”; Significant works from the college’s permanent collection including paintings, drawings, and prints by Pablo Picasso, Willem De Kooning, Mark Tobey, Robert Rauschenberg, Romare Bearden, Faith Ringgold, Sam Gilliam, Bridget Riley, and others represent the movements of modern and contemporary art. “Darkly Carved Treasures: Traditional Plants and Flowers of China”; hand carved objets d’art from the Red Sandalwood Museum in Beijing. “Painters to Their Majesties: Art and Power of the Royal Court”; Featured in this exhibition are 17ththrough 19th-century portraits by painters from the court of England who held official royal appointments. . “The Master Eye: 19th- and 20th-Century Photographs from the Rhoades Collection”; Photographers include Brady, Nadar, Cartier-Bresson, Adams, Mapplethorpe, Avedon, Caplan, Weston, Cunningham, Lagerfeld and other celebrated masters. “Mapping the Past: A Selection of Antique Cartography from the Newton Collection”; Highlights include 1597 maps from the earliest atlas of the Americas, 1776 military maps, and other

18th- and 19th-century maps, most of them hand colored. Cartographers include Wytfliet, Hondius, Monath, Lotter, d’Anville, Faden, Lodge, Cary, and Wyld.

Jepson Center for the Arts – Exhibits include: “Sam Gilliam: a retrospective” through Dec. 31; “I Have Marks to Make,” the 12th annual exhibition celebrating the therapeutic and rehabilitative aspects of art, Dec. 3-Jan. 7. Kirk Varnedoe Collection, Dec. 13Feb. 18, includes works by Richard Avedon, Jasper Johns, Roy Lichtenstein, Elizabeth Murray, Robert Raschenberg, Richard Serra, Frank Stella and more. 207 W. York St. Call 790-8800.

Telfair Academy of Arts & Sciences - “Andrée Ruellan at 100,” through Jan. 28.

Organized by the Georgia Museum of Art in Athens, this exhibition presents 45 paintings, drawings and prints by this remarkable American artist, including the whose career spanned most of the 20th century. The exhibition includes the Telfair’s signature Ruellan work, Savannah, depicting the Barnard Street ramp leading to the river, circa 1942. Also: “Spirit of Mexico: Photographs by Bravo, Levitt, and Perkis” through Jan. 28. This exhibition consists of over 30 black and white photographs examining Mexico’s landscape and people by renowned photographers Manuel Alvarez Bravo (Mexican, 1902-2002), Helen Levitt (American, b. 1913), and Philip Perkis (American, b. 1935). 121 Barnard St. Call 790-8800. w Art Patrol is for rotating shows, exhibitions and receptions. Send art info to

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

‘Islam in Belief and Practice’ -- Exhibit at Georgia Southern Museum through Dec. 31.

Free admission for the Museum, which is in the Rosenwald Building on Southern Drive. 9-5 M-F and 2-5 Saturday and Sunday.

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

20

Vibes|Music

Feature

by Jim Reed

New Year’s rockin’ highlights_ _______

2006

OK, by now everyone’s heard about the poor timing of New Year’s Eve celeBeasley Band’s 9 pm show of blues, oldbrations this year, and the tsooris it’s causing time rock & roll and twangy originals at bar and club owners, right?

Jazz’d Tapas Bar, or Deep Blue 3’s 10 pm gig Well, in case you haven’t — here’s the at the Mercury Lounge made up of standeal: Because the holiday falls on a Sundards and contemporary numbers coverday this year, and Georgia is one of the last ing the Delta, Chicago and Texas strains of states in the U.S. with so-called “Blue Laws” electric blues. Bottles & Cans offer up their on the books banning alcohol sales on the unique blend of psychedelic swing, jump Christian saband garage-band boogie at The bath, you’ve got Mansion on Forsyth Park at 9 to be a bonapm. fide restaurant On the funk tip, The Savanto pour any beer, nah Soul Project (formerly wine or cocktails known as Red Eye Jedi) lays to help ring in down a horn-enhanced groove 2007. at Murphy’s Law Public House That means on Congress St. near City most pubs, tavMarket, while A Nickel Bag erns, music clubs, of Funk plays plenty of choice etc... can’t legally old-school hits at Broughton Liquid Ginger open their doors St.’s Tantra Lounge. on December 31 “World Famous” DJ Sam Diamond this year, which is putting no small crimp in will spin popular hits at Doubles in the their bottom lines. midtown Holiday Inn, while fans of serious As of press time, a compromise was in electronica should gravitate to Il Pasticcio’s the works, which might allow them to be Luna Lounge for a 2-level dance party feaopen from exactly one minute after midturing a gaggle of turntablists, including night on January 1 till 3:30 am (rather than DJB, Terry Thurston, RelaxedAction, DJ the usual 3 am), but that’s an awful lot of Poison Ivy, N:03, Hamrick and Nick J. hassle to go through for a few hours’ worth Popular local modern rockers Liquid of sales.

Ginger mix covers and originals for the 3rd Still, there’s no shortage of live musical year in a row at the Desoto Hilton from 9 pm entertainment being offered around town on, while Tybee Island’s Christy Alan Band this year, and while the following is by no plays rock, soul and pop covers at Fannie’s on means a definitive list, it does include all The Beach. Roots-rockers The Train Wrecks the events we’d been made aware of by our offer twangy Americana at The Warehouse editorial deadlines. on River Street, and versatile roadhouse covHopefully there’s a little something here er band High Velocity tears it up at Spanky’s for everyone. Reservations are recomin Pooler. mended (if not required) for most of Country fans can these shows, so the sooner you pursue the choose between The one that speaks the most to you, the better Courtenay Brothers your chance of scoring entry.

Band at the Knights of Please remember — even if you Columbus Hall downchoose not to imbibe this weekend, be town on the corner of most careful on the roads. If you do drink, Liberty and Drayton Sts., make sure you give your keys to someone and the recently reunited sober, or better yet, call a cab. That’s what Kim Calhoun & Friends they’re there for, and I’m sure with gas at Pt. Wentworth’s Seagrill prices the way they are, every taxi driver Christian Tamburr (at 7:30 pm). in the greater Savannah area could If you’re looking for use the business... acoustic music, Celtic Now, if you’re looking for a cool troubadour Harry O’Donoghue will bet at night of jazz, Savannah’s newest jazz club, Kevin Barry’s on River St. with his guitar and Kokopelli’s on Broughton St. has a great bodhran, and the traditional folk duo of Bob lineup of buzzworthy vibraphonist Chris& Judy Williams serenade the Southside Biltian Tamburr’s Quartet, featuring their liards Club from 9 pm on. special guests local trumpet prodigy Alex And finally, for those who just can’t Nguyen and James Brown’s legendary choose a genre, Randy “Hatman” Smith trombonist Fred Wesley! The sets start at plays a mix of beach, boogie and blues at 7 pm.

Stingray’s on Tybee, while the Hyatt Regency Guitar Bar has local jazz bassist Carlos presents Atlanta Sound, an 8-piece show Rivera & Friends at 10 pm, and The Jazz band with a bizarrely inclusive setlist ranging Corner supper club on Hilton Head welfrom Miles Davis to Rascal Flatts! w comes The Noel Friedline Quintet for two seatings, at 5 pm, and again at 8:30 pm.

Blues fans can choose between The Jeff

_____

vibes|Music

Menu

21

by Jim Reed

A Nickel Bag of Funk

Fronted by the sultry vocal powerhouse Leslie Gadson, this noteworthy local R & B/ funk/soul cover act plays fast and loose with the arrangements of sexy, danceable hits and obscurities from the ‘60s forward. Sat. - Sun., 9:30 pm, Tantra Lounge.

BC & The Rock Mob

Rock, and blues covers and originals, fronted by local guitarist Buddy Corns. Fri. - Sat., 10:30 pm, Bayou Café.

The Jeff Beasley Band

Classic and Southern rock, and country covers. Wed., Fri. & Sat., 9 pm, Gilley’s (Hinesville) + Sun., 8 pm, Spanky’s (Pooler).

Bill Hodgson

Singing guitarist offering his own interpretations of a wide variety of popular rock, soul and country covers. Sat., 10 pm, The Islander (Wilmington Isl.).

The Billy Hoffman Quartet

One of the best local bop jazz combos, led by a standout trap drummer. Thurs., 8 pm, Mansion on Forsyth Park.

Listen 2 Three

Promising young, freshly-scrubbed guitar pop trio (with plenty of vocal harmonies) in the vein of the DMB or early John Mayer.

Fri., 8 pm, Tubby’s (Thunderbolt).

Lurid Miscreants

Bottles & Cans

Area metal/hard Energetic and rock power trio feaunpredictable turing “Ragman” Delta-style electric of the Christy Alan blues and psycheBand. Thurs., 10 pm, delic garage-rock Wind Rose Café. combo (with occasional detours into Harry old-school country and the odd reggae O’Donoghue number) led by Beloved acoustic singing guitarist Irish troubadour (and Ray Lundy. Fri., 10 host of the popular Harry O’Donoghue pm, Mercury Lounge GPB radio show The + Sat., 8 pm, The Green Island) who’s Warehouse + Sun., 8 pm, Mansion on Forsyth been a favorite at this longtime pub on River Park.

St. for 2 decades. Wed. - Sun., Kevin Barry’s.

Chaos, Inc.

Young local acid rock-based jam-band, known for extended improvisational detours.

Sat., 10:30 pm, Guitar Bar.

Courtenay Brothers Band

Modern and classic country, Southern rock and party tunes from a well-liked group led by singing, guitar-playing siblings from a musical family. Thurs., 10 pm, Wild Wing Café + Sun., Knights of Columbus Hall (Liberty St.).

The Dope Sandwich

Locally-based hip-hop collective, mixing rap, funk and R & B. Fri., 10 pm, Tantra Lounge.

Deep Blue 3

Rock solid local electric blues trio with a varied setlist. Fri., 8 pm, The Warehouse + Sat. - Sun., 10 pm, Mercury Lounge.

Johnny Fever & the Frantics Loud, fast, sloppy and raucous oldschool punk/hardcore from Columbia, S.C., with new regional teen hardcore act No Comply. Thurs., 8 pm, Metro Coffee House - ALL-AGES.

G.E. Perry & Strange Brew

Blues (and blues-rock) covers, led by a noted local guitarist and singer. Sat., 10 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House (Southside).Phan-

tom Wingo

Hard-hitting Southern soul-drenched blues jam act noted for fiery guitar soloing and an agile rhythm section. Thurs., 10 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House (Southside).

The Angela Roberts Quartet Acclaimed Fl. jazz outfit led by the impressive vocalist Roberts. Fri. - Sat., 9 pm, Kokopelli’s Jazz Club.

Silver Lining

Local jazz trio (originals & covers) with female vocals. Fri., 9 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar + Sat., 9 pm, Mansion on Forsyth Park.

Slick Nickel

Southern rock and country covers. Fri. Sat., 9 pm, Red Leg Saloon (formerly the Silver Dollar Bar & Grill, Hwy 204).

Randy ‘Hatman’ Smith

Acoustic guitarist playing beach, boogie and blues tunes to sequenced backing. Wed., 5 pm, Dolphin Reef Lounge (Tybee) + Fri. Sat., 7 pm, Stingray’s (Tybee). w

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

Old-time rock & roll covers, blues standards, and originals from a local singer/guitarist who spent time in Nashville and is now backed by a cast of veteran local players. Fri., 9 pm, Mansion on Forsyth Park + Sun., 9 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar + Mon., 7:30 pm, Murphy’s Law (solo).

High Velocity

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

22

vibes|Connect

Recommends

by Jim Reed

Eat Mo’ Music

One of the more unique jazz combos in the area, this quintet leans heavily on the funky, jam-based grooves of the soul jazz movement of the ‘60s. While technical metal guitarist Bart Zipperer (formerly of wellknown local rock cover bands Shut Up & Drive and The Six Million Dollar Band) seemed at first to be an odd addition to the band’s original lineup (which still includes trumpeter/band leader John Tisbert and bassist Doug Povie, among others), he’s proven to be a great asset — helping to move the band away from a Grant Green-style bag into some strange cross between Kenny Burrell Right: and Cream. If you dig your Jucifier instrumental jazz with a Bottom: backbeat you can dance to, The Lost and this is the local act for you.

Found Sat., 9 pm, Jazz’d Tapas Bar.

Jucifer, Polemic

Named one of the Top 100 Bands To Watch in 2004 by Alternative Press, this “louder than bombs” Athens, Ga. duo of vocalist/guitarist Amber Valentine and drummer Ed Livengood is known far and wide for a brainnumbing wall of sound that often includes more than a dozen massive speaker cabinets and a trap set that’s approximately the size of the Winnebago they reside in on a neverending tour that demanded they sell their home to live the life. Part doom rock, part metalcore, part sicky-sweet sugarpop, they veer jarringly from cathartic explosions of low-end rumble to whisper-quiet interludes that act like eyes of a rock hurricane. Wear earplugs and eat lightly before this show. Formed over half a decade ago, fellow Athenians Polemic offer up unhinged, sadistic, Sonic Youth-esque aural mayhem that gives a polite nod to melody and verse-chorus-verse songwriting, but is ultimately more concerned with overthe-top ranting and washed-out, distorted fuzzback. Imagine the angular herk-and-jerk of Pavement crossed with the angst-ridden Portuguese/German Rrriot Grrrl attack of Suspiria Franklyn’s Les Baton Rouge, and you’ll come close to the noise this tough-toswallow (and aptly named) female-fronted trio creates. Fri., 11 pm, The Jinx.

The Lost and Found

One of the most respected and recognized names in the bluegrass world, this internationally-known group has helped popularized this American music form for more than 30 years. Despite a few lineup changes over the intervening years, the group has maintained its high standards of both musicianship and vocal skills, and founding members Allen Mills and Dempsey Young are still on board to keep the whole thing true to the original spirit of the band. Their latest albums have been released on the legendary Rebel Records label, home to country and

bluegrass icon Dr. Ralph Stanley and His Clinch Mountain Boys. This intimate show takes place at famed luthier Randy Wood’s 100-seat family oriented (no smoking or alcohol) venue just minutes from town near the Mighty 8th Air Force History Museum.

Call 748-1930 for advance $20 tickets. Fri., 7:30 pm, Randy Wood’s Concert Hall (1304 E. Hwy 80, Bloomingdale) - ALL-AGES.

Paul Reeves

This Savannah native relocated to Atlanta a while back in the hopes of furthering his musical career, so any time he returns to town, it’s a chance not only for family and friends to see how his artistry has evolved, but for new listeners to pick up on his work as well. The son of an established local musician, Reeves’ interests shifted from basketball to songwriting while in college, and he has thrown himself into a budding music career with a passion that is fueled in part by his devout faith in God. With an earnest, contemporary acoustic folk-rock style that’s both poppy and serious, it’s easy to liken Reeves’ output to those of other, more established artists of a similar bent: i.e., Howie Day, David Gray and James Blunt. His tunes deal with both secular and spiritual subject matter, and he gigs in both bars and churches.

His latest indie CD features contributions from sidemen known for working with other atmospheric, textured indie rock and folk artists, such as Matt Wertz. Thurs., 8 pm, Tubby’s (Thunderbolt). w

vibes|Soundboard

23

compiled by Jim Reed

®

Soundboard NOTE: Clubs, if you have live music and want to be listed for free in Soundboard or Music Menu, just mail, fax, or email your lineup to us BY NOON ON WEDNESDAY for inclusion in our next issue.

Please enclose publicity photos and band bios as well.

Address: Connect Savannah, Inc., 1800 E. Victory Drive, Suite 7, Savannah, GA 31404 Fax: (912)231-9932 Email: jim.r@connectsavannah.com

All Bands Scheduled Are Subject To Change

WEDNESDAY

DECEMBER 27TH

AJ’S DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT (Tybee)- Joey Manning

(7 pm)

Brad (10 pm)

BAHAMA BOB’S (Pooler)- Karaoke BAYOU CAFÉ (upstairs)- Chief (9 pm) BERNIE’S ON RIVER ST.- The Blend (9 pm) BILLY’S PLACE (above MCDONOUGH’S) - Lafeyette CHEERS TO YOU (135 Johnny Mercer Blvd.)- Karaoke

(8 pm)

CLUB ONE- #@*! Karaoke COBBLESTONE CONCH HOUSE (225 W. River St.)-

Annie Allman & Friends (5 pm)

CREEKSIDE CAFÉ (Wilmington Isl.)- Live Music TBA

(7 pm)

DOLPHIN REEF LOUNGE (Tybee)- The Hitmen (5

pm)

DOUBLES (Holiday Inn Midtown)- DJ Sam Diamond

(Savannah Shag Club)

DRIFTAWAY CAFÉ (Sandfly)- Chuck & Bucky (7 pm) FIDDLER’S CRAB HOUSE (River St.)- Live Music

TBA (9 pm)

FIDDLER’S CRAB HOUSE (Southside)- Live Music

TBA (6 pm)

GILLEY’S (Hinesville)- High Velocity (9 pm) GUITAR BAR- Open Mic Night (10 pm) THE JAZZ CORNER (Hilton Head)- The Earl

Williams Quartet (8 pm) JAZZ’D TAPAS BAR- Greg Snyder (7 pm) THE JINX- Rock & Roll Bingo w/DJ Boo-Cock-Eye (11 pm) KEVIN BARRY’S- Harry O’Donoghue KING’S INN- Karaoke (9 pm) THE ISLANDER (Wilmington Isl.)- Open Mic Night (9:30 pm) LOCOS DELI & PUB (Downtown)- Team Trivia w/ Ben Bennett & Senae (7 pm) MANSION ON FORSYTH PARK- Pianist David Duckworth (7 pm) MARY’S SEAFOOD & STEAKHOUSE- Barry Johnson MCDONOUGH’S- Karaoke MERCURY LOUNGE- The Eric Culberson Blues Band (10 pm) MURPHY’S LAW IRISH PUB- Celtic Karaoke (9 pm) ONE HOT MAMA’S BBQ (Bluffton)- Live Music TBA (8:30 pm) PLANTER’S TAVERN (OLDE PINK HOUSE)- Gail Thurmond RIDERS LOUNGE (Hilton Head)- Martin Lesch Band (11 pm) SAVANNAH BLUES- Live Music TBA (10 pm) SAVANNAH DOWN UNDER- DJ Blue Ice (Hip-hop, Reggae, Top 40, R & B) SAVANNAH SMILES- Dueling Pianos SAVANNAH THEATRE- Jukebox Journey (8 pm) SLUGGERS- 5 Point Productions’ Karaoke (10 pm) STINGRAY’S (Tybee)- Eddie Mercer (8 pm) TANTRA LOUNGE (formerly The Monkey Bar)- Live DJ (10:30 pm)

pm)

TUBBY’S (Thunderbolt)- Live Music TBA (7 pm) THE WAREHOUSE- Thomas Claxton (7 pm)

THURSDAY

DECEMBER 28TH

AUGIE’S PUB (Richmond Hill)- Live Music TBA (7

pm)

B & D BURGERS (Southside)- Live Music TBA (10

pm)

BAJA CANTINA (The Landings)- Live Music TBA (7

pm)

BAYOU CAFÉ (upstairs)- Chief (9 pm) BARNES & NOBLE (Oglethorpe Mall)- Open Mic (8

pm)

BAY STREET BLUES- Open Mic Night w/Tim BENNIE’S (Tybee)- Karaoke w/DJ Levis (9:30 pm) BERNIE’S ON RIVER STREET- Karaoke (9 pm) BLAINE’S BACK DOOR BAR- #@*! Karaoke CHUCK’S BAR- #@*! Karaoke (10 pm) CLUB ICE- Jordon (10:30 pm) CLUB ONE- Industrial Resurrection w/DJ Shrapnel

(10 pm)

COBBLESTONE CONCH HOUSE (225 W. River St.)-

Annie Allman & Friends (5 pm)

CREEKSIDE CAFÉ (Wilmington Isl.)- Live Music TBA

(6 pm)

CREOLE RED- Jude Michaels (8 pm) DAIQUIRI BEACH- Karaoke (10 pm) DOC’S BAR (Tybee)- Live Music TBA FANNIE’S ON THE BEACH (Tybee)- Live Music TBA

(7 pm)

FIDDLER’S CRAB HOUSE (River St.)- Live Music

TBA (9 pm)

FIDDLER’S CRAB HOUSE (Southside)- G.E. Perry

w/James Gay (5 pm), Phantom Wingo (10 pm) GILLEY’S (Hinesville)- Live Music TBA (9 pm) THE GRILL BEACHSIDE (Tybee)- Live Music TBA (7 pm) THE ISLAND GRILL (Pt. Wentworth)- Buddy Corns (7 pm) THE JAZZ CORNER (Hilton Head)- The Bobby Ryder Quartet (8 pm) JAZZ’D TAPAS BAR- Trae Gurley (7 pm) JEN’S & FRIENDS- Live Music TBA (9 pm) THE JINX- Dance Party w/DJ D-Frost & Friends (10 pm) KEVIN BARRY’S- Harry O’Donoghue LOCOS DELI & PUB (Southside)- Team Trivia Tournament MANSION ON FORSYTH PARK- Pianist David Duckworth (5 pm), The Billy Hoffman Quartet (8 pm) MARY’S SEAFOOD & STEAKHOUSE- Nancy Witt MCDONOUGH’S- Karaoke MERCURY LOUNGE- The Hitmen (10 pm) continued on page 24

