Hot Acts & Cool Sounds: The Broward Center Raises the Temperature This Summer Thu Jul 14 2022 04:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

"Hi Grandma I Need Help" Scam: Florida Attorney General Arrests Six Fraudsters For Stealing Nearly $250,000 From Seniors July 4, 2024 Share Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution announced recently the arrest of six fraudsters for stealing nearly $250,000 from Florida seniors through grandparent scams. The Miami-Dade Police Department’s Vice Intelligence Squad reports that the defendants contacted seniors posing as lawyers or legal representatives of one of the victim’s grandchildren. The fraudsters told the targets that the grandchildren were arrested after hitting a pregnant woman with a vehicle and needed bail money, then arranged for the victim to send payment. Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “These fraudsters know that most grandparents would do anything to help a grandchild in need, and through a convincing imposter scheme they used fear and family to extort Florida seniors—stealing nearly a quarter of a million dollars. Working with our great law enforcement partners in South Florida, we were able to shut down this far-reaching grandparent scheme and now six fraudsters will have to answer for their crimes.” Miami-Dade Police Department Director Stephanie V. Daniels said, “I am immensely proud of the Miami-Dade Police Department’s Vice Intelligence Squad, for their exceptional collaboration with the Florida Attorney General, and federal agencies in successfully apprehending individuals involved in extorting the elderly population. Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to protecting our community's most vulnerable population are truly commendable.” After telling the targets the falsified story about the grandchildren in jail, the fraudsters pressured seniors to provide bail money. According to the investigation, the defendants directed the victims to obtain the bail amount in cash, then place it into a box to be picked up by a courier. The couriers — unknowing ride - share drivers booked by the criminals — picked up the cash and transported the money back to the scammers at an arranged rendezvous spot. In a few instances, the scammers contacted the same victim multiple times pressuring for more cash. In one instance, a Palm Bay victim made an initial bond payment of $9,000, but fraudsters told the victim that the pregnant woman miscarried and the grandchild required an additional $18,000 because authorities upgraded the charges. The defendants then told the same victim the baby’s father attacked the senior’s grandson for causing the miscarriage, and during the course of the attack the grandchild elbowed a police officer, causing an additional $20,000 needed for bail, as well as $7,500 in court fees. The victim ended up paying the fraudsters more than $54,000. Nearly identical events happened to a Melbourne victim, who paid $53,000 to the criminal group. In another case, a Sarasota victim sent $8,000 and the fraudsters called back the next day saying the pregnant woman lost the child and requested another $4,000 for bail. The day after that, the defendants claimed the grandson owed medical bills due to the accident and required another $1,700. A victim in Pompano paid $30,000 for bail and later sent an additional $7,000 because the fraudsters claimed the pregnant woman died and the bond increased. These defendants preyed upon seniors in multiple counties, including Brevard, Broward, Lee, Miami-Dade, Orange, Palm Beach and Sarasota. The Miami-Dade Police Department, Sunny Isles Beach Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Brevard Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boca Raton Police Department, North Port Police Department, Broward County Sheriff’s Office, Palm Bay Police Department, Jupiter Police Department, Manatee County Sheriff's Office and West Palm Beach Police Department partnered together on the investigation. All six defendants, Jairo Izquierdo, Gennesis Castro, Wendy Angelina Ortiz, Ada Tido, Wandy Castro and Olfa Cornielle, face multiple First-Degree Felonies, including organized scheme to Defraud, Grand Theft, Criminal Use of Personal Identification and more. Attorney General Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will prosecute this case. < Previous News Next News >

A Tasty Meal For A Heart-Healthy Summer By Family Features May 24, 2023 Share As you plan your summer fun, think also about adopting healthy habits that can help keep your Blood Pressure under control. When your Blood Pressure is consistently high - it is a condition called Hypertension - blood flows through Arteries at higher-than-normal pressures. This can cause serious health problems not just for your Heart, but also for your Blood Vessels, Kidneys, Eyes and Brain. Hypertension affects women and men of all ages but making small lifestyle changes can go a long way toward prevention. Start with updating your summer menu with delicious, heart-healthy recipes, like Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken. Following a Heart-Healthy eating plan, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), which emphasizes Vegetables, Fruits, Whole Grains, Fish, Poultry, Beans, Nuts, Low-Fat Dairy and Healthy Oils, can