23rd Annual South Beach Wine & Food Festival: 500+ Chefs Will Come Together In South Florida February 22-25 November 17, 2023 Share Tickets are officially on sale for one of the biggest, most star-studded, and delicious wine and food charity festivals in the country: the 23rd Annual Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Capital One (SOBEWFF®). Taking place February 22nd, 2024 - February 25th, 2024, the four-day Festival will return with more than 105 events, Food Network’s biggest stars, Grammy-Winning Musicians, today’s biggest lifestyle personalities and more than 500+ Chefs and Wine and Spirit Producers who will come together for an unforgettable celebration as the Magic City transforms into the ultimate culinary playground. “The Festival is as much a showcase of great food and drink as it is a celebration of the spirit of Miami,” says Lee Brian Schrager, Festival Founder and Director. “The magical setting of Miami is as much a secret to the Festival’s success as the amazing local, national and international talent that brings fans back year after year. It’s amazingly rewarding to see the Festival that started on the campus of FIU as an international stage that benefits the school nurturing the great hospitality leaders of the future.” So what fan favorites are returning? Of course, it wouldn’t be SOBEWFF® without the Festival’s two iconic open-air tasting tents – American Airlines North Venue and Goya Foods’ Grand Tasting Village – returning to South Beach’s sublime stretch of sand for two days and four nights of the nation’s most talented chefs and lifestyle personalities, all supported by more than 1,500 student volunteers from Florida International University. Here's a taste of what you can expect: • Rachael Ray returns to host the 17th Annual Burger Bash presented by Schweid & Sons® (Thursday, February 22nd 2024) • Guy Fieri will host Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives LIVE featuring more than 25 eateries from the hit show. (Friday, February 23th, 2024) • Enjoy LIVE cooking demonstrations from Food Network personalities and explore three-blocks worth of delicious bites and drinks at the Goya Foods' Grand Tasting Village featuring Publix Culinary Demonstrations sponsored by Sub-Zero Group Southeast. (Saturday, February 24th, 2024 and Sunday, February 25th, 2024) • Aarón Sánchez will host Tacos & Tequila presented by Tequila Cazadores featuring more than 25 chefs serving up various iterations of Mexico’s most iconic dish. (Saturday, February 25th, 2024) • Andrew Zimmern and Melba Wilson will close out the Festival with BACARDĺ presents The Block Party with a special performance by Rev Run! (Sunday, February 26th, 2024) From Overtown and Wynwood to Hallandale Beach and the Miami Design District and all points in between, the 2024 Festival offers a carefully-curated series of events spotlighting the vibrant local cuisine and culture of these neighborhoods and the profoundly important role they have had in shaping South Florida today. Event highlights: • A Taste of Italy hosted by Dario Cecchini, Alex Guarnaschelli and Gabriele Bertaccini part of the Miami Design District Event Series (Thursday, February 22nd, 2024) • Steak and Whiskey hosted by Michael Symon part of the Miami Design District Event Series (Friday, February 23rd, 2024) • The Cookout presented by Stella Artois hosted by JJ Johnson (Saturday, February 24th, 2024) • Smorgasburg After Dark hosted by Amanda Freitag, Marc Murphy and Robert Irvine (Saturday, February 24th, 2024) • Chicken Coupe: Fried Chicken and Champagne hosted by Kardea Brown part of the Miami Design District Event Series (Saturday, February 24th, 2024) • Hallandale Beach Food & Groove: A Wine, Food and Art Experience part of the Hallandale Beach Event Series (Saturday, February 24th, 2024) • A Feast of Local Flavors sponsored by Grove Bay Hospitality Group & Friends part of The Hangar Event Series presented by Capital One (Saturday, February 24th, 2024) • Overtown EatUp! hosted by Marcus Samuelsson (Sunday, February 25th, 2024) • Farmer’s Market Brunch hosted by Michael Schwartz part of the Miami Design District Event Series (Sunday, February 25th, 2024) The Festival’s crown jewel, Tribute Dinner part of The New York Times Dinner Series, will take place on Saturday, February 24th, 2024 and will pay homage to two luminaries who have left an indelible mark on the realm of hospitality. The Italian affair will honor culinary virtuoso Massimo Bottura, along with Luca Garavoglia of Campari Group. The effervescent Rachael Ray will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening and a world-class roster of chefs including Alain Ducasse, Mauro Colagreco, Albert Adrià Acosta, Jordi Roca i Fontané, Antonio Bachour and Bernardo Paladini will serve up dishes to pair perfectly with some of the finest wines and spirits from the Campari portfolio. This year's Festival will feature more than 60 intimate gatherings – from seated Brunches and Lunches, to Master Classes, to Wine Seminars and one-night-only Intimate Dinners. These present attendees the rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the art of gastronomy, engage in meaningful conversations and intimately connect with their favorite chefs, local restaurateurs, vintners and mixologists. Each event will feature a variety of high-end wines and spirits from the Festival’s exclusive provider, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. Highlights include: • Dinner hosted by Jon Shook, Vinny Dotolo, Alex Meyer and Luciana Giangrandi (Thursday, February 22nd, 2024) • Dinner hosted by Alon Shaya, Michael White and Michael Costa part of The New York Times Dinner Series (Friday, February 23rdm 2924) • BBQ-Making Master Class and Lunch hosted by Apocalypse BBQ part of Master Class Series presented by Capital One (Saturday, February 24th, 2024) • Pasta Omakase Lunch hosted by Fabio Trabocchi, Thomas McNaughton, Ryan Pollnow & Danny Ganem (Saturday, February 24th, 2024) • Champagne