the listThe List announcements are chosen at the editor's discretion. Send essential information, including time, date, price, location and contact number to: The List, 1310 E. Ninth Ave., Tampa, FL 33605, or fax to 813-248-9999. No calls; information cannot be taken over the phone; e-mail may be sent to: cooper.cruz@weeklyplanet.com. Copy must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday, eight days prior to the publication date. Call venue to confirm listings.Festivals/EventsContra Dance The Tampa Friends of Old-Time Dance hold a contra dance with music by Southern Jubilee. The contra has roots in the Virginia Reel and features calls by a dance leader that direct partner swapping and add new steps. A potluck takes place at 6 p.m., with lessons at 7:30 p.m. and dancing at 8 p.m. Sat., Dec. 28. $6. Zendah Grotto, 4109 Lauber Way, Tampa. 813-936-0933.

Downtown Clearwater Farmer's Market The Downtown Clearwater Farmer's Market operates from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Wednesday through April 16. This year's emphasis is on green market vendors, fresh fish, cheese, flowers and bakery products. Station Square Park, the 600 block of Cleveland Street, Clearwater. 727-461-7674.

Holiday Open House The Carrollwood Players hold a holiday Open House to allow people to come meet the community theater group and enjoy some refreshments. Sun., Dec. 29, 7 p.m. Carrollwood Playhouse, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa. 813-265-4000.

Monthly Ballroom Dance The U.S. Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association holds its monthly dance. The event includes a lesson, show and snacks. Mon., Dec. 30, 7-10:30 p.m. Admission costs $7. Savoy South, 7200 U.S. 19 N., Pinellas Park.

Ruskin Farmer's Market The Ruskin Farmer's Market is held each Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stop by and check out the fresh farm produce and artisan products. The market is located on Shell Point Road just west of U.S. 41 at the corner of First Street Northwest.

Winter Sun Music Festival * Eckerd College hosts its fifth annual Winter Sun Music Festival, bringing together almost 100 musicians (top students, amateurs, faculty and independent professionals). Performances include vocal, chamber and orchestral music. For complete program info, visit www.eckerd.edu/wintersunfestival or call 727-864-8471. Dec. 29-Jan. 2. Tickets cost $5-$15 per concert. Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-864-8297.

Ybor City Fresh Market * Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., this fresh market offers produce, flowers, baked goods and other assorted crafts and wares. Centennial Park, Eighth Avenue and 18th Street, Ybor City. 813-241-2442.HolidayA Christmas Cannoli: Or a Tale of Two Families * Yellow Snow Productions puts on its humorous adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol. It's what happens when you cross Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim with The Godfather and The Sopranos. Dec. 26-27, 8 p.m.; Dec. 28, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m. Tickets cost $7-$10. Silver Meteor Gallery, 2213 E. Sixth Ave., Ybor City. 813-300-3585.

Cirque Nouveaux New Year's Eve at Santoro's Ampitheater is going to look like Cirque du Soeleil meets Studio 54. Circus acts include aerialists and stiltwalkers. Add to that special performances by the club's dancers, DJs X and Mondo spinning high-energy dance mixes and a champagne toast at midnight. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tue., Dec. 31. Cover costs $25 or $40 per couple. VIP packages are available from $400 on up. Amphitheater, 1609 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City. 813-248-2331.

First Night St. Petersburg St. Petersburg holds its 10th annual First Night New Year's Eve family celebration, featuring 10 live music stages and a 300th birthday quilt for St. Petersburg, Russia. There's also food vendors, art and fireworks at this alcohol-free event. Tue., Dec. 31, 6 p.m.-12 a.m. Advance admission buttons cost $8, $5 for kids. Downtown St. Petersburg, St. Petersburg.

Formal Masquerade Ball The highlight of this shindig is a $1,000 balloon drop, made possible by sponsors like Sacino's Formal Wear, Perrier Jouet Grand Brut and Stoli. The cover is a mere $10 for men in tuxedos and masks, and similarly $10 for ladies in evening wear and masks. The VIP package includes a surf and turf buffet, a bottle of Perrier Jouet. Tue., Dec. 31. Bricktown 54, 1560 McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-724-0707.

Grin's New Year's Countdown Grin (a band known for its blend of reggae, funk and jazz) play their way into the new year at Rare Olive. Tue., Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m. Rare Olive-Ybor City, 1601 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City. 813-248-2333.

Heaven & Hell DJs Tony Faline, Fredy Fernandez and Mike Anthony spin at this Heaven & Hell theme New Year's Eve party. An elaborate dance show involves angels in heaven and fire dancers in hell. Tue., Dec. 31. $20, $30 for VIP. Twilight, 1507 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City. 813-247-6234.

Holiday Film Series: Diner Five guys in their early 20s stumble into adulthood while hanging out in their comfortable diner. The stellar cast includes Mickey Rourke, Kevin Bacon, Timothy Daly, Paul Reiser and Steve Guttenberg. Sun., Dec. 29, 3 p.m. $5. Tampa Theatre, 711 Franklin St., Tampa. 813-274-8981.

Jazz Vespers First Night festivities begin with a jazz service featuring the sounds of Bob Reed, Steve Moretti and Phil Traynor. Tue., Dec. 31, 6 p.m. First Presbyterian Church, 701 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. 727-822-2031.

Kwanzaa Celebration A Kwanzaa celebration of family and community featuring storytelling, and the music and dance of the Kuumba Dancers and Drummers. Free and open to the public. Thu., Dec. 26, 1 p.m. Polk Museum of Art, 800 East Palmetto St., Lakeland. 863-688-7743.