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

B & D BURGERS (Southside)- Trivia w/Artie &

TOMMY’S (Pooler)- Karaoke w/Jeff & Rebecca TROPICANA NIGHTCLUB- Karaoke w/Michael (10

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

24

vibes|Soundboard

METRO COFFEE HOUSE- Johnny Fever & the

Frantics, No Comply (8 pm) MOON RIVER BREWING CO.- Live Music TBA (8:30 pm) MURPHY’S LAW IRISH PUB- Live Music TBA (8 pm) MYRTLE’S BAR & GRILL (Bluffton)- J. Howard Duff (7:30 pm) PLANTER’S TAVERN (OLDE PINK HOUSE)- Gail Thurmond POGY’S BAR & GRILL (Richmond Hill)- Live Music TBA QUEENY’S TO GO-GO (Habersham & 33rd Sts.)- Live Music TBA (6 pm) THE RAIL PUB- “Helium Karaoke” w/Wrath Nasty RIDERS LOUNGE (Hilton Head)- Live Music TBA (8 pm) SAVANNAH BLUES- Live Music TBA (10 pm) SAVANNAH DOWN UNDER- DJ Blue Ice (Hip-hop, Reggae, Top 40, R & B) SAVANNAH DOWN UNDER INVASION LEVEL 3- DJ Nick J - ‘80s, house, breaks, D & B (10 pm) SAVANNAH SMILES- Dueling Pianos (8 pm) SAVANNAH THEATRE- Jukebox Journey (8 pm) SLUGGERS- Trivia w/Charles & Mikey (10 pm) SPANKY’S (River St.)- Live Music TBA (8 pm) STEAMER’S (Georgetown)- Eddie Foster (9 pm) TANTRA LOUNGE (formerly The Monkey Bar)- ‘80s Night w/DJ Optical (10 pm) TOMMY’S (Pooler)- Karaoke w/Jeff & Rebecca TROPICANA NIGHTCLUB- DJ Southstar spins Top 40 (10 pm) TUBBY’S (River St.)- Live Music TBA (6 pm) TUBBY’S (Thunderbolt)- Paul Reeves (8 pm) UNCLE BUBBA’S OYSTER HOUSE- Live Music TBA (7 pm) VENUS DE MILO- DJ Baby V spins Old Skool (9 pm) WILD WING CAFÉ- The Courtenay Brothers Band (10 pm) WIND ROSE CAFÉ (Tybee)- Lurid Miscreants (10 pm)

FRIDAY

DECEMBER 29TH

AJ’S DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT (Tybee)- Live Music

TBA (7 pm)

AMERICAN LEGION POST #36 (Thunderbolt)-

Karaoke

AUGIE’S PUB (Richmond Hill)- Live Music TBA

(8:30 pm)

B & D BURGERS (Southside)- Live Music TBA (9

pm)

continued from page 23

BAJA CANTINA (The Landings)- Live Music TBA (7

pm)

BAY STREET BLUES- Karaoke BAYOU CAFÉ- Thomas Claxton (9 pm), Live Music

TBA (10:30 pm)

BENNIE’S (Tybee)- Karaoke w/DJ Levis (9:30 pm) BERNIE’S ON RIVER STREET- Karaoke (9 pm) BILLY’S PLACE (above MCDONOUGH’S) - Nancy

Witt

CAPTAIN’S LOUNGE- #@*! Karaoke CLUB ICE- DJ Southstar: Hip-hop (10 pm - 6 am) CLUB ONE- Local Cast, DJ Jason Hancock (Main

Floor)

COBBLESTONE CONCH HOUSE (225 W. River St.)-

Annie Allman & Friends (5 pm) CREOLE RED- Jude Michaels (8 pm) CRYSTAL BEER PARLOR- The Beer Parlor Ramblers (7:30 pm) DAQUIRI ISLAND (Abercorn)- Karaoke DOC’S BAR (Tybee)- Live Music TBA DOUBLES (Holiday Inn Midtown)- “World Famous” DJ Sam Diamond DRIFTAWAY CAFÉ (Sandfly)- Live Music TBA (7 pm) EL PICASSO (319 Main St., Garden City)Karaoke (8 pm) EL POTRO (13051 Abercorn St.)- Karaoke (9 pm) FANNIE’S ON THE BEACH (Tybee)- Live Music TBA (9 pm) FIDDLER’S CRAB HOUSE (River St.)- Live Music TBA (9 pm) 514 WEST (514 MLK, Jr. Blvd.)- Kim Polote & David Duckworth (12 pm & 6:30 pm) FRIENDLY’S TAVERN 2- #@*! Karaoke GILLEY’S (Hinesville)- High Velocity (9 pm) HUC-A-POOS (Tybee)- Live Music TBA (9 pm) THE JAZZ CORNER (Hilton Head)- Lavon Stevens & Louise Spencer (8 pm) JAZZ’D TAPAS BAR- Silver Lining (9 pm) JEN’S & FRIENDS- Live Music TBA (10 pm) THE JINX- Jucifer, Polemic (11 pm) JUKEBOX BAR & GRILL (Richmond Hill)- Live Music TBA (9 pm) KEVIN BARRY’S- Harry O’Donoghue KING’S INN- Karaoke (9 pm) KOKOPELLI’S JAZZ (107 W. Broughton St.)- The

Angela Roberts Quartet (9 pm)

LOCOS DELI & PUB (Downtown)- Live Music

TBA(10 pm)

LUNA LOUNGE @ IL PASTICCIO- Bluesonics (9:30

pm)

MANSION ON FORSYTH PARK- Pianist Peter Tavalin

(5 pm), The Jeff Beasley Band (9 pm)

vibes|Soundboard

25

MARY’S SEAFOOD & STEAKS- Eddie Mercer (8

pm)

MCDONOUGH’S- Karaoke MERCURY LOUNGE- Bottles & Cans (10 pm) MOLLY MACPHERSON’S SCOTTISH PUB- Live Music

TBA (10 pm)

MULBERRY INN- The Champagne Jazz Trio (8

pm)

MURPHY’S LAW IRISH PUB- Live Music TBA (9

pm)

ONE HOT MAMA’S (Bluffton)- Live Music TBA

(9:30 pm)

PLANTER’S TAVERN (OLDE PINK HOUSE)- Gail

Thurmond

POGY’S BAR & GRILL (Richmond Hill)- Live Music

TBA (8 pm)

THE POINT (Beaufort)- Souls Harbor (8 pm) RANDY WOOD’S CONCERT HALL (Bloomingdale)-

The Lost and Found (7:30 pm)

RED LEG SALOON (formerly The Silver Dollar Café, Hwy 204)- Slick Nickel (9 pm) RIDERS LOUNGE (Hilton Head)- Live Music TBA

(11 pm)

SAVANNAH BLUES- Live Music TBA (10 pm) SAVANNAH DOWN UNDER INVASION LEVEL 3- DJ

UNCLE BUBBA’S OYSTER HOUSE (Wilmington Island)- Live Music TBA (7 pm) VENUS DI MILO- DJ Maybe, DJ Aerochron &

Friends (9 pm)

VFW CLUB (Hinesville)- Live Music TBA (9 pm) VIC’S ON THE RIVER- Live Music TBA (7 pm) THE WAREHOUSE- The Train Wrecks (8 pm) WAYS STATION TAVERN (Richmond Hill)- Karaoke

(9 pm)

WET WILLIE’S- Live DJ (8 pm) WILD WING CAFÉ- Live Music TBA (10 pm) YONG’S COUNTRY CLUB (formerly The Music Box)-

Live Music TBA (9 pm)

SATURDAY

DECEMBER 30TH

AJ’S DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT (Tybee)- Joey

Manning (7 pm)

AUGIE’S PUB (Richmond Hill)- Live Music TBA

(9 pm)

BAJA CANTINA (The Landings)- Live Music TBA

(7 pm)

BAYOU CAFÉ- Thomas Claxton (9 pm), Live

Music TBA (10:30 pm) BAY STREET BLUES- Karaoke BENNY’S (Tybee)- Karaoke w/DJ Levis BERNIE’S ON RIVER STREET- Karaoke (9 pm) BILLY’S PLACE (above MCDONOUGH’S)- The Eddie Wilson Trio THE BRITANNIA (Wilmington Isl.)- Live Music TBA (9:30 pm) THE CALEDONIAN- Live Music TBA (9 pm) CAPTAIN’S LOUNGE- #@*! Karaoke CHUCK’S BAR- #@*! Karaoke CITY MARKET COURTYARD- Live Music TBA (2 pm) CLUB ONE- DJ Jason Hancock spins Progressive House (10 pm) THE CREEKSIDE CAFÉ (Wilmington Isl.)- Live Music TBA (7 pm) continued on page 26

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

Analog Kid (10 pm) SAVANNAH SMILES- Dueling Pianos (8 pm) SAVANNAH THEATRE- Jukebox Journey (8 pm) SCANDALS (Tybee)- Live Music TBA (9:30 pm) SPANKY’S (River St.)- Karaoke (9 pm) STEAMERS (Georgetown)- Live Music TBA (9 pm) STINGRAY’S (Tybee)- Randy “Hatman” Smith (7 pm) TANTRA LOUNGE (formerly The Monkey Bar)- The Dope Sandwich (11 pm) TOMMY’S (Pooler)- Live Music TBA (9 pm) TUBBY’S (River St.)- Live Music TBA (7 pm) TUBBY’S (Thunderbolt)- Listen 2 Three (8 pm)

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

26 CREOLE RED- Jude Michaels (8 pm) DAQUIRI ISLAND (Abercorn)- Karaoke DC2 DESIGN (104 W. Broughton St.)- DJ Kiah (10

pm)

DEB’S PUB & GRUB- #@*! Karaoke (9 pm) DOC’S BAR (Tybee)- Live Music TBA DOUBLES (Holiday Inn Midtown)- “World Famous”

DJ Sam Diamond

DRIFTAWAY CAFÉ (Sandfly)- Live Music TBA (7

pm)

FANNIE’S ON THE BEACH (Tybee)- The Christy

Alan Band (9 pm)

FIDDLER’S CRAB HOUSE (River St.)- Live Music

TBA (9 pm)

FIDDLER’S CRAB HOUSE (Southside)- G.E. Perry &

Strange Brew (10 pm)

514 WEST (514 MLK, Jr. Blvd.)- Kim Polote w/David & Alisha Duckworth (7 pm) FRENCH QUARTER CAFÉ (Statesboro)- Uncle Dank (9 pm) GILLEY’S (Hinesville)- High Velocity (9 pm) GUITAR BAR- Chaos, Inc. (10:30 pm) THE ISLAND GRILL (Pt. Wentworth)- Live Music

TBA

THE ISLANDER (Wilmington Isl.)- Bill Hodgson

(10 pm)

THE JAZZ CORNER (Hilton Head)- Lavon Stevens &

Louise Spencer (8 pm) JAZZ’D TAPAS BAR- Eat Mo’ Music (9 pm) THE JINX- New Year’s Dance Party w/3 Live DJs (10 pm) KEVIN BARRY’S- Harry O’Donoghue KOKOPELLI’S JAZZ (107 W. Broughton St.)- The

Angela Roberts Quartet (9 pm)

LOCOS DELI & PUB (Downtown)- Live Music TBA

(10 pm)

LUNA LOUNGE @ IL PASTICCIO- DJB & Terry

Thurston (9:30 pm)

MANSION ON FORSYTH PARK- Pianist Eric Jones (5

pm), Silver Lining (9 pm)

MARY’S SEAFOOD & STEAKS- Bucky & Barry (8

pm)

MCDONOUGH’S- Karaoke MERCURY LOUNGE- Deep Blue 3 (10 pm) MOLLY MACPHERSON’S SCOTTISH PUB- Live Music

TBA (10 pm)

MOON RIVER BREWING CO.- Live Music TBA (8

pm)

MULBERRY INN- The Champagne Jazz Trio (8

pm)

PLANTER’S TAVERN (OLDE PINK HOUSE)- Gail

Thurmond

POGY’S BAR & GRILL (Richmond Hill)- Live Music

TBA (9 pm)

THE POINT (Beaufort)- Souls Harbor (10 pm) RED LEG SALOON (formerly The Silver Dollar Café, Hwy 204)- Slick Nickel (9 pm) RIDERS LOUNGE (Hilton Head)- Live Music TBA

(8 pm)

SAVANNAH BLUES- Live Music TBA (10 pm) SAVANNAH DOWN UNDER- DJ Blue Ice & Tropical

Thunder (10 pm)

SAVANNAH SMILES- Dueling Pianos (8 pm) SAVANNAH THEATRE- Jukebox Journey (8 pm) SCANDALS (Tybee)- Live Music TBA (9:30 pm) THE SEA GRILL (Pt. Wentworth)- Live Music TBA

(8 pm)

SORRY CHARLIE’S- Live Music TBA (3 pm) SPANKY’S (River St.)- Live Music TBA (10 pm) STEAMERS (Georgetown)- Live Music TBA (9 pm) STINGRAY’S (Tybee)- Randy “Hatman” Smith (7

pm)

TANTRA LOUNGE (formerly The Monkey Bar)- A

Nickel Bag of Funk (9:30 pm) TOMMY’S (Pooler)- Live Music TBA (9 pm) TUBBY’S (River St.)- Live Music TBA (6 pm) TUBBY’S (Thunderbolt)- Live Music TBA (8 pm) UNCLE BUBBA’S OYSTER HOUSE (Wilmington Island)- Live Music TBA (7 pm) VENUS DI MILO- DJ Maytag (10:30 pm) VFW CLUB (Hinesville)- Live Music TBA (9 pm) VIC’S ON THE RIVER- Chris Chandler (7 pm) THE WAREHOUSE- Bottles & Cans (8 pm)

vibes|Soundboard WET WILLIE’S- Live DJ (8 pm) WILD WING CAFÉ- Live Music TBA (10 pm) YONG’S COUNTRY CLUB (formerly The Music Box)-

Live Music TBA (9 pm)

SUNDAY

DECEMBER 31ST

AJ’S DOCKSIDE RESTAURANT (Tybee)- Joey Manning

(7 pm)

AQUA STAR RESTAURANT (THE WESTIN)- Ben Tucker

& Bob Alberti (11:30 am)

AUGIE’S PUB (Richmond Hill)- Chief (9 pm) BAHAMA BOB’S (Pooler)- Karaoke BAYOU CAFÉ (upstairs) - Thomas Claxton (9 pm),

Christian Tamburr Quartet w/ Fred Wesley & Alex Nguyen (7 pm) LUNA LOUNGE @ IL PASTICCIO- DJB, Terry

Thurston, RelaxedAction, DJ Poison Ivy, N:03, Hamrick, Nick J (9 pm) MANSION ON FORSYTH PARK- Cellist Annalise Nelson (11 am), Bottles & Cans (8 pm) MCDONOUGH’S- Karaoke MERCURY LOUNGE- Deep Blue 3 (10 pm) MOON RIVER BREWING CO.- Live Music TBA (7 pm) MURPHY’S LAW IRISH PUB- New Year’s Bash w/ The Savannah Soul Project (11 pm) PLANTER’S TAVERN (OLDE PINK HOUSE)- Gail Thurmond THE POINT (Beaufort)- Habitual Offender (9 pm) RED LEG SALOON (formerly The Silver Dollar Café, Hwy 204)- Karaoke w/Frank Nelson (9 pm) SAVANNAH SMILES- Krazy Karaoke (8 pm) SAVANNAH THEATRE- Jukebox Journey (3 pm) SEA DAWGS (Tybee)- Live Music TBA (1 pm) THE SEAGRILL (Pt. Wentworth)- Kim Calhoun &

Friends (7:30 pm) SLUGGERS- 5 Point Productions’ Karaoke (10 pm) SOUTHSIDE BILIARDS CLUB- Bob & Judy Williams (9 pm) SPANKY’S (Pooler)- High Velocity (8 pm) STINGRAY’S (Tybee)- Randy “Hatman” Smith (7 pm) TANTRA LOUNGE (formerly The Monkey Bar)- A Nickel Bag of Funk (9:30 pm)

TUBBY’S (Thunderbolt)- Live Music TBA UNCLE BUBBA’S OYSTER HOUSE- Live Music TBA

(7 pm)

THE WAREHOUSE- The Train Wrecks (8 pm) WILD WING CAFÉ- Live Music TBA (5 pm)

MONDAY

JANUARY 1ST

BAYOU CAFÉ (upstairs)- Chief (9 pm) BLUEBERRY HILL- Karaoke THE CALEDONIAN- Live Trivia w/Artie & Brad (10

pm)

DOUBLES (Holiday Inn Midtown)- DJ spins Beach

Music

DRIFTAWAY CAFÉ (Wilmington Isl.)- Live Music TBA

(7 pm)

EXCLUSIVE (2501 Bull St.)- Karaoke (9 pm) FIDDLER’S CRAB HOUSE (River St.)- Live Music

TBA (9 pm)

THE GRILL BEACHSIDE (Tybee)- Live Music TBA

(7 pm)

THE JINX- DJ KZL’s Kaleidoscope (11 pm) KEVIN BARRY’S- Tom O’Carroll KING’S INN- Karaoke (9 pm) MARY’S SEAFOOD & STEAKS- Eddie (8 pm) MURPHY’S LAW (409 W. Congress St.)- Jeff Beasley

(7:30 pm)

PLANTER’S TAVERN (OLDE PINK HOUSE)- Live Piano

Music TBA

SAVANNAH BLUES- Live Music TBA (10 pm) SAVANNAH NIGHTS- Karaoke SCANDALS (Tybee)- DJ Marty Corley (9:30 pm) THE SENTIENT BEAN- Old-Time Music Jam Session

(7:30 pm)

TANTRA LOUNGE (formerly The Monkey Bar)- Live DJ

(10:30 pm)

WET WILLIE’S- Karaoke (9 pm)

TUESDAY

JANUARY 2ND

BAY STREET BLUES- Live Trivia BAYOU CAFÉ (upstairs) - Chief (9 pm) BILLY’S PLACE (above MCDONOUGH’S) - Live

Entertainment TBA

BLAINE’S BACK DOOR BAR- #@*! Karaoke BUFFALO’S CAFÉ (Hinesville)- Karaoke (7 pm) COASTAL COFFEE (2100 E. Victory Drive)- Poetry

Open Mic (7 pm) DAIQUIRI BEACH- BN Trivia w/Artie & Brad (10 pm) DEB’S PUB & GRUB- #@*! Karaoke (10:30 pm) DRIFTAWAY CAFÉ (Wilmington Isl.)- Live Music TBA (6 pm) FIDDLER’S CRAB HOUSE (River St.)- Live Music TBA (9 pm) GUITAR BAR- Rockin’ Karaoke w/Land of The Blind (9:30 pm) JAZZ’D TAPAS BAR- Diana Rogers (7 pm) THE JINX- Hip-Hop Night w/Late Night Freestyles & Breakdancing (10 pm) MARY’S SEAFOOD & STEAKHOUSE- Nancy Witt KEVIN BARRY’S- Tom O’Carroll * MERCURY LOUNGE- Open Mic Jam w/The Eric Culberson Blues Band PLANTER’S TAVERN (OLDE PINK HOUSE)- Gail Thurmond SAVANNAH BLUES- Open Mic w/The Hitmen (10 pm) TOMMY’S (Pooler)- Karaoke w/Jeff & Rebecca VENUS DI MILO- Open DJ Tables - bring needles & vinyl (10 pm) WET WILLIE’S- Karaoke (9 pm) WILD WING CAFÉ- Chuck Courtenay (7 pm), Open Mic (9 pm) w

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

The Bayou Blues Band (10:30 pm) BELFORD’S - Live Music TBA (6 pm) BERNIE’S (Tybee)- Karaoke w/DJ Levis (9 pm) BILLY’S PLACE (above MCDONOUGH’S) - Diana Rogers CAPTAIN’S LOUNGE- #@*! Karaoke CHA BELLA- Live Music TBA (10 pm) CITY MARKET COURTYARD- Live Music TBA (noon) DAQUIRI ISLAND (Abercorn)- Karaoke DESOTO HILTON- New Year’s Eve Bash w/Liquid Ginger (8 pm) DOC’S BAR (Tybee Island)- Live Music TBA DOUBLES (Holiday Inn Midtown)- “World Famous” DJ Sam Diamond DRIFTAWAY CAFÉ (Wilmington Isl.)- Live Music TBA (7 pm) EL POTRO (13051 Abercorn St.)- Karaoke w/ Michael (9 pm) FANNIE’S ON THE BEACH (Tybee)- The Christy Alan Band (8 pm) FIDDLER’S CRAB HOUSE (River St.)- Live Music TBA (9 pm) FIDDLER’S CRAB HOUSE (Southside)- Live Music TBA (3 pm) GUITAR BAR- Carlos Rivera & Guests (10 pm) HYATT REGENCY- G.E. Perry w/James Gay (8 pm), Atlanta Sound (8 pm) THE ISLAND GRILL (Pt. Wentworth)- Buddy Corns (5 pm) THE JAZZ CORNER (Hilton Head)- The Noel Friedline Quintet (5 pm, 8:30 pm) JAZZ’D TAPAS BAR- The Jeff Beasley Band KEVIN BARRY’S- Harry O’Donoghue KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS HALL (Bull & Liberty Sts.)The Courtenay Brothers Band KOKOPELLI’S JAZZ (107 W. Broughton St.)- The

27

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

28

film|Now

Showing

Dreamgirls 

by Matt Brunson

Jennifer Hudson couldn’t even make it to the top on American Idol -- what could she possibly bring to the big screen? If Dreamgirls is any indication, plenty. Delivering a knockout performance that all but dares the Academy to ignore her for a Best Supporting Actress nomination, Hudson is a revelation in the role of Effie, the lead singer for the R&B outfit the Dreamettes who’s relegated to backup vocals once savvy yet sleazy manager Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx) decides that the noticeably thinner Deena (Beyonce Knowles) would better help the Supremes-like group hit it big (the third member, well-played by Anika Noni Rose, is content to remain in backup mode).

