Entourage Season Five Finale Delivers

The season finale of HBO’S Entourage series delivered in award winning style. Season five ended with Vince and the boys going back to Queens to drown their sorrows in local girls and local spirits. The Queen’s setting brings out what the boy’s are all about with Johnny Drama investing in his own bar. Turtle carrying on the relationship with Jamie –Lynn Sigler over the phone to be caught having phone sex by his mother in his mothers home. With another rejection from a possible movie role from Gus Van Zant, Eric is fired after verbal abuse from Ari and Vince. E show’s resilience by going back to Hollywood alone, and continuing to manage the success of his only client.
The episode could have gone so many different directions leaving a cliffhanger for the long dry spell between Entourage Seasons. Mark Walhberg and writing staff delivered with a last minute swerve that no one saw coming. A visit to Queens from Ari finds Vince and the boys minus E in Johnny Drama’s enjoying the good life. A surprise phone call from the living legend Martin Scorsese brings Vince back from the dead with a starring role in the Modern Great Gatsby. Thanks to Eric’s determination and hard work Vincent Chase is back on the map.
Eric returns to his office to find Vince and the boys bringing the good news to E and welcoming him back into the Entourage. The Season ends with Ari, Vince, Drama, and Turtle going to celebrate walking through LA, once again on top of the world, with not a care in the world. Season Five was a season that had it’s up and downs and at times stayed to long on certain storylines. The Season Finale erased all doubts about the creative direction and original writing for this dynamic Original Series.
Entourage has been picked up for another season which will begin late summer of next year. It will be interesting to see what the show can do with Vince and the boys in a sophisticated setting in New York with a classic like The Great Gatsby. Bring Jamie- Lynn Sigler back next season with appearances from celebrities dropped in throughout the show and you have got a great upcoming season six of the best series on the air. Give Vince a new Hummer, or another new Escalade, a bigger house with views and sexy women in bikinis or less, and you have got a mega hit that leaves the fans screaming for more. The only negative AI have to say about this show, is that it should be an hour long.

