Timely Insights From Philosopher Martin Buber In A Year With Martin Buber: Wisdom On The Weekly Torah Portion Jewish Connection News Aug 15, 2025 Rabbi Dennis S. Ross Is Pleased To Be Launching A Promotional Tour In Support Of His 2021 Publication, A Year With Martin Buber: Wisdom On The Weekly Torah Portion (The Jewish Publication Society), Winner Of The Academy Of Parish Clergy’s Top Ten Book List For Parish Ministry For “Display[Ing] Excellence And Helpfulness To Clergy, Who Are Encouraged To Add The Books To Their Libraries.” The teachings of the great twentieth-century Jewish thinker Martin Buber empower us to enter a spiritual dimension that often passes unnoticed in the daily routine. In A Year with Martin Buber, the first Torah commentary to focus on his life’s work, we experience the fifty-four weekly Torah portions and eleven Jewish holidays through Buber’s eyes. While best known for the spiritual concept of the I-Thou relationship between people, Buber graced us with other fundamentals, including Over Against, Afterglow, Will and Grace, Reification, Inclusion, and Imagine the Real. And his life itself—for example, Buber’s defiance of the Nazis, his call for Jewish-Arab reconciliation, and his protest of Adolf Eichmann’s execution—modeled these teachings in action. As part of his new book tour, Ross will discuss how these teachings are more relevant than ever on the backdrop of mounting antisemitism and challenges facing Jewish communities around the world. Publishers Weekly praised the book: “Rabbi Ross superbly distills the theology of Martin Buber..., a consequential Jewish thinker whose focus on making human interactions meaningful influenced Martin Luther King Jr.’s ‘Letter from a Birmingham Jail.’ ...An invaluable entry point to a humanist thinker who sought to identify, build, and preserve ‘holiness in our daily routines’ by putting people, rather than objects, first.” Rabbi Dennis Ross demonstrates Buber’s roots in Jewish thought and breaks new ground by explaining the broader scope of Buber’s life and work in a clear, conversational voice. He quotes from the weekly Torah portion; draws lessons from Jewish commentators; and sets Buber’s related words in context with Buber’s remarkable life story, Hasidic tales, and writing. A wide variety of anecdotal illustrations from Buber as well as the author’s life encourages each of us to “hallow the everyday” and seek out “spirituality hiding in plain sight.” “What a pleasure A Year with Martin Buber is! People of all faiths with an interest in the Bible and bringing ‘divine wonder to the routine of daily life’ will delight in having this inspirational book as a companion.”—Rev. Debra W. Haffner, Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston, Virginia About the author: Rabbi Dennis S. Ross serves as an Intentional Interim Rabbi in the Greater New York City area. Rabbi Ross travels from the Greater New York City area as well. He is the author of several books, including God in Our Relationships: Spirituality between People from the Teachings of Martin Buber and All Politics Is Religious: Speaking Faith to the Media, Policy Makers, and Community. He has written for the New York Times, the Boston Globe, Forward, and other publications. Winner of the Academy of Parish Clergy’s Top Ten Book List Previous Next

Romance & Finance: Openly Discuss Financial History In Your Relationship February 3, 2022 Share Marriage is the joining of two lives. That often means joining living arrangements, household items and families. But in addition to the more romantic aspects, marriage also means a joining of financial management. That means couples now have the power to work together toward financial goals to build a greater chance of long-term financial success. Certainly finance is not a romantic topic, especially with Valentine’s Day approaching but it is a must have talk between a couple who plans a future together. Before couples take a walk down the aisle, here are five essential financial tips to consider. Openly Discuss Financial History Unfortunately, financial secrets have a way of bubbling up. That's why being transparent about finances is one of the best things couples can do to ensure future financial success. Laying all the cards on the table before marriage gives a chance for partners to come up with a game plan for any debt or lingering financial issues from prior years. Plan to Update Financial and Legal Documents While someone may not submit the paperwork until they officially say "I do," it's smart to plan for updates to financial and legal documents, including wills, trusts and beneficiaries on life insurance policies. Failure to complete these updates could mean money falls into the hands of old beneficiaries and won't be there to support a new spouse if there's a sudden passing and with many types of insurance, the beneficiary designation will override even a will. Understand Tax Differences Marriage can add another layer of complexity to annual taxes, especially if one or both spouses are bringing a more complicated financial component, like a rental property, business or children. And there are certainly pros and cons to filing taxes as a couple that are worth considering before the first year's taxes are due. Since taxes can be a complicated beast, it's smart to decide if a couple will file independently or work with a tax professional once they get married. Knowing this in advance can help ensure timely filing. Decide How to Manage Future Finances There are several ways for couples to manage their finances in marriage. Some couples choose to combine everything, others keep some accounts separate and others still choose to keep financial management exactly as it was before the nuptials. Whatever a couple decides, both spouses must be on the same page. Failure to agree on an approach to future money management could lead to an unnecessary disagreement down the road. Talk About the Family Investment Strategy It's no secret that different people have different tolerances for risk regarding their investments. For example, in a couple, one partner may keep their retirement accounts invested in 100% stocks, while the other opts for a more conservative portfolio that includes bonds. Knowing about any risk tolerance discrepancies in advance allows the couple to discuss how future investments will be handled. Then, if coming to an agreement seems impossible, it could be the perfect time to pull in a financial professional to help create an investment plan that makes everyone happy. The Bottom Line Financial management will look different for every couple. But a few key tips, like being transparent, updating financial accounts and talking about future finances can help every couple get on the right track. And a couple that's aligned on finances going into marriage can often look forward to a future of financial ease. Is there any wedding present better than that? < Previous News Next News >

