FEBRUARY 3, 2019

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY..............

RAMS VS PATRIOTS...........ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL.......

I know where I'll be this afternoon and for several hours. Glued to CBS along with most of you watching what has become as close to a national holiday as you can get, SUPER BOWL SUNDAY.  For all you Bears/Ravens fans, Cubs and Orioles begin spring training in 2 weeks!!!


Tickets went on sale this weekend for the 10th annual JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL.  Leading off is Heading Home,  A stirring story of sports, patriotism and personal growth,  Home is the story of story of the Israel national team's competing for the first time in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.  From Israel to final destination Seoul, this film documents Israel's introduction to the world stage of international baseball.

Most of the screenings take place at Hollywood 11, where there is plenty of covered parking.  For more information and to purchase tickets call 1-888-718-4253, option 1 or www.jfedsrq.org where a complete list of films are available.

Friend and sometime restaurant critic Randy Silagi writes....."Lunch at The Overton.   Food's good, but the benches and chairs are brutally hard.  Decoration is austere.  Nothing that would convince a hungry traveler to relax and have a good time.  Ordered hamburger fries & shake, and after we got our food they told me the shake machine was broken.  Never had that happen at Steak and Shake.

The place also seems to be inhabited by glowing millennials who appear to graze on kale and quinoa, while living vicariously through IPads.  Absence of survival skills in the event terrorists should descend upon the restaurant from the ballet school next door.

When you go, be sure to take a cushion for your tush."  Randy sure has a way with words, but always very entertaining.

Last month's Great Escapes was a memorable evening of entertainment and music.  In the hands of Conductor Chung Park, the Sarasota Orchestra was at its best playing selections chosen by the sold-out audience.  The Broadway musicals of our youth are long lasting and memorable.  Park and the Orchestra brought them alive.  Which leads me to February. From Wednesday 2/13-17 you will be treated to a program of romantic music.  

A Many Splendored Thing features music for love and about love.  Of special interest will be the Academy Awards Medley; especially with this year's ceremony coming up in 3 weeks.  Tickets are available at 941-053-3434 or SarasotaOrchestra.org.


In a little over a week, The Baltimore Orioles will begin practice at Ed Smith Stadium.  With a new manager and coaching staff there is quiet optimism that 2019 will mark a turn around for this team.  It's always fun to go to a spring game that is played in a totally relaxed atmosphere.  Players sign autographs, interact with the fans, and the weather is generally ideal for this outdoor activity.  Tickets on sale now at Ed Smith Stadium or 941-893-6312.

Fox/Sher

Barroway/Galman/Fox

Though dedicated to Sarasota, I do stray from time to time.  This past week strayed all the way to West Palm Beach, where Roberta and I had two eventful reunions.   First with our friends from Baltimore, Richard and Annabelle Sher, broadcast buddies with multi-media connections.  Then an evening with Cherry Hill New Jersey friends, from our years in Philadelphia broadcasting.  So many memories, one night could not hold them all.  See you next year.

JIM'S RANT....Turned the corner of February a few days ago, and with the turn comes a familiar rant of mine.......THE TRAFFIC IS AWFUL....My guess is the end of red tide coincided with the return of snow-birds.  Also driving up traffic are the sub-zero temperatures back north.  Along with increased traffic comes an influx of bad drivers who never met a speed under 60.  I wish all the merchants, restaurants, hotels, etc. well, but I'm looking forward to May........Thanks as always for reading.  Until next week........JIM

FOOTNOTE:  Had computer issues yesterday making it impossible to finish blog on time: Or so I 
thought.  On a very busy day and at the last minute, Computer genius, Alan Rowley came to my rescue.  He diagnosed the issue; remotely took control of computer, AND resolved issue . You can reach Alan at ....CITIZEN BIZ 941-800-5225...