Lanson: Taste the Art of Blending, Crafted by Hervé Dantan Wine Spectator Wine Seminar (Saturday, February 24th, 2024) • Brunch hosted by Jean-Georges Vongerichten (Saturday, February 24th, 2024) • Dinner hosted by Zak Stern, Michael Beltran and Jose Mendin (Saturday, February 24th, 2024) • Dinner hosted by Valerie Chang, Chabela Coss and Ana Castro (Saturday, February 24th, 2024) • Beer-Making Master Class at Biscayne Bay Brewing Company part of Master Class Series presented by Capital One (Sunday, February 25th, 2024) • Drag Brunch hosted by David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris featuring Mistress of Ceremonies Athena Dion and special performances by Ms.Alaska5000 and Willam Belli (Sunday, February 25th, 2024) To date, the Festival has raised more than $37 Million in support of its educational mission to cultivate future leaders of the hospitality industry at the Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management at Florida International University (FIU). Between SOBEWFF® and its sister NYCWFF, more than $51 Million has been raised to benefit the respective charities of each Festival. Beyond the funds raised, both Festivals draw attention to the vibrant dining cultures of their respective cities, provide economic stimulus in their communities, and serve as a platform to drive awareness and engagement for a wide array of philanthropic activities. Tickets for the festival are On Sale NOW, with various options to suit your taste and budget at: www.sobewff.org - Stay up to date all year long by following along with the #SOBEWFF hashtag on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. < Previous News Next News >

Steps to Help Teens Plan Financially for the Future By Family Features August 22, 2024 Share For teenagers, retirement may seem like a lifetime away, but it's never too early to start saving for the future. Because financial habits can be created at a young age, the sooner kids begin to save and learn about investing, the less likely they'll face worries about money when they eventually stop working. Teens are already thinking about retirement, according to the Achievement Teens & Retirement Survey conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Junior Achievement and MissionSquare Retirement's Foundation. Among young adults ages 13-18 surveyed, 83% have thought about their retirement and 78% believe they'll be able to retire comfortably when the time comes. However, only 60% view retirement as living on investments and savings after leaving work, believing instead retirement could mean taking extended time off for travel, study, illness or taking care of family matters. "This research shows retirement is more top-of-mind for teens than one might think," said Tim Greinert, President of Junior Achievement USA. "While young people have given retirement planning some thought, it's apparent they still need information on the best way to go about it." Because nearly half of U.S. households (46%) report having nothing saved for retirement, according to the Survey of Consumer Finances, taking steps early to save and invest can help teens get a head start on achieving a successful retirement. 1. Start now. The sooner you start, the longer you have to save and for investments to grow. Even though contributions may be small during your teens and 20s, it can make a dramatic difference in the long run. 2. Pay yourself first. Whether through a dedicated savings account or an employer's retirement plan, set aside a set percentage of each paycheck. Then prioritize spending on what you truly need and want. 3. Invest what you save. Unless you save a lot, you'll need to make the most of your savings by investing them to help them increase in value. According to the survey, teens believed investing in stocks and bonds with the help of a financial advisor (45%) or researched online (38%), buying real estate or property (30%) and buying cryptocurrency or non-fungible tokens (15%) are among the best ways to save for retirement. 4. Find the right balance between investment risk and potential return. The ideal mix is one most likely to help meet investment goals with a level of risk you can handle. The longer you have to invest, the more risk you can likely take. 5. Spread savings across different types of investments. This helps you manage risk. As some investments go through rough stretches, others are likely to hold steady or grow. 6. Stick with your investing plan. Avoid making decisions based on emotions or in an attempt to time the ups and downs of the market. Focus instead on meeting goals over time. "The fact that so many young adults in the early stages of their careers are aware of a variety of investment strategies is encouraging news," said Deanna Santana, President, MissionSquare Foundation. "Over the course of our lifetimes, investment approaches, the economy and our priorities will change, so planning for life after work is an ongoing necessity - for teens and adults alike." Find more advice to plan for the future and achieve economic success at: https://jausa.ja.org/ - And: www.missionsq.org < Previous News Next News >

