high tech gift ideas - Eujacksonville.com

JACKSONVILLE
holiday
events
golden
compass
book and film review
high tech
gift ideas
guide to local malls
symphony
musicians
speak out
free weekly guide to entertainment and more | december 6 - 12, 2007 | www.eujacksonville.com

2 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper

table of contents
feature
Hi-Tech Shopping ...........................................................................................PAGES 13-16
Tech Shopping Advice ....................................................................................... PAGE 14
Game Systems ................................................................................................. PAGE 16
Local Shopping Staples ..................................................................................PAGES 17-18
Holiday Events ...............................................................................................PAGES 20-21
movies
Movies in Theaters this Week ...........................................................................PAGES 6-11
The Golden Compass (movie review) ...................................................................... PAGE 6
Awake (movie review) ............................................................................................. PAGE 8
Control (movie review) ............................................................................................ PAGE 9
International Film Festival (9th & Main) .............................................................PAGE 10-11
home
His Dark Materials (book review) ............................................................................. PAGE 7
Netscapades ......................................................................................................... PAGE 12
Video Games ....................................................................................................... PAGE 12
dish
Dish Update .......................................................................................................... PAGE 22
Matthews Market (restaurant review) ..............................................................PAGES 22-23
Prepared Meals ..................................................................................................... PAGE 23
Mandarin Pub Crawl .............................................................................................. PAGE 24
music
Music Calendar ..............................................................................................PAGES 26-30
Nick Drake Box Set (album review) ........................................................................ PAGE 25
Nirvana Unplugged (DVD review) ........................................................................... PAGE 25
Louie LeClaire (Starlite) ......................................................................................... PAGE 26
Luna Halo (French Quarter) .................................................................................. PAGE 27
Jacksonville Symphony Players (interview) ........................................................... PAGE 28
Ritz Chamber Players (interview) ........................................................................... PAGE 29
arts / theatre / on stage
Sesame Street Live (interview) .............................................................................. PAGE 30
Frank Matthews & Gail Taylor (Bogda) ................................................................... PAGE 31
Sleeping Beauty on Ice (interview) ......................................................................... PAGE 32
It’s A Wonderful Life (Players By The Sea) ...........................................................PAGES 33
columns and stuff
Native Foreigner .................................................................................................... PAGE 34
The Jock ............................................................................................................... PAGE 34
NASCAR News & Notes ........................................................................................ PAGE 35
cover photo from sleeping beauty on ice (see page 32 for story)
eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 3

thisweek
thursday december 6
International Fest of cinema and Technology
The International Fest of Cinema and Technology will present a selection
of independent films from across the globe from December
6th to the 8th. Festival screenings include short comedies, dramas,
animated films, experimental films, music videos and documentaries.
During the festival, 9th and Main will have a full bar open
which will be serving drinks during the screenings. Tickets: $6 per
screening session, ($3 for students) The Rusted Hinge at 9th and
Main (1850 N Main St), Info: www.ifct.org or (904) 353-6002.
read the story on pages 10 and 11.
ritz chamber Players Opening concert with mozart
The Ritz Chamber Players will kick off its seventh season this week.
The Jacksonville-based ensemble made its triumphant, sold-out
Carnegie Hall debut in June 2004, with critics proclaiming its performances
as “extraordinary” and “vital and fresh.” read interview
with Artistic director Terrence Patterson on page 29. Tickets:
$25/single show, $79/ online special for all 4 shows, $89/ Orchestra
Seating for all 4 shows. Jacoby Symphony Hall, Times-Union
Center for the Performing Arts-7:30 pm, Info: ritzchamberplayers.
org or (904) 354-5547
col. bruce & the Quark Alliance
Over the years, Col. Bruce Hampton has fronted The Hampton
Grease Band, The Late Bronze Age, and The Aquarium Rescue
Unit. Now Col. Bruce is playing with guitarist/singer/songwriter
Jeff Caldwell, drummer Mark Letalien, and bassist Kris Dale as the
Quark Alliance. Jeff’s songs are a mixture of jazz, rock and R&B.
Together with Col. Bruce’s eclectic catalogue of songs and the occasional
blues standard, The Quark Alliance is worth joining. Tickets:
$10 Freebird Live- 8 pm, Info: (904) 246-BIRD
friday december 7
rev. billy Wirtz
Reverend Billy C. Wirtz is a comic genius, gifted pianist and American
musicologist who defies easy classification. “I like to think of
myself as the Victor Borge of the blues,” states the Reverend, but
Billy goes way beyond Borge both in scope of subject matter (from
politics to social commentary) and, of course, in taste. In fact, no
theme is too extreme, taboo, or undignified for the Reverend, so
long as it garners a good laugh. Cafe Eleven - 8:30 pm, Tickets:
$12, Info: (904) 469-9311
The Pillowman
Orpheus Theater Group’s second production, The Pillowman, begins
this Friday. With echoes of Stoppard, Kafka, and the Brothers
Grimm, The Pillowman centers on a writer in an unnamed totalitarian
state who is being interrogated about the gruesome content of
his short stories and their similarities to a series of child murders.
The play will be presented on Fridays and Saturdays through December
22 nd . Tickets: $12 The Body Gallery- 8 pm, Info: (904) 296-
3292 or orpheustheatergroup.com
4 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper
Keith Urban’s “Love, Pain & the
Whole crazy World Tour”
Frantic crowds have followed Keith Urban’s
“Love, Pain & the Whole Crazy World Tour”
from Germany to the United Kingdom, Australia,
Canada and parts of the United States.
Now his world tour arrives in Jacksonville!
Gary Allan, who has quickly become one of
Country music’s brightest stars, will also
perform. Tickets: $19 to $58.50 Jacksonville
Veterans Memorial Arena- 8 pm, Info: (904)
630-3998
keith urban
Peter Pan
This is Peter Pan’s Only Northeast Florida
tour stop! Brooke Stone follows many famous
women who have played Peter Pan since
the original production opened in London
in December of 1904. Stone was hand picked to play Peter for
this touring production. She has appeared on Broadway in the
musicals: Hairspray, Beauty and the Beast and Grease. This is
the first time Peter Pan: The Broadway Musical has toured in 10
years. Tickets: $48, $38, $28. Thrasher-Horne Center for the
Arts - 7:30 pm. Info: (904) 276-6750
december 7 - 8
The community Nutcracker
The Community Nutcracker, a beloved Jacksonville holiday
tradition, will be performed this weekend. The ballet showcases
internationally renowned principal dancers, our area’s finest
young dance corps, and Tchaikovsky’s best-loved melodies,
all while telling a timeless tale the entire family will enjoy. See
performances on Friday at 8 pm and Saturday at 2 pm and 8
pm Tickets: $23-$33.50 Florida Theatre, Info: (904) 355-2787
saturday december 8
Ancient city Kids day
It was the (once) great Whitney Houston who said “I believe
that children of our future/Teach them well and let them lead the
way.” It is with this wise sentiment in mind that we recommend
Ancient City Kids Day, a fun, family-friendly festival that will
include over 40 youth service agencies offering carnival style
games and activities, arts and crafts, and contests for the kids
and live entertainment all day. Best of all, entry to the event is
free to the public! Francis Field- Castillo Drive, St. Augustine-
10 am to 2 pm Info: (904) 829-2273
downtown Historic church Tour
Seven Downtown historic churches will open for the tour. The
guide at each church will highlight the architectural and historical
significance of the building. Visitors can walk the tour route,
and trolley service is provided along the tour route. The tour
begins and ends at the Main Library from 1 to 5 pm. The Junior
League of Jacksonville’s Annual Festival of Trees will be on
display at the Main Library. Tickets: $5, Children 12 and under
no charge. Info: (904) 451-3344
Twas the Flight before christmas- Featuring Aire
Traffic
Aire Traffic is a band made up entirely of air traffic controllers with
a unique blend of original jazz, rock and contemporary music. This
special Christmas concert under the stars benefits the Children’s
Miracle Network. In addition to the music, FCTI’s Culinary Arts
School will be on hand with some delicious chow, Aerospace
Academy is bringing flight simulators and no holiday show would
be complete without a visit from Santa! Tickets: $60/VIP reception
(at 6 pm) and performance, $16/general admission, $11/Seniors,
military, students, children. St. Augustine Amphitheatre- 7:30 pm,
Info and tickets: airetraffic.com or (904) 202-2900
david Wilcox
David Wilcox’s voice is perhaps
most often compared
with James Taylor, though a
1994 Acoustic Guitar cover
story characterized it as Taylor
combined with a “husky
breathiness more reminiscent
of the late Nick Drake.” That
article also called him the
“best known of the brilliant
crop of singer-songwriters to
david wilcox
emerge in the late ‘80s.” Cafe
Eleven - 8:30 pm, Tickets: $18, Info: (904) 469-9311
sunday december 9
mary Lou Wesley Krosnick
Celebrated pianist Mary Lou Wesley Krosnick has received degrees
from the Julliard School of Music, the University of Wisconsin and
the Yale University School of Music, and will perform four original
compositions and works by Brahms, Rachmaninoff, Chopin and
Bach this Sunday. Admission: $10/adults, $5/general students,
seniors and military personnel, free/JU students with appropriate ID.
Jacksonville University’s Terry Concert Hall- 2:30 pm, Info: (904)
256-7677

chabad’s chanukah at the Landing
This free, fun-filled afternoon features holiday shopping, face painting, arts and crafts, a Chanukah
parade and much more. The event concludes at 5 pm with the lighting of the 13ft tall Menorah. The
Jacksonville Landing- 3 pm, Info: (904) 262-6641
rock for the rescue
This special concert benefiting
the City Rescue Mission (and
sponsored by 5 Points Church)
features the musical stylings of area
bands Don’t Sigh Daisy, Among
Your Brothers, Joe Everett, The
Metanoia Project Band, Shangrala,
Matlock, and the Sophomore
Attempt. Tickets: $8 at the door.
Five Points Theater- 5 pm, Info:
5pointschurch@gmail.com
monday december 10
tuesday december 11
next thursday december 13
Sophomore attempt
The Avett brothers
The Avett Brothers play a mixture of old-time country, bluegrass, pop melodies, folk, rock n’ roll, honkytonk
and ragtime. Over the past year, the trio has made known that half of what makes them great are
their live performances, which have proven to entertain and enchant a wide, diverse audience. Tickets:
$15/advance, $20/ day of show Freebird Live- 8 pm, Info: (904) 246-BIRD
Junie b. Jones
Based on the popular books by Barbara Park, Junie B. Jones is finally graduating from kindergarten and
is ready for first grade, at last! But getting used to the whole new group of friends, a new teacher, and
new glasses is challenging, even for irrepressible Junie B. Jones. Follow her adventures as she writes
everything down in her “top-secret Personal beeswax” journal. Tickets: $7 UNF- 10 am and 2 pm, Info:
(904) 353-3500 or theatreworksjax.com
New Atlantic
New Atlantic’s attention to detail and work ethic is apparent in everything from their perpetual tour
schedule to, more importantly, their flawlessly crafted songs. The band is currently on tour in support of
their album, The Streets, The Sounds, and The Love, and will be stopping by Jack Rabbits this Tuesday
with Between the Trees, Paper Rival and Charlotte Sometimes. Tickets: $8/advance, $10/ day of show
Jack Rabbits- 7 pm, Info: (904) 398-7496
Jethro Tull
British rock band Jethro Tull is famous for the distinctive vocal style and lead flute work of front man Ian
Anderson. Initially playing blues rock with an experimental flavor, they have since incorporated elements
of classical, folk, jazz and art rock. Eclectic influences, diverse instrumentation, and often elaborate
song construction led them to be labeled as an archetypal “progressive rock” band. Tickets: $46.50-
$56.50 Florida Theatre- 8 pm, Info: (904) 355-2787
Peter White christmas
Contemporary jazz guitarist and keyboard player Peter White performs with trumpeter Rick Braun and
saxophonist, vocalist and composer Mindi Abair. Their smooth jazz sounds will provide an evening of
groove and sparkle that will put you in the holiday spirit. Florida Theatre - 8 pm, Tickets: $38.50, $31,
Info: (904) 355-2787
Sleeping beauty on Ice
Magnificent costumes, fantastic choreography and music by Tchaikovsky combine art and storybook
entertainment with the tradition of world ballet in “Sleeping Beauty.” Under the direction of former
principal dancer and choreographer of the Kirov ballet, Konstantin Rassadin, this performance blends
many art forms to create a magical rendition of this classic tale that will be cherished by all ages.
Tickets: $28-$38/general admission, $10/UNF students. UNF Fine Arts Center- 7:30 pm, Info: unf.edu/
fineartscenter. See story page 32.
eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 5

MOVIES OPENING
CONTROL Prolific music-video helmer and
award-winning photographer Anton Corbijn
makes his feature directorial debut with this biographical
drama concerning the late Joy Division
frontman Ian Curtis. Based on the book Touching
from a Distance: Ian Curtis & Joy Division by the
enigmatic singer’s wife Deborah Curtis, Control
documents the life of a legend who changed the
face of modern music but never lived to witness
the remarkable impact of his life’s work. Starring:
Sam Riley, Samantha Morton, Craig Parkinson,
Alexandra Maria Lara. Rating: R
THE GOLDEN COMPASS Based on author
Philip Pullman’s bestselling and award-winning
novel,’The Golden Compass’ tells the first story
in Pullman’s His Dark Materials trilogy. ‘The
Golden Compass’ is an exciting fantasy adventure,
set in an alternative world where people’s
souls manifest themselves as animals, talking
bears fight wars, and Gyptians and witches coexist.
At the center of the story is Lyra (played
by newcomer Dakota Blue Richards), a 12year-old
girl who starts out trying to rescue a
friend who’s been kidnapped by a mysterious
organization known as the Gobblers - and winds
up on an epic quest to save not only her world,
but ours as well. ‘The Golden Compass’ stars
an ensemble cast that includes Nicole Kidman,
Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott, and Ian McShane. Rating:
PG-13
NOELLE Father Jonathan Keene - a cold, impatient
Catholic priest arrives in a tiny fishing
village the week before Christmas to do what he
does best: shut down a dying parish. But things
take an unexpected turn as he becomes entangled
in the various lives of the village’s eccentric
characters, including their beautiful librarian, the
childlike priest he is displacing, and the magical
experience of Mrs. Worthington’s legendary
Christmas Party, where everyone is welcome
and anything is possible. Starring: David Wall,
Sean Patrick Brennan, Kerry Brennan, Brennan
Wall, Jean Bates. Rating: PG
WRISTCUTTERS: A LOVE STORY Patrick Fugit
is Zia, a heart-broken young man who slits his
wrists only to find himself in a bizarre purgatory
populated solely by suicide victims. He soon
discovers that his ex girlfriend has also joined
this new world. Zia sets out to find her on a ‘Wizard
of Oz’-like journey that teams him up with
an odd cast of characters, including Tom Waits.
Starring: Patrick Fugit, Shannyn Sossamon, Shea
Whigham, Leslie Bibb. Rating: R
NOW SHOWING
AMERICAN GANGSTER Based on the life of
drug-kingpin-turned-informant, Frank Lucas,
who grew up in segregated North Carolina. He
eventually made his way to Harlem where he
became a heroin kingpin by traveling to Asia’s
Golden Triangle to make connections, shipping
4
6 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper
a fantasy adventure
strong enough for a girl
The Golden Compass doesn’t tell true north
by jon bosworth jaxvillain@yahoo.com
A Rated PG-13 113 Minutes
As the father of two girls, nothing could make
me happier than to finally see a truly feminine character
as the courageous young hero in a fantasy
adventure film. I will preface this entire review with
two statements: A) I am a Christian. Bible-believing,
church-going, Jesus-lovin’ Christian. B) I read
all three of the His Dark Materials books by Golden
Compass author Philip Pullman with my oldest
daughter.
Yes, I know churches are telling parents not
to let their children see this film. My daughters both
go to Catholic school and this message has been
delivered from the desk of their language arts class,
which I find abhorrent, since I thought the church
was past the days of banning books. And yes, I can
clearly see the secular humanist message behind
this film. In fact, the message is far more diluted in
the film version than it was in the books, but don’t
use what ignorant people are saying as a reason
to deprive yourself, or especially your children, of
this fantastic adventure story. It is easily the most
exciting film I have watched this year. Better than
Spider-Man 3. Better than Harry Potter. Heck, it was
even better than the Lord of the Rings movies. I’m
not kidding. It rocked.
Lyra Balacqua is played exquisitely by debut
film actress Dakota Blue Richards. Look for outstanding
things from this terrific young actress. Lyra
is a young orphan being raised by scholars at Jordan
College, which is Oxford in the England of her dimension.
The entire film takes place in a world parallel
to ours, with many similarities but also many fundamental
differences. Among those differences is the
fact that the people of this world all have a daemon,
which is an animal that is a physical embodiment of
the person’s soul.
Lyra and her daemon, Pan (voiced by Freddie
Highmore), are a curious and courageous duo.
Although they do not know that the witches in this
world have an ancient prophecy about her destiny,
they do feel as though they are to be part of something
bigger; something that has to do with Lyra’s
uncle Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig), who is on a search
for parallel dimensions and to destroy the authority
of the magisterium (a religious hierarchy in this
alternate dimension). On the opposing side of the
enigmatic Lord Asriel, is the equally enigmatic Mrs.
Coulter (Nicole Kidman) and her creepy golden monkey
daemon.
When a secret group known by villagers and
commonfolk as “The Gobblers” start stealing children,
Lyra’s best friend Roger is taken. Lyra, who
made a promise to Roger, is determined to save him.
In this quest, her only allies are Pan and a secret
device called an alethiometer, which has the ability
to tell the truth. Lyra has the rare gift of being able to
read the device, and with its assistance, finds compatriots
she can trust.
Among those compatriots are Iorek Byrnison,
an armored bear voiced by Ian McKellen, Texan aeronaut
Lee Scoresby (Sam Elliot) and a ragtag group
of gyptians, which are a clan of common people that
are a cross between pirates and gypsies.
A critical thing to remember if you are concerned
about a message of secular humanism corrupting
your child’s beliefs, is to remind them (and
perhaps yourself) that this story is fiction. There are
not talking armored bears any more than there are
hobbits or God-like lions. This film is fantasy. Lyra
is a liar, but so was Huck Finn. The magisterium
does represent the church, but the church has been
very corrupt in real history as well. It is far better
to engage a child’s imagination with a film such as
The Golden Compass and then discuss the subjects
it brings up than to shelter them from films such as
these and have them learn about secular humanism
in the much more subtle and insidious real world.
And it is fodder for grown folk to discuss as well, for
this film is not strictly a children’s movie.
The Golden Compass is, bar none, the best
live-action, family-oriented adventure film I have
seen since Return of the Jedi. From the outstanding
performances by Nicole Kidman and a litany of virtual
unknowns to the incredible special effects that
pull you into this dynamic fantasy world with talking
bears and kind witches, this film is worth watching.
Regardless of the subtextual issues such as
science versus religion or the will of the human spirit
being the most powerful force in the universe, these
are stories we’ve heard before and they do not destroy
faith, rather, they give intellectual discourse an
exciting flare and they help us to better understand
why we believe what we do.
But you haven’t seen a story quite like this ever
before, so catch it on the larger-than-life big movie
screen this winter. It is a fantastic alternative to tired
Santa Claus stories that are equally as secular.

