BEST HAIRSTYLIST
Debbie Cohen, Hair Performance

I´ve been going to Debbie since I was a wee one but that´s not the reason I think she´s the greatest. Nor is it because she´s one of the nicest people I know. Quite honestly, Debbie is the only hairstylist I can rely upon to follow my directions exactly while still maintaining a conversation and a smile. You may think, well, of course, that´s her job. But imagine giving up your much-loved and trusted hairstylist for someone new to see how it works out. My deep appreciation for Debbie´s talents came after a three-year period where I was forced to go to someone else. See, I dated a guy whose mom was a hairstylist and I was obligated to get my hair cut by her. Now, this woman was a good hairstylist; I don´t mean to imply that her abilities were inferior. Let´s just say that my instructions were followed only casually, and the end result was typically not what I had in mind. When my relationship with the guy ended, so did my relationship with his mother and I gratefully returned to the comfort of Debbie´s scissors. She pretended I had never strayed, which enforced my commitment to her.

Hair Performance, 5409 N. Miami Ave., Tampa, 813-237-1050.

BEST USED BOOK STORE
Just Books

Though its selection may not be as extensive as Haslam´s, Just Books offers a respectable variety of general interest fiction and nonfiction, as well as the largest, most extensive science-fiction/fantasy section that I´ve found anywhere, from Philip K. Dick to Sherri S. Tepper. (Yes, it´s true, I´m an aficionado and I´m not ashamed to admit it.) I also frequent the place because the owner is pleasant, enormously helpful and always available to give me cash for my trade-ins, though I normally spend more than I earn.

Just Books, 2002 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa, 813-977-4648.

BEST CONCERT
Jazz Mandolin Project and Vida Blue featuring The Spam Allstars, Jannus Landing, Jan. 4, 2004

After returning from an exceptional run of Phish shows in Miami, I was skeptical that such natural musical greatness could occur again only a few days later. Of course, half the members of Phish were present (Jon Fishman drumming for Jazz Mandolin and Page McConnell on keys with Vida Blue). Suffice to say that the energy created by both bands was incredible and I found myself dancing just as much as I would at a Phish show (i.e., the entire time). Perhaps the magic followed them from Miami or maybe I was dazzled by the clear night sky and swollen, glowing moon over my head. Either way, I was absolutely entranced and pleased to find that I did enjoy these guys aside from Phish and that I could find musical bliss even if the four musicians I loved the most weren´t playing together. (This is a relief now more than ever, considering Phish has broken up, although I´m still pretty bummed).

Honorable Mention: Galactic, Masquerade, Jan. 16, 2004

These guys are freaking awesome. They played two sets full of funky, rocking jams and by the end, I was drenched in sweat, totally drained of energy and completely satisfied.

BEST DRIVE TO/FROM WORK
St. Petersburg to Tampa and back via the Howard Frankland Bridge

As grumpy as I am in the morning, once I hit that stretch of bridge and see the Bay spread out before me, the sun glittering on the water, my spirits are lifted and I feel ready to face the day. The drive home is equally satisfying because once I cross the water, I know I´m a few stoplights away from my door and ultimately, my sofa.

BEST WAY TO TEST YOUR RELATIONSHIP
Canoeing

If you´ve been canoeing, you know the difficulties involved and you´re aware of the tension that exists between the person who sits in front and the person who sits in back. While the person in back has the muscle power and steering duties, the person in front is faced with oncoming collision if any problems or distractions arise, leading to a lot of yelling, cursing and general blame when impact occurs. (And it will, probably in front of a large group of swimmers.) For those new to canoeing, I recommend popping your cherry in a spring-fed river, perhaps the Weeki Wachee. This way, when any difficulties occur, you can anchor at one of the many beaches, go for a swim in the cool, clear water (no murky depths here) and soak in the beauty of nature. Who knows — you may even see a manatee.

BEST COMMUNITY THEATER
Carrollwood Players

I´ve been going to shows at the Carrollwood Playhouse for around 10 years and love the small, intimate feel of the theater. I´m also impressed by the realistic sets they create, and have warm, affectionate feelings for the players, whose enthusiasm and sincerity account for my foreseeable return. Standing out in my mind is a production I saw a few years ago, Over the River and Through the Woods, for which the actors were so suitably cast that I was moved to tears. Don´t miss this season´s Barefoot in the Park and It´s a Wonderful Life, a welcome change from the Players´ usual Christmas Carol production.

Carrollwood Playhouse, Plantation Plaza, 4333 Gunn Highway, Tampa, 813-265-4000.

This article appears in Sep 22-28, 2004.