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Archives for November 2011

Facebook the Money-Maker?

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There’s been a lot of talk this week about Facebook going public in 2012.  The social networking company is going to valued around $100 billion dollars, according to The Wall Street Journal.  In a time when some mainstream Internet companies are filing their IPOs (LinkedIn and Groupon most recently, it seems almost fate that Facebook would follow suit.

So what does this mean for you as a potential investor?

If you’ve got the funds to throw down for a piece of the action, I’d consider it.  Facebook doesn’t appear to be coming down anytime soon in its reign as one of the top web entities to exist.  On the other hand, it’s possible that the Facebook IPO could suffer from “Groupon Syndrome” – where the highly anticipated value experienced a down fall as stock prices dropped for multiple days.

As a user of the site, it could mean good things as far as user experience and privacy goes because of the increase in stakeholders for the company.  I’m betting that the average user won’t notice any changes.  But, as Facebook continues to find more ways to make money, we may end up paying the biggest price of all.

Do you think Facebook should IPO?

DMM’s Best Bets (11/30 – 12/4)

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Now that we’ve had snow it it’s easy to believe the holiday’s are almost here!  You can do your holiday shopping at the Give Art! Gift Gallery at the Cannery or DVAC’s ARTtoBUY Holiday Gift Gallery .  Perhaps you need to get in the mood first, so why not attend a Wednesday Wine Tasting at Earthfare or perhaps Beer Tasting with Beer Guru Charles at Rumbleseat Wine is more to your style.

You can start Thursday out with Morning Meditation at the Peace Museum or head to the 2nd Street market for  Wreath-Making Demonstrations or head to Centerville’s Savona to a  ‘Meet the Artist’ Luncheon and Painting Workshop.  After work you could attend an  Artist Reception for Wind Me Up Wear Me Out at Stivers or head to Gilly’s because Roger Troutman: The Music Lives On.  Attend the World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil  at First Baptist Church or get a free HIV Test at Club Masque’s RED Tie Affair. You could join the  GEN D Wine Tassting at Winans, find your holiday spirit at the  Vandalia Christmas Tree Lighting or  treat yourself to HOLIDAY APPETIZERS WITH LOU  at A Taste of Wine, but it all might be Much Ado About Nothing!

Friday starts the weekend so perhaps you can warm up with a leisurely  Tour and Tea at the DAI, then head to the Greek Isle Deli for All You Can Eat Buffet.  You might want to stop by the Key Band Tower Exhibit: ‘Moneybags, Inc. LLC’ to get ready for First Friday that features the Courteous Mass Ride, a Christmas Candlelight Dinner at The Dayton Women’s Club,   The Wood Show  at Press, a FIBER Art Show at Yellow Cab and pick up gifts at  Handmade Holiday .  Make time to watch the
Mayor get his nails painted as part of the Activated Spaces and don’t forget to stop at RiverScape for Star-Late Skates.  You could end your night with a little Romeo Champagne at Oregon Expesss.  If  you prefer an evening in the suburbs you could head to Kettering for the  Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting or tour Woodland Lights in Washington Township.

Start your Saturday with a Cookie Walk to benefit We Care Arts or stop by the Psychic Fair to see what your future holds. It might just be Pizza with Santa, an afternoon with the Golden Dragon Acrobats or a ride on the  North Pole Express.  Need to get your holiday shopping on?  Stop by The Tike’s Shop, Handmade Holiday or Christkindlmarkt (German Christmas Market).  Keep the holiday spirit going at Dayton Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert or the Dayton Mandolin Holiday Show or perhaps you might enjoy the  Dirty Little Secrets Sensual Circus.  If a bar crawl is more your style, check out  Santarchy Dayton 2011.  De’Lish will be celebrating their  One Year Anniversary Customer Appreciation Weekend  and the New Schu Band will be at Trolley Stop.

Sunday is a great day to enjoy a Buffet Brunch at Barnsider or Brunch and a Movie  in Yellow Springs or have a Doll’s High Tea.  Maybe you’d rather learn Fundamentals of Skating or try Candle Dipping at the Farm  or just see The Blue Moon Dancing.
In the mood for a little music?  How about the   Bach Society Sweet Sounds of the Holidays  or Natalie MacMaster: Christmas in Cape Breton  or even the Savoy Truffle at Canal Street.

This column was created  by Jane Krebs, and while she’s taking a break, we’re doing our best to keep bringing you the best that Dayton has to offer.  and now in honor of Jane’s love of jokes:

Why does Santa always go down the chimney?
Because it soots him!

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!

New Almodovar Film at THE NEON!

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Hello Everyone,

Special thanks to all of you who came out over the weekend.  This was our best Thanksgiving Weekend ever, and THE DESCENDANTS is certainly a hit!!  (Interesting to note, 2nd place goes to the Thanksgiving weekend we opened AMELIE in 2001…3rd place to our Thanksgiving opening of SIDEWAYS – also Alexander Payne – back in 2004.)

If you haven’t had a chance to see MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE, Thursday will be your last chance to see it at THE NEON.  On Friday, we will open the latest film by my favorite filmmaker of all time – Pedro Almodovar.  THE SKIN I LIVE IN is a melodramatic thriller that reveals itself in a brilliant way.  I sat in the front row during its screening at the Toronto International Film Festival – when the film was introduced by its stars Antonio Banderas and Elena Anaya.  The film has stuck with me ever since – and I’ve grown to like it even more.  That said, I wish I hadn’t read much about it before seeing it on the big screen.  (Due to that reason, the description below will be relatively vague by comparison to the content of the film.)

Synopsis for THE SKIN I LIVE IN:  “Ever since his wife was burned in a car crash, Dr. Robert Ledgard, an eminent plastic surgeon, has been interested in creating a new skin with which he could have saved her. After twelve years, he manages to cultivate a skin that is a real shield against every assault. In addition to years of study and experimentation, Robert needed three things: no scruples, an accomplice and a human guinea pig. Scruples were never a problem. Marilia, the woman who looked after him from the day he was born, is his most faithful accomplice. And as for the human guinea pig…” (Sony Classics)   Visit the film’s official website.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PavJUoZNT7g’]

As you can tell by now, the Weinstein Co. decided not to open MY WEEK WITH MARILYN in Dayton on December 2.   Right now, we don’t know their intentions for the film in this market.  Though we would certainly love to play the film, it will all be a matter of screen availability when they decide to move forward.

