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2008 Shore Guide

How alarming: New Yorker is driven to edge 05/15/2008: By Steven Rea , Inquirer Movie Critic

A tale of obsession and vigilantism cut with humor and a little Hegel, Henry Bean's Noise is a satisfyingly screwy New York story in which a successful businessman/family man jettisons all because he can't stand the cacophony on the street.
Wartime theme suits 'Narnia' 05/15/2008: By Carrie Rickey , Inquirer Movie Critic

If you squint, the Narnian ruins resemble Middle Earth's Helms Deep after battle. The gallant Pevensie siblings recall the Harry Potter crew. And Reepicheep, a swashbuckling mouse, possesses a giant ego in inverse proportion to his tiny frame - just like Shrek's rakish Puss'n'Boots.
Haunted by a horrible incident, a writer struggles with present 05/15/2008: By Steven Rea , Inquirer Movie Critic

'To live with ghosts requires solitude," says the writer Jakob Beer, a man understandably haunted by his past - and unable to live in the present, with his loving wife, because childhood traumas linger in his dreams. And, in the pages of his manuscript.
Love and loyalties in the time of the Raj 05/15/2008: By Steven Rea , Inquirer Movie Critic

Before the Rains is "presented" by the production entity Merchant Ivory, and its setting and circumstances - India, in the late days of the British Raj, before World War II - is certainly Merchant Ivory-ish. Too bad, though, that James Ivory didn't get his hands on this melodrama of colonial karma, or that the director's trusty screenwriter, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, wasn't involved.
A message of acceptance in 'the fun zone' 05/15/2008: Family music king wants more welcome for immigrants.

By Sam Wood , Inquirer Staff Writer

Dan Zanes says making music is all about forging friendships and building bridges. The reigning king of "family music," whose videos are featured on Sesame Street and the Disney Channel, was touring the Midwest recently when he witnessed how people reacted to immigrants from Mexico and Central America. In many towns, the new migrants weren't made to feel welcome, he said.
New This Week 05/16/2008: The Great Debaters ***1/2 (Genius Products, '07) $29.95. 124 mins. Denzel Washington directs and stars as Melvin B. Tolson, a Wiley College professor who coaches his debate club to face Harvard University's champion team during the height of the Great Depression. With Forest Whitaker, Damien Leake and Gregory Nicotero. PG-13 (discreet sex, lynching) (CC)
Mouths are already watering for summer eats 05/16/2008: The dining scene changes yearly, but there's always a wide variety of spots to visit. Farm markets are added this season.

By Craig LaBan , Inquirer Restaurant Critic

I know it's time to dust last year's sand from the boogie board in our basement when the pre-Shore hunger pangs settle in. It happens every May. When the morning walks to school become warmer, my kids suddenly start asking daily: "So, where are we going to eat this summer?"
Suites and boutiques catering to luxe lifestyles 05/16/2008: No need to rough it at the Shore: For a price, you can have the finest views, enjoy all the latest amenities - and splash your cash at upscale shops.

By Jacqueline L. Urgo , Inquirer Staff Writer

Clearly, this isn't the Cote d'Azur. Or even the Hamptons. But things have certainly come a long way at the Jersey Shore, attracting those who seek a world-class vacation - and are willing to pay for it.
Kid-friendly activities for rainy or dull days 05/16/2008: By Jen A. Miller , For The Inquirer

Sure, the Jersey Shore is all about fun in the sun. But what can you do if the kids start hinting that they're a little bored with the beach - or if it rains? Post a comment
Five ways a frugal vacationer can have fun 05/16/2008: It's possible to dine handsomely on a budget, economize in accommodations - and even save while you swim.

By Frank Visco , Inquirer Staff Writer

The Jersey Shore may be a convenient vacation destination for area locals, and it's certainly easier to reach than flying off somewhere, but with rising gas prices and other expenses, it still isn't cheap. The Automobile Association of America estimates that the average family of four drops more than $320 a day vacationing in New Jersey.
Atlantic City keeping current 05/16/2008: The gambling mecca bets on new attractions to fend off competition.

By Suzette Parmley , Inquirer Staff Writer

ATLANTIC CITY - It's been a brutal year for this seaside gambling mecca. Competition from Pennsylvania and New York slots parlors began in late November 2006, and a law that will convert a partial smoking ban on casino floors into a full ban beginning Oct. 15 will further test Atlantic City's staying power.
Baseball diamonds a fan's best friend 05/16/2008: Two minor league teams call the Shore home.

By David King , For The Inquirer

To baseball fans, lazy evenings at the ballpark with family and friends are inextricably linked to summer. For fans who spend their summers at the Shore, however, summer baseball memories might consist only of tuning their radios to Phillies games on the beach.