help keep your Blood Pressure in a healthy range. Developed through research by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), DASH focuses on reducing Sodium and limiting foods that are high in Saturated Fat, including Fatty Meats, Full-Fat Dairy and Tropical Oils. Along with adding healthy recipes to your summer menu, NHLBI's The Heart Truth Program encourages these healthy habits that can help you control Blood Pressure: Move more: Aim for at least 150 minutes (2 1/2 hours) of physical activity each week. Try keeping yourself on pace each week by shooting for 30 daily minutes of activity over five days. Aim for a healthy weight: Research shows overweight adults and Obesity can lower their Blood Pressure by losing just 3-5% of their weight. Ask a friend or family member to join a weight loss program with you; social support can help you both stay motivated. Manage Stress: Reduce Stress - which can increase Blood Pressure - with meditation, relaxing activities or support from a counselor or online group. Quit smoking: Smoking damages your Heart and Blood Vessels. Call: 1 (800) QUIT-NOW - 1 (800) 784-8669 or find other resources available online. Get your summer off to a Heart-Healthy start by talking to your Healthcare Provider about your Blood Pressure numbers and what they mean. To learn more about Heart Health and Blood Pressure, visit: www.hearttruth.gov - Find DASH-friendly recipes at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/educational/wecan/eat-right/hawaiian-chicken.htm Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken Recipe courtesy of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 Sauce: • 2 Tablespoons of Ketchup • 2 Tablespoons of Light Soy Sauce • 2 Tablespoons of Honey • 2 Teaspoons of Orange Juice • 1 Teaspoon of Garlic (about 1 clove), minced • 1 Teaspoon of Ginger, minced • 12 Ounces of Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (about 2 large breasts), cut into 1-inch cubes (about 24 cubes) • 1 Cup of Fresh Pineapple, diced (about 24 pieces) • 8 Wooden skewers (6 inches each), soaked in water To make the sauce: Combine the Ketchup, the Soy Sauce, the Honey, the Orange Juice, the Garlic and the Ginger; mix them well. Separate them into two bowls and set them aside. Preheat the grill to Medium-High Heat. Preheat the oven to 350˚ F. Alternately, thread three Chicken Cubes and three Pineapple Chunks on each skewer. Grill the skewers for 3-5 minutes on each side. Brush or spoon the sauce from one bowl onto the Chicken and the Pineapple every other minute. Discard the remaining sauce from the first bowl. To prevent the Chicken from drying out, finish cooking it to a minimum internal temperature of 165˚ F in the oven. Using a clean brush or spoon, coat with sauce from the remaining bowl before serving it. < Previous News Next News >

Head To Bikini Bottom: The SpongeBob Musical Presented By Slow Burn Theatre May 30, 2024 Share A legendary roster of Grammy® Award winners including Sara Bareilles, Cyndi Lauper and John Legend help bring one of the world’s most beloved characters to the stage as the 2023/2024 Slow Burn Theatre Company Season presented by American National Bank in the Amaturo Theater culminates with the bold, original musical The SpongeBob Musical Saturday, June 8 through Sunday, June 23. Adapted from the iconic Nickelodeon series, SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward and all of Bikini Bottom face total annihilation — until a most unexpected hero rises to take center stage and the power of optimism saves the world. Hailed as “effervescent candy for the spirit!” by New York Magazine, the musical is based on the series by Stephen Hillenburg. Since its launch on July 17, 1999, SpongeBob SquarePants has generated a universe of beloved characters, pop culture catchphrases and memes, theatrical releases and consumer products. The SpongeBob Musical earned 12 Tony Award nominations, making it the most nominated musical of the 2017-2018 theatre season, and was named Outstanding Musical by the Drama Desk Awards in addition to its wins as both Outstanding New Broadway Musicial and Outstanding New Score from the Outer Critics Circle. With musical production conceived by Tina Landau, the musical has a book by Kyle Jarrow and original songs by Yolanda Adams, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Sara Bareilles, Jonathan Coulton, Alex Ebert of Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros, The Flaming Lips, Lady A, Cyndi Lauper, John Legend, Panic! At the Disco, Plain White T’s, They Might Be Giants and T.I. The score also features songs by David Bowie, Tom Kenny and Andy Paley. Additional lyrics are by Jonathan Coulton with additional music by Tom Kitt. Anthony Llerandi portrays the title role and is joined by Marc Christopher as Patrick, Dominique Kempf as Sandy Cheeks, Brian Klimowski as Squidward Q. Tentacles and Ryan Crout as Mr. Eugene Krabs. Other well known characters in Bikini Bottom are portrayed by Aaron Atkinson, Alexander Blanco, Nayomi Braaf, Jonathan Eisele, Lauren Horgan, Gianfranco Imbert, Michael Materdomini, Nate Promkul, Natasha Ricketts, Jack Rodman, Britte Steele and Paul Tuaty. Rounding out the cast is a talented ensemble featuring Kalista Curbelo, Madeline Dunn, Tyler Johnson Grimes, Mason Materdomini, Emily Tarallo and Corey