Mutts & Meows For Military July 14, 2022 Share The Humane Society of Broward County is thrilled to announce a new Adoption Program for Military Veterans. As a thank you for their dedicated service Veterans will now be able to Adopt a pet, from the main shelter, one year of age or older for half price! Pets available include Dogs, Cats, Rabbits and even Guinea Pigs on occasion. Studies have shown that people with pets have lower Blood Pressure, fewer Heart Attacks and less illness. They live longer and happier lives. According to Christopher Agostino, HSBC President and CEO, “Veterans have proven to be heroes in the lives of others, now we offer them the opportunity to be a hero for a shelter pet.” All pets are spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter, given Preliminary Vaccinations, a Microchip, Heartworm Test for Dogs seven months and older, Feline Leukemia Test, a 14 Day Health Care Plan courtesy of VCA Animal Hospitals, a bag of Purina ONE Food and of course you are getting a friend for life. Up For Adoption Dexter (ID 657002) may just be one of the most handsome Dogs at the Humane Society of Broward County this week. This blonde Retriever Mix is four years old and 69 pounds of sweetness. He walks great on a leash, is very gentle, knows to sit – especially when a yummy treat is involved and appears to like people of all ages. Can he be part of your family? My name is Atlas (ID A655158) and I’m a 1 year old American Staffordshire Terrier Mix who is full of love! I’m very friendly, I love to be petted, I am extremely well behaved and I come when called. My friends at J.R. Dunn Jewelers have kindly sponsored my Adoption Fee. If I sound like I might be a good fit for you, please fill out a Pre-Adoption Application (unless you have in the past) and come to the shelter to meet me. Mittens (ID A582546) originally came to us from the Florida Keys. Before Hurricane Irma made landfall, the Humane Society of Broward County took in this fellow and his friends at Upper Keys Animal Shelter in Key Largo so they could ride out the storm in a safer place. After the storm passed he stayed at the shelter until he was adopted. Mittens now finds himself back at the shelter because his family is moving and can't take him along. This fellow's favorite thing to do is look out the window. He will sleep in bed with you, he loves kids and paws at you to pet him. Can he go home with you? July is National Lost Pet Prevention Month and the Humane Society of Broward County will be offering 500 FREE Microchips for Pet Owners. The Chips are available in the Shelter’s Vaccine Clinic at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312. The Clinic is open Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. no appointment necessary (it is closed daily from 11:40 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.) Microchipping is crucial to your Pet’s well-being. In addition, a collar and ID Tag are a visible sign of identification and should be kept on your pet at all times. That way, if your Dog or Cat wanders from home and is found, you can be reunited quickly. Dolly’s Dream Dolly’s Dream has expanded and now they are underwriting the Adoption Fee of select Bully Breed Dogs. In addition to underwriting the Fee, they will cover the costs for the basic items that the Dog will need to succeed in their new home. This includes a training crate, Sensation harness or No-Pull harness, chew toys, collar, ID Tag, leash, training treat bag and basic dishes. If necessary, they will also cover the cost of obedience classes here at the Humane Society of Broward County. Each week there will be two Dogs featured who are part of the Dolly’s Dream Project and a sign is on their kennel door so potential Adopters know about the offer. For more information about the dogs being featured visit: https://humanebroward.com/dollys-dream/ To meet a Pet at the Humane Society of Broward County please fill out a Pre-Adoption Application at: www.humanebroward.com (unless you have in the past) and stop by. The shelter is located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 and opens daily at 11:00 a.m. If you have any questions, call: (954) 989-3977 Extension: 6. Can’t Adopt, but want to help? The Dogs at the shelter would really love some delicious treats and durable toys! Order directly from the shelter’s Amazon or Chewy wishlist or pick up a few things in the Pet Boutique located in the shelter lobby to Donate. < Previous News Next News >

Critical Race Theory Thu Jul 15 2021 05:03:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

My Son The Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy At The Lake Worth Playhouse Wed Jan 08 2025 20:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Sign Up For Free CPR Training - Save Lives With The Hollywood HERO Program October 24, 2024 Share In partnership with the City of Hollywood, Memorial Healthcare System has created a new community health initiative, Hollywood HERO: Health Education And Response Outreach. Hollywood HERO is designed to empower and inspire our community to take action and make a difference. Become a Hollywood HERO and register today for free bystander CPR Training on Tuesday, October 29th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Hollywood Fire Rescue & Beach Safety Training Facility at 3400 North 56th Avenue, Hollywood, Florida 33021. This initiative aims to equip the community with the knowledge and skills to save lives by focusing on: Promoting and teaching bystander CPR to increase survival rates Raising awareness of Cardiac Arrest and the importance of quick response Expanding access to lifesaving Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) Providing essential training to respond to choking and severe bleeding Educating for Stroke recognition and early intervention Encouraging healthy lifestyle choices for long-term well-being By learning bystander CPR, you could significantly increase survival rates for out-of-hospital Heart Attacks, boosting them by two to three times. Take the opportunity to make a real difference — become a HERO who strengthens the health and safety of your community! Secure your spot today by: https://ow.ly/gRm350TI24W Space is limited to just 35 participants, so don’t miss out! < Previous News Next News >