"A Stitch In Time" Sunday Quilt Shows - Free Showcase Of Textile Arts Enhances Downtown Fort Lauderdale's Riverwalk South Florida Sun Times Sep 10, 2025 History Fort Lauderdale, Proud Steward Of Our Community’s Past By Making Our Heritage Accessible And Engaging To Residents And Visitors, Will Present “A Stitch in Time,” A Vibrant Series Of Quilt Shows In Collaboration With Local Textile Guilds. This Free Public Exhibition Series, Launching With The Sunday, September 7th Collaboration With The Southern Star Quilt Guild, Will Celebrate The Artistry And Tradition Of Quilting, Bringing Colorful Stories To Life Through Fabric And Craftsmanship. Quilt lovers and curious visitors alike are invited to enjoy these one-day-only pop-up displays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., coinciding with the City’s Riverwalk Jazz Brunch series. Quilts will be on display draped over the second-story balcony and showcased inside the New River Inn Museum, offering visitors a rich blend of craftsmanship and history. “We’re delighted to showcase the colorful, vibrant textile art from our talented South Florida artists beginning with the Southern Star sewmasters,” said Patricia Zeiler, Executive Director of History Fort Lauderdale. “This ancient art truly unites the community through its modern visual narratives woven with passion, preservation and family history. We invite guests to enjoy a day of exploration and music with us amidst the shaded palms and beautiful waterfront views on the Riverwalk.” Additional shows are scheduled for Sunday, October 5th, 2025 and Sunday, March 8th, 2026, with collaborators to be announced. History Fort Lauderdale is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with docent guided tours, daily, at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Group walking tours are available upon special request. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and $7 for students (through age 22 with a valid student ID). Admission is free for members, military and children ages six and under. Tickets are available online at: https://HistoryFortLauderdale.org/Tickets . For more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call: (954) 463-4431. Or visit us online at: https://historyfortlauderdale.org . Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ftlhistory - On Instagram: @ftlhistory and on Twitter: @FTLHistory. Subscribe to us on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/user/FTLhistory . History Fort Lauderdale Since 1962, History Fort Lauderdale has served as the proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors. It brings the stories of our diverse community to life through engaging educational experiences, innovative cultural exhibits, research and preservation of artifacts. Guests to Fort Lauderdale are invited to explore the city’s rich past that is housed in historic buildings on a lushly landscaped campus - the History Museum of Fort Lauderdale situated in the 1905 New River Inn, the 1907 Pioneer House Museum, the 1899 Ivy Cromartie Schoolhouse Museum and the Hoch Research Library, South Florida’s foremost history center housing print resources and newspapers from 1910 - present plus 400,000 archival photos, 2,500 maps and 5,000 architectural blueprints. History Fort Lauderdale is located at 231 Southwest Second Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. Tickets are available online at http://bit.ly/HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets . History Fort Lauderdale is a NonProfit agency supported by memberships, grants and charitable contributions. Previous Next

Picasso & Max: These Two Will Will Start Your Year Off With Love December 27, 2023 Share Can you say handsome boy? Max is just gorgeous and so unique! This polka dog fellow is a sporting dog, possibly part pointer, with lots of energy to go on adventures with you. He is super friendly with everybody and seems to adapt well to any environment. Some of his favorite hobbies are doing the zoomies, playing with toys, and learning commands for treats. Max is crate trained and he is just a puppy at one year of age. Max would do well with another dog friend of equal energy. Come and check out Max to see if you and he are a good fit. If you like fine art, then Picasso is waiting to meet you at the Humane Society of Broward County. This one-year-old, black and white, emerald-green eyed beauty was transferred to the shelter from another facility, so his background is a mystery. He is only 8 1/2 pounds and loves getting lots of pets and snuggling in his bed. Adopting a pet is not a one person decision. Make sure other members of your household are aware you want to add a pet and should meet the pet before you decide to adopt. Also consider: • Does anyone have allergies? • Are other members of the household, including children, afraid of animals? • Are you expecting other members of the household to share in the care of the pet? Another factor to consider is cost. The initial and on-going costs of a new pet can add up. These costs include: Adoption fees, Food, Grooming, Obedience training, Pet supplies, and Licensing. Additional veterinary care such as diagnostic testing and preventative medication can add up in the future, so make sure to take this all under consideration prior to adopting. These costs can easily be $200-400 or more within the first few weeks of adoption. The Humane Society of Broward County recommends that you do not immediately expose your existing pets to a new pet. Facilitating positive pet-to-pet introductions will require some management on your part. Not all pets are instant friends and may require temporary or intermittent separation to ensure a smooth transition. Some pets are happy to share their home within a week or two, others may take a month or longer to adjust. Our adoption staff will be happy to review steps to properly introduce your new pet to your resident pets. All dogs and cats making the transition to a new home will need time to adjust to a new family and may require house training and behavior training to correct problem behavior. If you aren’t prepared to invest your time to teach your new pet appropriate behavior and help the animal adjust, you should not consider adopting a pet at this time. Positive reinforcement-based training is recommended for all newly adopted dogs and puppies. Please make a lifetime commitment to your pet. Remember that the animal you choose has already been abandoned or unwanted at least once in its life. Dogs and cats may live 12 to 15 years or more. Your thoughtful consideration, preparation and commitment will help ensure a lifelong placement. To meet Max (ID 665087), Picasso (ID 679959) or any other pet, visit: www.humanebroward.com - and fill out the pre-adoption application. Then, stop by the Humane Society of Broward County located at 2070 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312 - a block west of I-95. The adoption department opens daily at 11:00 a.m. and if you have any questions, call: (954) 989-3977. Extension#: 6. < Previous News Next News >