Vega. Slow Burn Theatre Artistic Director Patrick Fitzwater directs and is joined by a creative team of choreographer Reynel Reynaldo, tap choreographer Nicolette Quintero, music director Eden Marte, scenic designer and technical director Timothy Dickey, costume designer Rick Peña and lighting designer Clifford Spulock. The talented technical team includes production stage manager Matthew W. Korinko, assistant stage manager Jolie Rubinchik and wardrobe assistants Liz Ortega and Fionnegan Amygdalitsis. Performance times vary with an open captioned performance on Sunday, June 16 at 2 p.m. Single tickets to Slow Burn Theatre’s upcoming 2024/2025 Season go on sale June 8. Supported by American National Bank, the season in the Amaturo Theater features five musicals with enduring stories that have captivated audiences in movie theaters and on stage: The Witches of Eastwick (October 19 – Nov. 3); Anastasia The Musical (Dec. 21 – Jan. 5); Parade (Feb. 8 – 23); Something Rotten! (March 29 – April 13); and The Bodyguard The Musical (June 7 – 22). Nickelodeon, SpongeBob SquarePants, and all related titles, logos and characters are trademarks of Viacom International Inc. This show is presented in arrangement with Concord Theatricals. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at www.BrowardCenter.org - or www.Ticketmaster.com - by phone at 954.462.0222; in person at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is one of America’s premier performing arts venues, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents more than 700 performances each year to more than 700,000 patrons, showcasing a wide range of exciting cultural programming and events. With one of the largest arts-in-education programs in the United States, the Broward Center serves more than 100,000 students annually. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located at 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, like them on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenter and www.Facebook.com/BrowardCenterEducation - follow them on Twitter and Instagram @BrowardCenter, subscribe to their channel at www.YouTube.com/user/BrowardCenter and join the conversation with #BrowardCenter. For more information, visit: www.BrowardCenter.org < Previous News Next News >

Then And Now By John W. Whitehead & Nisha Whitehead January 5, 2022 Share What If Jesus Had Been Born 2,000 Years Later? Two weeks ago we celebrated Christmas, the story of a baby born in a manger, it’s a familiar one. The Roman Empire, a police state in its own right, had ordered that a census be conducted. Joseph and his pregnant wife Mary traveled to the little town of Bethlehem so that they could be counted. There being no room for the couple at any of the inns, they stayed in a stable (a barn), where Mary gave birth to a baby boy, Jesus. Warned that the government planned to kill the baby, Jesus’ family fled with him to Egypt until it was safe to return to their native land. Yet what if Jesus had been born 2,000 years later? What if, instead of being born into the Roman police state, Jesus had been born at this moment in time? What kind of reception would Jesus and his family be given? What would Jesus’ life have been like if, instead of being born into the Roman police state, he had been born and raised in the American police state? And how would Jesus—the baby born in Bethlehem who grew into an itinerant preacher and revolutionary activist, who not only died challenging the police state of his day (namely, the Roman Empire) but spent his adult life speaking truth to power, challenging the status quo of his day, and pushing back against the abuses of the Roman Empire—react to the American Police State? Consider the following if you will. Had Jesus been born in the era of the America police state, rather than traveling to Bethlehem for a census, Jesus’ parents would have been mailed a 28-page American Community Survey, a mandatory government questionnaire documenting their habits, household inhabitants, work schedule, how many toilets are in your home, etc. Instead of being born in a manger, Jesus might have been born at home. Rather than wise men and shepherds bringing gifts, however, the baby’s parents might have been forced to ward off visits from state social workers intent on prosecuting them for the home birth. Had Jesus been born in a hospital, his blood and DNA would have been taken without his parents’ knowledge or consent and entered into a government biobank. Then again, had Jesus’ parents been undocumented immigrants, they and the newborn baby might have been shuffled to a profit-driven, private prison for illegals where they first would have been separated from each other, the children detained in make-shift cages. Rather than disappearing from the history books from his early teenage years to adulthood, Jesus’ movements and personal data—including his biometrics—would have been documented, tracked, monitored and filed by governmental agencies and corporations such as Google and Microsoft. From the moment Jesus made contact with an “extremist” such as John the Baptist, he would have been flagged for surveillance because of his association with a prominent activist, peaceful or otherwise. Jesus’ anti-government views would certainly have resulted in him being labeled a domestic