golden controversy
His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
by Erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
Just a few weeks ago I got a panicked email
about Phillip Pullman’s trilogy, His Dark Materials.
It was from the same folks who once emailed me
about the dangers of the Harry Potter series to the
Christian faith, so I wasn’t going to take it too seriously.
Still, I did some research and read the books.
And I have to say—those Christian alarmists were
actually right about this one. The ideas contained
in the fantasies would have been enough to have
Pullman burned at the stake for heresy, back when
Christians did that sort of thing.
There’s a strong sense of morality in his series,
but there’s a sympathy for the devil that can’t
be denied. Pullman himself has acknowledged that
many of his ideas come from the sometimes heretical
works of Milton’s Paradise Lost. But Pullman
chooses to invert Milton’s war between heaven and
hell. Pullman has claimed that His Dark Materials
aren’t atheistic.
THE GOLDEN COMPASS
The main character in all three books is Lyra.
She’s an orphan and an excellent liar, but she’s good
at heart. She lives in a world parallel to ours, where
the human soul is embodied by a separate animal
called a daemon, which accompanies each human.
She travels to the North with an armored polar bear
and gyptians (water gypsies of her world) after a
friend is kidnapped by the mysterious Gobblers, who
have been taking children away for gruesome experiments
in order to study a substance called Dust.
THE SUbTLE KNIfE
Lyra walks through a doorway and finds an
alternate world. There, she meets a boy named Will
Parry, a traveler from our own world who has reason
to hide in the empty city of Cittàgazze in this strange
specter-filled world. He becomes the wielder of the
Subtle Knife. One side can cut any matter; the other
can create windows to other worlds. Using the knife,
she and Will travel between worlds in a quest to find
Will’s missing father and to get Lyra’s golden compass
from the wily man who stole it from her. Lyra
and Will’s importance in the war between God and
the rebel angels becomes clearer in this book.
THE AMbER SPYGLASS
In the Subtle Knife, Mary Malone discovers
what part she has to play in the fight between the
Authority and the rebel angels. Following instruction
she receives, she waits for Lyra and Will in a wondrous
world, fashioning an Amber Spyglass to study
the mysterious Dust. Meanwhile, Lyra decides she
must travel to the world of the dead to save a friend.
All the while, the war between the Authority and the
rebellious angels rages (along with a ragtag army
lead by Lyra’s father, Lord Asriel), finally coming to a
conclusion in this book.
If you’re a conservative Christian, should you
forbid your children from reading this series? No, because
if you forbid them and they pick up the books,
it will confirm the ideas contained in the pages – that
authority wants to stifle any ideas outside their own
rigid laws of faith. Rather, you should read the books
with your kids and talk about the ideas and themes.
eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 7

heroin back to the US in the coffins of soldiers
killed in Vietnam. He soon made upwards of
one million dollars a day in drug sales. Lucas
was shadowed by lawman, Richie Roberts, who
finally helped bring the kingpin to justice. The
two then worked together to expose the crooked
cops and foreign nationals who made importing
heroin so easy. Starring: Russell Crowe, Denzel
Washington, Josh Brolin, Common , Ted Levine.
Rating: R
AUGUST RUSH A charismatic young Irish
guitarist (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) and a sheltered
young cellist (Keri Russell) have a chance
encounter one magical night above New York’s
Washington Square, but are soon torn apart,
leaving in their wake an infant, orphaned by
circumstance. Years later, performing on the
streets of New York and cared for by a mysterious
stranger (Robin Williams) who gives him the
name August Rush, the child (Freddie Highmore)
uses his remarkable musical talent to seek the
parents from whom he was separated at birth.
Rating: PG.
AWAKE A psychological thriller about a common
occurrence called “anesthetic awareness,”
a horrifying phenomenon wherein a patient’s
(Hayden Christensen) failed anesthesia leaves
him fully conscious but physically paralyzed
during surgery. The patient’s charming new wife
(Jessica Alba) is forced to struggle with her own
demons as a terrifying drama unfolds around the
couple. Starring: Hayden Christensen, Jessica
Alba, Terrence Howard, Lena Olin. Rating: R.
bEE MOVIE Barry B. Benson is a graduate bee
fresh out of college who is disillusioned at his
lone career choice: making honey. On a rare trip
outside the hive, Barry’s life is saved by Vanessa,
a florist in New York City. As their relationship
blossoms, he discovers humans are mass
consumers of honey and decides to sue the
human race for stealing bees’ honey. Starring:
Jerry Seinfeld, Renee Zellweger, Chris Rock, Ray
Liotta, Mark Moseley. Rating: PG
bEfORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOU’RE DEAD
Master filmmaker Sidney Lumet directs this
absorbing suspense thriller about a family facing
the worst enemy of all - itself. Oscar-winner
Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Andy, an overextended
broker who lures his younger brother,
Hank (Ethan Hawke), into a larcenous scheme:
the pair will rob a suburban mom-and-pop
jewelry store. The problem is, the store owners
are Andy and Hank’s actual mom and pop and,
when the seemingly perfect crime goes awry, the
damage lands right at their doorstep. Oscar-winner
Marisa Tomei plays Hoffman’s trophy wife
and Albert Finney as the family. A classy, classic
heist-gone-wrong drama, ‘Before the Devil
Knows You’re Dead’ is smart enough to know
that we often have the most to fear from those
who are near and dear. Rating: R
bELLA A man whose life is about to be
changed forever discovers that sometimes it
takes losing it all to finally appreciate the things
that truly matter in director Alejandro Monteverde’s
emotional tale of self discovery. Rating:
PG-13
bEOWULf Director Robert Zemeckis (‘The
Polar Express’) and graphic novelist Neil Gaiman
(the ‘Sandman’ series) team up for this highly
anticipated, performance-capture adaptation of
4
b Rated R 78 min
8 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper
under the knife
Awake
by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net
First time feature filmmaker Joby Harold
imagined a clever screenplay for this dark tale of
medical malfeasance involving twenty-something
billionaire Clay Beresford (Hayden Christensen).
He made his money as a stock trading wunderkind,
but he has a bad heart. The hook of the
premise is a phenomenon called “anesthetic
awareness” wherein patients are paralyzed by the
anesthesia, but fully conscious, aware of everything
that is going on, and unable to tell anyone.
In this case, Clay is aware of much more
than the doctors cutting him open and replacing
his heart. Writer/director Harold’s story plays on
the fear that an incompetent anesthesiologist will
leave a patient awake during a major operation.
Statistics show that it happens to an alarming percentage
of patients. Anyone who has gone under
the knife knows that one has a deep fear of being
unconscious and not making it through the procedure.
Knowing about rampant hospital mistakes,
such as surgeons cutting wrong breast or replacing
the wrong organ, makes this fear justified.
Leading up to the heart transplant, Clay’s
gorgeous fiancee, Sam Rockwood (Jessica Alba),
is supportive during his illness. The story picks up
when Clay has reached an impasse with his failing
heart. He needs a transplant. His mother Lilith
(Lena Olin) is dating the nation’s preeminent heart
surgeon, and she wants him to do the transplant.
But Clay wants his friend Dr. Jack Harper (Terrence
Howard) to do the operation. Harper isn’t
exactly the best surgeon available, but Clay is
loyal to his friend.
In this story, things are not what they seem.
In a moment of romantic passion, Clay and Sam
get married in a hastily arranged ceremony just
prior to his operation. Lilith is livid. She doesn’t
like Sam, who was her personal assistant before
Clay fell head over heals in love with her. Well,
who wouldn’t fall in love with this hottie. Alba
plays Sam with sensual moves that heat up a
scene or two.
During the operation, Clay does not go unconscious.
He feels every incision and the pain
of the surgeon spreading his chest out to reveal
the beating heart. Clay tries to remember his
whirlwind love affair with Sam to distract him from
the reality of his situation. What he overhears
the operating team discussing goes way beyond
the usual surgeon chatter. As the operation progresses,
Clay has an out-of-body experience in
which he travels around the hospital futilely trying
to get someone to listen to him. He’s trapped in
limbo, between life and death. What he hears the
surgeons saying scares him to the core, but he
can’t act on it.
There is a sinister conspiracy at play, and
Clay is the victim. How can he warn his mother
and the authorities? He’s helpless on the operating
table and his spirit can’t be seen or heard by
anyone in the physical universe. At this point in
the story, director Harold builds the tension deftly
to a crescendo of terror, as Clay desperately tries
to stop the sequence of events from happening to
him. Christensen portrays Clay with proper righteous
indignation at his predicament. Alba plays
her role with savvy acting skill. Christopher Mc-
Donald, who plays the bumbling alcoholic anesthesiologist,
ironically ends up Clay’s only friend.
I found this scenario quite frightening, having
had numerous operations involving general anesthesia.
I always pictured the doctors playing with
me, their unconscious toy, by twisting me into a
pretzel and laughing or joking, “that is going to
hurt like hell.” It’s a clever spin on the suspense
and horror genre. It makes one think that when
one goes unconscious in the operating theater,
one may not make it out of there alive.

a joy divided
Control is 70’s punk
by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net
b+ Rated R 121 min.
The tortured rock star cliché gets another spin
with this bleak yet intriguing film written and directed
by Anton Corbijn from Deborah Curtis’ memoir
Touching from a Distance. Corbijn’s use of stark
black and white visually drives home the real life
struggles of Ian Curtis, lead singer for the 70s new
wave band Joy Division.
Curtis, who died by his own hand in 1980, was
a brooding, self-absorbed and depressed 20-year
old who started a band to sing his introspective poetic
lyrics to the frantic rhythms and clever music of
the group Joy Division. It was a sensation in Britain
and around the globe that still gains fans today. The
group had planned a tour of the States, but Curtis
died before that trip came to fruition in 1980, effectively
breaking up the band.
Sam Riley portrays Curtis with deep insight
into his angst-addled personality and the shocking
onset of his chronic epilepsy. In the early 70s, treatments
for epilepsy were trial and error, that is, the
patient would take a variety of drugs to see which
ones worked. For Curtis, this meant that the powerful
medications only exacerbated his depression and
serious conflicts between his loyalty to the band and
his wife Deborah (Samantha Morton) and child.
Curtis’ brief life is the age-old story of a young
man who got married too early, then his music
career took off and he had to tour, leaving his wife
and kid behind. Of course, on the road, Curtis meets
a beautiful young French groupie, Annik Honore,
played by stunning Alexandra Maria Lara. He falls in
love with her, but later discovers he still has feelings
for his wife. His guilt and conflicts were tearing him
apart. Then he had his first grand mal seizure, which
led to the diagnosis of epilepsy.
Despite his disabling mental problems, Curtis
had a remarkable talent for writing songs with lyrics
that the band’s fans could identify with. If he could
have lived with the epilepsy, he would have led the
band to glory. On one occasion, he had a seizure on
stage, but it fit in with the group’s outrageous antics
and became the grand finale of their act.
Curtis’ mental anguish and depression were
trapping his mind in a black hole. Riley’s savvy
characterization of Curtis expresses his downward
spiral with skillful acting elan. His pained expression
revealed an inner-war with his demons for control of
his consciousness. He couldn’t even enjoy the success
of the band, though he kept writing exceptionally
poignant material that influenced a generation of
punk, new wave and alt-rock bands through the 80s.
Curtis’ personality was fragmented into many
parts but lacked a cohesive whole. His mood swings
were radical. He would go from sweet to cruel to
forgiving to completely selfish and aloof. Samantha
Morton’s stand-out performance as Deborah mirrors
Curtis’ dysfunction. She really tried to understand
his lifestyle and was surprisingly tolerant of his affair
with Annik. Like a ghost, Curtis would come into
and out of her life, which wreaked havoc on their
marriage. After one of Curtis’ freaky appearances in
Deborah’s home, she’d finally had enough and asked
him for a divorce.
The onslaught of Curtis’ epilepsy gradually got
worse. If he took the medication, he was zonked
out. If he didn’t take his meds, his seizures would
leave him exhausted, crippling his mind for days. For
the disenfranchised youth of the 70s, Joy Division’s
songs expressed their dissatisfaction with moving
up into adult life. Control is a riveting trip into Curtis’
deluded life. His feeling of helplessness and the fear
of his own condition led to his suicide. Yet, he left
a legacy of material that has helped many young
people through their angst by helping them see how
suicide is never the answer. He had alternatives but
didn’t see them. Ironically, his songwriting talent was
his saving grace, but he was blinded by the darkness
within himself.
the Old English epic poem. When the young warrior
Beowulf (Ray Winstone) travels to a neighboring
kingdom and slays the monster Grendel
(Crispin Glover), he is hailed as a hero. But
before long, Beowulf must face an even deadlier
foe: Grendel’s mother (Angelina Jolie), who seeks
vengeance for the loss of her son. The film also
stars Anthony Hopkins as King Hrothgar, Robin
Wright Penn as Queen Wealtheow and John Malkovich
as Unferth. Rating: PG-13
DAN IN REAL LIfE A widower and father of
three who also writes a parenting advice column
for his local newspaper falls for the girlfriend
of his younger brother during a family vacation
in director Peter Hedges’ offbeat love triangle
laugher. Steve Carell stars as the writer who finds
his widely-known convictions put to the ultimate
test, with Dane Cook and Juliette Binoche respectively
assuming the roles of the younger sibling
and his radiant girlfriend. Starring: Steve Carell,
Juliette Binoche, Dane Cook, John Mahoney.
Rating: PG-13.
THE DARJEELING LIMITED Three American
brothers who have not spoken to each other in a
year set off on a train voyage across India with a
plan to find themselves and bond with each other
-- to become brothers again like they used to be.
Their “spiritual quest”, however, veers rapidly offcourse
(due to events involving over-the-counter
pain killers, Indian cough syrup, and pepper
spray), and they eventually find themselves
stranded alone in the middle of the desert with
eleven suitcases, a printer, and a laminating machine.
At this moment, a new, unplanned journey
suddenly begins. Starring: Owen Wilson, Adrien
Brody, Jason Schwartzman, Anjelica Huston.
Rating: R.
ENCHANTED Princess Giselle (Amy Adams)
lives in the blissful cartoon world of Andalasia,
where magical beings frolic freely and musical
interludes punctuate every interaction. Though
Princess Giselle is currently engaged to be married
to the handsome Prince Edward (James
Marsden), her fate takes a turn for the worse
when the villainous Queen Narissa (Susan Sarandon)
banishes her to the unforgiving metropolis
of New York City. As the cruelty of the big city
soon begins to wear down the fairy-tale exterior
of the once carefree princess, the frightened
Giselle soon finds herself falling for a friendly but
flawed divorce lawyer (Patrick Dempsey) whose
kind compassion has helped her to survive in this
strange and dangerous new world. Rating: PG
fRED CLAUS Dealing with family around the
holidays can suck -- especially when you’re Santa
Claus (Paul Giamatti) and your older brother
Fred (Vince Vaughn) is a a newly out-of-jail con
artist with a penchant for elf-tossing. Rating: PG
GONE bAbY GONE Two young private detectives
are hired to take a closer look at the mysterious
disappearance of a little girl and soon discover
that nothing is what it seems. Ultimately, they will
have to risk everything -- their relationship, their
sanity, and even their lives -- to find a little girllost.
Starring: Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan,
Ed Harris, Morgan Freeman, John Ashton. Rating:
R.
HITMAN An international assassin known only
as Agent 47 (Timothy Olyphant) carries out highprofile
hits for a mysterious organization known
only as “The Agency” in this adaptation of the
4
eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 9

popular Eidos Interactive video-game series. Rating:
R
MAMA’S bOY Jeff Daniels, Jon Heder, and
Diane Keaton star in director Tim Hamilton’s
domestic comedy concerning a slacker who finds
his status as man of the house challenged when
his single mother begins dating a self-help guru.
As the influence of youth gradually gives way to
the wisdom of age, the stage is set for a confrontation
from which only one side can emerge
victorious. Starring: Jon Heder, Diane Keaton, Jeff
Daniels, Anna Faris. Rating: PG-13.
THE MIST Frequent Stephen King collaborator
Frank Darabont teams with the celebrated horror
author once again for this tale of a terror based
on a story originally published in King’s 1985
horror anthology Skeleton Crew, and concerning
a small town engulfed by a malevolent mist.
When a thick fog descends upon a typical suburban
community and claims the lives of anyone
unfortunate enough to be caught outside, a small
band of survivors seeks refuge in a local grocery
store. Now trapped in a darkened cloud of pure
horror, the frightened denizens of the town are
forced to fend off an advancing horde of murderous
monsters. Punisher star Thomas Jane
heads up an ensemble cast that includes Andre
Braugher and Laurie Holden. Rating: R
MR. MAGORIUM’S WONDER EMPORIUM
What’s a 243-year-old, madcap inventor (Dustin
Hoffman) have to do to keep his magical toy
shop in business? Enlisting an enthusiastic young
manager (Natalie Portman) is a good start, but
there’s still a stuffy accountant (Jason Bateman)
trying to rain on their magic parade. Even so, our
money’s on the 243-year-old. Rating: G
NO COUNTRY fOR OLD MEN The story begins
when Llewelyn Moss (Josh Brolin) finds a pickup
truck surrounded by a sentry of dead men. A load
of heroin and two million dollars in cash are still
in the back. When Moss takes the money, he sets
off a chain reaction of catastrophic violence that
not even the law - in the person of aging, disillusioned
Sheriff Bell (Tommy Lee Jones) - can
contain. As Moss tries to evade his pursuers - in
particular a mysterious mastermind who flips
coins for human lives (Javier Bardem) - the film
simultaneously strips down the American crime
drama and broadens its concerns to encompass
themes as ancient as the Bible and as bloodily
contemporary as this morning’s headlines. Rating:
R
SAW IV Just when audiences thought they’d
heard the last of the demented killer Jigsaw
(Tobin Bell), here comes Saw IV, continuing his
trap-filled legacy -- this time, targeting the last
remaining officer who has touched the case,
SWAT Commander Rigg (Lyriq Bent). Starring:
Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Scott Patterson,
Betsy Russell. Rating: R.
THIS CHRISTMAS This year, Christmas with
the Whitfields promises to be one they will never
forget. All the siblings have come home for the
10 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper
4
three days, dozens of films
no reason to stay home
The International Festival of Cinema and Technology at
the Rusted Hinge
by kElliE abrahamson KAbrahamson1@aol.com
The Jacksonville Film Festival is still six months
away but that doesn’t mean you and I can’t enjoy
bingeing on indie cinema for days on end here
and now. The International Festival of Cinema and
Technology rolls into town this week, bringing with it
dozens of shorts from all over the world.
According to the IFCT’s website, the festival
started in 2002 in order to “gain exposure for the
‘undiscovered film.’” The event is held in cities all
over the world and features shorts on a wide variety
of subjects, created on a wide variety of formats.
This where the “Technology” part of the festival
comes in. At any given screening you could see one
movie shot on 35mm, and the next shot digitally.
This is the first year the IFCT will stop in Jackson-
AnAstAsiA
moongirl
ville, and our little town is one of only a handful of
cities on the 2007 schedule to have screenings on
multiple days in true film fest form. First HBO comes
to shoot here, now this. It looks like we’re inching
closer to reclaiming our “Winter Film Capital of the
World” title!
So, what can you expect to see at the IFCT this
weekend? Well, a little of everything. On Thursday
evening the festival opens with “Short Dramas:
Travels to Far off Lands,” where filmmakers from
Switzerland to Australia to the good ol’ USA will have
their characters either visiting new places or plotting
to do just that. From there you can see films with a
“Focus on Murder and Intrigue,” some microbudget
4

die mAid von hilltop
mAnor
films and experimental shorts. Friday will bring dramatic
shorts, psychological dramas and horror films.
There will also be a screening of comedies on Friday,
where you can see everything from an updated
re-imagining of Hansel and Gretel to one woman’s
quest for the perfect pair of shoes to a widower’s
accidental introduction to international drug trafficking.
The three-day festival wraps up on Saturday
with love stories, animated shorts, documentaries,
movies with a focus on family relationships, Sci-Fi
shorts, and dark and experimental films. If all those
movies aren’t enough to get you to come out to the
2007 IfCT Jacksonville Schedule
THURSDAY, DECEMbER 6 TH (5 PM-12
AM)
5 PM-6:30 PM Short Dramas: Travels to Far
off Lands
6:30 PM-8:15 PM Short Films: Focus on
Murder and Intrigue
8:30 PM-10 PM Short Shorts and
Microbudget Films
10 PM-11:30 PM Experimental Short Films
fRIDAY, DECEMbER 7TH (5 PM-12 AM)
5 PM-7:30 PM Dramatic Shorts
7:30 PM-9 PM Comedies
rAmA
IFCT, there will also be half-off drinks for all ticketholding
festival goers throughout the event and live
music on Friday night.
Between the cheap drinks, the free music and
the chance to support independent cinema, there’s
no reason to stay in this weekend! The International
Festival of Cinema and Technology will be held at
the Rusted Hinge at 9 th and Main (1850 N. Main St)
from Thursday, December 6 th to Saturday, December
8 th . Tickets for each screening are just $6 ($3 for
students). For more information on the IFCT and the
films that will be screened, visit ifct.org/jax.
9 PM-10:30 PM Psychological Dramas
10:30 PM-12 AM Thrillers and Horror
SATURDAY, DECEMbER 8 TH (1:30 PM-12
AM)
1:30 PM-3:30 PM Love Stories
3:30 PM-5 PM Animated Short Films
5 PM-6:30 PM Documentary Shorts
6:30 PM-8 PM Shorts: Family Relationships and
Dramas
8 PM-10:30 PM Sci-Fi Short Films
10:30 PM- 12 AM Dark and Experimental Films
first time in years and they’ve brought plenty of ba
gage with them. As the Christmas tree is trimmed
and the lights are hung, secrets are revealed and
family bonds are tested. As their lives converge,
they join together and help each other discover
the true meaning of family. Starring: Laz Alonzo,
Chris Brown, Columbus Short, Mekhi Phifer. Rating:
PG-13
TYLER PERRY’S WHY DID I GET MARRIED? A
big-screen adaptation of Perry’s hit stage play
of the same title, ‘Why Did I Get Married?’ is an
intimate story about the difficulty of maintaining
a solid love relationship in modern times. During
a trip to the picturesque snowcapped mountains
of Colorado, eight married college friends have
gathered for their annual seven-day reunion. But
the cozy mood is shattered when the group comes
face-to-face with one pair’s infidelity. As secrets
are revealed, each couple begins questioning the
validity of their own marriage. Over the course of
the weekend, husbands and wives take a hard look
at their lives, wrestling with issues of commitment,
betrayal and forgiveness as they seek a way forward.
Stepping in front of the camera for the first
time since ‘Madea’s Family Reunion,’ Perry stars
alongside a talented ensemble cast that includes
Janet Jackson, Malik Yoba, Jill Scott, Sharon Leal,
Tasha Smith, Michael Jai White, Denise Boutte and
Lamann Rucker. Rating: PG-13
SPECIAL SHOWINGS
Midnight Movies
HEIMA This is Sigur Rós’s first film, filmed over
two weeks last summer when the band undertook
a series of free, unannounced concerts in Iceland.
They hauled 40-plus people round 15 locations
to the furthest flung corners of their homeland for
their debut venture into live film, to create something
inspirational. ‘Heima’ features performances
of songs from all four Sigur Rós albums, many
radically reworked, as well as two exclusive new
songs in ‘guitardjamm’, which was filmed inside
an abandoned herring oil tank in the far west of the
country, and the traditional ‘a ferd til breidarfjardar
1922’, performed with poet Steindor Andersen.
‘Heima’ was directed by Dean Deblois, a long-time
fan of the band and director of the oscar-nominated
animated feature ‘Lilo & Stitch’, using an
Icelandic crew. Dec 7 and 8 at 11:55 pm at the
San Marco Theatre. Info: 396-4845 or sanmarcotheatre.com.
Laurel & Hardy Appreciation Society
The December meeting of the “Leave ‘em Laughing”
Tent, the Jacksonville chapter of The International
Laurel & Hardy Appreciation Society (a/k/a
Sons of the Desert) will be held Mon., Dec. 10,
6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Pablo Creek Branch Library,
13295 Beach Blvd. (between Kernan and Hodges
Blvds.) Free to all. Movies to be screened: the
1933 Popeye cartoon “Seasin’s Greetinks!” [yes,
the title’s spelling is correct], the silent Laurel
& Hardy short “Big Business” (1929), and the
Laurel & Hardy holiday feature film “March of the
Wooden Soldiers” (1934). For more info, readers
may contact Steve Bailey at 246-0312, or visit the
group’s website at www.leaveemlaughing.com
eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 11