The Grand Plaza Beachfront Resort

St. Petersburg
Barefoot Bridesmaids lined the wooden stairwell leading to the soft white sand. A beautiful tan bride gleamed under the Florida sun as her white train blends into the beach. Her dark hair will never be more perfect than this day tucked underneath her thin Vail. A perfectly tailored groom stands besides his bride in front of his young groomsman. The bridesmaids smile holding their lavender dresses in place as the gulf breeze picks up. All eyes are fixed on the most beautiful couple joined together on the most beautiful spot on earth.
All this viewed from my first evening in my oceanfront suite at the Grand Plaza Hotel Beach front Resort and Conference Center. A quick trip to St Petersburg for fun and relaxation never fails to deliver time after time. If you have to be landside then enjoy the views from a unique and picturesque property.
A sand lover’s dream with old world charm and new world amenities. Escape to the coast of Florida in your own tropical paradise. Luxury and relaxed comfort is a fine line few hotels can combine together. The Grand Plaza Hotel does just that with ease and finesse.
From the moment you pull into the parking lot you’ll be taken away by the beauty of this unique resort hotel. The Grand Plaza is hard to miss towering high above the other hotels along the gulf. The Grand Plaza’s staff is very professional from check in to housecleaning. The lobby has a tropical feel with palm trees surrounding the baby grand piano in the corner. A small business center fits perfectly in the corner without losing the old world feel. Everyone you encounter throughout your stay makes you fell genuinely welcome without being phony.
One of the features that makes the Grand Plaza Unique is the revolving restaurant that sits atop. Spinners restaurant offers splendid dining high above the gulf coast. The wait staff paced the meal perfectly to enhance the dining experience with the ocean and bay views. The golden fried crab cakes appetizer seemed to be just the right touch of perfection to start the dining experience. The chardonnay recommended by the server was a perfect pairing to the sautéed chicken coated in the chefs skillfully prepared alfredo sauce. The well spoken server provided just the right mix of courteous conversation without sounding scripted. The perfectly dressed young lady displayed a level of professionalism shown in the finest dining establishments knowing just when to step in and out of sight. A truly enjoyable and memorable dining experience.
Nothing compares to the beauty at hand walking along the white sands on the gulf coast. You feel like you can walk forever as your mind and body is in the perfect state of relaxation. A seagull seems to stop in mid flight then swoops down into the beautiful salt water. The cool water covers your feet while the tides rushes in. You continue to walk on the edge of the tide as the sunlight gives way to the lights in the distance.
Your Paradise awaits with the Grand Plaza strategically illuminated between the palm trees. At the foot of the hotel, Bahama Mama’s beach bar provides the acoustic music to set the perfect ambience for the ocean side evening. The musician is doing his best attempt of Jimmy Buffett and Don Henley songs. Its’ close enough as you sip your margarita interacting with the other guests. Between songs you can here the sounds of the waves crashing against the sand in the cool night air.
Return to your tropical oceanfront room while enjoying the ocean breeze from your balcony. Ceramic tile flooring and wood shutters bring images of a simpler time. Hemmingway would fit right in underneath the tropical ceiling fans while penning the next great piece of American Literature. Awake just before sunrise and open that patio door. Standing on your balcony your witnessing the best nature has to offer. Nothing in your life has ever been more beautiful than the empty white beach. The cool air blows by your face while your staring at the calm gulf in front of you. Your sipping coffee while enjoying the natural beauty of St. Petersburg’s beach.
The Beachcomber restaurant is on the first floor of the resort, open for breakfast for indoor dining with a view, or poolside dining overlooking the ocean. Relax at breakfast by enjoying the breakfast buffet or ordering off the menu and reading your complimentary news paper.
Spend the afternoon on the beach in the warm Florida sun, and when your ready for shade pull the canopy up on your own private cabana. A sailboat quietly drifts by in the distance. Off to the right danger approaches as a pirate ship full of tourists is advancing on your position. The acoustic music starts a few feet away as the live entertainment begins at the Bahama Mama’s beach bar. Sit back in the cabana with a cold drink from the bar and enjoy the tropical music and the ocean view.
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John’s Pass is just a short drive away which has a variety of souvenir shops and restaurants. Sample some local wines as your palate falls in love with a new vintage. Choose the perfect painting by the local artists to adorn the office and remind you of this special trip. While at John’s Pass there are many boat charter options to spend the day in the gulf watching dolphins or sport fishing. There is no more beautiful way to shop than coming out of the specialty stores and having a bay view to look at. Even while landside, there is nothing like staying close to the marinas.
The St Petersburg, Clearwater area has many Yachting and Charter Options to choose from along the coast. The splendor of the Clearwater area can be enjoyed on your drive through the area as scenic views are all around. The usual choice of your chain restaurants are within a few miles up the highway but you would not do yourself justice without sampling some of the local seafood establishments. Leave the rental at the resort and enjoy the gulf on the Jolly Trolley. A street car that looks like it just came from San Francisco can take you along the coast into Clearwater, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the scenery.
St Petersburg is a great coastal destination for the lovers of beautiful white sandy beaches and clear blue water. Tampa bay is just a thirty minute drive away to explore the downtown area and watch the large cargo and cruise ships come into the harbor. Orlando is just over an one hour drive to be in the midst of Disney World and all of the nearby attractions.
After soaking up the ambience of the Grand Plaza Hotel Beachfront Resort & Conference Center you will bookmark this as a must stay the next time you visit the golf coast. The Grand Plaza will be a great place to spend your evenings after spending your days at The St. Petersburg Boat Show and Strictly Sail. The largest boat show on the gulf coast taking place Dec 4-7 will be hosted at the Mahaffey , Theatre Yacht Basin. This Super Show will feature over 300 Power Boats and a large contingent of Sail Boats. Just in time for the holidays to purchase that new Yacht for that hard to buy for friend. The St. Petersburg Boat Show and Strictly Sail will be the ideal time to see what new lines of luxury cruisers our coming to the market. There will also be a wide selection of vendors throughout the show to view or purchase the latest in technology for your maritime needs.
Put the Boat Show in your calendar for the years to come as you find St Petersburg an annual stop along your coastal journeys. With one visit to the beaches you will understand why they have won so many best beaches awards. You may also find yourself picking up a real estate guide.

Relaxing at Harmony Hill Vineyards Bethel Ohio

Harmony Hill Vineyards

A turtle moves slowly across the tall grass. A snake slithers around the neck of the handler.
Across the pasture a donkey sticks its head through the fence staring at the onlookers. A large black Labrador receiver walks between the tables and takes a rest underneath the canopy. A man wearing a cowboy hat sits on a stool while he strums an acoustic guitar. Four friends laugh around the table as they sip their white wine.
In Perfect Harmony, Art, nature and science come together. 2,390 miles from Napa, in a quaint Ohio Village, Award winning wines are produced. Bethel Ohio is the home of Harmony Hill Vineyards & Estate Winery. This Boutique Winery is perfectly situated in a relaxed country setting in the middle of a seventy acre Nationally Certified Wildlife Refuge Farm.
With our busy lives and hectic schedules, it’s nice sometimes to just slow down. Take a drive to the country; put the cell phone on quiet. And uncork the joys and beauty of nature.