Maryellen Hooper/Vinnie Favorito These co-headliners play the weekend. Hooper uses a lot of quirky facial expressions in her unique physical comedy. Favorito has appeared on The Late Show with Craig Kilborn and The Martin Short Show. The two also perform two New Year's Eve shows (at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.) that feature dinner; the later show also includes free Champagne as the new year is rung in. Dec. 26-29; Dec. 31. Tickets cost $16-$20 for regular shows, $35-$100 for New Year's Eve shows. Improv Comedy Theater, 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Centro Ybor, Ybor City. 813-864-4000.

Celebrate Safe: New Year's Eve at Busch Gardens Busch Gardens throws this annual no-alcohol party featuring DJs throughout the park. On top of getting to enjoy all the rides and attractions at night, there's also a huge fireworks show. Tue., Dec. 31, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. $30.95. Busch Gardens, 3000 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa. 813-987-5082.

New Year's Eve at Storman's For $25 you get a free drink, live music by the Mike MacArthur Band, party favors, live DJs and a champagne toast as you watch the ball drop in Times Square at midnight, followed by prizes and a breakfast buffet. For $50 you get all that and Premium Open Bar from 7 to 1 p.m. For $75 you get all that plus a reserved table and a gourmet buffet. And for $150 you get a reserved table in VIP, Premium Open Bar all night and a six-course surf and turf dinner. Decisions, decisions. Tue., Dec. 31. Storman's Nite Club & Sports Cafe, 2675 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater. 727-571-2202.

New Year's Eve Party at Sassy's Lounge Enjoy hot Caribbean cuisine all night, reggae and calypso spun by DJ Thunder and a champagne toast at midnight. Tue., Dec. 31. Tickets cost $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Sassy's Lounge, Milner Hotel, 2708 N. 50th St., Tampa. 813-621-2082.

New Year's Eve Top Hat Gala 2002 The Italian Club hosts its annual New Year's Eve Gala in the historic L'Unione Italiana clubhouse. The event begins at 7 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres and an open bar in the club's Cantina. Dinner is served in the Grand Ballroom at 8 p.m. and the party continues until 1 a.m. Dinner includes pan seared Sirloin topped with a Porcini Ragout and jumbo Gulf shrimp encrusted in pine nuts, accompanied with broccoli Raab, marinated eggplant, zucchini and red peppers. For dessert, a Zabaione with seasonal berries is to be served just before a Champagne toast at midnight. There's also live music by the band Tony Milio and Circles. Black tie optional. Tue., Dec. 31. $100 per person. The Italian Club, 1731 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City. 813-248-3316.

Noon Year's Eve * Come count down to noon at this family friendly New Year's celebration for kids. The festivities begin at 9:30 p.m. and culminate with an apple cider toast at noon. Tue., Dec. 31. Admission costs $9.50, $8.50 for seniors, $5.95 for kids 3-11. Lowry Park Zoo, 1101 W. Sligh Ave., Tampa. 813-935-8552.

Now Snowing Channelside has brought in a snow blower to flurry flakes all over the courtyard while The Dickens Carolers sing holiday tunes. Dec. 19-31, 6-9 p.m. Channelside, 615 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-223-4250.

Sum'n Classy WiLD 98.7 throws a New Year's Eve party with a swank dress code and surprise entertainment. Tue., Dec. 31. Tickets cost $75. A la Carte Event Pavillion, 4050 Dana Shores Drive, Tampa. 813-831-5390.

A Very Naughty New Year's Spend New Year's Eve drinking and dancing dirty at Club 1509 in the company of some exotic ladies from Thee DollHouse-Tampa. There's free hors d'oeuvres. Tue., Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-3 a.m. Admission costs $25-$40, 18 and up for ladies, 21 and up for guys. 1509, 1509 E. Eighth Ave., Ybor City.

The Wave A Web-cast celebration of the power of peace, area participants are meeting on the Friendship Trail Bridge at noon. Tue., Dec. 31. Friendship Trail Bridge, the old Gandy Bridge. 813-251-4669.Benefits & FundraisersBenefit Exhibit for Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary Three Bay area photographers show their work. Keni Lee of Seminole exhibits Photographic Artistry for the Soul. Bill and Irene Krammer exhibit a potpourri of images. Dec. 20-28. The Packinghouse Gallery, 10900 Oakhurst Road, Largo. 727-596-7822.

RCS Food Pantry The Religious Community Services Food Pantry, which gives groceries to more than 3,000 people each month, is always in need of donations. To offer food or monetary gifts, contact RCS at 727-443-4031. Mon.-Sun.ChildrenChildren and Divorce Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida team up to teach parents how to ease stress and the effects of divorce on children. Weekly, four-hour courses take place at the USF-Tampa campus, and the HCC-Dale Mabry and Brandon campuses. The course costs $35. Call 813-253-7981 to register.

Mentoring Programs Gulf Coast Community Care is in dire need of volunteers to spend two to four hours a week with a child as a "special friend" or "adopted grandma/grandpa." Volunteers serve as mentors and role models, and provide the children with someone to talk to and share quality time with. Call 727-538-7460, ext. 3019, 3013, 3192 or 3031.

PALS Volunteers Prevention, Advocacy, Leadership and Service (PALS) of the Child Abuse Council, a group of young professional adults who provide financial and volunteer support for CAC's programs, seeks volunteers to help prevent the ever-growing problem of child abuse. Call 813-673-4646, ext. 223.

Parent Aide Volunteers Help A Child Inc. seeks volunteers willing to share their life skills with a parent. Provide friendship and emotional support, information on discipline techniques, stress reduction, nutrition, budgeting and more. Contact Patricia Measel at 727-544-3900, ext. 170.

Part-Time Grandmas and Grandpas Are you 50-plus years old with two or four hours to spare each week? Make a difference in a child's life by volunteering for Gulf Coast Community Care's Adopt-A-Grandchild program. Ages range from infant to 16 years. Call 727-538-7460, ext. 3013 or 3192 for more details.Health & FitnessRegistration Opens for St. Anthony's Triathlon Anyone interested in competing in the 20th St. Anthony's Triathlon ought not waste any time registering. The race sold out last year in a record 32 days. The elite competition is one of the premier multi-sport events in the country and the number of racers is capped at 2,000. Registration opened Dec. 1. Visit www.satriathlon.com or call 727-825-1271 to request an entry form. Daily.

