Metro Spirit 12.12.2002

WHO BELONGS DOWNTOWN?

THE METROPOLITAN

WYCLIFFE GORDON THE IMPERIAL ARTS, ISSUES & ENTERTAINMENT December 12-18

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Issue 19

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State Senator Don Cheeks

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Contents

DUI

The Metropolitan Spirit

DECEMBER 12-18

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William Sussman

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Cover Design: Natalie Holle Photo: Brian Neill

FEATURE

Who Belongs Downtown? By Stacey Eidson ...................................................16 Women are from Venus; Santa Is from Mars By Roger Naylor ......................24

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Opinion Whine Line ......................................................................4 Words ..............................................................................4 This Modern World ........................................................4 Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down ..........................................6 Suburban Torture ...........................................................8 Guest Column: Clyde Wells .........................................10 Austin Rhodes ..............................................................12

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Metro Beat Commissioners Fight for Chief Few's History ............14

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Wycliffe Gordon Comes Home for the Holidays ..............................28

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Movie Listings .............................................................38 Review: “Maid in Manhattan” ....................................41 Preview: “Star Trek: Nemesis” ..................................42 Movie Clock ..................................................................43

Music

Rocking the Stocking: Good Fun for a Good Cause ...................................................................44 Talented Teen Fills Days With Music ..........................46 Music by Turner ............................................................47 Nightlife .........................................................................48

Stuff News of the Weird ........................................................51 Brezsny's Free Will Astrology ......................................52 New York Times Crossword Puzzle ............................52 Amy Alkon: The Advice Goddess ................................53 Classifieds .....................................................................54 Date Maker ...................................................................55 Automotive Classifieds ................................................57

EDITOR & PUBLISHER David Vantrease ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Rhonda Jones STAFF WRITERS Stacey Eidson, Brian Neill ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Joe White ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kriste Lindler, Jennifer H. Mar tin PRODUCTION MANAGER Joe Smith GR APHIC ARTISTS Stephanie Carroll, Natalie Holle ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER Meli Gurley RECEPTIONIST/CLASSIFIED COORDINATOR Sharon King ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ASSISTANT Lisa Jordan CIRCULATION DIRECTOR Meli Gurley SENIOR MUSIC CONTRIBUTOR Ed Turner CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chuck Shepherd, Rob Brezsny, Austin Rhodes, Amy Alkon, Rachel Deahl CARTOONISTS Tom Tomorrow, Julie Larson

THE METROPOLITAN SPIRIT is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks of the year. Editorial coverage includes ar ts, local issues, news, enter tainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publishers. Visit us at www.metspirit.com. Copyright © The Metropolitan Spirit Inc. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited.

Phone: (706) 738-1142 Fax: (706) 733-6663 E-mail: spirit@metspirit.com Letters to the Editor: P.O. Box 3809, Augusta, Ga. 30914-3809

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hank goodness for state Representative Sue Burmeister.

She defeated Robin Williams in the 2000 election to become state representative. Then, her 2002 proposed legislation to change Augusta government became giant footsteps sounding like rolling thunder. Jack Connell heard these footsteps and wisely chose retirement.

Poor Joey Brush! With Senator Don Cheeks now a part of the Columbia County delegation, Joey will be relegated to the Colgate ads and youth song feasts. Efforts to change helmet laws and political sign ordinances, as well as giving county builders a bigger place at the trough, should be history. Instead, the 2003 (session) should be geared toward tax reductions and getting government out of the lives of Georgians.

These adult bars downtown are about as trashy as I’ve ever seen. I’m almost embarrassed for the Masters patrons that go out looking for entertainment and wander into these hole-in-the-wall bars. It would be nice to have a gentleman’s club in Augusta with

reasonable drink prices, topless even.

Now the Augusta National is banning the sale of merchandise at Gate 6. Enough is enough. Hootie, have you gone nuts? Most of us aren’t lucky enough to receive Masters passes so we get our Masters merchandise via Gate 6.

Augusta is getting a raw deal on public arenas? You bet! The (original plans for the current) center that the “voters” approved were supposed to be 12,000 seats and a public ice skating rink. After everyone finished lining their pockets, we got what we have now. The taxpayers still owe millions of dollars on the current structure and they want us to spend how many million dollars on a new one? Don’t get me wrong. I would gladly spend the money in order to get more real entertainment here, but will we get what we pay for? Also, who will manage the new facility, the same bozos that ran the old one in the red for so many years?

Let’s watch these people very closely!

I was admiring what a good job the paving contractor has done with some of these

Words “The ANIC (Augusta Neighborhood Improvement Corp.) group is not a group he (outgoing state Sen. Charles Walker) can simply ride over, but he does have an awful lot of influence. But the director (of ANIC), Robert Cooks, totes Charles Walker’s water.”

— Downtown businessman and former ANIC board member Julian Osbon, as quoted in The Augusta Chronicle in an article about Walker’s association with the publicly funded agency.

recently repaved roads and streets here in Summerville and around town. I see they’re now working on Laney-Walker Blvd. Those machines they have really do a good job of grinding the old road bed smooth and level before they apply the new asphalt surface on top. The result of course is a way smoother, quieter ride. One day last summer I stopped to watch this process unfold over on McDowell St. and I will say I was very impressed that day with what those guys and their impressive machines are capable of.

Here’s to ‘em!

I work at a post office in Augusta, and I have personally witnessed such waste, that it’s unbelievable! We had an employee paid for overtime (at $30 an hour) and what they did during this overtime, was take a nap in the ladies’ locker room, while our three $40-an-hour supervisors never even noticed! Oh, by the way, I’ve notified higher-ups in the post office and they don’t care. After all, it’s only the taxpayers’ money.

I’d like to vote on a new flag, but not one that contains the Rebel flag. Surely we can design new flags more pleasing to the eye.

I would like to say excellent expose on the proposed $89 million arena (Stacey Eidson’s article on Nov. 28). It seems to me that whomever did the study was steered toward the I-20 location. They only considered one location downtown on a property that was obviously too small, and neglected to look at other possible downtown sites. Who owns that land out at I-20 and River Watch? The current site of the civic center was chosen because the property was owned by Georgia Railroad Bank, when there were many better locations downtown. Are politics and profit once again driving the location of a new arena despite what would be best for the community as a whole?

Thomas Wyman, a 25-year member of Augusta National, resigned from the club in

protest of its all-male policy. Question: Where has his sense of outrage about gender discrimination been for the past 24 years? Whew! I just got a whiff of hypocrisy in the air.

Well, I was thoroughly appalled at the Martinez parade last Sunday. I have never in my life seen such a shoddy job at putting together a simple procession. The police were rude to the point of being unprofessional, and it didn’t take a genius to tell that they were a bunch of young guys who didn’t get enough play in their days and were trying to make up for it with uniforms, guns, and motorcycles.

Does anybody else have a sore arm from changing the radio stations in your car?

Why don’t any of the local stations play some good music instead of the same old five pop songs? Why not play stuff that involves talent such as blues, bluegrass, reggae or punk? Anything that is more entertaining than the poop that we have to put up with now!

Every time there is a ranking or a listing of where Georgia ranks compared to the rest of the states as far as education, health, income, or any other statistic that means something, Georgia is always at the worst end of the scale. So on what issue do we elect a new governor? The flag of course.

Now that is an issue that should remain on top of everyone’s list as the No. 1 concern of our state.

Augusta has no excuse for the sorry state that it’s in. Here you have a city that is full of talented people, good roadways with little traffic congestion, and a beautiful river downtown. It is the small-minded attitude that dominates this city that prevents it from becoming great. Achieving greatness for Augusta will require great thinking. It will require vision and hard work. You can’t attract new business and new ideas with a Podunk way of thinking. Act like you are continued on page 6

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Thumbs Up Aaron LeBlanc is going to jail for at least 54 years. This 20-year-old rapist, who thought he could get away with the unthinkable, has the rest of his adult life to think about the women

he has hurt and the life he could have lived.

Thank you Gastonia, N.C., for putting a dangerous man, who should have been convicted in Augusta, behind bars.

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That Augusta’s leading black newspaper, the Augusta Focus, has become so unsettled by its owner’s recent election loss that it seems there is no longer any clear delineation between its news and editorial content. First there was the brouhaha surrounding alleged election disparities that might have lead to the political demise of state Sen. Charles Walker, owner of the paper. Those allegations turned

out to be a basket of fog.

Then there was a news story that ran in the paper Nov. 28 that quoted “one outgoing legislator” as saying the African-American minsters who backed Walker’s opponent, Randy Hall, had “set us back 20 years.”

Hmm. Wonder who that outgoing legislator was? And did “us” refer to the black community at large, or Walker’s vast political machine?

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commercials and endorsing anyone. They need to make up their minds as to whom they are going to speak for: God or the government.

We have listened to all the theories over the Republican win in the Nov. 5th elections.

The truth is out there folks. We tuned in to Rush, Reagan, Neil, Sean and Austin and the truth was there. They were fighting back against the overwhelming outpouring of liberal media wash.

A person who does not vote should not be in this paper or anywhere else talking about anyone or anything, especially politics. At least the person who complained voted and had the right to complain about the outcome. You don’t.

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continued from page 4 the second-largest city in Georgia, and do what’s necessary to become great. The sorry state of Augusta right now is completely ridiculous and unnecessary.

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Regarding the black ministers supporting Randy Hall over Charles Walker: As far as the ministers having integrity, they have none because if they did, as ministers they should not have been on television doing

I wonder when Augusta’s most wellknown racial bigot and male chauvinist, Austin Rhodes, is going to devote some of his column space in The Spirit to the unethical and possibly illegal behavior of his buddy Linda Schrenko? Georgia law requires all Department of Education expenditures of more than $50,000 be approved by the state Board of Education, yet in an obvious attempt to circumvent that law, Mrs. Schrenko doled out 11 computer software contracts for about $49,000 each. Yet, we haven’t heard a peep from Rhodes and his Republican cronies. The answer to my question is never, because Schrenko is neither black nor Democrat.

If she was either Rhodes would be blasting her every chance he could.

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How stupid are we people in Augusta to allow administrator Kolb to bring all the people in the state of Virginia here for jobs?

We have our own people who are qualified and need jobs. Kolb needs to go!

I think Augusta needs to bring back a “Smooth Jazz Radio Station.” Once upon a time WAUG, the Breeze, they did an excellent job of playing cool jazz. Please, the powers that be, let’s have another smooth jazz station again. Augusta needs it.

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Man, what are pizza places paying their delivery guys? I just saw one drive by in a Mercedes Benz. I need a job like that!

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To the sorry commissioner who said, “Be glad you have a job.” If it wasn’t for us (city workers) nothing in this city would get done or fixed. I’ve never seen him out in the rain or snow, or 100-degree temps like we are. Every city worker deserves an apology from the commissioners; they should not cut us down. Remember, we do the real work, not them. You will be able to buy presents this year for your family, but our families will get very little because you took our $50 Christmas bonus too.

That’s what’s wrong with this city, having commissioners like him in office. Thanks.

Thanks for nothing!

I have an idea. Why doesn’t the Empty Stocking Fund help out the city workers?

For what we get paid, we need help. I mean the real workers too, not the pencil pushers that get paid a lot more than the true workers.

Why does the Christmas season bring out the worst in people? It’s supposed to be the season of joy and peace. Instead, people are more rude, in a hurry and will run you over with their vehicles as they head for a close parking spot. And let’s not forget: gimme, gimme, gimme, which seems to be the most important part of Christmas. This is so sad.

I do not work for, nor do I know anyone who does work for, the city of Augusta. But when I saw one of the Augusta commissioners on TV telling the reporter (with no remorse or sorrow) how they had to cut out raises for the year of 2003 for their city workers and that they would not get their $50 Christmas bonus either, I was outraged.

This money means a lot to them. The stuffed shirt on TV didn’t look like he shopped at Goodwill and I am sure that his family will not be doing without this Christmas. I’ll bet this commissioner will be the loudest about getting his raise when the time comes!

— Call our Whine Line at 510-2051 and leave your comments. We won’t use your name. Fax your whines by dialing (706) 733-6663 or e-mail your whines to whine@metspirit.com.

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Opinion: Guest Column

The Augusta Mayoral Runoff — A Postmortem

W

ith the dust of the Augusta mayoral runoff still swirling about him “Blatherskite Bob” Young, true to form, is off and blathering. He says for openers that he will “stay the course” of a dismal fouryear tenure and that by his victory this tenure has been “redeemed”; and that racial unity in Augusta is “irrelevant” and, rather than act as a mediator in an attempt to bring the racially divided city and its governing commission together, he will be off to Atlanta to prompt legislation to give him more power. This is a highly speculative enterprise that could well be a dry run. The two state senators, Don Cheeks and Randy Hall, will not be anxious to alienate the black community by entering this fray.

These inane remarks portend another four years of gridlocked government and racial divisiveness for Augusta, and continued stagnation for a city already on welfare. Oh yes, the ANIC program pumping some $30 million of state tax money into Augusta to repaint houses, clean up vacant lots and build a golf hall of fame is welfare. Augusta’s stagnant economy is on the dole while her sister cities Savannah, Columbus and Macon move into the 21st century on a sensible platform of economic growth and responsible government. Indeed, one has to look no further than North Augusta to find a community on a similar, sensible path.

This is a far cry from the scenario Young’s moneyed campaign backers promised and are predicting for the next four years. Billy Morris’ Augusta Chronicle editorial page has already taken their lackey to task for his remarks and the downtown banking establishment, led

by Monty Osteen, must be having second thoughts. You remember Monty, gushing at Morris’ knee a few years back over his concern over the overflowing traffic and huge crowds that would descend on Augusta upon the opening of the Morrisinspired golf gardens.

It is generally agreed that if one factor could be singled out to be the root cause of Augusta’s continuing economic malaise, it would be the acrimonious divi-

siveness between the races. And we have a mayor for the next four years who believes it is irrelevant!

Young’s victory over Ed McIntyre could well be remembered as an event of monumental tragic consequence for Augusta.

Certainly for the near term. Ed McIntyre could have pulled blacks and whites together as no one in this town could hope to do. And make no mistake: Augusta will not move forward while this problem festers. The present condition of local governance will not permit it. His election could well have stymied Charles Walker’s bid to return to power, for they are not allies, political or otherwise.

McIntyre is deeply respected in the black community and with many whites as well.

He is respected by whites for not being a race-baiter on the order of Walker, Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and their ilk. Their power and influence depends upon convincing their constituent blacks’ belief that they have been anointed as a bulwark against the return of discrimination and injustice by whites. Divisiveness and distrust are the cornerstone of their power base. Ed McIntyre has never operated in that prejudicial, self-serving cesspool.

Let’s cut to the chase. Twenty years ago then-mayor Ed McIntyre was indicted and subsequently convicted for bribery. He was set up and hung out to dry by three individuals who deserved jail time as much as he did. He paid his debt, returned to society and has since, and I stand to be corrected if anyone has information I lack, been a model citizen. I opposed his return to politics in 1993. 1 was ambivalent in his race against Bob Young four years ago, feeling that Young was a fresh face who deserved a chance. I was, however, somewhat queasy about his close relationship over a period of many years with longtime Chronicle editorial page editor Phil Kent and Kent’s brand of politics.

Since that time I have taken stock of Augusta’s progress under the three men who have served as mayors since McIntyre stepped down almost 20 years ago. Let’s put it succinctly and move on: Augusta deserves better, much better, than it received from that office in those years!

There is a sizeable segment of the local population, predominately white, that adamantly opposes McIntyre’s return to public office. Near universally their reason is his bribery conviction. They can’t fault his education credentials. He has a master’s in business administration, for God’s sake, compared with Bob Young’s high school degree! Ah, but he has a prison record. He has almost 10 years of competent public service as county commissioner and mayor compared with Bob Young’s, at best, mediocre record for four years as mayor! Ah, but he has a prison record. And he is black! And make no mistake: The two are all too often intertwined. And in too many cases, hopefully a minority, the former is a thinly veiled cover for the latter. How else can you explain the singlemindedness of these attacks while all but ignoring other legitimate concerns such as McIntyre’s age and health? How do you explain it in these times, in a society that cherishes its Judeo-Christian ethic of forgiveness as compared to the eye-for-an-eye, toothfor-a-tooth tenet that prevails in much of a troubled world today? In a society that believes in giving a man a second chance? We’re not talking about a child molester or a rapist here. We’re not talking about a murderer. This forgiveness thing does have its limits. We’re talking bribery by a decent man who made a serious mistake, apologized and paid his debt to society — a highly capable and decent man almost desperately looking for a way to atone for that mistake.

Obviously, members of this group who oppose McIntyre feel a Mayor McIntyre would regress to his felonious transgression.

Prudent thought would cause one to disagree. A Mayor McIntyre would avoid even the slightest appearance of impropriety. He would make Caesar’s wife look like a miscreant. Had he been returned to office, he would have been seeking atonement, not personal enrichment.

My good friend Barry Paschal, publisher of The Columbia News-Times, has written that it is “mindboggling” that anyone could favor Ed McIntyre’s election. Allow me to respectfully offer some other

BY CLYDE WELLS “mindboggling” instances. It is “mindboggling” that several black ministers in Augusta bad the courage to oppose Charles Walker. It is “mindboggling” that enough black voters heeded their cry and voted for a white man to narrowly defeat, arguably, the most powerful black politician in Georgia, along with his son in his congressional race, in districts carefully carved out by Walker himself to guarantee their election! It “boggles” the mind that several thousand white voters, seeing this, went to the polls in the runoff and switched their votes to a black man, making it one of the closest mayoral races in Augusta history. And here is a real “boggler.” Barbara Gordon, publisher of the plucky little Metro Courier, endorsed the elder Walker’s Republican opponent Randy Hall! Many blacks within their community consider Charles Walker a vindictive thug. Gordon and the ministers have little doubt that Walker will retaliate given the opportunity.

And he could well get that opportunity.

Walker is already running and running hard.

He has been observed recently, since the

It is generally agreed that if one factor could be singled out to be the root cause of Augusta’s continuing economic malaise it would be the acrimonious divisiveness between the races. And we have a mayor for the next four years who believes it is irrelevant!

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A New Year – A New You!

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— The views expressed in this column are the views of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Readers may reach Clyde Wells via email at clywel@knology.net.

11

HEALTH PAGE Take care of yourself. Let University help.

•

election, at a large downtown restaurant.

Upon leaving, he worked the room, pressing the flesh (including mine), as well as any politician could. (Sorry, Augusta Chronicle editorial folks, but he is at least Mayor Bob’s equal at working a room.)

The major roadblock to Walker’s return to political power could be Walker himself. Reportedly, both the FBI and GBI are looking into Walker’s questionable machinations of the past few years. If true, their findings could well prove to be a major obstacle for the outgoing senator. These folks are not looking for ethics violations.

The GBI and FBI are not into wrist-slapping $8,500 ethics fines!

Radio talk show host Austin Rhodes’ post-runnoff comments came close to crossing the line of responsible public comment. Granted, this type of show depends on controversy and insulting briquets for its audience, but Rhodes stated on his show that whites who voted for McIntyre were stupid. “Stupid white voters,” he called them. One can infer that he is also calling blacks who voted for McIntyre stupid. That is 90 percent of black voters, which is close to being all blacks. As stated, Ed McIntyre’s perceived political burdens are intertwined.

It is sad commentary that in this town, in this time, people can be categorized as stupid or irresponsible for supporting a candidate of their choice. At this juncture the pundit is no longer contributing to a solution, but becoming part and parcel of the problem — divisiveness.

A problem exacerbated by McIntyre’s defeat is the mood of blacks in Augusta.

With their contribution to Charles Walker and his son’s defeat, and thereby stripping their strongest leader of his power, they had hoped and even expected the white electorate to reciprocate and support the leader they most respect and admire, Ed McIntyre. That didn’t happen, and the mood is not good.

McIntyre’s defeat by a man whose chief attribute for the office is looking good while leading the annual Masters Red Carpet tour around town, has seriously eroded black support for Augusta’s two state senators. Randy Hall and Don Cheeks, as well as Congressman Max Burns, could well face defeat to qualified Democrats in two years. If that happens you can look back to Mayor Bob Young’s narrow victory as the catalyst.

Closer to home, black commission members will probably be in an even less cooperative mood than they have been in the past. Young is on record as not being amenable to promoting unity on the commission. “Racial unity doesn’t matter,” he said. “It is irrelevant. Voters are more interested in keeping their government functioning.” Government! Functioning?

Incredibly, the fellow still doesn’t get it!

Ed McIntyre does. Maybe citizen McIntyre can be persuaded to step up and do what the voters deprived him of the opportunity to do and what the Augusta Chronicle editorial page is now piously asking him to do: unify the black and white communities and get Augusta moving again! He’s apparently the only one who can do it!

Ah, but he has a prison record.

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Opinion: Austin Rhodes

Marion Williams the Fool

I

t is a “chicken and egg” type question: Who is dumber, Marion Williams, or the people who elected him?

Easily the most volatile and intellectually challenged Augusta city commissioner, this week Williams broke new ground throwing a hissy fit over an informal three-page written history of the local fire department. He actually claimed the document was grounds to question Fire Chief Al Gillespie’s fitness to lead his department. What a maroon.

He was upset for two reasons: 1. Augusta’s first black fire chief, Ronnie Few, was left out of the informal report.

2. There was no specific mention that he, Marion Williams, was the department’s first black firefighter.

Whoop-de-doo.

The “oversights” (which were sadly later “corrected” by Gillespie) were fairly easy to explain. The history chronicled moves in the department until 1996. That was before Few, Bernard Mack, or Gillespie, served as chief. None of the three made the report.

The fact that Williams was not mentioned as the first black firefighter was in keeping with the fact that there was no mention of the first female firefighter, or any other such personnel firsts. Allow me to correct that today.

Little-Known Augusta Fire Department Groundbreakers: First Gay Firefighter: 1938 Marion “Betsy” Peters: Served from the Central Avenue station with distinction until he was caught in an indelicate moment with the stationhouse brass pole.

His dismissal was protested by his coworkers, who were hooked on his lemon tarts and creme broule.

First Fire Department Dog: 1891 Marion the Dalmatian: Served as mascot for the 6th Battalion until it was discovered it was actually he who was treeing the cats the department was being called to rescue.

First Asian Firefighter: 1902: Marion Lo Mein: Mein was honored for heroism many times over the course of his long career. His 2nd Battalion commander also noted that when it came to cleaning uniforms, no one ever did it better.

First Italian Firefighter: 1925: Marion “Fast Fingers” Sarducci: Sarducci served as a driver for the 3rd Battalion, and was noted for his ability to get to fires before anyone else. His supervisor noted, “It is an amazing sense Guido has; he knows where the fires are almost before the alarm sounds.” Sarducci’s fam-

ily made its fortune in the olive oil import and waste management industries.

First Polish Firefighter: 1952: Marion Dumkowski: Dumkowski’s short tenure ended tragically while taking a cigarette break during his first fire. The incident occurred at a local petroleum plant.

First Female Firefighter: 1972: Marion “Double D” Parton: Created quite a stir as a buxom addition to the department during the height of the women’s movement. First act of heroism came as she single-handedly put out a huge brush fire. It was not reported at the time, but the blaze began when women celebrating Parton’s hire ignited nearby woods with their burning bras.

First Irish Firefighter: 1872: Marion O’Grady: Noted for inventing the technique known as “back blowing.” During one of his first fires, a flask in O’Grady’s back pocket ignited and “blew out” the house fire he was battling.

From that time forward O’Grady was never seen on duty without his flask.

First Jewish Firefighter: 1909: Marion Greenbaum: Invented the most effective firehose in history, the “Menorhose.” It has nine nozzles. When asked why he favored so much water delivery at once, Greenbaum said, “Why not so much? It don’t cost nothing.”

So you see, there have been many “firsts” in local fire department history, none of which were discussed in the simple little document Marion Williams was screeching about.

If you listen to Williams, every slight is based on racism, or some conservative conspiracy to “get him” or his people.

In a year when virtually every heavyhanded, controversial political leader was shown the door, you have to wonder if Williams was paying attention. It has been speculated that the “screwloose” won’t run for re-election next year. We can only hope.

While it would be great to see him go down in flames at the polls, if Lee Beard can be re-elected as easily as he was, sensible people can only hope Williams doesn’t put it to the test.

In the meantime Williams will likely continue to yell “fire!” where there is none, and God forbid a real crisis erupt; no one will be paying attention to this sorry excuse for a public servant.

— The views expressed in this column are the views of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. The archived Austin Rhodes columns can now be seen at www.wgac.com.

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MetroBeat Commissioners Fight for Chief Few's History

T

welve different fire chiefs led the Augusta Fire Department from 1886-1996, according to a historical section of the fire department’s recently developed strate-

gic plan.

But, according to several Augusta commissioners, it was a lot more than superstition that caused the city’s 13th fire chief, Ronnie Few, to be left out of the department’s history lesson.

According to the fire department’s report, Augusta’s first fire chief was H.M. Young and the last fire chief to serve, prior to consolidation, was Bill Maddox.

“Chief Willie Maddox had the longest tenure for fire chief, having served over twenty-one years,” the department’s historical report states, adding that he began as fire chief in 1975.

After consolidation, Maddox continued to lead the fire department in 1996.

“In the first year (following consolidation), sixteen new employees were added to bring the staffing level to 307,” the report states.

The very next line of the fire department’s history made several Augusta commissioners want to throw the strategic plan out the window.

“In the year 2001, at the recommendation of the city administrator, the fire department became known as the Augusta Fire Department,” the report states. “The Augusta Fire Department of today is a fire department on the move as they progress into the year 2002 under the leadership of Fire Chief Al H. Gillespie.”

The question several irate Augusta commissioners had of Gillespie was, what happened to the years 1997 through 2001?

According to the plan’s section labeled, “History of the Augusta Fire Department,” the city’s leadership went directly from Maddox in 1996 to Gillespie in 2002.

There was no mention of the three-year tenure of Augusta’s first black fire chief, Ronnie Few, who, because of the highly crit-

“

ical findings of the special grand jury, has now also become one of the most controversial figures in Augusta’s recent history.

This simple, three-page historical write-up was meant to give firefighters a brief synopsis of the fire department’s past, but instead, it was about to wreak havoc on the department’s future.

“When I read this and saw this I was really upset,” said Augusta Commissioner Marion Williams, chairman of the commission’s public safety committee. “How can you write a history about the Augusta Fire Department and leave out Chief (Bernard) Mack and Chief Few?” Mack accepted the position of Augusta fire chief for only a few short months after Few left Augusta for a fire chief position in Washington, D.C. Gillespie explained to the commission that he developed the strategic plan this year to outline the fire department’s goals and the purpose of the history was only to serve as a brief introduction to the plan.

Included in the history were 18 historic photographs of the department dating back more than 40 years ago.

“I asked that we put something together that reflected the history of our organization,” Gillespie said. “Not to be comprehensive and all-inclusive, but something that would give us a little background of where we came from.

“And I don’t disagree with you. I think it was wrong to leave those people out for their contribution and we already have an addendum to correct that.”

But Williams said there was no doubt in his mind that whoever wrote the three-page history for the strategic plan purposely left out Few. “I think we’ve got some deliberate people who want to tear this government up, who want to tear this city up, and I think as elected officials and as a department head we need to find those people and they need to be thrown out of this government,”

BY STACEY EIDSON

Williams said. “I just don’t see how we can sit there and act as if it was nothing.”

The history was written on the city’s stationary, Williams said, therefore he believed it was the city’s responsibility to get to the bottom of the poorly written history report.

“It was probably even done on our time,” he said. “We are probably paying folks to do stuff like this. And I’d like for the chief, or anybody that’s got any way of finding out those people who are responsible, and, in my mind, they need to leave this government. They need to be fired.”

Gillespie said if anyone is to blame for the errors in the history, it should be him.

“This is an oversight by me,” Gillespie said. “I’m the one who is responsible for anything that comes out of my department and I take full responsibility for that.”

Gillespie’s explanation only seemed to further anger Williams.

“Chief, I’m sorry, but are you standing here telling me now that you were the author or the inspirational person behind what was written?” Williams asked.

Gillespie said, while he was not the author, he did approve the history written by one of his staff members.

“This is what was brought back to me,” Gillespie said. “I didn’t recognize that there was an oversight.”

Williams said he could not understand how such a blatant oversight could occur.

“I’m at a loss for words,” Williams said.

“How can you leave out the three years or four years up until the present time?

“Now, evidently Chief, you didn’t look at it at all.”

Augusta Commissioner Lee Beard stepped in and told Gillespie that, if the city is going to write a history of the Augusta Fire Department, it needs to be all-inclusive.

“What I saw, I didn’t like,” Beard said. “It appears that everything dealing with certain ex-members of the fire department is trying to be eradicated from our government. And that just doesn’t sit well with me.”

We just had our first black fire chief. I mean, if that ain’t history, what is history?

