Cool Things Happening in Tallahassee

While this is not a complete list of the cool things happening in Tallahassee, these are things I find interesting:

While perusing MySpace recently, I found a band called, The Coconut Monkeyrocket (www.coconutmonkeyrocket.com) with a new CD out called "With Birds." Not quite sure how to describe the music, but quoting from their MySpace page (www.myspace.com/coconutmonkeyrocket), it's "danceable cartoon racket," which describes the tunes to a tee. A few tracks are on MySpace and they are fresh, fun and contagious. Reminds me a bit of 60's beach party music, or "The Munsters." I dare you to listen without being able to move your body. The tunes will infuse and you'll find yourself bee-bopping in front of the computer. Check 'em out, I can't wait to get my hands on a CD!

The 22nd Annual Chef's Sampler benefiting the Children's Home Society is March 4, 2007 7 - 9:30 p.m. at the Leon County Civic Center and I've scored a pair of tickets! (Anyone want to be my date???). Being a bit of a foodie, I'm really looking forward to tasting more of Tallahassee. Tickets are $50. For more info, call (850) 921-0772.

Voices and Images of Florida Women of the 1930s presented by the Museum of Florida History will be hosted at the Knott House Museum on Thursday, March 1st, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Admission is free but reservations are required due to limited seating. Call:(850) 922–2459.

"Flags of Our Fathers" Author Shines During Tallahassee's Seven Days of Opening Nights

Author James Bradley learned about his father's experience on Iwo Jima after his passing. All he knew was that his father was the middle man in the famous photo
of raising the flag on Iwo Jima.

After his father's death, he and his brother found three boxes with memorabilia. Like so many other WWII vets, Bradley's father didn't speak about the war. The memorabilia led Bradley on a hunt to learn the story of the six boys in the photo. Knowing he had a story, "Flags of Our Fathers," was the result. After almost two years and 27 rejections from publishers, Bantam published the book in 2000.

In front of a crowd of close to 500 people tonight in Tallahassee's University Center Club Ballroom, Bradley introduced us to the six boys in "Flags of Our Fathers." This, February 19, 2007, the 62nd anniversary of D-Day on Iwo Jima and part of the Seven Days of Opening Nights Festival. Among the audience members were about a dozen WWII vets and a handful who fought on Iwo Jima, including retired Marine Lt. Gen. Larry Snowden, the oldest living officer.

The famous photo inspired a nation when we needed it. Bradley said President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered 8 million copies of the photo be distributed throughout the United States. Today, it is the most reproduced image in history.

Three of the six boys raising the flag left Iwo Jima alive and they were brought into the Oval Office. According to Bradley, President Roosevelt asked them to "fight for a mountain of cash" to fund the war effort. Their goal was $14 billion in two months by encouraging Americans to buy war bonds. During their 33-city tour, the three boys raised $26 billion, equivalent to 47% of the U.S. government's federal budget in 1945.

"After 'Flags of Our Fathers,' wanted to write another book but my mother didn't raise a flag," Bradley joked. But after about 2,000 conversations with WWII vets, one grabbed his attention. He flew out to Des Monies, IA one February to meet with 76-year-old Bill.

Over cocktails, Bill told him the story about nine soldiers who were captured on Chichi Jima, an island next to Iwo Jima. Eight of them were beheaded by Japanese soldiers and one escaped to eventually become President of the United States. Nope, this wasn't a tale evolved over cocktails but one that had been sealed by the U.S. Government. The gruesome details were hidden from the families of the beheaded soldiers. The escapee is George H. Bush and the book is "Flyboys."

Bradley briefly mentioned his return to Chichi Jima with President Bush and Paula Zahn. Bush met with Japanese soldiers whom we was trying to kill by dropping bombs on them, but "it was war." And the Japanese soldiers admitted, if they had the chance, they would have killed Bush, because "it was war." After exchange of pleasantries, they went for a beer.

For the past six years, the James Bradley Peace Foundation has been sending American high school students to Japan and China for a year in hopes of building better understanding of cultures.

He's working on his next book, "The Imperial Voyage" is about the 1905 steam-voyage of William H. Taft, the then Secretary of War and Alice Roosevelt, President Theodore Roosevelt.

Check out Bradley's books, I did and have some reading to catch up on...

Raising a Glass (Or Two) in April

Mark your calendars, the Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science presents the 5th Annual Florida Wine Festival, April 12 - 14, 2007. Details to follow soon!

www.thefloridawinefestival.com

Do You Have Your Tickets for Seven Days of Opening Nights?

I've waited all year to see the line up to this year's Seven Days of Opening Nights. Last year I went to Stephen King's event (yup, pretty cool the King of Horror was in this little town of Tally) and this year I have a ticket to see James Bradley, author of "Flags of Our Fathers." I'm contemplating picking up a ticket to see Joshua Kane's one-man-show called, "Gothic at Midnight."