12
netscapades
by brenton crozier
the sites you should already know about edition
It makes me feel a bit pompous to even present certain sites like they are going to be a discovery
for you, but I’m comfortable with that because I am a bit pompous. With that aside, it amazes me at
times when I make high-brow, hilarious Onion references and only receive a blank stare in return. “You
know, the Onion?” Geeze! Can I introduce you to this handy search engine, Google? Enough trying to
make the great unwashed feel badly about their daily web surfing deficiencies—let’s get down to business.
Now, you can make the references and deliver the cutting edge commentary at your next shindig.
Go, and be snide with confidence.
www.craigslist.org/about/best/all
Craig is the ultimate pusher man of Internet classifieds. From used furniture and instruments to
services and personal ads, it is all here in this vast virtual flea market. With so much traffic, myriad
postings and a put-just-about-anything-you-want-on-our-site approach, you know there are a multitude
of interesting tidbits just waiting to be discovered.
Postings that make the “Best of Craig’s List” are nominated by readers and, as the site states, may
be “explicitly sexual, scatological, offensive, graphic, tasteless, and/or not funny.” New additions are
made every couple of days and there are hundreds upon hundreds for you to enjoy during a little downtime
at work—or at home (if my boss is reading this).
Most people use this beneficial website to sell the things they no longer want or need (like 3 seat
sky blue sofa with only 2 cigarette burns) or reach out to others of like mindedness, but there is a certain
segment that sees the site as their soapbox. The rants dominate the “Best Of” list and there is good
reason . . . they are good-time hilarious!
A posting that caught my eye was one from Houston dated October 22 nd , 2007. This poster has
had enough with parents who do not exhibit proper school-dropoff etiquette, although you would think
that most of what the post has to say “would be self-evident behavior.” Basically, the entertaining tirade
(cleaned up for my adoring EU readers) states: get off your darn cell phones, stop prepping your
“$6.50 cup cream-moch-latte-whateverthefitis,” and don’t dress your kid in the car because “most of
us dress our kids at home.” It goes on with a special message for a couple of niche groups. The first
is to “Snoop-Dog.” The poster asks the individual driving the “1987 Corolla with the snap-on hubcap
spinners” to not defiantly get out of their car everyday to let their kid out. And lastly, a little love is given
to stay-at-home moms. “Do you have to talk to every other stay-at-home mom?” “You just talked to her
yesterday when you held us all up.”
This is an ocean of humorous rhetoric, but fish carefully, because some postings are simply not
funny and some are quite uncouth. A couple of my favorite headlines read, “To the gentleman who
called me a depreciating asset” and “Notes on flirting while bowling.” Enjoy!
www.theonion.com
I saved less room to discuss
the brilliance of The Onion because
it really should speak for itself. I’m
an obsessed fan of this group of
humorists and feel it my mission to share it with you. If you travel to New York City, you will see The
Onion newspaper available. Down here in Jacksonville, well you can subscribe, purchase their compilation
books or simply soak it in online.
The Onion has dubbed themselves “America’s Finest News Source.” Although this is satire at its
finest, that moniker may not be far from the truth with the absurdity of our media and their sometimes
sensationalist headlines and often trivial topics of newsworthy connation. The site offers the full range
of stories, from breaking news and politics to sports and opinion. The current headline story is “Lone
Gunman Envied by Married Gunman.”
You will appreciate The Onion because they have no agenda, don’t care about making a point and
they go after everything—nothing is too sacred or irreverent for these writers. A recent news headline
read, “Underfunded Schools Forced to Cut Past Tense From Language Programs.”
I look at The Onion daily—and laugh during every visit. Even if stories have not been updated, you
can search their archives to find a story on just about anything.
Enjoy these sites that should become staples of your web browsing. Always funny, assuredly biting
and quite often brilliant, the best of Craig’s List and The Onion are worthy of your sacred Favorites
folder.
december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper
videogames
Dear Santa edition
by Norm stovall normstovall@gmail.com
Dear Santa,
This year, I have been blessed with many videogames that have made me enormously happy. With
so many great games to choose from, I have hardly had the time to even play most of them all the way
through! My kids are really enjoying Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii, which I’m sure you know already.
We couldn’t wait till Christmas. I’ve just picked up Call of Duty 4: Modern Combat for my console of
choice to play by myself or with my friends online, as well. I mean if you aren’t going to get me that BB
gun, I just figured to hell with asking you for a war-based video game, I just picked it up myself.
Speaking of which, I picked up Resistance: Fall of Man for the Playstation 3 not so long ago as
well. My friend and I have had lots of fun shooting each other in the head with that one. It’s really great.
And up to 40 players in a match online!?! Jesus. (Sorry, sensitive subject, I know. It was meant as an
expletive.) You really should be more flexible on what you get the kids this year though, these games
help me get out those aggressive tendencies that build up at work. (Don’t tell my boss that I said that,
Brie is totally awesome.) Well except Manhunt 2 for the Wii and PS2, that game is way too violent for
the kids. Don’t give that to any of those bratty lil’ kids that ask for it. That “Mature” rating is on there for
a reason. Any sensible parent knows that. And besides, Santa, that game kinda sucks. No offense to
the elves or anything.
And another thing, I won’t be asking for Rock Band, either. That game is so awesome and all my
friends wanted to get together and play it so much, I just had to buy it at the store. Even though it’s only
available for the PS3 and the Xbox 360, I still think it’s great. It really brings us together as friends, and
my Mom is looking forward to trying out the singing parts of the game. Well, hopefully, anyway. All our
favorite songs are in there, from Creedence Clearwater Revival to The Clash to R.E.M., we are set for
life as far as music games are concerned! Well, because of that and the fact that collectively, between
friends and family, we have Guitar Hero 3 for the Wii, Xbox 360, PS2, PS3 and PC/Macintosh, and we
can even use our Xbox 360 Guitar Hero guitar controllers with the Xbox 360 version of Rock Band!
Yeah, we are definitely set there.
I would ask for an Xbox 360 Console, but as you probably read in the gift guide, they are inexpensive
as ever, and of course, I already had one at this time last year. Same with the Sony PS3 (thanks to
my Friends Tony and Adam hooking me up there, be sure to send them something extra nice this year.)
And you got me my Awesome Nintendo Wii last year as well, which still retails for 250 bucks, I use that
thing lots. And I made a Santa Mii just for you, so you can come play for a little bit after you find your
way down our chimney. I’ll leave the Wii Remotes sitting out.
Oh, and my Nintendo DS? Yeah, I went ahead and got Contra 4 for that, so no way I am I gonna
need a new handheld game. That game is pure, unadulterated action. My daughter is playing lots of
Zoo Keeper; it was on sale for 10 bucks at target, so I couldn’t resist. She just loves matching those
shapes, and it keeps her from making all that annoying music that she has so much fun doing with
Electroplankton. I hear the Call of Duty 4 game is great for the DS, but I already have the Console versions,
so don’t worry about that.
I know, I know, you are probably going to ask me about the PSP. Well, truth is, I don’t even have
one of those. You could get me one, sure, but I’m not asking you to. I mean, there are some great
games out these days, including Loco Roco for the whole family to enjoy, or Castlevania: Dracula X
Chronicles for my vampire hunting, arcade-style action needs. You could make a compelling argument
for that. Hell, there is even Final Fantasy: War of the Lions, which is apparently really great for strategy
game fans. But truth be told, I don’t need one. Because of all the games I have been playing, I haven’t
had the chance to get out much.
Here is what I’m getting at. Honestly Santa, what I really could use is a new pair of underpants.
And maybe some socks, too. Yeah, I’ve become a stereotypical gamer alright, and my wardrobe could
use some help. I’m not exactly a sight to behold.
Sincerely,
Norm Stovall

teching
through
the snow
gifts for the techie of the house
What would make Dad happier than a 32” plasma television and a
year’s worth of Direct TV? What would make junior happier than his own laptop
and having Clearwire wireless Internet installed in the house? Techie gifts are
far and wide and can range from fairly cost-effective iPod Shuffles and Tom
Tom GPS navigators to a whole home theater installed by Hoyt Stereo.
For those interested in the most expensive gift, we sent our shoppers
out to find the latest and greatest techie gift ideas. From new things on the
market to finding the game system that works best for your recipient, there is
plenty to learn and EU is here to do all we can. For instance, you can’t get the
latest and greatest high tech gifts without dealing with the big box stores, so we
tapped into our resident expert to get some good tips. Learn what you need to
know to make your last minute, high-tech shopping as successful as it can be.
the best of tech by kellie abrahamson
In this day in age everyone has some sort of electronic gadget on their wish list. But while
Uncle Joe may want a fancy new plasma screen TV, Aunt Betty may not know the best one
to get once she’s standing in that electronics store. Well, for all the Aunt Betties out there,
we’ve compiled a list of some of the best tech gifts available today. The recipient of any of
these cool gizmos is lucky indeed.
tvs
LCD:
Sony BRAVIA XBR, 70”- Yes, that’s right, a 70’’ LCD with a 22-watt speaker system including SRS TruSurround
XT and an extremely crisp picture. If you really want to go all out and pretend your living room is a
movie theater, this is the TV for you. Or you can drive to the movie theater in your brand new 2008 BMW 3-
Series. $32,299.98
Samsung LN-T3253H, 32”- This moderately priced LCD produces relatively deep blacks with fine shadow
detail, accurate color and slick styling. Lots of different picture controls and a bunch of features and inputs
like PC, HDMI and USB. The speakers are tucked away on the side. $1099.99
Olevia 32” 2 Series LCD HDTV- It may not be a sleek and sharp as the higher end LCD’s, but at less $500
it’s a one heck of a deal and the picture is better than the old tube TV you currently have. $479.99
Plasma:
LG 71” 1080p Plasma HD Monitor- (pictured to the left) This plasma monitor has an excellent picture and is
sure to impress anyone that comes over to your house. It does come with 2 built in speakers and additional
audio outputs for your surround sound system. However this is a monitor only, just like your PC, so you will
need a tuner of some sort like a cable box. $14,999.98
Pioneer Kuro PDP 5080HD- This 50-inch plasma TV displays an exceedingly deep shade of black with excellent
shadow detail, clean image, “smooth” video-processing and removable speakers. With one of the best
pictures you will get on a plasma, it will also impress with its sleek look. $3,499.99
Element 42” HDTV- Plasma on a budget. Definitely not the best that the plasma world has to offer but it does
but you can’t beat it for the price. It does come with a built in tuner, stereo speakers with simulated surround
sound and most of the bells and whistles you get with higher-end plasmas. $999.99
blu-ray & hd dvd
Samsung BD-P1400 Blu-ray Disc Player- This Blu-ray player features Dolby True HD audio and HDMI 1.3
interface. It also includes “DVD Up Conversion” which lets you improve the image quality of your old DVDs.
The Ethernet port allows you to get connected to the internet in order to receive upgrades as the format
evolves. $499.99
Toshiba HD-A3 HD DVD Player- This HD-DVD player features Dolby True HD, Digital Plus and DTS HD (core
only). It will also improve the quality of your old standard DVDs. This player is web-enabled which will give
you access to studio-provided HD DVD features, such as the latest movie trailers, downloadable ringtones,
interactive games, and music from the movie. $299.99
LG Super Blu High-Definition Multiplayer- If you are having a hard time deciding whether you want Blu-ray
or HD DVD, then this is the perfect player for you. Not only does this player allow you to use both formats,
4
eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 13

how to shop for electronics
at the big box stores by kevin dusinberre
So, you want to by some gadgets for Christmas this year but have no clue what to buy or how to go
about buying it, right? No problem. Chances are you are not alone. Many people just like you don’t know
where to start and are a bit intimidated by all the acronyms flying around these days, like MPBS, RAM,
and CMOS. Don’t worry, with a little help, you won’t have to pretend any longer.
The first problem you might discover is deciding where to go for all those new-fangled gizmos.
Which is better, Circuit City or Best Buy? Well, you have to ask yourself two very important questions,
“Which one is closer?” and “Do I prefer shopping in red décor or blue décor?” Other than that, both stores
are pretty much the same. Products, selection, prices, sales staff- they are all virtually identical.
“So, how do I educate myself, should I just saunter into a store and find a sales rep?” Well, yes,
but there are a few things you’ll need to know first to get the most out of it. First of all, sales people do
not work on a commission basis. They earn an hourly rate, and unless they’re participating in some type
of employee contest, they get nothing more than a pat on the back for their efforts, even if they sell you
$5000 worth of stuff. Second, because it’s now the holiday season, you will encounter a greater number
of seasonal employees who have only worked there for a few weeks. Try to find an associate who has
worked there for a few years, as they are most likely very knowledgeable. Find them and pick their brain.
They actually like it, and they get little satisfaction out of any other part of their job.
“Well, how do I know what to ask?” My suggestion is that you start from the top and work your
way down. Just because you aren’t interested in buying a $3000 television doesn’t mean you can’t take
a moment to learn why one costs $3000 while another costs $1000. Another helpful hint: When looking
at the price tags, you will notice a list of complicated specs on each model. Ask the associate what they
mean, because they may help you later if you choose to research further. Odds are, they’ll have an answer
waiting, and it opens up the conversation to more questions and understanding of your needs. For instance,
learning about contrast ratio on a television might remind you that you have a window across from
your entertainment center, and a feature such as that might improve your viewing. Or, learning about the
image stabilization feature on a video camera might clue you into the fact that most of your pictures will
be taken indoors, and having that feature would be useful. Without asking, you wouldn’t know how certain
features you’ve never even imagined might greatly benefit you.
“Now, what about warrantees and all the extra stuff they’ll try to sell me?” Remember, these folks
don’t make commission, but they are required to do a few things to keep their job, like offer warranties,
installation services and accessories. My first suggestion is to politely listen. It only takes a moment of
your time, and the associates appreciate it. They feel satisfied about fulfilling their obligation to the store,
and your patience makes the day go smoother for everyone.
“Should I buy the warranty?” Maybe. It depends on if you like the security of warranties and what
you’re buying it for. Both Circuit City and Best Buy have accidental coverage warranties on most items that
are pretty good. If you think you would have a heart attack or kill someone if you dropped whatever you
bought, then there’s your answer.
“Installation services?” Again, maybe. If you’re totally inept at computers or you want something
cool like your LCD mounted and done right, then go for it. Find out your best options though, as they will
most likely try to sell you a package of things. Packages can save you money, but make sure that you
need everything in it. There is usually a more discretely advertised lesser package that might suit you better.
“Accessories?” Yes. I typically recommend that you buy the necessary accessories at the time of
purchase. Most electronic items don’t come with the required accessories, and the reason is simple math.
They keep everything they can out of the box to keep its price down and make you more likely to buy it.
You have to keep these accessories in mind when you’re budgeting, because some items, like computers,
require accessories that can add up to as much as 30% of your total cost. But like before, let the sales rep
show you what you need. Chances are, you really do. It will more than likely save you time and money in
the long run.
You might ask, “Is it true that this same accessory costs less at Wal-Mart or Costco?” Sometimes,
however the items you find there are cheaper for a reason, and keep in mind you have to go to
Wal-Mart to get it. For me, it’s not worth the six bucks. And believe it or not, some items at Circuit City
and Best Buy are actually cheaper than Wal-Mart. Here are a few final tips:
If you find something you like, buy it early. Most electronics come from Asia, and when they are
gone, they are gone.
Both CC and BB have price matching guarantees, and it’s a great benefit for the informed consumer.
If another store is selling a product for less, they will give you back the difference in price within 14 or 30
days of your purchase, depending on the item and the store.
“What if I need to return my item?” Both Circuit City and Best Buy extend their return policies beyond
Christmas in the case of gifts. Most policies require that you produce a gift receipt to make a return
(which they might not tell you). Ask what their policy is and make sure that they print one out for you.
Don’t get pissed off. When it’s Christmas Eve and you are looking for an iPod Touch and they don’t
have one, calm down. After all, you waited until the last minute to make a pretty significant purchase. In
general, associates and managers will be more receptive to finding you a solution to any problem, including
product availability, if you are respectful and nice. There is usually a solution to your problem, so ask
what else they can do. If you throw a fit and threaten to take names and call corporate, you’ll only kill their
willingness to help. Plus, they won’t care about your threats, as any complaints taken from mid-November
to mid-January are taken about as seriously as a peacenik in the White House.
Finally, electronics are cool and exciting to both give and receive, and shopping for them should be,
too.
14 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper
you can also watch your old DVDs with better quality and listen to CDs. The LG Super Blu features a USB plug
which enables you to plug in your camera to view slideshows or plug in your favorite MP3 player and listen to
your favorite songs. All this for just $999.99.
mp3 players
iPods:
The iPod Touch- This iPod has a 3.5 inch widescreen
color display to watch your favorite
movies or videos. Just like the iPhone, it has
the multi-touch interface which allows you
to do all kinds of things from scrolling to
your favorite songs to zooming into your
pictures. It’s also Wi-Fi ready which allows
you to surf the web and watch funny
videos on You Tube. It comes in 2 different
sizes, 8GB $299 and 16GB $399.
The iPod Classic- If you’d rather have a hard
drive in your pants instead of a 3.5 inch display
then this is the iPod for you. With 80GB $249 or
160 GB for $349 and 40 hours of battery life, the
classic allows you to take your DVD and music collection
everywhere you go.
iPod Shuffle- The Shuffle is your standard, good ’ol reliable mp3
player that you take to the gym or to take your dog for a walk. It holds
up to 240 songs and 12 hours of battery life. This is the iPod you control
with one hand. $79
Other Players:
Archos 605 Wi-Fi- This portable MP3/video player has some of the features the iPod Touch has, like video
playback, touch screen, Wi-Fi and more. Not only does it have more space (30GB), it also has a larger display
screen (4.3”). The 605 will also allow you to record your favorite TV shows or home videos. $349.99
Oakley Split Thump- You read right, an MP3 player by sunglass gurus Oakley. With the Split Thump you get
sunglasses and an MP3 player in one. Who could ask for more? It holds up to 500 songs and has up to 7
hours of playback. Gives you the convenience of an MP3 player without the pain of tangled wires. $249
RCA 512MB MP3 Player- Portable music on a budget. This MP3 player is only $20 and will hold up to 120
songs. Nothing fancy, just an MP3 player with a display screen. It also comes with a neck strap for convenient
carrying.
MP3 Accessories:
Sennheiser PXC 450 Noise-Canceling Headphones- If you want to escape your surroundings, whether it be
a crowded bus or your annoying co-workers at the office, these noise-canceling headphones are your best
bet. They effectively reduce up to 90% of surrounding noises and are extremely light and comfortable. You
can purchase this leave-at-any-time vacation for $449.99.
mStation 2.1 Stereo Tower Speaker System for iPod- Tired of the same old table-top alarm clock-looking
docking station for your iPod? The mStation 2.1 gives you the convenience of docking station with the sound
and looks of a nice sound system. This system features dual 2” midrange drivers and a 5.25” subwoofer for
some boom. It can be easily positioned in any corner of your home or office with its slick design and includes
a 10-key remote control. $299
ionAudio Portable PA System with iPod Doc- This portable PA system allows you to have a traveling party.
Whether you want to plug in your electric guitar and jam out with your favorite artist or you want to do some
karaoke, this iPod dock is sure to get the party hopping. It also includes wheels and a retractable handle for
easy carrying. $269.99
digital cameras
Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR- The perfect camera for the average Joe that has a passion for photography.
It will cost you a pretty penny or two ($1,138.99 with a lens/ $999.99 for the body only). On automatic mode
the camera is a simple point and shoot but you also have the ability to switch to manual with all the features
of a standard SLR, like shutter speed, white balance and more. This camera includes a retouch menu that
allows you to trim images, red-eye correction, image overlay and several different filters.
Casio Exilim EX-Z1080 10.1 MP- This is a great camera for those who just want to take good pictures for fun
and memories. It also takes decent video perfect for online sharing. The camera has a 3x optical zoom, face
detection and 11.4 MB built-in memory. $249.99
Kodak EasyShare C613 6.2 MP- If you are looking for a good camera under $100 then this is the camera for
you. This camera features a 3x optical zoom, image stabilization (which reduces blur cause by movement),
video capture and more. The EasyShare is a great buy at just $93.99.

digital camcorders
Sony Handycam HDR-SR5 Hard Disk HD Camcorder- This camcorder does not require a tape or DVD;
instead it has a built-in 40GB hard drive. It records in high-definition or standard-definition, so next time it’s
your child’s birthday you can capture the blowing of the candles like an action scene. Includes other features
like 10x optical zoom, which give you the ability to capture 2.3 MP images right into a memory stick and
incredible stability control. When you are done filming your professional HD film, you can either upload it to
your PC or burn it straight to DVD using the One Touch Disc Burn button. $999.99
Panasonic Palmcorder VDR-D310 MiniDVD Camcorder- This camcorder records directly onto DVD-RAM,
DVD-RW, DVD-R DL or DVD-R discs. Features included are USB 2.0 interface, which allows you to transfer
videos and images directly to your pc. It also has 3CCD technology for crisp color reproduction and OIS.
This feature stabilizes the image before it reaches the CCD, which allows you to zoom in/out without blur and
shaking. You can also shoot still images with 3.1 MP onto an SD memory card. $699.99
Sony MiniDV Handycam Camcorder- Here we have an affordable digital camcorder with many features. It
records to a MiniDV and can be played back by connecting directly into the TV or you can upload the video to
your PC using a firewire cable. Some of the features include NightShot Plus Infrared, which allows you film in
low light, 6 different photo effects, 20x optical/800x digital zoom and Super Steady Shot Picture Stabilization.
$299.99
cell phones
iPhone (Carrier: AT&T)- A 3.5” widescreen video
player with 8GB memory that you can use to surf the
web via Wi-Fi. It also plays music, takes pictures with
its 2 MP camera and allows you to check your voice
mail like checking email. Oh, and did we mention that
it is also makes and receives calls? The iPhone will
supply you with just about everything you need in life
except for food and water, although you can always
use its Google map feature to find out where the nearest
restaurant or grocery store is. $399
HTC Mogul PPC-6800 (Carrier: Sprint)- This Smart
Phone features Windows Mobile 6,which includes
Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, PowerPoint Mobile, Windows
Media Player 10 Mobile, Outlook Mobile and
Internet Explorer Mobile. The phone also includes a 2
MP camera, MP3 Player, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and EV-DO
support. $299.99
Motorola W385 (Carrier: Verizon)- This phone is very similar to the Razor with a few differences. For starters,
the phone has superior call quality and is very user friendly. It’s a bit narrower and the keys have a bit of
texture making it easy to dial and text. It also has a camera, Bluetooth support and all the basic features you
would expect a camera phone to have. $184.60
gps units
Vehicle Navigation:
Garmin Zumo 550- Great for motorcycles, the Zumo has Bluetooth capabilities, an MP3 player (though memory
is sold separately), and a special motorcycle console that keeps track of your trip and tells you when it’s
time to fuel up again. If you’re like me and want your gadgets to match your paint job, this GPS also comes
with a custom cap in an assortment of colors. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery gives you up to four hours
of cordless use. $999.99
TomTom ONE XL-S- Looking for a GPS unit with some personality? In addition to all the bells and whistles
(4.3” touch screen, extremely accurate maps, 58 different languages to choose from, and Bluetooth capabilities),
the TomTom One XL-S also gives you access to celebrity voices. Just think about it: Burt Reynolds,
Gary Busey or Mr. T could give you directions to the nearest sushi restaurant. I pity the fool who doesn’t get
one of these for Christmas. $399.99
Magellan RoadMate 1200- With a 3.5” anti-glare touch screen, the RoadMate 1200 is both easy to see and
easy to navigate. The unit has a library of over a million points of interest and, if you’re like me and can’t
spell, it will spell-check your search to find the restaurant, hotel or gas station you’re looking for. With voice
guidance and pre-loaded maps, this GPS has everything you need to get you there. $229.99
Handheld:
Garmin GPSMap 76CSx- Great for taking on a boat, the 76CSx is water resistant (the thing will float if
dropped overboard) and includes a marine point database so you’ll never be lost at sea. The unit holds up
to 100 waypoints and has a battery life of 18 hours. The 2.6” color transreflective display allows you to
see even in direct sunlight. $589.27
Magellan Triton 500- With over 500 highly detailed topographic maps, the Triton 500 shows a lot more than
the average handheld GPS. The 2.2” color screen is easy to see and the simple menus make the unit very
user-friendly. This rugged, waterproof GPS also has an electric barometer, an electronic compass and the
SiRFstarIII chip, a highly sensitive antenna that gets a reliable signal in the deepest of woods. $249.99
Garmin eTrex Venture CX- This fairly basic handheld GPS is perfect for camping, hiking and boating. Preloaded
with maps of the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia and Oceania and a marine point database, you can
go just about anywhere with the Venture and know where you are. $199.99
other gadgets
SkyCaddie SG5 Golfer’s GPS- This little gadget will help you improve your golf game without having to pay
a professional instructor. The SG5 tells you the distance to your target and how far you hit each shot. It has
a full-color display screen and comes with a USB cable for downloading course data files. It is powered by a
built-in lithium-ion battery which last up to 14 hours. Calculates your distance to as many as 40 objects on
any hole and measures exactly how far you hit on each shot to guide your club selection. $429.95
Shaper Image Private Video Viewer- Remember when our parents used to tell us not to sit so close to the
TV? Well Mom, you’re really going to hate this little gadget. It’s a pair of glasses that you can plug into any
laptop, DVD player, TV, gaming console or music player, allowing you to have a virtual 48” LCD screen attached
to your head. It also includes a built-in lithium battery which allows you 3 hours of cordless viewing.
$399.95
Home Theater Watch TA457- I remember watching an episode of The Jetsons where Elroy is in school and
starts watching TV on his watch. Ever since then, I always dreamed of being able to do that. Apparently, the
future is now. Not only does this watch tell time, it also allows you to play music, view picture slideshows
and watch videos. It has an easy-to-navigate menu and looks like a normal watch with a durable rubber
watch band. $117.26
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eujacksonville.com |december 6-12, 2007 15

