SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2014

The schedule has been announced for this year's  CINE-WORLD FILM FESTIVAL.  Opening day is November 1 and  runs through Sunday November 10 with most films playing at Burns Court.  A few will be available at Lakewood Ranch Cinema.    Member passes are available now at Burns Court Cinema or by clicking here and purchasing your pass on line.

Non-members will have to wait until Wednesday when you can also purchase passes.  Single tickets  go on sale Friday, with a wide selection of Domestic and Foreign films to choose from.

  I have researched each film and what follows are my picks for best in show.  There are several others worthy of consideration; however how many movies can you or do you want to see in ten days?   No matter what you pick this is always a fun SARASOTA experience.

August Osage County.. Pulitzer Prize winning  Novel and Tony award winning  best play starring  Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Chris Cooper and Ewan McGregor; these are just some of the stars of this already creating Oscar buzz movie

The Armstrong Lie...Much anticipated documentary on the life of cyclist Lance Armstrong.  This one is considered so good it has been designated "opening night" feature.

Oh Boy...Winner of this year's German equivalent to the Academy Awards,  this slacker drama comedy is a love letter to Berlin and generation Y experience.

Mandela: A Long Walk to Freedom...adapted from Mandela's autobiography, including his 27 years in prison before he was released to become President of South Africa.  Also mentioned as Oscar contender.


Face of Love....starring Annette Bening and Ed Harris along with a cameo from Robin Williams in a story of lost and found love.  How can it be bad with this cast?

Other highly regarded films are James Franco's adaptation of William Faulkner's novel.  Franco wrote, directs and stars in As I Lay Dying.  It opened this past weekend in New York with a very good NY Times review.

 
One Chance reunites the creative team of The Devil Wears Prada along with screen writing team of The Bucket list to tell the story of a Britain's Got Talent contest winner.  Lot's of music.  Sounds entertaining.

Like Father, Like Son...From Japan, a father learns his son of six years is not his own due to clerical error.  He is forced to choose his biological son or the one he has raised since birth.  This one closes the Festival.
Again, I encourage you to click here to view the entire list and purchase tickets on line.

Saturday night is a special one if you like BLUES, as Florida Blue presents Blues and Musical Festival at the SARASOTA Fairgrounds featuring Kenny Wayne Sheperd Band, Rick Estrin and Little Charlie.  Doors open at 11 with music beginning at 12.  Tickets are $27 when purchased in advance and $32 at the door.  VIP seating is available at $75.  While folding chairs and blankets are welcome, food is not.   Food beer-wine will be on sale at the Fairgrounds.  Partial proceeds go to all faiths food bank. Tickets can be purchased here. 

This past summer George Miles and family travelled throughout Italy.  He writes..."we ate at some of the finest restaurants in each city we visited, but the one dining experience that was truly outstanding was the Antica Pesa in Rome.  Opened in 1922 by the Panella family, now four generations later it is operated by four Panella brothers growing to three restaurants in Italy and one in Brooklyn, USA!!  In early August we ate at the one in Brooklyn, and thought it fabulous, considering I did not have to pay for airline tickets to NY.  I thought we were unique visiting both restaurants until I heard Lebron James was doing the same on his honeymoon and first Miami Heat game in Brooklyn...." That's George with Janet, Tammy and Taylor with one of the Panella brothers.

Continuing a review of some of my favorite SARASOTA restaurants as we get closer to the return of many readers, I strongly recommend Yummy House.  Since opening last year to immediate success, Yummy has quietly improved its food and service to the point of being the go to restaurant for Chinese Cuisine.  I have never met a dish there I didn't like, but there are so many items on the menu it will take a few visits to find your favorites.  During season which starts any minute you will either have to have patience since the turnover is quick or attempt to reserve by calling 351-1688.