extremist. Rather than being permitted to live as an itinerant preacher, Jesus might have found himself threatened with arrest for daring to live off the grid or sleeping outside. Viewed by the government as a dissident and a potential threat to its power, Jesus might have had government spies planted among his followers to monitor his activities, report on his movements, and entrap him into breaking the law. Had Jesus used the internet to spread his radical message of peace and love, he might have found his blog posts infiltrated by government spies attempting to undermine his integrity, discredit him or plant incriminating information online about him. At the very least, he would have had his website hacked and his email monitored. Had Jesus attempted to feed large crowds of people, he would have been threatened with arrest for violating various ordinances prohibiting the distribution of food without a permit. Had Jesus spoken publicly about his 40 days in the desert and his conversations with the devil, he might have been labeled mentally ill and detained in a psych ward against his will for a mandatory involuntary psychiatric hold with no access to family or friends. Without a doubt, had Jesus attempted to overturn tables in a Jewish temple and rage against the materialism of religious institutions, he would have been charged with a hate crime. Had anyone reported Jesus to the police as being potentially dangerous, he might have found himself confronted—and killed—by police officers for whom any perceived act of non-compliance (a twitch, a question or a frown) can result in them shooting first and asking questions later. Rather than having armed guards capture Jesus in a public place, government officials would have ordered that a SWAT team carry out a raid on Jesus and his followers, complete with flash-bang grenades and military equipment. Instead of being detained by Roman guards, Jesus might have been made to “disappear” into a secret government detention center where he would have been interrogated, tortured and subjected to all manner of abuses. Charged with treason and labeled a domestic terrorist, Jesus might have been sentenced to a life-term in a private prison where he would have been forced to provide slave labor for corporations or put to death by way of the electric chair or a lethal mixture of drugs. Indeed, as I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, given the nature of government then and now, it is painfully evident that whether Jesus had been born in our modern age or his own, he still would have died at the hands of a police state. Thus, as we just celebrated Christmas with its celebration of miracles and promises of salvation, we would do well to remember that what happened in that manger on that starry night in Bethlehem is only the beginning of the story. That baby born in a police state grew up to be a man who did not turn away from the evils of his age but rather spoke out against it. We must do no less. Editor’s Note: John W. 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 W. Whitehead's commentary are his views and he is open for discussion, he can be contacted at: johnw@rutherford.org < Previous News Next News >

‘What Happens When We Go Dark’: Legally Blind Author Draws Vivid Urban Crime Characters Fri Nov 17 2023 17:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

City Of Hollywood Earns Perfect Score: In The 2023 LGBTQ+ Municipal Equality Index Thu Jan 04 2024 17:11:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Celebrating Black History Month By Hallandale Beach Mayor, Joy Cooper February 23, 2024 Share (Left to Right) Oreste Blake (O.B.) Johnson was a visionary in the Northwest Quadrant whose vision and dedication impacted residents throughout the City and Broward County. • On June 5th, 2001, Commissioners voted unanimously to designate the gymnasium at O.B. Johnson Park as the Nelson "Butch" Brown Activity Center. • Mary Washington started one of the first city-run social services programs in Broward County. Many cities later followed her example. • Austin Hepburn, Jr., was a Hallandale Beach Police Officer who lost his life in the line of duty on July 27, 1973, at age 26. As a tribute the City honored him by naming the Social Services Center, the Austin Hepburn Center. Recognizing The State Championship Lady Chargers After All These Years! Hallandale Beach’s rich history goes back well over 95 years before it was even incorporated. Our city was a farming town with mostly Tomatoes, Squash, and other Vegetables. We had a train stop on the Flagler Railroad right at the corner of Hallandale Beach Boulevard and 1st Avenue. There was a Post Office and Store. Just north on 1st Avenue was our Fire Station which is now Val’s Glass and now a second-generation shop. At that time just west of the railroad lay an open land area that was to become one of the very first Black Enclaves, Carver Ranches. Many Bahamians and Jamaicans and other Islanders made their way to South Florida and settled in Miami. Rents were high and people could not afford to own nor were able to buy. That changed and Carvers Ranches was the first place many could buy homes. In 1940 Carver Ranches was fully Segregated and was one of the few places men and women of color could feel safe with a place to call their own. I often