Posts tagged show
Stop Saying “Take a Look”!
Jan 30th
The three most overused and unnecessary words you ever hear on television are “Take a look.”
Take a look at this.
First of all, except for blind people who only listen to the television set, we are already looking at it, and so people on television don’t have to tell us to look at it!
Take a look at this.
And for all we know, blind people might get offended by being reminded all the time that they can’t see anything whenever told to “take a look.”
Take a look at this.
Second of all, what does saying “Take a look” add that a simple “Look” doesn’t convey?
Take a look at this.
And third of all, the expression in either its shortest form of “Look,” its longer form of “Take a look,” or even its longer forms of “Take a look at this,” “Take a live look,” or “Taking a look at the temperatures” are all just a lazy way of introducing what the meteorologist, traffic reporter, or any other on-camera person wants to talk about next. Much worse is “take a listen.”
Take a look at this.
I first became aware of this lazy crutch of an expression back in the past when I would attend a presentation by a programmer I worked with, and he would mangle it by saying “Take and look” instead of “Take a look.”
Take a look at this.
For example, he would have a visual aid displayed before us and say something like, “If we take and look at the coding, we can see how the reverse Polish notation affects all the lines that follow.”
Take a look at this.
Then I began noticing that the weather girl on the local news that I watch every morning was saying “Take a look” much too often and even more much too unnecessarily.
Take a look at this.
Then I began to notice that the traffic reporter who would follow her weather report was using “Take a look” in his reports, too, and sometimes even saying “Take a look” twice in the same sentence.
Take a look at this.
And then I began to notice that national reporters on television and hosts on national talk shows were being lazy and using the expression, which, when you think about it, doesn’t add anything to the introduction of whatever follows that we are being told to look at.
Take a look at this.
Rather than saying “Take a look at these temperatures,” the weather girl could simply tell us that the temperature in Denver is a pleasant 65 degrees, compared with the temperatures in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York City.
Take a look at this.
Rather than saying “Take a look at the traffic map,” the traffic reporter could simply say “The traffic is heavy on the Interstate highway, so you might want to avoid it.”
Take a look at this.
And rather than saying “Take a look” when a national reporter or a talk-show host wants to introduce a piece of video footage, a simple description of what is going to be shown would suffice or even a simple “Play it” when the person might not know what is about to be shown.
Take a look at this.
Now that I have made you aware of this excessive and unnecessary overused expression on television, start counting the number of times you hear it said, and if you use social media to follow either the person you hear say it too much or the program on which you heard it said or even the network on which the person or program appears, write using either of the more popular social-network tools directly to the person, program, or network and encourage them to stop using that now offensive, unnecessary and overused expression.
Take a look at this.
Unfortunately, this might turn out to be a lost cause. Emphasis on good language and effective communication might have been lost ever since the Baby Boomers became a major influence in society in the Sixties.
Take a look at this.
I don’t watch religious shows on television, and so I don’t know if televangelists use the expression in their sermons or requests for money, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they did, because I am hearing the expression almost every time I turn on the television.
Take a look at this.
The same goes for politicians.
I rest my case.
December 14 – 16 Jacksonville Symphony Holiday lights and more Dec 3 – 16
Dec 13th
Emma Concert Series: Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will regale St. Augustine with the ever popular Holiday Pops concerts at 8 p.m. at the Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada Street, St. Augustine. Tickets are $30 per person. www.emmaconcerts.com
Tuesday through Sunday: December 11 – 16
Nights of Lights
St. Augustine’s famed Nights of Lights illuminate the nation’s oldest city’s historic district with the gentle glow of more than three million tiny white lights, providing a luminous setting for an exciting agenda of holiday events and fun through January 31. www.NightsofLights.com
Festival of Trees at World Golf Village
A festive display of holiday trees and wreaths decorated by businesses, organizations, families and friends from the local community, all to benefit two local charities. Vote for your favorite tree for $1 per vote, or bid on one of the tress in the silent auction. Join Santa and Mrs. Claus and performers from the St. Augustine Ballet at the opening reception Friday 6 to 8 p.m. The exhibit will be open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the St. Johns County Convention Center, 500 S. Legacy Trail at the World Golf Village, through December 9. Admission is free! www.WorldgolfHallofFame.org
Viva Florida Art Exhibit
To commemorate the 500th Anniversary of Ponce De Leon’s naming of La Florida, the St. Augustine Art Association Gallery celebrates the sights and structures, beaches and byways, flora and fauna, history and happenings that are uniquely Florida with a new exhibit. The St. Augustine Art Association Gallery, 22 Marine St., St. Augustine is open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 to 5 p.m. Admission is Free.www.staaa.org
Winter Wonderland
The 6th Annual Winter Wonderland at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre is free to the public. Hosted by the St. Johns County Cultural Events Division, Winter Wonderland features North Florida’s premiere outdoor ice skating rink, along with our brand new Ice Chute, RC Race Track and Kid’s Room and of course Visits with Santa! St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South, St. Augustine. Each activity priced separately. 904-209-0367 www.winterwonderlandfl.com
Dressing of the Palms
Dressing of the Palms in the Town Center at Vilano Beach complements Nights of Lights where holiday decorations adorn over 200 palm trees along Vilano Road and Coastal Highway in Vilano Beach. Through January. Free. Vilano Beach Town Center 260 Vilano Road, St Augustine Phone: 904-540-0402 http://www.vilanobeachfl.com
Tour of Trees
A complimentary Tour the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse spectacular holiday decorations! The tours of the clubhouse are led by PGA story tellers and take place daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Food and beverages are available in the clubhouse.
