Volume 14, Issue 49 ~ December 7 - December 13, 2006

Features:

Local Bounty 2006

More than 40 Days and Nights of Pleasures for All Ages

From lights displays to gingerbread house workshops to Messiah performances to ringing out 2006 and in 2007, Bay Weekly’s Local Bounty holiday guide will fill your days and nights, all the way from preparing for Thanksgiving through celebrating the New Year. We’ve reported as thoroughly and accurately as our early deadline allows, but it’s best to call ahead to confirm times. Also, peruse the whole calendar early and make your reservations, for the season’s popular events fill up fast.

Cracking the Nutcracker Code ~

Why a 200-year old fantasy is Christmas' favorite ballet

by Carrie Madren

Dancing with Joy

On the job with ballerina Charlotte McNutt

by Kat Bennett

The Talent Machine Company’s Gift to Children

Self-confidence lasts long beyond the holidays

by Dotty Holcomb Doherty

Way Downstream

Gov. Robert Ehrlich plays an ironic cameo on HBO’s The Wire … Hardbean Cafe named the first Charter 300 Information Center for Annapolis’ 300th anniversary celebration, coming in 2008 … Global warming’s got it in for Chesapeake Bay … In the world’s oceans, sea grasses are faring as poorly as in our Bay … And last but not least, this week’s Creature Feature, Along the Susquehanna River, beaver are big, fat and plentiful.

Departments:

Letters • Editorial • Bay Reflections

The Sporting Life ~ The best laid plans: We were in a perfect position to make a haul. by Dennis Doyle

Earth Talk ~ How safe is hydrogen? Cooling off safety concerns about the fuel of the future.

Bill Burton ~ Chasing the deer: How hunters look at Maryland’s resurgent ruminant.

Dr. Gouin’s Bay Gardener ~ Digging your Christmas tree: Living Christmas trees are heavyweights eager to go out.

Tidelog® • Sky Watch ~ Winter’s dark, early nights: While the year’s earliest sunset is already past, these cold nights are still getting longer. by J. Alex Knoll

8 Days a Week ~ Bay Weekly’s Guide to Good Times.
by Carrie Madren with Aubree Stafford

Curtain Call ~Twin Beach Players’
A Christmas Carol: Filled with fun, music and an abundance of cheer. reviewed by Dick Wilson.

Flickerings ~ Parker on For Your Consideration: There are laughs, and the film manages to score a few good satiric points. The trouble is, everyone leaves the theater in dead silence.