FEBRUARY 26,2017

SIESTA BEACH #1 IN USA..........

NAMED #5 IN WORLD BY TRIP-ADVISOR

Ryan Gosling with Emma Stone

This year's Oscar story begins with a bold  prediction: Surprise!!!  LA LA LAND will be the clear winner by the end of the evening!   Creatively,  it was the best picture  I saw last year.  Many, if not most of you disagree.  However,  its originality, risk taking, music, directing, acting, tops them all.  And Hollywood loves to love itself.

Host Jimmy Kimmel

A sleeper is Hidden Figures, which came out late without much hype and did very well at box office.  It is a compelling tale of our early space program, with terrific acting from the entire cast.   Octavia Spencer deserved her  supporting actress nomination as did the other two leads;  but Viola Davis chose this category for her role in Fences.  She is a lock.

I predict Emma Stone will win for best actress, while her co-star Ryan Gosling will take a back seat to either Danzel Washington for his tour d force performance in Fences or Casey Affleck for his star making role in Manchester by the Sea.

The musical highlight of the evening is the opening number where all nine nominated films will be featured.  

 The five songs vying for  Best will be performed by an A list of entertainers  including  Lin Manuel Miranda performing his song from Moana, How Far Will I Go; Justin Timberlake's Can't Stop The Feeling from Trolls,; Sting's The Empty Chair from Jim: The James Foley Story, and John Legend singing City of Stars from La La Land.

I am going with City of Stars, from La La, but with two songs from film nominated, look for a possible upset here.  The fun begins tonight with Red Carpet at 7 on ABC.

See you next week with either a smile or egg on my face! 

You still have time, but not much, to sign up for the many courses offered by The Ringling College Lifelong Learning Academy beginning early March.  You can search their many broad course options for spring semester. by clicking here.  

One option is taught by friend and technology whiz, Gayle Yaverbaum.  Beginning March 7 and running 6 weeks : IPAD: Photo Books, and Videos. 

In this course you  learn how to enjoy your pictures and video clips;  learn editing techniques, as well as become more comfortable with the IPAD.  To enroll  call 941-309-5161.  Gayle tells me she is close to capacity, so do it today. Cost is a reasonable $75 plus discount for members.



Who isn't looking for a laugh these days?   Jay Handelman writes, the recently opened 1930 Gershwin classic Crazy For You at the Venice Theatre will provide many laughs and pleasant memories as well.  Filled with classic hits such as  Embraceable You, I Got Rhythm and Someone to Watch Over Me.  They don't write them like that anymore.  Running through  March 19   To order tickets call 941-488-1115.

 
Gayle's husband,  Harry is also a contributor this week.  He recently had dinner at Cas Antica, and gave me a review while we were walking a few Saturday's ago.

 Harry's group of six  were fortunate to find themselves in a private room away from the noise.  The entire restaurant is a former residence and reeks with ambiance and  on beautiful  days like we've been experiencing, outside dining is available in their enclosed garden area.

As for the food.  "It was tasty with much variety to choose from.  I had their scallops special, while others had sauteed veal scallopini with several sauce toppings.  Along with fresh vegetables and a variety of appetizers,  great service and an endless wine list;  this was more of a "dining" experience than your normal restaurant here.  Not every week, but we will definitely be back." 

Located 1213 N. Palm and within easy walking distance from FST.  Open Tuesday through Sunday for dinner.  Call 941-366-1846 for reservations.


I've  heard nothing but rave reviews for the current season  of  Sarasota Orchestra POPS concerts.  Tickets still remain for next  weekend's Leading Ladies of Broadway.  Featuring three stars who have appeared on the great white way,  Susan Egan, Liz Calloway and Deede Mango.  Their credits include favorites Miss Saigon, Cats and Wicked. 

It promises to be a memorable evening, with music  from A Chorus Line, Evita, Funny Girl, Hamilton (sound familiar?), South Pacific and Wicked.    I don't know of a more relaxing way to spend an early spring evening or afternoon.
 
New this year are Saturday matinee performances at 2:30 pm.  Tickets for the two evening and matinee performance for as low as $38 are available by clicking here. 



JIM'S RANT.....Finished watching "The Good Fight" Sunday on CBS.  This follow-up to The Good Wife is excellent;  in  fact, I'll be taping it  this week.....WAIT....no longer available on CBS Network.  No, if I want to see future episodes they'll be on  their streaming CBS All Access at a cost....remember when television viewing was free and was limited to four choices...........

Thanks for reading...see you next week....JIM