– Augusta Commissioner Marion Williams

”

In order to resolve the matter, Augusta Commissioner Andy Cheek suggested that the city turn to local historian and author, Ed Cashin, to write the introduction.

“I would suggest if we wanted to really get a good idea of the total history that we would go back to one of our own local resources, Dr. Cashin, who has written many, many pages about Augusta history,” Cheek said.

Gillespie quickly responded by saying, “We certainly didn’t intend on writing a whole book. Just a background.”

Cheek said he suggested Cashin only because he didn’t want the department’s current opinions about the special grand jury’s accusations against Few to cloud its history.

“I will say this: If you go back and read the history of the fire department in the late ‘30s and early ‘40s, the things that have been much publicized in our special grand jury are peanuts compared to what was carried on in the fire department back then, it being the seat of the old Cracker Party in the city of Augusta,” Cheek said.

Williams told Gillespie that he must understand that an accurate history means a great deal to many firefighters in Augusta.

“In Oct. 1, 1968, there wasn’t a black fireman at all on the Augusta Fire Department in this town,” Williams said. “I, myself, was the very first black man to work for the Augusta Fire Department in 1968.”

Williams said he worked for the department for approximately nine years and the fact that Augusta recently had its first black fire chief means something to him and many in the black community.

“We just had our first black fire chief. I mean, if that ain’t history, what is history?”

Williams said. “I’ll tell you what, I thought I had seen some stuff or heard some stuff, but I see now that we are still doing the same things.

“I said it before. This town is still thinking in the 1940s. We have got to come out of that. This is the year 2003, almost.”

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Who Belongs

DOWNTOWN?

BY STACEY EIDSON

S

“ANYTHING THAT IS GOOD FOR DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA IS GOOD FOR THE CHURCH. I THINK IT WILL BUILD EXCITEMENT FOR DOWNTOWN.” – Richard Sanders, rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

tan Fink is fed up with downtown Augusta.

For the past eight years, Fink has owned and operated his downtown business, Antique World, located at 1140 Broad St. As a native Augustan, he has watched downtown Augusta grow and change with the times.

But lately, Finks says, he doesn’t like what he sees.

“My grandfather had a business on Broad Street. My father had a business on Broad Street. And this is my second business on Broad Street,” Fink said. “But I’m giving up.

Antique World will be closing its doors on Jan. 15, for real. I’ve done all I can do. I’ve fought for too many years. No one is willing to listen.”

Fink says his ongoing battle has been to keep Broad Street an area made up of mainly family-oriented businesses. But, in the last few years, he says it’s clear that the city of Augusta has a different vision for Broad Street.

“All the city seems to want down here are bars and liquor,” Fink said. “And that’s what it’s becoming. Nobody is interested in anything else.”

Fink says he was outraged when he heard that the city was proposing to turn the downtown area, from the Savannah River to Ellis Street and from Fifth to 13th streets, into an “entertainment district.”

“One of the reasons we are closing is, customers are saying to me all the time, ‘We don’t want to go downtown,’” Fink said. “You can’t drive downtown in the morning without seeing a dozen beer bottles or liquor bottles on the sidewalk, used prophylactics and syringes.

And this is on every block on Broad Street.”

Fink believes if the city changes downtown into an entertainment district, it will only make matters worse.

On Nov. 25, City Administrator George Kolb recommended to the Augusta Commission’s administrative services committee that the city

create an entertainment district in the downtown area. This new designation would bring about two main changes in the city of Augusta.

First, Kolb proposed that the consumption of alcohol in public places – including sidewalks, parks, alleys and streets – would be prohibited throughout all of Augusta. The only exception would be if an organization applied for a oneday special events permit that would allow the public to drink alcohol in specifically designated areas within the proposed entertainment district, such as the Augusta Common.

Secondly, Kolb proposed that bars within the entertainment district would no longer have to meet the 100-yard distance requirement from churches, synagogues, libraries, schools or parks.

Instead, bars under the proposed entertainment district, would only be required to be at least 25 feet, or approximately 8 yards, from the property lines of buildings such as schools or places of worship.

Kolb has asked the Augusta Commission to send his proposal to the Augusta-Richmond County Planning and Zoning Commission for further consideration and public review.

However, on Dec. 3, Augusta commissioners requested more time to consider Kolb’s proposal.

Fink believes Augusta commissioners should think long and hard before they decide it’s better to have bars than churches on Broad Street.

“It’s pathetic and sick that liquor is more important than God,” Fink said.

Such sentiments will not come as a huge surprise to many commissioners.

Ever since a downtown synagogue on Broad Street fought a local bar to prevent it from opening up right next door, commissioners realized downtown Augusta was experiencing some growing pains.

The new bars and the trendy restaurants are thriving downtown. As a result, some more traditional storefronts are beginning to feel a little cramped.

Barbara Sheahan, part owner of the Downtown Antique Mall at 1243 Broad St., said she doesn’t

understand why alcohol has all of a sudden become a huge necessity downtown.

“Personally, I think that the city is totally undoing what we were trying to build downtown and I don’t know why,” Sheahan said. “We have worked very hard to promote something good for our city and we don’t want to see that destroyed or have a city that is unsafe for people to come downtown.”

Sheahan’s vision for Broad Street is a place where mothers can feel comfortable taking their young children downtown to shop. She’s afraid that making downtown an entertainment district will destroy that vision.

“I personally think that we are getting too much alcohol downtown and it is keeping families from coming downtown,” Sheahan said. “I know I would not want my daughter to take my granddaughter downtown if she has to walk by bars to go to antique shops. I don’t care whose antique shops they’re going to.”

Sheahan said she didn’t want to give the wrong impression. She says she’s not against alcohol in restaurants.

“I don’t mind people having a drink. That’s OK. But a bar is a lot different than people going into a nice restaurant and having a cocktail or a glass of wine,” she said. “I think if you want to get soused, you need to stay home.”

Sheahan says it’s a shame to look across the river and see North Augusta developing its main street into a friendly, family-oriented downtown, while Augusta seems to be headed in the exact opposite direction.

“North Augusta is so cute and wonderful and that could be a real asset for downtown Augusta,” Sheahan said. “But instead, it’s like we’re fighting a losing battle here.”

However, not all owners of long-time businesses on Broad Street feel the same way.

Steven Kaplan, the current owner of Sunshine Bakery located at 1209 Broad St., said he thinks making downtown into an entertainment district is a progressive move on the city’s part.

“I think anything that helps promote the development of downtown is a good idea,” Kaplan said. “Sunshine Bakery has been downtown for over 55 years, so we’ve been here through the period of time that it was very, very quiet downtown.

“So, to us, any kind of proposal that breathes life into the area, I think is useful and helpful.

We see it as a very positive development.”

And Kaplan’s not the only one.

To the surprise of many people downtown, Richard Sanders, rector at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church located at 605 Reynolds St., says he fully supports Kolb’s proposal to turn downtown Augusta into an entertainment district.

“Anything that is good for downtown Augusta is good for the church,” Sanders said.

“I think it will build excitement for downtown.”

Sanders chuckled, saying he realized that many religious citizens in Augusta won’t understand, and may even strongly object, to his position on the matter. However, Sanders said he is trying to encourage what’s best for downtown.

“If downtown is a dumpy place and nobody wants to go there and nothing is happening, that’s not good for us or the city,” Sanders said.

“And, I think, if you bring more people continued on page 18

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WHAT THE CITY DOES.” – Judy Tyler, owner of the Garden City Bar & Grille

continued from page 17 downtown, more people will walk by and see the church and maybe think about coming and worshiping here.”

Terry Phillips, the senior minister at St. John United Methodist Church located at 736 Green St., doesn’t quite feel the same way.

“We certainly want downtown Augusta to develop, but in a wholesome way,” Phillips said. “I’m against bars anyway, but I think the present restriction of 100 yards is fair and I think to lower it to 25 feet is just encroachment upon the sacredness of church property and also the safety of church members.”

Phillips said he believes that many people who frequent bars often become unruly and he would hate to see members of his congregation subjected to such misbehavior.

“This might happen sometimes when a meeting is going on at the church and might endanger some of our members,” Phillips said.

“I just think such behavior is disrespectful to houses of worship.”

Because his church has been located in the downtown area since 1798, Phillips said he would hope that the city would ask the church’s opinion on establishing a downtown entertainment district.

“I would hope they would listen to what we have to say,” he said. “However, no one from the city has approached the church, or at least, they haven’t approached me. But I’m strongly opposed to it.”

Judy Tyler, owner of the Garden City Bar & Grille located at 1124 Broad St., said she’s not surprised that some churches oppose making downtown an entertainment district. After all, two years ago, Tyler had to go to court to fight for her legal right to open a restaurant on Broad Street called Off Broadway.

In October 2000, the Augusta Commission turned down Tyler’s request for an alcohol license after more than 200 members of Curtis Baptist Church, located at 1326 Broad St., came to the commission meeting in opposition to Tyler’s wish to serve alcohol in her restaurant.

A local superior court judge eventually

forced the city to award Tyler an alcohol license, but within a year after receiving its license, Off Broadway closed.

Based on that experience, Tyler said she has a hard time believing that the city will stick to the 25-foot rule for bars if the new entertainment district is established. She thinks that as soon as a large church objects to an alcohol license request, the license will be rejected.

“I don’t think the city is fair,” Tyler said.

“They’ve hurt every business downtown. My request for an alcohol license was legal, but I didn’t get my license anyway. So, I really don’t care one way or the other what the city does.”

Tyler does, however, have a message for churches that are trying to oppose the entertainment district.

“When churches are located in a business district, I don’t think they should cause people not to be able to open restaurants or bars,” Tyler said. “The city shouldn’t allow them to do that.”

Scott Levine, owner of The Playground, a bar at 873 Broad St., said the key to the future success of Augusta’s downtown will be in the planning.

“It all depends on what’s in the final analysis and how the city defines the entertainment district other than no drinking on the street and changing the distance requirement to 25 feet,” Levine said. “I think there is more to an entertainment district than that.

“If we’re going to call it an entertainment district let’s make it what it says, an entertainment district.”

Levine said that the city needs to seriously consider utilizing the Augusta Common more and even possibly closing off Broad Street during street festivals like First Friday.

“They seem to have a hard time in Augusta being willing to close off Broad Street,” Levine said. “And I understand that the sheriff has valid safety concerns, but if other cities in America can make it work, why can’t Augusta?”

He also believes the city needs to start thinking about including all segments of the community, including teenagers, who

currently appear to have no place to go or nothing to do downtown other than to congregate on the sidewalks.

“I’m not an advocate of letting 18- to 20year-olds in bars, but if you are going to make this an entertainment district, then you need to have some sort of facilities for all age groups to participate,” Levine said. “Apparently, there is nothing downtown or anywhere in Augusta, that I know of, for young kids to go and hear music and hang out.

“Augusta needs some sort of facility for them also. You can’t exclude that group.”

But, so far, Levine said he has found it discouraging that the city doesn’t appear to be interested in hearing any new ideas for the entertainment district.

“To be honest with you, I went to a couple of meetings the city held about the entertainment district and then I stopped because I didn’t think the city was going in the right direction,” he said. “I was at one meeting when I think the city administrator, George Kolb, and a few of the commissioners kept saying, ‘We want your ideas, we want your ideas.’ But when I gave an idea saying, ‘Why don’t you close off Broad Street and make it a festival?’ People didn’t even let me finish what I had to say.

“So, they say that they want ideas, but they don’t brainstorm. And if it’s not an idea they like immediately, it’s like, ‘Get it off board, we don’t want to even consider that.’”

Levine said, in order to make the proposed entertainment district work, the city needs to get everyone downtown involved in the decision-making process.

“Alcohol downtown is a touchy subject anyway, so I think it is easily being blamed for the overall problems downtown,” Levine said.

“They say, ‘Alcohol is the problem, so we shouldn’t let people drink on the streets.’

“Well, that’s not fixing the problem and that’s not an entertainment district. If we’re going to be an entertainment district, we need to be more than just an entertainment district in name only. We need to come up with a plan that everyone can live with.”

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By Brian Neill

I

n recent weeks he’s been called everything from a turncoat and Benedict Arnold to a conspiring hawk, out to undermine any semblance of an equitable black sharing of political power.

For certain, state Sen. Don Cheeks added even more waves to the turbulent sea — that being the one created by a Republican coup that installed the state’s first GOP governor in more than 100 years and saw the demise of ever-powerful black state Senate Majority Leader Charles Walker — when he recently announced he was switching parties.

At the same time, it seemed Cheeks, now with an “R” behind his name, was there to gloat as the buzzards circled Walker’s carcass. Cheeks even gave an extra nudge to Walker’s political fall with a peppering of publicized comments alleging that the Democrat from the 22nd District had a habit of intimidating and shaking down his constituents.

Although Cheeks, who represents the neighboring 23rd District, says he is not out to grab hold of the power Walker was said to wield locally and at the state level, he seems perfectly positioned to get it.

First, there’s his recent election to chairman of the local legislative delegation, a position that Cheeks downplays as merely ceremonial, yet still places him in the driver’s seat regarding the body’s agenda and allocation of discussion time.

Then there is the close relationship Cheeks says he shares with incoming Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue, whom Cheeks considered an ally in a push to dismantle Walker’s so-called network of influence.

“Very, very close,” Cheeks said, describing his friendship with Perdue, while seated comfortably in a blue leather chair inside his home off Walton Way, a fire burning in the fireplace and his wife and quasi-secretary, Betty, fielding phone calls and setting her husband’s calendar.

“Sonny and myself discussed Charles Walker early on when he was showing

and exerting his so-called power over other senators. Sonny and myself were the two that rebelled openly. Others were mouthy, but wouldn’t stand up and be counted within the Democrat Party. So Sonny and myself discussed how we would stop that.”

Walker and Cheeks Cheeks seems to take great pleasure in talking about former state Senator Charles Walker’s recent defeat by newcomer Randy Hall in the Dist. 22 race.

It’s no secret Walker and Cheeks have no love lost between them.

But Cheeks says it wasn’t always that way.

As Cheeks tells it, he and Walker were once even close.

“When he first started running we were best of friends,” Cheeks said. “In fact, I paid his qualifying fee the first time he ran.”

Cheeks said he first met Walker when they were on the courthouse steps, bidding on the former Lenox Theater, once a pinnacle of entertainment in the black community.

“I didn’t realize he was interested in it and I don’t know if he realized that that was me (bidding on) it or not,” Cheeks recalled. “But I didn’t recognize him and he bid up and so finally I said that’s as much as I wanted to put in it and I walked off. They (awarded the bid to) him and he come running out to Greene Street and said, ‘Hey, how about you taking that thing? I can’t handle it.’ After running the damn price up.”

Cheeks said he went inside the courthouse and took the property.

He said he later had the theater demolished after a woman was found dead inside.

“I thought it was a good investment and I went out there and looked at it and it was,” Cheeks said. “And then they put this woman, killed this woman and put her in there, and then the city had to board it up and do all this — it would have cost me several thousand dollars to do what I had

State Sen. Don Cheeks

to do, so I turned around and had it demolished when it really should have been saved.

“Nowadays, you could have gotten grants and everything to have saved it and have a beautiful piece of property, where all you’ve got now is a lot. I want to donate that lot. If the blacks feel it’s got a historical value to them, I’ve offered to donate it, you know, if it gives a reasonable return as a contribution to something I can take off my taxes. But I’m not just going to give it to somebody just because they want it.”

Walker, however, remembers things a little differently.

“Factually, I have no relationship with Don Cheeks, whatsoever,” Walker said by phone. “I never trusted him and I never would have allowed him to pay my quali-

fying fee for anything.”

Walker said he also never asked Cheeks to buy the Lenox Theater after the two had bid on it.

“I do remember the Lenox Theater. He came down there and pulled a fast one on me,” Walker said. “He was able to get the Lenox Theater and tore it down. He tore down the most significant historical marker in the black community.

“I have never forgiven him for that.”

Walker scoffed at the notion that he and Cheeks had ever been friends.

Even so, Cheeks maintains that he and Walker had an amicable relationship until 1985. That’s when Cheeks was hospitalized for colon cancer.

“We sort of had words when I was operated on for cancer,” Cheeks said. continued on page 22

21

“(Governor-elect) Sonny (Perdue) and myself discussed Charles Walker early on when he was showing and exerting his so-called power over other senators. Sonny and myself were the two (senators) that rebelled openly. Others were mouthy, but wouldn’t stand up and be counted within the Democrat Party. So Sonny and myself discussed how we would stop that.”

— State Sen. Don Cheeks.

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22 continued from page 21 M E T R O S P I R I T D E C 1 2 2 0 0 2

“The word was that I wasn’t even going to make it out of the hospital, much less back to Atlanta. And he told the press there wasn’t any need for me being there no way, he voted my (voting) machine. And that infuriated me. He never voted for me on any bill.”

Cheeks said it had only been eight days since doctors removed a third of his colon with two malignant polyps, that he decided to get to the heart of the matter.

Walker had denied making the comment, Cheeks said. So Cheeks met face-to-face with Walker and a female reporter from The Augusta Chronicle who had written the story.

“I got both in the back and it got pretty hot, as to who was lying, the newspaper or him,” Cheeks recalled. “And he denied it and the little girl said he did (say it). And I confronted him and said, ‘Charles, this woman here is crying and she’s not printing something you didn’t say.’ And that’s when I told him, ‘You forget my name and phone number and I’ll forget yours.’”

The animosity Cheeks and Walker have harbored for one another continued up until the recent reapportionment process.

It was then, Cheeks said, that he first thought about switching parties.

Part of the district-redrawing process had stalled over Walker and Cheeks’ districts.

Cheeks said he and Walker met with Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor in an effort at compromise. Cheeks said he told Walker and Taylor that he wanted at least 50 percent of Richmond County in his district, and that Walker shouldn’t have a problem agreeing to that.

Instead, Cheeks said, Walker walked out of the meeting.

In the end, Cheeks maintains, Walker’s refusal to compromise likely did him in.

“Charles Walker drew these lines, so he just outsmarted himself,” Cheeks said.

“Then, he really outsmarted himself, trying to put me in a black district so he could beat me. He had to put himself in a white district to keep all of his district in Richmond County. If he had been smart, he could have taken an outlying county, taken the rest out of Richmond County, and he would have been in a stronger black district. He’s in a 51.5 (percent) black district, but he could have kept himself in a 60-percent district if he had listened to me and done what he should have done.

“But he wouldn’t do it, so I think he

defeated himself.”

Cheeks said he is also certain Walker was the one to recruit a candidate, Monique Cheeks, to run against him in the Dist. 23 Senate election, although Walker previously has denied that accusation.

Nonetheless, Monique Cheeks’ campaign didn’t get far.

Monique Cheeks, no relation to Don Cheeks, announced her candidacy in June to run against the incumbent senator in the primary.

Trouble was, it was determined that Monique Cheeks didn’t live at the Aumond Road address in the 23rd District that she declared on her election application, but at Conifer Circle, in Walker’s 22nd District.

Don Cheeks promptly contacted Georgia Secretary of State Cathy Cox and brought the matter to her attention.

“I said Cathy, all I want is to get her name off the ballot,” Don Cheeks said. “If not, I’m going to pursue charges against her as a felon.”

Don Cheeks explained that it is a felony to lie under oath and also to claim homestead exemption on a property you don’t live in. He said he figured one or the other to have been the case.

Shortly afterward, Monique Cheeks withdrew from the race.

Asked why he thought it was important that Walker saw him ousted, given the two serve in different districts, Don Cheeks said, “Because I’m the only person who’s ever stood up to him in the Senate.

Everybody else bowed down to him, and he didn’t scare me. Has never scared me and don’t scare me.”

Trumping the “Son of a Sharecropper” Story Cheeks has always been a low-key player, often sitting in the back of the room or off to the side at meetings where his presence has been requested as a voice from the local legislative delegation.

With his pompadour of gray hair and piercing eyes, and a way about him that seems characteristic of the Old South, Cheeks listens intently until he’s heard enough.

Then, with a booming voice and assuming manner, he takes to the floor and gives his thoughts on the particular situation, after which he either sits back down or heads off to attend to other business.

For many, Cheeks is somewhat of an enigma.

He agrees that many probably don’t

“Factually, I have no relationship with Don Cheeks, whatsoever. I never trusted him and I never would have allowed him to pay my qualifying fee for anything.”

— State Sen. Charles Walker, responding to Cheeks’ claim that he paid Walker’s qualifying fee when he first began running for political office. know much about him.

And even on that subject, Cheeks can’t resist a comparison to Walker.

“He says (his father was) a sharecropper.

Well, I haven’t had a father since I was five months old and my mother had nine children and I was the baby,” Cheeks said.

“We didn’t have anything and my mother worked for 25 cents a day. And I didn’t say an hour — a day. And my brothers threw the newspapers, and between my two older brothers and she, we were able to make it.”

Cheeks said his family continued to struggle most of his younger life.

“I don’t know nothing about my father,” Cheeks said, adding nothing further on the subject.

With World War II coming on, Cheeks said his mother foresaw the difficulty in getting fresh vegetables trucked in to the area because of potential gas and vehicle shortages.

So, she moved the family to the area of East Boundary and began farming.

They later purchased farmland off U.S. Highway 1.

After graduating high school, Cheeks enrolled in The Citadel. Not long after, during the time of the Korean Conflict, he joined the U.S. Navy in pursuit of a G.I. Bill.

While in the service, Cheeks was able to save a fair amount of money.

When he returned home, he tried his hand at several businesses, including nightclubs.

“I went into the booze business,” Cheeks said. “But I didn’t like it because I just felt guilty about it.”

Later, he opened up Don’s Drive-In, a fast-food joint on Broad Street in

Harrisburg.

“It was like all drive-ins: milkshakes, hamburgers, french fries, fried chicken.

What do you want? Shrimp? You name it,” Cheeks said. “It was so popular you couldn’t get in it. It was a small lot and I gave all the football players back then, if they scored a touchdown or intercepted a pass or something like that, I’d give them a milkshake and a hamburger. Half of Richmond County used to come over there and get my milkshakes and hamburgers.”

Don’s Drive-In is how many people got the notion Cheeks was from Harrisburg, he thinks. In fact, he was born in Frog Hollow, near University Hospital, Cheeks said.

Cheeks eventually wound up going into the insurance and real estate business.

Actually, Cheeks had an early beginning in real estate, buying roughly 50 acres of land for about the same number of dollars from an itinerant uncle when he was only 9 years old.

“You could buy land all over Richmond County and Columbia County back then for a dollar an acre,” Cheeks said.

“Anywhere you wanted to go.”

That’s exactly what Cheeks did, buying up parcels in both counties, including portions surrounding Lake Thurmond and roughly 38 acres near I-20 and Wheeler Road, that he still owns.

By the age of 25, Cheeks said, he was a millionaire.

“I made most of my money in real estate because I’ve been buying real estate since I was 9 years old,” Cheeks said. “Then I owned a textile mill outright — Sudan Industries, it was a textile mill that made furniture fabric. I owned it outright and

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operated it for about 10, 12 years and then sold it. It was out in Columbia County. I was the largest taxpayer in Columbia County for years. I was the largest employer in Columbia County.

“I own land all over Georgia and South Carolina, in about 10 counties in Georgia.

I’ve been in numerous businesses and every one made money; there ain’t no question about it. I was a multi-millionaire on the net side, before I was 25 years old.”

A Hard Sell?

One thing seems certain: Cheeks will have to be some businessman in order to sell certain segments of Augusta on the idea of stronger mayoral powers, a key issue for him in the upcoming year.

Cheeks has never made a secret of his feelings that the mayor should be, in his words, more than just a “ribbon-cutting and baby-kissing” figure.

But a large segment of the black community believes that giving the mayor a vote and veto power will only result in a white-dominated government.

Those beliefs likely were only made stronger with the narrow defeat of black mayoral candidate Ed McIntyre in the recent election and, of course, Walker’s loss.

Making the subject even more sensitive is the fact that Walker, a black Democrat, was replaced by Randy Hall, a white Republican.

While several prominent preachers in the black community and the editorial staff of a local black newspaper, The Metro Courier, supported Hall over Walker, it’s uncertain whether they will be willing to support a revamping of the local power structure.

“It’s true that Randy has to walk softly on thin ice with some of the people who supported him,” Cheeks said. “But those same preachers met with me and other members of the delegation, and Charles Walker was there too. He left, but after it was over, after we met a year ago at the Radisson hotel for breakfast, I proposed certain changes in the government and every one of them, without exception, agreed that those changes should be made. But they also stated they hadn’t had any participation or any input.

“It is my hope as chairman of the delegation that we can meet with these community leaders and get them involved.”

Cheeks said he is steadfast in his belief that the mayor’s role needs to be strengthened in order for the city to move forward.

“With a mayor with no vote or no appointing him powers, he’s about like a wart on the end of your thumb or your nose. He’s of no value,” Cheeks said.

“And the mayor as he currently exists is nothing more than a ribbon-cutting and baby-kissing mayor. But yet, he takes the criticism when things don’t go right.”

However, Cheeks said, a stronger mayor must also be adept at diplomacy, something current Mayor Bob Young needs to work on.

Cheeks was referring to remarks Young made during his campaign that targeted certain black commissioners as being divisive.

“And I’m going to say this: I don’t think Bob has enhanced himself in the mayor’s office to encourage a whole lot of crossing the bridge, so to speak, or closing the gap with some of the statements he’s made, some of them recently,” Cheeks said.

“You don’t win people over with vinegar.

You usually win people over with smiles, and sugar, and assessing the facts and compromise, and that’s the way it’s got to be.”

Cheeks, who was first elected to the state Senate in 1992, after serving for 20 years in the House, said he realizes some of his constituents are angry with him for switching to the Republican Party.

However, he feels they should be more concerned with how he votes in the General Assembly, than the letter that follows his name.

“I just say to them, I hope they voted for the person and not the party, because the party don’t vote,” Cheeks said. “As I said, when I let them put an ‘R’ in the back of my name, I was not changing parties; I was just letting them put an ‘R’ in back of my name instead of a ‘D.’ It does not matter to me what the party stance is; it’s what my constituents want and that’s how I’ll be voting.”

As for the question of whether Cheeks will seek to be as powerful as his outgoing, Dist. 22 counterpart, he had this to say: “I’m not interested in the things he’s (Walker) interested in,” Cheeks said.

“Now, needless to say, I think I will be rewarded. I have been told since then and in fact I was told this week that I will retain my seniority and I’m not a freshman Republican. And I think I’m about eighth (ranking in seniority) in the Senate. Nobody can take that away. And I think I’ll be in a good position with the Republican Party because of my seniority and because of my abilities.

“I think they’ll use me.”

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Women Are From Venus; Santa Is From Mars

M

aybe you never noticed but the greatest gift giver of them all, Santa the C., doesn’t do jack until the last possible minute. He sits on his ever-expanding posterior until Christmas Eve then bam! springs into action.

Sure, a division of elves got Santa’s back but even if he were totally elfless nothing would change that savage heart-clutching deadline-induced style. How we gift is who we are.

For example, my wife orders everything from catalogues before carving the Halloween jack o’ lantern. My sister shops year-round. She finishes in mid-June and works two Christmases ahead.

I, on the other hand, have faked a seizure to prevent a store from closing on Christmas Eve until I could locate something called nesting stock pots. A buddy of mine, who shall remain nameless in case the statute of limitations hasn’t run out, once got into a Christmas Eve shoving match with an elderly gentleman over a pair of Isotoner earmuffs until the geezer threatened to kabong him with his oxygen canister.

I started talking to others and realized this had more to do with gender than personality. I had torn the scab off that Mars/Venus oozing sore. Those who shop early will be referred to henceforth as women. Menfolk comprise the second group. And for any guys thinking of swiping my staged seizure ploy, you should know it ended with me being open-mouth-kissed by a stock boy with a pierced tongue. I think he was trying to administer some Baywatch-gleaned CPR but I didn’t stick around to make sure.

Steve, a voiceover artist, thinks men want to control a situation we’re not completely comfortable with.

“We’ll buy gifts when we’re damned good and ready and not a minute before! Plus, by waiting we get some great bargains. One year I got my wife a kayak. Not exactly the earrings she was hoping for but at 50 percent off, I say Merry Christmas, honey.”

“Christmas kind of sneaks up on me every year,” says John, a systems analyst. “I can never remember if it’s the third or fourth Thursday of the month.”

While I’m pretty sure he was kidding, it does reflect men’s casual attitude toward the holidays.

“I like to finish shopping early so I can relax and enjoy the season,” explains my wife. It’s a refrain echoed by many of the women I queried. When I asked my wife to elaborate on where this seething stress level comes from she veered off on some tangent about how

she has to do everything from wrapping and delivering gifts, writing and mailing cards, cleaning, baking, decorating and if I helped out a just the teensiest little bit maybe she wouldn’t feel so desperately frazzled by New Year’s Day. Unfortunately, I didn’t catch what she said because I don’t have a tape recorder and my notes consisted mostly of the words “blah blah blah,” with little puffs of steam rising from them.

