Say What?

Candice ran amok at Weise's Prescription Shop in Ortega Wednesday morning. At this family run pharmacy since 1939, the folks actually custom blend medication.

They buy chemicals in bulk and have the recipe for thousands of different drugs. They can even flavor any kind of drug to make the medication easier to swallow.

They even make pet-icine, flavored with all the tasty stuff dogs, cats, ferrets, and birds love. They also are big believers in treating whatever ails you au natural with vitamins, teas and the like! (They claim cayenne pepper works just like Viagra.)

Weise is located at 4343 Colonial Ave, right behind Publix in Roosevelt Square. You can call them at (904)388-1564.

After 75 years, it's finally trickled down to Jacksonville. And if you're looking for that Gwyneth Paltrow long and lean look, then Pilates could be for you!

Pilates, which like yoga focuses on the mind and body, is actually a replacement for going to the gym and hefting bulky weights!

Exercises, and there are over 500 of them, are done on specially designed machines and on the mat. And the folks at Synergy Studio in Avondale say that anyone can do them, no matter what your level of physical fitness!

And the best part: owners Kelly and Lynn promise rapid results. In ten sessions, they promise you'll feel better; in 20, you'll look better; and 30, you'll have a whole new bod.

Their Synergy studio is out in Avondale, a few doors down from Biscotti's. Call them at (904)387-WELL. Candice is going to give it a go, too, so let's see how we do.

Apparently anything she can do, he can do, too.

St. Nick resident Vince Edwards is a Web designer by day, designer by night. He makes the most beautiful beaded bags, blankets, doilies, sweaters, dish cloths -- the list goes on.

And even though he learned in high school (his basketball coach recommended he try it to build hand-eye coordination), he showed Candice how to knit in like five minutes flat. He'll show you, too, if you swing by the Jacksonville Knitting Guild. Meetings are from 10 a.m. to Noon every third Saturday at the Barnes and Noble in Regency Square. It's a stitch! Call Nicki Lustgarden at 904-230-2873 for more information.

"It's a Wonderful Life," is a great, thinking man's (and woman's and child's) tale just dripping with values, makes its more recent debut Dec. 14 at Jacksonville University's Swisher Theater.

And even though it's a live performance, the entire play is in black and white -- just like the original. It's being put on by the Jacksonville Stage Company, a new performing arts group where anyone can audition for roles. And if you get the part, you get paid. But you better be good as this isn't community theater, even though community theater rocks!

"It's a Wonderful Life" runs Dec.14-31 and general admission is $15, with discounts for students, senior citizens and the military. Call 904-350-1126 for more information.

By the way, Candice keep you posted as to when they'll be auditioning for their next play, Neil Simon's "Laughter on the 23rd Floor."

Want to throw your best friend a birthday party? Over at Treatz in Ponte Vedra canines are treated like hot diggety dogs on their special day.

Candice's puppy Topher had a bow wow birthday. After playing games and exchanging gifts, all party animals are encouraged to chow down on cake and other sweet treats, including a meat loaf cake with mashed potato icing. Candice's dog woofed it down.

Cost is roughly $50-65 per party. Call Treatz in Ponte Vedra at 904-543-8767.

The Brothers Of The Sun perform

Want to celebrate the spirit of Kwaanza through songs, sweet music, and storytelling?

The Brothers of the Sun, three internationally reknowned entertainers, performed in Jacksonville Saturday, Dec. 9. If you missed it, or even if you didn't, we've provided a sample of their talents here.

Want to brew something different for your child's next birthday party? You can certainly stir up excitement by hosting a Duchess of Bedford Victorian tea party! Little prince and princesses can feast on crumpets and lovely little cakes, sip -- and slip -- into something different.

Luckily, Norma Futch provides all the props, pearls, party hats --anything and everything you'd need to host a proper party!

If you'd like more information and costs, then it would behoove all you mums to log onto her Web site.

Do they call you mellow yellow? Don't grind your teeth, my friends. Start dreaming of a white Christmas.

Thanks to Jacksonville's first smile spa, First Impressions, you can toss those ooey gooey slimey trays!

The doctors whiten teeth -- on the spot -- in about an hour or less while you kick back and watch a DVD movie.

Dr. Lazarra says ultraviolet is the key to brightening at lightning speed -- 3 twenty minutes sessions are all it takes -- and results last up to 3 years, provided you don't swig coffee and red wine on a daily basis!

Cost: $399. And in case you were wondering, Candice's gums were not sore after the treatment. For more information, call First Impressions at (904) 538-0003.

