view this week's issue in Adobe PDF version - Eujacksonville.com

JACKSONVILLE 

2008 winter 

movie preview 

The Circus Is in Town | Unity Fest | Bogda Art Show | Interview with Shangrala | Dancing with the Stars 

free weekly guide to entertainment and more | january 17 - 23, 2008 | www.eujacksonville.com

2 january 17-23, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper

table of contents 

feature 

2008 Winter Movie Preview ................................................................................PAGES 6-8 

movies 

Movies in Theaters this Week ........................................PAGES 9-12 

Cloverfield (movie review) .................................................... PAGE 9 

27 Dresses (movie review) ................................................. PAGE 10 

Savages (movie review) ..................................................... PAGE 11 

There Will Be Blood (movie review) ..................................... PAGE 12 

First Sunday (movie review) ............................................... PAGE 13 

home 

Man vs. Wild vs. Survivorman (TV review)............................................................. PAGE 14 

Surviving the Writer’s Strike .................................................................................. PAGE 14 

Netscapades ........................................................................................................ PAGE 15 

Videogames ......................................................................................................... PAGE 15 

dish 

Dish Update .......................................................................................................... PAGE 16 

Galangal (restaurant review) ...........................................................................PAGES 16-17 

Ingredient Secrets ................................................................................................. PAGE 17 

music 

Music Calendar .............................................................PAGES 19-23 

Willie Nelson (Florida Theatre) .............................................. PAGE 18 

Shangrala (interview)............................................................ PAGE 19 

Cosy Sheridan (interview) ..................................................... PAGE 20 

Ingrid Michaelson (interview) ................................................ PAGE 21 

PacSun Tour (interview) ........................................................ PAGE 22 

Unity Music Fest (interview).................................................. PAGE 23 

arts / theatre / on stage 

Ringling Bros. Circus ........................................................... PAGE 24 

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy (interview) ........................... PAGE 25 

Art Events ........................................................................... PAGE 26 

Bogda Gallery ..................................................................... PAGE 26 

Dancing with the Stars ........................................................ PAGE 27 

Dearly Departed (Theatre Jacksonville) ................................ PAGE 28 

The Dead Guy (Hippodrome) ............................................... PAGE 29 

columns and stuff 

Native Foreigner ................................................................................................... PAGE 30 

A Better U ............................................................................................................. PAGE 30 

The Jock ............................................................................................................... PAGE 31 

eujacksonville.com | january 17-23, 2008 3

thisweek 

thursday january 17 

Haste the Day vs. Scary Kids Scaring Kids tour 

Christian metalcore 5-piece Haste the Day will face off against 

Arizona’s Scary kids Scaring Kids in a battle to the death live on the 

Jack Rabbits stage… Actually they’re just performing in support 

of their newest albums. Drop Dead Gorgeous and Gwen Stacy will 

also be there. Tickets: $15. Jack Rabbits- 7 pm, Info: 398-7496 

Glenn Miller Orchestra 

What Glenn Miller felt as he and his band went out on the road 

in 1938 still holds true, which is why the famous Glenn Miller 

Orchestra lives on today. Formed by popular demand in 1956, the 

band has been touring consistently, playing an average of 300 live 

dates a year around the globe to millions of fans. Tickets: $33.50. 

Wilson Center for the Arts- 7:30pm, Info: (904) 632-3373 

Kathy Griffin 

America’s favorite D-List celebrity is coming back to the First 

Coast to give us all the juiciest Hollywood dirt. Kathy Griffin, who 

recently won an Emmy for her hit Bravo series My Life on the D- 

List, is currently shooting season four of her show, so perhaps 

Jacksonville will get some screen time. Tickets: $41 to $48.50. 

Florida Theatre- 8 pm, Info: (904) 355-2787 

Malcolm Holcombe 

Born and raised in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, 

Malcolm Holcombe is being recognized by the contemporary U.S 

and European folk/Americana community as a performer of national 

stature, and an uncommonly unique guitarist/vocalist. See him live 

this week at the European Street Listening Room in San Marco- 

8:30 pm, Info: (904) 399-1740 or www.hackingcat.com 

friday january 18 

jan 17 - 20 

Cirque Dreams jungle Fantasy 

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy is an all-new adventure that takes 

audiences soaring into a magical forest through the air and on 

stage. read more on page 25. Tickets: $26 to $54. Times-Union 

Center, Moran Theater, Info: 632-3373 or artistseries.fccj.org. 

ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Circus 

Over the Top, a wacky and whimsical circus spectacular 

where dogs fly, Asian Elephants skip, hop, and groove and one 

courageous man stands eye-to-eye with a pack of powerful 

Bengal tigers. read more on page 24. Tickets: $11.20 to $69. 

Jacksonville Arena, Info: (904) 630-3998 

Enter the Haggis 

There aren’t many groups in North America who could lay claim 

to possibly 18 different genres of music, but Toronto’s Enter the 

Haggis is one of them. To engage this quintet is to indulge rock, 

fusion, bluegrass, traditional Celtic fare, agitpop, folk, even Latin 

flavors. ETH’s live show is a musical feast – viscerally dynamic, 

emotionally uplifting and intellectually stimulating. See them live 

this Friday at Café Eleven. Tickets: $10. Café Eleven- 8:30 pm, Info: 

(904) 460-9311 

4 january 17-23, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper 

The ride Down Mt. Morgan 

Monogamy and relationships are the focus of this 

Tony nominated play by Arthur Miller. An insurance 

agent with two wives realizes his biggest fear when 

his spouses meet after he’s been in a car accident. 

Now aware of his duplicity, the women are forced to 

reappraise their relationship with him and decide if 

they want to continue living in a marriage built on lies. 

See this fascinating production performed by ABET 

January 18 th through February 2 nd . Adele Grage Cultural 

Center, Info: (904) 249-7177 

PacSun Tour featuring The audition 

Surf/skate/snowboarding retailer PacSun is sponsoring 

PacTour, a month-long series of concerts headlined 

by the Audition. The Audition is touring to support the 

band’s sophomore release, Champion. Other acts on 

the bill include Envy on the Coast, Danger Radio and 

Another Day Late. The Pac Tour comes to Jacksonville 

this Friday. read story on page 22. Tickets: $12. Fuel 

Coffeehouse- 4 pm, Info: (904) 425-FUEL 

roy Clark with Special Guest junior 

Brown 

Virginia born, multi-award winning virtuoso, actor, 

vocalist, philanthropist and all around great human being Roy 

Clark will be adding the Florida Theatre to his impressive list 

of venues played, which also includes Carnegie Hall, Madison 

Square Garden, Grand Palace in Brussels and the Rossiya 

Theatre in Moscow. He’ll be sharing the stage with fellow 

guitar hero and country singer Junior Brown this Friday. Tickets: 

$28.50-$38.50. Florida Theatre- 8 pm, Info: (904) 355-2787 

nicky Click 

Nicky Click is a producer, 

beat maker, video 

artist, songwriter and 

performance artist out 

of New Hampshire. Her 

unique brand of electro 

pop has earned her plenty 

of fans and a spot on the 

stage with famed girl acts 

like Lady Sovereign, The 

Blow and The Gossip. 

Tickets: $5. TSI- 10 pm, 

Info: (904) 424-3531 

Nicky Click 

saturday january 19 

Katt Williams 

Known just as much for his permed hair as he is for his animated 

performances and quick wit, comedian Katt Williams has been 

making his mark in Hollywood for over 10 years. He makes his 

mark in Jacksonville this weekend when he performs not once 

but twice on the Florida Theatre stage. Tickets: $49. Florida 

Theatre- 8 pm and 11 pm, Info: (904) 355-2787 

13th annual jacksonville International Horse 

Show 

A field of Olympic horse and rider combinations hoping to garner 

enough points to represent their various countries at the 2008 

World Cup Finals will be participating in this event. Arrive early for a 

children’s carnival, featuring Radio Disney, with music games and 

prizes from 1 pm to 2 pm, and mechanical rides, pony 

rides and stable tours from 1 pm until 4 pm. Admission 

to the horse show and carnival is free with a $5 parking 

donation. All proceeds from the day’s events will benefit 

the Clay County 4H Foundation. 

Clay County Fairground- 7 pm, Info: nfhja.com/ 

The unity Music Festival 

This newly minted annual music festival celebrates 

diversity by bringing over 100 different music acts of 

varying genres together in one event. Arrive with an 

open mind and groove to the sounds of acts like Rabbit 

in the Moon, George Acosta, Ying Yang Twins, Lil 

Boosie, Young Cash and many, many more. read more 

on page 23. Tickets: $39.50-$99. Metropolitan Park- 11 

am to 11 pm, Info: unitymusicfest.com 

sunday january 20 

Roy Clark 

Love & reverie 

With their unique mix of pop, indie and rock music Love & Reverie 

has a little something for everyone. Hailing from Richmond Virginia 

this five-piece has managed to break out of the mold to create a 

niche for themselves all over the east coast. The band will perform 

this Sunday with Anniston, Red Letter Bullet and Secrets Out. 

Tickets: $8. Rebar- 8 pm, Info: (904) 388-6269

monday january 21 

Florida Forever Benefit Concert 

Celebrated Florida folk artists Amy Carol Webb and The Ashley Gang are donating their time and talents 

to perform at the Florida Forever Benefit. All proceeds from ticket sales will be used to support Audubon 

of Florida and Northeast Florida conservation advocacy. Tickets: $30/general admission, $50/preferred 

seating. Theatre Jacksonville - 7 pm, Info: audubonofflorida.org/ffconcert or (850) 224-7546 ext. 2 

MLK Holiday Events 

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Foundation of Jacksonville cordially invites you to celebrate 

and remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. this Monday downtown. Events begin at 

9 am with a fantastic parade featuring nearly 200 area marching bands, floats, horses and more. Then 

head over to Metro Park where you can experience a Battle of the Bands competition, runway shows, 

community speakers and more. Metropolitan Park - 9 am to 5 pm, Info: mlkfdn.com 

tuesday january 22 

Dynamite Walls, The Futurists 

Hailing from San Diego, CA, Dynamite Walls is a young rock force poised to blaze their way to the top of 

the charts. The band’s sound has been compared to everything from Coldplay to John Mayer, and from 

the Beatles to Van Morrison and the band has found a growing fan base that continues to demand more 

of the quartet’s creative works. Ignatius Wryly’s and The Futurists will also perform. Tickets: $6. Jack 

Rabbits- 7 pm, Info: (904) 398-7496 

Soft Scrub® Presents Dancing with the Stars- The Tour 

The surprise TV hit Dancing with the Stars is taking the show on the road and Jacksonville is just one of 

their stops. See Joey Lawrence, Marie Osmond, Wayne Newton, Drew Lachey and season five winner 

Helio Castroneves strut their stuff this Tuesday at the Arena. read more on page 27. Tickets: $50.50 

- $165.00. Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena- 7:30 pm, Info: jaxevents.com or (904) 353-3309 

next thursday january 24 

Flo rida 

Flo Rida, unsurprisingly a native Floridian, 

is an MC who toured as a teenager with 

2 Live Crew’s Fresh Kid Ice and began 

popping up on high-profile mixtapes by 

2006 and has appeared with the likes of 

Rick Ross, Trick Daddy, Trina, and Dre (of 

Cool & Dre). His album Mail on Sunday, 

contains the number one song on the 

Billboard Hot 100, ‘Low,’ featuring T-Pain. 

If you missed him on MTV’s Tila Tiquila’s 

New Years Eve Masquerade, you can see 

him live at Plush next Thursday. Info: (904) 

743-1845 

Flo Rida 

In remembrance of the Dream 

The 6th Annual “In Remembrance of the 

Dream” Humanitarian Award will be presented to The Honorable Corrine Brown, Representative of the 

Third Congressional District of Florida. Come enjoy a magical evening to celebrate the modern day 

heroes in the African-American community, meet Pulitzer Prize nominee and Ritz Chamber Players’ 

2007-2008 Composer-in-Residence Dr. David Baker and enjoy his brilliant chamber masterpieces at 

Jacoby Symphony Hall-7:30 pm. 

Info: (904) 354-5547 

George Strait 

George Strait’s latest album, It Just Comes Natural, marks his 25th anniversary as a recording artist and 

coincides with the announcement that he is the most recent addition to the Country Music Hall of Fame. 

The legendary Texas troubadour is out in support of that new record and is sure to bring the house down 

with his long list of country hits. Nashville’s own Little Big Town will also perform. Tickets: $54.50- 

$64.50. Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena- 7:30 pm, Info: (904) 353-3309 


08 winter 

movie 

preview 

by rick grant 

horton hears a who! 

Winter in Northern Florida is mostly cool and enjoyable, with a few cold spells that 

require heavy coats and a sweater on my Chihuahua, Pepe. Take a hike in the country during 

the day and catch a newly released movie at night. 

There are many exciting movies to be released this winter. Here are a few of the highlights: 

Fantasy is big this year with such films as The Spiderwick Chronicles and In the Name 

of the King. 

Incredibly, Sylvester Stallone (“Yo, I’m old as dirt.”) is back with another Rambo. This 

time, Rambo, using a heavily armed walker, saves a gaggle of senior citizens being held 

hostage by Social Security protesters (ha!). 

Teen and twenty-something viewers can’t get enough of the horror genre with films 

such as The Orphanage and One Missed Call. 

And, the mainstay of the dating crowd, romantic comedies, is well represented with 

such films as The Accidental Husband. February 8th, the adventure romance genre movie, 

Fools Gold opens. 

In the middle of March, the obligatory Spring Break comedies open, Spring Breakdown 

and College Road Trip. 

The ancient past will come to life with the epic 10,000 B.C., opening March 7 th . 

Fortunately, the writer’s strike has not affected the movie business yet, but if it goes 

on, it could shut down productions. More worrisome, though, the Directors Guild’s contract 

runs out soon, and they could strike if they can’t come to terms with the studios. 

Everyone loses in a strike, so hopefully it can be avoided. 

As one would expect, there are movies for every taste along with a few art house indie 

films for the few people who will go to see them. 


january 25 th 

rambo 

Incredibly, Sylvester Stallone is back playing 

Rambo. Now long in the tooth, John Rambo travels 

to Thailand where he assembles a group of 

mercenaries and leads them up the Salween River 

to a Burmese village where a group of Christian 

aid workers are being held hostage by Burmese 

rebels. Rated R 

untraceable 

FBI Agent Jennifer Marsh (Diane Lane) is 

tasked with hunting down a seemingly untraceable 

serial killer who posts live videos of his victims 

on the Internet. Frustrated by lack of leads, 

Marsh discovers that the killer is targeting her as 

his next victim. He hacks into the FBI computer 

system and learns every detail of her life. He’s 

smart and plays games with the FBI and drives 

Marsh into hiding. Rated R 

hanna montana/miley cyrus: 

best of both worlds 

february 1 st 

hanna montana/miley cyrus: 

best of both worlds 

This film captures 14-year-old singing sensation, 

Miley Cyrus, in concert at several venues 

on her 2007 54-city tour. She performs as both a 

solo artist and as her popular television character, 

Hannah Montana. Rated G 

strange wilderness 

A wilderness-themed TV show is losing 

its ratings, so two animal researchers go to the 

Andes in search of Bigfoot. The two hapless 

explores get more than they bargained for while 

hunting for the mythical creature. From the start 

the ambitious expedition is beset with disasters. 

Along the way, the hapless crew will have to sur- 

vive near-death encounters with overzealous border 

guards, an amorous turkey, flesh-eating fish, 

murderous natives and a host of other obstacles 

that more than live up to the name “Strange Wilderness.” 

Rated R 

february 8 th 

fools gold 

Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey 

co-star in this action/comedy/romance about a 

lost treasure that rekindles a married couple’s 

sense of adventure and their estranged romance. 

Rated PG-13 

welcome home roscoe jenkins 

Michael Clarke Duncan and Martin Lawrence 

co-star in this comedy about a successful talk 

show host who leaves Los Angeles to reunite with 

his family in the Deep South. Rated PG13 

february 15 th 

rambo 

jumper 

A genetic anomaly allows a young man to 

teleport himself anywhere. He discovers this gift 

has existed for centuries. Suddenly, he finds himself 

in a war that has been raging for thousands 

of years between “Jumpers” and those who have 

sworn to kill them. Starring Hayden Christensen 

and Samuel L. Jackson. Rated PG13 

the spiderwick chronicles 

This is an elaborate fantasy involving two 

brothers, Jared and Simon Grace, who, along with 

their sister Malloy, find themselves pulled into an 

alternate world full of fairies and other creatures. 

Rated PG

february 22 nd 

be kind rewind 

Jerry (Jack Black) is a junkyard worker who 

attempts to sabotage a power plant that he believes 

is melting his brain. But when his plan goes 

awry, the magnetic field that he creates accidentally 

erases all of the videotapes in a local video 

store where his best friend Mike works. To satisfy 

the store’s most loyal renter, an aging woman 

with signs of dementia, the two men set out to 

remake the lost films, which include Back to the 

Future, Lion King, and Robocop using cheap sets, 

poor quality cameras, and bad acting. The films 

develop a cult following as a goof. Rated PG13 

charlie bartlett 

A rich kid (Anton Yelchin) becomes the selfappointed 

psychiatrist to the student body of his 

new high school. His amateur psychology leads 

to many comedic situations. Also starring Kat 

Dennings and Robert Downey, Jr. Rated PG-13 

shutter 

A young photographer and his girlfriend find 

ghostly images in his photographs as well as 

around them while on their honeymoon in Tokyo. 

Starring Rachel Taylor and Joshua Jackson. Rated 

PG13 

witless protection 

Larry, a small town sheriff witnesses what 

(continued on page 8) 4 


10,000 b.c. 

he believes is a kidnapping and rushes to rescue 

a woman in this comedy starring Jenny McCarthy, 

Eric Roberts, Joe Mantegna, and Larry the 

Cable Guy. Rated PG-13 

vantage point 

Forest Whitaker and Dennis Quaid co-star in 

this intriguing thriller. When there is an attempted 

assassination of the President, the story is told 

from five different perspectives. Rated 

PG13 

february 29 th 

the other boleyn girl 

Two ferociously ambitious sisters, Mary and 

Anne Boleyn, are rivals for the bed and heart of 

the 16th century English king Henry VIII. Starring: 

Natalie Portman, Eric Bana and, Scarlett Johansson. 

Rated PG13 

semi-pro 

Will Farrell stars as Jackie Moon, the 

owner-coach-player of the American Basketball 

Association’s Flint Michigan Tropics. He rallies his 

teammates to make their NBA dreams come true. 

Rated R 

march 7 th 

10,000 b.c. 

This prehistoric epic follows a young mammoth 

hunter’s journey through uncharted territory 

to secure the future of his tribe. Rated PG13 

the accidental husband 

Uma Thurman plays talk radio host Emma 

Lloyd who advises one of her listeners to break 

up with her boyfriend. When the boyfriend gets 

the brush-off, he’s furious and starts plotting his 

revenge on Emma. Co-starring Colin Firth. Rated 

PG13 

college road trip 

An over-achieving high school student de- 

the other boleyn girl 


cides to travel around the country to choose the 

perfect college. Her overprotective cop father 

decides to accompany her in order to keep her 

on the straight and narrow. She devises a plan to 

divert her dad’s attention while she parties. Starring 

Raven Symore and Martin Lawrence. Rated 

PG13 

march 14 th 

spring breakdown 

Three adult women vacation together at a 

popular travel destination for college co-eds on 

spring break. They get caught up in the chaos 

and wild parties. This comedy stars Parker Posey, 

Missi Pyle, and Amber Tamblyn (Joan of Arcadia). 

horton hears a who! 