Visit the Seven Days of Opening Nights Web site for the schedule and ticket information.

Event Web site: www.sevendaysfestival.org
Purchase tickets: www.tickets.fsu.edu; if you prefer to interact with a human, call: (850) 644-6500

Speed Dating Coming to Tallahassee, But I Don't Belong!

Saw a simple sign with the words "speed dating" and "cupid.com" the other day while driving to work. Not that it's something I'd do, but I went onto Cupid out of curiosity. Two sessions will be offered, one in February and another in March. The Feb. session is for 38 to 40 year olds and the March session is for 25 to 35 year olds.

Do you see anything missing???? Yes, the 36 and 37 year olds. Where do we fit in???

Luckily, I emailed "Scott," the coordinator and he replied we 36 and 37 year olds can attend either session. Turns out, we 36 and 37 year olds fit in everywhere.

Snakes Got Teats? Milking Rattlers at the 47th Annual Rattlesnake Roundup

Although it started as a chilly morning, the air in Whigham, Georgia wafted with the aroma of blooming onions, funnel cakes and fried rattlesnake. Yup. Today was the 47th Annual Rattlesnake Roundup. The perfect place to pick up the stars and bars, enter a raffle to win a shotgun and eat something which doesn't taste like chicken (I'm told rattlesnake tastes more like fish).

Rattlesnake hunters came to spook up these venomous critters to be milked (extract the venom). Rattlesnake expert Ken Darnell, who's with Bioactive Laboratories (I swear he said from Alabama but somewhere I saw Tallahassee) has the pleasure of milking these bad boys. He told the group he'd be "milking snakes like mad" this afternoon.

In a ring laced with fences, clear boxes form a half-moon and hold the snakes brought in by the hunters who wore tan camouflage. (I didn't realize camouflage fools snakes; I thought snakes used smell to "see.").

Prior to milking, Darnell gave a brief talk about rattlesnakes - stating they're afraid of humans and demonstrated by standing next to one. As he got closer to her (he confirmed it was a she) she leaped to strike, but not by much. He also explained the benefits of rattlesnake venom stating it's used in the Type II (adult onset) diabetes medication Byetta and other drugs used to thin blood and treat high blood pressure.

He then picked up a timber rattlesnake from one of the boxes. I was standing about 20 feet away and could hear the hum of the pissed off rattlers. He brought a snake around for people to touch. Darnell held the snake's head with a firm grip and every so often it would flip it's tail.

The venom extracted during the Rattlesnake Roundup will be used for research. It's kept on ice until it can be kept cooled with dry ice then once it reaches the laboratory, will be freeze dried into a powder.



Whigham's Rattlesnake Roundup only happens once a year, the third Saturday each January. The event is located at the Rattlesnake Roundup Grounds on US 84. Flipping through the program booklet (which includes information about rattlers, list of last year's winners from the hunting and tips on what to do if one is bit by a rattler), it had ads promoting two more events I need to mark in my calender: Calvary, Georgia's Mule Day, the first Saturday in November and Climax, Georgia's "Swine Time" the Saturday following Thanksgiving.

Despite all the "education" about rattlesnakes during the event, I heard one woman state, "They still ain't no good unless they're dead." And plenty of dead rattlesnake merchandise was available for purchase, too.



View a video of the milking here.

I've Been Living Under a Rock: Tallahassee Titans

Somehow I've missed the excitement of a professional sports team growing in Tallahassee: the indoor football team called the Tallahassee Titans. The season opener is Monday, February 12 against North Carolina (I realize that's a whole state) and the first home game is Saturday, February 14 against Gulf Coast (I'm not sure which Gulf Coast they will be battling).

Some players should be familiar to folks of the Capital City, some were Seminole stars. Home games will be played at the Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center (where most things of significance happen in town). For more information, visit TT's Web site at: www.tallahasseetitans.com.

Pretty cool stuff.

Valentine's Day at the Knott House

Have you been to Tallahassee's Knott House, aka: "The House that Rhymes"? Mrs. Knott was into poetry. She wrote poetry about her furniture and attached the poems with ribbon. Today, the poetry cards are still attached.

It's only appropriate for this Valentine's Day the Knott House will be hosting an evening of love poetry, romantic music and tasty nibbles. The Black Dog Java Girls will read their work like a Greek chorus (now that sounds like something to hear and see!).

Admission is $5 per person. Space is limited so it's recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
Feb. 14, 2007; 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Knott House Museum
301 East Park Ave. Corner of Park Avenue and Calhoun Street
Tallahassee, FL
Tel: (850) 922-2459

It's Official! Governor Crist

Florida's new governor, Charlie Crist, was sworn in yesterday, despite it being a National Day of Mourning, in remembrance of former President Gerald Ford. But it wasn't up to Crist, who wants to be known as the "people's governor." Florida State Law requires the governor-elect be sworn in the first Tuesday after the first Monday of January, no ifs, ands or buts.