Starting this Saturday, we’ll be hosting The Holiday Family Movie Series…sponsored by The Downtown Dayton Partnership, DP&L and THE NEON.  The movies begin at noon and are free for children 12 and under; other tickets are only $2 each.  On December 3, we will play MIRACLE ON 34th STREET (original 1947 version).  On December 10 – POLAR EXPRESS.  And lastly, on December 17, we will play A CHRISTMAS STORY.  All of these movies will be presented via digital video projection.

For remaining showtimes for this week, visit our site.

Special thanks to our new friends at Ghostlight Coffee for letting us hang posters in their new, adorable coffeeshop.  If you haven’t had a chance to check them out, click on the link – they’re a great addition to Dayton.  Of course we appreciate all of our friends and partners – Meadowlark, Boston Stoker, Ohio Coffee Company, Olive, A Urban Dive, Blind Bob’s, Square One Salon & Spa, 5th Street Wine & Deli, Gem City Records,  and all of you…and of course DAYTON MOST METRO.  Without grassroots marketing and positive word-of-mouth, we wouldn’t still be here.  Thank you!

We hope to see you very soon,

Jonathan

 

SHOWTIMES for Fri. December 2 – Thur. December 8:

THE DESCENDANTS (R) 1 Hrs 55 Min

Friday,Saturday, Sunday:  12:15, 2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

Monday – Thursday:  2:40, 5:00, 7:20, 9:45

THE SKIN I LIVE IN (R) 1 Hr 57 Min

Friday: 12:20, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50

Saturday: 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50

Sunday:  12:20, 2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50

Monday – Thursday:  2:50, 5:10, 7:30, 9:50

MIRACLE ON 34th STREET 1947 version (G) 1 Hr 36 Min

Saturday: 12:00 (Noon)

COMING SOON:

As always, all dates are tentative.  Some of these dates will change.

In some cases, titles may disappear.

???  MY WEEK WITH MARILYN

TBD   MELANCHOLIA

Dec. 25   THE ARTIST

Jan. 20   SHAME

Jan. 20   CARNAGE

Jan. 27   A DANGEROUS METHOD

TBD   WEEKEND

TBD   THE HEDGEHOG 

Pecha Kucha Volume 9 – An Idea Sharing Party

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Still haven’t experienced the adrenaline shot of a 20×20 presentation? Pecha Kucha Volume 9 will be an awesome introduction. It’s your chance to enjoy the brief but intense outpourings of eight creative thinkers and doers in a social atmosphere. Fans of the fast-paced talk format will enjoy returning to Carli and Hamilton Dixon’s art space, Atta Girl Art & Garden. And we’ll all be treated to tapas from Coco’s Bistro, along with wine and the requisite beer. You’ll see why PK has become a global phenomenon, held in 455 cities around the world.

Presenters will include several fine artists, an indie music devotee, a historian/archivist, a grass roots leader, an urban activist, and an intuitive life guide. Jason Sheets will MC. The mix and dynamics are different each time, and Volume 9 promises to be its own unique self. Come experience it. You may decide you want to present at a future PK. There are four a year.

Volume 9 is Thursday, December 8 at 7:30pm at Atta Girl Art & Garden, 905 East 3rdnear Keowee. Parking is free in the building’s lot. There is no door charge, but donations are accepted to cover the night’s food, drink and rental costs. Dragonfly Editorial generously sponsors Pecha Kucha Dayton.

PechaKucha Night was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public.

It has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in hundreds of cities around the world, inspiring creatives worldwide. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of “chit chat”, it rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It’s a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace.

(from Pecha Kucha Dayton)

Mayor to Get Nails Painted – You Pick the Color!

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(Most content taken from the Activated Spaces Web site)

Visit Peace on Fifth - one of the Activated Spaces Pop-Up Shops

On Friday, December 2nd, Mayor Leitzell will help raise funds for Activated Spaces by getting his nails painted at Beaute Box, one of the Activated Spaces Pop-up shops. Donate online now! The more they raise prior to the event, the crazier the color, plus you’ll help Activated Spaces start new pop-up shops in 2012. Every $250 raised helps to establish a new pop-up shop in downtown Dayton!

– If we raise $250, color: Wildfire
– If we raise $500, color: Tutti Fruitti:
– If we raise $750+, color: Hotski to Tchotchski:

Any amount you donate to the cause can help: $5, $25 or $50. Your support of these pop-up stores will help to spur a more permanent retail environment in our downtown – the next step in downtown revitalization.

The “grand painting” will happen at 8pm on Friday, December 2nd at Beaute Box. Attend the Activated Spaces grand opening and join in the fun.

Instead of just using his celebrity to promote the event and the pop-up shops, it was important to Mayor Leitzell that it be a fundraiser. Beyond promoting the “new and unique” pop-up shops,  he is adding his name (and nails) so Activated Spaces can get the funding to continue to do the good work in the community. Leitzell says, “it’s all in good fun and and it’s raising money for a good cause.”

Can I Get My Tab?

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Ambition and Disappointment

The summer was full of both but I did learn a few very valuable lessons. Evenings  in dresses thinking tonight’s gonna be the night and those little  Laws of Attraction (while very true) that send us into an irrational frenzy. We always want what we can’t have and I’ve been trying for years to understand this phenomenon.  Deep down inside I know exactly what I want in a relationship, what I want from a first date to the third and fourth, yet every once and a while I find what is seemingly a dud and consider them to be more. It’s a real problem. A lot of my nights start with high hopes and while most end well, others are a huge disappointment. For the life of me I can never understand why I’ve spent so much time pining and crushing over some, when ultimately I’m left scratching my head wondering, “what I was thinking?”