Think Waycross is just a one horse town? Then hold your horses because you're missing out on one hip zip trip just up the road.

Besides having the friendliest people in the world, it has the best hamburger joint in Georgia: Strickland's Pharmacy. You can also take a boat tour through the most peaceful and prettiest place on the planet, the Okefenokee Swamp. And they've just refurbished their train depot to the tune of over $1 million.

Plus it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Waycross, so call the Chamber of Commerce at 912-283-3742 to get more information.

Want to spread a little joy to the world? The Gifts Foundation needs your help! They established the Joy Project in 1998, which provides holiday gifts for women in transitional residential facilities in North Florida. Last year, they provided more than 8,000 gifts to residents of Hubbard House, Quigley House, the Betty Griffin Center and more.

Suggested gifts (new items, please): small appliances, clothing, accessories, gift certificates (for entertainment and services), toiletries, and of course, money is never a bad thing. If you'd like to donate something, please call 904-260-1777.

Better watch your touche if you're hungry for a little lunge! Because once you start to fence, they're going to have to twist your arm to stop.

Folks describe it as "chess with muscles." Candice swears it's one of the most addictive, exciting, sports around, and it'll give you buns of steel!

Kids, adults, young, old, the disabled -- anyone and everyone -- can learn to fence at either Jacksonville University or FCCJ, but your best bet is to call Raul Toro at 904-291-9304 for more information.

So, did Channel 4 roar? Well, let's just say Tuesday's "Take your job and shove it onto Candice" was a true eye opener for me!

The Jaguars cheerleaders invited me to join them on the sidelines for Sunday's big game against the Titans...and, WOW, did they have all the right moves... Candice was impressed and humbled (Yeah, I looked like a dork next to them)...but what amazed me the most was all these girls have full time jobs...and still find the time to practice 20 hours a week, make hundreds of charitable appearances every season, and spend time training the Junior Roar!

Tryouts for the 2001 season will be next March, call the Jags at (904) 633-6000 if you're interested in trying out--they'll send you more information. And just in case you were wondering, that was my first and last hur-rah-rah!

Want to turn a frown upside down? Be a Gator Clown!

I was wacky Wednesday...and talk about fun! We spent the morning with the awesome residents at the Cathedral Gerontology Center downtown...fell in love with them actually....and got to learn more about them and the Gator Clowns, a not-for-profit organization that actually teaches people -- for free -- how to clown and develop a character.

They also devote hundreds of hours every year visiting patients and doing charity work!

If you're interested in this art from the heart or would like to book them for your worthy cause, call 800-711-3470 or (904) 398-7500, ID # 3516 for more information! And don't forget, a little ham in your daily diet is a great thing!

Ok Jacksonville -- some of you think i'm getting a little scary hair-y. Having a temple tantrum, growing pains, bad hair days, ugh -- shear madness! And that's why I need your help!

Which hair style do you think looks best one me?

Please drop me an e-mail and let me know which one you think is tress-t!

And by the way, many thanks to Theresa Bouvier in Ponte Vedra! She's the adorable stylist who's saving me from the private hair hell-met i've been living in! To get ahold of her, call (904) 273-0841.

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Ladies...do you want to take a glide on the wild side? You can kick some serious "ice" with the Jax Breakers! It's an all-female hockey team.

They meet twice a week at Skateworld...and they have tons of fun!

If you're interested in chillin' with the team, call Skateworld at (904) 399-3223.

Ever heard of Frankie Sinatra goes to Jamaica? OK, that's not really their name, but if you're into "ska" with a reggae twist, you'll savor Jax City Old School Car Pool. This is a band with a bunch of young guys -- with yo yos -- who are most definitely easy on the ears and eyes... and the only group of its kind in Jax!

You'll love 'em, your mom will love 'em... and you can catch them in concert November 29th at Jack Rabbits in San Marco. By the way, bring cans! Not to throw... they're collecting food for the City Rescue Mission.

Want to have a boot scootin' time? Then giddyup and get on over to Buffalo Bill's at Beach and Southside Boulevards, where shoppin' is wild.

If it's western or has a horse on it -- I kid you not partner -- they got it: wedding dresses, coasters, kitchen tables, cards, baby booties, even candy. About the only thing they don't sell is food, darn the luck.

But hold your horses, the best little BBQ joint in Jacksonville is right next door -- Willards -- and get yourself some ribs.