By now you are surely aware of my fondness for JPAN.  With 2 locations, Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, they have grown to one of the area's biggest and BEST when it comes to sushi and Japanese.   In fact, it is the Japanese side of the menu that keeps growing.  All sorts of creative dishes await from fried rice to fish to chicken.  Reservations are a must, and if you like outside dinning as most of us who live here do, you won't find a better place than Main St. in Lakewood Ranch.


Going from Asian to Mexican is quite a transition, but I am doing it anyway.  El Toro Bravo buried in a shopping center that houses one of our best bakeries, Piasanos, is as authentic as it comes in Sarasota to Mexican.  The place is small, full of locals, serves great food from a huge menu and offers its Mexican beer in frozen mugs all for a reasonable price.  You can find it on Stickney Point Road west of Swift.  They take reservations, and are very crowded Friday and Saturdays.  It's best to go during the week.

All three restaurants are open for lunch and offer specials for the budget conscious.  The service is swift and you can eat in less than an hour or take more time as your schedule allows.  They come with my hearty recommendation.   As you know from previous blogs, I eat at all three quite often.

Still another restaurant gaining in popularity is rev-el-ry Pub & Grill.  Located in the Publix shopping center off University and Lockwood Ridge. Only open a short time, it has gone from dinner only to addition of lunch, Sunday football and starting next Sunday (10/27)brunch from  10:30am-2:00pm.   Their initial Sunday menu will be small, but grow as demand increases.   Even more exciting news next week.  Word of mouth will fill this place in a few months so I suggest you visit NOW.  John and Angela bring a family atmosphere to your dining experience. 

WBTT begins its winter season next month with an old favorite PURLIE, and continues with The Whipping Man, Harry and Lena and Bubbling Brown Sugar.  Subscriptions and single tickets are on sale now. For more information and to purchase tickets click here. I am especially looking forward to Harry and Lena, as they were two of my favorites.  I remember seeing Harry Belafonte performing in Chicago when I was a nineteen year old in college.  Saw his show twice that evening, and every song, ad-lib and nuance was identical in each performance.  All rehearsed with no spontaneity.....still loved the man.

JIM'S RANT is directed to anyone who drives through THE DISTRICT AT UTC, you know, the area immediately in front of Target, ULTA, Bed Bath and Beyond.....etc.  Are you not aware of the stop signs posted in front of each store???  They are there for a purpose...STOP.  It is a wonder no one to my knowledge has been hit walking to their car. 

Thanks to George for his contribution this week and to Tracy for her editing.  See you next week with more from SARASOTA....JIM

Read my review next week of this fantastic show kicking off the Cabaret season at FST.....

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2013

TOMORROW WE CELEBRATE COLUMBUS DAY

 And a year from Wednesday,  UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER is opening its doors to the public.  The largest mall in SARASOTA, and one of biggest in Central Florida, it is sure to attract locals, visitors and tourists to an area that continues to grow with retail, commercial and residential usage.

By now you know the three anchors...Saks Fifth Avenue, Dillard's and Macy's. There is a pad for one more, but no one is sure when or if that will ever happen.  Any day now, Taubman will be making an announcement of several tenants.  Already announced restaurants are Seasons 52 and The Cheesecake Factory.  I am unable to confirm a second SARASOTA Too Jays or  Mortons Steak House.  The promise has always been 50% new retail business to the area.

A visit to old friends.....over the past several weeks, we've been to several of our favorite SARASOTA restaurants.  This time of year is a wonderful time to visit the most popular, as our population is at its lowest.  Those of you returning in the next few months should visit these along with our growing list of quality eateries.

Louies  Modern opened its doors earlier this spring on Palm Avenue in ground floor space of the Palm Ave. garage.  Since that time they have grown in popularity with the food improving as they've tweaked the menu.  A recent visit found new menu items, along with the same quality and service as well as ambiance that helped establish their early presence.  The main dinning room, closed for lunch this summer, reopens on October 21 with a new menu.  If you have not been to Louies , I suggest a visit and soon before season.