‘Tis The Season To Shell-ebrate In Fort Lauderdale South Florida Sun Times Dec 10, 2025 Santa Claws Is Coming To Town, With Stone Crabs! Catch & Cut, Fort Lauderdale’s Destination For An Elevated Coastal Dining Experience Combined With Old-School Hospitality, Is Celebrating The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year With Special Events And Promotions. Renowned For Its Sophisticated Atmosphere, Fresh Stone Crabs, Seafood And Sushi And USDA Prime Steaks From Allen Brothers, Catch & Cut’s Partner And Executive Chef Andre Bienvenu Invites Neighbors And Visitors To Crack Into The Holiday Season. Catch & Cut celebrates the season with a New Year’s Eve soiree, a holiday gift card bonus, all-you-can-eat stone crabs, Beyond Brunch – a reinvented Sunday afternoon brunch experience, an elevated happy hour, and more. Holidays Hours: Christmas Eve: 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Christmas: 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. December 26th through December 29th: Opening early at 3:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve: 4:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. New Year’s Day: 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Holiday highlights include: Holiday Gift Card Bonus: A stocking stuffer with serious claws. Give the gift of not cooking with a Catch & Cut gift card this season. A gift that’s guaranteed to make spirits (and shells) crack. From November 27th through December 31st, guests will receive a $20 bonus gift card for every $100 gift card purchase. If purchased during Christmas on Las Olas on December 2nd, guests received a $25 bonus card. Bonus gift cards will be available for redemption from January 2nd, 2026 to March 31st, 2026. Gift cards are available to purchase at the restaurant or online. To purchase online, visit: https://order.toasttab.com/egiftcards/catch-cut-las-olas-1309-e-las-olas-blvd . Holiday Parties and Events: Catch & Cut offers the perfect venue for private holiday parties and events, ensuring that every occasion is unforgettable. The restaurant’s elegant and versatile spaces can accommodate a range of gatherings, from intimate celebrations to grand affairs. Catch & Cut’s dedicated event team tailors every detail to the guest’s vision. Guests will be immersed in a world of culinary excellence as Chef Bienvenu crafts a bespoke menu tailored to their preferences and dietary needs. Complementing the exceptional cuisine is a comprehensive selection of fine wines, handcrafted cocktails, and premium spirits, expertly curated to enhance the dining experience. With state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, customizable lighting options, and a dedicated event planning team, Catch & Cut takes care of every detail so the host and guests can relax and enjoy the special day. For more information and private event inquiries, visit: https://catchandcut.com/partiesandevents . New Year's Eve Soiree: Pop the claws and champagne at Catch & Cut this New Year’s Eve, Wednesday, December 31st. Catch & Cut’s regular menu will be available in the main dining room starting at 4:00 p.m. On the rooftop and balcony, crack into the New Year, with a special soiree from 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Party guests will enjoy live music, a three-hour premium open bar from 9:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., party favors, canapes and a champagne toast at midnight. A solo act will play until 10:00 p.m. and a three-piece band will play from 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Passed appetizers include Crispy Wrapped Shrimp, Lobster Cones, New York Strip Satay, Miami Vice Tuna Rolls, Crab and Asparagus Wellingtons, Grouper Ceviche, and Snow Crab Claw Cocktails. Tickets for the New Year’s Eve party are available for $200 per person plus tax and tip. Discounted tickets will be available for guests who dined at Catch & Cut on New Year’s Eve. Tickets are $100 plus tax and tip and may be purchased at the time of dining. Guests are encouraged to dress to impress. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://catchandcut.com Stone Crabs To Go: Holiday spirit, served on ice. Catch & Cut will also offer stone crabs to go this holiday season. Guests can indulge in the buttery sweetness of fresh Florida stone crabs perfectly cracked, chilled in the comfort of their own home and for special gatherings and festive holiday celebrations. All orders will come with Catch & Cut mustard sauce and lemon – the perfect pairing for effortless holiday entertaining. Order Sizes: Large: 4 to an order: MP | Jumbo: 2 to an order: MP |Platters: Two, four, and eight people To go orders are available during operating hours and holidays. Stone Crab Holiday Pick Up Times: Christmas Eve: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Christmas: 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. New Year’s Eve: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. New Year’s Day: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Guests can place an order online on: https://catchandcut.com and select a future date and time to pick up the order or call the restaurant directly. Delivery is also available through third-party delivery services, including Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. All-You-Can-Eat Stone Crabs: Crack into the season! Catch & Cut is celebrating stone crab season with all-you-can-eat large stone crabs every Wednesday, from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. For $200 per person, guests can indulge in endless servings of Fresh Florida large stone crabs, accompanied by two sides and Chef Bienvenu’s new house-made mustard sauce, the perfect complement to this beloved seasonal delicacy. Happy Hour: Catch & Cut’s summer sushi specials were soy good; they are now a regular part of happy hour and are offered Monday through Thursday, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the bar, and on Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. through December 31st throughout the restaurant. Happy hour features 