Lily Snowden  There is no doubt that Jacksonville has a large local music scene. However, most of these bands have found it impossible to find their “big break” or even a stage to play on that isn’t in the living room of a house show. Challenges related to the pandemic and the high cost of equipment have discouraged many bands from performing recently, as well. Fortunately, two Jacksonville-based promoters, who also happen to be twins, are working to help local musicians and artists get the exposure they desperately need.  Originally from New Smyrna Beach, a town with an almost non-existent …

Omar Aftab In recent years, Jacksonville has become increasingly developed. People have been gathering from around the nation for the sunshine and beaches that the city provides while still being relatively slow-paced and understated compared to more tourist-based cities like Miami and Orlando. However, whereas these cities are popular for tourists, Jacksonville is becoming a place where people are settling down, and this is being reflected in the booming housing market. According to Zillow, an online real-estate marketplace company, Jacksonville is the second hottest housing market in the nation, runner-up only to Tampa. Even with an average price of more …

Harry Moore This year’s list of Academy Award nominees is out, and the race is still wide open in many categories. Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog led the nominations with 12, while Dune followed up, scoring 10. The Academy’s shift toward being an international awards body continued with multiple nominations for the highly-acclaimed Japanese film Drive My Car from director Ryûsuke Hamaguchi. With the ceremony set for March 27, let’s see who the favorites are for some of the major categories and who just might cause an upset. Best Picture The front runner: The Power of the Dog …

Susan Clark Armstrong Some folks think that the process to select judges is rooted in virtue so pure that attorneys with the wisdom of Solomon are somehow plucked from courtrooms, law offices or behind careening ambulances to impartially serve justness to the wrong and the wronged. They believe selection committees, canons, government agencies, state bar associations and the voters ensure that a wise and appropriate person is selected. Sometimes, the safeguards don’t work, but more often they do.  And, as in all professions, there are heroes. It’s those in the courtrooms who keep the peace, administer oaths, record the course …

Joseph Guiffre It is a rare thing when the opportunity for environmental conservation, cultural protection, and historical preservation meet in one place. On the uniquely untouched southern end of Amelia Island there exists just such a spot. Among the wind whipped sand and in the embrace of the dense trees of a maritime hammock, lies the crossroads of some of the most prominent names in American and Floridian history; American Beach. The center of American Beach is towered over by Big NaNa dune and Little NaNa dune; a system of sand and plants that together make up the tallest sand …

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It’s no secret that the United States Healthcare System is broken.  Despite the U.S. spending much more on healthcare than other high-income nations, the U.S. still scores poorly on health measurements like life expectancy, suicide rates and preventable hospital admissions, according to Harvard Health. The average cost of health insurance for an individual is a steep $450 a month and with less than 50% of businesses around the US providing healthcare to employees, many people are left to pull cash out of their own pockets, or worse, go without health insurance. Direct Primary Care is a more affordable option for …

Tired of Swiping?  No Valentine’s Date? The best way to meet is in person! Ferris Wheel Speed Dating  

What our staff listened to and watched during our deadline week: Exodus album by Bob Marley & The Wailers February 6th was Bob Marley’s birthday so I shamelessly indulged in my favorite album of his, Exodus. When I say indulged I mean running a bath, sparking a joint, and hitting repeat on the intro track “Natural Mystic” and listening carefully. This particular song is heavy. Whether or not you believe in the trumpets of Judgment Day, the statements made in the track are true; “Many more will have to suffer / Many more will have to die”, “Things are not …