by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
Look hard enough in Jacksonville and you can find a gift certificate or activity to suit any interest. To save you the trouble of looking hard, I’ve compiled a list of gift ideas based on hobbies, interests, and activities that might save you the agony of going to the mall.
The wrapped gifts (pictured above) are from paper designer, Heidi. You can order her wrap collections, paper journals and more from her website www.shopheidi.com.
Give the special person in your life the luxurious treatment of a gift certificate at Dr. Clayman’s Miracle Spa. One of the best gifts you can give is the Pamper Me Monthly package, which allows your recipient to chose whatever spa treatment they might like once a month for an entire year. It’s the most extravagant package, but it’s also a great value. Other spa treatments range from $75 and up, depending on what you get. See their ad on page 2 for a full rundown on all their specials and details on free extras.
The chocolate at Claude’s Chocolate is definitely worth the drive, even if you don’t live in St. Augustine. Get a gift certificate so your special someone can have the joy of choosing these handmade delights. For more info call (904) 808-8395 or visit www.claudeschocolate.com.
If you’re looking for the perfect gift for an artist or art lover, there’s a lot to choose from as far as memberships are concerned. The Cummer Museum offers many things to their members, including discounted art classes. You also might want to check out the membership benefits at MOCA Jacksonville (formerly JMOMA).
Memberships at the Jacksonville Zoo, Tree Hill and the MOSH are great for families with kids.
Film lovers will be overjoyed when you present them with an All Access Pass to the Jacksonville Film Festival happening May 17th-20th, 2007. This pass will get them into all the activities associated with the film festival and can be purchased at a discounted price of $200 (regularly $250) if done prior to Jan. 15th. If that is out of your budget then you can purchase a Festival Screening Pass at a discounted price of $50 (regularly $75) or Reel People Membership for $40 (regularly $50). Call 904-933-9399 or go to www.jacksonvillefilmfestival.com.
Give the gift of theatre to fans of the stage, with season passes or just a ticket to a show you know they’ll be interested in. You can also get tickets to Florida theme parks for kids and adults.
Seussical. Take a romp through Seuss classics like The Cat in the Hat, Horton Hears a Who! and Yertle the Turtle in this adaptation created especially for young audiences. January 4, 10 AM and noon, Fine Arts Center, UNF Campus, 4567 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S., $6. Call 353-3500 to reserve a ticket and for more info.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. “The Greatest Show on Earth” returns with its colorful cavalcade of lions, jugglers, clowns, tigers, acrobats, elephants, aerialists, zebras, contortionists, equestrians, alpacas and funambulists. January 17-23, Veterans Memorial Arena (353-3309).
Here’s a listing of all the FCCJ Broadway Show Tickets you can get as a gift, better yet, get season passes! Call (904) 632-3373 for more info.
SWEET CHARITY January 23rd -28th Molly Ringwald stars in the national touring version of the Broadway hit about the unluckiest romantic in New York City, a particularly troubling detail when your name is Charity Hope Valentine. Times-Union Center $25.50-$67.50
MENOPAUSE, THE MUSICAL thru January 28th at the Times-Union Center -Terry Theater.
RENT February 2nd-3rd at the Times-Union Center - Moran Theater. Direct from Broadway!
THE LION KING March 8th -April 15th at the Times-Union Center
MAMMA MIA! May 15th -20th at the Times-Union Center - Moran Theater. Direct from Broadway!
If you want to fork out big bucks for a big show the following hit makers will be performing at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Call 630-3900 for details.
ROD STEWART January 13th
JOHN MAYER January 25th
BILLY JOEL February 7th
For a more intimate show, below is just a sampling of entertainment that will be at the Florida Theatre:
LOS LONELY BOYS February 1st
WILLIE NELSON February 6th
JOE BONAMASSA February 9th
KRIS KRISTOFFERSON AND ROSANNE CASH February 25th
THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ ORCHESTRA March 9th
THE BEACH BOYS March 10th
THE TEMPTATIONS AND THE FOUR TOPS March 18th
ANOUSHKA SHANKAR March 23rd
LEO KOTTKE March 29th
TOM JONES April 9th
Call 355- 2787 and go on-line for a more complete list of the shows at the Florida Theatre (http://www.floridatheatre.com/)
Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes
Hank Williams tribute artist Jason Petty takes listeners on an “insightful journey” into the life of the hard-livin’ country music icon, paying homage to other country legends like George Jones, Jimmie Rodgers and Roy Acuff along the way. Think of it as a 1940s, Honky Tonk version of Behind the Music. December 29-February 4, Tuesday-Sunday, Alhambra Dinner Theatre, 12000 Beach Blvd., $25-$46 (641-1212).