try to imagine what it was like back then. This area was not incorporated at the time like Hollywood, Miramar, or Hallandale Beach. I have heard so many stories from friends and families about growing up in the area. Families were close knit and like back in the old days everyone had each other’s backs. Friends and residents have shared some great stories about those times but have also shared the dark history of Segregation. It was not until 2005 that the 300 acres were divided and became West Park and Pembroke Park. But it was shortly before that in the 1970’s that the South was still Segregated. I have heard many times from friends that once it turned dark you needed to be back home west of the tracks. This was not because you had to do your homework, it was because parents and children were in fear of being attacked simply for being Black. These stories, while painful, are of such importance. We cannot allow them to be forgotten. It is disgraceful that our Legislators are continuing to whitewash the history of the South. It is akin to saying the Holocaust never happened or that the Japanese were never encamped by the United States. These are extremely important to remember and know so when we fight for preservation of our Civil Rights and particularly schools. We need to understand that these places are more than homes or buildings. One such story I just learned of during the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration was about Hallandale High's Women’s Basketball Team. HHS was built in the seventies. One could speculate that it was built so children would not have to be bused to other White schools or it simply was needed due to the amount of children now in the area. I would like to think the latter. Hallandale High is now one of schools considered for closing due to under i=enrollment.. I will write more about that in a future article. What I want to share is the fact Hallandale High has generated some great athletes. Not all were Football stars, there were Track and Field and Basketball. Not all were young men. I found out the very first Championship win for HHS was won by their Women’s Basketball Team. Their Championship Banner is still hung in the gym. During MLK, a friend approached me with great passion and anger that the team was never given their proper recognition. She was one of the original players. They did not even receive a Championship Ring. I committed to her that moment I would correct this wrong. Before that time, women were actually playing Half-Court Ball. The year they went on to win the championships was when the first-year Women's Full-Court started. The team did not only succeed as the first Full-Court Team they became the first Boward and then State Champions and the very first championship for the new Hallandale High School. I had the great opportunity to recognize them at our Commission Meeting with a Proclamation. I am also working with our Hallandale High School to have them recognized at the school as they should have been long ago. Congratulations to Hallandale Beach’s very own Lady Chargers, Broward County Champion Women’s Basketball Team for two years 1974-75 and 1975-76 and State Champions 1975-76. Not only were they a fighting force that had to share and practice with the boys team at McNicol and outside at Dixie Park. One of their members even sewed bras for the girls so they could play comfortably. They were the gold standard for Women’s Basketball with 65-67 games won! Janis Drummond, Rosalyn Stubbins, Darlene Brown, Mattie Crawford, Kim Walmley, Dina Cooper, Qunea Gordon, Diane McCay, Karen McCrae, Patricia Rivers, Kim Sparks, Debra Shannon and Patricia White. These women are and should remain an inspiration to all young ladies that have the drive to excel not simply at Academics but Sports. As always feel free to contact me anytime with your questions, concerns and ideas to make our City better! I can be reached at: jcooper@cohb.org . Or: joycooper@aol.com . Or Facebook Mayor Joy Cooper. You can always call my Office Number at: (954) 457-1318. Or Call/Text me at: (954) 632-5700 Working For You! Always Have! Always Will! < Previous News Next News >

Ancestry Databases: We’re All Suspects in a DNA Lineup, Waiting to be Matched with a Crime By John & Nisha Whitehead August 4, 2022 Share “Solving unsolved crimes is a noble objective, but it occupies a lower place in the American pantheon of noble objectives than the protection of our people from suspicionless law-enforcement searches... Make no mistake about it... your DNA can be taken and entered into a national DNA database if you are ever arrested, rightly or wrongly, and for whatever reason... Perhaps the construction of such a genetic panopticon is wise. But I doubt that the proud men who wrote the charter of our liberties would have been so eager to open their mouths for royal inspection.” — Justice Antonin Scalia dissenting in Maryland v. King Be warned: the DNA detectives are on the prowl. Whatever skeletons may be lurking on your family tree or in your closet, whatever crimes you may have committed, whatever associations you may have with those on the government’s most wanted lists: the police state is determined to ferret them out. In an age of overcriminalization, round-the-clock surveillance, and a police state eager to flex its