On the narrative level, this adaptation of the Broadway smash is only too happy to wallow in its show biz clichés, content to let other ingredients (the music, the acting) carry it along.

Yet Lewis is so powerful that the film suffers whenever we’re left with just Beyonce or Foxx. Luckily, Eddie Murphy is on hand providing some prickly tension as fading star James “Early” Thunder, while writer-director Bill Condon stages the musical numbers for maximum impact. But it’s Hudson who owns Dreamgirls; her delivery of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” is worth a standing ovation -- or at least a recount on American Idol -- all by itself.

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son Jaden (a confidant and relaxed actor) cuts through all pretensions (even the instant happy ending) and allows The Pursuit of Happyness to earn at least some of its tears.

Charlotte’s Web 1/2

This is the new live-action treatment of E.B. White’s beloved children’s book, but there’s already been a dazzling screen version of this tale. No, I don’t mean the 1973 Hanna-Barbera animated take, best remembered today for Paul Lynde’s appropriately snarky work as Templeton the rat. Instead, I refer to the 1995 feature Babe. OK, so it wasn’t based on White’s book, but with its story centering around a cute little pig learning about farm life, it shares the same sense of magic and wonderment: As with the book Charlotte’s Web, the movie Babe convinced us that we were witnessing a classic come to life The Good Shepherd right before our very eyes. This new A fictionalized look at the creation of the Central Intelligence Agency, this is an unlikely candidate to enjoy a screen version of Charlotte’s Web is wide release during Christmas week. It’s methodical in its style and intelligent in its execution, which in some circles mostly faithful to its source material will translate as dull, slow-moving and impenetrable -- hardly words anyone wants to hear during the hustle and (though some expected -- and tirebustle of the cheery Yuletide season. Yet patient viewers will find much to appreciate in this chilly yet absorbing dra- some -- flatulence gags have been ma, which takes the cherished ideal of patriotism and turns it on its head. On the heels of The Departed, Matt Daadded), but because Gary Winick’s mon delivers another bold performance that seeks no audience empathy -- here, he’s cast as Edward Wilson, whose direction rarely rises above the level role as one of the founders of the CIA finds him over the course of several decades having to contend with all man- of competent, and because Babe ner of Cold War shenanigans, including the presence of a mole within his own agency. Directed with a fine attention has already perfected the talkingto detail by Robert De Niro (who also appears in a key supporting role), The Good Shepherd repeatedly runs the risk animal feat via its Oscar-winning of losing viewers with its flashback-laden structure drafted by scripter Eric Roth. But the strength of the film rests in effects, the end result is pleasant its clear-eyed vision of Edward Wilson, whose fierce devotion to his country in turn strips him of his humanity and but not much more than that. As reduces him to a suspicious and paranoid cypher, an American too busy fighting unseen enemies to enjoy the free- the voice of Charlotte, the spider doms and privileges that his nation provides for him. who befriends Wilbur the pig and The Pursuit of plots to save him from the slaughand 2) the picture is skilled enough to generby a car; he has to then lose one of his shoes Happyness terhouse, Julia Roberts is suitably soothing, ate some genuine pathos to go along with the in the accident and limp to work with one Anyone who’s seen the trailer knows that while Steve Buscemi provides the proper more calculated melodramatics.

This is based foot clothed only in a sock. How much of the movie has only two things on its mind: measure of ego and arrogance as Templeton. on the true story of Chris Gardner, a failed this is factual is unclear -- it’s anybody’s guess 1) Win Will Smith an Oscar and 2) drive up The supporting voice actors, including Oprah salesman in the 1980s who tries to raise his whether screenwriter Steven Conrad is layKleenex profits by unleashing a flood of sobWinfrey as a goose and horse whisperer Robson (Jaden Christopher Syre Smith) even as ing it on this thick for audience members or worthy moments. Whether it succeeds in ert Redford as a horse, tend to get lost in the he descends further into poverty. Chris can’t whether God had indeed laid it on this thick achieving either goal remains to be seen, but occasional frenzy of the tale, which on screen turn around without something bad happenfor the real Chris Gardner -- but the mov1) Will Smith does indeed turn in a strong works better in the more mature passages ing to him -- it’s not enough that he’s struck ing and sincere work by Will and his real-life performance (though hardly the year’s best)





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(e.g. Charlotte explaining the cycle of life to Wilbur) than those focusing on slapdash antics.

We Are Marshall 1/2

Rocky Balboa 

Critics generally haven’t been kind to Sylvester Stallone, but even the crustiest of reviewers might feel a protective twinge when faced with the spectacle that is Rocky Balboa.

Stallone’s career has been over for years, yet here’s the big lug, now 60, returning to the role that made him a star three decades ago.

That there’s now a sixth Rocky movie, coming 16 years after Rocky V, is perhaps the ultimate in both money-grubbing and star groveling, yet because Stallone so obviously loves this great character he created, it’s hard to get worked up in a fury of righteous indignation. My only regret is that Rocky Balboa isn’t a better film. It has some nice touches, particularly in the way it draws upon memories of previous installments, and Stallone is never more human as an actor than when he’s essaying this role. But the movie spends too much time in idle and not enough in overdrive, and what should be the central storyline -- Rocky comes out of retirement to fight an undefeated champion (Antonio Tarver) half his age -- only takes shape once the picture’s nearly over.

Night At the Museum 

This film plays with fire by employing the services of three overexposed actors -- Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson and Robin Williams (only Will Ferrell is missing) -- and potentially allowing them to run rampant through an overstuffed fantasy yarn. Mercifully, though, Stiller is muted, Williams is similarly restrained, and Wilson... well, Wilson is still pretty annoying (two out of three ain’t

bad). Stiller plays Larry Daley, the new night watchman at a museum where the exhibits come to life after the venue closes for the day.

The benevolent Teddy Roosevelt (Williams) is helpful to have around, but Larry has his hands full evading Attila the Hun, dealing with a mischievous monkey, and settling squabbles between a miniature cowboy (Wilson) and an equally diminutive Roman commander (Steve Coogan). A clever premise (adapted from a children’s book) is hampered by lackluster scripting and directing, though Ricky Gervais provides some choice comic moments as the supercilious museum head.

If nothing else, this should command the attention of kids who have grown tired of having their pictures taken with Santa.

Eragon 

This draggy dragon yarn bored me silly, but I imagine it might appeal to folks who have never before seen a fantasy flick. The movie is based on the wildly popular book written by Christopher Paolini when he was a mere lad of 15. It was a huge success among most, though not all, teen readers (my 15-year-old daughter, herself weaned on fantasy, thought it was tripe), and if the movie is faithful to its source material, then the lawsuit-happy George Lucas corporation has grounds to sue for plagiarism. Let’s see, a naive farmboy decides to take on an evil empire (more so after his harmless uncle is murdered by soldiers seeking the boy) with the help of a wisdom-spouting mentor and a devil-may-care maverick. Oh, and he also has to rescue a beautiful princess from the clutches of an evil ruler and his supernaturally endowed enforcer. The key difference is that instead of a lightsaber, the lad comes equipped with his very own dragon -- and there’s no Death Star in sight, just a deadly star in the form of lead Ed Speleers.

As Eragon Skywalker, newcomer Speleers is about as charismatic as a comatose possum, and even capable actors like Jeremy Irons (as Brom Kenobi), Djimon Hounsou (as Ajihad Calrissian) and Robert Carlyle (as Darth Durza, and looking eerily like Martin Short in the Merlin miniseries) are soundly defeated by the dreadful dialogue and indifferent pacing.

Apocalypto 

Flush from making gazillions from The Passion of the Christ, Mel Gibson used his clout to create a film that under any other circumstances would have been laughed right out of the studio boardroom: a lengthy, subtitled period epic about the Mayan civilization.

For a while, it does offer something fresh.

Gibson, working from a script he co-wrote with Farhad Safinia, takes us back in time to the waning period of the Mayan civilization, in a small village in which the peaceful inhabitants spend their time hunting for food, absorbing advice from their elders, and playing practical jokes on one another. Chief among the pranksters is Jaguar Paw (an impressive debut by Native American artist and actor Rudy Youngblood), the proud son of continued on page 30

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In most respects, We Are Marshall traffics in the same kind of predictable underdog uplift championed in The Rookie, Miracle and oh-so-many-others. But real life provided a tragic twist, and that’s what makes the otherwise rote We Are Marshall a cut above the norm. Set in 1970, the picture centers on what transpires in a sports-crazed town in West Virginia after nearly all the members of the Marshall University football team (as well as several coaches and fans) are killed in a place crash. After much hemming and hawing while trying to figure out the right thing to do, it’s decided that the sports program will be resurrected from the ashes as a way of honoring the fallen players. Cue the entrance of Jack Lengyel (Matthew McConaughney), an outsider who arrives in town to serve as the new squad’s head coach -- and also to help community members move on with their own lives. Except for Anthony Mackie as the team captain, the actors portraying the players are a nondescript lot, meaning the emphasis is shifted to the adult characters.

And it’s these seasoned actors (among them David Strathairn and Ian McShane) who best punch across the heavy burden that threatens to crush the spirit of this town. We Are Marshall is never as emotionally draining as this material requires, but it gives it the old college try and comes close to succeeding.

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one of the village leaders, Flint Sky (Morris Birdyellowhead). The serenity of the village is forever shattered on the morning that a far more bloodthirsty band of Mayan warriors -- ones aligned with the ruling class residing in an actual city -- descend upon the jungle dwellers, raping the women, abandoning the children, and dragging the men back to their city to be served up as either slaves or human sacrifices. Jaguar Paw manages to hide his pregnant wife (Dalia Hernandez) and young son (Carlos Emilio Baez) before being captured himself, and he vows to return to them no matter what it takes. That will take some doing, though, considering he’s chosen to function as the next sacrifice to appease the angry gods. Considering that the Mayan civilization is justly celebrated for its innovations and complexities, it’s puzzling how simplistic these cultural representatives prove to be. Surely, Gibson will allow the story to expand and deepen during the second half? Don’t count on it. It turns out that Gibson isn’t interested in educating either us or himself; instead, Apocalypto degenerates into a straightforward action flick. Worse, the switch to pure action also allows Gibson to indulge in his by-now predictable sadism.

Anyone who’s seen Braveheart or The Passion of the Christ (to say nothing of starring vehicles like Payback and The Patriot) senses that nothing titillates the filmmaker as much as pain and destruction, and Apocalypto soon turns into an orgy of unrelenting bloodlust.

He can’t just show a jaguar killing a man; he has to show the victim’s face being stretched and ripped off by the savage creature. He can’t simply have another character get shot from behind by an arrow; he has to show said projectile continuing its path through the fellow’s open mouth. Oddly, the picture’s excess of brutality isn’t shocking as much as it’s laughable; because it’s so pronounced and protracted, it ultimately feels no more absurd than the sequence in Monty Python and the Holy Grail in which a knight tries to keep fighting after his limbs have all been hacked off. If the Python boys ever try to mount a comeback, it’d be advisable to hire Mel Gibson as their “technical consultant” -- he’s definitely cinema’s reigning gore-to guy.

The Holiday 

The best bet for spreading cheer across multiplexes this holiday season, The Holiday is a finely polished piece of romantic cinema, with a generosity of spirit so all-encompassing that it’s easy to forgive its occasional excesses. Writer-director Nancy Meyers, whose previous hit was the similarly sharp Something’s Gotta Give, clearly writes from a privileged perch: Her characters tend to be perversely rich, impeccably groomed and fabulously good-looking. Yet because she has the ability to imbue these high-andmighty figures with flaws and doubts and in the process make them recognizably human, it’s always easy to warm up to her players.

Workaholic Amanda (Cameron Diaz), who cuts movie trailers for a living in LA, and mopey Iris (Kate Winslet), who writes for a London newspaper and lives out in the countryside, are both unlucky in love and seeking to get away from the heartbreak of their daily

lives. Simultaneously coming across a “home exchange” website, both women realize that they’d be happiest spending the Christmas season far from their troubles. Therefore, Amanda heads to Iris’ quaint English cottage while Iris ends up at Amanda’s luxurious Hollywood mansion. Initially, men are the farthest commodities from both women’s minds, but a pair of guys do enter the scene.

For Amanda, that means Iris’ brother Graham (Jude Law), who initially appears to be a womanizer looking for an easy score. And for Iris, it means Miles (Jack Black), a film composer blessed with a quick wit but burdened with a beautiful but unappreciative girlfriend (Shannyn Sossamon). How could the tale of perfect, pretty people Diaz and Law possibly compete with the plot strand involving the far more quirky Winslet and Black? Fortunately, both sides of the celluloid coin are equally entertaining. Diaz displays her comic chops as a frosty career woman who thaws under the gaze of a good man, while Law, never more charming, provides his character with an unexpected puppy-dog demeanor that softens those eyes that have been used to predatory effect in past titles like Closer and Alfie. Winslet, meanwhile, continues to shine no matter what the role -- though in both this and the recent Little Children, she’s been cast as the frumpier of the two leading ladies (in Children, it’s Jennifer Connelly playing the other woman), which is almost risible given her luminescent beauty. As for Black, he was an interesting choice to play the vulnerable music composer, and he contributes some of the film’s funniest moments.

Blood Diamond  Holly-

wood’s latest progressive cause seems to be protesting the crimes against humanity being perpetually carried out on the African continent, which is fine when the films are so gripping that one would like to believe they can be used as agents of change (see The Constant Gardener and Hotel Rwanda). But like Catch a Fire, the recent apartheid drama starring Derek Luke and Tim Robbins, Blood Diamond comes across as a public service announcement more than a motion picture experience. The message of Blood Diamond (repeated during the end credits) is that consumers should take care not to buy “conflict diamonds,” baubles obtained by mercenaries using slave labor, then smuggled out of war torn countries.

Since the movie establishes early on that these “conflict diamonds” are mixed in with legitimate diamonds at an early stage in the marketing process, it’s never made clear how exactly consumers are supposed to avoid said jewels (buy roses instead?). At any rate, the movie’s lofty intentions are hamstrung by having to coexist uneasily with a trio of stock characters. Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio in a strong performance, even if his South African accent doesn’t convince for one second) is a devil-may-care opportunist who belatedly discovers he has a heart of gold as large as the diamond he spends the entire movie seeking. Solomon Vandy (magnetic Djimon Hounsou, once again typecast as the noble and suffering black man whose fate seems controlled by the whites surround-

ing him) is a fisherman brutalized and forced into mining the diamond fields. And Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly, working overtime to add sparks to a thin character) is an American journalist who sounds like an Information Please almanac every time she opens her mouth. Director Edward Zwick and his team are presumably sincere in wanting to shed some light on a tragic real-world situation, but the clumsy Blood Diamond simply can’t cut it.

Deck The Halls 

Christmas may bring out the best in most people, but what is it about the holiday that brings out the worst in Hollywood filmmakers? And now here comes Deck the Halls, yet another holiday hack job that champions cynicism and mean-spiritedness before tacking on a phony redemptive ending meant to fool us into believing that we actually sat through something of value. Its gags are all on the order of having obnoxious car salesman Buddy Hall (Danny DeVito) climbing buck-naked into a sleeping bag with frostbitten neighbor Steve Finch (Matthew Broderick) in an effort to warm him up (after all,

Local Film Series Winter Movie Fest

Snuggle up for a cozy afternoon for films with interesting facts about the creatures that live in the world’s oceans and along the coast of Georgia. Every Sunday in January and February at 1 p.m. at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, 1510 Strand, Tybee Island. Cost is $5, which includes admission to the aquarium. 786-5917 or info@ tybeemsc.org.

Iraq for Sale: The War Profiteers

Another installment in Sentient Bean’s new Indy Movie Night, this documentary by Robert Greenwald is a searing indictment of the war profiteering perpetrated by four companies -- Blackwater, CACI, KBR/Halliburton and Titan -- operating in Iraq.

The screening is sponsored by Savannah Code Pink Women For Peace and Fear No Arts Media. Jan. 3 at 7 p.m. at The Sentient Bean, 13 E. Park Ave. Cost is free, although donations are encouraged. Call 232-4447. w

nothing says “Merry Christmas” like a smattering of gay panic, right?), or the two men leering and hooting at teenage girls who turn out to be their own daughters (after all, nothing says “Merry Christmas” like allusions to incest, right?). The imbecilic plot concerns Steve’s disgust at Buddy’s desire to put enough Christmas lights on his house so it can be seen from outer space. Before it’s all done, Steve will find himself trapped on a runaway sled, spit upon by an angry camel, and shunned by his Instant Sitcom-Ready Family (i.e. just add laugh track). But why waste time describing this?

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Deja Vu 

Casino Royale 1/2

After a typically exciting pre-credits sequence, Casino Royale -- like almost all James Bond films before it -- employs the tried-and-true image guaranteed to raise the pulses of Bond fans all across the globe.

The dapper agent strolls into the frame, whirls around and fires directly at the circular camera eye while the classic 007 theme plays on the soundtrack. Only... Where’s the music? Monty Norman’s familiar riff does show up during the end credits, but it’s conspicuously missing from the beginning. In most other respects, Casino Royale ranks among the best Bond films produced over the past 44 years. It easily swats aside the Pierce Brosnan Bond flicks, while new star Daniel Craig vies with Timothy Dalton for second place as the screen’s best 007 (it’s doubtful

Sean Connery will ever relinquish the gold).

Basically, this new film wipes away the previous 20 installments by going back to when James Bond was first promoted by M (Judi Dench, the only holdover from the Bros-

What’s Playing Where CARMIKE 10

511 Stephenson Ave. • 353-8683 Night at the Museum, We Are Marshall, Rocky Balboa, Pursuit of Happyness, Unaccompanied Minors, Deja Vu, Deck the Halls, Happy Feet

REGAL EISENHOWER

1100 Eisenhower Dr. • 352-3533 Good Shepherd, Charlotte’s Web, Eragon, Apocalypto, Blood Diamond, Holiday

REGAL SAVANNAH 10

1132 Shawnee St. • 927-7700 Night at the Museum, We Are Marshall, Rocky Balboa, Pursuit of Happyness, Turistas, Deck the Halls, Deja Vu, Happy Feet

VICTORY SQUARE 9

1901 E. Victory • 355-5000 Night at the Museum, Good Shepherd, We Are Marshall, Rocky Balboa, Apocalypto, Eragon, Charlotte’s Web, Pursuit of Happyness, Holiday, Happy Feet

WYNNSONG 11

1150 Shawnee St. • 920-1227 Good Shepherd, Charlotte’s Web, Eragon, Apocalypto, Holiday, Blood Diamond, Nativity Story, Casino Royale, Borat, Santa Clause 3

nan years) to the level of a double-oh agent with a license to kill. Bond’s first mission of import is to enter a poker tournament being held in Montenegro’s Casino Royale, where he’s to prevent Eurotrash villain Le Chiffre (Mads Mikkelsen), a personal financier of the world’s terrorist organizations, from emerging victorious and collecting the sizable pot.

Aiding him in his assignment is Vesper Lynd (Eva Green), a treasury agent who proves to be Bond’s match in the verbal sparring department. The character of Vesper Lynd -one of the sharpest women in the Bond oeuvre -- is just one of the many pleasing touches

on view in this slam-bang chapter. Casino Royale is so successful in its determination to jump-start the series by any means necessary that it tampers with winning formulas left and right. When a bartender asks Bond if he prefers his martini shaken or stirred, the surly agent snaps back, “Do I really look like I give a damn?” Blasphemy? Perhaps. But also bloody invigorating.

Happy Feet 1/2

For at least half of its running time, Happy Feet is the usual crapola animated feature, this one about a penguin (voiced by Elijah Wood) whose tap-dancing prowess freaks out his fellow flightless fowl. It features saccharine characters, soulless CGI imagery, lazy stereotypes that border on racism, and way too much Robin Williams (playing not one, not two, but three characters). But a strange and wonderful thing happens deep into the film. It dispenses with the fun and games and becomes a sober reflection on the harm that humans are causing to the environment and to our ice-capped friends in particular.