Audiences Are In For A Treat: This October 4th Music, Comedy And More On Stage At The Parker September 12, 2024 Share Audiences are in for a treat this October when The Parker ushers in an exciting new season of music, comedy and more featuring, among others, funny people David Sedaris and Ms. Pat, music from jazz vocalist Samara Joy, Saxophonist Boney James, R&B Great Billy Ocean, Broadway’s Jeremy Jordan, Jethro Tull's Martin Barre and Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert in the Lillian S. Wells Hall. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Outback Presents bring Ms. Pat: The Hot and Flashy Tour to The Parker on Friday, October 4th at 7:00 p.m. Declared by The Washington Post as "unforgiving and darkly hilarious" and The Huffington Post as "the real hero of sitcom TV," Patricia Williams (a.k.a. Ms. Pat) is a Comedian, Author, Radio Host, Podcaster and Actress who can currently be seen on her critically acclaimed, multiple Emmy®-Nominated Series, The Ms. Pat Show, streaming on BET+ and Paramount+. She recently debuted the weekly court show, Ms. Pat Settles It, on BET, and her hour-long standup special, Y'All Wanna Hear Something Crazy?, directed by Robert Townsend and executive produced by Wanda Sykes, is currently streaming on Netflix. She serves as co-host on The Morning Culture with Big Tigger on V103.5 in Atlanta and hosts her own wildly popular podcast, The Patdown. This event contains adult language or content. Fresh from his Broadway leading role as Jay Gatsby in The Great Gatsby, Jeremy Jordan comes to The Parker as part of the Red Carpet Series in a concert presented by the Broward Center and Mark Cortale on Sunday, October 6th at 7:00 p.m. The stage, film and TV star earned a 2012 Tony® Award Nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Jack Kelly in Disney's Newsies and a Theatre World Award for his portrayal of Clyde Barrow in Bonnie & Clyde. He has also been seen in Waitress, Rock of Ages, West Side Story, American Son, Finding Neverland and Little Shop of Horrors. On television, he's portrayed Jimmy Collins in NBC's Smash and Winn Schott on the CW series Supergirl. He also starred in the film adaptation of The Last Five Years opposite Anna Kendrick. He made his solo Carnegie Hall debut in October 2019 and performs with his band, Age of Madness. Jordan’s many honors include nominations from the Grammy® Awards, Drama Desk Awards, Drama League Awards, Outer Critics Circle Awards and The Astaire Awards. A VIP package is available. An Evening with David Sedaris, presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Innovation Arts, brings the best-selling humorist and regular National Public Radio contributor to The Parker on Thursday, October 10th at 7:30 p.m. With sardonic wit and incisive social critiques, Sedaris slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness as a master of satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today. He recently released A Carnival of Snackery and Pretty Ugly following his previous bestsellers Calypso, Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim. Sedaris will be offering a selection of all-new readings and recollections, as well as a Q&A session and book signing. This event contains adult language or content. After having rocked Broadway with more than 10,000 performances in the five-time Tony® Award-Nominated show Rock of Ages, Broadway's Rock of Ages Band takes the stage as part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock Series on Friday, October 11th at 7:30 p.m. Rock of Ages is known as "Broadway's Best Party," and Broadway's Rock of Ages Band was the force behind the party. Playing the greatest rock hits from the glam metal bands of the '80s, this show delivers songs by Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Foreigner, Journey, Poison, Twisted Sister, Joan Jett, Styx and Pat Benatar. In addition to performing on Broadway, many of the musicians and lead singers in the band have played with several of these original artists as well. Four-time Grammy® Award Nominee Boney James comes to The Parker as part of the TD Bank Jazz Series on Wednesday, October 16th at 7:30 p.m. After touring as the sax and keyboard player for Morris Day, the Isley Brothers and many others, James launched a solo career that has delivered 18 studio albums, including 2022’s Detour, with a dozen reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Album chart. This saxophonist's honors include a Soul Train Award and two NAACP Image Award nominations. This concert is presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents. As part of the Red Carpet Series, Billy Ocean performs on Thursday, October 17th at 7:30 p.m. Britain's top-selling Black recording artist, Ocean has seen his chart-topping hits span the globe, including the U.S., Australia, Germany, Holland and the UK. Winner of the Grammy® Award for Best R&B Vocal Performance (Male) for the single "Love Zone," he also saw his singles "Caribbean Queen" and "Get Outta My Dreams; Get Into My Car" soar to the top of the charts. After a hiatus, this multiple Gold and Platinum recording artist returned with a bang, touring extensively and releasing albums including Because I Love You, Here You Are and One World. A VIP Package is available. Presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Outback Presents, the Girls Gone Bible Live Tour is guaranteed to make audiences laugh and cry at the same time when faith-based podcasters Angela and Arielle take the stage on Friday, October 18th at 7:00 p.m. Girls Gone Bible is the beloved and quickly growing hit podcast that is accepted and loved by any and all people no matter their religion. These two cover all topics from faith to mental health, relationships and life in general, and they bring it all back to Jesus. The Girls Gone Bible ministry has grown rapidly because of the heavy-hitting conversations. Angela and Arielle double as hardcore Jesus freaks and a ridiculous comedic dynamic duo. Celtic Thunder: Odyssey comes to The Parker as part of the Allegro Fort Lauderdale Mosaic Series in a concert presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents on Saturday, October 19th at 8:00 p.m. Not simply a concert, Odyssey weaves music, storytelling and atmospheric stagecraft into a rich tapestry of emotional and musical tones to deliver a powerful theatrical experience that honors Celtic Thunder's rich musical legacy and simultaneously blazes new trails. Through innovative, original arrangements that are emblematic of