Editor's Note

Editor’s Note - Issue 5, Volume 5, July 2009 Editor’s Note - Issue 5, Volume 5, July 2009

I’ve been in France for the past several weeks visiting my family-in-law, so you’ll have to forgive me if I appear out of touch. It’s a wonderful place, France, and not without its flaws– much like here — but undeniably an... [Read more...]

Features This Month

Erik Johnson of Treehouse Woods Erik Johnson of Treehouse Woods
Article Category: Skilled Labor

 

It’s said you can tell a lot about a person by the car they drive. If that’s the case, then surely the woodie owner rides in the most revealing and loquacious of biographers. The woodie is undeniably fetching, yet it exudes the kind of understated and approachable attractiveness you find in the girl next door, the one you’ve had your eye on since first grade. It whispers the sort of comfortable affluence earned by dint of hard work and deep appreciation for days off rather than... [Read more...]

Doubles Beachside Doubles Beachside
By: Tobin Bennison
Article Category: Restaurant Review

 

In one of the most referenced, praised, and unread books in the world of literature, Marcel Proust’s “Remembrance of Things Past,” it’s the chance bite of a madeleine, a small, scallop-shaped cake, that spurs the author on a 7-volume rediscovery of his youth. The episode proved so resonant that “a madeleine” has since become synonymous with any sensory agent that seems to magically evoke a flood of memories. I myself have several madeleines — the smell of... [Read more...]

Schaffhausen, Switzerland Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Words and photos by L. Paul Mann
Article Category: Get Out Of Town

 

Affluent international travelers have made Switzerland a top vacation destination for centuries. Jet setters fly in to some of the most exclusive ski resorts in the world — places like St. Moritz, Zermatt and Gstaad — and summer music fans swarm to the many music festivals, among them, the renowned Montreux Jazz Festival, the largest of its kind in the world. International backpackers flock to the Swiss Alps to hike in the serene countryside in picture postcard-perfect mountain villages... [Read more...]

Laird Gann of Melbourne Main Street Laird Gann of Melbourne Main Street
Article Category: 20 Questions

 

In 1985, the National Trust for Historic Preservation formed the National Main Street Center and introduced the “Main Street Four-Point Approach” as a community-driven comprehensive methodology for revitalizing older, traditional business districts throughout the Country. Those four points? Organization, by building cooperation and consensus among many groups and individuals, or “stakeholders;” Design: By working with property owners and the City to enhance the physical appearance... [Read more...]

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Word On The Street

Word on the Street: July ‘09 Word on the Street: July ‘09
Article Category: Word on the Street

CITY A planned fireworks display over the Indian River Lagoon is to provide the highlight of Melbourne’s Independence Day celebration. The display is scheduled for 9 p.m. on July 4 over the Indian River Lagoon just south of the Melbourne Cswy. at Claude Edge Front Street Park. Free bus transportation will be provided between the park and the Melbourne Auditorium, 625 Hibiscus Blvd. Buses are to depart for the park at 7:10, 7:50, and 8:10 and will return to the auditorium at 7:30, 8:10, 8:50,... [Read more...]

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Local Scribes

Delusion: Don’t Leave Home Without It Delusion: Don’t Leave Home Without It
By: David Sherman
More by this author: David Sherman

The following is offered as a work of fiction, and therefore should not be construed by any attorneys as a reason to justify their retainers or pad their billable hours. It is a purely hypothetical musing on the current state of what were once lofty ideals, precepts held on high, and on how easily such fragile fictions may be toppled by the seemingly innocuous acts of petty men. Should any one man find too many similarities herein and think himself maligned, that would be his problem. Should he... [Read more...]

One Summer Day One Summer Day
By: Dan Reiter
More by this author: Dan Reiter

Florida summers are like molasses, thick, hot, dripping… The birds move with a certain languor, the yard is overgrown with wild, exotic grasses, the plumeria and mosquitoes swarm into full bloom, and a bright, lazy mist hangs over everything. It is stifling outside something terrible, your car feels like an oven, the sweat runs into your eyes, the sand burns your feet, the no-see-ums gnaw incessantly at your legs… In a sort of reverse-hibernatory instinct, you want to hide away, tuck... [Read more...]

Morning Time Travel Morning Time Travel
By: Judy Forney
More by this author: Judy Forney

Shhh! Don’t be alarmed, but I’m here to tell you that there is a secret society afoot in the Space Coast you should be aware of. Our members generally meet in the early mornings. Some arrive in spandex, sipping bottled water. Others, like me, sport baggy sweats and slug back nonfat mochas. All of us come in from the too-hot, or too-humid, or too-much-du jour that our weather can be around here and begin walking through the empty, echoing halls. Our reflections follow us, skipping silently from... [Read more...]

Mr. Do-It-Yourself, Part I Mr. Do-It-Yourself, Part I
By: Rick LaClaire
More by this author: Rick LaClaire

Several years ago I needed a new roof. Actually, this place needed a new roof the minute we moved in. This we discovered during our first real downpour as new homeowners, a nagging inundation known as Tropical Storm Gordon in 1994. A stain spread across our living room ceiling that still exists, somewhat resembling the outline of Iceland. Or is it Afghanistan? Anyway, after five months of living here, I had never inspected the attic. This was cause for a stepladder and flashlight, the tearing of... [Read more...]