The movie morphs into one of the coolest Twilight Zone episodes never made, and for a brief, glorious second, I thought it was going to end at the most opportune moment, delivering its themes with all the force of a sledgehammer on an egg shell. But no. The film recovers from its momentary brilliance and soon is back on its preordained path to a happy ending.

Nativity Story 

There’s no small irony in the fact that 16year-old Australian actress Keisha CastleHughes, who plays the Virgin Mary in the new Biblical drama The Nativity Story, has recently revealed that she herself is pregnant – an unexpected development that should lead to plenty of headaches for New Line Cinema’s PR department. That tidbit will at least raise eyebrows; The Nativity Story, on the other hand, fails to even raise a pulse. That’s a shame, because after The Passion of the Christ, the time is right for a tasteful and respectful Biblical tale that inspires awe and amazement instead of rage and revulsion. Unfortunately, this new film errs in the direction of too much propriety. Director Catherine Hardwicke, whose Thirteen was a wild and wicked look at out-of-control LA teens, seems fearful of adding any semblance of passion to this interpretation, resulting in a stillborn drama that inspires yawns more than anything else. Viewers in the mood for some celluloid religion this holiday season would do best to just stay home and rent the exceptional 1977 TV miniseries Jesus of Nazareth instead.

Castle-Hughes, whose work in the lyrical Whale Rider earned her a Best Actress Oscar nomination a few years ago, is curiously flat as Mary; the three wise men, meanwhile, are asked to generate so many nyuks during the film that they end up coming across as the Three Stooges. w

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The latest from producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Tony Scott is movie porn for the electronic media set, a technothriller deeply in love with its own hardware.

Set in New Orleans, the film opens with an explosion aboard a ferry that kills over 500 people. Doug Carlin (Denzel Washington), an ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms) agent, is summoned to lead the investigation, and he quickly realizes that the key to the mystery rests with the beautiful – and deceased – Claire Kuchever (Paula Patton), whose charred body was found in the same vicinity as those of the ferry victims.

Carlin’s footwork can only take him so far; to have any chance of catching the Timothy McVeigh-styled terrorist (Jim Caviezel), he must bunker down with Andrew Pryzwarra (a wasted Val Kilmer), an FBI agent who introduces Carlin to nifty new gadgets that can allow the government to not only use satellite technology to spy on citizens’ houses but also to make its way inside those houses, getting close enough to watch them take showers, make phone calls and feed the cats. For some convoluted reason, this available satellite footage is always running four days behind, and it’s impossible to speed it up, slow it down or stop it for closer inspection. But not to worry: Perhaps sensing that they’re quickly writing themselves into a corner, scripters Bill Marsilii and Terry Rossio also invent a pair of goggles that allow the present-day Carlin to engage in a car chase with the four-days-ago terrorist. And when that development runs out of juice, the pair decide that the spyware also doubles as a time machine, just the ticket so that Carlin can go back in time to save Claire (his first priority) and the other 500 victims (a distant second). Although the decision to stage a massive disaster in the heart of Katrina Country will strike many as an unfortunate lapse in judgment, it’s the early scenes in Déjà Vu that prove to be the most compelling, as Denzel’s Doug Carlin uses his wits to stockpile various clues that will lead him in the right direction.

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Film|DVD

Reviews

by Matt Brunson

TALLADEGA NIGHTS: THE BALLAD OF RICKY BOBBY (2006)

Like Spam, energy drinks and the music of Yanni, Will Ferrell is one of those acquired tastes that satisfy devotees while perplexing everyone else. Yet even folks who weren’t entertained

by Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy should dig this recent box office smash -- it’s consistently pleasurable and offers a surprisingly steady stream of laugh-out-loud moments. Like Ron Burgundy, Ricky Bobby is also an egotistical, none-too-bright boor. “I piss excellence,” he declares, and his standing as NASCAR’s best driver certainly signals that he’s excellent at something. But his strained relationship with his deadbeat dad (Gary Cole, delivering the film’s shrewdest comic performance) and the arrival of a formidable opponent, a French homosexual race car driver (hilarious Sacha Baron Cohen, currently headlining Borat), leads to his fall from grace and his subsequent (and humbled) climb back to the top. The Highlander quips alone are worth the rental price. This is available in both the original theatrical version and an Unrated and Uncut edition. DVD extras include audio commentary by director Adam McKay “and friends,” deleted scenes, interviews with the actors in character, and more footage of Ricky’s sons, Walker and Texas Ranger.

Movie: *** Extras: ***

THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA (2006)

Meryl Streep deserves all the accolades she received for her poison-dipped performance in this satisfying screen version of Lauren

Weisberger’s best-selling novel.

As Miranda Priestley, the ice-cold and rock-hard editor of the fashion magazine Runway, Streep delivers a terrific comic performance, as rich as the ones she gave in Postcards from the Edge and the otherwise unwatchable She-Devil. But let’s not undervalue the contribution of Anne Hathaway, who’s just fine as Andy Sachs, a college grad whose cluelessness about the fashion industry proves to be a drawback in her stint as Miranda’s worked-to-the-bone assistant. (Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt, as Andy’s cynical coworkers, likewise deserve kudos, with Blunt deserving of this year’s Best Supporting Actress Oscar.) The film’s peeks into the fashion world are amusing, and the script makes some salient points about the lengths to which a person will allow themselves to be humiliated simply to hold onto a job. Once the focus turns to Andy’s crisis of conscience, the picture loses some of its bite.

But not Meryl, whose ferocious work continues to take a sizable chunk out of the couture culture. DVD extras include audio commentary by director David Frankel and crew, 15 deleted scenes, five making-of featurettes and a gag reel.

Movie: *** Extras: ***

FORBIDDEN PLANET (1956) One of the undisputed classics of sci-fi cinema, Forbidden Planet is a far-flung adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, with a smattering of Freud tossed in for good measure.

Leslie Nielsen, decades before the Naked Gun films made it impossible to accept him in a serious role, plays the captain of an American rocketship which lands on the planet Altair-4; there, the space travelers meet Dr. Morbius (Walter Pidgeon) and his daughter Altaira (Anne Francis), the only survivors of a scientific expedition sent to the planet years earlier. Aided by his creation, the docile Robby the Robot, Morbius is content to remain on the Altair-4, but all hell breaks loose once an invisible “Id monster” starts murdering the crew members. The set design, electronic score and Oscar-nominated visual effects are all first-rate; indeed, this remarkably mature drama was a major influence on the science fiction field for year to come, most notably through TV’s Star Trek series. DVD extras in this two-disc set include two subsequent vehicles featuring Robby the Robot -- the 1957 feature film The Invisible Boy and a 1958 episode of the TV series The Thin Man -- a trio of documentaries, and deleted scenes.

Movie: ***1/2 Extras: ***1/2

LADY IN THE WATER (2006)

With each subsequent picture, writer/director M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, Signs) has exposed himself as a filmmaker of limited means; if this pattern of diminishing returns continues, he may soon be reduced to trying to revive the long dormant Police Academy series. For now, though, we’re stuck with this dud about an apartment complex superintendent (Paul Giamatti) who tries to protect a Narf (sea nymph) from a Scrunt (wolf) until she can make contact with the Great Eatlon (eagle), all the while keeping one eye peeled for the Tartutic (killer monkeys).

This was originally conceived by the auteur as a bedtime story for his daughters, and in that context, it probably worked fine. But as a motion picture aimed at adult audiences, it’s a mess, at once ridiculous and risible. Requir-

ing characters to behave in illogical ways and making up the rules of the game as it goes along, this eventually reaches such high levels of absurdity that by the end you can’t help but wonder if it was all a put-on, Shyamalan’s “screw you” to the critics, studio suits and audience members who abandoned him with The Village. DVD extras include deleted scenes, a six-part documentary and auditions.

Movie: *1/2 Extras: **1/2

LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE (2006)

In the rocker “We’re a Happy Family,” The Ramones present a dysfunctional family in which “Daddy’s telling lies, Baby’s eating flies, Mommy’s on pills, Baby’s got the chills.”

The clan at the center of this sleeper hit isn’t much better off. But one thing brings the members together: the chance to support sweet, 7-year-old Olive (Abigail Breslin), who’s been selected to compete in the “Little Miss Sunshine” beauty pageant in California.

Essentially, this is yet another road picture about bickering family members, and if that sounds a bit too prefab (or at least a bit too RV), screenwriter Michael Arndt, his dialogue backed by an excellent ensemble cast (including Greg Kinnear, Toni Collette and Steve Carell), manages to adroitly mix up the expected comic shtick with moments of great clarity and insight. The movie climaxes as it surely must -- at the competition -- and Arndt and the husband-and-wife directing team of Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris sharpen their claws for this portion, allowing the characters to engage in a final act of flagrant punk defiance. Joey Ramone would have been proud. DVD extras include audio commentaries by Dayton, Faris and Arndt, four alternate endings and a music video.

Movie: ***1/2 Extras: **

Film|DVD

Review

A SCANNER DARKLY (2006)

earned two for its costume and set designs.

DVD extras include a 90-minute making-of documentary and a pair of deleted scenes.

Movie: *** Extras: **1/2

THE WICKER MAN (2006)

Writer-director Neil LaBute’s remake of the 1973 cult classic -- in which a detective investigating a disappearance on a remote island unearths a decadent and primitive society -- is a disastrous miscalculation, shucking the original’s religious angle completely and instead fashioning the tale as a battle between upstanding male dominance and wicked feminist doctrine. LaBute has repeatedly faced charges of misogyny but never before has he appeared quite this terrified of emasculation -- it’s as if John Bobbitt had gotten hold of a movie camera and made a film in which all the female characters were based on his interpretation of Lorena Bobbitt. Nicolas Cage plays the befuddled protagonist here, no longer a God-(and sex)fearing cop but rather a generic Hollywoodized detective (no spiritual side, haunted by a past tragedy, forever popping pills, etc.).

The double-sided disc contains both the theatrical cut and an unrated version with an alternate ending; other extras include audio commentary by LaBute and various cast and crew members, and the theatrical trailer.

Movie: *1/2 Extras: *1/2 w

BUGSY (1991)

Warren Beatty delivers one of his best performances in this slick saga about notorious gangster Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel. James Toback’s script often views Bugsy as an overgrown kid, dogged by one fatal flaw (his temper) but also blessed with some endearing social traits and a lively imagination, the latter leading to his creation of Las Vegas. Toback and director Barry Levinson err in placing so much emphasis on a commonplace romance between Bugsy and actress Virginia Hill (Annette Bening, defeated by a shrill, one-note part), but the story’s mob elements are surprisingly fresh, and Harvey Keitel and Ben Kingsley are excellent as Bugsy’s more levelheaded cohorts. Nominated for 10 Academy Awards (including Best Picture), this

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Once again employing the rotoscoping process that he used in 2001’s Waking Life (basically, filming in live-action and then tracing over the images), writerdirector Richard Linklater this time unleashes the technique on Philip K. Dick’s 1977 novel -- a match made in hallucinatory heaven. Seven years from now, 20 percent of the population will be comprised of junkies, and the US government is trying to break the nation of its habit. It sends an agent (Keanu Reeves) into the field to track down the suppliers of a deadly drug called Substance D; posing as a slacker, he forges relationships with several dopers (Winona Ryder, Robert Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson and Rory Cochrane), but as his own use of Substance D continues to fry his brain, he finds it increasingly difficult to ascertain what’s real and what’s imagined. Even with its animated overlay, this is far more restrained than other notable “drug flicks” (Requiem for a Dream, Naked Lunch), though the uniqueness of its visual style insures there’s always something eye-catching on view. DVD extras include audio commentary by Linklater, Reeves and Philip K. Dick’s daughter Isa Dick Hackett, a making-of piece, and the theatrical trailer.

Movie: *** Extras: **1/2

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the 411|Happenings

compiled by Linda Sickler

Rules for Happenings

Nonprofits– We will list your event or service at no charge if you are a bona fide nonprofit.

Free events or services– If your event or service is free of charge, we will in turn list it at no charge.

Current Connect Savannah clients– We will list your Happening at no charge in gratitude for your continued support of our newspaper.

Private business or individual– We will charge $5 per week per entry, payable up front by check or credit card. This goes for art classes, yoga classes, workshops, seminars, etc. that do not meet the above criteria. We retain the right to option to place your happening in the appropriate category. Send Happenings and/or payment to: Connect Savannah, 1800 E. Victory Drive, Suite 7, Savannah GA, 31404. Fax to 912-231-9932.E-mail: linda@connectsavannah.com. We reserve the right to edit or cut non-paid listings because of space limitations.

Activism & Politics AMBUCS

is dedicated to creating mobility and independence of people with disabilities Volunteers meet every first and third Monday at 7 p.m. at Fire Mountain Restaurant on Stephenson Ave. Call Ann Johnson at 897-4818.

Chatham County Democratic Committee

meets the second Monday of each month. at 6 p.m. Call Joe Murray Rivers, chair, 234-5969, or Janice Shay, 547-5212 or visit www.chathamdems.com.

Chatham County Democratic Women For information, call Maxine Harris at 3520470 or 484-3222.

Chatham County Young Democrats

is dedicated to getting young people ages 14 to 39 active in governmental affairs and to encourage their involvement at all levels of the Democratic party. Contact Rahsheim Wright at 604-7319 or chathamcountyyds@ yahoo.com or visit www.georgiayds.org.

Chatham County Young Republicans

For information, visit www.savannahyr.com or call Brad Morrison at 596-4810.

Coastal Democrats

Contact Maxine Harris at 352-0470 or R1999MHAR@aol.com..

Drinking Liberally

meets at The Caledonian at the corner of Abercorn and 41st streets, just north of Victory Drive. Promoting democracy one pint at a time -- share politics while sharing a pitcher. This is an informal gathering of like-minded, left-leaners who may want to trade ideas, get more involved and just enjoy each other’s company. Meets the first and third Thursdays of the month at 7:30 p.m. For information, visit www.DrinkingLiberally.org or send email to august1494@excite.com.

Indy Media Film Night

View films produced by independent journalists, media activists and organizations the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at The Sentient Bean, 13 E. Park Ave. Presented free of charge by Fear No Arts Media. Visit www.fearnoarts.com for film listings and dates or e-mail fearnoarts@gmail.com.

League of Women Voters

meets on the first Monday of the month at 5 p.m. in Room 3 of the Heart and Lung Building at Candler Hospital. Membership is open to anyone 18 and older.

Libertarian Party of Chatham County meets each Monday at 8:30 p.m. at Moon River Brewing Co., 21 W. Bay St. Call 3083934 or visit http://www.no-debts.com/chathamlibertariansga.html.

National Council of Negro Women

meets the first Saturday of every month at 10 a.m. at the Ralph Mark Gilbert Civil Rights Museum.

Planned Parenthood

meets the second Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at The Sentient Bean, 13 E. Park Ave. For info, call Heather Holloway at 352-4052 or heather.holloway@ppfa.org. Volunteers are needed for Planned Parenthood, and will meet the second Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at The Sentient Bean. For information about volunteering, call Megan Burgoyne at 352-4052 or megan.burgoyne@ppfa.org.

Savannah Area Republican Women

meet the first Wednesday of every month at the Johnny Harris Restaurant Banquet Room on Victory Drive. The social starts at 11:30 a.m. and lunch is at noon. The cost is $13 at the door. Make reservations by noon on the Monday preceding the meeting by calling 598-1883.

Savannah Branch NAACP

For information, call 233-4161.

Savannah Republican Club

Meets every second Tuesday of the month.

Call 927-7170.

Savannah Area Young Republicans Call Alexandra Tabarrok at 572-8528.

Skidaway Island Democrats

Call Tom Oxnard at 598-4290 or send e-mail to oxhouse@aol.com.

Auditions

Armstrong Atlantic Youth Orchestra

The Armstrong Atlantic State University and the Savannah Friends of Music will conduct auditions for the spring semester of the Armstrong Atlantic Youth Orchestra on Saturday, Jan. 6 and Tuesday, Jan. 9 at AASU. Auditions are held by appointment only. Students who are interested should call Lorraine Jones at 236-2560 to schedule an audition time. The AAYO will meet Tuesdays from 6:30-9 p.m. at AASU beginning Jan. 9 and ending in May. The membership fee is $85 per semester, but family discounts and scholarships are available.

Benefits & Fund Raisers

2007 Southside Fire/EMS Calendars

The Southside Fire/EMS have released their 2007 calendar and a first-ever Girls of the SSFD/EMS poster. The calendar sells for $10 and the posters are $5. The money is raised to benefit victims of fires. Last year, the department donated more than $11.400 to the Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation.

Call 354-1011.

Give for the Gulf

is a year-long, comprehensive Armstrong Atlantic State University initiative that will raise funds and provide community services for evacuees of Hurricane Katrina. Visit www. armstrong.edu/katrina.

The Hidden Treasure

A book of photography taken at Tybee Island by Dr. Gustave “Stavie” Kreh is being sold with proceeds going to the Chatham Academy at Royce Center for Children and the Marine Science Center of Tybee Island.

The book costs $29.95 and may be purchased online at www.tybeetreasure.com and in area gift shops.

Humane Society Holiday Wish List

Donations of canned cat food, Purina Puppy Chow, non-clumping Tidy Cat and new or used blankets and towels are needed. Also, dog walkers ages 16 or older are needed for New Year’s Day. Call Nancy Richards at 3549515 or nrichards@savannah-humane.com.

Old Savannah Mission

is seeking donations of clean, usable clothing, shoes, belts, handbags, furniture and other items. Receipts for tax purposes are available.

Donations can be dropped off at the mission, 2414 Bull St., or they can be picked up. Call 232-1979 to schedule a pick-up.

Picking Up the Pieces Adopt an Angel Program Donate toys under $50 to 126 children who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. Call Linda Edwards at 429-4220.

Salvation Army

Donations of canned goods, infant diapers, men’s hygiene products, hats, socks and gloves are needed. Contact Linda James at Linda_james@uss.salvationarmy.org. Call Debra Acord at 651-7444, Ext. 429.

Santa’s Little Orphans’ Tree

Through Dec. 29, Coastal Pet Rescue will join paws with the Helen Woodward Animal Center, the Iams Co. and more than 2,100 pet adoption cetners to raise awareness of the joys of owning shelter-adopted pets.

Local businesses will host Christmas trees with ornaments of pets for adoption along with a wish list of items they want. Pick up an ornament, go shopping and return the ornament and gifts or monetary donations back to the business. Adopt a pet during the two-month campaign and receive a free pet portrait and other giveaways. Call 351-4151 or www.coastalpetrescue.org.

Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Animal Control Holiday Wish List

Donations of canned dog and cat food, baby formula, dry cat and dog food, newspapers, paper towels, soaps, crates, leashes and collars are needed. Call 652-6575.

Tybee Turtle Tour

This program is sposnored by the Tybee Arts Association to raise money to help save turtles through ecological education in a public art forum. Fifty fiberglass statues of sea turtles have been placed around Tybee Island and vicinity, and volunteers are being sought to decorate them. Organizational meetings are being held Wednesdays at 7pm, at the old school behind the new gym on Tybee. Visit www.TybeeTurtleTour.org. The tour will be active through autumn, 2007.

Call for Entries

18th Annual Savannah Black Heritage Festival

Artists are encouraged to submit works that incorporate the 2007 BHF theme, Our Journey: A Story Unfolding. Submit the art work in jpg format, 300 dpi, 4x6 to bloodp@ savstate.edu. Artists may submit up to five works in any medium, two or three dimensional. Each submission should include the name of the artist, phone number and e-mail address, plus the tuitle of the work, medium and dimensions. The deadline is Jan. 2.

Artists will be notified via e-mail if t heir submissions are accepted.

Savannah 5 by 5 Art Show

The Red Kite Studio is calling for work of any medium that is 5 inches by 5 inches. All work will be received as a donation to the American Diabetes Association. Blank canvases are available for $5. All entries must be received by Jan. 19 and will be featured Jan. 26 through Feb. 10. An opening party will held Jan. 26 at 5:05 p.m. Call Creative Approach at 234-7991 or contact Joshua Dunbar at joshdunbar@yahoo.com.

Call for Nominations Buy Local Savannah Awards

One business and one individual will be honored for their active support and involvement of the Buy Local organization.

Nominations must be received by Jan. 19 and can be e-mailed to Madeleine@buylocalsavannah.com or faxed to 603-907-6184.

Classes, Camps & Workshops AARP Drivers Safety Program

Classes will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 2 and 3 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day at Smart Senior at Candler Hospital. Call 3524405.

Adult Education

The Women’s Center of Wesley Community Centers, 1601 Drayton St., offers tutoring Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in basic literacy skills, GED preparation and computer training. Call 447-5711.

American Civil War Course Offered

The Georgia Historical Society and Senior Citizens, Inc. are partnering to offer a nineweek course on the American Civil War. It will be taught by Dr. W. Todd Groce, president and CEO of the GHS. Two books will be used in conjunction with the course: Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War by Tony Horwitz and Drown with the Sword: Reflections on the American Civil War by James McPherson.