Horton the Elephant struggles to protect a 

microscopic community from his neighbors who 

refuse to believe it exists. Jim Carrey voices Horton 

and Steve Carell voices The Mayor of Whoville. 

Rated PG 

pride and glory 

This is a saga centered on a multi-genera- 

tional family of New York City Police officers. 

The Family’s moral codes are tested when Ray 

Tierney (Edward Norton) investigates a case that 

reveals an incendiary police corruption scandal 

involving his own brother-in-law (Colin Farrell). 

Rated R 

march 21 st 

meet the browns 

This is another Tyler Perry vehicle. A single 

mom (Angela Basset) takes her family to the funeral 

of her father – a man she never met. There, 

her clan is introduced to the crass, fun-loving 

Brown family. Rated PG-13 

drillbit taylor 

In this comedy, two kids hire a low-budget 

bodyguard to protect them from the playground 

bully. But they get more than they bargained for 

when their scheme unravels in many comedic 

ways. Starring Owen Wilson. Rated PG13 

march 28 th 

wanted 

Wesley Gibson (James McAvoy) is a disaffected, 

cube-dwelling workaday drone. His 

girlfriend ignores him routinely and his life plods 

on interminably, and he’s his boss’ whipping boy. 

His life changes drastically when he meets a sexy 

woman named Fox (Angelina Jolie) who recruits 

him into the Fraternity, a secret society that trains 

Wes to avenge his father’s death by unlocking his 

dormant powers. Rated R 

run, fatboy, run 

A rotund guy leaves his pregnant fiancée 

on their wedding day only to discover, five years 

later, that she is his one true love. Now that he is 

trim and fit he wants her back but has to compete 

with her boyfriend. His belated proclamations of 

love fall on deaf ears but he’s not discouraged. 

Rated PG13 

21 

the accidental husband 

Based on a real-life gambling scheme setup 

by MIT students to outsmart the blackjack dealers 

in Vegas. Six MIT students were trained to 

become experts in card counting and took Vegas 

casinos for millions of dollars. Starring Kevin 

Spacey. Rated PG13 

stop loss 

Back home in Texas, after fighting in Iraq, 

a soldier refuses to return to battle despite the 

government mandate requiring him to return to 

his unit. His legal battle becomes an unintentional 

anti-war manifesto. Rated R 

drillbit taylor

perfect popcorn cinema 

Cloverfield 

by kellie abraHamSoN KAbrahamson1@aol.com 

B+ Rated PG13 90 min 

Internet hype is a funny thing. It worked amazingly 

well for 1999’s surprise hit The Blair Witch 

Project but last year’s Snakes on a Plane bombed 

despite the all buzz. It will be interesting to see how 

the new JJ Abrams-produced 

monster movie 

Cloverfield fares this 

weekend. After seeing 

the film, I suspect it 

will be somewhere in 

between. 

Rob Hawkins 

(Michael Stahl-David) 

is about to leave New 

York City and head to 

Japan for a big promotion. 

His going-away 

party is going swimmingly 

until an earthquake 

surges through 

the city causing the 

power to go out briefly. 

The partygoers head to 

the roof just in time to 

witness an explosion in 

the distance. Thinking 

the earthquake is actually 

another terrorist attack, the group rushes out of 

the building and into the street where Lady Liberty’s 

flaming head is soon hurled. It’s then they realize this 

is no terrorist attack or earthquake. A massive monster 

has made its way to Manhattan and their only 

choice is to run for their lives. This strategy, however, 

gets thrown out the window when Rob gets a call 

from his best friend/lady love Beth (Odette Yustman) 

who is trapped in her high-rise apartment. With the 

help of his brother Jason (Mike Vogel) and friends 

Lily (Jessica Lucas), Hud (TJ Miller) and Marlena 

(Lizzy Caplan), Rob makes the perilous journey 

past the giant monster, its dangerous offspring and 

several tanks full of military to rescue the woman he 

loves, documenting the events on a camcorder along 

the way. 

The big problem with most modern day mon- 

ster movies is the CGI often looks so out of place 

and off that the audience can spot it a mile away. A 

film like Cloverfield hinges on its gigantic antagonist 

being realistic and scary and thankfully it is. In fact, 

nearly all of the effects used in the film, from the 

monster to its spawn to the destruction they do to 

the city, are top notch. I think there was only one 

moment where I spotted the use of green screen and 

the monster wasn’t even in the vicinity. The use of 

the handheld camera helps bring a sense of immediacy 

to the audience, but also helps hide any flaws 

in the CGI. It’s actually a pretty brilliant strategy 

when you think about it and, as long as the audience 

doesn’t suffer from motion sickness, fans will certainly 

appreciate it. 

Like Abrams’ hit TV show Lost, there are plenty 

of lingering questions that are sure to bug the heck 

out of the average moviegoer. Where did the monster 

come from? How did the human race stop such a 

formidable beast? Did New York ever recover? We’re 

told at the beginning that this is “recovered footage” 

we’re watching, so it’s a given that none of that stuff 

will ever be addressed. This could be seen as a big 

issue for some and was a problem for at least a few 

of the people at the screening I attended. I suspect 

those who want to know more about the monster’s 

origins and the aftermath of the attack will be able to 

find some answers online, where at least four official 

Cloverfield-related sites have been discovered so 

far. If the massive viral marketing campaign Abrams 

used with Lost is any indication, new chapters of the 

Cloverfield story will be available to those with an 

Internet connection and several hours to kill. Lazy 

movie-lovers probably won’t want to deal with the 

extra work, but those willing to put in the time will 

most likely get more out of the film in the end. 

But the real question is “Does it live up to the 

hype?” The answer is yes and no. If you can get 

past the camera work, and that is a big “if” considering 

I never get motion sickness and my stomach 

was turning at certain points, there’s a great thriller 

to be found. Like all good thrillers the characters 

make stupid decisions and often time survive the 

impossible, but we, the viewers, go with it because 

what they’re going through matters to us. In this Cloverfield 

succeeds. Yes, there are plot holes, missteps 

and some seriously shaky logic in this particular 

tale, but at the end of the day it shocks, startles and 

entertains so much that those flaws seem minimal in 

hindsight. Cloverfield is perfect popcorn cinema. 

MOVIES OPENING 

27 DRESSES A single woman who has served 

as a bridesmaid a stunning twenty-seven times 

prepares to support her sister at the alter on 

number twenty-eight despite having fallen helplessly 

in love with her smitten sibling’s handsome 

husband-to-be. Katherine Heigl stars in a 

romantic comedy scripted by The Devil Wears 

Prada screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna and 

directed by Anna Fletcher (Step Up). Also starring: 

James Marsden, Malin Akerman, Edward 

Burns. Rating: PG-13 

CLOVERFIELD The subject of much internet 

speculation since its provocative trailer debuted 

in early July of 2007, producer J.J. Abrams’s 

mystery shrouded production finds a powerful 

destructive force descending upon New York 

City. Directed by Matt Reeves, from a script by 

Drew Goddard, the film stars Michael Stahl- 

David, Mike Vogel, Odette Yustman, amd Lizzy 

Caplan. 

Rating: PG-13 

MAD MONEY Bridget Cardigan (Diane Keaton) 

is shocked to learn that she is on the verge of 

losing her home and comfortable upper middle 

class lifestyle when her husband Don (Ted Danson) 

is downsized from his job. Armed only with 

a decades old English degree and years as a 

dedicated mother and corporate wife, Bridget is 

forced into the unfamiliar labor market with no 

job skills. Finally, she accepts the only position 

she can find—janitor at the Federal Reserve 

Bank. Also starring: Queen Latifah and Katie 

Holmes. Rating: PG-13 

SAVAGES The Savage siblings are firmly cocooned 

in their own complicated lives. Wendy is 

a struggling East Village playwright and Jon is a 

neurotic college professor writing books on obscure 

subjects in Buffalo. They are informed that 

the father they have long feared and avoided, 

Lenny Savage, is slowly being consumed by 

dementia and they are the only ones that can 

help. Now, Wendy and Jon are forced to live 

together under one roof for the first time since 

childhood, rediscovering the eccentricities that 

drove each other crazy. Starring: Laura Linney, 

Philip Seymour Hoffman, Philip Bosco, Peter 

Friedman. Rating: R 

NOW SHOWING 

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS The live-action/ 

CGI motion picture event brings together the celebrated 

history of its beloved characters - Dave 

Seville and singing chipmunks Alvin, Simon and 

Theodore - adding a new comic sensibility and 

edge. Starring: Jason Lee, David Cross, Cameron 

Richardson, Justin Long. Rating: PG 

ATONEMENT In 1935, 13-year-old fledgling 

writer Briony Tallis (Saoirse Ronan) and her 

family live a life of wealth and privilege in their 

enormous mansion. The warmest day of the 

4 

4 


year stokes Briony’s vivid imagination. Robbie 

Turner (James McAvoy), the educated son of the 

family’s housekeeper, carries a torch for Briony’s 

headstrong older sister Cecilia (Kiera Knightley). 

Cecilia, he hopes, has comparable feelings. Cecilia 

and Robbie declare their love for each other, 

but he is arrested - and with Briony bearing false 

witness, the course of three lives is changed 

forever. Rating: R 

THE BUCKET LIST Jack Nicholson and Morgan 

Freeman star as two terminally ill cancer patients 

who decide to break out of the hospital and live 

their last days to the fullest. Edward Cole (Nicholson) 

is a corporate billionaire who is currently 

sharing a hospital room with blue-collar mechanic 

Carter Chambers (Freeman). With a checklist 

that includes playing the poker tables in Monte 

Carlo, consuming copious amounts of caviar, 

racing the fastest machines on four wheels, and 

much more..These two will do their best to fit 

a lifetime of experience into their last remaining 

days while forging an unlikely, but truly remarkable, 

friendship. Rating: PG-13 

CHARLIE WILSON’S WAR Charlie Wilson (Tom 

Hanks) was a bachelor congressman from Texas 

with a deep sense of patriotism and a passion for 

the underdog, and in the early 1980s the underdog 

was Afghanistan. Charlie’s longtime friend 

and patron and sometime lover was Joanne 

Herring (Julia Roberts), one of the wealthiest 

women in Texas and a virulent anti-communist. 

She prods Charlie into doing more for the Mujahideen. 

Charlie’s partner in this uphill endeavor 

is CIA Agent Gust Avrakotos (Philip Seymour 

Hoffman), a blue-collar operative in a company 

of Ivy League blue bloods. Together, the three 

of them—Charlie, Joanne and Gust—travel the 

world to form unlikely alliances among the arms 

dealers, law makers and a belly dancer. Rating: R 

FIRST SUNDAY Durell and LeeJohn are best 

friends and bumbling petty criminals. When 

Durell learns that his ex-girlfriend plans to move 

to another state with their son--unless they can 

get her $17,000 to pay off a debt--they come up 

with a desperate scheme to rob their neighborhood 

church. But when the duo fumbles their 

way through the break-in, they discover someone 

has beaten them to the punch. In order to get 

their hands on the money, Durell and LeeJohn 

are forced to spend the night in the presence of 

the Lord and his followers--and end up getting 

a lot more than they bargained for. Starring: Ice 

Cube, Tracy Morgan, Katt Williams, Regina Hall. 

Rating: PG-13 

THE GREAT DEBATERS Drawing inspiration 

from the true story of a temperamental debate 

coach who molded the students of a small East 

Texas college into a formidable team that gave 

Harvard’s squad a run for their money in the 

1930s, Denzel Washington’s The Great Debaters 

features the director himself as the ambitious 

educator, and Forest Whitaker as the resentful father 

of a student whose loyalties now lie almost 

exclusively with his coach. Starring: Denzel 

Washington, Forest Whitaker, Nate Parker, Denzel 

Whitaker. Rating: PG-13 

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 

A Rated PG13 107 minutes 


sappy and snappy 

27 Dresses 

by Hilary joHNSoN hilary_a_johnson@yahoo.com 

“I feel like I just found out that my favorite love 

song was written about a sandwich,” said a dis- 

tressed, disillusioned Jane, played by Katherine Heigl 

in the new romantic comedy 27 Dresses. 

For a sappy chick flick, this movie packs some 

of the most hysterical silver screen moments I have 

seen in a long long time. Some of them match the 

funny bone aptitude of such notable comedies as 

Borat and Knocked Up (another Heigl vehicle), but it 

comes as a shocking, pleasant surprise. 

One of the best things about Katherine Heigl is 

that she really nails the whole woe-is-me romantic 

comedy heroine, but she is downright one of the 

funniest actresses around. You just don’t ever expect 

it. She isn’t the kind of actress that comes to mind 

when you think of female comedians. Her character 

on Grey’s Anatomy is, once again, a lovelorn, sweet 

and yet incredibly strong woman. It’s a role that will 

hopefully not become typecast, but she surely does 

it well. 

In 27 Dresses she is convincing with her 

mope-y eyes and her belief that the true sanctity of 

love is tangible. And she’s gorgeous, which doesn’t 

really hurt things. 

But what really wins this new movie star some 

credit is that underneath all that Julia Roberts camouflage 

is a genuine comedian. And it shows. She 

truly shines in this witty, somewhat satirical film 

about the absurdities of weddings and how much 

importance has been placed on them over the past 

years. 

Her character even tries on all 27 of the bridesmaid’s 

dresses, giving the film its name. And, in the 

most hilarious of ways, every single one is hideous. 

But as they flashback to the loving moments they 

were adorned for, they are as convincing and valid 

as the kind of dress some delusional bride might 

make her friends wear. 

The film starts with Jane participating in two 

weddings in one night, darting here and there in between 

the receptions in an undetectable act of selfless 

heroism. It gives the illusion of the bridesmaid 

as some kind of super hero in a wedding, which is 

portrayed as a larger-than-life moment. Yet it is a 

moment that seems to have lost the significance of 

the original meaning: the joining of two people in 

love. That simple idea, with such bold implications 

about the state of marriage and weddings in our 

culture, is the backbone of this film. It is brought out 

by Heigl’s co-star and antagonist, the hunky James 

Marsden, who plays Kevin. Kevin is a wedding journalist 

for the New York Journal whose cynical views 

on the sanctity of weddings counters Heigl’s idealistic 

obsession with the overblown events. 

Their chemistry is somehow both subtle and 

overwhelming all at once, making this film not only 

romantic and emotional, but sarcastically funny and 

totally believable. 

It is safe to say that this film will be a huge 

box office hit, while also catapulting the careers of 

both Heigl and Marsden into the next tier of silver 

screen success, a feat much deserved. 27 Dresses 

contains all the right ingredients. And even in the 

moments that are on the brink of being too sugary 

sweet to bear, they throw in another side-splitting 

moment that brings it down from the heart and into 

the stomach, which is suddenly, once again, doubled 

over in laughter. 

If you are looking for a film that is light, but 

still thought-provoking then this movie is for you. If 

you’re looking to make fun of marriage, then here’s 

your chance. If you’re looking to get ideas for an upcoming 

wedding, here are few what NOT to dos (and 

a few rather genuinely great ones). And if you’re 

looking for a good date movie, then this movie is 

definitely the pick of the crop. The guys will probably 

get a good laugh, while the girls will get the sappy 

love stories they love so much. Just maybe not a 

first date, as it is about weddings. That could just be 

awkward. 

read it all online 

EUjacksonville.com

a problem for the ages 

The Savages 

by rick graNt rickgrant01@comcast.net 

A- Rated R 113 min 

Writer/director Tamara Jenkins’ screenplay 

broaches a sensitive subject in today’s world–aging 

in an ageist, youth-obsessed society unwilling to 

come to terms with the problems of the elderly. Siblings 

Wendy and Jon Savage (Laura Linney and Philip 

Seymour Hoffman) are estranged from their father, 

Lenny (Philip Bosco), who is living with a woman in 

Sun City, Arizona. His companion suddenly dies and 

he is suffering from dementia, which has caused him 

to act irrationally. 

Lenny can no longer stay in the house because 

he signed an agreement that if his cohabitant died he 

would not contest the ownership of her home, which 

the relatives want to sell. So, Wendy and John have 

to interrupt their lives, fly to Arizona, and deal with 

their father’s rapidly advancing illness. 

Wendy is in her forties and trying to make it 

as a playwright. She has a day job as a temp to pay 

the bills, but literary failure is embarrassing to her 

because her brother, Jon, is a professor of theater 

and the author of numerous books. Wendy is having 

an affair with a randy married man Larry (Peter 

Friedman) who has no intention of leaving his wife. 

She is getting tired of just sex and is secretly desiring 

a more fulfilling relationship, but Larry satisfies 

her sexual desires and she can get rid of him quickly, 

so she can be alone to work on her plays. It’s a rela- 

tionship of convenience for both of them. 

Under normal circumstances, Wendy and 

Jon would have had difficulty communicating with 

Lenny, but his illness exacerbated their bitter differences 

and made it extremely awkward to talk with 

him about his living arrangements and his wishes 

concerning his death. For Wendy, her father’s illness 

stirred up her guilt about her inability to reach out to 

him. Jon was more philosophical about the inevitable 

result of Lenny’s dementia–he would need 24/7 care 

in a nursing home. Both siblings were forced to face 

long-buried emotions, blocked by years of intellectual 

thought. 

Jenkins gradually builds momentum by escalating 

the emotional turmoil as Wendy and Jon face 

hard choices, which force them to look deeply inside 

themselves and brings them closer as brother and 

sister. Lenny is in and out of lucidity as he seems 

confused by all the changes going on around him 

that he can’t contemplate. He thinks he’s in a hotel, 

when in fact, he’s in a nursing home. 

In a key scene, Jon tells Wendy that the pleasant 

trappings of the nursing home, such as the 

landscaping and the decor, are for the relatives to 

ease their guilt, hiding the reality of death going on 

everyday inside. Wendy befriends an orderly who 

tells her they know when death is near because the 

patients’ feet curl up a few days before. 

The focus of Jenkins’ script is how the impending 

death of their father changes them, jolting them 

out of their self-absorption and redirecting their 

energy to thinking about their father’s well being. In 

so doing, Wendy and Jon see things differently with 

more compassion and love. 

In this masterfully written story, Jenkins suggests 

that ageism is born from the fear of the unknown 

among young people. When forty-something 

offspring have to make arrangements for their elderly 

parents, they see their own mortality for the first 

time. It’s both shocking and illuminating to see how 

they commit to this new phase of their lives and it 

determines how they will handle their own old age. 

Indeed, we learn from all phases of our lives and 

facing the death of a parent is a profound lesson 

in humility and understanding of what love really 

means. 

souls manifest themselves as animals, talking 

bears fight wars, and Gyptians and witches co-exist. 

