SUNDAY JANUARY 15, 2017

MONDAY IS MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY

So designated a Federal Holiday celebrating the life and achievements of MLK, one of this country's most influential Civil Rights Leaders.  Most of us are old enough to remember his great oration as he campaigned tirelessly around the country to end racial segregation in public schools, restaurants and public transport.  

I remember many of his speeches; some to throngs of hundreds of thousands.  I also sadly remember his being shot to death in Memphis.  It was a time of great political unrest. 

I remember Bobby Kennedy having to tell a rally in Indianapolis about this tragic event, and urging the crowd  to go home and pray for our country. Kennedy was to suffer the same fate while campaigning in California.

We should all take a moment Monday to remember one of our greatest fallen leaders. 

TODAY (Sunday 1/15) is the 9th Annual Jewish Food Festival!  Temple Sinai 4631 S. Lockwood Ridge Rd. For those of you unfamiliar with their location, it is just off Proctor Road near Sarasota Technical College.   Doors open at 9:30am and will close at 3:30pm. 

 This event has grown in size and stature with all sorts of Jewish delicacies.  From kosher hot dogs to corned beef to pastrami, I'm sure you'll find enough deli for lunch or dinner.  As in past years, Temple Sinai is partnering with All Faiths Food Bank, and encourages all attending to bring a food or cash contribution. For a complete list of food available as well as other information please click here.

FRIDAY, DONALD TRUMP BECOMES THE 45TH PRESIDENT OF THE USA

Coverage begins on most channels at 9am with swearing in scheduled for around noon.  This could be the most watched Inauguration with so much controversy surrounding his election and those attending and not attending.

Trump's first press conference in several months only added fuel to the fire along with his flirtation of Putin and Russia.  And who can forget one of the best Bond movies of all time???

Sir Elton John

Some of you will be going to the first pops concert of the year  Friday or Saturday.  If you don't have tickets, you could be missing the best program of the season. 

THE  ELTON JOHN Tribute will feature Broadway talent Michael Cavanaugh; who  was piano/lead vocal in the Billy Joel musical Movin Out.  His three years in that role earned him  both Grammy and Tony nominations in 2003.  Andrew Lane conducts the Sarasota Orchestra.

 Bennie and the Jets, Candle in The Wind, Tiny Dancer and Pinball Wizard will be performed.

Michael Cavanaugh: Now and Then

  Surely, Joel will be included along with others from Elton's era.  To order tickets NOW on line click here. Performances are Friday 8:30 and Saturday 2:30 and 8:30.  


BREAKING RESTAURANT NEWS!!!     

Lucky the Pelican!!!

This time of year eating out can cause long wait time at the area's most popular restaurants.   Try eating at a restaurant not taking  reservations or call-ahead. 

Though Lucky Pelican in Lakewood Ranch is not accepting reservations; they are now accepting a unique form of call ahead.  I tested it a few days ago; it was perfect!!

You must have a cell phone.  Add LUCKY PELICAN (all caps) 941-479-2489
Text the above number when you are leaving home or on the way to restaurant
You will get a  text back by QLess-Lucky Pelican Bistro! (A national software program, new to Sarasota, designed to eliminate long lines at restaurants).

At that point you will asked how many in party; which line you would like to join; name.
After all that you'll be given a wait time..#of minutes...along with number of  parties ahead of you.    And if something happens on the way to restaurant causing a delay you can text and move further back of line......That's It!! 

Letters, I get letters

Last week's blog featured an article on Sunday's Golden Globe Awards and my choice of LA LA LAND for best comedy or musical.  Not only did it win that award, but SIX(6) others, including music and acting.  Many of you disagreed with me and continue to disagree about the entertainment value of the movie.  I asked for email both pro and con, and received several.


Among those who agreed with me,  fraternity brother, Arny Gilberg,  stated: " I agree about La La Land-a love story with problems",  friend Arnie Rubenstein "We too loved La La Land" and one who definitely did not, Dr. Irwin Becker, who states "I am one of those who was disappointed with La La Land.  They were not Fred and Ginger."

No more on this movie until next month when Academy Awards, I predict, will anoint  them with 
Best Picture.  

If SPRING TRAINING is on your to do list then head to Ed Smith Stadium beginning 1/21.  Baltimore Orioles tickets go on sale at 10:00 am.

JIM'S RANT......A few weeks ago good friends Sandy and Michael Mesirov along with another couple were in an auto accident.  Decelerating at a traffic light turning from green to yellow they were tailed by a driver not paying attention.  Fortunately they walked away intact.  They bear witness to what I've been ranting about forever...too many drivers speeding and unable to stop at yellow light......

 

 Until next week........JIM