Troy Eittreim

If you guys happen out to First Fridays in 5 Points tomorrow night be sure to pop in to Blu Hair Salon on Post Street and check out the awesome art work by transplanted local artist Troy Eittreim. In a recent Jacksonville.com article Eittreim described his artwork as "figure-based, sort of neo-classical torsos with arms, legs and heads abstracted. These are set into a fantasy background. My upcoming show is going to feature a series of digital images inspired by East Indian miniature paintings and cubism." Below is a sample of his work and it's really not like anything else we've seen locally, we're totally diggin' it.

Separated at Birth

Reading through the comments from our earlier post on Oral Explosion someone said, "Could Ray's Pizza's logo look any more like Al's? What a bunch of weird, generic looking eateries. Deli Deli ... come on." Well said. Joe(y) took it one step further and sent over this Separated at Birth.

The World of Beanie Babies

Last night we stopped by Hovan in 5 Points for happy hour and while we were watching all of the traffic violations occurring at the center of the points, we noticed a large pick-up truck with a mass of Beanie Babies resting on the dash board. We all laughed and then began to reminisce about how ridiculous the whole "Beanie Baby Craze" was. Check out this video from back in the day featuring all kinds of whack-jobs talking about their obsession with the stuffed animals.

Oral Explosion

You guys may have heard some preliminary reports on the new food court called Oral Explosion opening up soon in San Marco from MetroJacksonville. We had Robin pop by the site a few days ago to check things out and they are coming along quite swimmingly. Slated to open later this year, the venue is host to 5 different eateries; JP Lee's Chinese, Ray's Pizza, Flavors Essence of India, Deli Deli Gourmet Sandwiches, and Coffee Roasters. The building is also the leader contender for our "Best Food Court Name" award. Take a look.

Jiffy Feet

Have you guys noticed these awesome paintings of Jiffy Feet randomly placed in Riverside? If you have you're probably wondering what the eff is up with them. Well, they are a simple art installation provided for your enjoyment by local artist Ronnie Land. We LOVE it!!! The picture below is from the corner of Park and Cherry Streets.

Spotted

We've been really worried about our very own Shirley Green/Stinky Boo Boo/Jacksonville Sasquatch, it has been WEEKS since she's been spotted. We heard a rumor few weeks ago that she was, yet again, arrested. Well, you will all be elated to know that our girl is FREE and back to roaming the streets. She was spotted this morning at Park and Forest Streets waiting for the bus and in great spirits. Jason asked Shirley if she was happy to be out of jail and she responded, "Yes, Baby". She didn't even extend a hand, she just continued waiting for her bus. Rehabilitated? We think, probably, not.

Engrish

Jacksonville Confidential reader Kate escorted her daughter to the Sacred Heart School carnival this past weekend and spotted the Engrish below. Climb aboard the "Crazy Chopper".

Happy Birthday Sheena

80's pop sensation Sheena Easton turned 50 today. In honor of her birthday we would like to reminisce with you guys over some of her most popular videos. Enjoy.

Strut

Morning Train (9 to 5)

Telephone

Sugar Walls

For Your Eyes Only

Spare Some Change?

Joe(y) noticed the sign below carelessly left by some panhandler, with fairly good penmanship, at the base of the Fuller Warren bridge on Park Street. We're wondering if the bums are doing "time-share signs" now.

Monster Mash Film Contest

The Jacksonville Public Library is currently accepting entries for its 6th annual amateur film contest. Make a short (no longer than 7 minutes) movie with a monster theme, submit it to the Main Library by May 6th, then watch your film on the big screen May 9th in the Hicks Auditorium at 11:00am. Or just come by and watch the winning movies. Contact Scott Adams at 630-1940 for more information, Click Here for an entry form.

Slanket GO!

Now this is how you showcase a blanket substitute, unlike the Snuggie on TPIR last Friday, this chick on 30 Rock knows how to properly showcase a sponsorship. Check out this perfect example of a blanket-sleeve combo, AKA a Slanket (the alter-ego of a Snuggie).

R.I.P. - Bea Arthur

This is so sad. Another Golden Girl has passed. Bea Arthur passed away in her Los Angeles home from Cancer at the age of 86 today. Dorothy and her mother Sophia are reunited in the "Golden Palace" in the sky.