The Summer Crush of 2011

Since the summer, my friends have comically and aggressively banned me from the Oregon District because of my love interest in beards, bartenders and musicians. Was it their liqueur mixing, social, music or communication skills that did it?  I don’t really know but for a while there I found myself eyeing a few very unlikely suspects,  and I (like my friends) became worried. I think my “want” to meet someone had somehow clouded my judgment about what’s really good for me… what I deserve. There was one guy that for months, (I may have even mentioned in a column or two), I pined over ridiculously. When I finally got the opportunity, I was a little sick to my stomach afterwords frankly. That’s no exaggeration. Which brings me to my point.

Do Desperate Times Really Have to Call for Desperate Measures?

No. Why do we feel desperate when we’re single for a long time? I know that I personally started to think it would never happen for me, that I was being too picky and so the first guy to take notice to me in a long time was all of a sudden all I could think about. I had somehow forgotten the months of him ignoring me prior too.  Nothing anyone said to me, (all obvious and valid points) made any difference to me. The guy was a total flake, lacked personality and had low self- esteem but I thought he was dreamy based on a few conversations where we connected on a few topics.  At best, he was friend material but certainly not a candidate for between the sheets or long-term commitment.  I had more intense kisses in the 8th grade and better conversations with strangers in a checkout line.  For months I pined over nothing because I narrowed in on one opportunity instead of opening my eyes to a world of opportunity around me.

Never Settle. 

We all get lonely from time to time. Long-term singles like myself who want to really find someone go through a pattern of settling I think. You think, “sure why not” a lot more than usual. You look past things that ordinarily would annoy you. You end up going home with your “ultimate” crush thinking it’s gonna be a hot night finally when really you’d rather be home playing scrabble after 5 minutes alone with him. It happens. I’ve starting writing down what I really want in a relationship, in a “mate” and what exactly I don’t want. It’s a good reminder in times like this. If you’re looking for a good time and not a long time, sure try on a few duds for size but never forget what it is you really want, want will make you happy.  That experience really taught me a lot about myself (some good and some bad) but I did snap out of it and quickly.  It’s all a learning experience though and how, I believe, we get closer to finding exactly what it is we really want. You can’t put a time limit on it though and you can’t settle before you get there. That person we’re meant to be with is out there and when the time is right it will happen, and you won’t be playing scrabble. Until then, live a little. Be adventurous, not like wearing white after Labor Day but taking chances and have fun.

He could still have a beard, be bartender or a musician or anything for that matter. I wanted to add that point to avoid any unnecessary assumptions. It’s not what a person does or has that I’m looking for, it’s really all about who they are and whether or not we fit. A lot has changed since then. Most importantly, me.

I’d be lying if I said it stopped there. The summer was a riot. More next week.

Woodland Lights Brings a Month of Magic, Lights & Festivities

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(from Washington Township)

Lights and color abound at the 19th annual Woodland Lights, a month-long festival of holiday lights, displays and activities in Countryside Park, next to the Washington Township Recreation Center, 895 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd.

Woodland Lights offers a half-mile wooded path winding through a park and around a pond where visitors can enjoy whimsical characters and illuminated critters preparing for the holidays. Hours are 6 to 9 p.m. nightly Dec. 2-30, except Dec. 24 and 25.

This year, nine butterflies outlined in lights have been created for the event. Each is about three to five feet high and located where a Butterfly Playground will be installed next spring. Extra spark and color also has been added with more new lights decorating the trees, said Linda Madden, event coordinator.

Along the trail, children can visit with Santa Claus inside an historic log cabin decorated for the holidays. Parents may take their own photos or purchase one for $5.

Other favorite stopping points include eight holiday window displays, an interactive light display for hands-on fun, and the 11th annual collection of home-made gingerbread houses. Visitors can enjoy bonfires, hot chocolate, refreshments and a viewing deck where lights sparkle and reflect off the Woodland Lights pond.

Different nights at Woodland Lights have different moods. Monday and Tuesday Nostalgia Nights offer lights, Santa visits, refreshments and bonfires.

Festival Nights are Wednesday through Sunday and include the same, plus carriage rides, live deer, amusement rides, costumed characters, games and activities. Kids can play on a fun slide and enjoy four amusement rides including a small train, Santa swing, twister and pony carts. Offerings also include face painting and a drawing for a giant stocking filled with toys.

Photo opportunities abound, with whimsical settings that include a country front porch and photo panels where kids can poke their heads through a panel and appear as a jack-in-the box, a mouse, or a gingerbread character.

“When we started Woodland Lights 19 years ago, we wanted it to be magical and enchanting. We’re staying true to that vision,” Madden said, noting that visitors will see areas such as toy land, Santa’s airfield, candy land and a winter play land.

Admission is $3 on Mondays and Tuesdays and $6 on Wednesdays through Sundays. Children under 3 are free. Tickets are available at the gate, or may be purchased from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the front desk of theWashingtonTownshipRecreationCenter. Season passes cost $20 for adults 19 years and older and $15 for youth 3 to 18 years. Group ticket packages also are available.

Details, including options for people with limited mobility and senior tours, are available at woodlandlights.org, or by calling 937-433-0130.Woodland Lights is presented in cooperation with Subaru of Dayton. Media sponsors are Dayton Daily News, MIX 107.7 and 94.5 LITE FM.

Woodland Lights at a Glance… Walk the Path to Holiday Fun!

6 to 9 p.m. nightly December 2 – 30     Closed Dec. 24 & 25
Countryside Park (next to the Washington Township Recreation Center)

Nostalgia Nights
Monday & Tuesday
Cost: $3
Lights, refreshments and visits with Santa

Festival Nights
Wednesday – Sunday
Cost: $6
All the fun of Nostalgia Nights, plus carriage rides, live deer, amusement rides, costumed characters, games & activities

VTA presents Traces

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Victoria Theatre Association is bringing the exciting production “Traces” to Dayton starting December 6 through December 18.  From the Traces website:

Traces takes place in a make-shift shelter, an unknown catastrophe waiting outside the doors of tarp and gaffer tape. The seven characters constructed this clubhouse to live to the fullest what they believe could be their last moments, hoping to leave nothing unsaid or undone. In the face of this impending disaster they have determined that creation is the only antidote to destruction, and their brand of creation is the fleeting impulses and desires that extend through their bodies and unfurl onto stage – the story is told through music, song, dance, speech, illustration, and high-risk acrobatics. The characters use every mode of expression available to them, hoping to leave a lasting mark… to leave their traces as best they can.