Coalescence Coalescence
By: Matt Badolato
More by this author: Matt Badolato

At the end of my neighborhood in Indialantic, Florida, a narrow drainage canal begins and runs in a straight line toward the lagoon. Lined with cattail reeds and tropical philodendrons, the hundred yard-long conduit is the path I follow to the old dock. Tree frogs bark from deep in the ditch. Startled soft shell turtles slide off the shoreline as I stroll by. In spots where the plants clear up, timid tilapias cower for cover in the clear canal. Where the freshwater canal dumps into the saltwater... [Read more...]

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Entertainment

Danielle Forand of Off the Traxx Danielle Forand of Off the Traxx
By: Paddy McDrinksey

Well amn’t I the lucky so-and-so! I’ve just found me muse, which is nice because my others weren’t really working out for me. The St. Pauli girl was easy on the eyes, there’s no... [Read more...]

Edgar the Cat Edgar the Cat
Words and photos by Kate Flack

One dreary night in a condo in Gainesville, Dr. Larry Wayne Robben’s youngest daughter and her friend were distracted by a painful screeching noise outside their front door. Confused and curious, the... [Read more...]

Opinions - July ‘09 Opinions - July ‘09
By: Julia Lasley

This month’s questions asked locals and non-residents alike “What American freedom is most important to you?”.  Do you have an answer?  Feel free to leave your comments…  Read More →

Inquire of Romeo Inquire of Romeo

Dear Romeo, Everyone has a physical attribute they’re proud of. I myself have turned my most glaring flaw into my biggest asset. Ever since I first entered puberty, I was cursed with abnormally... [Read more...]

CD Reviews - July CD Reviews - July
By: Various

Elvis Costello Sacred, Profane And Sugarcane Hear Music; 2009 The glaring issue with Elvis Costello isn’t so much what he can’t do, but what he can do well. Throughout a prolific (and profligate)... [Read more...]

Frankie Paul Frankie Paul

Frankie Paul is fast becoming a prominent force in the world of comedy. He’s been touring professionally and entertaining audiences all over the country since 1990 with his unique knack for taking... [Read more...]

The Architects of Fear The Architects of Fear

THE ARCHITECTS OF FEAR Coupling infectious energy with a distinct visual style and unusual instruments, the Brevard-based Architects of Fear bring manic originality to the local music scene. Initially... [Read more...]

Scotty Lee Scotty Lee

Voted “Most likely to do something big with his life or fail miserably while trying,” Scotty Lee is doing just that. Lee began entertaining from the stage of his junior high school school auditorium... [Read more...]

Stoney: Solo Stoney: Solo
By: Kimberly Stone

This month, Stoney of  the famed Stoney and the House Rockers will be rocking the beach solo during a Tuesday residency at Long Doggers in Melbourne. Fresh off of a United Way benefit, Stoney plays the... [Read more...]

Horrorscopes Horrorscopes
By: Lance Stardancer

CAPRICORN: Life isn’t nearly as dark as you make it out to be. But you have to admit that it’s hard to look on the bright side when they turn the lights out at the detox center by 8 p.m. AQUARIUS:... [Read more...]

Recipes Recipes
By: Samantha Deebel

Summer memories of driving to the local farm with my grandpa down the country roads of Riva, Maryland in the ’70s, the roadside stand brimming with peaches — big, fuzzy and the sweet smell... [Read more...]

Wine 101: July ‘09 Wine 101: July ‘09
By: Ken Mageau

Making Wine How do grapes become wine? Great question. I hope I can answer it without putting you to sleep. It’s an important question to answer so you can begin to understand the differences between... [Read more...]

Just Blue Just Blue

Just Blue Below The Damage Cherry Tonic, 2009 The word “just” is defined in many ways. Among them, “Guided by truth.” And, “Simply. Certainly.” So it’s serendipitous... [Read more...]

Movie Reviews - July Movie Reviews - July
By: Ryan Deiseroth

This month’s reviews include The Hangover, Land of the Lost and Up.  Feel free to comment and let us know what you think… The Hangover Directed by Todd Phillips; 2009 “The Hangover”... [Read more...]

One One
By: Kimberly Stone

One for all and all for one; one groove and one band, this local trio is made up of Shain Honkonen on guitar and vocals, Jake Hogeland on drums and backup vocals and Craig Jenkins on bass. They met in... [Read more...]

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Sea Level

Jedi Grind Tricks Jedi Grind Tricks
By: Scooter Newell

I wanted to write something meaningful this month, as this is the first official entry where I’m not graciously thanking the editor for helping local skateboarding by printing this. Or maybe I just... [Read more...]

A Fluid Situation A Fluid Situation
By: Athena Sasso

On a beautiful weekend in June, CBSM put on the 8th Annual Waterman’s Challenge surf contest. Holiday Inn was the best break on the beach, according to various scouts, and that made the 84 contestants... [Read more...]