Maybe it’s not politically correct to say that all women do their holiday shopping early. Let’s just say that women are more vigilant to shopping opportunities. Their gift radar is always up. They pay attention, listen for hints and think about whom they’re buying for. Gifting comes naturally to women. It’s a hormonal thing, like ovulating, except with ribbons and bows.

In a way it’s spiritual. Women use gifts to define relationships, crystallize feelings and connect with the people around them. Their gifts are powerful yet nuanced, working on many different levels.

“Did you notice I picked the black and white color combination? It subtly suggests penguins and of course there was the night we were going to have dinner with my parents but you were late because you were watching that special about penguins on the Discovery Channel and lost track of time and we had a big fight and almost broke up but didn’t and two weeks later you proposed. Remember? That’s what this shirt reminded me of.”

To which most guys reply, “Did they have it in blue?”

During the holidays women shower gifts on everyone they come in contact with. Coworkers, neighbors, stylists, pet sitters — they all get a taste. Men are more selective. If we’re not related to you or having sex with you, chances are you’re getting nada.

It’s not that we’re thoughtless, it’s just that — OK, we are thoughtless. And not very perceptive either. The Y chromosome is a dim little knothead. Drop hints till you’re blue in the face, chances are they’ll only clang off our brainpan.

“If I really want something bad, I need to provide him with the exact details,” Mary Ellen, a court clerk, says of her husband. “Catalog, page number, item number, color, size, which credit cards they take, etc.”

“We’re not clueless, we just hear things differently.

So hints don’t work,” claims Keith, a carpenter. “If my ex said, ‘Gee, this purse is falling apart,’ what I heard was, ‘ I’d kill for a crotchless lace body stocking.’

“Did I mention she’s my ex?”

By Roger Naylor

25 M E T R O S P I R I T D E C 1 2 2 0 0 2

SEE DETAILS ON PAGE 59

SEE DETAILS ON PAGE 59

26

Dining Out

M E T R O

Fresh Thyme: The Place To Be on New Year's Eve

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I

t starts at 5 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Fresh Thyme in Surrey Center is making its oh-so-special menu even more enticing and fabulous by adding specials for one night only, in celebration of the new year. Ring in 2003 with specials including fresh lobster, seafood and wild game.

Now, that’s the way to celebrate.

Even if you can’t make it in on New Year’s Eve, you can have a special dinner any night of the year. Dinner offerings include, on the high end, pan-seared filet of Angus beef with a port wine reduction, creamy mashed potatoes and asparagus for $22. For $10 less, you can get al dente spaghettini pasta tossed with fresh basil, arugula, grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, extra virgin olive oil and garlic. A midrange meal is the pan-seared duck breast with a foie gras and roasted garlic-stuffed potato cake, seared greens, and a fig balsamic glaze for $17.

I don’t think you’ll be getting these meals at other nearby restaurants.

The wine list runs the gamut from $21 for a bottle of Kris Merlot ‘99 to $170 for a bottle of Far Niente “Cave Collection” Cabernet Sauvignon ‘97. About half their wines are available by the glass (but that isn’t one of them). The second most expensive bottle is $60. If you take the Far Niente out of the mix, the average price is $31 a bottle. There’s something there for every price range.

To further enjoy Fresh Thyme’s wine list, you can take part in the next wine dinner, on Wednesday, Jan. 15. For $40 per person, you can partake of a five-course meal and wine offerings from Toad Hollow wineries in California. If you don’t make this one, owner Dave McCluskey offers them once a month, always on a Wednesday night.

“We’re striving for quality and value with both food and wines,” McCluskey said.

And in order to do that, he keeps a limited menu. There are plenty more offerings than those mentioned here, but not pages and pages like some restaurants offer.

McCluskey’s plan is to keep it simple and do it well.

Lunch is something special too. Where else in town can you have a lunch of prosciutto sandwich with a fig and balsamic jam, on a baguette with fresh greens and a roasted potato salad? And for only $7. Or a warm, pressed Cuban-style sandwich with Cuban-style beans and fried plantain, or roasted turkey croissant Cape Cod Cranberry spread and French brie. For $6 and $7, respectively.

Fresh Thyme is an elegant little nook tucked into Surrey Center where you can stop in for a special meal and an escape from the daily grind. McCluskey wants his place to be intimate, relaxed and, yes, elegant.

It succeeds on all counts.

Pictures of Indian corn, sunflowers and squash against a cool green background give it a homey, deli feel. And the wood-plank tables don’t hurt either. But there’s nothing rustic about this cafe. Understated elegance is the order of the day.

McCluskey said the restaurant took an unexpected turn due to customer demand.

“We started out as a catering service that did lunch,” he said. “It morphed into a restaurant that also does catering.”

He must have done something right in the year and a half he’s been there.

McCluskey’s background in the restaurant business, starting when he was a 12-year-old on Cape Cod, and his subsequent career as a chef, makes cooking dinner for his patrons the natural thing to do. At night, he said, the cute little cafe dresses up with table cloths and candles.

Same goes for the services he offers.

Besides Lunch, Dinner, Corporate and Gourmet catering, he will rent out Fresh Thyme for private parties, including wedding rehearsal dinners.

Fresh Thyme is located in Surrey Center, 437 Highland Avenue in Augusta. You can call them at (706) 737-6699. It is open Monday through Saturday, with lunch from 11:00 until 2:30. Dinner runs from 5:30 until.

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27 M E T R O S P I R I T D E C 1 2 2 0 0 2

28 M E T R O S P I R I T D E C 1 2 2 0 0 2

Arts

& Entertainment

Wycliffe Gordon Comes Home for the Holidays

A

typical day in the life of jazz trombonist Wycliffe Gordon is anything but typical. On the days when he teaches at Michigan State, his first class begins at 1 p.m., with his last class ending at 9:30 p.m. When teaching at the Juilliard School in New York City, however, he begins at 10 a.m. and finishes at 6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 6, was an altogether less ordinary day, even for a full-time musician. He was busy moving out of his apartment between taking care of things in the musical portion of his life – which seems to take up a great big chunk of his time.

“Well I got up this morning about eight,” Gordon said.

“I had rehearsals today ... I’m in Michigan ... and my day will consist of rehearsals from 3 to 9 p.m.”

At that moment, he was on his way to afternoon rehearsal. “Then tonight after the concert, I’ll finish preparing music for the Christmas concert. Most of the time I’m either writing or preparing something.”

That Christmas show is for us, here in Augusta. It’s called Christmas in the Garden City and will be performed at The Imperial Theatre on Dec. 20-21. It’s going to be all about variety.

He is bringing musicians Leon Anderson, Victor Goines, Marcus Printup, Eric Reed, Vanessa Rubin and Reginald Veal, but local talent plays a big part as well.

Karen Gordon, Michael King, Chris Leslie, Veronica Lynch, Petula “Tutu” Rouse, Sincerai “CeCe” Stallings, Michael Tanskley and Michael West will provide a local touch.

And Then There’s Ferneasa Cutno.

The founder and artistic director of Cutno Dance has been doing her thing for 25 years. She has toured the United States and traveled abroad to Africa, France, Italy and Brazil in the name of dance. She has performed with the Augusta Ballet, New Orleans Ballet Ensemble, Lula Elzy Dance Ensemble, Samba Rio and Garth Fagan Dance of New York, in addition to working with other companies.

Adding the dance element to Gordon’s work is not a new idea for Cutno. Her creative partnership with Gordon goes back several years, back to 1995 when she moved to Augusta and entered into a business partnership with Gordon. They planned from the beginning to open a dance school and produce shows that used both his original compositions and her choreography.

“We never got around to that,” she said. “The school took off. He continued being busy on the road and I continued being busy training students.”

They didn’t give up on their ideas altogether, though, and have worked together on projects with Augusta Ballet, she said. “But it wasn’t our own thing. It took us eight years to get our ideas together and be settled enough and

BY RHONDA JONES

old enough and mature enough to make this happen.”

For now, though, she’s looking forward to Christmas in the Garden City. This is the second year that Gordon has offered the program, but only the first year that Cutno Dance has been involved. And the program will be slightly different each of the two nights. On Friday night, Cutno will offer a solo performance. Saturday night, however, the show will go on with a full dance company, with dancers who range up from age 9.

“On Friday night I think I will be performing to a Louis Armstrong number called ‘Zat You, Santa Claus?’”

Saturday night, they will perform Duke Ellington’s “Nutcraker Suite.”

“The music is totally based on the original version,” she said. “It will just be a different twist on choreography that will be presented that evening: modern dance to swing and jazz dance.”

That’s just the first half. “Then the second half of the show will be the story of the little drummer boy. That will be the highlight of the show where we will bring in African dance and traditional African drumming and African singing.”

Gordon and Cutno plan to make Christmas in the Garden City an annual event, as well as put together additional music-and-dance productions in the future. “It’s important for me to come home and do what I do all over the world,” Gordon said. “Share with the home folks.”

Plans for the Future Gordon said he would love to start a whole series of performances, not necessarily just for the holidays.

“Around four concerts a year, starting out,” he said.

“Yes, it’s in the idea phase, but with serious consideration to start in 2004.”

He would also like to see a summer talent show and a music and film series take root in Augusta, and is developing a nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the arts in Augusta. In addition to all that, he is considering the development of a full-length annual performing arts series.

But he has a few more immediate projects to wrap up first. He is planning a Christmas in the Garden City CD as well as a gospel CD, which he wants to have ready

by July. Just after the Christmas concert, however, he will begin performing a new piece, “Body and Soul,” around the country with big bands.

He will be hitting the road again Dec. 26 – after spending Dec. 22-25 in town performing and spending time with family and friends. He’ll spend New Year’s Eve in Italy. And yes, he said, he will be performing.

“I very rarely have time for vacations. When I go somewhere, it’s most of the time work-related,” he said, though he does make it a point to have some fun while visiting other places.

Since Gordon is involved in just about every aspect of

music there is, from composing to recording to performing live and teaching, we asked him whether he preferred creating or performing.

“That’s hard,” he said. He pointed out the importance of putting down tracks for posterity, to document whatever is going on at the present time. And he likes teaching because that allows him to share what he has learned.

“But nothing is like a live performance,” he said.

“That’s what makes it all worthwhile. When you’re on the road, and on stage two or three hours a night, the other hours are not always a piece of cake.”

We asked Gordon if he considers himself successful in his career as a musician. “Well, yes,” he said. “I do. I made it because I’m at a place in my life where I’m happy regardless of what the situation and circumstances are.

“I’m not rich,” he said, and added that he doesn’t necessarily equate success with money. “But I’ve done many things that I’ve wanted to do. And my mission as a musician is unending.”

Tickets are on sale through the Imperial Theatre box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and also through www.imperialtheatre.com. Admission is $17.50 in advance and $20 at the door. There is a special two-night ticket package for $30. For info, call (706) 722-8293.

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8

Days A Week

Arts

Auditions

AUDITIONS FOR “A FLEA IN HER EAR” Dec. 15, 3 p.m. and Dec. 16-17, 7 p.m. at the Washington Center for the Per forming Ar ts. Roles available for 19 adults. Call the Aiken Community Playhouse, (803) 648-1438.

AUDITIONS FOR “WHEN THE REAPER CALLS” Jan. 6-7, 7:30 p.m., at For t Gordon Dinner Theatre. Par ts are available for two men and three women ages 25-45 and per formance dates are Feb. 14-15, 21-22, 27-28 and March 1. Open to the public; all civilian par ticipants must have a photo ID to enter For t Gordon. Call 791-4389 or visit www.for tgordon.com/theatre.htm#reaper for details.

HORSEPLAY CALL TO ARTISTS: Ar tists from the Carolinas and Georgia are invited to apply for downtown Aiken’s upcoming Horseplay exhibit, which will feature 30 decorated life-size fiberglass horses. Submit your resume by January for consideration. Call (803) 641-9094, ex t. 207, or e-mail HorsePlayAr t@yahoo.com for details.

AUGUSTA CONCERT BAND rehearses Monday evenings and is looking to fill vacancies on most band instruments.

Interested par ties should contact Ben Easter, (803) 2020091 or e-mail bandforaugusta@aol.com.

SWEET ADELINES PEACH STATE CHORUS OPEN REHEARSAL for singers each Thursday at 7 p.m. Held at 600 Mar tintown Road in Nor th Augusta. Contact Mildred Blain at 736-7740 or Mary Norman at (803) 279-6499.

Education

GERTRUDE HERBERT INSTITUTE OF ART APPLICATIONS FOR TUITION ASSISTANCE are being accepted now through Dec. 20. Scholarships are available for the Winter Quar ter, Jan. 7-March 6. To request an application form, call 7225495 or e-mail ghia@ghia.org.

CERAMICS CLASSES at the Weeks Center Ceramics House in Aiken. Fees include one class per week and students can choose any class time: Mondays, 9 a.m. to noon or 6-9 p.m.; Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m.; or Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon. $30 per month. Call (803) 642-7631 for info.

USC-AIKEN MUSIC CONSERVATORY PROGRAM now open.

Students of all ages and experience levels welcome. Private lessons available for musical instruments and voice; instructors are USC-Aiken faculty and have at least a master’s degree in their per formance area. (803) 641-3288.

Exhibitions

STUDIO OPENING AT TIRE CITY POTTERS Dec. 15, 3-10 p.m. Featured ar tists include Shishir Chokshi, Raoul Pacheco, John Henderson, Joanna Delany, Chris Dickson and Chad Cole.

ARTWORK BY BILLY S. is on display at Borders Books and Music throughout December. Call 737-6962 for information.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GINNY SOUTHWORTH will be on display through Jan. 13 at the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum. For information, call (803) 642-7650.

NORMA MCCOMBS will exhibit her paintings at the Gibbs Library in December. For information, call 863-1946.

DAVIDSON FINE ARTS EXHIBITION through Dec. 30 at the Lucy Craf t Laney Museum of Black History. Call 724-3576.

AT THE MORRIS MUSEUM OF ART: “Charleston in My Time: The Paintings of West Fraser” are on display through Jan. 5; “Rituals: Works on Paper by Romare Bearden” will be on display through Jan. 5 in the museum’s Coggins Gallery. For information, call 724-7501.

JOHN BRECHT displays works at the Etherredge Center Lower Gallery through Dec. 20. (803) 641-3305.

AT THE GERTRUDE HERBERT INSTITUTE OF ART: “WalkerMackenzie Studio First Anniversary Exhibit: Student Accomplishments Throughout the Year” is in the First-Floor Gallery at Ware’s Folly through Dec. 19; “If Walls Could Talk” is in the Third-Floor Gallery at Ware’s Folly through Dec. 19. “Ger trude Herber t Youth and Adult Student Exhibit” runs through Dec. 19; “Ware’s Folly: An Architectural Perspective” is in the First-Floor Gallery at Ware’s Folly through Feb. 21. Call 722-5495 for more information.

Dance

CSRA/AUGUSTA BOOGIE-WOOGIE DANCE AND SOCIAL GROUP holds a monthly dance every third Saturday of the month, star ting at 7:30 p.m. For information, phone 6502396 or 736-3878.

SINGLES DANCE each Saturday night from 8-11 p.m. sponsored by the Christian Social Organization for Single Adults.

There will be no regular dance on Dec. 28. Held at Westside High School. Tickets $5 for members, $7 for non-members, and are available at the door. For more information, contact Doris Heath, 736-3376.

Music

“UNDER ONE GOD” features per formances by Alvin Franklin, Tutu Devine, Arie Brown Gosa, Isaac Holmes, Russell Joel Brown, Kivet te Clinton Bell, Maria Moody, the Beulah Grove Inspirational Choir, members of the Augusta Ballet, the Cutno Dance company, Darylyn Alford and the company, Joe Collier, Demetrius “Me Me” Blount, the First Baptist Church of Nor th Augusta Choir and RUSH. Held Dec. 29, 7 p.m. at the Imperial Theatre. Admission is free, but a love of fering will be accepted to benefit the Augusta Family Preservation Center and the Ar tGro Foundation. 722-8341.

THE ST. PETERSBURG STRING QUARTET per forms Dec. 13 as par t of the Harry Jacobs Chamber Music Society 2002-2003 season and as par t of ASU’s Lyceum Series. Concer t begins at 8 p.m. in the Ma xwell Per forming Ar ts Theatre. For information, please call 737-1609.

TUESDAY’S MUSIC LIVE CONCERT SERIES: All performances in the concer t series held at noon at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Concer ts are free; optional catered lunch is $7 per person. 2002-2003 season schedule is as follows: Jan. 7, Jazzamatazz; Jan. 21, Joseph Gramley; Feb. 4, Lindsey McKee and Keith Shafer; Feb. 18, Cowboy Envy; March 4, The Augusta Children’s Chorale; March 18, Kari Gaf fney and Jef f Williams. 722-3463.

The Augusta Ballet presents holiday favorite “The Nutcracker” at the Imperial Theatre Dec. 13 through 15.

COMMUNITY HEALING MEDITATION DRUMMING CIRCLE hosted every third Monday of the month by IDRUM2U, the Not Gaddy Drumming Studio. Held 7-9 p.m. at the G.L. Jackson Conference Center, 1714 Nor th Leg Cour t. Fee is $5 or a donation of canned goods for the Golden Harvest Food Bank. All are welcome and drums will be available to rent. For info, phone the Not Gaddy Drumming Studio, 228-3200.

Theater “FIVE WOMEN WEARING THE SAME DRESS” Dec. 13-15. Tickets are $15 adult, $10 seniors, students and matinee shows, $35 for grand dinner buf fet shows and $25 for matinee with English high tea.

Presented by the Augusta Theatre Company and held at the Bon Air Ballroom. Call 481-9040 or visit www.augustatheatre.com for tickets.

NOW ON SALE: Tickets for “Les Miserables” Feb. 1116 at the Bell Auditorium; tickets for “South Pacific,” Jan. 2 at the Bell Auditorium. Call TicketMaster at 8287700 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Attractions THE BOYHOOD HOME OF WOODROW WILSON: Circa 1859 Presbyterian manse occupied by the family of President Woodrow Wilson as a child during the Civil War and Reconstruction. Original and period antiques, restored house, kitchen and carriage house. 419 Seventh Street. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Tues.-Sat. Tours available; groups of 10 or more by appointment only. Admission is $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 students under 18 and free for ages five and under. 722-9828.

AUGUSTA GOLF & GARDENS OF THE GEORGIA GOLF HALL OF FAME features beautiful display gardens, as well as bronze sculptures of some of golf’s greatest masters.

Available for rent for a variety of functions. Group discount rates available. Closed Mondays; open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tues.-Sat.; open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5.50 for adults; $4.50 for students, seniors and military;

$3.50 for children (4 to 12); free for children 3 and under.

Sundays are two for one with a Super Sunday coupon.

Annual garden memberships are available. Call 724-4443 or 1-888-874-4443. Also, visit their Web site at www.gghf.org.

GEORGIA features displays of various Laurel and Hardy memorabilia; films also shown. Located at 250 N. Louisville Street in downtown Harlem. Open 1-4 p.m.

Thursday-Monday. For more information, call 556-3448.

FORT DISCOVERY/NATIONAL SCIENCE CENTER: Children and adults alike can immerse themselves in the wonders of science through live demonstrations, vir tual realities, Starlab, KidScape and more than 270 hands-on exhibits.

General Admission: $8 for adults; $6 for children, seniors and active military. Group rates available. Half-price admission daily af ter 3 p.m. Operating hours: Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m. Call 821-0200, 1-800-325-5445 or visit their Web site at www.NationalScienceCenter.org.

LUNCH AT NOON LECTURE SERIES held the second Wednesday of every month at the Lucy Craf t Laney Museum of Black History, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call the museum at 724-3576 for more information.

REDCLIFFE STATE HISTORIC SITE: 1859 mansion of S.C. Governor James Henry Hammond, held by the family for three generations until 1975. Hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Thursday-Monday on the grounds. House tours are noon-3 p.m. by appointment. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Admission to the grounds is free. Fee for house tours is $3 for adults and children ages 6 to 17. For more information, call (803) 827-1473. 181 Redcliffe Road, Beech Island.

SACRED HEART CULTURAL CENTER is offering tours of its 100-year-old building. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $1 per person, children free. 826-4700.

HISTORIC COTTON EXCHANGE WELCOME CENTER: Open Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun. 1-5 p.m.

River walk. Free. 724-4067.

THE EZEKIEL HARRIS HOUSE: Deemed “the finest 18th century house surviving in Georgia” by the “Smithsonian Guide to Historic America.” Open Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. General admission is $2; senior admission is $1 and children get in for 50 cents. For more information, call 724-0436.

Museums AT THE AUGUSTA MUSEUM OF HISTORY: “Augusta, Ga.: Surviving Disaster” special exhibit on display through Dec. 31. December’s film is “Augusta Remembers.” Stan Byrdy signs his book “Augusta and Aiken in Golf’s Golden Age” Dec. 15, 2-4 p.m. For more information, call 722-8454.

THE GERTRUDE HERBERT INSTITUTE OF ART in Ware’s Folly exhibits works by local and regional ar tists. Ar t classes, workshops and other educational programming for children, youth and adults are held in the Walker-Mackenzie Studio. Ware’s Folly galleries open Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; and Saturday by appointment only. The Walker-Mackenzie Studio gallery is open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free, but a donation of $2 for adults and $1 for children and seniors is encouraged. Call 722-5495 for more info.

THE AUGUSTA MUSEUM OF HISTORY hosts permanent exhibition “Augusta’s Story,” an award-winning exhibit encompassing 12,000 years of local history.

For the younger crowd, there’s the Susan L. Still Children’s Discovery Gallery, where kids can learn about history in a hands-on environment. The museum also shows films in the History Theatre and hosts a variety of programs. Located at 560 Reynolds Street. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. Admission is $4 adult, $3 seniors, $2 kids (6-18 years of age) and free for children under 6. Free admission on Sundays. Call 722-8454 or visit www.augustamuseum.org for more information.

THE MORRIS MUSEUM OF ART hosts exhibitions and special events year-round. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays, noon-5 p.m. Closed on Mondays and major holidays. 1 Tenth Street, Augusta.

Call 724-7501 or visit www.themorris.org for details.

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LOCAL AUTHOR CARLIE BUTTS will be signing his second book, “A Man Called Jake,” at the Nor th Augusta Library Dec. 14, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For more information, call (803) 279-5988.

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COLUMBIA COUNTY LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST Dec. 16, 7:30 a.m., at Savannah Rapids Pavilion. Call the Augusta Metro and Columbia County Chamber of Commerce at 821-1300 for information.

BOOK SIGNINGS at Borders Books and Music: Dec. 13, 6-8 p.m., Cot Campbell signs “Rascals & Racehorses”; Dec. 14, 1-3 p.m., Karin Calloway signs “Quick Cooking with Karin Calloway”; Dec. 14, 6-8 p.m., Naomi Williams signs “Two Rivers.” Call 7376962 for details.

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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS BASH Dec. 19, 5:30 p.m., at Holiday Inn West. Tickets are $10 at the door. Call the Augusta Metro and Columbia County Chamber of Commerce at 821-1300 for information.

DECEMBER FILM FESTIVAL Tuesdays at Headquar ters Library. Dec. 17 showing of “It’s a Wonder ful Life” star ts at 6:30 p.m. Call 821-2600.

first

move.

JONATHAN MARCANTONI per forms “The Mad Poet” at Borders Books and Music Dec. 20, 5-6 p.m. For more information, call Borders, 737-6962.

AT PHINIZY SWAMP NATURE PARK: Phinizy Swamp Nature Park Clean-Up Day, 10 a.m.-noon Dec. 14. For information, call 828-2109.

COLUMBIA COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY holds pet adoptions every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at PetsMar t. For more info, call 860-5020.

RICHMOND COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL AND AUGUSTA ANIMAL RESCUE FRIENDS holds pet adoptions at Superpetz off Bobby Jones Expressway every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Call AARF at 364-4747 or visit www.aarf.net. Adoptions also held at the Richmond County Animal Control Shelter, Tues. through Sun., 1-5 p.m. Call the shelter at 790-6836.

LOW-COST RABIES VACCINATIONS: Augusta-Richmond County Animal Control holds low-cost rabies vaccination clinics the four th Sunday of every month for privately owned pets. $8 per animal. 1 p.m. at Superpetz. Dogs must be on a leash and cats in a carrier. Puppies and kit tens must be three months old and current for all vaccinations. Schedule subject to change, so please call 790-6836 to verify dates and times.

THE CSRA HUMANE SOCIETY holds pet adoptions every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and every Wednesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Pet Center located

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Jazz vocalist Kari Gaffney performs as part of the Augusta Jazz Project’s Chamber Jazz Concert Series Dec. 14. behind the GreenJackets Stadium on Milledge Rd. 261-PETS.

Out of Town

GEORGIA LAWYERS FOR THE ARTS DECEMBER WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS: free legal clinic Dec. 12, 2-5 p.m.; “How to Star t a 501(c)(3)” Dec. 17, noon-3:30 p.m. Held at the Bureau of Cultural Af fairs, City Hall East in Atlanta. Call (404) 873-3911 for more information and to register.

“FOR THIS WORLD AND BEYOND: AFRICAN ART FROM THE FRED AND RITA RICHMAN COLLECTION” Dec. 18-May 25 at the High Museum of Ar t in Atlanta.

Call (404) 733-HIGH or visit www.high.org for info.

I R R E S I S T I B LY I TA L I A N

TICKETS FOR “VAREK AI,” a production by the Cirque du Soleil, now on sale. Shows are March 6-30 at Cumberland Galleria in Atlanta. Visit www.cirquedusoleil.com for more information.

“DEFINING CR AFT I: COLLECTING FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM” exhibit at the Columbia Museum of Ar t in Columbia, S.C., through Feb. 23. For more information, call the museum at (803) 799-2810 or visit www.columbiamuseum.org.

“PARIS IN THE AGE OF IMPRESSIONISM: MASTERWORKS FROM THE MUSEE D’ORSAY” will be at the High Museum of Ar t in Atlanta now through March 16.

This exhibition marks the first time since the Orsay opened that pieces in its collection have traveled to the U.S. For more information, visit www.ParisinAtlanta.org, www.high.org, or call (404) 733-HIGH.

Benefits SHEPEARD COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER BLOOD DRIVES in various locations around the CSRA this month. The blood center is urging people of all blood types to donate in order to combat a blood supply shor tage. For detailed information on locations and times to donate, visit www.shepeardblood.org. You may also call Susan Edwards at (803) 6437996 for information on Aiken locations and Nancy Szocinski at 737-4551 for information on all other locations.

Shop our huge selection of handcrafted Vietri dinnerware!

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVES at the Aiken Red Cross Blood Center on Millbrook Drive and the Augusta Red Cross Blood Center on Pleasant Home Road. The bloodmobile will also stop at various area locations this week. For a complete list, call the Aiken Blood Center at (803) 642-5180 or the Augusta Blood Center at 868-8800.

Learning 101 Laurens St. NW Historic Downtown Aiken (803) 644-4600

WATER SAFETY INSTRUCTION COURSE sponsored by the Augusta Red Cross Dec. 19-29. Course prepares candidates to teach Infant and Preschool Aquatics, the Learn to Swim program, Community Water Safety and Water Safety Instructor Aide courses. Cost is $80. Candidates must be at least 17 years of age and have a current instructor candidate training

certificate. For more information, or to register, call 724-8483.

WOMEN IN BUSINESS SEMINAR Dec. 17, 11:30 a.m. Ann Taylor is the speaker. Tickets are $15 at the door or $12 before Dec. 13. Call the Augusta Metro and Columbia County Chamber of Commerce at 821-1300 for information.

BUSINESS PLANNING WORKSHOP presented Dec. 13 by USC-Aiken’s Small Business Development Center. Held 8:45 a.m.-1 p.m. in Room 140 of the Business and Education Building at USC-Aiken. Registration is required; e-mail SBDC@usca.edu or call (803) 641-3646 for information.

“HOW TO USE PINES TO LOOK UP BOOKS” Dec. 17, 10:3011:30 a.m. at the Appleby Branch Library. Call 736-6244.

AUGUSTA STATE UNIVERSITY CONTINUING EDUCATION is now offering the following classes: Adobe Illustrator 10, Intermediate Shag II, Intermediate Investing, Digital Photography for Beginners, Adobe Photoshop 7 and more.

Also, ASU offers online courses. For more information, call 737-1636 or visit www.ced.aug.edu.

AIKEN TECH CONTINUING EDUCATION is now offering the following courses: Microsof t Word, Health Care Careers, Defensive Driving and more. Aiken Tech also offers Education to Go classes online. For more information or to register, call (803) 593-9231, ex t. 1230.

Health LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP MEETING Dec. 17, 7 p.m. at the Greenblat t Library, Classroom 211 at the Medical College of Georgia. For more information, call 868-9424, 210-1868 or e-mail Lupus_Friends@hotmail.com.

“SO MY BLOOD PRESSURE IS UP ... BIG DEAL!” WORKSHOP Dec. 12, 2:30 p.m. in Room 2D-114 of the Life Learning Center’s Downtown Division. Free.

