Dating do’s and don’ts

I could write a book on bad dates, dud dates, and my own many faux pas made on dates … there’s just a sampling of the many do’s and don’ts that can make or break a first date .. in my Sense and the City column in today’s Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

Happy Bastille Day — something for Sarasota Francophiles!

In honor of Bastille Day, I wrote about petanque in today’s Sense and the City column — out today in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune TICKET (next to last page!). Or you can read it online at Playing Petanque a Simple Pleasure for Sarasota Francophiles.

Thems fightin’ words! …. MC’s counterpoint to Grimes Chutney review

David Grimes is a funny guy — I read him in the Sarasota Herald Tribune every week, but when he recently gave a less than glowing review of my favorite restaurant haunt — Chutney’s on Hillview … my inner grrrrrrlllllll game out.

You can read my counterpoint to the Grimes review in today’s Sarasota Herald Tribune TICKET page 33E, or online by clicking here: Chutney’s Imperfect Perfection.

Sarasota libraries hold keys to independence

I’ve been going to the library since I was ankle-high to a grasshopper … here’s my take on the connection between libraries and a democratic, independent America in today’s Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

image courtesy of scgov.net

And if you’re close to a computer or radio later tonight … and concerned about our Sarasota County libraries, I hear Sarabeth Kalajian, General Manager for the Sarasota County Library System, is going to be on air to discuss “everyman’s [and women’s!] university” on Local Matters with guest host Billy Weatherinton — WSLR 96.5 LPFM on your radio dial or just click on WSLR on the Internet to listen from your computer.

Day with Dad Fuels Lifetime of Security and Love

Father’s Day is Sunday June 19th … hope you enjoy my “Sense and the City” column in today’s Sarasota Herald-Tribune — page 37E for you print readers out there and if you’re an online reader — just click here:

Day with Dad Fuels Lifetime of Security and Love

Here’s a snippet to get you started …with the spectacular, ever-changing view of the water, jumping mullet, and a family of ospreys flying directly overhead, it’s a challenge to look at a computer screen. I just want to watch the world.

Reasons to avoid downtown Sarasota!

So, I was asked to go out the other night for dinner — to celebrate some good news I received earlier this week and my date asked me where I wanted to go. It was a toss-up for both of us between Caraguilo’s Restaurant on Palm Avenue (a favorite of mine for years) or another place not situated in downtown. It took less than a nanosecond for us to both say the name of the non-downtown restaurant — no cost for parking! It wasn’t a drawn-out decision, no big debate — just a no-brainer.

It’s not just paying for parking. Here are the two things that put the nail in the coffin for me as far as downtown goes:

“Those who choose downtown’s sidewalks and parks for their front yards deserve the same consideration as a gated community,” said Peter Fanning, president of the Downtown Sarasota Condominium Association. “We should be able to walk unmolested by catcalls, panhandling and unwanted approach.” Yup, you read it right. The downtown residents should have the experience of living in a gated community — hmmmm …. at taxpayer’s expense, I guess. We can pay for the parks and the pretty twinkling lights …. just don’t go downtown to enjoy them if you don’t live there! Source: SRQ Daily 6/8

Then I picked up the Pelican Press and read an article about how the Downtown Improvement District just decided to support the City Commission’s removal of the park benches at the Five Points park.

I absolutely won’t shop or eat downtown now as much as I can avoid it — which will be pretty much always. The meters were bad enough, but now to know that the folk who are supposed to be in charge of improving our downtown for all of us to enjoy are actually supporting this crazy bit of bench business — it’s too much. There are too many other places to go in Sarasota County.

I’d LOVE to hear how anyone else is experiencing the new meters, the park bench removal — wherever you fall on the issues, pro or con or somewhere in the middle — I invite you to post your comments here.

Ferocious and sweet … Saturday’s Music Festival Concert is NOT to be missed!

I give you at least a gazillion reasons as to why you CAN. NOT. miss Saturday night’s Sarasota Orchestra Music Festival concert at the Sarasota Opera House — they’re all in my Sarasota Herald Tribune Sense and the City column (page 37E if you’re reading the print paper — or click on the hyperlink below).

Beg, borrow, or buy a ticket!

Stuart Malina will be the guest conductor.

Jeremy Wallace Looks into the Political Crystal Ball … this Saturday

Saturday — June 11 — local political insight provider/writer Jeremy Wallace (of the Sarasota Herald Tribune) will be speaking at the Laurel Oak Country Club talking about “What lies Ahead for 2012.”

I like Wallace’s demeanor: serious but not too serious. And seriously informed about the rumblings and machinations of Florida politics.

If you haven’t read his blog, you might want to check it out at Political Insider. For more info about why Wallace is worth listening to, click here.

The event is hosted by the Democratic Club of Sarasota and includes lunch; program begins at noon. For reservations call 379-9233 or e-mail reserve@sarasotadems.com. The cost for members is $23 and for non-members and walk-ins is $25

Summer’s the Season on Siesta

We should all be thanking our lucky stars for Siesta Beach … and my Sense and the City column in today’s Sarasota Herald Tribune TICKET tells why.

Sand-bound beauty!

Sarasota Sky Pilots Do It In the Air!

Love to golf? How about taking your game to a whole new level … ?

Photo by Steve Lake.

Read my story in today’s Sarasota Herald Tribune TICKET — which is FREE in newstands across the city (just look for the row of newspaper boxes and find the one that says TICKET on it — it’s that simple!). I talk about disc golf and the tourney that’s open to amateurs this weekend — hey, you could win!

Here’s a link if you prefer to read it online: Sarasota Sky Pilots Do It In the Air!