‘The Golden Compass’ stars an ensemble cast 

that includes Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Sam 

Elliott, and Ian McShane. Rating: PG-13 

I AM LEGEND Robert Neville (Will Smith) is a 

brilliant scientist, but even he could not contain the 

terrible virus that was unstoppable, incurable, and 

man-made. Somehow immune, Neville is now the 

last human survivor in what is left of New York City 

and maybe the world. Starring: Will Smith, Alice 

Braga, Charlie Tahan, Salli Richardson-Whitfield. 

Rating: PG-13. 

IN THE NAME OF THE KING: A DUNGEON SIEGE 

TALE A simple family man (Jason Statham) is 

forced to take up arms after an evil sorcerer (Ray 

Liotta) unleashes an army of bloodthirsty beasts 

that destroy his small village and capture his beautiful 

wife (Claire Forlani). Rating: PG-13 

INTO THE WILD Based on a true story and the 

bestselling book by Jon Krakauer. After graduating 

from Emory University in 1992, top student and 

athlete Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) 

abandons his possessions, gives his entire 

$24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes 

to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, 

Christopher encounters a series of characters 

that shape his life. Starring: Emile Hirsch, Vince 

Vaughn, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt. Directed 

By: Sean Penn. Rating: R 

JUNO When a teenage girl is faced with an unexpected 

pregnancy, she enlists the aid of her best 

friend in finding the unborn child a suitable home 

in this coming-of-age comedy drama from Thank 

You for Smoking director Jason Reitman. Juno 

(Ellen Page) may seem wise beyond her years, 

but after sleeping with classmate Bleeker (Michael 

Cera), the pregnant teen quickly realizes how little 

she really knows about life. Juno’s parents (J.K. 

Simmons and Allison Janney) and a best friend 

named Leah (Olivia Thirlby) are willing to help out. 

Juno soon comes into contact with Mark (Jason 

Bateman) and Vanessa (Jennifer Garner) -- an 

affluent suburban couple who are eager to adopt 

Juno’s unborn child. Juno discoves that one bad 

choice can have a lifetime of consequences. Rating: 

PG-13 

THE KITE RUNNER In a divided country on the 

verge of war, two childhood friends, Amir and Hassan, 

are about to be torn apart forever. Now, after 

20 years of living in America, Amir returns to a 

perilous Afghanistan under the Taliban’s iron-fisted 

rule to face the secrets that still haunt him and take 

one last daring chance to set things right. Starring: 

Khalid Abdalla, Homayoun Ershadi, Zekiria Ebrahimi, 

Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada. Rating: PG-13 

NATIONAL TREASURE: BOOK OF SECRETS Nicolas 

Cage reprises his role as artifact hunter and 

archaeologist extraordinaire Ben Franklin Gates. In 

this outing, Gates learns of his own family’s implication 

in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln by 

John Wilkes Booth. Gates must then locate the 18 

missing pages to Booth’s diary, not only to clear 

his family’s name, but to unearth and connect several 

secrets, buried within the book, that point to a 

massive, global conspiracy. Rating: PG 

NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN Llewelyn Moss 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 trunk. When Moss takes 

the money, he sets off a chain reaction of cata- 


strophic violence that not even the law — namely 

aging, disillusioned Sheriff Bell — can contain. 

Starring: Tommy Lee Jones, Javier Bardem, Josh 

Brolin, Woody Harrelson, Kelly MacDonald. Rating: 

R 

ONE MISSED CALL The story revolves around 

a college student whose friends begin receiving 

cell phone messages from the future in which 

they hear themselves being murdered. When she 

receives her own death message, the coed has 

three days to change her fate. Rating: PG-13 

THE ORPHANAGE Laura spent the happiest 

years of her childhood growing up in an orphanage 

by the seaside, cared for by the staff and 

fellow orphans whom she loved as brothers and 

sisters. Now, thirty years later, she returns with 

her husband Carlos and Simon, their 7-year-old 

son, with a dream of restoring and reopening the 

long abandoned orphanage as a home for disabled 

children. Starring: Belén Rueda, Fernando 

Cayo, Roger Princep, Geraldine Chaplin. Rating: 

R 

P.S. I LOVE YOU Holly Kennedy (Hilary Swank) 

is 29, beautiful, smart, and married to the love 

of her life—a passionate, funny and impetuous 

Irishman named Gerry (Gerard Butler). Gerry’s 

life is taken by an illness that also seems to take 

the life out of Holly. Holly receives a message on 

her 30th birthday in the form of a cake and, to 

her utter shock, a tape recording from Gerry, who 

proceeds to order her to get out and “celebrate 

herself.” In the weeks and months that follow, 

more letters from Gerry are delivered, each sending 

her on a new adventure and ending with: P.S. I 

Love You. Rating: PG-13. 

SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF 

FLEET STREET Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham 

Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen, Timothy Spall, 

and Alan Rickman star in this Tim Burton film. 

Embittered at having been wrongly imprisoned 

Ex-convict Sweeny Todd (Depp) returns to his 

hometown and opens a modest barber shop. 

With a little assistance from his accomplice Mrs. 

Lovett (Bonham Carter) - whose popular meat 

pies are proven to have Todd’s most unsavory 

ingredient. Rating: R 

THE WATER HORSE: LEGEND OF THE DEEP A 

lonely young boy vows to protect the rapidly 

growing hatchling that emerges from a mysterious 

egg found on the shores of a Scottish loch. 

Angus MacMorrow (Alex Etel) will have to do 

some seriously quick thinking to keep his newfound 

friend out of the hands of research scientists. 

Rating: PG. 

SPECIAL SHOWINGS 

IMAX 

The World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX Theater will 

premiere Walt Disney Pictures’ giant-screen 

adventure ROVING MARS on Friday, Jan. 18. 

The film, which gives audiences an account of 

the $820-million Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) 

mission and a first-hand trip to the mystifying 

planet that has inspired countless scientific questions, 

will run at the IMAX Theater through fall 

2008. The film follows the Lead Science Investigator 

Steve Squyres and his team of engineers 

as they conceive and execute a history-making 

project to build and launch two state-of-the-art 

remote-controlled Rovers. For tickets and showtimes, 

call 904-940-IMAX or visit www.wgv.com. 


a surprisingly topical drama 

There Will be blood 


A Rated R 158 min 

In this dark but riveting drama set at the turn 

of the 20 th Century, writer/director Paul Thomas 

Anderson’s adaptation of Upton Sinclair’s novel, 

Oil, is a scathing study of a psychopath, Daniel 

Plainview. Brilliantly characterized by Daniel Day- 

Lewis, Plainview seeks power by becoming a 

wealthy oilman through the strength of his will and 

hard work alone. His superior persona veiled his 

contempt for other people. 

Anderson created special formalized dialogue 

for Day-Lewis to utter, exposing a deeply disturbed 

man who could turn on the charm using straight 

talk with the simple folk to whom he was selling 

his ideas for oil-rich communities. In his pitches to 

the townspeople, he painted himself as family man 

– a single father who believed in a hard work ethic. 

It was a ruse to con as much oil-rich land as he 

could out of the landowners. 

At first, I admired Daniel’s determination and 

tenacity as he toiled relentlessly in a self-dug hole 

to mine silver nuggets to earn his seed money. 

With his son in tow, Daniel works his first oil rig 

and strikes a large oil field. He surrounded himself 

with a cadre of handpicked loyal associates who 

would do his bidding without question. However, 

as the story unfolds, Daniel reveals his twisted 

megalomania and psychotic personality. 

Daniel’s strategy was to get an oil rig pumping 

$5,000 per week and move on to the next drilling 

site, building rapidly increasing wealth on massive 

cash flow. Never satisfied, Daniel exhibited 

dark moods and out-of-control diatribes. His heart 

was cold, driven by greed and a ruthless nature. 

When crossed, Daniel held a grudge and schemed 

to get even with his enemies, especially other oilmen 

who were working claimed sites nearby. Daniel 

never learned the art of diplomacy even when it 

was in his best interest. He had to win at all costs. 

Tipped off that Standard Oil was operating in 

a certain Texas region, Daniel moved in to grab as 

much land as possible. His experience at finding 

oil served him well. He found a tract of land that 

could produce unlimited amounts of oil, but he 

needed labor for this dangerous work. So he literally 

created a town around his drilling operations. 

In this idyllic setting, Daniel met his nemesis, a 

phony preacher and healer, Eli Sunday, skillfully 

acted by Paul Dano. 

Anderson’s script uses the war of wills between 

Daniel and Eli as a subtext to exposing Daniel’s 

true colors. Ironically, Eli was a lot like Daniel. 

But he wanted status and power as a religious 

icon on the back of Daniel’s hard work. Eli, who 

was bitter that Daniel reneged on his agreement 

to compensate the Sunday family for taking their 

land, needs Daniel’s oil money to build his empire. 

A con man himself, Eli uses his influence with the 

townspeople to punish Daniel, but his scheme 

backfires. This results in a stalemate between two 

con men. 

By now, viewers see Daniel as a man tortured 

by his past but determined to put it behind him. 

His endgame is unclear, but he has become very 

wealthy. Nonetheless, his mental state is deteriorating, 

exacerbated by his massive consumption of 

whiskey. Day-Lewis skillfully guides his character 

into madness as he gets older and meaner. Despite 

his status as a wealthy oil baron, Daniel can’t 

enjoy it. He is harassed by internal voices and his 

descent into mental illness seems profound. 

The haunting score by Radiohead’s Jonny 

Greenwood serves as a fitting audio backdrop 

to Daniel’s trip into hell on earth. Greenwood’s 

avant-garde symphonic music highlights Daniel’s 

extreme emotional mood swings as he gradually 

loses control. When Daniel’s faux brother shows 

up to hang out with him, he brings some peace to 

Daniel’s soul. But when Daniel finds out the man 

is an imposter, his true psychotic nature manifests 

itself. 

Day-Lewis’ characterization of Daniel Plainview 

will forever be fused in viewers’ brains as an 

indelible memory. No one will forget Day-Lewis’ 

penetrating performance as this hard-working man 

who single-handedly carved out an oil empire, but 

whose mental illness trapped his mind in a prison 

of pain and psychosis. All his money and power 

could not save him from himself.

holy high rollers 

First Sunday 


D Rated PG-13 96 min 

Ice Cube has carved out a dynasty for himself 

by making cheap films that enforce negative African-American 

ghetto stereotypes. In this crappola, 

Cube played a leading role and produced the project. 

Nonetheless, Cube knows what ordinary blacks want 

in their comedies. His formula always includes the 

church, which is an epicenter of black culture, complemented 

by black character cliches, including the 

street thugs, the church lady, the nutty choir director 

and the sweet elderly grandmother. 

In this low rent shoot, Cube played Durell and 

Tracy Morgan (30 Rock) portrayed LeeJohn–buddies 

who commit petty street crimes to get by. A heist 

caper is conjured up by the two goofballs when they 

hear that the church has raised over $100 grand 

for a rebuilding project. As motivation, Durell and 

LeeJohn find out they owe some Jamaican hustlers 

$17 grand for stolen custom wheel chairs. Yes, the 

church rebuilding fund seems like easy money. 

Of course, everything goes wrong that could go 

wrong, and the two hapless burglars end up taking 

the minister and the choir hostage. Amid constant 

and annoying bickering, the two dunderheads find 

out that someone else got to the money before them. 

Now, Durell, who is pissed off that his plan went 

south, threatens the hostages with bodily harm if 

they don’t scarf-up the dough. Morgan resorts to 

his tried-and-true shtick to get laughs, and Cube just 

snorts-out his lines like he does in every role. 

Director/writer David E. Talbert orchestrates 

the scenes effectively from his own script, which is 

loaded with hackneyed dialogue. The premise that 

certain members of the hostage contingent see that 

Durell is really a decent man wears thin when he 

acts like a trigger happy killer. The mid-section of 

this film is irritating and long, and nothing really happens. 

The church pastor (Chi McBride), who spends 

the entire movie tied to a chair, brought some dignity 

to his role. His daughter (Malinda Williams) had the 

hots for Durell and comic Katt Williams portrayed the 

nervous choir director. Michael Beach, who like most 

of the cast is slumming in this film, plays the role of 

the church embezzler. Even though the formula has 

been done to death, audience members in the theater 

when I viewed the film seemed to really enjoy it. This 

proves my case that Ice Cube has his finger on the 

pulse of the mainstream black consciousness. 

To me, the movie’s running time of 96 minutes 

seemed like an eternity as the film plodded on 

with more of the same unfunny setups. To be fair, I 

noticed that some of the references went right past 

me, but the audience immediately laughed. Even 

factoring in my ignorance of some of the references, 

the film still didn’t measure up to quality standards of 

writing and filmmaking. 

Only when the black film audiences get tired of 

these poor films will the standards change. Meanwhile, 

Ice Cube and his ilk will continue to build up 

their influence and clout in the business because 

their films always make money. The credo is–if you 

make large amounts of money for yourself and other 

high rollers in the biz, you rise to greatness. No one 

cares if you haven’t got talent. 


Man vs. Wild Survivorman 

survival of the fittest 

Man vs. Wild vs. Survivorman 


Spawned from the popularity of the long-running 

reality show Survivor, two experienced survivalists 

compete for viewers every week in some godforsaken 

wilderness with only their survival skills, a 

knife, and a canteen of water. Whereas naturalist and 

former British Special Forces soldier, Bear Grylls of 

Man Vs Wild is dropped into vast wilderness regions 

with a film crew, Les Shroud, from Canada, is also 

dropped into a wilderness region, but he films himself, 

which to me gives Les more credibility. 

The allure of these shows is based on viewers 

saying to themselves “what if” we end up lost in 

the woods without any provisions, what would we 

do? Of course, chances of that happening are slim 

to none, but it’s fun to speculate. I like to hike on 

well marked paths with my cell phone and plenty of 

water. Clearly, both Bear Grylls and Les Stroud are 

experienced survivalists who have advanced knowledge 

of where to find water in various regions, what 

indigenous plants are safe to eat, and what small 

creatures and insects are nutritious. 

In Bear Grylls’ show, Man Vs Wild, the film 

crew is unseen, which raises the possibility of Bear 

cheating. The crew could be carrying extra water, 

food, and other amenities to make Bear’s survival in 

the forest more comfortable. In fact, Bear has been 

criticized for staging some scenes near his hotel. So, 

next season, Bear’s show will include the film crew 

and regular people he is teaching to survive. This 

way, the scenes will be above reproach. More importantly, 

the show will be more interesting. 

Undeniably, Bear has the right stuff for hosting 

this show. Despite a bad back injury suffered in a 

parachuting accident on a Special Forces’ mission, 

Bear went on to climb Mount Everest. He was only 

23 and the youngest person to reach the summit 

at that time (1998). In 2007, he was also the first 

person to fly a powered paraglider over the summit 

of Everest, ascending to 29,500 feet. In 2005, Bear 

took a group of young men to the Western Sahara 

Desert to undergo the French Foreign Legion’s basic 

training, which is considered the most brutal training 

of any armed forces in the world. 

My favorite Bear Grylls adventure was his 

survival deep in the Everglades, wading through alligator 

infested swamp water and eating insects and 

frogs. Bear made a camp in a tree with a fire to dry 


out his feet, which are vulnerable to trench foot. Bear 

showed viewers that they could siphon the dirty 

swamp water through a T-shirt, boil it, and drink it. 

The endless swamp with its poisonous snakes and 

alligators is a foreboding place to be stranded. It’s 

impossible to get your bearings, but Bear showed 

viewers how to navigate this treacherous environment. 

One wonders, though, that when he yells “cut” 

he may say, “Hey, who’s got a beer,” to the crew. 

Frankly, I like both shows, and Bear knows his 

stuff, but by far, Les Shroud seems more rugged 

and authentic. By filming himself, his challenges are 

much more authentic. He is indeed alone, with no 

help from anyone. Of course, the show’s insurance 

policy insists that Les carry a satellite phone in case 

he gets injured, he can call for help. But that would 

be a last resort for this tough outdoors man. Les 

grew up in the wilderness of northern Canada, hunting 

and learning survival skills. Les writes, produces, 

and stars in his series. He even wrote and edited the 

theme music. 

Renowned as an outdoor adventurer, filmmaker, 

singer/songwriter, and naturalist, Les has 

20 years of experience learning survival skills and 

producing films. He singlehandedly produced the 

pilot for Survivorman and pitched it to Discovery 

International/The Science Channel. They bought it 

on the spot. My favorite Les Shroud adventure was 

his trip to Alaska where he battled the brutal weather 

and there were only four hours of light per day. 

The salmon were running, but he had to stay clear 

of black and grizzly bears who feast on the yearly 

salmon run. Shroud built a shelter from rubbish and 

used items he found in the environment to help him 

survive, living off rats and other small creatures. 

Since Shroud is completely alone, his adventures 

are more intriguing. There is no hotel where he could 

have a cocktail, only the relentless bleakness of the 

wilderness. That is not to say that Bear Grylls’ show 

is not authentic, but he has corrected any doubts by 

including the film crew in the show. 

Ah yes, I can only imagine being lost in the 

wilderness. I might remember Bear’s or Les’ advice, 

but chances are I’m just not tough enough to survive 

for long. 

Man Vs Wild and Suvivorman are both on The 

Discovery Channel. Check local listings for times. 

surviving the winter writer’s strike 

online TV and TV extras 

by eriN tHurSby scopes1925@msn.com 

The writer’s strike has made well-scripted original shows harder to find on TV. News pundits predict 

that TV will soon be a sea of reality-TV and news magazine shows. That doesn’t mean that you have to 

be starved for good TV shows. Take the time to learn about your favorite shows online, or just catch up 

on shows you wish you’d watched from the start of the season. Because of my inability to actually catch 

any show regularly, I often find myself on the web, desperately trying to catch up with whatever show 

I’m interested in at the time. Slow connection or a spotty Internet video feed can lead to giving up for the 

season and just buying it later on DVD. 

During my Internet travels, I’ve found that the world of online TV extras has expanded considerably. 

Here’s what I’ve found so far: 

CBS (cbs.com) 

They’ve got full episodes from their various 

programs like Shark, How I Met your Mother, and 

all the CSI’s currently on the network. I never made 

it past the commercials for a web video of any 

show, so I wish you luck on that score. 

Looking at the show menu, I clicked on Numb3rs, 

because I thought that this show would be 

perfect for the web. When I got there it was pretty 

bare. There was an interesting section on “The 

Math Behind Numb3rs” but the web design was 

clumsy, with far too much scrolling involved. 

While it’s nice that CBS has something 

online, they aren’t the best network to ever buy 

a domain. The site isn’t as user friendly as other 

networks. 

ABC (abc.com) 

ABC is definitely a step up from CBS as far 

design is concerned. Check out the Ugly Betty 

site, in all its brightly-colored, eye-popping glory. 

You’ll have to have a Flash Player installed to view 

many of the videos and extras, but as long as you 

do, you should have a fun time on the site. In new 

shows Pushing Daisies is my pick. They also do 

pretty decently with Lost and Grey’s Anatomy, with 

a good amount of extras and a link so that you can 

buy merch. 