SWAMP Rides * SWAMP (South West Association of Mountain Bike Pedalers) offers guided weekly rides at a number of area trails. Riders need bring their mountain bike, helmet, adequate water (two liters) and meet at 9 a.m. at the designated ride spots. For a complete schedule of rides, trail maps and directions to trails, visit: www.swampclub.org. 813-689-5109.

Ultimate Frisbee Bay area ultimate Frisbee enthusiasts are looking to start a league, if they can attract enough players. For now, there are pickup games Wednesday nights on both sides of the bay: from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Coquina Key Park in St. Petersburg; and from 7 to 9 p.m. at the USF Intramural Fields. For more info, visit: http://www.bayareaultimate.com. 813-390-1690.Lectures & SeminarsAsher Dance Eclectic Asher Dance Eclectic is a dance company that integrates dancers in wheelchairs possessed of upper-body mobility with able-bodied dancers. Wheelchair ballet technique classes are offered weekly. Performances typically incorporate jazz and modern choreography. M.A.D. Theatre of Tampa, 4004 Santiago St., Tampa. 813-786-6291.

Business Workshops SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) of Hillsborough County offers Going Into Business Workshops every Tuesday and Saturday throughout the year. Topics include initial considerations to starting a business, financial management, marketing and business plan outlines. Times vary; workshops cost $20. SCORE is located at 7402 N. 56th St., Bldg. 300, Suite 350, Tampa. Call 813-988-1435 or visit www.tampascore.org.

Centre For Women Workshops The Centre For Women offers workshops on everything from anger management to interview preparation to getting your G.E.D., in addition to support groups. Class sizes are limited, reservations are required and fees are usually $10 or less. Classes are also available for young girls. The Centre's at 305 S. Hyde Park Ave., Tampa. Call 813-251-8437 or visit www.centreforwomen.com.

Hillsborough County Library Book Discussions Books discussed in January at libraries throughout Hillsborough County include The Stranger, The Sun Also Rises, Portrait of a Lady and The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse. For a complete program of discussions, visit hcplc.org or call 813-273-3652. John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa. 813-273-3652.

New Suicide Prevention Booklet A new booklet put out by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance dispels the myth that talking about suicide is harmful. The booklet aims to help people struggling with suicidal thoughts and provides advice for families and friends who want to help depressed loved ones. For more info, call 800-826-3632.

Sierra Club of Florida A national organization devoted to exploring, enjoying and protecting America's wildlife and wilderness areas. The Bay area's chapter headquarters are located at 475 Central Ave. Suite M-1., St. Petersburg. Daily. 727-824-8813.

Yoga, Pilates & Tai Chi There are daily yoga, tai chi and pilates classes. Call for schedule. Water Wind Stone, 306 Orange St., Palm Harbor. 727-784-0570.Readings & SigningsJohn F. Germany Public Library Hillsborough County Library Book Discussions. Books discussed in January at libraries throughout Hillsborough County include The Stranger, The Sun Also Rises, Portrait of a Lady and The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse. For a complete program of discussions, visit hcplc.org or call 813-273-3652. 900 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa. 813-273-3652.Sports & RecreationTampa Bay Lightning I The Bolts take on the Boston Bruins. Fri., Dec. 27, 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $8-$130. St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-223-1000.

Tampa Bay Lightning II The New York Rangers pay a visit to the Forum. Sun., Dec. 29, 6 p.m. Tickets cost $8-$130. St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-223-1000.

Tampa Bay Lightning III The Lightning face the Ottawa Senators. Tue., Dec. 31, 7 p.m. Tickets cost $8-$130. St. Pete Times Forum, 401 Channelside Drive, Tampa. 813-223-1000.Support GroupsACS Support The American Cancer Society offers ongoing support groups for victims of lung, breast, prostate and other forms of cancer, along with a general support group, at locations around Tampa Bay. For times and locations, call 813-254-3630 or visit www.cancer.org.

Breast Cancer Support Group H. Lee Moffitt hosts FACTors (Fighting Against Cancer Together), a nonprofit breast cancer support group, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. the first Saturday of each month in the Moffitt Research Center Auditorium. The group's open to patients, family, friends, caregivers, women at risk and others. A bimonthly newsletter and meeting flyer are available upon request. Moffitt's located on the USF-Tampa campus, at 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa. Call 813-903-4613.

Cancer Support Group Meetings Open to patients, families, friends and caregivers on the last Monday of every month. Call Jane Morse-Sweet at 727-821-0017 for more information. Last Monday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Gulfcoast Oncology, Gulfcoast Oncology, 1202 Fifth Ave., Suite 505, St. Petersburg. 727-821-0017.

Children and Divorce Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida team up to teach parents how to ease stress and the effects of divorce on children. Weekly, four-hour courses take place at the USF-Tampa campus, and the HCC-Dale Mabry and Brandon campuses. The course costs $35. Call 813-253-7981 to register.

Depression and Bipolar Support The Tampa Bay Depressive and Manic Depressive Association offers free, weekly support meetings for anyone affected by mood disorders. The 90-minute meetings take place at various times and location. Call TBDMDA at 813-878-2906 or visit www.tbdmda.org.

Epilepsy Support Groups Suncoast Epilepsy Association Inc. offers support groups each month at its St. Petersburg and Dunedin offices. Call 727-546-2856 for times and locations.

Food Addicts Anonymous This 12-step fellowship program emphasizes physical recovery from food addiction. Program members help each other follow a food plan that abstains from all forms of sugar, flour, wheat and other high-carb/high-fat foods. Membership is free, and meetings are held at 7 p.m. every Monday at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 13335 Case Road, Tampa. For more information, call Jackie at 813-960-4844.