Want to take a glide on the wild side? Flock to the North Florida Soaring Society at Herlong Airport on the Westside where you can fly in a plane that has no engine, no gas, no parachutes, no kidding!

A tow plane gets you up, up and away. Once you've reached 2,000 feet, you release the line and spend hours manipulating Mother Nature! You're totally in control -- soaring like an eagle, jumping from one cloud to the next! Check it out by logging onto their Web site or call the club at (904) 264-0315. Cost is $40 for a demo flight.

Want to see an energetic, ecclectic, entertaining, in-your-face band, and help kids in need at the same time? Then get to Jack Rabbits in San Marco on Dec. 2.

Elara, one of the best underground bands in Jax, will be one of four groups trying to raise Toys for Tots with the Marines!

If you bring a nice toy (don't be cheap, these kids are counting on you), you'll get in for free. Otherwise, admission is five bucks... still a bargain!

For more info call Jack Rabbits at (904) 398-7496 or log on to Elara's rockin' Web site.

We depend on them everyday. We can't live without them, and yet we often take them for granted. That's why Candice was out Tuesday, Nov. 7, saluting the sanitation workers at BFI.

Like policemen and fire fighters, they are always there when you need them. Their job is dangerous, and after any type of storm damage, they clean up quickly.

If you're looking for work, BFI is hiring. If you'd like more information on BFI and the positions available, call (904) 731-3440.

See Candice fly with the Blue Angels - from Nov. 6.

If you'd like more information on the Blue Angels, you can log onto the Navy's website, www.navy.org, and they'll kick you to their page. If you are so inspired by the Blue Angels to want to be one of them, call 800-USA-NAVY. (and by the way, don't laugh! My pilot went to college to be an accountant, was so impressed by what he saw at an air show and enlisted! Nine years later, he's a Blue Angel!)

So much more than Limp Bizkit and Lynard Skynard!

Are you ready to go underground Jax? Rock on cuz Nov. 3, we kick off our month long Friday series -- UNDERGROUND JACKSONVILLE -- where you get an opportunity to meet some of the best local bands in Jacksonville.

Would you believe that there are more than 500 bands -- all talented and all trying to get themselves heard!

One way they're doing just that is through Planet Radio's Native Noise, and you can find out all about that--and of course--one band that's making quite a splash--MONKEY THE FISH if you stay tuned! (fyi: Monkey the Fish's website, which includes info on the band and their tour schedule, can be found at www.monkeythefish.com.

Tuesday, Oct. 31: This is kinda scary, but did you know Halloween and National Orthodontic Health month both fall in October? That's why Dr. Alan Ossi in Mandarin wants to remind all you little ghouls not to be gobblin' up anything bad!

Candies to avoid: Starburst, Tootsie Rolls, chewing gum, jaw breakers--basically anything sticky, chewy and crunchy! And don't forget--wear those retainers! After all, if you're true to your teeth, they won't be false to you!

By the way, you can contact Dr. Ossi and learn all about orthodontics, the new invisiline braces (no more metal mouth!)... and the winner of the Duval County smile contest by calling the office at (904) 268-7557.

Monday, Oct. 23: Candice visited the Pumpkin Patch at Asbury Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch located at the corner of Blanding and College. Pumpkin prices range from $1.00 to $30.00 and proceeds benefit charities here and in New Mexico.

Tuesday: Shhh! If you listen, you'll hear the ghosts speak on Halloween! Bewhere? At the oldest, haunted city in the United States, of course!

On October 27th, 28th and 31st, you'll "boo and ahh" at Tour St. Augustine's walking ghost story tours! There are two separate routes, visiting 12 spooky, creepy places! For more information call (904) 461-1009 or you can log onto their scary spiderweb site. Bring comfy shoes in case you gotta run!

Wednesday: Somebody's jumping for joy because he vants to suck Candice's blood. We'll meet him Oct. 25 at 7 a.m.

Thursday & Friday: Only the shadow knows where Candice will be.

Saturday Join us at the Landing Saturday night for the world's largest cocktail party! Just make sure you've got a designated driver!

Do you love being a woman? You'll want to visit the Southern Women's Show at the Prime Osbourn Oct. 19 through 22. Candice was there Friday and checked out some very single and available Alasken bachelors, sampled the latest makeup from Bobbi Brown, did some cooking, and -- did me mention? -- meet some very single and available, handsome Alasken bachelors.

The show runs through Sunday, costs $7 at the door, $4 for youth (6-12) and kids under 6 are free. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Saturday, Sunday Noon to 6 p.m. For more info, log onto their Web site.