Lucky Pelican in Lakewood Ranch continues to serve outstanding seafood, salads, burgers and sides that rank among the best in all of SARASOTA.  These past few months have been busy, but a manageable busy so the wait is not nearly as long as its going to get.   Pelican continues to be one of my favorites.  I especially enjoy their Cobb salad with crusted chicken as well as daily seafood specials.  Sweet potato fries are a must, and for those who partake (I do not) oysters are one of their specialties.

Apollonia in Cooper Creek Shopping center is fast becoming a neighborhood and SARASOTA favorite.  Owned by Main Street's El Grecco family, Apollonia serves all the familiar Mediterranean dishes familiar to their city location.  Modern and accessible with plenty of parking, the menu choices range from pizza to Moussaka to lemon chicken to salad to more.  Service is quick and you will find prices very reasonable.
This past Saturday, we ran into neighbors at Lee Roy Selmon's, sat outside and had great bar food while watching baseball and football on several big screen TVs.   There was a wait for inside seating.  The food ranges from ribs, to pulled beef and pork, salads, sliders, burgers and even salmon.  Sides of cheese fries or onion rings or green fried tomatoes along with draft, bottle and craft beers add to the fun of being in a sports bar big enough to accommodate many without feeling crowded.  Selmon's is a few doors from Apollonia.

Next week, I will have several more to re-visit including Yummy House and JPAN, as by now you know two of my favorites!!! Also El Toro Boro and some exciting news from Reverly which continues to evolve into a University Parkway favorite.

For those of us who were privileged to watch The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson you can read an insightful biography written by his attorney Henry Bushkin.  It drops on Tuesday, and if the excerpt I read in last week's Entertainment Weekly is any indication this is one you won't want to put down.  The story of catching his second wife cheating with Frank Gifford is hilarious.  The New York Post has been highlighting juicy details as well.   I highly recommend.


If football isn't your thing today and you haven't been to the movies lately, I highly recommend Captain Phillips, with always dependable Tom Hanks playing Phillips in this true story adapted from Phillips' best seller.  The past is frantic, the acting outstanding, and by the end you will have been rewarded with one of this year's best.  Since Phillips wrote the book, you can enjoy his detention without worrying about the outcome.  Hanks, and possibly the movie are sure Academy Award contenders.

I have not seen Gravity, but those who have tell me the ride is awesome.  And most suggest seeing it in 3-D.

Jim's Rant is the return of our street panhandlers....Yes they are back.  Maybe not in the usual places, though I have seen them on University and 301 and 41.   They are at the entrance to Cooper Creek Shopping Center and other inconspicuous places.  AND, I recognize most of them as the group here this summer before being given the boot by police.  They didn't kick hard enough!!

As you've noticed I am using a different program to send the blog.  Hopefully the kinks are worked out and you received this normally.  If not, please let me know.

Tracy, you've earned every penny of your recent raise.....See you next week...JIM

     
     

 

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2013

Last week a new law prohibiting texting while driving went into effect in SARASOTA and all of Florida.  In order to be given a $30 fine, you must be stopped for some other traffic violation.  What gives?  Isn't texting while driving just as serious as speeding while driving??? having lights off during a rainstorm???? driving in the wrong lane??? AND where is the promotion announcing this new law???  Is the NRA involved here as well as guns???

On a more cheerful note, ENOUGH SAID, starring Julia Louis Dreyfus and James Gandolfini, is a wonderful story of real people going through a second relationship that takes an unexpected twist.  It is a sharp, insightful comedy that humorously explores the mess that often comes with getting involved again.  Go see it and be rewarded with a feel good movie.  Now at the Burns. 

Mark your calendar for this year's CINE-WORLD Film Festival November 1-10 at Burns and Lakewood Ranch Cinema.  Over the years this Festival has brought Academy Award winner King's Speech, nominee Black Swan, The Wrestler and Quartet among others.  As soon as the list is available, I will give you my choices along with the web link for ticket ordering.  Members get first crack at tickets.