As they tell the stories of their past and share their various personal strengths and weaknesses, the audience gets to know these seven performers from every possible angle. The familiarity grows, and the acrobatics – a seemingly “inhuman” element – takes on a startlingly human nature. At its heart, Traces celebrates seven individuals, their particular bond and their particular talents; their risk-taking; the ultimate affirmation of life; and their unbridled energy, proof of a collective pounding pulse.

[yframe url=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i6TX7C6rnwI’]

Traces is a production of the Montreal troupe Les 7 doigts de la main  which translates to “the 7 fingers of the hand” – representing the seven founding directors of the company and a twist on a French idiom (“the five fingers of the hand”) used to describe distinct parts united tightly, moving in coordination towards one common goal.  7 Fingers was founded in 2002 with a simple mission – bring circus to a human scale.  Traces, one of several shows under the 7 Fingers belt, is “a circus that lets its freak flag fly” (NYT).  Unlike mega-productions like Cirque du Soleil (where the founders of 7 Fingers came from), the performers in Traces share their own personal stories in an intimate setting as they combine acrobatics with contemporary dance and urban elements like basketball and skateboarding.

DaytonMostMetro.com is proud to be a media sponsor for Traces, starting at the Victoria Theatre on December 6th.  Tickets are on sale at TicketCenterStage.com.

TICKET CONTEST

We’re giving away THREE PAIRS OF TICKETS to see Traces!  Just fill out the form below for a chance to win – we have one pair of tickets for each of the following shows: 12/6, 12/7 and 12/8.  Winners will be announced on Friday December 2 at 2pm.  Good luck!

(contest closed)

Congratulations to our following winners!

Amy Forsthoefel

Trang Lickliter

Sarah Muench

Tröegs Mad Elf – Snobby Beer Reviews

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Troegs Mad Elf Beer. It’s a wonderful combination of barley, hops, water, and yeast. These four ingredients can produce a huge variety of styles of beer, from refreshing Lagers to chewy Imperial Stouts. There are beers for every occasion. Beer is something enjoyed by a diverse group of people. Beer is something you can make at home. It can be cheap, and it can be expensive. It can be widely available, and it can be extremely rare. If you’ve read this far, then you probably can agree: beer is awesome.

Now that it’s almost December, seasonal brews have shifted from Oktoberfests and Pumpkin Ales to Winter Warmers and Spiced Ales. These seasonal beers are among my favorite styles, if for no other reason than they just feel special. I decided to share my review for one of these beers as my first review on Dayton Most Metro.

Enter: Mad Elf from Tröegs Brewing Co. in Harrisburg, PA.

From the Tröegs Website:

The Mad Elf, a cheerful creation to warm your heart and enlighten your tongue. The combination of Cherries, Honey, and Chocolate Malts delivers gentle fruits and subtle spices. Fermented and aged with a unique yeast, this ruby red beer has significant warming strength that underlies the pleasant character of this intriguing yet delicious Ale. The Mad Elf, a jolly and delicious beer for the Holidays.

My review for this beer:

Troegs Mad Elf 2011

Troegs Mad Elf 2011

This beer is 11% Alcohol By Volume, and 15 IBUs (International Bittering Units).

Served in a Christmas tulip!

APPEARANCE

This Elf is a lovely deep copper-red color and is more translucent than expected. The head was about a one finger khaki color, and dissipated in a hurry – none of it remained. It looks like a lovely brew! I feel like the cherries were added to give it a good amount of color, but not so much on the flavor (more on that later).

SMELL

There is some definite big Belgian yeast/spice character coming through. Surprisingly, alcohol isn’t that present. There is a lovely honey aroma, but not a lot of the cherries. There’s a good bit of raisin bread character, and the Belgian spiciness is met with some dark fruitiness. It smells fantastic and inviting.

TASTE

Yum – this is a big bad beer. There’s a lot of chewy bread-like character, and some wonderful dark fruit character. The sweetness is definitely high, but not cloying. The honey comes through at the back of the tongue and hangs around for a little while after the swallow. The cherry flavor is present, but it’s not very noticeable. The Belgian spiciness is a nice addition to to overall flavor, but isn’t the focus of the beer. Alcohol? Schmalcohol, this beer doesn’t appear to have the stuff.

MOUTHFEEL

This Elf starts off big and chewy, and feels slightly syrupy (the good kind of syrupy). At the end, there’s a bit of dryness that ups the drinkability. It’s nice and warming after each sip, and even though you can’t taste the alcohol, you can feel it! There isn’t much carbonation to speak of, which works well in a thicker beer like this. The beer is pretty drinkable, yet it demands to be savored.

OVERALL

This beer is excellent. This is definitely not a beer to drink every night, but is great for cold winter nights. It doesn’t have as much spice character as other Holiday beers, but is a MUST for this time of the year. I don’t know what made the Elf Mad, but this beer makes me very happy. Due to the high ABV of this beer, it’s a prime candidate for aging in your basement or cellar. Plus, I love the fact that they sell it in a variety of ways – 22 Oz Bombers, 12 oz. Singles, and even six-packs instead of four-packs! It gives you the opportunity to buy a sixer, drink a few, then age the rest.

This beer is available at fine bottle shops in Dayton, such as Belmont Party Supply, Arrow Wine & Spirits, Liquor & Wine Warehouse, and more. They should also be available at your favorite craft beer bars – but get them fast before they sell out!

Cheers.

SCORE: ★★★★ 4/5

This and other reviews can also be found at Snobby Beer.