NBC (nbc.com) 

The most web savvy network of the big three 

is NBC. Even with a comedy series like My Name 

is Earl, they mange to come up with creative online 

hooks. Earl’s none-too-bright brother Randy even 

has his own soul-searching blog. Each show on 

the site has an easily accessible design. Thirteen 

episodes were completed before the strike struck. 

As far as I’m concerned, NBC’s Heroes is the 

king of online content. The writers and production 

people have done at least 11 episodes, so it will be 

a few weeks before they’re affected by the strike. 

In the meantime, explore the site! There’s plenty 

to see. You can catch up with the series by watching 

their video of past episodes (this season only) 

but that’s not what keeps people coming back 

to the site. There are links to websites of some 

of the “corporations” and businesses you’ll see 

on the show. Dummy sites for Primatech Paper, 

Yamagato Fellowship and the casino run by the 

shadowy Mr. Linderman can all be found. Some of 

them even contain secret “Easter Eggs.” 

Even characters (like Hanna aka Wireless) 

that have very little screentime on the actual show 

can take on a life of their own through the site’s 

online graphic novels. Through the graphic novels, 

you’ll learn about their back stories and you’ll get 

to see flashbacks in the lives of main characters. 

The Heroes series is great because not every 

detail and person is fully explained. It leaves 

viewers with questions, burning questions. Those 

viewers go to the site and often join the online 

community on the message boards, sounding their 

theories about character’s relationships with each 

other and their powers. 

There’s much more on the site, like Claire’s 

MySpace and behind-the-scenes blogs from creators. 

My favorite online extra has got to be the 

faux PBS series on Takezo Kensei. 

If you’re a fan of the series or if you want to 

know more, the NBC Heroes page is a terrific resource. 

Even once you explore it fully, you should 

keep coming back, because they add fresh content 

on a regular basis, and there are always discussions 

on the boards about the latest episode. 

CABLE OR SATELLITE ONLINE 

Maybe it’s because you pay extra, but most of the 

time shows on cable or satellite aren’t available 

in their entirety online. Here are just two worthy 

picks: 

The Daily Show on Comedy Central 

thedailyshow.com 

Unfortunately, I can’t watch The Daily Show 

in its entirety online (not legally anyway). This is 

sad because I can’t pay for a cable package with 

Comedy Central, and I love The Daily Show. 

I can, however, get a mini-fix by watching the 

shortened “highlights” from the show. I miss some 

of Jon Stewart’s lighthearted banter, but I get the 

meaty parts. 

Meerkat Manor on Animal Planet 

animal.discovery.com/fansites/meerkat/meerkat. 

html 

Meerkat Manor is one of the few satellite/cable 

TV shows online that you can watch in 

its entirety. Those that want to catch up with the 

meerkat saga can watch past episodes. If you need 

to sort out which family is which, there’s a “Meet 

the Meerkats” link you can click on. The characters 

of the show are grouped by family, and each family 

has a link to individual meerkat bios. 

There are also interactive games and quizzes, 

place to vote for your favorite meerkat, forums and 

chat rooms. You can adopt your own meekat, buy 

past seasons and meerkat merchandise. 

Whatever you do during the writer’s strike, 

don’t resort to lowering your standards. Check out 

shows you haven’t seen before or couldn’t fit into 

your schedule before by going online. By the time 

the strike is over you just might have an addiction 

to a show that’s new to you.

netscapades 

by brenton crozier 

2008 Election – Meet the Candidates Edition 

The Internet is an unparalleled tool for amassing information. With virtual libraries, newspapers, 

articles, essays and opinions at your fingertips, everyone can take just a few minutes a day to become 

more informed voters. I realize not everyone has the time to read up on the candidates to properly equip 

themselves with the knowledge needed to make a good decision come voting day, so I took it upon myself 

to gather information about the leading candidates. This way you can feel good about your decision. 

I don’t have the space to discuss the fringe candidates, but was sure to include the major players. 

Make your vote count and remember people, knowledge is power or something like that. 

www.zod2008.com 

Kneel before Zod! General Zod is back and 

demanding your vote and complete allegiance. He is 

planning to restore our dignity and make us servants 

worthy of his rule. I noticed that he conveniently left 

the little Superman incident from the 80s off his site! 

Zod’s site is comprehensive and contains a 

personal letter stating why he is running (complete 

domination), campaign news like his demand for 

$142 million in tribute, an Ask the General section 

and his platform. Some of his platforms include, “I do 

not take orders, I give them,” and “Your freedom will 

be expanded to give your money and lives to me.” 

I don’t know, I was all about Walken, but 

Zod’s sounding pretty good. His candor and vicious 

conviction really strike a chord with me. 

www.walken2008.com 

You may know that he finds bear suits funny, but where does 

he stand on the issues? Ha, who cares? The only thing that you need 

to know is how great it would be to listen to Christopher Walken 

deliver anything. That is a State of the Union address that I would 

tune in for. Can you imagine? 

“Ladies and gentleman, the President of the United States, 

Christopher Walken!” Then he would come out and say something 

like, “People, people, you got me all wrong here.” Can’t a boy 

dream? 

www.specialfarm.net/macgyver2008.html 

Macgyver has the hair, sweet leather jacket and mad skills to make a bomb with fingernail clippers, 

chewing gum and 7-UP. He’s this cycle’s “smart choice.” Part of his platform includes Swiss Army knives 

for every child and he will single-handedly bring the War on Terror to an end, armed only with some 

household goods. I like him, but am suspicious about his ties to the paperclip industry lobbyists. 

www.voicesfromspirit.com/president.htm 

www.jackbauerforpresident2008.com 

Jack Bauer is a man that loves his country and will cross 

the line for it—all within a 24-hour time period! Bold, patriotic, 

brave, loyal and courageous, Jack will bring an end to terrorism 

and restore world peace, but just don’t ask him how. Apparently, 

this presidential hopeful has a sense of humor as displayed in 

the Jack Bauer joke section of his site. User submitted hilarity 

ensues with such quips as, “Jack Bauer could strangle you with 

a cordless phone,” and “On the 7 th day, God rested. Then Jack 

Bauer took over.” You could have 8 years of these types of highcaliber 

jokes. 

This is the sleeper candidate of the cycle. Internationally known psychic Gerald Polley, has been 

channeling messages from The Kingdom of God (Heaven) for many years and is “dedicated to helping all 

The Forces of Good to keep the Earth going.” He’s looking for some sponsors for his incredible ads and 

has a hot new logo (designed posthumously by Jackson Pollock). This guy is on the rise! To spend a few 

hours laughing, check out his campaign commercials at youtube.com/presidentialelection. 

I only hope to inform you, not influence you. I’ve done my part to perpetuate the democratic process 

with the most comprehensive, resourceful and trustworthy source of information—the Internet. 

videogames 

the most notable games of 2007 

by Norm stovall normstovall@gmail.com 

Part 1 

There were TONS of great games released in 2007, in fact way too many to go over in one month. In light of 

this, I’ve gathered and updated reviews from my personal favorites. Be sure to check back next time for part 

2 of my opinionated list of gaming greatness. 

Skate. 

For Xbox 360, PS3 

I don’t often consider games that don’t feature epic storylines, Pulitzer quality writing and amazing 

visuals to be worthy of a perfect score, but as a lifetime skateboarder and enthusiast of videogames, I really 

feel that EA hit the nail on the head with this one. Embracing the most legitimate and true aspects of modern 

skateboarding, Ea’s Skate is not only an accurate simulation, but also a great casual game to play with the 

most innovative, natural control scheme ever. In addition to the gameplay being fantastic, the ability to save 

and share photos and replays that you can edit in game makes owning this game a no-brainer for skateboarders 

who play video games. 

Though navigating online can be a bit cumbersome due to the use of EA nation for online play as opposed 

to plain-old Xbox live, when it works well, it really is a great experience. Racing down hills, performing 

technical tricks, and just cruising around and carving pools is all part of the total package, and the replayability 

of the game lasts way beyond the moment that your achievements are earned and the career mode is 

finished. 

Virtua Fighter 5 Online 

For Xbox 360 

It is my opinion that Virtua Fighter 5 is the single best thing to happen to the Xbox 360 so far. 

Sure, I am biased toward fighting games, and the series has always been a part of my favorites list, but I 

really do think the game is that good. The game runs like a champ both online and off, and I rarely see any 

kind of noticeable lag in online matches, which is pretty much the most amazing accomplishment ever, as 

far as I’m concerned. I’ve never had online matches run as clean as they do with this game. The gameplay 

is smooth and deliberate, and using the training tools provided in the Dojo mode can really help you improve 

your game. 

As of today, there have been 3 item packs available to download online, giving your character extra 

items and accessories to wear. With the amount of effort put into balancing the game and perfecting even the 

smallest of details, VF5 is sure to impress. If you are a fan of 3d fighting games, don’t miss this one, because 

they certainly don’t get any better than this. 

Super Mario Galaxy 

For Nintendo Wii 

With subtle use of the Wii motion controls and classic Mario gameplay, this one really is a lot of fun. The 

graphics are vivid and really do push the power of the Wii in a good way. The Wii might not be the graphical 

powerhouse that the other next-gen consoles are, but Super Mario Galaxy really does look great. The environments 

you explore are completely unique. While running around small planets and jumping and launching 

yourself from one to the other can be a little dizzying at first, it really will pull you in and have you addicted. 

The music in the game is as dramatic and inspired as ever, and there are even nods to the classic Mario 

games with familiar tunes updated with a symphonic beauty that you’ll have to hear to understand. Though 

the game may appear outwardly candy-coated and too cute to be worth your while, the content within is not 

only engaging and fun; it’s also revolutionary. 

Contra 4 

For Nintendo DS 

As a true sequel to the side-scrolling NES and arcade games that launched the series into fame, 

Contra 4 stays true to the formula and is as challenging as ever. But let me reiterate- this game is HARD. Not 

hard like “Man, all these levels are gonna take a long time to play through”, but more like “OH MY GOD IF I 

DIE FROM ANOTHER STUPID RANDOM THING I’M GONNA BASH A HOLE IN THE WALL.” But even in light of 

this, it’s a game that really teaches you classic gaming skills such as pattern recognition and reaction timing. 

As far as the atmosphere of the game, the colors are vivid, the action is constant, and your characters 

are total badasses who are obviously on some futuristic steroids of some kind. Which is cool, because when 

you are hitching a ride by hanging on a rocket launching itself into space while shooting at bad guys, you 

pretty much aren’t taking any crap from anybody. With plenty of unlockables such as older games in the series 

like Super C and Probotector, Contra 4 is the perfect thing for nostalgic gamers in need of an adrenaline 

rush on the go. 

Unreal tournament 3 

For PS3 and Windows XP/Vista 

Finally, a PS3 game that delivers what first-person shooter fans deserve to have on the console—An 

action game that not only looks great, but plays great too. Unreal tournament 3 won’t disappoint, it provides 

great competition for the PS3’s much lauded Resistance: Fall of Man, one of 2006’s mega hits. With the ability 

to use either a keyboard and mouse or a PS3 controller to play the game, and the option of importing usercreated 

content in the game (such as new maps, skins for characters), UT3 is a definite standout. 


dish. 

where to eat, drink and be merry. 

SNEAK PEAK: 

Sequinos will be 

featured in next 

week’s DISH. 

page 16 - 17 Galangal | page 17 ingredient secrets: galangal 

dish update 

Bottega di Bella Sera (919 King Street 904-387-1955) opened this week, selling a selection of to-go 

meals, wines, cheeses and locally grown vegetables. The name behind them is Catering by Liz, a wellknown 

local caterer. “Bella Sera is now a place where our customers can experience our food and take it 

home to enjoy,” said Chef Liz Grenamyer, owner of Catering by Liz. “We are elated to open the retail section 

of Bella Sera to the public.” 

The Village Café and Bakery as well as both locations of Sweet Indulgence Café have closed. I don’t 

know if this is a trend, but I hope it isn’t. Support your sweet tooth and your local bakery! 

Collage (60 Hypolita Street, St. Augustine 904-829-0055) will be holding their first wine dinner of the 

year on January 22nd . They’ve teamed with Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery to create this five-course spread. 

At $90 a person, including gratuity and sales tax, this is a full fine dining experience at a steal! The menu 

is as follows: reception course--wild Mushroom and brie bouchee with Domaine St. Michelle Luxe; first 

course--onion soup and Swiss cheese flan, with dry riesling; second course--seafood lasagna on a saffron 

coulis and grilled roasted garlic crostini, with Indian Wells chardonnay; third course-- black pepper crepes, 

roasted lamb and goat cheese arugula salad, with Canoe Ridge cabernet sauvignon; fourth course-- venison 

medallions with cranberry port sauce, Yukon Gold mashers & roasted asparagus, with Cold Creek merlot; 

dessert course-- spiced apple Napoleons with pomegranate caramel sauce vanilla bean ice cream, with 

Muscat Canelli 

Mark your calendars for the evening of Friday, February 8, 2008. That’s the date of the 7th annual 

Chocolates of the World Gala and Dessert Competition. It’s taking place at the Sawgrass Marriott Resort in 

Ponte Vedra Beach. This year’s event features six competitors, including new chocolate artists and several 

returning regional chefs. All six compete for prizes in three categories, Best Station, Best Presentation and 

Best Taste! All prizes are judged by the attendees - you’ll be able to taste each dessert and cast your vote. 

This event has sold out in the past so get your tickets today! For $75, you can feast on an international 

dinner buffet, have a taste of all six desserts and then have the ability to cast a ballot to pick the best chefs. 

You’ll also be able to meet Joy of Cooking author Ethan Becker, and you’ll have the opportunity to win a 

variety of silent auction and raffle prizes. To buy your tickets go to ivcjax.com, or call the International Visitor 

Corps of Jacksonville’s office at (904) 346-3942. 

Remember, if you’ve got any dish on Jacksonville food and drink, do send us an email at 

Scopes1925@gmail.com. 


contemporary dining of the 

asian persuasion 

Galangal Thais one on in Ponte Vedra 

by Erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com 

Thai restaurants seem to be popping in every neighborhood around the First Coast these days. Thai food 

has become one of the most popular ethnic foods in recent years and it shows in the quantity of cuisine available. 

But quantity has nothing to do with quality. 

If you’re a Thai food lover, Ponte Vedra has a new hot spot you should taste, it’s called Galangal. Owned 

by the same folks that brought us the delicious Lemongrass on Baymeadows and the Thai Room in Jacksonville 

Beach, Galangal is worth the drive from wherever you live. 

Many of the dishes they serve are similar to the ones you’ll find at their other two locales, such as the 

packed-with-flavor Amazing Peanut Curry. Although significantly/slightly more expensive than Lemongrass, 

Galangal has a unique dinner atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else. 

With a number of different seating areas, this hip and elegant Asian restaurant is a study in well-wrought 

design. The walls and accents are done in sinuous curves, contrasting the back wall of the main dining area. 

This wall is cleverly lit with soft purple and blue lighting on a frosted glass that looks almost metallic. Very 

cool and futuristic. In front of that wall are long, thick pieces of bamboo, jutting out at different angles. The 

art on the walls is contemporary and abstract and the lighting is softer and more appealing than the standard 

track lighting. 

The different dining sections are each designed with their own appeal. The bar is cosmopolitan, the main 

dining room has the bamboo lit wall and there are private dining areas that are more secluded, including the

ound room with its warm tones. There is also a banquet 

area where you could hold an event without the traffic of 

the main dining room. 

Their full bar has an urban appeal that you won’t 

find in most Thai restaurants around town. Utilizing hidden 

lighting, reticulated curves and contemporary art, 

the chic eatery transports you to a hip, upscale bar in 

Manhattan. 

Besides an extensive wine menu, ranging in price 

from less than $10 a glass to around $700 a bottle, 

they’ve also got an interesting selection of cocktails and 

specialty martinis. With colorful names such as Drunken 

Elephant and 10 Buddhas, they must be good. The specialty 

martinis cost $10 but they use top shelf liquors in 

their mixes. 

I began my meal with some well-plated appetizers. 

The Chicken Satay is always a savory choice, and 

theirs has just a little bit of a kick to it. The Lump Crab and Lemongrass infused Bisque is one soup on the 

menu you shouldn’t miss. Their ahi tuna martini appetizer had the best presentation. It looks gorgeous with a 

toasted lotus wafer on the edge of the glass and you get a generous amount of high-quality tuna. However, I 

found it to be a bit lacking in flavor. The Coconut and Panko Crusted Prawns made up for that deficit with their 

delicious Thai golden curry. 

If you haven’t had prawns before, don’t shy away from them. Basically just giant shrimp, they’re often 

overcooked and tough, but the prep here is just right. I also sampled grilled jumbo black tiger prawns in a 

vegetable pad Thai served with the golden Malaysian curry. The golden curry is served in a number of dishes 

and I highly recommend trying anything that features it. The curry favors flavor over heat and is a terrific 

choice for those who don’t like too much of the spice. 

Spice fiends can get their fix at Galangal, they 

just need to remember to ask for it. The dishes are 

well-balanced and delicious, but they’re geared toward 

an American palate. Most start with a mild heat, 

but they’re willing to take it to the limit if you ask for 

it. Be careful though, Thai hot is a slow, scorching 

heat that builds and might eventually have you begging 

for more water. But Thai afficianados will tell 

you, milk squelches a spicy burning tongue better 

than water. Thai tea is the secret of the pros! 

If you’ve never tasted a Thai preparation of 

Chilean sea bass, it might be time. There’s something 

about Thai flavors that really makes the lemongrass 

Crusted Chilean Sea Bass even more extraordinary 

than this fish usually is. 

You can finish you meal with style by ordering 

one of their sumptuous desserts. Coconut lovers 

can’t go wrong with their Chocolate Coconut Tart. As 

for chocolate lovers, there’s chocolate decadence to 

be had in the deceptively small but oh-so-rich, with a 

molten center, Chocolate Soufflé. The intensity of the 

warm chocolate is balanced out by a scoop of vanilla 

ice cream. For something a little different, try their 

fruit-filled Fried Banana Mango Roll served with berry 

compote and a light caramel sauce. It’s an elegant end to a superb Thai meal. 

145 Hilden Rd Suite 110 Ponte Vedra Beach 904-827-1150 

ingredient secrets 

galangal 

The local restaurant Galangal is named after a root that is often used in Thai and Eastern cooking. 

You’ll find it as an ingredient in Thai coconut milk-based soups, curries and wet curry pastes. 

It’s related to ginger and in home-cooking people often substitute fresh ginger for galangal, but 

galangal has its own distinctive flavor. It has a kick that’s similar to ginger, but it’s more intense and less 

sweet, in a unique combination of bitter, spicy and sour. It has a cedar and lemon smell to it that ginger 

doesn’t. 

In the Middle Ages Europeans used it an aphrodisiac and it’s still used to treat stomach aches and 

nausea in much the same way as ginger is. 

Though I’ve never seen any deep fried galangal flowers, apparently Thais fry them and serve them 

with a hot chili sauce. 

Different varieties of galangal have different taste profiles and smells. The two main varieties are 

lesser galangal and greater galangal. Lesser galangal is smaller, sweeter and hotter with a reddish 

brown flesh. It is more difficult to find. Greater galangal has yellow-toned flesh and is a bit more 

common. 