Staying cheerful, if you are looking for a great read and want to laugh yourself silly, pick up Billy Crystal's "Still Foolin' Em."  If you like Crystal, and who doesn't, he will keep you laughing from beginning to end.  You'll learn how he began his Ali/Cosell imitations,  and how at 65 he is still selling out his one man show on Broadway.

On FX starting this Wednesday is the most bizarre, frightening and entertaining show on television....the third season of AMERICAN HORROR STORY...starring Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Taissa Farmiga, Angela Bassett, Gabourey Sidbe among others.  It is unlike any show on any network.

Among the new shows, I recommend BLACKLIST NBC Monday at 9 starring James Spader and THE CRAZY ONES starring Robin Williams
Wednesday 9pm on CBS, though to be honest, week 2 was not as funny as week 1.  I haven't watched many of the new shows, but what I can tell from the comedies all trying to copy MODERN FAMILY with lots of yelling and predictable jokes they will be gone by Thanksgiving.

Cable and Netflix are still the best for quality adult entertainment.   Last season's BBC original series BROADCHURCH ended last week, but you can still see it ON DEMAND.  It remains one of the best from  this summer.

UNIVERSITY TOWN CENTER: Unconfirmed rumor, but very credible.....both Morton's Steak House and Too Jays are committed.  Stay Tuned!!! On THE DISTRICT across the street, work continues on ETHAN ALLEN, but has come to a halt on PANERA.  I earlier stated both would be open this year.  I stand corrected.

NEVER TOO EARLY:  If stores are already into CHRISTMAS mode and advertisers have started running their shopping ads, then why can't I make a HOLIDAY PARTY suggestion. For weeks you have been reading about one of my local favorites MOZZARELLA FELLA on main street downtown SARASOTA. This past week I was again invited to a party catered by them.  THE BEST!!!  The variety will suit any event; the prices are competitive with any caterer; and they serve you with a smile.   I strongly suggest you check their menu or create your own.  You won't be sorry.

For several years now, WHOLE FOODS, has been a downtown staple bringing an untold amount of visitors to their store.  Last week, I had dinner before a movie and must say there isn't another salad bar in town to equal them for freshness, quality and variety. From cold salads to hot to soup to delicatessen counter to fresh pizza,  you won't have any difficulty finding your favorite item.  The store itself has undergone a make over with more take out foods and better bakery items.  Open most days 9am-9pm with plenty of undercover parking, it is worth a look.  One note of caution, it is PRICEY!!!

STONEWOOD on University is at it again!!!! For the month of October, they are offering an early bird special prix fixe menu 3pm-5:30pm every day featuring two specials including salad, several entree choices and dessert for either $16 or $24. If you were one of the lucky ones to visit STONEWOOD last month you were treated to an outstanding meal at 1/2 off menu prices.  The promotion grew so large that it was nearly impossible to be seated by the 5pm cutoff.  This promotion is also being offered at their other location on Stickney Point 4pm-5:30 pm.

More restaurant news next week, as I revisit some of your favorites.  Most are easy to visit now as season is still a few weeks away.


JIM'S RANT started at the top with text while driving ban.  During the week, I paid close attention to drivers and you can only imagine what I witnessed.  Texting....yes....as well as combing hair...putting on lipstick....eating.....cell phones galore.....baby holding.....best to stay focused while driving; especially with those around you not doing so!!!

As always, I could have not done this without the fine efforts of Tracy.  She has dedicated countless hours to this small endeavor, and when she finished proofing last week's edition and learned of George Miles renegotiated contract, she was a little peeved to say the least.  Well, Tracy no worries, you are being promoted to Editor In Chief with the pay raise you requested!!!

Until next week........JIM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2013

In an effort to attract arts and cultural tourists to the area, a new website promoting SARASOTA County's offerings is now available.  BUT, for those of us who live here the site offers an opportunity to search for entertainment, arts, festivals, architecture and attractions that make SARASOTA one of the best places to live and visit in Florida. To see all the wonderful things happening in and around Sarasota click here.