Call 733-0188, ex t. 7989 to enroll.

PEACHCARE FOR KIDS AND RIGHT FROM THE START MEDICADE offers free or low-cost health coverage to qualifying families. Coverage includes prenatal care, hospitalization, vaccines, dental and vision care and is available to pregnant women of all ages and to children through age 19. Contact the RSM Project at 729-2086 or 721-5611 for information.

YOGA CLASSES at Walton Rehabilitation Hospital are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7-8 a.m. for $45/month or 10:30 a.m. to noon for $55/month. Call 823-6294.

FREE HIV/AIDS TESTING every Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Ministry, 922 Greene Street. Free anonymous testing, pre- and post-test counseling and education.

HATHA YOGA CLASSES at the St. Joseph Home Health Care Center in Daniel Village Plaza. Held 10 a.m. to noon Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. $10 per class or $60 a month for unlimited classes. Mats are provided, but bring a towel and a water bot tle.

Call Tess at 738-2782 for more information.

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Tuesdays at the Salvation Army and Welfare Center, 34 the 1383 Greene St. Services include Pap smear, breast exam

and the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmit ted dis-

M eases. For more info or an appointment, call the St. Vincent E T dePaul Health Center at 828-3444.

R O W.G. WATSON, M.D., WOMEN’S CENTER CONDUCTS EDUS P I R I T D E C

CATION CLASSES at University Hospital. Course topics include Lamaze, breast feeding, parenting and grandparenting. Par tners will learn positive suppor t techniques. There are also programs designed to help older siblings adjust to new family members. Some classes are free, while others require a fee. Registration is required by calling 774-2825.

Kids

1 2 ALL AROUND SEATBELT SAFETY with Siobhan Butler

Dec. 18, 5-6 p.m. at the Friedman Branch Library.

2 Video and live demonstrations will be presented; chil0 0 dren receive instructional coloring books. 736-6758.

2

AT THE APPLEBY BR ANCH LIBR ARY: Story time with Mia-Talia Lowe, Miss Teenage Augusta, Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-noon; Story time with puppets, stories and fingerplays Dec. 18, 10:30-11:15 a.m. and 3:30-4:15 p.m.

Call 736-6244 for more information.

CHILDREN’S LEARNING CENTER at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History open Monday-Friday, 4:30-6:30 p.m., through June. For information, call 724-3576.

ACADEMIC HELP AND TUTORING available Saturdays, 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Wallace Branch Library. Call 722-6275 to make arrangements.

GIRLS INCORPORATED AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM runs through the end of the 2002-2003 school year. A variety of programs will be offered. Services include van pick-up at select schools, evening drop-off, homework room and hot evening meal. Open to girls in kindergar ten through high school. After-school program offered 2:306 p.m. Mon.-Fri. For more information, call 733-2512.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT SKILLS PROGRAM for teens ages 12-19 held the third Saturday of the month at the Lucy Craft Laney Museum of Black History. Call 724-3576.

SIBSHOPS Dec. 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the MCG Children’s Medical Center Conference Center. This program is designed for siblings of children with special health and developmental needs. Par ticipants are between the ages of 7 and 15.

Phone 721-6838 for information.

WEEKLY STORY SESSIONS at all branch libraries. Visit www.ecgrl.public.lib.ga.us for more information.

FIRST SATURDAY STORYTELLING at the Lucy Craf t Laney Museum. In addition, there is a tour of the museum. Held 10 a.m. to noon the first Saturday of the month. Call 724-3576.

Seniors MEDICATION MANAGEMENT SEMINAR is free and sponsored by The Senior Citizens Council of Greater Augusta and the CSRA. Held Dec. 13, 10:15-11:15 a.m., and Dec. 15, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Call 826-4480 for details.

PEOPLE WITH ARTHRITIS CAN EXERCISE (PACE) meets at Walton Rehabilitation Hospital Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. Call 823-5294.

THE SENIOR CITIZENS COUNCIL OF GREATER AUGUSTA AND THE CSRA offers a variety of classes, including aerobics, quilting, tai chi, Spanish, painting, line dancing, bowling, bridge, computers, yoga and pinochle. For dates and times, phone 826-4480.

ARTHRITIS AQUATICS offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Walton Rehabilitation Hospital. Classes meet 99:45 a.m., 10-10:45 a.m. or 12:15-1 p.m. $37.50/month. To register, call 733-5959.

SENIORNET provides adults age 50 and over education for and access to computer technology. Many different courses are offered. Contact the USC-Aiken Continuing Education Office at (803) 641-3563.

Sports

Volunteer THE EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT COALITION CAMPAIGN seeks volunteers to prepare basic ta x returns for low/limited income individuals, those with disabilities, non-English speakers and the elderly. Volunteers receive free training and instruction materials from the IRS. Call the Mayor’s Of fice for Work force Development at 821-1834.

GOLDEN HARVEST FOOD BANK needs volunteers during the day, Monday-Friday, to help sor t donated products and assist in their agency shopping area. Help is needed year-round. If you are able to lif t 25 pounds and would like to help fight hunger in the Augusta area, contact Laurie Roper at 736-1199, ex t. 208.

THOROUGHBRED R ACING HALL OF FAME DOCENTS NEEDED: Duties include opening and closing the Hall of Fame, greeting visitors and providing information about museum exhibits. Call Lisa Hall, (803) 6427650 for information.

OLDER AMERICANS ACT SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM is looking for volunteers to serve meals to needy older residents. To volunteer, contact the Senior Citizens Council at 826-4480. For those in need of home-delivered meals, call 210-2018 or toll free at 1-888-922-4464.

AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL: New volunteer orientation is scheduled the first Monday of November at 7 p.m. at the shelter, 4164 Mack Lane. Schedule subject to change; call 790-6836 to verify dates and times.

THE CSRA HUMANE SOCIETY is looking for animal lovers willing to donate a lit tle of their time. Volunteers are needed every Saturday at the Pet Center located behind GreenJackets Stadium on Milledge Road. Call 261-PETS for more info.

SHEPEARD COMMUNITY BLOOD CENTER is seeking donors to prevent a blood supply shor tage. To donate call 737-4551, 854-1880 or (803) 643-7996.

Meetings THE MINDBENDER/DMDA DEPRESSIVE AND MANICDEPRESSIVE ASSOCIATION OF GREATER AUGUSTA meets Dec. 18, 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Room 105 of the Walton Building. For more information, call First Baptist Church at 733-2236.

WALT DISNEY PIN TRADING GROUP is forming for all those interested in collecting and trading pins from Walt Disney World, Disneyland and other Disney resor ts. For more information, contact Tim Conway, 729-9900.

THE AUGUSTA SKI AND OUTING CLUB, a non-profit organization for those who enjoy snow skiing, boating, camping, whitewater rafting, cycling and other outdoor recreation, will hold its December meeting Dec. 15 after the annual Christmas brunch at 11:30 a.m. at the Par tridge Inn. For more information, call (803) 279-6186.

THE AMERICAN SINGLES GOLF ASSOCIATION holds its monthly meeting Dec. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Tony Roma’s Ribs Restaurant. Meeting is free, but at tendees pay for any items ordered. For information, contact Ed Francis, 650-1254.

Weekly GEORGIA-CAROLINA TOASTMASTERS meets Wednesdays at noon at the Clubhouse, 2567 Washington Rd. $8 for lunch; visitors welcome. 860-9854.

SEXAHOLICS ANONYMOUS, a 12-step program of recovery from addiction to obsessive/compulsive sexual thoughts and behaviors, meets Wednesdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 7 p.m. at Augusta Counselling Services. Call 723-3688 and leave first name and phone number; a confidential reply is assured.

AUGUSTA TOASTMASTERS CLUB #326 meets Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at Advent Lutheran Church. Call 868-8431.

BUSINESS NETWORKERS INTERNATIONAL Augusta Chapter meets every Thursday morning from 7 to 8:30 a.m. in the Par tridge Inn main dining room. All professionals welcome; breakfast provided for a fee. Call Stuar t Rayburn, 737-0050.

UPCOMING AUGUSTA LYNX HOME GAMES: Dec. 14 and 27. For tickets, call the Lynx ticket office at 724-4423.

RIVERWALK TOASTMASTERS meets Mondays, 7 p.m. in Classroom 3 at University Hospital. Call Gale Kan, 855-7071.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE for the Augusta GreenJackets 2003 season. Home games at Lake Olmstead Stadium. Tickets available at www.tixonline.com or by phone at (803) 2784TIX. There is also a TIX outlet inside Harmon Optical in Southgate Plaza.

GUIDELINES: Public Service announcements are listed in this section without charge at the discretion of the editor.

Announcements must be received by Monday at noon and will be included as space permits. Send to Events, The Metropolitan Spirit, P.O. Box 3809, Augusta, GA 30914 or fax (706) 733-6663. You may also e-mail listings to rhonda_jones@metspirit.com or lisa_jordan@metspirit.com.

Listings cannot be taken over the phone.

YOUTH MONTHLY SPARRING the last Thursday of the month, 5:30 p.m., at the Augusta Boxing Club. Call 733-7533.

Holiday

Happenings

HOLIDAY WISHES MUSICAL AND DESSERT TASTING presented by the Paul Knox Middle School Chorus Dec. 12, 7 p.m., in the Paul Knox Cafetorium. Ticket and desser t available for a $5 donation; proceeds benefit the chorus and music appreciation education programs at Paul Knox Middle School. Call (803) 442-6300 for information.

THE U.S. ARMY SIGNAL CORPS BAND CHRISTMAS CONCERT will be at First Baptist Church of Augusta on Walton Way Dec. 12, 7 p.m. This year’s theme is Christmas Around the World. Free and open to the public. Call 791-3113.

“MESSIAH” will be per formed by the Augusta Choral Society Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. Held at Sacred Hear t Cultural Center. Call 826-4713 for ticket information. “‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS” comes to the Ma xwell Per forming Ar ts Theatre Dec. 12, with per formances at 9, 10 and 11 a.m.

Presented by Augusta State University’s Born to Read Literacy Center and Patchwork Players.

Tickets are $3 per person. Call 733-7043 for more information.

“HOLIDAY CINDERELLA” will be presented by Windsor Spring Elementary School Dec. 12, 6:45 p.m. in the school cafetorium. For more information, call 796-4939.

HOLIDAY PUPPET SHOWS WITH BEN AND KEETER held at area libraries. Shows will be held at the Gibbs Library Dec. 12, at the Euchee Creek Branch Library Dec. 17 and at the Maxwell Branch Library Dec. 18.

For information, call the Gibbs Library, 863-1946; the Euchee Creek Branch Library, 556-0594; or the Maxwell Branch Library, 793-2020.

POWER 107 FRIENDS OF FAMILY CHRISTMAS DRIVE to benefit the Mat thew 25 program, the Shelter for Abused Children, the DFACS Secret Santa program and the United Way of Aiken and Thomson. Radio personalities Minnesota Fat tz and Cher Best will broadcast live, 6 a.m.-10 a.m. Dec. 12 at the McDonald’s in Thomson and Dec. 17 at the McDonald’s on Dean’s Bridge Road and will be accepting donations of toys, children’s winter wear, diapers, canned goods or monetary contributions. On Dec. 19, Power 107 broadcasts live at the McDonald’s on Walton Way from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. in a final ef for t to collect donations. Call (803) 396-6000 for details.

“SURFIN’ WITH SANTA” DIVE-IN MOVIE screening Dec. 13, 7-8:45 p.m. at the Wheeler Branch Family Y indoor pool. Watch a holiday family classic movie while floating in the heated pool. Parents must accompany those 12 and under. $3 per person for gold and silver members, $5 per person for bronze members and $7 per person for nonmembers; children under 6 are free. Bring swimsuits, towels and floats. Call 738-6678.

“OPER ATION SANTA CLAUS” is an ef for t by the Mental Health Association in Aiken County to brighten the holidays of about 250 mental health consumers. Includes dinner and par ty. Held Dec. 13, 6 p.m., at First Baptist Church of Aiken. For more information, call (803) 641-4164.

“HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS” Dec. 13-14 at the Abbeville Opera House in Abbeville, S.C. Per formances are 8 p.m., with additional matinee per formance at 3 p.m. Dec. 14. Tickets are $15 adult, $14 for seniors (over 65) and children (under 12). Call the box of fice at (864) 459-2157 to make reservations.

“MIR ACLE ON 34TH STREET” will be per formed by the Aiken Community Playhouse Dec. 13-14 at

the Washington Center for the Per forming Ar ts.

Per formances are at 8 p.m. For information and reservations, call (803) 648-1438.

THE AUGUSTA BALLET PRESENTS “THE NUTCR ACKER” Dec. 13-15 at the Imperial Theatre.

Tickets are $12-$36. For more information, visit www.augustaballet.org or call the box of fice at 261-0555.

“THE NUTCR ACKER” will be per formed by the Columbia City Ballet Dec. 13-15 and 20-22 at the Koger Center for the Ar ts in Columbia, S.C. Call (803) 251-2222 or visit www.CapitolTickets.com for ticket information.

AIKEN CHOR AL SOCIETY ANNUAL HOLIDAY HOMES TOUR Dec. 14, 4-7 p.m. Tickets are $10 the day of the tour or $9 in advance at the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce, Plum Pudding, Pat ti’s Hallmark and Aiken Of fice Supply and Book stores. For more information, contact Patricia Car ter Hall, (803) 649-9193.

STORY TIME WITH SANTA at Headquar ters Library Dec. 14, 11-11:45 a.m. Call 821-2600 for details.

“CHRISTMAS MEMORIES” CONCERT features the Garden Cit y Chorus, the Peach State Chorus of Sweet Adelines and the ASU Trombone Quar tet. Per formance is 7:30 p.m. Dec. 14 at the ASU Per forming Ar ts Theatre. Tickets are $10 general admission, $8 for students and seniors.

Call 442-3844.

THE CHAMBER JAZZ CONCERT SERIES presented by the Augusta Jazz Project Dec. 14, 8 p.m., features vocalist Kari Gaf fney. Held at the Unitarian Universalist Church. Tickets are $5-$15. Call 6518712 for more information.

“A SINGLE CHRISTMAS CELEBR ATION” for CSRA single adults. Held Dec. 14, 7 p.m. and includes dinner and dancing. The occasion is formal. Call 855-0198 for tickets and information.

HOLLY DAYS CONCERT SERIES Dec. 14 and 21 throughout downtown Aiken. On Dec. 14, catch The Amicks, S’mathsinn Dragon and Sibin performing downtown and enjoy a piano recital and basket weaving demonstration at the Aiken Center for the Ar ts. On Dec. 21, Nick Trivelas, Savannah River Bluegrass, Tom Cuny and Spencer Shadden per form and the Aiken Center for the Ar ts hosts a folk instrument demonstration and children’s Christmas Ar t Camp. For more information, contact the Aiken Center for the Ar ts at (803) 6419094 or the Aiken Downtown Development Association at (803) 649-2221.

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CHRISTMAS IN HOPELANDS Dec. 14-16, 19-23 and 25-28. Hopeland Gardens in Aiken is open from 6-9 p.m. and will be illuminated with over 75,000 lights for a walk-through exhibit. Concer ts on selected nights at 7 p.m. on the Roland H. Windham Per forming Ar ts Stage; bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. Concer t schedule is as follows: Millbrook Chapel Ringers Dec. 15, Chukker Creek Elementary School Dec. 15, For t Gordon Dec. 19, St. Paul’s Handbell Choir Dec. 20, SmithHazel Praise Dancers Dec. 22, Grace Covenant Church of God Dec. 23. Shut tle service available running from the parking lot of Goodwill on Whiskey Rd. and the parking lot of Winn Dixie on York St. All guests must ride the shut tles. Free and open to the public. (803) 642-7631.

HISPANIC CHRISTMAS CELEBR ATIONS: Commemoration of the Feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe with fiesta to follow, Dec. 15, 3 p.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church; Mexican Posada with fiesta to follow, Dec. 22, 3 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Open to the public. For more information, contact Anita Funsch, 793-5688.

STORY TIME WITH MRS. CLAUS Dec. 17, 4 p.m., at the H.O. Weeks Center in Aiken. Mrs. Claus will read holiday books and each child will receive a book to take home. Free and open to children ages 8 and under and their parents. Call (803) 642-7631.

SOUNDS UNLIMITED BAND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY Dec. 19, 8 p.m. at Julian Smith Casino. Admission is $10 in advance or $12 at the door and proceeds benefit the Augusta Mini Theatre’s ef for ts to build a new community ar ts school. Call 722-0598 for ticket information.

“A CHRISTMAS CAROL” BENEFIT for the CHRIS Rainbow Home Dec. 19 at the Alliance Theatre Company in Atlanta. Tickets are $45 and are available by calling Out write Bookstore and Cof feehouse, (404) 607-0082, or the Alliance Theatre Company, (404) 733-4690 or (404) 733-4604.

FORT DISCOVERY HOLIDAY CAMPS Dec. 19-20 for detectives in 4th and 5th grades and Dec. 3031 for astronauts in 2nd and 3rd grades. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information, contact Lisa Golden, 821-0646.

HOLIDAY CAMPS Dec. 19-21, 26-28 and 31.

Open to children ages 6-12. For more information, call the Bly the Area Recreation Center, 592-4988; McBean Activity Center, 798-1191; or Bernie Ward Community Center, 790-0588.

FAMILY Y HOLIDAY CAMPS for kids and teens Dec. 19-31. For details on Holiday Kids’ Camp and Gymnastics Holiday Camp, call 738-6678; for details on Holiday Teen Camp, call 733-1070.

JAMES BROWN ENTERPRISES BENEFIT for needy children Dec. 20 at the Imperial Theatre.

Beginning at 10 a.m., toys will be given to Children in need for the holiday season. Donations bay be lef t at WKIM Radio, 1802 Killingswor th Road, daily until the event or at the Imperial Theatre the day of the event. For more information, contact Elif Hogan at 738-1971.

“CHRISTMAS IN THE GARDEN CITY: WYCLIFFE GORDON IN CONCERT” Dec. 20-21 at 8 p.m.

Holiday concer t will be per formed at the Imperial Theatre. Tickets are $17.50-$30. For more information, call 722-8341.

“THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER” will be per formed by the Augusta Players Children’s Wing Dec. 20-21 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 22 at 3 p.m. Held at Hillcrest Baptist Church. Tickets are $8 adult and $6 for children 12 and under. For more information, call 826-4707.

“BEHOLD THE STAR” dinner per formance by Creative Impressions. Held 6 p.m. Dec. 21 at the Bell Auditorium. Tickets are $35-$50. Call 722-3521.

SANTA AT AUGUSTA-RICHMOND COUNTY ANIMAL CONTROL Dec. 23, 5-7 p.m. and Dec. 24,

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10 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit Santa and adopt a pet at Augusta-Richmond County Animal Control, 4164 Mack Lane. From Dec. 16-24, the adoption fee for all dogs is $15. For information, call 790-6836.

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY sponsored by the Christian Organization for Single Adults. Tickets are $10 for members and $12 for non-members.

Held at Westside High School. Please dress in festive holiday at tire. For information, contact Doris Heath, 736-3376.

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT CALLAWAY GARDENS in Pine Mountain, Ga., includes gourmet meal, music

by Gary Jenkins and Thundering Hear ts and cocktails. Package including lodging, New Year’s Day Brunch and admission to the gardens available.

For information, visit www.callawaygardens.com or call 1-800-CALLAWAY. TOYS FOR TOTS DROP-OFF LOCATIONS: Regions Bank of Clearwater will accept donations of new, unwrapped toys through Dec. 12; call (803) 593-4422. New and unwrapped toys can also be dropped of f at the WJBF News Channel 6 studios, all Georgia Bank & Trust locations, Walton Rehabilitation Hospital, The Augusta Chronicle, Beasley Broadcasting or area Wal-Mar t drive, held 1-7 p.m. Dec. 13 in Nor th Augusta.

Call 722-6664 for more information. “‘TIS THE SEASON TO GIVE” CAMPAIGN through Dec. 18. Childcare Network will be collecting canned goods and presents to give to families in need and the elderly. Donations may be dropped of f at Childcare Network, 3830 Washington Road, Suite 2. Call 863-7180 for more information or to schedule item pickup.

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HOLLY DAYS AND THE SCIENCE OF TOYS Dec. 14, 21 and 28 at For t Discover y. Special activities include science demos, ar ts and craf ts projects, workshops and enter tainment; it’s all free with paid general admission to For t Discover y. Call 821-0200.

“‘TIS THE SEASON” PLANETARIUM SHOW Friday, Saturday and Monday evenings through Christmas at the Dupont Planetarium in Aiken.

Shows are scheduled for 7 and 8 p.m. and trace the development of holiday customs, reveal winter constellations and teach how the orbit of the Ear th causes seasons to occur. For information and reservations, call (803) 641-3769.

FANTASY IN LIGHTS HOLIDAY DISPLAY through Dec. 28 at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Ga. Tickets are $12 adult and $6 child ages 6-12 to view from your vehicle, $14 adult and $7 child 6-12 to view from open-air Jolly Trolly, free for children 5 and under. Purchase tickets in advance and select a time slot by calling 1-800-CALLAWAY. “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” through Dec. 29, presented by the Alliance Theatre Company in Atlanta.

Tickets are $18-$42. Call (404) 733-4690.

“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” comes to the Class Act Theatre in Mariet ta, Ga., through Dec. 29.

Tickets are $15 adult, $13 seniors and $12 children. (770) 579-3156.

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HOLIDAY LUGGAGE EXCHANGE benefits local domestic violence shelters. Donations of used luggage will be accepted at the AAA of fice at 3601 Walton Way Ex t. through Dec. 31. For more information, visit www.aaasouth.com or call the Augusta AAA of fice at 738-6611.

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THE MORRIS MUSEUM OF ART is collecting canned goods for the Golden Harvest Food Bank through Dec. 31. A two-can donation gets museum visitors $1 of f admission. For information, call 724-7501.

Offering a combination of evening, weekend & distance learning courses.

“INVENTING SANTA: ART AND ADVERTISING” exhibit through Jan. 5 at the High Museum of Ar t in Atlanta. The museum is open Tuesday-Sunday.

Call (404) 733-HIGH for more information.

S P I R I T D E C

HOLIDAY EXHIBITION at the Mary Pauline Gallery through Dec. 21 features new works by 14 ar tists. Call 724-9542 for details.

A STORYTELLER’S VERSION OF “A CHRISTMAS CAROL” through Dec. 22 at The New American Shakespeare Tavern in Atlanta.

Per formances are Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6:30 p.m. with additional per formances Dec. 17-18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $19.50 Thursdays and Sundays, $22.50 Fridays, $24.50 Saturdays, $10 Dec. 12, 17-18.

Optional British pub-st yle menu available before show. Call (404) 874-5299 for details.

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36 M E T R O S P I R I T

Arts: Theater

“South Pacific” Comes to Augusta

BY RHONDA JONES

D E C 1 2 2 0 0 2

The Musical For those of you unfamiliar with the musical, “South Pacific,” by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, is a story that opened in April of 1949, a time when the social climate was much different than it is now. Despite differences that linger, we on the threshold of 2003 have reached at least a semblance of racial harmony. But 63 years ago, a musical like “South Pacific” that warned against putting predjudices before love must have seemed somewhat avant garde.

Here’s the story. Or stories, rather, for the musical tells of two love affairs torn apart by the spectre of racial prejudice. It follows the two entwined tales to their conclusions – one of love redeemed, and one of love forever lost.

It is World War II. The setting is an island paradise. What better setting for love? Nellie, a young nurse from Arkansas, meets and falls in love with an older Frenchman, a planter named Emile.

But she rejects him because the mother of his children was an island native. At the same time, Lt. Joe Cable has fallen in love with a Tonkinese girl, yet won’t give in to his feelings because of similar prejudices.

The war intervenes.

The two men set out on a dangerous mission, and Joe, having left behind the love that he cannot accept, is killed.

Nellie is confronted with life’s fragility and learns that she is unwilling to sacrifice the happiness she has found for the predjudices with which she was raised.

One love lost, another saved.

That sounds pretty dark, doesn’t it? But we’re talking about Rodgers and Hammerstein here. These are the guys who took a story about Nazis and transformed it into something involving a singing nun in a field of wildflowers, to which the press of the day referred as sugary. (That was “The Sound of Music,” by the way.)

Song titles such as “Some Enchanted

Evening,” “Bali Hai,” “There Is Nothing Like a Dame,” and “Younger Than Springtime” make up the song list for “South Pacific.” And in 2001, it was made into a Richard Pearce-directed movie, starring Glenn Close, Harry Connick Jr., Ilene Graff, Robert Pastorelli and Rade Serbedzija.

The Authors The men responsible for “South Pacific” were born about a hundred years ago, give or take a few. Richard Rodgers would have celebrated, or at least noted the passing of, his 100th birthday this past June 28. Oscar Hammerstein was a few years older, born July 12, 1895. Both men are products of New York City, the Big Apple, that Mecca of theatre.

After being born to parents who had an appreciation for theatre, the two proceeded to grow up. Rodgers saw his first play at the age of 6 and was immediately drawn into a world of theatre magic from whence he was never to escape. As for Hammerstein, his grandfather built theatres. His father, having been infected with a love of theatre, managed the Victoria, reported to be the most popular home of vaudeville of its day.

Their earliest collaborations occurred while Rodgers was an undergraduate at Columbia University and Hammerstein was studying law. They wrote musical comedies together. They were joined in their collaboration, “Fly With Me,” written for the 1920 Columbia University Varsity show, by a classmate of Rodgers’, Lorenz Hart. Rodgers and Hart would work together on a professional basis as well.

But Hammerstein’s flirtation with the field of law was to be short-lived. He had been bitten too hard by the drama bug, and dropped out in his second year to pursue his true love, and went to work with his uncle as an assistant stage manager.

His uncle, by the way, was Arthur Hammerstein, a successful Broadway

producer. His grandfather, Oscar, Hammerstein was a famous opera impresario. Young Hammerstein was in love with the operetta and it is reported that “Show Boat,” an operetta he wrote with Jerome Kern in 1927, changed the course of modern musical theatre.

He even had a hand in “Carmen Jones,” an all-black adaptation of “Carmen.”

While Hammerstein was busy bringing the operetta back to life, Rodgers partnered with Lorenz Hart for dozens of musicals and movie scores.

“Oklahoma!” was the first Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. And the first musical play. That was 1943. Their subsequent works were “Carousel” (1945), “Allegro” (1947), “South Pacific” (1949), “The King and I” (1951), “Me and Juliet” (1953), “Pipe Dream” (1955), “Flower Drum Song” (1958) and “The Sound of Music” (1959). “State Fair” (1945) was a movie musical and “Cinderella” (1957) aired on television.

The Production On Dec. 5, Holly Davis, who will play Nellie – the girl who falls for Emile the planter – spoke with The Spirit about the musical and about life on the road, against a lively background of theatre bustle.

“We started rehearsals in September – early September. We’ve been on the road since Sept. 22nd. Right now we’re on our December break.”

That’s a lot of shows. She estimated that, so far, she and the rest of the cast had performed it over 40 times. “It’s a lot of fun. It can be really tiring at times.

I’m glad I did it.”

To combat exhaustion and burnout, she says, she tries to get as much sleep “as humanly possible.”

Davis, a Houston, Texas, native, started to act at age 11, she said. “I just fell in love with it. I went to New York University, the conservatory, and just never looked back.”

“South Pacific” is the second show on the road for the professional actress. Her first was that sweet little story about Nazi invasion, “The Sound of Music.”

Davis played Sister Sophia and understudied Maria.

We asked Davis how she keeps the spark alive after performing this story so many times. “I would say that’s probably one of the biggest challenges of the show, is keeping it fresh.”

But in the world of professional theatre, 40 isn’t such a big number. “We’ve only been out on the road for two months, so it’s still pretty new to everybody. You’ll have to ask me in about three months.”

Part of the trick to keeping it fresh, she said, is to keep in mind that each night their production is brand-new for the people seeing it for the first time. Audience feedback helps, she said.

For those theatre-goers who have already fallen in love with “South Pacific,” however, this production won’t be anything out of the ordinary.

“It’s a pretty traditional production,” she said. “We haven’t added anything. The thing about this show is, the audiences really know what they’re going to see.”

Many of them even sing along, she said.

Tickets & Info Ticket prices are $32, $23 and $17, plus $1 per ticket for facility fee. Special discounts are available to members of the military with a military ID. Tickets are on sale at the Civic Center box office and TicketMaster outlets including Publix supermarkets. For ticket information, call the Civic Center box office at (706) 7242400. To charge tickets by telephone, call (706) 828-7700 if calling locally. If calling from outside Augusta, call (404) 2496400. Tickets are also available online at www.ticketmaster.com. Service charges may apply. To inquire about special discounts available to groups of 20 or more, call (706) 541-1987.