Gamblers Anonymous Compulsive gamblers and their families can get the understanding and support they need at regular weekly meetings throughout Tampa Bay, including Bradenton, Tampa, Brandon, Holiday and St. Petersburg. Meeting times and locations vary in each city. For more information, call 800-579-5253.

Incest Victims Support Group Designed for women, this support group meets at noon the first and third Saturday of each month in the P.O.B. Building at St. Anthony's Hospital, Fifth Floor, 1201 Fifth Ave. N., St. Petersburg. Call 727-526-4240.

Overeaters Anonymous This 12-step fellowship program welcomes anyone who thinks they may have a food problem (overeating, purging, excessive exercising, etc.) to free, open meetings at 1:30 p.m. every Saturday. The meetings focus on the steps necessary to recovery, and are held at 209 S. Tampania Ave., Tampa. For more information of a complete listing of OA meetings, call 813-254-4190.

Rape Counseling Family Service Centers provides free counseling to survivors of sexual violence, sexual harassment, and to all rape survivors and their family and friends. All services are confidential and available to anyone in Pinellas County. FSC is located at 2188 58th St. N., Clearwater. Call 727-535-9811 for times.

Recovering Couples Anonymous Recovering Couples Anonymous (RCA), a 12-step program dedicated to relationship renewal, helps couples identify problems in their relationship and provides tools to resolve the issues. The group meets at the Grace Lutheran Church School Annex every Wednesday evening at 8:00, 4301 16th St. N., St. Petersburg. Meetings are free but small donations are suggested at each meeting. Call 727-898-9653.

TAN Services Each month, Tampa AIDS Network offers free, anonymous HIV testing, informative AIDS education courses and orientation programs for new volunteers. For times, dates and information on other TAN programs and events, call 813-914-8888.Volunteers/Public LifeAnimal Shelter Volunteers The Pinellas County Department of Animal Services seeks volunteers to fill kennel, clerical, hospital and reception assistant positions. Hours are available Monday through Saturday, and volunteers must be 18 years or older. Animal Services is at 12450 Ulmerton Road, Largo. Call 727-582-2645.

Be a Parent Aide Help a Child Inc. seeks individuals willing to visit a family once a week to provide emotional support, teach better parenting skills, and help families avoid patterns of neglect and abuse. Volunteers will be matched with a family after completing a 12 to 15-hour training course. For more information, call 727-544-3900 or e-mail hac@HelpAChildInc.org.

Bookstore Volunteers Friends of the Library Hillsborough seek volunteers for their bookstore, Grover's Corners. Volunteers are needed for mornings, evenings and weekends; you choose the days and hours. Grover's Corners is located at the John F. Germany Public Library, 900 N. Ashley Drive, downtown Tampa. For more information, Call 813-273-3616.

Community Boxing Club & Gym Volunteer Programs Home of the Blazing Gloves, the Community Boxing Club & Gym seeks volunteers and members of the community to enable its four programs: restoration of The Sicilian Building, promoting health in the community, tutoring kids after-school and writing letters to inmates. Community Boxing Club & Gym, 2001 N. Howard Ave., Tampa. 813-258-2792.

CPRD Volunteers The Clearwater Parks and Recreation Department seeks volunteers of all ages to help with various activities, duties and events. Orientation/recruitment classes are held at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of every month at Moccasin Lake Nature Park, 2750 Park Trail Lane, Clearwater. Call 727-562-4803.

Crisis Volunteers The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay seeks volunteers to provide counseling and community referrals via its 24-hour hotline, as well as volunteers to provide counseling to victims of sexual assault. Training is provided. Call 813-964-1965. ext. 3043.

Family and Community Education Share your expert knowledge of your profession or trade with adults enrolled in the Hillsborough County Extension Service's educational programs. For more information, call 813-744-5519.

Hands on Tampa Bay Volunteers Needed Hands on Tampa Bay seeks volunteers. Attend a one-time orientation and receive a monthly calendar of volunteer opportunities with such organizations as Meals on Wheels, Metropolitan Ministries and the Humane Society. Call 813-274-2010.

Hospice Volunteers I The Hospice of the Florida Suncoast has many upcoming orientation classes for volunteers in all fields. Help is needed with patient and family support, reception, filing, working with computers, office support and more, especially at the organization's central service center in Largo. For orientation dates, times and locations, call 727-586-4432.

Hospice Volunteers II LifePath Hospice needs volunteers to provide companionship to Hospice patients and their families throughout Hillsborough County. Volunteers work within their own community and no medical experience is necessary. Call 813-261-7398 for upcoming training session and location information.

Manatee Watch Volunteers Needed Tampa BayWatch is recruiting volunteers to assist with the Tampa Bay Manatee Watch program. Volunteers distribute free boater kits at area boat ramps, marinas and festivals, assist in manatee research and pilot or crew the program's specially designed pontoon boat. Call for more info. 727-896-5320.

Meals on Heels Volunteers and the crossdressing waitstaff of Cafe Karma deliver free food Monday through Friday to more than 100 members of the community who are in need, either due to financial constraints or ill health. Deliveries are made between 3 and 5 p.m. Call for volunteer info. Cafe Karma, 105 W. MLK Jr. Blvd., Tampa. 813-237-8883.

Meals on Wheels Neighborly Senior Services seeks people willing to spare an hour and a half to deliver noontime meals to homebound seniors in Pinellas county through Meals on Wheels. Daily, weekly or occasional help is needed and appreciated. For route information, call Pat Hofstadter at 727-573-9444, ext. 291.

Orphaned Pets The Humane Society of North Pinellas currently has almost 200 pets in foster homes and desperately needs more volunteers. Those willing are provided with all necessary supplies to care for the animal, and certification classes are available to get you going. Call 727-797-7722.