www.tpc.com/tpc.asp?id=12&page=885
Water Taxi Nights of Lights Tours
Board the Horizons II for a relaxing Tour of Nights of Lights form the water. Tickets are $39 on weeknights and $49 on weekends. Tours depart from Vilano Beach Fishing Pier, 298 Vilano Road, Vilano Beach. www.jaxwatertaxi.com
Holly Jolly Holiday Trolley
Explore St. Augustine’s famous Nights of Lights in the cozy comfort of the Holly Jolly Trolleys. Guests of all ages delight at the festive glittering lights throughout St. Augustine’s historic area while enjoying caroling, hot apple cider and homemade cookies. Tours depart from St. Augusitne Visitors Information Center, 10 W. Castillo Drive, St. Augustine. http://www.trolleytours.com/st-augustine/holiday-tour.asp
Electric Bus Nights of Lights Tour
See the City lights on a 7 seat silent comfortable all electric vehicle with a city licensed guide giving a fully narrated 45 minute tour covering all the downtown city lights and sights, travelling down both the narrow and main streets. This tour goes where others do not! Nightly departs from parking lot at rear of Love Tree Café 31 Orange Street at 6.00pm 7.00pm 8.00pm 9.00 pm Adults $12 Child under 12 $10. 904-325-0547 www.staugustinegoldtours.com
Big Red Christmas Train Nights of Lights Tours
The Big Red Christmas Train transports riders through St. Augustine’s magical Nights of Lights. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season while viewing a magical holiday illusion through your free Magic viewing glasses. Nightly tours are $8 for adults and $4 for children and take place Tours start at Ripley’s Believe It or Not, 19 San Marco Avenue from 6 to 8 p.m. (till 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday).On Friday and Saturday, there will be entertainment in the lines and FREE admission to Santa’s Village! 904-824-1606 www.redtrains.com
Wednesday and Saturday: December 12 & 15
Historic Weapons Demonstrations at Fort Matanzas
Take the National Park Service’s ferry to Rattlesnake Island and experience daily military life at Fort Matanzas – the 18th century Spanish fort that guarded the southern approach to St. Augustine. From 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m., authentically clad re-enactors will demonstrate Spanish muskets and cannons at the fort. Admission is free. Fort Matanzas National Monument is located on A1A at the south end of Anastasia Island approximately 15 miles south of St. Augustine. 904.471.0116 NPS.Gov/foma
Thursday: December 13
Winter Chorus Concert
SJCCA Center for the arts at St. Augustine High presents their annual Winter Chorus Concert. The evening is filled with holiday favorites, culminating in the Hallelujah Chorus. St. Augustine High School, 3205 Varella Avenue. Tickets are $5 at the door. 904-547-8530
Thursday through Sunday: December 13 -16
Ancient City Theatre presents Dickens’ A Christmas Carol
Fort Matanzas Pioneer Barn, 259 San Marco Avenue, St. Augustine will host this one-man presentation of this Christmas classic. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday 904-824-8874 oldfloridamuseum.com
Limelight Theatre Presents Forever Plaid: Plaid Tidings
Through January 6, Christmas classics delight as well as audience favorites featuring the Rockettes and the Chipmunks! This holiday show is truly heaven-sent! Located at 11 Old Mission Avenue, performances will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are priced at $25 for adults; $22 for seniors; and $20 for students and active-duty military. 904-825-1164 www.limelight-theatre.org