16 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper
console wars by norm stovall
Or, “You spent what on that damn thing?”
With Christmas fast approaching, now would be a good time to look into the pros and cons
of buying that videogame console your loved one(s) has been asking for. None of them are
exactly cheap, and some of them may be hard to find this time of year. So what do you do?
Wait till the last minute and hope to find it on eBay? Camp out at the game shop and wait for
the next shipment to come in? Well, I leave how to buy it up to you, but I don’t recommend
eBay unless it’s a last resort. I will, however, give you my informed opinion on the strong
points, weak points, and price points of today’s hot videogame consoles. I’ll leave the decision
making up to you.
sony playstation 3
This powerhouse of a game console just celebrated its first
birthday. While sales of the PS3 have been somewhat slow, according
to NPD reports and popular gaming websites, all is not lost
for Sony. Initially, the price of the console came as a shock, but
many people who were able to get past that have been rewarded
with some positively decent gameplay experiences. With games
like Ninja Gaiden Sigma, Resistance: Fall of Man, and Heavenly
Sword, older gamers will find their niche, and the Playstation network
features some fairly awesome downloadable games, though
the user base is still not quite big enough provide you with much
online competition for most of these titles. With the big releases,
you’ll have a lot more luck. Additionally, The PS3 functions as a
Blu-Ray disc player, which is also noteworthy if high-def movies
are your thing.
Another notable thing about the PS3 is the customization that
the console allows. With large hard drives available, you can easily
use your PS3 as a media center, to surf the web, or customize your
own menu screen with wallpapers and user-made themes. If you
are feeling bold, you can also install your own operating system on
the console, such as Yellow Dog Linux. I don’t recommend it for
the average user, but hey- if you are up for the challenge of getting
Linux up and running, it’s there, it’s supported and it’s totally legal.
The Playstation 3 is available at most retailers at $499 for the lowend
model, and $599 for the standard 80gb model.
xbox 360
The Xbox 360 really seems to be the most
popular choice for people who like to play modern
video games with online capabilities. Coming in second
in the sales charts, there is no shortage of great
games for the Xbox 360. With pretty much all the
genres covered, this console seems to have the upper
hand when it comes to selection of games, online
matchmaking, and downloadable content. Sure, the
other two consoles may have it, but Microsoft has the
formula down pat. Xbox Live Arcade is a download
service that allows you to download games directly
to your game console, and there are tons of great
games available with many more on the way. In addition
to downloads, a great library of games and a
robust online matchmaking service, the Xbox 360 also
offers movie downloads and online pay-per-view for
people who would like to check out new releases but don’t want to
mess with mail-in services or brick and mortar rental shops. Although the HD-DVD addon
costs extra, it is available if you are interested in watching HD movies on your game console.
Red ring of death, you ask? Yes, the Xbox 360 does have a little problem with breaking down from time
to time. Not so long ago there was an updateable firmware patch for the console that created a certain type
of hardware failure in many of the game consoles. It was a big deal and tons of game consoles have been
returned and replaced by Microsoft. In light of this, Microsoft has issued a whopping 2-year warranty on its
game console, which is pretty extensive when compared to the 90-day warranties provided by the competition.
The downside is that you may get the 3 red lights indicating that your game console has died and needs
to be sent in for repair, but Microsoft will replace it for free up to 2 years after your purchase, or after your
last repair, whichever comes first. Having said that, I still believe there is plenty of fun to be had with this con-

sole, and I get more use out of mine than I do with the other two consoles. The Xbox 360 sells from $279 to
$449, depending on the configuration.
nintendo wii
Nintendo has always been a household
name, and though the Playstation name may
have overshadowed Nintendo for a good bit,
they are back and stronger than ever with
their new, revolutionary game console. The
Nintendo Wii is something of a phenomenon,
as the console is considerably less powerful
compared to the other two major game consoles.
But what it lacks in power, it more than
makes up for in functionality. The Nintendo
Wii’s main draw is actually in the game controller
itself. With a TV Remote-styled design,
the Wii remote contains motion sensing capabilities
and a tiny little speaker, and rumble
function to provide a uniquely entertaining
game experience. In games such as Wii Tennis,
you will swing your remote like a tennis racquet to
hit the ball on screen and tiny sounds will come from the speaker when the
ball connects. Most retail games released for the console use these controls in some way. In
addition to retail games, the Wii also offers games for download in the form of classic console games from
retired consoles. You can find a huge selection of games to purchase online from consoles including the NES,
Super NES, Sega Genesis, and the Neo Geo platforms.
The Console itself provides an interesting menu system comprised of “Channels”, providing many different
levels of functionality for the console. Right off the bat you will want to create the virtual version of
yourself with the Mii Channel. If you are connected to the Internet, you have access to channels such as
weather, news provided by the Associated Press, and the Internet channel. You can shop for games on the
Shopping channel, trade and compare user-created Mii characters on the Check Mii Out channel, and vote on
randomly issued questions on the Everybody Votes channel. Even without a specific game to play, you can
still have fun on the Wii. Since the Wii is considered to be the most family-friendly console, and it can connect
to the Internet, its good to know that the console provides plenty of safeguards to keep the little ones out
of serious trouble. The Wii console makes a log of how much time each application is used, and to play many
online games with friends, you will need a numerical friend code from the other user. Older players may find
this off-putting, but parents will certainly see the value.
Unfortunately, many of the games available for the Wii are either watered-down versions of games
from other consoles, completely terrible, or are just plain frustrating to play due to the bad implementation of
motion controls. It should be known however, that the best games available for the console are some of the
greatest games of all time, so be sure to talk to your retailer to find out what games are right for you and your
loved ones. The Nintendo Wii retails at $249.99.
shopping staples
your local shopping malls
There are tons of places to shop in our enormous city. Last week, we provided a guide to
some of the area’s most popular locally owned shops, but this week we thought we’d focus
on the more traditional avenues, places like the Avenues Mall. Of course everyone is talking
about Town Center, so we have included them, and there are plenty of spots we didn’t have
the room to cover, like the outlet malls in St. Augustine, but we did our best to let you know
what you can expect from the area shopping malls within the city limits of Jacksonville (and
even a little into Clay County) so dig in and get shopping. Tis the season for maxing out
credit cards, so shop away!
the avenues mall
compiled by erin thursby, kellie abrahamson, debbie
ricks, hilary johnson, morgan henley and rick grant
The Avenues Mall is a great mall for a rainy day! I am sure that’s exactly what they don’t want to hear
people saying about them, with the new outdoor mall taking a lot of the glitz and glam away. But honestly,
it’s a great indoor mall. It offers many wonderful shopping opportunities, many of which, can’t be found anywhere
else in Jacksonville. And if you’re looking for gifts, this is a great place to go.
Delias, typically known for its catalogue and not for its store, has made a home at the Avenues. They
offer a huge selection of edgy T-shirts for the teenagers (or those of us still young at heart) among other nifty
items.
The Avenues Mall offers such a wide array of stores to choose from that it’s absolutely impossible to go
there and not find something worth giving (or getting). Plus, when the weather isn’t right, they’ve got a great
covered parking lot. Just expect a small wait for those choice parking spots and you will be good to go!
regency square mall
A forgotten favorite for many, this mall is a very viable and unique option in your holiday shopping endeavors.
Regency Square is the place to go for the hottest sneakers, the cheapest trendy clothes and has the
best Old Navy in the city proper. The parking is a relief compared to the St. John’s Town Center and its one
story structure is also a benefit.
If you’re looking for sneakers that every average Joe doesn’t have, Regency is at your aid. The Finish
Line, Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, World Foot Locker, Champs, Footaction, Journey’s and Underground
Station are all bound to offer you some sort of tennis shoe you are interested in. Although the shoe stores are
spread from one end of the mall to the other, it is worth your while to check out all of them.
The Finish Line and World Foot Locker normally have a very nice sale selection, offering many styles
at very low prices. If you’re the casual sneaker wearer or the first in line for the latest Nikes, Regency is the
place to go. Another major appeal of the Regency Square Mall is its various stores that cater to the young and
trendy. The popular chains Forever 21 and Charlotte Russe offer stylish and casual clothes that are known for
normally lasting as long as the trend it emulates; not very. But at such low prices, this is not a problem for
those looking for something stylish to wear for a season. These stores are also complemented by the various
women’s shoe stores around the mall that feature cheap trendy shoes.
The Old Navy at the Regency Square Mall can’t be beat. It’s much larger than the St. John’s Town
Center store and is way more convenient than the one at the River City Marketplace. It’s a one-stop shop
for the family, with offerings for young, old, male, female, and canine. The sale section is normally a little
unkempt, but is worth while to browse through on the way to the dressing room. Old Navy also offers almost
any clothing one would need, sleepwear, casual wear, business wear, and outerwear.
river city marketplace
The region’s newest “lifestyle-oriented town center mall,” River City Marketplace opened last year, off
I-95 on the Northside near the Airport and near a proposed Commuter Rail Stop that will ferry people from
Downtown Jacksonville to the Northside and Airport. Developer Rambo-Gershenson Properties Trust boosts a
portfolio including 84 shopping centers throughout the United States. Rambo-Gershenson won a Master Planning
Award from the Florida Planning & Zoning Association for its River City Marketplace design.
Phase I includes large retail chains – Michael’s, Old Navy, Super Wal-Mart, PetSmart, Lowe’s, Office
Max, and Circuit City. Like the St. Johns Town Center, the River City Marketplace is set up with a main street
shopping area with walkable streets, a traditional power center, and upscale restaurants. The Center serves
the Northside quadrant, Amelia Island, and Nassau County residents.
st. johns town center
Those seeking the center of the upscale-big brand shopping universe here in Jacksonville should be
shopping at the St. Johns Town Center, especially since the oh-so high-end stores of Phase II have opened.
Ladies, it’s time to start hinting about that Coach or Louis Vuitton bag you’ve always wanted. It’s all
right there in Phase II. If you’re fan of Betsey Johnson, it’s time to start mentioning that they offer gift certificates.
Men who like magnets and lodestones, head over to Sharper Image. Spouses and girlfriends, pay
attention to what gadgets they’ve had their eye on.
So far my favorite store in the Town Center this holiday season has been Urban Outfitters, a hip but well
priced store in the new Phase. You’ll find stuff there you won’t find anywhere else—a screen printer, books on
cooking with Mary Jay, nostalgic coffee table books featuring Audrey Hepburn, kitschy-but-cool ornaments,
nifty jewelry, graphic art and fisheye cameras. It’s a gifting bonanza!
Another new store worth checking out, for your stocking stuffer needs and beyond, is Mori Luggage.
While they do carry full sets of well appointed luggage, it’s the other items that might catch your eye, such as
their Monte Blanc pens (they sell refills as well), a table top billiards table, a marshmallow roaster and other
unique items. The strangest was a minute teddy bear seated at a piano. He comes with a hat rack filled with
various hats. Each hat you place on the bear’s head causes him to play a different song.
st. john’s town center, north
If you’ve only been as far as the DSW or the PetsMart in the Town Center, then you’re missing a whole
other section: St. John’s Town Center North, which is made up of mostly local retailers. Anchors in this lot
include Publix and Total Wine & More. Most of the places in this section of the Town Center aren’t part of a
franchise or a chain, despite the presence of a Publix and yet another Starbucks.
The majority of the stores are like Villa Vita, a longtime retailer in the San Marco area, which relocated to
the Town Center. The store sells home décor items, among other things, most of which come from Italy. From
beautiful Salvati handblown Venetian glass, to Vietri pottery, the store has plenty of items to give your home
rich Italian flair. They sell high-end espresso machines, as well as small gift items, such as whimsical wine
cork stoppers. I love their Italian glass jewelry. They also sell Vatican jewelry. Each year artists are allowed
4
eujacksonville.com |december 6-12, 2007 17

18 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper
to take a limited peak into the Vatican’s treasures. The artists copy the
precious jewelry and bric-a-brac in costume jewelry form. It’s a great
gift for the kids to get Grandma or Mom, because they’re so reasonably
priced.
Villa Vita is just one of 10 local boutique style stores in the Town
Center that are run and owned by Jacksonville women. Serendipity,
another local retailer, sells all sorts of gift worthy items such as Jim
Shore figures, small prints by local artists and paper goods. I bought
four of their hand-painted tiny martini glass ornaments as a gift. The
Town Center North fits the needs of moms and moms-to-be with a
maternity clothing store called Incognito, a kid/baby furniture store
named Baby Emma and a children’s clothing boutique called Kyds.
St. John’s Town Center North is the 4 th light down on the Town
Center Road.
argyle village (orange park)
Although not sexy or new, Argyle is a small hub of stores just inside of Orange Park where Blanding
meets I-295. Stores include Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Micheal’s, TJ Max, Jo Ann’s arts and crafts, Babies R
Us, Sun Gallery Tanning, Merle Norman, and Beauty Outlet, a full service salon. There is also some good
shopping across Blanding from the Argyle Village. The traffic can get nasty, but there is plenty of parking and
it’s still better than the traffic around the Orange Park Mall.
oak leaf (orange park)
The newest shopping center in town is designed much like St. Johns Town Center and River City Marketplace.
Most of the shops are still under construction. Stores open and ready for business are Kohls, Home Depot,
Target and Famous Foot Wear.
orange park mall (orange park)
Villa Vita
The Orange Park Mall, located on the corner of Wells Road and Blanding Boulevard, is like any other
suburban shopping arena you may come across. The usual big-name department stores stand proudly at
each end and a 400-seat food court serves mall food somewhere in the middle. In between, stores like American
Eagle Outfitters and Bath & Body Works have stood the test of time while chains like Aeropostale are just
now taking hold.
While Core used to rule the day, now Hot Topic is the big draw for teens looking to buy band shirts.
NASCAR fans can get the latest apparel, fridge magnets, beer coozies, clocks, parking signs, and mugs
at RiverCity RaceFans while those who prefer the NFL can go buy a new jersey at Football Fanatics. Prefer
something sparkly? Over a dozen jewelry stores, from Claire’s to Kay, found throughout the floor plan. The
only toy store in the Orange Park Mall is Animal Factory, but children’s apparel can be found at GapKids,
Old Navy and The Children’s Place. A nice, but usually crowded play area is a good place for kids to unwind
after a long day of shopping. The mall also features an AMC 24, in case Mom and Dad need a time out from
checking out too.
The Orange Park Mall has all the standard offerings you might expect and one or two unique stores to
explore. Still, with over 120 shops, this classic shopping destination is bound to keep you busy for at least an
afternoon, two if you walk really slow.
incognito

eujacksonville.com | december 6 - 12, 2007 19

holiday
events
get out your date
books, there is a lot
to do this season
MOSH’S AnnuAl WreAtH AuctiOn Looking for that perfect touch to welcome visitors to your door? Bid
on festive holiday wreaths of all kinds during the Annual Wreath Auction. Through Dec 18 during museum
hours at MOSH, Info: 396-MOSH
AnnuAl DOWntOWn FeStivAl OF treeS Running now through January 5 th at the Main Library, the Junior
League of Jacksonville is proud to announce the 2007 Festival of Trees. Guaranteed fun for the young
and young at heart will be found downtown, as the library is transformed into a magical playground. Visit
jlweb.org/Jacksonville for specific events, related to the Fest. The Festival of Trees will kick off with ArtWalk.
The Night of Lights party will be held on Friday, Dec. 7 th from 7-10 pm. Tickets for Night of Lights are $50,
Children’s Story Time and Craft Hour & Holiday Lecture Series will also be held throughout the month. Main
Library, 303 North Laura Street. Info: juniorleagueofjax.org or 904-387-9927.
St. JOHnS cOunty FeStivAl OF treeS The third-annual St. Johns County Festival of Trees will display of
over 65 trees and wreaths decorated by area companies, organizations, families and friends. Opening night
includes a celebratory ribbon cutting, kids’ cookie decorating, an appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus
and performances by The Village Church choir. Nov 30 - Dec 9 at the St. Johns County Convention Center at
the World Golf Village. Info: (904) 940-4010 or wgv.com
A cHriStMAS cArOle At tHe HippODrOMe November 23 rd -December 24 th (adapted by Mary Hausch)
Gainesville has traditions too, and the Hippodrome’s 30th Annual Production of A Christmas Carole is one
of them. Join Scrooge, the Cratchits and all the usual ghosties. Dazzling special effects have made this a
popular holiday “thing” down in the land of the Gators. Info: (352) 375-HIPP or thehipp.org Location: The
Hippodrome, Gainesville, FL
FirSt cOASt Winter ligHtS in clAy cOunty A drive-thru light display, ice skating, drive in movies and
more at the Reynolds Park Yacht Center in Green Cove Springs through January 1.
nigHtS OF ligHtS More than two million tiny white lights will glow along the ancient streets and historic
buildings of the Nation’s oldest city as the 14th Annual Nights of Lights celebration sparkles to life in Downtown
St. Augustine through Jan. 31.
Winter WOnDerlAnD Slide into a Winter Wonderland at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre and test your
skills on a large ice skating rink while it really snows, visit the elf village and see Santa Claus himself! Enjoy
sleigh rides through lit nature trails, holiday shopping, children’s storybook readings, s’mores on an open fire
and Theatre St. Augustine’s performance of O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre
at select times through January 6 th . 1340 A1A South, Info: 904-471-1965 or staugamphitheatre.com.
liMeligHt tHeAtre: SAntAlAnD DiArieS From the humiliating interviews and elf indoctrination to
scrapes with miscast Santas and obnoxious customers, enjoy David Sedaris’ account of being a Macy’s elf
as performed by local actor Ian Mairs at Limelight Theatre’s New Studio Theatre, Nov. 29 –Dec. 8, 2007. Info:
(904) 825-1164
AlHAMbrA’S A cHriStMAS cArOle November 30 - December 23. To be a true Jacksonvillian you have
to see Alhambra version of this old favorite. It has been around for than twenty years. This production, based
on Charles Dickens’ classic story, brings to life one of literatures most famous penny-pinchers, Ebenezer
Scrooge. Whether you celebrate Christmas, or just like a good ghost story, Christmas Carole is fun for
the entire family. It’s a memorable, musical voyage to Victorian England to find out how a miserly skinflint
discovers the true meaning of Christmas in a most unusual way. Info: (904) 641-1212 or 1-800-688-7469
Tickets: $39-46, includes dinner and show. Location: Alhambra Dinner Theatre
20 december 6-12, 2007| entertaining u newspaper
it’S A WOnDerFul liFe Thomas M. Sharkey did a wonderful thing when he took one of America’s favorite
holiday film classics and wrote this touching and heartfelt play. Capra would be proud! Players by the Sea,
November 30, December 1,2,7,8,9,14,15. Info: (904) 249-0289
FOgle Fine Art HOliDAy SHOW Be unique! Visit Fogle Fine Art & Accessories annual holiday show for
inspirational decorating ideas. Displays feature trees, ornaments and other festive accessories. Located at
3312 Beach Blvd, M-F 10-6, Sat 10-4, Info: foglefineart.com.
2007 gingerbreAD HOuSe extrAvAgAnzA This special holiday event features a gingerbread village that
includes versions of Jacksonville landmarks. Tickets are $2 – 5 donations benefiting the Ronald McDonald
House, HabiJax and other local charities. Jacksonville Historical Society, 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd from
11am to 6pm. Info: 739-000 ext. 116 or www.rotarycharity.org
FirSt cOASt WinD enSeMble: HOliDAy cOncert Celebrate the season with the FCWE and special
guests, the Don Thompson Chorale, in this popular annual concert of holiday favorites! Dec 6 at 7:30 pm in
the Terry Concert Hall.
JSO: FirSt cOASt nutcrAcker December 7 th at 8 pm, December 8 at 2 pm & 8 pm December 9 at 2 pm.
Even though there might not be live music because of the conflict between the board and the musicians, the
Nutcracker is still scheduled to go on, albeit with recorded music instead of the orchestra. Location: Jim and
Jan Moran Theater, at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts Info: 904-354-5547
MiDDleburg cHriStMAS ligHteD pArADe An Annual event not to be missed. Santa Claus will be seen
in the Civic Building from 5 to 6:30 PM on December 8 th . Info: middleburgcivicassociation.com or 904-282-
3150 or 904-955-4904
tHe cOMMunity nutcrAcker Saturday, December 8th at 2 pm & 8 pm. Our Community Nutcracker has
been captivating spectators for over a decade. This production is a hometown Jacksonville specialty that will
capture your imagination and get you into the holiday mood. They always bring in pro dancers for the main
roles, but you’ll get to see dozens of adorable area kids dance. This production is very community and kid
friendly. Ticket Price: $33.50, $29, $23 ($2 discount for students, seniors and military) Location: Florida Theatre
Info: 904-355-2787
AMAHl AnD tHe nigHt viSitOrS On December 7-9 2007 at 8 pm UNF Opera Ensemble presents Amahl
and the Night Visitors by Gian-Carlo Menotti. Tickets: $12 Location: Recital Hall, University of North Florida
Info: (904) 620-2878
cHriStMAS cOncert The Friday Musicale Chorus presents a Christmas Concert on December 7 th at 11
am. Location: Friday Musicale, 645 Oak Street Info: fridaymusicale.com/ or 904-355-7584
An O. Henry cHriStMAS Based on classic O. Henry stories, The Last Leaf and The Gift of the Magi, captures
the true spirit of giving. Performanceswill be December 7, 8, 14, 15, 16. Location: Adele Grage Cultural
Center Info: 904-249-7177
tubA cHriStMAS Tuba players will play Christmas carols in 4-part harmony on December 8 th at the Jacksonville
Landing Info: 904-269-9819
14 tH AnnuAl HOliDAy tOur OF beD AnD breAkFASt innS Tour St. Augustine’s historic Bed and Breakfast
Inns, all decorated in Holiday finery. In addition to being able to enjoy each Inn’s dazzling Christmas season
displays, tour participants will be able to enjoy taste treats throughout the Holiday Tour: Each inn unites
with one of St. Augustine’s leading restaurants and confectioners, who serve complementary samples. The
tour takes place from 2 to 5 pm December 8 –9, each day; half of the inns welcome visitors on Saturday, and
half on Sunday. Info: 904-543-0783
keyStOne HeigHtS ligHteD cHriStMAS pArADe The parade starts at the Lions Club at 6 pm on December
8 th . It will proceed east on Peach Street and then north on Lawrence, thru the city to Flaming Street.
Floats will be lit. Info: ltcnht@yahoo.com or 352-478-9356
cHilDren’S MirAcle netWOrk FligHt beFOre cHriStMAS Enjoy an evening of music at a concert by
Aire Traffic on December 8th. The concert takes place at 7 pm at the newly redesigned St. Augustine Amphitheatre.
The concert will provide attendees with the classic ambiance of an outdoor concert while capturing
the holiday spirit. Aire Traffic is comprised of air traffic controllers who incorporate a mix of jazz, horns, keyboards,
drums, and of course, an aeronautical theme. Attendees of all ages will enjoy the story line of good
‘Ole St. Nick traveling from the North Pole to St. Augustine to visits the children in attendance. Location: St.
Augustine Amphitheatre Info: 904-202-2900
HOliDAy lecture SerieS Topics include “Setting a Festive Table” “Fun and Festive Food” and “Creating a
living Wreath.” Lectures run on December 8 th & 15 th 11 am- 12 pm. Location: Main Library. Info: 904-387-
9927
cHAbAD’S cHAnukAH At tHe lAnDing Enjoy the lighting of the 13ft tall Menorah and music at 4 pm on
December 9 th .
HAnDel’S MeSSiAH On December 9 th enjoy a multitude of local talent when the St. Augustine Community
Chorus presents their annual performance of excerpts from Handel’s Messiah. The concerts will be performed
at 3 and 7:30 p.m. at the Memorial Presbyterian Church, 36 Sevilla Street. A $5 freewill offering is
requested at the door. Info: 904-829-6451.