Pinellas Habitat for Humanity PHH uses gifts of land from cities, churches and corporations to provide affordable homes for the financially disadvantaged. Volunteer workers build homes in Clearwater and St. Petersburg every Wednesday and Saturday. To donate land or lend a hand, call 727-536-4755.

Rape Crisis Counseling Family Services Centers' Rape Crisis Program seeks volunteer counselors who can commit to two on-call shifts per month, during overnight, weekend and holiday hours. Commitment and follow through are key requirements, and training and pagers are provided. The center's at 2960 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater. Call 727-535-9811.

Red Cross Volunteers Needed The Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross needs volunteers for its transportation services and hospital volunteer programs in Tampa. For more info, call 813-251-0921.

Senior Volunteers Needed Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay has positions available throughout Hillsborough for volunteers to serve at-risk and special-needs children in schools or frail elderly folks in their homes. Seniors over 60 who volunteer 20 hours per week receive a tax-free stipend of $53 per week. For more info, call 813-932-5228.

Tampa Bay Harvest The Harvest needs volunteers to help distribute Pinellas and Hillsborough counties' food overages to local charities. Volunteers donate a few hours each month transporting food, coordinating donor relationships or retrieving voice mail messages. Call 727-538-7777, ext. 1.

Thrift Shop Volunteers The Hospice of Florida Suncoast seeks volunteers for a variety of positions at its Tarpon Springs Thrift Shop. Help is most urgently needed on Saturday, and positions include cashiers, sorters, pricers, display designers and office support. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Sat., and the shop's at 780 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs. Call 727-586-4432.

Thrift Store Volunteers/Donations Volunteer workers and donations are needed at Life's Treasures, LifePath Hospice's thrift store, which benefits patients and families of LifePath Hospice. The store is located in Carriage Trade Plaza, 1918 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa. Call 813-259-1028.

Tutors Needed The Literacy Council of St. Petersburg, an organization devoted to teaching literacy to a largely adult population that has eluded the traditional system of learning, seeks volunteer tutors. To learn more, call 727-525-0444.

UPARC Volunteers The Upper Pinellas Association for Retarded Citizens recruits volunteers to assist on field trips, cook, play games or read newspapers. Staff members are on site to assist volunteers. For more information, call 727-799-3330. Mon.-Sun.

Volunteer Drivers Meals on Wheels of Tampa seeks volunteers to deliver meals to the elderly and homebound for one or two hours per month. Call 813-238-8410.

Volunteer Speaker's Bureau Pinellas County Volunteers Services is seeking individuals to make presentations on topics they're familiar with, that may also be of interest to Pinellas residents. To join the Volunteer Speaker's Bureau, call 727-464-3945.Classical MusicWinter Sun Music Festival * Eckerd College hosts its fifth annual Winter Sun Music Festival, bringing together almost 100 musicians (top students, amateurs, faculty and independent professionals). Performances include vocal, chamber and orchestral music. For complete program info, visit www.eckerd.edu/wintersun festival or call 727-864-8471. Dec. 29-Jan. 2. Tickets cost $5-$15 per concert. Eckerd College, 4200 54th Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-864-8297.ComedyBrewmaster's Steak House * G. David Howard. Howard set the Guinness World Record for telling consecutive, non-repeating jokes in 1979, wisecracking for more than 13 hours straight. So you know the guy's got a lot of material. He performs at 9:30 p.m. every Friday and Saturday. Cover varies. 401 Second St., Indian Rocks Beach. 727-595-2900.

Clearwater Cinema Cafe The Charming Hooligans. This improv and sketch troupe began as Beat The Dead Horse, the first such troupe in the Bay area. And while the lineup has changed over the years, the group's core of Marty, Chris and Darryl remains funny to the, uh, core. They perform at midnight every Friday. $5. 24095 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater. 727-797-9808.

Coconuts Comedy Club-Clearwater Mike McCarthy. Dec. 27, 9:30 p.m.; Dec. 28, 9:30 p.m. Cover varies (two-drink minimum). 24095 U.S. 19 N., Clearwater. 727-797-5653.

Coconuts Comedy Club-St. Pete Beach Darryl lenox. Dec. 26-29. Open Mic Night. Wed., Jan. 1, 9:30 p.m. Cover varies (two-drink minimum). 6100 Gulf Blvd., Howard Johnson, St. Pete Beach. 727-360-5653.

Improv Comedy Theater Maryellen Hooper/Vinnie Favorito. These co-headliners play the weekend. Hooper uses a lot of quirky facial expressions in her unique physical comedy. Favorito has appeared on The Late Show with Craig Kilborn and The Martin Short Show. The two also perform two New Year's Eve shows (at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.) that feature dinner; the later show also includes free Champagne as the new year is rung in. Dec. 26-29; Dec. 31. Tickets cost $16-$20 for regular shows, $35-$100 for New Year's Eve shows. 1600 E. Eighth Ave., Centro Ybor, Ybor City. 813-864-4000.

The Lobby The Unprofessionals. This improv troupe solicits ideas, genres, emotions, etc. from the audience and crafts scenes with solid comedic punch. The Unprofessionals include: Virginia Adams, Wayne Berman, Harry Chittenden, Tracy Parker and Paul Soleo. They perform at 7:30 p.m. every Saturday at the Lobby, the upstairs lounge of The Garden restaurant. Cover costs $5. 217 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-896-3800.

Side Splitters Ken Whitener. Known as the Wizard of Comedy, Whitener has performed his humorous hypnosis for more than 20 years. He's also appeared several times on Nickelodeon's What Would You Do?. Regular cover costs $8-$14. He's also performing two shows on New Year's Eve. The 7:30 p.m. show costs $15 and includes a Champagne toast. The 10:30 p.m. show costs $35 and includes a champagne toast, balloon drop, party favors, breafast buffet and dancing. Dec. 26; Dec. 29; Dec. 31. 12938 N. Dale Mabry, Tampa. 813-960-1197.