Friday: December 14
Dan Hicks & The Hot Licks
Singer-songwriter Dan Hicks deftly blends elements of Swing, Jazz, Folk and Country music to create the appealing sound he sometimes calls “Folk Jazz.” The concert takes place at 7 p.m. at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach. Tickets are $30 and $35. 904-209-3700 pvconcerthall.com
Friday and Saturday: December 15 & 16
Amahl and the Night Visitors Opera
The holiday classic, Amahl and the Night Visitors, a 50 minute opera that tells the story of the night the Three Kings, following the star to Bethlehem will take place at St. Anastasia Catholic Church 5205 A1A S., St. Augustine Beach. Free parking. Tickets are $15 for adults and children 12 and under are free with an adult. (904) 471-5364
Santa’s Village
Santa’s Village is open at 3 Cordova Street in St. Augustine. From 6 to 9 p.m. guests can visit with Santa, make a craft, enjoy hot cocoa, sing holiday karaoke, play reindeer games or enjoy a movie. Admission is $3, or FREE with the purchase of Red Train Sightseeing or Nights of Lights Tour. 904-824-1606
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: December 15 & 16
Nights of Lights Wine and Carriage Tour
Step aboard an old-fashioned horse-drawn carriage and meander the historic streets on this 45 minute tour. While enjoying the spectacular light display, indulge in a bottle of delicious boutique wine (red or white). Tours depart from Isabella’s Cuban Bar at 19 Cuna Street, at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and at 6 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $46 per person – Adults only! 904-386-5482 www.thetastingtours.com
Saturday: December 15
St. Augustine Eco Tours Kayaking Adventure
This 2-hour paddling tour allows participants to spy amazing shorebirds and learn about the small but critical creatures that live within the maze of the productive salt marsh habitat. The tour departs from St. Augustine Municipal Marina at 10 a.m. 904-377-7245 www.staugustineecotours.com
Washington Oaks Garden Tour
Join Park Ranger Amanda at 11 a.m. for an hour long tour of the beautiful formal gardens at Washington Oaks! You will learn about the various plants and animals that are found in the park and you will also learn about this park’s fascinating history! This program meets in the main garden parking lot and regular park entrance fees apply. WashingtonOaks Gardens State Park is located at 6400 North Oceanshore Boulevard in Palm Coast. 386-446-6783 www.floridastateparks.org
Navidad en el Viejo San Agustín / Christmas in Old St. Augustine
Florida Living History, Inc. ( www.floridalivinghistory.org ), will present its second annual heritage event – Navidad en el Viejo San Agustín / Christmas in Old St. Augustine, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Mission Nombre de Dios. Enjoy Las Posadas – a colonial, Spanish Christmas procession; colonial Spanish musical entertainment; and a 16th-century, Spanish Christmas play along with other activities.www.missionandshrine.org
Changing of the Guard
Presented by the 1740 Spanish Garrison, Spanish Soldier re-enactors will march to St. Augustine Government House on the west end of the Plaza de la Constitucion where they will relieve the posted guards. A musket fire volley salute will follow. It takes place in the Plaza at 6 p.m.