Home and Garden
If you haven’t heard yet, the Apron’s Cooking School two-thousand square foot facility just opened up. Classes include “Girl’s Night Out,” “Kid’s Survivor Camp,” “Couples Cooking” and much, much more from $30 and up. For a schedule of celebrity chef appearances and classes, go to www.publix.com/aprons.
Cook Book Pick:
Rocco Dispirito’s Five Minute Flavors. While I miss the drool-worthy glossy pictures that are in most of my favorite cookbooks, this cookbook is a terrific resource for cheap, fast, fresh, and delectable cooking. If you know someone who loves good food, thinks they can’t cook and has no patience, this is the book for them.
Get your gardener a membership at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Go to www.cummer.org for more info.
A Gardener’s Guide to Florida’s Native Plants by Rufino Osorio.
A Social Affair Dance Studio has been teaching Jacksonville citizens everything from ballroom dance and salsa to line dancing and swing for over 10 years. They offer gift certificates as well as packages. Go to www.asocialaffair.net for more details, or just call 262-9709.
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Ballroom Dancing
If you know someone who’s looking to get into yoga, get them a gift certificate at Power Yoga San Marco South where they can join classes of any level. The locally owned yoga studio has been open for 10 years and has a strong following. Go to www.yoga-power.com or call 655-4642 for more info.
Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga by B. K. S. Iyengar and Yehudi Menuhin is a decent beginner’s yoga book.
For just $30, you can give someone a Scenic Guided Trail Ride of one hour at the Diamond D Ranch. They’re good for one year. Call (904) 289-9331 to get your gift certificate today and for more info.
Anything by Dick Francis or John Francome would be a great pick, if they’re also into murder mysteries. Picking a non-fiction book will be dependent on the breed they prefer, so be sure to ask before you start searching.
A membership at a local pooch park is the perfect gift for a dog owner who likes to see their doggie run and play. The entire facility at the Julington Creek Animal Walk is devoted to pet luxury. Park membership is $250 a year, $12 daily and $50 monthly. Besides the usual dog pond and benches, they’ve also got wooded walking trails, an agility area and a swimming pool shaped like a bone. It’s also a great place to board your pets. For more info on this extensive facility visit www.julingtoncreekanimalwalk.com
Bad Dog: 278 Outspoken, Indecent, and Overdressed Dogs
For the Guys
For the downtown businessman or the consummate golfer, give them a gift certificate for Inside Golf. Located above Boomtown at 140 W. Monroe, it’s the perfect place to perfect that swing using an indoor putting green and a virtual simulator. A comfy lounge area, beer, wine and a snack bar make this a great place to conduct casual business. Gift your guy with unlimited golf for only $21 per month (play until the next person needs the simulator or a tee time in pending). Call 358-3080 for more info.
There’s quite a selection of deep sea, sport fishing charters. Knot Tied Down out of St. Augustine is a family owned and operated charter, with gift certificates available. Call 797-1813 for more info.
The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook covers how to “wrestle an alligator,” “escape from quicksand” and other interesting situations. Each topic has been worked over by an expert, with step by step instructions.
Most theme parks offer gift cards these days or ticketing options that make sense for the gift giver. Universal and Adventure Island have tickets that only start to expire once you activate them (http://www.universalorlando.com/). Anheuser Busch Adventure Parks now offer gift cards specific to their various parks, like SeaWorld and Busch Gardens (http://commerce.4adventure.com/store/tickets.asp).
You can buy your grandkids tickets to Disney on http://disney.go.com/home/ today /index.html, but most tickets you purchase will have an expiration date. Make sure that their parents have the time off to make the trek to Orlando, or the inclination to make the entire trip during a three day weekend before the expiration date. A more flexible solution is the Disney Gift Card, which is redeemable for tickets or Disney merchandise.