Young galangal can look a lot like ginger, but it’s 

paler and more expensive. Most chefs favor young 

galangal over older and darker galangal, but some of the 

more old-school Thai chefs enjoy the more mature, full 

flavor and aroma of older galangal. 

At the oriental grocer, you’ll find galangal in three 

basic forms: fresh, dried and powdered (it is also 

sometimes pickled in brine). 

Powdered galangal is the easiest to find. Fresh is 

generally better, but convenience often overrules high 

quality. One teaspoon of powder replaces about half an 

inch of fresh. If you have the option to use fresh, do. 

Dried galangal can be commonly found as well, but 

I don’t recommend it. The flavor isn’t as good as fresh 

and you have to reconstitute it with hot or warm water. 

The juice from galangal can stain, so be careful when 

handling it. 

Fresh galangal is more difficult to work with than 

fresh ginger because it’s woodier. The dense root must 

be sliced before it’s crushed and put into recipes. When 

using small matchstick sized pieces in a dish, keep in mind that it must be cooked for a longer time than 

ginger; otherwise it’s not tender enough to eat. Many chefs actually use it for flavoring and then remove 

it before serving. It can be stored in the fridge, but it must be kept moist. If you have leftover galangal, it 

can be stored in the freezer for more extended periods. Just cut into one inch or smaller slices and store 

in a zip lock bag. 

If you haven’t used galangal before and you’d like to experiment with Thai cooking, just head to a 

local oriental market to buy yourself a new experience in spice. 


live music & 

shows calendar 

THURSDAY, JANUARY 17 

Pianist Tim Nold Seawalk Hotel, Jax Beach (249- 

9981) 

Outlaw Son & the Renegades Brewsters, Jax (223- 

9850) 

Magnolia Possums Creekside Dinery, St. Augustine 

(829-6113) 

Malcolm Homcombe European Street, Jax (399- 

1740) 

Cloud 9 Twisted Martini, Ponte Vedra Beach (280- 

8810) 

Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, 

St. Augustine (829-8646) 

Gwen Stacey Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) 

Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) 

Captain Hook Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) 

Brendan O’Hara Sangria’s, St. Augustine 

Whaleface Landshark Café, Atlantic Beach (246- 

6024) 

Therapy Cecils, Jax (744-5132) 

Alexander Seier Ocean 60, Jax Beach (247-0060) 

Lweis Vaughn 9 th & Main, Jax 

Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) 

Lift Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) 

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) 

Colton & Friends The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829- 

2329) 

Ace Winn The Melting Pot, Jax 

Win Win Winter Fuel, Jax (425-3835) 

Blistur Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) 

Matt Still Paco’s, Jax Beach 

Enter the Haggis Lynch’s, Jax Beach (249-5181) 

Saltwater Grass Spare Time Tavern, Jax Beach 

(246-8099) 

3 Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) 

Stu Weaver Coffee Roasters, Jax (260-0810) 

Big Engine Box Seats, Jax (908-7328) 

Matt Collins Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach (280- 

5515) 

Will Pearsall A1A Ale Works, St. Augustine (829- 

2977) 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 

Roy Clark & Junior Brown Florida Theatre, Jax 

Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. Augustine 

(824-9317) 

Crystal Bessels Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) 

Enter the Haggis Café Eleven, St. Augustine (460- 

9311) 


on the road again, 

this time with the 

kids 

Willie Nelson brings the next 

generation on tour 

by jon bosworth jaxvillain@yahoo.com 

For a 74-year old outlaw country-fried hippie, 

Willie Nelson puts on a helluva show. That’s not fair, 

that makes it seem like I graded it on a curve. As a 

74-year old outlaw and country-fried hippie, Willie 

Nelson regularly puts on a better live show than any 

artist on the road. Sure, there are rock bands with 

more theatrics or a livelier tempo. Yes, there are 

country bands with more fanfare and taller cowboy 

hats. Hell, there are even blues guitarists that can 

bend and slur a twangier guitar, but Willie will still 

always be the best. He has this rare ability to write 

songs that are both timeless and immediately relevant. 

Every tune is dripping with heartfelt sincerity, 

and yet he has cranked them out consistently for 

more than forty years and across more than 100 

albums. (I can’t even figure out how he had time 

to record any of these albums given his rigorous 

touring schedule.) And those only include the songs 

that he recorded himself, not the songs he wrote for 

other artists prior to getting on stage with his beat up 

old acoustic. 

And no one plays like Willie. He makes every 

song sound exactly like that timeless moment when 

you first heard it piping hot out of a country jukebox. 

It’s not that a seasoned guitar pro would compare 

him to Stevie Ray Vaughn (whose short flame Willie’s 

hometown of Austin seems to celebrate more 

than his) or that he shreds like Hendrix, 

but when Willie plinks and slides across 

the neck of that old guitar, you have never 

heard another person play like that. It 

has all of the definition of an acoustic, 

without sounding too pretty and quaint. 

It has all of the power and punch of an 

electric guitar, without getting lost in the 

volume. I can see why he has stuck with that guitar 

for so long. The road-weary thing still bleeds when 

he squeezes it through those songs of love lost. 

I’ve seen Willie play in Jacksonville five times, 

but this was the first I can remember that he brought 

an opening act. When I was up the street at Burrito 

Gallery getting into my own Whiskey River, getting 

ready for Willie’s show (I was glad for the extra 

hour), it never dawned on me to wonder who this 

mysterious 40 Points band was. 

We walked over to the Florida Theatre, which is 

an even greener mode of transportation than Willie’s 

biodiesel bus, the Honeysuckle Rose IV. Between 

the Honeysuckle and the other tour busses for their 

caravan, there was a wall of vehicles blocking the 

street and barricading the people from the theatre. Or 

so it seemed. 

Eventually we made it in and Willie kicked the 

set right off with ‘Whiskey River.’ The amazing thing 

about Willie’s canon is that every song he plays is a 

classic you’ve known for your whole life (especially 

if you grew up in the south), and most of them he 

wrote. Even the ones you think he didn’t (‘Mommas 

Don’t Let Your Baby’s Grow up to Be Cowboys’ and 

‘Crazy’). Willie rocked his standards for the first half 

of his set to a mostly seated audience (the Florida 

Theatre bouncers were in unusually rare form for 

a crowd of fairly docile over-30s) but as the set 

progressed, Willie had people standing, dancing in 

aisles, and doing the traditional hat trades. Willie 

must have thrown a new bandana to the audience 

every other song in the second half of his show. 

Although I missed 40 Points’ set, most of the 

band came up to join Willie for at least one song. 

Lukas and Micah Nelson, two of Willie’s sons, are 

the guitarist and drummer for 40 Points. It was hard 

to determine Micah’s abilities after Willie’s legendary 

drummer Paul English, but Lukas stood right out 

front and traded licks with his old man through most 

of the set. Although Lukas could certainly hold his 

own, his would be a hard road without Daddy’s help. 

So just as we thought the show must be winding 

to an end (what 70+ could possibly play more 

than the two hours he had already played?), Derek 

Trucks and Susan Tedeschi joined them on stage 

and suddenly it became Jacksonville’s own little 

Farm Aid up there for another hour. The four guitarists 

traded solos and Susan showed all the boys that 

she can hold her own on the blues. 

Saying that it was a great show does a Willie 

Nelson set no justice. All I can say is, whether you 

like country or not, regardless of if you prefer rock 

to blues or folk to rock or whatever, no one leaves a 

Willie show disappointed. When he comes back, and 

we all hope he lives long enough to come back many 

times, make it a point to see this living legend.

this is how they 

communicate 

interview with Shangrala 

by jon bosworth jaxvillain@yahoo.com 

What: Shangrala CD Release Party with Johnathan 

appleseed, Elevation and more. 

WhERE: Jack Rabbits in San Marco (1528 hendricks 

ave) 

WhEn: Friday, February 15 th 

As Jacksonville’s music scene gives the impression 

of being on the upswing, with Black Kids 

creating a national buzz and some great homegrown 

acts suddenly making a local name for themselves 

(Antarctic, A Slight Breeze, Buffalo Tears, etc) Shangrala 

brings their first full length album, Clearance to 

Land, to the table. It is easily the best local release 

of 2007. In fact the album stands up against most of 

the national releases that have found their way onto 

my iPod this year. 

“I’m excited about playing a lot of shows now. 

2008 is the year to play a lot of shows,” said Shangrala 

singer and guitarist Jude Kahle. 

EU caught up with Brian Jerin (who also plays 

guitar and sings with the band) and Jude Kahle while 

Jerin was contributing to a secret Christmas album 

side project with sometime Shangrala collaborator 

Jared Bowser in Kahle’s home studio. Although currently 

staged in a small corner of Jude’s bedroom, 

this Pro Tools setup once commanded a better portion 

of the living room of Jude’s Riverside home, 

as did a drum kit, a number of amplifiers, a large 

sound board and all of the other gear necessary 

for Shangrala to record Clearance to Land. Instead 

of dropping thousands of dollars on recording in 

a professional studio with a professional engineer, 

Shangrala trusted their own skills to adequately track 

the album. But listening to it, you’d never know it 

was their first attempt. 

“We liked the pace that it gave us to create and 

we have the capabilities. And it’s free. All it took was 

time and beer,” said Jerin. 

No one in the band had professionally recorded 

a full album before, although all of them have been 

part of bands that had. A good deal of the two years 

Clearance to Land took to make can be attributed to 

them taking their time and care to create the sounds 

they knew they wanted. 

“We definitely learned a lot. It was a group 

effort. We know what sounds right to us,” said Jerin. 

As Brian, Kahle and Bowser layered tracks 

and tracks of guitars and electronic noises to their 

version of ‘Angels We Have Heard on High,’ throughout 

the interview, I tried to grasp how these small 

chunks of music could resemble the larger composition. 

Much like the time it took to create Clearance to 

Land, it was impossible to see how such a disparate 

songlist, esoteric assortment of influences, and 

remarkable amalgam of talent could coalesce into 

the singular dynamic sound of Shangrala, and yet 

the album sounds as though it was conceived in one 

songwriting session. 

“Musicians will like us. We’re kind of musician’s 

music, to some extent,” said Kahle. 

It is true that their songs have dynamics and 

a complexity that could almost be considered math 

rock, which may make them appeal to musicians, 

but there is a sincere pop ethic that is more borne 

from bands such a Death Cab for Cutie or Jealous 

Sound. That is not to say they are in any way derivative. 

Shangrala has a genuinely unique sound that 

croons through Kahle’s sincere and faltering vocals, 

jangles through Jerin’s dreamy guitar, and punches 

out of Mike VonBalson’s crisp drums to alternately 

lull and pulverize the listener in a cunningly deliberate 

fashion. From folksy tunes like ‘Time’ to complex 

rock songs like ‘Zilla,’ the album truly expresses their 

breadth of abilities and doesn’t pigeon-hole the band 

into any single genre. 

The song ‘Race for the Ages’ shows the skilled 

songwriting that can come from a strong rhythm as 

drummer VonBalson and bassist Will Hill create a 

groundwork for a rock song that is exquisitely complemented 

by Walt Hill’s keyboards. The recording is 

so crisp and each part so distinct, it is impossible to 

imagine it was recorded in a home studio. 

“We only had six songs when we decided to go 

to Vision Sound, we were just going to do a demo 

EP. We tried to master it ourselves, but it didn’t come 

out the way we wanted it to. So we went to Vision 

Sound to master it. It blew our minds how great it 

sounded. That geared us to do a full eleven song 

record, since we knew we could go there and make 

it sound as good as a record you could buy off the 

shelf,” said Jerin. 

Producer Paul Lapinski enhanced the dynamics 

of the band and made every layer stand distinctly 

apart. The mastering process also gave the album 

an audio level that standard albums use. 

“With all the different melodies we had, it was 

good to have someone else’s ear listening to it, I 

think it helped us out a lot,” said Kahle. 

Shangrala has submitted Clearance to Land 

to all of the big websites for review, including NPR, 

Fader, Absolute Punk, Pitchfork Media and Sputnik 

Music, which gave them a five star review. 

“When we first started talking about it we said 

if we get a three star review, that’s pretty good. Sigur 

Ros got three stars on Sputnik, so we would have 

been happy with that,” said Jerin. 

As the three put the finishing touches (a series 

of “Heys” from “Mr. Mouse”) on their Christmas 

carol, the full vision of the song was finally realized 

and I could sing along. Just as I sing along to Clearance 

to Land. It gets as much play as Modest Mouse 

and the new Radiohead in my car. There hasn’t been 

a locally released record to come out this good since 

The Cadets released On the Death of Science As a 

Major World Religion to little fanfare this past summer. 

Shangrala has a CD release party booked at 

Jack Rabbits on February 15 th , which is certain to 

be one of the best local rock shows of 2008. In the 

meantime you can purchase Clearance to Land from 

myspace.com/shangrala. 

eujacksonville.com |january 17-23, 2008 19

Blistur The Landing, Jax 

Cloud 9 Tom & Betty’s, Jax (387-3311) 

Adam Abouraya The Globe, Jax 

King Stout Scores, St. Augustine 

Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina 

Drunk Horses Make Slow Getaways Crazy Horse 

Saloon, Jax 

Alexander Seier Pacos, Jax Beach 

Blue Manatee La Terra Resort, St. Augustine 

Matt Collins Pauly’s, Jax 

Baystreet West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) 

Jim McKaba & the Afterhours Blues Creekside 

Dinery, St. Augustine (829-6113) 

Inca Maya Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) 

M-Corp Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach (280-5515) 

Pac Tour Fuel, Jax (425-3835) 

Alexander Seier Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241- 

6453) 

Self Employed Plush, Jax (743-1845) 

Bottom Feeder Club Fusion, St. Augustine (829- 

8333) 

Alexis Cone, Shawn Lightfoot 9 th & Main, Jax 

General Tso’s Fury Club Fusion, St. Augustine 

(829-8333) 

Ryan Turk Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) 

Deron Baker Zhanra’s, St. Augustine 

Big Engine Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) 

Lone Wolf Running Lillians, Jax (388-4220) 

Scholar’s Word Seawalk Hotel, Jax Beach 

Laughing Bones Mellow Mushroom, Orange Park 

Busted & Confused Sharky’s, Orange Park 

American Attitude Pastime Sports Bar, Jax 

FRIDAY-SATURDAY, 

JANUARY 18-19 

Spanky Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829- 

9336) 

Pili Pili Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940) 

Busted & Confused Overtime Sports Bar, Jax 

Jessica Slatkoff Artega First Coast Opera, St. 

Augustine 

Yancy Clegg My Place, Jax (737-5299) 

Dot Wilder Jazz Quartet Ocean 60, Atlantic Beach 

(247-0060) 

3 Way Street A1A Ale Works, St. Augustine (829- 

2977) 

Boxrockers Lynch’s, Jax Beach (249-5181) 

Dueling Pianos Dick’s Wings/Tinseltown, Jax 

Ruckus Cliff’s, Jax (645-5162) 

Str8 Up Sun Dog Diner, Neptune Beach (241-8221) 

Big Al & the Kaholics Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange 

Park (269-4198) 

Retro Kats Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241- 

7877) 

Charlie Walker The Grape, Jax (642-7111) 

Driven Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) 


a wise woman on 

the mic 

interview with Cosy Sheridan 

by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net 

What: Cosy Sheridan & the Kennedys 

WhERE: European Street in San Marco (1704 San 

Marco Blvd) 

WhEn: thursday, January 24th, 8PM 

Ms. Cosy Sheridan is a veteran songstress. 

She’s written songs since 1955 and released five 

CDs. In 2003, Cosy created a one-woman show 

called The Pomegranate Seed–An Exploration of 

Appetite, Body Image and Myth in Modern Culture. 

Today, Cosy is still interested in her own vision of 

mythology, like body image and how women are 

culturally programmed to look like skinny models. 

Yes, this spunky woman has been around the 

block and back again. Her songs are biting satires 

of contemporary American women’s issues and 

observations of her life on the road. And, as I found 

out during our chat, I particularly like her sharp 

sense of humor. 

When I listened to her music I was awe-struck 

by the quality of her voice and songwriting skill. In 

‘Botox Tango,’ Cosy humorously tells of a woman’s 

fascination with possibly getting Botox to smoothout 

her face. The song is an ode to women’s vanity. 

In ‘Ighigenia’ Cosy tells the poignant story of a 

woman’s struggle with Anorexia. She analyzes the 

woman’s feelings and the powerful negative influences 

on young girls to be thin. ‘Hannibal Crossed 

The Alps’ is a funny song about Hannibal’s famous 

trek. 

Researching Cosy further, I discovered her 

long list of accomplishments, such as winning the 

Kerrville Folk Festival and the Telluride Bluegrass 

Festival’s songwriting contests in 1992. Today Cosy 

is a big draw at folk clubs and festivals. She never 

stops writing and is always on the way to her next 

gig. Most importantly, Cosy has passed the test of 

time and established herself as a legendary humorist 

and songwriter. 

When we talked, I tuned into her wavelength 

right away as a kindred spirit. So, it wasn’t an interview, 

per se, but a meaningful conversation with a 

fellow savvy traveler on this earth journey. 

“I’m touring with my bassist T.R. Richie and 

we’re just out on the road doing our thing… I’m into 

writing songs about women’s mythological stories 

put into a modern context. It means that in a young 

woman’s life, she goes down into the underworld, 

into the darkness, and she is changed. Then later 

she matures and learns about her inner-self. I 

sought other mythic figures like Ighigenia who has 

Anorexia. 

“It’s a personal Greek mythology as a frame 

of reference. Like the Barbie Doll myth is ripe for 

satire. I’ve found that the issue for most women 

who are hung-up on conforming to the myth of the 

ideal stereotype is they think that their body appearance 

is all they have. As they become illuminated, 

they learn that they are so much more than just their 

body – they have an interior life. And as they get 

older they become concerned with taking care of 

their inner-bodies. Unfortunately, we are bombarded 

with images of the ideal woman–thin with what is 

considered outer beauty. It’s a powerful influence on 

young girls. 

“A poignant example of artists trying to counteract 

these stereotypes is photographer Frank 

Cordelle’s The Century Project, (thecenturyproject. 

com) which is a photographic essay. It is shot by 

Cordelle, who takes nude photos of all types of 

women – young, middle aged, and elderly – to let 

people see what real people look like and not to be 

scared of getting old or of other body configurations. 

I write songs about these issues,” Cosy said. 

This wise woman troubadour has much to say 

and a humorous way of saying it through her intelligently 

conceived songs and her unwaveringly clear 

voice. Catch her live at the San Marco European 

Street.

no labels needed 

interview with independent artist Ingrid Michaelson 

by rick grant rickgrant01@comcast.net 

What: Ingrid Michealson and Matt nathanson 

WhERE: Jack Rabbits in San Marco (1528 hendricks 

ave) 

WhEn: Friday, January 25th 

Staten Island, New York native Ingrid Michaelson 

is a talented 28-year old singer/songwriter who 

rose from obscurity to prominence by using the 

Internet as her only promotional medium. In fact, 

Ingrid is the archetypal independent artist whose 

self-produced album Girls and Boys reached number 

2 on the iTunes pop chart. Ingrid was contacted by 

a producer for ABC Television’s Grey’s Anatomy 

through her MySpace site to write music for the 

show’s season finale. Most new artists work for 

years to get these major breaks, but Ingrid has the 

goods – catchy intimate pop songs that capture the 

imagination of the twenty-something generation. 