37

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38

S P I R I T D E C

Cinema

1 2

Movie Listings

2 0 0 2

Adam Sandler’s Eight Crazy Nights (PG13) — Animated in the perky but flat Saturday morn-

ing TV manner, this oddball features Sandler as Davey Stone, who looks just like Sandler and is an orphaned, Jewish, former basketball hero. He has become a rancid at titude for his small town, especially hating holidays and the eight days of Hanukkah. He moons carolers and is a pest to solid citizens, gets drunk and belches like a gassed tuba. He makes the Grinch seem like a happy Rotarian. For one word to describe Sandler, try "schizo." He goes from being more brazenly aggressive than Fields, Groucho or Sid Caesar in their primes to a simpy noodle of self-pity and cloying, clutchy sentiment. At the rate Sandler is going, he may soon reach the cuckoo rococo stage of his career. Running time: 1 hr., 20 mins. (Elliot t) ★1/2 Analyze That (R) — This sequel to the 1999 hit "Analyze This," in which Rober t De Niro was top hood Paul Vit ti and Billy Crystal was his rabbit-nerved Jewish shrink, Dr. Sobol, is a string of mildly connective skit bits held together by capable casting and silly nonsense. Vit ti gets out of prison into the Angst-rife care of Sobol, whose wife (Lisa Kudrow) is sarcastically aghast. Who would have thought De Niro, who carried the Method to the edge of personality erasure, and was infamously a dull, stone-panic interview, would evolve into such comic confidence? When he sings "I Feel Pret ty" from "West Side Story," brilliantly badly, your jaw may drop like a punch line. Cast: Billy Crystal, Rober t De Niro, Lisa Kudrow, Joe Viterelli, Anthony LaPaglia, Cathy Moriar ty-Gentile. Running time: 1 hr., 34 mins. (Elliot t) ★★1/2 Barbershop (PG-13) — In this day in the wacky life of a Chicago salon, the rapper/actor Ice Cube drops his rough, gruf f image to play Calvin, the current

Touchstone Pictures

M E T R O

owner of the barbershop. The shop was passed down to him from his dad and has been a mainstay of the community for years. Calvin couldn't care less, because he has a pregnant wife and wants to make money fast. In a moment of stupidity, he sells the place to the neighborhood loan shark. Af ter spending a day talking with customers and fellow barbers, he realizes the impor tance of the shop. He then has to buy back the shop at double the price. Meanwhile at the barbershop itself, tensions begin to rise. Cast: Ice Cube, Anthony Anderson, Sean Patrick Thomas, Eve, Troy Garity, Michael Ealy and Cedric the Enter tainer.

Running time: 1 hr., 42 mins. (McCormick) ★★★ Die Another Day (PG-13) — Pierce Brosnan moves with energy and can fake conviction. His chest hair is superb, his voice remains Bondaceous. But he looks peaked, and we imagine he found time to remember when acting meant, well, acting. Not just pulverizing glass, plunging through ice, brandishing absurd weapons and making limp jokes. True to its Cold War roots, the series reaches for one more Rot ten Commie enemy. So bring on dear old Nor th Korea. A Pyongyang lunatic has found the resources, via diamonds, to create a satellite sun called Icarus, to burn or blind the dumb Yanks, the snot ty Brits and the greedy South Korean stooges. He captures Bond, tor tures him, then zips off to Cuba, where he is DNA-morphed into a sneery Brit named Graves (Toby Stephens). We recall Connery, and old plots that, however abundantly silly, were adventurous larks and not just plastic shelves for hardware display. Cast: Pierce Brosnan, Halle Berry, Toby Stephens, Rosamund Pike, John Cleese, Judi Dench, Rick Yune.

Running time: 2 hrs. (Elliot t) ★★ Drumline (PG-13) — A young street drummer from Harlem wins a scholarship to at tend a Southern university and decides to make the trek after being convinced by

Columbia Pictures

“Maid in Manhattan”

RATINGS

★★★★ — Excellent.

“The Hot Chick”

the university’s band director, even though he knows he’ll have a hard time fit ting in. Gradually, his drumming skills help the other students warm up to him. Cast: Nick Cannon, Orlando Jones, Zoe Saldana, Jason Weaver.

8 Mile (R) — As Jimmy "Rabbit" Smith, Eminem flunks his first hip-hop bat tle, a cut ting contest of insult rhymes at a black club, is pegged a choker and sulks back to his grueling job at a metal-stamping mill.

The simple story is how Rabbit motorizes his mouth, confirming the "genius" proclaimed by pal and club emcee Future (Mekhi Phifer). As a buzzer, it has juice.

Thanks to Eminem and the rising rap momentum, "8 Mile" is engrossing. In this urban, if not urbane, fantasy, the hero takes a bad beating, gets up and goes to work, interrupts work to wow everyone at the hip-hop club, then returns to work af ter a verbal outlay that would have put even Winston Churchill in bed for days.

Cast: Eminem, Kim Basinger, Mekhi Phifer, Evan Jones, Brit tany Murphy, Anthony Mackie. Running time: 1 hr., 58 mins. (Elliot t) ★★★ The Emperor’s Club (PG-13) — Kevin Kline is Prof. Bill Hunder t. He wants to not just impar t learning but "mold character." Into the blessed pasture of learning comes a black sheep, maybe a goat: Sedgwick Bell (Emile Hirsch). Son of a cold U.S. senator, Bell is insolent if not quite wit ty. But "character is destiny," and af ter Bell opens a small but piercing flaw in Hunder t's Brutus-like integrity, the prof sees his dream of improvement sorely tested at the school's annual "Mr. Julius Caesar" contest. Jump ahead 25 years. Darn if there isn't even a posh restaging of the quiz show. Bell has aged from Hirsch's surly hint of kid Brando into a rich rodent (Joel Gretsch) with a creepy intensity. About as dramatic as sucking marble dust through a straw, "The Emperor's Club" is nostalgic for education as an old-school gentlemen's club. Cast: Kevin Kline, Emile Hirsch, Embeth Davidtz, Harris Yulin, Ed Herrmann, Rishi Mehta. Running time: 1 hr., 49 mins. (Elliot t) ★1/2 Empire (R) — Victor Rosa is John Leguizamo's best movie work so far, a subtle and richly internalized performance. Vic is a Bronx drug dealer who runs his fourman crew of buddies. Feeling successful but crowded, and now at tached to a woman he loves(Delilah Cot to), Vic meets the smoothie Jack Wimmer (Peter Sarsgaard). This yupster grif ter has an Ivy League purr of success and suits that seem tailored down to his chromosomes; he lures Vic into an airy investment scheme that seems more legal and less lethal than Vic's drug jungle. Grateful to be adopted into a dream world he has envied, feeling this is a classy "out," Vic is being suckered. The movie is good at building momentum but less so in delivering, and the feeling for noir doom is never as credible as the sense of upward hunger. Cast: John Leguizamo, Peter Sarsgaard, Denise Richards, Vincent Laresca, Sonia Braga, Isabella Rossellini.

Running time: 1 hr., 30 mins. (Elliot t) ★★1/2 Far From Heaven (PG-13) — Todd Haynes does loving ta xidermy on the creamy '50s kitsch of melodrama genius Douglas Sirk, who could make Rock Hudson emote if not act. All the period touches are right, including Elmer Bernstein's swoony score, but Julianne Moore as a conformist housewife has no presence but her clothes, Dennis Quaid gnarls into a knot of shame as her outed gay husband, and Dennis Haysber t is a secret hipster petrified as a noble gardener with a secret desire. The film is more awed by stereotyped pieties

★★★— Worthy.

★★ — Mixed.

★ — Poor.

than Sirk ever was. 1 hr., 47 min. (Elliot t) ★★1/2 Femme Fatale (R) — The film star ts with a heist at the Cannes festival. A man is crawling through a duct and firing a laser beam rifle, while a fat security guard runs around sweating, and a vile creep catches a seemingly lethal bullet in the gut. Soon a blonde beauty (Rebecca Romijn-Stamos) is of f with the jewels and director Brian De Palma must feel he has begun his movie, or maybe a new era for MTV. It takes a while for Antonio Banderas to show up as guilty paparazzo Nic Bardo, spying on the tall blond thief who quickly adopts the name of a look-alike Parisian suicide who just lost her husband and child. As stylized synthetic junk, all Paris and pastiche, "Femme Fatale" is at least more enter taining than "The Truth About Charlie." That has to be the weakest recommendation of the year. Cast: Antonio Banderas, Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, Peter Coyote, Eriq Ebouaney. Running time: 1 hr., 50 mins. (Elliot t) ★★ Friday After Next (R) — This is the third film in the "Friday" series and features the same people, places and pals highlighted in the first two. "Friday Af ter Nex t" takes place around Christmas, as Craig and Day-Day are working as security guards af ter a "ghet to Santa" who’s been stealing presents. Cast: Ice Cube, Mike Epps, Don "D.C." Curry.

Halloween: Resurrection (R) — Jamie Lee Cur tis makes an appearance once again in the eighth film in the "Halloween" series. This time, six teens decide to host a live Internet chat in the house where Michael Myers grew up, stirring up evil. Cast: Jamie Lee Cur tis, Tyra Banks, Brad Loree.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (PG) — Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) faces destiny with a

clear eye and spor ty will, not the least neurotic despite having been orphaned into a family of idiotic prigs who treat him abominably. He again escapes to Hogwar ts, to his pals (Ruper t Grint as wobble-faced Ron, Emma Watson as bookworm Hermione) and the snippish regard of Prof. Snape (Alan Rickman) and Prof. McGonegall (Maggie Smith), and the wonderful giant Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) and Headmaster Dumbledore (Richard Harris, now dead). Jason Isaacs should be given more time as Lucius, the evil, white-maned father of snob Draco Malfoy. There is a sense of a grand machine greased, sometimes grinding. The "chamber of secrets" is less an exciting mystery at the center than a device to car t the bulky saga forward. Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Ruper t Grint, Emma Watson, Kenneth Branagh, Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane. Running time: 2 hrs., 41 mins. (Elliot t) ★★★ The Hot Chick (PG-13) — If the name isn’t enough to scare you, perhaps the idea that a vapid teenage girl wakes up to find herself inhabiting Rob Schneider’s body is. In the course of trying to get back to her true self, the popular teen discovers just how shallow she is. Cast: Rob Schneider, Andrew Keegan, Mat thew Lawrence.

Like Mike (PG) — The rapper Lil Bow Wow plays 14-year-old Calvin Cambridge, one of the older residents in an L.A. orphanage. Calvin has two wishes — to find parents who love him and to play in the NBA like his idol, Michael Jordan. Then one day, Calvin's only adult ally, Sister Theresa (Anne Meara), discovers an old pair of

0— Not worthy.

continued on page 40

Exactly who do your kids think is the true savior on Christmas?

Perhaps it's time your kids learned the true savior on Christmas doesn't come with a red nose. Join us this Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

39 M E T R O S P I R I T D E C 1 2 2 0 0 2

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continued from page 38 sneakers that once belonged to Michael Jordan. Calvin tries them on, and they are a per fect fit. The nex t day, Calvin's dreams begin to materialize. He meets one of his idols, basketball superstar Tracey Reynolds (Morris Chestnut), during a halftime contest at a Los Angeles Knights game. Calvin makes a wish to be "like Mike" and suddenly displays moves reminiscent of Jordan. He is quickly signed by the Knights, and both he and new teammate Tracey go on a journey of self-discovery. Cast: Lil Bow Wow, Morris Chestnut, Jonathan Lipnicki, Brenda Song, Crispin Glover, Anne Meara and Eugene Levy. Running time: 1 hr., 30 mins. (McCormick) ★★★

Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (PG-13) — Frodo Baggins and the fellowship return in their ongo-

ing quest to destroy the magical ring that may be used for evil. It’s the second film in the series and the second novel in Tolkien’s trilogy. Cast: Elijah Wood, Sir Ian McKellen, Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Liv Tyler.

Maid in Manhattan (PG-13) — Jennifer Lopez takes a job as a New York luxury hotel maid in this modern-day "Cinderella" tale. She falls in love with a rich politician, who mistakes her for a society woman. Cast: Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes, Natasha Richardson.

Pandora’s Box (R) — “Pandora’s Box” is the lowbudget sequel of sor ts to the 2000 film “Trois.” This time around, a murder mystery, an unhappy woman’s affair and lots of flesh come together to create an erotic thriller even more sexually charged than its predecessor. Cast: Monica Calhoun, Michael Jai White, Tyson Beckford, Chrystale Wilson. Running time: 1 hr., 36 mins.

The Ring (PG-13) — begins with the telling of an urban-legend-like tale that, for a while, seems likely to consign this movie to the slasher/horror bin: A weird videotape is circulating. As soon as you're through watching it, the telephone rings. A voice on the phone informs you that you have seven days to live. Seven days later, you die. The film boasts first-rate per formances, a gorgeous look, an engaging plot and a jangly, thrumming sense of dread. The effectiveness of such a movie depends entirely on the beholder. Save for a long, uneasy feeling of foreboding and one solid jolt, I didn't find it all that scary. Two young women exiting the theater in front of me, however, declared that the thing had terrified them, and I'm willing to take their word for it.

Cast: Naomi Wat ts, Mar tin Henderson, David Dor fman, Brian Cox. Running time: 1 hr., 55 mins. (Salm) ★★1/2 The Rules of Attraction (R) — Dark and sexually-charged film about a group of af fluent students at

a New England liberal ar ts college and their lives of lust, drugs and debauchery. James Van Der Beek of “Dawson’s Creek” fame, is Sean, a par t-time drug dealer who spends the other half of his time pursuing the ladies on campus. Lauren is the good girl of the film, abstaining from all that is evil. Paul uses his androgyny to seduce males and females. Lara, Lauren’s roommate, has only one thing on her mind.

Add a stellar and young ensemble cast and some psychedelic film ef fects, and you’ve got a movie parents will hate. Cast: James Van Der Beek, Ian Somerhalder, Shannyn Sossamon, Jessica Biel, Kate Boswor th, Fred Savage, Eric Stoltz. Running time: 1 hr., 50 mins.

The Santa Clause 2 (G) — Tim Allen discovers after eight years of being Santa that there's another small detail in his contract: In order for him to continue being the Jolly Old Elf, he's got to take a wife. But first he has to deal with his son, Charlie (Eric Lloyd), who's landed himself on the naughty list. Charlie's principal (Elizabeth Mitchell) wants him gone pronto and is a bit blue because the holidays don't mean as much to her as they once did. With 28 days to go before the contract expires, Santa's got a lot of work to do. One of his trusty elves comes up with a machine that can duplicate Santa while he's out in the real world hunting for a wife. Allen is remarkable playing Santa as funny, wise and sympathetic, all at the same time. 1 hr., 42 mins. (McCormick) ★★★ Signs (PG-13) — Mel Gibson plays Father Graham Hess, an Episcopal priest who lost his faith and retired his collar af ter his wife was killed in an auto accident.

He lives in an old farmhouse with two adorable kids, plus a younger brother (Joaquin Phoenix). Big, elegantly precise "crop signs" turn up in their cornfield. It's space aliens, and the movie teases us as the signs pile up. The aliens show up, shoving clawed hands under doors but scared by steak knives, full of evil strength, yet not able to knock down the pathetic blockade of a fruit cellar. "Signs," though handsomely shot, seems meant for viewers who need to believe in tabloid aliens, and that we can beat them with plain-spun, homeland vir tues. It should be called "Sins" for compounding the sins of bad filming. Cast: Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, Rory Culkin, M. Night Shyamalan, Cherry Jones.

Running time: 1 hr., 46 mins. (Elliot t) ★

Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams (PG) — A cheer ful theme park of a comedy about

junior spies, with a bigger budget and more inventive fun than the 2001 original (the plot is no advance).

Rober t Rodriguez directed, wrote, helped with the digital ef fects and gizmo touches, including excellent creatures. The many Hispanic rif fs do not land with PC

heaviness, and the lively cast includes Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara as the main kids, plus Antonio Banderas, Steve Buscemi, Carla Gugino, Alan Cumming, Bill Pa x ton, Tony Shalhoub, Danny Trejo, Cheech Marin and (still macho at 81) Ricardo Montalban. Running time: 1 hr., 27 mins. (Elliot t) ★★★ Star Trek: Nemesis (PG-13) — The latest in the "Star Trek" series introduces a new villain with a new threat to Ear th, as well as the returning characters and worlds that fans have grown to love. Cast: Patrick Stewar t, LeVar Bur ton, Whoopi Goldberg.

Stuart Little 2 (PG) — is a sequel capsule, as smooth and shiny as a jellybean. It brings back the Manhat tan mouse (Michael J. Fox), a computerized dearie loved by the Lit tle family as equal to their son, George (Jonathan Lipnicki), and his baby sister. The slow-star ting story is Stuar t's adventure to rescue new pal, birdie Margalo (Melanie Grif fith), a flut ter-ball of gold feathers, from the raptor Falcon (James Woods). 1 hr., 18 mins. (Elliot t) ★★1/2 They (PG-13) — A grad student witnesses a horrifying incident, which rekindles her childhood fears of the dark and night terrors. Soon, she finds herself wondering if the images that plagued her as a child were real. Cast: Larua Regan, Marc Blucas, Dagmara Dominczyk, Ethan Embry, John Abrahams.

The Transporter (PG-13) — Frank Mar tin is an ex-special forces operator living the quiet life along the Mediterranean in France. He suppor ts himself by running his own courier service – with a few rules.

Namely, Mar tin doesn’t want to know who he’s working for or what he’s delivering. But when Mar tin notices the package he’s transpor ting star t to move, he looks in the box and finds a beautiful and bound woman. Cast: Jason Statham, Shu Qi, Mat t Schulze.

Trapped (R) — Stuar t Townsend and Charlize Theron are a rich couple whose 6-year-old daughter is kidnapped by two experienced ex tor tionists, played by Kevin Bacon and Cour tney Love. Theron and Townsend, trapped in Seat tle on a business trip, have 24 hours to get their daughter back. Cast: Stuar t Townsend, Charlize Theron, Kevin Bacon, Cour tney Love, Dakota Fanning.

Treasure Planet (PG) — The movie transmutes Rober t Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island" into the heavily digitalized animation of a "Star Wars" of fshoot.

Now Jim is a very American and stalwar t 'toon-teen voiced by Joseph Gordon-Levit t, and Silver (Brian Murray) is a huge cyborg with an old-salt pirate face and tech arms wor thy of the Terminator on a hardware rampage. A space movie that has interstellar craf t with

lof ty, luminous sails and crusty barnacles on hulls is so absurd that it's charming. In visual fer tility, "Treasure Planet" rivals the top Japanese animations of recent vintage. For the sub-13 crowd (and many beyond it), this is satisfying holiday enter tainment.

Voices: Joseph Gordon-Levit t, Emma Thompson, Michael Wincot t, Brian Murray, Mar tin Shor t, Laurie Metcalf, Roscoe Lee Browne, Patrick McGoohan.

Running time: 1 hr., 35 mins. (Elliot t) ★★★ The Tuxedo (PG-13) — Jackie Chan plays Jimmy Tong, a cabby who lands a job as chauf feur for Clark Devlin (Jason Isaacs), a wealthy industrialist.

Devlin is every thing Jimmy wants to be — handsome, smar t, rich, cultured and impeccably dressed. One of Devlin's prized possessions is an Armani tuxedo that seems to be a hit with the ladies and a definite confidence-booster. But Jimmy discovers there's more to Devlin than meets the eye af ter the boss is injured by a bomb while on assignment. Before he loses consciousness, Devlin asks Jimmy to wear the suit, a prototype created by a government agency that gives its wearer abilities far beyond mor tal men. Af ter Jimmy tests out the tux, he's thrust into the spy game. Cast: Jackie Chan, Jennifer Love Hewit t, Jason Isaacs, Ritchie Coster, Debi Mazar and Peter Stormare.

Running time: 1 hr., 30 mins. (McCormick) ★★ Two Weeks Notice (PG-13) — Lucy Kelson (Sandra Bullock) is a smar t but stressed at torney whose client, millionaire George Wade (Hugh Grant), is deeply dependent on her. George won’t let her quit until she finds her own replacement – a young lawyer who has her eye on George. George, however, is looking elsewhere: at what just lef t. Cast: Sandra Bullock, Hugh Grant, Alicia Wit t.

XXX (PG-13) — Vin Diesel is buf f, which is surely the main point of his playing "edge spor ts" thrill-seeker turned CIA agent Xander Cage, but he has glints of boyish vulnerability. As he grooves into playing the new agent recruited by the agency's top dude (Samuel L. Jackson), the movie finds a rhy thm that is like a more masculine, bulked-up "Barbarella." The plot is junk, about a gang of ex-Red Army crazies led by a satanic Slavic slime (Mar ton Csokas), nihilists eager to destroy the world with a superweapon. It's another movie where you must believe, or giggle. Cast: Vin Diesel, Samuel L. Jackson, Asia Argento, Mar ton Csokas, Danny Trejo. Running time: 1 hr., 44 mins. (Elliot t) ★★ —Capsules compiled from movie reviews written by David Elliott, film critic for The San Diego Union-Tribune and other staff writers.

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“Maid in Manhattan”: It’s Been Done

By Rachel Deahl

41 M E T R O S P I R I T D E C

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s she bluntly states in her new hit single, “Jenny From the Block,” we shouldn’t mistake Jennifer Lopez for anything other than a humble hometown girl, more specifically, we shouldn’t be “fooled by the rocks that [she] got/[She’s] still, [she’s] still Jenny from the block.” And, if Ms. Lopez’s catchy, obtuse pop riff isn’t enough to knock the idea that Mrs. Affleck-to-be is still the same hardworking, hard dreaming, everywoman from the projects in the Bronx, her not-socatchy, obtuse romantic comedy, “Maid in Manhattan,” should do the trick. A muddled “Cinderella” yarn with a flat script, Lopez’s cinematic take on her meteoric rise isn’t half as brazenly beguiling as her Top 40 hit.

Set in the ritzy, and fictional, Beresford Hotel (we can only assume that the folks at the Waldorf, where much of the film was shot, had the forethought to exclude their establishment’s name from the film), J. Lo stars as a sweet single mom who spends her days slaving away as a member of the establishment’s maid staff. An errant ex-husband, adorable son, disapproving mother and brash best friend/coworker swirl around J. Lo as she traipses around after the obnoxious, wealthy guests. Of course, like Julia Roberts’ streetwalker in “Pretty Woman,” Lopez’s maid has bigger goals for herself than making beds and leaving chocolates on the pillow. Well, sort of – she hopes to become a manager.

Of course, when she’s mistaken for a guest by a handsome politician, played

by Ralph Fiennes, Lopez’s domestic servant can’t help but play the part. And, when your driving aspiration is catapulting you to middle management, who can blame her? So a stroll in the park later, Lopez is being outfitted by her hotel buddies for a magical night at the Met with Prince Charming.

Writhing under dialogue like “You’re from two different worlds” and “Tonight the maid is a lie and this, this is who you are,” this schlock-filled fairy tale hits

new depths of unoriginality and predictability. An added disappointment is the surprising lack of chemistry between the two leads. Posing an exciting, and unusual, choice for a leading man in a fluff piece like this, there’s something comforting in the fact that Fiennes seems so out of place in this mess; at least we can hope this is his last foray into idiotic American romantic comedies. And Lopez who, despite being overexposed, can be fun to watch on screen, can’t rise above the poor material. Together the two seem lost and awkward, both unable to find a rhythm amid the tired lines and unromantic scenarios.

Almost equally regretful is the fact that the wonderfully cast supporting players, who include actors like Bob Hoskins, Natasha Richardson, Frances Conroy (who plays the mother on “Six Feet Under”), Amy Sedaris (“Strangers With Candy”) and Chris Eigman (a caustic fixture in Whit Stillman films like “Barcelona” and “The Last Days of Disco”) are given negligibly little to do.

Shamefully under-utilizing the talents of his rich cast, director Wayne Wang reduces the bunch to playing one-dimensional, forgettable footnotes. Richardson and Sedaris are particularly grating as a pair of aging singles, as obnoxious as they are desperate.

With more than enough sob stories from divas like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey filling the airwaves, the last thing the world needs is another rendition of Jennifer Lopez’s hard-knocks life growing up in the Bronx. And, while it’s unclear how much Jenny has really done for her block, it does feel somewhat contrived to hear Lopez’s character cut into Fiennes’ Republican senatorial candidate for playing to his public instead of the people. Although Lopez’s intent on crowning herself the patron saint of her hometown borough is writ large in “Maid in Manhattan,” we can take solace in the fact that J. Lo’s bottom-of-the-barrel, self-important, veiled autobiography vehicle is still a step up from “Glitter.”

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et me dispense with a myth about the big-screen event that starts Dec. 13 and is known as “Nemesis” – it’s not a movie.

Yes, it looks like a movie. It talks like a movie. There are actors involved. But what this thing is, boys and girls, is more along the lines of a family reunion. Addams Family-style.

The thought occurred to me while I was watching – breathlessly, I’ll admit – the trailer.

There was a moment when Capt. Jean-Luc Picard was sporting a look of concern. It was the familiarity of the look that drew me in.

These are characters we know. We’ve known them a very long time. We’ve known the Federation a long time. So long that some of us have forgotten that it is a fictional entity. So it doesn’t really matter how well the thing was put together. We’ll talk about that later after we’ve seen it 14 or 15 times, dissected the characters’ motives, found all the inconsistencies and decided “she” (whichever “she” is available) should or should not have worn whatever it is she’s had the temerity to wear.

But in the long run, none of that really matters. What matters is that the gang’s all here for one last hurrah across the wide-open sky.

Maybe I should get to the reason the captain has evoked the Look of Concern that serves the same function in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” that Han Solo’s “I’ve got a bad feeling about this” used to perform for the “Star Wars” crowd. (As if the eerie music weren’t enough.) Picard’s reaction seems to have something to do with the voice, which presumably belongs to the “Nemesis” for whom the film is named, telling him very disturbing things. Things like, “I can feel everything you feel. In fact, I can feel exactly what you feel. ... The same blood runs in our veins.”

Curious about how they got into this predicament in the first place? Maybe their rabid insistence on going places no one has ever been before?

They are on a peace mission to Romulus – and the Romulans are willing parties.

Supposedly. Since, according to press on the matter, the new threat has been “conceived in the regal senate halls of Romulus and forged in the dilithium mines of Remus,” I for one find it a little difficult to believe that the Romulans don’t have something up their highly embroidered sleeves.

Judging from a few details of the trailer, i.e., these empathic references made by the stranger to Picard, and the reappearance of the prototype to the android Data, his identical “brother” Lore, this seems to be a doppleganger story along the lines of “The Enemy Within.”

You remember “The Enemy Within.” It was one of the very first in the original series.

Transporter malfunction splits Capt. James T. Kirk into his “good” and “bad” halves, and the episode is devoted to figuring out a way to put Humpty together again.

“Star Trek” writers have always had a penchant for allegory and symbolism, for separating the human psyche into its constituent parts and throwing them all into a room, locking the door, and yelling, “Fire!”

Let’s take a look at the entire “Star Trek” empire, shall we? It’s a big one. The original series, which had a serious primary-color fetish, ran only three years, from 1966 to 1969. Ten years later, that series went into movie production, generating six films and providing overlap between the world of Capt.

James T. Kirk and that of Capt. Jean-Luc Picard, whose series had begun in 1987. “The Next Generation,” running from 1987-1994 changed the face of “Star Trek,” making it a sleek animal. Then the powers that be went crazy and created two more series, “Deep Space Nine,” and “Voyager.” The animated series ran in the early ‘70s. And then there’s the new, pre-Kirk series, “Enterprise.”

“Nemesis” is the “final voyage” for Picard’s crew. And good or bad, Trekkers, Trekkies, Klingons in full dress and other strange creatures will be out in force to enjoy the ride.

Boarding commences on Friday, Dec. 13th, at theaters across the known universe.