Welcome to Jacksonville

Are you guys ready for some good 'ol redneck fun? According to Joe(y), the Home Depot over on Lane Avenue is currently having Lawn Mower Races. Yeeehaw!! We're waiting to hear who won. Check it out.

Snuggie FAIL

We spotted a MAJOR SNUGGIE FAIL today on The Price is Right. Check out how the TPIR model wraps the Snuggie around her like a regular 'ol blanket. Kind of defeats the whole purposes of the built-in arms doesn't it? Certainly she's seen a commercial for these things.

100 Single Ladies

One hundred single ladies gathered in Piccadilly Circus in London a bit ago to perform Beyonces "Single Ladies" and caused quite a stir. Impressive, but we still prefer this version over all the others.

Goings on at River City Brewing Company

Jacksonville Confidential reader Tony just sent us an email with a little information that we thought you guys would like to know.

"....was watching the channel 12 news and saw a commercial for River City Brewing. They tout new menu, new chef, best food in NE FL. Pretty tall claims. I have never been but heard a few negative things so never sought out. Anyway - took a look their dinner menu on their website and found this nugget:

There is a $16.95 minimum food purchase required for all adult dinners in our main dining room.

WTF? Want to get a salad and bowl of soup? Tough shit. Want to just buy a salad? Tough shit. Looks like they do not even offer a salad unless you purchase an entree."

After hearing this, we hopped, skipped, and jumped on over to the River City Brewing Company Website to see for ourselves. Sho' nuff, its right there on the dinner menu in black and white.....

We will admit that we partook of happy hour a few weeks ago on the back deck of River City Brewing and had a great time, great drink specials too. We also tried their brunch, which was not so great, hopefully the new chef will do a better job than the previous one.

Coming up at the 5 Points Theatre - Midnight Movies

Here's a quick rundown of upcoming midnight movies at the 5 Points Theatre. This Friday, April 24th, they will be showing Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

The big-screen version of Hunter S. Thompson's seminal psychedelic classic about his road trip across Western America as he and his large Samoan lawyer searched desperately for the "American dream"... they were helped in large part by the huge amount of drugs and alcohol kept in their convertible, The Red Shark.
Written by Laurence Mixson

Friday, May 1, they've got Spinal Tap. The film is being shown in conjunction with the Unplugged and Unwigged Tour, which will be at the Florida Theatre on Monday, May 4th. And, the 5 Points Theatre has two pairs of tickets, and a pair of backstage passes to the show to give away during the movie thanks to the Florida Theatre.

Marti DeBergi is a film-maker who decides to make a documentary, a rockumentary actually, about the world's loudest band, the British heavy metal group Spinal Tap. The movie is in fact a biting satire and spoof of the whole rock and roll scene that passes itself off as a real documentary of a real band. Hilarious behind-the-scenes footage is combined with faux-concert clips to breath life into the imaginary group.
Written by Greg Bole

Friday, May 8th, they're showing Star Trek II - The Wrath of Khan, arguably the best Star Trek movie ever. The new Star Trek movie opens the same day.

It is the 23rd Century. The Federation Starship U.S.S. Enterprise is on routine training maneuvers, and Admiral James T. Kirk seems resigned to the fact that this may well be the last space mission of his career. But Khan is back. Aided by his exiled band of genetic supermen, Khan--brilliant renegade of 20th Century Earth--has raided Space Station Regula One, stolen a top secret device called Project Genesis, wrested control of another Federation starship, and now schemes to set a most deadly trap for his old enemy Kirk . . . with the threat of a universal Armageddon!
Written by Robert Lynch

See you at the midnight movies!!

Separated at Birth

Check out this hilarious Separated at Birth. That one drunk girl who was grinding on the stripper pole at Dive Bar side by side with Susan Boyle, the overnight sensation from Britains Got Talent who stunned the audience with her schoolmarm appearance and angelic voice. Maybe not a spittin' image, but we can definitely see the similarities. Maybe we should have titled this separated OR birthed, these two could be mother and daughter.

And if you've haven't heard Susan Boyle's performance on Britains Got Talent of "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miserables, here you go....