muscles in a show of power, we are all guilty of some transgression or other. No longer can we consider ourselves innocent until proven guilty. Now we are all suspects in a DNA lineup waiting to be matched up with a crime. Suspect State, meet the Genetic Panopticon. DNA technology in the hands of government officials will complete our transition to a Surveillance State in which prison walls are disguised within the seemingly benevolent trappings of technological and scientific progress, national security and the need to guard against terrorists, pandemics, civil unrest, etc. By accessing your DNA, the government will soon know everything else about you that they don’t already know: your family chart, your ancestry, what you look like, your health history, your inclination to follow orders or chart your own course, etc. It’s getting harder to hide, even if you think you’ve got nothing to hide. Armed with unprecedented access to DNA databases amassed by the FBI and ancestry website, as well as hospital newborn screening programs, police are using forensic genealogy, which allows police to match up an unknown suspect’s crime scene DNA with that of any family members in a genealogy database, to solve cold cases that have remained unsolved for decades. By submitting your DNA to a genealogical database such as Ancestry and 23andMe, you’re giving the police access to the genetic makeup, relationships and health profiles of every relative — past, present and future—in your family, whether or not they ever agreed to be part of such a database. It no longer even matters if you’re among the tens of millions of people who have added their DNA to ancestry databases. As Brian Resnick reports, public DNA databases have grown so massive that they can be used to find you even if you’ve never shared your own DNA. That simple transaction — a spit sample or a cheek swab in exchange for getting to learn everything about one’s ancestral makeup, where one came from, and who is part of one’s extended family — is the price of entry into the Suspect State for all of us. After all, a DNA print reveals everything about “who we are, where we come from, and who we will be.” It can also be used to predict the physical appearance of potential suspects. It’s what police like to refer to a “modern fingerprint.” Yet in the police state’s pursuit of criminals, anyone who comes up as a possible DNA match—including distant family members—suddenly becomes part of a circle of suspects that must be tracked, investigated and ruled out. In this way, “guilt by association” has taken on new connotations in a technological age in which one is just a DNA sample away from being considered a person of interest in a police investigation. Indeed, the government has been relentless in its efforts to get hold of our DNA, either through mandatory programs carried out in connection with law enforcement and corporate America, by warrantlessly accessing our familial DNA shared with genealogical services such as Ancestry and 23andMe, or through the collection of our “shed” or “touch” DNA. Get ready, folks, because the government has embarked on a diabolical campaign to create a nation of suspects predicated on a massive national DNA database. All 50 states now maintain their own DNA government databases, although the protocols for collection differ from state to state. Increasingly, many of the data from local databanks are being uploaded to CODIS, the FBI’s massive DNA database, which has become a de facto way to identify and track the American people from birth to death. Even hospitals have gotten in on the game by taking and storing newborn babies’ DNA, often without their parents’ knowledge or consent. It’s part of the government’s mandatory genetic screening of newborns. In many states, the DNA is stored indefinitely. What this means for those being born today is inclusion in a government database that contains intimate information about who they are, their ancestry, and what awaits them in the future, including their inclinations to be followers, leaders or troublemakers. The ramifications of this kind of DNA profiling are far-reaching. At a minimum, these DNA databases do away with any semblance of privacy or anonymity. These genetic databases and genomic technology also make us that much more vulnerable to creeps and cyberstalkers, genetic profiling, and those who would weaponize the technology against us. Unfortunately, the debate over genetic privacy — and when one’s DNA becomes a public commodity outside the protection of the Fourth Amendment’s prohibition on warrantless searches and seizures — continues to lag far behind the government and Corporate America’s encroachments on our rights. What this amounts to is a scenario in which we have little to no defense against charges of wrongdoing, especially when “convicted” by technology, and even less protection against the government sweeping up our DNA in much the same way it sweeps up our phone calls, emails and text messages. As I make clear in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, it’s only a matter of time before the police state’s pursuit of criminals from the past expands into genetic profiling and a preemptive hunt for criminals of the future. 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 >