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MOVIE CLOCK REGAL AUGUSTA EXCHANGE 20 Movies Good 12/13 - 12/17 Two Weeks Notice (PG-13) Sat: 7:30 Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (PG-13) Tues: 11:59 The Hot Chick (PG-13) Fri-Sat: 1:55, 3:55, 7:15, 9:45, 12:20; Sun-Tues: 1:55, 3:55, 7:15, 9:45 Maid in Manhattan (PG-13) Fri-Sat: 12:05, 1:40, 2:30, 4:10, 5:10, 7:10, 7:40, 9:50, 10:05, 12:00; Sun-Tues: 12:05, 1:40, 2:30, 4:10, 5:10, 7:10, 7:40, 9:50, 10:05 Drumline (PG-13) 1:05, 2:05, 4:00, 5:00, 7:20, 7:50, 10:00, 10:35 Star Trek: Nemesis (PG-13) Fri-Sat: 12:20, 12:50, 2:40, 4:15, 5:05, 7:00, 7:30, 9:40, 10:10, 12:35; Sun-Tues: 12:20, 12:50, 2:40, 4:15, 5:05, 7:00, 7:30, 9:40, 10:10 Pandora’s Box (R) Fri-Sat: 12:00, 2:10, 4:20, 6:40, 9:10, 11:45; Sun-Tues: 12:00, 2:10, 4:20, 6:40, 9:10 Analyze That (R) Fri-Sat: 11:50, 2:10, 4:35, 6:55, 9:20, 11:50; Sun-Tues: 11:50, 2:10, 4:35, 6:55, 9:20 Empire (R) Fri-Sat: 12:35, 2:50, 5:00, 7:25, 9:55, 12:25; Sun-Tues: 12:35, 2:50, 5:00, 7:25, 9:55 Treasure Planet (PG) Fri-Sat: 12:00, 1:00, 2:15, 3:15, 4:30, 5:30, 7:00, 9:15, 11:40; Sun-Tues: 12:00, 1:00, 2:15, 3:15, 4:30, 5:30, 7:00, 9:15 They (PG-13) Fri-Sat: 12:40, 3:00, 5:20, 8:10, 10:15, 10:25, 12:35; Sun-Tues: 12:40, 3:00, 5:20, 8:10, 10:15, 10:25 8 Crazy Nights (PG-13) 1:15, 3:10, 5:15 Die Another Day (PG-13) Fri-Sat: 1:30, 4:25, 7:30, 7:55, 10:30, 10:55; Sun-Tues: 1:30, 4:25, 7:30, 7:55, 10:30 The Emperor’s Club (PG-13) 8:00, 10:20 Friday After Nex t (R) Fri-Sat: 12:05, 2:25, 4:40, 7:45, 9:50, 12:00; Sun-Tues: 12:05, 2:25, 4:40, 7:45, 9:50 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (PG) 11:55, 3:20, 10:15 8 Mile (R) 12:15, 2:45, 5:25, 8:05, 10:40 The Santa Clause 2 (G) Fri-Sat: 11:50, 2:15, 4:40, 7:05, 9:30, 12:05; Sun-Tues: 11:50, 2:15, 4:40, 7:05, 9:30 The Ring (PG-13) 1:40, 4:20, 8:00, 10:40 EVANS 12 CINEMAS Movies Good 12/13 - 12/17 Drumline (PG-13) Fri-Sun: 2:30, 5:00, 7:30, 9:50; Mon-Tues: 5:00, 7:30, 9:50 The Hot Chick (PG-13) Fri: 4:00, 7:10, 9:20; Sat-Sun: 1:40, 4:00, 7:10, 9:20; Mon-Tues: 4:00, 7:10, 9:20 Star Trek: Nemesis (PG-13) Fri-Sun: 1:50, 4:20, 7:00, 9:30; Mon-Tues: 4:20, 7:00, 9:30 Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (PG-13) Tues: 12:00 midnight Two Weeks Notice (PG-13) Sat: 7:30 Far From Heaven (PG-13) Fri-Sun: 2:10, 4:30, 7:15, 9:35; Mon-Tues: 4:30, 7:15, 9:35

The Comfort Times

Analyze That (R) Fri: 3:25, 5:25, 7:25, 9:25; Sat-Sun: 1:25, 3:25, 5:25, 7:25, 9:25; MonTues: 5:25, 7:25, 9:25 Maid in Manhattan (PG-13) Fri-Sun: 2:20, 4:40, 7:20, 9:40; Mon-Tues: 4:40, 7:20, 9:40 They (PG-13) 9:55 8 Crazy Nights (PG-13) Fri: 3:05, 5:05, 7:05, 9:05; Sat-Sun: 1:05, 3:05, 5:05, 7:05, 9:05; Mon-Tues: 5:05, 7:05, 9:05 Treasure Planet (PG) Fri: 3:35, 5:35, 7:35; Sat-Sun: 1:35, 3:35, 5:35, 7:35; Mon-Tues: 5:35, 7:35 Die Another Day (PG-13) Fri: 4:10, 7:10, 9:45; Sat-Sun: 1:10, 4:10, 7:10, 9:45; MonTues: 4:10, 7:10, 9:45 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (PG) Fri: 2:00, 4:30, 5:30, 8:00, 9:00; Sat: 1:00, 2:00, 4:30, 5:30, 8:30; Sun: 1:00, 2:00, 4:30, 5:30, 8:00, 9:00; Mon-Tues: 4:30, 5:30, 8:00, 9:00 Santa Clause 2 (G) Fri: 3:10, 5:20, 7:35, 9:45; Sat-Sun: 12:55, 3:10, 5:20, 7:35, 9:45; Mon-Tues: 5:20, 7:35, 9:45 MASTERS 7 CINEMAS Movies Good 12/13 - 12/17 The Hot Chick (PG-13) Fri: 5:30, 7:30, 9:55; Sat-Sun: 1:30, 3:30, 5:30, 7:30, 9:55; MonTues: 5:30, 7:30, 9:55 Maid in Manhattan (PG-13) Fri: 4:15, 7:15, 9:40; Sat-Sun: 1:15, 4:15, 7:15, 9:40; MonTues: 4:15, 7:15, 9:40 Drumline (PG-13) Fri: 4:00, 7:00, 9:25; SatSun: 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:25; Mon-Tues: 4:00, 7:00, 9:25 Empire (R) Fri: 4:20, 7:20, 9:30; Sat-Sun: 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, 9:30; Mon-Tues: 4:20, 7:20, 9:30 Die Another Day (PG-13) Fri: 4:05, 7:05, 9:35; Sat-Sun: 1:05, 4:05, 7:05, 9:35; MonTues: 4:05, 7:05, 9:35 Friday After Nex t (R) Fri: 5:10, 7:10, 9:10; Sat-Sun: 1:10, 3:10, 5:10, 7:10, 9:10; MonTues: 5:10, 7:10, 9:10 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (PG) Fri: 5:05, 8:30; Sat-Sun: 1:25, 5:05, 8:30; Mon-Tues: 5:05, 8:30 REGAL 12 CINEMAS Movies Good 12/13 - 12/19 Trapped (R) 2:35, 4:50, 7:30, 10:05 Halloween: Resurrection (R) 2:30, 5:15, 7:45, 9:40 The Rules of At traction (R) 2:10, 4:40, 7:15, 9:50 Barbershop (PG-13) 2:20, 4:35, 7:50, 10:00 Femme Fatale (R) 1:55, 4:25, 7:05, 9:45 Spy Kids 2 (PG) 2:00, 4:25, 7:35, 9:55 The Tuxedo (PG-13) 2:05, 4:30, 7:10, 9:35 Stuart Little 2 (PG) 2:15, 5:05, 7:00, 9:30 The Transporter (PG-13) 2:40, 5:00, 7:40, 9:40 Signs (PG-13) 2:00, 4:45, 7:00, 9:25 XXX (PG-13) 2:25, 4:55, 7:20, 9:50 Like Mike (PG) 2:45, 5:10, 7:25, 9:30

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44 M E T R O S P I R I T D E C 1 2

Music Rocking the Stocking: Good Fun for a Good Cause

By Lisa Jordan

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t only happens once a year. No, we’re not talking about Christmas. We’re talking about Rocking the Stocking, the Kevin Brown Memorial Holiday Benefit Bash.

“This is the ninth year,” says Stoney Cannon, Vagabond Missionary, the father of Lokal Loudness and the man behind Rocking the Stocking. “Back in ’94, a local musician, he was a really good friend of mine, got killed at work. His name was Kevin Brown. That was in November. His birthday was in December, so we wanted to do something at that time to raise a little money for his only other relative, his dad, who passed away shortly after.”

That’s when Rocking the Stocking morphed and became the event it is today, an extravaganza of bands performing to benefit the Empty Stocking Fund, which distributes much-needed supplies to Augusta’s less fortunate during the holidays. It is, Stoney says, in the spirit of his late friend. “There were two things that Kevin was about,” he says. “That was music and giving.”

The concert is usually held the first weekend of December, a two-night barrage of music that included nearly 20 bands last year. Due to some venue problems, this year’s show has been moved to Dec. 14 at Crossroads.

“Usually when I’m putting this event together – I don’t know what it is about this event – there’s a lot of interest by bands to play this event,” says Stoney.

Because of this year’s changes, the final roster has been whittled down to five bands, but don’t let that fool you: The lineup is incredibly diverse. “We’re going from old-school metal to blues-rock and an ‘80s glam thing,” laughs Stoney. “All we’re missing is a little bit of country and hip-hop.”

Keep, out of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., played a semiacoustic, semi-electric set at last year’s Rocking the Stocking. Final Darkness is also a Rocking the Stocking veteran. Romeo Delite comes from Atlanta on a band exchange Stoney’s trying to set up between our hometown and the state capital. The Vellotones and Stoney’s own Vagabond Missionaries round out the list.

The Vagabond Missionaries also have a special treat in store for those who attend Rocking the Stocking. “Until supplies run out, we’ll have CDs for everybody who pays the cover,” says Stoney. The CD in question is none other than the Vagabonds’ latest effort, “Hungover for the Holidays,” an album destined to become a Christmas classic.

“The idea was that I always wanted to do a Christmas song, but I wanted it to be about Augusta,” Stoney says.

“And this year, we kind of had a little bit of a lull in the band, so we said, ‘Hey, cool, let’s do that Christmas CD.’ “A friend of ours, Joe, who used to be in the band, we

“Hung Over for the Holidays,” the latest Vagabond Missionaries CD, is sure to become a Christmas classic. rewrote ‘The Night Before Christmas’ as ‘The Night Before the Night Before Christmas.’ He does it in an Ozzy-meets-Paul-McCartney English voice. It’s very ‘Masterpiece Theatre.’”

Other numbers on the album include ‘Night of the Vagabond Santas’ and what Stoney describes as “a really, really romped-up version of ‘Blue Christmas.’”

And, of course, there’s the title track. “It’s about having a real good time with your friends,” he says. “It actually mentions certain bars in Augusta – Playground, Soul Bar, Crossroads, Highlander, Kokopelli’s, Joe’s Underground, Red Lion.”

At just $5 to get in – and with the money going to a good cause – the show and CD are a bargain. Checking it out might benefit you as well, in more ways than one.

“I think people that like to go to bars or stuff like that are kind of, by coming to the event, are giving to charity where they might usually not,” says Stoney. “At the same time, it draws out people who give to charity who might not come to a show on a regular basis.”

And there will be evil Santas.

When asked if they were truly evil, Stoney replied, “That’s what I’ve been told. Apparently, I’ve been told to take cover. I don’t know what that means. I don’t know how many evil Santas there are going to be. That will be the part of the night that I’m not in control of.”

If that doesn’t pique your curiosity, nothing will.

You can even take care of some Christmas shopping while you’re enjoying the show (and running away from evil Santas). “There’s going to be quite a bit of merch between the bands,” says Stoney. How about getting Mom and Dad a “Meltdown 2002” CD? Or a T-shirt from one of your favorite local bands?

If you go, be sure to stick around long enough to hear an announcement Stoney will be making regarding 2003. We have no idea what he’s got planned, but rumor has it that you won’t want to miss his statement.

Stop by Crossroads Dec. 14 to celebrate the life of Kevin Brown, enjoy some tunes and give to a good cause.

For more information, call Crossroads at 724-1177.

46 M E T R O S P I R I T

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f Eryn Eubanks has a datebook, the pages must be pretty full. The 14year-old is lucky enough to have four different weekly gigs and a slew of other performances constantly lined up.

“It’s something that you don’t get to experience in public school,” says Eubanks, who is home-schooled and says she loves it.

Public school also wouldn’t give her the chance to play the variety of instruments that she does. In addition to playing the mandolin – her instrument of choice – Eubanks also lists electric bass, upright bass, acoustic and electric guitar and mountain dulcimer in her repertoire. “I just started playing fiddle,” she says. And add the Dobro to Eubanks’ catalogue as well. “It’s like an acoustic version of a steel guitar,” Eubanks explains.

What is it about stringed instruments that draws Eubanks to them? “They’re so versatile,” she says. “You can make them cry, or you can make them be really happy.”

Just like her instruments, Eubanks herself is versatile, performing across genres, from gospel to bluegrass – even Irish music. Sunday mornings are reserved for the 8:30 a.m. service at Bible Deliverance Temple, where Eubanks and her group, Eubanks Family Fold, perform. On Sunday afternoons, you can find Eubanks at the Riverwalk, along with other area musicians, for the 2 p.m. Augusta Acoustic Music Jam. Tuesday night is Irish music night at the Metro Coffeehouse, where Eubanks jams with the Irish session band. And she’s back at the Metro Saturday afternoons, for a 2 p.m. acoustic music and bluegrass session.

Eubanks Family Fold is comprised of Eryn, her father Patrick Eubanks, who takes care of percussion, and her mother Ricie Eubanks, who provides bass, flute and harmony vocals.

“I’m very good friends with my parents,” Eubanks says. “They’re a big help and an inspiration. We’re good friends.

I’m close to my grandparents and my great-grandpa.”

And, growing up in such a talented family, she says, “Music has always been around.”

At 9 years old, Eubanks started out by playing bass guitar, before progressing to upright bass with the Richmond County Orchestra and The Greater Augusta Youth Orchestra. On a trip through Nashville when Eubanks was 12, her dad bought her a Gibson mandolin. “I’ve been playing it ever since,” she says. And while, with a range of instruments to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down her focus, Eubanks says, “You do have to kind of choose one. I chose mandolin.”

Did we mention Eubanks sings and writes songs, as well? “I’ve been writing poetry since I was 7,” she says. “But I’d never really played them. I’ve been writing instrumental tunes.”

The personal aspect of singing a selfwritten tune may be nerve-wracking, but the payoff is worth it, Eubanks says.

“Singing, I think that’s the way you can connect most to a person.”

For Eubanks, music is about connection, especially on the spiritual level.

After college, she plans on continuing to play and to use her music as a ministry – but she’s already using her talents for good. Last Saturday, Eubanks Family Fold was part of the Strings of Hope Benefit Concert. Strings of Hope is a local organization that provides musical entertainment to those in nursing homes and hospitals, as well as shut-ins. “It makes you realize how blessed you are,” Eubanks says. “It’s a good feeling that you helped make their day bright.”

But for now, Eubanks’ plate is full.

Along with her weekly performances, she’s scheduled to perform Dec. 14 with Darlene & The Amicks at Mom’s Country Kitchen on Gordon Highway, Dec. 19 with Tara Scheyer, and Jan. 1819 at the Fourth Annual Mistletoe State Park Dulcimer Festival. Eubanks has also done some recording projects, with Eubanks Family Fold and The Amicks, as well as recording a recent live performance with Tara Scheyer.

“It can kind of make you nervous,” Eubanks says, “but it was fun. You capture the spirit of performing for a live audience. It’s a wonderful piece of performance history.”

47

MUSIC BY TURNER

Punksters The Offspring are entering the studio after the holidays to begin work on their next album. It will mark the first new studio effort from the band since 2000’s platinum-selling “Conspiracy of One.” The band is hoping to once again engage the services

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D E C 1 2 2 0 0 2

Who’s Your Mother? Dept.

Frank Zappa fans are in for a treat as several unissued concert discs are now available at Zappa.com. “Frank Zappa Live in Australia,” taken from a series of mid-‘70s gigs, has just been issued.

It features one of the smallest ensembles the late guitarist ever employed, with Terry Bozzio on bass and Roy Estrada on drums being the bestknown sidemen. A 1978 Halloween concert is also being readied for future release by Zappa’s son Dweezil. These discs are not available in stores.

Turner’s Quick Notes: “Round Room” from Phish is new and in stores now … Lou Reed’s groundbreaking 1972 album “Transformer” has recently been reissued with loads of extras … ‘80s icons Culture Club and New Order have released box sets chronicling their careers … Several early Elvin Bishop albums will be issued on CD for the first time early next year … Rare performances from Little Feat (“Dixie Chicken,” “Feats Don’t Fail Me Now,” etc., are available on the band’s official web site, LittleFeat.net.

Turner’s Rock and Roll Jeopardy: A. This female artist, who enjoyed hits in the late ‘60s with “Born a Woman” and “Single Girl,” sang backup on Elvis Presley’s “In the Ghetto” and Percy Sledge’s “When a Man Loves a Woman.”

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A new U2 DVD is in stores. “The Best of 1990-2000” is full of promo clips, unissued videos, commentaries and six bonus tracks, including remixes. Some of the footage has not been issued in the U.S. and includes “Wild Horses,” “Lemons” and “If God Will Send His Angels.” A companion audio CD of the same name came out last month.

S P I R I T

Q. Who is Sandy Posey?

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t’s the holiday season and for the fourth straight year, it’s time to Panic.

Jammers Widespread Panic will play, sing and ring in the New Year with a pair of concerts at Philips Arena in Atlanta. The Dec. 30 and 31 shows are undoubtedly the biggest party in town, with tickets priced at a somewhat reasonable $48. These festive shows draw fans from all over the South, making it a must for Panic Heads. It will be an emotional time for band members and the audience alike, as it marks the first New Year’s celebration without Panic’s much-missed guitarist Michael Houser, who died in August after a long bout with pancreatic cancer.

There’s also good news on the DVD front for Widespread fans, as a pair of previously released concerts have finally made their way to digital. “Live From the Georgia Theatre” (1991) and “Panic In the Streets” (1998) have just been issued as a two-for one DVD with bonus videos and other footage. Both capture the band in excellent form and had been selling for huge amounts on eBay before their re-release.

M E T R O

48 M E T R O S P I R I T

Night Life

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Thursday, 12th

Friday, 13th

The Bee’s Knees - Tone Lounge Bhoomer’s Lounge - Open Mic Night, Heavy Dose Cafe Du Teau - Buzz Clif ford Club Argos - Karaoke Night Coliseum - Karaoke, High-Energy Dance Music, DJ Hawk Continuum - Playa*Listic Thursday Coyote’s - The Rhes Reeves Band D. Timm’s - Joe Patchen and the Blue Diamond Express Fox’s Lair - Kato Garden City Bar and Grill - Karaoke with Mad Dog Mike Greene Streets - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - Keith “Fossill” Gregory Metro Coffeehouse - Livingroom Legends Michael’s - Marilyn Adcock Modjeska - Chill Out Lounge Playground - Open Mic Night The Shack - DJ Billy Shannon’s - Glenn Beasley Soul Bar - DJ Secret Agent Pussycat Whiskey Junction - DJ Chaos Whiskey Road Oyster Factory - Wayne Capps

The Bee’s Knees - Live Jazz Big Easy Cafe - Bogie Big Iron Saloon - Magic Hat Borders - Josh Pierce Cafe Du Teau - Buzz Clif ford Club Argos - December Bir thday Bash with Lauren Alexander Coconuts - DJs Doug and Eric Coliseum - Mother Kibble and the Boys Cotton Patch - Live Enter tainment Coyote’s - The Rhes Reeves Band Crossroads - Zoso, Black-Eyed Susan D. Timm’s - Joe Patchen and the Blue Diamond Express Durango’s - Heavy Dose Five Pines Saloon - Jimmy Smithy and Sudden Thunder Fox’s Lair - Roger Eneveldson Garden City Bar and Grill - Karaoke Greene Streets - Karaoke Hangnail Gallery - Bat tle of the Bands Highlander - Captain Solar Cat Honk y Tonk - All A xess Joe’s Underground - Red-Headed Stepchild Last Call - Patrick Blanchard, John Kolbeck, DJ

Richie Rich Luck y Lady’s - The Duke Boys Michael’s - Marilyn Adcock Modjeska - The Flavour Shoppe with Terany and The Ear thling The Shack - DJ Buckwheat Shannon’s - Steve Chappell, Bar t Bell Soul Bar - ‘80s Night Treybon’s Backstreet Lounge - Toys for Tots Benefit Par ty with Marine Corps Whiskey Junction - Impulse Ride, DJ Paul

Saturday, 14th The Bee’s Knees - Sweet Nuthin’ Saturday Bhoomer’s Lounge - Capital A, Ly thium Big Iron Saloon - Magic Hat Borders - Rod Macker t Cafe Du Teau - Buzz Clif ford Club Argos - DeJonville Cabaret Coconuts - DJs Doug and Eric Coliseum - Ravion Star Continuum - Silence Cotton Patch - Red-Headed Stepchild Coyote’s - The Rhes Reeves Band Crossroads - Rocking the Stocking Kevin Brown Memorial and Empty Stocking Fund Benefit D. Timm’s - Joe Patchen and the Blue Diamond Express Durango’s - Heavy Dose Five Pines Saloon - Jimmy Smithy and Sudden Thunder Fox’s Lair - Roger Eneveldson Garden City Bar and Grill - Karaoke with Mad Dog Mike Greene Streets - Karaoke Hangnail Gallery - Bat tle of the Bands Honk y Tonk - All A xess Joe’s Underground - Pat Blanchard Last Call - Tony Howard, DJ Richie Rich Luck y Lady’s - The Duke Boys Michael’s - Marilyn Adcock Modjeska - Terany, DJ Boriqua The Shack - DJ Buckwheat Shannon’s - Glenn Beasley Soul Bar - Chariot Reggae Band Treybon’s Backstreet Lounge - Toys for Tots Benefit, Augusta Lynx Post-game Par ty Whiskey Junction - D.B. Bryant

Sunday, 15th Cafe Du Teau - Buzz Clif ford and The Last Bohemian Quar tet Hangnail Gallery - Airmail, Siclid, A.T.G., Hellblinki Sex tet The Shack - Karaoke with Buckwheat and Doober Shannon’s - Shelley Watkins Somewhere in Augusta - John Kolbeck Whiskey Junction - Customer Appreciation Christmas Par ty, Karaoke by Tom

Monday, 16th Silence comes to Club Continuum Dec. 14.

Cadillac’s - Karaoke with Bill Tolber t Continuum - Monday Madness with Perry Anderson Crossroads - Club Sin with DJ Chris

Greene Streets - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - Chuck Cronk Red Lion - Karaoke The Shack - DJ Billy

Tuesday, 17th Adams Nightclub - Karaoke with Bill Tolber t The Bee’s Knees - Comin’ ‘Round the Bend D. Timm’s - Joe Patchen and the Blue Diamond Express Greene Streets - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - Keith “Fossill” Gregory Metro Coffeehouse - Irish Music Michael’s - Marilyn Adcock The Shack - DJ Billy

Wednesday, 18th The Bee’s Knees - Blue in Green Bhoomer’s Lounge - Acoustic Musicians Cadillac’s - Karaoke with Bill Tolber t Continuum - Open Mic Night Coyote’s - The Rhes Reeves Band Crossroads - The Family Trucksters D. Timm’s - Joe Patchen and the Blue Diamond Express Greene Streets - Karaoke Joe’s Underground - Keith “Fossill” Gregory Last Call - 95 Rock Nut Cracker featuring Bruce Baum Michael’s - Marilyn Adcock Playground - Karaoke with Dave Long The Shack - DJ Billy Shannon’s - Bar t Bell, Steve Chappell Somewhere in Augusta - Patrick Blanchard Soul Bar - Live Jazz

Upcoming The 12 Bands of Christmas - Imperial Theatre Dec. 22

Elsewhere Cee-Lo - Senate Park, Columbia, S.C. - Dec. 12 Sneaker Pimps - Cot ton Club, Atlanta - Dec. 12 David Allan Coe - Senate Park, Columbia, S.C. Dec. 13 Jaguares - The Tabernacle, Atlanta - Dec. 13 Angie Aparo - Roxy Theatre, Atlanta - Dec. 13 Bella Morte - The Masquerade, Atlanta - Dec. 13 Josh Joplin Group - Red Light Cafe, Atlanta Dec. 13-14 Dezeray’s Hammer - Senate Park, Columbia, S.C. - Dec. 14 Southern Culture on the Skids - The Handlebar, Greenville, S.C. - Dec. 14 ‘80s Winter Benefit Concert - Roxy Theatre, Atlanta - Dec. 14 Mad Margritt - Jackals, Atlanta - Dec. 14; Flanagins, Atlanta - Dec. 27-28 Jim Brickman - Ovens Auditorium, Charlot te, N.C. - Dec. 15 Trial by Fire - Cot ton Club, Atlanta - Dec. 16 Noise Therapy - Ear thlink Live, Atlanta - Dec. 17 Otep - Cot ton Club, Atlanta - Dec. 17 Holiday Music Revue - The Tabernacle, Atlanta -

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See what happens when goth meets electronica and punk – Bella Morte plays Atlanta’s Masquerade Friday the 13th.

Dec. 18 Tandy - The Early, Atlanta - Dec. 18-19 Los Straitjackets - Echo Lounge, Atlanta - Dec. 20 SR-71 - Cot ton Club, Atlanta - Dec. 21 North Mississippi All-Stars - Variety Playhouse, Atlanta - Dec. 21 Lyricist Lounge - Cot ton Club, Atlanta - Dec. 26 Derek Trucks Band - Variety Playhouse, Atlanta - Dec. 27 Cheap Trick - Roxy Theatre, Atlanta - Dec. 27 Bluestring - Cot ton Club, Atlanta - Dec. 27 Trans Siberian Orchestra - Fox Theatre, Atlanta - Dec. 30 Widespread Panic - Philips Arena, Atlanta Dec. 30-31 Gregg Allman and Friends - The Tabernacle, Atlanta - Dec. 31 Delbert McClinton - Variety Playhouse, Atlanta Dec. 31 The Gaither Homecoming Concert - Columbus Civic Center, Columbus, Ga. - Jan. 9 Hair Care Atlanta - Nine Lives, Atlanta - Jan. 18 Coldplay - BJCC Concer t Hall, Birmingham, Ala.

- Jan 24; Grady Cole Center, Charlot te, N.C. Jan. 25 moe. - The Tabernacle, Atlanta - Jan. 24-25 The Pretenders - The Tabernacle, Atlanta - Jan. 27 Todd Rundgren - Roxy Theatre, Atlanta - Jan. 31 David Gray - Fox Theatre, Atlanta - Feb. 4 Big Head Todd and the Monsters - Roxy Theatre, Atlanta - Feb. 5 Bon Jovi, The Goo Goo Dolls - Philips Arena, Atlanta - Feb. 13 Many tickets are available through TicketMaster outlets, by calling 828-7700, or online at w w w.ticketmaster.com. Tickets may also be available through Tix Online by calling 278-4TIX or online at w w w.tixonline.com. Night Life listings are subject to change without notice.

Deadline for inclusion in Night Life calendar is Tuesday at 4 p.m. Contact Rhonda Jones or Lisa Jordan by calling 738-1142, fa xing 736-0443 or e-mailing to rhonda_jones@metspirit.com or lisa_jordan@metspirit.com.

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News of the

Weird I

nga Kosak won the first World Extreme Ironing Championship in Munich in September, beating 80 contestants (from 10 countries), who are judged on the degree of difficulty they can create for themselves in order to iron.

One ironed while bouncing on a trampoline, another while surfboarding on a river, and another hanging upside down from a tree. Enthusiasts have photos of themselves ironing in remote mountain locations, where power for the steam iron must come from a generator (or a very long extension cord). The activity’s founder, Phil Shaw, says he does it because ironing itself is particularly boring.

• Two teams of Canadian engineers are completing their low-budget rockets and have begun seeking volunteer astronauts for a 2003 launch date to go 62 miles into space to win the St. Louis-based X Prize competition (which pays (U.S.) $10 million). The rockets (and those of about 20 other international contestants) are the “Cessnas” of the space industry, costing around (U.S.) $3 million to $5 million each to build. The astronauts will receive some training, but the engineers admit the adventure is hardly for the risk-averse.

Democracy in Action • Mike Rucker, running for county commissioner in Tallahassee, Fla., apologized for urinating in a voter’s yard in October, attributing it to a prostate problem and not anger that the voter had moments earlier refused to post Rucker’s campaign sign. And Republican Lamar Alexander, running for the U.S. Senate in Tennessee, reportedly turned a hand-shaking opportunity into a hand-squeezing contest with an opposition voter who had mischievously slipped Alexander a Democratic brochure in Dickson, Tenn., in October. And Makinka Moye, running for city supervisor in San Francisco, was revealed by the Bay Area Reporter in September to have been arrested earlier this year for bludgeoning and butchering a goat on a vacant lot near a city recreation center.

(Alexander won; Rucker and Moye lost.)

Leading Economic Indicators • Clothing Trends (from an October Wall Street Journal dispatch from Seoul): an aloe vera bra and underwear set to continually lubricate the skin for up to 40 washings (from Triumph International in the UK); menstrualpain-reducing pants (from the B.L. Korea Co.); Ki business suits, with charcoal and jade powder sewn into the armpits and crotch, to block computer-screen radiation and boost energy (from Cheil Industries Inc.); and “yellow earth” boxer shorts, with a sewnin special soil that supposedly emits infrared rays that cut odor and improve circulation (from Kolon Corp.).