The course will meet on Wednesdays from 9:30-10:30 am. beginning Jan. 10 at Senior Citizen, Inc. 3025 Bull St. The cost is $25. The

the 411|Happenings Senior Citizen Learning Center is for people 55 and older, although younger studetns will be admitted on a space-available basis. Call 236-0363, Ext. 113 or visit www.georgiahistory.com..

The Art School

portive beliefs at the subconscious level to effect positive results in your life. Learn a technique through hands-on practice that you can apply to many areas of your life, for the rest of your life, such as relationships, productivity, prosperity, health, grief and more.

Workshops will be held Saturday, Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 1-5 p.m. at Unity of Savannah, 2320 Sunset Blvd. To register, viist http://home.hiwaay.net/~north/ or call Jeanne Northington, LPC, at 256-767-3081 or 205-248-9779. Local contact is Marguerite Berrigan at 247-6484 or visit www.psychk.com.

a small fee for books. Call 352-3862 or visit www.libertytax.com.

Get Published

Do you want to practice your Spanish? Come to the mesa de espanol the second Thursday and last Friday of the month at 4:30 p.m. at The Sentient Bean, 13 E. Park Ave. For information, send e-mail to cafecontigo@gmail. com.

Highest Praise School of the Arts

Conversational Spanish

Davenport House Docent Training

Art Studio Sessions

is conducted every February, July and October. Call 236-8097 or send email to jcredle@savbusiness.net.

Baby sign classes

The City of Savannah’s Department of Cultural Affairs is now registering students for its fall visual arts classes. Day and evening classes are offered in ceramics, painting, portfolio preparation, jewelry making and stained glass for children, teens and adults. All classes are held at S.P.A.C.E., 9 W. Henry St.Call 6514248 or visit www.savannahga.gov/arts.

Six-week sessions on Tuesday evenngs or Wednesday mornings are offered at the Remshart Row Gallery and Studio on West Jones Street. Small groups. Oils, acrylics and pastels. Help and encouragement in creating successful artwork. Prior experience is helpful but not necessary. Tuition is $125. To register, call 234-5737.

Savannah Speech & Hearing Center is offering Baby Sign classes for babies aged 8-14 months and their parents. The cost is $50, which includes materials. To register, call 355-4601.

Brush with Clay

Classes in clay hand-building, open studio, intermediate drawing and painting are offered at CarosArt Studio in Windsor Forest. Very small clases with lots of extra attention by professional artist/clay sculptor Carolyne Graham. Classes are held Mondays from 10 a.m. to noon and Mondays from 6-8 p.m.

Inquire about other days. The cost is $100 per six weeks of instruction. Clay supplies are extra. Call 925-5465 to register.

Change for the Better Psych-K Workshop

Do you have one foot on the accelerator and one on the brake? Put an end to selfsabotage and depression. Start achieving your life’s goals. Release negative, limiting beliefs and replace them with positive, sup-

Fall Visual Arts Classes

Fany’s Spanish/English Institute

Spanish is fun. Classes for adults and children are held at 15 E. Montgomery Cross Rd. Call 921-4646 or 220-6570 to register.

First Steps parent education program

This parent education and support program is based at St. Joseph’s/Candler. Call 819-6910.

Free Photojournalism Workshops

are offered by Morning Star’s Women’s Independence Network. Classes will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5-7:30 p.m. or Sundays from 2:30-5 p.m. beginning in January at the Jewish Educational Alliance.

Advance registration is required. Classes are open to high school seniors, college and postcollege age people and are intended for those with a career interest. Call 927-9922 or visit www.morningstararts.org.

Free Tax School Earn extra income after taking this course. Flexible schedules, convenient location. The class is free, but there is

Coaching and editing services by Christopher Scott, published author and long-time writing teacher. One-on-one coaching, manuscript editing for fiction, non-fiction, creative nonfiction and memoirs. Call 398-1727 or send e-mail to cscott613@comcast.net for details and rates.

Guided Imagery

Change your life with guided imagery.

Read about it in Oprah magazine, January 2006. Ditch anxiety, manage deadlines, lose weight, recovery from surgery. Call the Alpha Institute, 927-3432. of Overcoming by Faith is offering vocal, piano and dance classes that are open to anyone from Pre-K to adult. Visit overcomingbyfaith.org or call 927-8601.

Housing Authority of Savannah Classes

Free classes will be offered at the Neighborhood Resource Center, 1407 Wheaton St. Some classes are on-going.

Adult Literacy is offered every Monday and Wednesday from 4-6 p.m. Homework Help is offered every Tuesday and Thursday from 3-4:30 p.m. The Community Computer Lab is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Introducing the Work of Byron Katie

If you have problems, issues with family members that happen again and again, a technique developed by Byron Katie can provide a framework to solve problems. Workshops that introduce the process of “inquiry,” also known as “The Work,” are offered to the public free of charge and include a 35-minute vidoe presentation The Work of Byron Katie and an individualized sample “Inquiry.” For an appointment, call Ursula Sterling at 5988233 or send e-mail to sterling@bellsouth.net.

Kicklighter Academy

has immediate openings in its preschool for typically developing children from 6 weeks through 5 years of age. Call 355-7633 to schedule a tour.

Life Challenge Consulting

When would now be a great time to engage yourself in life-changing strategies. Career; stress reduction; spirituality. Free initial halfhour consultation. Call Cindy Beach, M.S., at 429-7265.

Mindfulness and Ordinary Recovery Indepth exploration of the 11th step.

Meditation and contemplation instruction

provided as it applies to recovery and maintenance. Classes are held on Monday from noon to 1 p.m. or 7:30-8:30 p.m. Class fee is $12. 313 E. Harris St. For information, call Cindy Beach, M.S., 429-7265.

Photo Safari

with photographer Frank Barevich is an ongoing class offered in conjunction with the Savannah Art Association. Take photos in downtown and learn how to compose a photograph and shoot for the best effect. Call 660-6994 or fbrab@comcast.net.

Puppet Shows

are offered by St. Joseph’s/Candler AfricanAmerican Health Information & Resource Center for schools, day cares, libraries, churches, community events and fairs. Call 447-6605.

Savannah Entrepreneurial Center

offers a variety of business classes. The center is at 801 E. Gwinnett St. Call 652-3582.

Savannah Learning Center Spanish Classes

Be bilingual. The center is located at 7160 Hodgson Memorial Dr. Call 272-4579 or 3083561. e-mail savannahlatina@yahoo.com or visit www.savannahlatina.com. Free folklore classes also are offered on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

TimeShop for Kids

Children ages 8-12 can travel back in time to World War II in the English town of Letchworth by participating in TimeShop: Wartime England. It is planned for Feb. 3 and 4 at the Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm St. The cost is $30. Space is limited. Call 5362719 or visit www.timeshopkids.com.

Tybee Island Marine Science Center

offers hands-on classes for students of all ages from pre-kindergarten through adults.

Classes include microscope labs, squid dissection, guided beach walks and tours of the Science Center. Call 786-5917 or visit www. tybeemsc.org.

Clubs & Organizations AASU Sci-Fi Fantasy Club

This is an official student club of Armstrong Atlantic State University that accepts non-students as associate members. It is devoted to the exploration and enjoyment of the genres of science fiction and fantasy. Activities include book discussions, movie screenings, role playing game sessions, board and card games, guest speakers, episode marathons continued on page 36

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Class offerings include children’s art classes, with afterschool art instruction for ages 6 through teens. Ages 6-8 attend one hour a week for $55 per month. Ages 9 through teens attend one and a half hours per week for $70 per month. Tuition includes supplies. Classes also are available for adults and advanced teens 16 and up Mondays 7-9 p.m. and Tuesdays 9:30 a.m. to noon, with students working in the medium of their choice. Weekly figure drawing sessions are held Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $60 for six-week sessions or $15 drop in. Artists bring their own materals. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. The Art School is located at 74 W. Montgomery Cross Rd., No. B-2. Call Lind Hollingsworth at 921-1151 or visit www.TheArtSchool-Sav. com.

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and armor demonstrations. Provides guest speakers to educators upon request. Call Michael at 220-8129, send e-mail to lightmagus@yahoo.com or mccauln1981@ hotmail.com. or visit http://aasuscifi. proboards105.com/index.cgi.

Clean Coast

is held every Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at The Red Zone Bar and Grill in Richmond Hill. Half of the proceeds of a 50/50 drawing go to the military for phone cards and other items.

Blackbeard’s Scuba Club

Visit www.cbtc.org for meeting schedule and more information. Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month at Tubby’s Tank House restaurant in Thunderbolt at 6:30 p.m.

728-5989.

Chihuahua Club of Savannah

is a women-initiated grassroots peace and social justice movement working to end the war in Iraq, stop new wars and redirect our resources into healthcare, education and other life-affirming activities. Meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Queenies To Go Go, 1611 Habersham St. Contact mimi.thegoddessfactory@gmail.com or visit http://fearnoarts.com.

Bike Night with Mikie

will meet Friday, Jan. 5 at Tony Roma’s, 7 E. Bay St. Seating will begin at 7 p.m., the meeting will be at 7:30 p.m. and the presentation will be at 8 p.m. The guest speaker will be Greg McFall, research coordinator of Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary, who will present underwater photography on The Gray’s Reef You’ve Never Seen. Call Ryan Johnson at 604-5977.

A special little club for special little dogs and their owners meets one Saturday each month at 10:30 a.m. For information, visit http:// groups.yahoo.com/group/ChiSavannah/.

Civil Air Patrol

is the civilian, volunteer auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and is involved in search and rescue, aerospace education and cadet programs. Meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. for cadets (12-18 years old) and 7 p.m. for adult members at the former Savannah Airport terminal building off Dean Forest Road. Visit www.gawg.cap.gov, send e-mail to N303WR@ aol.com, or call Capt. Jim Phillips at 4124410.

meets monthly on the first Monday at the Jewish Educational Alliance, 5111 Abercorn St. Check www.cleancoast.org for event schedule.

Coastal Bicycle Touring Club of Savannah

Code Pink

Daughters of Destiny

An ongoing seminar for women who want to make changes in their lives through spirituality and positive reinforcement meets every Monday at 7 p.m. at Daughters of Destiny House, 12 E. 41st St. Facilitated by Miriam Center. Call 663-0894.

Discussion Group for Unsung Heroes You may not require recognition but someone else may want to know your story and it could make a difference in your life.

Discussion groups or meetings will be set up. For info, send e-mail to unsung-heros@ hotmail.com.

the 411|Happenings ESP Enhancement

A bi-weekly group will explore exercises and readings designed to enhance ESP. Offered free of charge. Call 224-2120

English Style Table Soccer

Savannah Subbuteo Club. Call 667-7204 or visit http://savannahsubbuteo.tripod.com.

Historic Victorian Neighborhood Association

meets the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion, Post 135, 1108 Bull St. between Park Avenue and Duffy Street. Call 236-8546.

Military Order of the Purple Heart Ladies Auxiliary meets the first Saturday of the month at 1 p.m. at American Legion Post 184 in Thunderbolt. Call 786-4508.

Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS)

No Kidding!

is the area’s first social club for single and married adults who do not have children.

Meet other non-parents at events and activities. For information on No Kidding! visit www.nokidding.net or send e-mail to luluette@prodigy.net.

Rogue Phoenix Sci-Fi Fantasy Club

Members of Starfleet International and The Klingon Assault Group meet twice a month, on the first Sunday at 4 pm. at Books-AMillion and the third Tuesday at Chen’s Chinese Restaurant at 20 E. Derenne Ave. at 7:30 p.m. Call 692-0382, email kasak@ comcast.net or visit www.roguephoenix.org.

St. Almo

The name stands for Savannah True Animal Lovers Meeting Others. Informal dog walks are held Sundays (weather permitting). Meet at 4 p.m. at Canine Palace, 618 Abercorn St. (Time changes with the season.) Call 234-3336.

Savannah Browns Backers

This is an official fan club recognized by the Cleveland Browns NFL football team. Meet with Browns fans to watch the football games and support your favorite team Sundays at game time at McDonough’s on the corner

of Drayton and McDonough streets. The group holds raffles and trips and is looking into having tailgate parties in the future. Call Kathy Dust at 373-5571 or send e-mail to KMDUST4@hotmail.com or Dave Armstrong at

Savannah Kennel Club

meets monthly on the fourth Monday at 7 p.m. from September through May at Fire Mountain restaurant on Stephenson Avenue.

Those who wish to eat before the meeting are encouraged to come earlier.

Savannah Area Landlord & Real Estate Investors Association

Learn to be a real estate investor or landlord.

Group meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Spiva Law Group, 12020 Abercorn St. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7:30 p.m.

Savannah Area Sacred Harp Singers

The public is invited to come and sing early American music and folk hymns from the shape note tradition. This non-denominational community musical activity emphasizes participation, not performance. Songs are from The Sacred Harp, an oblong songbook first published in 1844. Call 655-0994.

Savannah Art Association

meets the second Thursday of the month from 6-8 p.m. Call 232-7731.

Savannah Brewers’ League

Meets the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at Moon River Brewing Co., 21 W. Bay St. 447-0943. Call 447-0943 or visit www. hdb.org and click on Clubs, then Savannah Brewers League.

Savannah Council, Navy League of the United States

included and there is no charge for guests.

Call 961-9913 or visit www.savannahjaycees. com.

Savannah Kennel Club

meets the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. from September through May at the Fire Mountain restaurant on Stephenson Avenue. Those who wish to eat before the meeting are encouraged to arrive earlier. 6562410.

Savannah’s First Pug Playday

This group meets every first Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Savannah Dog Park at 41st and Drayton streets. All humans and dogs who live in a pug household are welcome. A donation to the Savannah Dog Park would be appreciated. Contact Mike or Melinda at kennedy.mike@comcast.net.

Savannah Newcomers Club

is open to all women who have been in the Savannah area for less than two years.

Membership includes a monthly luncheon and program and, in addition, the club hosts a variety of activities, tours and events that will assist you in learning about Savannah and making new friends. Call 351-3171.

Savannah Ski Club

The purpose of the club is to bring all snow skiers/boarders in the Lowcountry area together, Membership is $30 for a single and $45 for a family. Call 713-7655 or e-mail SavhSkiClub@bellsouth.net.

Savannah Toastmasters

helps you improve speaking and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment on Mondays at 6:15 p.m. at Memorial Health University Medical Center, Conference Room C. 352-1935.

has a dinner meeting the fourth Tuesday of each month (except December) at 6 p.m. at the Hunter Club, Hunter Army Airfield. Call John Findeis at 748-7020.

Tybee Performing Arts Society

offers beginning classes Tuesday and Thursday evenings for six weeks. Fees are $40. Some equipment is provided. After completing the class, you may become a member of the Savannah Fencing Club for $5 per month. Experienced fencers are welcome to join. Call 429-6918 or send email to savannahfencing@aol.com.

Urban Professionals

Savannah Fencing Club

Savannah Jaycees

for young professionals ages 21 to 39 is a Junior Chamber of Commerce that focuses on friendship, career development and community involvement. Meets the second and fourth Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is

meets the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the old Tybee school All interested, please attend or send e-mail to ried793@ netscape.com. meets first Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at Vu at the Hyatt on Bay Street. If you’re not having fun, you’re not doing it right. Call 272-9830 or send e-mail to spannangela@hotmail.com.

Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 671

meets monthly at the American Legion Post 135, 1108 Bull St. The next meeting will be Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. Call James Crauswell at 9273356.

Dance

Adult Ballet Classes

at Islands Dance Academy, 115 Charlotte Dr, Whitemarsh Island near Publix shopping center. Challenging, rewarding and fun. All levels and body types welcome. $12 per class or $90 for eight classes. Beginner Adult Ballet is held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:307:30 p.m. Intermediate Adult Ballet is held Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Intermediate/Advanced Adult Ballet is held Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thrusdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. A variety of youth classes (ages 3 to teen) are available. Call Sue Braddy at 897-2100.

Adult Jazz and Tap Classes

The Gretchen Greene School of Dance is offering ongoing adult classes. There are two levels, Beginner and Intermediate, which both meet on Wednesdays. The intermediate program is from 6:30-8 p.m. and the beginner program is from 8-9 p.m. Both classes consist of a jazz portion and a tap dance portion. The instructor is Travis Dodd. For information, call 897-4235 or visit ggsod.com.

Argentine Tango Practice and Lesson Learn the dance while having fun Sundays from 1:30-3:30 at the Doris Martine Dance Studio, 7360 Skidaway Rd. $2 per person.

Call 925-7416.

Breffni Academy of Irish Dance

has opened a location in Richmond Hill and is accepting students. The academy is located at Life Moves Dance Studio, 10747 Ford Ave. For information, call Michael or Nicola O’Hara at 305-756-8243 or send e-mail to Dance@BreffniAcademy.com. Visit www.

IrishDanceClasses.com.

Flamenco Enthusiasts

Dance or learn flamenco in Savannah with the Flamenco Cooperative. Meetings are held on Saturdays from 1 to 2:30 or 3 p.m. at the Maxine Patterson School of Dance. Any level welcome. If you would like to dance, accompany or sing, contact Laura Chason at laura_chason@yahoo.com.

Mahogany Shades of Beauty Inc.

offers dance classes, including hip hop, modern, jazz, West African, ballet, lyrical and step, as well as modeling and acting classes.

All ages and all levels are welcome. Call Mahogany B. at 272-8329.

The Young Professionals of Savannah

For information, contact Jacob Cottingham at Jacob@thesouthmag.com.

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Meet new friends and enjoy a welcome break.

Hear guest speakers on topics relevant to mothering, along with discussion time, creative activities and more, because mothering matters. Call for the location, date and time of the next meeting. MOPS is for all mothers with children from birth to kindergarten.

Child care is provided. Visit www.mops.org or call 898-4344.

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The Savannah Shag Club

Savannah’s original shag club meets every Wednesday at the Holiday Inn Midtown at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free. Call 927-9439.

Shag-Beach Bop-Etc. Savannah

hosts Magnificent Mondays from 6:30-11 p.m. at Double’s, Holiday Inn/Midtown, 7100 Abercorn St. Free basic shag, swing, salsa, cha cha, line dance and others are offered the first two Mondays and free shag lessons are offered. The lesson schedule is posted at www.shagbeachbop.com and announced each Monday. The dance lessons are held 6:30-7:30 p.m. Special cocktail prices are from 6:30-10 p.m. and their are hors d’ouerves. There is no cover charge. Everyone is invited and welcomed into club membership. Call 927-4784 or 398-8784 or visit www.shagbeachbop.com.

The Studio

Ongoing classes include Hip Hop/Funk on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and Adult Beginner Ballet on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. There are a variety of advanced classes daily. The Studio is located at 2805 Roger Lacey Ave. just off the intersection of Skidaway and Victory. Call 695-9149 or 356-8383 or visit ww.thestudiosav.com.

Wheelchair Ballroom Dance

The Moon River Dancers now offer ballroom dance classes for people who are disabled.

Classes are held the fourth Saturday of the month from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Delaware Center, 1815 Lincoln St. For information, call Charleen Harden at 308-7307 or send e-mail to cwh0869@yahoo.com.

Youth Dance Program

The West Broad Street YMCA, Inc. presents its Instructional Dance Program in jazz and ballet for kids 4 to 18. $30 per month for one class and $35 per month for both classes. Call 233-1951.

Fitness

A balanced life

Student massage is offered at the Savannah School of Massage Therapy, Inc. Cost ranges from $30 to $40 for a one-hour massage and sessions are instructor supervised. Call 355-3011 for an appointment. The school is located at 6413B Waters Ave. www.ssomt. com.

Center for Wellbeing Hatha Yoga classes

are offered Monday and Wednesday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Suite 203 of the Candler Heart and Lung Building, 5356 Reynolds St. Cost is $30 for four sessions or $50 for 8 sessions. 819-6463.

Free Nutritional Counseling/Body Fat Testing

by certified nutritional consultants. Muscle Quest Sports Nutrition Center, 109 Jefferson St. downtown. Call ahead to reserve a space at 232-4784.

Gentle Yoga

Evening classes offered Monday and Wednesday from 5:30-6:45 p.m. and lunch classes Monday from noon to 1 p.m. $12 per evening class, $10 per lunchtime class. $75 for an eight-week session. Classes at The Yoga Loft at Womancare, 800 E. 70th St. Call Lisa at 398-2588.

Jade Lotus Tai Chi Group

Classes are offered Saturdays from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and Wednesdays from 7-9 p.m. at the Unity Church, 2320 Sunset Blvd. Drop-in rate is $10, $8 for students or 10 classes for $80,

$70 for students. All experience levels are welcome. Look on the web at www.jadelotustaichi.com.

and Lung Building, 5356 Reynolds St. Four sessions are $30 or eight sessions are $50. Call 819-6463.

Join Amy Levy at 9:45 am on Fridays for yoga. Fee is $35 per month, Water Aerobics, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday at 10:30 am. Fee is $42 a month for up to 16 sessions, Step Aerobics will be offered at the JEA on Thursday’s at 6:15 am. Cost is $35 per month. Call Drew Edmonds at 355-8111.