Wacky Weaver's Johnny B. Dec. 27, 8:30 p.m. & 10:30 p.m.; Dec. 28, 8:30 p.m. & 10:30 p.m. $10. 779 W. Lumsden Road (located inside the Brandon Brew House), Brandon. 813-661-5527.DanceKwanzaa Celebration A Kwanzaa celebration of family and community featuring storytelling, and the music and dance of the Kuumba Dancers and Drummers. Free and open to the public. Thu., Dec. 26, 1 p.m. Polk Museum of Art, 800 East Palmetto St., Lakeland. 863-688-7743.

Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker Moscow Ballet, a company that includes 14 international ballet gold medalists, performs a lavish production of this holiday classic. Tue., Dec. 31, 9 p.m. Tickets cost $30-$75. Mahaffey Theater, 400 First St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-892-5767.

Salute to Vienna * In its return to Ruth Eckerd Hall, Salute to Vienna features a new cast of 75 musicians, singers and dancers. The production showcases the best of Johann Strauss, from "The Blue Danube Waltz" to excerpts from the famous operetta Die Fledermaus. Sun., Dec. 29, 8 p.m. Tickets cost $39-$55. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400.MuseumsAfrican Art Gallery & Museum African Art. The museum houses 4,400 square feet of modern and ancient art: masks, statues, paintings and collectibles. Admission: $5 for adults, $3 for students. 1711 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. 813-258-0223.

Florida Holocaust Museum Europe Through Our Eyes. The Jewish museums of London, Frankfurt and Vienna have created this touring exhibit of art, artifacts, holograms, and photographs pertaining to the culture and heritage during Europe's most challenging historical times. Dec. 20-May 19. 55 Fifth St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-820-0100.

Florida International Museum Cuban Missile Crisis. This 10,000-square-foot exhibit highlights the tense events of October 1962. Visitors see and feel just how close we came to nuclear war with the Soviet Union. The exhibit is a permanent installation in the museum. Gulfport Sculptors. The Florida International Museum exhibits works by two Gulfport artists, Felipe Packard and Ricardo de la Vega, in conjunction with a collection of pieces by neo-surrealist Mexican painter Enrique Chavarria. Dec. 20-Feb. 9. The Mystique of the Motorcycle. This 12,000-foot exhibit features motorcycles from the last 100 years. It explores the motorcycle's use as a means of transportation, wartime vehicle and expression of lifestyle. Dec. 19-April 27, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission costs $12, $11 for college students and seniors, $6 for students. 100 Second St. N., St. Petersburg. 727-822-3693.

Gulf Coast Museum of Art Celeste Roberge: Sitting Room. Florida sculptor Celeste Roberge creates a new installation at the museum. The piece is on display through Jan. 26. Jeff Whipple: A 25 Year Retrospective. Jeff Whipple, one of Florida's most accomplished artists, exhibits works highlighting his professional career. Dec. 20-Jan. 12. Permanent Collection Exhibits. The GCMA is committed to collecting contemporary Florida art dating from 1960. Six permanent-collection galleries showcase the works year round. 12211 Walsingham Road, Largo. 727-518-6833.

The Henry B. Plant Museum Upstairs/Downstairs. Theatrical, single-character vignettes bring to life the turn-of-the-century Tampa Bay Hotel and lifestyles of America's Gilded Age. The characters, based on original research conducted by the museum, range from a hunting and fishing guide to a laundress, each presenting a unique perspective. The four characters rotate, with one performance at 2 p.m. every Sunday through May 25. Admission is a suggested donation of $5. University of Tampa, 401 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. 813-254-1891.

Kid City Tiny Town. This hands-on indoor/outdoor facility is geared to kids and their families. The 12 child-size buildings (air conditioned, of course) include a bank, grocery store, city hall and fire station. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday; noon to 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission costs $4. 7550 N. Boulevard, Tampa. 813-935-8441.

Kid's Firehouse Museum Antique Firetrucks. The museum has 12 antique firetrucks and lots of memorabilia on display, as well as a playground facility. Kids can learn fire safety tips, watch a safety video and get some free memorabilia. Museum hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. through 1 p.m. Friday. Admission is free; donations are encouraged. 9510 Kids Firehouse Ave., Largo. 727-585-1300.

Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art Closed on Christmas and New Year's. Collections. The museum is named for Abraham Rattner (1893-1978), a figurative expressionist whose paintings are in museum collections around the world, and stepson Allen Leepa (b. 1919). It's home to Rattner's work and works by his contemporaries. The museum's open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday (and until 9 p.m. on Thursdays); 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission costs $5, $4 for senior, and free to children and students. St. Petersburg College-Tarpon Springs Campus, 600 Klosterman Road, Palm Harbor. 727-712-5762.

Museum of Fine Arts * Little Luxuries: Baby Rattles and Teethers from the 18th to 20th Century. This exhibit of baby rattles and teethers totals 125 objects, spans 300 years and comes from the collection of longtime MFA friend Marcia Hersey. Dec. 20-April 27. Red Grooms: Selections From the Graphic Work. An engaging print artist, Grooms exhibits 130 prints, including a number of large-scale works. Influenced and inspired by comics and pop culture, Grooms also pays tribute in his work to such artists as VanGogh, Matisse and Pollock. Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sundays, 1-5 p.m. Continues through Jan. 5. Admission costs $6 for adults, $5 for seniors. 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg. 727-896-2667.

Museum of Science & Industry (MOSI) * Dinosaurs, Butterflies, IMAX and More. MOSI, a not-for-profit educational institution, is the largest science center in the Southeastern United States. Museum highlights include two replica diplodocus dinosaur skeletons; BioWorks Butterfly Garden, an engineered ecosystem that emulates natural wetlands; the Back Woods, 40 acres of special water conservation elements and outdoor exhibits; and the IMAX Dome Theatre, which features an 82-foot hemispherical movie screen. Mon.-Thur., Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Fri., Sat., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Continues through Dec. 31. 4801 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. 813-987-6300.