25% off the full sushi bar menu, including favorites such as spicy tuna rolls, salmon nigiri, and the Land and Sea Roll, along with sake, wines by the glass, and cocktails. Beyond Brunch: Catch & Cut takes Sundays a cut above with Beyond Brunch, an all-day experience. Sundays, from noon to moon, guests can sip crisp champagnes and savor artfully plated dishes all, creating a truly unforgettable Sunday afternoon. A special brunch menu is offered from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and the regular menu is offered all day. As a thank you this holiday season, Catch & Cut is offering locals 20% off the brunch bill with proof of a local ID, through December 31st. Open on Sundays, from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Catch & Cut offers a lavish selection of a la carte sweet and savory stone crabs, seafood, sushi, signature dishes and chef-curated brunch features. The decadent dining experience is anchored by an opulent raw bar featuring buttery sweet fresh Florida stone crabs, sushi, a succulent seafood tower, oysters, grouper ceviche, jumbo shrimp cocktail and a colossal lump crab cocktail. The afternoon affair is accompanied by an extensive selection of crisp champagnes and fine wines hand-selected by Certified Sommeliers Stephan Cole and Natina Rocchio. Brunch Champagne specials include GH Mumm Brut for $20 a glass, GH Mumm Brut Rose for $24 a glass, Perrier-Jouet Grand Brut for $28 a glass, and 25% off all bottles of Champagne. Holiday Brunch Cocktail Spritzes are available for $12 through December 31st, including: Raspberry Aperitif Spritz (Prosecco, Raspberry Syrup, Amaro Nonino), Lychee Yuzu Spritz (Prosecco, White Blossom Home-Made Mix) Passion Fruit Aperol Spritz (Prosecco, Aperol, Chinola Passion Fruit Liqueur) and Earl Grey Bellini (Prosecco, Italicus, Peach Liqueur, Lemon Juice). In addition to Catch & Cut’s signature menu, Catch & Cut’s brunch specials, offered Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., include the cinnamon caramel roll with sticky pecans; the C&C 48-hour chicken, brined and fried naked with seasoned watermelon and citrus jalapeno slaw; steak frites and eggs, an 8-oz. Prime New York strip, seasoned shoestring fries and two eggs; lobster and crab Benedict, peppered bacon, spinach and Dijon hollandaise on butter toast; and the 1309 sushi platter, including the Las Olas roll, Hamachi, tuna and salmon sashimi and tuna, salmon and wahoo nigiri. Featured brunch cocktails include Zen Orange Sour (Hendrick’s Gin Shaken with house made lychee orange cordial aperitivo select fresh lemon juice); Birds of a Feather (Milagro Blanco Tequila shaken with lavender honey Lillete rose and fresh lemon juice); Honeydew Fizz (New Amsterdam Vodka shaken with honeydew Chambord, fresh lemon juice and finished with Prosecco); Las Olas Breeze (strawberry infused Hendrick’s Gin shaken with Rockey’s Botanical Mint Cucumber, fresh lime juice and ginger ale). Live Entertainment: Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m., guests are invited to the rooftop to enjoy live music as a skilled pianist fills the night with timeless classics, setting the perfect soundtrack for an unforgettable evening. Friday Lunch: As of Friday, October 17th, Catch & Cut is open for lunch each Friday, with quick front door valet drop off. From noon to 3:00 p.m., guests can enjoy lunch features, wine flights chosen by Certified Sommeliers Stephan Cole and Natina Rocchio, and Beluga Vodka Martinis for $10. In addition to the main menu, special lunch features include the C&C 48-hour chicken, brined and fried naked with seasoned watermelon and citrus jalapeno slaw; lobster roll; wagyu burger, caramelized bacon jam, melted blue cheese, blackened tomato, arugula and onion on a toasted bun with seasoned chips; lobster tomato caprese salad; and the 1309 sushi platter, including the Las Olas roll, Hamachi, tuna and salmon sashimi and tuna, salmon and wahoo nigiri. For more information about Catch & Cut, please visit: https://catchandcut.com . To make a reservation, please visit: www.OpenTable.com - Or call: (954) 533-1838. About Catch & Cut Led by Partner and Executive Chef Andre Bienvenu and his team, Catch & Cut is an upscale, fine-dining restaurant with a focus on fresh seafood, sushi and USDA Prime Steaks from Allen Brothers. Fresh, premium Florida Stone Crabs are offered when in season. The Catch & Cut team prides itself on bringing back old-school hospitality and treating guests like family. The restaurant is situated on the trendy Las Olas Boulevard at 1309 East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Fridays from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturdays from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The rooftop lounge is open Wednesday through Sunday, and the balcony is open during regular business hours. Happy Hour specials are available Monday through Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Catch & Cut is open for Brunch on Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the main dining room. Catch & Cut’s elegant and versatile spaces can accommodate a range of gatherings, from intimate celebrations to grand affairs. For more information, please visit: https://catchandcut.com - Or call: (954) 533-1838. To make reservations, visit: www.OpenTable.com . Previous Next

Work & Play Hollywood: The City Has Grant Funding And ArtWalk In Focus Thu Jan 18 2024 17:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

From Tomato Farms To A Tourist Hotspot: Historical Dania Beach Inaugurates A New Arts Park July 18, 2024 Share Originally known as Modello, the Dania Beach traces its roots back to the late 19th century when it became a hub for tomato farming and the Florida East Coast Railway. The growing community optimized a spirit of progress that played a pivotal role in its development and resilience through challenges. The historic roots of the first city in Broward County date back to the 1880’s, when much of what is now the FEC Railroad Line was laid through the area. In recognition of this transportation advantage, a pioneer and developer named W. C. Valentine planned a settlement called Modello and 12 Danish families moved from Chicago to settle there from 1898-1899. Three years later, 30 Danes were recruited from Oconto, Wisconsin, to colonize the settlement, and the first home was built by A.C. Frost, for whom a park is now named. Frost built the first general store in 1902 and became Modello’s first postmaster. He also built and donated the town's first two schools. The following year, Dania Methodist Church was erected, becoming the city’s first place of worship. When the town was incorporated in November 1904, its 35 