pet pHOtOS WitH SAntA Bring your furry friends to have their picture taken with Santa this holiday season
on December 9 & 16! Location: St. Johns Town Center Info: 904-642-8399
A Merry MArket- preSenteD by SeASiDe MuSic tHeAter AnD JuniOr leAgue OF DAytOnA beAcH
On Saturday, December 10 th from 1:00 - 8:00pm finish (or begin) your holiday shopping with some of
Daytona’s BEST specialty vendors including: Bath & Body Shop, Chez Réne, Create a Book For Me, Dancing
Dragonfly’s, Designs by Roseann (hand-painted items), Elements of Design, Fishermen’s Chocolates, Hot
Flash Sleepwear, Mary James Clothing for Children, Tastefully Simple Tupperware, TYP Designs (hand-made
jewelry & jeweled serving ware), and more! Bring the kids from 1-5pm for pictures with Santa, face painting,
and a special holiday activity area! Info: 386-226-1936.
A peter WHite cHriStMAS FeAturing rick brAun & MinDi AbAir On December 12 th , Contemporary
jazz guitarist and keyboard player Peter White performs with trumpeter Rick Braun and saxophonist, vocalist
and composer Mindi Abair. Rick Braun specializes in smooth, contemporary jazz. Rising sax star Mindi Abair
is best know for her featured roles on sax and percussion on tour with the Backstreet Boys. Her blend of contemporary
jazz laced with R&B, soul and pop melodies, her sparkling energy and a truly personal approach
make her live concerts truly unique. Location: Florida Theatre Jacksonville Info: 904-355-2787
FlOriDA bAllet nutcrAcker December 14 th at 7:30 pm, December 15 th at 2:30 & 7:30 pm and December16
th at 3 pm. Enjoy the Florida Ballet’s rendition of The Nutcracker. The Florida Ballet is first and foremost
a company of professional dancers, so expect some exquisite ballet. Location: Florida Theatre Info: 904-355-
2787
cOncert cHOir HOMe FOr tHe HOliDAy pOpS December 14, 15 & 16, Celebrate the sights and sounds
of the holidays, as Jacksonville audiences of all ages enjoy the most wonderful time of the year. The Jacksonville
Symphony Orchestra and the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus will bring home sparkling melodies, a cozy
atmosphere and heartwarming joy with musical gems for the season Show times are as follows- December
14 at 8 pm, December 15 at 3 pm and 8 pm, and December 16 at 7:30 pm Tickets: $25-$65 Location:
Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts Info: 904-346-1636 or
jaxchildrenschorus.com
yule SliDe Trombone players play Christmas carols on December 15 th at 10 am. (registration at UNF),
12:30 performance (St. Johns Town Center) Info: 904-620-3841
breAkFASt WitH tHe cAre beArS AnD SAntA Join jolly St. Nick, Sleepytime and Cheer Bear for a
breakfast buffet from 8 am-10 am on December 15 th . Followed by a free meet & greet. Breakfast Buffet -
$9.99 per person Breakfast Buffet plusone attraction - $12.99 per person Location: Adventure Landing Info:
adventurelanding.com/jaxbeach/
tHe cHilDren’S cHriStMAS pArty OF JAckSOnville On Saturday, December 15, 2007, The Children’s
Christmas Party of Jacksonville will continue to fulfill the Christmas dreams of over 10,000 children in Northeast
Florida. If you are interested in supporting this important event and making a difference in the lives of
Jacksonville youth, please consider a personal or corporate donation. Location: Prime Osborn Info: ccpoj.
org/hych.html
2nD AnnuAl xMAS bAll Hard rockin’ Porcelain Black, Sam Rivers an Tef XL will play at this event to benefit
Toys for Tots on December 15 th at 9 pm. Location: The French Quarter Info: myspace.com/frenchquarterjax
Dr’S lAke & SWiMMing pen creek ligHteD bOAt pArADe Whitey’s Fish Camp will be hosting the 5th
annual lighted boat parade on December 15 th at 6 pm. Locations: Whitey’s Fish Camp Info: 904-269-4198
18 tH century cHriStMAS cArOling On Saturday, December 15 th , relive the wonderful and rich history of
St. Augustine at Christmastime with an evening of Family Fun. The 18th Century Christmas Caroling will begin
with a musical prelude of Christmas music on a hammered dulcimer and violin in the center of the Plaza de
la Constitucion at 6:30 p.m. Song sheets with the familiar words to 10 Christmas carols written before the
1800’s will be provided. Candles and songbooks will be available. The singing of the carols and the procession
down St. George Street will begin at 7 p.m. and will end at the Castillo de San Marcos where a Merry
Christmas and good night will be wished for all. Location: Plaza de la Constitución. Info: 904-797-9772
cOuntry cHriStMAS cOncert Callahan Auto Sales is proud to announce the second annual Country
Christmas Concert to be held in Callahan, Florida on Saturday, December 15 th , from 6:00pm – 10:00pm,
at the West Nassau High School Auditorium. The concert will be a “free event” for the community and will
feature live entertainment provided by host Ray Williams, Roger Hawk and the Dixie Angel Band, Liz Mobley,
Robin Kinsey, John Crisp, Steve Branch, and Ashli Holton. Everyone is invited to attend. Info: contact Ray
Williams (904) 879-4585 or Liz Mobley (904) 813-9580
interMezzO Free SunDAy cOncertS A concert of seasonal musical favorites arranged for clarinet choir
on December 16 th 2:30 pm. Location: Main Library, 303 North Laura Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32202-
Hicks Auditorium (Conference level)
JAckSOnville SyMpHOny yOutH OrcHeStrA “SOunDS OF tHe SeASOn” tArget FAMily SerieS
On December 16 th at 3 pm you can take in a concert from the Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra Philharmonic
has become a holiday favorite for young audiences. The JSYO is made up of our area’s premier
young musicians, performing inspiring and delightful concerts, engaging the community and spreading holiday
cheer, too! Thanks to the generous partnership with TARGET, all general admission tickets are $7.
Tickets: General Admission: $7; Reserved: $20 Adult, $18 Child. Location: Robert E. Jacoby Symphony Hall
at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts Info: (904) 354-5547 or jaxsymphony.org.
A nigHtMAre beFOre cHriStMAS Five pOintS HOliDAy SHOW 8th Day Tattoo Gallery will host the 5
Points event at Fuel Coffee House to benefit local charity organizations on December 16th at 7 pm. All proceeds
will be donated to Toys for Tots, Bosom Buddies and the Jacksonville Humane Society. The line-up will
feature short-films by 3M Productions, a comedy performance by Joel Land, a surprise musical guest, and
silent auction. Various works of art by local artists will also be on display throughout the venue. Highlighted
artists include: Shawn Thurston, Jason Wright, Nick Wagner, Rod Crews, Kyle Miller and many more. Dress in
costume or masquerade in the style of Nightmare Before Christmas, bringing Halloween back in the month of
December. It’s $10 at the door or $5 with a toy. Location: Fuel
A cHriStMAS cArOle At tHe FlOriDA tHeAtre December 21 st at 7:30 pm. You know the story: Ebenezer
Scrooge, a most unrepentant, miserly fellow, is made to see the light as he survives a merciless battery
of revelations by the ghosts of his own Christmases: Past, Present and Future. In the Florida Theatre version,
superb sets have been specially designed by the celebrated scenic designer, Larry Kaushansky (formerly
Lazar Michailovich Kaushansky), for many years Russia’s reigning set and costume design genius. Tickets
run from about $24-38. Info: (904) 355-2787 or floridatheatre.com Location: The Florida Theatre, Downtown
tHe nigHtMAre beFOre cHriStMAS SHOW WitH ObituAry, SADuS, pAin principle AnD FrOM
blOOD AnD burning Christmas doesn’t have to filled with holiday cheer. Take a break from all that on December
21 st at 8 pm. Location: The French Quarter
cHriStMAS pArty Just $5 get you in the door for the Christmas Party at House of Jam on December 22 nd .
MurrAy Hill tHeAtre AnD SecOnD tHieF preSent: tHe cHriStMAS SHOW!! From metal core to
indie pop, you’ll be sure to find at least one band you like at this show. Each band will play their versions of
at least 1 or two Christmas songs on Saturday, December 22 nd at 8:00 pm Featuring Second Thief + Lots of
bands- $8 Location: Murray Hill Theatre Info: murrayhilltheatre.com/schedule.htm
nigHtMAre beFOre cHriStMAS FeAturing: Devereux AnD gueStS Get away from tinsel and holiday
mirth by changing things up a bit at Jack Rabbits on the 23 rd of December. Location: Jack Rabbits
Winter breAk The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will celebrate the New Year with music from around the
world from December 26, 2007-January 6, 2007. Kids will love the giant inflatable slide, bounce house, face
painting, animal encounters, prize drawing, and visits from Jazoo. Location: Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
Info: jaxzoo.org
eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 21

dish.
where to eat, drink and be merry.
page 22 - 23 matthew’s market | page 23 prepared foods
page 24 mandarin pub crawl
dish update
22 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper
Rye BeRRy and Rasin
salad fRom native sun
The Jacksonville company, Southern Hospitality, has become the franchisee for Fish City Grill
restaurants in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. They plan to open their first site in December in
Ormond Beach. Many of the restaurants they plan to open are slated to go in Savannah or Jacksonville.
The goal is to open 10 restaurants within five years. Fish City is a seasonal seafood place with an
emphasis on pretty presentation.
I’ve heard of gingerbread houses, yes, but I’ve rarely seen a gingerbread ship, let alone one that’s
17-feet long and 12-feet high. But that’s what visitors to the Ritz-Carlton (4750 Amelia Island Parkway,
Amelia Island) will encounter. It’s a pirate ship that will be displayed through December 28th. On Friday
nights, a pirate and his parrot will lead a rum toast in the hotel’s lounge.
On December 12th you’ll get the chance to help kids and eat some excellent barbeque at Sterling’s
8th Annual Birthday Party at the Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant (691 N. 1st Street, Jacksonville
Beach). Sterling Joyce is well-known at the Jacksonville Beaches, serving the hospitality industry for
over 40 years. For the past seven years, Sterling has a party on his birthday to cleverly raise money
and help underprivileged kids celebrate Christmas – and now have a good education. Bring a gift of
canned goods or an unwrapped toy for a child age 4 – 14 to show your appreciation and love for
Sterling Joyce, a true hero to children at the beach. Dinner is $15. Things kick off at 6:00pm. There
will be a BBQ cookoff competition dinner – Sterling’s BBQ vs. Chef Aaron Webb’s BBQ, silent auction,
fashion show by J. Crew, mascots from the Jacksonville Jam, and an incredible entertainment lineup
including Pele Pele, Harvey Williams, Teddy Washington, James with The Natural Truth (author of The
Cat – Jaguar song), and Mr. McGee, a favorite local DJ spinning dance tunes. For further information
or to learn more about H.E.R.O.E.S., call Melinda Morgan Spires, Executive Director, at (904) 241-
6035 (cq.) or email Melinda@forHEROES.org
Boomtown is back! The legendary restaurant and dinner theater has returned to Springfield. By
merging their operation with the always floundering 9th and Main, they can now offer a full liquor bar
and some great draft beers. Look for their upcoming events, like the showings in the Rusty Hinge
Theatre. Remember, if you’ve got any dish on Jacksonville food and drink, do send us an email at
Scopes1925@gmail.com.
more than a market
Matthew’s Market
by Erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
Matthew’s Market was briefly shut down for a revamp. It’s back now, and according to co-owner/manager
Chad Labenz, it’s better than ever.
With a small patio and about three seats inside, Matthew’s Market is the choice for a deli-style, yet upscale
lunch. The prices are still reasonable, with most sandwiches ranging from about $6.50 to $8.
You can order their scrumptious Chicken Salad to go, or you can just enjoy it out on their patio. Their
chicken salad has proven to be the vice of choice for many customers, who, owing to the addictive properties
of the salad, order a few pounds of the stuff each week. It’s that good. Chock full of chicken, with finely diced
celery, toasted almonds and red grapes; it can easily be comfort food to fall in love with.
I also sampled their Cobb Salad, a decent blend of bacon, cheese, the usual quarters of hard boiled egg
and high quality salad greens.
All of their sandwiches are served on artisan Panini bread. Their selection varies from day to day, but
you’re sure to find a sandwich you like. I tasted their version of a Cuban sandwich, which had a slightly piquant
mustard. Their Portobello Sandwich included baby spinach, cambazola (a kind of creamy blue cheese)
and a shallot vinaigrette on Ciabatta. Their Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil Sandwich was a clear hit with me—the
pesto sauce soaked into the bread just made this sandwich something special, along with a little prosciutto
and onion.
The priciest sandwich I tried was the Lobster Roll, at $14.50. It was a lobster salad piled on a gourmet
toasted hotdog bun. While it was tasty, it was a little on the tough side, so I’d stick to their delectable deli
loBsteR Roll

sandwiches. Don’t just order at the counter though, make sure you take a look at their cold deli case, so you
don’t miss some of their most popular treasures.
The place is a market as well, there to meet your exotic, at-home culinary desires.
“We’re building on… [Matthew’s] flavor and his preparations,” says co-owner Chad Labenz,” …so that
people can create a variety of different dishes at home…We want to supply things that you don’t see everywhere;
that add those nice touches to a dish.”
On their shelves you’ll find truffled sea salt, gourmet pasta and preserves canned in-house, such as
strawberry basil, apple butter, blueberry butter and a saffron onion marmalade.
In their cases, you’ll find the finest meats and most interesting cheeses. They also have a seafood section.
It isn’t as impressive as their finely marbled steaks and pre-seasoned pork loins, but they do carry Mayport
shrimp and perhaps the largest Alaskan King Crab legs I have ever seen in my life.
Their freshly ground coffee has a local flavor, supplied by local roaster Martin Coffee. The coffee blends
available at Matthew’s Market is the first time Martin Coffee has been available for take-home retail. They also
carry Illy Coffee for all those espresso junkies out there.
The wine selection stretches across the globe, with a much more diverse selection of wines than they
used to have. Prices for wine bottles go from about $11 and up, with many selections sensibly falling in the
under $20 range. Some of the labels, such as Crazy Legs, Steele and Foley are vintners with some kind of
local connection.
If you aren’t in the mood to cook, why not pick up one of Matthew’s ready-made side dishes or rotisserie
chicken? They even have classic pot pies you can pick up for a great dinner at home or a side dish.
The pot pies include a seafood shrimp and clam, a chicken pot pie and a mushroom pot pie. Their mac and
cheese goes a bit uptown, with a blend of fontina, bleau, asiago, aged cheddar and parmesan cheeses.
Take-home desserts include tasty pies, tarts and cookies. Their bread is the real deal, supplied by
French Pantry, a wholesale bakery that makes fresh bread for some of the finest eateries in town.
Whether you’re looking for a cold or hot deli meal, Matthew’s Market is the place to go in San Marco.
And if you happen to feel a little lazy on your way home from work, pick up one of their ready-made meals.
Just pretend that you cooked it.
alaskan king CRaB legs
holiday meals
made easy
really easy
by Erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
native sun
You might think this is cheating, but some of the best holiday meals are the ones you don’t make.
If you’re hosting a group or just extra harried after a long day, why stress about chopping things? Cut
your holiday meal stress in half by getting someone else to do the heavy lifting while still being the meal
hero.
The first time-honored solution is to pick something up from the supermarket deli on the way
home. It’s not the most original solution, but it can be if you avoid the large chain supermarkets. Area
specialty markets that have a deli often carry unique ready-made food items you won’t find anywhere
else. Both Native Suns in the area have a good deli, but the one at Baymeadows and 9A (11030
Baymeadows Rd 904-519-2997) is fantastic, proving that healthy food can sometimes be more delectable
than the stuff that’s bad for you. They use all-natural or all-organic ingredients whenever possible.
I love their wraps and their rye berry and raisin salad.
In San Marco, Matthew’s Market has been the area’s dinner savior, with rotisserie chicken and
gourmet selection (see the review on the previous page for more details).
Meal assembly kitchens seem to be everywhere these days.
Here’s how it works: each month, the meal assembly stores offer a different menu with a variety
of selections. Come in to choose which menu items you would like and assemble them in portions big
enough to feed your family. They do all the prep work ahead of time, the ingredients are right in front of
you and all the meals are packaged in easy-to-cook trays. This way you can assemble all your meals
for the month, and all you have to do is pop it in the oven when you get home from work. The more
servings you make, the cheaper it is per serving, depending on the meal assembly store you visit. Fixing
it yourself isn’t the only option; you can also have the staff at the store assemble meals for you, for an
extra fee. Also, most of these stores offer a meal of the day that’s already pre-packaged and ready to be
cooked for that night’s supper.
The pre-made meals that you can grab from these places generally aren’t cooked, just prepared
and frozen, ready for you to pop in the oven and cook fresh. While there are a bunch of chains around
town that do this, such as Entrées Made Easy (11700 San Jose Blvd 904-880-2665), if you like to keep
a local flavor to your meals, go with Terry’s Kitchen (4218 Saint Johns Ave 904-388-1743). If you want
something specific, just call Terry herself and they can have it for you ahead of time. Calling ahead can
be important during the rush of the holidays. They still have plenty in their freezers that you can pick
up, such as their popular chicken veggie pie, their bow tie pasta, lasagna, classic mac and cheese and
more. For an easy but classy choice, go with their fish in foil.
The most important thing is that you take advantage of these ready-made, fresh meals, so you can
spend the holidays catching up with family instead of stressing about which ingredient you’ve forgotten.
eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 23