One of America's leading regional theaters, ASOLO REPERTORY announced its 2013-2014 schedule this week in an elaborate brochure sent to subscribers.  You already know about Showboat which opens the season November 15 and runs through December 29.  It only gets better with last season's Tony Award winning play,  Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike opens in January and runs with several of the other shows through April 13.  If it is as good as last year's Clybourne Park production, this is one you do not want to miss.

Among the other offerings are The Grapes of Wrath adapted by Frank Galati...enough said...Philadelphia Here I Come, 2012 Tony nominee for best play Other Desert Cities and a spring musical HERO: The Musical. Subscriptions and single tickets are now on sale. Click here to order now.

Coming via email last week was FLORIDA STUDIO THEATRE winter season announcement of its Mainstage and Cabaret schedule for 2013-2014 only adding to the anticipation for the coming season.  I already told you about the opening production of Monty Python's Sapmalot, still another Tony winner to be presented in repertory.  Along with Spamalot is Thurgood, a one man show recreating Thurgood Marshall, Daddy Long Legs and Two Point Oh.  The Cabaret schedule begins with music from the 50's and 60's...The Prima Donnettes.For dates and subscriptions click here.  Single tickets go on sale at a later date.

The SARASOTA ORCHESTRA kicked off its season last week  in Holley Hall featuring Conductor Dirk Meyer and the Chamber Soirees Series.  Much more to come including the first Great Escapes Concerts October 16-19  titled MAD MEN.  If you watch the TV show of the same name it is set in the 60's and the concerts will include music from that era including The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and Duke Ellington.

I am switching gears from culture to eating!!!  George and Janet Miles have been busy since their return to SARASOTA.  They recently dined with friends at Cafe Gabbiano on Siesta Key.  George writes..."The ambiance was terrific, just like Italy.  The meal was delicious with a wide selection of wines to pair with any dish.   I had linguine with seafood and red clam sauce.  I recommend highly if you want to dine in Italy without the travel expenses."

For several years Nellie's Deli has been serving In-Between Bridge players with lunch before games.  Also offering  catering and take out, Nellie's, located on Beneva and Fruitville is easy on the pocket book offering homemade soups, salads, corned beef, pastrami, fresh baked pastries and more.  If you're looking for a quick bite, Nellie's is the place.  They are open for breakfast as well and carry out stays open until 6 Mon-Sat.  Simple, quick, inexpensive and good!!

After extensive renovation, Hob Nob is once again open and serving their famous burgers, salads, grouper sandwiches and daily specials.  Somehow they have managed to keep the old atmosphere while making everything shiny and new.  When first reported, the renovation cost was $500,000.00.  If so, they did not get their monies worth. Nothing much has changed; except the place is CLEAN with new wall tiles and tables. However, it is still fun to eat outside next to bankers and bikers;  Fords and BMW's.  Noisy from 301 traffic, it's still worth the trip for good inexpensive fun food.

Opening this week on Main St. a few doors west of Mozzarella Fella is WHITE ROSE Interiors.  Filled with wonderful accessories for your home or office, White Rose is a unique addition for that area.  Furniture, accessories, linens and great gift ideas for the coming season are in ample supply.  Get a bite at Fella and walk a few steps to browse.  Convenient and unique.

 Fall brings cooler temperatures along with adult movies.  I saw two last weekend and recommend both.  PRISONERS with an ensamble cast sure to be nominated for at least a Golden Globe and possibly several  Oscars,  is taught, tense and exciting while moving at a pace that allows you to follow all the twists and turns of the plot.  Basically, while enjoying Thanksgiving dinner,  two young daughters of Hugh Jackman and Terrance Howard are kidnapped.  The investigation proceeds at too slow a pace for  who  Jackman loses faith with Jake Gyllenhaal and takes matters into his own hands.  Though over 2 hours, the action never lags and you will be rewarded with a fine piece of film making.