Fuel Up For Summer Fun: Dietitian-Approved, Family-Friendly Healthy Recipes By Family Features May 24, 2023 Share Summer sun brings an abundance of outdoor activities from jumping in the pool and playing in the yard to simply lounging in the shade. Making the most of those warm weather moments with loved ones means maximizing your time and fueling up for adventure with easy, kid-friendly recipes the whole family can enjoy. From favorite snacks to homemade lunches, flavorful dishes that are quick to make using nutritious Fruits and Veggies can help keep your family ready for whatever summer brings. Dietitian-approved Recipes like Peanut Butter and Jelly Sweet Potato Taquitos and Easy Homemade Salsa offer better-for-you summer solutions with healthy ingredients like: Sweet Potatoes, Blueberries, Raspberries, Sweet Onions, Roma Tomatoes and more. Ready in less than 30 minutes, these taquitos let you enjoy the convenient benefits of cooking with an air fryer, including: * Healthier cooking: Requiring little to no oil, air frying is a healthier alternative to deep frying. * Timesaving: Air fryers can cook foods faster than traditional methods and typically with less cleanup. * Versatility: From vegetables and meats to desserts or reheating leftovers, air fryers can cook a variety of foods. "Get into the kitchen together as a family and get cooking," said Julie Lopez, Registered Dietitian and Culinary Nutrition Chef. "Cooking together can help kids build self-confidence and lay down the foundation for healthy eating habits." While shopping for your family's preferred ingredients, remember to look for the Produce for Kids and Healthy Family Project logos next to favorite items in the produce department, as adding these flavorful Fruits and Veggies to your cart can help make a difference in your community. To find more summer recipe inspirations, visit: www.HealthyFamilyProject.com Peanut Butter and Jelly Sweet Potato Taquitos Recipe courtesy of Tracy Shaw on behalf of Healthy Family Project Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 8 • 1 Cup of Sweet Potatoes, peeled and diced small • Non-Stick Olive Oil Spray • 1/2 Cup of Peanut Butter, preferred Nut Butter or Nut-FREE Butter • 8 Small, Low-Carb Flour Tortillas • 1 Cup of Blueberries, washed and dried • 1 Cup of Raspberries, washed and dried Preheat the air fryer to 400˚ F. Add the diced Sweet Potatoes to the air fryer basket and lightly spray it with the Olive Oil Spray. Cook the Sweet Potatoes for 10 minutes, shaking the basket 1-2 times to toss the Sweet Potatoes. Transfer the cooked Sweet Potatoes to a medium bowl; add the Peanut Butter and mix it well. Lay the Tortillas on the counter and place 1-2 tablespoons of Sweet Potato Mixture on each Tortilla. Add the Blueberries and the Raspberries next to the Sweet Potato Mixture. Roll each Tortilla tightly. Place the rolled Tortillas, seam sides down, in the air fryer. Spray the Tortillas lightly with the Olive Oil Spray. Cook in the air fryer for 6-7 minutes. Easy Homemade Salsa Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 6 • 1/2 Small RealSweet Sweet Onion, halved • 5 Mini Sweet Peppers, seeded and quartered • 3 Roma Tomatoes, quartered • 1 1/2 Limes, Juice only • 1/4 Cup of Fresh Cilantro • 1 1/2 Teaspoons of Garlic Salt, or to taste vTortilla Chips In a food processor, blend the Onion, the Peppers, the Tomatoes, the Lime Juice, the Cilantro and the Garlic Salt until the desired consistency is reached. Serve it with the Tortilla Chips. < Previous News Next News >

Medicare Annual Enrollment Carol Foley October 19, 2023 Share There's A Smarter Way To Shop For Coverage. By Carol Foley, Licensed Insurance Agent and Medicare Specialist As we approach the Medicare annual enrollment period, it's essential to equip yourself with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage. My name is Carol Foley, and I am a licensed insurance agent, Medicare specialist, and small business benefits counselor with over 25 years of experience. Our offices are conveniently located right here in Hallandale, and we've dedicated ourselves to helping seniors, individuals, families, and small business owners find the coverage that suits their needs and budgets. Our commitment is to guide you through the complex landscape of Medicare and insurance options. Before diving into the details of supplement plans, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of Medicare itself. At our agency, we've made it our mission to simplify Medicare and ensure you comprehend it thoroughly. What makes us stand out? Our dedication doesn't end after you choose a policy; we're here to support you throughout the life of your coverage. We offer a wide range of insurance options, including Medigap plans, Medicare Advantage plans, Part D prescription drug plans, dental, vision, hearing plans, gap insurance, cancer policies, long-term care, life insurance, and final expense coverage. For those who aren't yet eligible for Medicare, we also specialize in health insurance solutions for the under-65 market, working with all major carriers and offering options under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). My clients describe me as patient, consultative, and ethical. They know I always have their best interests at heart, checking in frequently to ensure their plans continue to meet their needs. I'm