pub crawling through
mandarin by the eu professional drinkers
monkey’s uncle tavern
blue anchor
24 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper
In spite of Mandarin being the
historical home to the famous Harriet
Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle
Tom’s Cabin, I never thought of it as
particularly progressive. It has an
often overlooked history that dates
back to the very foundations of
Jacksonville. Jacksonville’s founder,
Isaiah Hart, called it home for most
of his life here. Well things have sure
changed around there.
Location: San Jose Blvd across from Target
(just moved).
type of place: Neighborhood bar.
Serving: Full bar with domestic and imported
beers, house wines, full liquor (cheap and stiff
well drinks) and some bar foods.
atmosphere: Awkward, because everyone
else seems pretty regular, but plenty friendly.
Their newly renovated digs are fresh and their
bathrooms are immaculate.
amenities: Good jukebox, free “happy Friday”
shots. Some great live music, some not-sogreat
live music. Usually cover bands, but they aren’t too intrusive. There are lots of pool tables, some
high tables and some darker low tables on the opposite side.
Drink specials: They won’t tell us. Too drunk?
The girls are easy and so am I. What I am doing here is still the question on my mind. Regulars run the place,
when do I become a regular? But you still feel welcome. The phrase at “Spank My Monkey’s Uncle” is “What
are you doing here?” I’m still not sure what that means. I like this place. This is the place to be now that it’s
reopened. The bartenders remember who you are and they make you feel like regulars. The real regulars don’t
mess with you too much. I’ve lost my shit on some Emerson. (Please note: Russel is not usually a writer, but no
one else could focus on the keyboard enough to hit the right keys. Good looking out, Russell, you saved the pub
crawl!) – russel gill (et al.)
Location: 10550 St. Augustine Road at the corner of Hood Road
type of pLace: Pool hall and beer bar
Serving: Imported and domestic draft beers, a selection of wines and a variety of bottled beers.
atmoSphere: This newly renovated bar is a little bright, but it’s cheap during happy hour and it’s
stuffed with working class stiffs.
amenitieS: pool tables, a satellite juke box, Golden Tee, some tabletop video games, an ATM and
New York pizza next door that will bring your pie to you at the bar. That may stop when their food
menu is introduced soon.
Drink SpeciaLS: Happy hour is weekdays until 7 pm, cheap domestics ($1.75) and half pitchers.
They also sell pitchers of Guiness for $9!
Their renovations are so fresh that the smell of varnish from their glossy blond wood bar fills the place. The
Blue Anchor avoids that surly bar standard and surprises visitors that judge it by the diminutive strip mall
entrance. With big, flat screen televisions all over the place, you’re sure to see the game you want. The track
lighting lights up the bright yellow walls (painted – mod style) dulled by the strip-mall chic of the burgundy
ceiling panels. - Johnny St. thomas
o’malley’s
Location: St. Augustine Road between Crown
Point and San Jose
type of pLace: Full bar
Serving: Imported and domestic draft beers. Full
liquor and every bottled beer you could ask for.
atmoSphere: A bar’s bar.
amenitieS: Satellite juke box, Golden Tee and
bowling, pool tables and smoking allowed.
Drink SpeciaLS: Water costs a lot of attitude.
I have always hated O’Malley’s. Monday nights are apparently especially lame in Mandarin. I’m also having a
hard time seeing straight, so their drinks are fairly stiff, or I came too prepared to be drunk in O’Malley’s again.
Every time I come here I get the same bitchy bartender. Her name is Barb. I asked her for a water, to stop the
place from spinning, and she laughed and walked away from me. Leaving me there. Spinning. Designated
drivers must be a huge hit here. Where’d we put our designated driver? This is the place to watch out for drunk
frat boys that like to start fights with drunk smart asses. Hey wait, I’m a drunk smart ass. I better get going.
Taxi! –Johnny St. thomas
ryan couper’s last stand
It never even dawned on me that our professional
drinkers have not reviewed a single bar in this expansive
neighborhood. But my old friend and long time drinking
partner, Russel, pointed this fact out to me in no minced
words. So I called him out. But I don’t know how to
navigate this world of strip-mall bars and whenever I try
I end up drunk, fighting with frat boys or rednecks, and
far from home. So I insisted that Russel and another of
his drinking buddies, Ryan Couper, take me along their
trail of watering holes. “Ryan Couper,” known by most as Joe Foster, passed away less than
a month after. We were only just getting to know Joe when he brought EU into these bars with
him. These words he’s left us are a strange and misfit sort of obituary for such a magnanimous
personality. Drinking in Mandarin won’t be the same without the late Ryan Couper, but we
managed to end up drunk, fighting with frat boys and rednecks, and far from home. I guess you
just can’t take me anywhere. Ryan might be proud.
harmonious monks
Location: St. Augustine Road at the corner of Hood Road in the Food Lion complex.
type of pLace: Bar and grill.
Serving: Full liquor, imported and domestic draft and bottled beers.
atmoSphere: Classic bar with a live music stage. Tonight (Monday) is karaoke night.
amenitieS: Live music, tabletop video games, pool tables, a digital jukebox and smoking allowed.
Drink SpeciaLS: Rotating daily specials.
I wish we had not come here. The banal conversations encroaching upon my auditory capacities are
so reproachable as to force any man to self-extermination. I really love whiskey-tanned bitches singing
Evanescence; reminiscent of all that was intolerable in grade school. Bravo. (Wait. Are they karaoke-ing
Drowning Pool? Russel is lip syncing a roar right now. Their giant mugs of beer make me feel funny.) -ryan
couper (et al)
viva burrito sports grill
Location: On San Jose, across the street from Tijuana Flats by Crown Point Road
type of place: Cozy Hole in the Wall
Serving: Economy Sized Beers
atmosphere: Earthy Shoeless Atmosphere. (Shoes required.)
amenities: Bathrooms and pool tables
Drink Specials: $1.50 Drafts
The prevalence of ignorant hypocritical religious tendencies renews one’s faith in American democracy.
Coloreds allowed. [Although I’m not entirely certain what Ryan means by all of that, there is definitely a working
class vibe in this place. I’m not sure how it came by the name “Viva Burrito,” but I didn’t see anyone A) ethnic,
or B) eating anything. But it was certainly alive with ball caps and mullets!] -ryan couper (et al.)

fruit tree
album review
artist: Nick Drake
Title: Fruit Tree Box Set
release date: 11.20.07
label: Bryter Music
It’s a magical thing to see a musician gain more
new, impassioned fans, even as his untimely death
drifts further into the past. I’m lucky and proud to say
that I discovered Nick Drake just before Volkswagen
introduced him to television viewers.
Although created upon Drake’s sharp guitarplaying
skills, his delicate and intricate songs can’t
be described simply as folk music. There’s something
more to it, and it’s not just because he also
incorporated strings and bongos. Everything seems
to fuse naturally around his melancholy lyrics, as
if the songs weren’t really written, but revealed as
something that has always existed.
I know this all sounds pretty theatrical, but
Drake’s music makes me feel like I’ve just died, though I’m calm and reassured by the everlasting music that
accompanies me as I’m placidly ushered down a river cutting through a thick hardwood forest and a light
morning fog.
For those of you who are already in love with Nick Drake, the Fruit Tree Box Set has been renewed and
re-released for you. With an enormous amount of sleeve notes, it offers the rabid fan a deep look into the
recording process of Drake’s three records, while a limited edition of ten thousand copies will include a DVD
that provides details by Joe Boyd (the original producer) into each of Drake’s songs.
For those of you who are not yet familiar with Nick Drake, the Fruit Tree Box Set is a brilliant way to get
acquainted with the music of a man who was as equally mysterious in life as he is now.
I believe it’s possible that no one on the earth could deny the beauty of Nick Drake’s music, not even
Amazonian savages or boot-scootin’ country bumpkins.
- donald dusinberre
nirvana unplugged in new york
dvd review
artist: Nirvana
Title: Unplugged in New York
release date: 11.20.07
label: Universal Music
Fourteen years after recording it, the DVD of the legendary Nirvana Unplugged performance in New York
has been released. In fact when I saw it, I thought “I haven’t really seen that since MTV played it ad nauseum
just after he died.” Then I was tantalized with claims such as “unreleased material” and “extra features.” But the
version I got just had their banter between songs. This was at first frustrating, because I did have high hopes.
The unplugged set was a pinnacle performance that allowed Cobain to transcend the punk rock image and truly
enter the realm of respectable musician. It didn’t seem to shed new light on his legend.
However after two or three viewings, I realized how much more I got to know Cobain because of his between-song
banter with Novoselic, Grohl, Smear and even the Meat Puppets. An audience member even called
out for Freebird to the scorn and mocked-up version of ‘Sweet Home Alabama.’ How can a Jacksonville punk
rocker not love it? Don’t expect a bunch of inside extras, but as Novoselic told NME, “The new 5.1 sound really
opens it up and it gave me a new appreciation for the songs… You can hear what each instrument is doing. It
really invites you in and I’m sure everyone will enjoy it in a new way. I’d really like to re-release ‘In Utero’ in that
way at some point.”
It has the complete show, unedited, which features every song that was broadcast (‘About A Girl,’ ‘The
Man Who Sold the World,’ ‘Plateau,’ ‘Where Did you Sleep Last Night’ and others) as well as some rehearsals
and an MTV documentary called Bare Witness.
The DVD is the perfect addition to the obsessed Nirvana fan that still wears that ancient Nirvana shirt to
concerts. It also comes close to bringing a tear to the eye of the cynical grunge kid that turned into an overweight
thirty-something dad. Remember when we were punks?
- jon bosworTh
eujacksonville.com | december 6 -12, 2007 25

live music &
shows calendar
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6
Pianist Tim Nold Seawalk Hotel, Jax Beach (249-
9981)
Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds
Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646)
Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299)
Formatta Forrest High School, Jax
Col. Bruce Hampton Freebird Live, Jax Beach
(246-2473)
Kings of Hell Ragtime, Jax Beach (241-7877)
Rowka Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)
Chelsea Saddler Seven Bridges, Jax (997-1999)
Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828)
Therapy Cecil’s, Jax (744-5132)
Cam Caldwell Fionn Maccol’s, Jax Beach (242-
9499)
Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park
(269-4198)
Boogie Freaks Square One, Jax (306-9004)
Steve Plays Too Loud London Bridge, Jax (359-
0001)
Gutterboy Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611)
Out of Hand Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-
8999)
Colton & Friends The Mill Top, St. Augustine
(829-2329)
Derek Webb Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807)
LiL’nard TSI, Jax (635-3024)
Bigga Rankin Plush, Jax (743-1845)
Big Blue Audio Stadium Club, Jax (641-2301)
Stu Weaver Coffee Roasters, Jax (260-0810)
THURSDAY-SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6-8
Tony O A!A Ale Works, St. Augustine (829-2977)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7
Keith Urban Veterans Arena, Jax
Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)
Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St.
Augustine (824-9317)
McKenna Country Club Lounge, Macclenny
Southern Trouble Rebar, Jax
Shawn Lightfoot The Grape, Jax (642-7111)
Sounds of the Season Town Center, Jax
Bound Spare Time Grille, Jax Beach (246-8099)
Bogdog Battle of the Bands Jack Rabbits, Jax
(398-7496)
Rev. Billy Wirtz Café Eleven, St. Augustine (460-
9311)
69 Fingers Doozers Pub, Jax
Gil Mantera’s Party Dream TSI, Jax (635-3024)
Riff Raff Box Seats, Orange Park
Deathface Spare Time Grille, Jax Beach
26
december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper
original music at starlite
café
Louie LeClaire
by Rick gRant rickgrant01@comcast.net
The “wild night was calling” when I visited
the Starlite Café in 5 Points to check out the Louie
LeClaire acoustic trio. Formed 5 years ago by
singer/songwriter Louie LeClaire, he is joined by
Jonathan Plant on upright bass and Brian Jenkins
on drums. The acoustic pop/blues trio presents
mostly original music with selected covers showcasing
taut-as-wit presentation and Louie’s witty
repartee. It’s a hip trip to the magical LeClaireville,
featuring Louie’s savvy guitar playing and distinctive
voice articulated by Jonathan’s advanced bass
playing and Brian’s masterful drumming.
Louie began his music career by playing bass
12 years ago, then studying bass at UNF. Now
Louie has a full-time job at Nice Music teaching
bass and playing out with his own trio. Recently,
Louie and some fellow musicians formed Klob, a
new band performing modern blues/rock. Clearly,
Louie’s trio of experienced musicians are into intelligently
conceived original music using various
rhythms, modulations, and modes, making it difficult
to categorize. Louie said at the gig that they
are planning to record an album at Jimmy DeVito’s
studio in Crescent Beach.
Meanwhile, the trio gigs regularly around town
at selected venues to a growing fan base. The success
of the Louie LeClaire Trio is based on quality
musicianship and Louie’s savvy songwriting talent,
complemented by his all-star players. The original
songs available on Louie’s MySpace (myspace.
com/louieleclaire) give the listener insight into his
musical ideas.
‘Who We Will Love’ is a straight-ahead pop
song with the refrain “It’s about who we will love.”
The song has a Beatles-esque spin, reminding us
that sometimes a simple 3-chord song can be effective.
Like the Beatles’ ‘All you Need is Love,’ it
offers a universal theme and a memorable melody.
‘Blue Skies’ has a catchy, descending bass groove
with a shuffle-like rhythm. It’s almost jazzy but
comes across as a memorable little ditty. ‘A Better
Way’ is an acoustic folk song with Louie’s tasty
fingerpicking style accenting the clever lyrics. “Oh
that’s life, hold on tight.” ‘Jamie’ comes across with
a melancholy Latin mood, conjuring up an image of
lonely guy looking out from a hotel room balcony in
La Paz, Bolivia, wondering if romance is worth the
heartache or makes life truly worth living.
Overall this group includes experienced, talented
and professional musicians and they write
memorable original music, which has attracted a
large fan base. It’s the first step towards a run at
national recognition, if that’s what they want. But
not all professional musicians want fame and fortune,
believe it or not.

a visage of rock stardom
Luna Halo live at French Quarter
by Rick gRant rickgrant01@comcast.net
In the realm of modern rock, only a few bands
ever break through the tangled matrix of other groups
jockeying for position. The chosen few break big by
signing with a large corporate record companies or
smaller indie labels, building large fan bases, and selling
significant numbers of CDs. Whatever path a group
takes, the key to success in modern rock lies in the
group’s songwriting talent.
This rock’n’roll axiom is exemplified by the
4-piece modern rock band, Luna Halo, which I witnessed
play live at the French Quarter last Saturday
night. Before the band’s set, I had a chance to chat
with band founder and frontman, Nathan Barlowe,
about the group’s evolution from a Nashville regional
band to signing with American Columbia, a record
company led by the famed Johnny Cash producer Rick
Rubin, a name that can make things happen for this
group in the industry. The band just released a selftitled
album and plans to release a single called ‘Untouchable’
in January of 2008. Meanwhile, the group
is touring nationally and building a loyal fan base.
Clearly, the members of Luna Halo did their
homework by putting together an impressive rock performance
by paying attention to every detail and blowing
away their audience with intelligently conceived
songs, well balanced (albeit thunderous) sound, and
electrifying stage show. They have created their own
rock mystique that will take them far into the future.
Right now, the group is in its first stages of creating a
brand, which includes their rock’n’roll stage clothes
and performing style. They look the part, presenting a
visual and sound quality that tags them as rock stars
before the fact.
Whether that moniker comes to fruition, only
time will tell. But the gypsy Luna Halo firm of Nathan
Barlowe on lead vocals and guitar, Nathan’s younger
brother Cary Barlowe on lead guitar and vocals, Aaron
Jenkins on bass and Chris Coleman on drums bring
new excitement to the modern rock scene. At the
French Quarter show, the band had added a keyboard
player.
More significantly, the group’s music pays homage
to past rock traditions while forging new musical
territory. Nathan said that the group is radio-friendly,
which will pay dividends in the future. Luna Halo’s
single ‘Untouchable’ immediately blasts out “HIT”
with a hooky lead-in by Cary on lead guitar. It grooves
with hard drumbeats and strong leads with a grabber
break. It hits the diaphragm with machine-gun guitar
chords and heavy single-note runs. The song ends
suddenly with the listener begging for more. And, its
strong relentless rhythm lingers after the song ends, a
true sign that radio listeners will want to hear the song
again and again.
‘On My Way’ showcases the band’s intricate vocals.
Again, this is an example of the band’s attention
to every detail of producing a dynamic performance.
Both live and on the group’s CD, I could hear every
word of the lyrics, which are cleverly injected into the
spectrum of the mix so that the vocals can be heard
over and through the heavy orchestration.
Another detail that I appreciated was the group’s
fast stage turnover from the other band. They had their
amps set up behind the previous band to make the
changeover go faster. And, the Luna Halo band members
pitched in to load off the stage. It was the fastest
stage changeover I’ve ever witnessed at that club.
The bottom line on Luna Halo: this group can
deliver what they promise – hit songs and notable
performances. Obviously, the A&R department of
American Columbia agrees. Now it’s up to the group’s
growing fan base to support them by buying their
product and tickets to their shows. It’s a vicious jungle
out there, but Luna Halo has the cutting edge power to
forge their own path.
Ed Cotton 9 th & Main, Jax
Dave Massey On the Rocks, Jax
Johnny Flood Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-
6453)
Inner Demons, Manna Zen Freebird Live, Jax
Beach (246-2473)
Crystal Bessels Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551)
Busted & Confused Sharky’s, Orange Park
Sugar Bear West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131)
Mint Julep The Landing, Jax
Johnny Flood Aromas, Jax (928-0515)
Madison Fadeout Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850)
G-Mayn-Frost Yesterdays, Jax (387-0502)
Dot Wilder Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach
Boogie Freaks Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-
9499)
Lady Mahogony Ritz Theatre, Jax
Lauren Fincham Village Café, Jax (389-3995)
Chris Kearnes Ocean 60, Jax Beach (247-0060)
Flyin South Michelle’s, Jax
Laughing Bones Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach
Pandaemonium Bourbon Street, Jax (641-8777)
The Druids 9 th & Main, Jax
FRIDAY-SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7-8
Jody & the Drive Shafts Trade Winds Lounge, St.
Augustine (829-9336)
Pili Pili Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940)
BayStreet Ragtime Tavern, Neptune Beach (241-
7877)
Dueling Pianos Dick’s Wings/Tinseltown, Jax
Debra Rider Seahorse Grille, Ponte Vedra Beach
Cupid’s Alley Cap’n Odies, Mayport (241-8848)
Wildcard Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-
4198)
Mike Hart Trio Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine
(829-2329)
Wes Cobb Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-
5181)
Gutterboy Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-
8999)
Roger That Square One, Jax (306-9004)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8
Aire Traffic w/Dot Wilder The Amphitheatre, St.
Augustine
Robby Schenck Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551)
Bayonet Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)
Wookie J Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453)
Rick Arcusa Band Brewsters, Jax (223-9850)
Bobby Lee Rogers Freebird Live, Jax Beach
(246-2473)
Deathmetal Fest Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850)
Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828)
The Sweet Low Down Fionn Maccool’s, Jax
Beach (242-9499)
Fusion Town Center, Jax
Dana Salmela GQ’s, Jax
eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 27

Jamie Defrates, Susan Brown, Larry Mangum
European Street/Beach (725-3929)
Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St.
Augustine (824-9317)
Nehemias Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807)
Matt Still Latitudes, Jax Beach (247-6606)
Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855)
Heavenly Noise Starlite Café, Jax
Jane Monheit Chruch of the Good Shepherd,
Jax
Mike Fout Skatelab, Atlantic Beach
Hot Cotton Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove
Springs
Susan Brown European Street, Jax (399-1740)
The Restless Kind River City Brewing Company,
Jax (398-2299)
Tony Steve JU Terry Hall, Jax
Squeeze Box Michelle’s, Jax
Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza
Grill, Jax (287-9900)
Chelsea Saddler Tijuana Flats, Jax (292-1599)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9
Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-
5555)
Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631)
Thousand Day Massacre Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-
9850)
Shangrala 5 Points Theater, Jax
Vann Hardin Adele Grage Center, Atlantic Beach
Feel the Love Town Center, Jax
Mobius Band Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)
Isaac Byrd Jr. De Real Ting Café, Jax
Tarik Hassan Sahara Café, Jax
Colton McKenna Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine
(829-2329)
David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)
Venom TSI, Jax (635-3024)
Billy & Vinnie Ragtime, Jax Beach (241-7877)
Jimmy Parrish Carib Key, Jax Beach (270-8940)
Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine
(829-8646)
The Avett Brothers Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-
2473)
3rd Bass The Casbah, Jax (981-9966)
El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004)
Jan Crawford & Friends Cortesses, St. Augustine
(825-6775)
Crossfire Hurricane Brewsters, Jax (223-9850)
Michael Funge Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic
Beach (249-9595)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10
Joey Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775)
Laughing Bones Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-
1955)
Sam Pacetti The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-
2329)
28
december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper
the day the music died
interview with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s
musicians
by ERin thuRsby scopes1925@msn.com
Wondering what all the hoopla over the Jacksonville
Symphony Orchestra lockout is about? EU
spoke with Kevin Casseday, Chair and Spokesman
for the Jacksonville Symphony Players Association,
to get the skinny on why the musicians are up in
arms.
For quite a few years the symphony has operated
at a deficit, which has prompted management to
ask the musicians to take cut after cut to salary and
benefits.
“I think they should not operate at a deficit, I
think we’re all in agreement on that…” says Casseday
“Our disagreement is on the way to end the deficit…We
believe that we should run in the black and
it should be done by more aggressive fundraising
and ticket sales, not by asking the musicians to yet
again take less for what we continue to do at a very
high level.”
Is the answer to financial stability cuts to
musician’s salaries and benefits? Here’s what the
Jacksonville Symphony Musicians’ website had to
say about it:
“The Symphony players have been told that we
need to accept these concessions in our contract to
defray yearly operating deficits. Yet despite Jacksonville’s
immense growth since 2001, the fundraising
income has actually dropped by $130,000. Between
2001 and 2006, however, money devoted to the
Symphony’s marketing salaries have increased by
23% and Development salaries have grown by 34%.
In contrast, musicians’ base salaries have only risen
10%. Yet we continue to hear that the orchestra’s
financial woes are due to musicians’ inflationary
salaries.”
In 2001, the musicians took a loss of one
week’s paycut in vacation time and other concessions.
Within a year, management asked for more
cuts, saying that they would not even be able to fulfill
the 2001 agreement. There were further cuts in the
years following.
“We agreed to those cuts with the understanding
that the cuts would in fact make the orchestra
solvent,” says Casseday. “Here we are, yet again being
asked. That’s the crux of the matter. We believe
that if we continue to take the cuts then management
and the association will feel that is the way to run
the orchestra.”
The association is continually looking for ways
to plug the hole in their deficit and if the musicians
continue to take those cuts, more and more of the
top musicians will leave for other opportunities, musical
or otherwise.
The cuts will cause certain members of the
orchestra to drop out, particularly part-time members,
who may only end up earning $9,000. Some
players, but not most, would lose up to 25% of their
salary, especially with the bonus pay for playing two
instruments being taken away. Since management
has cut pay every time they’ve come to negotiate,
those seemingly small cuts can add up.
Although the majority of the players, especially
the full-time musicians, would only suffer smaller
(though still substantial) cuts, the orchestra voted
the way they did because those who would suffer
most might not be able to make mortgage payments
under the new contract.
“The orchestra did vote not as individuals…we
voted as a family to make sure that every one of us
was taken care of.”
The suspension of operations happened because
negotiations stalled.
“Musicians were always willing to play…we
were ready to play.” But the musicians were willing
to play under the old terms of the contract, before
the newest cuts in benefits and salary. Management
decided to suspend operations because they didn’t
want to pay the musicians at the current rate.
“We still had an offer on the table; we were
perfectly willing to continue negotiations.”
Management has suffered a blow to their image
after JSO Board Chair Jim Van Vleck was quoted in
the Times-Union as saying “I really do respect our
musicians, but there’s something about a 37-week
year and 20 hours a week that doesn’t seem too
onerous.” It was a definite insult to the musicians.
They might spend 20 hours in group practice and on
stage, but all of the musicians practice outside those
20 hours.
Says Casseday of the inflammatory quote:
“That was a lighting bolt that went throughout the
United States to musicians…I will say that I think we
all know better than that. I think we all know better
than 20 hours a week…Does an attorney only bill for
time in the courtroom? Plus, we would love to work
all year. Thirty-seven weeks is what the Association
has decided to do…”
“I’ve been here 22 years, and my base scale is
38 thousand dollars a year, with seniority pay it goes
to 39 thousand…for me. If I were in some other
profession, after 22 years, the scale might be $15-
20 thousand dollars higher than that with seniority
pay.”
That means that a full-time musician with a
master’s degree gets much less in salary and benefits
than a teacher in Duval County with comparable
experience. The difference can be as much as $20
thousand a year. Teachers, like the musicians, tend
to work for a limited amount of time per year, getting
weeks off during summer vacation.
Since the lockout began, the musicians have
held two benefit concerts, both to raise money so
they can live and to slake the thirst for live orchestra
music in the area.
“Our real fear is taking us down to the level
of the Florida Philharmonic that died in Miami/Ft.
Lauderdale. They took every cut asked of them. Two
weeks after the last round of cuts they accepted, the
orchestra folded.”
If management uses salary cuts as the bandage
to fix the deficit problem, they might not look
as hard at other solutions. Meanwhile, the cuts will
cause the better musicians to look elsewhere for employment.
This might cause the quality of the music
to degrade, shrinking audiences and forcing further
cuts in a vicious cycle leading to the eventual death
of JSO. The musicians feel that they are doing this
as much to benefit themselves as they are to ensure
that Jacksonville keeps its orchestra and the quality
of the orchestra.
“For every dollar that goes into the symphony
I think the city gets something like six dollars back
into the local economy.”