Pioneer Florida Museum Tools, tools, tools. Life doesn't seem so hard after visiting this museum, which depicts how the pioneering folk of Florida's past lived. On display are tools of the cracker-era, a turn-of-the-century Porter Steam Engine, a two-story farmhouse from the 1860s and an 1878 Methodist church. Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission costs $5 for adults. Dec. 19-31, 12 p.m. 15602 Pioneer Museum Road, Dade City. 352-567-0262.

Polk Museum of Art Kwanzaa Celebration. A Kwanzaa celebration of family and community featuring storytelling, and the music and dance of the Kuumba Dancers and Drummers. Free and open to the public. Thu., Dec. 26, 1 p.m. 800 East Palmetto St., Lakeland. 863-688-7743.

Safety Harbor Museum of Regional History Cool Old Stuff. The museum's exhibits show the history of Safety Harbor and the surrounding Tampa Bay area from prehistoric to modern times. Descriptive dioramas and displays of fossils, projectile points, shell tools, beads and pottery tell the story of Florida's first people and the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century. Hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Friday; 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission costs $2, $1 for kids. 329 Bayshore Blvd. S., Safety Harbor. 727-726-1668.

Salvador Dali Museum * Dali Objects/Dali Fetishes. A pair of rarely displayed Dali-illustrated books and an important group of the artist's objects from the 1930s make up this exhibit. The books contain illustrations for the erotic Poems Secretes (1967) by Guillaume Apollinaire, and the fantastical and morbid Roi je t'Attends a Babylone 1973) by Andre Malraux. The objects include "The Surrealist Shoe" (1973), "The Aphrodisiac Dinner Jacket" (1970) and "The Venus de Milo with Drawers" (1970). Dec. 20-Jan. 19. Permanent Collection. The museum's collection, the world's most comprehensive of Salvador Dali's work, provides an excellent overview of Dali's major themes and symbols. Characterized by diversity, his oil paintings range from the impressionist and cubist styles of his early period to his later, more famous surrealist canvases. Daily. 1000 Third St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-823-3767.

The Science Center of Pinellas County More Than a Planetarium. The Science Center sits on seven acres and includes the Laser Odyssey Theater, a 30-seat planetarium, numerous exhibits (including Discoveries by African-American Scientists and Inventors), the Carol Samuels Observatory with a powerful Meade 16-inch telescope, 12 classrooms/labs, a Xeriscape Learning Center garden and a Wetlands outdoor area. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and admission is free. 7701 22nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg. 727-384-0027.

St. Petersburg Museum of History Permanent Exhibits. On permanent display is the Walk through Time and Try History on For Size galleries, where visitors can see themselves in vintage costumes through mirrors creating the illusion of wearing period clothing. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, $2 for ages 7-17, and free for kids 6 and under. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. 335 Second Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg. 727-894-1052.

Tampa Bay History Center Hillsborough History. The center houses a collection of artifacts, books, maps and more on Tampa Bay history. Guests can learn about the Bay area's natural environment, Seminole Indians, European exploration, the cracker cattle trade and military history. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is free; donations are welcome. Tampa Convention Center Annex, 225 S. Franklin St., Tampa. 813-228-0097.

Tampa Gallery of Photographic Arts Clyde Butcher Retrospective. TGPA exhibits this, the first retrospective of Clyde Butcher's work. For more than 35 years he's been preserving untouched areas of Florida landscape on film. Dec. 20-Jan. 5. Old Hyde Park Village, 746 S. Village Circle, Tampa. 813-251-1800.

Tampa Museum of Art * I See the Rhythm. This exhibit of paintings by Michele Wood is a tour of African-American musical history, beginning with African tribal drums and ending with the hip-hop of today. It's comprised of 15 paintings, a quilt, a doll symbolizing the artist, five costumes and a looped video of live performances. Dec. 20-Feb. 2. Photography's Multiple Roles. An ambitious panorama of images, Photography's Multiple Roles captures the medium's breadth, totaling 170 photos, objects and installations by some of the most talented artists, practitioners and technicians of the 20th century. Dec. 20-Jan. 5. 600 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa. 813-274-8130.

USF Contemporary Art Museum Permanent Collection. USF CAM maintains the university's art collection, comprising more than 3,600 art works. There are holdings by internationally acclaimed artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Rauschenberg and James Rosenquist, who have worked at USF's Graphicstudio. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Cam 101, Tampa. 813-974-4133.

Veterans Memorial Museum and Park Walk Through Time. This tribute to America's fighting men and women offers a walk through military history, starting in the 1500s and going through Desert Storm. Permanent exhibits include Florida Soldiers Walk Through Time: 1590s-1990s, featuring Florida soldiers and American history from the 1590s through Desert Storm, and a Spanish-American War exhibit. Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Park hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily. Admission's free, but donations are accepted. 3602 U.S. 301 N., Tampa. 813-744-5502.

Ybor City State Museum Casita y Mas. This small museum anticipates major renovations in the next few years. For now, its main attractions are old photographs of Ybor City and its early inhabitants, the cigar factory workers. There's also a restored casita, one of many once known as canones (cannons) or shotgun houses because of their long, narrow frames. They rented for about $2 per week and sold from anywhere between $400 and $900. Daily, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Growing Up in Ybor. Using vintage toys, games and photos of kids at various pastimes, Growing Up in Ybor shows what childhood in early Ybor City was like. Photos in the exhibit show child labor, public classrooms, sandlot baseball teams and teenage social clubs. Dec. 20-Jan. 11. 1818 Ninth Ave., Ybor City. 813-247-6323.Spoken WordBeaux Arts Gallery and Folk Coffeehouse Open Mic. Beaux Arts' open mic takes place from 8 to 11:30 p.m. every Saturday. Art films are shown at 8 p.m. Friday, and 2:30 and 8 p.m. Sunday. A donation of $2 to $5 is suggested at the door, but coffee, tea and cake are free. 2635 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-328-0702.