A more local option is a season pass to Adventure Landing, provided the kids won’t forget about it by the time the hot weather rolls around. There are also year round attractions like laser tag and go-karts. Season passes are $109 until January 15th, with additional passes going for $69. http://adventurelanding.com/jaxbeach/index.html
by brenton crozier bdcrozier@gmail.com
There will be no need to resort to a gift certificate for the music lover on your Christmas list this year. With the release of some brilliant box sets, underground gems just waiting to enrich any aficionado’s library, and a multitude of standards that simply may have been overlooked, there’s a void you will surely be able to fill in anyone’s collection.
Box Sets often do not deliver the bang for the buck and only serve to siphon hard-earned cash from committed devotees. However, this season presents some real treasures for not only fans of a particular artist, but for any music and pop culture enthusiast.
Johnny Cash At San Quentin
No one single performer was as cool as Johnny Cash, and no concert cooler than his show at San Quentin prison. Convicts loved it, and now you can to. This new box set contains 2 CDs with 13 previously unreleased tracks and a DVD called Johnny Cash in San Quentin, a 1969 British documentary. It features some particularly interesting morsels found in the caustically candid interviews with prisoners and guards that were present for the now legendary performance.
The Clash Singles Box Set
Enjoy all 19 of The Clash’s UK singles in one collection. As equally as exciting as the music, is the original artwork and 44-page booklet. The overall aesthetic elements of this box set are worth the price. The vinyl reproduction CDs and super cool 7” style sleeves will bring you right back to your hipster heyday. The Clash have never looked so good.
Louis Armstrong The Complete Hot Five & Hot Seven Recordings
These 4 CDs contain some of the most pivotal Jazz recordings ever made. Louis Armstrong’s Hot 5’s and 7’s are essentially the blueprint for improvisational music. In addition to Armstrong’s transcendental brilliance, you are sure to enjoy the extensive booklet that features critical essays, photo galleries, and meticulous discographical information.
AC/DC Bonfire
For those about to rock, I salute the Bonfire AC/DC box set. As you may have guessed, it is a tribute to AC/DC’s late, great lead singer, Bon Scott. Part of the 5-disc collection contains 2 live albums, an album of outtakes, and a remastered version of ‘Back in Black.’ A booklet of rare photographs and band history accompanies this collection of 3-chord mega riffs and Rock-n-Roll screeching at its best.
Some of My Personal Favorites
Viktor Vaughn Vaudeville Villain
Vaudeville Villain is a product of Viktor Vaughn; one of MF Doom’s many alter egos. I normally consider mask-adorned musicians a red flag, and MF Doom may pattern his persona and look after Marvel Comics supervillain Dr. Doom, but his music is no gimmick. This East coast underground pacesetter spins sordid stories grounded in humor, barmy scenarios, and brilliant rhyme ala EL-P. The lush production is equally as brilliant. If you enjoy the music of Gorillaz, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Method Man, or Dr. Octagon, MF Doom would be a great next step to satisfy your appetite for hip-hop with further depth.
Sufjan Stevens Greetings from Michigan: The Great Lakes State
Sufjan Stevens writes tragically beautiful and tender songs. This album pays homage to his home state of Michigan and could be tidily categorized as a concept album. However, each song stands on its own. His music at times feels like the soundtrack to fairytales and even has moments of catchy pop brilliance. These songs are a near perfect meeting of complex polyphony and folksy instrumentation that includes lots of acoustic guitar and even banjo. If you enjoy the music of Nick Drake or Elliot Smith, you are sure to fall in love with Sufjan Stevens and his melancholy songs.
The Shins Oh, Inverted World
The Shins have managed to mix Beach Boys-like harmonies with Beatles-like melodic sensibility into an infectious, and at times gorgeous, indie-pop rock sound. Oh, Inverted World offers a multitude of sounds that range from psychedelic nods to The Byrds to lush folksy songs in the vein of Donovan; all while maintaining their own, fresh sound. Fans of everyone from XTC and Guided by Voices to the aforementioned influences, should add this solid and timeless work in their rotation.
Marie Antoinette Soundtrack
Although scoring a classic story to modern music has met with utter failure in recent years, it works for Sophia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette. A delicious feast of new wave, post-punk, classical pieces, and electronica awaits in this 2-disc soundtrack. From the 80’s du jour of Siouxsie and the Banshees and New Order to electronic maestros Air and Aphex Twin, you could very well get something different every time you listen to one of these 2 albums.