The Jewish Educational Alliance is offering aquatics classes. Call Shannon at 748-2393. classes taught by Debra Whalen R.Y.T. are offered Wednesdays from 5:30-6:45 p.m. at Muscle Quest Sports Nutrition Center, 109 Jefferson St. downtown. $10 drop-in fee. Call ahead to reserve a space at 232-4784.

The Jewish Education Alliance

Kundalini Yoga

Classes will be offered by Veronica Nance beginning Jan. 8. They will be held consecutive Mondays from 6-7:15 p.m. at Unity of Savannah, 2320 Sunset Blvd. Call 355-4704.

The cost is $80 for the entire session.

Ladies Living Smart fitness club

provides nutritional education and exercise to encourage lifestyle changes at the St. Joseph’s/Candler African-American Health Information and Resource Center, 1910 Abercorn St. at 5:30 p.m. Call 447-6605.

Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nia Movement Classes

are offered at the Center for Holistic Healing at Memorial Health, 300 Bull St. on Mondays and Thursdays from 7:15-8:15 p.m. The cost is $12 for walk-ins or $105 for a 10-class punch card.

Call 236-2131 or 350-2467 or visit www.holistic. memorialhealth.com.

Pilates Classes

are offered at the St. Joseph’s/Candler Center for WellBeing, Suite 203 of the Candler Heart and Lung Building, 5356 Reynolds St. Four sessions are $30, eight sessions are $50. Preregister by calling 819-6463.

Pregnancy Yoga

A special four-week session will be held before the Thanksgiving holiday on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7:15 p.m. in offices located at 7116 Hodgson Memorial Dr. Prenatal yoga helps mother-to-be prepare for a more mindful approach to the challenges of pregnancy, labor and delivery. The instructor is Ann Carroll. Cost is $48 for once a week or $80 for twice a week for the 4-week session.

Call 596-0584 or send e-mail to ann@aikyayoga.com.

Savannah Yoga Center

Water aerobics at the JEA

Yoga at Memorial Health

The Center for Holistic Healing at Memorial Health, 300 Bull St., offers Gentle Kripalu Yoga on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10-11:15 a.m.; Hatha Yoga on Mondays from 5:45-7 p.m.; Integral Yoga on Wednesdays from 5:45-7 p.m.; Hot Yoga on Fridays from 5:45-7 p.m., Amrit Yoga on Saturdays from 10-11:15 a.m. All classes are $12 for walk-ins, $70 for unlimited monthly classes or $105 for a 10-class punch card. Call 236-2131 or 350-2467 or visit www.holistic.memorialhealth.com. Free Guided Meditation is offered Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. and free Open Meditation is offered Thursday at 5:30 p.m.

Yoga For Round Bodies

Explore yoga postures for the fuller figure while experiencing stress relief and the healing power of yoga. Six-week session is $70. Classes at The Yoga Loft at Womancare, 800 E. 70th St. Call Lisa at 398-2588.

The Yoga Room

Monday Level I and II 6:30-8 p.m., Mommy and Me Yoga 4-5 p.m. Tuesday Level II and III from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday Level I from 10-11:30 a.m. and Level I and II from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday Power Yoga from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Friday Level I from 6-7:30 p.m. Saturday Power Yoga from 9-10 a.m. Sunday Vinyasa from 10:30 to noon and Level II and III from 5-6:30 p.m. Private sessions are available.

Visit www.thesavannahyogaroom.com or call 898-0361.

Yogalates Classes

are offered by St. Joseph’s/Candler Center for WellBeing on Thursdays from 5:45-6:45 p.m. in Suite 203 of the Candler Heart and Lung Building, 5356 Reynolds St. The cost is $30 for four sessions or $50 for eight sessions.

Call 819-6463.

Classes offered seven days a week.

Community Easy Flow Yoga is offered three times a week at a cost of $5 per session. For other classes, the drop-in rate is $13, the student drop-in rate is $11 with ID and active duty military/dependents rate is $9. The schedule is: Monday, Dynamic Flow Yoga all levels from 8:30-9:30 a.m. and All Levels Flow Yoga from 6-7:15 p.m.; Tuesday, Community Flow Yoga from 10-11:15 a.m.; Wednesday, All Levels Flow Yoga from 10-11:30 a.m. and Yoga Basics from 6-7:15 p.m.; Thursday, Level I/II Flow Yoga from 10-11:15 a.m. and Hot Yoga all levels from 6-7:15 p.m.; Friday, Dynamic Flow Yoga all levels from 10-11:15 a.m.; Saturday, All Levels Flow Yoga from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; and Sunday, Community Flow Yoga from 5-6 p.m. Located at the International Center for Leadership and Coaching, 25 E. 40th St. at Drayton Street.

Call Director Kelley Boyd at 441-6653, email kelley@savannahyoga.com or visit www. savannahyoga.com.

Gay & Lesbian

are offered Mondays and Fridays from 10:3011:30 a.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Suite 203, Candler Heart

is the local chapter of Georgia’s largest gay rights group. 104 W. 38th St. 944-0996.

Tai Chi Classes

First City Network Board Meeting

Meets the first Monday at 6 p.m. at FCN’s office, 307 E. Harris St., 3rd floor. 236-2489.

First City Network Community Center and Library The FCN Community Center & Library is open Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visitors are welcome to check out gay/lesbian books and obtain information on “Gay Savannah” businesses and happenings. www.firstcitynetwork.com. 236-CITY

First City Network’s Workforce project offers assistance to youth and young adults who need and want a job or a better job.

Call 236-2489 or send e-mail to bwooten@ comcast.net.

Gay AA Meeting

meets Sunday and Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at 307 E. Harris St., second floor. For information, contact Ken at 398-8969.

Georgia Equality Savannah

Savannah Pride, Inc.

meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at the FCN office located at 307 E. Harris St. Everyone is encouraged to attend, for without the GLBT community, there wouldn’t be a need for Pride. Call Patrick Mobley at 224-3238.

Savannah Pride’s Winter Down Under

This Australian extravaganza will be held Jan. 14 from 6-9 p.m. at Chuck’s Bar on River Street with an open bar and finger foods.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door and are on sale at Urban Cargo at 135 Bull St., Chuck’s Bar at 305 W. River St. or by calling Patrick Mobley at 224-3238. Proceeds will go to benefit Georgia Equality, Savannah Chapter, and Savannah Pride, Inc.

Standout

is First City’s gay youth support group.

Meets every Thursday at 7 p.m. at the FCN Headquarters, 307 E. Harris St., 3rd floor.

Call 657-1966.

What Makes A Family

is a children’s therapy group for children of GLBT parents. Groups range in age from 10 to 18 and are held twice a month. Call 3522611.

Health

Be Stress Free

Learn to go within, find balance -- access clarity, inner wisdom and peace. This free meditation group meets every first Saturday from noon to 9-10 a.m. at 6205 Abercorn St., No. 203. Arrive by 11:55 a.m. and go to the front door. To reserve a space, email Ellen Farrell, M.A. at ellenjfarrell@ comcast.net or call 247-4263.

Can’t Sleep?

Can’t sleep or stay asleep? Hypnosis and guided imagery works. Call 927-3432 for more information.

Case Management Program

St. Joseph’s/Candler African-American Health Information and Resource Center, 1910 Abercorn St., will sponsor a client assessment and referral service that assists individuals in obtaining health care and medical assistance, indigent services, housing and other social services. Call 447-6605 or 232-2003.

Change for the Better Psych-K Workshop

Do you have one foot on the accelerator and one on the brake? Put an end to selfsabotage and depression. Start achieving your life’s goals. Release negative, limiting beliefs and replace them with positive, supportive beliefs at the subconscious level to effect positive results in your life. Learn a technique through hands-on practice that you can apply to many areas of your life, for the rest of your life, such as relationships, productivity, prosperity, health, grief and more.

Workshops will be held Saturday, Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 21 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 1-5 p.m. at Unity of Savannah, 2320 Sunset Blvd. To register, viist http://home.hiwaay.net/~north/ or call Jeanne Northington, LPC, at 256-767-3081 or 205-248-9779. Local contact is Marguerite Berrigan at 247-6484 or visit www.psychk.com.

Circle of Healing

Connect, discuss, meditate and share energy with live-minded individuals in this free, inspirational circle of healing at the Center for Holistic Healing at Memorial Health, 300 Bull St. Call 236-2131.

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Community Blood Drives

Kidney/Pancreas Transplant Clinic

Community Cardiovascular Council, Inc.

La Leche League of Savannah

St. Joseph’s/Candler and the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive on Friday, Dec. 29 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Candler Hospital, 5353 Reynolds. St. offers free blood pressure checks Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1900 Abercorn St. Call 232-6624.

Community HealthCare Center

is a non-profit organization that provides free medical care for uninsured individuals who work or live in Chatham County and do not qualify for Medicare or Medicaid. All patients receive free examinations, medicine through the patient assistance program and free lab work. Women receive free pap tests and mammograms. Call 692-1451 to see if you qualify for services. Located at 310 Eisenhower Dr., No. 5, Medical Center.

Dual Recovery Anonymous

Eating Disorders/Self Harm Support Group

A 12-step group for people with eating disorders and self-harm disorders. For information, call Brandon Lee at 927-1324.

Every Step Counts Survivor Walk

This monthly cancer survivors’ walk is free and open to all survivors and their loved ones. Call DeDe Cargill at 398-6654.

Free blood pressure checks and blood sugar screenings

are conducted at three locations within St. Joseph’s/Candler. From 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 5:15-7 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, checks will be offered at the St. Joseph’s/Candler African-American Health Information and Resource Center, 1910 Abercorn St. Call 447-6605 to make an appointment. Checks are offered every Monday from 10 a.m. to noon at the Smart Senior office, No. 8 Medical Arts Center. No appointment is necessary. Checks will be offered Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Community Center at 812 W. 36th St. Call 447-0578.

Free hearing & speech screening

Every Thursday morning from 9 a.m.-12 noon at the Savannah Speech and Hearing Center, 1206 E. 66th Street. Call 355-4601.

Gastric Bypass Surgery Session

Memorial Health Bariatrics presents free informational sessions every Wednesday at 6 p.m. in the Medical Education Auditorium with Dr. John Angstadt and other staff members, who discuss obesity and the surgical process. Free. Call 350-DIET or visit bariatrics.memorialhealth.com.

Georgia Cares Medicare Part D Assistance

The toll-free hotline is 1-800-669-8387.

HIV/AIDS and STD awareness training

My Brothaz Home, Inc., a local nonprofit HIV/AIDS organization, offers free HIV/ AIDS and STD awareness training, risk reduction counseling and prevention case management to individual males and groups of males. Upon completion of the training, a monetary incentive and educational materials will be given to each participant. Call 2318727.

Call Phoebe at 897-9261.

Lose Weight

like Mark Merlis on Dateline. Safe, effective, reasonable cost. Researchers at the University of Connecticut found that people who used hypnosis lost 60 percent more weight than any other method. The Alpha Institute, 9273432.

Mammograms

St. Joseph’s/Candler will be performing mammograms to screen for breast cancer in its mobile screening unit. SJ/C accepts most insurance plans. Financial assistance is available to women who qualify.

Mammograms will be performed Jan. 3 and 17 at St. Joseph’s/Candler Medical Group in Pembroke, 159 W. Railroad St. For an appointment, call 653-2897.

Memorial Health blood pressure check are offered free every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at GenerationOne. 3507587.

Memorial Health CPR training

FitnessOne provides American Heart Association courses each month to certify individuals in infant, child and adult CPR. The cost is $30. Call 350-4030 or visit www. memorialhealth.com.

Memorial Health group meditation sessions

are offered free to the public every Tuesday from 5:30-6 p.m. on the third floor of the Center for Advanced Medicine.

Memorial Health heart risk assessment is held once a month at FitnessOne. The appointment takes about 40 minutes and the cost is $50. Call Midge at 350-4042.

Memorial Health Joint Replacement Lecture

This free orthopedic lecture series is held the third Tuesday of each month from 6:15-7:30 p.m. in the Medical Education Auditorium at Memorial Health to educate the community about the risk factors of arthritis, the prevention of arthritis and medical and surgical joint replacement. To register, call 350-3603.

Memorial Health SET Focus Group

This is a program to encourage Sickle Cell patients ages 11 to 18 and their parents/caregivers to learn more about Sickle Cell disease.

Call Donna at 350-5616 or Saundra at 3503396.

Narcotics Anonymous

When at the end of the road you find that you no longer can function with or without drugs, there’s a simple, spiritual, non-religious program known as Narcotics Anonymous.

Tired of drugs? Want to stop? Call 238-5925 for the Savannah Lowcountry Area Narcotics Anonymous meeting schedule.

Planned Parenthood Hotline

First Line is a statewide hotline for women who want information on health services.

Open every night from 7-11p.m. 1-800-2647154.

Psych-K Workshop

Put an end to self-sabotage and depression.

Release negative, limiting beliefs and replace them with positive, supportive beliefs at the subconcious level. Learn a technique through

hands-on practice that you can apply to many areas of your life. Sessions will be held Jan. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Jan. 21 from 910:30 a.m. and 1-5 p.m. at Unity of Savannah, 2320 Sunset Blvd. Call 355-4704 or visit www. unityofsavanah.org.

The Quit Line

a toll-free resource that provides counseling, screening, support and referral services for all Georgia residents 18 or older and concerned parents of adolescents who are using tobacco.

Call 1-877-270-STOP or visit www.unitegeorgia.com.

Stop Smoking

Researchers at the University of Iowa combined 600 studies covering 72,000 people and found that hypnosis is the most effective way to stop smoking. Call the Alpha Institute.

927-3432.

Super 2 Access Clinic

Super 2 Access (After Cancer Cure Evaluation Strategy and Support) is a clinic for children and adolescents who completed cancer treatment at least two years ago. For information, call Pam at 658-2215 or Donna at 667-8943.

United Way’s 2-1-1 Program

The mission of this 2-1-1 service center is to provide a streamlined process of receiving health and human service information, as well as providing the opportunity to donate goods and volunteer services. Services include help with debt management, childcare, food pantries, health care and many other problems facing residents of Chatham, Effingham, Liberty, Bryan and Glynn counties. Call 2-1-1 (Cell phones must dial 651-7730.) or visit www.uwce.org.

Wanted: CPR and First Aid Instructors

The Savannah Chapter of the American Red Cross is looking for instructors. Call 651-5371 or send email to daled@savannahredcross. org.

Nature & Environment Dolphin Project of Georgia

Boat owners, photographers and other volunteers are needed to help conduct scientific research which will take place one weekend during the months of January, April, July and October. Must be at least 18 years old. Call 232-6572 or visit www.TheDolphinProject. org.

Take a walk on the wild side

at the Oatland Island Education Center.

The “Native Animal Nature Trail” features a variety of live animals and landscapes and

winds through maritime forest, freshwater wetland and salt marsh habitats. Located 5 miles east of downtown off the Islands Expressway. M-F:9 a.m.-4 p.m. and most Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $3 per person for everyone over 4. 898-3980 or visit www.oatlandisland.org.

Tybee Island Marine Science Center

Visit the center to discover the Georgia coast. The exhibits and aquariums are home to more than 100 species of fish, reptiles, amphibians, corals and other interesting sea creatures. Beach Discovery Walks are offered Fridays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. Call 786-5917 for information about current programs.

Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for children 3-16. The center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Tuesdays when it is open 9 a.m. to noon.

Volunteers needed for Tybee Marine Center

Tybee Marine Science Center is looking for volunteers interested in supporting educational programs. Help is needed with touch tank presentations, animal care, special events, sea turtle monitoring, outreach programs, gift shop and office duties. Call 7865917 or visit www.tbeemsc.org.

Pets & Animals St. Almo

The name stands for Savannah True Animal Lovers Meeting Others. Informal dog walks are held Sundays (weather permitting). Meet at 4 p.m. at Canine Palace, 618 Abercorn St. Time changes with season. Call for time change. Call 234-3336.

Santa’s Little Orphans’ Tree

Through Dec. 29, Coastal Pet Rescue will join paws with the Helen Woodward Animal Center, the Iams Co. and more than 2,100 pet adoption cetners to raise awareness of the joys of owning shelter-adopted pets.

Local businesses will host Christmas trees with ornaments of pets for adoption along with a wish list of items they want. Pick up an ornament, go shopping and return the ornament and gifts or monetary donations back to the business. Adopt a pet during the two-month campaign and receive a free pet portrait and other giveaways. Call 351-4151 or www.coastalpetrescue.org.

Savannah Kennel Club

meets monthly on the fourth Monday at 7 p.m. from September through May at Fire continued on page 40

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

This 12-step program addresses all addictions and mental health recovery. Persons who are recovering from an addiction and a mental health problem can send e-mail to katkope@ netscape.com for information.

is offered by St. Joseph’s/Candler and Emory.

Patients can receive pre and post-operative care at the clinic rather than travel to Atlanta. Call Karen Traver, R.n. Transplant Coordinator, at 819-8350.

the 411|Happenings

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

40 Mountain restaurant on Stephenson Avenue.

Those who wish to eat before the meeting are encouraged to come earlier.

Savannah’s First Pug Playday

This group meets every first Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Savannah Dog Park at 41st and Drayton streets. All humans and dogs who live in a pug household are welcome. A donation to the Savannah Dog Park would be appreciated. Contact Mike or Melinda at kennedy.mike@comcast.net.

Tea time at Ola’s

is a new book discussion group that meets the fourth Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Ola Wyeth Branch Library, 4 E. Bay St. Call Beatrice Wright at 652-3660. Bring your ideas and lunches. Tea will be provided. 232-5488 or 652-3660.

Warriors of Christian Poetics

Site Launched for Reclaiming Lost Pets A new website has been launched to help people reclaim lost pets. It is located at www. thepetrescue.com.

Calling all Christian poets, rappers and singers for a Christian poetry troupe. God is looking for dedicated soldiers in order to evangelize the name and flow of Jesus Christ.

If you have a strong desire to serve God through the poetic arts, call 912-450-4827.

God is calling, but have you been chosen?

Readings & Signings

Religious & Spiritual

meets the last Sunday at 4 p.m. at the center, 1910 Abercorn St. 447-6605.

The Service of Compline, ”Saying good night to God,” is chanted Sunday evenings at 9 p.m. by the Compline Choir of Christ Church Savannah (Episcopal), located on Johnson Square. The choir, made up of singers from churches around the city, sings in the darkened nave of Christ Church by candlelight. Compline, the last of the monastic prayer services before retiring, is a service in which one is invited to meditate and reflect on the day or week past and then enter into the little death of sleep to rise with hope and thanksgiving for the days ahead.

Circle of Sister/Brotherhood Book Club The Garden Guide of the Lower South

The release of the third edition of this guide, put together by the Trustees Garden Club of Savannah, is available in stores or it can be ordered by mail for $24.50. Checks should be made payable to Trustees Garden Club and mailed to Box 24215, Savannah, 31405-4215.

Include your complete name and address with your order. All procedds go to the club’s beautification and restoration projects.

Seth Material Book Discussion Group

If you’ve read these concepts and would like to discuss them with others, call 224-2120.

The group will meet Mondays at 6 p.m. for 8 weeks. There is no cost.

Chanted Office of Compline

Christian Businessmen’s Committee

meets for a prayer breakfast every Tuesday at 6:30 a.m. at Peggy Lynn’s Country Cooking, 3718 Ogeechee Rd. Call 964-4297.

Answers on page 43

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Christmas Eve Communion Service

will be held Dec. 24 at 6:30 p.m. at White Bluff United Methodist Church. Call 9255924.

Ekklesia, The Church

Do church in a casual and relaxed setting on Saturday nights. Fellowship begins at 6 p.m., praise and worship at 6:30 p.m. in the BSU building on Abercorn between the Publix Shopping Center and the Armstrong campus.

Call 596-4077.

Meditation Group

Go within, access intuition and inner peace. This free meditation group meets every first Saturday day from 9-10 a.m. at 6205 Abercorn St., No. 203.

Arrive by 11:55 a.m. and go to the front door. To reserve a space, email Ellen Farrell, M.A. at ellenjfarrell@comcast.net or call 247-4263.

Nicodemus by Night

Unity of Savannah

will present The Dynamic Laws of Prayer for six consecutive Sundays beginning Jan. 7.

Sessions will be held from 9:15-10:45 a.m.

The book by Catherine Ponders is required reading and can be purchased at Unity Bookstore. A church of unconditional love and acceptance. Sunday service is at 11 a.m.

Youth church and childcare also are at 11 a.m.

2320 Sunset Blvd. Call 355-4704 or visit www. unityofsavannah.org.

Warriors of Christian Poetics

Calling all Christian poets, rappers and singers for a Christian poetry troupe. God is looking for dedicated soldiers in order to evangelize the name and flow of Jesus Christ.

If you have a strong desire to serve God through the poetic arts, call 912-450-4827.

God is calling, but have you been chosen?

An open forum is held every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 223 E. Gwinnett St. Nicodemus was a religious leader who came to Jesus by night looking for a way out of the darkness.

He received revolutionary understanding that compelled him to forsake everything to become a disciple. Jesus was considered a heretic for his radical teachings that people should give up their own possessions and care for one another instead of themselves. Would Jesus’ teaching require anything less today?

