Gaming column: SingStar ABBA
The gameplay itself is exactly like most SingStar games, so gamers should not expect anything new there. It?d be nice if Sony jump on board with wireless mics like other karaoke games, just because being tethered to your console is so 2007 in music gaming. The game?s price is a tad cheaper than most full PS3 releases, but again, it?s all a matter of whether you think $40 for all ABBA all the time is your cup of tea.
Gaming column: Rise of the Argonauts
Rise of the Argnonauts also features one of the best leveling-up systems I have seen in years, which means it?s completely wasted in a game like this which possesses little action. Pleasing the Greek gods and being rewarding with nifty upgrades is satisfying to see in action. Hopefully other developers crib this process and inject it into a much more action-packed game, because you won?t get that with this title.
Peter Pringle: Photo exhibit to showcase flora, fauna of Florida
Through Jan. 18, the A.E. Backus Museum in Fort Pierce is presenting an exhibition of his works, ?Keeping the Balance: Images of Florida?s Unspoiled Places.? The exhibition has been scheduled to coincide with ?The Art of Living Green,? the Treasure Coast?s first festival celebrating greener living. It will be on the museum?s grounds Jan. 17-18.
Bill DeYoung: Richard Nader brings oldies to Sunrise
A legendary promoter, Richard Nader created the ?oldies package show? in 1969, bringing beloved artists from yesteryear (and before that) to Madison Square Garden for 25 sold-out events.
Shelley Owens: Benihana celebrates 45 years with $45 special for two
The Miami-based Benihana chain is celebrating its 45th year in business with a $45 dinner for two special. The promotion, which began Jan. 5, continues throughout 2009.
Out to lunch with Diana Foote: In the new year, make resolutions to help self, others
Like death and taxes, resolutions in the new year are inevitable. I vow to make all my resolutions proactive rather than objects of denial. And I hope you'll join with me in some of my aims.
Restaurant critic review: Italian Delight a delight for the palate
There are certain restaurants that are tailor-made to certain parties, and our group of four 'tween girls and two adults was well suited to Italian Delight, a small restaurant hidden in the corner of the Tropic Square shopping center in Vero Beach.
Restaurant critic review: Smoky's more than a name for barbecue
It's called Smoky's BBQ & Grill, and the name fits. Everything is saturated with the slightly bitter taste of oak, right down to the chicken wings ($4.19) -- voted best in town by readers of the Port St. Lucie News.
Gaming: Start the new year with the latest musical games
Thanks to the current wave of musical games, you can have your guests singing all night long. For ?American Idol? wannabes, there are karaoke games such as Sony?s ?SingStar.?For those of us who can?t carry a tune, there are such instrumental games as ?Rock Band 2? and ?Guitar Hero World Tour.? These familiar titles remain your best bets for a lively party, but there are some new contenders.
Peter Pringle: Soap opera actor Lau takes stage at Riverside
Veteran soap opera actor Laurence Lau is no stranger to his role as Professor Terence O?Keefe in the comedy ?Breaking Legs,? which will open Jan. 9 at the Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach.
Bill DeYoung: Area theaters ready to roll for January
Community theaters never sleep, either. While you and I were tucked in and enjoying our holiday break, the Treasure Coast?s nonprofessional thespians were hard at work getting their January shows ready.
Restaurant critic review: New Patio Restaurant offers good food at good prices
The New Patio Restaurant offers good food at reasonable prices in the same Waldo Sexton-designed dining rooms that still are a testimony to his eccentric eclecticism. The tile bar has been polished to high gloss and the hand-carved wooden panels have been superbly refinished. Under the new management of Chuck Lamm, the place has been considerably spruced up and the menu has expanded.
Restaurant critic review: Zapata's is a welcoming, vibrant cafe
On U.S. 1 in Port St. Lucie, a colorful building decorated with chili peppers invites a second glance. Inside, Zapata's is just as vibrant and welcoming.
Out to lunch with Diana Foote: As we prepare for Obama era, remembering Eartha Kitt
As we prepare to inaugurate the first mixed-race president of the United States, it is a fitting time to remember Eartha Kitt, the sultry singer, actress and dancer who died on Christmas Day after a six-decade career that occasionally was derailed by her outspoken honesty.
Vero Beach church plans international concert series
The Community Church of Vero Beach will be ringing to the sounds of orchestral and chamber music in January.
Bill DeYoung: All shook up: Elvis is back at the Lyric
It's become an end-of-year tradition at the Lyric Theatre: a gyrating performance by Port St. Lucie hairdresser Darrell Dunhill as Elvis Presley.
Out to lunch with Diana Foote: It's finally time to usher out old, cheer in new year
While most normal folks will be cheering in the new year with noisemakers loud enough to shake some sense into Wall Street, count me out. Despite the fact that there hasn't been another year I'd rather see end than 2008, I am not a reveler on New Year's Eve. My secret wish for this year is to bundle up the family and sit on the beach as 2008 becomes 2009. But our daughter is excited about Taylor Swift and the Jonas Brothers performing on television, and my husband is up for a party.
Restaurant critic review: Smile and just say 'cheese' at Giorgio's
Giorgio's is big on mozzarella cheese, oozing as it does from pizzas and all things parmigiana. This little pizzeria, which has an attractive outdoor eating area, as well as well-spaced tables indoors, offers a limited menu. But sometimes small is good. Sometimes, small is even great. We heartily enjoyed everything we tried.
Restaurant critic review: With more than fish and chips, Lola's has class
I wasn't sure what to expect when Lola's Seafood Eatery opened in Stuart. A large portion of the menu is fried fish, but Lola's is a fish-and-chips stand with a touch of class. It's what took shape when the author of a French cookbook tried his hand at casual seafood, and the place is a winner in my book.
Gaming review: Prince of Persia
You probably won?t find a better looking game for the PS3 in 2008, but a lack of follow-through with the gameplay itself keeps Prince of Persia from reaching its full glory.