I wasn't able to see the swearing in *sigh* but caught the tail end of the parade.

In Crist's inaugural address, he listed some of his priorities as governor of the Sunshine State:
Reduce property taxes and address the skyrocketing property insurance rates.
Attract new business to Florida.
Provide world-class education.

Living up to the name as the "people's governor," there was no lavish inaugural ball this year. Good going! I didn't have a thing to wear.

Holiday Season Begins in Tallahassee

Christmas ornaments crafted from empty shotgun shells to landscapes painted by artists of the highly acclaimed Florida Highwaymen ( and everything in between) are found during Tallahassee's Market Days. An annual event organized by the Tallahassee Museum features more than 300 artists over a two-day period at the North Florida Fairgrounds.

Thousands of my Tallahassee neighbors and I shopped at Market Days to find those perfect holiday gifts. I didn't do much Christmas shopping here, but did pick up a few items. The first hour I was there (arrived at noon) it was insanely packed. But as time passed, the crowd thinned and I could move freely down the aisles.

In addition to the incredible crafts, paintings and other treasures, all sorts of meat-on-a-stick and fried delectables were served up, in addition to kiosks from the area's top restaurants, like Lucy Ho's Oriental Bistro (yummy!).

Later that evening, I joined a friend at the 20th Annual Winter Festival (along with thousands of others). Tallahassee Mayor John Marks opened the event with the lighting of more than 500,000 lights, followed by Jingle Bell Runners donning lighted Santa hats sprinting, jogging and walking down Monroe Street for the 3K race. While the lighted area is a spectacular, the Winter Festival Parade is a site to enjoy and lasted at least 90-minutes with 130 entries.

Below is Florida Highwaymen artist RL Lewis working on another masterpiece. Pysanky artist Kelly Milko explains her craft (it takes her about two hours to decorate an egg with careful precision - no room for error) and a display of her intricate gems and a shot from Tallahassee's Winter Festival.

Hope I'm in town for next year's Market Days!

Cooking it Up in Tallahassee

A recent visit to Tallahassee's Keiser College Culinary Institute set a friend to search for cooking classes in Tallahassee.

Did you know the Tallahassee Wine & Food Festival is THIS weekend? Paula Deen's sons, Jamie and Bobby Deen, will give a presentation this Friday, November 3. Damn! I'm outta town - missing out on what looks like to be one of Tallahassee's coolest events.

I was in town for this weekend's Greek Food Festival at the Holy Mother of God Greek Orthodox Church (I didn't realize God has a mother???). The festival was full of my kind of people, folks who enjoy good food. Got my gyro fix.

But what my friend Carolyn found in the form of a culinary class in Tallahassee is offered by Brown's Home Kitchen Center & Restaurant Supply. I'll be sure to give a report when (and if) we take a class.

I do need share with you Tallahassee's Sauce Boss. I'm not sure if he's a gumbo cook who enjoys playing music or musician who happens to cook. Either way, I enjoy his newsletter and site. Visit him and register (www.sauceboss.com) or visit his MySpace page: http://myspace.com/billsaucebosswharton

Bon Appetite!

Yum-my! Top Lunch Spots in Tallahassee

Driving into Tallahassee is a bit deceiving. Upon first site, Florida's little capital looks like it's full of strip malls and chain restaurants, but take a closer look. There are tasty treats awaiting residents and visitors alike. For a sampling of my favorite lunch spots, read my complete story.

A Night at the little Theatre: Weights, One Blind Man's Journey

We typically rely on site to lead us on our journeys. But what would happen if we lost our vision?

Later this September, the Tallahassee Little Theatre will be honored as playwrite, actor and award-winning athlete Lynn Manning performs "Weights, One Blind Man's Journey." Manning was 23 years-old and on top of the world when he was shot in the head in a Los Angeles bar and blinded for life. He's overcome many hurdles since then and you can visit his website here to learn more: www.lynnmanning.com.