Chronic Insomnia Open Mic. Ryan Holcomb and Stormey host this Tuesday night open mic for musicians, comedians, poets, etc. The event takes place from 9 p.m. to midnight. No cover. 32884 U.S. 19, Palm Harbor. 727-785-7013.

Leonard's Restaurant Black on Black Rhyme Open Mic. Black On Black Rhyme, put on by The Conscious Party, is a showcase of spoken word, with an open mic and regular readings by featured poets. The event takes place every Tuesday. www.blackonblackrhyme tampa.com/frontpage.html. $5. 1910 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City. 813-245-6527.

The New Place Multicultural Arts Center Black on Black Rhyme Showcase. The We Take No Prisoners Poetry Troupe hosts this showcase at 8:30 p.m. every first and third Friday of the month. The coffeehouse-style events feature out-of-town spoken word artists and includes pastries and coffee. For more info, call 813-248-6259, ext. 233. Admission costs $5. 2811 N. 17th St., Ybor City.

Phoenix Coffeehouse Phoenix Coffeehouse Open Mic. Open mic every Tuesday night, open poetry on Thursday, and a monthly slam on the first Thursday of the month. Mon.-Sun., 8 p.m.-12 a.m. 937 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-821-5608.Theater: OpeningsSome Like It Hot Tony Curtis brings this film classic to the stage, playing the multimillionaire who tries to woo one of two (male) musicians forced to disguise themselves as women in an all-female band while being chased by the Chicago mob. Dec. 31-Jan. 5. Tickets cost $40-$55. Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater. 727-791-7400.Theater: OngoingA Christmas Cannoli: Or a Tale of Two Families * Yellow Snow Productions puts on its humorous adaptation of Dickens' A Christmas Carol. It's what happens when you cross Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim with The Godfather and The Sopranos. Dec. 26-27, 8 p.m.; Dec. 28, 3 p.m. & 8 p.m. Tickets cost $7-$10. Silver Meteor Gallery, 2213 E. Sixth Ave., Ybor City. 813-300-3585.

Lend Me a Tenor The Early Bird Dinner Theatre presents this story of world famous tenor Tito Morelli who, through a series of mishaps, takes a double dose of tranquilizers and passes out on the eve of his season-opener of Othello for the Cleveland Grand Opera. Thur.-Sun. Continues through Dec. 31. Tickets cost $14.95. Showtimes vary. Bill Irle's Banquet Hall, 1411 N. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater. 727-446-5898.

The Lion King * One of the most eagerly awaited stage productions to come to The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, The Lion King is Disney's Broadway version of its phenomenally successful animated film. Giraffes strut, birds swoop and gazelles leap as a cast of more than 40 bring the African savannah to life. The music soars, delivering the pulsating rhythms of the African Pridelands, and includes Elton John and Tim Rice's Oscar-winning hits "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and "Circle of Life." Show times vary. Dec. 20-Jan. 26. Tickets cost $24.25-$133.25. Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, 1010 N. MacInnes Place, Tampa. 813-229-7827.Visual Arts: OpeningsJohn F. Germany Public Library Richard Stewart Digitally Enhanced Photography. Thirteen poster-sized images of wildlife and other subjects are on display on the second floor gallery of the downtown Tampa library until the end of January. Ongoing.Visual Arts: OngoingArtists Unlimited Members Show. This juried show features 33 artworks, both traditional and contemporary, by Bay area artists. Dec. 20-Feb. 7. 223 N. 12th St., Tampa. 813-229-5958.

Arts Center * Celebrations 2002, On the Surface, The Shape and Color of PARC. The Arts Center fills itself to the brim with these three exhibits. Celebrations 2002 is their annual holiday show. On the Surface is an invitational exhibit of glass vessels and wall pieces. The Shapes and Color of PARC features artwork in various media from the art studio of the Pinellas Association for Retarded Children. Dec. 20-27. 719 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-822-7872.

The Beaker Gallery Beached/Not Stranded. The Beaker Gallery's inaugural show, Beached/Not Stranded is a group exhibit featuring artworks by Richard Beckman, Leslie Lerner, Arturas Raila and Virginia Beth. Dec. 20-Jan. 11. 401 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa. 813-221-6876.

Brad Cooper Gallery Nude in the Postmodern. This juried exhibit features 30 artists whose works were chosen for how they approach and portray the nude. Corey Postiglione — a Chicago painter, critic and curator — selected the artwork from more than 100 submissions worldwide. Dec. 20-Jan. 4. 1712 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City. 813-248-6098.

Clayton Galleries Small Works: A Holiday Group Show. Clayton Galleries exhibits work by 20 of its artists, including Jeffrey Kronsnoble, Rebecca Sexton Larson and Jeff Whipple. Dec. 20-Jan. 4. 4105 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa. 813-831-3753.

Covivant Gallery * Smell of Expectation. Bask, a multimedia artist known for his outsider art style that deconstructs American icons, exhibits new mixed-media works. Dec. 20-Jan. 5. 4906 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. 813-928-4661.

Florida Craftsmen Gallery * A Season of Giving and The Teapot & Cup Show. More than 250 artists exhibit holiday-theme crafts in A Season of Giving. The Teapot & Cups Show is an eclectic collection of teapots, mugs and cups, variously functional, sculptural and whimsical. Dec. 20-31. 501 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-821-7391.

Hoffman Porges Gallery * House of Jazz. Two Florida artists, Hugh Barlow and Marlene London, exhibit paintings and small box-like houses, respectively. Dec. 20-Jan. 18. 1907 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City. 813-247-2000.

This article appears in Dec 25-31, 2002.