the ensemble's unique sound, Celtic Thunder invites audiences on a sweeping voyage through the heartlands of traditional Irish music and the rhythmic pulse of contemporary Irish music. Their expert musicianship underscores the music's Irish roots, while the band's versatility ensures that every song, regardless of genre, is treated with the respect and creativity it deserves. Three-time Grammy® Award Winner Samara Joy performs as part of the TD Bank Jazz Series on Wednesday, October 23th at 8:00 p.m. Her Verve Records debut, Linger Awhile, made a case for her addition to the ranks of that label's artists Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday. That release won the Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 2023 Grammy Awards, the same year Joy won the prize for Best New Artist and one year before she took home the award for Best Jazz Performance. With a rich and velvety voice, she has earned millions of likes on TikTok and fans like Anita Baker and Regina King. She has also been seen on Today, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, CBS Mornings and Kelly Clarkson. Jethro Tull's Martin Barre: A Brief History of Tull is presented on Thursday, October 24th at 7:30 p.m. as part of the Cleveland Clinic Rock Series. The heart of the legendary Jethro Tull band that sold over 65 million records, this guitarist is known for his historic riffs, power chords and melodic solos. His celebration of Jethro Tull's music features a visual presentation highlighting Tull's 50-year career, with classic hits from albums including Thick as a Brick, Aqualung and Stand Up. Performing with Barre will be Dan Crisp on lead vocals, Alan Thomson on bass and Darby Todd on drums. A VIP package may be added to any ticket. Jim Henson’s Labyrinth: In Concert invites audiences to experience Jim Henson and David Bowie's original masterpiece as never before on Sunday, October 27th at 7:00 p.m. at The Parker as part of the Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Imagination Series. The full movie will be shown on a massive HD screen accompanied by a combination of live rock band, synth, percussion and fantastic lighting effects. This journey to Goblin City brings beloved characters, epic music and breathtaking visuals from the Labyrinth universe to life in a heartwarming fusion of film and live music. This event is presented by the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and AEG Presents. Also at The Parker this October, The Sinatra Experience (October 5th); Yesterday Once More! A Musical Tribute (October 7th); and MRC Productions/60s Rock ‘n Roll Revival (October 26th). Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker is located in Holiday Park at 707 Northeast Eighth Street. Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. The Parker is an affiliated venue of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, which provides programming and management of the facility. The performance season at The Parker is supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of The Parker. Buy tickets online at: www.ParkerPlayhouse.com - And: www.Ticketmaster.com - By phone at: (954) 462-0222; and in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. < Previous News Next News >

Welcome To 2025: Where Your Freedoms Go To Die By John & Nisha Whitehead January 15, 2025 Share Wondering what to expect from the government in 2025? So far, it looks like it will be more of the same ill-advised, costly, greedy, taxpayer-funded, dunderheaded power grabs, saber-rattling, graft, corruption, and make-works programming that leaves us no better off than where we started. Indeed, we’ve been down this road so many times before that there should be no surprise when, no matter who occupies the White House, we find ourselves subjected to more of the same when it comes to the erosion of civil liberties and the increasing power of the government and its corporate partners-in-crime. Digital prisons. Unceasingly, the government and its corporate partners are pushing for a national digital ID system. Eventually, a digital ID will be required to gain access to all aspects of life: government, work, travel, healthcare, financial services, shopping, etc. Before long, biometrics (iris scans, face print, voice, DNA, etc.), will become the de facto digital ID. Precrime. Under the pretext of helping overwhelmed government agencies work more efficiently, AI predictive and surveillance technologies are being used to classify, segregate and flag the populace with little concern for privacy rights or due process. Mandatory quarantines. Building on precedents established during the COVID-19 Pandemic, government agents may be empowered to indefinitely detain anyone they suspect of posing a medical risk to others without providing an explanation, subject them to medical tests without their consent, and carry out such detentions and quarantines without any kind of due process or judicial review. Mental Health assessments by non-medical personnel. As a result of a nationwide push to train a broad spectrum of so-called gatekeepers in Mental Health First-Aid training, more Americans are going to run the risk of being reported by non-medical personnel and detained for having Mental Health issues. Tracking chips for citizens. Momentum is building for corporations and the government alike to be able to track the populace, whether through the use of RFID chips embedded in a national ID card, microscopic chips embedded in one’s skin, or tags in retail products. Military involvement domestically. The future, according to a Pentagon training video, will be militaristic, dystopian and far from friendly to freedom. Indeed, all signs point to the battlefield of the future being the American homefront. Government censorship of anything it classifies as disinformation. In the government’s ongoing assault on those who criticize the government—whether that criticism manifests itself in word, deed or thought—government and