Did you watch the Oscars?

March 08, 2010

By Christie Kulavich

Here’s Avery and Jelan dressed up for the red carpet.

Some of the Eagle crew gathered to watch the Oscars on Sunday night.

Lauren Champlin, a copy editor and huge movie buff, held a party for the ladies and kids of the newsroom.

The hostess actually won the Oscar competition. She guessed the winners for 15 out of 24 categories. I only got five. Even 7-year-old Avery beat me — she guessed six correctly.

See the newsroom’s Oscar picks here.

Friends of the Library: Karen Spears Zacharias

March 03, 2010

By Christie Kulavich

Here’s the author speaking at Basketcase on Wednesday.

I’m a member of Friends of the Library, a group that supports the Houston-Love Memorial Library, but today was the first time I’d been to the group’s monthly lunch at Basketcase.

The group meets on the first Wednesday of every month, and this month’s author who spoke was Karen Spears Zacharias, whose new book is called ... are you ready for this ... “Will Jesus Buy Me A Double-wide? Cause I Need More Room For My Plasma TV.” The book is a look at people’s beliefs on whether God is a direct link to their financial prosperity.

My co-worker Bill invited me along and gave me a copy of the book so I could see what it was all about. That made it much more interesting to follow the discussion. Thanks, Bill!

After having a yummy Basketcase lunch, Karen speak about her life and how she came to write the book.

While I was there, I picked up one of her previous books, “After The Flag Has Been Folded,” an autobiographical look at her father’s death in Vietnam and how her family moves through the aftermath. I love biographies, so I am eager to get home and crack it open.

Don’t forget to check out the annual library book sale next month. It’s April 16-18 at the back of the Houston-Love Memorial Library. I can’t wait to get my hands on some cheap books.

Visit Karen Spears Zacharias’ Web site here.

Visit the Houston-Love Memorial Library Web site here.

The Shrimp Boat: Super tasty!

February 27, 2010

By Christie Kulavich

It doesn’t look like much, but the seafood that comes out of this place is yum!

This Saturday is beautiful, but it sure is cold.

Last Saturday was a different story. It was a sunny, warm, beautiful day that felt like spring. And when spring calls, so does the convertible. I don’t have one anymore, but my boyfriend does.

So off we went for a ride around town with the top dropped. I suggested a trip to Midland City and he looked at me like I was crazy.

I had ulterior motives. The Shrimp Boat, to be exact.

A few weeks ago, Ken Rogers wrote a review of the take-out counter and pronounced it divine. (Read his review here.)

I have passed it on U.S. 231 several times and have always been intriuged, but never stopped. It is in a shopping center on U.S. 231 in Midland City. The place doesn’t look like much, just a trailer with a picnic table in front of it, but it has a 99 health score and a big ol’ menu full of seafood goodness.

I couldn’t decided between fried or boiled shrimp and the man at the counter chose for me when he said, “It doesn’t get much better than our fried shrimp.” He was right. The fried shrimp were downright tasty.

Rodney had the fried fish and shrimp plate. We were both sort of disappointed to see the fish was catfish since we have both decided it is yucky fish — but The Shrimp Boat changed our minds. If you don’t normally like catfish, try theirs. It will change your mind on the subject.

It’s normally just a take-out sort of place, but if it’s a beautiful sunny day, you can sit outside and enjoy a mini-picnic.

Opus Nostrum makes for a fun night

February 23, 2010

By Christie Kulavich

The dad, in the front wearing a hat, was hilarious. The actor who played him did a great job.

Friday night, the boyfriend and I joined my cousin and his wife for a trip to Opus Nostrum, a dinner theater in downtown Headland.

I wasn’t sure what to expect, but my cousin and his wife had been a few times and said it was quite enjoyable.

And it was.

Opus Nostrum is in an old sewing factory just off Headland’s square. The building shows its age, but I love that.

You pay $25 per person as you walk in the door, and your table is reserved for your party. We had an awesome seat — right in front of the stage, and first in line for the buffet.

Speaking of buffets, this one was pretty darn good as far. I normally stay away from them, but seeing as how this was a freshly prepared spread, I made an exception. Bishop’s Home Style Cooking caters for the theater. I’ve passed the restaurant, which is on U.S. 84 West next to Sonic and Jim Whaley’s Tires, but had never heard about their food.

The buffet had baked chicken or beef stew with rice, green beans, the most marvelous sweet potato casserole and salad. It couldn’t have been better. I am totally sold on Bishop’s, especially that amazing souffle.

While we were eating, a cast member sang to entertain the crowd.

The play of the evening was a Neal Simon production called “Come Blow Your Horn,” a three-act play about a bachelor and his wild lifestyle, mixed in with a naive little brother and two hilariously overbearing parents. I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting Broadway, but the actors did a wonderful job. They kept the audience laughing all night and delivered their lines flawlessly.

During the first intermission, we had dessert — German chocolate cake — while the singer performed again.

Opus Nostrum is run entirely by volunteers, and they do a very professional job putting on a great show.

Check it out sometime. Bring your own bottle of wine, because they don’t serve alcohol.

“Come Blow Your Horn” runs through this weekend.

Here’s the cast taking a bow at the end.

Pictures with your pet - for a good cause

February 19, 2010

By Christie Kulavich

Wonder if I can convince my cats to go?

The Wiregrass Humane Society will be have a fundraiser Saturday and Sunday.

Local photographer Mark Broadway will be take pet portraits from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

For a $25 donation, you will receive a professional sitting and an 8x10 portrait of your pet. People can be in the photos too.

The studio is at 407 Honeysuckle Road, Suite 206 (next to main branch of Wachovia Bank). All proceeds will go to the Wiregrass Humane Society, a no-kill shelter that finds homes for more than 800 pets every year. For information, call 714-3120.

Visit Mark Broadway’s Web site to find out more.