Established in 2003 by the owners Bill and Patti Skvarla, The Winery opened its barn doors to the public and never looked back. The Skvarlas’ are the perfect host. Everyone feels like a friend as Bill and Patty proudly explain their award winning wines and make their unique property available for the public. After one visit to Harmony Hill Vineyards you will be telling people you have friends who own a winery.
Harmony Hill supports the arts by having local musicians providing the entertainment for the complex. While enjoying the fine wines you may be hearing the next big hit song. The Nashville songwriters in the round try out their creative original songs on the crowd. The rotating cast of entertainers plays everything from originals to your favorite cover music. There are no wine snobs here. Real down to earth people having a great time enjoying good friendship and great wine.
A large stone patio is the setting for the entertainers to perform on. Wine Barrel tables with colorful umbrellas surround the stage for the guest to enjoy the music. And below it all, rest a 55 to 58 degree temperature controlled underground wine cave. This rare structure is just one of the features that make Harmony Hill unique from other Ohio Wineries.
I sat underneath the covered patio sheltered form the Ohio August heat. With a perfect view of the singer on the stage, I enjoyed a crisp white semi sweet wine called Ovation. An award winning white, Ovation was a bronze 2008 winner at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition. Ovation would be a great wine to enjoy on any occasion. Ovation paired perfectly with the ham and bacon sandwich that I had brought with my picnic basket. Harmony Hill sells cheese plates to be paired with the wine, or bring your own lunch and purchase an award winning vintage to enjoy on the scenic grounds.
The next time you find yourself around Cincinnati; don’t forget to meet your new friends Bill and Patti Skvarla . Just thirty five miles east of Cincinnati and a short drive to the Ohio river makes Harmony Hill a must visit Ohio destination . The Winery is open on Friday evenings 5-9 pm and Saturday’s 12-6 from May to the end of September. With every visit to Harmony Hill, the experience just keeps getting better. A detailed list of their award winning wines can be viewed at their website at HHWINES.COM.

Has Entourage Reached its Peak

How long can a series continue to entertain the masses week after week? With the final word coming out this past week of the end of King of the Hill, A great show that was funny and entertaining that has run its course. What more could be done with hank and his odd group of family and friends. Any Real American can relate to the characters from the show, we all no a bobby and a Boom hour. We will continue to enjoy the reruns on evening television along with the other classics like Cheers and Seinfeld. For now we say thank you King of the Hill for providing the many memories and laughs. We will be looking for the movie soon.
As for one of the best series on television Entourage, We wait patiently as these great shows take their time in returning with new storylines for the new season. The first couple shows of the season were great as always. Then with the visit to the Joshua tree the episode seemed to drag on to long. Drug use seems to be part of the show but doesn’t hold a viewers attention long enough to make a thirty minute story out of Vince and the guy’s on an acid trip in the desert. When the clock on the cable box is getting toward the thirty minute mark you realize that the show was a wash that week.
Last nights smokejumpers episode seemed to be going in the same direction if not worse. How long are we supposed to watch Drama and the guys in the jungle watching Vince shoot his movie? Ari is the star of the show but even his scene in the bar reminiscing with his old buddy seemed to be to long and to boring. Bring back the deception and backstabbing that we like to see from Ari. The viewers used to demand more when the music ran at the end and the previews for nest week played on. Now they are asking how long will this show go on?
Is Entourage at the turning point, or can the show come back from the dangerous direction that it is heading into. All of are favorite shows run their course and sadly there comes a time when the plug has to be pulled. No one wants to see a broke Vince and the guys wondering where the next script is going to come from. Where is the Sopranos movie that is rumored to be in the making?