Most of Ingrid’s shows sellout without advertising. 

Indeed, Ingrid’s amazing success proves the 

power of the rapidly expanding Internet, which enables 

an artist of Ingrid’s songwriting prowess to 

reach out and touch the right people. However, Ingrid 

does not take this fast track to the major leagues for 

granted. She continues to tour and expose her music 

to live audiences. Clearly, Ingrid’s music speaks for 

itself, as she nightly lays bare her soul through her 

cleverly conceived songs. More importantly, Ingrid 

is realistic to know that the public is fickle and her 

popularity could wane overnight. Yet, she continues 

to write personal songs with which young people 

identify. 

Becoming a pop star is not why Ingrid writes 

songs. She would do it anyway, whether she made 

an impact on the music business or not, but after 

talking to her via telephone, I’m convinced Ingrid Michaelson 

will become a household name very soon. 

Remaining an independent artist and answering to 

no one is presently Ingrid’s main goal. 

“I’ve played piano all my life but I went to college 

to study theater. I was going to be an actor, but 

when I was doing it, I became disillusioned. Since 

I had been writing music, I decided to pursue that 

as my profession. I had more control and I didn’t 

have to wait around on directors to decide what to 

do. I just felt that songwriting was more of a calling 

than theater. I started out with a website, Facebook, 

and MySpace and from there I got a commercial. A 

producer from Grey’s Anatomy heard my music and 

it was just what he wanted for the show’s season 

finale. Today, it’s a trend for TV shows to use fresh 

new songwriters for their shows. 

“So, one thing led to another and then I was on 

the cover of Billboard, and it snowballed from there. 

Of course, while all this was happening, I was continuing 

to tour the club circuit, where I was building 

up my fan base. Being on iTunes really helped because 

it’s instant gratification, directing the listener 

to my site to buy the CD. It’s amazing how all three 

mediums feed off each other creating a buzz. I’ve 

become the poster child of the independent Internet 

artist. I’m not opposed to perhaps signing with a 

label in the future, but now it would be counterproductive. 

“We have had major labels interested in us but 

I’m not responding to those offers right now. The 

slant of the Billboard piece was about me being an 

independent artist using the Internet. So, I’m going 

with that as my way of pushing forward. Later, if the 

Internet is not working effectively, I’ll consider signing 

with a label. But, the longer I stay independent, 

the more certain I am that this is the way to go. I 

have complete control as long as I have fans who 

buy my music. The thing is, I love writing songs and 

performing them to live audiences and as long as 

I’m making a decent living, I’m content to be where 

I am. I’m not sure I want more – what, to have my 

name in huge lights? My point is–I’ll always do this 

whether I make money doing it or not,” Ingrid said. 

When I listened to Ingrid’s music I became 

an instant fan. Her song ‘Keep Breathing’ gave me 

goose bumps, which never happens to me anymore. 

Ingrid draws the listener into her songwriting consciousness, 

sharing with them the special feelings 

that her songs evoke. For that few minutes, the listener 

is one with Ingrid’s music. 

Quest Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) 

SATURDAY, JANUARY 19 

Robby Schenck Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) 

Unity Music Fest Metro Park, Jax 

Mint Julep Box Seats, Jax (908-7328) 

Blue Manatee Sangria’s, St. Augustine 

Out of Hand Black Piston’s Clubhouse, Jax 

Kelanie Gloeckler New Life Fellowship, Jax 

Long Strange Day Club Fusion, St. Augustine 

Shawn Fisher Starbucks/CR 210, Orange Park 

The Impediments Creekside Dinery, St. Augustine 

(829-6113) 

McKenna Box Seats (908-7328) 

The Dirty Getcaughts Freebird Live, Jax Beach 

(246-2473) 

Yankee Slickers Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241- 

6453) 

Ritmo y Sabor El Taino Restaurant, Jax 

Split Tone Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach (280- 

5515) 

Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) 

The Legendary JC’s Mojo’s Kitchen, Jax Beach 

Cannons Doozers Pub, Jax 

Ryan Turk Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) 

Backrive Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) 

Johnny Flood Pussers Caribbean Grill, Ponte 

Vedra 

Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. Augustine 

(824-9317) 

Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) 

Dirty Shannon CD Release Freebird Live, Jax 

Beach (246-2473) 

The Essentialist Shantytown, Jax 

Sweet Low Down Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach 

Lindsey Lee Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) 

Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza Grill, 

Jax (287-9900) 

SUNDAY, JANUARY 20 

Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-5555) 

Ralph E & the Jammers Sun Dog Diner, Neptune 

Beach (241-8221) 

Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) 

Flyin South Michelle’s, Jax 

Jim Brady Creekside Dinery, St. Augustine (829- 

6113) 

Violent Youth Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) 

Christina Wagner Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) 

Isaac Byrd Jr. De Real Ting Café, Jax 

Tarik Hassan Sahara Café, Jax 

David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) 

Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829- 

8646) 

3rd Bass The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) 

El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) 


Jan Crawford & Friends Cortesses, St. Augustine 

(825-6775) 

Michael Funge Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach 

(249-9595) 

MONDAY, JANUARY 21 

Spade McQuade Fly’s Tie, Atlantic Beach (246- 

4293) 

Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine 

(829-9336) 

Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242- 

9499) 

Tobacco Pat Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) 

Joe Vee Brix, Jax Beach 

Ron Perry The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) 

Joey Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) 

Willie Evans Jr. CD Release TSI, Jax (635-3024) 

Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) 

Out of Hand Your Place, Jax Beach (221-9994) 

Lary Smith Harmonious Monks, Jax (886-3040) 

Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004) 

Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246- 

4293) 

Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) 

Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) 

TUESDAY, JANUARY 22 

Stu Weaver The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) 

Open Mic w/Outlaw Son & the Renegades 

Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) 

Matt Still Caribbee Key, Atlantic Beach (270-8940) 

Joanathan Fowler Wackadoo’s, Jax 

Southern Wailers Sangria’s, St. Augustine 

Greenness Eclipse, Jax 

Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina 

Chuck Nash Your Place, Jax Beach (221-9994) 

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23 

Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299) 

Matt Still Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) 

Out of Hand Buffalo’s, Orange Park (778-1101) 

Victoria Horne Tini Martini Bar, St. Augustine 

Goliath Springfield Womens Club, Jax 

Chelsea Saddler Tijuana Flats, Jax (737-9938) 

Blistur Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) 

Captain Hook Whitey’s, Orange Park (269-4198) 

Rob Peck Creekside Dinery, St. Augustine (829- 

6113) 

Ron Perry Cliff’s, Jax (645-5162) 

Shawn Lightfoot The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) 

Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) 

Jesse & Leaa Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) 

The Machine Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) 

Jodies Fiasco Castillo de Mexico, Jax 

Soulo Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach (280-5515) 

Another Day Late 


pac sun shines 

clothing company rocks into town with the PacSun Tour 


What: PacSun tour with the audition, Envy on the 

Coast, Danger Radio and another Day Late 

WhEn: January 18th, 2008 

WhERE: Fuel in 5 Points (1037 Park St) 

No sports have been as associated with rock 

music more than surfing and skateboarding. Indie 

rock currently reigns as the soul of skateboarding 

and surfer movies, whether they’re professionally 

made or some DIY production on You Tube. 

The clothing company Pacific Sunwear (aka 

PacSun) has been catering to surfers, skateboarders 

and other extreme sports enthusiasts since 1980. A 

union between PacSun and the type of music their 

customers listen to seems inevitable, and this year 

marks their very first sponsorship of the Pac Tour. 

The idea for mounting the tour came from 

Another Day Late drummer, Josh Hubberman. He 

was also an assistant manger at a California PacSun 

when he wasn’t working with his band. Once he got 

the idea for this marriage between the retailer and 

up-and-coming bands, he pitched it to the company 

brass. 

“I’ve always been intrigued by marketing,” 

says Hubberman, “Southern California is where 

PacSun headquarters are anyway, so a lot of times 

the corporate offers would come into my store…It’s 

been an opportunity [for me] to talk to them about 

how the business is run.” 

Unintimidated, despite his low status on the 

retail totem pole, he began talking to the CEO about 

his idea for a tour. 

“It just dawned on me that the foundation of 

skating and surfing is music and it always has been. 

Those are the kids that are out there going to shows 

and just loving music. 

“From the PacSun perspective, it would make 

total sense that you would want your brand to be tied 

with music. From a band perspective, what better 

place to go to find new, up-and-coming bands than 

a store that’s already catering to that background 

anyway.” 

Hubberman’s degree in business and marketing 

has been put to good use, both in promoting Another 

Day Late and the Pac Tour. He now has the title of 

freelance marketing consultant at Pac Sun while he 

organizes and coordinates the tour. 

“I went from being assistant manager to 

basically being in charge of making this thing 

happen.” 

Before they even turned a record deal, Another 

Day Late played the Warped Tour, Taste of Chaos and 

Envy on the 

Coast 

the Honda Civic Tour. This time they’re 

touring with PacSun in support of their 

debut EP News Said It’s Raining In New 

York, which comes out in March of this 

year. 

The band got together in 

upstate New York, where they all went 

to college. Most of the band members 

worked together at a Best Buy. They 

began playing together for fun, but got 

more serious after they won a MySpace 

contest to play a date at the Taste of 

Chaos Tour. After a positive audience 

response, they booked their own East 

Coast tour just after graduation. 

“We pretty much went from 

playing for 40 people…to like a couple 

of thousand,” says Hubberman of the 

sudden transition. 

Attendees of the Pac Tour can expect to hear 

edgy screamo, balanced with catchy pop from 

Another Day late. 

Three other bands will be on the tour, The 

Audition, Envy on the Coast and Danger Radio. 

The headliner will be The Audition, a poppunk 

emo band from Chicago. Champion, their 

sophomore release, comes out on the 22 nd of this 

month, although some of the tracks were leaked 

on the Internet about a week ago. A favorite of fans 

at Warped Tour, they’re just 2,000 friends short 

of 100,000 friends on MySpace (myspace.com/ 

theaudition). 

Envy on the Coast will rock out with their tunes 

from last year’s full-length release, Lucy Gray. Their 

music features just a dash of Evanescence, a hint of 

power-pop, a scrap of old school 80s music and a 

little indie sensibility. They’ve got catchy hooks, and 

musical surprises lurking past the chorus. 

For pure power pop, listen to Danger Radio’s 

set. You’ll hear punk music, hidden under layers of 

pop and high voiced vocals that make lead singer 

Andrew De Torres sound like he’s still in high school. 

Like some of the best pop, their music is infectious 

and fun to listen to. 

Josh Hubberman chose these bands because 

all of them are doing stuff different from the 

standard, and all of them seem to be on the cusp of 

being hugely popular. 

“I envisioned the tour being something where 

you would have bands that weren’t huge…that were 

fresh and weren’t doing stuff that everybody was 

doing…..It would be great for PacSun to introduce 

new music to the kids that are coming into the 

store.” 

Those searching for fresh music should not 

miss the Pac Tour, because it could launch these 

relative newcomers into a new orbit of fame. It’ll give 

you indie street cred later to be able to say you saw 

a band before they were big.

music for a message 

interview with Unity Music Festival performer/promoter 

Jon Kinesis 

by kElliE abrahamson KAbrahamson1@aol.com 

What: Unity Fest featuring Rabbit in the Moon, 

Bad Boy Bill, George acosta, tommy Lee and many 

more. 

WhERE: Metropolitan Park Downtown 

WhEn: Saturday, January 19, 2008 

Monday, January 21 st is Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Day, a national holiday honoring the life and legacy 

of America’s greatest champion of racial justice and 

equality. For some on the First Coast, however, the 

celebration begins on Saturday when the first annual 

Unity Music Festival takes over Metropolitan Park. 

The massive event, which boasts over 100 different 

bands, singers, rappers, instrumentalists and DJs, 

will epitomize Dr. King’s message of unity through its 

diverse musical offerings and, no doubt, the diverse 

crowd they are sure to draw. 

“The idea behind The Unity Music Festival was 

created by Christopher White of White Nite Inc,” said 

Jon Kinesis, local DJ and booking agent/promoter 

for the festival. “Christopher dreamed of bringing 

a diverse group together for one amazing musical 

event in hopes to better the community. I think he 

said it best in The Unity Music Festival Press release: 

‘The growing epidemic of violent crime amongst the 

young people of our community demands creative 

solutions which go beyond threats of punishment 

and jail time. Our racially diverse youth population 

needs to be inspired to come together and celebrate 

life through a greater power- the power of great music.’” 

The festival’s line-up is huge and features a 

wide variety of artists. The main stage will include 

performances by Rabbit in the Moon, George 

Acosta, Webbie, Lil Boosie, Kinesis himself and 

more. The Jagermeister mobile stage boasts Tommy 

Lee and DJ Aero, Meat Katie, and local bands like 

Amaru, Joey Chop and Fed Up, among others. There 

will also be individual stages set up for drum and 

bass, house, hip-hop and breakbeat. The huge range 

of musical acts is sure to bring out an extremely 

diverse crowd, which is, of course, sort of the point. 

“We are expecting a wide variety of all types 

of people,” Kinesis said. “Hip-hop lovers to househeads, 

drum and bass and breaks fanatics, to rockers. 

We are hoping that everyone that attends this 

unique festival comes with an open mind and keeps 

the true meaning of this incredible event in mind at 

all times … Unity.” 

While the music is the festival’s main draw, 

attendees will have more to see and do as the day 

goes on. 

“Besides seeing some of the world’s top international 

acts, Asbury Independent will be host 

Rabbit in the Moon George Acosta 

to a huge wakeboard expedition on the river all day 

long,” Kinesis explained. “Plenty of food vendors and 

beverage tents to keep just about everyone satisfied, 

and we’re even in talks about adding a few rides 

such as the ‘Gravitron’... We’ll have to see how this 

one turns out. There will definitely be a lot in store 

for everyone that attends this festival.” 

Tickets for the Unity Music Festival are currently 

on sale through the event’s website, unitymusicfest.com, 

and are available at a discounted rate 

until the day of the show. General admission tickets 

are $39.50 and special VIP passes are $99. What do 

the VIPs get, you ask? 

“VIP Guests will be treated to many exclusive 

privileges and a chance to rub elbows with the 

artists,” Kinesis said. “Some of these privileges include, 

but are not limited to, complimentary catered 

food, comfortable seating and tables, exclusive 

backstage access, artist meet and greet with autograph 

signing, separate VIP bars and waitresses, 

private indoor bathrooms, reserved parking, to the 

VIP nightclub behind the main stage and more.” 

Anyone who’s been to a music festival knows 

those are perks worth paying for! 

The Unity Music Festival is this Saturday, January 

19 th from 11 am to 11 pm. For more information, 

a complete line up of all the artists performing or to 

get a taste of some of the music you’ll hear at the 

event, visit unitymusicfest.com. 

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 

George Strait Jan. 24, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 

Flo Rida Jan. 24, Plush 

tyler Perry’s the Marriage Counselor Jan. 24-27, Moran 

Theater, 353-3309 

Matt nathanson Jan. 24, Jack Rabbits 

Cherryholmes Jan. 26, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 

tiger army Jan. 27, Freebird Live, 246-2473 

Ring of Fire - the Music of Johnny Cash Jan. 28, Florida 

Theatre, 355-2787 

David Copperfield Jan. 29, Moran Theater, 632-3373 

Miley Cirus as hannah Montana Jan. 30, Jacksonville 

Arena, 353-3309 

tim Reynolds Jan. 31, Freebird Live, 246-2473 

Richie havens Jan. 31, Café Alcazar 

tinsley Ellis Feb. 1, Mojos Blues Bar, 247-6636 

Sister hazel Feb. 1, Freebird Live, 246-2473 

Classic albums Live - Led Zeppelin IV Feb. 5, Florida 

Theatre, 355-2787 

the Pink Floyd Experience Feb. 6, Moran Theater, 632-3373 

tres Bien Feb. 6, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 

Donna the Buffalo Feb. 9, Freebird Live, 246-2473 

Yonder Mountain String Band Feb. 12, Freebird Live, 246- 

2473 

trisha Yearwood Feb.14, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 

the B-52’s Feb. 15, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 

Chris Duarte Feb. 15, Mojos Blues Bar, 247-6636 

Van halen Feb. 16, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 

Lalah hathaway Feb.17, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 

Coco Montoya Feb. 21, Café Eleven, 469-9311 

the 15th annual Great Guitar Gathering Feb. 22, Florida 

Theatre, 355-2787 

Leon Russell Feb. 22, Freebird Live, 246-2473 

Steep Canyon Rangers Feb. 22, Mojos Blues Bar, 247-6636 

Willy Porter Feb. 23, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 

Michael Bublé Feb. 24, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 

Bayside, Straylight Run Feb. 24, Freebird Live, 246-2473 

Keb’ Mo’ Feb. 27, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 

John Edward March 3, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 

Dark Star Orchestra March 4, Freebird Live, 246-2473 

Celtic Women March 5, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 

Freda Payne - tribute to Ella Fitzgerald March 6, Florida 

Theatre 

Blue Man Group March 7, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 

Built to Spill March 8, Freebird Live, 246-2473 

ani Difranco March 12, Freebird Live, 246-2473 

they Might Be Gians March 14, Freebird Live 

Classic albums Live - Sgt. Pepper March 16, Florida 

Theatre, 355-2787 

Moody Blues April 15, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 

Jake Shimabukuro and Futureman Apr 17, Florida Theatre, 

355-2787 



taking it over the top 

at the circus 


What: Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus 

When: Jan 16 th -20 th 

WheRe: Jacksonville Memorial arena 

Today’s audience wants extra drama and astonishment, but they also want to be part of the action. To 

that end, the circus has their Circus Celebrities, audience members who can become part of the action. Not 

everybody gets to be part of the show, but at least you’ll know you have the chance to pay a little extra to be 

part of it. 

The circus has changed a lot since its inception over a hundred years ago, moving from outdoor big 

tops to indoor arenas. After a lull in popularity, attendance figures have spiked since 2001 and the esteem of 

acrobatic shows have also upped the crowds. 

Some things haven’t changed though. You’ll be able to find all the classic circus snacks, both at 

stationary vendors and from walking vendors. 

“When you come inside the arena, the first thing you’ll notice is the wafting smell of cotton candy 

followed closely by popcorn,” says Melinda Hartline, Spokesperson for Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey 

Circus. 

Sno-Cones will also be sold, because, as Hartline says, “No matter how cold it is outside, the kids are 

still wanting a sno-cone, and that kid could be six or he could be an adult…being a kid is a state of mind.” 

The theme for this run, explains Hartline, is a bit of a tug of war between ideas. 

“This year’s show is titled ‘Over the Top,’ which is based on silliness, [represented by] star clown Tom 

Dougherty, and seriousness, [represented by] ring master Chuck Wagner. It’s who controls the ring masters 

hat. And [depending on who] has the hat, silly things or serious things evolve.” 