accessible during evenings and weekends, and everyone has access to my cell number in case of emergencies. The best part? Our services come at no cost to you; we're compensated by the insurance companies we represent. Medicare Open Enrollment Medicare Open Enrollment is a crucial period for beneficiaries, occurring from October 15 to December 7 each year. This window offers beneficiaries the opportunity to review and make changes to their Medicare coverage. There are several compelling reasons why this period demands your attention: Plan Review and Comparison: During open enrollment, Medicare beneficiaries can assess their current Medicare plans, including Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), Medicare Advantage, and Prescription Drug Plans. Comparing plans can help you find better options tailored to your specific needs. Medicare Supplement Price Shopping: Did you know that all supplement plans are standardized? Plans like F, G, or N offer identical coverage, so why do prices differ so significantly among carriers? Open enrollment is the perfect time to price shop and secure the best pricing for your chosen plan. Changes in Health Needs: Health requirements can change over time. During open enrollment, beneficiaries have the opportunity to evaluate whether their current coverage adequately meets their evolving healthcare needs. Cost Savings: Medicare plans can alter their premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coverage from year to year. Beneficiaries can potentially find cost-effective options that better align with their financial circumstances. Prescription Drug Coverage: Medicare Part D plans may change the drugs they cover and their pricing. Open enrollment ensures that Part D beneficiaries continue to receive coverage for their medications without substantial cost increases. Network Changes: Medicare Advantage plans come with provider networks. Beneficiaries should verify whether their preferred doctors and healthcare facilities remain in-network with their chosen plan. Plan Ratings and Quality: Medicare assesses the quality and performance of healthcare plans, including Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug plans. Utilize open enrollment to select plans with higher ratings and superior quality of care. Medicare Savings Programs: Some beneficiaries may qualify for Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help, offering assistance with Medicare costs. We can check your eligibility and help you enroll in these programs if you qualify. Medicare open enrollment is the annual opportunity for beneficiaries to evaluate their healthcare needs, explore their Medicare coverage options, and make informed decisions to secure the most suitable and cost-effective coverage for the year ahead. Please take advantage of this time and speak with a Licensed Insurance Agent and Medicare Specialist. Protect Yourself from Medicare Scams As a Medicare specialist, part of my role is to guide clients on protecting themselves from Medicare scams. Safe-guarding your personal information and finances is vital to avoid falling victim to fraudsters. Here are some tips to help you protect yourself: Be Skeptical of Unsolicited Calls or Emails: Medicare will not initiate contact via phone calls, emails, or in-person visits. Be cautious if you receive unsolicited communications claiming to be from Medicare. Never Share Personal Information: Refrain from sharing your Medicare number, Social Security number, bank account details, or other personal information with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly. If someone claims to be from Medicare, request their name, phone number, and a callback number. Verify their identity independently by calling Medicare directly at: 1-800-MEDICARE. Protect Your Medicare Card: Keep your Medicare card in a secure location and only carry it with you when necessary. Avoid sharing your Medicare card or number with anyone except trusted healthcare providers. Beware of Free Offers: Scammers often use the lure of "free" services, equipment, or medical supplies to trick individuals into sharing personal information. Medicare does not make such offers via phone calls. Avoid Calling 1-800 Medicare Ads: Calling the numbers advertised on television can put you on call lists, leading to incessant phone calls. Instead, seek assistance from an independent agent you trust. Protecting yourself from Medicare scams necessitates vigilance and skepticism when dealing with unsolicited communications or offers related to healthcare services. Always verify the identity of individuals or organizations claiming affiliation with Medicare before sharing any personal information. If you have any questions or need assistance, I'm here to help. My team looks forward to working with you, and remember, our services come at no cost. We are also happy to simply review your current policy and review your coverage with you. Carol Foley, Licensed Insurance Agent and Medicare Specialist Main Line Benefits Co. 1980 South Ocean Dr, Hallandale Beach 610-639-5616 www.mlbenefitsco.com < Previous News Next News >

Navigate Chronic Illness Adversities: Organ Transplant Recipient Details Ways to Live a Joyful Life Amid Long-Term Adversity Wed Oct 18 2023 16:04:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)