corporate censors claiming to protect us from dangerous, disinformation campaigns are, in fact, laying the groundwork now to preempt any “dangerous” ideas that might challenge the power elite’s stranglehold over our lives. Threat assessments. The government has a growing list—shared with fusion centers and law enforcement agencies—of ideologies, behaviors, affiliations and other characteristics that could flag someone as suspicious and result in their being labeled potential enemies of the state. Before long, every household in America will be flagged as a threat and assigned a threat score. War on cash. The government and its corporate partners are engaged in a concerted campaign to shift consumers towards a digital mode of commerce that can easily be monitored, tracked, tabulated, mined for data, hacked, hijacked and confiscated when convenient. This push for a digital currency dovetails with the government’s war on cash. Expansive surveillance. AI surveillance harnesses the power of artificial intelligence and widespread surveillance technology to do what the police state lacks the manpower and resources to do efficiently or effectively: be everywhere, watch everyone and everything, monitor, identify, catalogue, cross-check, cross-reference, and collude. Militarized police. Having transformed local law enforcement into extensions of the military, the Department of Homeland Security, the Justice Department and the FBI are moving into the next phase of the transformation, turning the nation’s police officers into techno-warriors. Police shootings of unarmed citizens. Owing in large part to the militarization of local law enforcement agencies, not a week goes by without more reports of hair-raising incidents by police imbued with a take-no-prisoners attitude and a battlefield approach to the communities in which they serve. Police brutality and the use of excessive force continues unabated. False flags and terrorist attacks. Almost every tyranny being perpetrated by the U.S. government against the citizenry—purportedly to keep us safe and the nation secure—has come about as a result of some threat manufactured in one way or another by our own government. This has become the shadow government’s modus operandi regardless of which party is in power. Endless wars to keep America’s military’s empire employed. The military and security industrial complexes that have advocated that the U.S. remain at war, year after year, are the very entities that will continue to profit the most from America’s expanding military empire abroad and here at home. Erosions of private property. Private property means little at a time when government officials can fine and arrest you for growing vegetables in your front yard, praying with friends in your living room, installing solar panels on your roof, and raising chickens in your backyard: you’re no longer the owner of your property. Overcriminalization. The government has increasingly adopted the authoritarian notion that it knows best and therefore must control, regulate and dictate almost everything about the citizenry’s public, private and professional lives. Overregulation and overcriminalization have been pushed to such outrageous limits. Strip searches and the denigration of bodily integrity. Court rulings undermining the Fourth Amendment and justifying invasive strip searches have left us powerless against police empowered to forcefully draw our blood, forcibly take our DNA, strip search us, and probe us intimately. Taxation Without Any Real Representation. As a Princeton University survey indicates, our elected officials, especially those in the nation’s capital, represent the interests of the rich and powerful rather than the average citizen. With Big Business and Big Government having fused into a corporate state, the president and his state counterparts—the governors—have become little more than CEOs of the Corporate State, which day by day is assuming more government control over our lives. Never before have average Americans had so little say in the workings of their government and even less access to their so-called representatives. Clearly, the year 2025 presents a crossroads: we can passively accept the ongoing erosion of our freedoms, or we can rise to the challenge and defend the principles that have made America great. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, the choice is ours. Editor’s Note: John Whitehead is an Attorney and Author who has written, debated and practiced widely in the area of Constitutional Law, Human Rights and Popular Culture. John Whitehead's Commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org . Information about The Rutherford Institute is available at: www.rutherford.org . < Previous News Next News >

A Message From The Mayor: Participation And Government Transparency By Larisa Svechin, Mayor - www.sibfl.net April 27, 2023 Share Past articles have chided residents for not being involved enough. So, what keeps people from participating? A question dogging many municipalities. It is important that good public participation practices are in place so that residents can help the City be more accountable and responsive. If previous attempts proved unsuccessful, we need to do better. “Every opinion which embodies somewhat of the portion of truth which the common opinion omits, ought to be considered precious, with whatever amount of error and confusion that truth may be blended,” said John Stuart Mill. Recently the City was challenged to review current policies so that we can engage citizens in a more significant way. Studies show that community involvement increases when the public is given basic and easily accessible methods of bringing attention to policy issues. Currently, the City holds senior roundtables, teen talks and monthly Commission Meetings. All three methods aim to capture different demographic groups during days and times convenient for them. Is that enough? We have public forums, surveys and direct comments as