residents, most of whom were Danes, changed the name to Dania. By 1912, Dania was a thriving community of almost 1,200 people and continued to grow through the 1920’s when the city suffered tremendous setbacks. In 1925, the Dania Hotel caught on fire, and the Bank of Dania failed due to embezzlers in the Bank’s Atlanta home office. The 1926 hurricane with its 200 mile-per-hour winds devastated the town, destroying the first church building completely, and subsequent damage prompted residents to vote for annexation to the neighboring City of Hollywood. De-annexation came in 1927. Tomato Capital of the World Early immigrants prospered in tomato farming and, as early as 1910, the Florida East Coast Railway was shipping to northern U.S. cities from "The Tomato Capital of the World." During the three-month winter harvest, over 200 farmers shipped 1,000 to 1,500 train carloads of tomatoes and V. Taoring of New Orleans set up a tomato paste factory which contributed to local prosperity. In 1927, the first Tomato Day Celebration was held to raise funds for the new Dania Methodist Church. Attracting a crowd of over 5,000, it was so successful that the celebration continued into the 1940’s featuring messy, but official, tomato fights and a Miss Tomato Festival Pageant. In the late 1940’s, the tomato boom was over, as crops began to fail from saltwater intrusion into the fields. Antique Capital of the South Just as the tomato industry was fading, a new type of commerce - the antique business - arrived when Genevieve and Willard Ely set up shop in 1945. It took 10 years for other antique businesses to follow, but it wasn’t long thereafter that Broward’s first incorporated city once again gained fame, this time as the "Antique Capital of the South," along Federal Highway. Antique Row became not only a browser’s and shopper’s paradise but also the stores themselves are located inside buildings steeped in the city’s history including Broward County’s first movie theater. The City has a wealth of historic architecture and a variety of architectural styles including Greek Revival (Dania Bank Building 1923); Mission Revival (Model Land Company Building 1900); Mediterranean Revival (the Martin Frost House 1913); and the Dania Beach Hotel, built by Francis Abreau in 1925. Art Deco styles are also present in the Florida Theater (1939) and the Pirates Inn, formerly the Hotel Katherine (1940). Dania Beach Today If you visit Dania Beach today, get ready to discover its unique charm and a renaissance as Broward County's first city! Dania Beach's rich history as Broward County's gateway to the sea. Dania Beach thrives as a small town coastal community within the metropolitan Broward County-Fort Lauderdale area. It is known for its unique shops, pristine beaches and waterways, and the iconic Dania Beach Pier. Its historic district preserves the city's heritage, inviting visitors to explore its past while enjoying the many modern amenities and its picturesque coastal beauty. Dania Beach recently earned the "Blue Wave Beaches” Award for its exceptional beach, pier and marina location you'll want to discover. Dania Beach is one of the few beaches in South Florida that offers dining and nightlife directly on the water. The City municipality operates under a commission-city manager form of government and provides services to an estimated 30,000 residents. The city has earned its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, the nation’s leading governing body on sustainable design. The Dania Beach Nanofiltration Water Treatment Plant is the first LEED Gold Certified Water Plant in the world. The Dania Beach-Paul DeMaio Library building also achieved LEED Gold Certification. Dania Beach has implemented Oasis - Rebuilding Neighborhoods, an innovative community project that is improving the city one street at a time. The goal is to foster neighborhood pride and improvement, and through a “ripple effect” induce owners and tenants in the City to work together to beautify the City, increase property values, and reduce crime. The City provides a full range of municipal services. The public safety program includes contracting of Fire and Rescue Services and Police Services from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. The City’s extensive recreation program includes a beach and fishing pier, pools, tennis courts, neighborhood parks, community centers and also provides a wide variety of programs for youth, adult and senior citizens. Dania Beach Inaugurates a New Arts Park As part of National Parks and Recreation Month, City of Dania Beach officials opened a new Arts Park this month. Located in the City’s historic arts and entertainment district, the park is home to several art installations by world-renowned artists with more to come. Current art projects at the park: “Let LOVE guide your way” sculpture by Lloyd Goradesky. This piece is the universal color of LOVE, Bright Red. The art is covered with gold speckles which reflect sunlight. There is interpretation with every aspect of the Art. The weathervane has two main components: the base and the arrow. The base represents a singular human form which represents the 'Act of Kindness' in the singular art message: to be Kind, Compassionate & Tolerant for each other. The message to be Kind is an individual thought. If the human condition is not mindful of Kindness, it will not be Kind. To be Kind is a conscious thought. There are 4 stanchions on the base which point North, East, South and West which represents our world. The top and bottom heart-shapes point North to give the functioning weathervane a point of reference. There are heart-shaped cut-outs in groups of three which represent family. The number 3 has the meaning of Family & LOVE. Multiples of the number 3 have meaning in all cultures & religions. There are 24 total heart-shape cut-outs which represent our World. The arrow is 'Cupid's Arrow' which represents Universal LOVE. Although Cupid is known to be a prankster, this is a 'golden arrow' meaning LOVE in mythological stories. The large, oversized arrow with hearts on either end encourages the viewer to think of Kindness & LOVE. “Totor” sculpture by Stephane Bolongaro. This is a work from the artist’s imagination, but the idea was loosely inspired by his mother’s Jack Russel dog. Similar Totor dog statues can be found in North Miami Beach and Detroit and there are several in the artist’s home city, Nice, France. Totor can be found cruising by on a bike or skateboard, leaning on a tree, and sitting on a bench. “Looking Forward” mural by Ernesto Maranje All of the animals are looking and flying forward to Dania’s future, suggesting the viewer should as well. The concept features the gaze of a Florida panther, Florida birds, and Florida flora. The inspiration is the local wildlife of South Florida and plant life which are the focus of the piece. They’re a source of beauty we can sometimes forget to recognize, so the mural aims to remind the viewer of what/who we live amongst. The design’s aim is to marry the area’s natural surroundings to the people living in the community and make them aware of the wildlife all around them. Dania Beach Arts Park is located at 49 Park Avenue, Dania Beach, Florida 33004. Sea it, Live it, Love it! < Previous News Next News >

