It starts Drew Barrymore and Dustin Long (the young, hip guy from the Apple vs. IBM commercials).  Here’s the trailer.  Check it out.  And if you get moved to the point that you feel you want to see it in the theater this Labor Day weekend, here are the showtimes for theaters in Savannah near Walden at Chatham Center: Trademark Cinemas Victory Stadium 9, Carmike 10 – Savannah and Carmike Wynnsong 11.  Enjoy!

Did you even know that there was a science to tasting beers?  In fact, there are five distinct categories to consider when evaluating a beer, including appearance (is it inviting?), smell (note the beer’s aromatic qualities, taste (note any flavors or interpretations of flavors), mouthfeel (is the beer flat or over carbonated?), drinkability (how likely are you to have another?).

If you want to learn more, the class is free of charge on Saturday (Sept. 4) at 11:00 a.m. at the Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa (Harbor Ballroom).  The Grand Tasting on Saturday (noon) at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center is the main event and tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door.

Credit Rating: Yes, a lot of renter’s insurance companies are checking your credit and basing your policy on what is found. Make sure you check to see if your credit is in good shape, and if it is not, you may want to seek out companies who do not do credit checks.

Mayor Otis Johnson announcing that Savannah will be a host city for the 2011 Rock 'N Roll Marathon series.

A couple weeks ago, I wrote about my new interest in running as a form of excercise.  Well, I’m proud to say that I’m still going strong.  And that makes the news that Savannah has been recently selected, along with New Orleans, Nashville, San Diego, Seattle, Chicago and Providence, as host cities for the 2011 Rock ‘N Roll Marathon series.  The Savannah race is slated for November 5.

It’s a pretty cool event that includes both full (26 miles) and half (13 miles) versions of the race with bands and cheerleaders spaeced out along the race course.  Runners from all over the world take part, with each race typically drawing 20,000 runners.  That should provide a sweet eight-figure boost to the local economy.

Now I can’t say for sure that I’ll be ready for a full marathon by then, although I don’t see why not.  I’m still aiming for a 10K later this year (6.2 miles) which is about a quarter of the distance.  I’m hoping I can stick with the training.

Maybe you would like to get involved in running as well!  It really does wonders for your physcial fitness and energy level.  Trust me on that.  If you’re currently not excercising regularly, devote a month to letting your body adjust to the activity and before you know it, you’ll be scheduling 5K, 10K and marathon races too.  Here is a four-week guide to follow that I found on About.com.  Make sure you plan to drink plenty of water after runs, and get yourself a good pair of running shoes.

Miley Cyrus shines as the star of this heartwarming coming-of-age movie that will strike your emotional chords. Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, The Last Song follows Ronnie and her estranged father as he tries to restore the loving relationship they once had. But reconnecting with his rebellious daughter isn’t easy, so he chooses the one thing they still have in common — music.  Rated PG.  Genre: Drama, Romance.

To be honest, I have actually no desire to rent this movie.  Miley Cyrus is a bit overrated as an actress and quite frankly, it’s just not my type of film.  So, you’re probably asking why I’m recommending it to you.  My five year-old daughter.  That’s the reason.

She is one of the biggest Hannah Montana fans alive and tries to watch her hero Miley when she can.  And while I’m not too keen on letting her follow the racy verson of Cyrus, I don’t mind so much that she watches her in a more wholesome light.  So I’m going to check out The Last Song to see if it’s appropriate for her.  Although I really don’t see why it wouldn’t be.  Has anyone seen it already?

You can rent it this week on DVD.  The closest Redbox kiosks to Walden at Chatham Center are at Walgreens (4210 Augusta Rd), Kroger (3310 Ogeechee Rd and 311 E Gwinnett St).

This is a great opportunity for a young person to rack up some leadership experience as they ready themselves to be reviewed for college admission.  It’s also great experience for a student who may be interested in working in government.

I’m not sure exactly when the deadline for the application is, so I recommend turning it in as soon as possible.  To find out more info, you can visit www.savannahga.gov. You can also download a copy of the application right here.  Good luck!

Savannah Youth Council application

One thing that is so special about the Savannah Jazz Festival is that it really seeks to feature all different types of Jazz, from Dixieland, to tradional swing to the blues.  If you’ve never had the opportunity to attend, you’re in for a treat.  It’s really good music and a good time.  The festival is free to the public and there will be food and drink vendors to hit up when you get hungry or thirsty.

This year’s festival showcases legendary jazz group Spyro Gyra, along with national and local artists, such as Ben Tucker, Teddy Adams, Marcus Printup, Thomas Marriott, the Coastal Jazz Hall of Fame All-Stars, Joe Louis Walker, Jody Espina and the Savannah Jazz Orchestra, just to name a few.  Also performing will be the Savannah Arts Academy Skyelite Jazz Band.  There will also be a screening on September 20th of “Martino Unstrung”, a documentary about legendary guitarist Pat Martino!

To find out more, visit the event website at www.savannahjazzfestival.org.

(Photo Credit: The Art of Ligel)

If you’re thinking about catching a movie this weekend, here are movie times for Trademark Cinemas Victory Stadium 9, Carmike 10 – Savannah and Carmike Wynnsong 11.  Enjoy!

This lowcountry tradition happens every first Friday of the month. At this mouth watering event, you’ll get oysters by the bucket, lowcountry boil, tasty grill items, a full bar and s’mores, all while sitting by the firepit trading stories and just having a good time in general. There will also be live music from local band “Liquid Ginger“ that fits the fun, casual, riverside atmostphere.

The culmination of the night will be the fireworks extravaganza which starts at 9:30 p.m.  For your convenience, you can catch the complimentary water ferry from River Street or take advantage of easy parking at the resort, validated with purchase.  If I were you, I’d just take the ferry; it’s more fun that way!

So grab a group of friends, and just relax tonight! Hope to see you there!

I have been found guilty of having a BIG HEART by the MDA Summer Campers!  Now, the Muscular Dystrophy Association is locking me up on August 25th and I need your help!

Help get me out of jail by donating towards my bail!  A tax-deductible donation will help MDA continue research into the causes of, and cures for 43 neuromuscular diseases.  It will also MDA provide wheelchairs, clinic visits and summer camp for people in the local area.

To donate, you can either make out a check (and earmark it with my name) to the Muscular Dystrophy Association and mail it to:

Or, visit my my website and donate online today!  Thanks so much for your help!  Many are depending on your kindness.

Susan Mangiero
Property Manager, Walden at Chatham Center