NAPLES SUN TIMES news summary for Dec 23, 2008

NAPLES SUN TIMES FOR TUESDAY 23 DECEMBER, 2008

NEWS

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* Want to see Christmas in paradise?

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Christmas in Naples is different. There's no snow and few roaring fireplaces. Mittens and scarves are foreign to us. You can drink hot chocolate at Starbucks, but it's not required for survival. http://www.naplessuntimes.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20222856&BRD=2605&PAG=461&dept_id=523946&rfi=6

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* It's Christmastime at Palm Cottage!

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Maybe we don't have snow in Naples, but that doesn't mean we forget about Christmas. The nonprofit Naples Historical Society (NHS) is dedicated to the preservation of Naples history and heritage. http://www.naplessuntimes.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20201636&BRD=2605&PAG=461&dept_id=523946&rfi=6

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* Cocktail: McCabe's does Christmas right

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McCabe's Irish Pub and Grill is a Fifth Avenue South landmark, located right next to the Sugden Community Theater. It's part of the Inn on Fifth. http://www.naplessuntimes.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20222759&BRD=2605&PAG=461&dept_id=523946&rfi=6

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* Dining: St. George and the Dragon-keeping Naples traditions alive

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St. George and the Dragon is more than an institution in Naples, it's a landmark. For 39 years, the restaurant with the kooky red British callbox (phone booth) outside has stood sentry duty downtown on U.S. 41, at the entrance to Fifth Avenue South. http://www.naplessuntimes.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20222823&BRD=2605&PAG=461&dept_id=523946&rfi=6

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* Naples lights up for the holidays

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Every year, the Mayor of Naples lights the official city of Naples Christmas tree, officially kicking off the Christmas season. http://www.naplessuntimes.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20222846&BRD=2605&PAG=461&dept_id=523946&rfi=6

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* Hot Ticket No. 1: Christmas Trees & Trains - Saturday, Dec. 20

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Visit the Naples Depot from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to enjoy Family Holiday Day, an extensive display of Christmas tree decorations and model railroading fun. http://www.naplessuntimes.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20222729&BRD=2605&PAG=461&dept_id=523946&rfi=6

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* Golf: Use the short game to lower your handicap

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The full swing and its corresponding set up factors are the most important factors for success in your golf game. However, the short or "scoring" game, whose main objective for professional players is to turn three shots into two from inside 100 yards of the pin as often as possible. http://www.naplessuntimes.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20212354&BRD=2605&PAG=461&dept_id=523946&rfi=6

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* Hot Ticket No. 2: New Year's Eve Extravaganza - Wednesday, Dec. 31

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The Hilton Naples brings the Brazilian Carnivale, direct from Rio, to Naples for a gala event from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. this New Year's Eve. http://www.naplessuntimes.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20222732&BRD=2605&PAG=461&dept_id=523946&rfi=6

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* History: The tale of Olde Naples Pier

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First came the hotel, and then the pier. In January 1888, there was, as yet, no pier. Before it, the Naples Company used the fastest steamship on the coast, Capt. Merritt's Fearless, which the company purchased. http://www.naplessuntimes.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20188977&BRD=2605&PAG=461&dept_id=523946&rfi=6

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* Fishing: Shrimp: don't leave the dock without it

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Here in southwest Florida, many types of live and dead bait are employed with great success year-round on the inshore and offshore fishing grounds. http://www.naplessuntimes.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20201592&BRD=2605&PAG=461&dept_id=523946&rfi=6

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* Sunspot: Marino

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Local musician Joe Marino entertains the holiday crowds on Fifth Avenue South. http://www.naplessuntimes.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=20222835&BRD=2605&PAG=461&dept_id=523946&rfi=6

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* Calendar

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Here's the scoop on local events. http://www.naplessuntimes.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19881459&BRD=2605&PAG=461&dept_id=523946&rfi=6

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* Music!

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Here are the tunes and good times you're looking for. http://www.naplessuntimes.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19881479&BRD=2605&PAG=461&dept_id=523946&rfi=6