Funny & Brilliant: Part of the Aventura Stand Up Comedy Series Thu Mar 14 2024 16:06:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town December 1, 2022 Share Gulfstream Park Village is Spreading Holiday Magic with Visits from Santa with Snow & Music on Select Dates This Holiday Season. Santa will be making his list and checking it twice! From Nov. 26 – Dec. 24, 2022, Santa Claus is making scheduled visits to Gulfstream Park Village, where families are invited to partake in the festivities and share their Christmas wish lists with the jolly old elf. Available on a first come, first serve basis, Santa will be stationed in the ground level Village Center on select dates from 6-9 p.m. and from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. on December 10. While in line, families can enjoy music and the open-air lifestyle center’s Symphony in Lights festival running daily through December 31. With the grounds illuminated in more than 250,000 LED lights, this amazing spectacle will be set to the sounds of holiday favorites from yesterday and today. A 10-minute light show takes place at the top of every hour from 6-11 p.m. and will feature snow for a magical effect. In addition to visiting with Santa and taking in the awe-inspiring ‘Symphony in Lights’, families can also enjoy shopping, dining and boundless entertainment at Gulfstream Park Village’s open-air setting. The center’s 11 distinct home stores, including BoConcept, Crate & Barrel, Williams-Sonoma, West Elm, Pottery Barn, Z Gallerie, The Container Store, Bang & Olufsen and many others, offer the very best in holiday décor, entertaining and gifts. Dining destinations, including Yard House, Texas de Brazil, Christine Lee’s, Pastry Is Art, Häagen-Dazs and more offer a delicious break from holiday shopping. A full directory of shops, restaurants and entertainment can be viewed at: www.gulfstreampark.com . When Saturday, December 3 Saturday, December 10 (6:30-9:30 p.m.) Saturday, December 17 Tuesday, December 20 Wednesday, December 21 Saturday, December 24 Santa visits take place 6-9 p.m. except for December 10 where the visit will be from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Showtimes for Symphony in Lights Festival are at the top of each hour from 6 – 11 p.m. daily through December 31. Where Gulfstream Park Village 901 South Federal Highway Hallandale Beach, Florida 33009 For more information about this FREE event, visit: https://www.gulfstreampark.com/events/ Gulfstream Park Gulfstream Park is South Florida’s premier entertainment, dining and restaurant destination, located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, anchored by the legendary Gulfstream Park Racetrack. Gulfstream Park not only offers world-class Thoroughbred horse racing but is also home to a casino and family-friendly venues including over 15 restaurants, outdoor cafes, art galleries, fashion retailers, state-of-the-art bowling alley, and a renowned selection of signature home stores. Gulfstream Park, voted a 2020 Top Travelers' Choice Winner by TripAdvisor, is located at 901 South Federal Highway in Hallandale Beach, Florida, just two miles east of I-95. Valet service and complimentary self-parking are available. Gulfstream Park is open seven days a week. For hours, schedules, upcoming events and additional information, visit: www.gulfstreampark.com Or call: (954) 454-7000. < Previous News Next News >

The Algogracy Agenda: How AI And The Deep State Are Digitizing Tyranny By John & Nisha Whitehead Of The Rutherford Institute Jun 5, 2025 “If One Company Or Small Group Of People Manages To Develop Godlike Digital Superintelligence, They Could Take Over The World. At Least When There’s An Evil Dictator, That Human Is Going To Die. But For An AI, There Would Be No Death. It Would Live Forever. And Then You’d Have An Immortal Dictator From Which We Can Never Escape.” — Elon Musk The Deep State is not going away. It’s just being replaced. Replaced not by a charismatic autocrat or even a shadowy bureaucracy, but by artificial intelligence (AI)—unfeeling, unaccountable, and immortal. As we stand on the brink of a new technological order, the machinery of power is quietly shifting into the hands of algorithms. Under Donald Trump’s watch, that shift is being locked in for at least a generation. Trump’s latest legislative initiative - a 10-year ban on AI regulation buried within the “One Big Beautiful Bill” - strips state and local governments of the ability to impose any guardrails on artificial intelligence until 2035. Despite bipartisan warnings from 40 state attorneys general, the bill passed the House and awaits Senate approval. It is nothing less than a federal green light for AI to operate without oversight in every sphere of life, from law enforcement and employment to healthcare, education, and digital surveillance. This is not innovation. This is institutionalized automation of tyranny. This is how, within a state of algorithmic governance, code quickly replaces constitutional law as the mechanism for control. We are rapidly moving from a society ruled by laws and due process to one ruled by software. Algorithmic governance refers to the use of machine learning and automated decision-making systems to carry out functions once reserved for human beings: policing, welfare eligibility, immigration vetting, job recruitment, credit scoring, and judicial risk assessments. In this regime, the law is no longer interpreted. It is executed. Automatically. Mechanically. Without room for appeal, discretion, or human mercy. These AI systems rely on historical data—data riddled with systemic bias and human error—to make predictions and trigger decisions. Predictive policing algorithms tell officers where to patrol and whom to stop. Facial recognition technology flags “suspects” based on photos scraped from Social Media. Risk assessment software assigns threat scores to citizens with no explanation, no oversight, and no redress. These algorithms operate in black boxes, shielded by trade secrets and protected by national security exemptions. The public cannot inspect them. Courts cannot challenge