Earth Day

Happy Earth Day everyone, today marks the 39th anniversary of the annual event. Lets strive to make Earth day everyday. Click Here for more information on what you can do to help preserve our planet.

This weekend, the Jacksonville Green Expo is happening at the Prime Osborne Convention Center. Entry is only $5 and if you ride your bike to the event you get free valet bike parking and a special gift. Save the planet.

Orsay Brunch - Review

This past Sunday Jason and Mark had the extreme pleasure of attending the first regular brunch at Orsay (3630 Park Street) and they say it was probably, no lie, one of the best brunches either of them has ever had.

Jason started out with a Bloody Mary (extra spicy) and it was delicious. The cocktail came with an array of tasty veggies like cucumber, slices of jalapeno, a cherry tomato, a pickled onion and, of course, a celery stalk. The drink was basically an appetizer in itself. Mark had the much raved about Cucumber Lemon Zest Martini and reported that it was refreshing and the best martini EVER! Just ask anyone who's tried it.

Jason ordered the Eggs a'la Orsay, not your typical Eggs Benedict, this version is an English muffin with soft poached eggs, prosciutto, arugula, truffled hollandaise, and black truffles with pommes lyonnaise (an upscale potato hash of sorts) on the side ($14). All of the ingredients married well for a perfect meal, it was fantastic. Mark dined on the Jambon, a light and fluffy omelet with a generous slice of prosciutto topped with crème fraiche and chives ($12). A garden salad was served on the side with a light vinaigrette. They shared a side of Anson Mills Grits ($6) and Eden Farms Berkshire Bacon ($1.50 per slice). The Grits were obviously fresh and not of the dehydrated, in the box, kind. Course and hearty. The Bacon was otherworldly and was melt-in-your-mouth good. Click the links on both for way more information on just how awesome the bacon and grits were. Be sure to check out the full brunch menu underneath the pics.

Engrish

Today we bring you a whopping 3 Engrish submissions. First up is a "true" engrish, it's from our former staff member Ashley who is in Korea teaching English.

Then there's the one Mark sent over from his travels to Lake City last week.

And finally here's a local submission from Jacksonville Confidential reader Alfred who spotted these parking signs this past weekend at the Cecil Field Airshow.

Furniture and Fried Chicken

WTF is up with this? "I say, I say, I say" check out Frankie and Johnnie selling furniture and......fried chicken? That's right, just buy $200 worth of furniture and you get a free 5 Piece Chicken Box, and if you spend over $1000 you get a free 10 Piece Box. What a deal!!!

The Jacksonville Suns + European Street + Bold City Beer = Awesome!

The Jacksonville Suns beat the crap out of the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx this past Saturday with a whopping 17 - 0 win. We were on the scene to partake of the European Street Beer Garden featuring delicious beer from Bold City Brewery and to enjoy the game.

The National Anthem was sang by AJ Neaher, a chorus teacher at Lee High School and former American Idol hopeful.

And our very own Jacksonville Confidential staff members Robyn & David were selected to play the couples "balloon bust" game at the end of the 7th inning. They won 2 box seats for the next Suns game.

Finally, we nabbed some video of this awesome dance by a kid in the stands hoping to get on the jumbotron for a free Wendy's hamburger. He didn't win a burger, but he sure did get our admiration for his stylin' moves.

Spotted

Holy Snap!!! Guess who we spotted at the Wing & Rock Fest?......

That's right! It's the Silver Family from Wife Swap. Sheree Silver and her husband Sam Lastiglia are from St. Augustine and have appeared on Wife Swap twice along with their children Andrew and Justin.

Wing & Rock Festival - Pictures

This past Saturdays Wing & Rock Festival was actually kind of lame. The entire event spanned approximately 4 blocks next to the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena and housed a couple of local wing joints as well as a few other food vendors. The crappiest part had to be the "wing tickets"; much like a fair ride, you had to purchase tickets to get wings. We bought the 6 tickets for 5 dollars deal, which yielded us about 12 lackluster, luke-warm wings. The only real plus to the festival would be the bands, all playing covers of some of our favorite rock songs from the 70's and 80's. Here are a few pics.