 A totally different kind of movie is currently at the Burns.  A documentary SALINGER, through interviews and stock footage,  it recreates the life of one of this century's greatest authors, J.D. Salinger whose 1951 masterpiece Catcher In The Rye is still a best seller today.  It was a must read then, and because of this movie, for me at least, a must read again.  A very strange man much affected by his WW2 experiences, he disappeared to New Hampshire to write, but not publish several novels.  Leaving his works to a trust, the movie reveals a 2015 publication date for the Catcher sequel.  Cannot imagine the sales for that one.

Next week I will review ENOUGH SAID also at Burns.  It is charming and wonderful.

OOPS!!!!! My Emmy predictions sucked!  At least I got BREAKING BAD correct.  Tonight is the finale of this remarkable series.  Walt and Jesse are both doomed, but how they go is worth watching.  AMC with their Mad Men, Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy and others continues to challenge the viewer's intelligence with stories that go way beyond those of the three major networks.  TONIGHT MARKS THE RETURN OF HOMELAND on Showtime along with The Good Wife on CBS.  Get that recorder  ready!!!

Since Jim Knows SARASOTA is delivered on Saturday, you have time to catch tonight's opening Saturday Night Live with guest host Tina Fey and musical guest Arcade Fire,  several new cast members and some surprise cameos.   If not tonight, surely ON DEMAND sometime this week. 


This Tuesday, PMP/Suncoast as part of Ruby Tuesday Community Give Back Program  receives 20% of your check at the 8306 Tourist Center Drive location only.Go to their website and click on RubyTuesday. Print flyer and bring to restaurant for discount. 100% of the giveback amount is donated directly to PMP/Suncoast.


JIM'S RANT this week coincides with the arrival of the no texting while driving law.  Hope it's enforced like the speed limits on University, Fruitville or other major streets.  Cameras now capture a red light violation at certain intersections; unfortunately only a few of those exist.   If I sound cynical, I am.  Drivers are becoming more and more reckless and the police seem ill equipped or preoccupied to do anything about it.  Do yourself a favor...don't speed...don't text while driving...and be cognizant of the violators around you.....

The weeks really fly from one blog to another; Tracy can attest to that.  Since George Miles renegotiated his contract, Tracy is making veiled threats for an improved contract.   She does a great job, is underpaid, and will continue to be so.........JIM

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013

  

When you woke up this morning,  though the leaves may not be turning colors, today marks the first day of AUTUMN.  We are now in the homestretch to winter.  The first hint of fall for me was the CHRISTMAS display at Super-Target.  Seems late this year!!!

UTC Update....Last week's SARASOTA Herald Tribune broke the news of what will be several new restaurants coming to the University Town Center Mall which opens in a little over a year.....SEASONS 52. With 32 locations in 16 states, including several in Florida, it promises to be quite an addition to our growing list of quality restaurants in SARASOTA.

 Owned by the Orlando based Darden Restaurants Inc. whose other better known brands are Capital Grille, Longhorn Steakhouse and Red Lobster among others it comes highly recommended from everyone I've spoken to who had the experience of dinning there.  I went on line and the menu which changes with the seasons has something for all of us....AND of importance to those who watch calorie count, every item has less than 475 of those fellas.  Seasons 52 now joins Cheesecake Factory as the first of many restaurants set  to open at UTC.

Across the street from UTC is the Cooper Creek Shopping Center featuring their own variety of restaurants.  I've written about several before, but one I overlooked, and after two delicious lunches, I cannot anymore.....LEE ROY SELMON'S. Both times I had salad bowls,  chicken and pulled pork.  I recommend them both.  Chicken bowl comes with rice, blue cheese, onion, tomatoes and more; while the pork comes flavored with their famous hickory chipolte sauce and avocado, tomato, onion, corn lettuce and more. 