them. Citizens cannot escape them. The result? A population sorted, scored, and surveilled by machinery. This is the practical result of the Trump administration’s deregulation agenda: AI systems given carte blanche to surveil, categorize, and criminalize the public without transparency or recourse. And these aren’t theoretical dangers—they’re already happening. Examples of unchecked AI and predictive policing show that precrime is already here. Once you are scored and flagged by a machine, the outcome can be life-altering—as it was for Michael Williams, a 65-year-old man who spent nearly a year in jail for a crime he didn’t commit. Williams was behind the wheel when a passing car fired at his vehicle, killing his 25-year-old passenger, who had hitched a ride. Despite no motive, no weapon, and no eyewitnesses, police charged Williams based on an AI-powered gunshot detection program called ShotSpotter. The system picked up a loud bang near the area and triangulated it to Williams’ vehicle. The charge was ultimately dropped for lack of evidence. This is precrime in action. A prediction, not proof. An algorithm, not an eyewitness. Programs like ShotSpotter are notorious for misclassifying noises like fireworks and construction as gunfire. Employees have even manually altered data to fit police narratives. And yet these systems are being combined with predictive policing software to generate risk maps, target individuals, and justify surveillance—all without transparency or accountability. It doesn’t stop there. AI is now flagging families for potential child neglect based on predictive models that pull data from Medicaid, mental health, jail, and housing records. These models disproportionately target poor and minority families. The algorithm assigns risk scores from 1 to 20. Families and their attorneys are never told what the scores are, or that they were used. Imagine losing your child to the foster system because a secret algorithm said you might be a risk. This is how AI redefines guilt. The Trump administration’s approach to AI regulation reveals a deeper plan to deregulate democracy itself. Rather than curbing these abuses, the Trump administration is accelerating them. An executive order titled “Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence,” signed by President Trump in early 2025, revoked prior AI safeguards, eliminated bias audits, and instructed agencies to prioritize “innovation” over ethics. The order encourages every federal agency to adopt AI quickly, especially in areas like policing and surveillance. Under the guise of “efficiency,” constitutional protections are being erased. Trump’s 10-year moratorium on AI regulation is the logical next step. It dismantles the last line of defense—state-level resistance—and ensures a uniform national policy of algorithmic dominance. The result is a system in which the government no longer governs. It processes. The federal government’s AI expansion is building a surveillance state that no human authority can restrain. Welcome to Surveillance State 2.0, the Immortal Machine. Over 1700 uses of AI have already been reported across federal agencies, with hundreds directly impacting safety and rights. Many agencies, including the Departments of Homeland Security, Veterans Affairs, and Health and Human Services, are deploying AI for decision-making without public input or oversight. This is what the technocrats call an “algocracy”—rule by algorithm. In an algocracy, unelected developers and corporate contractors hold more power over your life than elected officials. Your health, freedom, mobility, and privacy are subject to automated scoring systems you can’t see and can’t appeal to. And unlike even the most entrenched human dictators, these systems do not die. They do not forget. They are not swayed by mercy or reason. They do not stand for re-election. They persist. When AI governs by prediction, due process disappears in a haze of machine logic. The most chilling effect of this digital regime is the death of due process. What court can you appeal to when an algorithm has labeled you a danger? What lawyer can cross-examine a predictive model? What jury can weigh the reasoning of a neural net trained on flawed data? You are guilty because the machine says so. And the machine is never wrong. When due process dissolves into data processing, the burden of proof flips. The presumption of innocence evaporates. Citizens are forced to prove they are not threats, not risks, not enemies. And most of the time, they don’t even know they’ve been flagged. This erosion of due process is not just a legal failure—it is a philosophical one, reducing individuals to data points in systems that no longer recognize their humanity. Writer and visionary Rod Serling warned of this very outcome more than half a century ago: a world where technology, masquerading as progress under the guise of order and logic, becomes the instrument of tyranny. That future is no longer fiction. What Serling imagined is now reality. The time to resist is now, before freedom becomes obsolete. To those who call the shots in the halls of government, “we the people” are merely the means to an end. “We the people”—who think, who reason, who take a stand, who resist, who demand to be treated with dignity and care, who believe in freedom and justice for all—have become obsolete, undervalued citizens of a totalitarian state that, in the words of Serling, “has patterned itself after every dictator who has ever planted the ripping imprint of a boot on the pages of history since the beginning of time. It has refinements, technological advances, and a more sophisticated approach to the destruction of human freedom.” In this sense, we are all Romney Wordsworth, the condemned man in Serling’s Twilight Zone episode “The Obsolete Man.” “The Obsolete Man,” a story arc about the erasure of individual worth by a mechanized state, underscores the danger of rendering humans irrelevant in a system of cold automation and speaks to the dangers of a government that views people as expendable once they have outgrown their usefulness to the State. Yet—and here’s the kicker—this is where the government through its monstrous inhumanity also becomes obsolete. As Serling noted in his original script for “The Obsolete Man,” “Any state, any entity, any ideology which fails to recognize the worth, the dignity, the rights of Man...that state is obsolete.” Like Serling’s totalitarian state, our future will be defined by whether we conform to a dehumanizing machine order—or fight back before the immortal dictator becomes absolute. We now face a fork in the road: resist the rise of the immortal dictator or submit to the reign of the