Getting a ‘Handel’ on the True Spirit of Christmas

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DPO presents Messiah in original seasonal setting

Here’s a quick tutorial on Christmas:

Definition – “Christ’s Mass”; a holiday to memorialize the birth of Jesus, the central figure of Christianity.

Meaning – the celebration of God coming into the world in human form to do penance for mankind’s sins.

Impact – Each year, Christmas and Easter are the periods of highest church attendance.

Decorations – Greenery, such as branches from evergreen plants, ivy, and holly; nativity scenes; the traditional colors of green (symbolizing eternal life) and red (symbolizing the blood Jesus shed at his crucifixion); and the evergreen Christmas tree, which keeps its leaves in the winter.

Songs – Christmas carols, which first appeared in English in 1426, and completely secular Christmas seasonal songs that emerged in the late 18th century. (Deck The Halls and Jingle Bells).

Meals – A traditional Christmas family meal with each country having its own, special menu.

Cards – the first commercial Christmas card dates from 1843 in London.

Figures – Father Christmas, also known as Santa Claus; Père Noël; the Wiehnachtsmann; Saint Nicholas or Sinterklaas; the Christkind; Kris Kringle; Joulupukki; Babbo Natale; Saint Basil; and Father Frost.

Writings – Clement Moore’s poem A Visit From St. Nicholas (‘Twas the Night Before Christmas) and Charles Dickens’s novel A Christmas Carol (It’s where the greeting ‘Merry Christmas’ comes from).

Here endeth the tutorial.

DPO and the DPO Chamber Choir will present Handel’s Messiah
December ­11 at 4pm
Westminster Presbyterian Church, 125 North Wilkinson Street

Religious holidays such as Christmas have always inspired the composition of sacred songs and hymns for use in church services. For example, in 1741, George Frederick Handel composed an oratorio for another church holiday – Easter. Handel was a German composer, who received his musical training in Italy and spent most of his life in England.

A bit of a loose cannon, Handel – eighteen and frustrated with the musical chauvinism where he lived, actually dueled with another composer over opera music. Eventually, he became become court composer, and his patron at court, the Elector of Hanover, became King George I of England. A few years later Handel recognized his chance and moved to England. Permanently.

The sacred, non-dramatic oratorio he had written for Easter was entitled Messiah.

Here’s a quick tutorial on oratorios:

Embodiment – a large musical composition with arias, performed by an orchestra, a choir, soloists, and various distinguishable characters.

Performance – little or no interaction between the characters; no props or elaborate costumes.

Subject Matter – sacred topics, making it appropriate for performance in the church.

Here endeth the tutorial.

Handel was down on his luck. His last two works, both operas, were duds, and he was ready to chuck it all and head back to Chauvinist heaven when Charles Jennens, a collaborator of his on the oratorio Saul, saved him the bother.

Jennens had written a libretto (text for an extended musical work) based around the birth and Passion of Christ. He gave it to Handel, who wrote a score for it in a little over three weeks. The completed work, text and music, bore the name Messiah.

Messiah has three parts: the Prophecy of the Messiah and its fulfillment, the events from the Passion to the triumph of the Resurrection, and the role of the Messiah in life after death. None of the characters have names. The words express the drama. The Hallelujah Chorus of Messiah has become both a musical, and a spiritual, icon.

Today, orchestras and choruses perform Messiah in churches at Christmas almost as much as at Easter. Why?

Because Christmas, as a religious holiday, has been held hostage. It has become a prisoner of war.

In the U.S. there has been a tendency to replace the greeting Merry Christmas with Happy Holidays. Allegations abound that any specific mention of the term “Christmas” or its religious aspects are increasingly suppressed, avoided, or deterred by a number of advertisers and retailers.

Christmas is typically the largest annual economic stimulus for many nations around the world. Sales increase dramatically in almost all retail areas, and shops introduce new products as people purchase gifts, decorations, and supplies. In the U.S., the Christmas shopping season starts as early as October. It has been calculated that a quarter of all personal spending takes place during the Christmas/holiday shopping season.

Some Christian and non-Christians have claimed all this crass commercialization to be an affront to Christmas.

In several Latin American countries such as Venezuela and Colombia they’ve managed a compromise between religious and secular beliefs. Current tradition maintains that Santa makes the toys, which he then gives to the Baby Jesus to deliver to children’s homes.

In Dayton, no one is making any compromises. At least no one at the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra. On Sunday, December ­11 at 4pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 125 North Wilkinson Street, the DPO and the DPO Chamber Choir will present Handel’s Messiah.

Soprano Megan Bell, alto Julia Bentley, tenor Matt Morgan, and bass Curtis Streetman will join DPO Music Director Neal Gittleman and DPO Chamber Choir Director Hank Dahlman for the performance of this revered holiday classic.

And this statement of faith and love at Christmas time, the season of faith and love.

Golden Dragon Acrobats – Family Fun at the Victoria Theatre

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Victoria Theatre Association announces the 2011-2012 PNC Family Series presentation of Golden Dragon Acrobats December 3 & 4 at 1pm and 3:30pm in the historic Victoria Theatre. Tickets are on sale now at the Ticket Center Stage Box Office, via phone 937.228.3630 or online.
Bring the whole family to Victoria Theatre for an amazing experience with the Golden Dragon Acrobats! From contortionists to an eight-person bicycle balancing act to breath-taking acrobatic ballet, Golden Dragon Acrobats will “wow” the audience with their amazing skills.  And while you’re there, check out the Wintergarden Wonderland for holiday fun!
Direct from China world-renowned impresario Danny Chang, choreographer Angela Chang and their Golden Dragon Acrobats combine award-winning acrobatics, traditional Chinese dance, spectacular costumes, ancient and contemporary music and theatrical techniques to present a show of breathtaking skill and spellbinding beauty. The award-winning Golden Dragon Acrobats center their show on 25 centuries of honored Asian skills and traditions. Their dazzling performances received standing ovations and critical acclaim on Broadway as well as two New York Drama Desk nominations for Unique Theatrical Experience and Best Choreography.
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The PNC Family Series is the largest and oldest performing arts series for children in the Miami Valley. For over 25 years, Victoria Theatre Association has presented quality, entertaining programs for families and friends of all ages. Don’t miss out on fun craft activities beginning one hour before each performance on both Saturday and Sunday.
Tickets for Golden Dragon Acrobats are priced at a family-friendly $20 for adults and $18 for children (ages 12 and under). Tickets are on sale now through Ticket Center Stage, and may be purchased at the Schuster Center box office in downtown Dayton or by phone, at (937) 228-3630 or toll free (888) 228-3630. Ticket Center Stage hours are Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, noon – 4 p.m., and two hours prior to each performance. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.ticketcenterstage.com.