available mechanisms for engaging residents in the master transit and master park's studies. Have you participated? As your mayor, it is my job to ensure the taxpayer’s money is spent wisely and carefully. Your participation efforts are extremely valuable. However, inadequately designed efforts may simply waste valuable staff time and financial resources. Worse, ineffective efforts can create the inverse effect, which may increase public cynicism if it is perceived that input has not been taken seriously. I urge you to sign up for Email Blasts, read notices, talk to neighbors, attend one of our Town Halls or simply call me. As the City begins planning the Budget for the next Fiscal Year, I am asking for your input—this input and subsequent participation will help improve the public’s perception of governmental performance and the value the public receives from their government. A true test of good government is transparency. It is a core value of governmental Budgeting. Developing a Transparent Budget process advances the government’s credibility and trust in the community. Citizen involvement in the Budget process will increase public trust and the community’s perception of access. Contact Mayor Larisa Svechin at: mayor@sibfl.net Or: (305) 792-1753. < Previous News Next News >

Need Money For A Special Assessment? Miami-Dade County Is Offering Some Condo Owners Loans Up To $50,000 February 3, 2023 Share If you are having a Special Assessment on your property Miami-Dade County is Offering Some Condo Owners Loans up to $50,000. This Program will assist owner occupied condominium homeowners with limited finances, address special assessment requirements associated with rehabilitation/repairs as a result of applicable building integrity recertification requirements. Surtax funds will be in the form of a loan and the annual household median income may not exceed the maximum limit of 140% as indicated in the Miami-Dade County income limit chart. Loan terms will be structured so as to mitigate the financial burden on families while recognizing the need to ensure compliance with the Surtax program. A description of the work to be done and/or the Scope of Work will be required to determine the loan assistance. The applicants are selected on a first come, first served basis. Please complete the enclosed forms and return by mail or hand deliver; e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Please gather the documentation listed below, but do not send your documentation with your application: Required Documentation 1. Valid Florida Driver’s License or State ID Card for adults. 2. Warranty Deed, Quit Claim Deed or other evidence of ownership of the property. 3. Last four paystubs, unemployment compensation, valid Social Security Award Letter and evidence of Pensions, Child Support/Alimony Payments; if applicable. 4. Copy of Social Security Cards for applicant and co-applicant only. 5. Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Current Permanent Legal Residency. 6. Most current 3 months of Bank Statements for all accounts; must reflect monthly balances. 7. Mortgage Payment must be current and provide a copy of the current Mortgage Statement. (No Coupons accepted) Copy of current HOA Fees. 8. Birth Certificates for all household members regardless of age. No birth cards accepted. 9. Last 2 years of Federal Income Tax Returns including W-2s, all pages and schedules. 10. Current SSA-1099 Form. 11. Proof of Hazard Insurance, Flood Insurance; if applicable. 12. Copy of last Utility Bills, Electric and Water Bills. 13. Copy of Discharged Bankruptcy including all schedules and pages; if applicable. 14. Divorce Decree and/or Death Certificate; if applicable. Qualifying owners making less than 140% of the area median income (AMI) can get up to $50,000 to pay for these assessments. Individuals earning less than $95,620; couples making less than $109,200; three-person households earning less than $122,920 and households of four making less than $136,500 may be eligible. For more information regarding the loan process and terms please contact PHCD, Shawn Topps at: (786) 469-2209. Applicants are selected on a first come, first served basis. Visit Miami-Dade County's website to learn more, complete the required documentation and search the affordable homeownership program: https://www.miamidade.gov < Previous News Next News >

Fuel Family Fun with This Easy Recipe By Family Features August 15, 2024 Share Between work, after-school activities and homework, planning memorable family time is nearly impossible. Changing that mindset can start by making mealtime simpler with recipes that serve up big smiles for the whole family and fuel fun, even on weeknights. As a quick and easy mealtime solution that gives families time back to make lasting memories, Mrs. T's Pierogies are pasta pockets filled with the stuff you love like creamy mashed potatoes, cheesy goodness and other big, bold flavors. You can find a little inspiration in recipes like these Pierogy Burrito Bowls, loaded with pierogies, cherry tomatoes, corn, sliced avocado and homemade avocado mayo crema for a simple meal everyone in the family can enjoy. No matter how parents switch up their weeknight routines, like a trip to the park or an at-home movie night, pierogies make weeknight recipes like this one possible because they're simple and easy to prepare, leaving more time for parents to do the stuff they love with the ones they love. Find more recipes fit for family fun by visiting: www.MrsTsPierogies.com Pierogy Burrito Bowls Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4 Burrito Bowls: • 1 tablespoon avocado oil • 1 bag (2 pounds) Mrs. T's 4 Cheese Medley Pierogies • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved • 1 cup fresh or frozen corn, lightly roasted • 1 ripe avocado, pitted and thinly sliced • 1 cup pickled red onions • 3/4 cup Cotija cheese • fresh chopped cilantro, for garnish Avocado Mayo Crema: 1/2 cup mayo 1 ripe avocado, pitted and roughly chopped 1/2 lime, juice only To make burrito bowls: In medium skillet over medium heat, add avocado oil. Saute pierogies in batches, approximately 8 minutes on both sides, until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside. Divide pierogies, cherry tomatoes, corn, avocado, pickled red onions and Cotija cheese evenly among serving bowls. Garnish with cilantro. To make avocado mayo crema: In food processor, process mayo, avocado and lime juice until smooth. Drizzle avocado mayo crema over bowls, as desired. < Previous News Next News >