William S. Stephens

Southern Resorts

The Bridesmaid line the manicured lawn in their lavender dresses. The groomsman stand at ready, waiting to stand witness to a ceremony fit for Royalty.
A beautiful young tan bride awaits her groom, ready to step into the horse drawn carriage that will slowly take them to the awaiting French Villa. The most important day of their lives, with the most beautiful bride, all in a country resort setting, forty miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Chateau Élan Resort and Vineyards would be the perfect ending to the months of planning and preparation for that special day.
The Chateau Élan Inn is perfect for your large wedding needs or a small intimate gathering of your closest friends and family. They will never forget the experience of your wedding in this splendid Southern Setting that takes the guests to a state of heightened luxury.
A four diamond four star Resort and Restaurant would make for one of the most romantic Southern Weddings that the most discriminating brides could ask for.
The pictures do not serve this 16th century style French Chateau justice. Surrounded by seventy five acres of vineyards the Chateau Élan will be an exquisite adventure like you have never experienced before.
With wine tasting’s, cooking classes, and an Art Museum the Chateau Élan will be a cultural experience surrounded in a lavish luxurious setting. The property offers Old world charm with modern amenities, who could ask for anything more perfect. The Chateau Winery can make your own private wine labels to adorn your purchase and store in your wine vault at home. A spa treatment, four golf courses, and a rock climbing tower, The Chateau has an activity for all to enjoy.
The service staff caters to your every need and want, with impeccable timing. Enjoy the ambiance of this four star property and partake in a bit of life that others only dream about. Your friends and family will thank you for the lifetime of memories from a visit to Chateau Élan.
For the out of town guest, Chateau Élan can arrange for the travel needs from Atlanta’s airport right to the inn regardless of size of the party. The outdoor wedding at Chateau Élan comes with an alternate indoor location just incase the weather changes at the last moment. How many couples get the chance to exchange their vowels in a vineyard in front of family and friends?

Republican Breakdown

The greatest election in our time and the Republican’s can’t come together to unite for the sake of the party and this great country. With staffers running for cover and blaming each other for the election loss, no one is safe. John McCain said “the nation has spoken loud and clear”, why doesn’t he tell his staffers to listen. McCain aides are leaking the inner details of the McCain street USA tour. The same insiders that supported Governor Palin so fiercely to the press are throwing insults of incompetence and ignorance to anyone that’s listening.
While the President Elect Barrack Obama is getting his new White house staff in place and moving forward to a new America, the Republicans our falling apart with infighting and finger pointing. The display of strength and hope the McCain camp paraded across small town America is nothing more than a sham if the remarks from insiders are true.
John McCain will continue to stay in the Senate and serve his country until he retires. Sarah Palin returns to Alaska as Governor at a relatively young age in politics. The future remains unsure as only a few days after the McCain Palin team split, the insults our flying. What will see in another week, or perhaps the next couple years when the McCain/ Palin staff began writing their books about life on the trail with the inexperienced Governor?
These same aides should be remembered when they apply to their next campaign. Why would any politician who has a future in Politics hire these parasites that turn the knife in the back of their candidate as soon as their meal ticket ends?

The 2008 Political year will be one that has provided the most historical election this nation has witnessed. Watching the candidates come through Ohio has given the voters a close look at both candidates. I started following the political rallies around Southeastern Ohio after Sarah Palin was added to the McCain ticket. The crowd was waiting overnight to get a glimpse of Sarah Palin and John McCain. It was an early September morning, just two weeks after Governor Palin joined the campaign. I arrived two hours before the gates opened. Six hours before the candidates were scheduled to speak.
Being that early the crowd was already wrapped two blocks around downtown Historic Lebanon. A buzz filled the cool September morning as loyal republican supporters and undecided voters waited before sunrise. Female voters waiting in line commented how they were there to show their support for Sarah Palin. At daybreak the cold rain began to fall but it didn’t damper the spirit of the determined crowd.
Local Politicians and famous Republican supporters spoke to the crowd to warm up and energize the crowd before John McCain and Sarah Palin arrived. And as the music started playing, the crowd turned to face the intersection. The Straight Talk express bus pulled up and stopped as the noise from the crowd was like a rock concert. Who would of thought this was a John McCain rally. Cameras flashed and people cheered as the scene with John McCain, Sarah and Todd Palin walking to the stage. Ohio politician Todd Portune introduced Sarah Palin to speak. Sarah Palin stepped to the microphone and before the first word was spoken the applause and cheers seemed to last for minutes. Governor Palin repeated her points from her Republican Convention speech. The crowd cheered louder as she talked about the Maverick standing beside her.
John McCain stepped up to speak and the applause grew even louder. The Maverick was standing in front of the Historic Golden Lamb, the oldest Hotel in Ohio and a one time coach stop. John McCain was more energized in his speaking style as he worked the crowd. With no suit coat and an open collar dress shirt, wearing a cap that proudly displayed Navy. After the speech the crowd followed the three around the barriers trying to get an autograph from John McCain, Sarah Palin, and Todd Palin. Todd Palin looked at ease with the Ohio voters who cheered and tried to get an autograph from the possible first husband. After the three departed the energy in the crowd never left McCain Street USA in Lebanon Ohio. To witness the scene, it would have been unthinkable to see Obama win’s Ohio.