DMM Ticket Contest

We have a family four-pack to give away for the show on December 3, 2011 at 1pm courtesy of Victoria Theatre Association!  Simply fill out the form below to be entered for a chance to win.  We’ll announce winners here and on our On Stage Dayton Facebook page on Wednesday November 30 at 2pm – good luck!

(contest closed)

Congratulations to Heather Dabbs – she is our random winner!

Hello World – Welcome to Dayton

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When Dayton announced its Welcome Dayton Plan last month, it met with mixed reviews from the public. This was hardly surprising since the topic of immigration is currently a hot button issue in the United States. As the country is still struggling to regain its economic footing the subject of immigrant job seekers is and has been a particularly touchy one. Because of this strong stigma, the Welcome Dayton Plan may face its share of difficulty.

According to Mayor Gary Leitzell – who is himself an immigrant from England – the majority response to the Welcome Dayton Plan has been quite positive. “It’s so simple, it makes sense, all of the people that we’re trying to facilitate are already here anyway,” he said. The mayor added that those opposed to the plan seem to be those who are anti-Hispanic. The complaints he’s received regarding the plan have raised concerns over Dayton becoming a haven for illegal Hispanic immigrants.

However, Welcome Dayton is aimed at legal immigrants only. If an immigrant job seeker or business wants to find their place in Dayton, they have to go through all the verification processes. The word “immigrant” has become tied to the idea of Hispanic or Latino immigrants. However, Dayton has more than just one type of immigrant. A great example is our Ahiska Turk (or Meskhetian Turk) population that has been around for many years and continues to grow. Dayton also regularly receives refugee immigrants from many different countries.

“let’s come up with something to attract immigrants, and therefore attract entrepreneurs…” – Gary Leitzell

Mayor Gary Leitzell said that earlier this year as he and his staff began looking at immigrant statistics in Dayton, they realized the city’s immigrant population was incredibly diverse. In addition to Ahiska Turks, Hispanics and Latinos, the city is also home to people from Nigeria, Libya, Sudan, Iraq, Bosnia, Philippines, and Korea to name a few. “So we basically said let’s come up with something to attract immigrants, and therefore attract entrepreneurs, and come up with a plan that would facilitate their success in Dayton,” said Mayor Leitzell. The decision was influenced by the success the Ahiska Turk population has had as well as immigrant-related research and statistics. The committees were then formed to do just that and they drafted the Welcome Dayton Plan. Mayor Leitzell noted that the plan is a working one and is open and subject to change as new ideas or needs arise.

When it comes down to it, Dayton is on its way to becoming a very diverse population. The Welcome Dayton Plan seeks to make the most of this increasing population resource for all parties involved. But the question is, does Dayton really want to be recognized as an immigrant friendly city? The answer may very well be yes. With big businesses like GM and NCR leaving the state, Ohio has seen not only a revenue loss but also a population decrease as people migrate to other states looking for jobs.  Greaterohio.org has a good layout of this data and the immigrant population here. The Welcome Dayton Plan’s report notes that government studies – such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s report “Immigration Myths and Facts: Labor, Immigration & Employee Benefits Division” – have shown areas with similar economic issues have been rejuvenated with the influx of immigrant business and workers. They brought in jobs and money to these areas. Immigrant entrepreneurship could be a critical tool in the fight to stop the loss of business and profit in Dayton.

At its most basic level, the plan is designed to entice immigrant business and workers to Dayton by making itself immigrant friendly. This means Dayton will begin a two-way education campaign. One end will be aimed at immigrant entrepreneurs educating them on supportive resources to help reduce potential barriers to their integration. Specifically, access to and help understanding government services, laws, and health services. In example, there was a suggestion to put up a website regarding these services for the immigrants to easily access the information. Also recommended is a team of volunteers and public agency workers to help immigrants in their job searches and the process of opening a business. The other end will be aimed at current residents emphasizing the benefits of cultural diversity, immigrant business, and cross-cultural communication.

You might have noticed the mention of the word ‘volunteer.’ Some of this plan depends on community support in the form of volunteer services – the most important service being translation. For the Limited English Proficient (LEP), the plan suggests providing language services like ESL classes and translation support. Translation of both cultural mannerisms and linguistics are some of the largest barriers immigrants and non-immigrants face when it comes to integration.

Volunteering as an interpreter may simply require that you have a number at which you can be easily reached. If there’s an issue late in the night and an interpreter is needed, you may be able to fulfill your function from home through the telephone. Volunteerism could also keep more of the city’s budget in the black as it works to implement the plan, although some positions will be an expansion on current public jobs with a small stipend for the extra work. Now more than ever, being bilingual is an essential asset to any business and we can expect to see more job openings looking specifically for multi-lingual workers in banking, law enforcement, healthcare, and more. For college students wanting more real-world experience, or something nice to put on their resumes, volunteering as an interpreter could be for you.

The plan’s report also mentions the possibility of turning East Third Street in Dayton into an international marketplace. Mayor Gary Leitzell said that his vision is to open up space for a weekly open-air market. He believes selling in the proposed market could provide immigrants with the means to earn around $500 each month; which the mayor noted was typically the difference between owning and renting a house. So far, he’s received permission from Sandy Mendelson – who owns 70% of the large parking lot and the building behind the Webster Market – to set up the outdoor market at Third and Webster. The same rules that apply to Turtle Creek Market and Traders World would also apply to the International Market. This market could bring in more money from the suburbs and other areas as they seek out new flavors, decorations, and the like.