Note from Candice: Hey Jax, are you looking for a November to remember? Then get ready cause we want to turn you on!

Is your work a little bezerk? Tell us about it! Got a hip zip trip we need to check out or a hobby that makes your heart beat? I'd love it if you'd email me your ideas... cuz ya just never know, we could be coming for you.

Hey Jax singles, are you looking for love?

Well you just might find it and help a great cause by attending the 'Single Greatest Night in Jacksonville!' It's going on this Friday night at 7:30 pm at UNF, and you'll get an opportunity to mingle with 300 of Jacksonville's most successful singles, many of whom will be honored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for their achievements in the community!

So what are you waiting for? For tix call (904) 724-0064. They're $50.00 over the phone, they are for sale at the door but it'll cost you $60, and by the way ladies, get shopping already cuz you've got less than 48 hours to find that perfect dress!

Wednesday: Are you ready to meet me at the fair? The Greater Jax Agricultural Fair officially kicks off and we've got all kinds of crazy, cool things to preview for you!

The fair runs October 18-29... Admission: Adults, $7.00, Seniors (65 and over) $3.50, Children (6-12) $3.00, and the wee ones under six are free. Hours are: Monday thru Thursday, 5-11pm, Fridays and Saturdays, Noon--10 pm, Sundays, Noon-10 pm, and Midnight Magic, Fridays from Midnight to 5 am.

And in case you don't know where to go: The fair will be -- where else -- at the fairgrounds, adjacent to Alltel Stadium!

Want to have a great time hanging out with some party animals on Halloween? Why not grab your critters and make tracks to the Jacksonville "BOO" Zoo!

Herds of volunteers are getting the grounds ready for the big "Spooktacular" bash which debuts October 26 and runs through Halloween night!

In addition to lots of trick or treating, there's going to be a Dungeon of Doom, Creature Features, Spooky Costumes, and more! For hours, tickets, and more information call (904) 757-4462 or visit JaxZoo.org.

Candice visited Make Believe Costumes on Monday, Oct. 9th, and said you could have a bloody good time picking out a very scary costume.

It's their 13th anniversary, and in honor of that they have a defrightful day of bloody fun planned with a live band, trick or treats, a spooktacular fashion show, plus they really do vant to suck your blood. The bloodmobile will be out there from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. For more call (904) 645-6337.

And by the way, your best friend wants to look "bootiful" on Halloween, too. Petibles out in San Marco makes custom costumes for dogs and scaredy cats. Owner Shirley designs each costume to mimic your pet's personality. Cost is $25.00 and up. Call 904-399-1159 for more information.

What's life like for a local band to break into the music scene? Candice interviewed Krome Zoomy, who are making quite a name for themselves in Jacksonville! Find out more about them, and how to get a hold of their CD "Achromatize" by logging onto their website at kromezoomy.com.

If you are a band looking for info on the biz, call Joe Starkey. He's a promoter who's affiliated with national labels and by the way if he looks familiar, he should, he's the former lead singer of Mister Mister. You can reach him at Hostile Music LTD: (904) 276-8254.

A great place to catch live local bands in FatKat in Murray Hills. Call (904) 389-fkat for directions, schedules and more.

He can hide behing a camera, but he can't run no a-more from Candice. Candice gets her photojournalist, Javier Cruz, in the mood to dance as they were doing a report on the Italian Festival that was held the weekend of Oct. 7-8. Now that's Italian!

BIKETOBERFEST is October 19-21 in Daytona Beach. Find out more on one wild a whirly weekend by logging onto their website at www.biketoberfest.com or call Indian Motorcycles of Jacksonville at 262-2453. By the way Indian Motorcycles is having an open house the weekend before the event! It's a great chance to check out all the 2001 motorcycles from Big Dog, Harley Davidson, Indian and more--as the national vendors from major companies will be in town and on their lot!

The miracle workers at the Clara White Mission on Ashley St. need help from the community. They're collecting food for the holidays. Items needed include: turkeys, hams, rice, stuffing, flour, sugar, pasta, cereal, macaroni, canned goods (vegetables and fruit), baby food, and beans.

They also appreciate cash donations and/or anyone willing to volunteer their time. You can drop off the food at their mission on Ashley Street or call 904-354-4162 for more information.

A lot of people got a "kilt" out of Saturday night's Scottish celebration at UNF! There were bagpipes, drums, bands, dancing, dinner and even a caber toss, with all proceeds benefiting the upcoming Scottish highland games in February!