Wildwood United Methodist Church

meet Sundays, 11 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 225 W. President St., Savannah. Call Janet Pence at 247-4903.

at the Women’s Center of Wesley Community Centers. Call 447-5711 or stop by 1601 Drayton Street.

Quakers (Religious Society of Friends)

Savannah Buddhist Sitting Group

meets Sundays from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Savannah, on Habersham Street at East Harris and East Macon Streets, on Troup Square. Please arrive and be seated no later than 8:55 a.m.

Sitting and walking meditation and Dharma talk or reading. All practices are welcome.

Newcomers should contact Cindy Beach, lay ordained Soto Zen Buddhist, at 429-7265 for sitting instruction.

Soka Gakkai of America (SGI-USA)

SGI-USA is an American Buddhist movement for world peace that practices Nichiren Buddhism by chanting NAM MYOHO RENGE KYO. For information, call SGI-USA at 232-9121.

Thank You God, for Onions is a children’s book written by Savannah Christian Church NextGEN Spiritual Growth Pastor Mark Tenniswood. It is for children ages 4-8 and costs $15. The books are available at The Source bookstore at the church.

Unitarian Universalist Beloved Community Church On Dec. 31, Yvonne Dixon will lead the service, The Principles of Kwanzaa. Services begin Sunday at 10 a.m. at 707 Harmon St. Coffee and discussion follow each service.

UUBC’s religious education curriculum for ages 4-15 is Creating Our Peaceable Kingdom.

For information, call 233-6284 or e-mail UUBC2@aol.com. Affirming the worth and dignity of each person.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Savannah A liberal religious community where different people with different beliefs gather as one faith. The service will be held Sunday at 11 a.m. in the Troup Square Sanctuary. For information, call 234-0980, or send e-mail to uusav@comcast.net or visit www.jinglebellchurch org. The Uncommon Denomination.

invites you to its morning worship at 9:30 a.m. each Sunday followed by Sunday morning worship fellowship at 10:30 a.m. and Sunday School at 10:45 a.m. Wildwood UMC is located at 4912 Garrard Ave. east of the south end of the Chatham Parkway.

Woodlawn United Methodist Church Sunday school is at 9:45, worship at 10:50 a.m. and 6 p.m. 2502 Highway 80, Garden City.

Women’s Bible Study

Sports & Games Lacrosse Team Forming

If you are between the ages of 15 and 50 and have the desire to play one of the fastest games on two feet, this is for you. Call 9204568 and ask for John Baer, a former All American Goalie in 1976, an Australian World team selectee in 1982 and a winning coach for nearly 28 years. Some fees will be needed for uniforms and other expenses.

Savannah Area Tennis

will hold an after-school and weekend Junior Group Tennis Program for ages kindergarten through 12th grade at various sites throughout Savannah. A cardio tennis program, Adults’ Workout With a Racquet, is a group activity that features drills aimed at giving players of all abilities a high-energy workout. Sessions are $10. For information about either program, call Phyllis Greene at 961-9862 or 507-9862 or send e-mail to ctcsavannahga@prodigy.net.

Savannah Disc Golf Club

holds an Open Doubles Tournament at 1 p.m. each Saturday at Tom Triplett Park on U.S. 80 between Dean Forest Road and Interstate 95.

New players are welcome. Teams are chosen by luck of the draw. Entry is $5. For information, visit savannahdiscgolf.com.

Savannah Shamrock Rugby Club

is always looking for new players, no experience necessary. Open practice every Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in Forsyth Park. Call 663-7415 or visit www.savannahrugby.com.

the 411|Happenings African-American Women Overcoming Depression and Bi-Polar Disease meets the third Thursday of the month at the Bull Street Library. For information, call JoAnne Wright at 236-0027.

Al Anon Family Groups

A fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics meets Monday at 12:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Wednesday at 1:30 p.m., Thursday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 8 p.m. at 1501 Eisenhower Dr. and Tuesday at 8 p.m. at Goodwill on Sallie Mood Drive. Call 598-9860 or visit http://al_anon_savannah.freeservers.com.

Alcoholics Anonymous

If you or someone you know has a problem with alcohol, call 354-0993.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support Group

Amputee Support Group

Open to all patients who have had a limb amputated and their families or caregivers.

Call 355-7778 or 353-9635.

Backus Children’s Hospital Support Group for Parents

Cancer support group

meets every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to noon in the board room located on the first floor of St. Joseph’s Hospital. 819-2475.

Caring for Us

is a support group for caregivers of ill or injured family members or loved ones. Call Kimberlee Mitchell at 350-3399.

Celiac Support Group

for anyone with celiac disease who is allergic to products containing gluten, their family or friends. For information, call 507-2592.

Citizens With Retarded Citizens

Open to families of children or adults with autism, mental retardation, and other developmental disabilities. Meets monthly at 1211 Eisenhower Drive. 355-7633.

Coastal Empire Polio Survivors Association

meets the fourth Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. at the Candler Heart and Lung Building, second floor, Room 2. Call 355-1221.

Compassionate Friends Support Group

offers friendship and understanding to bereaved parents. It meets the first Thursday of the month from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Candler Heart & Lung Building, Conference Room 2, 5356 Reynolds St. 925-5195.

who have a seriously ill child receiving treatment on an inpatient or outpatient basis.

A case manager facilitates the meetings, and a child life specialist provides an arts and crafts activity Meets once a week. Call Donna at 350-5616.

Couples Struggling with Fertility Challenges

meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Memorial Health. Call Mary Lou Cygan at 350-7285.

Debtors Anonymous

Backus Children’s Hospital Support Group for Parents of Children with Bleeding Disorders

Bariatric/Gastric Bypass Support Group

for past and potential obesity surgery patients and their families. For information, call Cheryl Brown at 350-3644.

Better Breathers support group

meets quarterly, March 24, June 16, September 15 and December 15, at noon, Conference Room 2, Candler Heart & Lung Bldg. 5356 Reynolds St. Contact Tina Nelson at 819-7340 or Cindy Balkstra at 819-8032.

Bipolar Support Group

John J. Dunn, Ph.D., is interested in hearing from people who want to participate in a bipolar support group. Call 692-1230 after 6 p.m.

Bulloch County Rape Crisis Hotline

The Bulloch County Sexual Assault Task Force has announced a new 24 hour/7 day a week hotline staffed by trained volunteers to aid victims of rape, incest and sexual molestation. The number is 912-531-1771.

CASA Support Group

This support group is for parents and extended caregivers whose child or children have been involved with DFCS and/or returned to your custody after being in foster care, or who have been given custody of a family member’s child who has been involved with DFCS and/or has been in foster care. The group meets the first Thursday of

by Matt Jones

meets every Saturday at 6:45 p.m. at Savannah Christian Church, Room 250. This is a group for couples struggling with primary or secondary infertility, whether they have been on this journey for one year or many years.

Call Kelly at 596-0852 or email emptycradle_ savannah@hotmail.com. meets Mondays at 5:30 p.m. at Trinity Church, 225 W. President St. in the third floor New Beginnings Room. Enter on President Street through the left-hand set of glass doors between Whitaker and Barnard streets. Arrive early, as the entry doors are locked promptly at 5:30 p.m. For information, e-mail DAsavannah@yahoo.com.

Depressive/Manic support group

Open to persons diagnosed with depression.

Meetings are held in classroom B in the Surgery Center Building of Memorial Hospital every Tuesday at 7 p.m. 920-0153 or 927-2064

Diabetes support group

meets the third Thursday at 6 p.m. at Memorial Health in Conference Room A. Call Robin at 350-3843.

Domestic violence community support group SAFE Shelter provides a domestic violence support group every Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Senior Citizens Building at 325 Bull St. Call Brenda Edwards, 629-8888.

Domestic Violence Hotline

The Georgia Human Resources Department and Georgia Coalition on Family Violence, have a new number, 24 hours a day. 1-800-33HAVEN

continued on page 42

Across

1 Low-___ diet 5 Ironic short story writer 9 Brazilian rhythm in 2/2 time, for short 14 Away from the wind 15 Uncap 16 “___ beginning...”

17 It’s got ribs 19 More urgent 20 They may come with attachments 21 B’___ B’rith 23 E. ___ 24 Flip out 25 It’s got ribs 27 Fast flyer, for short 28 Speed (by) 30 Affirmative vote 31 Abbr. near a smiley 32 Walked nervously 34 “Planet of the Apes” role Dr. ___ 36 It’s got ribs 40 Total bull 41 Ham radio enthusiasts 42 Not Willie Nelson’s favorite org.

43 Recipe amt.

46 “Incidentally,” in Internet lingo 47 Magazine with “The Lighter Side of...”

50 It’s got ribs 53 Party crasher?

55 Golden Rule word 56 It’s heard by herders 57 Like some decals and patches 58 Frankie who sang “Love Is a Golden Ring” 60 They’ve got ribs 62 “From the top!”

63 Note between VPs, say 64 Another word for margarine 65 Smarts 66 Stuck in ___ 67 “Freak on a Leash” band

Down

1 Shelfmates of Marlboros 2 Los ___ 3 Meal 4 Give a false impression of 5 When pagans light bonfires 6 Chum of Tarzan 7 Alex’s “Bill & Ted” costar 8 Evil reputation 9 Try on eBay 10 Reserved 11 Enter as if nothing happened 12 Pay painfully 13 Some antennas 18 Helen Mirren’s role in “The Queen” 22 The Cure’s “Why Can’t ___ You?” 26 Perimeter deterrent 29 Chest muscle 32 Letters near the 7, on some phones 33 Nobel Peace Prize refuser Le ___ Tho 35 “___ for apple...” (cereal jingle line) 36 Part of the nobility 37 Dog also known as a German shepherd 38 Flow counterpart 39 Cockpit occupant 40 Leg bones 44 Stand-in 45 Flat panel display type 47 ___ Blahniks (chic shoes) 48 One who makes amends 49 Ted of “Help Me Help You” 51 Braxton and Collette 52 Magic or Wilt, once 54 Uncool 59 One way to go: abbr.

61 Ostrich relative

©2006 Jonesin’ Crosswords(editor@jonesincrosswords.com) For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle #0267.

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

The group is for caregivers, family members and friends of persons affected by Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementia-causing illnesses and meets the first Monday of each month from 10:30 a.m. to noon in Room 111 of the Skidaway Island Methodist Church, 54 Diamond Causeway. Visit www.alzga.org or call 920-2231.

41

-- solving pleasure, I meant.

the month from 6-7 p.m. at Youth Futures Family Resource Center at 705 Anderson St. For information, call Madison at CASA at 447-8908 or send email to madison@savannahcasa.org.

Answers on page 43

Support Groups

“Ribbed For Your Pleasure”

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

42

the 411|Happenings

continued from page 41

Eating Disorders/Self Harm Support Group

A 12-step group for people with eating disorders and self-harm disorders. For information, call Brandon Lee at 927-1324.

Fibromyalgia support group

meets the second Thursday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Conference Room 2, Candler Heart and Lung Building, 5356 Reynolds St.. 8196743.

First Line

is an after-hours referral and information line to talk confidentially about birth control, sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy options. A free service from Planned Parenthood, available nightly from 7 to 11 p.m. at 1-800-264-7154.

Food Addicts Anonymous

will meet every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. and every Saturday at 9 a.m. in the Candler Hospital Medical Library Conference Room.

Call 659-2669.

Full Circle Grief and Loss Center

a program of Hospice Savannah, offers the free counseling services for anyone dealing with loss. Call 355-2289. Grief 101 is a seven week support group for individuals who have suffered a loss by death. Pre-registration required. Tuesda­ys 6-7 p.m. Grief Support Network is an on-going peer-run support group. Tuesdays 6-7 p.m. Children’s Groups, call for times. Specialty Groups such

the 411|Free Will Astrology ARIES (March 21-April 19): “When the first settlers arrived in the New World, they were terrified by the vast open spaces,” says Peter Anastas in the film *Polis Is This.* “They wanted to remake this unkempt paradise into a big English garden.” This is a scenario you should NOT imitate in 2007, Aries. Wander out into the unknown with a cracked grin and a wild heart. Let it work its elemental magic on you. Don’t be too eager to turn the frontier into a comfy hang-out.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Though millions of other peo-

ple may be flirting with glamorous badness and crafty nastiness in 2007, I bet you’ll have a minimal attraction to negativity, no matter how interesting it might allegedly be. Drama kings and drama queens may try to seduce you into the crazy chaos they stir up through their addiction to pain, but you’ll be pretty immune to their temptations. Seemingly reasonable people might hope you’ll buy into their gloom and doom, but you’ll be too smart for that. Congratulations in advance for your determination to be free of the stupid suffering that so many people love to entertain themselves with.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “Dear Rob: Did you ever hear

of that monstrous experiment in which a monkey actually died from lack of touch? I often feel like that poor creature. For a while I thought I was being selfish to want more love, but now I’m sick of that idiotic intellectualized self-denial, and refuse to pretend I’m a self- sufficient saint who can go through life feeling a chronic grey bathwater haze of half-assed passion.

Is there any hope? -Deprived Gemini.” Dear Deprived: Good news! The possibility that you’ll be inundated with love is higher in 2007 than it has been for years.

Here are two tips to make it more likely that you’ll be in the right places at the right times to capitalize: (1) Make yourself supremely lovable; (2) increase your capacity to give love.

as Spouse Loss Group and Loss by Suicide Group are offered when needed.

HIV/AIDS:living with HIV/AIDS? My Brothaz Homeis a support group for men

meets every Thursday of the month. Come on out and meet other brothaz. 231-8727.

Hope House

provides housing and support services such as life skills, resources and referrals, followup care and parent-child activities funded

by DHR Promoting Safe and Stable Families.

Please call 236-5310 for information.

Huntington Disease Support Group

meets the last Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the Heart and Lung Building at Candler Hospital, second floor, Room 2. Call Sandra at 9640455.

Keeping hope alive while living with cancer

meets the fourth Monday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the Women’s Services Conference Room at the Center for Advanced Medicine at Memorial Health. Call 350-7845.

Koolostomy Accessories

is a support group open to anyone who has an ostomy and their loved ones. Call Jennifer Currin at 350-7845.

Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma Support Group

Each month, the group focuses on a specific topic related to blood-related cancers and also

discusses ways to improve quality of life. Call Jennifer Currin at 350-7845.

Living without Violence

The SAFE Shelter offers free drop-in counseling to anyone who is in an abusive relationship. Meets every Thursday from 7-8:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Education Building at Whitaker & McDonough St. 2349999.

Lowcountry Huntington’s Disease Group Call Sandra at 964-0455 or visit www.

LowcountryHD.com.

Lung Cancer Support Group

is for families who are going through lung cancer treatment and survivors of lung cancer. It meets monthly at Summit Cancer Care. Call Patty Thornton at 350-9385.

Lupus Encouragement Group

A support group that is open to patients with lupus, their family members and friends. 4476605.

Memorial Health Cancer Challenges Support Group Call Jennifer Currin at 350-7845.

Memorial Health Diabetes Support Group

meets the third Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Error Prevention Conference Room. A variety of guests discuss ways to improve health. Call Glenda at 350-3690.

Memorial Health Hemophilia Support Group for parents of children with bleeding disorders. Call Mary Lou Cygan at 350-7285.

Memorial Health Pancreatic Cancer Support Group’

For information, call Jennifer Currin at 3503988.

Memorial Health POPPS! Group

for children with cancer and their parents and caregivers. Call Donna at 350-5616.

Memorial Health PRIDE Bleeding Disorders Support Group Call Mary Lou Cygan at 350-7285.

Memorial Health SET Focus

SET Focus is a program to encourage Sickle Cell patients ages 11 to 18 and their parents and caregivers to learn more about Sickle Cell disease. For information, call Saundra at 350-3396.

Mommy and Me: Life With Your Little One is a support group that meets the first Thursday of the month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Candler Professional Building, Room 508A, 5354 Reynolds St. Call 819-6171 for information.

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group Call 653-5878.

by Rob Brezsny

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I nominate you to be the

zodiac’s most successful complainer in 2007. According to my analysis of the omens, you could excel at formulating brisk critiques and constructive dissent. You may even have a genius for bringing the bracing intelligence of the heart to bear on situations that are paralyzed by mind games. If you manage to fulfill the potential I’m prophesying, you’ll set in motion far-reaching ripples of benevolent change. More power to you, Cancerian! May your grumbles and squawks and protests be imbued with lyrical persuasiveness.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): My beautiful and talented Leo

friend Alisha had a traumatic experience early in her romantic history. At age 17, she fell in love with the garbage man who hauled away her family’s trash every Saturday. Through her persistent efforts, the two of them started dating, even though her parents hated his surly vulgarity, his permanently dirty fingernails, and the fact that he couldn’t read. After a whirlwind affair, alas, he broke up with her. Ever since, even as Alisha has learned to make better choices, she has carried the tragicomic embarrassment of having been dumped by a mean, illiterate garbage man. But I predict that in 2007 she’ll be healed: Delightful adventures in love will utterly expunge that old twinge. Moreover, I believe many of you Leos will find comparable romantic redemption.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In Kabbalah, the tree of life is

the primary symbol of the universe. In Norse mythology, the World Tree links heaven to earth and shelters all living things; beneath it lies a magical well with water that confers special powers on those who drink it. The ancient Chinese spoke of a peach tree that bore a single fruit once every three millennia, and provided immortality to anyone who ate it. In the mythic tradition of modern science, trees have a crucial role in maintaining the ecological health of the planet. I mention all this, Virgo, because in 2007 you’ll benefit tremendously from deepening your relationship with trees--both the actual and mythical kinds. Get to know them better. Learn

from them. Plant some. Put a picture of a favorite tree on your altar. Hug one now and then.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): According to *The Onion*

newspaper, the Catholic Church has abolished the traditional “blessed” status of the meek. The new official story is that the meek shall *not* inherit the earth. One Church official was quoted as saying, “Everything about the meek, from their quiet demeanors to their utter lack of can-do spirit, goes against Church philosophy.” I can’t confirm the accuracy of *The Onion’s* report, but it does underscore a point I want to drive home to you in 2007: It’ll be a favorable time for you to get tough with the docile, submissive aspects of your own psyche.

Humility’s fine; that can stay. But you should take aggressive measures to lose any tendencies you might have to be passive. Capitalize on the fact that events in the coming months will help you tap into reserves of courage that have previously been inaccessible.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 2007, you’ll need to find the

power to do the half-right thing when it’s impossible to do the totally right thing. To help you do that, remember this advice from Abraham Lincoln: “The true rule, in determining to embrace or reject anything, is not whether it have any evil in it; but whether it have more of evil than of good. There are few things wholly evil, or wholly good. Almost every thing is an inseparable compound of the two; so that our best judgment of the preponderance between them is continually demanded.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Not everything you feel in 2007 will be new, but you’ll have a lot more novel emotions than in a typical year. Not everything you do will be creative and imaginative, but I suspect you’ll often be improvising your way smartly through experiences that have no precedent. You may not be relentlessly reinventing yourself, but I bet you’ll be imitating your old shticks and tricks less than you ever have before.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your sins are pretty mild,

Capricorn. Still, you have from time to time violated some of your own highest standards; you have on occasion failed to live with impeccable ethical integrity.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that in 2007 you will have the best chance ever to atone for past mistakes.

If done well, your corrective actions will win you a permanent vacation from the hell that those mistakes have sometimes trapped you in.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): There are still places in China

where plagues of locusts periodically descend in Biblical proportions. A few years ago, farmers in the region of Xinjiang fought back, gathering an army of 10,000 chickens in anticipation of the invading hordes. The bird soldiers were trained for two months, and when the showdown came, they acquitted themselves admirably.

This vignette is an apt metaphor for a challenge you’ll face in 2007. While in general the year should bring an abundant amount of sweet luck and high adventures, there will be a locust visitation or two. I urge you to assemble your own personal equivalent of a chicken army.

What might that mean, practically speaking? Here are some possibilities: (1) Be well-prepared for natural anomalies. (2) Ally yourself with the enemy of your adversary. (3) Get others to help you fight your battles.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You’re not wearing a chastity

belt right now, right? You don’t have on shoes that are so tight that they constrict your sense of adventure? And please tell me you’re not lugging around toxic beliefs about the impossibility of experiencing authentic joy in this “sick, twisted, miserable world we live in.” But if by chance you *have* victimized yourself with any of the debilitations I just named--or any other form of self-torture for the matter--please take this opportunity to unburden yourself. The time has come for you to explore the mysteries of pleasure, happiness, and outright euphoria. I hope that in 2007, you will fully exploit the new title I now anoint you with: Bliss Warrior. w

the 411|Happenings Multiple Sclerosis support group

discusses topics that are relevant to anyone with a debilitating disease every fourth Thursday at 3:30 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 8412 Whitfield Ave. at Montgomery Cross Roads. 355-1523

Muscular Dystrophy support group

meets Jan. 28, April 19, July 19 and Oct. 18 from noon to 1 p.m. in Conference Room 2, Candler Heart & Lung Building, 5356 Reynolds St. 354-9576.

Narcotics Anonymous

When at the end of the road you find that you no longer can function with or without drugs, there’s a simple, spiritual, non-religious program known as Narcotics Anonymous.