a season of spectacular
chamber music
Ritz Chamber Players
by Rick gRant rickgrant01@comcast.net
The Ritz Chamber Players is the nation’s only
chamber music ensemble comprised entirely of preeminent
African-American musicians. The renowned
RCP will kick off its seventh season at 7:30 pm on
Thursday, December 6, 2007, in Jacoby Symphony
Hall inside the Times-Union Center for the Performing
Arts. The Jacksonville-based group is presented
by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida.
The Players made their sold-out Carnegie Hall
debut in June 2004 to widespread critical and public
acclaim. They have performed successful concerts
with the New York Philharmonic, Boston Symphony,
Philadelphia Orchestra and the London Symphony.
The opening concert on Thursday, December
6 th features works by Mozart (Piano Quartet in E-flat
minor, K493) and other famous composers such as
Bruch (Trio Pieces for clarinet, viola and piano, Op.
83), Martinu (Three Madrigals for violin and viola)
and Perkinson (String Trio).
Thursday, January 24, 2008 brings “In Remembrance
of The Dream,” music to honor Martin
Luther King, Jr. The Players will perform works by
Hayden (“London” Trio No. 3 in G Major for flute,
violin and cello), Baker (Sonata for flute and Piano),
Ravel (Chansons Madecasses for soprano voice,
flute, cello and piano), and Shostakovich (Piano Trio
No. 2 in E minor, Op. 67).
Thursday, April 3, 2008 is the Spring Concert
with the Ritz Chamber Players performing selections
from Walker (Lyric for Strings), Arensky (Quartet
no.2 in A minor for violin, viola and two cellos),
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor (Clarinet Quintet) and
Brahms (String Sextet No.1 in Bb, Op. 18).
Saturday, June 14, 2008 is the Season Finale
with the Players performing works by Bach (Flute
Sonata in B minor, BWV 1030), Baker (Summer
Memories for String Quartet), Debussy (Dances for
Harp and Strings) and Mozart (Flute and Harp Concerto).
For this new season, the Players announced
that their 7 th Composer-in-Residence is Pulitzer Prize
nominee and recipient of the John F. Kennedy Center
for the Performing Arts Living Jazz Legend Award,
David Baker. Dr. Baker is the Distinguished Professor
of Music and Chairman of the Jazz Department at
the Indiana University School of Music, as well as
the conductor and artistic director of the Smithsonian
Jazz Masterworks Orchestra.
North Florida Low Country Cooking
In A Charming Creekside Setting
It's All In Good Taste!
LIVE MUSIC
WED.-SUN. 5:30 - 9:30
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· fresh local seafood
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HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS
160 Nix Boatyard Rd.
On the water East of US1
St. Augustine • 829-6113
The Ritz Chamber Players were founded in
2002 by Artistic Director Terrance Patterson, who
has guided this acclaimed chamber ensemble
through five years of distinguished performances.
He is dedicated to artistic excellence and innovation.
The RCP is geared towards building the participation
of the diverse audiences and communities that
reflect the group’s multicultural society.
EU called Terrance Patterson to find out how he
put this award-winning all-black chamber ensemble
together.
“I founded this group in 2002 because of my
love of chamber music and I wanted it to be an allblack
ensemble together on one stage, which is a
rarity worldwide. I also wanted to direct my career
into a chamber music genre. I wanted to gather a
select group of African-Americans to carry the Ritz
name, which during the theater’s early history, was
where African-Americans were able to play.”
“So it seemed fitting to use the Ritz name, although
we no longer play there. With so few African-
American (3%) classical musicians, I contacted the
various players. They loved the idea, and it was then
a matter of working around their various schedules
in their respective orchestras. All these players are
distinguished in their own right, which gave the Ritz
Chamber Players immediate credibility. We were
among the few blacks in various orchestras, and the
musicians were very excited about promoting black
classical musicians who could then perform for
more black faces in the audience. The Ritz Chamber
Players lineup is composed of the most extraordinary
players–the select few are award-winning
musicians and all of them have studied at the big
prestigious schools, which make them the preeminent
chamber musicians in the world.”
To my question about prejudice against minorities
in the classical music genre, Terrance went on to
say that it’s a difficult field for white musicians who
have to be the best of the best. But for the African-
Americans, it’s even more difficult to get hired by
the prestigious orchestras, which are managed by
staunch traditionalists who have very narrow parameters
when hiring new players.
Indeed, Terrance’s Players serve to explode the
prejudices by definition and chart new territory for
black classical musicians, providing an opportunity
for African-American classical music devotees to
see all-black musicians on stage, all of whom are at
the top of their field.
The Druids 9 th & Main, Jax
Lary Smith Harmonious Monks, Jax (886-3040)
Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004)
My Getaway Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850)
Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach
(246-4293)
Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11
Open Mic Jam Nice House of Music, Orange
Park
Second String Sun Dog Steak & Seafood,
Neptune Beach (241-8221)
Busted & Confused Sharkey’s Lounge, Orange
Park
Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine
(829-8646)
Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown,
Jax (355-5099)
New Atlantic Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)
Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-
2329)
Dave Massey Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551)
Those Guys Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine
(827-1822)
Scenic Void Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775)
Ron Perry Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-
9499)
Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina Beach
Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)
Mystic Dino Lynch’s, Jax Beach (249-5181)
Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax
Southern Wailers Sangria’s, Jax
Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299)
Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach
(246-4293)
Ron Perry Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765)
El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004)
TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY,
DECEMBER 11-12
Gene Nordan Mackenzie’s, Ponte Vedra (543-
9143)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12
Durty White Boyz Plush, Jax (743-1845)
Mr. Beam Casa Marina, Jax Beach (270-0025)
Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299)
Wes Cobb Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453)
kLoB Brix, Jax Beach
Rowka Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)
Lila McCann Maverick’s, Jax (356-1110)
Big Engine Buffalo’s, Orange Park (778-1101)
Johnny Flood Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-
6453)
Chelsea Saddler Tijuana Flats, Jax (737-9938)
Shawn Lightfoot The Casbah, Jax (981-9966)
Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004)
eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 29

Jesse & Leaa Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-
6775)
Jodies Fiasco Castillo de Mexico, Jax
Soulo Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach (280-5515)
The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax
(396-3396)
El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525)
Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune
Beach (241-8221)
Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-
4293)
Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737-
5299)
upcoming concerts
Col Bruce & The Quark Alliance Dec. 6, Freebird
Live, 246-2473
Keith Urban December 7, Jacksonville Arena, 353-
3309
Rev. Billy Wirtz Dec. 7, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311
David Wilcox Dec. 8, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311
The Avett Brothers Dec. 9, Freebird Live, 246-2473
Jethro Tull Dec.11, Florida Theatre, 355-2787
Peter White Christmas Dec.12, Florida Theatre,
355-2787
Johnny Winter Dec. 14, Freebird Live, 246-2473
Quinn Lemley As Rita Hayworth Dec.15, Wilson
Center, 632-3373
Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Dec. 27, Florida
Theatre, 355-2787
JJ Grey & MOFRO Dec. 28-31, Freebird Live, 246-
2473
R. Kelly Dec. 30, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309
Willie Nelson Jan. 10, Florida Theatre, 355-2787
Taj Mahal Jan. 11, The Florida Theatre
Riders in the Sky Jan. 12, Florida Theatre
Galatic Jan.13, Freebird Live, 246-2473
Kathy Griffin Jan. 17, Florida Theatre
Roy Clark and Junior Brown Jan.18, Florida Theatre
Enter the Haggis, Jan.18 , Cafe Eleven, 469-9311
The Unity Music Festival featuring Rabbit In The
Moon, Bad Boy Bill, George Acosta, Mike B., Ying
Yang Twins, Trina, Lil Webbie, Lil Boosie, Young
Cash, Bigga Rankins & more Jan 19, Metropolitan
Park, Info: 1-888-UNITY21
Dancing With The Stars - The Tour Jan 22,
Jacksonville Arena
Cherryholmes Jan. 26, Florida Theatre
Ring of Fire - The Music of Johnny Cash Jan. 28,
Florida Theatre
Classic Albums Live - Led Zeppelin IV Feb. 5, Florida
Theatre
Trisha Yearwood Feb.14, Florida Theatre
The B-52’s Feb. 15, Florida Theatre
Van Halen Feb 16, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309
Lalah Hathaway Feb.17, Florida Theatre, 355-2787
The 15th Annual Great Guitar Gathering Feb.22,
Florida Theatre
Willy Porter Feb. 23, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311
30
december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper
“i am dancing with big
bird. this is sooo cool!”
interview with Dani Cohen of Sesame Street Live
by kElliE abRahamson KAbrahamson1@aol.com
Sesame Street Live has been wowing kids (and
their parents) for 28 years with their high-energy, education-disguised-as-fun
stage shows. More than 50
million people have attended these productions over
the years and one of them is Dani Cohen, a Nashville
actress who is now a performer for Sesame Street
Live. Cohen was kind enough to speak with EU from
the road about the show, her role and what it’s like to
hang out with Muppets.
EU: What’s “Ready for Action” about?
Dani Cohen: “Ready For Action” is a show that
teaches children and parents about the importance
of healthy habits for life... Elmo teaches the children
about hygiene and that even red furry monsters
need to take baths, wash their hair, and brush their
teeth- oh, and “don’t forget to floss” he says! The
audience and Cookie Monster learn that it’s okay to
eat cookies, but in moderation because cookies are
a “sometimes” food. Plus it’s fun to eat your colors
like green broccoli, yellow peppers, red strawberries,
and oranges, too! They also learn that getting proper
rest and naptime is a necessity for energy to play.
Finally, we teach the kids to get on up and exercise!
EU: How is this show different from other Sesame
Street Live shows?
DC: This show was created in 2005 in response
to the growing childhood obesity crisis. Current
research shows that more than 30% of American
children are “at risk” or are overweight and may suffer
from psychological stress, poor self-esteem and
poor self image. The preschool years (ages 2-4) are
a crucial time to foster lifelong healthy habits.
EU: What can families expect?
DC: It’s not only a Broadway style show, but a
Broadway quality show with high tech lighting and
sound. It’s a fantastic way to introduce your children
to theater. We have familiar songs that the parents
grew up with, such as ‘Sunny Days,’ ‘Twinkle, Twinkle,’
‘Old McDonald,’ and ‘I Feel Good’ the soulful
James Brown hit with an educational Sesame Street
twist to it! They can also expect a lot of audience
participation. We highly encourage the children to
sing and dance with us! All of your favorite characters
will be there including Big Bird, Elmo, Zoe, Bert,
Ernie, Cookie Monster, and Oscar.
EU: How did you become part of Sesame Street
Live?
DC: I auditioned for Sesame Street Live when they
played my hometown of Nashville. My mom had
always taken me to see Sesame Street Live as a
child and I knew it was something that I wanted to
be a part of. It was my first live theater experience as
a child and I remember how much joy it brought me.
EU: What part do you play?
DC: I am the “small understudy.” I play the character
Roxy Marie. I am also a Lamb in Old McDonald’s
farm and a dancing strawberry in the Healthy Foods
dance number.
EU: What is a “small understudy”?
DC: As “small understudy” I understudy characters
in the height range of 4’11-5’4. The characters I
understudy are Elmo, Zoe and Ernie. We also have a
medium understudy who is the character Grundgetta
and a tall understudy who is the character Green
Honker.
EU: What’s the best part about being on tour?
DC: I absolutely love being on tour! It has been
the best experience and just keeps getting better.
Because of the tour I have grown extremely fond
of traveling. I love discovering places I have never
been. I also love being part of a company that entertains
and teaches children. Another great thing
we do is go into the community and visit hospitals
and schools for kids with special needs. Some of
those kids can’t even leave the hospital to come to
our show, so we go to them and give them a big
hug and make them feel better. I went to a hospital
as Elmo once and a little girl ran up to me shouting
“Elmo, Elmo I’m cancer-free!” She was so excited
to see Elmo. Her mom showed us the Elmo blanket
she slept with every night and said the Elmo blanket
made her feel better when she was sick.
EU: What is it like to be part of a show with such
iconic characters?
DC: It is really surreal because I grew up with these
characters. One day I was on stage and I looked up
and thought “I am dancing with Big Bird. THIS IS
SOOO COOL!” It’s also a huge responsibility playing
some of the most loved and recognizable characters
of our time! The children know their Sesame Street
characters. You have to study the characterizations
and portray the characters precisely. Not only is it
a challenge and responsibility, but it’s my honor to
play these characters.
You can catch Sesame Street Live “Ready for
Action” at the Time-Union Center on Friday, December
14 through Sunday, December 16. Tickets range
in price from $12 to $26. For more information, visit
sesamestreetlive.com.

december showing at
bogda gallery
Frank Matthews and Gail Taylor
by donald dusinberre imartsyfartsy@gmail.com
On my most recent visit, I was pleased to see
just two artists’ work at Bogda Gallery. I got the
impression from Joy McGinnis, Bogda’s owner/curator,
that she prefers to have more artists for each
show. But for my money, seeing more work from
fewer artists in an intimate space like Bogda affords
us a chance to become better acquainted with each
artist’s body of work.
For instance, Frank Matthews had nearly twenty
works on display, and it was very obvious that the
breadth of his capabilities would not have been demonstrated
had he shown just five pieces. Painting
primarily on wood panels with acrylic paints, Matthews
has displayed two distinct stylistic strains at
Bogda: still-lifes and abstracts.
Matthews’ still life paintings are far more numerous,
but my favorites are the abstracted ones.
A few of them are much larger than any of his other
works, and he layers the paint to great effect. They
aren’t completely abstract, as they do loosely por-
Gail Taylor
tray trees, but to me, the image is far less important
than the application.
Although his still-lifes are far more realistic,
they too are less about their subjects and more
about their technique. Some of them (particularly the
jars and brushes) are reminiscent of early American
art, primarily through the way he implies a thin, dark
outline around the objects. With little indication of its
direction, the sense of light is flat, somehow adding
to the charm of his stoic paintings. Personally, I’m
not fond of every one of them, but Matthews provides
enough good ones to overshadow them.
Gail Taylor is the other artist currently displaying
her work at Bogda. Her style is vastly different
than Matthews, though not unlike many artists who
enjoy painting flowers. Painted in a strictly realistic
style, Taylor’s work is actually pretty good, which is
unlike most flower-painting artists. Finally, orchids
and lilies that aren’t oversimplified or artificially injected
with extraneous detail.
Seriously, Taylor’s work is surprisingly sophisticated.
I got the impression that she paints more for
her own enjoyment than anything (which ought to
be something we encounter more often than we do),
which makes her work that much more impressive.
Taylor has a remarkable command over her
color palette. She does not fall into the dreaded “tube
color” trap, which claims so many floral paintings.
Yes, I know they make some pretty colors, but talented
artists know that they’ve got to mix them, and
it appears that Taylor falls into the talented category.
frank maTThews
My favorite works by Gail Taylor are from a
four-part series of orchids. The paintings are small,
perhaps twelve-inches square, but they pack an
elegant punch. With some simple yet handsome
frames, the series is fit to hang in a Presidential
library.
She has some larger close-up paintings, too.
Though most less-talented artists beat us over the
head with giant stamens made with giant boring
brushstrokes, Taylor usually remembers to keep the
detail proportional to the subject’s proximity.
This exhibition will be on display at Bogda
Gallery through the month of December. Use some
of your holiday free time to check it out. Bogda is
located on McDuff Street in Riverside, very close to
Lee High School (former academic home of Lynyrd
Skynyrd). As a matter of fact, on Saturday, December
8 th , Bogda will be hosting a sidewalk craft fair.
The fun starts around 9 am and may give you an opportunity
to cross a few gifts off your list. For more
information, contact Bogda at shopbogda@gmail.
com.
art events
new this week
St. Augustine Art Walk (First Friday of every month from 5
pm – 9 pm) Tours begin at Rembrandtz Fine Gifts for Fun
People, 131 King Street, St. Augustine (904) 829-0065 or
staugustinegalleries.com
Abstraction and Transition: Charley Harris, Opening
(December 5, 5 pm – 9 pm Through January 31) Art
Center Gallery, 31 West Adams Street, Downtown,
blogfromthecenter.blogspot.com
A+ Getaway Weekend (Art, Antiques & Architecture)
Friday – Saturday, December 7 – 8, 5 pm – 9 pm St.
Augustine, (904) 829-1711 or getaway4florida.com/
Aplusgetaway
On Paper: Archer Prewitt (Opening December 7, 6 pm – 12
am) The Gallery at Screen Arts, 228 West King Street, St.
Augustine, (904) 829-2838 or screenartsflorida.com
Annual Gallery Event (Saturday, December 8, 6 pm – 10
pm) Tripp Harrison Studio & Gallery, 22 Cathedral Place, St.
Augustine, (904) 824-3662 or trippharrisongallery.com
Apron Chronicles: A Patchwork of American Recollections,
December 12 – January 16
Opening reception Friday, December 7, 6:30 pm – 8 pm,
Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way,
Ponte Vedra Beach, (904) 280-0614
ongoing
Mackenzie Thorpe (Through December 14) R. Roberts
Gallery, 3606 St. Johns Avenue, Avondale, (904) 388-1188
John Tassey (Through December 15) Waterwheel Art, 5047
First Coast Highway, Fernandina Beach, (904) 261-2535 or
waterwheelgallery.com
Holiday Show (Through December 22) Monday – Friday, 10
am - 6 pm, Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm
Fogle Fine Art & Accessories, 3312 Beach Boulevard,
foglefineart.com or RSVP@foglefineart.com
Flowers In Winter, Featuring Gail Taylor and Frank Matthews
(On display until December 29) Bogda, 1253 McDuff Avenue
South, Riverside, (904) 387-0852 or Shopbogda@gmail.
com
Jonathan Plant Solo Show (Through December 31)
Bogda, 1253 McDuff Avenue South, (904) 387-0852
Slice of Life, (Through January 6) St Augustine Art
Association, (904) 824-2310 or staaa.org
Winter Selections: Zachary Freeman and Tonya Lee
(Through January 11) J. Johnson Gallery, 177 4 th Avenue
North, Jacksonville Beach, 904-435-3200 or jjohnsongallery.
com
Abbas Kiarostami: Photographs and Film (Through January
18) Southeast Museum of Photography, 1200 International
Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, smponline.org
Blurring The Lines: Heather Blanton and Ryan Ketterman
(November 3 – January 30) The Haskell Gallery at JIA,
jiaarts.org/index.htm
André Kertész: First and Last Photographs (Through
February 15) Southeast Museum of Photography, 1200
International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach,
smponline.org
Steve McCurry: The Path to Buddha (Through February 15)
Southeast Museum of Photography, 1200 International
Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach, smponline.org
Valuistics: A printed installation by James Greene
(Through January 6) MOCA Jacksonville, 333 North
Laura Street, Downtown, (904) 366-6911 x210 or
mocajacksonville.org
eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 31

cultural events
DECEMBER
6 First Coast Wind Holiday Concert JU Terry Concert Hall,
Jax
6 Frank Matthews & Gail Taylor Bogda Gallery, Jax
6 Cocktails & Creatives-AIGA European Street/San Marco,
Jax
6 Ritz Chamber Players Opening Concert Performing Arts
Center, Jax
6 Night of Art & Dance FCCJ South Campus, Jax
6- 7 Art & Soul 5 th Annual Invitational Women’s Center of
Jacksonville, Jax
6-8 Santaland Diaries Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine
6-8 International Fest of Cinema & Technology 9 th & Main,
Jax
6- 9 St. Johns County Festival of Trees Convention Center,
St. Augustine
6-9 Play It Again Sam Amelia Community Theatre, Amelia
Island
6-13 Holiday Art Show FCCJ Kent Campus, Jax
6- 14 Coastal Florida Revisited-Works by Henry VonGenk, III
Stellers Gallery, Neptune Beach
6- 15 Palencia’s Annual Holiday Show Homes Palancia, St.
Augustine
6-15 “It’s A Wonderful Life” Players By the Sea, Jax Beach
6- 15 “It’s A Wonderful Life” Players By The Sea, Jax Beach
6- 15 Constructions: Geryl Goldsleger & Larry Millard FCCJ
South Gallery, Jax
6- 30 Art from the Ashes: In Stabiano, Exploring the Ancient
Seaside Villas of the Roman Elite Cummer Museum, Jax
6- 30 The Gift of the Magi The Amphitheatre, St. Augustine
6- 31 Winter Selections Exhibition J. Johnson Gallery, Jax
Beach
6- 31 Spanish Pathways Museum of History, Amelia Island
6- 31 Hugh Holborn-Spirit Celebration Holborn Gallery, St.
Augustine
6- 31 Will Dickey-Images of Florida’s First Coast First Street
Gallery, Jax Beach
Museum, Jax
6-JAN. 5 Expressions of Italy Village Gallery, Orange Park
6-JAN. 6 Sculptor: Minoru Ohira Exhibit MOCA, Jax
6-JAN. 30 “Blurring the Lines” Photography by Heather Blanton
& Ryan Ketterman JIA, Jax
6-JAN. 31 Featured Artist: Charley Harris The Art Center, Jax
6-FEB. 3 In Stabiano: Exploring Ancient Seaside Villas of the
Roman Elite Cummer Museum, Jax
6-FEB. 28 Oh Say Can You See: American Art Cummer
Museum, Jax
7JU Opera Studio-Opera Scenes JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax
7 “Art”rageous First Friday Downtown, Fernandina
7 The Pillowman Body Gallery, Jax
7 Christmas Concert Friday Musicale, Jax
7 Amateur Night at the Ritz The Ritz Theatre, Jax
7 Sounds of the Season Choral Concert FCCJ South Campus,
Jax
7-9 Amahl & the Night Visitors-UnF Opera UnF fine Arts
Center, Jax
7-16 An O-Henry Christmas ABET, Atlantic Beach
7-JAN. 12 First Annual Artist Member Holiday Exhibition
Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra
7-JAN. 16 Apron Chronicles: A Patchwork of American Recollections
Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra
8 Percussion Ensemble JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax
32 december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper
from russia with love
Sleeping beauty on Ice
by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
WHAT: Sleeping Beauty on Ice
WHEn: December 13 th @ 7:30 pm
WHERE: Fine Arts Center at UnF
Maybe you’re looking for a family show that
isn’t prefaced by Nutcracker or doesn’t end in Carole.
In that case, buy tickets for Sleeping Beauty on
Ice. It’s still family oriented but less Christmasy. The
show is put on by Russia’s State Ice Ballet Company
and presented at UNF.
Performed to Tchaikovsky’s legendary score,
audience members will see it as more of a ballet on
ice. But on ice they can do faster spins and leap to
more thrilling heights.
“Audience members feel like this is real ballet,
not ballet on ice,” said artistic director and choreographer
Konstantin Rassadin, through an interpreter.
Some of the things that contribute to the ballet
feel, besides the score, are the elaborate sets, romantic
lighting and gorgeous costuming.
“The costumes’ materials come from countries
around the world,” said Rassadin.
The scene opens with the King and Queen celebrating
the birth of their daughter, Princess Aurora.
Beautiful fairies arrive, bringing gifts and fairy blessings.
An evil fairy, peeved at not being invited to the
party, vows vengeance.
On the Princess’ 16th birthday, a witch casts a
spell that causes the entire Kingdom to sleep for 100
years. Only a kiss of love can awaken Princess Aurora.
Enter the Prince, who seeks to break the spell
and restore the Kingdom.
The talent is Russian, some of it coming from
real ballet, but mostly from the world of competitive
sports skating. It can take time to train the skaters
to be actors on the stage, incorporating more ballet
movements into the choreography, but Rassadin is
satisfied with the results.
“In the end, they learn what they need,” he
says.
The long traveling time of the company means
that the troupe has all contingencies accounted for.
They have replacements for costumes if they should
become torn and replacements for skaters, if they
should become ill or injured.
Getting the ice on the stage is an elaborate
business, but one that the traveling troupe has down
to a science. They regularly turn ordinary stages into
ice rinks. They build the rink frame, and then they put
down heavy sheeting in multiple layers to protect the
stage. Cold pipes or tubing start the process.
“It can take [many] hours to have the ice they
need on the stage because they need [it] two or
three inches above the pipes…To make it faster they
will use crushed ice.” says Rassadin
When adding the crushed ice, someone must
be there to spray the surface with a hose. After
five minutes of hosing it down, and 15 minutes of
waiting for it to freeze, the process starts again and
continues.
I had to ask if they had a mini-Zamboni to clean
up between acts, and was disappointed to learn that
they merely use a large scraper.
This show has been on the road for some 40
years, traveling around the globe to exotic locations
in South America, Japan, China, Korea, the U.S.,
Britain and all over Europe.
Tickets are $10 for children and all students
and $28-$38 for adults. This show is on Thursday,
December 13th at 7:30 pm at the Fine Arts Center
at the University of North Florida. Charge tickets by
phone at the UNF Ticket Box Office by calling 620-
2878, or buy online at unf.edu/fineartscenter.