• Michael Carroll, 19, of Norfolk County, England, won that country’s national lottery (equivalent: (U.S.) $41 million) in November

and said he hopes the money will be an incentive to overcome the life of petty crime he has led for the last several years (examples: drunk and disorderly, vandalizing a school bus, car theft, other theft, driving without a license). He cannot now celebrate his win at a pub, nor drive his new car, because judicial restrictions are still in force from his last sentence.

Latest Rights • In October, Australian serial killer Ivan Milat complained to a state commission, asking the equivalent of (U.S.) $22,000, for a violation of his human rights. Milat, serving seven life sentences for seven murders, had swallowed some razor blades in a 2001 incident and now complains that prison officials’ releasing his X-rays to the media was an invasion of his privacy. (Milat had complained previously about the air quality in his cell.)

• In November, coroner Nigel Meadows of Plymouth, England, ruled that the 18years-dead corpse of Edwin MacKenzie (known to locals as Diogenes) was actually the personal property of the recently deceased artist Robert Lenkiewicz and thus should go to Lenkiewicz’s estate.

MacKenzie was Lenkiewicz’s helper for many years, and when he died without heirs, Lenkiewicz took possession of the body, had it embalmed, and used it in various art projects, and Lenkiewicz’s executor is said to be considering using it in a memorial display of the artist’s work.

• In October, Virgin Atlantic Airways agreed to pay passenger Barbara Hewson the equivalent of (U.S.) $20,000 for injuries she suffered on an 11-hour flight when an obese woman sat in the seat next to her and apparently crushed part of her body. Hewson said the squashing caused a blood clot in her chest, torn leg muscles and acute sciatica, requiring her to be bedridden for a month.

Least Competent Criminals • Masters of Technology: Burglars hit the K Bros. Service Station in Everson, Pa., in November and lugged away the lotteryticket machine, perhaps hoping to print themselves some winning tickets; a lottery spokesman said the machine only works when it’s hooked up to lottery headquarters.

And Baptist minister James Andrew Smith, 42, was arrested in Fort Worth, Texas, in November for a September graphics presentation (to a logistic company) that he was making with his computer; he had clicked the wrong line and inadvertently called up a photograph of a nude boy, which led to a search that police said yielded much child pornography.

Recurring Themes • News of the Weird reported in March that jail officials in Arapahoe County, Colo. (near Denver), had inadvertently placed a 16-year-old girl in a holding cell with a man suspected of several sexual assaults (and, indeed, she said, he fondled her). In August, officials at the same Arapahoe jail inadvertently placed accused killer Edward Brown, 21, in the same cell with a witness against him, Martin Brewer, 21, whereupon Brown allegedly beat Brewer up, breaking his nose. (Also, in September, officials in Albuquerque inadvertently locked four men in a cell with what they thought was a sleeping man (but it was a woman); by the time they realized their error 30 minutes later, the woman had allegedly been raped.)

— Chuck Shepherd © United Press Syndicate

51

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Savannah

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The Raven’s Hoard Jewelry Gallery

CORNER OF 12TH AND JONES DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA 724-3830

M E T R O S P I R I T D E C 1 2 2 0 0 2

M E T R O S P I R I T D E C 1 2 2 0 0 2

Brezsny's Free Will Astrology ARIES (March 21-April 19)

Your forays out to the frontiers have been pretty successful, Aries. You’ve shown how courageous you can be when you don’t torture yourself with self-doubt. You’ve proved to yourself how crucial it is to face your fears over and over again. Soon, though, it’ll be time to come back into the heart of the action and start creating your future power spot.

You’ll be wise to translate what you’ve discovered into terms that even the most timid folks can respond to. I hereby appoint you to lead the way in creating a new tradition.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Start phasing out desires that lead you backward, Taurus. In other words, renounce your longings to recreate outmoded pleasures from the past; disown the drive to be someone you once were or to have something you once had; talk yourself out of your fascination with feelings that keep you attached to dead-end goals; and escape any addictions you might have to sensations that are irrelevant to your future.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

Please remember that I don’t just make up the stuff in these horoscopes; I try to convey the moods of the cosmic forces and offer suggestions about how to align yourself with them. Having said that, I’ll completely understand if this week’s astrological mandate is too much for you, Gemini. Don’t feel guilty if you can’t summon the chutzpah to carry it out. The omens say you would benefit from acquiring a hand puppet, preferably an old-fashioned one from a thrift store. You should wear the puppet on your hand often in the coming days. In a different voice from your normal one, you should make it talk about the “shadow truths” of every situation you encounter: the crucial subtexts everyone is aware of but inclined to ignore, the unspoken mysteries that need to be named, and the illusions you can no longer afford to feed.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

Slip into the furthest reaches of the inner sanctum this week, Cancerian. Penetrate to the heart of the core of the root. Know what I’m talking about?

Peer down through the cracks in the surface all the way to the bottom. Dare to be curious about the unfathomable mysteries that lie beneath the obvious questions. Open the secret door that leads to the even more hidden door that will take you to the most private, fertile oasis of all.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

It’s an ideal astrological time to create your perfect day. This will also be good practice for 2003, when you’ll have cosmic license to enjoy a perfect day at least once a month. To get in the mood, read Tiburana’s testimony. “To begin, I’d wake up alone in a mountain inn in Slovenia. After a breakfast of hot milk and fresh bread I’d climb to the peak, stopping now and then to write in my diary and take photographs. The Vienna Philharmonic would be at the top, and together we’d perform the Brahms Requiem. I’d then be airlifted to the base of the mountain, where my true love would be waiting for me. We’d climb into a yellow ‘69 Stingray Corvette convertible and drive to the Adriatic coast.

There we’d have a picnic of hummus, strawberries, and chocolate on the beach as we watched the sunset. We’d make love, wrap ourselves in blankets, and dream together all night under the stars.”

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

If all you’ve ever wanted is to marry a blonde, blueeyed cheerleader or athlete with six-pack abs and get a McMansion in the suburbs with a tank-sized SUV in your three-car garage, this will be a disappointing week for you. Nothing that happens will aid you in carrying out goals like that. If, however, you aspire to wrestle tenderly with the unripe side of your nature until it agrees to share its enigmatic treasure with the rest of you, then the immediate future will bring cathartic revelations leading to

spiritual orgasms and ingenious changes in the way you live your life.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

A kitty litter box in Des Moines, Iowa, is a portal to another dimension. So says paranormal researcher Dr. Steve Stankel, interviewed in the Weekly World News. He claims to have used the box to transport himself instantly to a strange world where flowers float in mid-air and music can be seen as well as heard. I doubt if you will have as dramatic an adventure as Stankel’s in the coming week, Libra, but I do suspect that, like him, you will find extraordinary uses for seemingly ordinary things. Routine matters may erupt with exotic revelations. Normal people could lead you on curious detours. And yes, even a pizza ad on a billboard or an oil stain in a parking lot or a kitty litter box might contain a mystical omen if you stare at it in just the right way.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Your assignment is to create a symbolic shield for yourself. You’re not in any physical danger, and hence you don’t need a literal trash can lid or piece of sheet metal to hold in front of you; but in the coming week you’ll probably need to safeguard yourself against the metaphorical equivalent of rotten tomatoes being flung your way. Your assailants may not even be aware of how offensive their emotional garbage is or how much it could affect you.

That’s all the more reason to surround yourself with your own personal version of psychic protection.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Great news, Sagittarius! The astrological omens suggest that you are now being asked to embody and illustrate a theory advanced by Gabriel Garcia Marquez in his book “Love in the Time of Cholera”: “Human beings are not born once and for all on the day their mothers give birth to them . . . life obliges them over and over to give birth to themselves.” This is one of those moments, my dear miracle-maker, when you possess the power to reincarnate without having to endure the inconvenience of dying.

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Guy 33 Get rid of from farm states, e.g.

34 Yours, in Tours 5 Belafonte or 36 Slugger’s Lewis opportunity 10 Not handle 40 Smithsonian gently attraction 14 Medical 44 Kind of opposite symptom 45 Hoosegow 15 Hercules 46 Nutritionist’s fig.

16 Pilot’s setting, 47 In honor of perhaps 49 Cineplex feature 17 Madonna’s “La 52 One who loves ___ Bonita” a good bouquet 18 Go in circles 56 “You don’t mean 19 Peculiar: Prefix me?!”

57 ___ flash 20 Author who’ll never make a 58 Pugilist in name for himself training 23 Publicity, 64 Vexes slangily 66 Province 24 Can opener abutting Madrid 25 Aeschylus’ 67 Alluring “Oresteia,” e.g. 68 Morales of “La 27 DNA source Bamba”

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE M E G A

E X A M

I T T Y

S O H O

H A D A T

E R I C A

T I L E

A L A S K L A E E F K E A A R I L M E E S R S

L H E E S L S A G O R A N D O L I R S L T L A S S T O F N I E V S E

A L I E N I T E O T T E R

M A L I

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

Last October I watched a World Series game with two psychotherapists who’d previously had little exposure to baseball. At first they were merely entertained and grossed out by the fact that virtually every player spit constantly. But as the camera’s telescopic lens focused over and over on tight shots of saliva spraying from lips, the shrinks’ attitude turned clinical. “These million-dollar athletes are suffering from a collective version of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder,” they concluded. I had to agree. But to be fair to the baseball players, I also noted that every close-knit assemblage of humans has some analogous pathology, and it’s often unconscious. What’s your group’s version, Aquarius? It’s an ideal time, astrologically speaking, to question whether it’s amusing and tolerable, or whether, on the other hand, it tends to undermine your goals.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

It’s my pleasure to inform you that the astrological moment is perfect for you to wish upon a star. It’s my nervous duty, however, to make sure that you choose the right star. A small miscalculation in the heavenly sphere can translate into a huge error down here on earth. Likewise, I must urge you to use surgical precision in formulating your wish.

Even a tiny misstatement of your longing could result in you fulfilling the wrong dream. Sorry to be so complicated, Pisces. You’d think it would be child’s play to know exactly what you want and ask the right deity to bless it. But it’s not; few of us ever accomplish this magic. Fortunately, you’ve never been in a better position to pull it off.

— © Rob Brezsny

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

32 TV’s Science

ACROSS

sweet stuff, you’ll have to become less protected.

Fortunately, I believe that 2003 will bring you just the experiences you need to accomplish this. And it all starts now. First step: Take inventory of the subtle fears that have motivated you to develop such strong armor. Consider the possibility that at least some of those fears are based on faulty logic.

You Can Call Rob Brezsny, day or night, for your Expanded Weekly Horoscope

A higher, smarter form of love is calling you from the not-so-distant horizon. Unfortunately, you’re not ready yet to head off in pursuit of it. What exactly is the problem? Your defenses are too strong, my dear. If you want to rendezvous with the

1 Representatives

New York Times Crossword Puzzle

52

S S L T I E N P K N O R Y A N O S I L E T T L L U N D L D I E H E C L A H A S E N A S O

C O R O T

A D A P T

M O S E Y

Z E R O

E R S E

S S T S

U R D U

E P O S

S O R E

69 Destitute 70 It may be

slapped 71 Fixes 72 Bonds 73 Get smart

1

2

3

1-900-950-7700

$1.99 per minute • 18 & over • Touchtone phone required • C/S 612-373-9785 • www.freewillastrology.com/

4

5

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DOWN 1 Punishment for a sailor, maybe 2 Punishment for a sailor, maybe 3 Northern capital 4 Innocent 5 Exhibitionist 6 Frau’s mate 7 Prefix with sexual 8 Singer Bonnie 9 Apprentice 10 When Labor Day is celebrated in France 11 Part of a TV feed 12 Kind of operation 13 Play ___ 21 Draft outlet 22 Money of Qatar 26 “My So-Called Life” actor Jared 27 Show shock 28 Fair 29 Playwright Simon 30 Part of the Winnebago nation 31 Church galleries 35 “The doctor ___”

8

Puzzle by Dave and Diane Epperson

37 Outlying district, 48 Move, as a

for short

38 2000 Broadway

hit

39 Peter, e.g.

41 Slew 42 Fetters 43 Peak-to-peak

transports

picture 50 Inner ear?

51 Selling points?

52 Feelings 53 Occupied 54 Needle 55 “Bolero” composer

59 “Mon ___!”

60 Start of some

inn names

61 TV’s warrior

princess

62 Group for Liz

Taylor

63 Some bar

supplies

65 Family girl

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.20 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554.

Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. Online subscriptions: Today's puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/diversions ($19.95 a year).

Crosswords for young solvers: The Learning Network, nytimes.com/learning/xwords.

53

FULL COLOR Business Cards

Picture Cards

M E T R O S P I R I T D E C

DESIGNER CARDS

I

’ve been in a relationship for eight years — just my boyfriend and I, no kids, no intention of having any.

Over time, the excitement’s really worn off. Everybody tells me this is “normal” — that the really fun phase of a relationship doesn’t last. Well, I have a hard time accepting that. I’m not expecting every minute to be movie material, but I do want to have an incredible, passionate experience. So, my question is this: Is there any way to make The Magic last forever?

—Sharing The Unexcitement The Magic rarely lasts forever. That’s because The Magic isn’t made of Kevlar, steel-belted radials, plastic milk bot tles or Styrofoam cups.

This does make The Magic one tiny, biodegradable bright spot on the bleak environmental horizon — just when Alaska is on the verge of being turned into a giant gas station. In governmentspeak, this is called “rela xing environmental standards.” (Like they’re so damn uptight at the moment.) Actually, if environmental standards get as “rela xed” as some would like, they’ll probably end up on lounge chairs in Acapulco, sucking daiquiris out of coconuts. Meanwhile, back at the ranch: “Boys, bring on that backhoe! Time to pave over the Wildlife Refuge — 711s and mini-malls from here to Santa’s workshop. Get your caribou pizza! All the endangered species you can eat!”

Although you aren’t clogging landfills with leaking barrels of excess Magic, your head has become a dumping ground for The Big Magical Lie: that the average human being remains not only unirritating, but fascinating and fabulous for decades. (Apparently, you’ve been smoking your Colgate instead of pushing it across your teeth.

You and the rest of the immediate universe.)

Granted, some people do experience such a thing; most of them, fictional characters. A lot of nonfiction couples can’t afford the luxury of seeking serial Magic. Some of them seek out nurse costumes, then work their way through the rest of the uniformed professions in hopes of keeping their sex lives on life-suppor t. Others just make the best of sit ting mutely across from someone they used to find fascinating, weighing whether they prefer the sound of silence to the sound of syncopated chewing. The alternative is having a conversation: “How was your day, dear?” “Fine, dear. Got carried off in the jaws of a vulture.” “That’s nice, dear. I went home for lunch and had sex with your best friend.” “Very nice, dear.” Suddenly, it’s easy to understand the

2 0 0 2

appeal of syncopated chewing.

Now, I’m not suggesting you put on your track shoes whenever there’s a rough patch in a relationship. But, people change. Things end. Maybe it isn’t tragic to admit that a relationship is played out; especially not if you have what it takes to risk being happy instead of set tling for being “secure.” But, didn’t people used to make it work? Yeah, especially when women didn’t have the money to leave — just a bunch of kids hanging off them like grapes. Then again, there’s still much to be said for sticking out the unfun: You’ll get a lot of ugly gold stuff when you’re old and wrinkly. You won’t have to suffer the uncer tainty of trolling for sex on the open market (instead, you’ll suffer the uncer tainty of continuing to get it at home). Finally, there’s knowing you’ll have somebody around to tell you when the tab on your adult diapers comes unfastened. Clearly, “love” (in the absence of health insurance that provides full-time nursing care), is all you need.

My husband’s sister just announced that she and her husband will donate our Christmas present to them to charity. They noted how fortunate we all are, and that this is a way to help those more needy than ourselves. Well, we don’t mind not exchanging gifts, but a forced contribution made by them in our name is offensive to us, especially since it comes with a tax deduction they’ll claim for themselves.

Unlike my husband’s siblings, we’re struggling financially, but we contribute to charities, primarily by donating gently used items, and through volunteering. How should we respond to their “generosity”?

—Politely Struggling

Professional Installation Where Service & Quality Matters

At Christmas, our thoughts turn to those less for tunate — such as rich relatives who aren’t craf ty enough to force a ta x deduction out of poor ones. Thank them for their brilliant idea, then run with it. Volunteer for your favorite charity, take pictures of yourselves, and paste the pictures onto a homemade card, noting that you did it in their honor. Bet ter yet, get them into the act.

Make home-baked cookies their Christmas present. Piles and piles of home-baked cookies.

Enough to feed, well ... a whole soup kitchen.

Don’t, however, trouble yourselves with transpor ting them to the soup kitchen. Clearly, it means a lot to your relatives to make the delivery — uh, donation.

— © 2002, Amy Alkon

Got A Problem?

Write Amy Alkon

171 Pier Ave., Box 280 • Santa Monica, CA 90405 or e-mail AdviceAmy@aol.com

1 2

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ARE YOU LONESOME? SM, 37, 6’5’’, 350lbs, would like to meet a nice female, 18-40, to get to know first. Let’s see where this leads! ☎780940 ARE YOU 26-48?

WM, brown/blue, likes fishing, camping, scuba diving, travel, and woodworking. If you would like to jon me, call! ☎715263 SOMETHING SO RIGHT I am looking for a WF who likes long walks, romantic evenings and bowling. SBM, 29, is looking for love. ☎646710 THE PERFECT MATE DBM, 40, 6’, 195lbs, with 1 child, Capricorn, smoker, homeowner, loves gardening, cooking, and hunting. Seeking WF, 28-42, petite, to bedazzling. ☎873556

NOT JUST ANOTHER... stud. DBM, 33, with 3 children, Libra, N/S, seeks a lucky lady, 25-45, N/S, with whom to share quality time. ☎868350 DON’T MISS THIS! SBM, 45, 5’10’’, 230lbs, interested in sports, jazz, movies, dining out. Would like to meet a woman with the same interests. ☎862898 SHOW ME YOUR SMILE SM, 44, enjoys kayaking, cooking, art, biking, exercise, outdoors. Looking for a female, 34-50, who has the same kinds of interests. ☎858979 LET’S HOOK UP 34-year-old SBM, 5’9”, 180lbs, Aquarius, nurse, bald head, new to area, open-minded, fun-loving, hopeless romantic. Seeking woman who loves to be romanced. ☎849401 GET IN TOUCH WITH ME SM, 21, 6’3’’, athletic build, student, loves movies, clubs, church. Seeking compassionate, down-to-earth, fun woman. ☎861556 POET SEEKS MUSE SBM, 45, loves all sports, board games, fishing, travel. Seeking a woman to share movies, dining and romance with. ☎843396 EARLY XMAS GIFT Very romantic SBM, 31, 6’1”, 255lbs, Scorpio, N/S, enjoys church, dining out, cooking. Seeking stable SBF, 25-35, for friendship first, leading to something longterm. ☎837718 HEY LADIES! Outgoing happy SM, 24, 5’6”, 150lbs, slender and fit, brown complexion, braided hair, seeks SF, who’s open-minded and down for whatever. ☎767971

Stud Finder YOU HAVE 6 NEW MATCHES

THE LONG RUN SBF, 43, single parent, health service technician, Capricorn, N/S, loves basketball.

Seeking BM, 37-47, N/S, for friendship, love, and beyond. ☎872160 BEACH BUM SBF, 31, with bachelor’s degree in communications, Taurus, N/S, loves dining out, movies, working out, and reading. Seeking man, 26-36. ☎869451 OLD-FASHIONED VALUES Honest, relaxed, christian SBF, 56, Aries, N/S, enjoys cooking, dining out, quiet times at home. Seeking marriage-minded, financially secure SBM, 50-56, N/S, for LTR. ☎829149 ARE YOU SINCERE? SF, 28, blond/blue, enjoys the gym, time with family and friends. Looking for an honest guy, 26-35, who is not into games. ☎857530 I’LL WRITE YOU A POEM! SF, 25, 5’4’’, 150lbs, Virgo, enjoys reading, cooking, music, movies. Seeking a man who likes to try new things. ☎841437 A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN... inside and out. SBF, 26, 5’10’’, light complexion, enjoys movies, music, just having a good time. Seeking honest, sincere man for LTR. ☎861401 SINCERE BEAUTY Sophisticated SBCF, 23, 5’2”, 140lbs, interested in seeking educated, independent, employed SBM, 23-30, long walks, stimulating conversation, friendship, dating, more. ☎849311 GENUINE GEMINI Sweet SWF, 21, 6’, in medical field, enjoys Nascar, long walks. Seeking tall SWM, 2535, with similar interests. Friendship first, possible LTR. ☎848654 I LIKE LIFE Single mom, 32, looking for a man with a vibrant personality and a love for living. ☎844138 WILLING TO MAKE TIME Busy, hard-working SBF, 31, nurse, mother of one, Taurus, N/S, enjoys traveling, walks, shopping. Seeking SBM, 31-39, N/S, for LTR. ☎836074 COMPATIBLE? Funny, smart SBF, 19, fun-loving, friendly, enjoys movies, clubbing, hand holding, dancing. Seeking SM, with like interests and qualities for friendship and possible LTR. ☎701088 TAKE A CHANCE Laid-back SF, 30, enjoys dining in/out, going to the movies, church activities.

Seeking SM, secure in himself to share those things. ☎767576 WORK OF ART Voluptuous SBF, 28, loves fishing, swimming, cooking. Looking for a man with the same passions. ☎747775 GOOD GIRL Attractive SWF, 38, 5’4”, 145lbs, blonde/ hazel, N/S, Pisces, enjoys outdoors.

Seeking tall SWM, 30-42. ☎864247 BRAINS & BEAUTY Spirited executive SBF, 41, 5’8”, 138lbs, Gemini, enjoys dancing, dining, intellectual conversation, laughter, picnics, adventures.

Seeking humorous, classy gentleman, 3545, with kindred spirit. ☎751454 SKATE, RIDE, BOWL, ETC. African-American mom, 23, 5’, 159lbs, mother of two, currently in school, looking for honest, trustful family-man, 20s-30s, who’ll give his 100%. ☎751642

I’M YOUR VENUS SWF, 44 (looks younger), 5’, blonde/blue, with a full-figure, seeks HM, 5’5”-6’, who is secure. ☎747133 IMPORT FROM EUROPE This foreign born SWF, 40, Aries, N/S, seeks a fine BM, 35-50, smoker, for friendship and dating. ☎744559 ATTENTION... your miracle date is in Augusta. SF seeks military male, 28-50, with good qualities and values. Children ok, race open. ☎732101 COMPANIONSHIP DWF, 48, enjoys antiquing, travel, dining out, movies and more. Seeking DWM, 48-58, for loving, tender relationship. ☎732056 AQUARIUS HERE SWF, 18, brown/brown, loves, reading, travel, movies, outdoors. Seeking mature companion with an easygoing attitude, for friendship, possibly more. ☎732141 GOD LOVER Athletic, shy SBF, 33, 5’5”, 160lbs, Gemini, smoker, enjoys church, dining out, cooking, traveling, shopping, reading. Seeking outgoing man, 35-50, smoker, for LTR. ☎709843 LOOKING FOR FRIEND SWF, 29, 5’7”, 129lbs, Gemini, N/S, enjoys sports cars, movies, and more. Seeking SWM, 21-35, kids ok, for friendship first. ☎706587 NEED A SPARK... try me. Attractive, petite SWF, 57, fun, friendly and affectionate, raising grand children, seeks SWM, mid 50s-60s, trustworthy with open heart, for dining, movies, music.

Friendship first. ☎702738 NO GAMES PLEASE DWF, 33, 5’10”, full-figured, brown/hazel, self-employed mother of three, seeks WM, 25-45, honest, faithful, devoted, for fun, friendship, LTR. ☎680330 TWO PIECES OF A PUZZLE Full-figured, very attractive, independent woman, 31, 5’2”, seeks someone special to spend time with. You: honest, fun-loving, varied interests. ☎685405 ABSOLUTE ALTRUISM SBF, 42, 5’7”, 125lbs, seeks emotionally secure gentleman, 35+, with honor, wit, and wisdom. ☎605946 STRONG WILL SBF, 45, outgoing, attractive, youthful, enjoys writing, music, traveling. Seeking mature, strong-willed SBM, 35-48, for friendship. ☎965893 ALL I THINK ABOUT IS YOU SBF, 28, enjoys cooking, reading, traveling, spending time with my kids/family. Looking for a male, 25-40, who likes similar things, friendship first. ☎672206 WANNA KNOW A SECRET? I’m available! BF, 47, serious about life, seeks single African-American male, 40-50, with similar sentiment. ☎660976 SELF-SUFFICIENT... hard-working DWF, 38, full-figured, Leo, smoker, with one child, seeks DWM, 38-50, smoker, children are fine. ☎659397 TIME TO HAVE A BLAST Honest SWF, 43, enjoys spending time with my daughter, bowling, dining out, Nascar, movies, baseball games, camping. Seeking honest, genuine SWM, 43-50, for fun and friendship. ☎554752 NOW IS THE TIME SWPF, 55, likes dancing, walks, movies, the lake, dining out. Seeking SWM, N/S, 48-65, for fun and friendship, and who knows what later! ☎653476 POSITION AVAILABLE! Mother of two lovely daughters, 34, employed with the Board of Education, seeks SW/HM, 33-48, to begin with friendship and possibly evolve into an LTR. ☎651992

Mobile Dating. The easiest way to meet great people.

GUIDELINES: DATE MAKER ads are for adults 18 or over seeking monogamous relationships. To ensure your safety, carefully screen all responses. First meetings should occur in a public place. Abbreviations are permitted only to indicate gender preference, race, and religion. We suggest your ad contain a self-description, age range, lifestyle and avocations. Ads and voice messages containing explicit sexual language will not be accepted. This publication reserves the right to revise copy containing objectionable phrases; to reject in its sole discretion, any advertisement on account of its text. This publication assumes no responsibility for the content or reply to any DATE MAKER ad. The advertiser assumes complete liability for the content and all replies to any advertisement or recorded message and for any claims made against this publication and its agents as a result thereof. The advertiser agrees to indemnify and hold this publication, its employees and its agents harmless from all costs, expenses (including reasonable attorney fees), liabilities and damages resulting from or caused by the publication or recording placed by the advertiser or any reply to any such advertisement. By using DATE MAKER, the advertiser agrees not to leave his/her phone number, last name or address in his/her voice greeting. Not all boxes contain a voice greeting.

ABBREVIATIONS

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M B D F H C LTR

Male Black Divorced Female Hispanic Christian Long-term Relationship

G W A S J P N/D N/S

Gay White Asian Single Jewish Professional Non-Drinker Non-smoker

Become a member of Augusta’s hottest new way to meet singles! Call today!

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M E T R O

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To respond to ads using a KNOCK-KNOCK, WHO’S THERE? Call me and find out. SWM, 34, Cancer, N/S, loves to tell jokes. Seeking WF, 25-39, N/S, for friendship and relationships. ☎775609 OLD-FASHIONED GUY SHM, 34, 5’4”, 170lbs, Virgo, N/S, writes and loves country western music, helping the homeless, church. Seeking SHF, 32-36, N/S, with similar interests. ☎835306 DARE TO DREAM Outgoing SBM, 21, 5’9”, 165lbs, Capricorn, N/S, loves going out, outdoors, children.

Seeking SWF, 20-26, N/S, for possible family. ☎835444 LET’S TALK SM, 28, 6’5”, 320lbs, enjoys sports, reading, movies, dining out, travel. Seeking attractive, intelligent, sensual SF, with similar interests, for dating and more. ☎796390 LET YOUR HAIR DOWN SHM, 26, Leo, N/S, lives a regular, cleancut lifestyle. Seeking a petite, active woman, 18-30, sophisticated southern belle, with back woods babe heart. ☎790345 I’M HERE FOR YOU SM, 42, teacher, seeks honest SF, 21-42, for friendship, possibly more. I like music, movies, conversation. How about you? ☎779153 LET’S BE FRIENDS Outgoing, active SM, 31, enjoys sports, traveling, movies, dining out, and fun.

Seeking SF,with same interests. ☎769857 LOVING SOUL MATE SWM, 60, 5’8’, 160lbs. Enjoys sports, long walks and quiet evenings. ISO caring, affectionate SF, 45-55 for friendship, possible LTR. ☎668813 SEEKING CHRISTIAN WOMAN Friendly, committed, independent SBCM, 42, 5’11”, enjoys quiet evenings. Seeking attractive, committed, independent SBCF for friendship, possible LTR. ☎796760 YOU WIN MY HEART SWM, 44, N/S, seeks clean, sincere, honest, intelligent, wise, crafty SBF, 35-45, N/S, for life mate and deep friendship. ☎704669 CALL ME SM, 51, fun-loving, enjoys sporting events, movies, dancing more. Seeking fun woman with similar interests. ☎761290 SEEKS MATURE Spontaneous, sincere SM, 20, seeks older, loving lady, to explore life with, possible LTR. ☎767728 FIT FOR A QUEEN Restaurant manager SWM, 40, 6’, black/ green, moustache, enjoys outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping, movies. Seeking big beautiful woman, 25-50. Tell me about you. ☎754399 GREAT CATCH SWM, 53, enjoys church, music, dining out, travel and more. Seeking kind, understanding SCF, with similar interests. ☎732175 CHANGE R LIVES 4 THE BEST Outdoorsy SWM, 57, enjoys fishing, quiet conversation seeks the right woman to be at my side. Let’s accomplish much in life!