‘Over the Top,’ means that they’ve designed the show to go one step further than standard circus acts. 

They’ll have the usual motorcycle rider in the 16-foot globe, but he’ll also be riding his bike over the 

heads of the audience on a high wire. Even better, at one point there will be seven riders sharing the steel 

globe, traveling at high speeds just inches from each other and often upside down. 

Trapeze artists will be working off a double trapeze instead of the standard single trapeze. The Hunan 

Chinese Troupe will be making astounding leaps from high pole to high pole, but this time the poles will also 

be swinging. 

Besides death-defying acrobatics, they’ll also have a number of animals in the ring, not only as separate 

acts, but also as part of the show. 

“This year some of the…animals we have are potbellied pigs, who will actually roll out the red carpet. 

We have a porcupine who is presenting a gift…” 

Some of the animal acts include tigers, elephants, miniature white ponies and a Frisbee catching dog 

act. You’ll even get to see goats riding on horses during the show. The audience will also enjoy the Cossack’s 

incredible equestrian stunts. 

The handsome Daniel Raffo, one of the world’s leading tiger trainers and a 5th generation circus 

performer, will present an electrifying exhibition of human-and-animal accord with ten majestic and lively 

Bengal tigers. 

Tickets are $69 (Circus Celebrity), $34-44 (VIP), $24 and $14. All seats are reserved and tickets are 

available by calling Ticketmaster at (904) 353-3309. For group rates and information, call (904) 630-3900. 

For more information on Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey visit ringling.com. 

circus performance schedule 

Wednesday, January 16, 7:30 p.m. (Opening Night) 

Thursday, January 17, 10:30 a.m. (School Show) and 7:30 p.m. 

Friday, January 18, 7:30 p.m. (Military Night) 

Saturday, January 19, 11:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m. 

Sunday, January 20, 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

a local spotlight 

interview with Cirque Dreams Lighting 

Director Katie Johnston 

by kellie abraHamSoN KAbrahamson1@aol.com 

The performers always get the credit, but anyone who has been backstage at a big theatrical production 

knows it takes a lot of behind-the-scenes hands to make those shows possible. EU caught up with one 

of those hands, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy Lighting Director and Jacksonville native Katie Johnston, who 

was kind enough to give us the scoop on her cool gig and how she scored it. 

EU: How long have you been with Cirque Productions? 

Katie Johnston: I’ve been with them [for] about a year and a half. 

EU: Is this your first show with them? 

KJ: Yeah, it is. I started in September of 2006 on this show and we got a whole season and then we took a 

couple months off and [now] we’re back for year number two. 

EU: What are your duties as Lighting Director for Cirque Dreams? 

KJ: Well, kind of everything lighting. From setting up in the morning to focusing all the lights to making sure 

that [the show is] consistent from venue to venue, because a lot of times theaters are smaller or bigger, 

sometimes we have to cut some stuff or add some stuff. It’s really to maintain the artistic integrity of the design; 

to make sure that it’s the same beautiful production every single show. 

EU: Are most theaters already equipped with the lighting gear you use in the show or do you need to 

bring in your own equipment? 

KJ: The lights that don’t move… are all provided locally and then we travel with all the moving lights and 

black light. The whole set is painted in UV paint so in the second half of the show we turn that on and it turns 

into this great psychedelic, black light sort of jungle. It’s really cool. 

EU: How important is the lighting in Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy? 

KJ: Well, actually I think it’s pretty important [laughs]. I think really it just creates a landscape for the performers 

to be able to do what they do. It creates this great mood and sort of puts a beautiful painting on stage 

where they can really explore different depths of the jungles in texture and color. I think it enhances the mood 

of the entire production. 

EU: Once you’ve been assigned a show what’s your process? 

KJ: Well, this particular show was out for a couple of months doing some trial runs, so I already had an 

actual light plot, like an actual drawing of where the lights go on stage. So when I got hired, I came in and 

sat down with Neil Goldberg, the Artistic Director of the show, and we sat for 16 hours a day for a week and 

programmed all the lights and re-cued the show. We worked really hard to make sure everything is perfect 

and beautiful. So once the programming is down, during the tech stages of the tour, then it becomes sort of a 

day-to-day challenge of maintaining that original look that we set. 

EU: How did you become a lighting director? 

KJ: I went to Stanton College Prep and did a bunch of theatre there and was really interested in it. The great 

thing about Stanton is that everyone there says, “You can do whatever you want to do. You have the world 

at your fingertips.” So I thought if I have to work I might as well do something fun. I was like, “What’s the 

funnest (sic) thing that I’ve done all year?” and at that point in my life it was going to a concert. So I was like 

“OK, well, I’m going to do lighting because that way I can go to shows and get paid to work and do something 

I love to do.” 

I moved up to Boston for college got a Bachelors in Fine Arts and Lighting Design and then I actually 

moved back to Jacksonville, because I just love it, and joined the local stagehand union and worked with 

them for four years. Then I just really wanted to travel, because I’m a travel-a-holic, so touring seemed like 

the next best step. I’ve just sort of always done it, to be honest with you. I got a degree and just started working 

professionally. I’m one of those lucky people that the only job I’ve ever had is the job that I love. 

Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy can currently be seen at the Moran Theatre at the Times-Union Center 

until Sunday, January 20. Tickets range in price from $26 to $54 for adults, $30.50 to $20.50 for children. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, please call (904) 632-3373 or visit artistseries.fccj.org. 


art events 

new this week 

Art & Soul Presents: Figure It Out, January 17 

– March 18, Opening Reception, January 17, from 6 

pm – 8 pm 

The Women’s Center of Jacksonville, 5644 Colcord 

Avenue, (904) 722-3000 or womenscenterofjax.org 

Sean Mahan & Julio Williams, January 17 – March 

28, Opening Reception on Thursday January 17, 5 

– 9 pm, 

Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Boulevard, 

(904) 247-5828 or ci.atlantic-beach.fl.us 

ongoing 

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, Through January 30 

The Haskell Gallery at JIA, jiaarts.org/index.htm 

Abstraction and Transition: Charley Harris, Through 

January 31, Art Center Gallery, 31 West Adams 

Street, Downtown, blogfromthecenter.blogspot.com 

Labor Show, Through January 31, Bogda Gallery, 

1253 McDuff Avenue South, (904) 387-0852 

Precious Gifts of Asian Art, Through January 2008, 

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside 

Avenue, Riverside, (904) 356-6857 or cummer.org 

Oh Say Can You See: American Art from the West 

Foundation Collection, Through January 2008, 

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside 

Avenue, Riverside, (904) 356-6857 or cummer.org 

Duval County Art Teachers Exhibition, January 10 

- February 13, JU Photography Gallery Exhibition of 

photographs by Kristin Epinasse from 5 pm –7 pm, 

Alexander Brest Gallery and Museum at Jacksonville 

University, (904) 256-7345 

Cutting Edge Show, January 13 – February 10, St 

Augustine Art Association, (904) 824-2310 or staaa. 

org 

Personal Images of War, South Gallery Special 

Exhibit, January 13 – February 10 

St Augustine Art Association, (904) 824-2310 or 

staaa.org 

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 

Joseph Jeffers Dodge: A Passion for Art, Through 

February 2008, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 

829 Riverside Avenue, Riverside, (904) 356-6857 or 

cummer.org 

Art in the House: Collected Works from Children at 

the Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless, 

Through February 24, Cummer Museum of Art & 

Gardens, 829 Riverside Avenue, Riverside, (904) 356- 

6857 or cummer.org 


Jason Wright aMie MUrraY tonY MiLLer 

january show at bogda 

by donald dusinberre imartsyfartsy@gmail.com 

One of the best things about Bogda Gallery is 

that they operate on an easy to remember schedule- 

each month brings a new batch of paintings, 

sculptures, drawings, and crafts. Just when you 

think you’ve seen all the latest exhibitions in town, 

Bogda has faithfully renewed their wall decorations. 

So last week, I visited Bogda for the opening of their 

January exhibition. 

As it turns out, I used to know one of the artists 

on display this month, but apparently not as well 

as I thought. I thought his greatest talent was his 

enthusiasm for drinking, but he seems to be a pretty 

good painter, too. It just goes to show that you rarely 

do any good to assume you know someone. 

Although I came late to the party, I knew that 

the crowd would be nowhere near ready to wrap it 

up, so I headed down to the gallery for a beer and a 

gander. 

As they usually do, Bogda had a large selection 

of works on display by multiple artists, twelve by 

my count: Amie Murray, Chad Roberts, Kelly Eason, 

Shane Douberly, Martin Moore, Nick D’Agostine, 

Jason Wright, Jessica Noel West, Steven Tony Miller, 

Megan Cosby, Brendan O’Rourke, and Shaun Thurston. 

I’ve seen plenty of work from some of the artists, 

but there were quite a few whose work was new 

to me. Overall, the show was one of the best I’ve 

seen there, and I was pleasantly surprised by how 

much of it I personally enjoyed. The gallery is full of 

color and catchy images that are likely to tickle most 

anyone’s fancy, and they all could look real cool in 

any hipster’s living room. Here’s a brief description 

of a few of my favorites: 

Steven Tony Miller’s paintings mimic the imagery 

of old horror film posters, but with a painterly 

touch. He demonstrates his drawing skills using a 

simplified palette of black and one other color. 

Jason Wright is fairly well known in Jacksonville 

for his brand of pop culture paintings. Similar 

in subject to the aforementioned art of Steven Tony 

Miller, Wright’s paintings are highly detailed and vibrantly 

colored with an unrestricted palette. 

Amie Murray shows off her painting skills 

with chalky pastel colors and an affinity for birds. 

Her work suggests layer upon layer of paint, some 

translucent and others opaque, adding a depth that is 

pleasing to the eye. 

Shane Douberly, the expert drinker, was the 

surprise of the evening. As I said before, I have 

no recollection of him being an artist, so seeing 

his work was a unique experience. Not only was it 

new to my eyes, it was also very well done, demonstrating 

a strong knowledge of many important 

aspects of art. He uses a strong sense of light and 

perspective to promote higher drama within a simple 

subject. He also expertly mixes his colors to create a 

wide range of subtle variances that create interesting 

events within each image. 

Start off the new year with an entertaining and 

shane DoUBerLY 

maybe even inspiring art show. Bogda Gallery is 

located at 1253 McDuff Avenue South. Call (904) 

387-0852 for more information. The January show 

will, predictably, run through January 31.

dancing with the stars 

a television hit takes it to the Jacksonville 

stage 

by hilary johnson hilary_a_johnson@yahoo.com 

WHAT: Dancing with the Stars 

WHERE: Veterans Memorial Arena 

WHEN: Tuesday, January 22nd 

Dancing with the Stars is ready to get their 

Cha-Cha on with Jacksonville residents. The ABC 

show that has been made famous by celebrities 

who twist and contort their way back into the spotlight 

through advanced ballroom dance moves and 

extremely dexterous dance partners, is going on an 

American tour. 

Some of the shows most popular celebrities 

will be rotating on the shows third national tour, 

including season five’s big names, such as Wayne 

Newton with partner Cheryl Burke, Marie Osmond 

dancing with Jonathan Roberts, and Sabrina Bryan 

with Mark Ballas. From season three, Joey Lawrence 

(Whoa!) will be dancing with Edyta Sliwinska 

and Monique Coleman, along with professional 

dancers Derek Hough, Alec Mazo and Brian Fortuna. 

Even Drew Lachey, season’s two celebrated winner, 

will be making surprise appearances throughout the 

tour. And other performers from the famed TV show 

PHOTO BY Adam Larkey/ABC 

will be making surprise appearances as 

well. 

Wayne Newton won’t just be showcasing 

his dancing skills, either. He will 

also be making a few special music performances 

throughout the tour. And a live 

band will accompany each of the dance 

numbers, a much loved, crucial aspect 

behind the success of the show. 

Never-before-seen rehearsal footage, 

exclusive behind the scenes interviews 

and outtakes along with many 

other surprise extras will be showcased 

on two huge video feeds to the left and 

right of the stage. It will be a show sure 

to keep viewers on their toes. 

But one thing viewers can expect is 

some sensational dancing. If you are familiar 

with the show you know the judges 

have always expected superior quality 

and craftsmanship from the celebrities, 

and the dance partners are award-winning 

ballroom dancers who guide their 

celebrities through the dances, showing them the 

ropes. 

Jacksonville won’t just be coming out as 

spectators either. In 1985, the dance movie Girls 

Just Want to Have Fun, which starred Sarah Jessica 

Parker and Helen Hunt, featured a local dance 

competition held to choose local winners to become 

a part of a national dance television show. Jacksonville 

residents are being given the same glamorous, 

while slightly tacky, chance to become a part of our 

own nationally acclaimed dance craze mania! 

The Soft Scrub Dancing with the Stars Local 

Dance Challenge invited people from all across the 

city to come out and showcase their own dancing 

skills in a qualifying event. From there, ten couples 

were given the chance to compete before the shows 

producer prior to the Dancing with the Stars show 

at the Veterans Memorial Arena on Tuesday, January 

22 nd . And finally, on the night of the show, two 

couples of the ten will be chosen as winners to go 

on to perform during the show with the rest of the 

Dancing with the Stars celebrities! Who knows, 

four lucky people might get to share the stage with 

Wayne Newton, or perhaps even Drew Lachey! 

The production will be full of glitz and glam 

and is sure to include a few surprises, and even a 

brief fifteen minutes of fame for some of our very 

own. The show starts at 7:30 pm on January 22 nd , 

doors open at 6:30 pm. Tickets are available. 

PHOTO BY Adam Larkey/ABC 

cultural events 

JANUARY 

17 North Beaches Art Walk 200 First Street, Neptune 

Beach 

17 Kathy Griffin Florida Theatre, Jax 

17 Glenn Miller Orchestra FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax 

17 Starfish Circus Douglas Anderson School of the 

Arts, Jax 

17 Especially For Seniors Talks & Tea Cummer 

Museum, Jax 

17-16 Apron Chronicles: A Patchwork of American 

Recollections Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra 

17-19 “Called Girl” Players By The Sea, Jax Beach 

17-20 The Fantasticks Limelight Theatre, St. 


17-20 Circue Dream Jungle Fantasy Performing Arts 

Center, Jax 

17-20 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus 

Veterans Arena, Jax 

17-26 “Dearly Departed” Theatre Jax, Jax 

17-30 “Blurring the Lines” Photography by Heather 

Blanton & Ryan Ketterman JIA, Jax 

17-30 Gil Mayers In Retrospect Karpeles Manuscript 

Museum, Jax 

17-30 Turkish Maps Exhibit Karpeles Manuscript 

Museum, Jax 

17-31 Jay Shoots Now-Photographs & Sculpture PIE 

Studio, Jax 

17-31 Featured Artist: Charley Harris The Art Center, 

Jax 

17-FEB. 2 “Come Blow Your Horn” Orange Park 

Community Theatre, Orange Park 

17-FEB. 3 In Stabiano: Exploring Ancient Seaside Villas 

of the Roman Elite Cummer Museum, Jax 

17-FEB. 7 The Maple Leaf: American Civil War 

Shipwreck Thrasher Horne Jack Mitchell Gallery, 

Orange Park 

17-FEB. 10 “Breaking Up is Hard To Do” The 

Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Jax 

17-FEB. 13 Duval County Art Teachers Exhibit JU Brest 

Museum, Jax 

17-FEB. 16 Drama Workshop For Children ABET, 

Atlantic Beach 

17-FEB. 24 Art in the House-Collected Works from 

Children at Sulzbacher Center Cummer Museum, Jax 

17-FEB. 28 Oh Say Can You See: American Art 

Cummer Museum, Jax 

17-MAR. 9 Joseph Jeffers Dodge: A Passion for Art 

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Jax 

17-MAR. 31 The Photography of Robert Storm Burks 

GTM Reserve, Ponte Vedra 

17-APRIL 30 Jazz History Course Taught By Landon 

Walker First Coast Community Music School, Jax 

17-MAR. 17 Figure It Out – Dangerous Curves 

Women’s Center of Jax, Jax 

18 Ileana Fernandez, Piano-Latin American Music 

Friday Musicale, Jax 

18 Arbor Day Celebration Francis Field, St. Augustine 

18 Mad Cowford Comedy 9 th & Main, Jax 


18 Oxygen Fridays-Spoken Word The Dark Room, Jax 

18 Martinifest MOCA, Jax 

18 Friday Night Poetry Murray Hill Theatre, Jax 

18-FEB. 2 “The Ride Down Mount Morgan” ABET, 

Atlantic Beach 

18-MAR. 11 Contemporary Visual Translations Bethel 

Gallery, Ponte Vedra 

19 Peter Max Special Exhibit & Sale R. Roberts Gallery, 

Jax 

19 Local Author Edward Baldwin Barnes & Noble/San 

Jose, Jax 

19 Air Potato Rodeo Fort Mose Historic Park, St. 


19 Jacksonville Herb Society Meeting Glynlea Grace 

United Methodist, Jax 

19 2-Day Pottery Wheel Workshop Cummer Museum, 

Jax 

19 Discovering Art in the Estuary GTM Reserve, Ponte 

Vedra 

19 Unity Music Festival Metro Park, Jax 

20 Mr. Jack Daniel’s Original Silver Cornet Band Flagler 

College, St. Augustine 

21 Dyslexia Expert Susan Barton Free Seminar 

Hendricks Day School, Jax 

22 Dancing With The Stars Veterans Arena, Jax 

22 A Kiowa’s Odyssey: A Sketchbook From Ft. Marion 

Cummer Museum, Jax 

22-MAR. 16 A Kiowa’s Odyssey” A Sketchbook from Fort 

Marion Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Jax 

23 House of Life JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax 

24 In Remembrance of the Dream Performing Arts 

Center, Jax 

24 Cast Iron Invitational FCCJ South Campus, Jax 

25 Performances by Outstanding Young Pianists Friday 

Musicale, Jax 

25 Mad Cowford Comedy 9 th & Main, Jax 

25-APRIL 6 North Florida Contemporary Collectors 

MOCA, Jax 

26 Clay County All County Elementary Chorus Thrasher 

Horne Center, Orange Park 

26 Meet Artist Peter Max 6-9pm R. Roberts Gallery, Jax 

26 Mikolai Massenkoff Russian Folk Festival Flagler 

College, St. Augustine 

26 A Day with the Director-Gary Cadwallader of Seaside 

Music Theatre People’s First Community Bank, Palm 

Coast 

26 Faculty Chamber Music JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax 

26 How To Start Your Own Vegetable Garden Duval Co. 

Extension Office, Jax 

26-27 Tribute To Arthur Miller Staged Reading of “After 

The Fall” St. Johns Cultural Center, St. Augustine 

26-FEB. 3 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire Downtown, 

Gainesville 

26-MAY 4 Make It Move Traveling Exhibit The 

Lighthouse, St. Augustine 

27 Meet Artist Peter Max Noon-3pm R. Roberts Gallery, 

Jax 

27 Roman Life Family Day Cummer Museum, Jax 

27 US Coast Guard Band Concert Anastasia Baptist 

Church, St. Augustine 

31 Cummer Kiowa Pow-Wow Dinner Ceremony 

Sawgrass Golf Resort, Ponte Vedra 


dearly departed 

Theatre Jacksonville Theatre Review 

by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com 

Theatre Jacksonville opened its first play of 

2008 last weekend, with David Bottrell and Jessie 

Jones’ 1991 comedy Dearly Departed. If the opening 

night full house audience is any indication, there will 

be much laughter in San Marco until this play closes 

on January 26 th . 

