FEBRUARY 8, 2015

YOU HAVE PRECIOUS LITTLE TIME LEFT TO BUY YOUR VALENTINES BEFORE NEXT SATURDAY ...............

With most of the clever cards long gone, maybe a piece of jewelry will do the trick!!!!

Here are a few last minute ideas.  FABULOUS ART BOUTIQUE 2015 at South Gate Community Center, 3415 South Gate Circle.  Beginning with an opening reception on Wednesday February 11 from 6-8:30 PM ($10 donation) and then running through Saturday February 14th 10 am-5pm daily with a $2 admission.  The quality at this show is in every way equal to the last SARASOTA craft show a few weeks ago. For directions to the Community Center click here.

With over 80 participants offering one-of-a-kind clothing, jewelery, art quilts, purses, baskets, hand wovens, wall hangings, and so much more you are sure to find that special gift for your Valentine!! 

If you are looking for that real unusual gift, not candy or clothes or jewelery, then you might be interested in a new book recently published by well known California photographer Jeff Vespa.  He just happens to be the son of Marlene Meyer,  a very good friend of mine, but that stated I have seen the book and it is a knockout. Titled The Art of Discovery, it is filled with dozens of photos as well as personal discoveries of actors and how they chose acting as their profession.   The book is available on Amazon, and makes a wonderful addition to a coffee table collection; if you have one. To learn more about Jeff click here.

AND, if you want to give the ultimate VALENTINE take her to the movie of one of the biggest selling series of adult books in a long while.  FIFTY SHADES OF GREY opens on February 14th, but there are all sorts of screening parties the night before.  Those of you who are members of Sarasota Film Society should have been notified about their screening and party.  I don't know of any more, but I am sure there will be several.

Great SUPER BOWL especially if you bet on New England.  My prediction of 34-16  did not hold up;  however I was only 2 points below final score of 28-24.  I don't love the Patriots, but hats off to them.  And what was Seattle doing throwing the ball with one of the best runners in all of football ready to gain the few yards for a win??? I'm ready for some BASEBALL!!!!

Now open on Cattleman Road,  across the street from UTC is BLAZE PIZZA.  For those of you who like instant gratification along with good food, this is the place for you.  Pizza is ordered as you pick your toppings; of which there are no end.   Then the pizza is cooked while you wait a few minutes either with salad or drink, and in the flash of an eye there it is.  Thin crust and inexpensive. Carry out or dine in.  For a menu and or to order on line click here.

Good news for those of you who have not yet seen Dancing Lessons at the Keating theatre. FST has extended the run through March 8.  It is a must for anyone who loves great theatre.  Only 90 plus minutes, it packs a powerful punch. A high-functioning autistic man asks a dancer fighting a career threatening leg injury for a lesson so he can dance at  a banquet in his honor.

I won't spoil the ending for you, but the entire production is a quality work of art that one has come to  expect out of FST and they deliver big time with this one.  If you see only one show this season then by all means see this one.  Its messages on life are meaningful and heartfelt. 

TONIGHT on CBS at 8 pm is the  57th annual THE GRAMMY AWARDS.  Though music continues to change some of your favorites from the past will be performing...Madonna, Celine Dion among them along with John Legend, Adina Manzel, Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga plus many more.  With more entertainment than awards, this is easily the liveliest of all award shows.

Returning this week as a contributor is Debbie Yonker.  She recently had dinner at REV-EL-RY and writes "Last week, along with a friend sought out a quiet neighborhood restaurant where we could get good food and hear each other speak.  Rev-el-ry gave us both.  Seated in a private booth with a terrific server who was prompt, courteous and quick to refill the delicious biscuits without prompting.  The Chicken Milanese and Turkey dinner came hot and well prepared.  Good food, good service, near home, reasonably priced.  What more could you want?  We will definitely be back."

What makes Rev-el-ry unique in an area of franchise restaurants is their local ownership.  They deserve our support.   Located at 3005 University Parkway, they offer a unique variety of dishes.
 


JIM'S RANT.....most of us remember the "good old days" before cell phones, computers, DVR, cable television, multi-million dollar movies.....you get the picture.  Back in the fifties when life was much simpler and to prove it please take a few minutes to watch this wonderful video  and remember the simple ways of life gone by.

See you again next week.  As always thank you Tracy for making me look good and welcome back Debbie.  We've missed your restaurant reviews......HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY...JIM

The reviews are in from Randy Silagy and this year's CIRCUS "sensational....best ever"  He also suggests parking at well lit Mall and walking across street to circus tent; saving $5 parking fee!!!!