machine. This is not a battle against technology, but a battle against the unchecked, unregulated, and undemocratic use of technology to control people. We must demand algorithmic transparency, data ownership rights, and legal recourse against automated decisions. We need a Digital Bill of Rights that guarantees: • The right to know how algorithms affect us. • The right to challenge and appeal automated decisions. • The right to privacy and data security. • The right to be free from automated surveillance and predictive policing. • The right to be forgotten. Otherwise, AI becomes the ultimate enforcer of a surveillance state from which there is no escape. As Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, warned: “We know where you are. We know where you’ve been. We can more or less know what you’re thinking about. Your digital identity will live forever... because there’s no delete button.” An immortal dictator, indeed. Let us be clear: the threat is not just to our privacy, but to democracy itself. As I point out in my book Battlefield America: The War on the American People and in its fictional counterpart The Erik Blair Diaries, the time to fight back is now—before the code becomes law, and freedom becomes a memory. 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 Next

Here Comes Santa Claus at Gulfstream Park Village! South Florida’s ultimate home store, entertainment & restaurant destination welcomes visits from Santa this holiday season Thu Dec 08 2022 17:10:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

New Year, New Pet: The Joys And Challenges Of Puppy Ownership January 8, 2025 Share Over the holidays, many people may have chosen to welcome a new puppy into their families. While those big eyes and wiggly tails may be irresistible, these families may quickly discover that their new addition can bring as much chaos as it does cuteness. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or regretful after welcoming a puppy, you’re not alone — and there are plenty of ways to navigate this stage with optimism and success. Dr. Lori Teller, a clinical professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, shares her expert advice on how to thrive through the ups and downs of puppyhood. From Bliss To Chaos: The First Few Weeks Puppyhood isn’t all tail wags and playtime. A new puppy can disrupt your routine, test your patience, and turn your furniture into their personal chew toys — all before breakfast. “Puppies are adorable, fun, and entertaining, but they will also suck up your free time, urinate on your best rug, and chew up your most expensive shoes,” Teller said. “In other words, expect to feel the full spectrum of emotions and to live in chaos temporarily.” Preparation is key to setting yourself up for success. Before bringing your new furry friend home, ensure your house is puppy-proofed and stocked with essentials like a crate, chew toys, and a leash. “Find a veterinarian before finding a puppy and talk about realistic expectations,” Teller said. “Understanding your puppy’s breed — or breed mix — can go a long way in preparing for its behavior and energy levels.” Smaller breeds often finish teething earlier, while larger breeds may become house-trained faster. Knowing these breed-specific tendencies can help you anticipate what to expect and adjust accordingly. In addition, establishing a predictable schedule can also make a significant difference. Puppies thrive on routine, and regular meals and potty breaks can help them settle into their new environment more smoothly. Once your puppy arrives home, be ready to dedicate significant time to meeting its needs — and soaking up all the adorable moments in between. “If you need to leave the house or get some things done and can’t watch your puppy, make sure to put the pet in a crate or a safe, enclosed space,” Teller said. “It’s important for puppies to learn that it is OK to be alone and to entertain themselves.” Coping With The Puppy Blues On the other hand, sleepless nights, chewed-up furniture, and seemingly endless accidents can leave even the most prepared puppy owner feeling overwhelmed. This phase, often referred to as the “puppy blues,” is a common challenge, particularly for first-time owners. Though puppies’ rapid development — transitioning from chaotic toddlers to mischievous teenagers in just a few months — can be exhausting, there is light at the end of the tunnel. This stage is temporary, and with patience and proper guidance, these early trials lead to a well-adjusted, loving companion, according to Teller. If the stress feels unmanageable or begins to impact your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek help from a trusted medical professional; likewise, your veterinarian can be an invaluable resource as you navigate the ups and downs of puppyhood. “They can help you tackle the more challenging aspects of puppyhood, such as housetraining, teething, and getting your puppy to sleep through the night,” Teller said. “Veterinarians can also offer guidance on managing the overwhelming moments that come with this stage.” Teller also suggests working with a reliable trainer and attending puppy socialization or obedience classes. “These classes are a great way for your puppy to learn good manners and for you to realize you’re not alone in your frustrations,” Teller said. “Your classmates will be experiencing the same highs and lows, and your puppy will make new friends — and come home exhausted.” If classes or training aren’t feasible, there are other ways to help you through this stage. “Consider hiring a dog walker or asking a neighborhood teen for help if you just need a break,” Teller said. “Even short reprieves can make a big difference, recharging your energy and perspective.” The Reward of Perseverance Despite the trials of puppyhood, the reward is undeniable – a loyal, loving companion who is thrilled to see you every single day. “Take the time early on to invest in training and establish a routine,” Teller said. “One day, you’ll look back and laugh at your dog’s antics during puppyhood.” As your once-chaotic puppy grows into a cherished member of your family, you may even, perhaps, feel inspired to do it all over again. Whether your new puppy feels like a bundle of joy or a tiny tornado, remember that patience, preparation, and a little humor will carry you through. And when the dust and shredded shoe remnants finally settle, you’ll have a best friend for life. Pet Talk is a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Stories can be viewed on the web at: https://vetmed.tamu.edu/news/pet-talk. Suggestions for future topics may be directed to: vmbs-editor@tamu.edu . < Previous News Next News >