Here are the specs on his one-man show:

Presented by Ability 1st and Tallahassee Little Theatre

Tallahassee Little Theatre
1861 Thomasville Road
Tallahassee, FL 32303

Friday, September 29, 2006
8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15

Saturday, September 30, 2006
VIP Reception & Silent Auction 6:30 p.m.
Performance 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $50

Tickets should be purchased in advance: (850) 575-9621

Upcoming Exhibits: Photography, Currency & Disaster

I received notice of a few new exhibits opening in Tallahassee next month:

At the Thomas Eads Fine Art Gallery at 1122 Thomasville Road, Suite 8 (across from the historic Whataburger), the James Valentine "Wild and the Sacred" FL & GA Photographs opens with a reception on Sept. 1, 6 - 9 p.m. and runs through Oct. 11, 2006. Always on display at the gallery is original photography, paintings and sculptures. If you're heading out to the gallery, lunch or dinner at the nearby Kool Beanz Cafe (850-224-2466) at 921 Thomasville Rd. is the perfect complement. The unassuming building holds a cache of funky surprises with eclectic, modern folk art, wine list on bottles and edgey classic Southern dishes and continental cuisine with a tasty twist.

Downtown, Tallahassee's the Mary Brogan Museum of Art and Science will kick-off two exhibits this September with: "The Florida League of Cities' City of Wonders: When Disaster Strikes" and "Currency: Art as Money, Money as Art."

"Disaster" opens Sept. 8 and runs through Jan. 1, 2007. For those who are lucky to evade hurricanes this season, this exhibit will have a "Hurricane Simulation experience" on hand, along with live connections with NASA and NOAA data.

"Currency" opens Sept. 9 through and Nov. 26. I wonder if this exhibit will contain origami birds folded from dollar bills.

If you weren't invited to the Sept. 8 Member's Opening Reception, the museum is open Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. The first Friday of each month, the museum is FREE between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. How much currency is needed? $6 for adults and $3.50 for everyone else.

My favorite lunch spot around the Brogan is a yellow food cart serving vegan, Southern dishes. Yes, sounds like a contradiction, but the meals are flavorful and satisfying, albeit a bit pricey.

They're Back! It's August, and You Know What That Means...

Tallahassee's young, part-time residents have returned to the campuses of Florida State University and FAMU. How can I tell? Traffic is bit heavier. The McDonald's sign reads, "Welcome Students. Open 24-Hours." And WalMart has Ramen noodles on sale for 13 cents. Welcome back, kids.

Seeing Double Vision in Tallahassee

Tomorrow, Double Vision Pictures will begin filming the feature film called, "Finding a Good Man." The production company is co-owned and co-operated by the multi-talented Cassandra Henderson and will be filmed in and around Tallahassee and Atlanta.

Cassie's "day job" is with the same organization I work. I'm not sure if others in the office are aware of her accomplishments outside the workplace. She also owns Po Folk Productions, another film production company. She's young, driven and following her dream. You go girl!

One of my office buddies has a key role in the film, too. Playing mother of the lead character. Brenda, this may be your big break. Remember me on the red carpet.

Don't Touch the Booty! July 15 at Kleman Plaza

Pirates invade Kleman Plaza on July 15 as the Mary Brogan Museum hosts "Pirates on the Plaza." An afternoon of fun (11 a.m. - 3 p.m.) for the entire family includes interactive activities and music.

Starplex Cinema 8 - Gotta Love It

I truly love the "dollar movie theater" here in Tally. Today I went over to the Starplex Cinema 8 to see the movie version of Carl Hiaasen's "Hoot." Cute movie, a little slow. But filmed in Charlotte County so I was really entertained by seeing local Florida in the film. Jimmy Buffett was co-producer, contributed many songs and played a teacher in the film. Hiaasen had a cameo as a secretary.

I enjoy Hiaasen's writing (novels and editorials), but all his stories seem the same. Which is a good thing - consistently reinforcing the fact that Florida is being destroyed.

The movie cost a buck, popcorn, soda and gummi bears cost $3.75. Can't beat that!

Hiking in the Big Bend Area

Enjoy this story (and support my writing) about five great hikes in Florida's Big Bend region. Click here.

Ambling Through Tallahassee

Over the past couple of days, I walked around Lake Ella and wandered through McClay Gardens State Park.

Ducklings are scattered EVERYWHERE around Lake Ella. Little kids grasp them close to their chests. I wonder if they are going to squeeze those little, fluffy critters to death. I kept thinking how can these cute little ducks grow up to be an ugly, Moscovy ducks. Growing up, my parents frequently took me and my siblings to the Clarence Town Park in Upstate New York where we would feed the ducks and chase them in hopes of capturing them. I always remember the Moscovy ducks as being "mean," they always hissed. Florida ducks are the same - these ducks at Lake Ella hiss, too. But, I'm sure they're harmless, right?



At McClay, I missed the peak bloom of the azalea's but did get to meet a British couple celebrating their fortieth wedding anniversary. Very sweet. I met them because they were taking photos of each other and I asked if they wanted a shot of them together. They asked if I was going to the wedding in the garden. "No, I'm not properly dressed," I told them as I modeled my denim shorts.



Heading back to the car, I spotted this large lizard/salamander thing sitting in a tree. Looks like a snake with legs. I'll have to research and find out what exactly it is.