Alison Krauss & Union Station Lonely Runs Both Ways
Take Alison Krauss’ angelic voice and the brilliant musical craftsmanship of both her and her band Union Station, and you have another winning album with Lonely Runs Both Ways. They stay true to their earthy bluegrass roots and add touches of Americana and melancholy to construct very sincere juxtapositions both haunting and charming. Fans of everyone from Sarah McLachlan to Nickel Creek will find an appreciation, and then a deep fondness for this album.
Staples that Should be a Part of Every Collection:
Beach Boys - Pet Sounds
Rolling Stones - Aftermath
Beatles - Magical-Mystery Tour
U2 - Achtung Baby
Radiohead - OK Computer
The Pixies - Doolittle
The Beastie Boys – Check Your Head
Sloan - Smeared
Flaming Lips - The Soft Bulletin
by erin thursby scopes1925@msn.com
Know someone fascinated by worlds of dragons, swords and sorcery? Here’s my oh-so-short guide to fantasy-world gift giving…
Dragonology, the faux-factual illustrated encyclopedia of all the different kinds of dragons, is great for kids from about third grade and up. Smaller kids will like the pictures and some adults will even like it for its dry, tongue-in-cheek humor. It even includes “ads” for dragon taming equipment. Several pages fold out, and I’d say it isn’t a book that should be subjected to rough-and-tumble treatment. If you’re giving it to a smaller child, it should be placed on a shelf and taken down at special times, until the child is old enough to take care of the book.
Fantasy Cartooning Book and Kit by Ben Caldwell is sure to be a hit for any budding cartoonist who loves the fantasy genre. Cadwell worked for Marvel comics in the past and his kit has everything you need to get started in drawing sword-wearing heroes, huge monsters and the occasional elf maiden.
If your kids love Eragon (the movie or the book), there’s slew of tie-in products because of the movie. There’s the Eragon video game, which hit shelves on November 17th for the PC, XBox, XBox 360, Playstation 2, Game Boy Advanced (GBA), Nintendo DS, and Playstation Portable (PSP). You can even purchase an Eragon Magic 8 Ball, as well as books that feature glossy stills from the movie production. You can always buy the next book in the Eragon series, Eldest.
The local gaming store, War Dogs (recently moved to 5800 Beach Blvd.), carries a horde of fantasy related products. Fantasy battlefield strategy games of different types are available. Warhammer is basically a mass combat game in which you pit an army of 60-120 figures against one or more players. Each figure in the army can come painted (generally plastic) or unpainted. Dungeons & Dragons has its own battlefield strategy game, in which you can have fantastic creatures. Lord of the Rings also has a similar battlefield tactics game. The difference between the three fantasy battlefield tactics games comes down to a preference between what world you’d like to play in and the number of troops you can command. Warhammer can involve far more figures than the D&D strategy game, but the D&D figures have a little more variety. The starter kits for all three of these games tend to be around $50. Miniatures of dragons, wizards and warriors are also sold separately so you can fill out your army. Many people make a practice of collecting and painting these miniatures as a hobby, even if they don’t play the battlefield games. Figures go from about $5 and up, sometimes coming in packs instead of individually. You can buy the tiny brushes and paints needed to detail figures in most places where they sell the miniatures, including War Dogs. The figures and paints are a great gift for fantasy-hungry friend or child.
If you know someone who used to play D&D who would like to get back into the game, hook them up with the new D&D Players Handbook or the newest D&D universe, Eberon, a fun cross between the fantasy world and pulp/adventure. The 3.5 gaming system is tons easier than the old system, and the fantasy art in the newer guide makes it worthwhile, even if they never end up playing. Speaking of never playing, any fantasy lover who has no intention of ever playing D&D would still love the Monster Manual, an illustrated guide of creatures fantastic and otherwise, which you might encounter in the D&D universe—from elves and unicorns to slime monsters and undead zombies.
Those picking up tabletop role-playing games like D&D for their kids, would be best served if they asked proprietor of the gaming store about the complexity and age level of the gaming system. Some brands, like the goth-horror of the White Wolf brand, appeal more to teenagers and are too dark for some people to handle. Unless you’re buying for an adult, you need to stay away from the Black Dog brand entirely, as it is a very graphic off-shoot of White Wolf. Stick with D&D core books (Player’s Handbook, Dungeon Master’s Guide and Monster Manual) if you’re unsure.