Looking for a SW/HF, 45-60. ☎718103 RESPECT AND DESIRE SBM, 37, 5’8”, 164lbs, hazel eyes, Virgo, N/S, enjoys walks, traveling, mountains, cooking, candlelight dinners. Seeking hardworking SBF, 38-55, business owner, for LTR. ☎707443 TRUE TO HEART SWM, 42, 6’, brown/blue, no children, home-owner, Pisces, N/S, seeks spontaneous SW/A/HF, 21-42, loves the beach, movies, sailing, bike rides, for faithful relationship. ☎709121 R WE A MATCH? SWM, 40, 6’1”, 160lbs, brown/blue, enjoys classic rock, movies, dining, more. Seeking nice, friendly SF, 25-45. ☎965931 ANYONE OUT THERE? SWM, 51, 5’11”, 190lbs, brown/green, seeks SF, for conversations, casual dates and maybe something more down the line. ☎701908

TAKE THE CHANCE Open-minded SM, 25, father, loves Nascar car and Nascar car races, walks, time with someone special. Seeking caring, considerate, commitment-minded woman, for friendship and LTR. ☎699632 GOOD MAN IS HARD TO FIND SWM, 44, piano player, in search of WF, 3555, H/W proportionate, N/D, N/S, drug-free, who enjoys music and backyard swings. ☎695975 PAINT THE TOWN RED Medical student DWM, 41, just moved from Atlanta, seeks casual relationship with intelligent, articulate SBF, who knows Augusta and can show me the sites, dining, and dancing. ☎675071 THE TRAVELER European SWM, 44, loves traveling, reading, dining out, sports, ping pong, soccer.

Interested in meeting female, who loves traveling, reading and dining out as well. ☎685545 FUN-LOVING SBM 38, 5’7”, 170lbs, waiting in the wings to spot the woman of my dreams. Friends first, work together on loving/understanding relationship. Enjoy dining out, traveling, quiet evenings. Seeking SF, 25-45. ☎672722 READY DWPM, 5’5”, 155lbs, 54, stable, secure, fit, pleasant, educated, adventurous, N/S, who enjoys most anything. Seeking W/A/HF, petite, pleasant, intelligent, active, secure, honest, positive attitude, caring, open, N/S, for LTR. ☎672623 ONE LOVE SBPM, 28, 5’11”, Capricorn, N/S, business, enjoys reading, cooking, music, movies.

Seeking woman, willing to try new things.

Age, race, weight unimportant. ☎656945 WHAT ABOUT YOU? Tall, blue-eyed blond Southern man, 6’4”, 265lbs, mows lawns for a living. Looking to meet simple, quiet gal, around 25, who likes the country lifestyle. ☎651620 LET’S DANCE! DWM, 37, seeks WF, kids ok, with a vivacious personality, a love for dancing, and an interest in relationship. ☎645955

YOU WON’T BE SORRY Real, honest, and sweet GBM, 18, 5’11”, dark-skinned, Gemini, N/S, seeks friendly GBM, 18-35, not into games. I’m ready for a commitment. ☎831448 YOU NEVER KNOW Fun-loving, easygoing GWM, 51, 5’11”, 198lbs, enjoys cooking, movies, fishing, walking. Seeking interesting GWM, 18-33, who’s full of life, for casual relationship, possibly more. ☎676662 NEW TO THIS BiWM, 49, 5’10”, thick, black/blue, Libra, N/S, seeks friendly, fun-loving GWM, 35-65, N/S, for possible LTR. ☎839145 IT’S YOUR CALL GWM, young 46, 5’11”, 200lbs, brown/brown, masculine, outgoing, enjoys travel, dining out, movies, shopping, Nascar. Would like to meet honest, passionate GM, with similar interests, for dating, possible LTR. Serious inquiries only. ☎792384 FREE SPIRIT SBM, 24, loves having fun, enjoys tennis, racquetball, waterskiing. Seeking SM, to share a night out on the town, friendship and maybe a lasting relationship. ☎768054 I’D LOVE TO MEET! SM, 47, likes dining out, having fun, malls, movies, television. Looking for sincere male for possible relationship. ☎861252

How do you

TAKE THAT CHANCE Brown-skinned GBM, 35, 5’11”, 150lbs, who likes quiet evenings, reading, dining out, movies and stimulating conversations.

Seeking SB/HM, 30-50, for friendship, possibly more. ☎753854 SHOW ME THE TOWN... and what there is to do around here. Me: SWM, 42, N/S, new to the area. You: SWM, under 51, anxious to show me how wonderful Augusta is. ☎719366 LOOKING FOR LOVE GWM, 41, 5’8’, 140lbs, Pisces, enjoys fishing, television, wood working, gardening, arts, crafts. Seeking GWM, 25-45, for friendship first, possible LTR. ☎705204 I KNOW WHERE IT’S AT SBM, 25, practical yet fun, outgoing, Aquarius, smoker, seeks a masculine, alluring, well-rounded BM, 23-45, smoker, with his priorities in order. ☎695448 OUTGOING SEEKS SAME SM, 35, who enjoys gardening, working out, sports, fishing, long walks in the park, would like to meet an outgoing man for LTR. ☎594617 YOUNG MAN WANTED GWM, 22, brown/brown, pretty good-looking, in search of cute, down-to-earth GWM for movies, dinners, shopping, roller blading. ☎576230 ARE YOU MR. RIGHT? SWM, 51, 5’8’’, 150lbs, likes dining out, quiet evenings, walks and hugs. Seeking SWM, 20-35, slim build, with similar interests. ☎584644 SEEKING MAN OF COLOR GWM, 31, 5’8”, 164lbs, brown/gray, moustache, goatee, down-to-earth, very openminded, seeks SB/HM, 23+, for friendship, maybe more. ☎575272 OUT SPOKEN SWM, 32, 5’11”, 145lbs, enjoys camping, fishing, Nascar. Seeking laid-back WM, 2335, for LTR. ☎560095 BEYOND SWM, 32, 5’11”, 155lbs, light hair, looking for good time with GM, 18-45, ☎966003 NEW TO TOWN GWM, 31, 5’8”, 175lbs, brown/brown, masculine, country boy, passionate, dedicated, HIV positive. Seeking GWM, 30-45, for LTR. ☎966013

,call 1-866-832-4685

FRIENDSHIP SBF, 38, 5’7”, slim, fit, seeks SF, for friendship and fun. Must be outgoing, love to wine and dine, travel, movies and theater. ☎878217 CHOCOLATE SEEKS CREAM SF, 39, new to the area, down-to-earth, loves laughing, sight-seeing. Seeking WF, 30-45, to show me a great time! ☎861222 SOMEONE TO LOVE GBF, 21, with brown complexion, seeks femme GBF, 21-30, with no baggage, and her priorities straight. ☎843696 CHURCH-GOER SBF, 38, Virgo, N/S, heavy-duty equipment operator, seeks BF, 30-45. Enjoys motorcycle riding, playing bass guitar. ☎799776 WASTE NO TIME GBF, 36, enjoys dining out, cooking, dining out. Seeking attractive, open-minded, fun, nice GF, 25-45, for friendship and possibly more. ☎965823 VERY PRETTY SBF...

28, two children, confident, feminine, seeks female, 20-35, with the same qualities, who is not into head games. ☎785531 A GOOD HEART SF, 39, goes to church, works for a living, likes having fun, going on trips. Seeking a similar female, 37-49. ☎780112 SPECIAL FRIENDSHIP Attractive, feminine SWF, 41, 5’4”, seeks a very open-minded WF, 35-48, for fun and exciting times. ☎775074 ZEST FOR LIFE Articulate, adventurous WF, 32, 5’8”, brown/brown, enjoys animals, running, movies and dining. Looking for WF, 25-40, for friendship. ☎965827 GIVE ME A RING Cute SBF, 30-something, seeks attractive SF, 25-45, for friendship, maybe more. No games. ☎965825 RAINBOW SEEKER Seeking my butch. SWF, 41, 5’2”, enjoys movies, walks, reading, quality snuggle time. Honesty is a must. Seeking SWF, with no drama, 30+. ☎754885

JOIN ME GBF, 32, nurse, part-time student, Capricorn, N/S, enjoys bowling, movies, shopping, traveling. Seeking casual relationship with woman, 25-45. ☎711628 BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN SBF, 58, mature, attractive, young-at-heart, Sagittarius, N/S, seeks woman, 48-62, N/S, who is ready to live again and likes traveling, playing cards, and bowling. ☎691703 TO THINE OWN SELF... be true. SBF, 27, 5’5”, 165lbs, Sagittarius, N/S, has 2 kids, enjoys walks, movies, and quiet times. Seeking an honest woman, 2735, N/S, for friendship first and foremost. ☎693934 IT’S ALL IN YOUR HANDS Nice, available stud wanted. I’m a teacher in Augusta, 40, who would like to start a friendship with another female, and progress into something more. ☎664842 BEAUTIFUL WOMAN SEEKS... beautiful woman. I’m 5’3”, physically fit, 132lbs, would like to meet fit female, 25-40, who would enjoy going to movies. Please be discreet. ☎661884 I’D LOVE YOU TO LOVE ME SBF, 41, no children, loves to read, chat on the internet, and more. Seeking a woman who is a romantic at heart, very good-looking, loves pets, family and God. ☎645876 GET TO KNOW THE REAL ME Dark-skinned young woman, 23, 4’9”, attractive, fun-loving, nice, caring, honest, laid-back. Seeking GF, 23-29, for casual relationship. ☎635372 I’M LOOKING 4 U Easygoing, loyal SBF, 31, 5’3”, 155lbs, security officer, people person, fun-loving, nice, caring, honest, enjoys bowling, movies, cuddling at home. Seeking trustworthy, outgoing SBF, 26-35, for friendship, maybe LTR. ☎965835 SECURITY GUARD Laid-back female, 41, likes movies, dining out, cooking, quiet evenings. Seeking similar-minded male for companionship. ☎589877 FRIENDSHIP FIRST! Funny, smart, down-to-earth GBF, 5’6”, 125lbs, loves long walks, hand holding.

Seeking GF, 21-30, who likes kids and doesn’t play games. ☎965829

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Cars 1979 TOYOTA CRESSIDA, runs, new brakes, as is, $350, cash only, 706-738-3065 (727/125) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1980 BMW 528i, new shocks, struts, clutch and clutch slave cylinder, clean car, runs great, $2000, 706-736-4858 (756/1219) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1981 CADILLAC EL DORADO, one owner, very clean car, V8, auto, most power options, many new parts, runs great, $1300 firm, 706-860-6409 (805/109) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1984 OLDSMOBILE CUSTOM Cruiser SW, $700 OBO, 706-437-1726 (696/1128) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1987 SUBARU GL, Station Wagon, power everything, rear wiper, lots of new stuff, runs and looks good, but has head gasket leak, $497 OBO, 803441-8744 (673/1121) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1988 FORD MUSTANG Convertible, red/white top, 5.0, auto, 2dr, PL&W, AC, clean, runs good, CD, am/fm, $4800, 706-742-7701 (752/1219) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1989 CADILLAC SEVILLE, 4dr, leather, blue, tip top condition, $4000, 706-556-6124 (553/1219) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1989 FORD TEMPO, 44K, new AC & ignition, less than 2K on tires, one owner, very good condition, $2150, 706860-0120 (773/1226) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1989 TOYOTA CAMRY, nice running car, 133K, $1500, 706-736-6545 after 4 pm (779/0102) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1990 CADILLAC SEVILLE, 4dr, runs good, $3000, 803640-3078 or 803-648-3443 after 6 pm. (806/109) –––––––––––––––––––––––––

1990 NISSAN 300ZX, 5spd, AC, loaded, red, grey cloth, ttops, CD, new tires, good condition, $6100, 706-833-0797 (671/1121) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1991 MAZDA MX5, convertible, hard top, white, mint condition, 85.5K, $7400 OBO, 706-737-8047 (669/1121) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1991 VOLVO 240, maroon, good condition, AC, PS, PB, am/fm, cassette, PW, cruise, $3000, 912-829-4556 (817/116) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1992 BMW 525i, gold, sedan, 154K, all power, leather interior, good condition, $5990, 706-495-9900 (782/0102) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1992 CHEVY CAMERO RS, 25th Anniversary Edition, green, gray interior, 305, auto, t-tops, excellent condition, 120K, $6000 firm, 706-3394531 (811/116) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1992 GEO STORM, blue, cold AC, 100K, $1300 OBO, 706855-2288, 706-785-0163 (726/125) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1992 INFINITI G20, runs great, 4dr, CD, leather interior, must sell, $1500 OBO, 706823-6607 (815/116) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1992 MAZDA PROTEGE, PS/PB, AC, power window locks, sunroof, cruise, CD, great gas mileage, reliable transportation, $1500 OBO, 706-399-7145 (701/1128) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1993 BUICK ROADMASTER, Estate wagon, fully loaded, XC, 60K, has Bruno Scooter lift model V550, $6000, 803-2795857 (736/1212) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1993 FORD TAURUS, very good condition, new tires and brakes, low mileage 66K, loaded, as is, reduced, for quick sale, $3000, 706-7339434 or 706-721-8304 (808/116) –––––––––––––––––––––––––

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GERALD JONES

HONDA 2 0 0 3 G O R D O N H I G H W AY • A U G U S TA , G A • 7 0 6 - 7 3 3 - 2 2 1 0 • W W W. G E R A L D J O N E S H O N D A . C O M

1993 FORD TEMPO, white w/red interior, auto, 4dr, clean, runs, new am/fm, CD, AC, 4cyl, clear title, $1600, call after 5 pm 706-560-2025 (800/109) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1994 CADILLAC EL DORADO, 92K, new tires, hard pressed to find one any nicer, $8900, won’t last, 706-3736425 (739/1212) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1994 CHRYSLER LHS, 3.5, auto, 101K, burgundy, grey leather, AC, cruise, tilt, am/fm/CD, power everything, clean, $4500, 706-860-5001 (100/116) –––––––––––––––––––––––––

1994 LINCOLN TOWN Car, pearl white, white interior, leather, black tie package, excellent condition, $6800, 706-541-9190 (771/1226) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1995 BMW 325i, white, standard transmission, 4dr, 72K, excellent condition, premium package, sunroof, new tires & brakes, $11,800, 706-7220665 (816/116) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1995 MERCURY GRAND

Marquis LS, clean, all power, cruise, wire wheels, $6250, 706-267-1497 or 706-7302697 (705/1128) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1996 BUICK CENTURY, white/burgundy, 4dr sedan, 6 cyl, non-smoker, 45K, VGC, $4000 OBO, 706-854-9733 (741/1212) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1996 CHEVROLET CAMERO, 41K, factory purple, 5spd, 6 cyl, AC, FM, cass, immaculate, one owner, $7200 OBO, 706868-0090 (472/1226) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1996 GEO SPRINT, beige, 4dr, sedan, AC, cassette, new tires, great condition, $3500 OBO, 803-442-4592 (670/1121) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1996 HONDA ACCORD EX, V6, automatic, all power, leather, alloys, CD, cruise, sunroof, remote, garaged, excellent condition, 81K, $10,500, 706-733-7297 (813/116) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1996 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE Spider convertible, red/grey, 78K, 1 owner, service records available, $8500, must sell,

divorce, 706-210-0530 (728/125) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1996 NISSAN 200SX, green, 5spd, cruise, CD, well taken care of, $3400 OBO, 706-2671295 (814/116) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1996 NISSAN 200SX, red, good condition, CD, two door, AC, PW $6000 OBO, 706860-3598 (776/0102) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1996 PONTIAC GRAND Prix GTP, white, tint windows, 3.4L, V6, well cared for, 129K, Jim 706-721-3365 days or 706547-7878 eve. (754/1219) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1997 ACURA 3.2TL, Premium, loaded, great ride, new tires, remote keyless entry, power locks & windows, AC, climate control system, Bose radio/cassette/CD, remote sunroof, $11,300, 803279-8326 (738/1212) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1997 MAZDA MX6, auto, V6, leather, loaded, 67K, XC, female adult driven, take over payments, details, 803-3028660 (737/1212) –––––––––––––––––––––––––

1997 NISSAN ALTIMA GXE, black, cruise, alarm, keyless entry, 63K, current tune ups, XC, $9995 OBO, 706-8232420 (697/1128) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1998 ACURA INTEGRA GSR, white, excellent condition, all power, many extras, 66K, MSTA, $16,000 OBO, 706284-9693 (812/116) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1998 CADILLAC DEVILLE Sedan De Elegance, frosted tan, fully loaded On Star, voice activated phone, extended warranty, CD/tape, leather, mint condition, 78K, $18,500, 706-721-1896 (751/1212) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1999 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL, white, 54K, warranty, 100K, new tires, loaded, CD, moonroof, immaculate, one owner, garage kept, looks new, $17,500, 706-863-9152 (676/1121) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1999 MAZDA MILLENIA, gold, automatic, leather, sunroof, $15,995, Andy Jones Mazda, 803-202-0002 (744)

continued on page 58

CHECK US OUT ONLINE WWW.METSPIRIT.COM

58 M E T R O

A L L

N E W

S U B A R U

2 0 0 3 B A J A

S P I R I T D E C 1 2 2 0 0 2

S TA R T I N G AT $23,995* - All wheel drive - Open Cargo bed - Switch back system expands cargo bed into passenger area for hauling longer items - 2.5 liter box engine - Fully independent heavy-duty raised suspension * Plus destination charge, tax, title & fees

GERALD JONES 1801 Gordon Highway, Augusta

706.738.2561

Advertising Sales The Metropolitan Spirit seeks experienced media sales people or people with qualified sales experience to sell display advertising. Excellent earnings, growth opportunity, and benefits.

RESUME & COVER LETTER Advertising Sales c/o The Metropolitan Spirit P.O. Box 3809 Augusta, GA 30914

706.738.1142 ALL REPLIES CONFIDENTIAL

continued from page 57 ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 ACURA INTEGRA LS, silver, 2dr, 5spd, all power, CD, sunroof, cold-air intake, warranty, XC $15,000 OBO, 706294-2691 (755/1219) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 DODGE STRATUS SE, extra clean car, one owner, $9995, Gerald Jones Honda, 706-733-2210 (712) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 HONDA ACCORD SE, 4dr, auto, ABS, PW/L, cruise, CD, cassette, trunk liner, cargo net, 31.5K, $16,000, 706-7336807 (700/1128) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 HONDA CIVIC EX, white, 4dr, auto, PL/W, sunroof, CD, low miles, $13,400, 706-210-9590 (702/1128) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 HONDA CIVIC EX, silver, 42K, 5spd, 2dr, sunroof, CD, XC, car in Augusta, 610-7635202 (695/1128) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 MAZDA MIATA, green/tan top, leather, factory warranty, $15,995, Andy Jones Mazda, 803-202-0002 (746) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 MAZDA MIATA, black, 5spd, PW, CD, appearance package, 47K, $13,500, 706951-0805 (672/1121) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 MERCURY MYSTIQUE, automatic, 30K, $9990, Andy Jones Mazda, 803-202-0002 (748) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2001 CHEVY IMPALA LS, On Star package, alloys, CD and much more, $14.995, Gerald Jones Honda, 706-733-2210 (713) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2001 CHEVY MONTE Carlo SS, white beauty, gotta see it, $14,995, Gerald Jones Honda, 706-733-2210 (714) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2001 CHRYSLER SEBRING LXI Convertible, dark blue, grey leather, power, CD, 35K, asking $15,998, 706-8630175 (804/109) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2001 FORD TAURUS SES, alloys, CD, theft deterrent system, $11,995, Gerald Jones Honda, 706-733-2210 (715) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2001 INFINITI I-30, rare find, has navigation system, 15K, all optional equipment, $24,995, no sales tax, 706-869-9007 (730/125) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2001 MERCURY SABLE LS, premium package, alloy wheels, CD and much more, $11,995, Gerald Jones Honda, 706-733-2210 (708) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2001 VW BEETLE, black beauty, auto, gotta have it, $13,995, Gerald Jones Honda, 706-733-2210 (709) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2002 AUDI A4 Turbo, 4dr, dark green/tan leather, all power, AM/FM, Cass/CD, 8K, $31,850 OBO, 706-863-1941 (729/125) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2002 HYUNDAI ELANTRA, 5spd, power package, factory warranty, 11K, $10,990, Andy Jones Mazda, 803-202-0002 (747) –––––––––––––––––––––––––

2002 SATURN SL1, auto, power steering, power brakes, AC, AM/FM/CD, factory warranty, 19K great condition, $9500, 706-863-7071 (781/0102) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2002 SATURN SL1, auto, PS, PB, CD, AC, 19K, factory warranty, like new condition, $8950, 706-863-7071 (802/109)

Motorcycle 2000 HONDA XR650R, enduro bike, XC, many performance enhancing extras, if power is what you are looking for this is your bike, it’s the most fun you can have on two wheels, don’t miss out, priced to sell, 706-309-9526 after 6 pm (458/1226) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2001 HONDA NIGHTHAWK, 250cc, showroom condition, 400 miles, excellent first street bike, $2600 OBO, 803-2783442 (677/0102) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2002 HONDA SABRE, 1099cc, custom pearle silver paint job w/fadin candy blue flames. 1920 miles, excellent condition, $7600, matching helmet available, 803-2793410 (818/116)

Other CESSNA 150 H COMMUTER, 760 ch. radio, GPS, VOR, wheel pants, 4000 TT, 150SMOH, $19,500 OBO, 803-278-2669 or tyrus_m@yahoo.com (798/109)

SUVs 1979 FORD BRONCO, needs work, first $500 takes it, 706790-3305 (703/1128) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1997 FORD EXPEDITON XLT, green/tan cloth, 5.4L, 3rd seat, rear air, power everything, hands-free phone, 132K highway miles, XC, $8500 OBO, 706-364-5347(699/1128) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1997 FORD EXPLORER XLT, willow green, 4dr, V8, loaded, original owner, extra clean condition, $8850 OBO, 706667-9488 leave message (810/109) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1997 FORD EXPLORER Sport, loaded, good condition, $7995, 706-860-0860 (775/0102) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1997 GMC YUKON SLT, white/burgundy leather, excellent condition, $14,000 OBO, 706-833-0624 (819/116) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1999 FORD EXPEDITION XLT, leather, fully loaded, 6 disc CD changer, excellent condition, 51K, $18,000, 706854-9194 (778/0102) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1999 JEEP GRAND Cherokee, Limited Edition, leather, power roof, $15,995, Gerald Jones Honda, 706733-2210 (711) –––––––––––––––––––––––––

2000 JEEP CHEROKEE Classic, extra clean, new tires, won’t last long, $9979, Gerald Jones Honda, 706-733-2210 (706) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 KIA SPORTAGE, 4dr, auto, all power, AC, CD, one owner, runs great, XC, $11,500, 706-8400957(698/1128) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 NISSAN FRONTIER, auto, low miles, local trade $6995, Gerald Jones Honda, 706-733-2210 (707)

Trucks 1985 DODGE RAM Prospector, red, full-size, w/camper shell, 140K, good condition, perfect work truck. $2800, 706-721-2317 (809/109) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1988 DODGE RAM, Charger, w/rebuilt 318 motor, V8, good shape, runs good, needs light transmission work, lots of new part, $1500 OBO 706-7372359 (799/109) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1989 MAZDA B2000, white, 5spd, AC, bedliner, fiberglass shell, new clutch & tires, 159K, $1500 OBO, 803-725-3581 (740/1212) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1992 TOYOTA PICK UP, am/fm, cassette, PS, XC, trailer hitch, excellent tires, extended cab, $2750 cash, 706-739-1142 (807/109) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1993 CHEVY SILVERADO, white w/red interior, 6 cyl, PS, PB, AC, auto, toolbox, great condition, $3500 OBO, 706399-1303 (801/109) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1999 MAZDA B3000, 4.0L, auto fully equipped for only $10.995, Gerald Jones Honda, 706-733-2210 (710) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2000 FORD RANGER XLT, burgundy, 4cyl, auto, AC, disc player, tinted glass, 22K, short bed, factory warranty, no tax, $9150, 706-736-8032 (648/0102)

Vans 1995 CHEVROLET ASTRO Van, V6, 4.3L, 7 passenger, luggage rack, rear air, power seats and mirrors, $7000, 706-733-0526 (694/12/26) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1997 FORD WINDSTAR GL, dark red, 7 passenger, 3.8 V6, AC, tilt, power windows, 146K, $4200 OBO, 706-860-5001 (774/1226) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 1999 PLYMOUTH GRAND Voyager Expresso, white, 51K, 10 speaker infinity sound system, cassette, CD, rear air, captain’s chairs, new tires, great condition, reduced to $12,700, 706-868-1045 (770/1226) ––––––––––––––––––––––––– 2001 DODGE GRAND Caravan, blue, 39K, V6, auto, $14,995, Andy Jones Mazda, 803-202-0002 (745) –––––––––––––––––––––––––

59

THE CSRA'S PRE-OWNED TRUCK SOURCE

$12,900 Very Clean Truck

2000

King Cab • Long Bed

1999

$13,900

THANK YOU

CHEVROLET S-10

DODGE RAM

M E T R O

For Supporting Our Advertisers

NISSAN FRONTIER

$13,900 Low Miles

2001

1999

$9,995

Clean As A Whistle • Low Miles

DODGE DAKOTA

ANDY JONES MAZDA ISUZU

FREE AUTO CLASSIFIEDS

* Automobiles for sale by an individual may be placed in our FREE Auto Classifieds. The same ad will run continuously for six weeks or until the vehicle sells, whichever comes first. After two weeks, if you want to keep running the same ad, you must call The Metropolitan Spirit by 5 p.m. on Friday or we will assume you sold the vehicle and will delete the ad. All vehicles must indicate price. FREE Auto Classified ads are offered to individuals only and are not offered to commercial companies or dealers.

TO PLACE YOUR AD: Mail: P.O. Box 3809, Augusta, GA 30914-3809 Email: classified@metspirit.com Fax: 706-733-6663 Website: www.metspirit.com Visit Us At: 825 Russell Street, Augusta, GA MUST BE MAILED, FAXED OR EMAILED ON SPECIFIED FORM. ADS ARE NOT TAKEN BY PHONE.

GENERAL POLICIES: The Metropolitan Spirit reserves the right to reject, revise, alter, or reclassify any classified advertisement. Please check your ad for errors the first week the ad is published.

The Metropolitan Spirit is not responsible for any errors which appear after the first week the ad is inserted.

AD PLACEMENT FORM:

DEADLINES: In person - Monday at 3PM By mail, fax or email - Friday at 4PM

Name_________________________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone_________________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________________State________Zip_____________ Ad Copy 20 words or less________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

(803) 202-0002

GUARANTEED CLASSIFIEDS

* Items for sale by an individual may be placed in our Guaranteed Classifieds. The same ad will run continuously for ten weeks or until the item sells, whichever comes first. You must call by 5PM on Friday every two weeks to renew the ad or The Metropolitan Spirit will assume the item has been sold and will delete the ad. There is a $5 reinstatement fee if you forget to renew your ad. All items must indicate price. Guaranteed classified ads are offered to individuals only and are not offered to commercial companies. Guaranteed Classified ads do not include any automotive vehicles, real estate or pets.

RATES: FREE ADS Merchandise Under $250 $8 ADS Merchandise $251 to $500 $15 ADS Merchandise $501 to $1000 $20 ADS Merchandise over $1000 20 Words or Less - No Exceptions.

ADS MUST BE PREPAID DEADLINES: In person - Monday at 3PM By mail, fax or email - Friday at 4PM

TO PLACE YOUR AD: Mail: P.O. Box 3809, Augusta, GA 30914-3809 Email: classified@metspirit.com Fax: 706-733-6663 ADS ARE NOT TAKEN BY PHONE Website: www.metspirit.com Visit Us At: 825 Russell Street, Augusta, GA MUST BE MAILED, FAXED OR EMAILED ON SPECIFIED FORM. PAYMENT OPTIONS: (ADS MUST BE PREPAID) Cash-Money Order-Check

AD PLACEMENT FORM:

Name_______________________________________Daytime Phone_____________________ Address______________________________________________________________________ City______________________________________________State________Zip_____________ Payment ❑ Cash ❑ Check ❑ Money Order ❑ Visa ❑ MC Card No./Exp. Date_____________________________________________________________ Billing Address (if different from above)_____________________________________________ City______________________________________________State________Zip_____________ Ad Copy 20 words or less________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ GENERAL POLICIES: The Metropolitan Spirit reserves the right to reject, revise, alter, or reclassify any classified advertisement. Please check your ad for errors the first week the ad is published. The Metropolitan Spirit is not responsible for any errors which appear after the first week the ad is inserted.

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