Tired of drugs? Want to stop? Call 238-5925 for the Savannah Lowcountry Area Narcotics Anonymous meeting schedule.

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill

Overcoming the Stigma of Seizure Disorders

meets the fourth Thursday at the Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church at Abercorn and Gordon streets. A free story/ coloring book, I’m Feeling Just Ducky!, is available for children to better explain seizure activity.. Call Pam Steadman at 233-1006.

Overeaters Anonymous

Is food a problem for you? Do you eat when you’re not hungry? Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason? Does your weight affect the way you live your life? No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins. Meets Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. at 1030 Shawnee St., Unit F2.

Call 728-4028.

Pancreatic Cancer Support Group Call Jennifer Currin at 350-7845.

PRIDE Support Group

This is a support group for parents of children with bleeding disorders. Call Mary Lou Cygan at 350-7285.

The Parents of Difficult Teens group

for parents having problems with their teens and pre-teens. 353-7699.

Rape Crisis Center

assists survivors of rape and sexual assault.

The Rape Crisis Line is active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 233-7273. The center offers free, confidential counseling for victims and their families. Call 233-RAPE.

Rape Crisis Center Incest Survivor’s Group

As part of its ongoing work with incest survivors, the Rape Crisis Center has built a cinder-block wall where incest survivors can throw plates as an anger management technique. In order to continue, donations of china are needed. Call 233-3000 to make a donation.

Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Support Group The group welcomes anyone suffering with this disorder, and family members or caregivers interested in learning more about it.

For information, call Martyn Hills at 6514094.

Safe Shelter Outreach Program

Providing services for survivors of domestic violence. All services are confidential and free. 3025 Bull St. 651-0004.

St. Joseph’s/Candler Emory transplant support group

The group meets every other month, Jan. 12, March 9, May 11, July 13, Sept. 14 and Nov. 9, in Conference Room 2, Candler Heart & Lung Building, 5356 Reynolds St. For information, call Terria Manning at 819-2171 or Karen Traver at 819-8350.

Sarcoidosis support group

meets quarterly, March 24, June 16, September 15 and December 15, Noon, Conference Room 2, Candler Heart & Lung Bldg. 5356 Reynolds St. 692-2032.

Savannah Chatham Truancy Intervention Project

meets the fourth Thursday of each month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at 428 Bull St. in the United Way Building. The project can educate you regarding the new truancy law and how it impacts your child.

The Savannah Parkinson’s Support Group

meets the first Thursday of the month from 5-6:30 p.m. in the Marsh Auditorium at Candler Hospital. Call 355-6347 or 238-4666.

Senior Citizen’s Inc. Alzheimer’s Support Group

This monthly support group is for families of persons suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia and is held the second Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at Ruth Byck Adult Day Care facility, 64 Jasper St. Call ahead to reserve a seat. Call Stacey Floyd at 236-0363.

Sexaholics Anonymous

is a fellowship of men and women whose purpose is to help those with sexual addictions. 351-7440.

S-Anon Family Group

is a fellowship for families and friends of sexaholics. For information, call 663-2565.

Smoking Cessation Support Group

is open to anyone who has stopped smoking and needs additional support or to those who are considering trying to stop smoking. Call 819-8032 or 819-3361.

Spinal Injury Support Group

meets every third Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at the Rehabilitation Institute at Memorial Health. The group will meet Jan. 18. For information, call Jami Murray at 3508900.

Stroke Support Group

Speak with someone who has survived a stroke, who will listen and understand stroke patients’ experiences. Groups meet in three

locations -- every Tuesday from 12:303:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 520 Washington Ave.; every Friday from 10-11 a.m. at Savannah Speech and Hearing, 1206 E. 66th St., (call Jane Medoff at 355-4601); and every third Thursday of the month from 4-5:30 p.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church at 1 W. Ridge Rd. on Skidaway Island. Call Ann Farr at 598-1766 or Shirley Nack at 598-7047.

651-5352 or send e-mail to stallm@savannahredcross.org.

Hope House of Savannah provides support for teenage mothers between the ages of 13 to 19. Childcare, snacks and transportation provided. Call 236-5310.

Make a difference in a child’s life. Call Michelle Jones, 652-6710.

Teen Mom Support Program

Transgender Support Group

My Brothaz Home, Inc. is sponsoring this support group. For information, call Lady Maverick or George at 231-8727.

United Way’s First Call for Help

Telephone information & referral service that provides expertise and relief to individuals and families in need, with a database of more than 500 agencies and organizations. 6517730.

Victim-Witness assistance program

is for families of murder victims. The meetings are at 6 p.m. in the Chatham County Courthouse on Montgomery St. third Thursday of each month. 652-7329

Wheeze busters

is an asthma support group for children that meets in the Rainbow Room at The Children’s Place at Candler Hospital. Call 921-3368.

Women who love too much

meets Fridays from noon to 1 p.m. Call Maureen Wozniak at 355-4987.

The Work

meets the fourth Friday at 7 p.m. at 2320 Sunset Blvd., (just off Skidaway at Carey Hilliards). The Work is for mentally healthy people who are stuck in some area of their lives. 355-4704.

Volunteers

Adult Literacy Program

Volunteers are needed to work with adults through the Adult Literacy Program at St. Joseph’s/Candler’s St. Mary’s Community Center. The program runs weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon at 812 W. 36th St. in CuylerBrownsville. Volunteers with strong skills in math, science, social studies, language arts, reading and writing are needed. Call Shenita Ferguson at the center at 447-0578.

America’s Second Harvest Food Bank needs volunteers to sort, clean, & shelve salvaged foods from reclamation centers where bent cans or crumpled boxes of nutritious food is sent.

Apply as soon as possible. 912-236-6750 ext 109.

Become a mentor

CASA needs volunteers

to speak up for abused children in court for their best interests and to help ensure they are placed in safe and permanent homes. Call 447-8908 or send e-mail to infor@savannahcasa.org.

Chatham County Truancy Intervention Project matches volunteer attorneys and other professionals with children who have been brought before the court for excessive school absenteeism. They also provide legal representation and other resources to children and their families to prevent school failure. TIP is recruiting professionals in the fields of education, law enforcement and social service.

Become a mentor today and help make a difference in a child’s life. For information, call 201-2133.

Coastal Pet Rescue

Foster parents are needed. A volunteer coordinator is needed, as are vet techs with microchipping experience, Pet Expo volunteers, fundraiser volunteers, a PR/marketing coordinator, a trainer/behaviorist and Adoption Day volunteers. Fill out an online application at www.coastalpetrescue.org.

Community Cardiovascular Council

is looking for medical volunteers to check blood pressures for our walk-ins. Anyone interested in a few hours a week please call Sydney Oetgen at 236-7666.

Community HealthCare Center

This non-profit organization is looking for volunteer nurses, doctors, nurses practitioners and development/fundraising volunteers to work at the center, which provides free medical care for working uninsured individuals. Call Margarita Ruppe at 398-9720 or visit www.chcsavannah.org. The center is located at 310 Eisenhower Dr., No. 5.

Crafts and Ceramics Teachers Needed

American Red Cross needs volunteers

The Women’s Center of Wesley Community Centers is seeking volunteers to teach crafts or ceramic classes on Mondays. Call Valeria Flowers at 447-5711. w

Sudoku Answers

Crossword Answers

The Chatham Branch of the Savannah Red Cross needs volunteers. Call Mark Stall at

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

meets the third Sunday from 3:30-6 p.m. at the Armstrong Atlantic State University Sports Education Building, Room 226. 3517035 or 353-7143.

43

E xchange

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

44

Call 238-2040 For Business Rates

Place Your Classified Ad Online For FREE! Visit www.connectsavannahexchange.com

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100

Announcements

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355

Furniture

CAR ACCIDENT RECENTLY? (FREE REPORT ) reveals closely guarded insurance secrets you Queen need to know before you settle “Pillowtop”Set your case or speak with anyone.

The call is Free and so is the re- Brand new still in original factory plastic with Boxspring and warport. Call 1-800-753-3348.

355

355

Furniture

Furniture ranty, suggest list $699 must let go for $160. 912-965-9652 Delivery available.

$150

KING PLUSH mattress & box set.

New in plastic. Can deliver.

912-965-9652.

Dining Room $950

Bedroom Set

Seven piece sleigh bedroom. All cherry, new and in factory boxes.

Can deliver $900. 912-964-1494.

ALL WOOD cherry sleigh bed with rails. Still in box, $275. 965-9652.

9 piece cherry, solid wood table, 6 chairs, hutch/buffet. New in boxes, worth $6K. Can deliver. 912-313-2303.

Dining Room Table & 8 chairs. Glass, lighted china cabinet included.

Dark cherry stained wood, $700 OBO. Call 596-7355.

370

Musical Instruments

399

ror and nightstand (chest available). All wood, new in boxes.

Can deliver. $1200.

912-313-2303.

CHERRY SOLID Wood Sleigh Bed with mattress set. Never used, in box. $399. 912-966-9937.

Dining Room Table & 8 chairs. Glass, lighted china cabinet included.

Dark cherry stained wood, $700 OBO. Call 596-7355.

FULL PLUSH MATTRESS & BOX

MATTRESS SETS

A brand name queen set (includes box) never used and still in bag, $125. KING size brand NEW, in plastic, sacrifice $200.

Can deliver 964-1494.

399

Orthopedic Mattress Set. Includes boxspring and warranty.

Still in original packaging. Must sell $140. 912-313-2303.

$75

QUEEN mattress & box. NEW, in plastic. Can Deliver.

912-965-9652.

BED $225

Name brand, 3 piece, King Pillowtop mattress set. New in w r a p p i n g. C a n d e l i ve r.

912-313-2303.

TRADITIONAL CHERRY four poster rice bed. Queen/king poster bed with dresser and mir-

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Miscellaneous Pets

A SITTER FOR ANY CRITTER Let your pet stay home while y o u a r e a w a y. C u s t o m i z e d scheduling to suit your needs.

Experienced Vet tech and Wildlife rehabber. Licensed and fully insured. Free initial consult.

Check us out on the web at www.asitterforanycritter.homestead.com or call 912-748-5889 for details.

Name brand still sealed in plastic. Sacrifice $135. 912-966-9937.

GUITARS + DRUMS plus more at $90. Bigsby, Fender, Gibson, Slingerland and Leedy. Outlet Music in Pooler. Call 912-748-0226.

Miscellaneous Merchandise

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Full Body units from $22 a month. Buy direct and Save.

Free Color Catalog. call Today 1-800-711-0158. www.np.etstan.com.

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Savannah Learning Center 7160 Hodgson Memorial Dr. Savannah, Georgia 31406 912-920-4144 www.savannahlatina.com

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Schools & Instruction

Spanish & Computer Classes for the whole family!

7AM to 9PM Seven days a week.

Special opening price: 50% off for 1st 3 months.

&NQMPZNFOU

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cooks and FT Sous chef, Housem e n a n d Fr o n t d e s k . C a l l 912-944-4401 or fax 912-944-4403.

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Wanted to Buy

General

Receive $5.00 for every envelope stuffed with our sales material. Guaranteed. Free information. 24 hour recording.

1-800-423-2089.

2 DISHWASHER/BUS PERSON NEEDED Must be able to work in a fast paced environment. Must be dependable & punctual. Starting salary $6/hour plus tips. Average weekly hours needed 30. Apply Monday, Tuesday, Thursday between 10:30-11:30am. All applicants must be able to pass drug screen and background check.

The Express Cafe & Bakery. 39 Barnard Street. EOE. BENEFITS BROKER Work from home, earn up to $550 per week with benefits. Will train.

Contact: Yvonne George Toll Free: 888-338-2574 Website: www.showmehow toworkfromhome.com DISHWASHER/BUS PERSON NEEDED Must be able to work in a fast paced environment. Must be dependable & punctual. Starting salary $6/hour plus tips. Average weekly hours needed 30. Apply Monday-Thursday between 11-11:30am. All applicants must be able to pass drug screen and background check. The Express Cafe & Bakery. 39 Barnard Street.

EOE. INSTRUCTOR’S AIDE Day Hab Program Immediate opening for a highly motivated, energetic individual to provide direct training of daily living skills, mobility skills, communication skills and community integration to adults with developmental disabilities. Responsibilities include feeding and changing incontinent consumers. Applicant must consent to a background investigation, have a high school diploma and physically able to lift. Excellent fringe benefits. Apply at 1249 Eisenhower Drive (old Juvenile Detention Center).

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Sales/Service 1ST CHOICE Accepting apps. for positions to include: Banquet Servers, Stewards, Bartenders, Set-up Crews, Line cooks, Prep

$ I BUY HOUSES $ We buy houses & lots/land.

Don’t Stress! We buy “as is”!

(No bank inspections needed) Quick, Fair Offers. Fast Closings. Avoid Foreclosure.

Don’t Wait Any Longer, Call us today!

912-429-9600 (We are not Realtors)

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Homes for Sale 1217 E. 67TH STREET Restored Midtown Bungalow $154,000. 2 BR, 1 BA complete renovation, including appliances & W/D, wood floors, front porch, back terrace, nice yard on 3 lots. Call Pam Ensley, The Coastal Real Estate Group, LLC 912-507-1006 2 DECEMBER AUCTIONS *12/19 - 2 Plex, Duffy St., Start Bid $250K. Go to SRE123.com, click on “Auctions” CLOSE TO SCAD: 17 East 37th.

Unit 8 of the Tondee Condominiums. High ceilings, big windows and a front view in this beautifully restored brick building. This 1 bed/1 bath comes with a full appliance package including laundr y. The Tondee is a secure building with intercom, off-street parking and additional storage room. Only $159,900. Jacqueline Mason, 912-220-1844.

CROSSWINDS: 69.2 acres & private 5½ acre lake, 3-story home, bring horses! Alicia Howe, Re/Max 1st Choice Realty 912-272-8183 or 912-826-1000. $ I BUY HOUSES $ We buy houses & lots/land.

Don’t Stress! We buy “as is”!

(No bank inspections needed) Quick, Fair Offers. Fast Closings. Avoid Foreclosure.

Don’t Wait Any Longer, Call us today!

912-429-9600 (We are not Realtors)

www.connectsavannah.com

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855

Homes for Sale

INVESTORS

bedroom, 1450 sq.ft. beautifully updated w/new kitchens, stainless appliances & new decking; preserving their historic appeal w/fantastic original details. Huge porches add gracious outdoor living space! 304/306 East Waldburg. From $275,000. Jessica Kelly, Mopper-Stapen Realtors 912-441-9101.

$ I BUY HOUSES $ We buy houses & lots/land.

Don’t Stress! We buy “as is”!

(No bank inspections needed) Quick, Fair Offers. Fast Closings. Avoid Foreclosure.

Don’t Wait Any Longer, Call us today!

912-429-9600 (We are not Realtors)

820

www.connectsavannah.com

FREE NEWSLETTER Sign up at SRE123.com Click on “Free Newsletter” or call 1-800-311-9525 ext. 13.

Marshfront Under 175k!

Serene Marsh view in quiet community. Brilliantly updated one level living. 3-bedroom/2-bath, 1330 sq.ft. w/open floor plan, new roof, new deck and more.

An immaculate retreat w/amazing sunsets surrounded by expansive marsh vista! 133 Mars h e d g e L a n e, J e s s i c a K e l l y, Mopper-Stapen Realtors 912-441-9101.

TALAHI ISLAND-7 West Coquena Circle. Lovely 2600 sqft. custom home on large culdesac lot.

3 bedrooms/2.5 bath plus bonus and 2-car garage. Mature landscaping. $379,000. By appointment 912-429-9600.

THE ST.

Townhomes/Condos for Sale

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Homes for Rent 1, 2 and 3 BEDROOM All with Central heat/air Go to www.SRE123.com or call 1-800-311-9525 ext. 2

ALL NEW TOWN HOMES Ashley Park Town Homes, close to downtown & parkway. 19 units available.

2 or 3 bedroom & 2 ½ bath.

Private entry & parking.

Only $150,000-$175,000.

Call Sharon Miller at 912-308-5572 or Tri County GMAC office, 912-351-9735.

Buy. Sell. Find. Free! www.connectsavannah.com

LAWRENCE Jazz Era Condos in heart of the Victorian District. Spacious 3-

Land/Lots for Sale

Buy. Sell. Find. Free! www.connectsavannah.com

1601 EAST 59th STREET: 3-bedrooms, 2-baths, fully renovated brick house w/garage. Near Midtown & hospital. $950/month.

Call 912-429-9600.

3BR, 1-1/2 Bath. Great location.

Near Oglethorpe Mall, Candler & Memorial Hospitals. Central H&A, gas stove, dishwasher, disposal.

Carport, utility room w/washer & dryer hookups & workbench.

Fenced yard. Security lights.

Small pets allowed. Available now. $825 w/deposit.

912-352-8405.

617 EAST 49th Street: 3BR, 2BA, LR, DR, Kitchen, W/D, Hardwood floors, CHA. $900/month. Call 912-354-6400.

Homes for Rent

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GEORGETOWN 37 Beaver Run Dr. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, livingroom, dining room, fireplace, eat-in kitchen with new appliances. New paint & car pet, hardwood floors, large covered patio. Ted Akins, Prime Proper ties.

661-1248

Connect Savannah Classifieds

Work!

Call 721-4350 or go to connectsavannah.com to place your ad today.

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

www.connectsavannah.com

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Homes for Sale

3FBM &TUBUF GPS 4BMF

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1000 Envelopes = $5000.

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Sales/Service

860

Townhomes/Condos for Rent

117 LINCOLN STREET Fully furnished, 2BR/1BA, washer/dryer, full kitchen, $2000/month. Contact Alex, 912-220-1700.

305 EAST BOLTON #202 871 sqft, 2BR/1BA, brand new construction. Community pool, off-street parking, upscale finishes & appliances, laundry room, private storage. $1700/month. Contact Alex, 912-220-1700.

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Apartments for Rent 1904 WHITAKER STREET: 3 bedroom apartment for rent. Security system, off street parking, hardwood floors, CHA, washe r / d r y e r, f e n c e d b a c k y a r d , $ 9 7 5 / m o n t h . Pe t s a l l o we d.

912-257-8576.

201 WEST 42nd STREET: 2BR, 1BA, completely remodeled, washer/dryer hookups. Deposit/Lease required. $575/month.

Downtown Savannah Properties, Inc. 912-447-0401

HISTORIC DISTRICT

538 East 31st Street Brand new 2-Bedrooms, 2-Full Baths, Hardwood floors & carpet, Central heat/air, Full kitchen, Washer/dryer connections, Offstreet parking, Privacy fence.

Available Now. $995/month. No pets. Call 912-213-6444.

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Apartments for Rent HISTORIC DISTRICT: Gardens on Jones

Luxurious 2 bedroom, 2-1/2 bath condo. Secure garage p a r k i n g, e l evato r, ce nt ra l courtyard, washer/dryer. Close t o e v e r y t h i n g ! Av a i l a b l e 01/01/07. $1,700/month. No pets. Call Monica at 912-547-0688 or mrama1@hotmail.com.

MIDTOWN 2 bedrooms, 1 Bath plus Sunroom. Renovated, central heat/air. $695 monthly.

Call 912-429-9600.

Victorian District One bedroom apartment. Hardwood floors, fireplace, central heat/air, washer/dryer, water included. Secured yard. $550/month Call 233-5246 leave message.

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Room for Rent 4 ROOM APARTMENT w/private entrance on 37th & W h i t a k e r. N i c e l y f u r n i s h e d w/utilities, washer/dryer, phone, cable & TV. Off-street parking. $195/weekly or $699/monthly, $210/deposit. Call 912-231-9464.

LARGE VICTORIAN near library.

Walk-in closet, fireplace, mini kitchen, phone, cable, internet, w/d utilities, nicely furnished. $140/wk, $504/mo. Seven days.

Call 912-231-9464.

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Roommate Wanted $500/$600 ROOMS AVAILABLE in 2, beautiful Victorians. Utilities, cable, internet, W/D included.

Shared common room, kitchen and baths. Quiet neighborhoods, parking, great roommates. Great for SCAD students. Call (510) 520-1041.

5SBOTQPSUBUJPO 910

Cars 2003 FORD Explorer XLT Push button 4x4 with towing package, fully loaded, AM/FM CD cassette player, leather interior, sunroof, running boards, new tires, excellent condition $12,500. Call 912-530-8775 or 912-294-1090.

Motorcycles/ATVs MUST SELL BEFORE CHRISTMAS, 2003 Harley Davidson 883C Sportster Loaded w/options, 5024 miles, Screamin’ Eagle Stage 1 Kit & exhaust, saddle bags, lots of chrome. $9400/OBO. Call 912-756-5360 or 912-412-9946.

Not that

Kinda Free

But Close

Find the PerFect aPartment! go to connectsavannah.com

Fender Bender?

Paint & Body Work Reasonably Priced Insurance Claims We buy wrecks

355-5932

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Savannah’s FREE

Online

Classified Marketplace connectsavannahexchange.com

Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com

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Connect Savannah 12.27.06 www.connectsavannah.com