it’s a wonderful life
Players by the Sea theatre review
by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com
Merry Christmas. The Lazzara Family Foundation
and the Tom Nehl Fund of the Community
Foundation has a present for theatergoers of all
ages – an absolutely delightful production of the
stage version of It’s a Wonderful Life. The l946
Frank Capra movie has been an American Classic
that has shown up on television every Christmas
for many years and is as much a part of this season
as Santa Claus. If you love the movie, then the
Player’s version with live actors will be a real treat
and sure to please.
It is the sentimental story of George Bailey,
who has worked all his life in a small town, thinking
he has failed. He tries to end his life, but his
guardian angel, Clarence (Larry Fairall), shows how
important he has been to the lives of loved ones.
This is one of Director Bob Pritchard’s favorite
plays and he directed it several years ago
for JaxStage Company at Jacksonville University.
Pritchard has assembled large and excellent cast,
which will be sure to get you into the Christmas
spirit.
Well-known Orange Park actor Joseph Walz,
makes his debut with PbtS, and is absolutely
perfect for the role of George. Walz, who is better-known
for leading roles in many musicals with
Orange Park Community Theatre, is a very solid
actor and has the charisma and compassion to
really be convincing.
Miranda Lawson, well known for her musical
theatre roles with the Alhambra, Jacksonville
University, and PbtS, shows us her versatility as an
actress in a warm and loving performance as Mary,
George’s ever-faithful wife.
Andy Ratliff, Christopher Fox, Suzanne Scheuble
and Sarah McCawley play George and Mary’s
adorable children and I am sure you are going to
see them in future shows around town. Redgie Gutshall
plays the evil Mr. Potter. He is playing this role
for the third time and his performance is absolutely
riveting. You could hear hisses from the audience
as Gutshall’s villain spread his poison as the heartless
landlord.
Actors like to work with Director Pritchard,
and you will recognize many lead actors taking
supporting roles: Gary Baker, Jack Barnard, David
Boyer, Gayle Featheringill, Anthony Hodge, Steve
McMahon and Sam Willis. Their considerable talents
add much to the production values. Other familiar
faces include Jacob Goodling, Heather Goodling,
Maria Nordan, Annette Page and Bill White.
Making their PbtS debuts were Ruth Thomas,
Zdravko Rozie, Kevin Raleigh, Tom Peterson, Jen
Mears, Kendra McNatt and Ashley Chlebus.
Designed by Joseph Schwarz, the set is very
visually interesting, with the Bailey household on
the right and the left side. For all other scenes the
stage is set by moving furniture on and off. The
lighting scheme is detailed due to the number of
scenes, but lightboard operator and stage manager
Merrylin Opendo had things well in hand and running
smoothly. Technical Director David Paul added
necessary snow effects. (You can’t have a Christmas
play without snow.) The clothing styles and
period-appropriate music will take you back to the
depression era and the l940s.
The actors should thank PbtS Executive Director
Joseph Schwarz, who designed and created the
program. I can’t recall ever seeing such extensive
biographies for such a large cast.
Pack up the entire family to see this one and
bring along your friends. It is a perfect play for
people who want to feel good. This is also a play
with a message. You will want to ask yourself the
question: how many people can you name where
your actions made a significant impact on their
life?
This comedy/drama by James W. Rodgers will
run through December l5, at Players by the Sea,
106 Sixth Street North, Jacksonville Beach. Call
(904) 249-0289 for information and reservations.
Visit their website at playersbythesea.org. It has a
wonderful cast, a wonderful story, and indeed, it is
a wonderful life.
JACKSONVILLE
web / graphic
designer wanted.
we are seeking creative individuals
who are proficient in desktop
publishing (specifically all the
programs in the adobe creative suite)
and web design. must be organized
and know how to appreciate clean and
neat design. experience and degree
preferred. please send resumes with
portfolios to will@entertainingu.com.
(904) 730-3003
8 “T’was the Flight Before Christmas” Aire Traffic The Amphitheatre,
St. Augustine
8 Acting/Directing Showcase FCCJ South Campus, Jax
8 27 th Annual Holiday Regatta of Lights Bridge of Lions, St.
Augustine
8 Spanish Garrison Live Reenactment Palm Valley Ranch,
Palm Coast
8 Festival of Trees Children’s Story Time Main Library, Jax
8 Holiday Regatta of Lights Matanzas Bay, St. Augustine
8 Ancient City Kids Day Francis Field, St. Augustine
8-9 14 th Annual Holiday Tour of Bed & Breakfast Inns Various
Inns, St. Augustine
9 Mary Lou Krosnick JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax
10 Junie B. Jones UnF Fine Arts Center, Jax
10 Laurel & hardy Appreciation Society Meeting Pablo Creek
Branch Library, Jax
13 The Sleeping Beauty On Ice UnF Fine Arts Center, Jax
14-16 Florida Ballet-The Nutcracker Florida Theatre, Jax
15 Festival of Trees Children’s Story Time Main Library, Jax
15 18 th Century Christmas Caroling The Plaza, St. Augustine
20 Travel To Italy-Opera Performed By Bella Voce Cabaret
Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra
21 Benefit Concert-Jax Symphony UnF Lazzara Hall, Jax
22 Festival of Trees Children’s Story Time Main Library, Jax
28-FEB. 10 “Breaking Up is Hard To Do” The Alhambra
Dinner Theatre, Jax
29 Festival of Trees Children’s Story Time Main Library, Jax
JAnUARY
10-FEB. 13 Duval County Art Teachers Exhibit JU Brest
Museum, Jax
11-26 “Dearly Departed” Theatre Jax, Jax
11-FEB. 2 “Come Blow Your Horn” Orange Park Community
Theatre, Orange Park
18 Ileana Fernandez, Piano-Latin American Music Friday
Musicale, Jax
23 House of Life JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax
26 Faculty Chamber Music JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax
FEBRUARY
1-16 “Julius X” Players by the Sea, Jax Beach
9 “Happily Red” Theatre Jax, Jax
9 Tony Steve with Ulysses “Bim” Owens JU Terry Concert
Hall, Jax
10 So This is Love JU Fine Arts Center, Jax
14 First Coast Wind Ensemble Valentine’s Concert JU Terry
Concert Hall, Jax
14-24 Grapes of Wrath Play JU Swisher Theatre, Jax
13-APR. 6 “Company” The Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Jax
21-MAR. 26 New Paintings By Jenna Bischel JU Brest
Museum, Jax
25 Beethoven’s Cello Sonatas JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax
29-MAR. 15 “The Ruby Sunrise” Theatre Jax, Jax
MARCH
6 Brown Bag Lunch-Choral Concert Sam Marks Chapel, Jax
6-8 Spring Dance Concert JU Swisher Theatre, Jax
APRIL
1 JU’s Percussion Ensemble JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax
3-MAY 3 BFA Art Exhibition JU Brest Gallery, Jax
4-12 Oklahoma! Musical JU Swisher Theatre, Jax
eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 33

It’s Christmas time again in the city. In the past five years I have spent little time here
during the holiday season. A few trips home on the weekend, a couple weeks here if I was
lucky. That’s what happens when you don’t live where your heart is. Or where your family is, I
guess.
Last year was especially distant, both figuratively and literally. Being out in the Bay Area,
a quick trip home on the weekend was impossible. It would have taken all weekend to drive
there. And plane tickets were outrageous. I was lucky to have gotten a ticket home, period.
Reaching the upwards of a thousand dollars a pop by mid-November, I was forced to settle
on a three-connection flight on the 23 rd . But then, with the horrible snowstorms in Denver and
the massive amounts of traveling going on, it soon became a wonder that I didn’t spend the
holidays in the Phoenix airport. And trust me, some people did.
So this year I am officially home for the holidays and I am making no qualms with actively
participating. As soon as I could, (ie. pre-Thanksgiving) I had my dial set to 93.3 for some
lovely holiday tunes. I’ve decorated my house and I’m making a concerted effort to partake in
the festivities.
This past weekend marked the first of many events with the Christmas in Avondale
celebration. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Christmas lights? Caroling? Lots of red and
green? Maybe a glimpse of Ol’ Saint Nick? Typical holiday ventures, basically.
Well, upon arrival my first thought became, “This isn’t very Christmassy.” I can barely
recall the Christmas lights and am concerned I might have inserted them via my imagination.
Or maybe they were really there. I did see lots of children and families, which certainly gets
one in the holiday spirit, reminiscent of days yore with my own family and friends as a child.
There was a couple dressed in what I assume was Dickens-inspired period clothing and there
was the distant sound of caroling from a local band comprised of all ages, dressed in Santa’s
hats and singing next to a decorated Christmas tree.
But what I remember the most was the fun. Running into old friends and family. Chatting
it up with strangers. Wandering the streets in an altogether jolly way, beer in hand, smile on
face, general merriment and luminosity. So perhaps, I began to think, it isn’t just the lights or
the carols or the cider or the Santas that make a holiday party. Just maybe, it’s the time we
spend together. The jovial united force that comes over each and every person. Maybe it’s the
smiles, the conversation, the fusion of the masses in a great celebration.
In California, I basically missed anything along these lines. First of all, I didn’t really
know many people, so the concept of running into someone on the streets was pretty distant.
Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, Californians are extremely PC. It wouldn’t have been
proper or accepting to have a massive outdoors holiday celebration that included Christmas
carols and Santa Clauses. Not to say they didn’t celebrate, but it was much more muted. We
weren’t allowed to decorate the office and the only Christmas party I knew of was for my
apartment complex. And to top it off, any talk of the holidays was usually centered around
some political agenda, like how materialistic the world has become or how it rejects the importance
of other religions.
I get what they were saying, but does it hurt anyone to have a good time? Why can’t we
all rejoice in each our own way? I would have no problem attending a Hanukkah party or a
Kwanza celebration. I think the holiday season is a time to celebrate and to love, regardless of
religion or income, a concept not lost on us here in Jacksonville. So, celebrate (in Jacksonville)
we will!
34
december 6-12, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper
Random thoughts from a cluttered mind...
JAGUARS
The Jaguars come back to Jacksonville this
Sunday to face a Carolina Panther squad that has
certainly struggled this season. Obviously, people
are still talking about the Jags losing to the Colts
again last weekend. They feel the Jags had a chance
to win that came in oh-so-many ways, but the Colts
played a more disciplined game, and they made the
plays they needed to when they needed them. So
it looks like Jacksonville will be going after one of
the two wild card slots available in the post-season.
They certainly have a prime opportunity to get one of
those and then see what happens in the playoffs. As
we’ve seen, anything can happen.
Meanwhile, the Panthers are a team in disarray.
Last week they picked up a victory over a depleted
49er team. They have 44-year old Vinny Testaverde
playing QB for them. Head coach John Fox has been
successful with Carolina, until this season. This
franchise is the equal nemesis of the Jaguars, since
both started their lives at the same time. While the
Panthers are not a great team, they are still very
formidable, and the Jags will have to come back with
a strong performance to pick up their ninth victory.
‘THE OTHER THIRTY ONE’
The marquee game this weekend will certainly
be in Foxboro when the Steelers go in to take on
the New England Patriots. We all saw a few weeks
ago, when the other NFL team from Pennsylvania,
the Eagles, actually gave the Pats a very nice run for
their money. Now we’ll see how Pittsburgh performs
against the team everyone is pointing to as THE
team in the NFL.
Pittsburgh certainly has the talent to compete
with New England. If they were to beat the Pats, they
would serve notice that they indeed are a force to
be reckoned with. Meanwhile, the 0-12 Dolphins are
heading to Buffalo Sunday. It is possible for Miami to
go without a win this season. The boys down South
are not happy about any of this.
In the NFC, Green Bay will want to bounce
back from their loss to Dallas by hosting the Oakland
Raiders, while the Cowboys travel to Detroit to take
on a slumping Lions club.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL
We all now know that LSU and Ohio St. will be
playing in the BCS Championship in New Orleans on
January 7 th . While we have seen a plethora of upsets
and losses by highly-ranked teams this season,
especially all the #2’s, those games and outcomes
THE
JOCK
by tom weppel
have made this not nearly as glamorous as we have
seen in past years, and it can further strengthen
those who are wanting to have a concrete playoff
system in place for college football, as opposed to
the current system.
It is very fair to say that the Tigers and Buckeyes
both had poor losses to taint their stature
heading into this game. LSU has lost to Kentucky
and Arkansas, both games lost in 3 OTs, while the
Buckeyes lost AT HOME to Illinois. Those losses
have brought the luster of their contest in January
down a notch or two. Many are wondering whether
LSU deserved to be in this game. Oklahoma and
USC each only had two losses and felt as if they
should’ve been considered to play Ohio State.
While this debate is in one way fantastic for
college football as an industry, it is also harmful because
it shows the process to determine a champion
is still tarnished, to an extent. There’s no question a
playoff could and would work, if it were put together
the right way. When that will ever become a reality is
beyond me.
NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
This area is not a basketball hotbed by any
means, so I thought it would be good to let everyone
know that there is a damn good team down the road
from us in Orlando called the MAGIC! These guys
have already been making things happen in the NBA
this year. It seems the alterations they made to their
roster and coaching staff is making a huge difference.
During the off-season, the Magic got Rashard
Lewis, who was a free agent, having previously
played for the Sonics. He is now matched up on
the baseline with forward Hedo Turkoglu and center
Dwight Howard and the trio has become quite effective
with their strong play.
During the off-season, Orlando also hired
Steve Van Gundy to coach the squad. Van Gundy
had previously been down in Miami with the Heat.
It seems he knew what he was doing, because now
he has the Magic boys playing some damn good
basketball. As of last Sunday, they had a 15-4 record,
having beaten the Celtics and the Lakers this
year already. They have the second-best record in
the Eastern Conference, behind only Boston. If the
Orlando Magic keep things going like this all season,
they could indeed make a strong run for the Eastern
Conference title.
Tom Weppel talks trash with Greg Larson, Lonnie
Marts, Eugene Chung, Artis Gilmore, and Ron Duguay
on SportsAvengers.com 24/7.

nascar news & notes
by RICHARD TEAGUE tinynascars@yahoo.com
While I am writing this it is 76 days until the
Daytona 500. When y’all read it there will be around
70. That ain’t fast enough for me, but what else can
I do? Watch feetball, ain’t no way. I take that back
somewhat. I will be watching some bowl games
later on this month and at the start of the New Year,
but the NFL is absolutely out of the question. I am
ready for more NA$CAR whether it is one of the two
new named series or the tried-and-true Craftsman
Truck Series. It may be 70 days or so until the 500,
but the season starts for me with the 2008 NA$CAR
Media Day event, the week before the Bud Shootout.
Ever since my rookie season as the Entertaining U
NA$CAR writer, I’ve been there bright and early.
If you’ve missed my explanation of what Media
Day is, I’ll tell ya again and Bubbas & Bubba-ettes,
it is really something else, even if I can’t get any
autographs. It is a full day’s worth of meeting, shaking
hands with, interviewing, listening to and getting
your picture with all of your favorite drivers. Yeah, I
even get to take a cameraman. So far that has been
my old friend John, but this year he might not be
able to get off work to go. Why, a couple a years
back he was like a kid-in-a-candy-factory when I got
a picture of him with Kasey Kahne and Bill Elliott,
his two favorite drivers at the time. He got me with
several of my guys, so it has worked out real good
for the both of us and hopefully will be the same this
year.
All these press people huddle in a big tent
early in the morning and NA$CAR feeds us a nice
breakfast. We visit with drivers, then they feed us a
big lunch and then it’s back to the guys again. Heck,
them fellers have to eat also and it ain’t nothing to be
sitting down with Bobby Labonte, one of the Burton
brothers, and even once at Mike Helton’s table with
Bill Jr. and Brian nearby. Talk about rubbing elbows
and fightin’ for grub, man it’s the greatest thing since
canned beer and some of y’all know how good that
is.
The tent is divided up into several sections with
the TV and radio taking about half, then there’s the
interview booths that’s reserved for more of those
guys with the drivers. Then there is a big section for
us print media. We get to crowd around the drivers
and ask them questions. Now you have to really wait
your turn when it comes to guys like Stewart or Gordon,
and ya’ never can get close to Junior, because
they are just too popular. That don’t bother me cause
I’ll stand back and listen to what they have to say
and when they make a break for another section, I’ll
get a picture taken by John with me shaking hands
or something, really works out great. NA$CAR brings
the drivers in 5 or 6 at a time, when everybody is
at one of the other tables I’ll head for a guy that’s
just standing there. Two years ago I got John and
Kasey’s picture. Heck, we talked to him maybe 15
minutes before it got crowded and we all enjoyed
talking to each other; he’s a super nice kid.
If all this don’t sound like a NA$CAR fan’s
dream, then y’all ain’t one because it’s fun for me
and John. Like I said, we can’t ask for autographs,
but that don’t mean nothing since we get so much
more out of it. Like the time I asked Terry Labonte if
he felt he raced better with or without his mustache.
He said with. I asked if I could have his helmet,
which was sittin’ on the table in front of me. He said
no. Seeing and talking to these guys is just an amazing
feat, so we don’t need no stinkin’ autographs.
Handshakes and pictures will fill up our scrapbooks.
Next year, after Media Day, I will fill y’all in on how
things went. If between now and then you have
any special questions you would like asked, just let
me know and I’ll try and get to the driver you need
knowledge from. I Promise.
Well I missed the awards ceremony the other
night, I had to work and all, but I’ve been looking
at what some guys have been writing and saying
about it and it sounds like I didn’t miss much. When
I heard that NA$CAR got David Spade to be the host,
well I kinda’ knew things where going to be strange.
I’ve never found him to be that funny except when
he was with Chris Farley. Why Spade? One writer
said he came cheap and with all the money NA$CAR
paid out to the drivers, he’s all they could afford. Not
Brian, he’s still had a ton of money in the bank after
this season, so it must have been for another reason.
Why didn’t they get someone like Jack Roush to
hand out the trophies? Better yet, Richard Petty. You
know, The King Giving out the Gold?
I hate to say this but I’m not much of a music
fan. At least not these days, because of my hearing
problem. So who is Kelly Clarkson? I apologize to
all of her fans and all of y’all for not knowing who
she is, but it’s like at the races when NA$CAR has a
singer or singers that I don’t know and they get up
there and kill the National Anthem. Well she wasn’t
that impressive either. Why not have Led Zeppelin?
They’re doing a tour again. They could have done
‘Stairway to Heaven’ and changed it to ‘Stairway to
the Championship.’ That would have been real cool.
I got it, Willie Nelson. He’s going to be at the Florida
Theatre next month and could have everybody out to
his bus afterwards when he passes out joints to the
crowd.
You know, it don’t really matter who does
what on that stage at the end of the season because
everything has been done already with the championship
decided. The other categories have been
filled with the names of drivers, owners, team members
and the other people of NA$CAR that are well
deserving of their accomplishments for the 2007
season. Sit and listen to the drivers thanking everybody
involved with their car (and rightly so because
without them they wouldn’t be there at all). The
year’s long work has paid off for these people and it
is an emotional time for all. It is a time for those pats
on the backs for everyone. Who needs a comedy
host or a big name singer for that? These guys get
up there and entertain us with their emotions alone.
I ran into an old friend the other day and he
told me he liked my articles, but they did put him
to sleep sometimes. So for this week (and only this
week) I’m shortening it up a tad. Remember if ya’
got a question or a comment, you know where to
contact me and If it Ain’t NA$CAR, It Ain’t S**t!!
eujacksonville.com | december 6-12, 2007 35

golden
compass
book and film review