Stovall Report: July ‘09 Stovall Report: July ‘09
By: Captain Sherrie Stovall

With hot surface temperatures and flat seas, now is the time to cool off by hunting on the ocean floor. Diving can be a nice relief form the heat and will put some nice color in the fish box. The visibility... [Read more...]

Costa Rica Surf Report July Costa Rica Surf Report July
By: Greg Gordon

Group shot of International Surf Day at Hacienda Pinilla. Photo by Thornton Cohen at www.nomadpics.com A great children’s book that teaches why it’s important not to litter. FORECAST Caribbean Coast:... [Read more...]

Bussen Report - July Bussen Report - July
By: Capt. Scott Bussen

So, I’m having a couple ice picks with my fishing buddies after a long day of fishin’ and — bling-a-bling-ding! — I get a text message from the hard-ass editor of this fine periodical. Bing,... [Read more...]

Boardrider of the Month: Josh Stundon Boardrider of the Month: Josh Stundon
Interview by Scooter Newell

I first met Josh Stundon in the summer of 2008 while he and his family were visiting from Ireland. I approached him, introduced myself, and asked him if he skated. He told me he’d never tried it,... [Read more...]

Shark Report: Sicklefin Lemon Shark Shark Report: Sicklefin Lemon Shark
By: Bloody Bill

Negaprion acutidens, the Sicklefin Lemon Shark Well, something amazing has happened. My good friend, Cocoa Beach’s own Eric Super, recently married the beautiful Jessica Iliev on June 13 in Waialua,... [Read more...]

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Previous Features

Peter Bailey Peter Bailey
By: Tobin Bennison

There are many episodes in Melbourne Beach artist Peter Bailey’s life story I find fascinating, but my favorite has to be the one that finds his teenage incarnation standing rapt in front of an impressionist... [Read more...]

Sharon Dixon of Architectural FOAM & Art Sharon Dixon of Architectural FOAM & Art
By: Tobin Bennison

Architectural foam lends itself well to being sculpted into all manner of surprising forms. From the faux Roman pillars of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas to the fanciful accents in every Planet Hollywood... [Read more...]

Time and Treasures Time and Treasures
By: Tobin Bennison

Despite the place being filled with reminders of each passing minute, time seems to stand still at Time & Treasures clockmakers in Cocoa Beach. It’s an odd, highly illogical impression, but... [Read more...]

Fred Cheney Fred Cheney
By: Tobin Bennison

It’s rare that you come across an artist as self-effacing and generous as Fred Cheney. It’s even rarer to uncover one whose life story is as richly colorful as his own paintings, a life that... [Read more...]

Erik Johnson of Treehouse Woods Erik Johnson of Treehouse Woods

It’s said you can tell a lot about a person by the car they drive. If that’s the case, then surely the woodie owner rides in the most revealing and loquacious of biographers. The woodie is... [Read more...]

Jacqueline Endlich
 Jacqueline Endlich

By: T. Bennison

During the middle part of the 20th century, there was a trend in the fractious world of literary criticism that aimed to consider works of famous writers and poets at their face value, ignoring whatever... [Read more...]

Sheri Stewart Sheri Stewart
By: Tobin Bennison

There’s a distinction that’s often made in the art world between decorative art and so-called “fine” art. The argument goes that fine art is inherently more profound in its message,... [Read more...]

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Previous Restaurant Reviews

Da Kine Diego’s Da Kine Diego’s
By: T. Bennison
Article Category: Restaurant Review

Love. Surf. Eat. You’d be hard pressed to find a motto that captures the spirit of beachside living better than that. Those three simple directives form Da Kine Diego’s guiding credo, which, while certainly catchy and pithily evocative of this area’s ingrained principles, also hides a meaning that runs far deeper than mere sloganeering. Considering Da Kine’s long-held status as a beachside institution, the words seem to hold the power of a whispered magical incantation, one... [Read more...]

Matt’s Casbah Matt’s Casbah
By: Tobin Bennison
Article Category: Restaurant Review

Chef Matt Nugnes left much of the County feeling bereft after the hurricanes of 2004 forced him to close his revered Tropical Grill. And though that parting came with a promise to return in a different guise, it didn’t really offer much consolation. Because of the intense, almost consuming passion Matt’s food inspires among devotees, the four years separating the opening of that promised new venture felt decades longer. The degree of anticipation with which Brevardians have patiently... [Read more...]

The Fat Snook The Fat Snook
By Tobin Bennison
Article Category: Restaurant Review

When celebrated Irish writer/house painter Brendan Behan was asked his opinion of William Butler Yeats’ reputation as the greatest poet of the 20th century, he replied with a colorful anecdote about the aristocratic aesthete turning up his nose at a plate of freshly-cooked parsnips. The highly embellished version goes that Mr. Yeats harrumphed audibly and pushed the lowly root vegetables aside as undeserving of his refined palate. “I don’t care if he wrote ‘Cathleen Ní Houlihan’,”... [Read more...]

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