The comedy in Dearly Departed is similar to the 

humor found on television shows like The Beverly 

Hillbillies or Hee Haw or movies such as Smokey 

and the Bandit and Dumb and Dumber. Yes, you 

guessed it, good old boy Southern Redneck humor is 

alive and well on the Theatre Jacksonville stage. 

The story opens when the head of the family, 

old Ben (Fred Gatlin), dies suddenly at the breakfast 

table with his wife Raynelle reading a very funny 

letter from her sister to him. The remainder of 

the play has his mostly dysfunctional family and 

friends planning the funeral with hilarious results. 

What follows is a side-splittingly humorous look 

at stereotypical redneck topics such as addiction 

to food, alcohol, adultery, infertility, illegitimate 

children, laziness, unemployment and a few more 

that slipped by me. 

Raynelle (Shelly Higgins Hughes) has 3 sons, 

of which one is in prison. Ray-Bud (Bill White) is 

the most normal and actually has a job and makes 

money, probably because of his sane wife Lucille 

(Skyla Dawn Luckey). Junior (Kenny Logsdon) is 

a no-account who lost his money on a machine to 

clean parking lots and his wife Suzanne (Brandy 

Allport) won’t let him forget his shortcomings. 

Raynelle’s sister Marguerite (Brook Anne Hayes) is 

a song-singing/Bible-toting widow with a worthless, 

lazy son Royce (Michael Fritton). Their scene driving 

in a car is one of the funniest moments of this play. 

Delightful (yes that is her name) is played by 

Zoe Matthews and is Raynelle’s butterball daughter 

who eats, and eats and eats all the time. Edward 

Kramer makes Theatre Jax debut as Reverend 

Hooker, the sincere preacher with a kidney problem. 

Teresa Arnold-Simmons is the helpful, albeit gossipy, 

neighbor Juanita. Rachel Clifton is never seen on 

stage, but she is the funeral home organist who 

plays religious songs on an organ off stage. 

Giving a religious overtone to all the feuding 

and fussing going are the roving Joy of Life Singers, 

and you never know when they are going to burst 

into acapella hymns. Director Andrew Dickson has 

them moving all over the place, including throughout 

the audience and orchestra pit. Believing that no 

place is too sacred for sacred songs, they even sing 

in the restroom at one point. (Heck, this is a redneck 

play!) The talented singers include Amber Holland, 

Debbie Hurm, Lisa LaGrande, Jessica Palombo, Neal 

Thorburn, Chris Valade and Joseph Walz. 

Death is never a fun subject (unless you go to 

an Irish Wake) and Director Dickson has chosen to 

soften the visual effect, so instead of using a real 

coffin at the funeral, he has a door across two saw 

horses representing the departed Bud. Watching 

people pay reverence to a two inch door was pretty 

funny in itself. 

Kelly Wagoner’s set design is mainly an open 

stage with some beams high in the ceiling. There 

are nine scenes in act one and furniture is moved 

on and off. Across the back of the stage is a pile 

of miscellaneous junk stacked about three feet, a 

dig at redneck housekeeping. It is a good start for 

the barricade scene in Les Miserables, and maybe 

Theatre Jax can do that next. 

There are a lot of funeral jokes in this play but 

my favorite bit of humor was when Raynelle asked 

“Is there TV in hell?” By golly that this something we 

all need to think about. 

Be forewarned there is a small smattering 

of unnecessary profanity in the script, which may 

offend, but I will concede that cussing is probably a 

part of the redneck culture. 

To the cast: y’all done good play acting and 

made a believer out me, but I sure would have 

liked to see someone dipping some snuff. It is said 

there is a little bit of redneck in all of us and you 

can find out how much you have at the Harold K. 

Smith Playhouse, 2032 San Marco Blvd. Call 396- 

4425 for more information. Don’t dress too fancy, 

mismatched clothing is acceptable.

the dead guy 

Hippodrome Theatre Review 

by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com 

Do you watch reality TV? If you do, you 

will want to consider a trip to Gainesville’s Hippodrome 

Theatre to see their first play of 2008, 

The Dead Guy. The show runs through February 

3 at 23 SE 2 nd Place in the downtown area. 

If you were offered one million dollars to 

allow a TV camera man to follow you around 

and film you for 24 hours a day to create a show 

about your life, would you do it? Oh, there is a 

catch. At the end of the week you have to agree 

to DIE in the manner selected by the viewing 

audience. 

The lead character, Eldon Phelps of Leadville, 

Colorado, can’t keep a job, a woman, an 

apartment and has no skills. He is approached 

by a reality TV producer with this offer. She has 

selected him carefully, she needs a real LOSER. 

He accepts and signs a contract to accept the 

money and to die. 

He gets his money, buys three red trucks 

for his mother, ex-girl friend 

and his brother and begins 

his week of temporary 

wealth and pleasure. He 

takes two prostitutes to 

Disneyland in California for 

a day of drinking and fun. 

Mid week he has second 

thoughts and decides if he 

becomes a good guy and 

does charitable things, 

maybe the audience will like 

him and choose to let him 

live. That is enough of the 

plot and I leave the dramatic 

and surprise ending for you 

to discover. 

This is as play you are not apt to see anytime 

soon at your local community theatre. It 

is very technically demanding and requires five 

television screens and the ability to show what is 

being filmed as it happens. You are sitting there 

watching the play and seeing the action on the 

screens, just as the home audiences are watching. 

The audience votes nightly on his manner of 

death, with the grand totals to be posted at the 

final show on Sunday night when Eldon will die. 

Will it be A) a quiet death, B) run over by a bus, 

C) shot by a gun with a venom coated bullet, or 

D) cut up by a chain saw? Viewers also have E) 

make your own suggestion. 

Tim Altmeyer is brilliant as Eldon. You will 

initially dislike this example of poor white trash, 

but he grows on you as he cleans up his act. 

You may even find yourself liking him and wishing 

you had a vote on his fate. 

Jessica Ires Morris smartly and 

believably plays the TV producer, 

Gina Yaweth. Yaweth is also a 

Hebrew word for God, and she is 

playing a God of sorts. 

The show is basically done 

on a bare stage with furniture that 

is moved to portray the different 

scene locations. As an audience 

member, I was mesmerized going 

back and forth from the screens 

to the action stage. The two act, 

almost two hour show is very 

fast paced under the direction of 

Lauren Caldwell. It is has humor 

and interesting characters. It is a 

spoof of reality TV. It is the ultimate reality show, 

since death is final. It is also thought-provoking 

since television brings everything right into our 

living rooms with large screens and high definition 

clarity. War, sex, and food never seemed so 

real. 

I hope your New Year’s resolution was to 

expand your theatre experience and you will take 

advantage of the excellent work that the Hippodrome 

continues to bring to the North Florida 

area, and it is only 75 miles away. For reservations 

call (352) 375-HIPP or visit thehipp.org. 


They say the South is not conducive for walking. I don’t exactly know who says this, or what 

evidence they have to prove it, but I can basically vouch for its validity. Everyone in the south drives 

a car. I don’t care if it’s two houses down the street, we are going to drive there. It’s just how our 

brains have been wired. We’ve also been wired to fry everything from olives to okra so it really isn’t 

surprising no one wants to go for a walk. 

The other day I was shopping down in Five Points at this great boutique, Anomaly. I had a 

thank you card I needed to mail, but I absolutely hate trying to find a post office or mailbox. I asked 

the store worker if she knew where I could find a mailbox in the area. She told me there was one 

down on Park St. Well, considering the store was on Park St. I asked her if I could walk to it. Park is 

pretty long, so the question was valid. She explained to me where it was exactly. Around to the right 

and down a street. But she told me she wasn’t sure if I would want to walk there because I might 

get tired. 

I thought I’d take my chances. It turned out to actually be just around the right at the next 

street, which was about a quarter mile away. I laughed out loud. Who in their right minds could 

possibly think that this would be a suitable distance to deem unwalkable? 

But it’s the South. We walk nowhere. And not to knock the girl from the store. She’s just been 

trained. And granted, most people would have driven. It’s kind of the same drive that makes us 

circle a parking lot for ten minutes waiting for the closest spot when we could have already been in 

and out if we had just parked in the back. But basically, we are just lazy. 

Well, living in California kind of altered my perception of the whole walking issue. People walk 

everywhere there. It’s one of those cities. There is a mass transit system, a much utilized bus system, 

and there is a lot within walking distance. So I guess it just seems natural. Plus, parking there 

is an absolute terror. As in, there is no parking unless you want to pay thirty bucks for an hour or 

finding a spot on the street two miles away, in which case walking from where you started would 

have been closer anyway. 

Californians are also, ironically, considered some of the healthiest people in the country, a 

fact they will never let you forget. Although if you leave the metropolises and enter the valley you 

will find some of the country’s most morbidly obese people. In fact, on the newest survey that just 

came out of the country’s most obese cities, California had at least four or five cities in the top 

twenty. 

Regardless, I lived in the city and got used to walking. It was great. It was brisk. (Usually 

because it was freezing there – and when I say freezing I mean chilly.) I felt more in shape. I liked 

being outdoors and really getting a sense of where I was, not just a butt impression on my car seat. 

And now with the invention of the iPod there is even a portable soundtrack for walking. 

When I moved back to Florida I made sure to move to a place where I could maintain some of 

this walkable culture. So, I moved to San Marco. And I live within walking distance of a thousand 

great things. Restaurants, bars, shops, cafés, parks. You name it, I can probably walk to it. 

As my expatriate friend (she currently resides in Barcelona) and I strolled through the streets 

of San Marco back to my house from lunch at La Napolera she sort of twirled around in the wide 

open street and said, “You know, you can decide to make your life a walking life. Even in Jacksonville.” 

Then we got to my house, hopped in my car and I drove her home. Come on. She lives a 

good three miles away. But you get the point. 

30 

january 17-23, 2008 | entertaining u newspaper 

a better u 

becoming a muscle by michael solis 

Michael Solis is a trainer, gym owner, and general high achiever that was repulsed by the apathetic approach 

that was advocated in last week’s article ‘get fit in 08.’ Had we at EU known that someone with such a robust 

physique was both literate and capable, we certainly would have asked him to write the piece in the first 

place. After all, most of us at EU are fat and lazy! But his advice was just so heavy-handed and accurate, we 

felt we should share it with everyone. So start filling your barrels with sand, it’s going to be a bitch of a week! 

Chew gum and burn 11 calories? 

Fidget? Tap your fingers? Carry a basket? 

I am aware of the circuitous approach that 

most people in a morbidly obese society 

take in order to avoid the expenditure of 

energy, but to actually accommodate the 

lethargy is even more obscene. 

My advice is that if mediocrity is your 

goal then you should certainly follow the 

mediocre prescription. However, will a person 

who chews gum, carries a basket, gets 

a dog, and performs the other low-energy 

output tasks truly be considered fit? The 

answer is no. We, in the crossfit community, 

know that energy and effort are directly 

proportional to fitness, achievement, and 

general success in life. It is true that most 

people take the path of least resistance and 

a little effort on your part will go a long 

way. A lot of effort will land you on top of 

any endeavor. We all can’t be winners or 

high achievers but we owe it to our children 

and others who may be influenced by our 

behavior and ideas to cultivate a sense of 

pride and progress. 

We crossfitters are good examples, 

that is, products of our effort and reapers of 

the seeds we sow. We have cut the proverbial 

fat from the usual haphazard approach 

to getting fit, dissected the material, and found the truth. The good news is that it is very simple, that is, it 

requires little to no money, nor advanced scientific knowledge. The bad news is that it requires effort. The 

results however are directly proportional. You have to ask yourself if getting fit or anything in life is worth the 

effort. Is feeling like a superhero worth having to single-handedly produce enough energy to power a small 

town? It is for some people. Most of them are professional athletes. The others are crossfitters and our advice 

is nothing less than extreme. 

These are our low-cost suggestions. 

• Instead of just going for a walk, fill up a backpack with sand-filled bottles or lead ingots and march 

like a hungry soldier. 

• If you are the gambling type, get a deck of cards, shuffle them, draw from the top, and do the corresponding 

amount of push-ups. Also, do it with sit-ups and air squats. 

• Don’t just take the stairs. Sprint to the top and continue until you feel sick. 

• Find a barrel or keg, fill it with sand and motivation; lift it over your head as many times as you 

can. 

• Find pull up bars or a jungle gym. Do hundreds of pull-ups until your lats grow into wings. 

• Find a wall and do hand stand push-ups until you can walk on your hands. 

• Bear crawl down the beach for one mile as fast as you can. Watch how feelings of envy strike the 

peanut gallery dead. 

• Finally, go to crossfit.com and begin your training as a new, improved and, most importantly, fit 

human being. 

The attributes and approaches we bring to the gym, field, ring, or wherever we train, fight, or compete 

are the same that follow us in our daily lives, work, and family relationships. Effort, energy, enthusiasm, and 

courage are the pillars to washing our hands of mediocrity and living a life rich in personal and professional 

accomplishment. If your health isn’t important then what is?

Random thoughts from a cluttered mind... 

NFL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS 

And so it comes down to our final four teams 

playing each other this weekend for a chance to go to 

Super Bowl XLII in Phoenix. In the AFC, we have the 

New England Patriots hosting the San Diego Chargers, 

while in the NFC, we will see the Green Bay Packers 

host the New York Giants. Let’s start out with the NFC, 

shall we. 

Last weekend, we saw the Packers dominate the 

Seattle Seahawks in a snow storm at Lambeau Field, 

which is where the Championship will be played this 

weekend. Green Bay showed us they can pass with 

Brett Favre, but we also saw that RB Ryan Grant has 

emerged into a very, very good runner. Along with their 

offensive line, they ran over, around, and through the 

Seahawks. Meanwhile, their defense also did a great job 

in shutting down Seattle. Now they will play against a 

Giants team that grinded out two playoff wins with their 

head coach, former Jaguar leader Tom Coughlin, as 

their inspiration. 

When you look at the Giants, you see a team that 

has a strong running game with Brandon Jacobs and 

Ahmad Bradshaw carrying the rock. A decent passing 

game, with Eli Manning throwing to Amani Toomer and 

Plaxico Burress. And a stout defense that has come 

through when needed, in spite of overwhelming injuries. 

The Green Bay defense has had a great season, 

and they’ve gotten better late in the season. I think 

they can put a lot of pressure on Manning, and it will 

be a key as to who wins this contest. Green Bay has 

already beaten the Giants this season, which they did 

early in the schedule at the Meadowlands. We cannot 

get much more traditional in a match up than the one 

we’ll see on Sunday. Both franchises have long, strong 

legacies in the NFL. It should be cold, and it will be fun 

to watch. The Packers go in as a seven-point favorite. 

Keep in mind, though, that New York is now 9-1 on the 

road! That is ridiculous! I will say that if the Packers do 

their thing, then they can pull out a victory and head to 

the Super Bowl, which will be a great scene, to say the 

least. 

The first game of the day will feature the stalwart 

Patriots hosting the upstart Chargers. NO ONE expected 

San Diego to be here. Everyone was gearing up for a 

return match between the Colts and Pats, feeling they 

were the two best teams in the NFL. But San Diego 

shocked most of us by going into Indianapolis and shutting 

down the Colts when it got down to it, winning their 

game and beating Indy for the second time this season. 

Meanwhile, we all saw the Pats take care of business 

against the Jags, with Tom Brady almost perfect in 

his play. It seems every time a team is preparing to play 

New England, we hear their players and coaches suggest 

they have to play a perfect game in order to beat 

the Pats. Since there is essentially no such thing as a 

perfect game, shall we all assume the Patriots can’t be 

beat? 

The Chargers go into this contest possibly without 

All-Pro RB LaDainian Tomlinson and starting QB Philip 

Rivers. If they both do play, it will be with hindered 

knees they each lost in the Colts game. Nonetheless, 

their back ups, QB Billy Volek, and RB Michael Turner, 

did a great job last weekend. Both could easily see action. 

THE 

JOCK 

by tom weppel 

San Diego has a great defense, as evidenced by 

their leading the NFL in turnover ratio. That is a huge, 

huge stat they MUST take advantage of. If the Chargers 

can force turnovers, perhaps they can stay with the 

Pats. The Chargers also have strong defensive backs 

who must do a great job covering the Patriot receiving 

corps. While we all know how awesome the Pats are at 

throwing the ball, we also saw that RB Lawrence Maroney 

can run when called upon. 

New England beat the Chargers earlier in the 

season. They are a two-touchdown favorite to win this 

game. It will take a monumental effort from San Diego 

to come away with a victory. I don’t see it happening. 

For all intents, you can count on the Patriots going to 

Arizona in two weeks. 

JAGUARS 

We all saw the Jaguars lose to the Patriots last 

Saturday night. New England is simply so good, they 

showed the Jags what THEY need to do in order to 

become a great team…not just a good one. In fact, 

the two strengths we all thought the Jaguars had for 

so long, their defense and their running game, almost 

seemed non-existent in that Patriot contest. 

But while we can sit here and analyze and critique 

the Jags, we also have to accept the fact that NO ONE 

has beaten New England this season. So far, that has 

been an absolutely amazing feat. 

When you look at the entire season, you must give 

Jack Del Rio and his boys credit for putting together a 

very good campaign that not many expected. An 11-5 

record, along with a playoff win over the Steelers, is a 

strong showing in the NFL and it will certainly be a great 

foundation on which to build upon. 

Between now and the start of Training Camp in 

July, there will be changes on the roster, as there always 

are between every season. There will be a select 

number of veterans that will not be around. OL Maurice 

Williams feels he can start for a number of teams in 

this league and might want to test the free agent waters. 

Same goes for WR Ernest Wilford and DE Booby Mc- 

Cray, who are currently NOT signed to long-term deals. 

Both feel the Jags may not be able to afford to bring 

them back. They will very possibly be signed by other 

teams. A few veterans might even retire, such as Aaron 

Glenn and Sammy Knight. 

So, with all that said, Del Rio, GM James Harris, 

and Scouting Coordinator Gene Smith will now go to 

work, looking to see how they want to possibly improve 

this team and have it ready to go for next season. The 

expectations have now been raised as the fans of this 

city have gotten back into the groove of a winning franchise. 

Del Rio might have changes to his coaching staff 

as well. That has happened, it seems, every single year. 

This time, we might see his good friend Mike Tice get a 

Head Coaching job, or maybe we’ll see Mike Shula get 

an Offensive Coordinator position somewhere else. The 

bottom line here is that teams will be wanting to go after 

the Jags to find good talent, whether it’s on the field or 

off, to become better. It will be very interesting to see 

what the Jaguars do in the coming months. 

Tom Weppel talks trash with Greg Larson, Lonnie 

Marts, Eugene Chung, Artis Gilmore, and Ron Duguay 

on SportsAvengers.com 24/7.

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