“Everyone needs to be open-minded and realize that when we talk about immigrants, we’re focused on a global aspect and if we can attract people from all cultures and all cultures, then we will increase the flavor that is Dayton,” said Mayor Leitzell. “Let’s realize that anyone who comes here from another country […] comes to America usually with a very open mind and the American dream in their head and they see America as the land of opportunity. And it turns out that a foreign born national is two times more likely to succeed as a small business than somebody that’s native born here.” He noted that not all immigrant workers will focus on small business. Many immigrants come over with specialized degrees that could benefit open positions in Dayton that lack qualified applicants. Perhaps the reason more of the qualified immigrant workers fail to obtain these jobs is due to a lack of understanding how to search for and apply to these jobs.

I’ve heard some people complain that it seems like Dayton will be bending over backwards for the immigrant businesses. I’d like to point out that cities and even states do more for big American businesses – typically including significant tax cuts – just to get them in their area. Big businesses don’t always invest as much in their locales as smaller businesses might because they aren’t terribly dependant on their locations. Especially with outsourcing being such a popular and cheap option.

For those of you still not convinced on the benefits of this plan, keep this in mind. New businesses pay rent, buy groceries, pay taxes, pay for utilities, buy furnishings, pay for construction work, and provide jobs directly and indirectly. New positions will be opening up in the coming years for workers with multiple language skills and to help set up or run services that provide support for immigrant businesses and workers. It’s important to remember the potential percentage of money that will be injected back into Dayton through any new local business. The more successful they are, the more they might spend to improve their business and expand.

There are still more facts, figures, and components included in the plan that I can’t cover here. I highly recommend that readers take a look at the easy to read plan for themselves here: http://www.daytonohio.gov/welcomedaytonreport.

Carvers Celebrates Anniversary With $15 Gift To You

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It’s been 15 years since Carvers Steak & Chops opened their doors at 1535 Miamisburg-Centerville Road (Rt. 725) in Washington Township.  Originally part of a California based chain, in 2008 that company dissolved after filing bankruptcy and this location was taken private.  As an independent, the 220 seat restaurant has continued to grow their reputation, winning the “Best Steak” title on the local ActiveDayton poll in both 2010 and 2011.  Whether you’re a fan of the Ribeye, New York Strip filet or just prefer Prime Rib, Carvers is happy to serve you up a midwest aged steak, hand cut daily by Chef William Pence.  All entrees are served with your choice of French onion soup, clam chowder, spinach, chopped or caesar salad as well as a side selection of a potato dish or vegetable.  I highly recommend their au gratin potates!

To compliment their extensive beef and seafood menu, Carvers wine list includes over two hundred selections, as well as the largest selection of Single Malt Scotch’s in the Miami Valley.  The lounge has live musical entertainment every Friday and Saturday night and there is a private dining room available for groups of up to 60.

Carvers is offering a $15 off dinner for two deal to celebrate their 15th anniversary Sat, Nov 26th through Mon, Nov 28th. Just show your server this story on your mobile device or print a copy and present it. Reservation are not required, but you can make them by calling (937) 433-7099.

Four reasons I’m staying in D8N

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It’s pretty much universal. No matter who I talk to – lifelong D8N residents, far-flung friends and family, and anybody living or working here now – when I tell them I moved to Dayton from California, they ask: “Why??”

It’s complicated. “I followed a boy,” I’ll say. I needed out of my evening-shift job covering & editing & posting stories on Mexican gangland killings and car crashes and other horrors for a small-staff California newspaper. It took a wonderful Dayton native to come along, sweep me off my feet, and help me  take the leap into freelancing from a new home base: the Miami Valley.

The reasons I stayed? When that boy and I decided to be “just friends” and I could have gone anywhere – Portland, San Francisco, Austin, Boston, Berlin, Beijing – I needed some time to save up cash. After a whirlwind year of travel adventures and hard (but unpaid) work helping lead a camp at the annual Burning Man festival, I also needed time to focus on building my business.

And then I started noticing four very good reasons to stay in Dayton.

1) The cost of living. Way, way cheaper than any of those other cities.

2) The weather. I grew up in Massachusetts, and survived coastal California’s months of fog and ridiculous lack of decent thunderstorms, and Dayton is an awesome blend of what’s best about both regions. We’ve got actual seasons. We’ve got summer storms and winter snows. But neither the heat nor the cold are as vicious or lasting as what I knew back East.

3) The opportunities. Well, good-paying jobs are still tough to come by in southwest Ohio, but freelancers have clients around the world. And I have a distinct advantage: I don’t need to charge New York prices! The real opportunities in Dayton are its incredible business and arts networks: thousands of small businesses and nonprofits and churches committed to making the lives of this region’s people better, as well as hundreds of museums and parks and libraries that reflect a deep, rich culture worth investing in.

4) All my new friends. Artists. Churchgoers. Grad students. Actors. Investors. Young families. Chefs. CEOs. Dancers. Writers. You don’t have to live in San Francisco to meet awesome people, after all!

What makes you glad to have the D8N region in your headlights when it’s time to head home?

An Epic Tale Reborn

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Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg’s Tony Award-winning “Les Miserables,” one of the most internationally beloved musicals of our time adapted from the novel by Victor Hugo, returns to Dayton as a freshly reconceived epic impressively heightened by an outstanding array of vocal and visual pleasures.