Fantasy genre books, movies and games are certainly far more abundant than they were when I was a kid. You can pick up your fantasy fiction from a bookstore, but gaming stores are more likely to know their products. There’s plenty to choose from whether you’re getting a gift for a child or someone who’s a kid at heart.
by kellie abrahamson kabrahamson1@aol.com
Disney CD Storybook
Perfect for: Disney fans of all ages
These 4-in-one storybooks are a great way to bring the classic films to the page complete with an accompanying audio CD. Several of Disney’s hit films have been covered in these books including The Lion King, Bambi, Winnie-the-Pooh and, of course, the princesses. Six different books are available on Amazon.com ranging in price from $18.96-$10.61.
The Princess Primer by Stephanie True Peters
Perfect for: Ages 6-9
Written by a “fairy godmother,” this charming book gives little girls tips on how to dress for a royal ball, how to wear a tiara and how to spot her prince charming. The adorable guidebook can be purchased on BarnesandNoble.com for only $13.99, a bargain for insights from a real life fairy godmother!
Pirateology: A Pirate Hunter’s Companion by Captain William Lubber
Perfect for: Tweens
For just $11.99 on Amazon.com you too can own this very special book written by a (fictitious) pirate hunter in the early 18th century. Pirate fans can learn fun facts about the buccaneers, find out how to tie sailor’s knots and explore destinations around the world.
Three Beloved Classics by E.B. White
Perfect for: Tweens and Teens
This boxed set comes with three of E.B. White’s classic children’s tales Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan. At a list price of only $19.99, this is a terrific and affordable way to introduce the kid on your list to some fantastic literature.
CDs
Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Pink Floyd
Perfect for: Infants and Toddlers (and their cool parents)
If you know someone who has a new baby, this CD may just get you a big fat kiss even if you’re not under the mistletoe! Baby Rock Records has taken the best of Pink Floyd and turned them into instrumental lullabies to soothe infants without driving their parents up the wall with lame music. Other CDs include songs by Nirvana, The Cure, Coldplay, Radiohead, Metallica and much more. These cool discs can be found at BabyRockRecords.com for $16.98 each.
Welcome to Ralph’s World CD/DVD combo
Perfect for: Toddlers and Preschoolers
Playhouse Disney staple Ralph’s World (Ralph Covert) released this terrific CD/DVD combo which comes with 16 songs and 6 fantastic videos. Kids and their parents can enjoy these fun songs plus an exclusive video for “Happy Lemons” for just $7.79 if purchased on Amazon.com.
Jack Johnson and Friends- Sing-A-Longs & Lullabies for the Film Curious George
Perfect for: Preschoolers
My husband and I bought this CD when it was released in February and it’s become a fast favorite with my two children (ages 2 and 4), who have memorized nearly every song on the disc, as have we (he does a mean cover of the White Stripes’ “We’re Going to be Friends”). This kid and adult-friendly CD can be found on BarnesandNoble.com for just $12.58.
Hannah Montana
Perfect for: Tweens and Teens
This Disney release debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 just a couple of weeks ago and if you haven’t picked it up for your Hannah Montana fan you’re missing out on a sure fire winner. Thirteen tracks from the hit series and beyond can be found on this CD for $12.99 at Amazon.com.
DVDs
Goodnight Moon and Other Sleepytime Tales
Perfect for: Toddlers and Preschoolers
Send little ones off to Dreamland with this terrific DVD found at BarnesandNoble.com for just $6.49. Stories include “Goodnight Moon” narrated by Susan Sarandon, “Hit the Road to Dreamland” performed by Tony Bennett, “Hush, Little Baby” with Lauryn Hill, “There’s a Nightmare in My Closet” with Billy Crystal and much more.
Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses
Perfect for: Girls ages 5-10
Little girls love Barbie and princesses and ballerinas. This entertaining CGI animated flick gives them all that and more! The film inspired many of the season’s hot toys, so this DVD is one that should be on the top of many shopping lists. Pick it up at Amazon.com for $13.99.
Teen Titans- The Complete First Season
Perfect for: Ages 8 and up
A group of teenage superheroes join forces to stop the forces of evil in this fun Cartoon Network series. The first season of the show is available on Amazon.com for the rock-bottom price of $14.99.
Drake & Josh Go Hollywood (73 min.)
Perfect for: Teens and Tweens
When their little sister accidentally gets on a plane headed to Los Angeles, the Nickelodeon duo must follow her to Hollywood and bring her home safely. True to form, the boys find themselves in a heap of trouble when they get mixed up with a ring of counterfeiters. Amazon.com has the film for just $11.99.
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