 But you don't have to stop with the salads.  There are so many items, space does not permit more.  Click here to view the entire menu..lunch and dinner. AND of equal importance to food are the television sets located everywhere to watch your favorite baseball or football team every day of the week.  It gets especially crowded, so I recommend calling ahead well before you plan to arrive.


Tonight at 8 on CBS watch the 65th EMMY AWARDS hosted by Neil Patrick Harris.  I am now going to boldly predict the winners in a few categories.  You can rag on me next week......OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES....Breaking Bad...I know this upsets Homeland, Downtown Abbey and Mad Men fans, but BAD has been brilliant this year and it is its last season...ACTRESS SERIES....I am going with upset Kerry Washington beating out Claire Danes and one of my favorites, Vera Farmiga of Bates Motel.  ACTOR SERIES....I am again going with Bad....Bryan Cranston.

 OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES is very difficult.  It would be easy to go with Modern Family again, but I am going with a long-shot HBO's Girls.  And that also means I have to go with Lena Dunham, creator, director and star of the series.  So talented and still in her 20's.  Also look for Michael Douglas and Matt Damon for their performances in HBO Liberace movie.

This week also marks the return of several shows including How I Met Your Mother, Nashville, The Voice and new this season The Michael J. Fox Show, Marvels Agents of S.H.I.EL.D.  Saturday Night Live returns this Saturday with Tina Fey as first host followed by Miley Cyrus of Twerking fame.  And if you have not seen House of Cards and Orange is the New Black on NETFLIX, subscribe now!!!


I saw an outstanding movie at Burns Court....HANNAH ARENDT.....it is a true story revolving around Arendt's reporting of the 1961 trial of Adolf Eichmann.  She wrote several controversial articles for The New Yorker alienating many in the Jewish community.  Using footage from the actual Eichmann trial and weaving a narrative that spans three countries, the director creates a movie that you will discuss long after you leave the theatre. 

Movies tend to have a short shelve life at Burns, I suggest you go this week or wait for Parkway Cinema or an 11 am weekend showing at Lakewood Ranch. I also saw Prisoners and Salinger.  Reviews next week, but don't miss either one!!!

This year is the 110th anniversary of HARLEY DAVIDSON.  George and Janet  Miles along with granddaughter Taylor were in Rome and Milwaukee?? celebrating with Pope Francis.  George writes,,,"there were so many highlights, but the two most notable were celebrating Mass at St. Peter's Basilica with bikers from all over the world and outdoor Mass with Pope Francis the following day.  The Pope was presented with two motorcycles and leather jacket and blessed the bikes and company....on Labor Day weekend I rode an HD along with thousands of other bikers thru the streets of Milwaukee which hosted thousands of bikers from around the world in celebration of the holiday."

ATTENTION FOOTBALL FANS....All NFL Sunday games are now available, including blacked out BUC'S games  at rev.el.ry 3005 University Parkway.  They also devote at least nine screens to college football  on Saturday.  And, their bar menu and beer selection is as good as it gets!!!

JIM'S RANT this week is directed at Congressman Vern Buchannan.   By now most of you know of his Town hall meeting  addressing Syria Saturday September 14.  That it fell on the holiest days for all of his Jewish constituents did not bother him in the least.  Scheduling conflicts prevented him from changing the date.   No matter, that Congress has put off a vote for at least two weeks while diplomatic channels are worked.  The NFL, faced with a similar situation in Baltimore  when the Orioles refused to mover their Thursday game, and Wednesday was out because of the start of Rosh Hashana, had the Super Bowl champs open on the road!!! What does Vern think he's bigger than the NFL.......


Each week, Tracy lends a helping hand with proofing and editing, and I really appreciate it.  Also, the return of George Miles adds unique material, and now with his new contract, you should be expecting to hear more from him.  Next week, he reveals a new restaurant discovery on Siesta Key ........Thanks for reading......JIM