This 25th anniversary production, presented at the Schuster Center courtesy of the Victoria Theatre Association’s Good Samaritan and Miami Valley Hospitals Broadway Series, uniquely shines without the familiar trademarks “Les Mis” audiences have grown accustomed to such as the revolving turntable or Trevor Nunn and John Caird’s original whirlwind stagecraft. Co-directors Laurence Connor and James Powell, firmly intent to keep the action just under three hours, refreshingly dial down any morsel of spectacle to effectively place the libretto and score front and center with a great sense of urgency that serves the sweeping if melodramatic tale, which chronicles the redemptive journey of ex-convict Jean Valjean in 19th century France. Connor and Powell, embracing the novel idea of color blind casting, have particularly found new ways to approach the emotional potency that fills practically every scene. For example, in “Turning,” the women of Paris remember the fallen rebels by placing candles on the ground which are subsequently carried away by the deceased men during the haunting “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables,” passionately rendered by Max Quinlan as Marius. The production’s conceptual allure extends to the evocative contributions of set designer Matt Kinley whose work, inspired by Hugo’s paintings, nicely compliments the action rather than appearing showy or distracting. Fifty-Nine Productions is responsible for a striking series of cinematic projections which rank among the finest I have seen since viewing the Broadway premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s short-lived “The Woman in White” in 2005. The fantastic sight of the sewers in Act 2 alone is worth the price of admission.

Authentically clothed by Tony winner Andreane Neofitou with additional designs by Christine Rowland, the uniformly terrific cast, clearly propelling the sung-through score to spine-tingling proportions under the steady guidance of musical director Robert Billig, avoids bombastic urges with sharp, expressive portrayals. Sublime tenor J. Mark McVey, an appealing source of conviction, warmth and vitality as Valjean, duly receives the biggest applause of the night for his absolutely heartfelt rendition of the signature tune “Bring Him Home,” initially interpreted as a pensive lullaby yet climaxing as a powerful plea. Robust baritone Andrew Varela is an excellently imposing presence as Inspector Javert, Valjean’s relentless nemesis. Chasten Harmon, a heartbreaking Eponine, delivers a dynamically poignant “On My Own” and an equally stunning “A Little Fall of Rain” so gripping you will feel every inch of Eponine’s tragic fate. As the delightfully dastardly Thenardiers, Richard Vida and a particularly magnetic Shawna M. Hamic breezily insert a few comical Fagin-esque twists and turns into their rousing version of “Master of the House.” Jenny Latimer, as Cosette, creates a strong bond with Quinlan. Jeremy Hays, a fiery Enjolras, leads a stellar “Do You Hear The People Sing.” Understudy Cornelia Luna, as the ill-fated Fatine, supplies a beautifully sincere rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream.” Lucia Giannetta briefly dazzles opposite Luna as an outspoken Factory Girl.

“Les Mis” purists might have qualms with the artistic makeover on display, but the material, a richly woven tapestry of faith, forgiveness, love, loss, and valiance, certainly remains as captivating and compelling as ever.

“Les Miserables” continues through November 27 at the Schuster Center, Second and Main Streets. Performances are Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Act One: 93 minutes; Act Two: 65 minutes. Tickets are $40-$101. For tickets or more information, call Ticket Center Stage at (937) 228-3630 or visit www.ticketcenterstage.com

Jane’s Best Bets (11/23 – 11/27)

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Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

It’s that time of year when you get asked the question, “What are you thankful for?”  I am thankful for the many blessings in my life, including such things as my family, friends, food, shelter, etc.  In addition, I am thankful for the fact that there are always great things going on in Dayton…and I’m here to share a few of them with you.   

On Wednesday, head to the 2nd Street Market to get some of your last minute Thanksgiving items for their Stock-Up Wednesday.  If you didn’t get to catch opening night of Les Miserables at the Schuster Center, you will still have an opportunity on Wednesday (as well as a few other opportunities later in the week).  Also, many people say that the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is the biggest party day of the year, so if you are heading out to the bars (or anywhere, for that matter!), please remember to be safe! 

On Thanksgiving/Thursday, perhaps you’ll be one of the brave runners out there for the 33rd Annual Turkey Trot in downtown Miamisburg, which I am told is sold out!  I am also told that if you participate in it, you can eat WHATEVER you want on Thanksgiving and the calories don’t count!  If nobody in your family is cooking, then you can make your way to the Dayton Convention Center for Thanksgiving in Dayton: ‘A Feast of Giving’.  Or head out to one of several great restaurants for Thanksgiving dinner, such as McCormick & Schmick’s, L’Auberge, Amelia’s Bistro, C’est Tout, or Carver’s.  In addition, Neil’s Heritage House will be having their Grand Opening celebration on Thanksgiving Day!  Whatever you do, I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving!

 On Friday, I’m sure many of you will be out there bright and early to get some of those Black Friday deals!  After you go back to sleep for a few hours, be sure to make your way downtown for the Dayton Holiday Festival.  The Tike’s Shop and Wonderland Windows at the Schuster Center, as well LES MISÉRABLES November 22 – 27, 2011 – Schuster Centeras the Ice Rink at RiverScape will be open.  There will be the The Grande Illumination at Courthouse Square and the Dayton Children’s Parade Spectacular in Lights.  Also, you will be able to see Les Miserables at the Schuster Center and The Blue Moon Dancing (by the way, that is a great beer!) at the Dayton Theatre Guild. 

On Saturday, sit down and enjoy Les Miserables at the Schuster Center.  Do you have an old instrument that is just collecting dust in the garage?  If so, take it to the 2nd Street Market for “It’s Instrumental,” where the market is collaborating with the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra in collecting instruments for Dayton Public Schools’ music programs.  Enjoy UD’s annual exhibit of international nativities as part of the At the Manger: World Nativity Traditions Open House.  Make your way to Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm for Candle Dipping and their Holiday Art Fair and Open House.  At Hara Arena, watch the Dayton Gems as they play Fort Wayne.  And finally, if you’re a boxing fan, head to US Bank Arena for HBO Boxing After Dark.   

On Sunday, enjoy a little R & R after the craziness of the holidays!  Be sure to check out Les Miserables at the Schuster Center if you haven’t already done so!  Prior to the show, check out some of the great things going on there, including The Tike’s Shop and Wonderland Windows. Or make your way to the Dayton Art Institute to see American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell. 

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week.  Drum roll please…

Why can’t you take a turkey to church?

Because they use such “fowl” language. 

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!