Candlelight Tours of Villa Zorayda
Explore the beautiful Villa Zorayda during an evening Candlelight Tour. Starting at 6 p.m., enjoy refreshments of cookies and punch. Guided candlelight tour begins at 6:30 p.m. 83 King Street, St. Augustine. Tickets are$16 for adults and $8 for children 7 -12, children 4 -6 are free (not recommended for children under 3). http://www.villaZorayda.com
Washington Oaks Gardens State Park is located at 6400 North Oceanshore Boulevard in Palm Coast. 386-446-6783 www.floridastateparks.org
Saturday and Sunday: December 15 & 16
St. Augustine Ballet Presents The Nutcracker
The St. Augustine Ballet will perform The Nutcracker at Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College, 14 Granada Street, Saint Augustine. This magical musical event features elegant costumes, custom-designed scenery, professional dancers and local celebrities, including the Mayor of Saint Augustine. Performances are at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets range from $15 to $30. http://www.saintaugustineballet.com
St. Augustine Orchestra Concert “Christmas Around the World”
The St. Augustine Orchestra Concert will perform festive works from around the world in the Lightner Museum’s Antique Courtyard, 25 Granada Street, at 8 p.m. on Saturday Admission is $15 at the door. The encore performance is on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church, 400 San Juan Dr. in Ponte Vedra Beach. Admission to Sunday’s concert is $10 at the door. Children 12 years old and younger are admitted free. http://www.staugustineorchestra.org
Sunday: December 16
Brunch with Santa
Bring the children as Kris Kringle visits TPC Sawgrass all the way from the North Pole from 10 a.m.to 1 p.m. Brunch tickets are $39 for adults and $9.75 for children 6-12 yrs. The TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse is located at 110 Champions Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. Reservations are recommended. tpc.com/sawgrass 904-543-5105
Happy Holidays From Mark Twain
America’s favorite humorist and philosopher will share his wit and wisdom at to the Raintree Restaurant, 102 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine. Actor Robert Gill will brilliantly portray Twain with an irreverent take on many subjects, and a generous assortment of Christmas observations sprinkled in as well. Tickets are $39.95 per person and include dinner. Dinner is at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. 904-824-7211
Sundancer Yacht Nights of Lights Cruises
Enjoy viewing St. Augustine’s brilliant Nights of Lights aboard the 117 foot, two story, luxury yacht Sundancer. The Sundancer is set-up in the holiday spirit with decorations, lights, and holiday music. Starting December 16, cruises will depart nightly through December 30 at 5:15, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. from the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, 111 Avenida Menendez . Tickets are $16 for adults, $10 for children ages 12 – 6, and free for children 6 and under. 877-446-6465 www.SundancerYacht.com
Local Resident Specials
NOTE: St. Johns County residents with a valid ID are always admitted free of charge to the Oldest House, the Lightner Museum, the Fountain of Youth (special events excluded), the Ximenez-Fatio House, the Oldest Wooden Schoolhouse, Spanish Military Hospital Museum, and the Historic Tours of Flagler College. The daily tours and wine tastings at the San Sebastian Winery are free to everyone. Also, admission isfree to everyone at the Authentic Old Drug Store, Fort Matanzas National Monument, St. Photios Chapel, the Pena-Peck House, the Father Miguel O’Reilly Museum and the Mission Nombre de Dios Museum (donations are welcomed).
Source: Visitors and Convention Bureau
Flagler College theater department presents ‘Six Degrees of Separation’
Oct 15th
The story centers on Ouisa Kittredge, a Fifth Avenue socialite and Flan, her purveyor of high-art husband. Their privileged world makes them easy prey for a con artist who mysteriously shows up at their front door-injured and bleeding-claiming to be Sidney Poitier’s son and a close college friend of their Ivy League children.
The Flagler production stars Caulene Hudson as Ouisa, Micah Laird as Flan and Nick Khan as Paul, the con-artist who charms his way into many upper-crust homes along the Upper East Side with his wit and insider knowledge.
“I think it’s a script that will leave the viewer thinking,” said director Britton Corry, of the play that premiered in 1990. “In this country, most of us are not what we might wish other to think we are, but even though we may see ourselves as being worlds apart from many people, there are only six degrees of separation.”
Show times for “Six Degrees of Separation” will be at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19-20 and 26-27 with 2 p.m. matinees Oct. 21 and 28. Tickets are $15 and are available from noon-5 p.m. at the auditorium box office or one hour prior to curtain.
Lewis Auditorium at Flagler College is at 14 Granada St. in St. Augustine. For more info, call (904) 826-8600.
___
Flagler College is an independent, four-year, comprehensive baccalaureate college located in St. Augustine, Fla. The college offers 24 majors, 29 minors and two pre-professional programs, the largest majors being business, education and communication. Small by intent, Flagler College has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, as well as a satellite campus at Tallahassee Community College in Tallahassee, Fla. U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review regularly feature Flagler as a college that offers quality education at a relatively low cost; tuition is $23,690, including room and board. A relatively young institution (founded in 1968), Flagler College is also noted for the historic beauty of its campus. The main building is Ponce de Leon Hall, built in 1887 as a luxury resort by Henry Flagler, who co-founded the Standard Oil Company with John D. Rockefeller. For more on Flagler College, visit www.flagler.edu
Source: Flagler College