Minty Z Expands In The Magic City: Plant-Based Asian Dim Sum Concept Expands With Second Location In Midtown Miami June 9, 2023 Share Minty Z, the Plant-Based Restaurant Concept showcasing Asian Fusion Cuisine, has been a Coconut Grove mainstay since opening in 2021. Now, Chef/Owner Alex Falco along with his Wife Huimin Zhu (AKA Minty Z and the restaurant’s muse) and Partner Ignacio Lopez-Mancisdor have opened a second location of the popular Dim Sum Destination in the heart of Midtown Miami at 3451 Northeast First Avenue, Miami, Florida 33137. With an indoor/outdoor seating capacity of 50, the full-service restaurant is now open daily for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, delivering craveable, vibrant cuisine that is wholly Plant-Based but first and foremost, fresh and delicious. According to Falco, “We consider Minty Z to be an Asian Dim Sum Restaurant that also happens to be Vegan. I think that if they still exist, we are doing a great job of disproving any stereotypes about Plant-Based cooking. There is so much creativity, flavor and substance in all of our dishes that no one leaves hungry. You don’t need to be Vegan or Vegetarian to enjoy our food.” The menu’s universal appeal wins over all diners, regardless of their protein preferences, with bold flavors and inventive combinations; everything designed for sharing. Bao Buns are made fresh and in the Traditional Chinese-Style. Classic buns are pan fried and filled with “Prosperity Beef” Filling – Minty Z’s version of Plant-Based Beef, glazed with Hoisin Sauce and a side of Coconut Yogurt Dipping Sauce. The Steamed King Oyster Mushroom Bao are stuffed with Mushrooms, Jalapeño and Crispy Onions and served with a Chili Mayo Sauce for dipping. Sesame Seitan Wings with a Sweet Sambal Sauce are spicy and tender; Kung Pao Tofu offers a Classic Chinese dining experience made healthy but no less delicious with Snow Peas, Chilis and Peanuts, served with Brown Rice. Larger dishes include standouts such as: Thai Curry Cauliflower with Coconut Massaman, Peanuts, Pickled Herbs and Chili Oil; Wok-fried Wild Mushrooms comprised of a variety of fresh King Oyster, Shiitake and Hon Shimeji Mushrooms and Massaman Curry Noodles, a customer favorite of thick noodles, Crispy Tofu, Snow Peas, Peanuts, Chili and Lime. All are served with a variety of perfectly Spiced House-Made Sauces. Minty Z is a labor of love for Chef/Co-Owner Alex Falco. After more than a decade working in acclaimed restaurants in both the United Kingdom and New York, Falco’s palate began to evolve and he became Vegan in 2018. Minty, also a hospitality professional, embraced a fully Plant-Based Diet as well in 2019 and the two decided to move to Miami to open a business that reflected their twin culinary passions and inspirations: Plant-Based cooking and Asian Cuisine. After a brief foray with a Vegan Food Truck, they began selling their creations at farmers markets, particularly the legendary Coconut Grove Organic Farmers Market where they gained a devoted following for their made-from-scratch Kim Chi, Bao Buns and dumplings. The Pandemic arrived and although it limited their public-facing opportunities at first, it afforded them time for research and development to really perfect their recipes, creating dishes that took Plant-Based Asian Cuisine to the next level. In December 2020 they opened Minty Z at 3206 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133 with an opening menu that expanded well beyond their farmers market fare, earning them a callout by Miami New Times as “Best Restaurant in Coconut Grove” in the paper’s 2021 Annual Best Of. Encouraged by the success of the restaurant and with the support of Lopez-Mancisdor, who had become a Minty Z superfan and ultimately became friends with the couple, the team decided to expand. They found an opportunity in Midtown Miami with the hopes that Minty Z would prove just as popular with the young professionals and families that lived there, as well as the shoppers and diners drawn to the area. “I love to bring Non-Vegan or Non-Vegetarian friends to Minty Z just to watch their reactions when they realize how delicious the food is,” concurs Lopez-Mancisdor. “Once I discovered the restaurant in Coconut Grove I knew that I wanted to be part of any future plans for the concept. Midtown is such a wonderful spot for our new location. It has a great mix of residents and visitors and is already established as a restaurant Mecca. We’re thrilled to be open and to see folks embrace what Minty Z has to offer.” The cheerful restaurant has a whimsical vibe, awash with a central mural, bright colors and cheerful Asian-accented decor. Wine, Beer, Sake and Sake Cocktails are served. There is also the online shop which offers up many of the restaurant’s House-Made Signature Sauces and Products including Black Sesame Caramel, Cauliflower Kimchi, Dragon Sauce and Ginger Tamari Sauce as well as Frozen Bao Buns. Minty Z is open seven days a week serving lunch and dinner daily with brunch on weekends. Reservations can be made on an Open Table with Takeout and Delivery is also available. Minty Z Midtown is located at 3451 Northeast First Avenue, Miami, Florida 33137. Minty Z Coconut Grove is located at 3206 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove, Miami, Florida 33133. For more information, visit www.mintyz.com - Follow Minty Z on Social Media: @mintyzllc < Previous News Next News >